District News

From the Desk of Delisle L. Doherty SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing It’s Your Life

You Earned It

It’s been a long several years. Since 2008, we have seen our money plummet, then rise from the ashes, only to get burned again. Today, there are more dips in the market than the roller coasters at Fiesta Texas. Every time it goes down then up, you lose money. It takes longer to get it back than to lose it.

Our society has been programmed to make more and more and more. Our values seem to be about how much we can make versus how much we can value. In reality, in the end, we all die with nothing. We lay in our casket by ourselves, and everything we have is left behind.

Most people take pride in what they are going to leave behind. That is a great blessing to many. The problem is nobody knows how much will be left behind in the end. Those who passed away in 2008 left a lot less behind then they planned. Same with 2012 and going forward, there is no guarantee you will have anything no matter how much you have today.

It is important to me that I leave something behind for my family. It is even more important that I have enough to retire that will get me though my life. The one thing I learned, the market is fine, but it brought me more anxiety than success. When I retire, it is more about what I can get than what I can make. Years ago, I moved all my money out of the market and put it in fixed annuities. I knew it would not make as much (always more conservative), but I also knew there would be more money in it tomorrow that today, no matter what the market does. It is the only product guaranteed to have more tomorrow than today. There are no fees, no commissions you are paying for, no percent of gain taken from you. And with a minimum of 1 percent guaranteed, never a loss.

At the last Executive Committee meeting, we all agreed that since SPJST had a good year in 2021 and a great start to 2022, we wanted to show our appreciation to our members. Beginning May 1, 2022, we are moving our rates up on three of our annuities. With new purchases, our 1-Year Annuity will move from 1.25 percent to 1.75 percent guaranteed, with a minimum $10,000 deposit; the 2-Year Annuity will move from 1.75 percent to 2.25 percent guaranteed, with a minimum $10,000 deposit; and the Flexible Premium Deferred Non-IRA Annuity will move from 3.25 percent to 3.35 percent with a minimum $1,250 deposit. This means we are going to pay much higher than the 1- or 2-year CDs. These rates will be guaranteed for any purchases made between May 1 and July 31.

If you are interested, please contact your SPJST sales agent, the regional general agent (RGA) listed on page 2 of this week’s Vestnik, or contact me directly at 832-232-2049. We will be glad to answer any questions and take care of you.

My door is always open; figuratively and literally. Stay blessed, Delisle L. Doherty Vice President of Sales and Marketing 832-232-2049

“Try not to become a man of success, but rather a man of value.” —Albert Einstein —SPJST—

From the Insurance Department

SPJST Insurance Update through april

268 Certificates IssueD

MONTH-TO-DATE TOTALS

FOR INSURANCE WRITTEN, ISSUED, AND ANNUALIZED PREMIUM Dist. Apps. Written Certs. Issued Annualized Prem. 1 3 $1,211,286.00 4 $1,461,286.00 $7,852.56 2 1 10,000.00 1 010,000.00 1,915.68 3 17 861,943.00 15 296,943.00 17,866.44 4 19 1,027,524.00 20 795,208.00 33,481.44 5 12 646,000.00 12 541,000.00 6,972.00 6 6 537,784.00 5 527,784.00 6,679.68 7 5 85,000.00 4 290,000.00 5,092.32 9 0 0.00 0 0 2,785.04 Annuities 21 0.00 21 0 0 Totals 84 $4,379,537.00 82 $3,922,221.00 $39,930.06

YEAR-TO-DATE TOTALS

INSURANCE WRITTEN, ISSUED, AND ANNUALIZED PREMIUM Dist. Apps. Written Certs. Issued Annualized Prem. 1 26 $2,729,010.00 24 $2,619,010.00 $18,049.48 2 8 360,100.00 8 360,100.00 2,315.04 3 33 1,494,974.00 28 590,724 .00 13,210.14 4 63 3,841,147.00 53 2,513,831.00 25,271.16 5 42 4,032,000.00 33 3,188,000.00 11,578.72 6 18 1,502,784.00 18 1,432,784.00 7,126.62 7 33 1,574,547.00 29 1,464,547.00 10,034.76 9 0 0.00 0 0 0 Annuities 75 0.00 75 0 0 Totals 298 $15,534,562.00 268 $12,168,996.00 $87,585.92

District News District Two Annual Meeting at Lodge 24, Cyclone on May 22

The District Two Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Lodge 24, Cyclone, located at 411 FM 964, Cyclone. Registration begins at 1 p.m., and the meeting starts at 2 p.m. We are planning a great meeting. District officers will be elected. If anyone is interested in serving, please let us know.

We are asking all youth and adults to decorate a rock for the contest. Use your imagination in decorating. I know you can come up with a great idea! Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place winners. Come on everyone . . . let’s have a bunch of you enter decorated rocks.

District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky is planning a silent auction for the youth club. She is asking for members to bring an item for this auction. Let’s help the youth raise some money for their fund.

Lodge 24 is planning a great meal for the meeting which consists of chicken spaghetti, salad, drink, and fruit. All of this will be only $3! Where else can you get a great plate of food for $3!

Please mark your calendar for May 22, and come on out to Lodge 24, Cyclone. Join members and friends for a great day together. Thank you and see you on then! Fraternally, Ruth Hanusch District Two Vice President/FAC —SPJST—

District Two shares 2021 annual meeting minutes

The SPJST District Two Annual Meeting was held Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Lodge 48, Beyersville. This is the first meeting we have had since August 18, 2019. No meetings were held in 2020 due to coronavirus.

Senior Living Centers Director Howard Leshikar (48) stated several of the senior living centers were damaged by the February 2021 snowstorm, but he reported they were repaired. SPJST has independent living now in the buildings of the assisted living homes.

Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center Administrator Susan Chandler said all is good. No visits were held in 2020. All were virtual tours on the website.

A memorial candle was lit for deceased members. We had 240 death claims in 2020 in District Two.

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 2 p.m. by District Two President Rita Spinn (80). Presentation of the flags was by Trent Wuensche (48) and Trevor Wuensche (48), followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by District Two Fraternal Activities Coordinator Ruth Hanusch (47).

District Two President Rita Spinn (80) welcomed everyone. She introduced members from the Home Office: President Brian Vanicek (24) and wife Joan (24), State Fraternal Director Frank Horak (80), Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny (246) and husband David Nauert (246).

In August, the 33rd SPJST Convention will be held in Killeen. By-laws and several other items will be discussed.

Lodge 48, Beyersville President Robert Leshikar welcomed everyone. He stated the hall is finished after being destroyed by a fire in July 2019. He said they hosted events in May and June and have bookings for July.

District Two Secretary Linda Johnson (187) called the roll of officers and lodges. A total of 82 people were in attendance. They were from: Lodge 18, Elgin - 4; Lodge 20, Granger - 2; Lodge 24, Cyclone - 4; Lodge 29, Taylor - 13; Lodge 47, Seaton - 12; Lodge 48, Beyersville 22; Lodge 80, Holland - 2; Lodge 182, Falls County - 4; Lodge 187, Round Rock - 15; Lodge 200, Bruceville/Eddy - 1; Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point - 2; and one guest.

Copies of the minutes from the August 18, 2019, District Two meeting were handed out and approved. No meetings were held in 2020.

District Two Treasurer Lyn Rieger (29) handed out the financial report, and it was approved.

District Two Director Jesse Pospisil (29) read the 50- and 75-year members with 109 members receiving their 50year pins and 35 members receiving their 75-year pins. He also read names of the Age 96 members: Velma Reichenbach (29), Martha Palla (47), and Barbara J. Leshikar (29), who is now deceased.

Joyce Patschke (29) was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award.

Director Pospisil (29) stated that the sales agents are doing very well and asked them to keep up the good work during this hard time.

District Two FAC Ruth Hanusch (48) announced that a Fraternal Focus webcast was scheduled for June 22. District Two Youth Counselor Assistant Amber Bartek (47) oversaw the rock contest, the silent auction, and five jars of candy for the guessing game. She encouraged youth to register for YAD online.

We want to thank Audit Committee members Rubie Volek (187), David Meyer (18), and James R. Hosch (200) for checking the books. All went well and were in order.

Under old business, it was announced that the members of Lodge 80, Holland are selling their hall.

Under new business, Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek (24) stated that the Home Office will offer special plaques and stickers for businesses to place in their windows.

The date of the next District Two meeting was tabled.

The prayer was said, and all enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by members of Lodge 48, Beyersville. President Spinn (80) announced the meal was $3 per person and consists of pork loin, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Dessert was chocolate ice box pie and banana cream pudding pie.

Officers were then elected. They are:

President Rita Spinn (80) Vice President/FAC Ruth Hanusch (47) Secretary Linda Wilde (24) Treasurer Lyn Rieger (29) Flag Bearer Trent Wuensche (48) Flag Bearer Trevor Wuensche (48)

The meeting adjourned at 4 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda Johnson

District Two Secretary —SPJST—

District Three presents 2022 annual meeting minutes

The District Three Annual Meeting was held Sunday, April 24, 2022, at Lodge 92, Fort Worth. President Sister Lori Pace (154) called the meeting to order at 1:13 p.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance and the SPJST Youth Motto were led by District Three Flag Bearer Sister Macy Jones (154). President Pace (154) then introduced the District Three Royalty –2021-2022 Queen Macy Jones (154) and Duchess Morgan Oliver (25); 20212022 / 2022-2023 King Preston Sullivan (25), and Duke Luke Holland (25) - not present; 2022-2023 Queen Madison Holland (25) and Duchess June Holland (25) - not present. Then 2021 District Queen Macy Jones (154) and District King Preston Sullivan (25) led the youth and membership in the Camp Kubena prayer and a prayer for the meal.

Brother John Paprskar (92), president of Lodge 92, Fort Worth, welcomed the District Three members and invited everyone to ask questions about the hall.

First Vice President Sister CarrieAnn Jones (154) recognized District Three Director Brother John Engelke (66), SPJST Vice President of Communications Sister Melanie Zavodny (Home Office), and State Fraternal Director Brother Frank Horak (Home Office). Sister Jones (154) also recognized a visitor from District Two, Sister Joan Shelton (47).

The youth then read a poem in memory of our departed members. Vice President Jones (154) read the names of each departed member. The district is donating $1 to the Bessie Petr Scholarship Fund for each departed member. There were 104 departed members. Copy of the lists with these members will be part of the official minutes.

President Pace (154) recognized District Three members who have reached the age of 96, 75-year members, and 50year members.

President Pace (154) then introduced today’s nominating committee - Sister Lynda Novak (84), today’s audit committee - Sister Diana Engelke (66), Brother Michael Galler (66), and Sister Joan Shelton (47), and today’s rock contest judges Brother Gene Tesar (92), Sister Jeanette Tasar (92), and Sister Lisa Sullivan (25).

President Pace (154) asked for the reading of the minutes from the last District Three meeting. Sister Vicki Sims (84) made a motion to accept the minutes from the last meeting as printed in the Vestnik by Secretary Sister Dana McAdams (66). The motion, seconded by Sister Lynda Novak (84), passed.

Treasurer Sister Mary Steinman (154) reviewed the treasurer’s report that was available at the registration table. Sister McAdams (66) made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, and Sister Novak (84) seconded the motion. The motion was then passed. A copy of the report will be part of the official minutes.

President Pace (154) paused the adult meeting to recognize District Youth Counselor Sister Mary Steinman (154) and to hand the meeting over to the district youth officers. The district youth officers are President Brother Preston Sullivan (25), Vice President Sister Holly Jones (154), Secretary Sister Macy Jones (154), and Reporter Sister McKenzie Burcie (154), who was absent. Twelve youth and two youth visitors were present. The visitors were C.J. Reynolds and Alina McLain. New members welcomed were Paige Oliver (25). Old business were Youth Achievement Day (YAD) - results are posted in the April 11, 2022, Vestnik and LIT/teen camp. New business included discussion about the new age/grade groups for YAD, upcoming teen camp (June 23 to 26), junior camp (July 7 to 10), State YAD (July 3), and Westfest. Then the youth elected new officers. They are:

President Sister Holly Jones (154) Vice President Sister Madison Holland (25) Secretary Brother Miles Jones (154) Reporter Sister Morgan Oliver (25)

President Pace (154) then reconvened the adult meeting and asked committee members to present their reports: Governance Committee - Brother Michael Galler (66); Fraternal Activities Coordinator - Sister Vicki Sims (84); Audit Committee - Sister Diana Engelke (66); Home Office - Vice President of Communications Sister Melanie Zavodny (Home Office), State Fraternal Director Brother Frank Horak (Home Office), and District Three Director/Chair of the Board of Directors Brother John Engelke (66).

Sister Zavodny (Home Office) spoke about the upcoming 125th anniversary of SPJST and the growth that she has

seen in leadership of Chair Engelke (66) during board meetings. She also encouraged everyone to focus on volunteerism (reporting hours), and she thanked Lodge 92, Fort Worth for the meal, commented on the appearance of the hall, and mentioned how professional all of the workers looked in their blue shirts. Brother Horak (Home Office) then mentioned some possible changes in camp that might be upcoming. Brother Engelke (66) spoke about the new signage that has been purchased for each lodge. He also mentioned the 125th anniversary event in La Grange, upcoming scholarships awards, and changes in annuity interest rates. Brother Engelke (66) also mentioned several upcoming state and District Three events and that President/CEO Brian Vanicek has been working on a new lodge officers’ procedures handbook that should be approved sometime soon and sent to lodge officers.

Sister Sims (84) then announced the winners of today’s rock contest:

Youth Rock Contest Results Kindergarten to 2nd Grades 1st - Paige Oliver (25) 2nd - Victoria Oliver (25)

3rd to 5th Grades 1st - Layne Oliver (25)

6th to 8th Grades 1st - Morgan Oliver (25)

9th to 12th Grades 1st - Miles Jones (154) 2nd - Holly Jones (154) 3rd - Macy Jones (154)

Adult Rock Contest Results 1st - Diana Engelke (66) 2nd - Candice Oliver (66) 3rd - Dana McAdams (66)

In the next order of business, Brother Engelke (66) gave a short summary of the recent convention.

Under new business, Sister Steinman (154) mentioned having a District Three fun day. Districts Six, Seven, and One members are planning the October 15 SPJST 125th anniversary event in La Grange as their district fun day in 2022. Sister Sims (84) spoke about the Pivovar Restaurant and Brewery in Waco. Sister Novak (84) was not sure about the dates and times for the Czech/Slovak heritage day event this year. All of these were mentioned as possible fun days for District Three this year. Sister Engelke (66) made a motion that we have the officers decide on possible outings and fun days and post them in the Vestnik. The motion was seconded by Brother Engelke (66), and passed.

In attendance were 34 members and three guests. A total of 111 canned goods were collected to give to St. Vincent De Paul Center.

Officers for the next year were elected. Sister Sims (84) made a motion that we no longer elect a second vice president. The motion was seconded by Sister Engelke (66) and passed. Officers were elected by acclamation after a motion by Sister Cheryl Petr (84), seconded by Sister Rita Holland (25). Officers are:

President Sister Lori Pace (154) Vice President Sister CarrieAnn Jones (154) Secretary Sister Dana McAdams (66) Treasurer/District Youth Counselor Sister Mary Steinman (154) FAC Sister Vicki Sims (84) Flag Bearer Sister Madison Holland (25) Flag Bearer Sister Morgan Oliver (25)

Lodge 6, Cottonwood members asked to host the 2023 District Three Annual Meeting so Sister Petr (84) made a motion to accept their request, and Sister Novak (84) seconded. The motion was passed.

Door prizes were brought by Home Office members and won by Brother Miles Jones (154) - stuffed dog; Sister Paige Oliver (25) - thermal cup; Brother John Paprskar (92) - charger; Sister Betty Macalik (25) - baseball cap; Sister Candice Oliver (66) - $20 cash; Sister Victoria Oliver (25) - cooler; and Brother Loy Jones (154) - set of pens.

District Director Engelke (66) installed the adult and youth officers..

The meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m. Submitted by, Dana McAdams (66) District Three Secretary —SPJST—

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District Five presents 2022 annual meeting minutes

The District Five Annual Meeting was held Sunday, May 1, 2022, at Lodge 196, Houston-West.

Prior to the annual meeting, reports from 501(c)3 reports were given.

S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers report was given by Director Bradley Stavinoha (81). The election was held, and James Coleman (142) was elected to serve as S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers director for District Five. Bradley Stavinoha (81) is the alternate director.

Czech Heritage Museum board member position is vacant, and no one volunteered for the position.

The Czech Center Museum Houston May Fest was announced and will be held on Saturday, May 21. SPJST will sponsor the kolache eating contest.

A report on Camp Kubena was also presented by Director Stavinoha (81).

The 2022 District Five Annual Meeting was called to order by President Linda Bratina (196). Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were led by SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing Delisle Doherty (196). Lodge 196, Houston-West President Mark Childres welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Five lodges were represented: Lodges 81, Needville; 88, Houston; 91, San Jacinto; 142, Houston; and 196, Houston-West. Roll of officers was called with Linda Bratina (196) being the only one present. Reading of the minutes was dispersed of. President Bratina (196) read the treasurer’s report. She then gave the fraternal activities coordinator’s report and read names of deceased members of District Five.

District Five Director Stavinoha (81) gave his report on the financial turnaround of SPJST. The new lodge manual was discussed. Director Stavinoha (81) presented the possibility of offering day trips for members. He reported on the status of the Lodge 191, Lufkin and Lodge 172, Pasadena buildings. He mentioned that plans are in the works for the format of the annual meetings looking different in 2023.

Vice President of Sales and Marketing Delisle Doherty (196) presented the Executive Committee report noting the improved financial situation of SPJST and the marketing campaign, including referral program, posters, and signage.

State Fraternal Director Frank Horak (Home Office) spoke about fraternal and youth programs. District Five Youth Counselor Melissa Victorick-Brown (88) then presented the district youth report.

Under new business, Lodge 88, Houston will host the fall fun day at its Czech Fest on Saturday, October 8. The 2023 District Five Annual Meeting will also be held at Lodge 88, Houston.

Officers for 2022-2023 were then elected. They are:

President Dorothy Pflughaupt (88) Vice President/FAC Linda Bratina (196) Treasurer Kerri Herrington (142) Secretary Krystle Bender (81) District Youth Counselor Kristen Jones (81)

All officers were elected by acclamation.

It was announced that Lodge 196, Houston-West will host a dance on July 16.

Youth club contest winners were announced, and door prizes were awarded for those in attendance.

The meeting adjourned at 2 p.m. Submitted by, Bradley Stavinoha District Five Director —SPJST—

District Three Annual Meeting

Sunday, April 24, 2022 • SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth National Hall

LEFT PHOTO: Thanks to Lodge 92, Fort Worth members for hosting the meeting. Pictured are James Farek, Jon Durham, Eugene Tesar, John Paprskar, Mary Ann Krivanek, and Jeanette Tesar. PHOTO 2: District Three Treasurer Mary Steinman, center, presents a check for $104 to SPJSTVice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny, left, for the Bessie Petr Scholarship Fund. Assisting with the presentation is Bessie’s daughter, Lynda Novak. PHOTO3: Representing Lodge 25, Ennis are C.J. Reynolds, Preston Sullivan, Lisa Sullivan, Rita and Scooter Holland, and Betty Macalik. RIGHTPHOTO: From left are District Three Director John Engelke, James Farek, and Diana Engelke.

LEFTPHOTO: Candice Oliver is pictured with daughters Victoria and Paige. PHOTO2: Carolyn Cleveland, left, and 2020 SPJSTState Queen Holly Jones. PHOTO3: Vicki Sims and Lynda Novak share the tumbleweed story they learned at the youth leaders workshop. RIGHTPHOTO: John Paprskar and State Fraternal Director Frank Horak.

Pictured, left to right, are Lodge 92, Fort Worth President John Paprskar; Jon Durham and Diana Engelke; Lynda Novak, Cheryl Petr, and Vicki Sims; Michael Galler and Joan Shelton; and District Three President Lori Pace, Eugene Tesar, and John Paprskar with the collected canned goods to be donated to St. Vincent De Paul Center. Thanks, members, for your donations!

LEFT PHOTO: District Three Royalty are recognized. Left to right are 2021 Duchess Morgan Oliver, 2021/2022 King Preston Sullivan, 2022 Queen Madison Holland, and 2021 Queen Macy Jones. PHOTO 2: 2022 District Three Youth Club officers are, left to right, President Holly Jones, Vice President Madison Holland, Secretary Miles Jones, and Reporter Morgan Oliver. PHOTO 3: Youth rock contest winners are, left to right, Paige Oliver, Layne Oliver, Morgan Oliver, and Miles Jones. RIGHTPHOTO: Adult rock contest winners are, left to right, Diana Engelke, Candice Oliver, and Dana McAdams.

O O O Presenting 2022 Officers O O O SPJST District Three Officers

The 2022 SPJST District Three officers are, left to right, President Lori Pace (154), Vice President CarrieAnn Jones (154), Secretary Dana McAdams (66), Treasurer/Youth Counselor Mary Steinman (154), and Fraternal Activities Coordinator Vicki Sims (84). The youth club officers are President Holly Jones (154), Vice President Madison Holland (25), Secretary Miles Jones (154), and Reporter Morgan Oliver (25). They were installed by District Three Director John Engelke, back, center.

SPJST gives to West Texas Boys Ranch

District Four Director Bobby Davis, center, presented a donation to West Texas Boys Ranch. Accepting the check are Case Manager Mike Childress, left, and CEO Jeremy Vincent.

SPJST awards barbecue grill to lucky winner

District Four Director Bobby Davis, left, presents a barbecue grill to Bobby Craft, who was the lucky winner of the SPJSTsponsored drawing that was held at the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo.

Scenes from District Five Annual Meeting

Sunday, May 1, 2022 • Lodge 196, Houston-West

District Five adult and youth members gathered for the annual meeting on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at Lodge 196, Houston-West. PHOTO 2: District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha addresses the members as District Five President Linda Bratina looks on. PHOTO 3: Congratulations to rock contest winners, left to right, Zoey Jones (81), Evan Pflughaupt (88), Tripp Hargraves (81), and Megan Pflughaupt (88). RIGHT PHOTO: Members listen attentively during the meeting. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing Delisle Doherty shares information with the members. BELOW CENTER PHOTOS: Youth design and create their rocks for the contest. BELOW RIGHT: Meeting attendees listen in.