COLOR A SMILE

Who?

SPJST youth clubs, lodges, members, and friends are invited to participate.

What?

Visit colorasmile.org to print and color pages of your choice. Mail your completed coloring pages to the SPJST Home Office at PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. Earn one volunteer hour by submitting six coloring pages, two hours for 12 pages, etc. Your drawings will be sent to senior citizens, our troops and anyone in need of a smile!

When?

Submit now through December 31, 2023.

District News

District Six reports on annual meeting and social

The District Six Annual Meeting and Social was held on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral Center, St. Gabriel Hall, in Victoria, Texas. Lodge 32, Victoria and Lodge 97, Placedo co-hosted the event with District Six. A total of 72 members and guests were present.

Registration and social began at 11 a.m. with a raffle and silent auction. At noon, SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek led us in a meal blessing, and a delicious catered roast meal was served with delicious desserts brought by the members.

At 12:42 p.m., President Joe Siptak (4) welcomed all attendees and hoped everyone enjoyed the meal. He said it was wonderful to see so many members and guests together.

Special reports were then presented.

Philip Vahalik (4) representing the Czech Heritage Museum informed the membership that after the death of Museum Administrator Susan Chandler last fall, the Museum board had dissolved and management of the Museum had been transferred to the SPJST Foundation. The Czech Heritage Museum Advisory Committee, which is a special committee of the Executive Committee, will work together with the community to promote the museum. Czech Heritage Museum Curator Kenny Lange continues to operate the museum, and many events are planned. Philip (4) thanked the district for the opportunity to serve and said he would continue to help further the goals of the museum with his wife who serves on the Foundation Board.

Lisa Bubela (30) reported that the Camp Kubena committee has also been dissolved. She will continue to support Camp Kubena with all of its exciting plans and activities. She reported that for 2023, there will be one state SPJST Camp for all youth to have time together. The dates are June 21 to 25.

Joe Siptak (4) representing the SPJST Senior Living Centers expressed that the living centers are experiencing success. They have a new administrator in Taylor. SPJST is in process of purchasing a

32-unit facility, Village of Bee Cave.

Johnny Hoffman (184) represented the District Six Cemetery Association. Velehrad Cemetery is the only remaining SPJST Cemetery in District Six. The other cemeteries have been successfully transferred to their adjoining Catholic cemeteries in Moravia and Shiner. Velehrad Cemetery has placed the marker for Ferdinand Breska with thanks to donations from Yvonne Marcaurele (30) and District Six funds.

District Six President Joe Siptak (4) called the meeting to order. Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club led the Pledge of Allegiance. President Joe (4) thanked Lodges 32, Victoria and 97, Placedo for co-hosting today’s social. He thanked the officers for being present and introduced the audit and nominating committees for today. President Joe (4) recognized all who had made this their first district meeting.

Mark Lester (32), president of Lodge 32, Victoria, welcomed all friends - old and new - citing that this was his first time at this beautiful hall. Lodge 97, Placedo President Gay Revel (97) thanked District Six Director Annie Vahalik (4) for making the arrangements for today and for asking them to co-host the meeting. She then introduced her lodge and officers present.

Yvonne Marcaurele( 30) had a memorial table tribute to the deceased members of District Six. While a moment of silence was being held, she read a poem, “I Am With You Always.”

Second Vice President Crystal Bacak (30) introduced the special guests: President/Chief Executive Officer Brian Vanicek (24); State Fraternal Director Frank Horak (80); District Six Director Annie Vahalik (4) and husband Philip (4); Governance Committee Member/District Six Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela (30); Kathy Ahlstrom (32), wife of the late Honorary Past Director Mike Ahlstrom (32); Karen Kaspar (30), Honorary District Six Director; 20222023 SPJST State Queen Brooke Bacak (30) and her parents; and 2022-2023 SPJST State Duchess Vanessa Riha (30) and her parents. Crystal also recognized all SPJST sales agents present and thanked Lodges 32 and 97 for their help in co-hosting today’s meeting with the district.

Secretary Elizabeth Holub (23) called roll. All officers were present, 11 lodges were represented, and District Six Governance Committee representative Lisa Bubela (30) was also in attendance.

President/CEO Brian Vanicek (24) introduced the SPJST Czech Holiday Tour and handed out flyers for this travel opportunity in the fall. He made special note of the Saturday, May 6 Advisory Council online webinar for all delegates. The next SPJST Convention will be in Temple on Friday, June 7 to Sunday, June 9, 2024. If there are any by-law recommendations, they can be submitted. He then assisted Director Anni (4) with show-and-tell of a few items from the Czech Heritage Museum in Temple.

Carolina Covarrubia (151), former Regional General Agent, informed everyone that all agents work for all lodges. SPJST has a variety of products and is showing growth. Annuities at this time are showing good rates – check your Vestnik or call an agent. She stated that since Karen Kaspar (30) welcomed her as an agent, she has enjoyed her time representing SPJST. We no longer have Regional General Agents, but we now have Territory Managers. District Six is represented by East Territory Manager Kerry Herrington (142) who was not able to attend.

District Six Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela (30) informed attendees that there will only be a State Youth Showcase (formerly known as SPJST State Youth Achievement Day) on July 28 and 29 in Temple. State Fraternal Director Frank Horak (80) met with youth and parents earlier to cover changes and answer questions. Complete information is online and in the Vestnik. The youth are excited to go to Camp Kubena this summer. Camp Kubena is promoting Round Top Meadows after the camping season for family outings, reunions, weddings, or for businesses to have employment enrichment days.

Under new business, Carolina Covarrubia (151) with the nominating committee thanked all the officers for their hard work. Carolina (151) was honored to be a part of the nominating committee with Debbie Krpec (30) and Johnny Hoffman (184). Nominations were requested from the floor. No nominations were presented. Carolina Covarrubia then (151) read the slate of present officers: President Joe Siptak (4), Vice President Yvonne Marcaurele (30), Secretary Elizabeth Holub (23), Treasurer

Marjorie Treumer (30), Second Vice President/FAC Crystal Bacak (30), and District Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela (30). Megan Riha (30) moved to re-elect the officers by acclamation. The motion was seconded by Ardis Bacak (40). The officers were re-elected.

Karen Kaspar (30) represented the Audit Committee with members Janie and David Bucek (151). Books were shown to all be in order with new forms being completed and presented to President Vanicek (24) to be taken to the Home Office.

SPJST President/CEO Vanicek (24) mentioned that artifacts are still being accepted for the Czech Heritage Museum. New forms are being used for donations, and donations can also be made to the museum store.

Discussion for a fall fun day site was presented – options being Czech Fest in La Grange in October, Victoria Czech Fest in September, and any other ideas to be presented to officers to determine a possible gathering place. The district officers will get together and let everyone know when and where.

DYC Lisa Bubela (30) introduced State Queen Brooke Bacak (30) who presented her winning speech. The District Six youth also had a cute program on sunshine and flowers. DYC Lisa (30) thanked everyone for attending and enjoying the activities. Decorated rocks were brought by the youth and will be taken to camp this summer.

Treasurer Marjorie Treumer (30) presented her financial report with approval from the Audit Committee. Ardis Bacak (40) made a motion to accept the report with a second by Cathy Garcia (40). The report was accepted.

DYC Lisa Bubela (30) reported that State Queen Brooke Bacak is from Lodge 30, Taiton. District Youth Counselors have met with the State Fraternal Director in regards to changes in the youth program. State Youth Showcase will be July 28 and 29 in Temple. Changes made from District to state only due to youth being very involved in other activities with school and sports.

Director Annie (4) took the floor and welcomed and thanked everyone for attending. She was so glad to see this wonderful crowd and representation of all the active lodges in the district. She stated she is still recovering from her fall and broken arm and appreciated all the thoughts and concerns that were sent her way. She especially thanked her hus- band and the hosting lodges and district officers for being there to assist her since it was her right arm that was broken. She gave a big thank you to SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek (24) and State Fraternal Director Frank Horak (80) for coming today to visit with everyone and share information. Director Annie Vahalik (4) was so pleased with the lodges embracing the first quarter projects and supporting their local food banks. We need to continue with the projects upcoming and become more visible and active in our communities. Director Annie (4) appreciates all the work of the members and all the donations for raffle, silent auction, door prizes, and desserts. Director Annie (4) shared that Lodge 8, Weimar member Henrietta Veselka missed being in attendance.

District Six has had a good year, and SPJST celebrates 126 years in 2023. Success of SPJST is due to agents and members. All agents work for the state. SPJST is also welcoming new agents. If you know someone who may be interested, let the Home Office know or have them contact SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing Delisle Doherty. Director Annie also welcomed lodges that had not attended in a while. The next quarter project is Paws for a Cause, an animal shelter drive.

Director Annie (4) finished by thanking everyone for attending and supporting her. She is enjoying her position as District Six Director and looks forward to seeing members at their lodge meetings and socials. She is available to assist when needed.

President/CEO Vanicek (24) then presented lodge representatives with the new SPJST Lodge Operations Manual that had been approved at the previous Executive Committee meeting in January. Other topics presented were: as Director Annie (4) stated always looking for new agents; January 1 - new direction with the museum since it’s now under the Foundation - the first event was “Night at the Museum” to reestablish property as a community property. Director Annie (4) is a member of the Advisory Committee for the Museum. In February, the Home Office was working on reassigning inactive lodges. In District Six, Lodge 223, Palacios members and Lodge 240, Bay City members were reassigned.

President/CEO Brian Vanicek (24) continued stating the SPJST system is strong financially. This is based on our financial standing as far as reserves, in- vestments, premiums, income, and planned expenses.

President Joe (4) welcomed Kathy Ahlstrom (32). She said she was pleased to see many familiar faces from her time with her husband as district director. Kathy (32) stated her grandson who is a United States Marine will be participating in the Boston Marathon on the following day. We all wished him well. She congratulated Joe Siptak (4) on his retirement from HEB after 50 years of service.

State Fraternal Director Frank Horak (80) reviewed the lodge incentive program. Packets were handed out with forms and information. FACs will need to make sure they go to spjst.org/gives to report lodge or community activity involvement. When entering information, it was suggested to host a social engagement activity with a meeting. Also, when reporting information, lodges must include a photo of the event and the sign-in sheet. If there are questions or assistance needed, please contact him. Reports will now be due on a quarterly basis.

Following Frank’s presentation, Johnny Hoffman (184) made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by Karen Kaspar (30). Motion passed. Meeting adjourned by President Joe Siptak (4) at 2:48 p.m. After adjournment, raffle prizes, door prizes, and silent auction items were presented. Fraternally, Elizabeth Holub (23) District Six Secretary —SPJST—