Uniting Hearts and Embracing Traditions in SPJST

With the sweltering summer hopefully coming to a close and the gentle autumn breeze starting to stir among the trees, it brings with it a sense of unity and excitement within our beloved organization. SPJST continues to flourish, driven by our shared values and a commitment to nurturing connections that span generations. This week, we’re delighted to share some remarkable happenings and opportunities that await us all.

Embarking on a Journey to the Texas Rose Festival

We invite you to join us on an enchanting journey to the renowned Texas Rose Festival. As the vibrant blooms of Tyler’s rose gardens unfold, so too will a world of tradition, culture, and camaraderie. Our SPJST tour promises a delightful escape into a realm of stunning floral displays, parades, and festivities that celebrate the spirit of Texas. Don’t miss this chance to make memories and deepen the bonds that make our SPJST family so special. Visit spjst.org/tours to reserve your spot today. For more information, contact Tour Representative Terry Mansfield of Lodge 81, Needville at 281-725-1574.

Elevating Your Financial Future with Increased Annuity Rates

In the realm of financial security, SPJST stands as a steadfast guardian of your future. We are thrilled to announce an uplifting change that will further enhance your financial well-being. Our annuity rates are as high as 5.25 percent, a testament to our commitment to providing you with the best possible support as you navigate life’s journey. Secure your tomorrows with confidence, knowing that SPJST is by your side, guiding you towards a brighter and more secure future. Contact an SPJST Sales Agent today or contact the Home Office 800-727-7578 or info@spjst.org.

Interesting Facts About Texas Article Draws Attention

Recently, James Venglar of Lodge 32, Victoria called the Vestnik office to comment on the July 24, 2023, Vestnik issue. “Interesting Facts about Texas,” item No. 13 on page 25 referenced Tropical Storm Claudette, which dropped a record 42 inches of rain over Alvin in 24 hours in 1979. (According to National Weather Service statistics, the city of Alvin has held the 24-hour rainfall record for the United States since 1979.)

Brother Venglar recalled Hurricane Claudette in 2003, which also made landfall in Texas, some 20 years ago. It’s interesting to note that the name ‘Claudette’ has been used for eight tropical cyclones/storms/hurricanes since 1979. Brother Venglar, thank you for reading your Vestnik and calling to chat. We appreciate you and all our Vestnik readers. And speaking of rain . . .

Vestnik Dates and Deadlines

August 28 Vestnik deadline is Mon., Aug. 21 at 5 p.m.

September 11 Vestnik deadline is Mon., Sept. 4 at 5 p.m.

September 25 Vestnik deadline is Mon., Sept. 18 at 5 p.m.

October 9 Vestnik deadline is Mon.,Oct. 2 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.

(Number in parentheses denotes SPJST district location.)

August 20 Lodges 200, Bruceville-Eddy; 246, Morgan’s Point Merger Meeting • SPJST Home Office, Temple (2)

Sept. 2 SPJST Float: Westfest Parade, West (3)

Sept. 6 Lodge 9, Snook Note Burning Ceremony (1)

Sept. 10 District Seven Fall Fun Day • Jourdanton (7)

Sept. 10 Lodge 28, East Bernard Milestone Member Recognition

Wharton County Library, East Bernard (6)

Sept. 16 Lodge 18, Elgin hosts Fritz Hodde Band’s 60th Anniversary (2)

Sept. 16 Lodge 47, Seaton Outdoor Extravaganza (2)

Sept. 16 Lodge 92, Fort Worth Czech Heritage Day (3)

Sept. 22-23 Lodge 47, Seaton Barbecue Cook-Off (2)

Sept. 23 District One Youth hosts SPJST Float Burleson County Fair Parade, Caldwell (1)

Sept. 29-30 Lodge 29, Taylor Barbecue Cook-Off (2)

October 14 District Five Fall Fun Day Czechfest

Lodge 88, Houston (5)

Oct. 19-21 SPJST Tour: Texas Rose Festival, Tyler • spjst.org/tours

Nov. 9-11 Lodge 92, Fort Worth hosts Western Swing Festival (3)

Dec. 10 Lodge 9, Snook Christmas Program (1)

Dec. 17 Lodge 258, Seguin Christmas Party (7)

Dec. 31 Lodge 18, Elgin New Year’s Eve Dance: Glenn Collins (2)

January 28 Lodge 24, Cyclone hosts SqueezeBox (2)

2024 featuring Ted Lange and Mollie B (2)

June 7-9 34th SPJST Convention • Frank W. Mayborn

2024 Civic and Convention Center, Temple

Reader enjoys July article

I liked the “5 Fun Facts About July” article that appeared in the July 10, 2023, Vestnik! We need these reminders!

Mary Ellen Kiely Lodge 187,

Round Rock —SPJST—

Scholarship recipient appreciates awards

Dear SPJST, I just wanted to thank you for the District Three Merit Scholarship and the SPJST Johnnie Krizan Scholarship. These scholarships are greatly appreciated and will be put towards college tuition, books, and other college course materials to further my education. Once again, thank you so much and the money will be put to great use. Thanks again!

Quinlan Dobecka Lodge 6, Cottonwood

—SPJST—

Granger church plans

Sept. 4 annual bazaar

Dear Readers,

SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Granger, Texas, will host its annual bazaar on Sunday, September 3, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Bazaar will be held at the SSCM Parish Hall, 500 West Davilla in Granger.

Everyone is cordially invited to begin the day with 10 a.m. mass at 100 North Brazos Street.

Barbecue and sausage dinner with dressing and trimmings will be served. Dine-in starts at 11 a.m. Drive-thru plates available 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or until sold out. All plates are $15 (no child plates).

Barbecue by the pound at the pit begins at 7 a.m. Kitchen will be open all day until 9 p.m.

Live auction starts at 1:30 p.m. Cash, check, or credit card accepted. Auctioneer will be Buddy Johnson (License #TXS-6520).

A prize drawing will be held - need not be present to win. For tickets, call 512-859-2223.

The day includes fun, fellowship, and games! Games begin at 12 noon - cake walk, ring toss for sodas, toy booth, and fish pond. Prize bingo is from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Dance with music by Fritz Hodde and Fabulous Six is from 6 to 10 p.m.$10 per person. BYOB is not permitted.

For more information, visit https://sscmchurch.org; call 512-8592223; or email sscmchurch@gmail.com.

Paula Marak

Lodge 29, Taylor —SPJST—

Marak church invites all to annual homecoming picnic on Sept. 10

Dear Readers,

S.S. Cyril and Methodius Church in Marak, Texas, will host its annual homecoming picnic on Sunday, September 10, 2023. The church is located seven miles northwest of Cameron on FM 2269.

Mass begins at 10:15 a.m. Food serving starts at 11 a.m. Plates include home-fried chicken and sausage with all the trimmings and dessert. Meal tickets are $15 each. Drive-thru line will be available for plates-to-go with continuous serving while food lasts.

Games begin at 11:30 a.m. A prize drawing will be held. Praha Brothers will entertain from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at Vrazel Polka Band Memorial Pavilion. Auction is at 2:30 p.m. inside the airconditioned hall.

All ages are invited and welcomethe day includes entertainment for the entire family!

Debbie Dohnalik

Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—

Dear SPJST, On behalf of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Olin Teague VA Hospital System, I wish to thank everyone for their support of the Youth Day Service for Veterans.

The service project had the SPJST youth from across the state decorating lunch bags to be used to hold nutritious snacks to be distributed in 11 clinics across the Olin Teague service area. These include Austin, Brownwood, Bryan/College Station, Cedar Park, Killeen, La Grange, Palestine, Temple, Temple Annex, and Waco. These snacks are given out to veterans who are transported to the clinics and wait all day to be taken home, usually without anything to eat all day. These snacks are provided at no cost.

I want to thank Lodges 20, Granger; 185, New Braunfels; and 66, Waco for generously providing money and/or snacks. SPJST District Directors John Engelke, Bobby Davis, Regina House, and Jesse Pospisil provided additional financial and/or snacks to support our brave veterans. The Home Office also provided incredible support through providing snacks, art supplies, and stickers. Thank you all so much for making sure our veterans are remembered and honored.

To each of the wonderful youth that supported the program, we at NSDAR thank you.

For those in high school, remember to include in scholarship or award applications that you participated in a statewide service project for benefit of the Veterans Administration Volunteer Services and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

SPJST Youth need to contact the NSDAR chapters in their local area concerning available scholarships and visit www.dar.org/national-society/scholarships to see the scholarships offered by the National Society.

We look forward to working with SPJST and SPJST Youth in future service projects and opportunities.

In DAR Service, Rebecca “Becky” Vajdak, Registrar Betty Martin Chapter, NSDAR National Vice-Chair

Patriot Records Project Committee

VAVS Olin Teague VA Hospital System

NSDAR Appointee Credentials Committee

Vice-Chair, TXDAR —SPJST—

From the Controller

SPJST Financial Statement

as of March 31, 2023

Dear Members:

In accordance with the 2021 SPJST ByLaws, I am submitting a report of our Society which is extracted from the Quarterly Statement for the period ending March 31, 2023.

This report gives you pertinent items of information concerning our Society. All items are entered as found in the Quarterly Statement which was filed with the Texas

Department of Insurance for the first Quarter of 2023.

Please review this report in detail and should you have any questions, please contact me.

Fraternally, Roy W. Vajdak Controller —SPJST—

From the SPJST Insurance Department

From the Desk of Delisle L. Doherty SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing

It’s Your Life

Introducing an Exciting New Benefit for Our Members

We are thrilled to share some wonderful news with you! SPJST is delighted to announce our collaboration with the Vincent Law Firm, based in Houston, Texas. As a result of this partnership, we are excited to present a brand-new educational website exclusively for our valued members.

This exclusive website has been designed to provide you with invaluable resources and guidance on various important matters, such as estate planning and elder care. Through a series of informative videos, we aim to assist you in navigating the complexities of estate planning, including topics like wills, power of attorneys, probate, and transfer deeds. Our primary goal is to empower you with knowledge in these crucial areas.

Upon accessing the site, you will have the privilege of viewing a collection of seven educational videos. These videos cover a wide range of essential subjects, including “Understanding Estate Planning,” “Exploring Wills,” “Comprehending Power of Attorneys,” “Incorporating Additional Documents in Estate Planning,” “Demystifying Probate,” “Insights into Estate Planning Processes,” and “Unlocking Transfer Deeds.” Each video is thoughtfully crafted to provide comprehensive insights into these topics, emphasizing their significance and what you can anticipate from each aspect.

We are also excited to offer an exclusive opportunity for SPJST members to access a complimentary consultation. By filling out a simple questionnaire, you can avail a free consultation, provided by the Vincent Law Firm. There is absolutely no obligation to engage their services, but should you find their expertise beneficial and require legal assistance, their team is available to assist you anywhere within the state of Texas.

To access this invaluable resource, simply follow the link located under our member services section. Moreover, we are actively working towards creating a comprehensive member service portal, which will grant you seamless access to all of our offerings. This initiative will enable us to continue enhancing the benefits we provide to our esteemed members in the future.

In today’s ever-changing landscape, marked by increased longevity and uncertainties, the welfare of our elders holds utmost importance. Additionally, ensuring the well-being of our younger generations is a shared responsibility that we hold dear. At SPJST, we firmly believe that offering educational resources to navigate these challenging times is not just a responsibility, but a privilege as well. We invite you to explore the website and welcome your valuable feedback on your experience. Your insights will guide us in further enriching the content and enhancing its value.

“The speaker says one of the blessings of the family of God is that the enthusiasm of children influences their elders while experience seasons the younger members.” —Matt

Chandler

My door is always open; figuratively and literally.

Stay

blessed,

Delisle L. Doherty Vice President of Sales and Marketing 832-232-2049

—SPJST—