Volume 95 Number 47
ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence
Czech Heritage Museum: only a few days left to meet Challenge Grant The
Czech Heritage Museum (formerly known as the SPJST Library, Archives and Museum LAM) is at a crucial time in its fundraising efforts, and it needs your help! In 2006, the CHM was offered a challenge grant by a local foundation. The terms of the grant are that if the Museum is able to raise $400,000 by December 31, 2007, the foundation will match it with another $200,000. This amount will allow the CHM to restore the Louis and Oleta Hanus Building to be used as a museum and library. “Through the generosity of many individuals, lodges, foundations, and the City of Temple, we have raised a little over $381,000, and only have $19,000 to go,” CHM Executive Director Sandi Wicker said. “The problem is that we have only one
Czech Heritage Museum Challenge Grant
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November 28, 2007
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month to raise the $19,000, or we will lose the challenge grant.” In 2000, it was decided at the SPJST Convention that the SPJST LAM would become an entity separate from SPJST so that it could seek IRS 501(c)3 status and become a non-profit organization. This would allow the newly formed LAM board to accept tax-deductible donations and for it to seek a location more available to tourists, researchers and students. A year later, with a generous donation from Louis and Oleta Hanus, the LAM Board of Directors was able to purchase the historic Northside Community Business Center building which has 7,200 square foot and is adjacent to the SPJST Home Office in Temple. “An architect was hired to design a museum space within the Hanus Building and to give us an estimate of the cost of remodeling—the cost will be about $600,000,” Mrs. Wicker said. “If all of the goals are met in time, we should be able to begin construction at the first of 2008 and will be able to move into the building by June or July.” “In 2006, the name was changed to the Czech Heritage Museum to better reflect the mission of the LAM,” Mrs. Wicker stated. The future location for the Czech Heritage Museum is on the corner of two major streets (Third Street and French Avenue) in the Temple Historic Commercial District and is one block away from the Historic Homes District. “It is very visible to the public and has ample parking to allow for buses to bring children to the museum for educational programs,” Mrs. Wicker stated. “Currently, the museum is only open during SPJST business hours and the move will allow us to be open on (Please see Museum on page 12.)
Celebrate the Season!
SPJST Holiday Open House
Monday, December 3, 2007
SPJST Home Office 520 North Main Street O Temple, Texas
Following the Temple Christmas Parade Come by and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus Special holiday performance by Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Marianne Beran SPJST State Royalty
King Colby Havemann • Queen Lindsey Jones Duke Laramie Cass • Duchess Kellie Ihlenfeldt State Royalty are members of SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor
Enjoy these special attractions! Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Temple High School Polyfoniks Temple Fire Department Dalmatians Living SPJST Museum Displays Czech Christmas Stories Children’s Activities Refreshments
More Holiday Open House information on page 2. I n s i d e
District Three collects food donations Page 6 Lodge 88 honors veterans Page 10
Family Fun Dates .......................3 Interest Rates .............................3 Top 10 Agents.............................3 Financial Statement ...................4 Lodge Letters .............................4
Lodge 92 activities Page 10 Lodge 17 youth is a big fan Page 16
CHM Donors .............................12 Youth .........................................16 In Memoriam .............................19 Czech Culture ...........................20 Activities Calendar...................22
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ˇ ´ VESTNIK
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
SPJST HERALD
SPJST HOME OFFICE PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 (800) 727-7578 • (254) 773-1575 Fax: (254) 774-7447 www.spjst.com VESTNIK EDITOR AND DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION MELANIE ZAVODNY, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 534-0807
email: m e l a n i e z @ v v m . c o m PRESIDENT BRIAN VANICEK, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Home: (254) 985-0007 Mobile: (254) 534-2902 email: vanicek@spjst.com VICE PRESIDENT GENE McBRIDE, FICF, CFFM Office: (254) 773-1575 Home: (254) 771-3837 Mobile: (254) 534-1450 email: genemc@spjst.com SECRETARY-TREASURER LANITA ANGLIN, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Home: (254) 985-2334 email: lanitaa@spjst.com FINANCIAL SECRETARY JERRY MIKULAS Office: (254) 773-1575 Home: (254) 773-2950 email: jerrymik@spjst.com LEGAL ADVISOR DREW POPELKA P.O. Box 1706, Temple, TX 76503 Office: (254) 742-0724 email: spjst-legal@sbcglobal.net DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CHAIRMAN P.O. Box 85, Snook, Texas 77878 Home: (979) 272-3265 • Mobile: (979) 224-3125 email: dv.aggie@verizon.net DISTRICT TWO DIRECTOR BOBBY WUENSCHE 2451 CR 405, Taylor, Texas 76574-5421 Home: (512) 365-3013 DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR JOHNNIE R. KRIZAN 11500 Heritage Pkway, West, Texas 76691 Home: (254) 826-5882 DISTRICT FOUR DIRECTOR BILLY ROLLWITZ, FIC P.O. Box 195, Rowena, Texas 76875 Home: (325) 442-3141 • Mobile: (325) 277-5362 Office: (325) 442-3038 email: brollwitz@verizon.net DISTRICT FIVE DIRECTOR LARRY W. PFLUGHAUPT, FIC 1243 Clovis Road, Houston, Texas 77008 Home: (713) 864-2163 DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR MICHAEL K. AHLSTROM, FIC, VICE CHAIRMAN 407 Taos Street, Victoria, Texas 77904 Home: (361) 578-3279 • Mobile: (361) 676-3279 email: ahlstrom@suddenlink.net DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR BOB J. BAYER, FIC 1100 Hospital Blvd., Floresville, Texas 78114 Home: (830) 393-9073 BY-LAW COMMITTEE District One - Richard Ford, 2392 CR 424, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - (979) 884-1451 District Two - Ronnie Rieger, 350 Rieger Road, Coupland, Texas 78615 - (512) 365-2000 District Three - Al Kercho, 2444 Stonegate Dr. North, Bedford, Texas 76021 - (817) 282-5065 District Four - Beverly Teplicek, 817 FM 381, Rowena, Texas 76875 - (325) 442-4841 District Five - Mildred Holeman, 1006 Chantilly Lane, Houston, Texas 77018 - (713) 683-0018 District Six - Joe Siptak, 2312 Norvell, Bay City, Texas 77414 - (979) 244-4415 District Seven - Bettie House, 1721 Continental Drive, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - (830) 281-8246 FINANCE COMMITTEE District One - Stanley Mrnustik, 202 N. Shaw St., Caldwell, Texas 77836 - (979) 567-4386 District Two - Edwin Pechal, 10660 State Hwy. 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - (254) 985-2282 District Three - Michael Galler, 526 Karen, Waco, Texas 76706 - (254) 662-4934 District Four - Herman D. Weise, 6006 FM Hwy. 765, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - (325) 651-8550
District Five - Marceil Malak, 7444 Meiners Road, Ledbetter, Texas 78946-5118 - (979) 249-5940 District Six - Rita Vanek, P.O. Box 901, El Campo, Texas 77437 - (979) 543-6220 District Seven - Roy Haag, 1334 Rivercrest Drive, New Braunfels, Texas 78130-3438 - (830) 625-8262 INSURANCE COMMITTEE District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 F.M. 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - (979) 272-3440 District Two - Dolores Skrabanek, 13107 State Hwy. 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - (254) 985-2344 District Three - Daniel Roznovsky, 2513 Custer Court, Irving, Texas 75062 - (972) 252-6763 District Four - Leonard Jansa, 6617 Plainview Dr., San Angelo, Texas 76905 - (325) 234-8117 District Five - Helen Hegwood, 6702 Lindy Ann Lane, Houston, Texas 77008 - (713) 864-0489 District Six - Jerome Hlavaty, P.O. Box 174 Lolita, Texas 77971 - (512) 874-4461 District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 578 FM 1347, Stockdale, Texas 78160 - (830) 745-2702 PUBLICATION COMMITTEE District One - Floyd Kostelka, 1914 CR 403, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - (979) 884-0112 District Two - Tammy Whatley, P.O. Box 367, Weir, Texas 78674 - (512) 864-9183 District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside, Dallas, Texas 75206 - (214) 826-3557 District Four - Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Dr., San Angelo, Texas 76903 - (325) 651-5884 District Five - Lorenda Baldwin, 219 CR 47, Angleton, Texas 77515 - (979) 922-1279 District Six - Helen Kelner, 911 Ave. K, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 - (281) 342-2624 District Seven - Jarolyn Popp, 447 Shady Hollow, New Braunfels, Texas 78132 - (830) 964-5135 FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER PHILIP McBEE, FICF, CFFM (325) 784-9800 • Mobile: (325) 647-1949 email: pnm@hyperhog.net STATE TRAINING COORDINATOR JIM WIEST, FIC, CFFM Mobile: (254) 541-5555 email: spjst@hotmail.com STATE FIELD REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT ONE - Bill Orsak, CFFM Mobile: (979) 324-0056 Home: (979) 272-8902 • Fax: (979) 272-8902 DISTRICT TWO - Hiram Dixon, FICF, LUTCF Mobile: (254) 231-7722 DISTRICT THREE - Johnny Wiseman, III, FICF (866) 703-9182 • Mobile: (817) 475-5448 email: johnwwiseman3@yahoo.com DISTRICT FOUR - Position currently vacant. Contact Philip McBee for assistance. (325) 784-9800 • Mobile: (325) 647-1949 DISTRICT FIVE - Ricky Peralta, FICF Mobile: (832) 515-8558 DISTRICT SIX - Karen Kaspar, FIC, CFFM Mobile: (979) 332-1616 • Home: (979) 543-2532 email: k-kaspar@hotmail.com DISTRICT SEVEN - Hector Garcia, FIC, CFFM Mobile: (361) 548-5702 • Home: (361) 749-1032 STATE FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR CHESTER JENKE, SR., FICF Home: (830) 303-4316 (210) 413-3053 email: cejenke@wmconnect.com STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR JOHN HOELSCHER Office: (254) 773-1575 • Mobile: (254) 534-0681 email: johnh@spjst.com DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS 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 (254) 985-2396 District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside, Dallas, Texas 75206 - (214) 826-3557 District Four - Janice Stevens, P.O. Box 613, Hawley, Texas 79525 (325) 537-9224 District Five - Barbara Linney-Gonzales - 6043 Pineway Blvd., Houston, Texas 77023 - (713) 649-6138 District Six - Marcy Dorotik, 2500 Old Farm Road, Apt. 833, Houston, Texas 77063 - (713) 907-1630 District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 578 FM 1347, Stockdale, Texas 78160 - (830) 745-2702 - email: wap6564@felpsis.net CZECH HERITAGE MUSEUM (Formerly SPJST LAM) Executive Director Sandi Wicker (254) 899-2935 email: ssandiwicker@aol.com
Editor’s Note
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VĚSTNÍK
Capture the season’s magic
ou’re invited to the annual SPJST Home Office Holiday Open House on Monday, December 3 beginning at 7:30 p.m. after the Temple Christmas parade at the SPJST Home Office, located at 520 North Main Street in Temple. The Holiday Open House will feature Christmas carols by the Temple High School Polyfoniks, Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn carriage rides, Czech Christmas stories, the District Two Beseda Dancers, and the SPJST Youth Christmas Tree. Children’s activities will include the Temple Police Department D.A.R.E. program, the Temple Fire Department Fire Safety House, balloon twisting, and face painting. Refreshments will also be served. And, all activities are free of charge. Special guests will be 2007-2008 SPJST State King Colby Havemann, Queen Lindsey Jones, Duke Laramie Cass, and Duchess Kellie Ihlenfeldt, all of Lodge 17, New Tabor, and 2007-2008 Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Marianne Beran. The Czech Heritage Museum, located in the basement of the SPJST Home Office, will come to life during Open House with several areas featuring men and women who will be on hand to share their life experiences. Before the Open House, be sure to attend the Temple Christmas parade in downtown Temple at 6:30 p.m. SPJST will be represented with several entries, including the State Royalty, Miss Texas Czech-Slovak, District Two Royalty, SPJST Supreme Lodge, District Two Beseda Dancers, 2007 Czech Feszt pageant winners, and the two SPJST Floats that are sure to light up the night and get you in the holiday spirit.
Snopes.com Thanks to Lodge 88, Houston member Mildred Holeman for sharing an excerpt from Briefly Speaking, a publication of the Legal Secretaries International, Inc. The article talks about the emails that we receive and are asked to forward to everyone we know. Many of these messages have been circulating the Internet for several years. When you receive a message that you are not sure about, check it out at www.snopes.com. This is an urban legend reference page Web site. Briefly Speaking Editor Cheryl Martin also warns about charitable giving to unscrupulous people and organizations. She writes, “At this time of year many of us are approached via telephone, mail, email, or in person to donate to an ostensibly charitable cause. Beware! A few of the solicitors are unscrupulous. Check the Secretary of State’s Web site and the Attorney General’s Web site to ensure that you are indeed giving to a charitable, licensed organization. You can also ask the caller pointed questions such as: How much of what you collect goes to the charity? How is the money distributed? How much goes for administrative costs? Who are the main beneficiaries? Make sure that your charitable contributions go where you want them to!” A Great Place to Give . . . Consider giving a gift to the Czech Heritage Museum (formerly the SPJST Library, Archives and Museum). Let’s all pitch in funds to raise $19,000 by the end of the year so the Museum will receive the Challenge Grant. It’s a great cause for today . . . and tomorrow. —SPJST—
VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published weekly except the last week of August and the last week of December by VĚSTNÍK, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100. Subscription rates are $25 per year, beginning August 1, 2005, for non-members. Members’ fees are paid as part of the insurance fee collected by the Supreme Lodge 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 Vestnik do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor or SPJST management. Please sign all correspondence intended for publication. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VESTNIK c/o Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.
VĚSTNÍK
From the SL Vice President
October SPJST Idols
Based on Combined Earned Premium, Insurance Issued, and Applications Written SPJST Top 10 ~ Associate Agents ~
1. Baltazar Nunez, FIC Lodge 219, El Paso (4)
2. Albin Machu Lodge 29, Taylor (2)
3. Jesus Rodriguez Lodge 271, Laredo (7)
4. Kenneth Schawe Lodge 171, Lockhart (1)
5. Sheldon Holub, FIC Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6)
6. Curtis Collins, FIC Lodge 66, Waco (3)
7. Julia Schmidt Lodge 66, Waco (3)
8. Jose H. Flores Lodge 271, Laredo (7)
9. Martha Broz, FIC Lodge 160, San Angelo (4)
10. Boyd Maxwell Lodge 234, Luling (1)
SPJST Top 10 ~ Career Agents ~
1. Sylvia Garivay Lodge 160, San Angelo (4)
2. Pedro Espinoza Lodge 217, Alice (7)
3. Lydia Talamantez Lodge 160, San Angelo (4)
4. Juan Castenada Lodge 271, Laredo (7)
5. Silvia Perry Lodge 32, Victoria (6)
6. Oscar Longoria Lodge 217, Alice (7)
7. Ricardo Oropeza Lodge 271, Laredo (7)
8. Ngwa Denis Muforsi Lodge 264, Plano (3)
9. Leo Longoria Lodge 217, Alice (7)
10. Claudia Castenada Lodge 271, Laredo (7)
( ) is district number.
Family Fun and Important Dates November 28 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 30 November 30 December 1 December 1 December 1 December 1 December 1 December 1 December 1 December 1 December 2 December 2 December 2 December 2 December 2 December 2 December 2 December 2 December 2 December 2 December 2 December 2 December 2
Sales Agents’ Seminar • Lodge 172, Pasadena (5) SPJST Float • Seguin Christmas Parade (7) Sales Agents’ Seminar • La Quinta, Midland (4) Sales Agents’ Seminar • Lodge 81, Needville (5) District Two Lock-In • Lodge 48, Beyersville Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club Christmas Party Gatti Town (1) SPJST Float • Georgetown Christmas Parade (2) SPJST Float • Elgin Christmas Parade (2) SPJST Float • Burleson Christmas Parade (3) Lodge 1, Fayetteville Christmas Dance (1) Lodge 26, Skidmore Christmas Party Shorty’s Restaurant, Beeville (7) Lodge 88, Houston Christmas Party (5) Lodge 91, Crosby Christmas Party China Ko in Crosby (5) Lodge 183, Arlington Christmas Party (3) SPJST Float • Bryan Christmas Parade (1) Lodge 1, Fayetteville Christmas Party (1) Lodge 6, Cottonwood Christmas Party/Meeting (3) Lodge 9, Snook Christmas Party/Annual Meeting (1) Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club Memorial Service (1) Lodge 20, Granger Christmas Party (2) Lodge 23, Moravia Christmas Party/Meeting (6) Lodge 47, Seaton Christmas Party (2) Lodge 54, West Christmas Party (3) Lodge 63, Sweet Home Christmas Party/Meeting Queen of Peace Parish Hall, Sweet Home (6) Lodge 66, Waco Christmas Party/Meeting (3) Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) Annual Holiday Appreciation Dance Lodge 155, Austin Christmas Social (2)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007 December 2 December 3 December 3 December 4 December 4 December 5 December 6 December 7 December 7 December 7 December 7 December 8 December 8 December 8 December 9 December 9 December 9 December 9 December 9 December 9 December 9 December 9 December 10 December 10 December 11 December 14 December 15 December 15 December 16 December 24 December 25 December 26 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31
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Lodge 169, Brenham Annual Christmas Dinner Bilski Camp House (1) SPJST Home Office Holiday Open House SPJST Float • Temple Christmas Parade (2) SPJST Float • Bay City Christmas Parade (6) Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy Christmas Party Taylor Hall, Bruceville, Eddy (2) Lodge 32, Victoria Christmas Dinner/Social (6) SPJST Float • El Campo Christmas Parade (6) Lodge 8, Weimar Christmas Party Schulenburg Community Center (6) Lodge 48, Beyersville Christmas Party/Meeting (2) Lodge 49, Rowena Christmas Meal (4) Lodge 51, Ellinger Christmas Stew Meal (1) SPJST Float • Arlington Christmas Parade (3) SPJST Float • Killeen Christmas Parade (2) Lodge 204, Stephenville Christmas Party Koffee Kup Restaurant (3) Lodge 4, Hallettsville Christmas Party American Legion Hall, Hallettsville (6) Lodge 18, Elgin Christmas Dance (2) Lodge 29, Taylor Christmas Party/Meeting (2) Lodge 30, Taiton Christmas Party (6) Lodge 39, Bryan Christmas Party (1) Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Christmas Party (6) Lodge 202, Jourdanton Christmas Party (7) Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point Christmas Party Cotton Patch Cafe, Temple Mall (2) Lodge 24, Cyclone Christmas Party/Potluck Dinner (2) Lodgr 151, Wharton Christmas Social/Meeting Hinze’s Barbecue (6) Lodge 141, Sealy Christmas Meeting Nancy’s Steakhouse (1) Lodge 80, Holland Christmas Party (2) SPJST Float • Franklin Christmas Parade (1) Lodge 80, Holland Youth Club Christmas Social Mazzio’s Pizza, Temple (2) Lodge 10, Shiner Christmas Party Shiner Catholic Church Activity Center (6) Christmas Eve • SPJST Home Office, Temple Closed Christmas Day • SPJST Home Office, Temple Closed No Vestnik Published New Year’s Eve Lodge 18, Elgin New Year’s Eve Dance: Fritz Hodde Lodge 24, Cyclone New Year’s Eve Dance: Shiloh/Terry Taylor (2) Lodge 25, Ennis New Year’s Eve Dance: Jak Se Do and Ennis Czech Boys Bands Lodge 35, Elk New Year’s Eve Dance: Cherokee Rose Lodge 88, Houston New Year’s Eve Dance: Vrazels Lodge 92, Fort Worth New Year’s Eve Dance: Charlie Patteson
SPJST INTEREST RATES SPJST Mortgage Interest Rates Mortgage rates are subject to change without notice. Call the SPJST Home Office (800) 727-7578.
Commercial Property
6.75% for 1 to 10 years 7.00% for 11 to 15 years
Universal Life Home or Farm Mortgages Universal Life I 75% Owner 5.75% for Annualized*
Annuity III 4.75% for Annualized* Annuity IV 4.75% for Annualized* * Rates effective 11/01/07 through 1/31/08.
Residence Property
5.25% for 1 to 15 years 5.75% for 16 to 20 years 6.25% for 21 to 30 years Farm Property
5.75% for 1 to 10 years 6.25% for 11 to 20 years 85% Owner Residence Property
7.25% for 1 to 30 years
Universal Life II 5.75% for Annualized* Annuities Annuity I 5.00% for Annualized* Annuity II 4.75% for Annualized*
Five-Year Annuity When purchased, current interest rates are guaranteed for 5 years.
Band 1—$10,000 to $24,999 Current Rate: 3.95% Band 2—$25,000 to $49,999 Current Rate: 4.10% Band 3—$50,000 and up Current Rate: 4.20%
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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
VĚSTNÍK
From the SL Financial Secretary
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN CERTIFICATE HOLDERS’ SURPLUS
SPJST Financial Statement as of September 30, 2007 Dear Members, In accordance with Article 39, Section d of the SPJST By-Laws, I am submitting a report of our Society which is extracted from the September 2007 Quarterly Statement. This report gives you pertinent items of information concerning our Society. All items are entered as found in the September 2007
Quarterly Statement which was filed with the Texas Department of Insurance in October, 2007. Please review this report in detail and should you have any questions, please contact me. Fraternally, Jerry Mikulas Financial Secretary —SPJST—
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION ASSETS Bonds .............................................................................. $ 126,183,083 Stocks.............................................................................. 26,083,844 Mortgage Loans.............................................................. 28,799,259 Real Estate: Properties occupied by the Society.......................... 2,596,068 Properties acquired in satisfaction of debt............... 0 Certificate Loans............................................................. 2,172,377 Cash................................................................................ 5,327,429 Other Assets....................................................................
2,290,827
TOTALS.................................................................... $ 193,452,887 LIABILITIES AND RESERVES Certificate Reserves........................................................ Certificate Benefits Payable............................................ Surplus Refunds Payable............................................... Premiums Received In Advance .................................... Interest Maintenance Reserve........................................ Asset Valuation Reserve................................................. Other Accrued Liabilities.................................................
160,721,342 75,000 0 378,196 1,924,942 4,244,802 1,042,361
TOTALS.................................................................... $ 168,386,643 Unassigned Funds..........................................................
25,066,244
TOTALS.................................................................... $ 193,452,887
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS INCOME 09/30/2007 Insurance and Annuity Premiums................................... $ 6,489,133 Net Investment Income...................................................
7,999,917
Amortization of Interest Maintenance Reserve..............
369,964
Commissions and Expense Allowance ..........................
368
TOTALS.................................................................... $
14,859,382
DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME Life and Annuity Benefits................................................ Refunds to Members....................................................... Additions to Reserves..................................................... Operating Expenses ....................................................... Net Realized Capital Gains (+) or Losses (-).................
6,645,596 5,825 2,432,095 5,970,799 91,983
TOTALS.................................................................... $ NET INCOME ...........................................................
15,146,298 -
289,916
09/30/2007 Balance Beginning.......................................................... $ 25,742,532 Net Income...................................................................... 286,916 Change in Unrealized Capital Gains (+) or Losses (-)... - 389,372 BALANCE ENDING ....................................................... $ 25,066,244 —SPJST—
SPJST Lo dge Se c t ion
The deadline for all Vestnik items is 5 p.m. the Wednesday before the publication date. Send your news and photos directly to:
SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: (254) 774-7447
Email: melaniez@vvm.com Questions? Call (800) 727-7578
Lodge 1 Fayetteville plans Christmas party
Lodge 4 Hallettsville elects officers
Vesele vanoce a stasny novy rok! Merry Christmas and happy new year! Celebrate the Christmas holidays—SPJST style.
Dear Members, Our lodge met Sunday, November 11, 2007, at the Legion Tap Room at 2 p.m. with President Joe Siptak presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Resolution Chairman Gaynell Chudej read the resolutions of sympathy for our departed members Charles “Zero” Zavesky and Stacey Rabel. Secretary-Treasurer Helen Zabransky read the minutes to the last meeting and gave the financial report. Correspondence was read. Under new business, our Christmas meeting was planned for December 9. A noon meal of fried chicken and sausage will be served. Members are asked to please bring side dishes and desserts. The youth club will provide the Christmas tree. FAC Annie Vahalik will get the prizes for bingo. A short meeting will be held. Officers for 2008 were elected and are: President Joe Siptak Vice President/FAC Annie Vahalik Secretary-Treasurer Helen Zabransky Reporter Patsy Zabransky Youth Leader Shirley Kalmus Assistant Youth Leader Robin Scott
Saturday, December 1 Dance SPJST Lodge 1, Fayetteville presents the Tim Hall Band on Saturday night, December 1, 2007, from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight. Admission is $5 per person. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. You’re invited to come on out to experience country and western dancing at its finest. The dance will be held in conjunction with Country Christmas Weekend on the square. Adult beverages will be available by donation only! Proceeds will benefit the Fayetteville Community Baseball Field. Sunday, December 2 Party The Lodge 1, Fayetteville Christmas party is Sunday, December 2 at 12 noon at the hall. Turkey stew will be provided by the lodge. The lodge meeting will follow the meal. Members are asked to please provide an appetizer or dessert and a new toy for underprivileged children or canned goods for the needy. Caring and sharing—that’s what Christmas and SPJST are all about! —SPJST—
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
VĚSTNÍK Being Veteran’s Day, Albert Smotek was asked to tell the members about his military service. Brother Smotek served in World War II from June 1941 through November 1945. He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant. During this time, he served in the United States as a flying expeditor of aircraft ports in the United States Air Force. Sunshine Chairman Lillie Balusek reported on the monthly bingo at Stevens Convalescent Center. October, November, and December birthdays recognized were Sarah Siptak, Evelyn Holy, Vicky Zak, Kathie Chudej, Alton Chudej, Issac Leer, Mark Siptak, and Jonathan Vahalik. The meeting adjourned. Lunch followed. Party/Meeting—December 9 Our meeting/Christmas party will be Sunday, December 9 at the Legion Hall beginning at 11:30 a.m. A noon meal of fried chicken and sausage will be served with the members bringing the side dishes and desserts. A short meeting will be held. We hope to see you December 9. Fraternally, Patsy Zabransky, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 9, Snook Christmas program December 2 The Lodge 9, Snook annual Christmas program is Sunday December 2, 2007. The youth club will meet at 2 p.m., and the adult lodge meeting is at 3:30 p.m. A potluck meal will be served at 4:30 p.m. The youth program will begin at 5:30 p.m., and Santa will come after the program. We invite you to attend our special holiday celebration. Ann Schoeneman, Secretary —SPJST—
Activity Center, located at 306 South Avenue F in Shiner, Texas. Door prizes will be awarded. Light refreshments will be served. Call Sue Watzlavik for more information (361) 594-2113 or (361) 5942738. We look forward to seeing you on December 16! —SPJST—
Lodge 20, Granger Christmas party December 2 Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 20, Granger will hold its monthly meeting and annual Christmas party on Sunday, December 2, 2007, at 3 p.m. at the SPJST hall in Granger, located across the street from the post office. Our officers cordially invite the officers of the Supreme Lodge and the Editor of the Vestnik to our party. A supper will be served followed by a short meeting. Meat will be furnished by the lodge. Each family is asked to bring a vegetable, salad, and/or dessert. All members and their families are invited to attend and enjoy fellowship in the SPJST. Members who received their 50year pins this year will be honored at our Christmas party. They are Hattie Gaida, Janet Smith, Mary Alice Cavanaugh, and Marilyn Ann Cavander. We will have our annual 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive collection for the SPJST youth scholarships that are awarded each year. The youth club will sing
Christmas carols. We are asking families to please bring either a vegetable dish or a dessert. The lodge will furnish the rest. Please bring your dominoes, decks of cards, or other games. Let’s have fun and enjoy socializing with each other. There will be a drawing for door prizes so don’t forget to register. We are looking forward to seeing everyone on December 2. Our lodge meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at our lodge hall. A light meal is served before the meeting. All members are invited to attend our monthly meetings. Mark your calendar and plan to get together for a good time on December 2. Best wishes to all of you for a joyous, safe, and blessed holiday season. Rubie Mae Loessin Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 23, Moravia Christmas party, meeting Dec. 2 Lodge 23, Moravia wishes to remind members of the Christmas party and meeting at the lodge hall on Sunday, December 2, 2007, at 2 p.m. The election of officers and delegate to the 2008 convention will take place. Members are asked to please bring their special desserts. Thank you, Lodge 23, Moravia Officers —SPJST—
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Lodge 24, Cyclone Christmas party December 10 The next meeting of Lodge 24, Cyclone is set for Monday, December 10, 2007, at 7 p.m. We will have a potluck style meal, and please bring a Toys for Tots toy donation. We will also have a Chinese gift exchange ($10 value). If you have questions, please call Flag Hall. Come out for a great time of fun, food, and fellowship! Fraternally, Shirley Hoelscher, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 25, Ennis youth invites members to polka On Sunday, December 2, 2007, at 3 p.m.—come out to SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis and learn to polka! The Czech Heritage Society of Texas is sponsoring free dance lessons for members and non-members of all ages. We will learn the basic polka, Flying Dutchman, Seven Step, Schottische, and more! Bring all your friends and family out to Lodge 25 hall in Ennis to join the fun and learn to dance these different polkas with us! S panem bohem, Blake Ryan Youth Club President —SPJST—
SPJST Home Office Gives to Food for Families
Lodge 10, Shiner Christmas party December 16 Members, Families, and Friends, You are cordially invited to the SPJST Lodge 10, Shiner Christmas party on Sunday, December 16, 2007, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event will be held at the Shiner Catholic Church
SPJST Home Office staff members collected food for the annual Food for Families drive held November 16. LEFT PHOTO: Pictured with the food donations are, left to right, Executive Assistant Margaret Campbell, Certificate Servicing Specialist Margaret Santana, Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek,
Assistant to the SL Secretary-Treasurer Janie Coakley, Receptionist Peggy Brewer, and Mortgage Loan Clerk Carol Wolf. RIGHT PHOTO: SL President Brian Vanicek, center, and SL Vice President Gene McBride, right, assist a Food for Families volunteer with unloading the food donations.
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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Lodge 26, Skidmore Christmas party December 1
District Three donates to St. Thomas Catholic Church pantry
Lodge 26, Skidmore will have its Christmas party on Saturday, December 1, 2007, at 11:30 a.m. at Shorty’s Restaurant, located at 702 South Washington Street in Beeville, Texas. All members are urged to attend as officers will also be elected at this meeting. Fraternally, Mary Denkeler, President —SPJST—
Lodge 28 Karel Jonas East Bernard meets December 9 Dear Members, The last 2007 monthly meeting of Lodge Karel Jonas will be on the 9th of December at 1 p.m., in the East Bernard Branch Library, located at 746 Clubside Drive. After opening ceremonies, giving grace, and serving the luncheon, business needing immediate attention will be expedited along with a certificate being presented to our oldest member, Sister Hilda Blahuta, whose 96th birthday will be on December 5. As to the fraternal hour buffet luncheon, there will be ham with members being asked to bring side dishes and dessert. There will also be something special for Sister Hilda’s birthday. On November 11, Veteran’s Day, the lodge meeting started at 12 noon. After the Pledge of Allegiance, remembering living and deceased veterans saying grace led by Brother Glenn Kaminsky, FIC, a very abundant fried chicken dinner was served. All enjoyed the luncheon. Our oldest member Sister Hilda Blahuta was able to attend and enjoyed the festivities. Sister Hilda said she hopes to be able to attend the December meeting. The meeting moved quickly with all business being expedited. The officers who served in 2007 were all re-elected. They are: President Joseph D. Nezval, FIC Vice President Jeanette Kaminsky Secretary Helen A. Kelner Treasurer A.J. “Tony” Kelner Delegates to the 2008 30th SPJST Convention are Vice President Jeanette Kaminsky, Glenn Kaminsky,
Pictured are the canned foods collected at the District Three Fall Meeting held October 28, 2007, at SPJST Lodge 154, Fort Worth. The food was delivered to St. Thomas Catholic Church Food Bank Pantry by Lodge 154 members Rosie Steinman and Larry Hargiss. Pictured above Rosie, right, presents the food to Food Pantry Chairman Faith Lindeau. Rosie says, “A big thank you to all the members who donated the food. God bless you all.”
FIC, Secretary Helen A. Kelner and Treasurer A.J. “Tony” Kelner. Thanks goes to Jeanette Kaminsky and Helen Kelner for the special table cloths and decorations. Additional thanks to A.J. “Tony” Kelner for bringing our most senior member Hilda Blahuta to the meeting. To the faithful: mark the time of 1 p.m. on the 9th of December on your calendars, plan to attend, and this writer remains . . . Fraternally yours, Joseph D. Nezval, FIC President —SPJST—
Lodge 29, Taylor members receive monthly reports, updates SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor held its regular meeting on November 14, 2007, with President Ronnie Rieger leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Officer roll call showed Edmond Tate absent. The minutes were read with one correction. Mary Jane Pustejovsky’s name was omitted as a birthday celebrant in October. Tammy Whatley gave the treasurer’s report. Sharon Kaderka gave the vice president’s report. Lodge 29 was not chosen to host any of the state tournaments in 2008. The SPJST Home Office will host a Holiday
Open House on December 3 following the Temple Christmas parade. Everyone is invited to attend. Sharon read a letter from the Taylor Area Business Women thanking us for the donation to the Christmas Lights of Taylor Fund. Youth Leader Cristy Girod gave the youth club report. Some of the activities the youth club has participated in include going to Six Flags, having a booth at the Temple Czech Feszt selling candles, collecting over 80 items to send to the troops serving our country, and writing letters to the troops. There will be a lock-in at Beyersville on November 30. The youth club will ride on one of the SPJST Floats in the Georgetown parade on December 1 and in the Taylor parade that evening. At the Christmas meeting, the District Two Beseda Dancers will perform. It will be the first performance for Kaitlyn Whatley and Dounia Mohad. The youth club has 21 members and a couple of potential members in the works. Dorothy Markert reported there were seven tables of domino players at the senior citizens gathering on November 7. The next senior citizens dominoes will be on Wednesday, December 5 with a Christmas lunch at 12 noon. They will play dominoes following the meal. Connie Voigt reported on our first Bunco game night. We had 28 players. The next Bunco game night will be on Thursday, December 13 due to the Christmas holidays. Beginning in January, we will resume hosting the
VĚSTNÍK bunco games on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Men and women are invited to attend. Lyn Rieger, Chairman of the Christmas Decorating Committee, reported we will decorate the hall on Thursday, November 29 at 6:30 p.m. Any Christmas decorations you would like to donate to the hall will be appreciated. Jesse Pospisil gave the property committee report. He reported the Temple Czech Feszt was a success, and the planning committee is working on next year’s festivities scheduled for October 18, 2008. Election of Officers Officer elections were held. All officers were re-elected by acclamation. Officers for the 2008 year are: President Ronnie Rieger Vice President Sharon Kaderka Secretary-Reporter Linda Pospisil Treasurer Tammy Whatley Youth Leader Cristy Girod Property Committee members: Jesse Pospisil (term from 2007-2009) Edmond Tate and Bobby Eulenfeld (terms from 2006-2008) Frankie Pustejovsky and Erwin Meiske (Terms from 20082010) Delegates elected for the 2008 Convention are Ronnie Rieger, Jesse Pospisil, Sharon Kaderka, Linda Pospisil, Lyn Rieger, Albin Machu, Bobby Eulenfeld, LaVerne Eulenfeld, and Frankie Pustejovsky. Members celebrating birthdays in November are Barbara Nygrin, Clarence Nygrin, Irene Hamann, Jerry W. Tallas, Chad Tallas, Elaine Machu, Charles Flink, Lucille Trcka, Aaron Jezisek, and Chance Charpentier. Wedding anniversaries are celebrated by Clarence and Barbara Nygrin and Julian and Shirley Kosh. Albin Machu signed up two new members. They are Destinee Machu and Jaxon Kunze. Jesse Pospisil made a motion, and Lyn Rieger seconded the motion to move our December meeting to Sunday, December 9 at 3 p.m. We will have a short meeting then our annual Christmas party. The lodge will furnish the meat, and members will bring side dishes. Santa will be stopping by to drop off some goodies. Door prizes were donated by Lucille Trcka and Anton Pokorny. The meeting then adjourned. Fraternally submitted, Linda Pospisil Secretary-Reporter —SPJST—
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
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Lodge 30, Taiton Christmas party December 9 Dear Vestnik Readers, The Lodge 30, Taiton Christmas party is Sunday, December 9, 2007. The youth will need to be at the hall at 10 a.m. to set up and decorate. The youth club meeting will follow at 11 a.m. The social time is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m., and the meal will
be served at 12:15 p.m. with the adult meeting to follow around 1 p.m. All are asked to bring a toy for a needy child and/or canned goods for a needy family. The youth are also asked to bring a table centerpiece to be given away as a door prize during the adult meeting. The entree will be catered, but please remember that you are asked to bring a side dish or a dessert for the meal. Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 32, Victoria Christmas social December 5 SPJST Lodge 32, Victoria invites members to its Christmas social on Wednesday, December 5, 2007, at 6 p.m. at the lodge hall, located at 3502 North Laurent in Victoria. A catered roast beef dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Please bring canned goods for VCAM donation.
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Please RSVP by Thursday, November 29 to Lois Elles (361) 575-6712 or Kathy Ahlstrom (361) 578-3279. We look forward to seeing you! —SPJST—
Kolache kid
Annual festival dishes up tasty Czech heritage
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ALDWELL - Prune would not have been Nikolas Faust’s first choice. But prompted by his grandmother, Lydia Mae Faust, the 10-year-old entered a prune kolache in the city’s annual Kolache Festival Bake Show competition last year and rode it to victory. “I thought it would be the cherry cheese or one of those,” said Nikolas, last year’s grand champion in the Burleson County youth division. “I had no idea it would be prune. Prune is not one of my favorites.” It is a taste of tradition, though. And in an age of kolache innovation that has resulted in the jalapeño cheese sausage—a taste that might have been as foreign as text messaging to the Czech immigrants who introduced the doughy pastry to the farmlands of Burleson County - tradition remains important. It is a guiding principle of the annual Kolache Festival, which will be held for the 23rd year Saturday. In Caldwell, the Kolache Capital of Texas by act of the Legislature, the kolache has become a symbol of tradition. As Caldwell Mayor Bernard Rychlik sees it, the kolache is a gift from the Czech immigrants who settled in the Burleson County area, bringing with them the pastry and a sense of hospitality that provided ample chance to offer them by the dozens to visitors. For many in the Houston area, the doughy pastry topped with fruit or stuffed with sausage comes courtesy of chain stores. But in Caldwell and the Fausts’ hometown of nearby Snook, a call remains for homemade. “I’m 68 years old, and I haven’t met a bad one,” said Rychlik, the festival chairman. “I’ve met some that weren’t as good as others, but I haven’t turned down any.” The pastry is part of a tradition that Rychlik inherited from grandparents who immigrated in 1883-85. His first language was the Czech spoken in his childhood home five miles outside Caldwell. He maintains a collection of Czech polka music in his GMC Yukon. For 15 years, he has served as the mayor of the city of about 4,000 that many might recognize as they pass the intersection of Texas 21 and Texas 36 on the way over the Brazos River, along cotton and corn fields, to Bryan or College Station. Although the Legislature dubbed Caldwell the
By Tara Dooley • Houston Chronicle state’s “kolache capital,” lawmakers have been generous with their recognition of the pastry’s role in other former Czech communities. West, for example, home to three bakeries that serve kolaches to its 2,750 residents, was bestowed the title of “home of the official Kolache of the Texas Legislature.” Keeping up the kolache tradition falls not just to those with Czech heritage. Before Louemma Polansky met her husband, Hubert, she had never eaten a kolache. She's from Llano County, she explained, where the kolache was not a source of local pride. But after her mother-in-law passed away, it was up to Polansky to take over the task for a traditional Christmas Eve celebration. “It was either, I had to learn how to make them or we’d lose the tradition," Polansky said. “So I learned to make them.” Lydia Mae Faust figures she started baking kolaches, with her mother, when she was about 12 or 13. The family lived in Snook, 17 miles from Caldwell. The town was settled by Czech immigrants and today is home to Faust and more than 550 others. Baking was a Sunday effort in preparation for afternoon visitors to the family farm, she said. After a brief stint working in a chair-making factory, Faust put her baking skills to work and eventually opened the Snook Baking Company. Among her offerings were kolaches. In the late 1980s, Faust won the grand-champion prize for professional bakers at the Caldwell Kolache Festival with a ham-and-cheese kolache, an idea she borrowed from McDonald’s, she said. Although she sold the bakery in 1995, she continued taking special orders from customers and eventually learned how to sleep until 7 a.m. Late mornings came to an end this May when Faust joined the staff of Slovacek’s in Snook. Owner Tim Rabroker had recently added a smokehouse and gas station in front of the sausagemanufacturing factory, Slovacek Sausage. As Rabroker saw it, Snook was famous for its high school basketball team, its sausage and its kolaches. So, he would need someone with skills. “You need a good one,” Rabroker said. “There are discerning tastes here.” Faust brought her secret recipe. At 74 years old, she arrives at the smokehouse at
about 4 a.m. and starts at least five hours of mixing flour, milk, sugar, eggs and yeast, stuffing kolaches with fruit filling and sausage, and producing at least 18 dozen kolaches. “You have to have patience,” Faust said. “You have to be willing to let them rise.” Doors open at Slovacek’s at 6 a.m., right about the time the first batch of sausage kolaches emerges from the oven for display in the bakery case next to the kitchen. On a recent Thursday, Faust’s first customer arrived at 6:22 a.m. for a kolache and a diet Dr. Pepper. One of the next takers was a regular, Smith “Smitty” Myers. After stopping to give Faust a hug, he headed to the case for a box that included sausage, peach and apple. “I don’t know why they are better,” said Myers, 81, who has been eating Faust’s kolaches since 1988. “That lady back there, she’s been doing this a long time, and she knows what she’s doing.” These days, Faust is busy sharing that know-how with a generation of Burleson County youths who have never heard Czech, her first language. Faust teaches classes in kolache baking and serves as the co-chairwoman of the bake-show competition. She is passing the skills on to her grandsons, Nikolas and his brother, nine-year-old Braxton. So far, Nikolas has taken to the task, fitting it in between football and basketball practice, 4-H cooking competitions, and duties raising hogs, heifers and chickens. He figures he knows his grandmother’s secret - add the dry ingredients before the wet. But for Faust, it is not just about imparting secrets. “I’m trying to teach him the texture, what the dough is supposed to look like,” she said, “and to have patience.” Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle Publishing Company. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved. Editor’s Note: The preceding article was published in the September 6, 2007, Houston Chronicle. Thanks to the Houston Chronicle for permission to reprint the article. Lydia Mae Faust is a member of Lodge 9, Snook, and Bernard Rychlik is a member of Lodge 17, New Tabor. —SPJST—
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Lodge 39, Bryan Christmas party December 9 Lodge 39, Bryan will hold its lodge Christmas party on our regular second Sunday meeting date, December 9, 2007. Each member is asked to please bring a white elephant gift. You need not bring any food. FAC Dianna Everett and Youth Leader Binnie Roesler will plan the rest of the Christmas program. On Friday, December 7 at 5 p.m., we will meet for a visit to Sherwood Health Center to sing, wish good cheer, and give stuffed animals to the patients. After that, we will all go out to eat dinner. Lillie M. O’Shields Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 48 Beyersville plans Christmas party December 7 Lodge 48, Beyersville invites all members of the SPJST family and the community to join us at our annual Christmas party. This will be held on December 7 at the lodge hall. Come out and join us for dominoes and cards starting at 6 p.m. We will eat shortly thereafter and have the children’s program around 7:15 or 7:30 p.m. The youth club will dress in Christmas costumes. If you want to join them, I am sure that they won’t mind. We will also sing Christmas carols, so be sure to drink your lemon juice and tune up before heading out. We will be serving baked potatoes, chili, and hot dogs. We ask that if you are able, to please bring a dessert. Our lodge meeting will be held the evening of the Christmas party. We will have an abbreviated meeting, but it is still important to attend as we will elect a new property committee member. Contact Bobby Wuensche (512) 365-3013 if you can serve in this capacity. Fraternally, Denisse L. Wuensche Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston welcomes Lodge 255, Katy
Lodge 88, Houston President Pat Bruce presents Robert’s Rules of Order to Lodge 255, Katy President C.W. Roberts. Lodge 255 was officially chartered as the newest lodge on November 9.
Lodge 49, Rowena Lodge 63 Christmas meal Sweet Home December 7 Christmas party SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena will December 2 host its annual Christmas meal and game social on December 7, 2007, at the lodge hall. Registration will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the serving of the meal at 7 p.m. All members are urged to attend and bring a guest. The members voted to bring little story books for the Runnels County Head Start again this year. Please bring a story book to help this Christmas project, and come for an evening of fun, food, and fraternal fellowship. You do not have to be a member of SPJST to attend. All ages are welcome! —SPJST—
Lodge 54, West Christmas party December 2 Lodge 54, West will hold its Christmas party on Sunday, December 2, 2007, at Lone Star Hall. Social hour will begin at 3 p.m.; youth club program follows at 4 p.m. Dinner will be served at 4:30 p.m. Santa will arrive, and door prizes will be given at 5:30 p.m. Each SPJST family is asked to bring a dessert for the dinner. Meal and refreshments will be provided by SPJST Lodge 54. You must be present to receive door prizes. Come out and enjoy the Christmas party! Please RSVP by November 16. —SPJST—
Lodge 63, Sweet Home will hold its monthly meeting and quarterly social (Christmas party) at the Queen of Peace Parish Hall in Sweet Home on Sunday, December 2, 2007, beginning at 12 noon. A social hour will be followed by a catered meal. Members are asked to bring desserts. Someone with a birthday in October, November, or December will win a birthday cake baked by Earline Zabransky. The meal will be followed by a short meeting. The usual reports will be given, election of officers conducted, and appointment of committees. Since next year will be a convention year, delegates will also be elected. Door prizes, donated by the members and guests, will be awarded immediately after the meeting. Next will be the gift exchange. The price limit is again around $3 with there being gifts for children, women, and men. I doubt if Santa will be able to make it this year for this is his busiest time and the elves need supervision, but he will make sure that the usual fruit and candy bags will be left for members and friends. Sweet Home is the place to be on December 2 for free drinks, a free meal, and good times. See you there! Fraternally, Elaine Berkovsky FAC/Reporter —SPJST—
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Lodge 66, Waco Christmas party December 2 Lodge 66, Waco Christmas party will be observed on Sunday, December 2, 2007, at Linden Hall, Elm Mott. The doors will open at 2 p.m. A short meeting will be held at 3 p.m. with installation of officers, and the dinner at 5 p.m. The party is for members and their immediate family only. It would be appreciated if each family would donate a door prize marked for adult or child. Hope to see you at the party. Fraternally, Dorothy Veselka, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 81 Needville reports on November meeting SPJST Lodge 81, Needville held its monthly meeting on Sunday, November 18, 2007. At 12 noon, President Vincent Newman gave a prayer of thanks. We had a delicious meal of turkey and dressing. We also had an assortment of side dishes and desserts provided by the lodge members. Thanks to everyone who brought something. We would also like to thank Benita Walzel and Winnifred Susan for baking the turkeys, and thanks to Willie Mae Kuykendall for making her delicious dressing. Thanks also goes to Darlene Blinka and her kitchen committee for getting everything set up for us. President Vincent Newman called the business meeting to order at 1 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by All officers Brother Newman. answered the roll call. We had a moment of silence for departed members Dorothy Eversole and Louise Newman. Louise was the mother of our president, Vincent. She was the longtime reporter of our lodge. Added to our sick list are Darlene Blinka, Opal Teykl, Brook Stavinoha, and Yvonne Wrobliski. Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall read the minutes, and they were approved as read. Treasurer Benita Walzel read her report, and it was approved as read. Special Funds Chairman Gilbert Walzel read the schedule of events for the coming month. He then read his
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
VĚSTNÍK special funds report, and they were also approved as read. Under old business, President Vincent Newman announced that he hasn’t talked to our CPA yet about proper forms for our tax exemption status. Also under old business, Gilbert Walzel said that he called three businesses for estimates to cut and trim the trees on the lodge’s premises. He read all three estimates to the members. Under new business, it was made into a motion and passed that we contact Randy Bodine to do the tree trimming and cutting. Next, Special Funds Chairman Gilbert Walzel read a letter from United Engineers, Inc. about surveying our property as per the Highway 36 improvement project. Next, it was time to elect our new officers. A motion was made that all officers accept their positions. The motion was seconded with the exception of Treasurer Benita Walzel. Officers for the 2008 year are: President Vincent Newman Vice President/Reporter Jeanette Newman Secretary/Financial Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha Special Funds Chairman Gilbert Walzel Other positions elected are: Hall Manager Gilbert Walzel (with Bradley Stavinoha helping) Memorial Fund Winnifred Susan Rules and Regulations Edward Kuban, Winnifred Susan and Alvin Blinka Board of Trustees Vincent Newman, Jeanette Newman Willie Mae Kuykendall Bradley Stavinoha, Gilbert Walzel Ed Kuban, Glenn McDonald Emma Kujawa Resolution Committee Willie Mae Kuykendall Winnifred Susan Lodge Historians Jeanette Newman Willie Mae Kuykendall Dorothy Kuban Activity Committee Benita Walzel, Gilbert Walzel Winnifred Susan, Bradley Stavinoha Darlene Blinka, Vincent Newman Emma Kujawa Get Well Cards Dorothy Kuban, Karen Rust Jeanette Newman
Register Guests Jeanette Newman and Alvin Blinka Kitchen Committee Darlene Blinka, Winnifred Susan Dorothy Kuban, Emma Kujawa It was decided to install the officers at our January, 2008, meeting. Under other business, Bradley Stavinoha told the members about the new MediGap Supplement Coverage. He also mentioned that the Czech Heritage Society and membership drive will be held on February 8, 2008. He made the motion that Lodge 81 provide the ingredients they need to make the gumbo. Also, under other business, President Vincent Newman mentioned that he and Jeanette Newman attended the chartering of Lodge 255, Katy. Christmas was the next item on our agenda. It was decided to have 10 door prizes at our December meeting. Jeanette Newman will check with the S.P.J.S.T. Nursing Home in Needville to see what kind of canned fruit they would like to serve the residents. Winnifred Susan and Benita Walzel will make the Christmas bags. Bradley Stavinoha will ask Dan Pavlas if he will come to our lodge and play music for us again this year. Door prize winners were Dorothy Blinka, Reggie Stern, Gilbert Walzel, and Jeanette Newman. Congratulations to our lucky winners. Reggie Stern donated his prize back to the lodge to help cover the cost of our next meal. Thank you, Reggie.
ARTICLE X – MISCELLANEOUS Section 5. If Lodge No. 88 should be dissolved, the assets will be divided equally and transferred to the Czech Heritage Museum located in Temple, Texas; the SPJST Education and Nature Center located in Temple, Texas; and the S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home in Needville, Texas. Marceil Malak, Secretary Patricia Bruce, President —SPJST—
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We will gather these items and get them delivered to a neighborhood shelter to help show our fraternalism. Let’s show everyone how fraternal we can be and try to fill a van! Remember, everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. I hope to see our lodge filled! Fraternally, Michelle Wockenfuss Assistant Youth Leader —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston Lodge 88, Houston Christmas party reports on December 1 November meeting Dear Members, I am pleased to announce that Lodge 88, Houston will host its annual Christmas party on Saturday, December 1, 2007, at 11 a.m. in the Chandelier ballroom. We will have a day filled with Christmas cheer including refreshments, singing Christmas carols, and of course, we will hope for a visit from old St. Nick! At this time, we would like to ask each person who attends to bring a non-perishable food item, toiletry item, or anything else that you would like to share with those less fortunate.
The meeting began at 7:30 p.m. as usual, with President Patricia Bruce presiding. An invocation was given by Sydney Jurchak. Secretary Marceil Malak read the names of departed members since the October meeting, after which the membership stood in silent tribute to these members. A roll call of officers revealed the absence of Second Vice President Sherry Miller who was reported to be in the hospital. President Bruce welcomed visitors Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek along with his mother; State FAC Chester Jenke;
Lodge 88, Houston: Thank You, Veterans
Next Meeting—December 16 For our next meal on December 16, it was decided to have ham and sausage. Members, please remember to bring a side dish and a dessert. See you at the next meeting. Fraternally, Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston presents change to rules and regulations An Application for Miscellaneous Property Tax Exemption has been filed for Lodge 88, Houston in an effort to reduce our taxes. Lodge 88 Rules and Regulations were amended by adding Section 5 to Article X. As required by Article X, Section 4, this change is being printed in the Vestnik.
During the November monthly meeting, Lodge 88, Houston honored veterans for their service to our country. A poem, “Remember,” was read by Esther Heinsohn. As a tribute to those who are no longer with us, Jimmy Heinsohn played “Taps.” Thanks to all veterans for keeping our country free. In tribute, Helen Hegwood and Fred Buri led the membership in “God Bless America.” Pictures were taken and each veteran was given a copy of “Remember.” Lodge 88, Houston honored veterans for their service at the November 12, 2007, meeting. Pictured are, seated, left to right, C.W. Roberts, Gene Barcak, Emil Kuropata, Sidney Jurchak, Florian Demny, and Leander Pflughaupt. BACK: Dennis Roeder, Cleburn Lincke, Henry Novak, Raymond Krampota, Rudy Darilek, Johnny Broz, Robert Martinek, and Jimmy Heinsohn. —Submitted by Esther Heinsohn, FAC
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and Brother C.W. Roberts, president of Lodge 255, Katy. Minutes of the October meeting were read and approved with a minor correction. Sister Clara Broz read the financial report for October. President Bruce read a financial report for Czech Day revealing a nice profit for the day. First Vice President Helen Hegwood commented on Czech Day and reminded us of the annual Lodge 88 Christmas party and encouraged member participation at all functions. FAC Esther Heinsohn reminded us of the domino tournament and Deer Antler Contest. She is planning a food basket for a needy family. Donations are requested to be gathered at the December meeting. Don’t forget to bring your donation on December 9! Youth Leader Barbara Gonzalez reported the fun time at the Halloween party and at the Manna Farms excursion by all district youth and other adults who attended. Three freezers of homemade ice cream were enjoyed on Czech Day. She also issued invitations to all members for the Christmas party on December 1 and another district trip planned for December 15 to Santa’s Workshop in College Station. A special thank you was given to Carol Stayton for continuing to get the bread for Thursday nights as well as thanks to all who help in the kitchen. Our Entertainment Committee Chairman Betty Theiss reported an increase in dance activities. The New Year’s Eve dance, one of the year’s favorite activities at Lodge 88, will feature the Vrazels. Tickets are $20 each and black-eyed peas and cornbread will be included. Social Night Chairman Mildred Holeman introduced her committee members and thanked them for continuing the work of the committee in her absence. The committee recommended donations be given as follows: $100 to Boys Harbor, $100 to St. Vincent DePaul Society, $100 to M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital, and $1,000 to S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home Needville. Chairman of the Board of Trustees John Broz reported that the Stroke Scan medical services were well attended by members, and a rebate is expected. A new ordinance by the City of Houston which prohibits smoking within 25 feet of a building will eliminate the need for the ash trays located just outside our buildings. New carpet is being installed as promised, and help is needed with painting some areas. Brother Broz called for a vote to approve the donations as recommended by the Social Night Committee. These were approved. Two proposed by-law changes
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were read by Emil Kuropata, Chairman of the By-Law Committee. These changes will be voted upon at the annual meeting in December. Carol Havemann announced that applications for scholarships by high school seniors may be requested by calling the lodge office. They must be completed and returned by December 31. For the Birthday Club, Sister Lowrina Lindemann thanked all for the pastry donations on Czech Day and said the meal for their luncheon this coming week will be fried chicken and covered dish. Brother Cleburne Linke reported that Enos Wessels, a member of the Men’s Club, passed away. We extend our sympathy to his family. Carol Stayton said tickets are on sale for the Blue Room party on December 2, and the meal will be catered by Outback Steakhouse. You won’t want to miss it! Dennis Roeder thanked his kitchen workers for their usual faithful service on Czech Day. District Five President Carolyn Beseda reported on the District Five meeting and thanked all for their assistance on that day. Supreme Lodge President Brian
Vanicek reported on the wonderful turn-out at the Czech Feszt which was coordinated by the City of Temple, Czech Heritage Museum, and SPJST. He stated that SPJST participates in other Czech activities throughout the state, promoting Czech heritage and culture. The lodge officers are available to assist in planning such activities on the local level. To reach the goal of $400,000 in donations to the Czech Heritage Museum, about $25,000 more is needed so that contributions will be matched. State FAC Chester Jenke proudly announced that SPJST won the Excellence Award at Join Hands Day in La Grange. Next year, the Czech Feszt in Temple will be on October 18, and Join Hands Day will be May 3. A program to honor veterans began with Taps performed by Jimmy Heinsohn. God Bless America was led by Helen Hegwood and Fred Buri. All veterans present gathered in front of the membership and were photographed. Members who are ill and need our prayers include Sherry Miller and Ora Nell Hassebrock. Louise Jacob, who
reports regularly concerning Ora Nell, said that she has finally recovered sufficiently from her surgeries to join Karl at the Sommerville Home on Falbrook. The Men’s Club reminded us that they are still collecting newspapers. Winners of the Mr. and Mrs. Czech Day Contest at Lodge 88’s Czech Day were Henry Novak and Bessie Dewer. President Bruce reported on progress made with regard to securing an exemption from property taxes. The need for a temporary change in our by-laws was explained, and after discussion, the necessary wording, was read by Brother Kuropata as a motion from the By-Law Committee. The motion was seconded and approved, subject to approval at the annual meeting. Such action is allowed according to Article X of our By-Laws. Guide Josephine Pflughaupt reported 63 members present and five guests. “Happy Birthday” was sung, and anniversaries were announced. Fifteen door prizes were awarded, 10 of which were presented from the SPJST Home Office. The meeting was adjourned at
Lodge 92, Fort Worth Charity Dance Scenes
LEFT PHOTO: Pictured are members of the charity dance committee and prize winners. They are, left to right, Gordon Hubenak, Pam Durham, Joy James (winner of the grill), Corrina Cranfil (winner of the gourmet food peeler), Mary Ann
Krivanek, Frank Prochaska, and District Three Director Johnnie Krizan. Not pictured is Hayden Huttleston, winner of the television. RIGHT PHOTO: Corrina Cranfil was the winner of the gourmet food peeler.
LEFT PHOTO: Youth club members enjoy the evening dancing. They are Ari Davies, Bethany Cryer, Andie Tataravich, and Lauren Traugott.
RIGHT PHOTO: Frank Prochaska displays the grill which was won by Joy James, pictured right. Thanks to all who participated.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
VĚSTNÍK approximately 9:50 p.m., followed by social activities. Beverages for social time were provided by Esther Heinsohn for her birthday and Paul and Connie Pflughaupt. Connie is celebrating having received her Masters Degree. Congratulations! Fraternally, Marceil Malak, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston members asked to give food items Members are requested to bring food items to the December 9 meeting for a Christmas basket for a needy family. Of course, if you forget to bring anything, money is always welcome as a turkey and some additional items always need to be purchased. Fraternally, Esther Heinsohn, FAC —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston plans December 2 Blue Room party You are cordially invited to the Lodge 88, Houston annual Christmas Blue Room party on Sunday, December 2, 2007, from 2 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $22.50 per person. Sorry, no one under 21 will be admitted. A portion of the funds will benefit Lodge 88’s scholarship fund. Reservations are being taken from November 1 through November 26. (Reservations must be made and paid by November 26.) No tickets will be sold at the door. For reservations, please call (713) 869-5767, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Music will be by Fritz Hodde and the Fabulous Six. The meal will be provided by Outback Steakhouse. Please join us for a fun afternoon of dancing and dining with your friends. —SPJST—
Lodge 91, Crosby Christmas party December 1 Lodge 91, Crosby will hold its annual Christmas party on Saturday, December 1, 2007, at China-Ko located off of FM 2100 in Crosby at 11 a.m. There will be a meeting, followed by lunch and door prizes. Fraternally, Vonda Smesny, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 92 Fort Worth announces 2008 officers Election of Officers Officers for 2008 are: President Gordon Hubenak Vice President/FAC Pam Durham Secretary Gayle Krengel Treasurer Mary Ann Krivanek Financial Secretary Norma McLendon Youth Leader Holly Hubenak Board of Trustees for 2008 are Bill McClendon, John Paprskar, Joe Hubenak, Albert Kubala, and Al Kercho. The installation of officers will take place at the Sunday, December 2, 2007, member appreciation party and dance. The famous Jodie Mikula Band will be playing for our enjoy-
ment. Free food will be served. Admission is free for all members, and others will be admitted at the regular admission price. Everyone from far and near is invited. The reporter will be elected at the January, 2008, meeting. Appointment of committees will also be made and announced at the January meeting. Delegates elected are Al Kercho, Kenneth Krivanek, Albert Kubala, Joe Kozel, and Mary Ann Krivanek. First alternate is Alene Kercho. Vino Brani Dance St. George’s Altar Society held a very successful Harvest Dance at our lodge on Saturday, November 3. This event has been held in Fort Worth each November for the past 50 years. The Czech and Then Some band played to a full house of very enthusiastic dancers. Some folks were turned away due to lack of table space. Who said polka and the fun dances are not popular anymore? Sunshine Report News Our expressions of sympathy were sent to the families of Bunny Tesar, Mike Juracek, and Gertrude Botik. Get well wishes went to Lucille Greener, Christine Zich, Elsie Anders, Rudy Koci, and Helen Kubala. Hurry up and get well so you can attend our next activity at the lodge. Other Upcoming Events Wednesday, December 5—Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Admission is a new, unwrapped toy. Free food and country western music. Sunday, December 9—Youth Christmas party. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Merry Christmas from Lodge 239, Hondo!
Members of Lodge 239, Hondo ride the lighted SPJST Float in the Christmas in God’s Country parade on Saturday, November 17, 2007, in Hondo, Texas. The float received the third place award.
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The Gordon and Joe Hubenak families challenge other lodge families to come that day and sing Christmas carols as used to be the tradition of yesteryear. Please bring cookies for your family and friends and to share with others. And, the big one . . . Monday December 31—New Year’s Eve dance with music by the beloved Charlie Patteson Orchestra. Dance into the New Year 2008. Call Joyce (817) 624-1361 for reservations and discounted advance tickets. Appreciation Many thanks go to those who donated to the tree fund and the building maintenance fund. It is a great way to donate and remember your deceased family and friends. Thanks also to the lodge members who voluteer their time and effort in making the lodge successful. Al Kercho, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 151, Wharton Christmas social December 10 Lodge 151, Wharton will hold the quarterly meeting and Christmas social on December 10, 2007, at Hinze’s Barbecue meeting room. Registration will be held from 6 to 6:30 p.m. followed by a catered meal of turkey and dressing. Members, please notify Carolyn Bucek if you plan to attend so she will know how much food to order. Her number is (979) 532-1910. Members are asked to please bring desserts. Members are also asked to bring personal items that could be used at the nursing home for door prizes and bingo prizes. We will be giving items to the Crisis Center again this year. If you wish to participate, please bring unwrapped personal items for women or children. Examples are toys, socks, hygiene items, kitchen items, undergarments, etc. Fifty-year pins will be awarded to Annie K. Navratil, Charles Edward Bollom, Edward Ray Orsak, and Bobby Wayne Peter. The election of officers for 2008 and the election of delegates to the 2008 SPJST Convention will be held. Please volunteer to accept a position for a year or two. Birthday honorees for October, November, and December will be recognized.
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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
September Meeting Highlights A memorial service was held for the deceased members of the lodge. Ray Pilgrim presented a list of the deceased members, and a member of the deceased family lighted a candle. Discussions were held on donations to the S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home in Needville. The donation will be given at our Christmas social. A donation will be given to the Crisis Center at the Christmas social. Birthday honorees for July, August, and September were Pauline Kalina, Charles Bucek, Ray Pilgrim, and Joe Priesler. Members were given a gift from the lodge by FAC Charles Bucek. District Six Director Michael Ahlstrom gave a report on the events to be held in the district and at the SPJST Home Office. He reminded members to attend the District Six Fall Meeting to be held in Bay City. Happy holidays and merry Christmas from the officers of Lodge 151 Wharton. Fraternally, Rita J. Vanek, Secretary —SPJST—
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Lodge 155, Austin Christmas social December 2
Continued from Page 1.
weekends, as well as during the week to bring in more tourists, children, and researchers.” The Czech Heritage Museum collection consists of more than 25,000 artifacts and 30,000 books pertaining to Czech culture, history, language and genealogy. “We have the largest Czech genealogy collection in Texas, and we promise to make this museum the best in the state,” Mrs. Wicker said. “Please consider helping us with a tax-deductible donation within the next month. It is very important to reach our goal of raising $400,000, and we are so close!” —SPJST—
Lodge 200 Bruceville-Eddy Dec. 1 scholarship deadline Lodge 200 members are reminded that applications for the spring Lodge 200 scholarship must be postmarked no later than December 1. For more information, call Secretary-Treasurer Nancy Deviney (254) 859-5208. Fraternally, Leonard Mikeska, Reporter —SPJST—
Come one! Come all to our Lodge 155, Austin annual Christmas social on Sunday, December 2, 2007, at 4 p.m. It will be held again at Denny’s near the intersection of Burnet and Anderson Roads. A meeting and election of officers will precede the dinner.
Thank you to these people who have helped with the Challenge Grant Drive for the Czech Heritage Museum (formerly known as the SPJST Library, Archives and Museum)
Diamond Benefactor Oleta Hanus Mildred Holeman Gold Benefactor Joe A. Novak
Silver Benefactor E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation SPJST Supreme Lodge SPJST Lodge 130, Dallas City of Temple
Museum
We hope to see all our members there with lots of holiday spirit! Guests from District Two and the Supreme Lodge are most welcome to attend—especially to install our officers for 2008. Fraternally, Ginny Prasatik Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—
Bronze Benefactor Exxon/Mobil Jerry B. Milan SPJST/District Three Director Johnnie R. Krizan (SPJST Director’s Discretionary Funds - pledge)
President’s Club SPJST/District Five Director Larry W. Pflughaupt (SPJST Director’s Discretionary Funds) First State Bank - Central Texas SPJST/District Two Director Bobby Wuensche (SPJST Director’s Discretionary Funds) SPJST Lodge 154, Fort Worth Founder SPJST/District Seven Director Bob Bayer (SPJST Director’s Discretionary Funds) SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Anna Frances Hornak Mildred and Joseph Borden SPJST Lodge 160, San Angelo Ray and Clarice Snokhous SPJST District Two Frank and Claire Svrcek
Patron SPJST State YAD Activities Marceil Malak RVOS Lodge No. 114 SPJST Lodge 66, Waco SPJST 92, Fort Worth National Hall SPJST Lodge 35, Elk SPJST District Five SPJST District Seven SPJST Lodge 79, Corpus Christi
Donor SPJST Lodge 28, East Bernard Martha Daniel Dorothy Darilek Butler Peggy Blankenship SPJST Lodge 73, Seymour Sam Houston SPJST Lodge 141, Sealy SPJST Lodge 5, Pilot Point-Tioga SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Gordon and Mary Ann Gibson
Friend SPJST Lodge 76, Wichita Falls SPJST Lodge 189 Bryan-College Station Sharon Hohmann Mr. Sanford Schmid SPJST Lodge 81, Needville SPJST Lodge 26, Skidmore Slovan Jihu SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton SPJST Lodge 107, Floresville SPJST District Four John and Mary Kosut Lynn Johnsen Mr. and Mrs. Hegwood E.J. and Jeanette Bender SPJST Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje SPJST Lodge 63, Sweet Home SPJST Lodge 154, Fort Worth Mrs. Evelyn Reeser SPJST Lodge 13, Dime Box
SPJST Lodge 13, Dime Box Youth Club Jack and Catherine Manchack Johnny and Clara Broz Lodge 32, Victoria Helen Kopecky Layman Lloyd and Bettie House Bob and Polly Bayer Betty and Donald Pisar Mary Sralla SPJST Lodge 157, Lubbock Ben Jarma Jerry Trampota Jerry Elzner Eugene and Henrietta Veselka Bernice and Tom Sellers Arthur and Irene Veit Holub Family Trust Sandi and Tom Wicker James and Elaine Harrison Kathy Miller Helen Layman Mary Ann Gibson Edith Karas Gladys B. Manning Suzy Soucup Marshall Anna Slavik Roy and Lydia Alholm Jerry and Jill Sijansky Rose Svojger Jerry and Georgia Stransky Libbie Vrla Joe and Mary Ann Kozel Lynda and Larry Plunk Brian Vanicek Jerry and Brenda Welch Bernie and Ellie Babka Bob and Diane Podhrasky Jesse and Linda Pospisil George and Jacquelyn Eisenstein Mr. and Mrs. Arthur R. Keim Vlasta Laznovsky Vaclav & Jarmela Kalivoda Bill & Anna Marie Moncrief Marlow and Joyce Muldoon Emil Kutra, Jr.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
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Lodge 200 Bruceville-Eddy Christmas party December 4 Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy will hold its members’ annual Christmas party on Tuesday, December 4, 2007, at 7 p.m. at the Bruceville-Eddy Senior Center/Taylor Hall in Eddy, Texas, located on the southbound access road at Fourth Street. Please RSVP by Saturday, December 1 to Lodge Secretary Nancy Deviney (254) 859-5208. Members are asked to please bring a dessert. —SPJST—
Lodge 246 Morgan’s Point Christmas party December 9 Dear Members, You are cordially invited to the SPJST Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point Christmas dinner party on Sunday, December 9, 2007, at 5 p.m. at Cotton Patch Cafe, located inside Temple Mall. Dinner will be served, and door prizes will be awarded. We will enjoy a Christmas ornament gift exchange. Please bring a wrapped $5 ornament
to participate. We will also have a toy drive, and any new, unwrapped toy donation will be appreciated. RSVP by calling David (254) 5340809 no later than Wednesday, December 5. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, December 9! Fraternally yours, Lodge 246 Officers —SPJST—
Ennis Sewing Circle The Ennis Sewing Circle met on Thursday, November 8, 2007. President Sadie Kubin along with Bessie Laznovsky, Vlasta Laznovsky, Sylvia Laznovsky, Dorothy Prachyl, Pat Fowler, and myself arrived at 8 a.m. and were quilting by 8:45 a.m. We quilted the Junior Sokol Polka Festival quilt that will be given away in a drawing in 2008. Soon after we started, Dorothy J. and Dorothy M. Kudrna and Lil Kosarek arrived. We were glad Lil from Fort Worth arrived early. We had a good turn-out—19 members and four guests—Bob Cunningham, Julius Podhrasky, Dorothy M. Kudrna, and Georgia Wensowitch. We quilted till lunch and as always, we had a delicious lunch. We have very good cooks. Thank you to Sylvia Laznovsky and President Sadie for getting it all ready for us then cleaned up. I think they had some helpers for that. I am sorry I did not get your names. After lunch, President Sadie called the meeting to order. The Pledge of
ABOVE: Pictured is an artist’s rendering of the Czech Heritage Museum. The top image is the building’s side facing west which runs parallel to Third Street. The bottom image is the building’s side facing north which runs parallel to French Avenue. RIGHT: The architect’s floor plan of the Czech Heritage Museum.
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Please Help Us Meet The Challenge! The Czech Heritage Museum (formerly known as the SPJST Library, Archives and has been offered a The SPJST Library, Archives and Museum) hasMuseum been offered a $200,000 challenge to help with $200,000grant challenge the renovation of the grant to help with the Hanus Buildingofto house renovation the theCzech HanusHeritage Building Museum. to house To thereceive Czech this grant, the CHM must raise Heritage Museum. another $400,000 in donaTo receive this grant, the LAM tionsmust or pledges by raise another $400,000 Decemberin31, 2007. or pledges by December 31, 2006. donations Name ______________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________ City ________________________________________________ Phone ______________________________________________
$100,000 $ 50,000 $ 20,000 $ 10,000 $ 5,000
Diamond Benefactor Platinum Benefactor Gold Benefactor Silver Benefactor Bronze Benefactor
$ $ $ $ $
2,500 1,000 500 250 100
President’s Club Founder Patron Donor Friend
Amount enclosed: $___________________________________ Amount of pledge: $___________________________________ To be paid: ______ Semiannually ______ Annually ______ Two years Please payable to: to: Please make make checks payable Czech SPJST Heritage Museum LAM 76503 P.O. P. O.Box Box434 100 • • Temple, Temple,Texas Texas 76503 For For more more information, information, call call CHM Executive Director Sandi Wicker (254) 899-2935 LAM Administrator Sandi Wicker (254) 899-2935
Yes, I would like to help meet the challenge!
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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Allegiance was recited by all. Dorothy Prachyl said a thank you prayer for our delicious lunch, for our families and friends, and for all the gifts given to us to make this world a better place. A moment of silence was held for Harrell Hamilton who was a lifelong Sokol member; for John Dent, son of Ella Mae Zmolek’s cousin; and for all the soldiers lost in the war. Vlasta Laznovsky read the minutes, and Lil Kosarek gave the treasurer’s report. Both were approved as read. Our Sunshine Lady Eleanora Pelzel was absent because she had a doctor’s appointment so Dorothy Prachyl announced our one and only birthday celebrant—Martha Ritchey. We all sang “Happy Birthday” to her and wished her many more. Dorothy Prachyl read a letter from Ida Schultz of Dallas Sokol, thanking our Circle for purchasing a small ad in the Czech Heritage Festival program book and wishing us continued enjoyment in our quilting. President Sadie announced that two of our guests, Dorothy M. Kudrna and Georgia Wensowitch, joined our Circle. We welcome you both. We hope you enjoy coming as much as we do. Lil Kosarek announced that she will be collecting dues for 2008 at our December meeting. Vlasta Laznovsky reported that the Ennis Sokol will not be having its annual February exhibition and dinner. A discussion was held as to when we will have our 50th-year Circle celebration. Bertha Podhrasky suggested we appoint a committee for planning the event. Our officers and Pat Fowler were asked to look into this. Dorothy Prachyl read a funny newspaper clipping about junk mail. We all get plenty of that. Thanks, Dorothy. We enjoyed it. Esther Cunningham reported that our dear member Sidney Bridewell fell and fractured her back. She will be having her back fused, but she didn’t mind as her doctor was very good looking. We hope and pray that all goes well, and that we see you soon. Thank you to Bertha Podhrasky for the beautiful bouquet of flowers for our head table. I did not get the name of the lucky person who took it home. Ella Mae Zmolek and husband Jerry have been traveling again. I did not find out where. I did hear Ella Mae say that they thoroughly enjoyed all their trips this summer. Bertha Podhrasky has been busy picking pecans, raking leaves, and
trimming tree limbs. That will keep you busy. Esther Cunningham and husband Bob have attended their 10th Cunningham family reunion at Mexia State Park. Everyone had a grand time. They also attended the funeral for Esther’s cousin Milady Fojt, age 91, in Snook, Texas, on October 29. The Cunningham family will gather at their house in Grand Prairie for their Thanksgiving feast. They have many wonderful French cooks. Special thank you to Ella Mae Zmolek and her sister-in-law Ann Vinkler for donating lots of beautiful fabric scraps for our quilt tops. Also thanks to Dorothy J. Kudrna who brought scrap material, too. Lil said all of it was very pretty and nice. Esther Cunningham brought the door prize that was won by Bertha Podhrasky. We had our little gift exchange which is always fun. President Sadie announced our next meeting will be December 13 at 10 a.m. We will not quilt, nor will we have our little gift exchange. This will be our Christmas party. We will have a Christmas gift exchange. You are to spend at least $5 and up. Please put your name on the gift you bring. We will have the drawing on the quilt that we quilted several months back. Remember, the pretty blue and yellow one? Bring money to buy lots of tickets. I almost forgot to mention that Dorothy J. Kudrna volunteered to purchase Christmas gifts for our shutin members. I will name them in my next letter. Please excuse my errors that I may have made. Please remember our Christmas party on December 13. Bring your gift with your name on it, a covered dish for lunch, money for dues, and money to buy tickets for chances for the quilt. We are happy to have our two new members. I hope everyone can make our party. Our Dallas and Fort Worth friends—that means you, too, Helen Skrasek. Stay well and happy holidays to all. See you December 13. Georgie Morales, Reporter —SPJST—
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Fort Worth Friendship Club The Friendship Club met on Wednesday, November 7, 2007, at St. Thomas Parish Hall with 43 members present. Our guests were Lois West and Doris Tucker, sisters of Wilma Stell, and Regina, Wilma’s daughter. President Alice Barnes welcomed everyone, called the meeting to order, and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Alice then read a prayer/poem entitled “Go the Extra Mile.” Secretary Rose Ann Spann read the minutes from the previous meeting, and in the absence of Mary Ann Kozel, Linda Horner presented the treasurer’s report. Both were approved as presented. The singing of “Happy Birthday” went out to November celebrants Elizabeth Creamer, Ella Greer, Tracy Horn, and Merel Kovar. May you all have many more. Lois Smith, chairman of the nominating committee, read the slate of officers to be voted on to serve for the ensuing year. There were no nominations from the floor. Therefore, a motion was made to elect the slate by acclamation. Officers for the year 2008 will be as follows: President Mary Ann Krivanek Vice President Betty Krenek Secretary Rose Ann Spann Treasurer Mary Ann Kozel Rosie Steinman read her favorite prayer called “Family Prayer” and asked that it be considered the official prayer of our Club. President Alice suggested that this be considered and put on the agenda for January, 2008. Sunshine Person Willie Mae Becan reported on sending a get well card to Elsie Anders who had surgery and was still in the hospital. Get well wishes go out to you, Elsie, from all of us. Willie Mae also reported on donations of get well and Christmas cards received from Kitty Rippin and Libbie Vrla. Annie Whitsell reported that in December, we will have our Christmas exchange, and the next little gift prize drawing will be in January. Lydia Alholm reported that a bus will be going to the Windstar next Wednesday. She invited our members to join them. To all of you who went, we will want to hear all about it.
Lydia and Rose Ann told a joke each which was enjoyed by all. We had lots of door prizes. Lydia brought four plus others brought by Wilma Stell, Rose Ann and Harold Balvin. Winners were Kitty Rippin, Betty Krenek, Libbie Vrla, Faith Lindeau, Ima Lou Crider, Lois Smith, and Stanley Krenek. Hopefully, I got all the names. Faith Lindeau, administrator of the food pantry at St. Thomas Catholic Church, reported that last month 812 folks or 212 families were served, and she thanked the Club for all the donations brought to the meeting. Alice called to say 228 items and $45 cash were donated. She plans to buy peanut butter and jelly. I’m sure Alice will find some good buys like she always does. Our November hostesses Mary Ann Krivanek, Shirley Martin, and Rose Ann Spann were thanked. They did a great job, and we enjoyed all the turkey decorations on the tables. Special thanks go to Master Chef Mary Ann Krivanek for baking two turkeys and making the dressing and gravy. Mary Ann and Joe Kozel were supposed to bake one turkey, but they had to go out of town, so Mary Ann Krivanek did it all, and was it ever delicious. You did a great job, Mary Ann! Lydia gave the blessing, and everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving feast. Then, games were played. A good time was had by all. News Mary Ann and Joe Kozel and Joe’s accordion were missed. They went to Houston to help their daughter, Donna, and husband Charles and four-and-one-half-year-old Zoie move into their new home in Sugarland. Charles is originally from Sugarland so it will be nice for them to be close to his parents. Then on Saturday, Joe and Mary Ann attended the Kozel family reunion. Joe’s parents’ anniversary was on November 11 so the family decided that would be a good time for the family to get together to honor their parents. Mary Ann said they enjoyed all the visiting but were glad to get home to rest up from all the moving. Alice Barnes has a new greatgranddaughter, Mary Adren Patten, who lives in Saginaw. This makes for her third great-grandchild. Congratulations! Carrie Milan flew to Raleigh, North Carolina, to visit her daughter Marilyn who had surgery on her hand. While there, Carrie fell and
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
VĚSTNÍK ended up with eight wire clips in the back of her head. Marilyn’s husband then took off from work to take care of both of them. Marilyn and Carrie—get well soon. Betty Landsfeld was missed as she had workmen installing a new heating system, but she sent her bowl of gravy for lunch. Sorry, Betty, you missed out on some good turkey and dressing. Willie Mae Becan and her family are celebrating. Their granddaughter, Emily LaChance, passed the state bar exam. Congratulations! Willie Mae, Bernie, and Penny enjoyed their trip to West to visit Willie Mae’s sisters, Georgia Macek and Mary Jaska, who live at the West Rest Haven Nursing Home. The group also visited St. Mary’s Cemetery in West and drove on to Penelope to visit St. Joseph’s Cemetery to place flowers on the family graves. She said it was a
beautiful autumn day, and they really did enjoy their outing. Lydia and Roy Alholm have another plaque on their old farm in Colleyville where they lived for 40 years, which is now a new housing development. This plaque is at the Alholm-Tirk Pond which was on the farm. It is a lovely plaque that gives the history of Anton and Frances Tirk, Lydia’s parents and also background on Lydia and Roy and their family. I had a most enjoyable experience recently. My friends, Sally and Emil Milan, and their daughter Debbie invited me to go with them to the Texas - Texas Tech football game in Austin. Now, let me tell you, this was some experience. I was so glad that Emil suggested I get an orange Longhorn shirt as I really would have felt out of place. It was a sea of orange. And, downtown Austin was
full of vendors, tents, and tailgate parties everywhere with everyone wearing orange. It was a good game, and Texas won. I had such a fun time. Thanks, Sally, Emil, and Debbie! The next meeting/Christmas party will be on Wednesday, December 5.
Dear SPJST Scholarship Committee, Thank you for choosing to award the general undergraduate scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to me. I am truly grateful and very appreciative of this monetary gift. It is a huge blessing and help to me as I am pursuing my dreams. Thank you again for all you have done on behalf of students like me. Sincerely, Megan Donnelly Lodge 92, Fort Worth —SPJST—
this prestigious award, and I will be sure that I make you proud to have chosen me. This scholarship money will help me pay for my college education so that I may obtain my dream to become a wildlife biologist. Thank you once again for all the work that you do that enables you to award scholarships like these to those deserving and needing students as well as all the leadership I have learned through your organization. Thanks for putting me one step closer to reaching my dreams. Sincerely, Marcus Blum Lodge 17, New Tabor —SPJST—
remainder of the year. Sincerely, Hayley Ragus Lodge 151, Wharton —SPJST—
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Don’t forget your dish for lunch. I hear we will have ham and fried chicken. Don’t forget your gift for the exchange. See you then! So until, keep smiling! Libbie Vrla, Reporter —SPJST—
SPJST Scholarship Winners Express Appreciation
Dear SPJST, Thank you so much for the scholarship you recently awarded me. I appreciate your support of the youth pursuing a higher education. Your efforts to award such students have inspired me to maintain above average grades and to be active in college. The scholarship will help me to achieve my goals in higher education as well as the professional field. Sincerely, Sally Dierschke Lodge 160, San Angelo —SPJST— Dear SPJST, Thank you for awarding me one of your general scholarships valued at $1,000. I realize that there were many other worthy candidates, and I am proud to be awarded with one of these honorable scholarships. I greatly appreciate your choosing me for
Dear SPJST 2007 Scholarship Committee, Thank you very much for choosing me for the scholarship. The money will be used for my tuition at Texas State Technical College in Waco. I am taking Air Condition and Refrigeration, and the scholarship will help me reach my goals. Thank you. Jonathan Neskora Lodge 4, Hallettsville —SPJST— Dear Friends of SPJST, Thank you so much for the scholarship given to me this fall. My first semester at Texas A&M is going well and is flying by so quickly. Thank you once again and have a wonderful
Dear SPJST, I would like to thank each and every one of the members of the Scholarship Committee for selecting me as the recipient of your generous scholarship in the amount of $1,000. It will aid me in financing my college education at Texas A&M University. I will use this scholarship wisely and to the best of my ability. Thank you and may God bless you all! Sincerely, Jamie Lynn Pilat Lodge 10, Shiner —SPJST— Dear Scholarship Committee, Thank you for choosing me to be one of the recipients of a scholarship. I will be attending Texas A&M this fall as a sophomore. I am at May’s Business School with Business Administration being my major. Your support of my education is greatly appreciated. Thank you again and God bless. Sincerely, Karianne Shupak Lodge 201, BleiblervilleNelsonville —SPJST—
Dear SPJST, Thank you for the $1,000 scholarship. I am very grateful for this scholarship and the assistance it will provide in paying for my education at Texas A&M University. Sincerely, Rachel Psencik Lodge 24, Cyclone —SPJST— I was honored to receive the scholarship from your organization. I am aware of some of the things you do for our community, particularly in support of education. Thank you for the opportunities this award will provide me. I will be attending WCJC this fall. Sincerely, Ashley Sczech Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje —SPJST— Dear SPJST, To the youth group leaders and members, I apologize for the lateness of this letter but I have been extremely busy this summer with school, work, and friends. I would like to express my gratitude for the graduation gift you gave me—the leadership scholarship of $1,000 to Texas Tech University! It really meant a lot. Bryant Hunter Lodge 25, Ennis —SPJST—
SPJST Youth
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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
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Sting ’em Hornets!
The deadline for all Vestnik items is 5 p.m. the Wednesday before the publication date. Send your news and photos directly to:
Section
Congratulations to the Caldwell Hornets for winning the bi-district 3-A playoff game versus Columbus 41-32 on November 16, 2007. Pictured are Caldwell Hornet Nick Havemann, right, and his biggest fan Dillon Narro. Nick and Dillon are members of Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club.
SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: (254) 774-7447
Email: melaniez@vvm.com Questions? Call (800) 727-7578
District Two Lock-in this weekend Dear District Two Members, Greetings! The District Two Lock-in begins on Friday, November 30 at 7 p.m. and ends at 7 a.m. on Saturday, December 1, 2007. The lock-in will be held at Lodge 48, Beyersville. We are planning to have a great night filled with lots of fun. Dancing, crafts, movies, games, Bunco and domino tournaments, pizza, no sleep, hourly door prizes, and new to this year—a Game Boy tournament—are all on the agenda. We are hoping to have a special guest. A cookie baking and decorating contest. All games and material needed for the tournaments will be provided. Parents, drop your youth off, go to Austin to shop and eat and enjoy your night. Then, you can always come back and spend the night with us. If you are interested in carpooling to Beyersville, contact me and we can try to get something worked out. Members are encouraged to bring a friend. Hopefully, your friend will want to become a member and get involved in all the fun activities your local lodge, District Two, and the SPJST Youth Department has to offer. Lodge 48, Beyersville is located about five miles out of Taylor on FM 619. See map to Lodge 48 in last week’s November 21 Vestnik. Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor —SPJST—
Lodge 18, Elgin Youth Club raises food pantry funds On November 3, 2007, Lodge 18, Elgin Youth Club had a garage sale to raise money for the local food pantry. We had hoped for a better turn-out, but we made $75 to donate to the pantry. Every little bit helps for the need grows more and more each year. Thanks to all who came out to support the cause. I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday. God bless all. Joyce Nelson, Youth Leader —SPJST—
Lodge 25, Ennis youth: come learn to polka On Sunday, December 2, 2007, at 3 p.m.—come out to SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis and learn to polka! The Czech Heritage Society of Texas is sponsoring free dance lessons for members and non-members of all ages. We will learn the basic polka, Flying Dutchman, Seven Step, Schottische, and more! Bring all your friends and family out to Lodge 25 hall in Ennis to join the fun and learn to dance these different polkas with us! S panem bohem, Blake Ryan, President —SPJST—
Lodge 29, Taylor Youth Club plans activities We had our meeting on Sunday, November 11, 2007, with Dounia Mohad leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the youth club motto. After the meeting, we enjoyed snacks, and we decorated sun catchers, which the youth really enjoyed. Each sun catcher had a suction cup so it could be hung in a window or on a door. The youth also brought donations to send to one of our American troops. We collected over 80 items, and all of the youth members either wrote a letter of appreciation or drew a picture to include with the items. We thought this would be a nice project for the holiday season. A Few Reminders Friday, November 30 is our District Two Lock-in at SPJST Lodge 48, Beyersville hall. It is from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., and we will have lots of fun! You can bring a friend, too! On Saturday, December 1, we will ride in the Georgetown parade at 11a.m. and the Taylor parade at 7 p.m. Our next meeting is Sunday, December 9 at 3 p.m. We will have a short meeting followed by a gift exchange. The gift needs to be under
$5 and be designated whether it is for a boy or a girl. Afterwards, please plan to stay for a while to watch the beseda dancers perform and to share a Christmas meal with the adult lodge members. Oh, and if we’re lucky, we might get a visit from Santa Claus! Fraternally, Cristy Girod, Youth Leader Editor’s Note: See photo of youth with items collected for the American troop on page 16. —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston to celebrate Christmas Dear Members, Lodge 88, Houston will celebrate Christmas with our annual Christmas party on Saturday, December 1, 2007, at 11 a.m. We will sing songs, have refreshments, and enjoy a visit from Santa Claus. Please remember those who are not as fortunate as you and bring anything that you may share like food, toiletries, etc. so they may be distributed. I hope to see you all there! Fraternally, Allison Wockenfuss, age 11 Vice President —SPJST—
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
VĚSTNÍK
Lodge 107 Floresville Youth Club reports on November meeting Dear Readers, The November 11, 2007, meeting of SPJST Lodge 107, Floresville Youth Club was called to order at 2:05 p.m. by President Zachary Bayer. Travis Purchis led the Pledge of Allegiance. There were seven members, one guest, and five adults present. The minutes from the September and October meetings were read and approved. Ryan Henke gave the treasurer’s report. Our youth leader, Wendy Pruski, discussed our youth riding on the SPJST Float in the Peanut Festival parade in October. She also reported that we did well with our peanut brittle booth at the Peanut Festival and that we will discuss that in more detail at the January meeting. We talked about needing adult volunteers to help with events and the concession stand at the Core Challenge. Wendy announced that Travis Purchis won third place with his art at the Texas Fraternal Congress. He was awarded a Wal-Mart gift card. Our youth scrapbook won first place. We also received a Wal-Mart gift card. Brandon Korus made a motion that we use the gift card to buy supplies for next year’s scrapbook. Ryan Henke seconded the motion, and it was passed.
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Lodge 29, Taylor Youth Club Supports American Troops
At the November 11, 2007, meeting of Lodge 29, Taylor Youth Club, members brought donations to send to an American troop. The youth club collected more than 80 items. All of the members either wrote a letter of appreciation or drew a picture to include with the items.
We talked about having a Christmas party at our December meeting. We decided to exchange $10 gifts. Shelby Carpenter made a motion that we draw names. Brandon Korus seconded the motion, and it was passed. We will join the adults for a meal and games after our meetings. Wendy gave the youth leader’s report. She reported that the state application goal had been achieved. She also reminded us that it was Veterans Day. She reported that the SPJST Home Office in Temple will have an open house on December 3 with refreshments and a visit from Santa. Ornaments from the ornament contest will be on display. The Home Office is selling Czech paper doll books showing costumes from different Czech regions. They are $5 per book. Wendy also went over changes that were made to Youth Achievement Day contests and the new point system for next youth year. The meeting was adjourned at 2:45
p.m. We need our lodge members to keep saving their Vestniks so that we can use articles and pictures for our scrapbook. Happy birthday to everyone with a birthday in November! Fraternally, Eric Carpenter, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 185 New Braunfels youth enjoys district lock-in Dear Members, On Saturday, November 17, 2007, our District Seven Lock-in was held at Lodge 107, Floresville. We had fun playing games. My favorite game was the balloon game. We had yummy pizza for dinner. It was nice to see friends in the district who I don’t get to see that often. Fraternally, Hayley Hilbig —SPJST—
Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club Makes A Difference
We made a difference! Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club recently collected stuffed animals for Make a Difference Day at the October meeting. These stuffed animals were donated to Burleson County St. Joseph Emergency Room to give to sick or injured children who come into the emergency room. More than 40 stuffed animals were donat-
ed! A tag was attached to each that read: “We hope this makes you smile; We know you’re feeling blue. So hug it really tight and Keep it as a gift from us to you!” Presenting these stuffed animals to the hospital on behalf of the entire youth club were Dillon Narro and little sister Macy Narro.
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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Lodge 185 New Braunfels youth reports on district lock-in Dear Members, I went to the District Seven Lockin on Saturday, November 17, 2007. It was in Floresville at the lodge hall. We played lots of games and had a lot of fun. We had pizza for dinner and yummy cupcakes for snack. Fraternally, Tyler Hilbig —SPJST—
VĚSTNÍK
Lodge 177, Academy youth: SPJST Christmas Ornament Competition Editor’s Note: This article and drawing were done by Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club member Mickinzy Beck (age nine) for a history class at her school. Thanks to District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky for submitting it to the Vestnik. “This shows true love for SPJST,” Patsy says. I am a member of a fraternal group called SPJST. It is a Czech group. I made a Christmas ornament for a competition. I placed first. I got $10 for winning. That same day, I found out my ornament was going to be hanging at the SPJST Home Office. I was so excited. I had a a blast that day. My friend Paige was entered too, but for some reason, she didn’t win. They had different lodges set up booths
like fingernail and face painting, and they had a kid’s country store and adult ones. I kept winning a lot of prizes that day. We had a blast. We kept winning so much that we needed two bags to hold all of it. Paige and I had won seven stuffed animals in all, and about five items in food so on our way to eat, we had three Pringles
and I had two Fritos because we were starving. My dad won a teeshirt and a rose choker in the silent auction. They probably had 20 to 30 items on those auction tables. After the competition, we went to eat at Wendy’s. It was pretty good. Later that day, we dropped Paige off at the church. I went home and took a shower and went to bed. The next day was school. Blah! We had such a good time. I went to sleep and did not wanna get up so I just fell back asleep and got up at 7:30 and went to school and had a normal day at school. My ornament was made of liquid gel and little figures. I put glitter to make it look like it was snowing. I know we all had a great time. —SPJST—
Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club Members Participate at Czechfest Sunday, September 16, 2007 • Lodge 84, Dallas Hall Submitted by Rachel McManus (age 12), Reporter
On September 16, 2007, Lodge 84, Dallas held its annual Czechfest fund-raiser. Youth club members in attendance were myself, Zachary McManus, Desiree Christman, Jason Sims, Cayla Cloutman, Lauren Cloutman, and Brady Cloutman. The youth club had a bowling booth, tic-tac-toe toss across, a pumpkin bean bag toss, and a general store spin
wheel. My good friends, Elizabeth Horak and Cassidy McMullen, attended this year, and they joined in the fun while working the pumpkin toss game. The lodge also sponsored a cake walk, silent auction, and prize drawing. Youth Leader Bessie Petr prepared an awesome
meal. I greeted everyone at the food line to collect meal tickets until I had to leave to cheer for my school football game. Then, Desi was able to take over collecting the tickets. We had a great turn-out for the meal and dance. I saw many new faces this year. —SPJST—
VĚSTNÍK
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
In Memoriam
In Memory of Shorty Williams
Expression of Sympathy
“Shorty” Donald Gene Williams died Thursday, November 15, 2007, in Tahoka, Texas. Services were at 10:30 a.m. M o n d a y , November 19 at the First Baptist Church in Tahoka with Bruce Cotton and R i c h a r d Harbison officiating. Burial was Shorty Williams in Nevels Cemetery with full Masonic rites. Family visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. at White Funeral Home on Sunday, November 18. Mr. Williams was born May 8, 1940, in the Draw community to Carl and Bertha Childress Williams. He was a farmer and rancher. He married Nancy Sharon McCormick on November 12, 1960. He grew up in the Draw community and later in Tahoka. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 1041, SPJST Lodge 215, South Plains, and the First Baptist Church of Tahoka. He was a Cub Scout Master and honorary uncle in FFA. He also was a Little League Coach for many years. He was preceded in death by grandson Luke Williams; sister Juanita Bueermann; and brothers Fred “Slick” Williams and William “Bill” Williams. Survivors include wife Nancy; sons Keith and wife Janeece of Post, and Gregg and wife Cherie and Ricky and wife Lorissa, all of Canyon; grandchildren Candice Chadwick, Clayton, Reed, Audree, Kacey, Addee Williams, and Peyton Chapman; sisters Lena Killman of Lubbock and Susie Davis of Odessa; and brothers Bobby Williams of Seagraves, Jerry Williams of Midland, and Richard Williams of Austin. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 1701 Avenue K, Tahoka, Texas 79373; Hospice of Lubbock, 1102 Slide Road, Suite 3, Lubbock, Texas 79416; or your favorite charity. Arrangements were under the personal care of White Funeral Home of Tahoka. Online condolences may be sent at www.whitefuneralhome.com. —SPJST—
We, the undersigned Resolution Committee of Lodge Karel Havlicek, No. 4, Hallettsville, Texas, on behalf of our entire membership wish to express our sincerest and deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of our departed lodge brother, STACEY EDWARD RABEL, age 47, who passed on Tuesday, October 3, 2007. He was born on March 8, 1960, in Houston to Marvin and Lillian Cernoch Rabel. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville, KJT No. 6 of New Dubina, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Stacey attended St. Charles Borromes Catholic School, then Sam Houston High and graduated in the class of 1978. He worked several small jobs, but then decided to follow his dad’s footsteps and went to school to be a certified fabricator pipe fitter. He worked for Boccard, Inc. until he became ill. Stacey is survived by parents Marvin and Lillian Cernoch Rabel of Hallettsville; girlfriend Rita Pineda and daughter Star; daughter Ashley Lores and husband Rick of LaPorte; and brother Glenn Rabel of Hallettsville. Stacey was preceded in death by grandparents Joe and Mary Rabel, and Albert and Victoria Cernoch. Visitation began at 2 p.m., Thursday, October 25 at Kubena Funeral Home with the family receiving visitors from 5 to 7 p.m. Rosary was recited at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 26 at Sacred Heart Church. Reverend John Peters officiated. Services were held at 10 a.m., Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial followed in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice of South Texas; Sacred Heart Catholic Church; or charity of one’s choice. May our departed brother rest in eternal peace. Resolution Committee Gaynell Chudej Victoria Zak —SPJST—
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Expression of Sympathy
Resolution of Sympathy We, the undersigned Resolution Committee of Lodge Karel Havlicek, No. 4, Hallettsville, Texas, on behalf of our entire membership wish to express our sincerest and deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of our departed lodge brother, CHARLES ‘ZERO’ ZAVESKY, age 84, of Hallettsville, who passed away on September 9, 2007. He was born on May 3, 1923, in Hallettsville to Charles and Pauline Maresh Zavesky. He married Pauline “Tootsie” Netardus Zavesky on November 25, 1946, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville. He was a barber for over 54 years. Charles was a United States Navy World War II veteran, a member of SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville, the VFW, and American Legion, and life member of the National Rifle Association and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Charles is survived by sons, Daniel Zavesky and wife Billye of Hallettsville, Randy Zavesky and wife Rita of Manvel, and Eric “Ricky” Zavesky and wife Karen of Hallettsville; sister Mary Windham of Columbus; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife Tootsie on May 10, 1999; and his parents. Visitation began at 2 p.m. Monday, September 10 at Kubena Funeral Home. A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home and at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Services were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11 at the church, the Reverend John Peters officiating. Burial followed at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart School, Hospice of South Texas, American Cancer Society, or charity of one’s choice. May our departed brother rest in eternal peace. Resolution Committee Gaynell Chudej Victoria Zak —SPJST—
We, the members of the Resolution Committee of Lodge 9, Snook, Texas, on behalf of our membership, wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of our departed sister, MELINDA CURREY. Funeral services for Melinda Kay Currey, age 39, of Bryan, were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 4, 2007, at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan with Reverend Bob Bray officiating. Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 3 at the funeral home. Burial was in the Bryan City Cemetery. Miss Currey died on Wednesday, October 31. She was born on November 20, 1967, in Bryan, the daughter of Hal D. Currey and Willie Mae Currey. She graduated from Bryan High School in 1986. She was a member of the First Christian Church and later became a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church of Bryan. Family members said she had a gift for meeting and loving family and others whom she met. She liked to create arts and crafts and loved to shop. Family members said her bubbly personality would always put a smile on your face. She “adopted” many brothers and sisters. Her love for her family was very special. Melinda’s spirit will live on in others as she gave the ultimate gift of life to others in need through the organ donation program. She was preceded in death by her father, Hal D. Currey, in 1974. Survivors include mother Willie Mae Currey of Bryan; uncle and aunt John E. and Shirley Mikeska of Bryan; great aunt Ella Orsak of Snook; caretaker Ruvi Salazar of College Station; and numerous cousins. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund, 900 South Ennis, Bryan, Texas 77803. Funeral arrangements were with Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan. May our departed sister rest in peace. Resolution Committee Maude Jakubik Ann Schoeneman —SPJST—
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Podpora Wednesday, November 28, 2007
BENEVOLENCE
ROCNIK 95 CISLO 47
La Grange hosts Fall State Meeting of Czech Heritage Society of Texas
H
Lidskost
Česká
H
Část
Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas
Bratrstvi
Uředni orgán SPJST H Založené rok 1897
The Czech Heritage Society of Texas held its fall state meeting at the Fair Pavilion in La Grange on Saturday, November 10, 2007. Registration opened at 8 a.m. with an open house tour of the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center village. After getting in through the fog that morning, members enjoyed the vendor displays, traveling library, silent
auction, exhibits and, of course, coffee, juice, and kolaches. The morning program began at 9:30 a.m. with the presentation of colors by the La Grange Girl Scout Troop members. Members joined in singing our national anthem, “Texas Our Texas,” and “Kde Domov Muj?” led by the Fayette Czech Singers. This was followed by a salute to our military by singing their respective songs with members rising as a salute to their branch of the service. Father Nesrsta of St. John’s of Fayetteville offered a blessing. The audience was then addressed by the mayor of La Grange, Janet Moerbe,
Interested in Preserving Texas Czech?
Do you or anyone you know (friends, colleagues, lodge or church members, neighbors, family) speak Texas Czech? If so, you may be able to help document and preserve this unique language before it dies out! The Texas Czech Dialect Project (TCDP) is an organization at the University of Texas created to document and research the Czech language across Texas. The TCDP aims to preserve and provide information about the rich heritage of the Texas Czech dialects as they reflect the cultural and linguistic traditions of their residents.
Our ancestors came here with a vision of a community of Czechs and Moravians, free from foreign oppression and with the ability to raise their children in their own culture. Help us save our sacred mother tongue, that our ancestors gave so much for. If you are interested, please contact Project Director John Tomecek for more information. John M. Tomecek P.O. Box 7293 Austin, Texas 78713
HUMANITY
VĚSTNÍK
cell phone email
(512) 228-8065 john.tomecek@gmail.com
BROTHERHOOD
28.listopad.2007
followed by Judge Janecka who read greetings from Congressman Lloyd Doggett. Next, Marianne Beran, Miss Texas Czech-Slovak 2007 was introduced and gave her greeting. Miss Sarah Middlebrook, Miss Czech-Slovak USA 2006, was introduced and announced the approval of her Czech coloring book, which will
go to press immediately. A short break was taken so people could take in the silent auction; the vendor booths; check their ancestry at the traveling library; or grab a kolache and coffee for fortification. Following the break, Retta Chandler, president of the Texas Czech Cultural Center, gave a history of the
Each Tuesday Evening Czech Language Class (extemporaneous)—at S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home, No. 1, Taylor, 500 East Lake Drive in Taylor, 6:30 to approximately 8:30 p.m. Informal gathering for the purpose of listening to Czech, and reading and speaking Czech.
President Thadious Polasek email polasek29@hotmail.com.
Czec h Cultural Calendar
November 28 Travis-Williamson Counties CHS Meeting/Meal—at Ryan’s Steakhouse, 1813 West Parmer Lane, Austin, Texas, 6:30 p.m. For information, contact Phyllis Teykl (512) 453-4453. December 8 Czech Christmas CESAT Concert—at TCHCC Fair Pavilion, 250 West Fairground Road, La Grange. 2 to 3 p.m. Performance by St. Mary’s Choir from Hallettsville and surrounding area, under the direction of Thadious Polasek. Guaranteed to bring happy Christmas memories. For information, call (888) 785-4500; or visit www.czechtexas.org. December 8 TCHCC Annual Czech Christmas Open House—at the Kalich House on TCHCC grounds, 250 West Fairground Road, La Grange: refreshments, entertainment, 3 to 6 p.m. For information, call (888) 7854500; or visit www.czechtexas.org. December 8 CESAT Christmas Concert—at TCHCCenter, La Grange at 2 p.m. Christmas hymns sung in Czech by St. Mary’s Choir. Good King Wenceslas will be sung in English. A membership meeting will be held in the pavilion prior to the meeting. For information, contact CESAT
December 8 Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum (Hoelscher Haus) - Annual Christmas Open House—at 250 West Fairgrounds Road (TCHC Center), La Grange, Texas, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be music entertainment, popcorn, refreshments and candy bags for the children. For information, call (512) 695-7324 or email JWBohuslav@aol.com. December 14 Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum (Hoelscher Haus) —will be one of the participating businesses in the Holiday Open House sponsored by the La Grange Chamber of Commerce. The Museum, located at 250 West Fairgrounds Road (TCHC Center) in La Grange, will be open from noon to 6 p.m. For information, call the chamber office (979) 9685756. December 15 Christmas Under the Stars—at TCHCC Sanford Schmid Amphitheater, 250 West Fairground Road, La Grange. 6 to 7 p.m.; refreshments 7 to 8 p.m. $3 per adult/children under 12 free. For information, call (888) 785-4500; or visit www.czechtexas.org. January 26, 2008 TCGS hosts “Casting a Vision Outside the Box”—at Caldwell Civic/Visitor Center, Caldwell, Texas. Annual Membership Meeting/ Luncheon. For information, contact TCGS President Charlene Hurta (979) 849-0348; or email fhurta@brazosport.edu. —SPJST—
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
VĚSTNÍK
A Family Member Who Contributed to the Czech Heritage in the United States
New Address? Please use this form to notify the Vestnik if you are moving. Type or print name and new address in the space below. Mail to: SPJST Vestnik, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503.
Name_____________________________________
Attach old mailing label here.
New Address ______________________________ City/State/Zip______________________________ Phone (______) ____________________________ center and an overview as to where they are in the process of building the museum/library/archive facility. A video was played about the cultural center but the audio failed, and Mr. Ben Bohuslav talked over the video so members could understand what it was all about. Next came a salute to CHS members who had passed away during the past year. Each chapter president read the names of the deceased members from their chapter and lit a candle for each one. Then, the Fayette Czech singers entertained the membership until mealtime. Father Nesrsta prayed the blessing before the meal in Czech. Oak Ridge Express catered the noon meal. President Jean Blaha Davis called the business meeting to order at 1 p.m. Awards were presented for promotion and outstanding contributions to Czech heritage. This year’s Texas Czech Heritage Award went to Wolfram M. Von Maszewski. The BlahaHejl Memorial award for a deceased member of CHS was presented to the families of Laddie Konvicka and William Kocurek. The Blaha-Hejl Memorial Award for a deceased, nonmember of CHS went to Joseph Patek and was accepted by his sister Barbara and Rose Butschek. Newly elected trustees, Leon Anhaiser, Lee Colwell, and Edith
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Molberg, were ratified by the membership. The revised by-laws from the by-laws committee were presented and were accepted by the membership. A short break was taken to enjoy the cakes that were made to celebrate the 25th birthday of the CHS founding and the 20th birthday of Fayette, Concho Valley, and Fort Bend County chapters. Following the break, an amendment to the by-laws was presented by the Brazos Valley Chapter, and the membership failed to accept the amendment. The election of officers followed and all were either re-elected or elected by acclamation. The officers starting in 2008 are: President Jean Davis Vice President Irene Polansky Szwarc Treasurer Rita Vanek Reporter Edward Middlebrook
Marianne Berean, Miss CzechSlovak 2007, provided a relaxing moment by singing Písnicka ceská. The meeting concluded with Travis-Williamson and Lavaca Counties making donations to TCHCC. The next meeting will be the Queens Pageant at West, Texas, on April 19, 2008. —SPJST—
Texas Notary Public
New or Renewal Notary Commissions
Mary Granberry at MEG Insurance Services
(713) 972-0800
mgranberry@sbcglobal.net
Czech Heritage Society offers scholarship
The Czech Heritage Society of Texas is accepting applications for Victor Peter Memorial the Scholarship. The $500 stipend was established in memory of the late Victor Alfons Peter, who died in 1996. The Victor Peter Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior to help further his or her education. As part of their application students will write a 300-word essay on either of two topics. The topics are: A Family Member Who Represents Czech Heritage
In addition, a high school transcript; two letters of recommendation; 200-word autobiography; a 100word statement explaining what he or she plans to study in college or at the university; list of 10 ways in which he or she has had contact with Czech culture; and a cover sheet including the student’s name, address, phone number, and high school name, address, and phone number. Students do not have to be associated with the Czech Heritage Society or be of Czech origin to apply. The deadline for accepting scholarship applications for the Victor Peter Memorial Scholarship is February 28, 2008. Send your application to: The Czech Heritage Society of Texas; Victor Peter Memorial Scholarship; 4117 Willowbend; Houston, Texas 77025. For more information, call Patricia Parma (281) 342-4898. —SPJST— 15th Annual Ellinger
Polka Fest
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Chamber of Commerce Hall in Ellinger, Texas Located on Highway 71 Between La Grange and Columbus 11 a.m. — Polka Mass Fried Chicken and Sausage Dinner after Mass Adults and To-Go Plates $7 Children, 12 and Under $4 1 to 6 p.m. — Dancing Music by the Dujka Brothers and Vrazel’s Polka Band Dance Tickets $7 Doors Open at 9:30 a.m. Hope to see you there!
Don’t give fruitcake for Christmas. Give a slice of Czech heritage.
Invitation to Cat Spring: From European Tyranny to Freedom to Civil War, a historical novel concerning Moravian families who immigrated into the Washington/Austin/Fayette Counties of Texas in the mid 1850s, by Mary Frances Chupick Bennett is now available. Autographed copies are available from: Mary Frances Chupick Bennett 303 Riverhill Boulevard • Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 896-1680 • email jbbmfcb@ktc.com www.invitationtocatspring.com
The price of a single copy of the book is $19.99, plus mailing and handling. For priority mail anywhere in the US, add $6.01 for a total cost of $26.00. For 1st class parcel post in Texas only, add $5.76 for a total cost of $25.75. For media mail in Texas only, add $3.41 for a total cost of $23.40. For multiple copies or Media or Parcel Post deliveries outside of Texas, call or email for mailing and handling prices. To purchase a copy from the publisher, go to AuthorHouse.com, then go to the Book Store. The book is also available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, etc. To learn more about the author and the book, type in the author’s name or the title of the book.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Fraternal Activities and Entertainment
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Post your upcoming 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 one week prior to the publication date of issue. Send your updates directly to: VESTNIK, c/o Editor Melanie Zavodny, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. FAX listings to: (254) 774-7447. Email listings to: melaniez@vvm.com. Advertising rates are $3 per column inch for lodge ads and $10 per column inch for commercial ads. For advertising information, please call the Editor at (800) 727-7578 or email melaniez@vvm.com. LODGE 1, FAYETTEVILLE Lodge meetings are the second Monday of February, April, June, August, and October at 7 p.m. followed by a potluck meal. The Christmas party is on the first Sunday of December. The youth club meets on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. For hall rental information, call (979) 966-3795.
Lodge hall is located at 702 Highway 95 North, Elgin. Adult lodge meetings are the third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m.; youth club meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. unless otherwise stated. For all Lodge 18, Elgin hall rentals, please call Irene Helgren (512) 2814534. For band bookings, call Artie Monson (512) 281-3711. Lodge 18 is a non-smoking facility.
LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE Sunday, December 9—Christmas party: 12 noon at American Legion Hall, Hallettsville. Call (979) 244-4415 for information.
LODGE 20, GRANGER Meetings are the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall. A light meal is served before each meeting. All members are invited.
Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m.
LODGE 21, ENGLE Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 2 p.m.
LODGE 5, PILOT POINT-TIOGA Lodge meetings are held the first Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. at the PointBank Community Center, 739 E. Liberty Street, Pilot Point, Texas 76258. The Community Center is on the same parking lot as PointBank. For directions or information about meetings, Ms. Angie Heitzman (940) 437-5561; or Jack and Dean Carender (903) 564-7359. LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD Saturday, December 1—RVOS Lodge 46 Christmas party/meeting Sunday, December 2—SPJST Lodge 6 Christmas party/meeting Friday, December 7—Social night Saturday, December 8—Kocian/Curry Wedding Sunday, December 9—Straten family Christmas party Saturday, December 15—Private Christmas party Friday, December 21—Social night Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. For information regarding scheduling events at Lodge 6, call George Straten (254) 826-5863. LODGE 8, WEIMAR Lodge meetings are the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Hall in Weimar. LODGE 9, SNOOK Local lodge meetings are the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Youth club meetings are at 6:30 p.m. LODGE 13, DIME BOX Lodge 13, Dime Box adult meetings are the second Sunday of the month at 5 p.m. Youth club meetings are the second Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. LODGE 15, BUCKHOLTS Lodge meetings are the second Monday of each month at 5 p.m. Refreshments served after meeting. Club dances are the second Sunday of each month. For hall rental information, call (254) 5932222. LODGE 17, NEW TABOR Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Youth meetings are also on the first Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. LODGE 18, ELGIN Sunday, December 9—Christmas Dance: The Dujka Brothers, polka/waltz/mix music. 3 to 7 p.m. $7 per person. Snacks will be served during second intermission. Monday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Fritz Hodde and the Fabulous Six, polka/waltz/mix music. 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. $10 per person. Blackeyed peas, corn bread, sausage and coffee will be served after the dance. No reservations.
LODGE 23, MORAVIA Lodge meetings are the Tuesday after the second Sunday of March, June, and September at 7:30 p.m. and the first Sunday of December at 2 p.m. LODGE 24, CYCLONE Saturday, December 1—Private party Monday, December 10—Annual Christmas party, potluck dinner, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 29—Private wedding Monday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Shilo Country (with Terry Taylor) Adult lodge meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m.; dinner/social begins at 6:30 p.m. Youth club meetings are the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Flag Hall is located 10 miles east of Temple, off Highway 53. For more information regarding hall bookings/rentals, please call Hall Manager Wilbert Mikeska (254) 985-2484. For more information, visit www.spjstflaghall.com. LODGE 25, ENNIS Saturday, December 1—Christmas party rental Sunday, December 2—Youth club meeting Saturday, December 8—Dining room rental Sunday, December 9—Dining room rental Thursday, December 13—Lodge monthly meeting Sunday, December 16—Martinek Christmas party Friday, December 21—STRUDEL BAKE SALE Saturday, December 22—Dining room rental Monday, December 24—Dining room rental Tuesday, December 25—Dining room rental Saturday, December 29—rental Monday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Jak Se Do Band and Ennis Czech Boys Band Lodge meetings are the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Game room open every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. For rentals, reservations, or more information, call the hall (972) 8758381 and leave a message. LODGE 26, SKIDMORE Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of March, June, September, and December. LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD Meetings are held at the Wharton County Library, 746 Clubside Drive in East Bernard. LODGE 29, TAYLOR Wednesday, November 28—Bobby Jay Five Band Friday, November 30—Earl Beatty ADULT MEETINGS - second Wednesday of the month, 6:30; YOUTH MEETINGS - second Sunday of the month, 3 p.m. Yout Leader Cristy Girod (512) 281-4719. MUSIC - second and
VĚSTNÍK fourth Wednesday of the month/music by Bobby Jay Five Band; MUSIC - Fridays 7:30 to 11 p.m., old-fashioned hamburgers by Thrall 4-H; SENIOR CITIZENS’ DOMINOES - first Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. followed by covered dish meal; BUNCO - every Thursday of the month—men and women invited—6:30 p.m. light meal, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - Bunco, games; HALL RENTAL INFO: (512) 352-9139; HALL LOCATION: 5025 FM 619, Taylor, Texas. LODGE 30, TAITON Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m. LODGE 32, VICTORIA Lodge meetings are held at on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Note: The youth club will meet now the second Thursday of each month before the adult meeting; the youth are encouraged and invited to stay for the adult meeting. For the November meeting, the youth club will meet the same day as the adult lodge from 4:30 -6:30 p.m. For youth club information, call Youth Leader Henrietta Yates (361) 578-5543. LODGE 35, ELK Saturday, December 1—Smokin Gun Saturday, December 8—Cherokee Rose Friday, December 15—Smokin Gun Monday, December 31—New Year’s Eve: Cherokee Rose Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m., unless otherwise noted. To hall: From Interstate 35 in Waco, take the Highway 84 East exit. Stay on Highway 84 East through Bellmead and go approximately 8 miles. On the right side of Highway 84 will be a sign saying “Elk”. Take the Elk Road. Turn right on Elk Road and go approximately one mile and the road will dead end. Take a right at the dead end and go approximately 1/2 mile. Lodge 35 is on the left side of the road. The hall is open for rent every day of the week. For rental information, call (254) 875-2156.
first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Saturday night dance time is from 7 to 11 p.m. Hall opens at 6 p.m. Hall phone (254) 985-2548. For rentals, please contact Edwin Pechal (254) 9852282; or (254) 984-2255. Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. Lodge 48, Beyersville holds ladies Bunco night on the second Tuesday of each month. A light meal is served at 6:30 p.m. followed by Bunco games then wrapping up with the distribution of prizes, and eating desserts. Hall is located at 10450 FM 619 - four miles southeast of Taylor. For hall rentals, please call Bonnie Wolf (512) 365-3733. LODGE 49, ROWENA Lodge meetings are on the first Wednesday of February, May, August, and November, 7 p.m. LODGE 51, ELLINGER Lodge meetings are the third Thursday of March, June, September, and December, 6:30 p.m. at the Ellinger Fire Department. LODGE 54, WEST Lodge meetings are the first Friday in March, June, and November and the second Friday in September at 7 p.m. Please note: Youth club meetings are held at Lone Star Hall every second Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. For information regarding hall rentals for weddings anniversaries, birthdays or reunions call (254) 826-5990 (night); or (254) 826-5343 (day). LODGE 63, SWEET HOME Lodge meetings are the third Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. LODGE 65, CROSBY Lodge meetings are the second Sunday in March, June, September, and December at 1 p.m. LODGE 66, WACO Lodge meetings are the third Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. Youth club meetings at 2 p.m.
LODGE 38, KOVAR Lodge meetings are the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG Lodge meetings are the fourth Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 3 p.m.
LODGE 39, BRYAN Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month starting at 1 p.m. Lunch is served at 12:30 p.m. followed by the adult and youth club meetings at 1 p.m. Meat, drinks, and serving items are provided by the lodge. Please bring a dessert or side dish. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Visitors are always welcome. For information, call President Wade O’Shields (979) 778-1450. For information on lodge activities, call FAC Dianna Everett (979) 693-5287. Any questions or assistance with insurance certificates, call Secretary Lillie Matejka O’Shields (979) 7781450. For youth club information, call Youth Leader Binnie Roesler (979) 272-1216.
LODGE 73, SEYMOUR Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of each month at 12 p.m.
LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE Sunday, December 9—Christmas party/officer installation. Catered noon meal. Members are asked to bring desserts. Monday, December 24—No bingo Monday, December 31—No bingo
LODGE 80, HOLLAND Lodge meetings are the first Saturday of each month at 4 p.m. Youth club meetings are the first Saturday of the month at 3 p.m. Board of directors meetings are the first Saturday of the month at 3:30 p.m. Bingo every Thursday at 7 p.m. Permit No. SP12371416574; AL17460607355. For hall rentals, call Linda Hill (254) 657-9595; or the lodge hall (254) 657-2485.
LODGE 76, WICHITA FALLS Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of March and June; and on the second Sunday of September, and December at 1 p.m. LODGE 79, CORPUS CHRISTI SPJST lodge meetings are the third Sunday of each month, unless otherwise notified. Meal served at 1 p.m. and the meeting follows. Visitors welcome. Hall location: 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Hall phone (361) 854-8423.
Lodge meetings are held the second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. Youth club meets the same day at 1:15 p.m. at the lodge hall, located just off US 59 South in Hillje. Members and guests are welcome. Bingo is played on Monday nights at 7 p.m. We have $100 nights every week and a $650 jackpot also every week. License #17600539641. For hall bookings, please call Rental Chairman Tria Svatek (979) 543-3044; or (979) 648-2317/lodge hall.
LODGE 84, DALLAS Please Note: There will be no Fellowship Day in November or December.
LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA Lodge meetings are held quarterly on the fourth Monday of January, April, July, and October at the Six Mile Presbyterian Church on Royal Road, 7 p.m.
Lodge meetings are the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the hall - 2625 Floyd Street, Dallas. For band bookings, call Cherri Petr (214) 352-4397; or Ben Jarma (214) 348-1514. For rentals, call Bessie Petr (214) 826-3557.
LODGE 47, SEATON Sunday, December 2—Annual Christmas party Saturday, December 8—Albert and Gelinda Pechal’s Anniversary, music by Vrazel’s Polka Band Saturday, December 15—Private Saturday, December 22—Open Saturday, December 29—Open
LODGE 87, TEMPLE Lodge meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. For rental information, call Bertha Capps (254) 778-4371/shop; or (254) 7736164/home.
Seaton Star Hall is located five miles east of Temple on Highway 53. Lodge meetings are the
LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE Lodge meetings are the third Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. Luncheon served at noon, and the meeting follows.
LODGE 88, HOUSTON Saturday, December 1—Jack Melick, big band music. Dress Code* $12 per person Saturday, December 8—Mark Halata and Texavia, polka/variety. $7 per person.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
VĚSTNÍK Saturday, December 15—Ed Gerlach, big band music, polka/variety. Dress Code*. $12 per person. Saturday, December 22—Czech Melody Masters, Texas Czech and new western swing. $7 per person Saturday, December 29—No dance Monday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Vrazel’s Polka Band, polka/variety. 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Lodge hall: 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston, Texas (the Heights). For reservations, call (713) 869-5767. Lodge meetings are the second Monday at 7:30 p.m. Youth club meets on the third Sunday of each month at 2 p.m., unless otherwise notified. All dances are 8:30 p.m. to midnight, unless otherwise noted. *Dress code dances: evening attire, ladies, and gentlemen. Bingo every Thursday evening; early bird special starts at 7:15 p.m. Regular games start at 7:45 p.m. License No. 3-00-621-2077-41001. LODGE 89, ROSEBUD Lodge meetings are the third Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. Youth meetings are also on the third Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. unless otherwise announced. LODGE 91, CROSBY Lodge meetings are quarterly. March and June meetings will be on the second Saturday of the month at the Crosby Community Center at 11 a.m. or as otherwise specified. September and December meetings will be held at a restaurant. LODGE 92, FORT WORTH Please note: Country/western and polka dances are now four hours. Sunday, December 2—Annual Member Appreciation Dance: Music by Jodie Mikula Orchestra, 3 to 7 p.m. Members get in free; all others admitted at regular admission price. Snacks. Bring your friends. Wednesday, December 5—Country/Western music: Admission is a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Free food. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, December 9—Free admission to youth Christmas party. Come watch our youth perform Youth and adults are welcome to sing Christmas carols on stage. Doors open at 5 p.m. Sunday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Charlie Patteson. For reservations/details, call Joyce (817) 624-1361. Lodge 92 membership meetings are the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m., or as otherwise specified. The youth club meets on the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Family Night— first and third Tuesdays. Ladies Circle meets the second Tuesday of each month. Country/western dances on the first Sunday and polka/waltz dancing as announced. Big band sound ballroom dancing on Friday nights 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Dress code required for ballroom dances. Listen to KNON 89.3 FM on Sunday at 2 p.m. for up-todate announcements. Tune in to KAAM 770 AM for some easy listening music. To reserve for large parties celebrating weddings, anniversaries, or other special events, call early (817) 624-1361/ Joyce. SPJST Lodge 92/National Hall is located at 3316 Roberts Cutoff Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76114. Visit www.nationalhallspjst92.org. LODGE 93, HOBSON Lodge meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at Polak’s between Karnes City and Kenedy. Contact E.R. Prasek for information (830) 780-2191. LODGE 94, WHEELOCK Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of March, June, September, and December, 1 p.m. LODGE 97, PLACEDO Adult lodge meetings are held in March, June, September, and December. Youth club meetings are the first Sunday of every month at Casa Ole in Victoria Mall at 3 p.m., excluding months where they are quarterly adult lodge meetings. To verify the meeting, call Youth Leader Donna Vanek (361) 573-6771. LODGE 106, LA GRANGE Lodge meetings are the first Tuesday of each month at the Subway Sandwich Shop at 109 South Jefferson Street (south of the red light at the 71 and 77 cross road) in La Grange, 7:30 p.m. LODGE 107, FLORESVILLE Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the lodge hall, unless otherwise noted.
LODGE 125, WESTHOFF Lodge meetings are the second Sunday in March, June, September, and December at 2 p.m. LODGE 130, DALLAS For monthly meeting time and location, please contact lodge secretary Stanley Vrla (214) 8262670; or lodge president John Vrla (214) 9063385; or email jvrla@cebridge.net. LODGE 133, SAN ANTONIO Lodge meetings are the third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Activity Center, 1630 Goliad Road in San Antonio. LODGE 135, ENNIS Lodge meetings are the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. LODGE 139, DANBURY Lodge meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Danbury Community Center. For information, call (979) 922-1279 or (979) 922-1553. LODGE 141, SEALY Tuesday, December 11—Christmas meeting, 7 p.m. at Nancy’s Steak House, 2536 Highway 71 South in Columbus. For information, contact Bernice (979) 885-6786. LODGE 142, HOUSTON Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Meetings are held at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, 1435 Beall Street at W 15th, Houston, Texas. For information, contact Lodge 142, Houston President Keith Kieschnick (713) 868-19810; or Secretary Alice Jochen (979) 743-3613. LODGE 143, INEZ Lodge meetings are the third Friday of March, June, September, and December at 6 p.m. LODGE 148, EL MATON Monthly lodge meeting is the last Sunday of the month at the Blessing Volunteer Fire Department. Meeting starts at 2 p.m. LODGE 151, WHARTON The quarterly lodge meetings will be held on the second Monday of March, June, September, and December, 7 p.m., in the meeting room of Hinze’s Bar-B-Que Catering, Highway 59, Wharton, Texas. LODGE 153, LA SALLE Lodge meetings are held quarterly in March, June, September, and December at 6 p.m. LODGE 154, FORT WORTH Lodge meetings are the third Sunday of each month at 3:30 p.m., unless otherwise stated. Youth club meetings are the third Sunday at 5 p.m. LODGE 155, AUSTIN Lodge meetings are held quarterly on Sundays. Contact Secretary Ginny Prasatik (512) 472-1721 for meeting location, date, and time. LODGE 156, BAYTOWN Lodge meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. For more information, call (281) 422-9611; or (281) 573-1612. LODGE 157, LUBBOCK Lodge meetings are held on the second Sunday of every other month at 1 p.m. LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO Lodge meetings are the second Sunday in April, July, October, and January at 2 p.m. LODGE 164, RIO HONDO Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 2:30 p.m. LODGE 169, BRENHAM Lodge meetings are held the fourth Thursday in February, April, June, August, and October at 7 p.m. The first Sunday of December will be the Christmas dinner and officer elections. The meetings will be held at Bilski’s Camphouse, 2577 Old Chappell Hill Road, Brenham, Texas. For information, contact President Annette Bilski (979) 830-3930; Vice President/FAC Stephen Bliznak (979) 836-9875; Secretary/Treasurer Glenda Weyand (979) 451-3231; or Reporter Leroy Kamas (979) 836-8179. LODGE 172, PASADENA Saturday, December 1—Variety dance with deejay Monday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Cool Water Band
Lodge hall is located at 3609 Preston Road in Pasadena. Executive board and trustees meet on the first Monday of each month at 12 noon. Regular lodge meeting is held on the fourth Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. The hall is available for rentals for your special event. For information, call Vicki (281) 542-1774. Dances are held on the first Saturday of each month, unless otherwise notified. Dancing hours are from 8 p.m. until midnight. Admission is $6 per adult and children 12 years and under are free. For inquiries or reservations, call lodge phone (281) 487-3297. We need your name, your phone number, and how many will be in your party. Lodge 172 is a non-smoking facility. BYOB is back. LODGE 177, ACADEMY Lodge meetings will start at 7 p.m., and trustees’ meetings will start at 6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Bingo every Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. Permit No. 1-74-1808390-7. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the kitchen is open. LODGE 179, WARRENTON Lodge meetings are the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Lions Club Building in Carmine, 201 Centennial Street. LODGE 180, BURLESON Lodge hall is located on I-35W, 1.5 miles south of Renfro Street in Burleson. Lodge meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. For hall rentals, call (972) 435-2286; (817) 5582400; or (817) 295-3483. LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY Lodge meetings are held the third Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. Call President Donald Beckendorf (254) 803-2987 for lodge meeting location. LODGE 183, ARLINGTON Lodge meetings are the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Game nights are every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. and every Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Permit No. 17516910506. For information regarding hall rentals—weddings, anniversaries, birthdays—call (817) 465-8538; or (972) 2639031. LODGE 184, MOULTON Note: Lodge monthly meetings are the second Wednesday of each month at the lodge hall. Beginning November 2007, meetings will begin at 7 p.m. LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS Adult lodge meetings are held every other month—February, April, June, August, October, and December. For locations/times/, call Lodge President Joan Jaroszewski (830) 303-9998. The youth club meets every month. Call Youth Club Leader Theresa Haag (830) 625-8262. LODGE 186, CALDWELL Youth club meetings are on the first Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at the lodge hall unless otherwise announced. Lodge meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Social games are at 7:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Kitchen and bar open. License Permit No. 1-74-20733095-41002 LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK Lodge meeting and program are the second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. followed by a covered dish meal. Board meeting, 2 p.m.; entertainment, 2:30 p.m. Domino players meet the second Tuesday of each month 1 to 4 p.m. For information regarding building rentals, call (512) 2551554 or (512) 771-4948. LODGE 189 BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION Lodge meetings will be held on the second Sunday in March, June, September, and December, 2 p.m. Unless otherwise notified, lodge meetings are held in Charles Munday’s office, 2403 Cavitt, Bryan, Texas (behind the Bryan Kroger’s). LODGE 191, LUFKIN Business meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m., at the lodge hall located at 197 Hughes Road. Regular dances are on the third Saturday night of each month from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. For lodge rentals, call Helen Boyd (936) 632-2849. For dance reservations, call Marilynn Page (936) 632-1124. LODGE 195, CLEBURNE Lodge meetings are the first Thursday of March, June, September, and December, 7 p.m.
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LODGE 196, HOUSTON-WEST Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month and begin with a potluck meal served at 2 p.m. Lodge provides the meat. Youth club meetings are held at 1 p.m. on the second Sunday. Activities are planned for ages kindergarten through high school senior. Hall address: 17810 Huffmeister Road, Cypress, Texas, 77429 — off Highway 290 West at Skinner. The hall is available to rent for meetings, weddings, retirements, reunions, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, or any other event. Call Alma Schulz (281) 3511045 or (281) 373-9482 for information, rentals, or reservations. LODGE 200, BRUCEVILLE-EDDY Lodge meetings are the first Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. LODGE 201 BLEIBLERVILLE-NELSONVILLE Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. For hall rentals, contact James Balke (979) 830-0796; or (979) 830-0118. LODGE 202, JOURDANTON Lodge 202, Jourdanton meetings are the first Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m., at the Jourdanton Community Center except the meal/meetings in March, June, September, December which will be at 1 p.m. The youth club meets the same day. LODGE 204, STEPHENVILLE Lodge meetings are the third Sunday of the month, 3 p.m. at the Koffee Kup Restaurant in Hico, Texas. Members are urged to attend, and anyone belonging to other lodges in driving distance are welcome. Bring a guest, and maybe we can make a member out of him/her. LODGE 206, TRI-COUNTIES Lodge meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Lions Club in Mexia, 201 North Paris Street, Mexia, Texas. LODGE 215, SOUTH PLAINS Meetings are held every third Saturday of January, March, May, July, and September at the Senior Citizens Building in Tahoka, 6 p.m. Youth club meets at the same time. LODGE 223, PALACIOS Lodge meetings are held the second Monday of each month at the Palacios Eagles Lodge at 6:30 p.m. LODGE 229, ABILENE Lodge meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. For information, contact (325) 676-5510. LODGE 230, MIDLAND For lodge meeting information, contact Christina Freeman (432) 770-3621. LODGE 239, HONDO Lodge meetings are held every third Friday of the month, 7 p.m. at the Community Center on 18th Street. LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT Sunday, December 9—Lodge and youth club Christmas parties, 5 p.m. Cotton Patch, Temple Lodge and youth club meetings are the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Lone Star Banquet Hall, located at 1695 Morgan’s Point Road, Belton, Texas 76513. For information, call FAC David Nauert (254) 534-0809. LODGE 247, SAN MARCOS Lodge meetings are held the first Sunday of each month for October, November, and December at 3 p.m. For location directions, call your agent; Art Lopez, Sr. (512) 787-3384; or Patricia Garcia (512) 787-5449. LODGE 251, PEARSALL Lodge 251 adult and youth club meetings are the second Saturday of each month, unless otherwise posted. LODGE 258, SEGUIN Meetings are held the fourth Sunday of each month. Meetings in May and November are held the third Sunday. Meetings begin at 3 p.m. with a social followed by the meeting at 4 p.m. Dinner is served after the meeting. The youth club meetings are on the same dates and begin at 3:15 p.m. Meetings are held at the Alumni Student Center, Conference Rooms A and B, on the Texas Lutheran Campus. Meetings in May and September will be in Starke Park in Seguin. Contact President Chester Jenke, Sr.; or Treasurer Colleen Jenke for more information (830) 303-4316. —SPJST—
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