Vestnik 2012 03 28 by SPJST

Volume 100 Number 13

ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence

H E R A L D

★ Humanity ISSN —07458800

★ Brotherhood

March 28, 2012

Lodge 15, Buckholts Member Hilda Burtis Achieves Grand Age of 96

he heart and soul of SPJST and its lodges are our devoted members. As with friendship and marriage, good conditions prevail when the partners are motivated by love and respect to protect, to preserve and to build. Lodges preserve their spirit and their vitality when members care enough to take action and make things happen. That’s the way it is at Lodge 15, Buckholts, Texas, where members have worked for generations to make good things happen. Sister Hilda Anna Burtis, who observed her 96th birthday on February 6, 2012, is one of those members. A strong work ethic, nimble mind, and the desire to make a positive difference are characteristics that define Sister Burtis, who was honored by the SPJST Supreme Lodge and Lodge 15,

Buckholts on March 12 with the presentation of her SPJST Age 96 Certificate. As such, Sister Burtis is entitled to all SPJST member benefits with no further dues or assessments required. In making the presentation, Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek said that Hilda and other senior members “comprised the backbone of the lodge and the community.” “So much has changed over the past several decades that we tend to lose track of how longtime and de-

And on his 6th day, he visited SPJST!

Six-day-old Mathieu Mason McCarthy attended his first SPJST event — District Two Spring Meeting held at Lodge 48, Beyersville on March 18. Pictured with him are parents Greg and Jennifer McCarthy and big brother Luke McCarthy. They are members of Lodge 187, Round Rock.

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Interest Rates.......................................3 Important Dates ...................................3 Readers Write ......................................3 Convention Corner..............................4 Statement of Financial Condition ......6 Lodge Section....................................10

voted SPJST members like Sister Burtis lived and the contributions they made to our lodges and communities throughout the state,” said President Vanicek. District Two Director Bobby Wuensche echoed these sentiments, stating that, “Hilda has been able to make a difference because she is strong in her beliefs and is very good at communicating them.” Sister Burtis’ outspoken determination and willingness to share her opinions and observances of life and the

Continued on Page 19.

Last Call for Advertisements, Greetings in 31st Convention Book Monday, April 2 is the deadline to place an advertisement in the SPJST Official Convention Souvenir Book. The 31st SPJST Convention will be held June 11 to 13, 2012, at Killeen Civic and Conference Center in Killeen, Texas, and the souvenir book will commemorate this quadrennial event. Lodges, members, businesses, individuals, and friends are invited to place advertisements in the book. The souvenir book will be distributed to approximately 350 delegates and visitors at the convention. All advertisers will also receive a book. After the convention, the souvenir book will be available at www.spjst.org. Prices

Inside This Week’s Vestnik

Reunions ............................................17 In Memoriam ......................................20 Youth Section ....................................21 Czech Culture ....................................27 Advertisements..................................29 Lodge Calendar .................................30

SPJST in the Vestnik and other local newspapers has firmly established her position as one of SPJST’s “most unforgettable characters,” said President Vanicek. He went on to cite from some of Hilda’s memorable, humorous and thought-provoking articles, including Hilda’s letters to rally Blackland farmers and ranchers in opposition to the Texas Transcorridor project, observing that the groundswell of public opposition to the bullet train kept the project at bay. Elsewhere in this week’s Vestnik appears an article, “Bringing in the Thistle,” by Sister Burtis, exemplifying her journalistic skills. (See page 18). Sister Burtis, who joined SPJST in 1928, is a lifelong resident of the Buckholts community. Her parents,

Page 7, 22

Scenes from District Two Spring Meeting

for advertisements in the souvenir book are: Full Page Ad — $100 One-Half Page Ad — $60 One-Quarter Page Ad — $35 One-Eighth Page Ad — $20 In Memoriam — $10 (photos can be included) Well Wish Greeting — $5 (one line of text)

All advertisements will be printed in full color. The SPJST Vestnik/Communication Department is available to

Continued on Page 19.

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Page 11

Lodge 29 Taylor hosts successful benefit fundraiser

Page 25

Lodge 87 Temple youth designs Angry Bird

ˇ ´ VESTNIK

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

SPJST HERALD

SPJST HOME OFFICE PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 (800) 727-7578 • (254) 773-1575 Fax: (254) 774-7447 www.spjst.org

VESTNIK EDITOR/ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION MELANIE ZAVODNY, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 • Mobile: (254) 534-0807 VESTNIK Fax: (254) 773-8087

email: m e l a n i e z @ v v m . c o m

SUPREME LODGE PRESIDENT BRIAN VANICEK, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 534-2902 • Home: (254) 985-0007 email: vanicek@spjst.com

VICE PRESIDENT GENE McBRIDE, FICF, CFFM Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 534-1450 • Home: (254) 534-1930 email: genemc@spjst.com SECRETARY-TREASURER LEONARD D. MIKESKA, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 721-4739 • Home: (254) 778-3720 email: leonardm@spjst.com

DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR/CHAIRMAN DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CFFM P.O. Box 85, Snook, Texas 77878-0085 Home: (979) 272-3265 • Mobile: (979) 224-3125 email: dv.aggie@verizon.net

DISTRICT TWO DIRECTOR BOBBY WUENSCHE 2451 County Road 405, Taylor, Texas 76574-5421 Home: (512) 365-3013 • Mobile: (281) 352-3517 email: boggybob@peoplepc.com DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR JOHNNIE R. KRIZAN 11500 Heritage Pkway, West, Texas 76691-2017 Home: (254) 826-5882

DISTRICT FOUR DIRECTOR BILLY ROLLWITZ, FIC, CFFM P.O. Box 195, Rowena, Texas 76875-0195 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 Rd, Houston, Texas 77008-6232 Home: (713) 864-2163 • email: lpflugh@aol.com DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR/VICE CHAIRMAN MICHAEL K. AHLSTROM, FIC, CFFM 407 Taos Dr, Victoria, Texas 77904-3777 Home: (361) 578-3279 • Mobile: (361) 676-3279 email: ahlstrom@suddenlink.net

DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR BOB J. BAYER, FIC 1100 Hospital Blvd, Floresville, Texas 78114-2912 Home: (830) 393-9073 STATE FIELD REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICTS ONE/FIVE Delisle Doherty Mobile: (832) 232-2049 • Home: (281) 855-2841 email: delisled@sbcglobal.net DISTRICT TWO/TRAINING DIRECTOR Hiram Dixon, FICF, LUTCF, CFFM Mobile: (254) 231-7722 email: lifeagent01@yahoo.com DISTRICT THREE Philip McBee, FICF, CFFM (325) 784-9800 • Mobile: (325) 647-1949 email: philipmcbee@aol.com DISTRICT FOUR Bobby G. Davis, FICF, CFFM Mobile: (325) 450-3748 Home: (325) 947-0027 • Office: (325) 657-8400 email: bgdsr2428@aol.com DISTRICT SIX Karen Kaspar, FIC, CFFM Mobile: (979) 332-1616 • Home: (979) 543-2532 Fax: (979) 543-8859 • email: k-kaspar@hotmail.com DISTRICT SEVEN Don J. Strickland Mobile/Office: (979) 820-8879 email: donj.spjst@gmail.com

FINANCIAL SECRETARY ROY VAJDAK (254) 773-1575 email: royv@spjst.com

STATE FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR CHESTER JENKE, SR., FICF Home: (830) 303-4316 Mobile: (210) 413-3053 email: cejenke1@aol.com STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR FRANK HORAK Office: (254) 773-1575 • Mobile: (254) 534-0681 email: frankh@spjst.com

DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836-4300 • (979) 272-3440 - email: spjst@aol.com District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S. St. Joseph Road, Burlington, Texas 76519-3108 - (254) 9852396 - email: patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside Ave, Dallas, Texas 75206-5840 • (214) 826-3557 - email: magiclady_46@hotmail.com District Four - Janice Stevens, P.O. Box 613, Hawley, Texas 79525-0613 • (325) 537-9224 - email: stemarjan@taylortel.net District Five - Barbara Linney-Gonzales - 6043 Pineway Blvd., Houston, Texas 77023-6510 • (713) 649-6138 email: district5dyc@aol.com District Six - Lisa Bubela, 1405 Divide Street, El Campo, Texas 77437 • (979) 543-7120 - email: lbubela@warpspeed1.net District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 3895 CR 430, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 • (210) 535-4916 - email: poohbear78064@hotmail.com BY-LAW COMMITTEE District One - Richard Ford, 2392 CR 424, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - (979) 884-1451 - email: dimebox5@aol.com District Two - Ronnie Rieger, 350 Rieger Road, Coupland, Texas 78615 - (512) 365-2000 - (512) 848-2416/cell - email: RonnieR1056@yahoo.com District Three - Kay Lynn Kovar, 3303 West Lake Bardwell Drive, Ennis, Texas 75119 - (972) 875-6827 District Four - Beverly J. Teplicek, 817 FM 381, Rowena, Texas 76875 - (325) 442-4841 - email: bjtep@verizon.net District Five - Mildred Holeman, 1006 Chantilly Lane, Houston, Texas 77018 - (713) 683-0018 - email: mmholeman@yahoo.com District Six - Joe Siptak, 2312 Norvell, Bay City, Texas 77414 - (979) 244-4415; (979) 479-3430 cell District Seven - Bettie House, 1721 Continental Drive, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - (830) 281-8246 -email: bvhouse@att.net

FINANCE COMMITTEE District One - Thomas Cannon, P.O. Box 372, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - (979) 567-4264 District Two - Edwin Pechal, 10660 State Highway 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 Highway 765, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - (325) 651-8550 District Five - Marceil Malak, 7444 Meiners Road, Ledbetter, Texas 78946-5118 - (979) 249-5940 District Six - Glenn Kaminsky, 902 River Oaks Court, East Bernard, Texas 77435 - (979) 335-4461 District Seven - Roy Haag, 1334 Rivercrest Drive, New Braunfels, Texas 78130-3438 - (830) 625-8262

INSURANCE COMMITTEE District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - (979) 272-3440 District Two - Dolores Skrabanek, 13107 State Highway 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 Drive, 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 - (361) 874-4461 District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 3895 CR 430, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - (210) 535-4916

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE District One - Floyd Kostelka, 1914 CR 403, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - (979) 884-0112 District Two - Tammy Whatley, P.O. Box 1481, Georgetown, Texas 78627 - (512) 948-5339 District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside, Dallas, Texas 75206 - (214) 826-3557 District Four - Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Drive, 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 Avenue K, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 - (281) 342-2624 District Seven - Jarolyn Popp, 447 Shady Hollow, New Braunfels, Texas 78132 - (830) 964-5135 HR ADMINISTRATOR DEBBIE KLINKOVSKY (254) 773-1575 • email: debbiek@spjst.com

Editor’s Note

VӖSTNÍK

Easter Bunny’s on the way . . .

Due to the Good Friday holiday on April 6, the deadline for the April

11 Vestnik will be Tuesday, April 3 at 5 p.m. Please make a note of this early deadline and plan ahead. Thank you, and best wishes as you plan for the Easter holiday.

Indoor S’mores Thanks to Ruth Ann Wuensche of Lodge 48, Beyersville for sharing this delicious dessert—and the recipe. The only thing that beats campfire s’mores . . . Indoor S’mores!

8 cups Golden Grahams® cereal (one 13-oz. box) 1 1/2 cups Nestlé® Toll House® Milk Chocolate Morsels 6 cups miniature marshmallows (one 10.5-oz. bag) 5 Tablespoons butter or margarine 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 cup light corn syrup (optional)

Directions Melt 5 cups marshmallows, (save 1 cup for later), Nestlé® Morsels, butter and corn syrup in 3-quart medium, heavy-duty saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Butter 13”x9”x2” rectangular pan. Pour Golden Grahams® cereal into a large bowl. Pour marshmallow mixture over cereal; stir until evenly coated. Stir in remaining marshmallows. Press mixture into pan. Cool at least 1 hour or until firm. Cut into 24 bars. Store loosely covered at room temperature. Microwave Directions Measure cereal into large bowl. Butter 13”x9”x2” rectangular pan. Microwave 5 cups marshmallows, the chocolate morsels, corn syrup and butter uncovered in large microwaveable bowl on High for 2 to

3 minutes 30 seconds, stirring after every minute, until melted and smooth when stirred. Stir in vanilla. Continue as directed above.

Get Your SPJST Cookbooks . . . Before They Are Gone While we are on the subject of recipes . . . the newest SPJST cookbook—SPJST Tasty Traditions that was released in December continues to be a hot item. Less than 2,000 cookbooks remain. And, at this time, there are no plans to reorder any more. So if you have not ordered this new cookbook that includes 700 pages with more than 1,400 recipes, get your order in today before all of the cookbooks are gone. A cookbook is a great birthday or wedding gift. A cookbook will also be a fantastic Mother’s Day gift for your mother, daughter, grandmother, granddaughter, aunt, or niece. And, graduation is just around the corner, too. What a wonderful gift an SPJST Cookbook will be for now . . . and for many years to come. But, be sure to stock up and order today before it’s too late and none are left. An order form appears on the back page of this week’s Vestnik. You can also order online at www.spjst.org or call us at (800) 727-7578 to order by phone (with a credit card). District Two Delights! David and I attended the District Two Spring Meeting on March 18 at Lodge 48, Beyersville. Lodge 48 members treated everyone royally with snacks served throughout the day and a delicious evening meal complete with a salad table and my favorite . . . a strawberry shortcake station. Thanks, Lodge 48 and District Two. Great job and great meeting! —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published weekly except the last week of August and the fourth week of December by VĚSTNÍK, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100. Subscription rates are $25 per year for non-members. Members’ fees are paid as part of the insurance fee collected by SPJST, 520 North Main, Temple, TX 76501. Second-class postage paid at Temple, TX and additional mailing offices. The exchange of opinions, ideas and information is a vital aspect of our fraternal Society and enables us to make more informed decisions. The views expressed by writers in the 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 VĚSTNÍK c/o Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.

VӖSTNÍK SPJST Farm/ Commercial Property Rates

SPJST INTEREST RATES Universal Life

Farm/commercial property rates are subject to change without notice. Call the SPJST Home Office (800) 7277578.

Farm/Commercial Property Rates

75% Owner Farm Property 5.00% for 1 to 10 years 5.25% for 11 to 20 years Commercial Property 6.00% for 1 to 10 years 6.25% for 11 to 15 years

Universal Life 4.50% for Annualized* Annuities

Annuity I** 5.00% for Annualized* Annuity II** 3.50% for Annualized* Annuity III** 3.50% for Annualized*

**Not currently being marketed.

Annuity IV 3.50% for Annualized*

* Rates effective 02/01/12 through 04/30/12.

Five-Year Annuity

When purchased, current interest rates are guaranteed for 5 years.

Band 1—$10,000 to $24,999 Current Rate: 3.75% Band 2—$25,000 to $49,999 Current Rate: 3.85% Band 3—$50,000 and up Current Rate: 3.95%

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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Readers Write

Lodge 67, Schulenburg member appreciates SPJST scholarship

Mr. Victorick, In the spring of 2007, I was a fortunate recipient of one of the scholarships your organization offered to graduating seniors. I just wanted to thank you again for the confidence you showed in me by selecting me for this recognition. This May, I will be graduating from Texas A&M University with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting and my master’s degree in finance. I am graduating with the academic distinction Magna Cum Laude, with high honors. After an internship with Price, Waterhouse, Coopers last spring, I was offered a job in their audit department and will begin working in their Houston office in September. I will forever be grateful to SPJST for the confidence the organization

showed in me and to you for going to all the trouble to come to Pflugerville to present me with the award. Angeline Holub HHS Class of 2007 Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2012 —SPJST—

“Kolache Katastrophe” brings excitement!

Hi, Melanie. I got the Vestnik yesterday and saw my kids on the front page with the “Kolache Katastrophe.” Thanks so much! My boys get excited when the Vestnik comes, and they have to look for their stuff. When they saw this on the front page—well, they thought they were really important . . . Thanks a bunch. Becky Wood Lodge 49, Rowena —SPJST—

Family Fun and Important Dates

March 28

March 29 March 31 March 31 March 31 March 31 April 1 April 1

April 2

April 3

April 5 April 6 April 7 April 7 April 8 April 14 April 15 April 15 April 15 April 17 April 21 April 21 April 21 April 22 April 22 April 22

District Six Sales Agents’ Class Taiton Community Center District Six Sales Agents’ Class • Lodge 32, Victoria SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive Ends District Three Delegates’ Meeting • Lodge 6, Cottonwood Lodge 48, Beyersville Kolache Bake (2) Lodge 88, Houston Easter Party (5) Lodge 6, Cottonwood Easter Program/Egg Hunt/Supper (3) Lodge 30, Taiton Hamburger Supper/Community Easter Egg Hunt • Taiton Community Center (6) Deadline for Advertisements for 31st SPJST Convention Souvenir Book District One Sales Agents’ Class Frank’s Restaurant, Schulenburg District One Sales Agents’ Class • Lodge 186, Caldwell SPJST Home Office Closed • Good Friday Holiday State 42 Domino Tournament • Lodge 6, Cottonwood Lodge 18, Elgin Easter Egg Hunt (2) Easter Sunday SPJST Float • Smithville Jamboree Parade (1) District One Spring Meeting • Lodge 38, Kovar District Five Spring Meeting • Lodge 81, Needville Lodge 84, Dallas Awards Ceremony/Dinner (3) Income Taxes Due Bloomin’ Temple SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration • Temple SPJST Float • Needville Youth Fair Parade (5) Lodge 13, Dime Box Casino Night Fundraiser (1) District Three Spring Meeting • Lodge 6, Cottonwood Lodge 38, Kovar Annual Picnic (1) Lodge 107, Floresville 100th Anniversary Celebration (7)

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

CONVENTION O R N E R June 11 to 13, 2012 Killeen Civic and Conference Center 3601 South W.S. Young Drive Killeen, Texas 76542

31st SPJST Convention

Deadline to submit recommendations to By-Law and Finance Committees is 60 days before the convention — April 12.

By-Law Recommendation

Article 12: Add to: (d) Members of the Supreme Lodge, their spouses, or employees of the SPJST Home Office are not eligible to serve as convention chairman or vice chairman or on various convention committees. Fraternally, Sherrie Kubala Watkins Lodge 92, Fort Worth —SPJST—

By-Law Recommendation

Article 28: (b) No person can be a member of the Supreme Lodge if he is related to any other members of the Supreme Lodge within the third degree, as construed under Section 573 of the Government Code of the Texas Revised Civil Statutes. Fraternally, Sherrie Kubala Watkins Lodge 92, Fort Worth —SPJST—

By-Law Recommendation Amendment to Article 43 of the By-Laws of SPJST:

(f) New to read: When a chartered lodge is about to dissolve, all chartered lodges within its district will be notified by the SPJST Home Office of its dissolution. SPJST Home Office will provide, upon request by a lodge within that district, a current list of the names and addresses of all members of dissolving lodge. Submitted by, Jesse C. Pospisil Lodge 29, Taylor —SPJST—

By-Law Recommendation RE: Article 74(b)

Dear By-Law Committee, Article 74(b) concerning transfer of membership between lodges has presented several challenges in the performance of my duties as Financial Secretary. One challenge is getting the old lodge to acknowledge the transfer in a timely manner even if the lodge is an active lodge. The greater challenge is how to record a new certificate of insurance when a member is a member of one lodge and is sold a new certificate by an agent from a different lodge and requests a transfer to the different lodge. Since a member cannot be a member of two lodges, do I hold back on issuing the new certificate until the member is released by the old lodge, which can take several months, or do I issue the certificate with the old lodge number and change the lodge number when I receive the transfer back from the old lodge? The problem with the latter is that credit for the new certificate goes to the old lodge for the purpose of lodge incentives. I would like to say that we could keep track of the changes, but our computer system cannot recognize these type of changes. We have to keep a manual record. The problem with the former is that the issuance of the certificate of insurance is unnecessarily delayed by the old lodge, and we are not servicing our membership in a timely manner. I have chosen to issue the certificate with the old lodge number so that we are servicing

our membership in a timely manner. To eliminate these problems, I propose to amend Article 74(b) and (c) to read as follows:

(b) Any member who desires to transfer to another lodge must complete a transfer request certificate from the Home Office. Local lodge officers must act on the request at the first meeting after the receipt of transfer. The Home Office will change the lodge number upon receipt of the transfer request and notify the old lodge of the change. The Home Office will forward the transfer request to the new lodge for approval.

(c) A member holding a transfer request must file such request with the lodge to which he wishes to transfer within one month after issuance of such transfer request. If he is not accepted by the new lodge at the succeeding meeting, he may request admission at the succeeding meeting. If he is not then accepted, he must return his transfer request to his previous lodge and the new lodge will return the transfer request to the Home Office marked “Not Accepted” and the Home Office will notify the old lodge that the member is returning and he must pay . .. Fraternally, Roy W. Vajdak SPJST Financial Secretary Lodge 88, Houston —SPJST—

VӖSTNÍK

District Two delegates’ meeting Tuesday, March 27

Dear District Two Delegates, A delegates’ meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor. A light meal will be served. Fraternally, Ronnie Rieger By-Law Committee District Two —SPJST—

District Three delegates’ meeting Saturday, March 31

Dear District Three Delegates, There will be a second delegates’ meeting on Saturday, March 31, 2012, at 10 a.m. at Lodge 6, Cottonwood. All delegates and members are invited and encouraged to attend. For questions or more information, please contact me (972) 875-6827. Fraternally, Kay Lynn Kovar By-Law Committee District Three —SPJST—

VӖSTNÍK

Leonard Mikeska announces candidacy for Supreme Lodge Secretary-Treasurer

I am writing to announce that I am a candidate for election to the position of Secretary-Treasurer of the Supreme Lodge. I do appreciate the opportunity to serve you these past three and onehalf years. The economic climate and other challenges required unique responses, and we are happy to report that the results of our actions were pleasingly gratifying. We can see that the next four years will be equally challenging, and I want to see the SPJST continue our turnaround to profitability and recovery of surplus. Changes that were implemented during this term will go a long way in assuring our ability to continue support of fraternal programs at their current level. I do want to share a brief history of my service with SPJST. After serving eight elected terms on the Supreme Lodge (32 years), I retired in 2000 and remained active in the leadership of my local lodge. During this time, I finished my college degree and pursued a career as a group benefits consultant with a national marketing organization. A few months prior to the 2008 convention, I responded to requests to seek election to the position of secretarytreasurer. I began work as secretary-treasurer in August 2008. Many changes were necessary to reverse negative trends we were experiencing. It was necessary to return to annual net gains from operations and to recover lost surplus. It is gratifying to see that we are back on track. Since 2008, surplus has increased from $13 million to $16.3 million. We have returned to profitability with a $1.4 million net income for 2010 and a $1.2 million net income

Dear Lodge Members of District Seven, I am asking for your support and vote to reelect me as your district director for another term of four years. The election will take place at the 31st SPJST Convention in Killeen, Texas, June 10 through June 13, 2012. Bob Bayer —SPJST—

Bob Bayer

Leonard Mikeska

for 2011. More detailed information will be provided in my pre-convention report which will be published soon. I do want to applaud the delegates of the last convention for putting into office one of the most outstanding management teams I have ever seen in SPJST. I have nothing but the highest regards for Supreme Lodge officers Brian, Gene, Melanie, and now Roy Vajdak. Their cooperation and professionalism provide an environment for good management decisions. This environment is amplified by a highly professional board of directors and an outstanding Home Office staff. Your consideration and support will be appreciated. Fraternally, Leonard Mikeska —SPJST—

Lodge 6, Cottonwood to host State 42 Domino Tournament April 7

SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood is the site of the 2012 SPJST State 42 Domino Tournament on Saturday, April 7. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., and play begins at 9 a.m. The state tournament is open to everyone—both SPJST members and non-members, ages 16 and above. The entry fee is $7 for members and $15 for non-members. The entry fee includes snacks and lunch.

Bob Bayer announces candidacy for District Seven Director

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Lodge 6, Cottonwood is located at 700 South Czech Hall Road in West. Please register by Monday, April 2 by mailing your name, complete address, phone number, email, and entry fee to SPJST State 42 Dominoes, PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. Participants may also register online at www.spjst.org in the fraternal section. For more information, call (800) 7277578 or email tammym@spjst.com. —SPJST—

From the Vice President Thursday, April 5— Sales agents SPJST Lodge 186, Caldwell invited to spring District Four sales classes Tuesday, May 15— Dear SPJST Sales Agents, Spring sales classes are being planned in all several districts. All sales agents are highly encouraged to attend these classes to be conducted by the Supreme Lodge Vice President and State Field Representative. The classes will cover Insurance Department procedures, sales recommendations, plans of insurance, and other updates. A light meal and refreshments will be served. Classes begin at 6 p.m. and will end around 8 p.m. Agents are asked to bring their rate books. Please RSVP to Lisa Mills at the Home Office by calling (800) 7277578 or by visiting “sales agent’s page” at www.spjst.org. Watch the Vestnik for more dates in District Three as they are set. • • Sales Agents Spring Classes • •

District One Tuesday, April 3— Frank’s Restaurant in Schulenburg

SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena Thursday, May 17— Seymour

District Five Tuesday, April 24— SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Thursday, April 26— SPJST Lodge 196, Houston-West

District Six Wednesday, March 28— Taiton Community Center Thursday, March 29— SPJST Lodge 32, Victoria

District Seven Tuesday, April 10— Golden Corral in San Antonio 1025 SE Military Road Thursday, April 12— SPJST Lodge 79, Corpus Christi

Fraternally, Gene McBride, FICF, CFFM Supreme Lodge Vice President —SPJST—

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Cont’d.

From the Financial Secretary SPJST Financial Statement as of December 31, 2011

Dear Members, In accordance with the 2008 SPJST By-Laws, I am submitting a report of our Society which is extracted from the 2011 Annual Statement. This report gives you pertinent items of information concerning our Society. All items are entered as found in the 2011 Annual Statement which ASSETS

DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME

was filed with the Texas Department of Insurance in February 2012. Please review this report in detail and should you have any questions, please contact me. Fraternally, Roy W. Vajdak Financial Secretary —SPJST—

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

Bonds.................................................................................$168,465,514 Stocks ................................................................................ 15,209,066 Mortgage Loans................................................................. 25,456,011 Real Estate: Properties occupied by the Society............................. 2,479,353 Properties held for the production of income............... 64,754 Certificate Loans................................................................ 1,908,760 Cash .................................................................................. 1,042,537 Other Assets ......................................................................

VӖSTNÍK

Life and Annuity Benefits ................................................... Refunds to Members ......................................................... Additions to Reserves........................................................ Operating Expenses ..........................................................

17,092,195 (206) 7,331,060 6,480,131

NET INCOME ..............................................................

1,228,753

TOTALS.......................................................................

30,903,180

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN CERTIFICATE HOLDERS’ SURPLUS

12/31/2011

Balance Beginning............................................................. $ 16,185,721 Net Income......................................................................... 1,228,753 Change in Unrealized Capital Gains (+) or Losses (-) ...... (1,035,069) BALANCE ENDING ................................................... $ 16,379,403

3,125,175

TOTALS ...................................................................... 217,751,169

LIABILITIES AND RESERVES

Certificate Reserves .......................................................... 189,557,036 Certificate Benefits Payable ............................................. 847,935 Premiums Received In Advance ...................................... 89,269 Interest Maintenance Reserve …….................………….. 4,854,418 Asset Valuation Reserve ……………………....………….. 2,809,143 Other Accrued Liabilities.................................................... 3,213,965 TOTALS .............................................................. 201,371,766

Unassigned Funds.............................................................

16,379,403

TOTALS ...................................................................... 217,751,169

INCOME

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

12/31/2011

Insurance and Annuity Premiums......................................$ 20,808,298

Net Investment Income......................................................

10,221,924

Commissions and Expense Allowance .............................

3,620

Amortization of Interest Maintenance Reserve .................

872,921

Net Realized Capital Gains or (Losses) ............................

221,740

TOTALS.......................................................................

32,131,933

Miscellaneous Income .......................................................

3,431

Around the Districts

The Secret to Your Worth is on the Wall

From the Desk of Delisle Doherty Districts One and Five State Field Representative True value cannot be calculated by one, a memory, an achievement, sadmoney. If you ness, happiness, pride, and joy. ever want to know When we leave this earth, these how valuable items are left behind. With each item your life really is will be a memory for someone whose just look around life you touched. Someone who your walls. Your smiled and laughed with you . . . true life’s value is Someone who went through good and everywhere. bad times with you, a moment where There is that famsomeone said I am proud. Just like the ily picture above Delisle Doherty junk that accumulates in our closets the mantle, the over the years your life, accumulated trophy deer, the fishlove, friendships, happy memories, ing trip with the family, the summer sad memories, pride and joy. Our camp, the certificates of achievements lives are far more valuable than we for you and your kids, the shot glass think. Just look at your walls. collection, the antiques you collected It is time to review your insurance over the years, the vacation souvenirs, and have that value live on. Call your the children’s picture, the autograph agent or state field representative and you got, the trophies on the bookcase, ask them to review your policy. If you the gifts you received over the years, know someone who has not seen their the photo album. As you look around, true value and need insurance call us with every item comes a story. Each today. one comes with a friendship, a loved —SPJST—

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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District Two Spring Meeting Hosted by Lodge 48, Beyersville Sunday, March 18, 2012 • Lodge 48, Beyersville Hall

LEFT PHOTO: The 2012 District Two Officers are, front, left to right, Flag Bearer Shelby Horak, District Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Ruth Hanusch, Treasurer Lyn Rieger, and President Ray Nelson. Back: Secretary Linda Johnson, Flag Bearer Brady Alexander, and Assistant DYC Lynette Talasek. Not pictured is Assistant DYC Donna

Vanecek (48). Also pictured are District Two Director Bobby Wuensche, far left, and SL Vice President Gene McBride, back, right. CENTER PHOTO: Kraslice adult contest winners are 1st - Frank Horak (80), 2nd - Terry Festa (80), and 3rd - Christine Festa (80). RIGHT PHOTO: Congratulations to 50year members Frank Tomascik (15) and Alice Wuensche (48).

LEFT PHOTO: 2011-2012 State Queen Alyssa Torres (48) visits with Jim and Katie Mogonye (18). PHOTO 2: Donna Machan (48), left, and Ruth Ann Wuensche (48) welcome guests. PHOTO 3: Ruth Hanusch (47) and Hon-

orary Supreme Lodge President Howard Leshikar (48). RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 48 hosted a snack table. Pictured are, left to right, Alice Bracewell, Bonnie Wolf, Robert Leshikar, Donna Machan, and Linda Wuensche.

Thanks, Lodge 48, Beyersville, for your hospitality and wonderful snacks, drinks, salad, meal, and dessert!

LEFT PHOTO: Artie Monson, Evelyn Gustafson, and Irene Helgren, all of Lodge 18, Elgin. PHOTO 2: Mona Larson, Rubie Volek, and Jo Ann and Red Oman, all from Lodge 187, Round Rock. PHOTO 3: From Lodge

29, Taylor: Linda and Jesse Pospisil, Sharon and Leonard Kaderka, and Ronnie Rieger. RIGHT PHOTO: Gladys Mogonye and Irene and Johnny Vrabel, all from Lodge 18, Elgin.

LEFT PHOTO: State FAC Chester and Colleen Jenke, State Field Representative Hiram Dixon and Beverly Buesch. PHOTO 2: Frank and Dorothy Tomascik and Virginia and Doug Williams, all of Lodge 15, Buck-

holts. PHOTO 3: In front are Frances and SL Vice President Gene McBride and in back, SL President Brian and Joan Vanicek. RIGHT PHOTO: Wilbert and Margaret Mikeska, both of Lodge 24, Cyclone.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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District Six Sales Agents Honored at Banquet in Victoria Saturday, March 17, 2012 • Sky Restaurant in Victoria, Texas

Sales agents and guests visit prior to the evening meal.

LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are Kathy Ahlstrom, Frances McBride, Leroy Kaspar, and District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom. PHOTO 2: Sheldon Holub (40), left, and Glenn Kaminsky (28). PHOTO 3: Supreme

Lodge Vice President Gene McBride thanks the sales agents for their applications that were written in 2011. RIGHT PHOTO: Pat and Robert Solis (223).

LEFT PHOTO: Director Ahlstrom, far left, and SL Vice President McBride, far right, congratulate Sheldon Holub, FIC (40) for District Six Top Associate Agent in Earned Premium; Karen Kaspar, FIC, CFFM (30) for Million Dollar Producer; and Glenn Kaminsky, FIC for District Six Top Associate Agent in Certificates Issued and Insurance Issued. RIGHT

PHOTO: Seated, left to right, are Carolina Covarrubia (30), Mary Tijerina (32), Gay Revel (97), and Sandra Espericueta (30). Back: Director Ahlstrom, Robert Solis (223), Sheldon Holub (40), Shirley Kalmus (4), SL Vice President McBride, J.C. Kocurek (40), Al Pena (223), Glenn Kaminsky (28), Mary Monclova (32), Leroy Kaspar (30), and SFR Kaspar (30).

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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District Seven Spring Meeting Hosted by Lodge 107, Floresville SPJST Lodge 107, Floresville hosted the District Seven Spring Meeting on Sunday, March 4, 2012, with 65 members and guests attending. District President Colleen Jenke presided. Lane Hoggard and District Seven Queen Michelle House posted the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Special guests were Supreme Lodge Vice President Gene McBride and Frances, District Director Bob Bayer, and State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Chester Jenke. Lodge 107 President Glen Pruski welcomed everyone. Director Bob Bayer conducted a memorial service. As each deceased member’s name was read, a candle was lit by District Second Vice President Jerry Sijansky and Lodge 133 President Jarolyn Popp. Oscar Korus, Mark Rebecek, and Larry Bertrand were appointed to the nominating committee. Larry Elzner, Stephanie Mills, and Lloyd House were appointed to the auditing committee. All district officers were present. Lodges represented were 79, Corpus Christi; 107, Floresville; 133, San Antonio; 202, Jourdanton; and 258, Seguin. Secretary Bettie House read four sets of minutes. An addition to the September 25, 2011, minutes was the note that District Seven donated $200 towards the expenses that Lodge 79 incurred for making the kolaches for the End of Summer Getaway. All minutes were then approved. District FAC Glen Pruski read the names of the 50-year and 75-year members. Glen Pruski presented gifts to the 2011 fraternalist nominees Jessica Janota of Lodge 79 and Lloyd House of Lodge 202. Lloyd House was also congratulated for being named SPJST State Fraternalist of the Year. Supreme Lodge Vice President Gene McBride presented checks to the district. He stated this convention year is very busy. SPJST is very healthy. There was more than $1 million gain in 2011 despite the economic situation and low interest rates. Information was given concerning the Universal Life policies. District Seven State Field Representative Don Strickland is doing a good job. He was also married yesterday. District Seven has come alive. In 2011, Lodge 79, Corpus Christi won the gold award and

Sunday, March 4, 2012 • Lodge 107, Floresville Hall

Lodge 107, Floresville was a first step winner. Lodge 79 Youth Club received the youth club award and was the top youth club in District Seven. Jill Sijansky of Lodge 79 and Glen Pruski of Lodge 107 tied for the top recruiter award. Jerry Sijansky of Lodge 79 was recognized for the District Seven Top Associate Agent for certificates issued. Leo Longoria of Lodge 79 was the District Seven Top Career Agent for certificates issued and earned premium. Javier Mora of Lodge 79 was awarded the Top Career Agent for insurance issued and was a million dollar producer. M o r a was the winner of a cruise. We n d y Pruski of Lodge 107 w a s named the State Top Associate Agent in earned premium. She also was the District Top Associate Agent for insurance issued and earned premium. State FAC Chester Jenke presented the SPJST Model Lodge program created by the Supreme Lodge. The Tribute 2012 information was given to lodge presidents. Meeting was adjourned for lunch. President Colleen Jenke read SPJST Education and Nature Center Director Donnie Howard’s report. Business is growing. Ponds are filling since the rain. A donation of a gaspowered trash pump would be appreciated. Stephen Mazur will be a camp counselor for the third year. Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center Director Roxanne Bertrand reported attendance was up due to the quilt show. The executive director resigned. The Museum needs donations. The prize drawing will be held at the SPJST Convention in June. The next board meeting will be in April. Rest Home Director Jerry Sijansky reported the assisted living facility is

doing well financially and should be paid-in-full soon. The nursing home needs to be updated. The meeting reconvened. Treasurer Valerie Barta presented the financial report. Youth Counselor Wendy Pruski gave the youth club’s financial report. The district royalty was introduced: District King Clay Howard, Duke Zachary Howard, Queen Michelle House, and Duchess Kelly House. Kraslice egg-decorating winners, all from Lodge 202, were announced: ages 6 to 8—Katlyn Polasek; ages 9 to 11— Kelly House (1st), Ciara Popham (2nd), Jiovanna We l l s (3rd); ages 12 to 14—David Sanders (1st), Sammy Hoggard (2nd), Amanda Hoggard (3rd); ages 15 to high school senior— Lane Hoggard (1st), Michelle House (2nd). Director Bob Bayer presented State Field Representative Don Strickland’s report. District Seven has sold $2 million of insurance in the first two months of 2012. State FAC Chester Jenke reported on the various state tournaments. SPJST will sponsor the wine and cheese reception at the Texans of Czech Ancestry (TOCA) meeting on March 24. State Fraternalist Lloyd House will be recognized. The Fraternal Alliance of Texas Bowling Tournament will be February 9, 2013, in New Braunfels. Lane Hoggard stated he will be going to Ethiopia with his church group to help with a water well, and then join in the celebration after its completion. Posters were used to emphasize the project. Director Bob Bayer chairs the Home Office internal audit committee. District Seven was number one in earned premium. The district’s contribution of 200 gallons of pull tabs was delivered in January. Bayer is a candidate for district director.

Publication Committee Chairman Jarolyn Popp stated the committee met in January. They are thinking of a new video for the youth. Finance Committee Member Roy Haag’s report was read by Vicki Reese. The committee met in January, and had no new by-law recommendations for consideration. Wendy Pruski reported the Insurance Committee met in January. There are 50 active agents in the district. There were 105 certificates issued in the district. By-Law Committee Member Bettie House reported there were meetings in January and February. They will meet each month before the convention and then in July to wrap up the work of the committee. Members were encouraged to submit recommendations before the April 12 deadline. Stephanie Mills reported the auditing committee found no discrepancies. The district will submit a full page ad for the convention souvenir book. For the End of Summer Getaway, the district will purchase $300 worth of prizes for the drawing that will benefit the Czech Heritage Museum. Oscar Korus presented the slate of officers that were elected for 2012. They are: President Colleen Jenke First Vice President/FAC Glen Pruski Second Vice President Jerry Sijansky Secretary Bettie House Treasurer Valerie Barta Youth Counselor Wendy Pruski Assistant Youth Counselor Regina House

Director Bob Bayer installed the officers. The $333 raised from the silent auction was split between the Czech Heritage Museum, the ENC, and the District Seven Camp Fund. Door prizes furnished by the Home Office were awarded. The meeting adjourned. A get well card was signed for Frances McDonald. Chester Jenke announced he is a candidate for district director. The convention delegates met and discussed by-law recommendations. Fraternally, Bettie House District Seven Secretary —SPJST—

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

SPJST Lodge Se ct 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) 773-8087

Email: melaniez@vvm.com

Questions? Call (800) 727-7578

Lodge 4 Lodge 6 Hallettsville Cottonwood meets this Sunday Easter party this Sunday Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville will meet this Sunday, April 1 at 3 p.m. Birthdays will be recognized. Other activities include games and door prizes. Lunch will also be served. Fraternally, Patsy Zabransky, Reporter —SPJST—

SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood’s annual Easter party is this Sunday, April 1, 2012, at the lodge hall. The day will begin at 2 p.m. with the regular lodge meeting. The annual meeting of SPJST Lodge 6, Inc. will follow. We will also honor our 50-year members. The youth club will present an Easter program, and the West Junior Historian Dancers will perform at 3:30 p.m. An Easter egg hunt for all ages will follow. At 5 p.m., a fried chicken dinner

with all the trimmings will be served. Members are asked to please bring desserts. Fraternally, Barbara Jean Hykel, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 13 Dime Box plans fundraiser

Dear Readers, On March 8, 2012, Vice President Floyd Kostelka of Lodge 13, Dime Box called the monthly meeting to order. Secretary LaDonna Jatzlau called the roll of officers/directors. Treasurer Debbie Kostelka gave the treasurer’s report for the current month. A moment of silence was held for Woodrow Spacek. An update was given on the fundraiser for repairs to the lodge, which will be held on April 21. Doris Ford will contact Youth Leader Pam Kothman about Join Hands Day. Everyone present welcomed new lodge member Travis Anthony Ordogne, son of Emily and Chris Ordogne of Bryan, Texas, and grandson

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of Tommy and Donna Jatzlau of Dime Box.

Next Meeting—March 29 We will have a special meeting on March 29 at 7 p.m. to work on the fundraiser and enjoy a potluck dinner. Thanks, Carla West, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 24, Cyclone plans annual Mother’s Day dinner

Members of Lodge 24, Cyclone are making plans for their annual Mother’s Day Dinner on Sunday, May 13, 2012. The meal will consist of barbecue chicken, beans, cole slaw, potato salad, iced tea, and a dessert. The meal will be served from 11 a.m. until we run out of food. For information, call Wilbert Mikeska (254) 985-2484 or Daniel Wilde (254) 985-2258. Please make plans to attend. Fraternally, Margaret Mikeska, Secretary —SPJST—

March Meeting Scenes from Lodge 15, Buckholts

Monday, March 12, 2012 • Lodge 15, Buckholts Hall • Submitted by Doug Williams, Jr.

TOP LEFT PHOTO: Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, standing, talks SPJST to members of Lodge 15. Listening are Frank Tomascik, left, and Doug Williams. TOP CENTER PHOTO: Hilda Burtis was honored for her 96th birthday and achieving the Grand Age of 96. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: President Vanicek congratulates Sister Burtis.

LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are Regina Peevey, Kathleen Jurca, and Lillie Zajicek. In back is Virginia Williams. RIGHT PHOTO: President Vanicek listens as the two candidates for District Two Director are introduced. They are Bobby Wuensche, left, and Jesse Pospisil.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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Lodge 29, Taylor Hosts Benefit for James Jirasek

Sunday, March 11, 2012 • SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Hall • Submitted by Linda Pospisil, Secretary/Reporter

A benefit for James Jirasek, who lost his home in a fire, was held on March 11, 2012. SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor donated the use of its facility to host the event. The benefit was a great success due to the numerous volunteers who came out and volunteered their time.

Among the volunteers were students from Thrall and Hutto Schools and the Thrall and Hutto 4H/FFA Booster Clubs, SPJST Lodge 29 members, SPJST Lodge 48, Beyersville members, Wuthrich Hill Lutheran Church members, numerous other family and friends, and Thrivent Financial Lutheran Asso-

ciation. The Thrall Fire Department allowed the use of its facility and barbecue pits. Thank you to all of the people who donated items for the live and silent auctions and those who bought meals and auction items at the event. —SPJST—

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Lodge Karel Jonáš Lodge 30, Taiton No. 28, East Easter egg hunt Bernard meets this Sunday this Sunday Dear Vestnik Readers, Dear Members, Since Easter falls on the second Sunday of April, Lodge Karel Jonáš will hold its meeting on the first Sunday, the 1st. It will convene at 12 noon in the Community Room of the East Bernard Branch Library at 746 Clubside Drive. The fare for the fraternal hour buffet luncheon has not been set at this time. As was repeated earlier, the March meeting was held in conjunction with the District Six Spring Meeting in Moravia. A few items were discussed, but nothing was decided. The date of the May meeting honoring 50-year pin recipients and mothers for Mother’s Day will be decided in the April meeting. At this time, the first Sunday looks the best as election primaries are to be held in the last of May. To the faithful: See you on the 1st, make plans to attend, and this writer remains . . . Fraternally yours, Joseph D. Nezval, FIC President —SPJST—

Lodge 30, Taiton welcomes new member

Lodge 30, Taiton welcomes new member Bree Angela Ramos, who was born on November 22, 2011. She is the daughter Ciara Smith and Patrick Ramos and the granddaughter of Rosalina Smith. Sales Agent is Carolina Covarrubia of Lodge 30, Taiton. —SPJST—

Bree Angela Ramos

Our next meeting is this Sunday, April 1 at Taiton Community Center. This will be the community Easter egg hunt and hamburger supper. The youth will meet at 6 p.m., and the adult meeting will follow. Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 32, Victoria reminder: April 12 potluck

Reminding all Lodge 32, Victoria members of our spring fling potluck on Thursday, April 12, 2012. We’ll gather at 6 p.m. and serve promptly at 6:30 p.m. Each family is asked to bring two dishes—meat . . . side dish . . . dessert—any two will work! Whatever we end up with will be great. Everyone in this lodge can cook really good so see what you can whip up! Also, please bring a picture of something very special to you. It can be anything – a person or an object. Something you treasure – it could be handed down from parents or grandparents – something you purchased or something you made. I’m sure we’ll have as many different photos as we have food! And, of course, we want to hear why this is so special to each of you! See you at 6 p.m. on April 12! Fraternally, Kathy Ahlstrom Reporter/FAC —SPJST—

Lodge 40 El Campo-Hillje reports on March meeting

The meeting of SPJST Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje was called to order on Sunday, March 11, 2012, by Vice President Dee Floyd. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was observed for the sick and deceased members of our community Roll call was held, and all were present except President Allen Bacak and Trustee Sheldon Holub. Motion was made by Ardis Bacak and seconded by Mike Kacal to accept the minutes as printed in the Vestnik. Motion carried. J.C. Kocurek made a motion to accept a new member who was reinstated to our lodge. Motion was

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seconded by Ardis Bacak. Motion carried. Youth Leader Kathy Garcia gave her report on the youth club and Join Hands Day. She read a letter that was received from the Home Office. She also took the youth to see President Allen Bacak in the rest home. Brother Bacak talked to the youth about the Czech language. Kathy then took the youth to Mr. Gatti’s for pizza and for the meeting. FAC Josephine Bacak gave her report. She thanked the greeter and kitchen workers for their help in the kitchen. A catered meal was served.

Next Meeting—April 15 The next meeting will be held Sunday, April 15 at 2 p.m. A light lunch will be served by the lodge. Members are to bring desserts. Kitchen workers will be Mrs. Linhart and Charlene Smith. Greeter will be Mr. Linhart. There was no new or old business.

Charles and Margaret Kozlovsky Celebrate 50 Years of Marriage

Charles and Margaret Kozlovsky celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 2, 2011. A renewal of their wedding vows and a blessing were performed by the Reverend John Dick at St. John Catholic Church in Ennis. The couple was married December 2, 1961, at St. John Catholic Church by the Reverend Emil Slovacek. They have seven children — Mary Riddle, Michael Kozlovsky, Sharon Kozlovsky, Carol Noel, Monica Moren, Ricky Kozlovsky, and David Kozlovsky; 20 grandchil-

dren; and one great-grandchild. Their children hosted a reception including a delicious dinner on December 3. Music was provided by the Chris Valek Band. Dancing and the grand march were held at SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis Hall. The couple wishes to thank all who shared the special occasion with them. They are thankful for their wonderful children, the beautiful celebration and God’s blessings throughout their 50 years of marriage. Charles has been a member of SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis for 52 years. —SPJST—

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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Vlasta Bartos had no report on cemeteries. Bingo report - bingo was holding its own. Treasurer Diane Seaman read the treasurer’s report, and it was accepted. Mary Ann Cerny was the March birthday celebrant. Ardis Bacak led the “Happy Birthday” song. There were no anniversaries. Attendance prizes were won by Josephine Brandt and Ben Svoboda. The meeting adjourned at 12:16 p.m. Fraternally, Josephine Brandt, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 51, Ellinger plans summer picnic

SPJST Lodge 51, Ellinger met for its quarterly meeting on Friday, March 16, 2012, at Ellinger Fire Station. President Calvin Hlinsky called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silent prayer was then held for the deceased, our troops, those who are ill, and those who could not attend the meeting. Our lodge picnic which will be held on July 14 was discussed. A silent auction will be held. It was also decided to have a freewill donation fot the meal. The lodge had seven new members for 2011. A large plaque was received. The next meeting will be held June 15. A light lunch, brought by members was served. Jo Ann Divin led the table prayer. Burdine Divin Fraternal Activities Coordinator —SPJST—

Lodge 30, Taiton Supports SPJST Education and Nature Center

Lodge 30, Taiton President Yvonne Marcaurele, left, presents the lodge’s annual donation to SPJST Education and Nature Center Director Lisa Bubela.

Join Hands Day project. All donations will be greatly appreciated. See you on April 15 for a great afternoon of fraternalism at Lodge 84, Dallas! Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 87, Temple meets April 10

Dear Members, Lodge 87, Temple will meet Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at the lodge hall at 6:30 p.m. A meal will be served. Anyone who is interested in serving as a lodge officer is encouraged to attend this meeting. For more information, please contact President Hiram Dixon (254) 231-7722. Fraternally, Hiram Dixon, President —SPJST—

remembrance of departed members. Youth Leader Barbara Linney-Gonzales invited everyone to the youth Easter party which will be held on March 31. District Five Director Larry W. Pflughaupt reported that the District Five Spring Meeting will be held on April 15 in Needville, and he encouraged everyone to attend.

Lodge 88, Houston plans Easter fun this Saturday

Dear Members, Our Easter party is approaching soon. It is going to be this Saturday March 31, 2012, at 2 p.m. We will meet on Friday night, March 30 at 6:30 p.m. for our meeting and to decorate and dye the eggs. We are asking each youth club member to bring one dozen plastic eggs filled with wrapped candy, erasers, stickers, etc. and a bag of individually wrapped candy to fill the rest of the eggs. I will be at the lodge early on Saturday to prepare the food so if anyone would like to come and help early, it would be appreciated. Remember to bring a friend. Thanks, and I hope to see each of you there! Fraternally, Barbara Linney, Youth Leader —SPJST—

Next Meeting—April 9 Please make plans to attend our monthly meeting on April 9 as we will be recognizing our 50- and 75-year members. Respectfully, Janice Jahns, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 30, Taiton Supports Youth Club With Annual Donation

Lodge 84, Dallas Lodge 88, Houston to honor longtime members reports on March meeting

Dear Members, Lodge 84, Dallas invites you to our anniversary appreciation dinner on Sunday, April 15, 2012. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. We will have a short meeting and honor our 50- and 75year pin recipients. A spaghetti dinner will follow. All attendees are asked to please bring a dessert to share. Also, please bring disposable diapers for our

Dear Readers, Lodge 88, Houston held its regular monthly meeting on March 12, 2012. The meeting was called to order by President Patricia Bruce at 7:10 p.m. Sydney Jurchak opened the meeting with prayer. We then joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Members also stood for a moment of silence in

Lodge 30, Taiton President Yvonne Marcaurele, third from right, presents an annual donation to Lodge 30 Youth Club. Accepting the donation are, from left, youth club members Vincent Lutringer, Ryan Drapela, Allison Fucik, Jessica Fucik, and Dylan Treumer.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Lodge 88, Houston invites all to Easter party

Dear Members, Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club will host its annual Easter party this Saturday, March 31, 2012, at 2 p.m. We will have five age groups hunting eggs—from infants to the young-atheart. Please plan to come out and hunt eggs, receive a prize egg, visit with the Easter bunny, and enjoy refreshments. We will have a great time and look forward to seeing each of you there . . . Fraternally, Michelle Wockenfuss Assistant Youth Leader —SPJST—

Lodge 92 Fort Worth meets April 1

Please remember that our next lodge meeting is on Sunday, April 1, 2012—April Fool’s Day. Our president will be preparing his gourmet Hubenak’s Hamburger’s—no fooling!

The meeting will begin at 1 p.m., followed by Randy Tatarevich and the 92nd Roadhouse Band at 3 p.m. All who attend the meeting will be admitted to the dance free of charge. Our youth club will have its Easter egg hunt. Likewise, there will be a special hunt for those no longer eligible for the youth club. You may find things hidden in unusual places. A sympathy card went to Joella Kubala on the loss of her son. We haven’t decided who will be in charge of the meal for District Three Youth Achievement Day, but no doubt, it will be very good. It is on Sunday, June 24. We had a congenial crowd on hand to dance and listen to the music of Don Peachey and his group of Burnet, Wisconsin. Mary C. Krivanek was sporting a sling, so don’t guess she did very much dancing. Anyway, she was able to join the intermission singing group with Edward Kopecky of Granger on his accordion. Al Kercho, Reporter —SPJST—

LeeAnn Kuzel and Travis Dohnalik to exchange wedding vows

Tony and Debbie Dohnalik of Cameron announce the engagement of their son, Travis Michael, to Kayla LeeAnn Kuzel, daughter of Jeff and Sheri Kuzel of Buckholts. The prospective bridegroom is the grandson of the late Wesley and Bessie Hyzak of Granger and the late Frank and Vlasta Dohnalik of Cameron. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mary Chudej of Buckholts and Johnny Chudej of Buckholts and Barbara Kuzel and the late Norman Kuzel of Buckholts. Travis is employed with Milano and Calvert Livestock Exchange and Dohnalik Custom Harvesting. Kayla is a 2011 graduate of Tarleton State

University with a nursing degree and is employed with Standards of Care Home Health. The couple will be married on May 26 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Marak. Travis and his parents are members of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton. —SPJST—

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Lodge 38, Kovar Achieves First Step Award in 2011 Awards Program

District One Director Donnie Victorick, far right, presented the first step award in the 2011 SPJST Incentive Awards Program to Lodge 38, Kovar. Accepting the award are, left to right, Kathy Maney, Sheri Holder, Edwin Zimmerhanzel, Donna Zimmerhanzel, and Alfred Hellinger. Not pictured is Johnnie Janek.

Lodge 97 Placedo sends care packages

Dear Readers, Recently Lodge 97, Placedo sent care packages to two men serving in the Middle East. I went to school with both of these fine gentlemen at Victoria High School and am proud to call them my friends. Lodge 97 helped pay for the postage to send these packages. SPJST, my friend Diana Galvan, Donna Vanek, and I helped make this possible. Below are letters from both of them. I had already printed their thank you letters off to read to the lodge at our last meeting. The soldiers ask only for continued prayers for their safety and well being and for their families. The first one is from Zane DeAmaral (a lieutenant colonel),

Donna, Thanks for your support and that of SPJST members . . . and especially your blessing. You, SPJST, and the other people like you certainly represent the very best of America, which is why our country is so great. (And Texas and Texans, in particular!) The Lord and His angels have certainly watched over us, and continue to do so. I am a member of an advisor group which is assigned to the 1st BDG (brigade), 1st Calvary Division “Iron-

horse,” based out of Fort Hood, Texas. The Brigade has more than 3,400 troopers and is a HBCT (Heavy Brigade Combat Team) thus possess serious combat power (e.g. tanks, artillery, etc). After spending about five months training at Fort Hood, we deployed to Iraq, spending our first six months in Iraq advising and assisting the Iraqi Army and police within our sector. We left Iraq in December and moved to Kuwait. We should be heading home sometime this summer. In the meantime, the Brigade is conducting unit/individual training to ensure that our soldiers/leaders maintain and improve their combat skills. Additionally, we are partnering with select Kuwait Army units/leaders. Once again, thanks again for your support and blessing—keep doing great things. Zane DeAmaral Camp Buehring, Kuwait ••• I am a Navy Veteran and a retired police detective. I am currently working for the military in Afghanistan training detectives here. The military hires subject matter experts to assist them in achieving their training goals, and my specialty has afforded me the opportunity to train Afghan detectives that investigate crimes against women and children, as well as domestic violence. Afghanistan has started a new era of empowering women and protecting

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them instead of Taliban teachings that this country has had since the early 1960s. This will be a long process, but I have seen results. The care package to me was a true blessing. A little piece of home really brings one up a bit, especially when you are surrounded by a war-torn country every day you are here. Thank you so much. Randy J. Duke

A friend mentioned to me that when Randy received his box, he got tears in his eyes because the inside “smelled like America!” Randy was home on vacation recently . . . well, in Chicago as his daughter’s band marched in the St. Paddy’s Day parade there, but I think he is going back. Hopefully, they will both be back this summer. Anyone wanting to help these troops, just let me know. I know the Girl Scouts are supposed to send them some cookies once their sales are over in March. You may email me at bbbellanger2011@hotmail.com or call (361) 579-8331. The guys were really touched. They don't have much storing room so I send mostly consumables (snack items) and toiletries, puzzle books, magazines, books, and things that can’t melt fast. I think it is still cool over there. It took Randy about a couple of weeks to receive his and Zane about 3 weeks. Zane has about 30 troops in his unit and as much as I wanted to send something to every last

troop, we decided on just doing Zane’s 30 men. He graciously shared his care package with his troops. Diana even sent some goofy things to make them laugh! I sent a box of Bendaroos for them to create with. I think they deserve to be honored. God bless America, and God bless our troops. Vote wisely this next election! Bernadette Bellanger —SPJST—

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Lodge 92, Fort Worth Hosts Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Dance

Lodge 141, Sealy welcomes guests

Our March meeting was well attended by members as well as guests Donnie and Janice Victorick and Delisle Doherty. The meeting was called to order by President Bennie Stolarski with the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes and correspondence were covered by Bernice Stolarski, and Edith Karas gave the treasurer’s report. We will again participate in Join Hands Day activities. Reports were given by Donnie Victorick and Delisle Doherty, who also brought some door prizes. Next Meeting—April 10 The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10 at Gordon Memorial Library. Bernice Stolarski —SPJST—

Lodge 97, Placedo Presents 2012 Officers

Lodge 92, Fort Worth’s Starlight Ballroom celebrated Valentine’s Day on February 8, 2012. From left are Sweetheart Pat Dearing and runners-up Marquita Jordan and Jean Moon. The first Friday night ballroom dance was held 30 years ago on February 12 . . . and the dancing continues today. —Photo by Garland Ellsworth; submitted by Bessie Ellsworth

Lodge 160 San Angelo meets April 9

Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 160, San Angelo, will hold its quarterly meeting on Monday, April 9, 2012, at 6 p.m. The Dutch treat dinner and meeting will take place at Zentner’s Daughter in San Angelo. We will discuss the Join Hands Day project and the upcoming SPJST Convention which will be held in June. We hope you will be able to attend this meeting. Fraternally, Sandra Jansa, President —SPJST—

Lodge 177 Academy gives $16,302 to community District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom, far right, installed the 2012 officers of Lodge 97, Placedo at the lodge’s March 9 meeting. Pictured are, left to right, Treasurer Dennis Vanek, Secretary Gay Revel, Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Donna Vanek, and President Sylvia Bluhm.

The regular meeting of SPJST Lodge 177, Academy was called to order at 7 p.m. by President Otis Beck. All officers were present except Bill and Joanne. Members stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Otis welcomed some very special guests to our meeting—Bobby and Ruth Ann Wuensche and Jesse and Linda

Pospisil. It’s great to have visitors at our meetings. A giant thank you to Josie for taking the minutes at the meeting. Minutes were approved as presented. The Sunshine Committee reported that a get well card had been sent to J.C. Johnson who recently had surgery. We wish him a speedy recovery. Committee reports for February, 2012 were presented.

Trustees’ Meeting The trustees’ meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Otis. All trustees were present except Bill. Trustees determined the following donations:

Churches Touching Lives for Christ—$1,000 Turkey Association—$500 Building Fund—$802 Children’s Advocacy Center—$1,000 Temple Meals on Wheels—$1,000 American Cancer Society—$1,000 Little River Volunteer Fire Department—$3,000 Academy School District—$5,000 Salvation Army—$1,000 Czech Heritage Museum—$1,000 Little River Catfish Association—$1,000

That’s a total of $16,302! The trustees’ meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. by Otis.

Old Business The audit committee reported that

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

the books were in good order. Under new business, Bobby Wuensche and Jesse Pospisil each made a brief presentation to our members. We appreciate the dedication to fraternalism demonstrated by these fine candidates. Thank you both for coming to our lodge! After a motion by Shirley, seconded by Don, the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Fraternally, Joanne Hutka Secretary-Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 179 Warrenton meets April 19

Note: Lodge 179, Warrenton will not meet on its regular night but will meet on Thursday, April 19, 2012, at 6 p.m. at Jervis Garden Deck in Ledbetter, Texas. We will participate in Join Hands Day activities by working with the Ledbetter Homemakers Club and the Ledbetter Fire Department. Thanks! Ricky Weyand, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 196 Houston-West meets April 15

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Lodge 97, Placedo Honors Outgoing Officer

Lodge 196, Houston-West has changed its next two meeting dates to Sunday, April 15 and Sunday, May 6. Please make a note of these meeting dates, and we look forward to seeing you. Fraternally, Cadance Wager, Secretary —SPJST—

Birthday Club Sisters of Lodge 88, Houston

President Nell Stautberg opened the meeting at 11:10 a.m. An opening prayer was said by Helen Hegwood, and Esther Heinsohn led us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The roll of membership was called, and we had 11 members present. The minutes were read and approved as read. President Nell Stautberg said that we will not need any cakes for our meeting next month since we have cakes from the lodge’s anniversary day. We decided to have ham for our lunch in April, and Louise Jacob and Nell Stautberg will make arrangements for getting the ham. Treasurer Vernell Foyt gave her report. Then, Sunshine and Ticket Chairlady Delores Pavlicek said she sent a get well card to Margie Anders and will mail a get well card to Flo

Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy Supports Czech Museum Challenge

Lodge 200, BrucevilleEddy Treasurer David Nauert presents a $100 check to Czech Heritage Museum Director Mildred Holeman to support Sister Holeman’s challenge grant to raise $500,000 for the Museum by May 31.

Orsag. Margie and Flo, I hope you are doing much better. After the reports were finished, Vernell Foyt read our rules and regulations, and we discussed changes that needed to be made. She will type this up, and at the meeting next month, we will read this and vote to approve this. Mary Krippner made a motion that the old rules and regulations be kept for our records. Calcutta was won by Louise Jacob, Dixie Raskin, and Bette Hurta. We had no birthdays for the month of March. However, we sang “Happy Birthday” to Helen Hegwood who has a birthday in April. She will be on a trip and unable to be with us next month. Helen Hegwood said a closing prayer, and the meeting was adjourned. We had a lunch of fried chicken and our delicious covered dishes. Thanks for getting the chicken for us, Dixie. I want to thank the guests for coming, and I hope you will come again. You are always welcome. Fraternally, Bette Hurta, Secretary —SPJST—

Thanks to Bernadette Bellanger, right, of Lodge 97, Placedo for her service as reporter from 2007 to 2011. She was honored with a plaque presented by Lodge 97 President Sylvia Bluhm at the lodge’s March meeting.

Fort Worth Friendship Club

The meeting of the Friendship Club was held on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at St. Thomas Parish Hall with 44 members and three guests present — Lourdes Capuko, Jean Davis, and Delores Zeigler. President Betty Krenek called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all, and Vice President Alene Kercho read a short story which was enjoyed by all. President Betty thanked hostesses Linda Horner, Sharron Connelly, and Paula Hall. Linda had a fall trying to set up the tables and spent the meeting with both legs elevated with ice packs. I just talked to her on the phone, and she said one leg is fine, but she is still having problems with the other. After a visit to the doctor’s office, she was told it may take several weeks to get back to normal. Get well wishes go out to you, Linda. I guess you will not try handling tables in the future. Secretary Elizabeth Creamer read the minutes from the last meeting. In the absence of Treasurer Jo Ann Wilcox, Shirley Martin gave the financial report. Both were accepted as presented. The president reminded everyone that April is a designated month in which the Club supports St. Thomas Food Pantry. So ladies, don’t forget your donations to this worthy cause. Betty also reported that she is working on a new membership booklet. Hostesses for April will be Pat McWilliams, Kitty Rippin, Lois Smith, and Mary Windham.

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Helen Skrasek donated a gavel to the Club in memory of her late husband Joe for use at the meetings. It was a special gavel in that it had a name plate “In Memory of Joe Skrasek 1919 - 1987.” The gavel was made by Helen’s brother-in-law Harold Strand. Harold used wood from acreage near Bryan—acreage that belonged to Helen’s sister Adele. Thanks, Helen, that was so nice of you. I’m sure the president will enjoy using it. Sunshine Person Paula Hall reported she didn’t mail any cards this past month. If any member knows of someone needing one, please let Paula know. Her cell number is (817) 7277238. Paula further thanked the Club for church masses being said for her late husband. Sharron Connelly made a donation to St. Thomas Church of a giclee, print on canvas of a bluebonnet scene that she had originally painted. Sharron asked that it be used in a fundraiser for the church’s building fund. It is a lovely framed picture titled “Prairie Flowers at Whitney, TX.” The Club thanks you. I am sure the church does, too, for this generous donation. It was reported that St. Thomas Church is having a casino night at the Palace Room on April 14 with dinner at 6 p.m., and casinos open at 7 p.m. Lorraine Cross stated the homestead exemption for homeowners age 65 and over will be on the ballot for

the May 12 Election Day. She encouraged everyone to vote “yes” for this which will be Amendment 5. So everyone, young and old, please vote to save this exemption. Thanks, Lorraine, for informing everyone of this important matter. Door prizes were brought by Lydia Alholm, Linda Horner (seven), Marie Keller, Helen Skrasek, and Libbie Vrla. The 50/50 dollar games were won by Lorraine Cross and Ann Conner. As usual, we had lots of happy winners. Anna Johnson and Rosie Steinman reported on their visit to our longtime member Agnes Reznicek, who resides at Manor Care on Skyline Drive. They said they had such a nice visit with Aggie and how much she enjoyed seeing them. Special thanks went out to the hostesses for the St. Patrick’s Day decorations on all the tables. Several members even dressed in green. Our hostesses did a great job. The singing of “Happy Birthday” went out to March birthday celebrants Harold Balvin, Willie Mae Becan, Vera McKenzie, Carrie Milan, Anna Marie Moncrief, Wilma Stell, and Jo Ann Wilcox. May you all have many more. Following the meeting, grace was said, and a wonderful fried chicken lunch with so many wonderful other dishes was enjoyed by all.

News Mary Ann Kozel was missed at the

Daughters of the Republic of Texas Meet at Czech Heritage Museum

Daughters of the Republic of Texas (Ben Milam Chapter) held their meeting at the Czech Heritage Museum on Wednesday, March 21, 2012. Kenny Lange, standing, far right, gave the ladies a tour of the museum, and the ladies expressed their appreciation with a donation check. Many commented about how great the exhibits were and went away with a better appreciation of Czech heritage. Pictured, seated, left to right are Mary Lou Smith and Miriam Lundy. BACK: Dorothy McLendon, Doris McCrary, Barbara Freed, Johnette Gaines, Shirley Holleman, Carol Brown, Pat Anderson, Linda Dunlap, and Donnie Yielding.

meeting, but we hear that she was having a treatment and hope all went well for you. Mary Ann had a birthday on February 24. She said that she had a nice day with friends and especially enjoyed the special surprise from daughter Barbie, who showed up at the door later in the day and stayed until Saturday. Willie Mae Becan sent me a copy of the special invitation to the 100th birthday party for Donna Miteff at Ridglea Country Club. I understand Donna was a special friend to Lucille Kret. I hear that several of our members attended this party and reported on a marvelous day visiting with friends. Paula Arsenault is having a birthday on May 8, but she said that she will not be able to be at our meeting as she will be on a trip to Germany, her homeland, for a two-month visit. Paula goes there each year to visit family. This year, she will be there to celebrate her 80th birthday. Congratulations, Paula — and have a good, fun trip/vacation. Sharron Connelly, Rosie Steinman, Jerry and Henrietta Milan, and I enjoyed attending the 10K at Ennis Sokol the other Saturday. We enjoyed the steak dinner, but I have to say, none of us were winners. Then on the following Sunday, Sharron, Rosie, Anna Johnson, Mary Steinman, Helen Skrasek, Lydia Alholm, Lil Kosarek, Jerry and Henrietta Milan and their families, Al and Alene Kercho, and I enjoyed the 100th year anniversary lunch at Dallas Sokol. We enjoyed a wonderful pork loin, dumplings, sauerkraut, and green bean lunch, the beautiful music by the Dallas Concert Orchestra, the program, then the performance of the Stribrnanka Brass Band from the Czech Republic. It is always so nice to see so many old friends from Dallas Sokol and several from the Czech language class I attended in Prague. It was truly a delightful Sunday. My friends from Ennis always ask about Helen Skrasek. Well, she is still on the go. Helen, her son Gary and wife Debbie, and Debbie’s mother attended the Mollie B polka event at Ennis Sokol on Saturday. She said they had a super time. Then on Sunday, she surprised her sister Adele Strand in Waco with a visit. Adele’s granddaughter and husband were planning a trip there as Adele has been having some medical issues and invited Helen to go with them. Helen said they had a wonderful time and visit.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Just in case anyone wonders, Lydia Alholm still loves making trips to Oklahoma to you-know-where. This week, Lydia was a big winner. Congratulations, Lydia. Don’t forget - you must report this on your tax return! Get well wishes for a speedy recovery go out to Henrietta Milan who had hip replacement surgery today. I hear that she is doing well. I also learned today, that our member Lorraine Cross is having back surgery tomorrow. Let’s say a prayer for her that all goes well. The next meeting will be April 4. Don’t forget your food items for St. Thomas Food Pantry and dish for lunch. Haven’t the rains been nice! We are looking forward to seeing you all. So Until, Keep Smiling, Libbie Vrla, Reporter —SPJST—

Reunions ★★★ ★★★

Reunion notices are published at no charge and as a benefit to our SPJST members. First-run announcements may be edited to fit the space. Thereafter, and until the week prior to the reunion date and as space permits, notices will be run in an abbreviated form. Please include your SPJST lodge number/name, and your contact phone number. Thank you. April 21 West Area Rural Country Schools—at SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood Hall, 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. For information, call Al and Georgie Soukup (254) 662-0839; Charles and Irene Barber (254) 6222998; or Milton and Irene Peterson (254) 533-2372. Submitted by Milton Peterson, Lodge 6, Cottonwood. —SPJST—

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Cernosek family

The Cernosek family reunion will be held Sunday, April 22, 2012, at Holman Parish Hall, located on FM 155, halfway between Weimar and La Grange. There will be a mass at St. Wenceslaus Parish in Holman at 9:30 a.m. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. A catered meal of fried chicken and trimmings will be served at 12:30 p.m. Charge is $6 per plate; children ages 10 and under are free of charge. Bring your beverage of choice. Water and tea will be provided. Bring a dessert to share and an item for the silent auction. Please RSVP by April 18 to Willie Bohuslav by calling (512) 347-1078 or (512) 695-7324 or emailing jwbohuslav@aol.com. Joyce Bohuslav Lodge 88, Houston —SPJST—

Cuba family

Since 1972, descendants and friends of our ancestors, Martin and Vera Michalik Cuba, who came from Moravia to Texas in search of freedom and a better life, have been gathering for family reunions. Make plans to attend this year’s reunion and spend time with your immediate and extended family and friends on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at

SPJST Lodge 48, Beyersville hall, located at 10450 FM 619, southeast of Taylor. You may recall that the hall is close to the old homeplace just across Mustang Creek and where our parents and friends learned to be such great dancers. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. A buffet-styled covered dish meal will be served around 12:30 p.m. Each family is asked to bring two side dishes (salad, vegetable, or dessert). Those traveling long distances should not feel obligated to bring anything. Meat (fried chicken, sausage, etc.), drinks, and all serving items will be provided. Be sure to bring any old photos or memorabilia you would like to share with other family members. Learn about your family lineage, history, and rich heritage. As always, we will have door prizes and both live and silent auctions to cover expenses so don’t forget to bring items for these. Please share this information with your immediate family and encourage your children and grandchildren to attend. It is a fun-filled day to look forward to. If you have questions or need information, contact Linda Wells (512) 261-7016 or by email lwells1@austin.rr.com or Robert Kovar (512) 517-1884 or by email robertrkovar@gmail.com. Submitted by, Robert Kovar Lodge 29, Taylor —SPJST—

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“Bringing in the Thistle” by Hilda Burtis of SPJST Lodge 15, Buckholts

This is the time of the year that reminds me of my childhood years when I had to bring in the thistle. It was my assigned chore every afternoon after school to take a tow sack (burlap bag), with hoe in hand to trudge to the field to gather thistle for the hogs. The hogs had been on dry feed since frost of the previous fall, and Papa thought getting rid of the unwelcome field thistle and purging the hogs at the same time was the sensible thing to do. To enlighten the young, and to refresh the memories of oldsters like me, that was the time when every farm family had a pen of hogs for winter meat and bacon. There was no such thing as commercial hog feed so hogs were fed shucked corn, garden scraps in season, and all the kitchen scraps and dishwater - which we simply called slop. Feeding and tending the hogs, like other barnyard chores, was usually delegated to the children. To grumble about it, when it occurred to us, was almost blasphemy for we were sternly reminded how thankful we should be to have this bounty of food put daily before us. It was easier to trudge after thistle than listen to a long harangue on our ingratitude. So it was every afternoon after school, I changed clothes, ate a hasty snack of dinner leftovers left warming for me on the back of the woodburning kitchen stove, I set forth on my thistle gathering. The thistle was never close by, but in the field farthest from the barnyard; in the High Field, as we called it. Also, it grew the lushest on ground plowed the previous fall. Being plowed, the furrows were usually wet, and the mud stuck to my hightop shoes, to my hoe which became a blob of mud, till I seemed to spend more time scraping shoes and hoe, than cutting thistle. Woe be unto me if I forgot my scraper, for then I had to find a rock or mesquite stick to use instead. Yet, that was the easy part, it was carrying the sack that was the real problem for it could not be dragged, on ground, wet or dry. If the ground was wet, the sack balled up with

mud, and if the ground was dry, the sack hurriedly wore out both from the thistle inside and from the ground outside. That was when families had more kids than possessions so the emphasis was on the sack, not on the kid. When the sack was finally filled, I pulled it to close with a drawstring and slung it over my shoulder for the homeward trek. Not only was the tow sack rough and scratchy, but every thistle in it seemed braced against my back as it bobbed back and forth with every step. I could not have escaped it had I stepped as nimbly as a ballerina; I was just a little walking human pincushion. It never occurred to me to feel sorry for myself which would have been a waste of time anyway. Instead, I was thinking of inventing a method to carry sacked thistle. One such attempt was to hook the sack on the hoe handle, hobo-style, which only worked if I carried the hoe perfectly level, for the slightest tilt downward sent it sliding off, while the slightest upward tilt sent it jabbing, slap-bang against my back. I had to settle on hitting patches of grassy turn-row where I could safely drag (mostly backward) the sack. Backward, because it was also when little girls wore dresses and long cotton stockings, so pulling a sack, no matter how carefully, bounced off those stockinged shins was no easier than bouncing off the back. Finally, at long last, by hook and by crook, I was at the hog pen feeding the thistle which the hogs were munching with noisy relish. With me, everything was a tragedy of the moment, so I had already forgotten my aching, stinging back, my scratched shins. I just hung around watching the pigs so long my reverie was soon broken by mother’s scolding voice that what was I lolly-gagging around for when the eggs needed to be gathered, the corn shucked, the cows milked, the wood box filled, and on and on and on. You know what? I wish I was that little girl again. —SPJST—

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Convention Book

Continued from Page 1.

assist with ad design. When submitting your advertisement, please include the text for the ad and photos or clip art images. Digital images saved in TIFF, EPS, JPEG, or PDF files will work best. Digital-ready advertisements should be saved as PDF or Quark 9.0 files. All text, photographs, or digital files along with payment must be received no later than Monday, April 2, 2012. Please mail or email to:

Hilda Burtis

Continued from Page 1.

John Thomas Kuzel and Annie Mikulas Kuzel, farmed in the Corinth community just south of Buckholts. Hilda was the oldest of four siblings. A brother, Emil John “E.J.,” passed away in 1990. Her sisters, Lorene Milian and Irene Rollins, live in Salado and Belton, respectively. According to Hilda, one of the best parts of growing up was attending school. That included both the local Corinth School as well as Buckholts High School. “I loved school!” Hilda recalls, adding that she, “. . . wanted to go every day and even on Saturday!” What makes that surprising is the fact that Hilda didn’t speak English when she first enrolled — only Czech. “That didn’t slow me down,” she says, “In two months, I could speak English and had received my first promotion.” Hilda married neighbor John Burtis on September 5, 1934, at the home of Rev. F.J. Kostohryz in Temple, Texas. John and Hilda farmed, ran cattle, and raised a family. “John was a hard worker,” Hilda recalls. Besides farming and ranching, John and Hilda’s brother, E.J., operated the area’s only sawmill. In 1954, John and Hilda purchased the Buckholts drygoods store which Hilda managed. John passed away in 1982. Hilda continued on with the daily obligations of running the farm and running cattle and has only recently curtailed her active lifestyle. Hilda and John Burtis put a premium on education in raising their daughters, Mary Irene and Marguerite. “There was never any question that we

SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503-0100 email: melaniez@vvm.com

All proceeds from advertisement sales will go to Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center and SPJST Education and Nature Center. For questions or additional information, please contact the SPJST Vestnik/Communication Department (800) 727-7578 or email melaniez@vvm.com. —SPJST—

would both attend college,” says Marguerite. “Mom and Dad saw to that.” Both girls earned undergraduate degrees from Stephen F. Austin University and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University at Commerce. Today, Mary Irene and Marguerite operate the Burtis & Noel Speech-Language Center in Dallas, Texas. The center focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of children and adults with speech-language disorders. Both Marguerite and Mary Irene and their families enjoy their regular visits to the family homeplace. Marguerite and her husband Peter Vogel have two sons, John-Paul and Stephen. JohnPaul and his wife, Alesha, also have two sons, John Mason, two, and Grady Paul, born February 24. Mary Irene has one son, Thomas. Sister Burtis was first elected secretary of Lodge 15, Buckholts at age 24. She holds the distinction of being

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Please Donate Today! Czech Heritage Museum Challenge Grant Every SPJST Member is challenged to give $10 or more by May 31, 2012. Mail tax-deductible donation to: Czech Heritage Museum 119 West French Avenue Temple, Texas 76501

Thank you kindly for your donation. elected to serve as the first secretary of SPJST District Two, serving alongside District Two President Reuben Leshikar when SPJST was first divided into districts. Hilda, who has fulfilled her obligation as lodge delegate to multiple SPJST conventions, was honored to serve on the Publication alongside her esteemed SPJST contemporaries Edwin Micek and Frances Olexa during the term of Vestnik Editor L.O. Hosek. Honorary Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas is a first cousin of Sister Burtis. Jerry’s recollections of the Kuzel and Burtis families spans four generations. “I remember Hilda for her strong work ethic and always being a step ahead of her time,” Brother Mikulas said, citing Hilda’s longtime leadership role she has played in the Democratic Party. Sister Burtis served as a delegate to Texas Democratic Party Convention

Sister Burtis, seated, center, is pictured with Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, left, and Kathleen Jurca, age 95, also of Lodge 15, Buckholts. In back are Lodge 15 President Doug Williams, left, and District Two Director Bobby Wuensche. SPJST Home Office and Lodge 15 honored Sister Burtis with a celebration on March 12.

for more than 50 years, fulfilling in an variety of official obligations ranging from Milam County Election Judge, delegate to the National Democratic Convention and as an official elector of the U.S. Electoral College, prestigious obligation typically assigned by their State party convention to recognize their service and dedication to their political party. She will be serving as an alternate to this year’s State Democratic Convention in June. “Mother has always been politically active and in the know on current events,” acknowledges daughter Marguerite. “I can recall as a child my mother reading the newspaper out loud to my father. As children, we listened too.” Fluent in speaking and writing Czech, Hilda has enjoyed enduring friendships with families in the Czech Republic. Close ties with one such family began following the close of World War II. Responding to a shortage of rations in Europe, Hilda began sending care packages of clothing and precious commodities like coffee to what was then Czechoslovakia. With each package, she included her name and address. Upon receipt of one of these packages, the patriarch of the family sent Hilda a letter. That was the beginning of a friendship with the recipient family that has lasted to this day. Prompted by Lodge 15, Buckholts President Doug Williams, Hilda recalled life in the community and life in the SPJST in the days,” noting that times weren’t always that good. “I believe these are the ‘best times’ today,” she said, “Everything in the SPJST seems to be a lot more fraternal than it was at one time, and that’s a wonderful thing to see.” —SPJST—

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

In Memoriam

Expression of Sympathy

We, the undersigned Resolution Committee of Lodge 15, Buckholts, Texas, on behalf of our entire membership, wish to express our sincerest and deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of our departed lodge brother, EMIL FRANK VACULIN, known to many friends and relatives as “Chief,” of Cameron died Sunday, March 18, 2012, in Cameron, Texas. He was 84. Emil was born February 4, 1928, in Milam County to Joseph John Vaculin and Elizabeth Drozd VacEmil Vaculin ulin. He attended school in Ad Hall and completed high school in Cameron. He served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1952 during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Germany. Afterward, he attended Blinn College, briefly, before marrying Joyce Hertenberger on June 14, 1955. Emil worked as a farmer and rancher and was a welder at Butler Weldments. Emil grew up in a large farming family near Pettibone, Texas. He always loved the smell of a fresh plowed field. In his later years, he got much joy from harvesting hay each year. He was the unofficial neighborhood security in the Wattswitch area - keeping an eye on the younger generation and always happy to supervise them in their farming and ranching efforts. He was proud to share his peach-yield with friends and family when he had a good year. When he was younger, Emil enjoyed going to dances and playing dominoes with his friends and family. He enjoyed life and people. In his later years, he liked to go to the coffee shop and “shoot the bull” with friends - old and new. Emil took great pride and joy in his grandchildren. He had a real fondness for his four-legged friends who kept him entertained. Emil was a member of SPJST Lodge 15, Buckholts. Survivors include wife Joyce; sons Paul Vaculin and wife Pam of Collierville, Tennessee, and Alan Vaculin

and wife Roseleen of Lewisville, Texas; and daughter Vicki Collins and husband Craig of Zabcikville; grandchildren Amber Vaculin of Hamden, Connecticut, Whitney Vaculin and fiancé Michael Branum of Lewisville, Ashley Jensen and husband Jeff of College Station, and Zachary Vaculin of Collierville, Tennessee. Emil was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Stanley, Henry, Victor, and Joe Vaculin, II; and sisters Christine Hromcik and Vlasta Dohnalik; and little grandsons Andrew Collins in 2001 and Lance Collins in 2009.

Family visitation was held Tuesday, March 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at MarekBurns-Laywell Funeral Home in Cameron with the rosary recited at 7 p.m. Funeral service was held Wednesday, March 21 at 10 a.m. at St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Cameron with burial immediately following in St. Monica’s Cemetery. Emil will certainly be missed by his family and many friends. Resolution Committee Virginia Williams Frank Tomascik —SPJST—

In Memory of Walter and Bernice Divin

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Walter Divin, age 86, and Bernice Divin, age 79, of La Grange, died Thursday, January 26, 2012, at their residence in La Grange, Texas. Walter was born in Ellinger, Texas, on August 1, 1925, the son of the late Emil and Julia (Kocian) Bernice and Walter Divin Divin.

Death Claims Paid in February, 2012 Supreme Lodge SPJST • Temple, Texas

Name

Gene Arnold Sebesta Robert Glen Nelson Mildred Mary Baleja Ricky L. Schustereit Edna L. Krupka Frankline James Schlesinger Albert Adolph Sralla Gladys Margaret Marek Oleene Thun Charles J. Kovar Friedrich Kaulfus Felix M. Sandelovic Rose Ann Parma Mainer J. Gavranovic Richard L. McLeod Edward A. Kristof Anton Suchomel Samuel R. Hunter, Jr. Martha M. Boenisch Darrell Bartek Larry James Melnar Dionizy Grabowski Frank C. Grunewald James R. Beseda Maria C. Morales Nancy M. Jones Raul Enriquez Ledel R. Renck Arthur Reyes Robert R. Huebel

From 2/01/2012 to 2/29/2012

Lodge

81 88 84 143 24 29 107 47 92 1 24 63 130 151 196 186 29 154 92 47 4 154 8 88 32 92 219 179 88 88

Location

Needville Houston Dallas Inez Cyclone Taylor Floresville Seaton Fort Worth Fayetteville Cyclone Sweet Home Dallas Wharton Houston-West Caldwell Taylor Fort Worth Fort Worth Seaton Hallettsville Fort Worth Weimar Houston Victoria Fort Worth El Paso Warrenton Houston Houston

Date of Admission

1/04/1952 8/21/1964 4/01/1942 7/16/1965 12/30/1928 7/01/1986 4/12/1945 10/07/1965 4/08/1939 5/06/1946 1/04/1967 3/10/1949 3/08/1945 12/01/1952 3/31/1976 8/20/1957 5/17/1946 12/01/1955 12/28/1976 1/18/1966 11/01/1952 7/21/1954 9/22/1954 9/25/1974 8/19/2004 5/01/1945 6/08/2010 11/16/2010 3/16/2001 5/15/1989

To the Bereaved Survivors of Our Deceased Brothers and Sisters, the Supreme Lodge SPJST Expresses Its Heartfelt Sympathy. Fraternally, Leonard D. Mikeska, FIC, Secretary-Treasurer —SPJST—

Date of Death

6/08/2010 9/15/2011 12/25/2011 11/11/2011 12/11/2011 1/10/2012 1/06/2012 1/25/2012 6/13/2010 1/03/2012 1/29/2012 1/12/2012 12/26/2011 1/17/2012 1/13/2012 1/25/2012 1/25/2012 1/10/2012 1/02/2012 12/06/2011 2/04/2012 2/01/2012 2/03/2012 1/22/2012 2/03/2012 12/30/2011 2/24/2011 12/24/2011 1/12/2012 10/09/2011

Age

73 54 88 47 104 74 82 79 89 85 87 83 82 68 63 65 91 56 90 50 60 90 74 66 70 66 77 90 84 85

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Bernice was born in La Grange, Texas, on December 15, 1932, the daughter of the late Joe and Matilda (Sulak) Zbranek. Walter and Bernice were married on November 23, 1952, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Plum, Texas. Walter served in the United States Navy during World War II. He worked as a welder until retirement. Walter was a member of SPJST Lodge 51, Ellinger. Bernice worked as a cashier at Winns Department Store for many years. Walter is survived by brother Leslie Divin of Sugarland; nephews James, David, and Robert Divin; and nieces Barbara Cook, Kathy Richter, Denise Upchurch, Libby Querry, and Ann Campbell. Bernice is survived by sister Rosalie Kollaja of El Campo; niece Bett Regan of Buda; and nephews Edward Kollaja of Stafford and David DeMarco and wife Catherine of La Grange. Walter was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers Bennie, Arnold, and Harry Divin. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Bennie, Edwin, and Jerry Zbranek; and sisters-in-law Bessie and Martha Zbranek and husband. Funeral services were held at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Plum at 10 a.m. Monday, January 30. Burial was in St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Plum. Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 126 Plum Church Road, Plum, Texas 78952; or to La Grange Volunteer Fire Department, 155 North Franklin, La Grange, Texas 78945. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. Koenig and Strickland Funeral Home, La Grange was in charge of arrangements. Burdine Divin, FAC —SPJST—

SPJST Youth

Section

District Two youth participate in spring meeting

Dear Vestnik Readers, The Annual District Two Spring Meeting was held on Sunday, March 18, 2012, at Lodge 48, Beyersville. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and indoors, it was just as pretty. The hall was beautifully set up to continue with the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Everything looked so nice. And, talk about food, Lodge 48 members went way out with not only the delicious meal, but a great variety of appetizers. You all did a wonderful job, and thanks to each of you. 34 Kraslice Entries! The day began with the youth registration of 34 beautifully decorated Easter eggs. Congratulations to each of you for participating. Winners were: Post-Kindergarden to Age 8 1st—Cort Boehme Lodge 87, Temple 2nd—Wyatt Ammons Lodge 87, Temple 3rd—Trevor Wuensche Lodge 48, Beyersville

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) 773-8087

Email: melaniez@vvm.com

Questions? Call (800) 727-7578

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st—Brooke Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton 2nd—Nichole Festa Lodge 80, Holland 3rd—Brandon Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton

Congratulations, youth! The same also goes to all adults who participated in the contest. It was great to see so many youth at the meeting. Thank you, Leaders-inTraining, for your help with organizing the stuffing of the Easter eggs and playing games with the younger ones. Following the meeting, the youth enjoyed the Easter egg hunt. What excitement! There were eggs everywhere, and then it happened— out came the Easter Bunny! The look on the faces and excitement of the

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

youth was priceless. His visit put smiles on everyone. Thank you, Easter Bunny, for coming to see us. Brady Alexander of Lodge 47 really enjoyed the Bunny! (lol) The youth had a silent auction to help defray the cost of snacks for our summer camp. Thank you to all who brought items and to those who bid on the items. Donations were brought by Irene Vrabel of Lodge 18, Elgin; Jesse and Linda Pospisil, Melvin and Geraldine Steger, Ronnie and Lyn Rieger, all of Lodge 29, Taylor; Justin Kraatz, Lynette and Zoe Talasek, and Patsy Koslovsky, all of Lodge 47, Seaton; Rita Kelm, Bobby and Ruth Ann Wuensche, and Kacie Vanecek, all of Lodge 48, Beyersville; Linda Johnson of Lodge 187, Round Rock; David Nauert of Lodge 200, BrucevilleEddy; and Melanie Zavodny of Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point. Congratulations to those who got to take home that special item they wanted. High bidders were Virginia Williams of Lodge 15, Buckholts; Evelyn Gustafson of Lodge 18, Elgin; Joan Vanicek of Lodge 24, Cyclone; Lyn Rieger of Lodge 29, Taylor; Joyce Kraatz and Patsy Koslovsky, both of Lodge 47, Seaton; Ruth Ann Wuensche, Mrs. Machac, Emily Filla, Misty McCoy, Trent Wuensche, and Logan Nira, all of Lodge 48, Beyersville; Beverly Buesch of Lodge 87, Temple; Linda Johnson, Rubie Volek, Xavier Salinas, and JoAnn Oman, all of

Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Earn Scout Awards

Ages 9 to 11 1st—William Filla Lodge 48, Beyersville 2nd—Emily Filla Lodge 48, Beyersville 3rd—Chase Alexander Lodge 47, Seaton

Ages 12 to 14 1st—Justin Kraatz Lodge 47, Seaton 2nd—Shelby Horak Lodge 80 Holland 3rd—Kacie Vanecek Lodge 48, Beyersville

Congratulations to Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Club members Hutson Teplicek, left, and Hunter Teplicek. Hutson earned his Wolf Badge at the Blue and Gold Banquet held in February, and Hunter earned his Arrow of Light and crossed over to Boy Scouts at the Blue and Gold Banquet. They are the sons of Grant and Laurie Teplicek of San Angelo and grandsons of James and Beverly Teplicek of Rowena and Allen and Jo Ann Weishuhnn of Vancourt.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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District Two Youth Participate in Spring Meeting

Sunday, March 18, 2012 • Lodge 48, Beyersville Hall • Submitted by District Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky

LEFT PHOTO: Lighting a candle in memory of deceased members are State Duchess Emily Filla (48), State Queen Alyssa Torres (48), and District Two King Jerry Pechal (47). CENTER PHOTO: Congratulations to kraslice

contest winners, left to right, Cort Boehme (87), William Filla (48), Justin Kraatz (47), and Brooke Hoelscher (47). RIGHT PHOTO: DYC Patsy Koslovsky with Flag Bearers Justin Kraatz (47) and Kayla Wuensche (48).

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 48, Beyersville youth Kacie and Collin Vanecek, State Queen Alyssa Torres, and Kayla Wuensche. PHOTO 2: Silent auction. PHOTO 3: 2012 Camp Tee-Shirt Design Contest Grand Prize Win-

ner Brooke Hoelscher is recognized by DYC Patsy, FAC Ruth Hanusch, and State Youth Director Frank Horak. RIGHT PHOTO: The Easter egg hunt begins!

LEFT PHOTO: Presenting Mathieu Mason McCarthy, born March 12 to Lodge 187, Round Rock Youth Leader Jennifer McCarthy. CENTER

PHOTO: And, they’re off! RIGHT PHOTO: District Two Treasurer Lyn Rieger and grandson Bradyn Teat gather Easter eggs.

BELOW: Congratulations to all kraslice contest winners! Left to right are ages post kindergarten to 8—Cort, Wyatt, and Trevor; ages 9 to 11—

William, Emily, and Chase; ages 12 to 14—Justin, Shelby, and Kacie; and ages 15 to high school senior—Brooke, Nichole, and Brandon.

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Lodge 187, Round Rock; and Teresa Cornett of Lodge 182, Falls County. We thank you all for your tremendous support of our youth. I would like to thank the District Two Youth Leaders who joined in on the fun and helped out during the day: Joyce Bowen of Lodge 18, Elgin; Lynette Talasek and Tammy Pechal of Lodge 47, Seaton; Christine and Terry Festa of Lodge 80, Holland; Jennifer and Lucas Davidson of Lodge 87, Temple; new youth leader Teresa Cornette of Lodge 182, Falls County; and youth leader and new mom Jennifer McCarthy of Lodge 187, Round Rock. Jennifer, her family, and new six-dayold son Mathieu attended the meeting. Congratulations! Thank you to State Youth Director Frank and his family for being a part of this day. We thank you, Frank, for all you do for the youth and us as leaders. You are great! I would like to thank all members in attendance for re-electing me as District Youth Counselor for another year. I love being a part of the youth program and being with the youth. Thank you to each of the parents for allowing me to be a part of your child’s life. We have a great time, and

Lodge 87, Temple Welcomes New Youth Club Member

CORT BOEHME

Lodge 87, Temple welcomes Cort Lane Boehme, age eight, to the youth club. Cort is in the third grade. He plays baseball, basketball, and football. He loves to play outside and ride his bike. Cort likes all kinds of sports and loves to draw. He is super excited about camp this summer and all activities that SPJST has to offer. Cort loves meeting new friends. He has a little brother who will also follow in his footsteps. —SPJST—

I am looking forward to another wonderful year. This year’s District Two Youth Program will have an enormous link missing. Assistants Janet Lyon and Carol Tallas have made a very hard decision to leave the program. Each will take time to be with their families. Janet will be spending more time helping Butch with his businesses, and Carol will be taking time to work on the ranch. Ladies, we have all loved you very much and always will. You will both be greatly missed. Lodge 47 Youth Leader Lynette Talasek and Lodge 48 Youth Leader Donna Vanecek will be filling the positions as Assistant District Youth Counselors. I am looking forward to us working together to make this another fantastic and fun summer for District Two. We will be meeting soon with all youth leaders to plan out the summer. Parents and youth, we need your suggestions, ideas, or concerns to help our program grow. Please contact me before April 10 so we can talk about it at our district training. We want what is best for our youth. If you are interested in being a chaperone, please call me before this date also. Camp dates are July 26 to July 29. Looking forward to a great year with our District Two youth who are very, very special. Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor —SPJST—

District Three sets June 24 YAD at Lodge 92, Fort Worth

Dear District Three Youth and Parents, With Spring Break over and you are all rested up, it is time to start your Youth Achievement Day projects! Yes, Youth Leader Holly Anderson is in full planning mode for a great YAD at Lodge 92, Fort Worth on June 24, 2012. So mark your calendar with a big star to attend this big exciting event. If you need any assistance with your qualification of your project, talent, or speech, please consult with your youth leader and/or assistants. The youth leaders with their assistants have attended a workshop that covered all areas of YAD and should be able to clarify any questions.

Your youth leader will be collecting the cards, to look over them before turning them in to Bessie. Due to Convention, the cards will be due early! So get started now and you will have plenty of time to get that perfect craft/talent/speech entry turned in for that great event Holly is getting all together for your enjoyment. If you need me for any reason, please feel free to call (972) 948-4456 or email magiclady_46@hotmail.com at anytime. Thanks. Fraternally, Lynda Novak District Three Assistant DYC —SPJST—

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Lodge 49, Rowena youth talks camp

Hello, I really did enjoy our youth club meeting. Our leaders told us about many exciting things that will be happening in the next several months. We even talked about camp! We were all encouraged to paint an Easter egg. Cammi Teplicek —SPJST—

Lodge 49, Rowena youth to attend next meeting

Hello, to All Věstník Readers, I was unable to attend my last youth club meeting, but I did do the worksheet, and our youth leader informed me of the things that were discussed. It sounds like I missed an exciting meeting. I plan to attend the April meeting. Hunter Teplicek —SPJST—

Lodge 87, Temple Youth: Better to Give than Receive

Lodge 49, Rowena youth excited about Join Hands Day

Hi! I missed the March youth club meeting, but our leader gave us a copy of the worksheet, and I worked it and turned it in. I am excited about our Join Hands Day project. I plan to attend the April meeting. Hutson Teplicek —SPJST—

At the Youth Development Workshop, Supreme Lodge President Brian gave me a cookbook. I was supposed to find someone I wanted to give the book to. Brian was telling me that it is always better to give than to receive. I decided that I wanted to give the book to my principal, Mrs. Heltenburg. She was very excited and happy that I selected her. I told her that she could keep the cookbook for herself or she could also give, and place the book in the library where everyone would get to share the book. Ryan Davidson —SPJST—

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club Shares February and March Activities

TOP LEFT PHOTO: Stuffed animals for sale! Amanda, Olivia, Jacob, and Samuel.

TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Look what we have for sale! Pictured are Brandon, Austen, Amanda, Olivia, Samuel, and Madison.

LEFT PHOTO: Advertising the garage sale on the lodge sign. Pictured are Justin, Olivia, Amanda, Brandon, Samuel, and Jacob. RIGHT PHOTO: Sokol President David Slovak, left, presents a 50year plaque to Johnnie I. Krajca.

LEFT PHOTO: 2003 SPJST State King Jake Holland represents SPJST at the St. Cyril and Methodius Celebration. RIGHT PHOTO: Enjoying the RVOS Party are, left to right, Betty, Allis, Mitzy, and Suzy. BELOW

LEFT PHOTO: Mollie B is pictured with KBEC Polka DJ Johnnie I. Krajca and his family. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Margaret and Johnnie I. enjoy a conversation in Czech with one of the Stribrnanka band members.

Dear Readers, February was an especially busy month starting out with the Sixth Annual Czech Fest at the Sokol Hall on February 18, 2012. Music by local Czech bands was enjoyed all day beginning at 1 p.m. The next morning, St. John Church, in conjunction with all the local fraternal lodges, celebrated St. Cyril and Methodius Day. Jake Holland represented SPJST at this festive event. The Stribrnanka Brass Band from the Czech Republic entertained an appreciative audience at the Sokol Hall in Ennis on February 25. It was a nice treat to hear the wonderful music from this talented group. It reminded me of my trip to Prague last summer. The next day, we went back to the Sokol for their annual exhibition and awards ceremony where my daddy, Johnnie I. Krajca, was honored for his 50-year membership. On March 10, we attended the RVOS party at the SPJST hall, where several of Lodge 25’s members came to join in on the fun. And, I can’t forget to mention that we also found time to dance to Mollie B at the polka party at Sokol Hall the second weekend in March! Be sure to look for some of our youth club members dancing to the great bands featured which will air on RFD-TV starting in May. As you can see, there is plenty to do in our Czech town of Ennis, Texas, and I enjoy every minute of it! It is so wonderful to be able to have fun and visit with family and friends - and to make new friends! Spring is in the air, and so the spring cleaning has begun! Our youth club members cleaned out their closets, cabinets, and toy boxes to come up with enough goods to sell in our garage sale on March 17 to make it a huge success. I am so proud of all of our youth, parents, and grandparents for their hard work and donations that did pay off!

Next Meeting—April 1 Easter is around the corner, and our youth club will be meeting Sunday, April 1 at 1:30 p.m. We’ll have a short meeting then the big Easter hunt will follow. Everyone is invited to come out - young and old. I look forward to seeing everyone then. Please remember to bring your Easter baskets! Fraternally yours, Rita Holland, Youth Leader —SPJST—

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Lodge 49, Rowena youth designs lunch bags

Hi! We had fun at the youth club meeting. We painted pictures on lunch bags for meals for the elderly. We talked about the different projects that we could do for our upcoming District Four YAD. Brandon Teplicek —SPJST—

Lodge 87, Temple youth designs Angry Bird for kraslice contest Lodge 49, Rowena youth enjoys making lunch bags

I really enjoyed the meeting on March 11, 2012. Making lunch bags at the meeting was fun. I can’t wait until the Easter egg contest and our next meeting. Sincerely, Sarah Booher, age 10 —SPJST—

For the District Two Spring Meeting, Youth Leader and mom Jennifer Davidson told us that we could decorate an egg and turn it in for competition at the spring meeting. She told us we could use anything we wanted and we could make it look like anything! So as soon as she asked me what I wanted to make with my egg, I told her I wanted to make my egg look like the Black Angry Bird. I went to Hobby Lobby and got all the supplies I would need for this. We went home, and my mom showed me how to attach everything. I was very excited to watch my Angry Bird come to life.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Even though I did not win first place, I still love my egg! Ryan Davidson —SPJST—

Lodge 87, Temple Youth Club Participates in Youth Development Workshop Saturday, February 25, 2012 • SPJST Home Office in Temple, Texas

Dear Readers, Lodge 87, Temple Youth Club attended the Youth Development Workshop that was held in Temple at the SPJST Home Office. It was a day full of fun. We started out the day learning more about our State Youth Director. We loved seeing Frank’s glasses and short shorts! His speech was very fun to listen to. We all enjoyed the door prizes. Ryan received a cookbook. He was to take the cookbook and give it to

someone else, teaching him a very good lesson. He was to take a picture of him giving the SPJST cookbook away. Once it was published in the Vestnik, Supreme Lodge President Brian will be giving Ryan his “door prize.” Thank you, Frank and Patsy, for making it fun for all. For lunch, we all enjoyed eating salad, pizza, and cookies. We then went on a tour of the Texas Czech Genealogical Society’s Czech Veterans’ Wall of Honor

downstairs in the Home Office basement. We also played a few games up in the lobby. Thank you, Lynette, for all the laughs. I do believe that we had more fun than the youth who were in our group! We finished the day off with a tour of the Czech Heritage Museum, located just down the block from the Home Office. Ryan really liked the puppets! Jennifer Davidson Youth Leader —SPJST—

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club Easter party this Saturday

Dear Members, We are celebrating Easter at Lodge 88, Houston on Saturday, March 31, 2012. The party will start at 2 p.m. Remember to bring your baskets and be ready to hunt. I hope to see you there! Fraternally, Keith Wockenfuss, age 7 —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club meets this Friday

Dear Members, We will be having our next meeting on Friday night, March 30, 2012. We will dye eggs and decorate for the Easter party. Our party will be Saturday, March 31 at 2 p.m. Please watch your emails or Vestniks for updates. Fraternally, Allison Wockenfuss, age 15 —SPJST—

Lodge 202 Jourdanton youth expresses appreciation

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works not only in your community but around the world. Fraternally, Lane Hoggard, President —SPJST—

Thank you, Lodge 202, Jourdanton and District Seven Members! I would like to express my appreciation to the members of Lodge 202 and District Seven members who generously donated to the Water 2 Thrive fundraiser at the District Seven meeting. I am very excited to be a part of this opportunity to bring clean, fresh water to a village of 7,000 people in Ethiopia. I will be traveling to Ethiopia in May to help complete the water well and participate in their celebration of life-sustaining water. Thank you for your support of this worthwhile cause. You generosity is a testament to how SPJST fraternalism

Lodge 87, Temple Youth Dance Beseda at Texas State Capitol

On March 2, 2012, Lodge 87, Temple along with all of District Two Beseda Dancers, helped celebrate

Friday, March 2, 2012 • Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas Texas Independence Day at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas. We arrived at the State Capitol and since our lodge members had never been, they thought that the State Capitol was awesome! There were a lot of different heritages that were celebrating with us. We watched one school perform several different skits. Then, there was a group of kids that signed

and danced “God Bless Texas,” and a group of Spanish dancers who showed us a very pretty dance (the girls had very pretty dresses). The last group that was there was a fiddle group. It was crazy how good they sounded. We took pictures with a group of soldiers. Then, it was our turn to dance. We lined up with our group and partners. Then, we walked out to the cen-

ter of the room. It was very exciting to perform for everyone at the State Capitol and to show them a little about our tradition and heritage. Once we were finished, we took some pictures then headed out to eat some yummy pizza! It was a lot of fun, and we can’t wait till the next beseda performance! Ryan Davidson —SPJST—

Podpora

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BENEVOLENCE

ROČNÍK 100 CISLO 13

Učme se česky Let Us Study Czech Lekce jedenáctá Lesson 11

Read the following out loud. Get your parents, grandparents, relatives, or friends to help you with the pronunciation. Clip and save each lesson and compile into a notebook.

míti hlad—to be hungry míti žíveň—to be thirsty míti rád nékoho—to like someone míti rad něco—to like something Kolik je hodin?—What time is it? .

Čtení—Reading

Kolik je hodin? Mám už hlad. Proč nemáme co jíst? Protože matka není doma. Karel a Helena též mají hlad. Karel má rád maso a Helena má ráda sýr. Když oni mají žízeň, tak pijí mléko. Rádi se učíme česky. Babička mluví česky. Mám rád babičku. .

Slovníček—Vocabulary

hodina—hour proč—why protože—because mléko—milk sýr—cheese babička—grandmother česky—Czech (adv.) mluviti—to speak učiti se—to study píti—to drink kolik—How much? How many? něco—something

★

Lidskost

Česká

HUMANITY

Bratrství Wednesday, March 28, 2012

★

Část

Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas

Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897

tak—so jísti—to eat

Mluvnice—Grammar

1. The verb míti is used in Czech to form idioms. It was conjugated in the first lesson. To say one is hungry, the proper form of the verb míti plus hlad is used. To say one is thirsty, use míti plus žízeň. To say one likes someone, or something, míti plus rád is used. However, if the speaker is feminine, ráda is used and for the plural, use rádi or rády. 2. Conjugation of the verbs of the second conjugation: that is, verbs that end in iti:

Learn to conjugate the following verbs: bydliti—to live, dwell chváliti—to praise

—SPJST—

Panorama ~

Stinky cheese sweet-shop opens in Loštice

Plural 1st person - mluvíme—we speak 2nd person - mluvíte—you speak 3rd person - mluví—they speak .

3. The verb učiti se to study, is a reflexive verb. Whenever it is conjugated, it must be followed by the reflexive pronoun se in all persons of the verb. Example: Učím se - I study; učíš se - you study, etc. Homework

1. Memorize the expressions and the vocabulary. 2. Translate the reading exercise into English.

BROTHERHOOD

28.brežen.2012

are also sold melted in a potato pancake, but the real fajnšmekr – the borrowed Czech expression for gourmet – eats them just as they are in order to fully savour the taste and inimitable pungent smell. Still it was only a matter of time for some entrepreneur to present them in a different “coating” and the first to latch onto the opportunity was a family sweet-shop looking for ways to attract new customers at a time of economic downturn.

Pokračovat. Continued from March 21 Vestnik.

Mluviti—to speak

Singular 1st person - mluvím—I speak 2nd person - mluvíš—you speak 3rd person - mluví—he, she, or it speaks

In July of 2010, the EU granted Olomoucké tvarůžky Protected Geographical Indication status – meaning that the only cheese that can be sold under that name is that made in the little town of Loštice according to the original recipe. Loštice and Olomouc toasted the victory together – the famous smelly cheese helped put both towns on the map; and for visitors who come after closing time, there are even vending machines offering the local specialty. The usual way to eat tvarůžky is with bread, butter, and onions – and wash them down with a pint of good beer or a glass of wine. Many people like to fry them (fried cheese being a popular Czech dish) – and claim that the procedure significantly reduces the smell, though I would still not recommend them to the faint-hearted. They

Now, sweet-shops are something that Czechs and Austrians have in common. The tradition of going to the sweet-shop for a mouth-watering piece of cake, freshly made éclairs or cream-covered rakvičky ( bearing the morbid name of coffins) with a cup of tea or coffee is something dating back to the days of the Austro-Hungarian empire. To this day, Czech sweetshops have wonderful pastries, but the competition is strong, and owners need to offer something extra – especially when many Czechs are now looking to save money. The Poštulkovy family runs a sweet-shop in Loštice – located just a few houses away from the company that makes the famous Olomoucké tvarůžky so it didn’t take them long to hit on the idea of giving the local specialty pride-ofplace on their menu. Zdenka Poštulková who opened the sweet-shop with her husband and two daughters says the smelly cheese has always been a staple in their household, and the whole family helped to create the new recipes.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

“In order to bring in tourists we had to offer something original –so we came up with this somewhat unusual combination – something that resembles sweet pastries, but tastes refreshingly different and can be consumed with a glass of wine. People meet here to chat, and some of them may not be in the mood for something sweet. Also the recopies that we have put together are an acceptable way of tasting tvarůžky without being bowled over. They just smack of the typical taste because we put a bit of the cheese into a sour cream whip or blend it with ham, nuts, gingerbread or plum marmalade. We have 10 different kinds of pastries, and we try to keep the taste clean and simple.”

The different recipes are something that emerged over time. When Zdenka Poštulková would need to whip up a quick meal for the family she often combined left-overs and whatever the family greeted with enthusiasm stayed on the menu. She says that over the years she tried a wide variety of combinations with the popular tvarůžky. Three years ago she first went public with them and has since won half a

dozen competitions. So how well are the tvarůžky pastries –reminiscent of quiches – selling? Zdenka Poštulkova says they are a hit with the locals, but that like so many unusual specialties they are an acquired taste:

“I would say that 99 percent of Czechs who try them approve. Even people who do not like tvarůžky because of their pungent smell say that in our whipped cream, they taste very good. Of course, with foreigners, it’s different. They are more wary and more reserved when it comes to trying tvarůžky because the smell puts them off. But we intend to stick with this specialty which has become something of a flagship now. We believe that tvarůžky have a future, and we sell our products at farmers’ markets as well. One of our daughters now lives in Brussels, and so she’s taken the PR beyond Czech borders – but it’s a long road and not an easy one.” — Daniela Lazarová

—SPJST—

Czech Cultural Calendar

Wednesday Evening Czech Language Class (extemporaneous)—at S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home, No. 1, Taylor, 500 East Lake Drive, Taylor, 6 to approximately 8 p.m. Informal gathering for the purpose of listening to Czech, and reading and speaking Czech.

April 2 TCGS Scholarship Application (Postmark) Deadline—For information, contact Scholarship Committee, 1231 County Road 201A, Angleton, Texas 77515. Submitted by Nancy Machu, Lodge 29, Taylor.

April 21 Texas Czech Genealogical Society hosts “Indoor Czech Genealogy Picnic (Bugs and All)”—at Caldwell Civic Center, 103 Presidential Corridor W, Caldwell, Texas.

April 28 CHS Spring Membership Meeting/Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen Pageant—at West Columbus Club/Knights of Columbus Hall,West, Texas: event begins at 8 a.m. and includes pageant/crowing; lunch; business meeting; vendor booths; silent auction; CHS Travelling Library. Hosted by McLennan-Hill CHS. Submitted by Larry Jackson, CHS Vice President

May 20 Slavnost—at TCHCC, 250 West Fairgrounds Road, La Grange, Texas, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Event includes Tribute to Immigrants Ceremony; textile exhibit /demonstrations; tours of Czech Music Museum of Texas and the Czech Village; catered noon meal; dance; silent auction; and pastry booth. Contact TCHCC (888) 7854500.

TCGS to host Genealogy Picnic

Between the chill of winter and the long hot days of summer, the spring season offers fantastic picnic weather! The Texas Czech Genealogical Society will host a “Czech Indoor Genealogy Picnic – Bugs ‘n All” on Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Caldwell Civic/Visitor Center in Caldwell, Texas. The doors will open at 8:30 a.m. with registration and morning refreshments. At 9 a.m., the programs for the day will begin. Some of the program highlights will be (1) a presentation by Rev. James D. Hejl, who will speak about “The Influence of Faith on Czech Immigrants in Texas;” (2) a talk by TCGS First Vice President Patrick Janis, who will address “brick walls” with a presentation on how to work around them to find information about your ancestors; and (3) a musical presentation by the Beseda Dancers from Snook, Texas. A lunch of typical picnic fare – fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, pickles, rolls, cookies, and iced tea will be served at 12 noon. The winner of the $1,000 TCGS scholarship will be announced, and he or she will give a 15 to 30 minute presentation on “The Importance of Knowing Family History.” Everyone is encouraged to bring his or her genealogy stories and discoveries to share in a “show-and-tell” atmosphere. Hearing how others have succeeded in finding information about their Czech ancestors is very motivating to those who have not reached that point in their research and who may be unsure of how to proceed. In the afternoon, the entire book room will be opened up and several TCGS members, who are knowledgeable in performing internet genealogy research, will have their laptops set up in order to help you with your Czech genealogy research online. Other genealogists will be available to help with research in the hundreds of research books, maps, and other materials that will be set out for all attendees’ use. So bring your “brick walls” and let TCGS members help you over the hurdles to facilitate the search for your ancestors. Door prize winners and silent auction winners will be announced shortly before adjournment at 4 p.m. Early registration is $25 for members of TCGS, postmarked on/before April 12. Early registration for non-

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members, postmarked before April 12 is $35. Late registration for TCGS members, postmarked after April 12 is $30. Late registration for non-members postmarked after April 12 is $40. Regisration at the door for all attendees will be $45. To register for this event, send your check, payable to TCGS, with the name of each person registering, mailing address, telephone number, and email address to Bennie Stasny, 8402 Shenandoah Drive, Austin, Texas 78753. For further information, email blstasny@aol.com or call (512) 4976007. To become a member of TCGS, contact Merlene Bravenec at bravema@sbcglobal.net. Yearly dues are $20 per person. Submitted by, Nancy Machu Lodge 29, Taylor —SPJST—

Egg decorating program set for April 22 in Wall

A program of egg decorating by Jana Mikucoval will be presented on Sunday, April 22, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Wall Brethren Church Fellowship Hall in Wall, Texas. Ms. Mikucoval comes from Southern Moravia, Czech Republic, and does fantastic work with eggs. It is hard to imagine the beautiful work put into creating the delicate eggs, much less being able to watch her do it! This program is co-sponsored by Concho Valley Czech Heritage Society and is free of charge to the public. Please make plans to attend this exciting program. Submitted by, Beverly Teplicek Lodge 49, Rowena —SPJST—

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Early Czech Schools submission deadline near

In early fall 2012, Texas Czech Genealogical Society will publish the much-anticipated book, Early Czech Schools. This project has been undertaken because of the overwhelming response to the issue of the Ceske Stopy that was devoted to the same subject. The number of submissions for that issue was so great that a double issue was published. Even that did not contain all the information that was submitted. The demand was so high that the issue completely sold out. In that issue of the Stopy, photos of school buildings attended by Czech students from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, as well as class photos were featured. At the time, not all the teachers and students were identified, but since then a number of them have been identified, thanks to our members. TCGS is publishing this book to help future generations gain an insight into early Czech education. This book will contain the submissions that we were unable to include in the Stopy issue, along with the new submissions that we have received since then, and are receiving daily. The deadline for submissions is June 1, 2012. Please send your photos and information about school buildings, sports, clubs, teachers, and/or students from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s to Charlene Hurta, 1231 CR 201A, Angleton, Texas 77515 or email to cmhurta@earthlink.net. As always your photos will be returned. Submitted by, Nancy Machu Lodge 29, Taylor —SPJST—

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Varnsdorf: North Bohemian site of Old Catholic Cathedral now in path of Buddha

by Dr. Bob Uzzel SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood

The North Bohemian town of Varnsdorf, which hosts one of the earliest sites of the 19th-century protest movement known as Old Catholicism, is now in the path of the Buddha. Varnsdorf was first recorded as “Warnsdorf” in the 14th century, was united with nearby villages in 1849, and was upgraded to a town in 1868. Prior to the end of World War I, it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Following that war, the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye incorporated it, together with the region of Bohemia, into the new country of Czechoslovakia. Following the end of World War II, its ethnic German population was mostly expelled to Germany, and the official spelling of its name was changed from the German “Warnsdorf” to the Czech “Varnsdorf.” The Old Catholic Co-Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord was founded in 1871 and became the largest such church in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The term “Old Catholic” was first used in 1853 to describe the members of the See of Utrecht in the Netherlands who did not recognize any claimed “infallible” authority by the pope. Later, Catholics who disagreed with the doctrine of Papal Infallibility as made official by the First Vatican Council (1870) had no bishop and so joined with Utrecht to form the Union of Utrecht. Today, these churches are not in communion with the Holy See of Rome. However, since 1925, their Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches has recognized Anglican ordinations, and, since 1932,

Texas Czech Genealogical Society Website: txczgs.org

Promoting the study of the genealogy of the particular group of people known as “Texas Czechs”

For membership: Merlene Bravenec (254) 778-7285

has had full communion with the Church of England. Thus, Old Catholic bishops have participated in the consecration of Anglican bishops. The current pastor of the Varnsdorf congregation is Rev. Roland Solloch, who is married and has three children. According to Father Solloch: “The North of Bohemia is difficult turf for a priest, and in fact for any church. I have been the priest here for five years and I have managed to baptize some people. But I see that the way to the church and to Jesus is hard and difficult here.” Only a few hundred meters from a border crossing to Germany, a 1912 two-story villa that once belonged to a local entrepreneur, is the religious centre of the Czech Republic’s large Vietnamese community. Since January 2008, it has been the home of the Thien An Temple, the first Buddhist shrine in central and eastern Europe. Jan Richter of Radio Prague interviewed Vu Ling Ngoc, from the local Vietnamese community, who said: “We have been here for nearly 20 years, and we have a large community here. In Vietnam, Buddhism is a religion as well as a part of our culture. So we want our future generations, which will stay here in the Czech Republic, to know about our own traditions, our customs. That’s why our community here in Northern Bohemia, and the whole country, put money together to establish this temple. The service takes place twice a month, on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month. People come here from Prague, Brno, Ostrava, from Poland and Germany. So

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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

far, we’ve had quite a lot of people coming here.” Today, the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic officially numbers 45,000. Young Vietnamese started coming to Czechoslovakia in the 1970s and 1980s to study and to learn trades. After the fall of communism, many of them stayed in the country and took to retail business, especially in the areas bordering on Austria and Germany, and Varnsdorf is one of the community’s largest centers in Northern Bohemia. When asked his attitude toward a Buddhist temple in the same town as his church, Father Solloch responded: “For me personally as well as for the church it’s something I can put up with, I don’t mind at all. Our church is open, not only towards other Christians but to other religions. I’m happy there is a place where people can contemplate and search for the spiritual. I wouldn’t even mind if their spiritual leader came to me and we would pray together.” Working during the week as an elementary school teacher, he sees education as the only long-term solution to integration of not only Vietnamese but also Roma (Gypsies) into Czech society at a time of increased ethnic tensions. —SPJST—

Springfest St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Cyclone, Texas

Sunday April 1, 2012

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Home-Fried Chicken Sausage, Dressing Cole Slaw, Noodles and Dessert

Dine-in or Plates-to-go $8 per plate

Homemade Bread Pastries • Canned Goods Silent Auction Prize Drawing

Public Invited!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

SPJST Fraternal Activities and Entertainment

Post your lodge’s upcoming SPJST fraternal activities and entertainment dates and information here. These listings are free. The deadline for submitting information for the Fraternal Activities and Entertainment Guide is Wednesday at 5 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Send updates directly to: VESTNIK, c/o Editor Melanie Zavodny, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. FAX to: (254) 773-8087. Email to: melaniez@vvm.com. Advertising rates are $2 per column inch for lodge ads; $4 per column inch for non-profit organization ads; and $6 per column inch for commercial ads. For advertising information, please call the Editor at (800) 727-7578 or email melaniez@vvm.com.

LODGE 1, FAYETTEVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 507 East Main Street, Fayetteville. Hall Rental Information: (979) 966-3795. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of even-numbered months February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6:30 p.m. at the lodge hall. Potluck served after meeting. Youth Club Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 6 p.m. at the lodge hall. LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6) Please take note of new lodge meeting time: Lodge Meetings are held the second Sunday of each month, at the new time of 3 p.m. at American Legion Tap Room, 107 East Park Street, Hallettsville. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at American Legion Tap Room. LODGE 5, PILOT POINT-TIOGA (3) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 2 p.m. at PointBank Community Center, 739 East Liberty Street, Pilot Point. For directions/meeting information, contact Brian Heitzman (940) 686-4429; or Jack and Dean Carender (903) 564-7359.

LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3) Sunday, April 1—Lodge 6 meeting, 2 p.m.; annual meeting of SPJST Lodge 6, Inc., 3 p.m., followed by Easter program/egg hunt/supper Friday, April 6—Social night, 6 p.m. Saturday, April 7—SPJST State 42 Tournament Sunday, April 8—Marek family day Friday, April 20—Social night, 6 p.m. Saturday, April 21—Rural School Reunion, 1 p.m. Sunday, April 22—District Three Spring Meeting Sunday, April 29—Knapek family reunion, 11 a.m.

Lodge Hall: 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. Directions: From Interstate 35, take the West exit and stop at the blinking light. Go east at the blinking light and stay on Oak Street through downtown West. Take Farm Road 2114 East for 3 miles. Turn right on Czech Hall Road. The lodge hall is on the right about 1/2 mile down the road. Hall Rental Information: (254) 826-5882; Hall Phone: (254) 826-0005. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 8, WEIMAR (6) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hall, 503 Park Drive, Weimar.

LODGE 9, SNOOK (1) Lodge Hall: 457 CR 269, Snook. Directions: From Snook, turn on FM 2155 to downtown. At Snook School, stay right on Spur 2155. At “T”, turn right on CR 269. Go 3/10 mile; hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: (979) 272-3732. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the lodge hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 13, DIME BOX (1) Lodge Hall: 425 CR 424, Dime Box. Directions: In Dime Box, turn left from FM 141 on CR 424. Go east on CR 425 for 3/10 mile; hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: (979) 884-1451; Hall Phone: (979) 8843211. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 5:30 p.m. at the hall. Please join us!

LODGE 15, BUCKHOLTS (2) Lodge Hall: 600 State Hwy 36, Buckholts. Directions: Hall is located on Highway 36, east of Buckholts. Hall Rental Information: (254) 593-2222. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 5 p.m. at the hall. Refreshments served after meeting, and door prizes awarded.

LODGE 17, NEW TABOR (1) Lodge Hall: 2674 CR 225, Caldwell. Directions: From Caldwell, turn from Highway 36 east onto FM 166. Proceed 2.1 miles; turn left on CR 225. Go one mile, veering to the right. Lodge building is on the right. Hall Rental Information: (979) 272-3440. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 18, ELGIN (2) Sunday, April 15—Red Ravens, polkas/waltzes/mix music. 3 to 7 p.m. $7 per person Sunday, April 22—Free Appreciation Dance: Czechaholics, polkas/waltzes/mix music. 3 to 7 p.m. Dance sponsored by SPJST Lodge 18, Elgin.

Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Irene Helgren (512) 281-4534; band bookings-Artie Monson (512) 281-3711; Hall phone: (512) 285-3100. Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 20, GRANGER (2) Lodge Hall: 114 West Davilla, Granger. Hall Rental Information: Rita Marburger (512) 859-2584. Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. A light meal is served before each meeting. All members are invited. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 23, MORAVIA (6) Lodge Hall: FM 957 North, Schulenburg. Directions: Located 12 miles south of Schulenburg, in Moravia. From Highway 77 between Hallettsville and Schulenburg, take FM 532 West four miles to Moravia. Turn right on FM 957 North. Go one mile; hall is on the right. Lodge Meetings: Tuesday after the second Sunday in March, June, and September, 7:30 p.m.; and the first Sunday of December, 3 p.m. LODGE 24, CYCLONE (2) Sunday, May 13—Mother’s Day Dinner, 11 a.m. until sold out. Barbecue chicken, beans, coleslaw, potato salad, dessert, and iced tea.

Lodge Hall: 411 FM 964, Burlington. Directions: Hall is 12 miles east of Temple, past Zabcikville. Exit at blinking light on Hwy 53 to FM 485; go one mile to FM 964. Hall Rental Information: Wilbert Mikeska (254) 9852484; Hall phone: (254) 985-2393; wmmike@peoplepc.com. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Visit www.spjstflaghall.com.

LODGE 25, ENNIS (3) Lodge Hall: 1901 East Highway 34, Ennis. Directions: From IH35 East at Waxahachie, take Hwy 287 East exit. Stay on Hwy 287 East until you come to Ennis. Go straight through downtown Ennis and go under the overpass at Interstate 45. Go approx. 3/4 mile on Hwy 34. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: (972) 875-8381; Hall Phone: (972) 875-8381. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Game room open every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. LODGE 26, SKIDMORE (7) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of March, June, and September, 3 p.m. at Skidmore Fire Station. Call Secretary Patricia Thompson (361) 364-1266 for December meeting date, time, and location.

LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 12 noon at Wharton County Library - East Bernard Branch, 746 Clubside Drive, East Bernard.

LODGE 29, TAYLOR (2) Wednesday, March 28–Live music: Bobby Jay Five Band, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 30—Dance: Fritz Hodde, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Parents of Thrall 4-H/FFA make old-fashioned hamburgers from 6 to 9 p.m. Fish burgers will also be sold during Lent. Wednesday, April 4—Senior Citizens Dominoes, 2 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Hall. Friday, April 6—Dance: Night Skies featuring A.P. Patschke and Jess DeMaine, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Parents of Thrall 4-H/FFA make old-fashioned hamburgers every Friday 6 to 9 p.m. along with Fish Burgers during Lent.*** Wednesday, April 11—SPJST Lodge 29 members will hold their monthly meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Covered dish meal following the meeting. Live Music by the Bobby Jay Five band 7 to 10 p.m.. Friday, April 13—Dance: Straight Up Country, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Parents of Thrall 4-H/FFA make old-fashioned hamburgers every Friday beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, April 20—Dance: Country Express, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Parents of Thrall 4-H/FFA make old-fashioned hamburgers every Friday at 6 p.m.

***Thrall 4-H Booster Club will be serving Fish Burgers on the Fridays during Lent (Friday, February 24 to Friday, April 6). As always, they will be selling grilled cheese sandwiches and old-fashioned hamburgers every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

All Wednesday and Friday night dances have free admission.

Lodge Hall: 5025 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: In Taylor, at intersection of State Hwy 95 and US 79 Business (4th Street), turn east on Hwy 79. Proceed to FM 619, turn north (left) and go about .8 mile to the hall. Hall Rental Information: (512) 352-9139; Hall Phone: (512) 352-9139. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Music: Second and fourth Wednesday of the month/music by Bobby Jay Five Band; Fridays, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.; oldfashioned hamburgers every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.; Senior Citizens’ Dominoes: First Wednesday of the month, 2 p.m.

LODGE 30, TAITON (6) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. LODGE 32, VICTORIA (6) Lodge Hall: 3502 North Laurent, Victoria. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Sunday following the adult lodge meeting at 3 p.m. at the lodge hall.

LODGE 35, ELK (3) Saturday, March 31—Cherokee Rose Saturday, April 14—Heart of Texas Road Gang (HOT Road Gang) Saturday, April 28—Lost Heart Highway

Lodge Hall: 9508 Elk Road, Axtell. Directions: From IH35 in Waco, take Hwy 84 East exit. Stay on Hwy. 84 East through Bellmead; go approx. 8 miles. On the right side of Hwy. 84 will be a sign saying “Elk.” Turn right onto Elk Road; go approx. 1 mile; road will dead end turn right; go approx. 1/2 mile. Hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: (254) 875-2156; Hall Phone: (254) 863-9320. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 38, KOVAR (1) Lodge Hall: 278 Zimmerhanzel Road, Flatonia. Hall Rental Information: (512) 237-2438/day; (830) 8394353/night. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 39, BRYAN (1) Lodge Hall: Cherry Bend Circle, Lot 12, Bryan. Directions: From Hwy 6, turn west on OSR; go 2 miles to Mumford Road and turn left. Go 1.1 mile and turn left on Magnolia. Take the first right turn on Cherry Bend Circle. The lodge hall is at the bend of the road (white building). Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Lunch at 12:30 p.m. Meat, drinks, and serving items provided by the lodge. Please bring a dessert or side dish. For information, call President Wade O’Shields (979) 324-5961; FAC Dianna Everett (979) 693-5287. Insurance certificates info, call Secretary Lillie Matejka O’Shields (979) 324-5961.

LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE (6) Lodge Hall: 30420 Loop 524 US Hwy 59, Hillje. Directions: Hall is just off US 59 in Hillje. Hall Rental Information: Brenda Cox (979) 543-7171; Hall Phone: (979) 648-2317. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1:15 p.m. at the hall. Bingo every Monday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Kitchen and snack bar. Hall is non-smoking. License #17600539641.

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LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at Six Mile Presbyterian Church, Royal Road, Port Lavaca, Texas. LODGE 47, SEATON (2) Saturday, March 31—Private Saturday, April 14—Private Saturday, April 21—Jerry Haisler Saturday, April 28—Private

Lodge Hall: 10842 State Hwy. 53, Temple. Directions: Star Hall is 6 miles east of Temple on Highway 53 (Adams Avenue). Seaton Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Frank Klinkovsky (254) 773-4801; Hall Phone: (254) 985-2548. Saturday Night Dances: Hall and kitchen open at 6 p.m. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE (2) Lodge Hall: 10450 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: From Taylor, take the South Loop. Turn right on FM 112. Go about 1/2 mile. Turn right on FM 619. Go about three miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: (512) 365-3733. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of January through April and September through December at 5 p.m. at the lodge hall; meetings held the second Monday of May through August at 6 p.m. at the lodge hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of January through April and September through December at 5 p.m. at the lodge hall; youth meetings held the second Monday of May through August at 6 p.m. at the lodge hall. LODGE 49, ROWENA (4) Lodge Hall: 706 FM 2133, Rowena. Hall Rental Information: (325) 442-4841. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of February, May, August, and November, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. at the lodge hall. LODGE 51, ELLINGER (1) Lodge Meetings: Third Friday of March, June, September, and December, 6:30 p.m. at Ellinger Fire Department, West Main Street in Ellinger.

LODGE 54, WEST (3) Lodge Meetings: First Friday in March, June, and November and the second Friday in September at 7 p.m. at Lone Star Hall, 1201 North Davis Street, West, Texas. Youth Club Meetings: Third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. Call Youth Leader Lisa Darnell (254) 644-2896 for location.

LODGE 63, SWEET HOME (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Call for meeting location.

LODGE 66, WACO (3) Lodge Hall: 722 Leroy Parkway, Elm Mott. Directions: From IH35 at Elm Mott, take FM 308 East exit. Go over the railroad tracks and go approx. 1/2 mile. Hall is on the right sitting back from FM 308 East. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG (1) Lodge Meetings: Call for quarterly meeting date, time, and location.

LODGE 73, SEYMOUR (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 12 p.m. Call for meeting location.

LODGE 76, WICHITA FALLS (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday in March and June at 1 p.m. at Luby’s Cafeteria, 1801 Ninth Street in Wichita Falls; second Sunday in September and December at 1 p.m. at Luby’s Cafeteria, 1801 Ninth Street in Wichita Falls.

LODGE 79, CORPUS CHRISTI (7) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Meal served at 1 p.m.; meeting follows. Visitors welcome. Hall Phone: (361) 854-8423. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. LODGE 80, HOLLAND (2) Lodge Hall: 12141 East FM 2268, Holland. Directions: On Hwy 95, south of Holland, turn east onto FM 2268; go 1/2 mile to hall on the right. Hall Rental Information: Frank Pajestka (254) 657-8176; Hall Phone: (254) 657-2485; or email SPJST80@yahoo.com. Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 4 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Saturday of each month 2:30 p.m. at the hall. Board of Directors’ Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 3:30 p.m. Bingo: Every Thursday at 7 p.m. Permit No. SP12371416574; AL17460607355.

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LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5) Lodge Hall: 13609 Violet Street, Needville. Directions: Lodge building is located south on Hwy 36, one mile from the traffic light in Needville. Hall Rental Information: (979) 793-4313; email td_stavinoha@yahoo.com. Hall Phone: (361) 793-4742. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) Lodge Hall: 2625 Floyd Street, Dallas. Directions: From IH35 East in Dallas, take IH20 East. From IH20 East, take the IH45 exit toward downtown Dallas. IH45 runs into Hwy. 75. From Hwy 75, take a right at Bryan Street exit. From Bryan Street, turn right on Cantreal Street and go until you come to Floyd Street; take a right on Floyd Street. Hall is the second building on the right. Hall Rental Information: (214) 826-3557. Hall Phone: (214) 823-0072. Band Bookings: Cherri Petr (214) 352-4397/Ben Jarma (214) 348-1514. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 87, TEMPLE (2) Lodge Hall: 320 North 50th Street, Temple. Directions: From East Adams Avenue, turn north onto 50th Street; go 2/10 mile. Hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: Bertha Capps (254) 778-4371; Shop (254) 773-6164. Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 88, HOUSTON (5) Saturday, March 31—No dance Saturday, April 7—The Telstars. $12 per person Saturday, April 14—Moonglow Orchestra. Big band music. *Dress Code. $11 per person Saturday, April 21—Little Fishermen Orchestra. Big band music. *Dress Code. $12 per person Saturday, April 28—No dance

All dances are 8:30 p.m. to midnight, unless otherwise noted. Reservations suggested, but not required, unless otherwise noted. For reservations, call (713) 8695767, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations held only 30 minutes past start of dance. Beer, set-ups, soda, and ice sold at bar. Please do not bring from outside. *Dress code dances: evening attire for ladies and gentlemen. Lodge Hall: 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Directions: Highway 290—Take Magnum Dacoma exit; stay on frontage road. At third traffic light, turn left onto 18th Street. Go under freeway at third traffic light, turn on Beall Street. Hall Rental Information: Lodge Hall: (713) 869-5767; or www.lodge88.org. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday, 7:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. 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 91, CROSBY (5) Lodge Meetings: quarterly meetings — to be announced in Vestnik. Contact Secretary Vonda Smesny (713) 870-7114.

LODGE 92, FORT WORTH (3) Saturday, April 28—Metro Dance Club: Gary Lee. Swingtime

Lodge Hall: 3316 Roberts Cutoff Road, Fort Worth. Directions: From Interstate 35 West in Fort Worth, take Interstate 30 West to the Henderson exit. Take Henderson North, and it becomes Jacksboro Highway (TX199). Stay on this road north until Roberts Cutoff which is a right off of Jacksboro Highway. The lodge also known as National Hall is on the right about 3/4 block down the road. (A Great Western Inn Motel is on the corner.) Hall Rental Information: Hall Phone (817) 624-1361. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Family Nights - first and third Tuesdays. Ladies Circle meets the second Tuesday of each month. Randy and the 92nd Road House Band plays every first Sunday and most third Friday nights. The other Friday nights will be live ballroom type music. Dressy casual. Listen to KNON 89.3 FM on Sunday at 2 p.m. for up-to-date announcements. Tune in to KAAM 770 AM for some easy listening music. Visit www.nationalhallspjst92.org. LODGE 97, PLACEDO (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Friday in March, June, September, and December, 6 p.m. Call Secretary Gay Revel (361) 573-4443 for meeting location.

LODGE 107, FLORESVILLE (7) Lodge Hall: 1156 FM 1303, Floresville. Directions: From Floresville, take FM 536 West three miles to FM 1303; turn right and go two miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: (830) 393-7796; Hall Phone: (803) 393-6500. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 117, ROBSTOWN (7) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of March, June, September, and December, 1:30 p.m. at Hilltop Community Center, 11425 Leopard, Corpus Christi.

LODGE 130, DALLAS (3) Lodge Meetings: For monthly meeting date/time/location, call Secretary Stanley (Martha) Vrla (214) 8262670/email mvrla@sbcglobal.net; or Sales Agent John Vrla (214) 906-3385/email jvrla@cebridge.net.

LODGE 133, SAN ANTONIO (7) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Activity Center, 1630 Goliad Road, San Antonio.

LODGE 135, ENNIS (3) Lodge Hall: 2622 East Highway 34, Ennis. Directions: From IH35 East at Waxahachie, take Hwy. 287 East exit. Stay Hwy. 287 on until you come to Ennis.Go straight through downtown Ennis and under the overpass at IH45. Then go approximately 1 3/4 miles on Hwy. 34. Hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: Larry Valek (214) 794-7674. Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of January, April, July, and October, 7 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 139, DANBURY (5) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. at Danbury City Hall, Danbury.

LODGE 141, SEALY (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Gordon Memorial Library, 917 North Circle Drive, Sealy, Texas.

LODGE 142, HOUSTON (5) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m.; meal served at 1 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Annex Building, 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Annex Building, 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston).

LODGE 143, INEZ (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Friday of March, June, September, and December, 6 p.m. at 508 Charleston Drive, Victoria.

LODGE 148, EL MATON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. at Frank Hahn’s Camphouse in El Maton. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month following the adult lodge meeting at Frank Hahn’s Camphouse in El Maton.

LODGE 151, WHARTON (6) Meeting Location Update—Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of March, June, September, and December, 6:30 p.m. However, the June meeting will be held on the third Monday in 2012. In addition, the March, June, and September meetings will be held at Wharton Depot Museum, 100 S. Sunset Street, Wharton. Our December meeting and Christmas party will be held in the meeting room of Hinze's Bar-B-que Catering, Hwy 59, Wharton.

LODGE 153, LA SALLE (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of March, June, September, and December, 6 p.m. Call Secretary Mary Jane Sralla (361) 782-3374 for meeting location.

LODGE 154, FORT WORTH (3) Lodge Hall: 6500 Boat Club Road, Fort Worth. Directions: From IH35 West in Fort Worth, take IH20 West exit. Stay on IH20 West until you come to 820; stay on 820 until you come to Jacksboro Highway and Azle Street exit. Take Azle Street exit; go to the traffic light. Turn left at the traffic light. Go to the second traffic light, then turn right onto Boat Club Road. Go approx. 2 1/2 miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: Hall Phone: (817) 237-5181. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 3:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 155, AUSTIN (2) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of March, June, September, and December. Call Secretary Ginny Prasatik (512) 472-1721 for meeting time/location.

LODGE 157, LUBBOCK (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of every other month, 1 p.m. Call Secretary Cynthia Kristinek (806) 763-7245; ckristinek@yahoo.com for meeting location.

LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of January, April, July, and October, 12 noon at Wall Volunteer Fire Department, Wall.

LODGE 162, IOWA COLONY (5) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center, 12003 CR 65, Iowa Colony. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center, 12003 CR 65, Iowa Colony.

LODGE 169, BRENHAM (1) Meeting Location Update: Lodge meetings are now be held at Country Inn Restaurant, 1000 East Blue Bell Road, Brenham, Texas 77833. Meal and social at 6:30 p.m.; meeting follows at 7 p.m. Lodge Meetings: Fourth Thursday of February, April, June, August, and October, and the first Sunday of December at 12 noon at Country Inn Restaurant, 1000 East Blue Bell Road, Brenham, Texas 77833. LODGE 172, PASADENA (5) Saturday, April 7—Texas Ramblers

Lodge Hall: 3609 Preston Road, Pasadena. Hall Rental Information: Jo (713) 993-6878; Hall Phone: (281) 487-3297. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of January through October, 1 p.m. at the lodge hall with the exception of November and December. Executive Board/Trustees Meetings and Workdays: First Monday of each month, (unless the first Monday is a holiday) at 2 p.m. Dances: Held the first Saturday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Variety Dances: Fourth Saturday of the month, unless noted.

LODGE 177, ACADEMY (2) Lodge Hall: 711 Rio Poco, Little River. Directions: Hall is on the south side of Academy, just off Hwy 95, on the right. Hall Rental Information: (254) 982-4530. Hall Phone: (254) 982-4434. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall; Trustees meet at 6:30 p.m. Bingo: Every Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and kitchen is open. LODGE 179, WARRENTON (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at Carmine Lions Club Building, 201 Centennial Street, Carmine.

LODGE 180, BURLESON (3) Lodge Hall: 1150 South Burleson Boulevard, Burleson. Directions: IH35 West, one-quarter mile south of Hidden Creek Parkway exit in Burleson. Hall Rental Information: (817) 558-2400; (817) 295-3483; (817) 371-0255; (972) 268-0022; Hall Phone: (817) 295-9665. Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY (2) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin.

LODGE 183, ARLINGTON (3) Lodge Hall: 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane, Arlington. Directions: Take IH35 West to Fort Worth. Take IH20 East exit and proceed on IH20 East until you come to Cooper Street exit. Take Cooper Street exit to the North and stay on Cooper Street until you come to Mayfield Street. Take a right on Mayfield; go down and take a left on Pleasant Valley Lane. Hall Rental Information: Hall Phone: (817) 465-8538; (214) 8769029. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Last Friday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Game nights are every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. and every Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Permit No. 17516910506.

LODGE 184, MOULTON (6) Lodge Hall: FM 532 West, Moulton. Directions: From Texas 95 in Moulton, take FM 532 West four miles. Lodge hall is located on the right. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS (7) Lodge Meetings: Every other month - February, April, June, August, October, and December. Call for meeting date, time, and location. Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader Theresa Haag (830) 625-8262 for meeting date/time/location.

LODGE 186, CALDWELL (1) Lodge Hall: 937 State Hwy. 36, Caldwell. Directions: Lodge building is just off Hwy. 36 on the south side of Caldwell, next to Burleson County Fairgrounds. Hall Rental Information: (979) 567-4264. Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at the hall. Social games: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Kitchen and bar open. License Permit No. 1-74-2073309541002. LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK (2) Lodge Hall: 920 Luther Peterson Place, Round Rock. Directions: From Taylor, take Hwy. 79 into Round Rock until you get to Sunrise. There will be a 7-11 on the right. Turn right; proceed past Hopewell School. Continue through the four-way stop. Luther Peterson Boulevard is the first street on the left. From Temple: Take IH 35 South. Just past Georgetown, exit on University Boulevard. Proceed to stop sign; take left on University Boulevard. The third street is Sunrise. Turn right onto Sunrise. The second street to the right is

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Luther Peterson Boulevard. Hall Rental Information: (512) 255-1554; (512) 771-4948. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall followed by a covered dish meal. Board meeting: 2 p.m.; entertainment, 2:30 p.m. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 189, BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of March, June, September, and December, 2 p.m. at Charles Munday’s office, 416 Oak Street, Bryan (behind the Kettle Restaurant on Texas Avenue).

LODGE 191, LUFKIN (5) Lodge Hall: 197 Hughes Street, Lufkin. Hall Rental Information/Dance Reservations: Andy Anderson (936) 634-1962. Lodge Meetings: First Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. at the lodge hall. Regular Dances: First Friday night of each month, 8 to 11 p.m.

LODGE 196, HOUSTON-WEST (5) Lodge Hall: 17810 Huffmeister Road, Cypress. Directions: Off Hwy 290 West at Skinner. Hall Rental Information: (281) 351-1045; Hall Phone: (281) 373-9482. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall with a potluck meal served. Lodge provides the meat.

LODGE 200, BRUCEVILLE-EDDY (2) Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at Taylor Hall/Bruceville-Eddy Senior Center.

LODGE 201, BLEIBLERVILLE-NELSONVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 3948 FM 2502, Bleiblerville. Directions: Hall is across the street from the post office in Bleiblerville. Hall Rental Information: James Balke (979) 830-0796; (979) 830-0118. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 202, JOURDANTON (7) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. (March, June, September, and December at 1 p.m.) at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. (March, June, September, and December at 1 p.m.) at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton.

LODGE 204, STEPHENVILLE (3) Lodge Meetings: For meeting date/time/location, call Norman Kneschk (254) 386-3222; or email normk_82@hughes.net. Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader Sandra Pierce (254) 485-5801 for meeting date, time, and location.

LODGE 207, IOWA PARK (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. Call Secretary Mary Hatter (940) 322-8503; or any sales agent for meeting location.

LODGE 215, SOUTH PLAINS (4) Lodge Meetings: Every third Sunday of January, March, May, July, and September at 6 p.m. Contact Secretary Pam Lehmann (806) 561-5105 for location. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month at 5 p.m. Contact Youth Leader Janeece Williams (806) 990-3351 for location.

LODGE 219, EL PASO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 9 a.m. Call Secretary Edna Rivas (915) 727-2048 for meeting location.

LODGE 229, ABILENE (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. Call for meeting location Secretary Tammy Copeland (325) 320-4089. Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader Courtney Holzberlain (325) 829-3377 for meeting date/time/location.

LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT (2) Lodge Meetings: First Monday of each month at Best quality Meats and Sausage Shop, 2610 South General Bruce Drive, Temple. Meal at 6 p.m. followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. For information, contact President James Lee (254) 289-6816. Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader Trish Konkler for meeting date/time/location (254) 780-9012. LODGE 255, KATY (5) Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month 6:30 p.m. at China Buffet, 2001 Katy Mills Boulevard, Katy.

LODGE 258, SEGUIN (7) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month, 4 p.m. at Alumni Student Center, conference rooms A and B, Texas Lutheran Campus, Seguin. —SPJST—

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