ˇ ´ VESTNIK
Volume 101 Number 1
S P J S T Benevolence
H E R A L D
★ Humanity ISSN —07458800
★ Brotherhood
January 9, 2013
Salute to a Czech Soldier — Staff Sergeant Frankie L. Milan of Lodge 154, Fort Worth
September, 1942. America was at war. Frankie L. Milan, a highly skilled, 20-yearold automobile mechanic entered the United States Army as an officer with the rank of Corporal. Frankie joined the 135 Armored Ordinance, an all-volunteer group of trained mechanics and parts men,
which was part of the 13th Armored Division. They were known as the Black Cats. The name was derived from tanks manned by the Division, which rolled on tracks. They derived their design from the great earth moving Caterpillars. They were also called Black Cats because of their fierce and destructive nature and because it was back luck to cross their paths! Frankie spent his first three months of training at Camp Perry, Ohio, where they marched and exercised to get in shape. He was as mentally and physically prepared for military service as
a young man could be. From his parents Anna and Joe Milan, he not only attained love for his Czech culture, but great patriotism for America. Joe and Anna along with Walter Hale and John Beacon founded Sokol Fort Worth. They set up makeshift gyms and practiced in their own back yards. The four Milan boys—Frankie, Joe, Emil, and Jerry—so eagerly participated that the men built a high-bar, a hrasda, behind the Milan home from two sturdy poles and an iron pipe. Mental discipline through physical discipline was the basis for a productive Sokol life. From Ohio, Frankie was sent to
By Sharron Connelly • Lodge 154, Fort Worth
Camp Beale, California, where his unit was divided into three parts: A Company and B Company were both trained to retrieve disabled tanks, trucks, and jeeps from the front lines and bring them back to be repaired. Headquarters, the Company which Frankie belonged to, were trained to repair the vehicles. Some men cleaned and repaired guns making them combat ready. After a year and a half, they were told they were going overseas. Instead, they were sent to Camp Bowie in Brownsville, Texas,
Continued on Page 35.
With Thanks and Appreciation, Chester and Colleen!
In Loving Memory
SPJST State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Chester Jenke retired on December 31, 2012. He and wife Colleen visited lodges and youth clubs around Texas for the past six years. They were honored with a retirement celebration on December 27 held at Casa Sol Restaurant in Seguin. The event was attended by many friends, family members, co-workers, and SPJST members. Chester and Colleen are pictured above with their children, grandchildren, and brother. Next week’s Vestnik will include scenes from the celebration.
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Interest Rates.......................................3 Important Dates ...................................3 Bowling Tournament Information ......3 Job Posting..........................................4 Lodge Section......................................6 Youth Section.....................................28
Rosie Steinman of Lodge 154, Fort Worth is pictured with District Three Queen Reagan Langer at the District Three Fall Meeting in October. Rosie passed away on December 12, 2012. See next week’s Vestnik for a special tribute recognizing Rosie.
Inside This Week’s Vestnik
Vestnik Project ..................................30 In Memoriam ......................................32 Czech Culture ....................................36 Advertisements .................................37 Lodge Calendar .................................38 Vestnik Valentines .............................40
Page 10
SPJST retires Lodge 65, Crosby banner
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Lodge 67 Schulenburg hosts Christmas party
Page 30
Lodge 47 Seaton youth wins state award
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ˇ ´ VESTNIK
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Editor’s Note
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 JESSE POSPISIL 4710 FM 1331, Taylor, Texas 76574-2164 Home: (512) 365-1110 • Mobile: (512) 826-7371 email: jlpospisil@yahoo.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 KAREN KASPAR, FIC, CFFM 8550 N. State Highway 71 El Campo, Texas 77437-9819 Home: (979) 543-2532 • Mobile: (979) 332-1616 email: k-kaspar@hotmail.com
DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR BOB J. BAYER, FIC 1100 Hospital Blvd, Floresville, Texas 78114-2912 Home: (830) 393-9073 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/ MARKETING MANAGER Don Strickland Mobile: (254) 239-8206 • Office: (254) 773-1575 Fax: (254) 774-1456 • email: dons@spjst.com FRATERNAL FIELD MANAGERS DISTRICTS ONE/THREE Philip (Phil) McBee, FICF, CFFM Mobile: (254) 239-7580 • Fax: (325) 784-7448 email: philm@spjst.com DISTRICTS TWO/SEVEN Hiram Dixon, FICF, LUTCF, CFFM Mobile: (254) 231-7722 • Fax: (254) 501-4479 email: hadixon2003@yahoo.com DISTRICT FOUR Bobby Davis, FICF, CFFM Mobile: (254) 239-9153 • Fax: (325) 657-2003 email: bobbyd@spjst.com DISTRICTS FIVE/SIX Delisle Doherty Mobile: (254) 239-9616 • Fax: (281) 855-3039 email: delisled@spjst.com
FINANCIAL SECRETARY ROY VAJDAK (254) 773-1575 email: royv@spjst.com
STATE FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR FRANK HORAK Office: (254) 773-1575 • Mobile: (254) 534-0681 email: frankh@spjst.com STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR Position currently vacant. Contact the Supreme Lodge President’s Department at the SPJST Home Office. (800) 727-7578
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 - Beverly J. Teplicek, 817 FM 381, Rowena, Texas 76875 - (325) 442-4841 - email: bjtep@verizon.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) 540-8531 District Two - Tammy Whatley, 141 Meadow Park Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78626 - (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 HUMAN RESOURCES DEBBIE KLINKOVSKY (254) 773-1575 • email: debbiek@spjst.com
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Št’astný Nový Rok!
Happy New Year, Vestnik readers! Wishing you a very blessed, prosperous, and healthy 2013.
Hats Off to Chester and Colleen We said goodbye to State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Chester Jenke who retired at the end of the year. Chester served in the position for almost seven years. I am going to miss him and his wife Colleen. I had the pleasure to work with Colleen on putting together the latest cookbook - SPJST Tasty Traditions - that salutes the Vestnik’s 100th anniversary and SPJST’s 115th anniversary. Colleen is a very creative, gifted person who cooks very, very well. I enjoyed her and Chester’s visits to the Home Office because Colleen usually came in bearing some tasty creation for us to sample! Best wishes to Chester and Colleen on their retirement! We look forward to seeing them at SPJST lodge and district activities. New State FAC We welcome former State Youth Director Frank Horak as the new State Fraternal Activities Coordinator. Best wishes to Frank in this new position.
Welcome, Nancy! We welcomed Nancy Miller to the Home Office last week. Nancy will serve as staff accountant in Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak’s department.
SPJST Life Stories The Vestnik is looking for your or your family’s SPJST Life story. Has SPJST Life Insurance benefitted your family in its time of need? We would love to have you share your
story. Has being a member of the youth program helped you achieve something grand later in life? Has serving as a lodge officer or just being active in SPJST inspired you in some way? Share your story with the Vestnik. Please email to melaniez@vvm.com. If you have questions or need more information, please contact me.
Rest in Peace, Beautiful Rosie My very beautiful friend Rosie Steinman of Lodge 154, Fort Worth who had a heart of gold passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2012. She rode our floats in every Fort Worth, Dallas, Ennis, and West parade that we were in. I think she was SPJST’s #1 supporter. I miss her so much. Sometimes she would just call to say hello, and that she enjoyed the week’s Vestnik. Rosie touched so many lives with her kindness and her warm, loving spirit. She was always smiling and had a positive attitude. She never had anything negative to say about anyone or anything. I will forever cherish the memories of this proud Czech matriarch and aspire to always keep a little bit of Rosie in my heart. May God bless and comfort Rosie’s family. We will include a special Rosie tribute in next week’s Vestnik.
Next Week’s Vestnik This week’s 40-page Vestnik is filled with articles and photos from lodges and youth clubs. Several items are awaiting next week’s Vestnik. These include Lodge 202, Jourdanton pictures and information; Fort Worth Christmas parade pictures; and Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point Christmas party pictures. —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.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
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Readers Write
Give the gift of life to a fellow Czech in the new year
A person of Czech descent whose grandfather made the tin roof on the Guardian Angel Church in Wallis, Texas, has recently successfully undergone chemotherapy for leukemia and is in urgent need of a peripheral blood stem cell transplant to complete his cure. Since matches tend to be more likely between people of shared ancestry, and his match is uncommon, he is requesting that fellow Czechs between the ages of 18 and 44 register with the National Marrow Donor Program, known as Be the Match, online. The most likely matches would come from the Sabrsula and/or Sodek (also spelled Skodak) family lines. Donating bone marrow used to be a challenge, but today it can be as easy as swabbing the inside of your cheek and subsequently donating blood if you’re a match. Donors never pay to donate bone marrow. All medical costs for the donation procedure are covered by the patient’s medical insurance or by the National Marrow Donor program. The program also reimburses travel costs, and may reimburse child care, lost wages, and other costs on an individual basis. The match is determined by cheek cells self-collected by the donor with cotton swabs for tissue typing. The transplant is a nonsurgical procedure involving the transfusion of peripheral blood stem cells from donated blood. SPJST Farm/ Commercial Property Rates
Member looks forward to cookbook, Vestnik
I still have my 1997 SPJST 100th Anniversary cookbook and have used it so many times. But, it’s coming apart so I would love to have the new one. Since I moved from Houston 20 years ago, I have missed playing bingo and going to the dances, but I still love to cook. Several of the ladies from Lodge 88, Houston had recipes in the 1997 cookbook. I am looking forward to the new cookbook and receiving the Věstník. Margaret Creel Lodge 88, Houston —SPJST—
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
Within a week of online registration with the National Marrow Donor Program, known as Be the Match, potential donors will receive a kit in the mail with four cotton swabs and instructions on how to collect the sample. If a match is found in the next couple of weeks, it could spare this fellow Czech from having to undergo another round of chemotherapy while awaiting a donor. So please consider going online right now to register at http://marrow.org/Home.aspx. Thank you in advance for this gift of life! Submitted by, Kay Schodek —SPJST—
75% Owner Farm Property 5.00% for 1 to 30 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** 3.00% for Annualized*
Annuity III** 3.00% for Annualized*
**Not currently being marketed.
Annuity IV 3.00% for Annualized*
* Rates effective 11/01/12 through 1/31/13.
5-Year Annuity
When purchased, current interest rates are guaranteed for 5 years.
Band 1—$10,000 to $24,999 Current Rate: 3.00% Band 2—$25,000 to $49,999 Current Rate: 3.00% Band 3—$50,000 and up Current Rate: 3.00%
Find us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/spjst
Family Fun and Important Dates
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January 12 State Progressive 42 Domino Tournament Lodge 6, Cottonwood January 12 Publication Committee Meeting Home Office, Temple Jan. 15-17 Supreme Lodge Meeting • Home Office, Temple January 26 SPJST Awards Banquet • Mayborn Center, Temple Feb. 1 SPJST Scholarship Paperwork Due Feb. 2 State Tarok Tournament • Lodge 92, Fort Worth Feb. 3 Lodge 29, Taylor hosts Travis Voigt Family Fundraiser/Auction (2) Feb. 9 Fraternal Bowling Tournament Fiesta Lanes, New Braunfels Feb. 9 Lodge 9, Snook Youth Club Valentine Dance (1) Feb. 9 Lodge 24, Cyclone Mardi Gras Fundraiser (2) Feb. 16 Lodge 87, Temple Youth Club Chili Cook-Off (2) Feb. 18 Home Office Closed • Presidents’ Day Holiday Feb. 23 Youth Development Workshop SPJST Home Office, Temple Feb. 24 Lodge 32, Victoria Polka Fest Inez Community Center March 2 State Straight Domino Tournament
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Wednesday, January 9, 2013
State Youth Director
SPJST Home Office Job Posting Department: FLSA Status: Reports to: Supervises:
Supreme Lodge President Exempt President Administrative Assistant, District Youth Counselors, Youth Leaders
SUMMARY Under the supervision and direction of the Supreme Lodge President, the State Youth Director will work with district youth counselors to plan and direct activities and programs, and to formulate rules and regulations for youth activities at all levels.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Primarily a field position and will invest at least a third of the time in the field. Incumbent travels extensively throughout the state overseeing and facilitating program objectives. 2. Serves as the primary Home Office liaison with District Youth Counselors and lodge youth leaders. 3. Schedules and develop the programs for district youth counselor and youth leader training, leaders-in-training retreats and assists with in training of district youth counselors. 4. Monitors SPJST Youth Program performance and provides regular updates to management and the Board of Directors at the direction of the President. 5. Oversees administrative and clerical duties associated with the SPJST Youth Program. 6. Negotiates and schedules youth camping sessions. 7. Helps to establish an atmosphere in which youth, parents, and interested parties will want to participate to ensure success of the SPJST Youth Program. 8. Provides weekly updates to the Supreme Lodge President. 9. Attends activities of the SPJST, Fraternal Alliance of Texas, American Fraternal Alliance and public events on behalf of the Society as directed. 10. Responsible for other duties as assigned by the President.
QUALIFICATIONS • Positive mental attitude. • Three- to five-years work experience in a related field. • Literacy in both Mac and Windows word processing and presentation programs. • Ability to motivate and teach. • Excellent oral and written communication skills. • Convey a professional image. • Ability to relate with and convey enthusiasm for supporting SPJST’s mission as stated in the Preamble of the SPJST By-Laws:
The main idea and purpose of this Society, as organized by fearless and peace-loving Czech pioneers in Texas, was and is: To provide and promote fraternal and social fellowship among its members. To endeavor to keep alive the cherished traditions, customs, heritage, culture, and language of our forefathers. And generally, through moral, spiritual, and economic respect, to encourage benevolence and humanity through the Society with sound practical life insurance for its members.
EDUCATION AND COMPETENCIES • Bachelor’s degree or five years relevant work experience. • Experience with instruction or teaching young people. • Experience in planning and promoting special events, especially activities with an emphasis on youth fitness, camping and/or public speaking or theatre. • Flexibility and the ability to oversee multiple and ongoing projects. • Record of achievement.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This position demands good physical and mental health and stamina. The State Youth Director will be required work a flexible work schedule. The State Youth Director must be able to sit, stand, bend, walk and carry things associated with the activity program. Must be able to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
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From the Fraternal Department
State Fraternal Activities Coordinator’s January Updates
Greetings and Happy New Year! I first want to wish Chester Jenke a happy retirement and hope to see him and Colleen participate in many of our SPJST state events. I enjoyed every minute working with our SPJST Youth Leaders and youth the past two years, and I will help out our new State Youth Director when need be. Here is some information about me. I started working for SPJST Home Office in 2007 as Assistant to the Vice President in the SPJST Insurance Department before being promoted to SPJST State Youth Director in 2010. I have been a member of Lodge 80, Holland for the past 18 years and previously served as youth leader. I am a graduate of H.M. King High School in Kingsville, Texas. I attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville and graduated from Texas State Technical College in Waco and earned a degree in audio/visual technology. While employed for 14 years at Scott and White Hospital, I met my wife, Connie Wolf Horak. We have two wonderful teenagers, Jacob, 15 and Shelby, 13. From 1997 to 1999, I served as city councilman and mayor pro tem for Holland, Texas. I was then elected mayor and served for one term. While mayor, I worked with many local organizations such as Holland ISD, B.J. Hill Library, and Holland Baseball Association, just to name a few. I also served two years as head of the Planning and Zoning Commission and have served as a member for the past 11 years on the commission. I am a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Bartlett, Texas, where I worked with youth for 17 years. I served as superintendent of Sunday school, youth leader and worship assistant. In my spare time, I enjoy working in my yard and spending time with my family. Just to reiterate the Wednesday, December 19, 2012, Vestnik writeup, I am committed to helping our SPJST members. I am looking forward to the new challenge and excited about meeting many of you in the coming months.
SPJST Lodges Invited to Attend Awards Banquet January 26 in Temple All SPJST lodges are invited to participate in the 2012 SPJST Awards Banquet which will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013, at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple. The event begins at 1 p.m. and is expected to con-
clude by 6 p.m. The format for this year’s event includes a minimum of down time and greater recognition for each lodge officer, sales agent, and member being honored. To facilitate attendance, every lodge will have mileage paid for at least one vehicle. Lodges that will be receiving incentive awards will be authorized mileage for up to two vehicles. Lodge presidents and secretaries will be receiving a letter in January informing their lodge if they will be receiving mileage for an extra vehicle. Awardwinning sales agents will also be receiving notification from the Insurance Department. In order to plan for the banquet portion of the awards ceremony, the Home Office is requesting a head count on or before January 18. Efforts of lodge secretaries to get this information in prior to the deadline will be greatly appreciated. You can register using the form sent out by the President’s Office or complete the online registration available at www.spjst.org. All lodges are entitled to send their 2012 and/or 2013 lodge officers to the banquet free of charge. Each officer is entitled to bring a guest. A reservation form is being sent to lodge secretaries. If you have any questions with regards to this process, please feel free to call Assistant to the President Sandra Dubcak at (800) 727-7578. She will be handling the reservations for this awards banquet. Again, lodge officers are encouraged to save the date and make plans to attend the 2012 Awards Banquet on January 26 at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple. Lodge presidents and secretaries will be receiving additional information by mail.
SPJST Tasty Traditions Cookbook The new SPJST Tasty Traditions cookbook is still available. If you have not already received your edition, you can place your order online at www.spjst.org or you may call the Home Office to place an order. The books include 700 pages and approximately 1,400 recipes. When ordering through the mail, there will be a $3 charge for shipping/handling per book. Please know that a table will be set up at the awards banquet on Saturday, January 26 for members who wish to purchase cookbooks prior to the start of the program. If any lodge would like to
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purchase in case lots (20 books), please call me in advance so that we can arrange to meet at the Home Office Saturday morning. All books are $15 each, so bring cash, check, or your credit card to the banquet.
Important Deadlines The following reports are due on the dates listed below.
January 2—New Officers’ address, phone, and email listing January 11—Fraternal Incentive Report Year-End and Year-End Fraternal Support and Community Services Report. February 15—Outgoing Officer Awards. May 15—990 and 990-T to IRS and copy to Home Office
Lifetime Achiever Award requests will be due two weeks prior to your district’s spring meeting. If you would like to recognize the Every Day Heroes in your lodge, a form to request these pins is online in the fraternal section of the website. If all these reports are submitted on time, your lodge will be able to use item number two on the Year-End Fraternal Incentive Report as one of your fraternal acts. Please know that if these reports are not submitted by the deadline, any incentive money your lodge has coming will be held until these reports are received. If your lodge has not addressed these items, please make sure to do so as soon as possible. These programs benefit your lodge as well as your members. If you need assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Officer Elections All lodges should have elected officers in November or December. Please take a moment to complete the paperwork sent to each lodge and return to the office of Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska. Information requested is the names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails of the officers for the coming year. Remember, this counts as one of your fraternal acts for the year if all paperwork is submitted on time. If this has already been done, thank you. While lodges are electing new officers, this would also be an excellent time to update information in the back section of the Vestnik. If any information has changed, please contact Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication, Melanie Zavodny (800) 727-7578.
Outgoing Officers Do not forget to honor your officers who have given their time and dedication to your lodge. Honor your outgoing
leaders by giving them an outgoing officer plaque. Any officer who is not reelected for the year 2013 and does not seek re-election in future years is eligible. The recipient must be a current SPJST member and must be active at the time of selection. The plaques should be awarded at your local lodge meetings. All requests should be in the State Fraternal Activities Coordinators office by February 15.
Progressive 42 Domino Tournament Please make plans to be in Cottonwood on Saturday, January 12, 2013, for a day of fun and fraternalism. Lodge 6, Cottonwood will host the State Progressive 42 Domino Tournament. You do not need a partner to enter this tournament. We will draw for partners at the start of each round. If you need an entry form, please go to the SPJST website at www.spjst.org, click on Fraternal Activities, and then click on upcoming fraternal activities for a flyer and an entry form. All participants are encouraged to pre-register so we will have some idea as to how many players plan to participate and for meal preparations. If you will recall, at the Supreme Lodge meeting in July 2009, it was voted to let non-members participate. The registration fee for members will be $7 while non-members pay $15. If any member knows of someone (member or non-member) who would like to participate, please invite them to submit an entry.
100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive This year’s goal is to raise $20,000 in addition to the Supreme Lodge allocation. Through your generous donations, SPJST has been able to continue to provide scholarships to members who wish to further their education. Since its inception in 1982, the Scholarship Program has presented SPJST scholars with near 1,700 scholarships valued at more than $1 million. That is a lot of pennies! Donations of any amount will be accepted and added to the general scholarship fund that is maintained by the Home Office. No amount is too small or too large. The 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive continues through March 31, 2013.
SPJST Scholarship Application Deadline The deadline for submitting applications for the SPJST Scholarship is Wednesday, February 1, 2013. Any student (high school seniors and college undergraduates) who have not previously received an SPJST scholarship are eligible to apply. For an SPJST General Scholarship or Leadership Grant Application and complete guidelines, please
call the SPJST Home Office (800) 7277578 or (254) 773-1575 or visit www.spjst.org. State Tarok Tournament The SPJST State Tarok Tournament will be held on February 2. Lodge 92, Fort Worth will host this event. All participants are encouraged to pre-register so we will have some idea as to how many players plan to participate. Non-members will be permitted to participate in all state tournaments in 2013. The registration fee for members will be $7 while non-members pay $15. If anyone knows of someone (member or non-member) who would like to participate, please encourage them to submit an entry.
Texas Fraternal Bowling Tournament Start making your plans now to be in New Braunfels, Texas, on Saturday, February 9 at Fiesta Lanes 1202 Huisache Avenue (behind HEB - Walnut Street) for the Eighth Annual Fraternal Alliance Of Texas (FAOT) Bowling Tournament to raise funds for FAOT scholarships. Members ages 16 and up are eligible to participate. All lodges and/or members are encouraged to bring an item for the silent auction (no alcohol silent action items please; the bowling center has a liquor license) which will be held in conjunction with the bowling tournament to raise additional funds to benefit the scholarship program. Those who participated this past year will testify that it was a fun day filled with lots of fraternalism shared by all while raising money for a worthy cause. Teams this year will consist of five members - any combination of men and women. Registration will begin a 10:30 a.m. on Saturday with bowling starting at 12 noon. A handicap of 80 percent of 200 per game will be added to the total score following the completion of the third game. All teams are encouraged to pre-register by February 1. Twenty students were named recipients of scholarships from proceeds raised last year at the conclusion of the FAOT Convention held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Temple, Texas on October 20, 2012. With your continued support, next year we aim to present more and bigger scholarships. Fraternal Alliance Of Texas Scholarship Graduating high school seniors or equivalent who have an active fraternal life insurance certificate in force for at least one year prior to January 1 of the year in which the scholarship is being applied and plan to enter college in the
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fall term following the announcement of their award will be eligible to submit an application for the FAOT Scholarship. Applications must be received by March 1, 2013. Late applications will not be accepted. Send completed applications and any attachments to: Fraternal Alliance Of Texas Scholarship Program P.O. Box 1941 San Antonio, Texas 78297
Visit www.spjst.org for additional details, or you may call Kim Krueger (210) 226-9261 or email kim@texashermannsons.org.
Join Hands Day As your lodge and youth club makes plans for the coming year, we strongly encourage all lodges to mark May 4, 2013, on your calendar and make plans to organize a local Join Hands Day service project. The idea is simple: adults and youth working together and with other organizations to make good things happen in your community. Again, this year, the Home Office will offer a $100 incentive to local SPJST lodges to be used in developing and/or promoting their project. This incentive will be for lodges who partner with youth in their community. Lodges, even those who do not have a youth club, are encouraged to join forces with other area lodges and/or community service organizations, civic, school and/or church groups. To receive the $100 incentive, lodges must register the event with the Home Office and online with Join Hands Day web site prior to the event. Following confirmation from Join Hands Day Association, the Home Office will then forward a check to the lodges who have registered their project online. Remember, to receive your check, you must register your project online as well as with the Home Office. We can help you with that if you have any question. Our goal for 2013 is to have 50 or more lodges participate. What can your lodge do? Projects from previous years include baking for the needy, cemetery clean-up, highway beautification, assisting veterans and senior citizens programs and conducting a variety of fix-up and refurbishing projects. You have plenty of time to decide what you want to do in 2013. The main thing is to make a commitment now to do something. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Tammy. We are here to help if you need assistance. Please feel free to call me (254) 534-0681, email frankh@spjst.com, or Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez (800) 727-
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7578 or (254) 773-1575 or email tammym@spjst.com. Your District FAC is also available to assist you. They are: District One FAC Kyle Skrabanek (979) 272-3440 District Two FAC Ruth Hanusch (254) 771-0193 District Three FAC Vicki Sims (214) 763-0341 District Four FAC Sylvia Rollwitz (325) 442-3141
District Five FAC Patricia Bruce (281) 890-4933 District Six FAC Helen Zabransky (361) 798-3347 District Seven FAC Glen Pruski (956) 286-6104 Fraternally submitted, Frank Horak State Fraternal Activities Coordinator —SPJST—
Sales Agents’ Motivational Message
The Winner Has Momentum
“A road well begun is the battle half won. The important thing is to make a beginning and get under way.” Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) Danish philosopher and writer
Thank you for being an SPJST agent. Last year is done, and the new year, well, begun! We face many unknowns this next year. Which two teams will play in the Super Bowl, the Texas weather, and the “fiscal cliff” to name a few. One thing remains constant, change. As an agent with SPJST, it is important to remember your sales are driven by your ability to stay consistent during these various changes as they occur throughout the year. Consistent thoughts of success in order to meet client needs will begin and end from the energy and momentum you bring to each and every day. Begin each day thankful for someone and something. Then take steps to align your thinking and actions moment by moment and day by day to achieve your goals. Start your Mondays seeking those you can help and end your Sundays grateful for those you found as well as the experience gained in the process. Begin, plan, and act as the winner you know you are. Believe in yourself and the support system you have to be a winner!
The Winner Has Momentum It is vitally important for salespeople to establish momentum. It’s like starting a locomotive. It takes 238 pounds of pressure to get a locomotive started. It only takes 33 pounds to keep the locomotive traveling once it has gained full speed. But if the locomotive stops, it takes 238 pounds of pressure to get it started again. The same is true of salespeople. Once you get rolling, it only takes a small amount of effort to keep rolling. If you stop or have an interruption in
your sales activity, it takes the same amount of discipline and effort to reestablish the momentum that it did at the very beginning. That’s why it’s so important for salespeople to maintain momentum. The key to momentum is to build a winning tradition. Most any team can get “up” to win one game, but the secret is to get “up” consistently. The same is true for professional salespeople. Those who are disciplined, focused, and have a set selling strategy can get “up” for every interview. Momentum and continuous victory are predictable and dependable. Constantly feed your mind with success pictures. At first this will seem awkward and phony, but soon it will become genuine and natural. Remember, you become what you think about most of the time. Momentum comes to the salespeople who have the tenacity to stick it out when the going gets tough. When they have a job to do and see their goal clearly and take all the hard knocks in stride, these agents power through all problems and obstacles. Salespeople who have momentum seem to get all the breaks; everything seems to fall for them. As you investigate this in depth, you find that the salespeople who have momentum are making more calls, are making more presentations and their entire sales process is polished because of constant practice. Momentum is a must for the winning salesperson. Good success to you in the New Year and may it be a prosperous one. We are here to help you as you begin SPJST Friendship 2013! And, thank you again for being an agent with SPJST. Source: Kinder Brothers International —SPJST—
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SPJST Lodge Se ct ion
Lodge 9, Snook reports on December meeting
Donnie Hejl called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, 2012. Marie Shelfer led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ann Schoeneman read the minutes of the last meeting, and the minutes stood approved as read. Bonnie Walker gave the fraternal activities coordinator’s report; David Kovar gave the hall manager’s report; and Bonnie Walker gave the treasurer’s report. The youth met at 3 p.m., following the adult meeting. Present were 30 youth members, one guest, and 12 adults. The District One Christmas social went well. Thanks to all members who participated in the Christmas program. A big thank you to Frank Horak and his family for attending. Thanks to members who took time to help with Radio MASH (Make a Smile Happen). We collected and san-
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
itized toys that were brought in and loaded toys that were ready for pickup. A total of 15 to 20 members volunteered. We accepted five new members. The membership will sponsor a Little Dribblers Team for the Snook Area. The next meeting will be Wednesday, January 2, 2013, the adult meeting will be at 7:30 p.m., and the youth will meet at 6:30 p.m. All members are invited to attend, and see what your lodge is working on. See you there. James Schoeneman, Reporter —SPJST—
SPJST Gives to Friench Simpson Memorial Library
District Six Director presents a $300 check to Assistant Library Director Penny Kristek for Friench Simpson Memorial Library in Hallettsville. The donation will be used to purchase Czech research materials for the local history/genealogy department and to purchase large print books for the library.
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Lodge Karel Jonáš, No. 28, East Bernard meets January 13
Dear Members, Lodge Karel Jonáš, No. 28, East Bernard will hold its first meeting of 2013 this Sunday, January 13 at 12 noon in the Community Room of East Bernard Branch Library at 746 Clubside Drive. The agenda will be open to business needing immediate attention. As to the fare for the fraternal hour luncheon, it will be standard. On December 9, the lodge held its Christmas luncheon meeting. The fare was roasted turkey with all the trimmings. Districts Five and Six Fraternal Field Manager Delisle Doherty was present to partake and give the members a view of plans for 2013. He answered many questions which gave the members a clearer picture of the organization’s products. Thanks a bunch, Delisle, for visiting with us. As to other business, mostly reports were given. The meeting was short. To the faithful: mark your calendars, plan to attend, and this writer remains . . . Fraternally yours, Joseph D. Nezval, FIC President —SPJST—
Lodge 29, Taylor to host fundraiser for Travis Voigt
The spirit of giving can be found in every corner of East Williamson County, and sometimes it is about lending a hand to a friend. Such in the case of Phillip Scruggs who wants to get the word out about his friend in hopes of raising funds to help him through the recovery process. Travis Voigt, a Thrall High School graduate in 1999, was involved in a horrific accident in which he was struck by a semi-truck on August 12, 2012. “He survived the ordeal but has many medical complications resulting from the accident,” Scruggs said. “He already has had to undergo several surgeries which have been very costly for him and his family.” Scruggs is reaching out to friends, family, and members of the Thrall community and surrounding areas, to help out the Voigts financially during his recovery. “If you feel compelled to support Travis’ recovery and can contribute to him and his family, it would be greatly appreciated. I have set up an account at any Chase Bank in his name,” Scruggs, extending a thank you in advance to anyone interested in helping the cause. Those wanting to contribute to the account set up for Voigt can do so by stopping at any area Chase Bank and
SPJST Gives to East Bernard First United Methodist Church
District Six Director Karen Kaspar presents a $300 donation to Reverend Alex Lupo and Bill Gerke of East Bernard First United Methodist Church for their annual project — the East Bernard Senior Citizens Dinner. Lodge 28, East Bernard Sales Agent Glenn Kaminsky, far right, is also pictured presenting $100 from Lodge 28 to this worthwhile local project.
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SPJST Supports Lavaca County Senior Citizens Program
District Six Director Karen Kaspar, center, and District Six Fraternal Activities Coordinator Helen Zabransky, right, present a check for $300 to Lavaca County Senior Citizens Program County Coordinator Patty Grahmann. The program has four centers in Lavaca County that serve Hallettsville, Moulton, Shiner, and Yoakum. Approximately 6,000 meals are served each month throughout the county. The donation will be used to purchase new tires for one of the vans that delivers noon meals to homebound elderly. “Your generous donations to the elderly and youth activities throughout the state are highly recognized and truly appreciated,” Patty Grahmann states. “With your help, many of our elderly will continue to maintain independent lifestyles in the security of their own homes.”
making a donation in the name of Travis Voigt. The account number is 138155380. Scruggs said that medical expenses resulting from his injuries sustained in the accident have amounted to more than $50,000, with accumulative total losses nearing $90,000. His jaw is messed up. He is also having leg, neck and back problems. He has a family and kids, Scruggs shared.
February 3 Fundraiser Travis’ parents and children are members of SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor. Five of their six children are active members of Lodge 29 Youth Club. His dad serves on the property committee, and his mom is the assistant youth leader at Lodge 29. Members of Lodge 29, family, and friends have gathered together to help raise funds to help support this family in their time of need. They are planning a barbecue chicken lunch and a live/silent auction at the Taylor SPJST Hall on Sunday, February 3. Serving will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 1 p.m., and plates can be to go or eat in. The auction will begin at 1 p.m. Submitted by, Linda Pospisil Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 30, Taiton celebrates Christmas
Dear Vestnik Readers, Lodge 30, Taiton held its regular monthly meeting and annual Christmas social on December 9, 2012, at Taiton Community Center. President Yvonne Marcaurele called the meeting to order. Members present recited the Pledge of Allegiance led by Jacob and Shelby Horak, and a moment of silence was observed for any sick or departed members. Secretary Wanda Dorotik read the roll of members and minutes from the November meeting. The minutes were approved as read. Special guests Supreme Lodge Vice President Gene McBride and wife Frances, State Youth Director Frank Horak and his family, and District Six Director Karen Kaspar were then introduced and welcomed. Treasurer Lisa Bubela gave her report on the financial standing of our lodge. She asked for and received a motion to pay any outstanding bills. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Tommy Drapela reported on the events occurring around the state and discussed any deadlines needing to be
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met. Youth Leader Lisa Bubela reported on the comings and goings of our youth program. She informed the members that two of our youth members, Ryan Drapela and Jeremy Supak, were going to play for the State 3A football championship in Dallas Cowboy Stadium on the following weekend. Congratulations to the El Campo Ricebirds on their winning season! Lisa then introduced District Six Queen Allison Fucik and District Six Duchess Lauren Kresta. State Youth Leader Frank Horak informed the members that he has taken the position of State Fraternal Activities Coordinator and will begin that job in January. He was wished well in his new job. Director Karen Kaspar then informed the members of her future plans. She wants to have a close working relationship with all. She told us that she is excited about the direction that our organization is planning to take in the future. She informed us that the District Six Spring Meeting will be held on March 3, 2013, at Taiton Community Center. Happy birthday was wished to Crystal Bacak, Brenda Drapela, Ed Zapalac, Linda Supak, Jessica Fucik, and Grant Bubela. Our next meeting will be Sunday, January 6 at Taiton Community Center. The adult meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the youth meeting to follow.
P P P Presenting 2013 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 13, Dime Box
The 2013 officers of Lodge 13, Dime Box are, left to right, Vice President Floyd Kostelka, Secretary LaDonna Jatzlau, Treasurer Debbie Kostelka, and President Ricky Ford.
The meeting was adjourned by President Yvonne Marcaurele. Vice President Gene McBride then held installation of the new 2013 officers: President Yvonne Marcaurele Vice President Debbie Krpec Secretary Wanda Dorotik Treasurer Lisa Bubela Reporter Marjorie Treumer FAC Tommy Drapela Youth Leader Lisa Bubela
Following the meeting the mem-
bers attending enjoyed a meal of turkey, dressing, and all the trimmings. Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer, Reporter —SPJST—
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Lodge 38, Kovar hosts Christmas gathering
Lodge 38, Kovar members gathered for their monthly meeting and Christmas social on Monday, December 10, 2012, at 7 p.m. at Zimmerhanzel’s Bar-B-Que in Smithville. Special guests were District One Director Donnie Victorick and wife Janice. Donnie brought us up-to-date on SPJST activities and expectations for 2013. Fraternally, Donna Zimmerhanzel Treasurer —SPJST—
Lodge 40 El Campo-Hillje reports on December meeting
President Allen Bacak called the meeting to order at 12 noon on Sunday, December 9, 2012. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was observed for the ill, deceased, and the Armed Forces. A prayer was said, and a Christmas meal was served. Members brought desserts. Everyone enjoyed a great
P P P Presenting 2013 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton
P P P Presenting 2013 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 38, Kovar
The 2013 officers of Lodge 30, Taiton are, second from left to right, President Yvonne Marcaurele, Vice President Debbie Krpec, Secretary Wanda Dorotik, Treasurer/Youth Leader Lisa Bubela, Reporter Marjorie Treumer, and Fraternal Activities Coordinator Tommy Drapela. The officers were installed by Supreme Lodge Vice President Gene McBride, far left.
The 2013 officers of Lodge 38, Kovar are, left to right, Treasurer Donna Zimmerhanzel, First Vice President Edwin Zimmerhanzel, President Alfred Hellinger, Secretary Kathy Maney, and Fraternal Activities Coordinator/Reporter Dorothy Lastovica. Not pictured is Second Vice President Johnnie Janak. Officers were installed by District One Director Donnie Victorick, pictured far right.
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meal. Roll was called, and one officer and one trustee were absent. J.C. Kocurek made motion to accept minutes as they were printed in the Vestnik. Jerry Gensler seconded the motion. Motion carried. Ardis Bacak made a motion, and J.C. Kocurek seconded it, to accept two new members—Ashley and Austin Odstrcil—to our lodge. Motion carried. The new officers and trustees for the coming year 2013 were installed by 2012 President Allen Bacak. All officers gave their reports, and the reports were accepted as read. Youth Leader Cathy Garcia read the financial statement. Cathy also gave the youth club report and explained Youth Achievement Day to the members. Cathy made a motion that Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje host the District Six YAD in 2013, and J.C. Kocurek seconded the motion. Motion carried. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Josephine Bacak thanked Vlasta Bar-
tos for picking up the meal from Mikeska’s. She thanked the ladies who helped in the kitchen and also Edmund Kana for being the greeter. Dee Floyd, Frankie Faltisek, and Josephine Bacak decorated the tables for our Christmas party. The Czech Mates furnished the music. Everyone enjoyed listening to the good music.
Next Meeting—January 13 Our next meeting will be held Sunday, January 13, 2013, at 2 p.m. A light lunch will be served by the lodge, and members are asked to bring desserts. Thanks, Members! We thank all the members for coming and those who brought things to be put in a basket for the Blessing Cup. The books were audited by Lorraine Kana, Dee Floyd, and Norma O’Canas. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Karen Holub, Kathy and Kierra Taylor, and Jerome Knebel. Carmen and
J.C. Kocurek were congratulated on their eighth anniversary. The meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m. Fraternally, Josephine Brandt, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 66, Waco reports on December meeting
The meeting was called to order by President John Engelke on December 10, 2012, at Luby’s at 6 p.m. with all officers present with the exception of Vice President Mary Alice Langlotz. There were 13 members present and one guest, Edward Vorderkunz. Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and motto. President Engelke read the minutes of the November 15 meeting due to the absence of Secretary Dana
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McAdams. The minutes were approved as read. President Engelke received correspondence from Supreme Lodge Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska needing updates of records. President Engelke read the fraternal activities coordinator’s report from Chester Jenke due to the absence of FAC Mary Alice Langlotz. He reminded members of the awards banquet to be held at the Mayborn Center in Temple on January 26, 2013. Sister Dorothy Veselka of the Cheer and Condolence Committee reported that she had spoken to Sister Dorothy Gerlich, and she said that Brother Gene Gerlich is still in the hospital, and he is not feeling too well. Please keep him in your prayers. Brother Louie Veselka reported that there were no grievances. Bookkeeper Sister Diana Engelke gave the bookkeeping report. Sister Diana Engelke read names of candidates for membership. SPJST wrote up Barbara Ann Hajek. She was
Scenes from Lodge 30, Taiton’s Christmas Party
Sunday, December 9, 2012 • Taiton Community Center in Taiton, Texas
Lodge 30, Taiton’s monthly meeting and Christmas social was held Sunday, December 9, 2012. The youth club meeting began at 10:30 a.m. followed by a social at 11 a.m. The adult lodge meeting was held at 11:30 a.m. with dinner served following the meeting. LEFT PHOTO: Pictured are, left to right, President Yvonne Marcaurele, Georgia and Jerome Dorotik, Supreme Lodge Vice President Gene McBride, and Lodge 30
Secretary Wanda Dorotik. CENTER PHOTO: Left to right are Lodge 30 Vice President Debbie Krpec, Lodge 30 Reporter Marjorie Treumer, and Billie Jean and Eugene Krpec. RIGHT PHOTO: Left to right are Supreme Lodge Vice President Gene McBride, Lodge 30 President Yvonne Marcaurele, District Six Director Karen Kaspar, District Six Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela, and State Youth Director Frank Horak.
LEFT PHOTO: State Youth Director Frank Horak and District Six Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela. PHOTO 2: Debbie Krpec registers for door prizes as Dylan Treumer, back, left, and Tommy Drapela look on. PHOTO
3: Attendees go through the food line. RIGHT PHOTO: David Marcaurele, left, and Keith Kresta. A delicious turkey and dressing meal was served.
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accepted into Lodge 66. Door prize winner was Alan Stearns. The 100 percent winner was Dorothy Veselka. December birthday celebrant present was Carolyn Stearns.
P P P Presenting 2013 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje
Next Meeting—January 14 The next Lodge 66 meeting will be held at LaVega High School at 6 p.m. on January 14. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Fraternally, Dorothy Veselka, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 79 Corpus Christi members enjoy Christmas meal
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi enjoyed a Mexican meal on December 16, 2012. The meeting was called to order by President Mark Rebecek who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Present were 32 members and guests. All officers were in attendance. On our sick list was Dollie Huddleston who had triple bypass surgery and is recovering in the hospital. She is the sister of Judy Majek and Leona Grant. Also on our sick list was Erik Schwirtlich who was assaulted and is recovering. Erik is the grandson of Genevieve and
Happy Birthday, Carolyn!
Happy December birthday to Carolyn Stearns of Lodge 66, Waco. She was recognized at the lodge’s December meeting.
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and Frank Sacky on the 20th. “Happy Birthday” was sung to these members. Officers for 2013 were elected, and they are: President Mark Rebecek Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky Secretary Virginia Rebecek Treasurer Frank Sacky Youth Leader Gerilyn Donnell
Congratulations to these officers! Twenty-five dollar door prizes were won by Jill Sijansky and Laura Rebecek. Lina and Larry Novosad donated a special door prize of peanut brittle which was won by Leroy Ryza.
The 2013 officers and trustees of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje are, left to right, Trustee Sheldon Holub, Secretary Josephine Brandt, Vice President Delia Floyd, President Jerry Gensler, Treasurer Diane Seaman (standing in is Charlene Smith), Trustee J.C. Kocurek, Trustee Carmen Kocurek, Trustee Edmund Kana, Trustee Josephine Bacak, and Youth Leader Cathy Garcia.
Eddie Schwirtlich. We wish them a speedy recovery. Jerry Sijansky gave an update on his daughter Laurie Kite who had eye surgery. She is recovering nicely and will be fitted for contacts. The November minutes and treasurer’s report were read and approved. Correspondence was read by Secretary Virginia Rebecek. Our lodge has a new sales agent—Carlos San Miguel, and Secretary Rebecek also read a Christmas card sent to our lodge from Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny. Fraternal Activities Coordinator’s report was given by Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky. Jerry asked all to turn in fraternal acts at the end of the meeting. The SPJST Awards Banquet will be held in Temple on January 26. Also watch the Vestnik for upcoming events. President Rebecek introduced guests Viola and Stan Repa from Germany, originally from the Czech Republic. It was nice having them attend our meeting. They try to come down once a year. Also, President Rebecek read from the Vestnik that Lodge 79 is fifth in the state on membership. Our lodge will have a welcome banquet for Lodge 26, Skidmore members on January 20. We will serve roast beef. Youth Leader Gerilyn Donnell gave her youth club report. During their meeting, they participated in a Christmas program. The youth also sent six full boxes to our troops. For Driscoll
Next Meeting—January 20 Our next meeting is January 20 with roast beef and trimmings furnished by the lodge. Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek, Secretary —SPJST—
Children’s Hospital, 35 lap blankets were made. Gerilyn’s goal was 20 so she wanted to thank everyone who helped. Also, 75 books were collected for South Texas Children’s Home. These items will be delivered before Christmas. Our December monthly donation will go to Erik Schwirtlich to help with his medical expenses. Birthdays for December were Javier Mora on the 3rd, Viola Repa on the 6th, Brock Donnell on the 12th,
Lodge 65, Crosby Banner Retired
Tammy Hayes accepts a plaque on behalf of all former Lodge 65, Crosby members. Lodge 65 merged with Lodge 91, Crosby recently. Presenting the plaque is Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, left. Also pictured are Lodge 91 President William Locke, second from right, and District Five Director Larry W. Pflughaupt.
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Scenes from Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje’s Christmas Social and Dance Sunday, December 9, 2012 • Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Hall • Submitted by Jerry Gensler
LEFT PHOTO: Ella Knebel and Allen Bacak. PHOTO 2: Ben Svoboda and Edmund Kana. PHOTO 3: Frank Faltysek, J.C. Kocurek, and Joe Cerny. RIGHT PHOTO: Delia Floyd and Lorraine Kana. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Alice Laitkep and family of Velma Geoffrey, Jason and Bryan
with Clarence Clinger. BELOW PHOTO 2: Charlene and Melanie Wendel, wives of band members. BELOW PHOTO 3: Charlene and David Smith. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Jerry Gensler and Ardis Bacak.
LEFT PHOTO: Virginia and Lee Hannons with daughter Karen Holub. PHOTO 2: Janet Marek and Martha Orsak. PHOTO 3: Cathy Garcia and Alice Laitkep. RIGHT PHOTO: Vlasta Bartosh and Josephine Brandt. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Josephine Bacak and Sheldon Holub. BELOW
PHOTO 2: Members prepare their plates with the delicious variety of food. BELOW PHOTO 3: Czech Mates band and wives. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Karen Holub and youth Kierra and Kelly Taylor. In front is Jerome Knebel.
Left to right are Willie Gensler, Allen Bacak, Georgia Henderson, Colby Cerny, and Mike Kacal.
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Lodge 79 Corpus Christi welcomes Skidmore members
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi will host a luncheon to welcome former members of Lodge 26, Skidmore on Sunday, January 20, 2012, at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road in Corpus Christi, Texas. The meal will com-
mence at 1 p.m. followed by Lodge 79’s monthly meeting. Please RSVP by January 16 by calling Mark Rebecek (361) 816-2328 or Jerry Sijansky (361) 549-0475. You may email your RSVP to mrebecek@grandecom.net. Fraternally, Mark Rebecek, President —SPJST—
Lodge 79 Corpus Christi to host Lodge 26 retirement ceremony
Effective December 31, 2012, Lodge 26, Skidmore merged into Lodge 79, Corpus Christi. According to protocol, members of Lodge 26, Skidmore met Thursday, November 15, 2012, at “Shorty’s Place” in
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Beeville for a special called meeting to review options for the lodge moving forward. The options included reorganization, merger, or disbandment. Following discussion, a motion to merge the lodge with Lodge 79, Corpus Christi was unanimously approved. The next regular monthly meeting of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi will be held on Sunday, January 20, 2013, at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road in Corpus Christi, Texas, to welcome the new members into the lodge and to officially “retire” the Lodge 26, Skid-
Lodge 67, Schulenburg Celebrates Christmas
Saturday, December 15, 2012 • Schulenburg Community Center • Submitted by Adrienne Kobza, Sales Agent
Lodge 67, Schulenburg held its Christmas party on Saturday, December 15, 2012, with approximately 39 people in attendance. Refreshments were
served during the social hour, followed with a catered meal of fried chicken and all the trimmings. Members brought a variety of desserts. There
were also a variety of door prizes. A good time was had by all. —SPJST—
TOP PHOTOS: Left - Sammy Kutac, Lodge 67 President Ernest Kutac, Lodge 67 Secretary Mary Ann Kutac, Susan Kutac Kalina, and Jason Kalina. Center - Secretary Mary Ann Kutac and President Ernest Kutac. Right - Otto and Helen Steinhauser and Charles Fritsch. LEFT PHOTO: Carol Urban, Deanna Urban, Tom Urban, and District One Director Donnie Victorick.
RIGHT PHOTO: Front to back, Johnny Holub, Ellen Holub, Arline Ulrich, Elmer Ulrich, Joyce Valchar, and Johnny Valchar.
LEFT PHOTO: Agnes Barta, Leonard Bartam, Jeff Beyer, and Dorothy Dean. CENTER PHOTO: Johnny Valchar, Joyce Valchar, Elmer Ulrich, and Arline Ulrich. RIGHT PHOTO: Left to right are Johnny Holub, Ellen
Holub, Secretary Mary Ann Kutac, Sales Agent Adrienne Kobza, President Ernest Kutac, Janice Victorick, and District One Donnie Victorick.
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more banner. A delicious catered roast beef dinner will be served. To help the lodge plan for the meal, please call Lodge 79, Corpus Christi President Mark Rebecek at (361) 8162328 on or before January 17 to RSVP. Your membership in SPJST is greatly appreciated. Should you have any questions regarding insurance coverage for family members or yourself, please contact the SPJST Insurance Department (800) 727-7578 or District Seven Fraternal Field Manager Hiram Dixon (254) 231-7722. Please know that an SPJST representative will be happy to address any needs you may have, including corrections of addresses or beneficiaries. Best wishes for a Happy New Year! Fraternally, Brian Vanicek Supreme Lodge President —SPJST—
Lodge 81 Needville welcomes Lodge 175, Rosenberg
The December 2012 meeting of Lodge 81, Needville was held on Sunday, the 16th. We had delicious honeybaked ham and homemade chicken noodle soup meal. Members brought an assortment of vegetables and desserts. We need to thank Bradley Stavinoha for bringing the ham and Tom Stavinoha for getting the soup. Thanks to Darlene Blinka and her kitchen committee for getting everything set up for us. Also, thanks go to everyone who brought all of the delicious food. President Vincent Newman called
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Members Celebrate December Birthdays
Happy December birthdays to, left to right, Brock Donnell, Viola Repa, Javier Mora, and Frank Sacky. They were recognized at Lodge 79, Corpus Christi’s December meeting.
the business meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers answered the roll call except Special Funds Chairman Tom Stavinoha. Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall read the minutes. After a minor correction, they were approved as read. Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha read his report, and it was approved as read. President Vincent Newman read Special Funds Chairman Tom Stavinoha’s report, and it was approved as read. Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall read a nice Christmas card from David and Melanie Zavodny Nauert. Under old business, Jeanette Newman reported that she brought the case of peaches to S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 2, Needville Rest Home. Also under old business, President Vincent Newman reported that Willie Mae Kuykendall and Jeanette Newman
made 30 Christmas bags for our December meeting. Since we didn’t have any other old business, we moved to new business. Under new business, Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek and District Five Director Larry W. Pflughaupt talked about Lodge 175, Rosenberg merging with Lodge 81, Needville. After a short, separate discussion by both parties, a motion was made to accept the merger. The motion was seconded and passed. We welcome the Rosenberg lodge members into our lodge. Under other business, Brian Vanicek talked about bringing the new State Fraternal Activities Coordinator to our February meeting and possibly holding a type of ceremony for the retirement of the lodge number 175 which belonged to the Rosenberg lodge. Also under other business, Jeanette Newman reminded members
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to get their acts and hours totals to her as soon as possible. Since there was no other business to discuss, we moved to our door prizes. Five dollar door prizes went to everyone present, except the officers. Other door prizes brought by Brian Vanicek and Larry W. Pflughaupt were won by everyone! Thanks to their generosity. Congratulations to our lucky winners. After our business meeting, Willie Mae Kuykendall led us in singing Christmas carols. After our singing, everyone received a Christmas bag which contained an apple, orange, and candy.
Next Meeting—January 20 For our next meal on January 20, it was decided to have fried chicken. Members, please bring a vegetable and a dessert. See you at the next meeting. Fraternally, Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—
Santa Claus Visits Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Christmas Party
LEFT PHOTO: Larry and Lina Novosad with Santa. PHOTO 2: Virginia and Mark Rebecek with Santa. PHOTO 3: Gerilyn Donnell, Brock Don-
nell, and Jill and Jerry Sijansky with Santa. RIGHT PHOTO: Member Dorothy McCoy with Santa.
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Lodge 81, Needville Gives to Rest Home; Installs Officers; Celebrates Christmas
LEFT PHOTO: Jeanette Newman presents a case of peaches to S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 2, Needville. Accepting the peaches is Margaret Charanza. CENTER PHOTO: JoAnn Fabrygel, far right, installs, from left, 2013 Lodge 81, Needville Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha, Secretary Willie
Lodge 81 Needville announces scholarship
Any college or technical school bound senior who has been a member of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville for at least one year can apply for the local lodge scholarship. Please send a selfaddressed, stamped envelope to SPJST Lodge 81, 9939 Peterson Road, Needville, Texas 77461 on or before March 15, 2013, to receive an application. Fraternally, Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 84, Dallas members enjoy Christmas social
Dear Readers, Lodge 84, Dallas held its monthly meeting on Sunday, December 16, 2012. The meeting was brought to order at 2:05 p.m. by President Justine Yeager. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Sister Lynda Novak followed by a moment of silence for our departed members, victims of the Connecticut school shooting, and our troops serving overseas. Secretary Cherri Petr read the minutes from last month’s meeting which were approved by all present after a few clarifications. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Vicki Sims reported that she delivered the Christmas tray ornaments for the
Scottish-Rite patients and that she and Cherri brought hot chocolate and cookies to enjoy as a pre-Christmas social. The refreshments made a cold day more cozier! Sunshine Lady JoAnn Manak reported that sympathy cards were sent to the families of Brother John Slovak, Brother Danny Lennox (loss of wife), Sister Evelyn Dlabaj, and Sister Rosie Steinman. May their loved ones rest in peace. House committee report was given by Cherri Petr in the absence of Brother Jim Liska. There were no big issues to be addressed so all is well with the lodge maintenance. Brother Liska was attending his daughter’s college commencement exercise. Congratulations, Elizabeth!
Mae Kuykendall, Vice President Jeanette Newman, Special Funds Chairman Tom Stavinoha, and President Vincent Newman. RIGHT PHOTO: Members gather near the Christmas tree as Willie May Kuykendall leads everyone in singing Christmas carols.
Next Meeting—January 20 Our next meeting is Sunday, January 20 at 2 p.m., please mark your calendars to attend. We need everyone’s input to help make 2013 a prosperous year for Lodge 84! Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—
P P P Presenting 2013 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 81, Needville
SPJST Lodge 81, Needville celebrated 100 years in Needville (1912 to 2012). The lodge also installed officers for the 2013 year. Officers are, left to right, Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha, Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall, Vice President Jeanette Newman, Special Funds Chairman Tom Stavinoha, and President Vincent Newman.
Lodge 91, Crosby welcomes Lodge 65, Crosby
Lodge 91, Crosby held its fourth quarterly meeting combined with a Christmas party at the Golden Corral in Baytown, Texas, on December 8, 2012. All officers and approximately 34 members were present. Also present were Supreme Lodge President, Brian Vanicek, District Five Director Larry W. Pflughaupt and wife Dorothy, Fraternal Field Manager Delisle Doherty, and Lodge 91 Sales Agent Charles Thomas. The meeting was called to order, and the minutes and treasurer’s report from the September meeting were read and approved. President Locke asked for a reading of any communications and upcoming events. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Malba Smesny stated that the annual Paws Across Texas was cancelled this year, but that Lodge 91 would move forward with the event in the spring 2013. President Locke then turned the meeting over to Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek. President Vanicek informed members present of the merger between Lodges 65 and Lodge 91 which took place on October 13, 2012. He then honored Lodge 65 for its accomplishments. A beautiful plaque, representing the retirement of Lodge 65, was presented to Tammy Hayes of Lodge 65 on behalf of all members. President Vanicek indicated that the plaque would be displayed at the Home Office. President Locke then proceeded with the meeting allowing Delisle Doherty and Larry W. Pflughaupt to re-
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flect on the 2012 accomplishments of all SPJST lodges. The last item to be addressed was the election of Lodge 91’s officers for 2013. A motion was made by Frankie Brewer to accept the current officers by acclamation for 2013. The motion was seconded by Lanelle McKay. Motion carried. The 2013 officers are:
P P P Presenting 2013 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas
President William Locke Vice President Polly Lowden Secretary Vonda Smesny Treasurer Marie Stasney FAC Malba Smesny
The meeting adjourned at 12:10 p.m. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and door prizes provided by Larry W. Pflughaupt and Brian Vanicek. Thank you to all who attended. Fraternally, Vonda Smesny, Secretary —SPJST—
The 2013 officers of Lodge 84, Dallas are, second from left to right, President Justine Yeager, Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Vicki Sims, Secretary Cherri Petr, Treasurer Jim Liska, Youth Leader Bessie Petr, Flag Bearer Lynda Novak, and Reporter Anne Cowan. The officers were installed by District Three Director Johnnie Krizan, far left.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Lodge 117 Robstown supports community
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The meeting was held on December 1, 2012, at the Hilltop Community Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Frances McDonald called the meeting to order, and Dianne Raska read the minutes which were approved. Treasurer Kathryn Marek reported a balance of $4,146.41 in the treasury. District Seven Director Bob Bayer reported that we have a new sales agent in Robstown—Carlos Benavidez. Director Bob reported that he has been interviewing for a State Fraternal Activities Coordinator to replace Chester Jenke who will be retiring in January. In attendance were members Frances McDonald, Kathryn Marek, Frank Sijansky, Dianne Raska, Annette Korff, and Joshua Sosa. Guests included District Seven Director Bob Bayer, State Fraternal Activities Coor-
Lodge 84, Dallas Shares Christmas Party Scenes
Sunday, December 9, 2012 • Lodge 84, Dallas Hall • Submitted by Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter
LEFT PHOTO: District Three Director Johnnie Krizan, center, visits with Brother James and Sister Helen Conner during the Christmas party. CENTER PHOTO: Members enjoy fellowship and food during the annual
Lodge 84 Christmas party held Sunday, December 9. RIGHT PHOTO: Pictured are youth with the ornaments that were made for the ScottishRite patients trays.
LEFT PHOTO: Sister Jeraldine Becan, left, and Vice President/FAC Vicki Sims sing Christmas carols while accompanied on the accordion by Laddie Gajdica, second from right, and Adolph Provazek. CENTER PHOTO: Big kid Elisabeth Cowan sits on Santa’s lap and tells him about all the
things she wants for Christmas! RIGHT PHOTO: President Yeager, left, and District Three Director Johnnie Krizan congratulate 2012 Lodge 84, Dallas’ Fraternalist of the Year JoAnn Manak. Congratulations, JoAnn, and thanks for your service to the lodge!
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dinator Chester Jenke and wife Colleen, and Leila and Arianna Sosa. There was discussion of where we will send our gifts this year. Selected were: Northwest Senior Center—$100 Food Bank of Corpus Christi—$100 Good Samaritan Mission—$100 Charlie’s Place—$100
New officers were elected and sworn in by Bob Bayer assisted by Chester Jenke. New officers are: President Frances McDonald Vice President/FAC Frank Sijansky Secretary Dianne Raska Treasurer Kathryn Marek
Young Love . . . Everlasting Love Leo and Olga Havel Celebrate 65 Years of Marriage
Love is patient, love is kind. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. —1 Corinthians 13
Our parents Leo and Olga Havel of Lodge 88, Houston have shown the family the meaning of true love. To have each other for 65 years is truly a blessing. God has blessed them with four daughters —Carolyn, Marlene, Darlene, and Brenda, 12 grandchildren, and 22 greatgrandchildren. We children have indeed learned from watching our parents that true love never ends. —SPJST—
Door prizes were presented by Chester Jenke and Bob Bayer. The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m., and members went to A-1 Steak House to enjoy fellowship and a delicious meal. Fraternally, Dianne Raska, Secretary —SPJST—
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P P P Presenting 2013 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 91, Crosby
Lodge 130, Dallas reports on 2012
Well, another year has come and gone. Lodge 130, Dallas has continued to support several charitable organizations throughout the year. We celebrated two special birthdays—Stanley Vrla on February 20 and Martha Vrla on July 3. They are two of our longest standing members. We also celebrated two university graduations. John Vrla graduated from Kaplan University with a bachelor of science degree in information technology to advance his career, and Julie Vrla graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos with a bachelor of science degree in animal biology. As you can see, we did a lot of celebrating in 2012. We continue to offer educational scholarships as well as benevolence assistance to our members. New officers were installed at the December 2, 2012, meeting. They are: President John Vrla Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Sonseearay Vrla Secretary/Beseda Director Martha Vrla Treasurer Teresa Boylan Reporter Suzanne Vrla
We are hoping to have an active beseda dance group next year. If anyone is interested in joining our group, please contact Martha Vrla. The director will begin to schedule practices after the first of the year if we have enough interest. We are looking forward to 2013 as we prepare for another great year! Fraternally, Suzanne Vrla, Reporter —SPJST—
The 2013 officers of Lodge 91, Crosby are, left to right, FAC Malba Smesny, Treasurer Marie Stasney, President William Locke, Vice President Polly Lowden, and Secretary Vonda Smesny.
Lodge 133 San Antonio meets January 20
Lodge 133, San Antonio will hold its monthly meeting on Sunday, January 20, 2013, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Activity Center at 2 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there. Fraternally, Jarolyn Popp, President —SPJST—
Lodge 133 San Antonio celebrates Christmas
Members of Lodge 133, San Antonio met at Good Shepherd Lutheran Activity Center to celebrate the Christmas season. A ham dinner with all the trimmings and dessert was catered from Snogas Barbecue. Willie Mae and Tom Cole introduced their guests Mary and Amy Johnson and Jake Garza and Christian Aldana. Pat and Ed Keller brought their daughter Jackie and grandson Nicholas Keller. We were excited to meet Marisol Hernandez, who is a sales agent for Lodge 133. She introduced her daughters Jessica and Elizabeth Jones and her husband Steven. We also welcomed Glen Pruski who brought greetings from District
Seven Director Bob Bayer who was unable to attend due to health issues. Glen graciously installed the 2013 officers of Lodge 133: President Jarolyn Popp, Vice President Kelsey Trinidad, and Secretary-Treasurer Vicki Reese. Rick and Kathy Uribe were congratulated on their 32nd wedding anniversary. Birthday greetings were extended to members who celebrated birthdays in December. Attendance prizes were won by Christian Aldana, Marisol Hernandez, and Irene Jasek. Rick Uribe and Patsy Felkins shared split-the-pot. Christmas packages were presented to the children as the members sang “Rudolph, the RedNosed Reindeer.” A games party followed the meeting.
Next Meeting—January 20 Our next meeting will be January 20 at 2 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Activity Center, located at 1630 Goliad Road. We hope to see you there. Fraternally, Jarolyn Popp, President —SPJST—
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Lodge 141, Sealy reports on Christmas dinner
Lodge 141, Sealy members met at Tony’s Restaurant at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11, 2012, to enjoy their annual Christmas dinner. Attending were Howard and Jo Bear, Freda Jemela, Bennie and Bernice Stolarski, John and Martha Simpson, Edith Karas, her granddaughter Melissa Kloss, and great-granddaughter Kaitlyn Kloss. A few business items were discussed. Then, the group enjoyed their meal and visiting, especially since the November business meeting was conducted by telephone calls to the members. Our next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on January 8 at Gordon Memorial Library. Bernice Stolarski FAC/Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 151 Wharton reports on December meeting
SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton held its quarterly meeting and annual Christmas social on December 10, 2012, at the Wharton Depot Museum. A catered turkey, ham, sweet potato, and green bean meal was served at 6:30 p.m. to 13 members and seven guests. The lodge members furnished a variety of desserts.
P P P Presenting 2013 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 117, Robstown
Lodge 117, Robstown officers for 2013 are, second from left to right, President Frances McDonald, Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Sijansky, Treasurer Kathryn Marek, and Secretary Dianne Raska. District Seven Director Bob Bayer, far left, and State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Chester Jenke, far right, installed the officers at the December 1, 2012, meeting held at Hilltop Community Center in Corpus Christi.
President Gerald Macha called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was observed for the departed members. The roll was called, and all officers were present except Second Vice President Ray Pilgrim who was ill. Our special guests were SPJST Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, District Six Director Karen Kaspar, Honorary District Six Director Michael Ahlstrom and wife Kathy, District Six Fraternal Field Manager Delisle Doherty, and 50-year pin recipient Charles Svec, Jr. and wife Susan. The September minutes and treasurer’s report were handed out to the members. The minutes and treasurer’s
report were reviewed and approved. Secretary Janie Bucek read correspondence about a death notice. She also read a Christmas message from Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny to the members. Treasurer Carolyn Bucek read a thank you note for the $30 donation made to the SPJST Scholarship Fund in memory of three deceased Lodge 151 members. She also mentioned that she had received a thank you note from S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 2, Needville for the $100 donation made to their Christmas Activity Fund. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Janie Bucek informed the members that
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
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the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive will continue through March 2013. Also, she informed the members about upcoming SPJST activities. Charles Bucek gave the nursing home report. He stated the S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 1, Taylor stays full. S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 2, Needville’s rooms are nearly full, and it now accepts Medicare patients. David Bucek gave the cemetery report. He stated the Texas Historical Marker Dedication for the SPJST Moravia Cemetery will be held on April 13. In addition, he thanked President Vanicek for the additional money the SPJST District Six cemeteries received at the 2012 SPJST Convention. President Vanicek presented Charles Svec, Jr. with his 50-year pin. Members who were not present to receive their 50-year pins were Leroy Grigar, Jr., Jeannette J. Macha, and Dale A. Sikora. Election of officers for 2013 was held with all of the officers being reelected. They are: President Gerald Macha Vice President Charles Bucek Second Vice President Ray Pilgrim Secretary/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Janie Bucek Treasurer Carolyn Bucek
President Vanicek installed the officers. Jackie Pilgrim stood in for her husband Ray Pilgrim who was ill. District Six Fraternal Field Manager Delisle Doherty stated 2013 will be a good year for SPJST. His goal is to reengage the members and agents to be more active so the individual lodges will grow. District Six Director Karen Kaspar gave several examples of how SPJST is being promoted in our area. First, the
Scenes from Lodge 117, Robstown’s Christmas Dinner
Saturday, December 1, 2012 • Texas A1 Steakhouse in Corpus Christi • Submitted by Dianne Raska, Secretary
LEFT PHOTO: Colleen Jenke and State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Chester Jenke. CENTER PHOTO: Pictured left to right are District Seven Director Bob Bayer, Frank Sijansky, Kathryn Marek, Annette Korff, and
Frances McDonald. RIGHT PHOTO: Left to right are Chester and Colleen Jenke, Leila and Arianna Sosa, and Joshua Sosa. Not pictured is Dianne Raska.
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SPJST Float participated in the El Campo Christmas parade. Second, District Six agents participated in the El Campo Polka Expo. In addition, District Six Director Karen Kaspar and District Six Fraternal Field Manager Delisle Doherty participated in this event. Last of all, SPJST is advertising on radio station KULP in El Campo, Texas. Karen stated she will continue to focus on the goals she discussed at our last meeting. Finally, she stated the District Six Spring Meeting will be hosted by Lodge 30, Taiton on March 3. Honorary District Six Director Michael Ahlstrom thanked Lodge 151 for inviting him and his wife Kathy to our Christmas social. He wished us a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. President Brian Vanicek wished Lodge 151 a merry Christmas from all of the SPJST officers. He complimented Charles Bucek for all of the work he does with the S.P.J.ST. Rest Homes and David Bucek for all the work he does with the District Six Cemeteries. President Vanicek informed us that new State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak will visit with us in March to discuss the Model Lodge Program. Lodge 151 members brought nonperishable food items for Share in Wharton. The birthday honorees for October, November, and December were David C. Bucek, Rita Gavranovic, Jackie Pil-
Julie and Kazuri
Lodge 130, Dallas Julie Vrla with Kazuri or as she fondly calls him, “Karzuri Uri Creampuff.” Julie started her new career with an internship at In-Sync Exotics in Wylie, Texas, where she works to care for the big cats. Julie’s goal is to be a keeper at a zoo or wild animal sanctuary.
grim, Alfred Sabrsula, Ruth Sabrsula, and Donna Vasek. Door prizes were furnished by Supreme Lodge President Vanicek, Director Kaspar, and Lodge 151. President Gerald Macha adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Fraternally, Janie Bucek, Secretary/FAC —SPJST—
Lodge 191, Lufkin announces 2013 changes Lodge 191, Lufkin’s business meeting is Thursday, January 17, 2013, at 7 p.m. This month’s dance is Friday, January 18 with music by Glenn Lenderman. Officers for next year are:
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President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator George Scogin (936) 875-2867 Vice President Doyle Oliver (936) 853-3063 Secretary Pat Scogin (936) 875-2867 Treasurer Joyce Carter (936) 637-7785
John Vrla Celebrates 50th Birthday
John Edward Vrla turned 50 years old on December 31, 2012! As his one and only sister Teresa, I had considered giving my brother, John, “a roast.” However, he is just too nice of a man — so instead, I decided to give him “a toast.” But, just to keep things in correct form, I must live up to sisterly duties: So, John . . . 50 years old is young . . . if you’re a giant sequoia!
. . . Now, to continue with my brother’s bio . . . Baby John Edward Vrla arrived on this earth December 31, 1962, at 6:05 p.m., to proud parents Stanley and Martha Vrla; two older brothers Ken Vrla and Steve Vrla; and his one and only sister Teresa Vrla Boylan. He was born in Dallas, Texas, at St. Paul Hospital. At that time, my dad’s brother-in-law Eugene Parma kiddingly joked with my dad Stanley Vrla that my dad would most likely have to wait until 1963 to claim his new child on income taxes! However, my dad was pleasantly surprised that John arrived just in the nick of time! It was a close call but he was born in 1962! This caused some fun and uproar within the family. (John was just a newborn and already causing laughter and chaos in the family. ☺Eugene Parma ☺Stanley Vrla.) Personally, I was a very proud big sister but secretly remained glad that I was still the only daughter in my family! John grew into a cute, little boy. He had a beautiful hair color that even the most famous of movie stars would want to die for. John loved his mother and daddy very much but he would hang on his mom’s leg (for dear life!?) while she prepared the family dinner. (Back then, she did not need to go to the gym; she had leg aerobics she could perform in her own kitchen! Talk about multi-task-
ing!) Besides his mother, John’s constant companion was the family dog, Spot. She was a dog but stayed along his side just as a mama bear! We were convinced that Spot thought that little John was, in fact, her child! Although John was a very shy, young child, he was a member of SPJST Lodge 130, Dallas, and was very active in the youth club. Also, he and his two neighborly best friends would go on Friday nights to the Sokol Hall to participate in gymnastics. Later, he was also very active in Boy Scouts and received his Eagle Scout Award. John loved camping with the Scouts as well as with his family. John has traveled many fearless miles and camped in tent, car, and trailer. All involved still share many stories and memories of those fun days. As he grew into a young college man, he surprised all of us with his sudden extroverted behavior! The shy little boy had grown into an outgoing, young man! John attended Texas A&M University. On weekends, he often visited his relatives’ homes who lived in Bryan, Texas. He would go to his great aunt Mary’s and uncle Frank’s home on Saturdays to help tiny Aunt Mary mix the large batch of kolache with a large wooden
spoon in hand. (Now, I have no doubt that he anticipated and awaited the delicious hot, kolache from the oven that she rewarded him!) He also visited his great aunt Lilly and uncle Martin as well as other family relatives and friends living in Bryan. John was always interested in SPJST activities. He became an SPJST insurance salesman as a young man and attended SPJST conventions, District Three meetings, and Lodge 130 meetings. For a while, he took Czech classes. He developed many friends and acquaintances in the various Czech lodges in the Dallas area, including SPJST Lodge 84 and KJT Lodge, to name a few. He has been Lodge 130 President for many years. John joined the Czech Concert Orchestra and played the trumpet and bass horn alongside his dad Stanley Vrla. They were also band buddies in the Blasmusik German Band. They were very active in these bands and loved playing their music alongside one another in concerts all over Texas. My brother John is currently a Boy Scout Troop Leader where his son, Jonathan, and he have many adventures both at meetings and campouts. John and his wife, Sonseearay, and Jonathan are active in their parish church in Forney, Texas—St. Martin’s Catholic Church. John assists as a church usher and contributes time and work in preparations for parish fundraising events. John is quite active in the Knights of Columbus as well. . . . Whew! And, these are only a few of his life’s highlights! You’re a busy, good man, and a very dear brother, too, John Vrla! Happy 50th birthday to you! May God bless you with many, many more! Your sister, Teresa —SPJST—
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Scenes from Lodge 133, San Antonio’s November Thanksgiving Luncheon
LEFT PHOTO: Grace and Emil Rohan celebrated their anniversary on August 11, 2012. Congratulations to them, and we wish them many more happy days together. CENTER PHOTO: Eric and Kelsey Trinidad celebrated their birthdays with Valerie Harari at our August meeting.
Officers will be installed at the January business meeting. For information about the lodge and dances, you can call one of the officers. Lots of changes were made for 2013. Please read carefully so you will know the changes that have been voted on and approved. Business meetings have been moved to the third Thursday night of each month, starting at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall. Dances have been moved to the third Friday night of each month. The new time will be from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Please continue to bring finger foods for the snack table. Dues will remain the same as last year—that being regular members $12 and social members $15. Dues can be mailed to SPJST Lodge 191, P.O. Box 3113, Lufkin, Texas 75903, or you may want to pay at the dance. We need more members to support the lodge by attending dances, and I am sure help will be needed in hosting as well as other opportunities that are available for you to serve you lodge. Check with George and see where you are needed. Thanks to those of you who have volunteered so many hours of your time to keep our lodge alive and a fun place to come and dance. We hope 2013 will be a great year for all of us and for SPJST Lodge 191. Happy New Year to each of you! Alma Breazeale —SPJST—
Lodge 202 Jourdanton reports on December meeting
Lodge 202, Jourdanton met Sunday, December 9, 2012, with 33 members and guests attending. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Silence was observed for deceased member Granvell Bridges. President Lloyd House welcomed everyone. A Christmas card was received from Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny and David. Youth Leader Regina House reported the youth brought shoe boxes filled with toys and other supplies for the county CASA youth. Regina thanked the adult lodge for their support throughout the year.
RIGHT PHOTO: Jerry Felkins, Doris Moczygemba, and Julian Mattes pose for their Thanksgiving portrait with Patsy Felkins and Rebecca Mattes. Julian and Rebecca are grandchildren of Doris Moczygemba. —Submitted by Jarolyn Popp, President
Celebrating birthdays in December are Martha Ciomperlik, Vlasta Zuhlke, Joseph Meyer, Riley Shoemake, Katherine Marek, Wally Chesshir, Kim Lutz, Tiffany House, Bobby House, Veronica Barta, Tori House, Jesse Huizar, Jiovanna Wells, Cassandra Reyes, and Isabella Weiderhold. Anniversary celebrants are Linda and Randy Ramey (41 years). Sammy Hoggard gave the table prayer. A turkey and ham lunch including pies was served. The meeting adjourned. Games were enjoyed by everyone. Bettie House, Secretary —SPJST—
Charles Svec, Jr. Achieves 50 Years of SPJST Membership
Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek presents a 50-year pin to Charles Svec, Jr. of Lodge 151, Wharton.
Birthday Club Sisters of Lodge 88, Houston
President Nell Stautberg opened the meeting at 11 a.m. Chaplain Helen Hegwood said an opening prayer, and we all recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The roll of membership was called, and we had 12 members present. The minutes were read from October 2012, and they were approved as read. President Nell Stautberg told us about the lunch and entertainment that will take place at Jersey Village Baptist Church on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. We need to let her know if we are going by January 9. Tickets are $7. Nell also thanked Vernell Foyt for decorating the tables for Christmas dinner. The tables looked very festive. The president also thanked Helen Hegwood for making the arrangements for our bus trip to La Grange in November. Everyone had a very nice time visiting the Czech heritage museum and visiting the two kolache shops. Treasurer Vernell Foyt gave her report for October and November. The president asked for cakes for the month of January, and Willie Mae Pechacek and Nell Stautberg will bring cakes. We will have meatloaf, and Vernell Foyt will prepare it. Nell also reminded us that we need to pay our dues of $5 for 2013. Calcutta was won by Vernell Foyt, Esther Heinsohn, Willie Mae Pechacek, Helen Hegwood, and Nell Stautberg. We had two birthday celebrants in December — Nell Stautberg and Bette Hurta. Everyone sang “Happy Birthday.” Then, we all said
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Scenes from Lodge 133, San Antonio’s Christmas Party
“The Lord’s Prayer.” The meeting was then adjourned. Our Christmas dinner was attended by many of the lodge officers and board members. We also had a very special guest with us who came all the way from Needville — Alice Bily. It was wonderful to have her with us again. Come again when you can. Fraternally yours, Bette Hurta, Secretary —SPJST—
Ennis Sewing Circle
Ennis Sewing Circle met on December 13, 2012. The first thing I want to tell you is that we had a secret Santa surprise. The day before our meeting, I received a package by FedEx, addressed to me and Ennis Sewing Circle. It had no return address. I was so excited, but didn’t open it. I wanted all the Sewing Circle members to enjoy opening and seeing who and what we received. We gathered all around when opening it. It was two big boxes of chocolate-covered strawberries. They were so beautiful—almost too pretty eat. During the meeting, they were passed around, and everyone got one. I think two were cut in half so everyone did get a
TOP LEFT PHOTO: Enjoying the party. TOP CENTER PHOTO: Members and guests celebrated their birthdays at the Lodge 133 Christmas luncheon. They are, front, from left, Irene Jasek, Jessica Hernandez, and Grace Rohan. Back: Ken Reese, Tom Cole, and Emil Rohan. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Christmas candy bags were given to, clockwise, top left, Amy Johnson, Jessica Hernandez, Elizabeth Hernandez; Jade Trinidad, Aiden Trinidad, Jake Garza, and Christian Aldana. LEFT PHOTO: Rick and Kathy Uribe were congratulated on their 32nd wedding anniversary. RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 133 Sales Agent Marisol Hernandez poses with family members Jessica, Steven, and Elizabeth.
taste. They were delicious. The card inside read, “Merry Christmas, Ennis Sewing Circle.” It was sent anonymously, and we all thank you so much. It was truly a wonderful surprise and made our day extra special. Ann Clagett, Dorothy Prachyl, Olga Krysinski, Eleanora Pelzel, and I arrived at 9 a.m. As the dining room
was cold that morning, we set up for our party in the club room. It was warm and cozy and had two beautiful Christmas trees which were so pretty and festive. Ann Clagett did a beautiful job decorating our tables. We had 28 members and four guests — three J’s again, but this time it was Joe Kostak, Joe Ehrenberger,
P P P Presenting 2013 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton
The 2013 officers of Lodge 151, Wharton are, from left, Vice President Charles Bucek, Second Vice President Ray Pilgrim (standing in is his wife Jackie Pilgrim), Treasurer Carolyn Bucek, Secretary/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Janie Bucek, and President Gerald Macha, seated. The officers were installed by Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, far right.
Julius Podhrasky, and Adell Valek, a special friend and guest. We all were visiting, and you could tell everyone was truly happy and enjoying themselves. At lunch time, President Dorothy led us in prayer, and we all enjoyed a most delicious lunch, turkey, dressing, gravy, ham and just about anything else you could think of. It was all truly delicious. Thank you all and thank you to the ladies who set up and cleaned up. After lunch, President Dorothy called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all, and a moment of silence was held for Emily Dlabaj, Douglas Martinek, Evelyn Dlabaj, Tony Pavlicik, Rick Sparkman, Wilma Zhanel, Frankie Joe Patak, August Beran, and Rosie Steinman. Our sympathy goes out to their families. Secretary Margaret read the minutes of our last meeting, and Treasurer Dorothy Bobalek gave her report. Both were approved as read. Sunshine Lady Eleanora Pelzel announced our birthday celebrants — Geraldine Zhanel, Irene Prachyl, Josephine Kubin, Vickie Kohn, Cathy Vanden Eykel, Agnes Dujka, and Pat Fowler. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Irene, Josephine, and Pat. Eleanora had two birthday cards for us to sign for Agnes and Vickie. We signed one for Geraldine last month.
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Ann Clagett read a note from Agnes Dujka along with her dues for 2013. Pat Fowler announced we will quilt for Ann Clagett in January, and I think her quilt in February. She also asked for us to get to sewing on quilt tops so we can continue quilting. Last year, we were booked for almost the whole year, but not so for this 2013 year. It was announced we are low on dinner plates. Lil Kosarek volunteered to bring them, and Ann Clagett will bring sugar. Thank you both. President Dorothy read a beautiful invitation for Sidney Bridewell’s 95th birthday party being held in February in Dallas at her daughter’s home. We hope some of us can attend. President Dorothy showed what all was in our shut-in-members’ Christmas sacks which were filled with lots of goodies! I’m sure they will be enjoyed by all. Pat Fowler had two scrapbooks brought up-to-date for all to look at. Pat, please bring them again next month. I didn’t get a chance to look at them. We want to thank Joe Kostak for taking all the pictures; he is really good at that. Speaking of taking pictures, Rosie Steinman, the Fort Worth picture lady, as we all called her, passed away. She will truly be missed; she was a special, beautiful lady. We had the drawing for our beautiful Christmas quilt. Remember, I mentioned the top was donated to our Circle by Olga Vrla Pechak. Our lucky winner this year was Irene Prachyl. I am happy for her as she is
Lodge 151, Wharton Members Celebrate Birthdays
Lodge 151, Wharton members with birthdays in October, November, and December were honored at the lodge’s December meeting. They are, front, left to right, Ruth Sabrsula and Alfred Sabrsula. Back: Donna Vasek, Rita Gavranovic, Jackie Pilgrim, and David Bucek.
one of our faithful quilters. Christmas gifts were passed out by Ann, Irene, and myself. I think everyone was truly happy with their gifts. President Dorothy thanked all for coming, the delicious food, all who helped set up and clean up, the decorations, and for Joe Kostak taking out the trash. Lil Kosarek made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and it was second by Ann Clagett. President Dorothy adjourned the meeting. She did remind everyone of our January 10, 2013, meeting. We will quilt, have
Lodge 155, Austin Members Receive Plaque of Appreciation
John and Laverne Hejl are presented a plaque of appreciation for their continued membership with Lodge 155, Austin stemming from John Hejl’s and Marianna Woods’ father and mother who were charter members of Lodge 155 in 1935. Pictured are, left to right Laverne Hejl, Lodge 155 President Joe Motl, John Hejl, and Supreme Lodge Brian Vanicek.
lunch, door prize, and little gift exchange.
Other News Members Martha Ritchey and Dorothy Booth enjoyed a Jim Bob Tours trip to Branson, Missouri, after Thanksgiving. They had a wonderful time; all was beautiful. They saw Daniel O’Donnell show, Ball Knobers, Mel Tellis, and The Brets, and ate too much! Mary Zabojnik’s granddaughter Mackenzie Inman is receiving her bachelors degree in early childhood
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education from Texas State University at San Marcos on December 15. She is the daughter of Larry and Deanna Inman of Coppell, Texas. She will be doing her internship as a second grade teacher at Mockingbird School in Coppell, where she attended grade school. Also, Mary’s grandson Tyler Zabojnik, son of Mark and Donna Zabojnik of Coppell, received a fouryear baseball scholarship from the Airforce Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado. Needless to say, Mary is very proud of her grandchildren. I forgot to mention, and I think it is important to thank all who delivered Christmas sacks to our shut-ins. Ann Tupy and husband Milton stopped by President Dorothy’s home and picked up Agnes Dujka’s and Libbie Wisniewski’s sacks. Chris and Harry Mach will deliver Sadie Kubins. Dorothy J. Kudrna will deliver Dorothy M. Kudrna’s. Marie Vrla will take Mildred Adamcik’s. Dorothy Bobalek dropped off Bessie Laznovsky’s. Marian Zhanel will deliver Geraldine Zhanel’s. Ella Mae Zmolek will deliver Libbie Elsik’s and Vickie Kohn’s, and last but not least, Eleanora will deliver to Francis Vinkler. We thank you all for helping deliver to our special shut-in members. I also want to thank all for coming to our wonderful party and to all who came that aren’t able to make every meeting. It was so good to see all of you. It was special. I also want to wish all my special readers a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year. I will men-
P P P Presenting 2013 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 155, Austin
The 2013 officers of Lodge 155, Austin are, from left, President Joe Motl, Secretary/Fraternal Activities Coordinator/Reporter Ginny Prasatik, Treasurer/Assistant Reporter Jean Motl, and Vice President Marianna Wood.
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tion a few of you: Jimmy Strunc, Georgia Wienken, Wilma and Frankie Vrla, Kay Lynn Kovar, Mrs. E.J Skrivanek, and a new friend Amy Gurley from California, Betty Macalik’s daughter. Betty delivered Libbie a strudel at our meeting, and she said her daughter always reads my letter. How nice of your mother to mention that! Take care everyone. Have a great Christmas and Happy New Year. See you all January 10. Georgie Morales, Reporter —SPJST—
Fort Worth Friendship Club
Members of the Friendship Club met on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at St. Thomas Parish Hall. President Betty Krenek welcomed everyone. Our guests were Louisa, Maria, Gloria, and Janice. Janice Rea of California was guest of Marilyn Llewellyn. It was nice to have you all. Come again. We didn’t have a meeting in November due to a funeral with lunch on the day of our meeting. And due to other conflicts, getting together in November was cancelled. President Betty called the meeting to order and with no flag in the room, we sang God Bless America. Vice President Alene
Kercho read a poem which was enjoyed by everyone. Since this was “party” day, we dispensed with the reading of the minutes, and no financial report was given. Sunshine Person Paula Hall reported on sending sympathy cards to Rosie Steinman on death of her sisterin-law Carrie Milan, and one was sent to the family of Carrie Milan. Lucille Kret reported her daughter Linda Horner is at White Settlement Nursing Home as she still continues to have problems following foot surgery. A get well card was signed for Rosie Steinman who is currently in the hospital. Ella Greer was back in the hospital for gall bladder surgery this time. It was reported Betty Landsfeld has a baker’s sore on her knee. Our wishes
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go out to each of you for a speedy recovery as you have all been missed. Lydia Alholm reported on the death of Carrie Milan, our longtime member even though she was unable to attend our meetings in the last couple of years. Our sympathy goes out to her daughters Carolyn Cleveland and Marilyn Seay and their families. Anna Marie Moncrief reported her aunt Agnes Reznicek-Owen, who is in Manor Care Nursing Home, will be celebrating her 99th birthday on December 16. Anna Marie said she has her good days and her bad days. Mary Ann Krivanek, chairman of the nominating committee, reported her committee of Lupe Esparza and Mary Jean Loy make the motion to nominate, by acclamation, the same
Scenes from Lodge 155, Austin’s Christmas Party
TOP LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are Clara and Albert Klinkovsky, Peggy Rains, and Henry Granado. TOP CENTER PHOTO: Left to right are Michael Wood, Quinner, Janet, and Christina Williams, Diana and Laverne Hejl, Celeste Williams, and John Hejl. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Richard Johnson, left, Joan Vanicek, and Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek. LEFT PHOTO: Pictured are, left to right, District Two Director Jesse Pospisil, Linda Pospisil, Ginny Prasatik, and Doris Boriski. RIGHT PHOTO: Jean and Joe Motl.
LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are Ginny Prasatik, Doris Boriski, and Jean and Joe Motl. CENTER PHOTO: Celeste and Christina Williams with their Christmas stockings filled with bears wearing SPJST shirts. The
bears were door prizes. RIGHT PHOTO: Michael Wood, left, and his uncle John Hejl. —Submitted by Jo Ann Brack
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officers to hold office for year 2013. Motion was seconded and passed. Officers are: President Betty Krenek Vice President Alene Kercho Secretary Elizabeth Creamer Treasurer JoAnn Wilcox
These officers did an excellent job in 2012, and we are sure they will perform even better in the coming year. “Happy Birthday” was sung to our November celebrants — Pat Cabrera, Elizabeth Creamer, Ella Greer, Tracy Horn, Jacqueline Phillips, Elenita Walker, and Mary Agnes Ward, and to our December celebrants — Camille Bolcer, Jan Drais, Lupe Esparza, Carolyn Irby, Lucille Kret, Marilyn Llewellyn, Mary Jean Loy, Debbie Skrasek, Helen Skrasek, and Lola Taylor. May all of you have many more. Hostesses for January will be Mary Ann Krivanek, Lola Taylor, and Libbie Vrla. Paula Arsenault brought the door prize which was won by Betty Krenek. Winners of the 50-50 dollar games were one of our guests (sorry I didn’t get the name) and Jo Ann Wilcox. Congratulations, ladies! President Betty thanked the phone committee for calling everyone that the November meeting was being cancelled and on the death of any member. Hostesses for December Lupe Esparza, Mary Jean Loy, Darlene Tompkins, and all their helpers were thanked. The tables carried out the Christmas theme. We had lots of gifts on the exchange table. It was fun to see what everyone received. I was real happy with the bottle of spiced wine which I received. Thanks to whoever brought it—I like it!
Lodge 177, Academy Supports Ronald McDonald House
Shirley McCrea, left, of Lodge 177, Academy presents a check to Ronald McDonald House Executive Director Susan Bolton.
A total of $230 was collected for St. Thomas Food Bank along with several other food items. Following our gift exchange, Father Anthony came to join us. The Club presented him with a monetary gift for which he thanked everyone. He said the blessing before our lunch of turkey breast and ham which was enjoyed along with all the other many wonderful items. Then, games were played, and a good time was had by all.
News I am sure by now everyone knows that our dear friend Rosie Steinman passed away on December 12. Rosie was a longtime Friendship Club member and our vice president from 1982 to 2008. She always had her camera in hand taking photos of everyone. Her joy was wearing her kroj, attending every festival in the area, and riding on all the floats. She did a great
job in promoting our Czech heritage and was known across the state. She will be missed. May her soul rest in peace. Our sympathy goes out to her entire family. Lydia Alholm enjoyed Thanksgiving with her daughter-in-law Kathy Alholm and grandsons Matt and Tim along with Matt’s wife Julie and children, Ellie (age 9) and Anthony (age 4) of the Chicago area. Lydia reserved the dining room at the Wellington where she and Sister Frances enjoyed their family gathering and lunch. Helen Skrasek had a post Thanksgiving adventure. She went to Hilton Head, South Carolina, with son Ron and his wife. Granddaughter Stephanie and her family came from Tennessee where they walked the beach looking for seashells and played shuffle board while the younger ones played tennis. One highlight was cooking in one night where they en-
Happy Birthday, Lodge 155, Austin Members!
LEFT PHOTO: Happy November birthdays to Lodge 155, Austin members Clara Klinkovsky, right, on the 25th and Marianna Wood on the 29th. RIGHT PHOTO: Happy December birthdays to Doris Boriski
on the 12th and Richard Johnson on the 19th. Not pictured are Ashley Tullos who celebrated her birthday on December 4 and Nel Marek whose birthday was on December 30.
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joyed charbroiled oysters and grilled shrimp with slaw, crusty bread, and “GG” (as the great-grandchildren call her) made a big apple cobbler. The group also ate at Paula Deen’s (of television fame) Restaurant in Savannah which features southern cooking and was so good. Paula Arsenault is so excited for her daughter who will be going to Germany to see her children. Her daughter has not seen the children, who are grown now, in 37 years. Don’t you know this will be a wonderful and joyful reunion. Sharron Connelly had donated a print of a bluebonnet painting to St. Thomas Church for a prize drawing recently. I was so disappointed that I did not win it, but found out our member Lola Taylor did. That’s okay that I didn’t win as it still stayed in our Friendship Club family. Congratulations, Lola! If any of you are like me, I like kolaches and strudel, but don’t bake, but did purchase kolaches made at Ennis Sokol and a strudel made at SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis. Both are wonderful! I really am enjoying them. Betty Macalik even delivered the strudel to me while at the Ennis Sewing Circle meeting/party. Thanks, Betty! Thanks, Joyce Ehrenberger, for inviting sister Lil and myself to the Dallas Circle of Czech Women’s Christmas party. It was nice seeing everyone, especially Marie Slamova of Brno, and David Podhrasky’s lunch was great. At this party, I won a huge bottle of cream liqueur donated by Joyce Moore who knows my cousin, Alvin Vrla in Sherman. President Betty asked if I would be reporter for the coming year so you will be hearing from me again this year. The next meeting will be January 2. May all of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. So Until, Keep Smiling. Libbie Vrla, Reporter —SPJST—
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Scenes from Lodge 219, El Paso Christmas Party
Wednesday, December 5, 2012 • Submitted by Baltazar Nunez, Reporter/Sales Agent
Congratulations and thanks to these members! LEFT PHOTO: District Four Director Billy Rollwitz, left, congratulates Baltazar Nunez as the top number one in El Paso plus bono and honored who have volunteered
throughout the 2012 year. CENTER PHOTO: Director Rollwitz, left, honors volunteer Arnulfo Rivera. RIGHT PHOTO: Director Rollwitz, left, honors volunteer Ana Ahumada.
LEFT PHOTO: Director Rollwitz, left, honors Roy Beck for volunteering in 2012. CENTER PHOTO: Director Rollwitz congratulates Debbie Thomas for bono. RIGHT PHOTO: Left to right are Baltazar Nunez, Fred
Roy Beck, Alejandro Rivas, Edna Rivas, and Ana Ahumada. In front is Arnulfo Rivera. Congratulations and thanks to all producing sales agents for their work in 2012.
LEFT PHOTO: Pictured, left to right, are District Four Director Billy Rollwitz, District Four Fraternal Activities Coordinator Sylvia Rollwitz, Norma and Arnulfo Rivera, and District Four Fraternal Field Manager
Bobby G. Davis. CENTER, RIGHT, and BELOW PHOTOS: Members and guests enjoyed participating in exchanges of gifts and a prize drawing. Happy New Year!
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Grins and Snickers Author Unknown
I was in the six item express lane at the store quietly fuming. Completely ignoring the sign, the woman ahead of me had slipped into the check-out line pushing a cart piled high with groceries. Imagine my delight when the cashier beckoned the woman to come forward looked into the cart and asked sweetly, “So which six items would you like to buy?” ***
Because they had no reservations at a busy restaurant, my elderly neighbor and his wife were told there would be a 45-minute wait for a table. “Young man, we’re both 90 years old,” the husband said. “We may not have 45 minutes.” They were seated immediately. ***
The reason politicians try so hard to get re-elected is that they would “hate” to have to make a living under the laws they’ve passed. ***
All eyes were on the radiant bride as her father escorted her down the aisle. They reached the altar and the waiting groom, the bride kissed her father and placed something in his hand. The guests in the front pews responded with ripples of laughter. Even the priest smiled broadly. As her father gave her away in marriage, the bride gave him back his credit card. ***
Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. ***
Three friends from the local congregation were asked, “When you’re in your casket, and friends and congregation members are mourning over you, what would you like them to say?” Artie said, “I would like them to say I was a wonderful husband, a fine spiritual leader, and a great family man.” Eugene commented, “I would like them to say I was a wonderful teacher and servant of God who made a huge difference in people’s lives.” Al said, “I’d like them to say,
Lodge 202, Jourdanton Gives Toys, Food to Atascosa County ACCEPT
Lodge 202, Jourdanton youth and adult members are pictured with the collection of toys donated for the Atascosa County Christmas giving project, known as ACCEPT. Non-perishable food was also donated. Pictured left to right, front, are Ethan Vallejo, Jiovanna Wells, Kelly House, Katlyn Polasek, Analicia Vallejo, Michelle House, Regina House, Connie Jo Popham, and Diego Valdez. Back: James House, Roderick and Devin Vasquez, Samara and Angel Valdez, Amanda and Sandra Hoggard, Bettie House, Lane and Sammy Hoggard, Kathleen Polasek, and Stephen Mazur. —Submitted by Mary Ann Barta
‘Look, he’s moving!’” ***
Smith climbs to the top of Mount Sinai to get close enough to talk to God. Looking up, he asks the Lord. “God, what does a million years mean to you?” The Lord replies, “A minute.” Smith asks, “And what does a million dollars mean to you?” The Lord replies, “A penny.” Smith asks, “Can I have a penny?” The Lord replies, “In a minute.” —SPJST—
Helpful Household Hints
Submitted by Mary Steinman Lodge 154, Fort Worth (with the disclaimer “I do not guarantee!”)
For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: Get warm water and put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won’t refreeze. To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for
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a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out. Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!). marker on Permanent appliances/counter tops (like store receipt blue) rubbing alcohol on paper towel. Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. Now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get “sharpened” this way! Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time! Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks.. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don’t wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
Mission Accomplished!
Mission accomplished! “Thanks to Karl Pflughaupt, pictured center, of Lodge 88, Houston and John Engelke, right, of Lodge 66, Waco, we were able to construct the play structure that was donated by SPJST Lodge 130, Dallas,” SPJST Education and Nature Center Executive Director John Hoelscher, pictured left, said. The name of the structure is the “King Kong Castle Supersized Package V Grand Slam.” “You really have to see it in person to get the feel of how big it is,” John states. “It took us two days and going back to the instruction manual hundreds of times to complete the job. Again, I thank John and Karl and everyone who donated the necessary funds to make this vision a reality.” The addition of the play structure will make Cooper Farm an even better place for youth to visit and have a great time!
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Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely a light scent in each room when the light is turned on. Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen. Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least three hours prior to burning. To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm! To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top. Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won’t be any stains. Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator, and it will keep for weeks. When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn’s natural sweetness. Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away. Don’t throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces. To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and
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Birthday Club Sisters of Lodge 88, Houston
utes, brush, and flush. Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water, and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets. Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes. Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, and then run the hot water. —SPJST—
New Car
The Birthday Club Sisters of Lodge 88, Houston hosted their Christmas party for members and family, and Lodge 88 officers and board of trustees. The lunch of turkey and dressing and all the trimmings was served and enjoyed by all. On behalf of the officers and board, we want to thank the Birthday Club for the invitation. Pictured are, front, left to right, Almeida Bravenec, Esther Heinsohn, Alice Bily, and Helen Hegwood. Back, standing: Delores Pavlicek, Willie Mae Pechacek, Nell Stautberg, Louise Jacob, Louise Stover, Bette Hurta, Mary Krippner, Dixie Raskin, and Vernell Foyt. —Submitted by Jo Ann Buri
you will experience instant relief. Ants, ants, ants everywhere. Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself. Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily. Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer . . . Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait 20 min-
By d.knape Lodge 187, Round Rock
I cain’t afford a new car no more, the government done made me poor, but I’ll show them give them what for, get my new wheels at the Scooter Store! —SPJST—
Scenes from Ennis Sewing Circle Christmas Party
LEFT PHOTO: Officers and Committee Ladies are, left to right, Georgie Morales, Ann Clagett, Dorothy Prachyl, Margaret Martinek, Dorothy Bobalek, Eleanora Pelzel, and Pat Fowler. RIGHT PHOTO: Pictured are, front, left to right, Libbie Vrla, Dorothy Booth, Willy Matus, Dorothy J. Kudrna, Georgie Morales, Ann Clagett, Marie Vrla, and Dorothy Prachyl. Center row: Sidney Bridewell, Mildred Trlica, Josephine Kubin, Eleanora
Pelzel, Anne Zabojnik Kubin, Eleanora Pelzel, Anne Zabojnik, Martha Ritchey, Mary Zabojnik, and Victoria Vlk. Back row: Margaret Martinek, Adell Valek, Bertha Podhrasky, Olga Krysinski, Geraldine Valek, Lil Kosarek, Irene Prachyl, Joyce Ehrenberger, Georgia Holy, Pat Fowler, Ginny Svehlak, Dorothy Bobalek, and Dorothy Valek. —Submitted by Georgie Morales, Reporter
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Scenes from Dallas Krouzek’s Christmas Party
Friday, December 7, 2012 • Dallas Sokol • Submitted by Carole Faraizl, Membership Secretary
LEFT PHOTO: This table holds eight grand prizes for the bingo fundraiser at Dallas Krouzek’s annual Christmas party held Friday, December 7, 2012, at Dallas Sokol. Members also brought many nice door prize gifts (not pictured) for attendees to draw for and take home with them. CENTER PHOTO: New this year was a convenient place for members to pick up their pre-paid dinner tickets from Krouzek Treasurer Joyce Ehrenberger, pre-pay their 2013 dues to Membership Secretary
Carole Faraizl, and pay for their $2 bingo cards from Program Chairman Jerrie Becan. The new shuttered bingo cards were bought and donated to the Krouzek by Carole Faraizl. RIGHT PHOTO: Telephone and Hostess Chairman Evelyn Cechan manned the sign-in table and made sure everyone had a name tag and a free door prize ticket. Evelyn also sends in the interesting Krouzek’s monthly meeting letter to the Vestnik. Thanks, Evelyn!
LEFT PHOTO: Corresponding Secretary Anna Bradberry and member Alta Partridge discuss which delicious dessert brought by the members they will have. CENTER PHOTO: The Krouzek members are always grateful that musicians Adolph Provazek, Laddie Gajdica, and Johnny
Divin come to serenade us with Czech and Christmas songs during our party. RIGHT PHOTO: Martha Frnka, Kathy Nemec, Mary Ann Dees, Renee Oberle, Barbara Jean Mahdak, and Carolyn Nemec equal a whole table full of kin enjoying themselves at the Krouzek Christmas party.
LEFT PHOTO: Members and guests enjoy the menu of roast beef, parsley-buttered potatoes, green beans, and tossed salad prepared for us by David Podhrasky. CENTER PHOTO: Another table full of members, musicians, and guests enjoying their dinner and later winning several
of the bingo grand prizes. RIGHT PHOTO: This year’s bingo fundraiser was a success, with the numbers being called out by Vice President Jerrie Becan, with help from President Deanna Houpy and other officers.
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SPJST Youth
Section
Youth Department shares January Updates
Dear Youth Leaders, The final weeks of 2012 were filled with Christmas festivities and fun. My family and I want to express thanks to the members we visited around the state. By now, you have received news that State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Chester Jenke retired on December 31, 2012. I want to wish the very best to Chester on his retirement. On January 1, 2013, I took over the position of State Fraternal Activities Coordinator. I have truly enjoyed getting to know and work with you in the past two years. Our youth are the future foundation of SPJST and when the new State Youth Director comes on board, whoever that may be, and makes a request for help — I will certainly be there to help whether it be YAD, camp, or meetings. A big thank you, youth leaders, for the tremendous job you do with our youth. I have said this before and I will say it again, you make a big difference in the life of our youth. I have seen first hand how much you care when you give a youth member positive words of encouragement and help them with a problem they may be having. All I can say is thank you and keep up the great work! This year’s Temple Christmas Parade and SPJST Christmas Open House on December 3 were both wonderful successes. Due to the warm weather, we had more visitors at this year’s Christmas Open House. Thanks to everyone who turned out for these events. Both of the SPJST Floats were in the Temple parade. Melanie and David continue to do a first-class job incorporating new ideas for the floats. Members of the SPJST State Royalty Court had to endure the warm evening and not the cold while riding in the
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
Corvettes. They did an exceptional job of representing SPJST. Later, at the Open House, Royalty Court members participated in helping the youth decorate Christmas sugar cookies. It was a great time for the youth and the young at heart. Thanks to Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club members and Youth Leader Lynette Talasek. They painted many masterpieces on the faces of the youngsters who attended the event. I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas. I wish all of you a happy and prosperous New Year!
2013 SPJST Camp Tee Shirt Design Contest “We need your good ideas and creativity!” I challenge all youth club members to participate in the camp tee-shirt design contest. Remember the deadline is January 31. This year’s grand prize will be a $100 Visa gift card and your design on the 2013 camp tee-shirt. There will be first
place winners out of the other three age groups, and the youth will receive a $75 Visa gift card. Youth leaders, please encourage all your youth members to participate. All participants will receive two merit points and a participation certificate. We have many youth who are very creative and talented. This year’s theme is “SPJST Friendship 2013.” I am excited in seeing a number of entries turned into the Home Office. Youth Development Workshop This year’s Youth Development Workshop will be a one-day workshop for all youth club members. The workshop will be held on Saturday, February 23 at the SPJST Home Office in Temple, Texas. Parents are invited to attend the informative sessions. We’ll be hosting the workshop at the Home Office in an effort to have them in a central location and make it closer for all participants. In our first session, we will have a speaker giving tips on scrapbooking. Our second session, youth will be broken up into groups of officer positions and discuss what the duties are in the role of that office. In the third session, we will break the youth into two groups — boys and girls. The groups will go into different rooms and the topic for the boys will be “Bullying Behavior in Boys and What to do About It.” The girls’ group topic will be “Relational Aggression in Girls Bullying Behavior and What to Do About It.” We want to arm our youth with knowledge about dealing with the subject of bullying. This will help
District Two Beseda Dancers Practice at Lodge 29, Taylor
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them to understand how to handle those situations that unfortunately happen in today’s society.
President’s Volunteer Service Award The SPJST Youth Program is sponsoring the President's Volunteer Service Awards for all SPJST youth who are eligible to receive the awards. No youth may receive more than one President’s Volunteer Service Awards during the preceding calendar year. SPJST will recognize youth for volunteer service during January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012. Volunteer Service Tracking Forms are available from the State Youth Director or the SPJST website in the youth section. Forms must be returned by February 28 to the State Youth Director.
Youth Leaders Retreat Plans are for the retreat to start on Saturday, March 9 at 10 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Temple. Youth leaders may choose to stay overnight and leave Sunday, March 10. I am working on lining up a guest speaker for our meeting and having Business Development/Marketing Manager Don Strickland speak to you about marketing strategies in promoting our youth club. All youth leaders and their assistants are encouraged to attend. If you are planning to bring a spouse or guest, please let me know and I will work with you on making arrangements. We’re going to cover a lot of ground on Saturday’s program, including Friendship 2013 incentive program, training skits, and YAD preparation. In addition to covering all of the regular topics such as handbook changes and camp, we’ll also be addressing any questions that you may have about the youth program. 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive Thanks to all of the young people and youth clubs who have contributed to this wonderful project. All young people who donate at least $2 will receive two merit points. All young people who donate at least $5 will also receive a certificate. March 31, 2013, is the deadline to receive credit.
District Two Beseda Dancers had their second practice for the new season on Sunday, December 16, 2012, at Lodge 29, Taylor. —Submitted by Cristy Girod, Lodge 29, Taylor Youth Leader
Mark Your Calendar: May 4 is Join Hands Day Our goal for 2013 is to have 50 or more lodges participate. What can your youth club do? Some of the great projects from past years included baking for the needy, cemetery clean-ups,
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Lodge 229, Abilene Youth Club Hosts SPJST Float in Hawley Days Parade
District Four youth from Lodges 229, Abilene and 49, Rowena ride the SPJST Float in the Hawley Days Christmas parade in Hawley, Texas, on
highway beautification, assisting veterans and senior citizens programs, conducting a variety of fix-up and refurbishing projects, and fundraiser for your local volunteer fire department. You’ve still got plenty of time to decide what you want to do in 2013. The main thing — at this point — is committing to doing something. When coming up with ideas for your project try to do something that will be noticed by the public. If you have any questions on this, please contact me. Again, this year, the Home Office will offer a $100 incentive to local SPJST lodges to be used in developing and/or promoting their project. This incentive will be for lodges who partner with youth in their community. To receive the $100 incentive, lodges must register the event with the Home Office and online with Join Hands Day website prior to Join Hands Day event. Following confirmation from Join Hands Day Association, the Home Office will then forward a check to the lodges who have registered their project online.
2013 Leader-In-Training Retreat June 14 to 16 This year, we have a great LIT retreat lined up for our youth. Our retreat will be held at SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm. This year, our LIT retreat will start on Friday, June 14 and end on Sunday, June 16. Due to schools letting out later in the year, LIT camp is being moved back a week. I hope that all youth that finished their eighth grade year through graduating seniors will participate as LITs.
SPJST Rules of Conduct for Youth and Adults Please have your new youth members and parents who participate with the youth sign the form and return to
the Youth Department. There is no need to have our members sign this form each year as done in previous years. Once the Youth Department has the Rules of Conduct in the office, we will mail a copy directly to the members’ parents to keep for their records. The original will be filed in the Youth Department. Thank you for your help! Fraternally, Frank Horak —SPJST—
Online youth club meeting set for February 4
Join in SPJST’s “online” youth club meeting on Monday, February 4, 2013, at 7 p.m. Attention youth club members and others interested in learning more about the SPJST’s great youth program. Make plans to meet — online or by telephone — Monday, February 4 at 7 p.m. for the SPJST Youth Department’s online youth club meeting. This online meeting represents an effort by the Youth Department to use technology to bring young people together. Online conference will introduce young people to the SPJST Youth Program, especially those members belonging to lodges without youth clubs or living in areas not presently accessible to a youth club. Conducting meetings while miles apart is easy with online conferencing. Youth club members currently belonging to an active youth club will also be able to join in these meetings and may receive credit for attending up to two teleconference or online meetings. This may be crucial for those youth club mem-
Saturday, December 15, 2012. The float received a first place trophy for its participation in the parade.
bers seeking to qualify for their district youth achievement days or camp. To join in this youth club online conference meeting on February 4 at 7 p.m. CDT. go to https://www3.gotomeeting.com/join/994302622. You may want to also use your microphone and speakers (VoIP) during the conference - a headset is recommended. You can also join in by calling in using your telephone. Dial+1 (312) 8783082 Access Code: 994-302-622. The meeting ID is 994-302-622. The agenda for the February 4 online meeting will focus on making preparations for upcoming events this spring. The meeting is expected to last approximately 15 minutes. —SPJST—
District Four youth participate in Hawley parade
On Saturday, December 15, 2012, District Four enjoyed the Hawley Holiday Parade in Hawley with Lodge 229. Abilene. We arrived at the Hawley ISD with John and Lisa Hoelscher bringing the SPJST Float from Temple. Can’t say we were of much help, but they really work great together getting the float set up and ready. At 5:45 p.m., the float was ready to go as we watched other floats, horses, and vehicles get in line for the parade which was to start at 6 p.m. Lodge 229 Youth Club Leader Deborah Stevens arrived and handed out Santa hats to everyone who was riding the float. Then came the parade marshal who instructed John where we were to be in line . . . and off we went. There were eight young people and Deborah and Janice Stevens, along
with myself on the float. The young people were rather excited as they threw out candy to the spectators as they sang Christmas carols along with the music. Cutter Star and Jordan Taylor, both of Lodge 229, Abilene, and Brandon and Cammi Teplicek, both of Lodge 49, Rowena, were among the youth riding the float. It was fun! On our way back to the Hawley ISD building, a parade representative gave Deborah and Janice a trophy— the youth and the SPJST Float won first place! How exciting! Thank you to John and Lisa Hoelscher for bringing the float from Temple. We do appreciate all you and the Home Office do for District Four Youth! As District Four Youth Counselor, this was my first parade in Hawley. It was a fun evening. I wish every youth club, leader, member, and parent a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I do appreciate all of your work and support! Beverly Teplicek District Four Youth Counselor —SPJST—
Lodge 25, Ennis youth enjoys pizza Christmas party
Dear Vestnik Readers At our last meeting, we had a pizza Christmas party. We went to the nursing home and sang christmas carols, and I sang “Jingle Bell Rock.” After we sang, we handed out socks and lap blankets to the men and women. I had lots of fun. Have a happy New Year. Samuel Zmolik —SPJST—
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Lodge 30, Taiton youth: enjoy your time with family and friends
Dear Vestnik Readers, I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy new year! Enjoy your time with family and friends as we never know what tomorrow will bring. I ask that we all take time to remember the families who will have to spend the holidays without one of their loved ones this year. Many tragedies occur and make us realize how precious our time is. God bless one and all! Dylan Treumer —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton youth enjoys first half of program year
Dear Readers, Wow! Half the youth year is over, and it has gone by fast. At District Two Youth Achievement Day, I got first in the district on merit points. Then, I received first again at State YAD! We had a great time at camp last year. Then, we had State YAD where we danced Beseda. In August, we went to Corpus Christi, and that was a blast as usual. In September, we had our lodge’s Outdoor Extravaganza
which was a lot of fun. On December 2, we had our youth club’s Christmas party and instead of exchanging gifts, we collected toys for the less fortunate. December 3 was the Temple Christmas parade and open house at the SPJST Home Office. On December 8, instead of Toys for Tots, we gave to Blue Santa with the police station in Temple. Then, on December 9, we had our annual Christmas party. On December 15, we went to Outlaw paintball in Pflugerville. I had a good time eating pizza and playing paintball. It was fun! Fraternally, Justin Kraatz —SPJST—
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Lodge 47, Seaton youth Justin Kraatz receives the 2012 SPJST State Top Junior award at State Youth Achievement Day.
January Vestnik Project - Auto Smart and Safety Heroes This project earns a maximum of 1 point in the SPJST Youth Clubs Merit Points System. Mail completed project no later than February 15, 2013 to: SPJST Youth Program c/o SPJST Home Office • P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503
Name______________________________________________________________________ Age______________ Lodge______________
Auto Smart
A. B. Know the Facts C. Every 15 seconds, someone is injured in a traffic crash. If you’re not buck- D. led up, you could be thrown through a window, sent skidding along the pavement or be crushed under a vehicle in a crash. Someone is killed in a E. crash every 13 minutes; however, seat belts save over 11,000 lives each year. F. Buckling up right is a snap! Here are some tips that can save your life. 1. Adjust the lap belt to fit low and tight across your hips/pelvis, not your G. stomach area. 2. Place the shoulder belt snug across your chest, away from your neck. H. 3. Never place the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm.
Safety Heroes Many people work hard to keep kids safe and teach them about preventing injuries. Match the following people with what they do to protect you from getting sick or hurt. Place the letter (opposite column) that best fits the description of the “Safety Hero” on the line beside their occupations.
“I teach first aid and nutrition to students in my school.” “In an emergency, you call me, and I know who to send to help you.” “I am trained to come to your aid and help you if you are hurt.” “I am available to help people if there is a fire. I also teach them about fire safety.” “My job is to protect people and keep them safe. I often teach children about the rules of the road.” “I serve students by treating them when they are sick. I also talk to them about the importance of good nutrition, getting enough sleep and personal safety.” “I study how people’s actions might negatively affect their environment and how to fix problems like water pollution.” “I am trained how to install the electrical systems in homes. I make sure that I install light fixtures and electrical outlets properly to prevent fires.” I. “You come to me when you are not feeling well, for checkups or to learn about how your body works.
_____ Police Officer _____ Electrician _____ Fireman _____ Family Doctor _____ School Nurse _____ Paramedic _____ Health Teacher _____ Environmental Scientist _____ 911 Operator Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Additional information relating to the January Vestnik project can be obtained online at www.safekids.org. Refer to the “Safety Tips” section.
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Lodge 47, Seaton youth participates in program, parades
Dear Readers, I participated at my lodge’s Christmas party by lighting a candle for our deceased members. I had the opportunity to represent SPJST in the Temple and Belton Christmas parades as District Two King because State King/District Two King Jerry Pechal could not attend. Tonight, I will be caroling with the Lodge 47 youth at Cornerstone, the Meridian, and Weston Inn. We will be gathering together afterwards to fill our tummies with pizza at Mazzio’s in Temple! Merry Christmas, Brady Alexander —SPJST—
Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club reports on December meeting
Dear Readers, The youth of Lodge 84, Dallas held their monthly meeting on Sunday, December 16, 2012. The meeting was brought to order at 1:20 p.m. with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the youth club motto, and a moment of silence was observed for our departed members, the victims of the Connecticut school shooting, and our soldiers serving overseas. Old business discussed was the Buckner Home decorating service project, our November meeting, and the lodge Christmas party. If you were not at the party, you missed a fun time. I was able to give Santa my wish list for Christmas. New business is the upcoming Buckner undecorating service project and our annual visit to St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in February.
Next Meeting—January 20 Our next meeting will be held on Sunday, January 20, 2013, at 1 p.m. I hope you can make it; we have lots of fun things planned! Fraternally, Elisabeth Cowan, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 87, Temple Youth Club sets chili cook-off
Czech yourself before you wreck yourself! Lodge 87, Temple Youth Club will host a chili cook-off on Saturday, February 16, 2012, at Lodge 87 hall, located at 320 North 50th Street in east Temple. Lodge 87 Youth Club is raising money to go on a summer getaway. Help our youth by entering in the chili cook-off or come out and eat some awesome chili! Registration for the chili cook-off is from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, and judging is from 12 to 1 p.m. Entry fees are $20 for adults; $10 for youth ages six to 17 years; and $10 for beans (unless you have already entered in the chili contest, then it’s $5). Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third places in each category. There will also be a cash prize for people’s choice, determined by votes. The amounts of the cash prizes will be determined by the number of participating teams.
There are no rules! Bring your best chili to be entered into the cook-off. You can cook off site, and anything goes! (Please use only store-bought meats.) Please bring with you a recipe card, for allergies use only, and a crockpot full of your award-winning chili. Taste some great chili for $1 per bowl or $5 for all-you-can-eat or until gone. For questions or to enter, call Jennifer Davidson (254) 405-5168 or Christine Festa (254) 541-2374. Fraternally, Jennifer Davidson Youth Leader —SPJST—
January’s Holidays Month National Bath Safety Month National Blood Donor Month National Braille Literacy Month National Hobby Month Hot Tea Month National Oatmeal Month National Soup Month
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January Daily Holidays, Special and Wacky Days 1 New Year’s Day 3 Fruitcake Toss Day 4 Trivia Day 7 Old Rock Day 8 Bubble Bath Day 10 Houseplant Appreciation Day 12 National Pharmacist Day 13 International Skeptics Day 13 Make Your Dream Come True Day 14 Dress Up Your Pet Day 15 National Hat Day 16 National Nothing Day 17 Ditch New Years Resolutions Day 18 Thesaurus Day 18 Winnie the Pooh Day 19 National Popcorn Day 20 Penguin Awareness Day 21 Martin Luther King Jr. Day 21 National Hugging Day 21 Squirrel Appreciation Day 22 National Blonde Brownie Day 23 National Pie Day 23 National Handwriting Day 24 Compliment Day 26 Spouse’s Day 27 Chocolate Cake Day 28 Fun at Work Day 28 National Kazoo Day 29 National Puzzle Day —SPJST—
Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club Shares Activities
Dear Readers, On November 10, 2012, the youth opened the kitchen for an arts and crafts show. We sold hot dogs, nachos, and drinks to the public. Thanks to all the youth and parents who helped make this a successful fundraiser. Also, many thanks to everyone who helped Betty with the
strudel bake sale. I know that many of you sold strudels as well as helped bake them. Reagan and Dustin attended the District Three Fall Meeting and reported that they had a wonderful time. Both enjoyed being part of the program, reading Bessie’s poem, and participating in the costume contest. It
LEFT PHOTO: Chad and Amanda Jurik take a break from working in the kitchen. RIGHT PHOTO: Austen, Madison, April, and Misty are ready to take orders. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Queen Reagan reads Bessie’s poem as King Dustin looks on. BELOW CENTER PHOTO: Youth help make strudels for the fundraiser. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Dustin and Reagan present a donation to Judy Hejny of Helping Hands in Ennis.
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was decided to dedicate the charity money to Helping Hands of Ennis which Reagan and Dustin presented to Judy Hejny, manager of the organization. Fraternally yours, Rita Holland, Youth Leader —SPJST—
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Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Shares Deer Hunting Experience
Dear Really Awesome Person Who is Reading This, I’ve been really busy lately (as always). Let’s start off with after Thanksgiving. We went to “The Resort.” The Resort is the new deer ranch my Mima and Paw-paw got in a little town called Voss. (It’s in Coleman County.) It was so much fun. It’s really awesome because there are so many deer. Like forrealz, if you sit on the front porch, you can see a bunch of deer. That’s all awesome and stuff, but I haven’t got to the good part. It was 4:30 a.m. when Mom and I woke up. It was the second day at The Resort, but the first day of hunting. My mom and I put on a lot of heavy clothes to keep us warm (mine were army fatigues). After that, we went into the house (my family slept in our travel trailer). My mom, my mima, my paw-paw, and I all went out to deer stands. My mima, my mom, and I went to the same deer stand, and my Paw-paw went to a different one. After everyone got situated, all we had to do is wait . . . and wait . . . and wait. Finally, the deer feeders go off and a few does go and eat, but I don’t shoot them because I wanted a buck. After all the does and fawns leave, here come the heavy artillery! (: I hear some rustling in the trees, and my heart starts beating faster and faster and faster. It felt like my heart was about to explode. I was so excited. Out of the trees comes a buck. My heart continues to race as I quickly take off my gloves and get my gun. I LEFT PHOTO: This is me with my deer. CENTER PHOTO: Love is the bond between someone and their deer rifle! RIGHT PHOTO: My awesome sister Misty and I.
set my gun where it needs to be, and my Mima takes it off of safety. So many things were swirling around in my brain. I look through the scope and see that I have the perfect shot. With so much excitement in my voice, I ask, “Can I shoot it? Can I shoot it!” My mima said to wait till it gets out into the open a little bit more. The buck, unsure of his next move, slowly makes his way out into the open. My mima says, “Now, you can shoot it.” I aim, and I fire. My eyes squeeze shut. I instantly open them to see my deer fall to the ground. I shot it! I shot a buck! We went up to the deer with the entire family (Daddy, Mom, my sister Misty, Paw-paw, and Mima). It was so awesome. I shot a six-point buck with a 13 5/8 inside spread! We brought it back to the house and gutted it. That was pretty gross, but it was a good biology lesson (: After that, we went out to eat. We stayed at the resort two more days then went home. Within probably a week, we got to eat my deer meat. That made some really good supper! (: I felt like the queen of the world that day. Your deer huntin’ cowgirl, April Dvorak, age 12 —SPJST—
In Memoriam
In Memory of Mildred Horak
A funeral mass for Mildred Milady Horak, 85, of Caldwell was held Tuesday, December 11, 2012, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dime Box at 10 a.m. with Father Ramon Frayna and Father Anthony Alphonse officiating. Burial followed at Hran- Mildred Horak ice Cemetery in Dime Box. Visitation was Monday, December 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. with rosary being recited at 7 p.m. at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home. Mrs. Horak died Friday, December 7 at Burleson St. Joseph Manor in Caldwell. She was born July 25, 1927, at the family home in the Franstat Community to parents Emil and Hattie (Pivonka) Uhlig. Mrs. Horak was employed by Kellar Chair and Ladder Plant in Caldwell for 25 years. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and St. Joseph’s Altar Society in Dime Box. She was also a member of SPJST Lodge 13, Dime Box. She enjoyed quilting, dominoes, bingo, and trips to Louisiana. Family members will remember her for her turkey and dressing, kolaches, pickles, and dewberry jelly. On May 28, 1946, she married Albin Frank Horak, Sr. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Franstat. They were married 55 years until his death in 2002. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers John, Lee, Tony, and Walter Uhlig; and sisters Lydia Pruess, Mealy Schubert, Lorine Nielson, Benita Combes, Gladys Tiemann, Mavis Gaas, and infant Elizabeth Uhlig. Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law Garland and Joan Horak of Houston and Albin, Jr. and Barbara Horak of Caldwell; daughters and sons-in-law Sylvia and Fred Seal of Dilley, Marlene and Tommy Jarrett of San Antonio, and Kay and Mike Charanza of Caldwell; brothers and sisterin-law Raymond Uhlig of Seguin and Gus and Dorothy Uhlig of Adkins; sisters-in-law Helen Horak of Fort Worth and Vauda Horak of London, England; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grand-
children; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends. Pallbearers were grandsons Craig Seal, Robert Seal, Wayne Horak, Brian Horak, Patrick Horak, Brandon Charanza, Bradley Charanza, and Albin Horak, III. Honorary pallbearers were granddaughters Stacy Mitchell, Sheila Horak, and Shelly Horak. Memorials may be given to St. Joseph’s Altar Society, 8282 FM 141, Dime Box, Texas 77853 or Hospice Brazos Valley, 502 West 26th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803. Funeral arrangements were by Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Caldwell. —SPJST—
Expression of Sympathy
SPJST Lodge 5, Pilot Point-Tioga officers and members extend their deepest sympathy to the family and friends of ANDREW HASKELL “JACK” CARENDER, JR. , age 83, who went home to be with his Savior on Thursday morning, November 29, 2012, at Texas Health Presbyterian, WNJ in Sherman, Texas. His family was at his side. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 1 at 10 a.m. at the Meador Funeral Home Chapel in Whitesboro, Texas, with Jack Carender, Jr. Brother Joe Patterson officiating. Interment followed the service at Preston Bend Cemetery in Pottsboro, Texas. Visitation was on Friday, November 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Jack was born on November 29, 1929, in Preston Bend, Texas, to Andrew Haskell and Mary Bell (Nance) Carender, Sr. He married Viola Dean McKenzie on January 14, 1971, in Houston, Texas. He was a square dance caller and teacher for 29 years. He sang with gospel quartets. He also served as a pastor in Oklahoma. He had been a member of the Central Baptist Church since 1996. In his last years, he retired to Whitesboro and
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began working at Axtell Pharmacy. He had worked there for 10 years. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 5, Pilot Point-Tioga. He is survived by wife Dean Carender of Whitesboro; children Gerald, Diann, Darrel, Janice, Richard, Michael, Patrick, Lindell, Kelly, and Timothy Ray; brother Larry Carender; 29 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Mary Carender, Sr. Donations can be made to the Central Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 247, Whitesboro, Texas 76273. With deepest sympathy, Brian Heitzman Robert David, Jr. Virginia Pelzel Officers of Lodge 5, Pilot Point-Tioga —SPJST—
In Memory of Kenneth Rape
Kenneth G. Rape, age 70, of Aquilla, passed away Sunday afternoon, November 25, 2012. Graveside service was held at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 29 at Prairie Grove Cemetery near Aquilla with Reverend Ed Karasek officiating. The family received visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, November Kenneth Rape 28 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West. Kenneth was born February 13, 1942, in Hill County, the son of Glendel F. Rape and Bertha Faye (Crow) Rape Lookingbill. He attended Bethel Elementary School and was a 1961 graduate of Whitney High School. On June 23, 1962, he was united in marriage to Eddie Lois Baker in Aquilla. Kenneth worked for Union Pacific Railroad for 24 years before retiring in 1998. He also worked for the A.O. Smith Bomb Plant, General Dynamics, Dugan Trailers, Waco Construction Company, and the MKT Railroad. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West and SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood. He was a former member of the West Masonic Lodge No. 475 and a
32 Degree Mason. Kenneth enjoyed raising game chickens and sheep, fishing, hunting, and watching the Texas Rangers. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather Harry Lookingbill; and great-grandson Hunter Matus. Survivors include his beloved wife of 50 years, Eddie Lois Rape of Aquilla; daughters Melissa Matus Hollister and husband Chris of Hallsburg and Ali Shilling and husband Tommy of Bosqueville; sons Kenneth Ray Rape and wife Janeen of West and Jeff Armstrong and wife Krystal of Axtell; brothers Eldon R. Reed of Friona and Paul L. Thompson and wife Leslie of Arlington; sister Barbara Ann Rape of Arlington; grandchildren Keith Matus and wife Mandy, Matthew Matus, Kaitlin Matus and Garrett Nors, Kendall Goodwin and husband Cody, Kara Shilling, Cole Shilling, Kacie Shilling, Ricky Thomason and wife Jennisty, Staci Lowrie, Miranda Rape, Jeffery Armstrong, and Jessilyn Armstrong; greatgrandchildren Makayla, Reagan, Kinslee, Rilee, and a baby on the way; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Honorary pallbearers were Keith Matus, Matthew Matus, Ricky Thomason, Jeffery Armstrong, Cole Shilling, Wade Reeb, Mica Pogue, Fred Nichols, Justin Harrison, and Nolan “Junior” Saulter. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Church Building Fund or the Susan G. Komen Foundation. —SPJST—
Resolution of Sympathy
We, the members of SPJST Lodge 28, East Bernard, wish go express our deepest and sincerest sympathy to the family of our departed brother, RUDY BARTA, JR., who passed away, Friday, December 7, 2012. He was 77. Funeral service was held Wednesday, December 12 at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in East Bernard with Reverend Don Ruppert celebrating the funeral mass and rite of committal. Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery in East Bernard. Visitation was on Tuesday, December 11 at 5:30 p.m. Rosary followed at 7 p.m.
at Holy Cross Catholic Church. He was born February 20, 1935 in El Campo, Texas to Rudy and Lillie Sembera Barta. He attended Crescent School until he moved to East Bernard where he graduated from East Bernard High School in 1952. Rudy married Janelle Mican on October 28, 1961 in Hungerford, Texas. He farmed and worked for TGT Pipeline Company where he was a heavy equipment operator. He was a hard worker. He loved fishing, camping, traveling, and dancing. He was a Third Degree Knight at Holy Cross Church. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 28, East Bernard for 60 years. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Janelle; daughter Bernadette and husband Jason Miller of East Bernard; sons David and wife Andrea Barta of Richmond and James Charles Barta of East Bernard; grandchildren Josh, Adam, and Zach Riley, and Michaela Barta; sisters Sister M. Lillian Barta of the Villa de Matel in Houston and Evelyn and husband Joe Jetelina of Lane City; brother Jerome and wife Liz of Liberty Hill; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. May our departed brother rest in peace. Resolution Committee Helen Kelner, Secretary —SPJST—
In Memory of Rosalee Urbis
Rosalee B. Urbis, age 94, of West, passed away early Friday afternoon, November 16, 2012, at West Rest Haven in West. A rosary was recited and mass of Christian burial celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 20 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption with Reverend Ed Karasek as celebrant. Burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery. The family re- Rosalee Urbis ceived visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, November 19 at Aderhold Funeral Home. Mrs. Urbis was born April 8, 1918, in Tours, the daughter of John and Mary (Peters) Smajstrla. She attended schools in West and was a 1936 graduate of West High School. On August
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5, 1940, she was united in marriage to Harry J. Urbis in Waco. Harry preceded her in death on July 28, 1981. Rosalee was a homemaker, mother, and served as the office manager for the West Cotton Gin for many years. She was a longtime faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption. Rosalee was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of America Court No. 829, KJZT St. Ludmila Society No. 11, SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood, Czech Heritage Society, and the Bluebonnet Garden Club. She enjoyed cooking, dancing, painting, and doing many arts and crafts. Rosalee was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter Harriet Marie Urbis; three brothers; and five sisters. Survivors include son Patrick Urbis and wife Joan of Westphalia; sisters Evelyn Cunningham and Jonnie Lou Yowell; step-grandchildren Madison and Landon Voltin; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Pallbearers were her nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to West Senior Ministry. —SPJST—
Expression of Sympathy
We, the undersigned Resolution Committee of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, Texas, and on behalf of our entire membership, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family of our departed member, EMILY SUSIL THOEDE, age 99, who passed away November 20, 2012. She was born in Fayette County, Texas, and lived most of her life in Houston. She was a homemaker and worked in the family business at Thoede Auto Supply. Emily was a charter member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Emily Thoede Church. She was a member of Mothers Club of St. Thomas High School and St. Agnes Academy. She also was a member of Polkas of America and SPJST Lodge 88, Houston. In addition to these organizations, she also was a charter member of Fayette County Czech Heritage Society and Texas Czech
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Heritage and Cultural Center. She was a member of Fayette Czech Singers and Dancers and Czech Heritage Center of Houston. Emily was preceded in death by husband John L. Thoede; grandson Rodney Moudry; and great-granddaughter Sydney Vargo. She is survived by daughter Johnelle Moudry and husband Edwin; son Russell Thoede and wife Deborah; daughter Gloria Vargo and husband Claude; grandchildren Sherry, Tim, Richard, Randal, Rebecca, Russell Jr., Christina, Dennis, Travis, and Amanda; and 19 great-grandchildren Visitation was held on Tuesday, November 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. with a rosary recited at 7 p.m. at Earthman Funeral Home in Bellaire. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 28 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Rite of committal was at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. Grandsons served as pallbearers May our departed sister rest in peace. Resolution Committee Gladys Havemann Celestine Darilek Mary Roznovsky —SPJST—
Expression of Sympathy
We, the members of Lodge 28, East Bernard, wish to express our deepest and sincerest sympathy to the family of our departed sister, DELORES MALEK. Delores “Pinky” Ann Malek, 67, of El Campo died September 27, 2012. She was born October 25, 1944, in Wharton. She is survived by her mother Lydia Orsak Stelzel of Wharton; daughter Monica Chumchal and husband Kenneth of El Campo; son Delores Malek James Malek and wife Kay of East Bernard; grandchildren Cody and Paige Chumchal, Justin Malek, and Tyler and Emily Kurtz; brother Harvey Stelzel, Jr. of Wharton; and sisters Margaret Fojtik of Wharton, Patricia Pless of East Bernard, and Theresa Thigpen of Round Rock. She was preceded in death by her
father, Harvey Stelzel Sr.; and husband William “Bill” Malek. Visitation began at 1 p.m. Friday, September 28 at Triska Funeral Home with a rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral service was at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 29 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church with Reverend Gary Janak officiating. Interment followed at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Pallbearers were Danny Pless, David Pless, Hans Stelzel, Ronnie Faul Jr., Russell Shelton, and Randy Chumchal. Delores was a member of SPJST Lodge 28, East Bernard for 45 years. Memorials may be made to St. Philip’s Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements were by Triska Funeral Home in El Campo. May our departed sister rest in peace. Resolution Committee Helen Kelner, Secretary —SPJST—
Expression of Sympathy
We, the undersigned Resolution Committee of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, Texas, and on behalf of our entire membership, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family of our departed member, VICKIE LYNN MOBLEY, who was born on March 19, 1957. She passed away on November 6, 2012. She was preceded in death by her mother Rose Marie Bohac. She leaves to cherish her memories: loving husband of 35 years, Michael Mobley; son Douglas Mobley; daughter Cynthia Mobley Huddleston and husband Jeremy; granddaughter Mikayla Mobley; sister Theresa Bohac; father Frank Bohac and wife Estelle; along with other loving Vickie Mobley family and friends. Vickie graduated from Aldine High School in 1975 and was a team player in several softball teams during the 1970s and 1980s. She enjoyed playing cards, watching movies and Broadway shows (with Wicked being her fa-
vorite), and spending time with friends and family. Vickie was a great mother to her two children and a loving grandmother to her only granddaughter who called her “Nia.” Vickie and Michael enjoyed many trips and adventures together throughout their years. Vickie was one of a kind and was always helping and caring for others. Her legacy and memory will be carried on in the hearts of all who knew her. May our departed sister rest in peace. Resolution Committee Gladys Havemann Celestine Darilek Mary Roznovsky —SPJST—
In Memory of Elfie Merenda
Elfie R. Merenda, age 93, of West, passed away Wednesday morning, November 21, 2012, at Good Samaritan Village in Denton. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 26 at Closner Cemetery near West, with Reverend Terry McElrath officiating. The family received visitors from 1 p.m. until service time on Elfie Merenda Monday, November 26 at Aderhold Funeral Home. Mrs. Merenda was born May 29, 1919, in West, the daughter of Albin and Emilie (Jirasek) Svacek. She attended schools in West. On January 17, 1942, she was united in marriage to Rudolph R. Merenda in West. Rudolph preceded her in death on April 20, 1997. Elfie was a homemaker and was a cashier for several restaurants. She was a longtime member of SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood. Elfie was also preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law Max Reynolds; brothers Alfred Svacek, Benjamin Svacek, and Harry Svacek; and sister Norma Pustejovsky. Survivors include daughter Evelyn A. Reynolds of Denton; granddaughter Kelly Covey and husband Scott of Denton; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. —SPJST—
VӖSTNÍK
In Memory of Rosie Steinman
Rose ‘Rosie’ Milan Steinman, age 88, passed away Wednesday, December 12, 2012. Funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 15 at St. Patrick Cathedral. Interment was at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Rosary was held at 6 p.m. Rosie Steinman Friday, December 14; visitation followed at Mount Olivet Funeral Home Chapel. Rosie was born July 22, 1924 in Fort Worth to Anna and Joseph Milan. She was a member of Sokol Fort Worth, SPJST Lodge 154, Fort Worth, and St. Thomas Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by husband Donald D. Steinman, Sr.; sons Donald D. Steinman, Jr. and Roy Milan Steinman; and daughter Teresa Steinman. Survivors include children Donna R. Parker and husband Gerald, Susan Peaton and husband James, Mary Steinman and husband Larry Hargiss, Vicki Hix and husband Terry, Lori Pace and husband John, Jody Steinman and wife Kim; and daughter-inlaw Bonnie Steinman; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a multitude of family and friends. —SPJST—
VӖSTNÍK
Frankie Milan
Continued from Page 1.
for another year and a half of field training. There they were taught how to run and operate the tanks, trucks, and jeeps, and they also learned Army maneuvers, which included crawling under machine gun fire! The Black Cats sharpened their claws in Ohio, California, and Texas! They were ready to go scratch heck out of the Nazis! Ready for combat, they headed toward the European Theater under the command of Major General John M. Wogan, who proclaimed, “We propose to make the 13th armored Division the unluckiest division in the world . . . for the enemy!” They left the New York Port of Entry aboard the S.S. Marine Devil. When engine trouble forced the ship to return to port, they were transferred to Camp Shanks, New York, where they boarded the USAT George Washington that took them to South Hampton, England. There they stayed awaiting orders. Ten months later in January 1945, they finally docked in war torn Le Harve, France, a little town on the Mediterranean Sea were under the 8th Army commanded by an English General. Le Harve was bleak and frozen. There was no camp, so the men lived in houses. Shop areas were prepared in buildings, where the men unpacked, organized, and began processing the vehicles. After one month, orders came to move eastward. Leaving Le Harve on their mission toward Germany, they first witnessed the horrors of war. They viewed the complete ruination of beautiful cities and quaint villages. They traveled in a
long convoy, with the parts trucks bringing up the rear. These highly skilled Ordinance Men were, as Major General Wogan called them, “The men behind the men with the guns!” It was their cardinal doctrine to “Keep the wheels rolling!” From Frankie and his fellow soldiers in the Maintenance Battalion, the vehicles received constant and expert attention. The Black Cats were a vital element of the 13th Division! Making their way across northern France, they crossed Beauvais and Nancy before entering Germany. The Division moved to Homberg to prepare for combat with the Third Army under the command of Major General John Millikin. At Altenkirchen, it attached to the XVIII Corp and prepared for the Rhur Pocket Operation. This honored 13th Division would work together, live together, and some of them would die together. Frankie was one of the lucky ones. The attack jumped off at Honnef, where they fired their first shots on
German soil. At Zweilbrucken, a German plane bombed an adjacent unit, inflicting damage and casualties. Frankie recalls a close call with death, when a shot came through the roof of his truck, missed him, and went through the windshield. They crossed the Sieg River at Siegburg, pushed north to Bergisch Gladback, then on to Duisburg and Mettmann. It was one of Frankie’s jobs to take an empty truck and go after parts, motors, and tracks for the tanks. He often traveled several hundred miles back into France. As his Division advanced, they picked up more and more German prisoners (27,827) which were sent to the back of the convoy. Part of Frankie’s job was to help guard them. At one point, they liberated 20 Polish soldiers, who were happy to help with cooking and cleaning. Their operation shifted south to Eschenau to prepare for the Barvarian Operation. Moving forward, they crossed the Regen, Danube, and the Isar Rivers. Moderate to heavy resistance was met in this drive across southern Germany. The Black Cats clawed their way into Branau, Austria, hammered it, and set up a command post in the house where Hitler was born. Branau and nearby Neuotting surrendered. On that same day, 11,000 Allied POWs (4,100 of them Americans) were liberated from a nearby concentration camp. Orders soon came for them to reassemble. From Austria, Frankie was sent back to Germany. When the war was over, he remained there one month awaiting orders. He was sent to Santa Monica, California, where he received amphibious training for two moths. It was an open secret that the Black Cats were likely to participate in the Invasion of Japan. However, a week or
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
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two later, under United States orders, the Anola Gaye dropped atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The Japanese surrendered. The war was over, and Frankie and his Black Cats got to come home. Frankie Milan, who entered the war as a Corporal, advanced to T-4, moved up to Sergeant. He completed his service as an honored Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, Despite their relatively brief period in the battle, the Black Cats won a firm place in the heritage of our country. They will forever be remembered for their gallant service in the defense of freedom. “They kept the Army rolling!” —SPJST—
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Podpora Wednesday, January 9, 2013
BENEVOLENCE
ROČNÍK 100 CISLO 19
TCHCC sets Czech classes
Mluvíte Česky? Can you speak Czech? Wish you could? Join for an informal beginning to understanding the basic Czech terms needed for travel, speaking with grandparents, singing, researching genealogy . . . and just for fun. We will begin with the alphabet and conversational Czech, enjoy children’s literature, and examine the Czech songs so prevalent in this area. Two classes will be offered. Join on Thursdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. or 6 to 7:30 pm. The fee is $30 which includes handouts. The winter session begins Thursday, January 10, 2013, and will run until February 28 at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center located at 250 Fairgrounds Road, La Grange, Texas (next to the Fayette County Fairgrounds). For information or to register, call (888) 785-4500, (979) 968-9399, or email info@czechtexas.org. —SPJST—
Czech language classes to begin in West
It has been about three years since Czech language has been taught in West, Texas, so a beginner’s Czech language class will be offered there starting on Monday, January 14, 2013. These classes will be held each Monday night for 12 weeks ending on April 1. The class will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at the West Community Center, 207 Tokio Road, West, Texas This very concentrated course will cover pronunciation, grammar, reading and vocabulary. It will also include presentations on Czech history and culture. Although designed for beginners, advanced Czech language
★
Lidskost
Česká
HUMANITY
Bratrství
VӖSTNÍK
★
Část
Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas
Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roků 1897
students will enjoy a good review. You do not have to be Czech to attend. Each student will receive printed handouts along with a progressive CD-ROM containing the class presentations for additional home study. The CD-ROM will contain the class lesson along with audio of Czech pronunciations The class is free of charge, and you are under no obligation to join or belong to any organization. All you need bring is a pencil and a desire to learn a little Czech. Best of all, you grade your own work! How much you learn will be up to you, as you will get plenty of material to study. The presentations will start promptly at 7 p.m., so come a little early for good seating. Please note, only the class attendees will receive the CD-ROMs. This is a similar course that has been taught several times in West and also in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Ennis. Much of the material has been upgraded so if you have taken it before, come again for a good review. It is being presented once again by Joe and
Alice Janecka. For further information, contact Joe by emailing joejanecka@att.net or calling (817) 295-3068. Joe and Alice Janecka are members of SPJST Lodge 180, Burleson. —SPJST—
Czech School of Dallas ready for students
S pranim vseho dobreho, lepsiho i toho nejlepsiho do Noveho roku 2013 vas srdecne zdravim a tesim se na prvni lekci Ceskeho jazyka pod zastitou Ceske skoly v Dallasu. ENGL: Wishing you the good, better as well as the best for the New Year 2013! Sending you heartfelt regards while I am looking forward to the first class of the Czech School of Dallas in a couple of weeks. Webove stranky www.czech-
Czech Cultural Calendar
Wednesday Evenings 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.
January 17 - April 15 Textile Exhibit—at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 West Fairgrounds Road, La Grange, Texas. Exhibit coincides with the Best Little Quilt Show in Texas. Contact TCHCC for information (888) 785-4500.
January 25 - 26 Texas Czech Genealogical Society Annual Meeting/Conference: Digging for Gold—at Caldwell Civic/Visitor Center, 103 Presidential Corridor-Highway 21W, Caldwell, Texas: Special guest Reverend Jan
Dus from Czech Republic. Visit www.txczgs.org.
February 1 Fort Bend County CHS Soup Tasting—at SPJST Lodge 81, Needville Hall, 13609 Violet Street, Needville (one mile south of the traffic light in Needville on Highway 36). All-youcan-eat supper is from 5 to 8 p.m. and will include a prize drawing. Submitted by Glenn McDonald, Lodge 81, Needville. February 28 Victor Peter Memorial Scholarship Application Deadline—For information, contact: Czech Heritage Society of Texas, Victor Peter Memorial Scholarship, c/o Pat Parma, 3311 Carolina Way, Richmond, Texas 77406-9680 —SPJST—
BROTHERHOOD
9.kvéten.2012
schoolofdallas.org jsou plne zprovoznene a cekaji uz jen na to abyste si vytvorili zakaznicky ucet a zaregistrovali sve ditko do prislusneho kurzu. ENGL: www.czechschoolofdallas.org website has been updated and is now fully functional. You can create your personal account and register your child in any of the courses. Pro ty z Vas, kteri maji starsi deti, zaradte je prosim do prislusne vekove skupiny bez ohledu na jazykove znalosti. Prvni mesice nam poslouzi k identifikaci jazykovych potreb kazdeho ditete, coz povede k vytvoreni individualniho planu. K tomu bude nejdulezitejsi aby se starsi deti citily jiste a v pohode. ENGL: Please select classes according to your child’s age (especially if you have an older child) regardless of their language abilities. We will identify language needs and create an individual plan in the first couple of months. The most important thing is that the older children feel safe and confident. Pro nase slovenske pratele: zatim nebyl cas rozbehnout slovenskou cast, predevsim diky prostorovym omezenim a mou vytizenosti pripravami na na vyuku cestiny. Rozhodne ale nezoufejte, ze se na vas zapomnelo. Behem dalsiho pulroku se veci urcite vystribri. ENGL: A Note for our Slovak friends: I didn’t have time to put together the Slovak portion of the language education yet. There were several issues: space, my busy schedule and preparations . . . I believe the right person will come along to help me and make it happen. Please don’t think we will forget about you. I am giving myself another six months to put things together as well as hoping to meet the right person for the idea. Wishing you all the best, Se srdecnymi pozdravy! Nina Marcussen www.czechschoolofdallas.org (214) 881-6474 —SPJST—
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Mollie B Polka Party coming to Ennis, Texas
Hello all! We are taping the next “Mollie B Polka Party” on Thursday, February 21 through Sunday, February 24, 2013, at Sokol Hall in Ennis, Texas. Make plans to attend now! If you know of interested bands, please have them contact Ted Lange by emailing ted@squeezeboxband.com. We have updated www.squeezeboxband.com. Our schedule has also been updated through September 2013. Check it out! We hope to see you around! SqueezeBox Mollie B and Ted Lange —SPJST—
Czech Center Museum Houston shares news
At the Czech Center Museum Houston on December 6, 2012, in Brno Gallery, St. Nicholas (Reverend Paul Chovanec) and angel and devil (brothers Will and Lucas Vavrek Odom) greeted each and every guest while Christmas cheer wassail and delicate skewered hors d’oeuvres were butler-passed to a large delightful crowd. Children from two to 92 enjoyed Mr. Robert Dvorak at the piano until dinner service began in Prague Hall. Opening ceremonies were initiated by Effie Rosene and Reverend Chovanec. A delectable Slavic epicurean feast was served by Ral’s Fine Catering including sirloin in mushrooms au jus, kasha whipped new potatoes in cream, and grilled, colorful vegetables of the season accompanied by European artisan breads. Member artist Treena Rowan personally baked
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
her family’s Czech Slovak Christmas cookies. More wassail, tea, coffee, Czech beers, and Texas wines were enjoyed throughout a beautiful concert of various language Christmas carols performed by Ukrainian heritage mezzo-soprano Lisa Hudanich. Presentations included Volunteers Par Excellence, Carol Triska Vacca and husband Herman Vacca. She introduced her large family who attended. Attending Honorary Board members Frank and Mary Pokluda, Cecilia Forrest, and Jane Cyva were awarded official documents in acknowledging their financial support and service to CCMH, honoring their time, talents, voice, resources, and attendance at functions. Unable to attend, Julie Halek Kloess, Robert Janak, Betti Saunders, Drs. Tomas and Marcella Klima, Emil Kovalcik, John R. Vacek, Marion Bell, Marion Freeman, and Ralph Marek Family will receive theirs by mail. Another highlight was the 40th birthday celebration of Kim Vavrek Odom who with husband Gary invited their entire family. Kim said not everyone can say they spent their 40th in glorious Prague Hall and with that cute angel and devil, the Odom brothers. The event concluded with the delightful cabaret sound of Herman Vacca at the keyboard. A miraculous orchestration by our volunteers transformed Prague Hall with deep red velvet and black tablecloths, gold chargers, and a sea of glittering red poinsettia centerpieces into a special Christmas season evening. While other volunteers served other important tasks, we are especially beholden for the beautiful decorating to Terese Marik Wagner, Carol Vacca, Virginia Stoner, Cori Wagner Phelps, and Eva Maria Bartoskova Campo. The Czech Center Museum Houston honors all its volunteers that day and every day.
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Historical Texas Nativity Art of Ferdinand Pribyl 1840-1915. Coming Spring 2013, date to be announced. Ferdinand Pribyl and his family emigrated from his native Moravia in the 1880s and settled in Fayetteville, Texas. They moved to La Grange and then Hallettsville, before joining Ferdinand’s brother, Jan, in Victoria. In his late 60s or early 70s with no prior artistic training, Pribyl began work on the nativity scenes. Massive 10- to 20foot dioramas, Pribyl hand painted the nativity scenes on cardboard from oatmeal boxes, postcards, and shirt boxes. The vibrant and colorful scenes depict the traditional Bethlehem stable against the background of Pribyl’s native Moravia, a province of Czechoslovakia. The four-tiered dioramas use vivid colors and include numerous characters and animals across scenes of lush green hills, stone buildings, earthy farmhouses, and wooden sheds. The highlight of the event will be a presentation titled “Ferdinand Pribyl, the Artist and the Man” by Bette Stockbauer-Harris, a descendent of Pribyl’s adopted son, Albert Stockbauer. The presentation centers on information chronicled from the Czech-to-English translation of letters, written between Ferdinand Pribyl and his brother, Jan Pribyl, during the years before he immigrated to America. It tells of the journey he, his wife, and son Anton undertook before arriving and settling in Victoria County. The nativities have been passed to four generations of close family members and friends. Submitted by, Effie Rosene Lodge 232, Mid-Houston —SPJST—
Mluvíte Česky? Can you speak Czech? Wish you could?
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
TCGS: Ongoing projects/ collections
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Czech Veterans’ Wall of Honor: The Wall of Honor pays tribute to all Czech men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in the United States military. Photos on the Wall serve to remind us that ‘freedom is not free.’ Send photos/information to: John Gantt, 3807 Kelli Lane, Bryan, Texas 77802; or email john.gantt@gmail.com.
Czech Veterans’ Military Museum: Military items, uniforms from all branches of the service, and other memorabilia for inclusion in the Museum. Donors will be acknowledged with a card displayed with the item(s). Contact: Nancy Machu via email nbmachu@aol.com.
Ultimate Sacrifice Alcove: Part of the Czech Veterans’ Wall of Honor is a special alcove to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. A wooden plaque is available for purchase to honor your loved one or your friend. The price is $40 per plaque and includes a donor name plate. Contact: Charlene Hurta (979) 849-0348. —SPJST—
SPJST Lodge 18, Elgin
705 Hwy 95 North • Elgin, Texas
Saturday, January 12 Dance Country Music by
The Lawmen 8 p.m. to 12 midnight $7 per person
Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center
Join us for the winter session of Conversational Czech Classes. Two classes will be offered. Join us on Thursdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. or 6 to 7:30 pm. The fee is $30, which includes handouts. Winter session begins Thursday, January 10, 2013, and will run until February 28. For information or to register, call or email: (888) 785-4500 • (979) 968-9399 • info@czechtexas.org
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Wednesday, January 9, 2013
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: First Monday of even-numbered months February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6 p.m. at the lodge hall. Potluck served after meeting. Youth Club Meetings: First Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the lodge hall.
LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, at 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) 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) 8260005. 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) Saturday, January 12—The Lawmen, country music. 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. $7 per person Sunday, January 13—Czechaholics, polka/waltz/mix music. 3 to 7 p.m. $7/person Sunday, January 20—Jerry Haisler and the Melody Five, polka/waltz/mix music. 3 to 7 p.m. $7/person Saturday, February 2—People’s Choice, country/western/mix music. 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. $7 per person Sunday, February 10—Edward Kopecky’s Fun Time Czech Band, polka/waltz/country music, 3 to 7 p.m. $7 per person Sunday, February 17—Valentine Dance: The Dujka Brothers, polka/waltz/mix music. 3 to 7 p.m. $7 per person. Saturday, March 2—Sterling Country, country/mix music. 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. $7 per person Sunday, March 10—Annual Texas Polka Festival: Fritz Hodde and the Fabulous Six and Cloverleaf Orchestra, 1 to 6 p.m. $10 per person. Hall opens at 11 a.m. Kitchen will be open
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) 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) 985-2484; 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 IH-35 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) 8758381. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Youth club meetings are at 1:30 p.m. and are scheduled on a different Sunday of the month depending on hall rentals. Call Youth Leader Rita Holland for youth club information (469) 337-2284. Game room open every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.
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) Friday, January 4—Friday Night Dance: Stepsiders, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Parents of Thrall 4-H/FFA make oldfashioned hamburgers every Friday beginning at 6 p.m. Free admission. Saturday, January 5—Dance music by the Old School Band featuring Regina Ball and Jeff Graybill. 7 to 11 p.m. Free admission Sunday, January 6—SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Youth Club monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. at Taylor SPJST Hall. Any youth entering kindergarten through high school senior are eligible to attend. For more information, contact Cristy Girod (512) 468-1347. Wednesday, January 9—SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor monthly meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Live Music by the Bobby Jay Five band, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday night dance, January 11—Texas Pioneers 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Parents of Thrall 4-H/FFA make old-fashioned hamburgers every Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. Free admission. Friday, January 18—The Lawmen, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Parents of Thrall 4-H/FFA make old-fashioned hamburgers every Friday beginning at 6 p.m. Free admission. Wednesday, January 23—Live music by the Bobby Jay Five Band, 7 to 10 p.m. Free admission. Friday, January 25–Old School Band featuring Regina Ball and Jeff Graybill, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Parents of Thrall 4-H/FFA make old-fashioned hamburgers every Friday beginning at 6 p.m. Free admission. Free admission.
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. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1 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.; old-fashioned hamburgers every Friday from 6 to 9 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: First 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.
LODGE 35, ELK (3) Saturday, January 12—35 South Saturday, January 26—Lost Heart Highway Saturday, February 2—Cherokee Rose Saturday, February 9—Timeless Country
Lodge Hall: 9508 Elk Road, Axtell. Directions: From IH-35 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.
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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.
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) Lodge Hall: 10842 State Hwy. 53, Temple. Directions: Star Hall is five miles east of Temple on High way 53 (Adams Avenue). Seaton Star Hall is a nonsmoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Frank Klinkovsky (254) 773-4801; Hall Phone: (254) 9852548. 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. LODGE 63, SWEET HOME (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. Call for meeting location.
LODGE 66, WACO (3) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at location to be announced in the Vestnik. Call (254) 799-4247 for more information.
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 IH-35 East in Dallas, take IH-20 East. From IH20 East, take the IH-45 exit toward downtown Dallas. IH-45 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. 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 Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 88, HOUSTON (5) All dances are held from 8 to 11:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Reservations suggested, but not required, unless otherwise noted. Reservations held only 30 minutes past start of dance. For reservations, call (713) 869-5767, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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 Mangum 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 visit 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—TBA in the Vestnik. Contact Secretary Vonda Smesny (713) 8707114.
LODGE 92, FORT WORTH (3) 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 IH-35 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 IH-45. 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 6 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). Note: May and August meetings will be held on the third Sunday - same time, same location. 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) Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of March, June, September, and December, 6:30 p.m. at Wharton Depot Museum, 100 South Sunset Street in 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 IH-35 West in Fort Worth, take IH-20 West exit. Stay on IH-20 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: 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 at Country Inn Restaurant, 1000 East Blue Bell Road, Brenham, Texas 77833.
LODGE 172, PASADENA (5) Saturday, January 26—Steve Campbell
Lodge Hall: 3609 Preston Road, Pasadena. Reservations/Hall Rental Information: Jo (713) 9936878; Hall Phone: (713) 487-3297. Country/Western dances are held on the first Saturday of each month, 7 to 11 p.m., except when noted. Variety dances are held on the fourth Saturday of each month, 7 to 10 p.m., except when noted. Beer, soft drinks, and ice are available at the bar. (Do not bring them inside the hall.) Regular Lodge/Covered Dish Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month, meal at 1 p.m. followed by meeting at 2 p.m. with the exception of November and December, as noted. Lodge Executive Board Meetings/Trustee 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) 9824530. 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.; 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: IH-35 West, one-quarter mile south of Hidden Creek Parkway exit in Burleson. Hall Rental Information: (817) 558-2400; (817) 2953483; (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 181, CONROE (5) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at Ryan's, 1413 N Loop 336 W, Conroe. For more information, contact Barbara Williams-Rash (936) 295 7778 or email bwillrash@suddenlink.net or Chuck Toney (281) 362-9062 or email cdtiii@toney.us.
LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY (2) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin.
LODGE 183, ARLINGTON (3) Lodge Hall: 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane, Arlington. Directions: Take IH-35 West to Fort Worth. Take IH20 East exit and proceed on IH-20 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) 4658538; (214) 876-9029. 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 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) 6258262 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. 1-7420733095-41002. 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
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street is Sunrise. Turn right onto Sunrise. The second street to the right is Luther Peterson Boulevard. Hall Rental Information: (512) 255-1554; (512) 7714948. 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) Please Note - Beginning January, 2013: Lodge meetings will be held the third Thursday night of each month at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall. Regular dance nights will be held the third Friday night of each month, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Please continue to bring finger foods for the snack table.
Lodge Hall: 197 Hughes Road, Lufkin. Hall Rental Information/Dance Reservations: George Scogin (936) 875-2867. Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday night of each month at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall. Regular Dances: Third Friday night of each month, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Please continue to bring finger foods for the snack table.
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) 3739482. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, at 2 p.m. at the hall. 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) 7272048 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) 8293377 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 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—
Happy Valentine’s Day from the Vestnik!
Send Your Special Someone a Valentine in the February 13 Vestnik. Greetings are free of charge.
Any goodwill donations that are received will be cheerfully accepted and directed to the SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund. Photos may be published with a greeting for a minimum $5 donation.
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Mail, fax, or email your greetings by Monday, February 4, 2013, to: SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503-0100 FAX: (254) 773-8087 • Email: melaniez@vvm.com Valentines/donations may also be submitted online at www.spjst.org
Life Insurance and More Home Office: 520 North Main Temple, Texas 76501 (800) 727-7578
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