Volume 102 Number 47
ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence
H E R A L D
★ Humanity
ISSN —07458800
★ Brotherhood
November 26, 2014
Christmas Open House This Monday
Let Us Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart
The Home Office hosts its Christmas Open House this Monday, December 1 after the Temple Christmas Parade. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and travels west on Adams Avenue from 6th to 25th Streets. SPJST’s participation includes two floats and State and District Two Royalty. After the parade, visit the Home Office for refreshments and many activities. Also view the SPJST Youth Christmas tree, featuring ornaments, left, handmade by youth club members.
By Kathy Ahlstrom • Lodge 32, Victoria Reporter/FAC
As you read this, you will be getting ready for your Thanksgiving feast – or maybe the day after when you are stuffed but eating leftovers in spite of it! You’re probably tired of hearing me say this year after year – but this feeling is always in my heart at Thanksgiving – my favorite holiday of the year (well, the Fourth of July is right at the top, too). It’s my favorite because it has not been totally commercialized – yet. Each year, it seems there are more and more items to decorate with along with tee-shirts, aprons, socks, etc, - but still the bottom line is Faith – Family – Friends – Food – Football. Not necessarily in that order for everyone, but I am confident that most people are touched by most of these things – by their choice or someone else’s choice. Our country was founded based on faith – faith that they would find a new land and a better life. It took quite a leap of faith to board the Mayflower – some made it and some did not. Those who survived the trip as well as surviving the winter, sickness, and other hardships had their faith renewed.
And they gave thanks because they were so grateful. What are you grateful for this year? Stop and think about it – really think about it. You’ll most likely not come up with material items – that can be here today – and gone tomorrow – but what really matters deep in your heart. The freedom to live by faith. Our family and health. Our friends. The abundance of food we have – food we often take for granted as well as waste. And on a lighter note – that is totally a part of Thanksgiving these days – football. How did we ever live without Friday night football, college football on Saturday, and the NFL on Sunday? You ask just about anyone – at least in Texas – and they will have a favorite team. And that’s not a bad thing – sort of like cell phones – what did we do without them? Both are part of our culture – and I’m not complaining about either one – we just have to prioritize the things in life that are really important to us. So this Thanksgiving, as we celebrate, let us give thanks – true thanks – with a grateful heart. —SPJST—
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Important Dates ...................................3 Interest Rates.......................................3 Supreme Lodge Meeting Minutes ......4 Lodge Section....................................14 Youth Section ....................................22 Vestnik Project...................................23
Blessing Banks
Lodge 160, San Angelo youth, left to right, Reese Gallant, Nolan Jansa, and Sterling Schwartz enjoy a special time apart from the main meeting on November 16 where they work on “blessing banks,” a project that encourages the kids (and parents) to count their many blessings during the holiday season. Also, Lodge 160 is planning to start up the youth club again in 2015. Stay tuned for details.
Inside This Week’s Vestnik
Czech Culture ....................................27 Czech Ornament Legends ................27 Advertisements .................................29 Happy Thanksgiving in Czech .........29 Lodge Calendar .................................30 Christmas Open House Invitation....32
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Lodge 185 New Braunfels members collect food for needy families
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Lodge 81 Needville Youth Club ready for new members
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Lodge 154 Fort Worth Youth Club sets holiday activities
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014
ˇ ´ VESTNIK 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 CLIFTON COUFAL Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 931-5231 email: cliftonc@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 JOHN ENGELKE 6475 Gholson Road • Waco, Texas 76705 (254) 799-4247 email: john.engelke@hotmail.com
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 email: blackbayer39@hotmail.com FRATERNAL FIELD MANAGERS DISTRICTS ONE/THREE Philip (Phil) McBee, FICF, CFFM Mobile: (325) 647-1949 • Fax: (325) 784-7448 email: philipmcbee@aol.com DISTRICTS TWO/SEVEN Call the SPJST Home Office. (254) 773-1575 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 • Mobile: (832) 232-2049 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 LYNETTE TALASEK Office: (254) 773-1575 • Mobile: (254) 931-0639 email: lynettet@spjst.com
DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Sharon Russell, 1292 CR 441, Dime Box, Texas 77853 • (979) 884-0807 - email: sharonrussell28@yahoo.com District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S. St. Joseph Road, Burlington, Texas 76519-3108 - (254) 9852396 - email: patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Kay Weeks, 4203 Treehaven Ct, Arlington, Texas 76016 • (817) 896-5277 - email: kgweeks@att.net District Four - Pam Lehmann, PO Box 637, Tahoka, Texas 79373-0637 - (806) 561-5105 - email: plehmann@poka.com 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, 77853 - (979) 884-1451 - email: Texas 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, 4001 North Shepherd, Suite 112, Houston, Texas 77018 - (713) 683-0018 - email: mmholeman@yahoo.com District Six - Joe Siptak, 2312 Norvell, Bay City, Texas 77414 - (979) 244-4415; (979) 479-0056 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
Editor’s Note
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving, dear Vestnik readers and SPJST members.
Thank you for your support and loyalty. We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
Thanksgiving Holidays The Home Office will close at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26 for the Thanksgiving holidays and reopen on Monday, December 1 at 8 a.m.
Christmas Parade and Open House I hope to see you in Temple on Monday, December 1! SPJST will participate in the Temple Christmas parade with four entries: our two floats, State Royalty, and District Two Royalty. We are near the beginning of the parade with entry numbers 20, 21, 22, and 23. The parade begins at 6th Street and travels to 25th Street on Adams Avenue. After the parade, we will head to the SPJST Home Office for the annual Christmas Open House which features music, refreshments, Santa and Mrs. Claus, activities for all ages, and TCGS’ Czech Veterans Wall of Honor, Pioneer Room, Ultimate Sacrifice Alcove, and gift shop. And, be sure to also visit the Czech Heritage Museum located just down the street from the Home Office. It will be a fun evening!
Farm Property Interest Rates Lowered to 4.75 Percent SPJST just announced that interest rates on 75 percent owner farm property has been lowered to 4.75 percent for one to 30 years. For more information, call Ann or Carol in the SPJST Mortgage Lending Department.
Good Luck, Julia! We send very special good luck wishes to Julia Zavodny of Lodge 47, Seaton as she competes in the Miss Texas Teen USA pageant this weekend in Houston. Julia is representing Seaton. She was the 2013 SPJST State Queen. She is the daughter of Elden and Becky Zavodny, and the granddaughter of Leon and Vallie Zavodny and Maxie and Royella Roesler. The pageant will be available live on pay per view webcast. Tickets are $16 per show and may be purchased through the link at www.misstexasusa.com or go straight to www.pageantvision.com to register for the preliminary show on Saturday, November 29 at 7 p.m. and the final show on Sunday, November 30 at 1 p.m. Good luck, Julia, our beautiful Miss Seaton! We love you and are very proud of you and your accomplishments.
Want to receive your Vestnik on Tuesday morning? Subscribe to receive the Vestnik by email. Visit www.spjst.org to sign up for an email subscription.
VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published weekly except the last week of September 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, November 26, 2014
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Family Fun and Important Dates
Nov. 27-28 Nov. 28 Dec. 1 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 4 Dec. 4
Thanksgiving • SPJST Home Office Closed SPJST Floats • Fort Worth Parade of Lights (3) SPJST Home Office Christmas Open House SPJST Floats • Temple Christmas Parade (2) SPJST Float • El Campo Christmas Parade (6) Lodge 32, Victoria Christmas Social (6) Lodge 169, Brenham Christmas Party The Cannery Kitchen, Brenham (1) Dec. 4 Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy Christmas Party Raymond’s Southern Kitchen, Lorena (2) Dec. 5 Lodge 51, Ellinger Christmas Party (1) Dec. 5-6 District Two Lock-in Wilson Recreation Center, Temple Dec. 6 SPJST Float • Smithville Christmas Parade (1) Dec. 6 SPJST Float • Taylor Christmas Parade (2) Dec. 6 Lodge 88, Houston Christmas Party (5) Dec. 6 Lodge 91, San Jacinto Christmas Party Chino Ko, Crosby (5) Dec. 6 Lodge 97, Placedo Christmas Party Veracruz Restaurant, Victoria (6) Dec. 6 Lodge 204, Stephenville Christmas Party Postafina Restaurant, Stephenville (3) Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor Day Dec. 7 Lodge 6, Cottonwood Christmas Party/Meeting (3) Dec. 7 Lodge 23, Moravia Christmas Social (6) Dec. 7 Lodge 28, East Bernard Pre-Christmas Social (6) Dec. 7 Lodge 29, Taylor Christmas Party (2) Dec. 7 Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club Christmas Party/Meeting (2) Dec. 7 Lodge 49, Rowena Christmas Party (4) Dec. 7 Lodge 54, West Christmas Party (3) Dec. 7 Lodge 155, Austin Christmas Social Pok-E-Jo’s Smokehouse, Austin (2) Dec. 8 Lodge 151, Wharton Christmas Social Wharton Depot Museum (6) Dec. 9 Lodge 141, Sealy Christmas Social Tony’s Restaurant (1) Dec. 10 Lodge 177, Academy Christmas Party Dynasty Chinese Restaurant, Temple (2) Dec. 12 Lodge 39, Bryan Christmas Caroling/Party Sherwood Nursing Center (1) Dec. 13 Lodge 67, Schulenburg Christmas Party (1) Schulenburg Community Center, Schulenburg Dec. 13 Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Christmas Party (7) Dec. 13 Lodge 183, Arlington Christmas Party (3) Dec. 14 Lodge 4, Hallettsville Christmas Party/Meeting at Vsetin Educational Building (6) Dec. 14 Lodge 9, Snook Christmas Party (1) Dec. 14 Lodge 18, Elgin Christmas Dance (2) Dec. 14 Lodge 24, Cyclone Christmas Party (2) Dec. 14 Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Christmas Party (6) Dec. 14 Lodge 47, Seaton Christmas Party (2) Dec. 14 Lodge 48, Beyersville Christmas Party (2) Dec. 14 Lodge 84, Dallas Christmas Party (3) Dec. 14 Lodge 142, Houston Christmas Meal/Meeting (5) Dec. 14 Lodge 202, Jourdanton Christmas Party (7) Dec. 19 Lodge 92, Fort Worth Children’s Christmas Party (3) Dec. 21 Lodge 81, Needville Christmas Meeting (5) Dec. 24-25 Christmas Eve/Day • SPJST Home Office Closed
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Friends, Family . . . You’re Invited . . . Come One . . . Come All! SPJST Home Office Christmas Open House this Monday
We cordially invite everyone to Christmas Open House at SPJST Home Office, located at 520 North M a i n Street in Te m p l e , on Monday, December 1 following the Temple Christmas parade. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Temple. Many activities are planned for the evening including music by Alfred Vrazel and Friends, Christmas caroling by the Temple High School Polyfoniks, facepainting, Dalmatians, Malinky the Clown, Christmas stories, SPJST State Royalty, refreshments, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas cookie decorating, a display of SPJST’s Christmas floats, a special Christmas photo booth, and other activities. Attendees are also invited to visit Texas Czech Genealogical Society’s Czech Veterans’ Wall of Honor, Czech Pioneer Room, and gift shop, located in the basement of the Home
Office, and the Czech Heritage Museum, located near the Home Office at 3rd and French. The Christmas Open House is free of charge and open to the public. For more information, visit www.spjst.org or call (254) 7731575.
Seeking Toy Donations SPJST is partnering with Santa Pal to collect toys for less fortunate children this holiday season. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Home Office on the evening of the Christmas Open House. Donations will continue to be accepted at the Home Office until Tuesday, December 9. A toy donation can change the holiday experience for a child, who otherwise may not receive anything at all. Monetary donations are tax-deductible are can be mailed to Santa Pal - Kiwanis Club, PO Box 682, Temple, Texas 76503. —SPJST—
For SPJST updates, find us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/spjst
SPJST INTEREST RATES . . . 11/01/2014 - 01/31/2015 SPJST Farm/ Commercial Property Rates
Farm/commercial property rates are subject to change without notice. Call the SPJST Home Office (800) 7277578.
Farm/Commercial Property Rates
75% Owner Farm Property 4.75% for 1 to 30 years Commercial Property 6.00% for 1 to 10 years 6.25% for 11 to 15 years
Universal Life Universal Life 3 (plans 1203-1222 with a guaranteed rate of 2.50%) Credited Rate: 3.00%
Whole Life/ Universal Life 3 (plans 1223-1232 with a guaranteed rate of 2.50%) Credited Rate: 3.50%
Annuities Annuity 5 (plans 8032-8039 with a 1.50% guaranteed rate) Credited Rate: 3.00%
Annuity New 5 Year (plans 8040-8041 with a 1.50% guaranteed rate) Credited Rate: 3.00%
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Minutes of the October 14, 15, and 16, 2014, Regular Meeting of the SPJST Supreme Lodge held at the Home Office, Temple, Texas
PRESIDING The meeting was called to order by Supreme Lodge Chairman Donnie Victorick on October 14, 2014, at 8 a.m.
ATTENDING Supreme Lodge—President Brian Vanicek; Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska; District One Director/Chairman Donnie Victorick; District Two Director Jesse Pospisil; District Three Director John Engelke; District Four Director Billy Rollwitz; District Five Director Larry W. Pflughaupt; District Six Director Karen Kaspar; and District Seven Director/Vice Chairman Robert J. Bayer. Officer—Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak. Other—Interim Vice President Cynthia Hutka.
OPENING OF MEETING The meeting was opened by Supreme Lodge Chairman Victorick with a welcome and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed in respect to our departed members and in honor of our armed forces. Chairman Victorick observed this is our first regular meeting since the passing of our brother, Johnnie Krizan. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska then led the Supreme Lodge in prayer.
ANNOUNCEMENTS President Vanicek announced the following visitors would be attending our meeting: Investment Consultant Buddie Ballard will be in at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Camp Consultant Kurt Podeszwa will be in at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. President Vanicek announced that a dinner will be held honoring Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny tonight at Clem Mikeska Barbecue celebrating her 20 years of service to SPJST.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 15, 16 AND 17, 2014 REGULAR MEETING The minutes were considered page by page. On page 392, last two lines, “and” was placed between the words “motivational inspirational.” The minutes were approved with the correction on motion by Director Kaspar, seconded by Director Pospisil, and carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2014 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING The minutes were considered page by page. The minutes were approved as amended on motion by Director Pospisil, seconded by Director Kaspar, and carried unanimously.
Director Bayer moved we reconsider the vote on a motion to pay the profit from the car show to the SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) and Czech Heritage Museum. President Vanicek seconded, and the motion carried on a vote of five in favor and three opposed. Director Bayer was of the opinion that the Society should absorb the cost of the car show and pay the gross proceeds to the ENC and the Czech Heritage Museum.
Voting in favor of reconsideration were President Vanicek, Director Pospisil, Director Engelke, Director Rollwitz, Director Kaspar, and Director Bayer. Voting in opposition is Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, Director Victorick, and Director Pflughaupt.
Director Bayer moved that we amend the motion in the July meeting which authorized net proceeds of the 2014 Car Show to the Czech Heritage Museum and ENC to be changed to gross proceeds before expenses. Director Pospisil seconded the motion.
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Vote was taken, and the motion carried with five in favor and four opposed. Voting in favor were President Vanicek, Director Pospisil, Director Rollwitz, Director Kaspar and Director Bayer. Voting in opposition were Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, Director Victorick, Director Engelke, and Director Pflughaupt.
Vote was taken on original motion as amended. The motion carried with seven in favor and two opposed. Voting in favor were President Vanicek, Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, Director Victorick, Director Pospisil, Director Rollwitz, Director Kaspar, and Director Bayer. Voting in opposition were Director Engelke and Director Pflughaupt. Recess was taken from 9:30 until 9:46 a.m.
EXECUTIVE MINUTES The meeting went into executive session from 9:46 until 10 a.m. to consider executive minutes. The Supreme Lodge returned to regular session at 10 a.m.
MINUTES OF OFFICERS’ MEETINGS CONCERNING INVESTMENTS The minutes of 15 officers’ meetings concerning investments were presented. They are: July – 1, 8, 25, 28 August – 5, 6, 13, 25, 26, 27 September – 11, 22, 24, 26, 30 The minutes of officers’ meetings were acknowledged on motion by Director Bayer, seconded by Director Kaspar, and carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TEAM MEETING NOTES Opportunity was given to review the weekly Management Team meeting notes. Additional information was asked and shared on various matters that came up during the team meetings. Clarification was asked on various reports and decisions made by the Management Team as recorded in the Management Team meeting notes. Suggestions were made relative to specific items that came up during several team meetings. Director Bayer moved that the team meeting notes be acknowledged. Director Pospisil seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak and State Youth Director Lynette Talasek were present.
PRESIDENT’S OLD BUSINESS State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak presented a detailed report of lodge meetings and activities he attended. State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Horak reviewed his goals for the coming months and a detailed third quarter travel log. State Youth Director Lynette Talasek presented a very detailed daily time record. She proceeded to review upcoming activities.
State Youth Director Talasek referred to the 2014-2015 youth club quarterly report for June, July, and August. She also reviewed a detailed 2014 Fall District Youth Counselors Meeting agenda. There were discussion about pull tab collection and decision to also focus on collection of used eyeglasses. She also reviewed a program to plant trees at the ENC which has Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) approval.
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRECEDING QUARTER President Vanicek discussed the following third quarter highlights. 1. “All Things Czech” program which is coming back to Temple on October 23. 2. Reviewed the positive details of the 2014 Corpus Christi Getaway Weekend. 3. Discussed the importance of taking advantage of a number of events and opportunities that take place over the state. The eyeglass collection, pull tabs, and other opportunities were mentioned. Another positive item was SPJST’s involvement in the West Benevolence Fund and other activities assisting the West
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community recovery efforts. He emphasized the little things that are needed that provide SPJST with positive community acceptance. 4. Presented a calendar of events which illustrate the scope of SPJST involvement statewide. 5. Reviewed the human resource quarterly report as of September 30, 2014. The report included employee benefits, education and training, insurance reviews, compliance reporting, and meeting sessions.
The Supreme Lodge went into executive session from 11:30 a.m. until 1:20 p.m. (Recess for lunch was taken while in executive session).
STRATEGIC PLANNING SUMMARY President Vanicek summarized the results of the recent strategic planning session held by the Supreme Lodge. The SPJST mission statement is “Insuring and Enriching Lives.”
The SPJST vision statement is “Our vision is to provide a wholesome family environment to encourage cherished Czech traditions; and to provide high quality, competitive life insurance for our members.” The summary included strategic objectives for 2015 and operational objectives for 2015.
REPORT ON SALES Interim Vice President Hutka referred to a detailed report on sales and commented on various elements in the report. Certificates issued are down 26.27 percent, insurance issued was down 23.17 percent, and earned premium is up 3.36 percent.
ISSUED APPLICATIONS AND PERSISTENCY Interim Vice President Hutka reviewed persistency and broke out those agents with persistency below 80 percent. There was a question about advance commission; agents will be taken off of advance commission when their persistency falls below 80 percent.
Advertising promotional, annual review report, and application errors reports were reviewed.
LODGE COMPLIANCE Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska reviewed lodges that are not fully in compliance with furnishing a current list of lodge officers and a copy of their IRS Form 990/990T for the past year activity. VESTNIK Financial Secretary Vajdak reported on Vestnik subscriptions which stands at 9,630. MEMBERSHIP COUNT Financial Secretary Vajdak reported the membership count is 42,192, and certificate count is 50,199 certificates.
ADDRESS UPDATE PROJECT Financial Secretary Vajdak reported progress on the unknown address list of 4,638. The list number is reduced to 3,713 unknown addresses.
ADMIN SYSTEM Financial Secretary Vajdak discussed that he is continuing to work with our USSI representative to fix errors within the USSI Admin System. COMPUTER SYSTEM Financial Secretary Vajdak referred to an extensive report of various corrections concluded and needed changes to our computer systems. Recess was taken from 2:30 until 2:45 p.m.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
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VESTNIK REPORT Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny referred to a Vestnik summary and reported we are averaging 31 pages per week at a cost per issue of $0.466. SPJST ONLINE PRESENCE Editor/Director of Communication Zavodny shared information about the website and Facebook and Twitter accounts.
SPJST FLOATS Editor/Director of Communication Zavodny reported on numerous parades where the floats appeared. OREL APPEARANCES Editor/Director of Communication Zavodny reported on Orel appearances as far as Lodge 219, El Paso, including the 20-foot inflatable eagle.
VESTNIK COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES The activities reported included various Home Office, district, lodge, youth club assistance, e-newsletter communications, SPJST Youth Department and State Youth Achievement Day assistance, state youth video, Vestnik Pet Parade, Corpus Christi Getaway Weekend, SPJST Youth Spectacular, calendar, and American Fraternal Alliance annual meeting. On motion by Director Pflughaupt, seconded by Director Pospisil, it was agreed to sponsor an SPJST Car Show during 2015 to benefit the Czech Heritage Museum and SPJST ENC. The motion carried unanimously. Editor/Director of Communication Zavodny referred to the SPJST Vestnik/Communication Department 2015 Goals: SPJST Vestnik/Communication Department 2015 Goals Connect - Communicate - Collaborate
Connect—Connect our membership to accelerate the power of SPJST.
Communicate—Encourage our membership to be interactive and to engage in meaningful conversations. Collaborate—Create a platform for new ways of sharing the SPJST message.
1. Build and spark readers’ interests in the Vestnik through contests and features. Publish an “Insurance, Annuity, and Mortgage Lending Extra” in lieu of a Vestnik in the first quarter of 2015 and send it to all member households.
2. To further preserve SPJST’s history, to enhance member interest, and to educate non-members about SPJST’s cherished traditions, establish a historical online archive that will include photos, videos, scrapbooks, and other media that is digitized for viewing. 3. In an effort to improve communication, implement an online social workplace that Home Office staff will visit to connect on projects, communicate information, and collaborate for an even greater SPJST experience.
4. Seek email addresses from members for email campaigns to share messages promoting events and products. 5. Implement graphic and grammatical standards for Home Office communication. Establish consistency in terminology.
6. Redesign SPJST’s website. Explore subsites for districts, lodges, youth clubs, and agents.
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014
7. Continue to promote SPJST in community parades through the use of existing floats. Incorporate current themes that captivate and excite youth. Encourage the insurance/marketing areas to utilize SPJST Float appearances as marketing initiatives in the respective communities. 8. Produce a short video that defines SPJST mission and vision.
9. Expand SPJST’s social media presence. Build SPJST’s Facebook fanbase and Twitter followers and explore increased engagement in additional social media platforms.
10. Working with the Insurance/Marketing Department, develop a userfriendly, online insurance application.
DIRECTOR’S OLD BUSINESS DISTRICT TWO Director Pospisil reported participating in the Fourth of July parade in Belton by driving the State Royalty vehicle. He attended District Two Royalty and beseda practice at Lodge 29, Taylor; District Two Camp at the ENC and providing ice cream floats to campers; Lodge 47, Seaton swim party/membership drive; funeral service for Johnnie Krizan; State Youth Achievement Day; Lodge 29, Taylor swim party/membership drive; SPJST end of summer getaway; SPJST Lodge 80, Holland fundraiser; SPJST Lodge 87, Temple appreciation dinner; Lodge 18, Elgin monthly meeting; District Two Fall Fun Day planning meeting in Taylor; Westfest; American Fraternal Alliance annual meeting in Austin; Lodge 48, Beyersville fundraiser; Lodge 87, Temple monthly meeting; strategic planning meeting in Temple; District Two Fall Meeting; and Lodge 29, Taylor Barbecue Cookoff. He also promoted SPJST at the Westfest booth.
DISTRICT THREE Director Engelke reported that he attended the visitation and funeral service for Johnnie Krizan; orientation at the Home Office; State Youth Achievement Day; Lodge 66, Waco monthly meeting; Westfest parade and booth; Westfest grounds activities; visitation and funeral services for Lodge 66, Waco member Cindy Easter; American Fraternal Alliance annual meeting in Austin; visitation and funeral services for Lodge 66, Waco member Jodie Stanislav; Lodge 66, Waco monthly meeting; Lodge 84, Dallas Czech Fest activities; Supreme Lodge Strategic Planning Meeting in Temple; Lodge 92, Fort Worth Czech Heritage Day; West Ambulance distribution; District Youth Counselors’ meeting in Trinity; meeting with Fraternal Field Manager Phillip McBee in regard to District Three; EMSI meeting in Waco; and Supreme Lodge meeting in Temple.
DISTRICT FOUR Director Rollwitz reported that he attended the Supreme Lodge meeting in Temple; funeral service for Johnnie Krizan; attended State YAD; meeting with Fraternal Field Manager Bobby Davis in San Angelo; Lodge 49, Rowena meeting and presented reports; Lodge 160, San Angelo meeting and presented reports; strategic planning meeting in Temple; and Lodge 49, Rowena member appreciation dinner. He worked on a loan with District One Director Donnie Victorick and accompanied Fraternal Field Manager Bobby Davis to Lodge 219, El Paso for a membership drive. He also participated in a conference call with the Home Office.
DISTRICT FIVE Director Pflughaupt reported that he attended visitation, funeral, and interment services and meal for SPJST District Three Director Johnnie Krizan in West; insurance class at Lodge 196, Houston-West; Districts Five/Six insurance class on annuities at Lodge 81, Needville; 80th birthday party for Lodge 88, Houston President Marceil Malak, who serves as the District Five representative on the SPJST Finance Committee; Harris County Czech Heritage Society Czech Soup Tasting at Lodge 88, Houston; American Fraternal Alliance annual meeting and Board Institute Seminar in Austin; and Lodge 88, Houston Worker’s Party. He also presented the director’s report at Lodge 88, Houston monthly meeting and Lodge 142, Houston monthly meeting held at Lodge 88, Houston; visited with a Czech
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Center Museum Houston officer to review the possible status of chartering Lodge 232, Mid-Houston in the near future; assisted in the promotion and activities of the Colorado County Fair Entertainment and Stage personnel; monitored a senior day event promoted by the Fayette County Fair for possible similar promotion by SPJST or its member lodges; and volunteered at SPJST ENC to cook for a charity having two back-to-back rentals. He participated in State Youth Achievement Day at the Frank W. Mayborn Convention Center in Temple; Westfest parade and celebration in support of State Queen Denae Bronikowski from District Five and Lodge 88, Houston; District Five Fall Family Fun Day, hosted by Lodge 196, Houston-West; Supreme Lodge Strategic Planning Meeting in Temple; promotion of SPJST at the Houston Slavic Heritage Festival in Houston; Lodge 88, Houston’s annual Czech Day celebration; and quarterly Supreme Lodge meeting.
DISTRICT SIX Director Kaspar reported that she attended Lodge 30, Taiton monthly meeting for July; Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje monthly meeting; Supreme Lodge quarterly meeting in Temple; Lodge 30, Taiton monthly meeting for August; Lodge 8, Weimar monthly meeting; funeral service for Johnnie Krizan in West; State Youth Achievement Day in Temple; SPJST end of summer getaway in Corpus Christi; Lodge 41, Port Lavaca quarterly meeting; Fraternal Field Manager Delisle Doherty’s sales agents’ training in El Campo; Fraternal Alliance Of Texas planning meeting in La Grange; Lodge 4, Hallettsville Annual Family Day/monthly meeting; Lodge 8, Weimar monthly meeting; American Fraternal Alliance annual meeting in Austin; Lodge 30, Taiton Grandparents Day annual breakfast/monthly meeting; District Six Fall Family Fun Day, hosted by Lodge 30, Taiton; Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje monthly meeting; a meeting with Fraternal Field Manager Delisle Doherty to discuss District Six for 2015; and Lodge 8, Weimar monthly meeting. She participated in the Supreme Lodge audit; sales agents’ conference call; Supreme Lodge Strategic Planning Meeting in Temple; and Supreme Lodge conference call. She also presented the District Six Discretionary Fund donation to the Boys and Girls Club in El Campo.
DISTRICT SEVEN Director Bob Bayer reported that he had a long conversation with the District Seven Youth Counselor in reference to camp. He expressed several concerns: one being if the garbage at camp should be recycled; and second, that several of the district camps were scheduled to be at youth camp over a major holiday. Director Bayer reported that he attended the funeral service for Johnnie Krizan in West; State Youth Achievement Day in Temple; end of summer getaway in Corpus Christi; District Seven officers’ meeting to plan the fall meeting to be held in New Berlin on October 19; Floresville Fire Department wild game dinner where he won some door prizes and gave them to some of the Lodge 107, Floresville members who attended; and Supreme Lodge Strategic Planning Meeting in Temple.
DISTRICT ONE Director Victorick reported that he attended Lodge 18, Elgin meeting per request; District One Youth Camp; visitation and funeral service for Johnnie Krizan in West; State Youth Achievement Day at the Mayborn Center in Temple; Lodge 17, New Tabor monthly meeting; end of summer getaway in Corpus Christi; Lodge 186, Caldwell monthly meeting; Lodge 80, Holland fundraiser; Lodge 18, Elgin monthly meeting; Westfest parade and celebration; American Fraternal Alliance Board Institute Seminar in Austin; funeral service for Martha Broz in Rowena; Lodge 48, Beyersville annual fundraiser; Lodge 17, New Tabor Grandparent’s Day program; Lodge 38, Kovar monthly meeting; Lodge 13, Dime Box monthly meeting; Supreme Lodge Strategic Planning Meeting in Temple; Burleson County Fair Parade in Caldwell; Burleson County Fair Youth Bake Auction; District Youth Counselors’ meeting in Trinity; Burleson County Fair Youth Livestock Auction; Lodge 9, Snook monthly meeting; polka mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in conjunction with Brazos County Czech Heritage Society celebration in Bryan; District One Fall Fun Day; visited with EMSI in Waco with officers and other Supreme Lodge members; and Supreme Lodge meeting.
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RESOLUTION OF RESPECT Secretary-Treasurer proposed adoption of a Resolution of Respect to Johnnie Krizan. The resolution was read:
RESOLUTION OF RESPECT
WHEREAS, the Supreme Lodge and SPJST membership was saddened to learn of the death of Johnnie Krizan; and,
WHEREAS, Brother Krizan left surviving him to mourn his departure, his sister Jeanette Beseda and husband Gary; one nephew Matthew Beseda and wife Melissa; one niece Leslie Beseda and husband Stephen Nors; one great-nephew Lucas Beseda; one great-niece Avery Nors: and a host of relatives, friends, and neighbors, all of whom, with all the members of the SPJST Supreme Lodge, mourn his departure; and,
WHEREAS, the members of the SPJST Supreme Lodge desire to record their sorrow at the death on July 24, 2014, of Brother Krizan, who had worked harmoniously and diligently for the good of the Society and served SPJST in many capacities on the state, district, and lodge levels. Fraternalism was a way of life for Brother Krizan, and he will be missed and remembered by his many friends mourning his passing. Brother Krizan leaves an enduring legacy of his faithful and diligent devotion to support the work of his lodge—Lodge 6, Cottonwood. He was also a member of the Baylor Alumni Association and RVOS Lodge 46.
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Supreme Lodge of the SPJST meeting as a body in session on October 14, 2014, hereby gives its formal expression of sympathy and does hereby note in its records the passing from this life of a loyal member, who was respected by his associates and loved by his family and friends. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be tendered to the family as an expression of heartfelt sympathy in their bereavement. FOR THE SUPREME LODGE SPJST Brian Vanicek, President Leonard Mikeska, Secretary-Treasurer
Director Engelke moved adoption of the Resolution. Director Pflughaupt seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
ADVANCE COMMISSION After discussion, it was agreed that advance commissions be changed to no more than six months as of January 1. The motion was made by Director Bayer, seconded by Director Rollwitz. Vote was taken, and the motion failed on a vote of two in favor and seven opposed. Voting in favor were Director Rollwitz and Director Bayer. Voting in opposition were President Vanicek, Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, Director Victorick, Director Pospisil, Director Engelke, Director Pflughaupt, and Director Kaspar. CALENDAR President Vanicek reviewed a Fraternal Department calendar listing coming meetings, activities, and events. FRATERNAL DEPARTMENT 2015 GOALS/OBJECTIVES President Vanicek presented the 2015 objectives and goals, and they were reviewed. SPJST Strategic Planning Summary September 16 and 17, 2014
The goals and objectives of SPJST are reflected in its mission statement and vision statement:
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SPJST Mission Statement: Insuring and Enriching Lives
SPJST Vision Statement: Our vision is to provide a wholesome family environment; to encourage cherished Czech traditions; and to provide high quality, competitive life insurance for our members. SPJST Strategic Objectives for 2015
Strategic objectives are long-term organizational goals that help to convert a mission statement from a broad vision into more specific plans and projects. They set the major benchmarks for success and are designed to be measurable, specific and realistic translations of the mission statement that can be used by management to guide decision-making.
1. To grow the organization. 2. To celebrate and connect with Czech heritage and values. 3. To be known as the leading provider of life insurance among fraternals. 4. To achieve good financial results. 5. To make a positive difference in the lives of our fraternal family.
SPJST Operational Objectives for 2015 Operational objectives are daily, weekly or monthly project benchmarks that implement larger strategic objectives. Operational objectives are set out with strategic objectives in mind and provide a means for management and staff to break down a larger strategic goal into workable tasks. The five operational objectives listed below represent a composite of the group discussion. Operational Objective No. 1 Department heads will work together to construct and implement an integrated approach to marketing the complete SPJST package — from life insurance to fraternal activities. Through generally conservative management principles and investment activities, active fraternalism, and high-quality insurance products, SPJST will be well-positioned to service the needs of its existing members and to grow organically. Operational Objective No. 2 Department heads will work together to construct and implement a consistent, organization-wide approach to graphic standards, including signage and correspondence.
Operational Objective No. 3 Streamline our expenses to insure we receive the most value for the price. Operational Objective No. 4 Improve our Home Office customer service.
Operational Objective No. 5 Per the SPJST By-laws: ARTICLE 32, (p) That each member of SPJST Supreme Lodge undergo on an annual basis, a review of personal performance against established criteria, for purposes of assessing its effectiveness. The performance of each is appraised at least annually, through a formal performance appraisal process conducted by the Supreme Lodge.
Good Thinking Moderator Theron Holladay focused on the topic “Leadership That Inspires.” Quoting from John C. Maxwell, “If you are willing to change your thinking, you can change your feelings. If you change your feelings, you can change your actions. And changing your actions – based on good thinking – you can change your life.” He suggests several reasons why good thinking is so valuable: 1. Good thinking creates the foundation for good results. 2. Good thinking increases your potential.
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3. Good thinking produces more good thinking if you make it a habit. Achieving your potential as a leader comes from making progress, and progress is often just one good idea away. Thinking is about creating a never-ending army of ideas capable of achieving almost anything. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Our attitude determines our approach to life. Our attitude determines our relationships with people. Our attitude is often the only difference between success and failure Our attitude at the beginning of a task will affect its outcome more than anything else. 5. Our attitude can turn problems into blessings.
SPJST Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) STRENGTHS What are the positive aspects, internal to SPJST’s business, that add value or offer the Society a competitive advantage? Enterprise Risk Management Policy Increasing surplus Vestnik Employees Financial position Laddered investments Technology Family orientation Mortgage Lending Program Traditions Common bond Loyal and dedicated members Member relationships Lodge system Youth program Fraternal programs Lodge activities Management One state (Ability to mobilize quickly) Tax-exempt organization
WEAKNESSES What factors are within SPJST’s control that detract from the Society’s ability to obtain or maintain a competitive edge? Diversity – Only one woman serves on the Supreme Lodge Enterprise Risk Management Policy No detailed, tested Disaster Recovery Plan Fear of change (members) No complaint resolution process Resistance to change No outside marketing plan – follow-up service to members Lodge system Process of elected leadership Lack of elected leadership Lack of a group screening for a qualified candidate Delegates making board-level decisions Lack of honesty (transparency) Declining membership Outdated addresses/beneficiaries Annuities out of penalty phase
OPPORTUNITIES Opportunities are external attractive factors that represent reasons SPJST is likely to prosper.
New marketing thrust To serve our existing members To provide a more comprehensive sales training and continuing education program
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Partnerships with heritage-related groups and others Reconnecting with past royalty/scholarship winners/youth club participants (SPJST Youth Program Alumni Organization) Foot-in-the-door with millennials Opportunity to attract agents with SPJST backgrounds Technology making further use of technology SPJST Foundation Converting term life insurance to whole life insurance
THREATS Threats include external factors beyond SPJST control that could place your strategy, or the business itself, at risk.* Lagging sales Outside competition for time/sales/activities *Increasing regulation *Sustained low-rate interest environment
Strategic Planning for Board Members Donnie Victorick reviewed a presentation made by Michael McGovern during the recent American Fraternal Alliance Board Institute held in Austin. Key points made during the presentation: All problems in the fraternal world come from poor governance. All solutions come from good governance. A good strategic plan is your pathway to the future.
The board’s job description: The board will govern lawfully with an emphasis on: (a) outward vision rather than an internal preoccupation; (b) encouragement of diversity in viewpoints; (c) strategic leadership more than administrative detail; (d) clear distinction of board and chief executive roles; (e) collective rather than individual decisions, and (f) proactivity rather than reactivity.
The board will be the initiator of policy, not merely a reactor to staff initiatives.
The board will cultivate a sense of group responsibility. The board may use the expertise of individual members to enhance the ability of the board as a body, but shall not substitute the individual judgments for the board’s values.
The board will direct, control, and inspire the organization through the careful establishment of board written policies reflecting the members’ values and perspectives. The board’s major policy focus will be on the intended long-term impacts outside the staff organization, not on the administrative or programmatic means of attaining those effects. The board will monitor and discuss the board’s process and performance every 12 months at the annual board retreat. Self-monitoring will include comparison of board activity and discipline to policies in the Governance Process and Board-CEO Linkage categories. SPJST Fraternal Department 2015 Objectives Departmental Goal 1—Enhanced Lodge Leaders Training Seven district workshops will be hosted in January, February, and March 2015. The revised SPJST Model Lodge Best Practices Manual will serve as instruction guide, supporting SPJST’s mission, with emphasis on: • Lodge Officer Training (Includes DVD) • Parliamentary Procedure (Includes DVD) • Building Membership and Member Participation
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Providing lodge leaders with ongoing encouragement and coaching in each of these three areas will be a common theme in visits to lodges throughout 2015. Regular articles to the Vestnik with an emphasis on the key three topics are planned.
Departmental Goal 2—Build on Successful Activities and Programs Join Hands Day (first Saturday in May). Building on the past success of this program, continue to promote Join Hands Day as a way to bring young and old members together with other organizations to make a positive difference in our SPJST communities. Encourage lodges to promote their efforts in local newspapers. (A total of 42 lodges participated in 2014.)
SPJST Scholarship Program. Continue to promote the SPJST Scholarship Program. The Society recognizes and awards its members for academic excellence, exceptional leadership ability, and outstanding service with its scholarship and leadership grant program.
SPJST Youth Program. Moving forward, the emphasis shall be on providing and/or enhancing educational experiences that will enable adult youth leaders and youth members to get a firm grasp of how and why SPJST exists as a fraternal organization, its fraternal mission, and how local youth club and member involvement helps to support the SPJST and the goals that it seeks to achieve. Establish the SPJST Youth Program Alumni Association, enabling former youth club members to stay connected to SPJST and continue to make a positive difference. Former youth leaders, district youth counselors, and others who have been associated with the SPJST Youth Program will also be invited to be a part of the alumni group. Alumni membership will be kept informed of relevant products, services, and activities of the SPJST and SPJST Foundation via various forms of traditional and social media. Working with District Youth Counselors and youth leaders, we will continue to find ways to enhance the SPJST Youth Program experience for our young people and for the adults who support and help to implement the program.
Key events at which to convey the SPJST Mission and facilitate progressive discussion include the 2014 Fall District Youth Counselors’ Meeting, Spring DYC Meeting, District Youth Development Workshops, District Spring Meetings, Youth Leaders Retreat, and Leaders-in-Training Workshop. SPJST Get Away Weekend, Corpus Christi. 2015 will mark the ninth celebration of this fraternal family fun weekend. 2014 participation included approximately 340 members.
Departmental Goal 3—Cultivate Relationships With Members Within Key Groups Working together with the insurance and marketing area, the Fraternal Department will work to cultivate relationships with members of groups sharing cultural or other common bonds with SPJST. Our focus will be on finding ways to get involved in activities which are already a part of these key groups. This relieves SPJST of the time and expense of constantly organizing, advertising, and paying for new venues to insert the Society into their lives, and emphasize our connection to the culture of the community.
In addition to establishing more informal contacts with these groups, we will seek to educate group members about SPJST and what we have to offer. 1. Czech Heritage Museum, Temple Continue with the monthly “All Things Czech” program, present-
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ing programs in Temple and statewide conveying the essence of Czech heritage and culture, including contemporary themes ranging from business and travel to arts and entertainment. 2. SPJST Education and Nature Center 3. Texas Czech Genealogical Society
4. Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, La Grange 5. Czech Center Museum Houston
6. Czech Heritage Society of Texas 15 Local Chapters Throughout Texas
7. Collegiate Youth Groups Connecting with and establishing a campus presence with university students who may share a common bond with SPJST. Initial focus will be on students at Texas A&M University and the University of Texas. On a related note, SPJST will seek to retain and enhance its presence at regional and statewide events that seek to promote Czech heritage and culture, including National Polka Festival, Ennis; Texans of Czech Ancestry Spring Meeting; Czech Educational Foundation of Texas (CEFT) Annual Meeting; Westfest, West; Kolache Festival, Caldwell; Slavic Heritage Festival, Houston; and Heritage Day, Dallas (State Fair of Texas).
Departmental Goal 4—Facilitate the Fraternal Alliance Of Texas (FAOT) Legislative Awareness Day Legislative luncheon is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, April 1 at the Texas State Capitol. Through the past four sessions of the Texas Legislature (eight years), SPJST has played a lead role in organizing and setting up this event, which culminates with a noon luncheon for legislative officials and their staffs on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. The objective of the event is to raise greater awareness of fraternal benefit societies within legislative circles within the state of Texas. As a companion activity in 2015, local lodges will be encouraged to build and nurture relationships with their local elected officials, including their own local state legislators. Departmental Goal 5—Introduce SPJST Foundation at 2015 SPJST Incentive Banquet
Introduction of SPJST Foundation Planned Giving Guide: The Planned Giving Guide provides SPJST members with a basic understanding of the SPJST Foundation, its objectives and describes the different ways of giving through immediate, deferred or life income gifts.
SPJST Foundation Gala (Saturday, November 5) Proceeds from this premier event will support the SPJST Foundation Endowment Fund, established to provide a source of perpetual support for the Czech Heritage Museum and SPJST Education and Nature Center.
Departmental Goal 6—Ensure that SPJST is a great place to work We are committed to provide our employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of SPJST. Above all, employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every member and prospective member. It is the objective of the human resources area to provide the following quality services for the SPJST: Recruitment of qualified individuals. Retention of valuable employees.
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Training, development, and education to promote individual success and increase overall value to the organization. Properly balancing the needs of the employees and the needs of the company. To effectively manage SPJST’s healthcare program, employee investment program and liability/corporate insurance procurement processes.
LODGE SIGNAGE President Vanicek brought up the matter of sharing the cost of signage for lodges. There was a discussion about past policy. Discussion was postponed until the January Supreme Lodge meeting.
INSURANCE DEPARTMENT 2015 OBJECTIVES Interim Vice President Hutka reviewed organization-wide and Insurance Department objectives for 2015. SPJST Insurance Department 2015 Objectives
Organization-Wide Objective No. 1 Department heads will work together as a team to form a beneficial approach to marketing the complete SPJST package — from life insurance to fraternal activities and everything in between. Organization-Wide Objective No. 2 Department heads will work together to construct and implement a consistent, organization-wide approach to graphic standards, including signage and correspondence.
Insurance Department Objective No. 1 Establish quantitative and qualitative goals for production in 2015, 2016, and beyond. Strive for $1 million of new premium for 2015.
Insurance Department Objective No. 2 Take such steps as necessary to improve customer service — as that relates to our members, prospective members, and internally.
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Insurance Department Objective 10 Implement a conscientious sales agent training and continuing education program.
Insurance Department Objective 11 Evaluate current reinsurance services being provided by Optimum Re and consider alternatives, including repricing and/or partnering with more than one reinsurance company.
ACCIDENTAL DEATH BENEFITS Product parameters were distributed for a proposed new accident product with full fraternal benefits. It was agreed to pursue the product to assure it will be profitable.
CASH INCENTIVE Interim Vice President Hutka proposed a cash for applications program. Director Bayer moved, and Director Pospisil seconded, that we authorize a cash for applications contest until year-end. The cash for application will pay $10 per application for the first through the fifth application issued and $20 per application for six and over applications issued. Application must be received by December 15 and issued by December 26. The program excludes Estate Builder and annuities. The motion carried, and the contest is effective October 1, 2014.
DELINQUENCIES Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska reviewed recommendations on 12 delinquent loans and moved approval of the recommendations. Director Rollwitz seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. Recess was taken for the day at 5:05 p.m. until 8 a.m. on October 15. Chairman Victorick opened the meeting with a warm welcome.
Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska led the Supreme Lodge in prayer for the day.
Insurance Department Objective No. 3 Continue to monitor agent persistency, lapses, and departmental expenses.
QUARTERLY INVESTMENTS The listing of securities purchased and sold during the quarter was presented. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska moved ratification of the purchases and sales. Director Bayer seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Insurance Department Objective No. 5 The Office of the Vice President will review the menu of SPJST life insurance options, recommending the elimination of those life insurance plans for which there is no clear and present need as well as those products that are not in the longterm best interests of the membership and/or SPJST.
ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT (ERM) POLICY Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska commented on the progress we have made in developing our ERM policy. He stated that we were proactive in this area and in his opinion were far ahead of our peers in this area which is likely to be mandated in the near future.
Insurance Department Objective No. 4 Work to ensure that SPJST remains in compliance with all Texas Department of Insurance requirements, especially as they relate to SPJST sales and marketing.
Insurance Department Objective 6 In the event that SPJST retains the Universal Life (UL) insurance product, it will be necessary for a sales representative to receive UL certification before allowing him/her to sell a UL certificate.
Insurance Department Objective 7 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D), currently offered as a rider, will be considered as a new stand-alone life product.
Insurance Department Objective 8 The Office of the Vice President will conduct a study and make recommendations with regards to offering members and prospective members an online introduction and/or application process.
Insurance Department Objective 9 The Office of the Vice President will continue to pursue the directives of the SPJST Supreme Lodge in seeking to grow SPJST “organically,” largely through the servicing of existing members and through their offspring, grandchildren and circles of friends.
INVESTMENT POLICY STATEMENT (IPS) Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska brought up the IPS and stated that no changes are recommended at this time.
ANNUITY PAYOUT RATES Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska referred to a report on annuity plans and rates which included recommended payout rates. The recommendation for annuity payout rates for the period from November 1, 2014, through January 31, 2015, are: Product ID #1 Guaranteed rate 5.0% #2 Guaranteed rate 3.0% #3 Guaranteed rate 2.55% #4 Guaranteed rate 2.50% #5 Guaranteed rate 1.50%* #6 Guaranteed rate 2.00% #O5 Guaranteed rate 2.00% #A5 Guaranteed rate 1.50%* #A10 Guaranteed rate 1.00%* Minors’ Claim
Recommended Payout Rate 5.00% 3.00% 3.00% 3.00% 3.00%* 3.00% 3.00% 3.00%* 3.00%* 2.50%
The recommended annuity payout rates were approved on motion by SecretaryTreasurer Mikeska, seconded by Director Pflughaupt, and carried unanimously.
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UNIVERSAL LIFE PAYOUT RATES Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska referred to a report on Universal Life Plans and rates which included recommended payout rates. The recommended payout rates for the period of November 1, 2014 through January 31, 2015 are as follows: Product ID UL1 Guaranteed rate 4.50% UL2 Guaranteed rate 3.0% *UL3 Guaranteed rate 2.50% WLUL1 Guaranteed rate 3.00% *WLUL3 Guaranteed rate 2.50% Lodge Management Fund
* Denotes plans currently marketed.
Recommended Payout Rate 4.50% 3.00% 3.00%* 3.50% 3.50%* 3.00%
The recommended Universal Life payout rates were approved on motion by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, seconded Director Kaspar, and the motion carried unanimously. SECRETARY-TREASURER STRATEGIC PLAN FOR 2015 Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska reviewed his strategic plan for the department for 2015:
1. Continue to refine and implement our ERM policy. 2. Continue our evolution of matching assets to liabilities. Migrate our duration of assets to that of our liabilities. 3. Continue to manage our assets to maximize our BCAR score. 4. Actively proceed to reduce equity exposure to purely equities. Achieve the now attainable goal of reducing equity exposure to the 25 percent of surplus. 5. Actively move toward increasing our surplus by $1 million during 2015. This would give us a surplus just short of $21 million.
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rector Engelke, Director Pflughaupt, Director Kaspar, and Director Bayer. Voting in opposition was Director Rollwitz. USSI UPGRADE Financial Secretary Vajdak reviewed a proposal for an upgrade to our existing administrative software. He reviewed a proposal to contract 100 hours per month to allow advantageous cost and to utilize a portion of the allocation to implementing the upgrade. There was considerable discussion. Recess for lunch was taken from 11:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The agenda returned to consideration of the USSI contract and upgrade. Director Pospisil moved for authorization of entering into a 24-month contract with USSI proposal. Director Engelke seconded, vote was taken, and it carried unanimously. 2015 and 2016 BUDGETS Financial Secretary Vajdak took up the proposed budget. He responded to a number of questions that had been submitted by Director Bayer. Recess was taken from 2 to 2:10 p.m.
The various budget items were considered. Director Kaspar moved approval of the budget with two amendments. Director Pflughaupt seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. ANNUITIES Financial Secretary Vajdak reviewed report of annuities by duration for each different annuity plan.
LODGE MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT Financial Secretary Vajdak reviewed activity in the lodge management account.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 BUDGET VARIANCE REPORT Financial Secretary Vajdak reviewed the variance report in detail. He reviewed the report item by item.
CLOSING OF BOOKS Financial Secretary announced the closing of books at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 30. The last day to receive applications for issue in 2014 will be 12 noon on Friday, December 30.
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR Financial Secretary Vajdak brought up approval of Jaynes, Reitmeier, Boyd and Therrell, P.C. audit firm for the 2015 audit. The firm of JRBT was approved on motion by Director Kaspar, seconded by Director Rollwitz, and carried unanimously.
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FINANCIAL SECRETARY Financial Secretary Vajdak reviewed the strategic plan for 2014 for his department.
DISCOUNT ON B CERTIFICATES Financial Secretary Vajdak brought up the discount on B certificates. Director Bayer moved the discount be granted. Director Pospisil seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Recess was taken from 9:10 until 9:30 a.m.
INVESTMENTS Buddie Ballard of Alpha Capital Management was present to review quarterly investment performance. The portfolio performance was compared to the S&P 500 and Barclays Capital US Aggregate. Consultant Ballard reviewed time weighted return from inception (Beta, Alpha and R Squared), the Sharpe Ratio and Treynor Ratio. He proceeded with a detailed review of portfolio strategy and performance. Recess was taken from 10:40 until 10:45 a.m.
BENEFICIARY FORM CHANGES Financial Secretary Vajdak reviewed a legal opinion related to a beneficiary designation other than the spouse. The review supports change in our beneficiary forms providing for spousal consent when a designation is to an individual other than the spouse. A proposed form was reviewed. Director Pospisil moved adoption of the proposed beneficiary form. Director Engelke seconded, and the motion carried with eight in favor and one opposed. Voting in favor were President Vanicek, Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, Director Victorick, Director Pospisil, Di-
DEATH MASTER FILE (DMF) Financial Secretary Vajdak reviewed information relative to comparing our membership records to the DMF to determine deaths that have not been reported. The service can also search for unknown addresses. Director Pflughaupt moved that the proposed process be approved, seconded by Director Rollwitz, and it carried unanimously. Financial Secretary Strategic Planning – 2014 Meeting
• Investigate replacing inkjet printers with laserjet printers and place under a service contract that would include supplying toner. • Investigate the usefulness of Riso copier to customize marketing correspondence and envelopes. This would incorporate bar coding and sorting of the mail. Would possibly eliminate the need for Integ. Integ moved the mail pickup time from 4 p.m. to 3 p.m. This deadline is difficult to meet. • Complete repricing of products for 2015. • Draft a disaster recovery plan and test. • Complete the modernization plan drafted in conjunction with USSI. • Draft a complaint resolution process. • Update beneficiary files for 50,000 certificates. • Verify all information in plan masters. • Update USSI system to check reinsurance requirements. • Revise substandard billing. • Update unclaimed property reporting. • Utilize third party vendor to update address files. • Update telephone system. • Start a member-only web access site. Recess was taken from 3:05 until 3:30 p.m.
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014
NEW BUSINESS
EDUCATION AND NATURE CENTER Kurt Podeszwa, camp consultant, was present to report on his findings in preparing recommendations for improving the ENC operations. Also present were SPJST Finance Committee Chairman Dwayne Weise, ENC Executive Director John Hoelscher, ENC Directors Lisa Bubela and Lynette Talasek, State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak, Accountant Nancy Miller, HR Administrator Debbie Klinkovsky, and Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny. Consultant Podeszwa made a presentation and comprehensive recommendations. He discussed the need for enlarging the ENC board, establishing committees, and creating expectations. He reviewed many standards of camp operation needing development. He discussed marketing and shared comprehensive recommendations in the area of marketing. Recess for the day was taken at 5:45 p.m. until 8 a.m. on October 16, 2014.
Chairman Victorick opened the meeting. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska led the opening prayer.
President Vanicek offered encouraging comments about moving the ENC to the next level. He discussed setting up a retreat for the ENC Board and SPJST possibly in Temple. It was agreed to retain the services of Kurt Podeszwa to coordinate the process of moving the ENC to the next level.
The matter of the September 1, 2014, ENC loan interest payment came up. The SPJST Finance Committee will consider authorization for SPJST to donate an amount to the ENC to enable making the interest payment.
Director Pospisil moved that the Supreme Lodge Officers be authorized to act on the Finance Committee recommendation in approving a donation of up to $118,000 to enable payment of the ENC interest. Director Engelke seconded, and the motion carried on a vote of seven in favor and two opposed. Voting in favor: President Vanicek, Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, Director Victorick, Director Engelke, Director Pospisil, Director Pflughaupt, and Director Kaspar. Voting in opposition: Director Rollwitz and Director Bayer. Director Bayer moved that an appraisal of the ENC property be authorized. Director Rollwitz seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
TDI LICENSE STATUS OF SALES REPRESENTATIVES Interim Vice President Hutka distributed a list of 209 SPJST agents who do not have an insurance license. A list of 254 agents with a license was also distributed. Recess was taken from 9:10 until 9:25 a.m.
ACTION ON INSURANCE PLANS Director Pflughaupt moved that we discontinue sales of the Estate Builder plan. Director Pospisil seconded, and the motion carried (effective January 1, 2015).
UNIVERSAL LIFE TRAINING Director Pflughaupt moved that a Universal Life training program be developed for our sales representatives. The program should include a proficiency test. Director Kaspar seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
UNDERWRITING Interim Vice President Hutka distributed various underwriting information and proposals and fee quotes from EMSI. There was discussion, and it was decided to have more information for the January Supreme Lodge meeting. SERVICE AWARD Debbie Klinkovsky was recognized for 10 years of service. She is employed in the President’s Department and serves in the capacity of Human Resource Ad-
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ministrator. She was presented with a pin and thanked for her service. DIRECTOR’S NEW BUSINESS
DIRECTOR POSPISIL Director Pospisil extended congratulations to Melanie Zavodny on 20 years of service to SPJST. He also welcomed John Engelke to the Supreme Lodge.
DIRECTOR ENGELKE Director Engelke thanked the members of the Supreme Lodge for the manner in which he was accepted as a new member of the Supreme Lodge.
DIRECTOR ROLLWITZ Director Rollwitz congratulated Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny on her 20 years of service to SPJST and welcomed John Engelke. He spoke about the officers working to follow through with work on the strategic planning. DIRECTOR PFLUGHAUPT Director Pflughaupt offered congratulations to Melanie Zavodny on 20 years of service. He reminded the Supreme Lodge that there are considerations of matters heard at American Fraternal Alliance meetings that we need to be looking at and changing what we can before we are mandated to do so. Director Pflughaupt stated he was impressed by a statement by Consultant Ballard that we are positioned and ready for changes in the economy.
Director Pflughaupt indicated that we need to continue to be proactive instead of reactive. He spoke of reminding members that things are changing in the industry. They should be open-minded about receiving information from the Supreme Lodge. Director Pflughaupt warmly welcomed John Engelke to the Supreme Lodge.
DIRECTOR KASPAR Director Kaspar extended congratulations to Melanie Zavodny and welcomed John Engelke to the Supreme Lodge. Director Kaspar spoke about just seeing what a very good Supreme Lodge meeting this has been and that we will be moving into 2015 positively.
Director Kaspar addressed Director Bayer; she reminded him that he would be in our prayers while he is recovering from surgery. DIRECTOR BAYER Director Bayer congratulated Melanie Zavodny on 20 years of service.
Director Bayer reminded all that the District Seven Fun Day on October 19 will be at a new location—at New Berlin. Director Bayer stated he is having surgery on October 27 and will be out for several weeks. He plans to attend the January 2015 Supreme Lodge meeting. He asked that all available information be sent to him. Director Bayer stated this has been an excellent meeting. A lot of difficult decisions were made, and he is glad we got through them and are moving on.
DIRECTOR VICTORICK Director Victorick offered congratulations to Melanie Zavodny on her excellent service and welcomed John Engelke to the Supreme Lodge. Director Victorick thanked all for making this an excellent meeting. He thanked the officers for all the work and planning in making this a good meeting. Director Victorick discussed the importance of being proactive instead of reactive.
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Director Victorick thanked everyone and stated that he looked forward to a great 2015. He reminded everyone to keep Director Bayer in our thoughts and prayers as he recovers from surgery. CZECH PRIME MINISTER President Vanicek announced that Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka would be coming to Texas in November and that he would be providing additional information to the Supreme Lodge as the date approaches.
ELECTION OF SUPREME LODGE CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN President Vanicek presided over the election. The Supreme Lodge took up the matter of electing a chairman for 2015. The floor was opened for nominations, and Director Rollwitz nominated Donnie Victorick. President Vanicek called for nominations three times, and there were no other nominations, whereupon Donnie Victorick was elected Supreme Lodge Chairman by acclamation. Chairman Victorick thanked everyone for their support and responded by pledging he would serve to the best of his ability.
The election of Vice Chairman was taken up. President Vanicek opened the floor for nominations, and Director Pflughaupt nominated Karen Kaspar: Director Rollwitz nominated Bob Bayer. President Vanicek called for other nominations three times, and there were no other nominations. Vote was taken by secret ballot, and Karen Kaspar was elected. Director Kaspar responded stating she would do her best in carrying out her duties.
The Audit Committee for 2015 was named. Committee members are Director Pflughaupt, Chairman; Director Pospisil; and Director Kaspar. (The Supreme Lodge Chairman is an ex officio member.)
The dates of Supreme Lodge meetings for 2015 were set as January 20, 21, and 22; April 21, 22, and 23; July 21, 22, and 23; and October 20, 21 and 22.
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Victorick adjourned the meeting at 11 a.m. The next regular meeting of the Supreme Lodge will begin on January 20, 2015, at 8 a.m. Fraternally submitted, Leonard Mikeska, Secretary-Treasurer —SPJST—
From the Fraternal Department State FAC Shares December Fraternal Updates
Fraternalist of the Year Deadline—December 12 Due to the awards banquet which will take place at the Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple on Saturday, January 31, 2015, your nomination form for the Fraternalist of the Year will be due in the office of the State Fraternal Activities Coordinator on Friday, December 12, 2014. The eligibility, description of the awards, and program procedure was included in the October Fraternal Update. Please review the information pertaining to the nomination prior to selecting your candidate. If you
need another form, you may contact Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez at the Home Office. All information submitted pertaining to the nominee should cover activities for the past year only. Should you have any questions, please feel free to call me or drop me an email at frankh@spjst.com. All other deadline dates remain the same. They are:
Friday, January 2 New Officers – address, phone listing, and email.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Friday, January 9 Fraternal Incentive Report – Yearend and year-end fraternal support and community services report Friday, February 13 Outgoing Officer Awards Friday, May 15 990 and 990-T to IRS and copy to Home Office
Christmas Open House Please make plans to be in Temple on Monday, December 1. This is the date of the City of Temple’s annual Christmas parade and tree lighting. Again, this year ,SPJST will participate in the parade so come out to see the SPJST Floats and State Royalty. Following the parade, SPJST will host the annual Christmas Open House at the Home Office, located at 520 North Main Street in Temple. What a great time to visit the Home Office and socialize with fellow SPJST members. We will be providing refreshments from Kerley’s Meat Market and Kolache Kitchen for the event. Alfred Vrazel and Mike Marek Combo will perform music for the event. Again there is a rumor that Santa and Mrs. Claus will stop by for a visit at the Home Office. There will be Christmas cookie decorating, face painting, and balloon twisting for the youth. Spread the word about this fun event. Watch the Vestnik for additional details as they become available.
SPJST Outgoing Officer Plaque Each year, the Home Office receives a number of Outgoing Officer Plaque applications to honor elected lodge officers and directors. Eligibility is based on an outgoing officer who is not reelected for the next year and does not plan to seek re-election again. This would be an officer that is an elder and not wanting to serve the lodge and its members in a leadership role – not an individual of a young age that may decide to serve again in the future. The recipient must be a current SPJST member and must be alive at time of selection. SPJST Lifetime Achiever Award The definition of lifetime is the duration of a person’s life. This award is to recognize individuals or couples who have made a significant impact in their lodge’s success and growth over a lengthy period of time. These individuals or couples should be of a mature age. In the past couple of years, the Home Office has received nomination applications for many young members that still have many years of service to the lodge and its members. Think about it . . . if a young or middle-aged member receives this award, is this telling them that they
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have achieved their significant impact to their lodge and here on out they are through contributing to their lodge and its members? This year, please consider the age of the person(s) your lodge is wanting to recognize with the SPJST Lifetime Achiever Award. If there isn’t anyone that qualifies, please wait and consider it for the following year or years.
100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive The 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive will continue through the month of March 2015. All members are encouraged to give their support as you have in the past. Through your generous donations, SPJST has been able to continue to provide scholarships to members who wish to further their education. 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.
SPJST Scholarship Program The deadline for submitting applications for the SPJST Scholarship is no later then postmarked Sunday, February 1, 2015. Any student (high school seniors and college undergraduates) who has not previously received a scholarship is eligible to apply. For an SPJST General Scholarship or Leadership Grant Application and complete guidelines, please call Executive Assistant to the President Sandra Dubcak in the SPJST Home Office at (800) 727-7578 or (254) 773-1575 or visit www.spjst.org. Lodge Officer Workshop Lodge officer training workshops were discussed in the Fraternal Activities Coordinators’ meeting held on June 21. The decision was made to take these classes on the road to the districts. The Fraternal Department is also working on a training video that will be used for the class. Below are the scheduled dates for your district. Please check the Vestnik for any date and time changes. Lodge officers, please check your calendar and make plans to attend one of the workshops. We ask all lodge officers attending the workshop to please RSVP with Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez by email or phone. Tammy’s email address is tammym@spjst.com, and she can be reached at (800) 7277578. Meal will be provided. District One Friday, January 9 at 6 p.m. Lodge 17, New Tabor Friday, January 16 at 6 p.m. Frank’s Restaurant, Schulenburg
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014
District Two Tuesday, January 13 at 6 p.m. SPJST Home Office Saturday, February 21 at 10 a.m. Lodge 29, Taylor District Three Tuesday, February 10 at 6 p.m. Lodge 6, Cottonwood Saturday, January 10 at 10 a.m. Lodge 183, Arlington
District Four Saturday, March 28 at 10 a.m. Chinese Restaurant, Midland Saturday, March 28 at 5 p.m. Golden Corral, Abilene
District Five Saturday, January 24 at 10:30 a.m. Lodge 88, Houston
District Six Friday, January 16 at 6 p.m. Frank’s Restaurant, Schulenburg Tuesday, February 17 at 6 p.m. Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje District Seven Saturday, February 28 at 10 a.m. Lodge 107, Floresville
Fraternal Alliance Of Texas Bowling Tournament and Silent Auction Make your plans today to participate in the 11th Annual Fraternal Alliance Of Texas Bowling Tournament on Saturday, February 7, 2015, at Fiesta Lanes. The address is 1202 Huisache Avenue in New Braunfels, Texas (behind HEBWalnut Street). All proceeds raised from the bowling tournament are used for the Fraternal Alliance of Texas scholarships. All lodges and/or members are encouraged to bring an item for the silent auction that will be held in conjunction with the bowling tournament to raise additional funds. Teams again this year will consist of five members - any combination of men and women. Registration will begin at 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 Friday, January 30.
Progressive 42 Domino Tournament The first SPJST State Tournament of 2015 will take place on Saturday, January 10. This will be the State Progressive 42 Domino Tournament, hosted by Lodge 92, Fort Worth. If you love Progressive 42 and enjoy fellowship, come and play with your fellow SPJST brothers and sisters in a friendly game of
dominoes. We would love to have you there! Non-members will be permitted to participate in the Progressive 42 domino tournament. The registration fee for members and non-members will be $7. If anyone knows of someone (member or non-member) who would like to participate, please encourage them to submit an entry. For additional details about the tournament, you can find the registration form online at www.spjst.org under Fraternal Activities/State Tournaments and Fraternal Activities. All participants are encouraged to pre-register so we can notify the hosting lodge so they can figure out the amount of food to prepare for the noon meal.
Tarok Tournament The SPJST State Tarok Tournament will be held on Saturday, February 7 hosted by Lodge 84, Dallas. Visit www.spjst.org under Fraternal Activities/State Tournaments and Fraternal Activities. All participants are encouraged to pre-register so we can notify the hosting lodge so they can figure out the amount of food to prepare for the noon meal. Non-members will be permitted to participate in the tarok tournament. The registration fee for members and nonmembers will be $7. If anyone knows of someone (member or non-member) who would like to participate, please encourage them to submit an entry.
SPJST District FAC Contacts We are here to help if you need assistance. Please feel free to contact me at (254) 534-0681 or email frankh@spjst.com. You can also contact Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez by telephone - (800) 727- 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) 820-0531 District Two FAC Ruth Hanusch (254) 771-0193 District Three FAC Vicki Sims (214) 763-0341 District Four FAC Janeece Williams (806) 632-5239 District Five FAC Patricia Bruce (281) 890-4933 District Six FAC Helen Zabransky (361) 798-3347 District Seven FAC Glen Pruski (830) 469-6377 Fraternally submitted, Frank Horak State Fraternal Activities Coordinator —SPJST—
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SPJST Lodge Se ct ion
Lodge 4 Hallettsville recognizes veterans
Dear Members, Our lodge met Sunday, November 9, 2014, at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room at 3 p.m. Vice President Annie Vahalik opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiances. She then welcomed guest District Six Director Karen Kaspar to the meeting. Secretary-Treasurer Helen Zabransky read the minutes to the last meeting and gave the financial report. Correspondence was read. Sunshine Chairman Evelyn Holy reported Vicky Zak assisted her at monthly bingo at Stevens Convalescent Center.
Veterans Share Military Service FAC Annie Vahalik reported on upcoming SPJST activities. With Veterans’ Day on November 11, Annie asked the veterans present to share their experiences. Bennie Orsak entered in 1945 and served in Japan during World War II. Alton Chudej entered in 1961 and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. A big thank you was given to them and all veterans for serving our country. Election of officers followed with all officers being re-elected by acclamation. Our December 14 Christmas meeting will be at Vsetin Educational Building in Hallettsville beginning at 11:30 a.m. followed by a noon meal of fried chicken provided by the lodge. Members are asked to please bring side dishes and desserts. There will be a short meeting, door prizes, and games. Members voted to contribute to the SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund,
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
Hallettsville Volunteer Fire Department, LAMB, and the Johnnie R. Krizan Memorial Scholarship Fund. It was decided to hold the January and February meetings at Hallettsville Chamber Office Meeting Room. District Six Director Karen Kaspar then spoke to the members and informed them of upcoming activities and meetings. We were very happy to hear Director Karen is the new Supreme Lodge Vice Chairman. Congratulations! Also many thanks for the pocket calendars and magnet calendars each member received. Door prizes were awarded with everyone present a winner — thanks to our lodge and Director Karen. The meeting adjourned followed by lunch and visiting. Christmas Meeting—December 14 The Christmas meeting will be Sunday, December 14 at Vsetin Educational Building beginning at 11:30 a.m. followed by a noon meal. Fried chicken will be furnished with the members asked to please bring side dishes and desserts. Come and get in the Christmas spirit. Fraternally, Patsy Zabransky, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 6 Cottonwood trustees set Dec. 5 meeting
Dear Members, Lodge 6, Cottonwood will hold a trustee meeting on Friday, December 5, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will follow the regular social night. Thanks for your attention to this notice. Milton Peterson, President —SPJST—
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Lodge 6 Cottonwood cancels December social night
SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood members voted to cancel its Friday, December 19 social night. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Milton Peterson, President —SPJST—
Lodge 23, Moravia Christmas social Sunday, Dec. 7
SPJST Lodge 23, Moravia will hold its annual meeting and Christmas social on Sunday, December 7, 2014, at 3 p.m. at the lodge hall at Moravia. All members are asked to attend. Please bring a food item to the lunch table. Door prizes will be given. Fifty-year pin members will be honored at this meeting. Kathleen Guenther, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 24, Cyclone Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 14
Our Christmas party is Sunday, December 14, 2014, with the hall buying the ham. Everyone should bring a covered dish. The lodge will also be meeting at 4 p.m. Bobby Hoelscher, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 25, Ennis sets apple strudel bake fundraiser
Dear Readers, Our Christmas apple strudel bake fundraiser benefits the Lodge 25 Improvement Fund. To place an order, please call Betty at (972) 878-7719 or Margaret at (972) 878-6149. Pick up will be at the SPJST dining room on Monday, December 22 from 2 to 7 p.m. Fraternally yours, Margaret Krajca, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge Karel Jonáš No. 28, East Bernard meets Sunday, Dec. 7
Dear Members, The next meeting of Lodge Karel Jonáš No. 28, East Bernard will be held on the first Sunday of December, the 7th - the day of infamy - beginning at 12 noon in the Community Room of the East Bernard Library, 746 Clubside Drive. The agenda will be open, but primarily it is a pre-Christmas gathering. As to the fare for the fraternal hour luncheon, it is unknown at this writing, but it definitely will not be just sandwiches. The complete menu is being worked out at the present time. In the next major letter, there will be the announcement of what took place in the November meeting. To the faithful, watch the Věstník, plan to attend on the meeting on the 7th of December, and this writer remains . . . Ze bratrskym pozdravu Joseph D. Nezval, FIC Vice President —SPJST—
Lodge 29, Taylor plans Dec. 7 Christmas party
On Wednesday, November 12, 2014, Lodge 29, Taylor members met for their regular meeting. President Ronnie Rieger opened the meeting. He led the Pledge of Allegiance and
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
asked for a few moments of silence to honor the departed veterans and those presently serving our country. All officers were present. The October minutes were read and approved. Tammy Whatley gave the treasurer’s report. Sharon Kaderka reported on the Christmas Open House and parade in Temple on December 1. Sharon handed around a jar to collect for the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive. Lodge 29 matched the amount collected. Sharon asked all the veterans to stand and be recognized. Those veterans were Anton Pokorny, Charlie Campbell, Clyde Skrhak, Terry Skrhak, Albin Machu, Frankie Pustejovsky, Jesse Pospisil, and Leonard Kaderka. The youth club presented bags of candy to each veteran. Sharon read a thank you note for Lodge 29’s donation to the ALS Association. Cristy gave the youth report. The coordinator for the Needy Families Organization discussed his organization at the youth club meeting. District Two Director Jesse Pospisil presented a discretionary check to the youth for the Needy Family project. On December 5, the District Two Lock-In will be in Temple. On December 6, the SPJST Float will be in
Thanks, Veterans, of Lodge 4 Hallettsville
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the Taylor Christmas Parade. Albin Machu signed up new member Kimberly Ann Bachmayer. Connie Voigt made a motion to accept her, and Leonard Kaderka seconded. The motion passed. Also, Melissa Marek from Lodge 202, Jourdanton is transferring to Lodge 29. Welcome, Melissa! Jesse Pospisil reported Lodge 29 will hold its Christmas meeting/party at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7. The hall will furnish turkeys and ham. Members attending will bring side dishes. After a short meeting, we will play Bunco and socialize before the meal. Hopefully, Santa will be able to stop by to join in the activities. Lyn Rieger discussed sponsoring patients at the S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home in Taylor again like we have done in the past. The patients each put their wish list on a card that the nursing home hangs on a tree in their lobby. For a $25 donation, you can adopt a patient for Christmas by picking a card off of the tree and that will buy a gift for the patient so they will have a Christmas gift. Lyn made a motion for Lodge 29 to donate $100 to sponsor four patients. Connie Voigt seconded, and the motion passed. Officers for the 2015 year were elected. All current officers were reelected. The terms on the Property Committee for Wayne Voigt and Leonard Kaderka were up for consideration. Wayne and Leonard were reelected for another three-year term (2015 to 2017). The 2015 officers for Lodge 29 are: President Ronnie Rieger Vice President/FAC Sharon Kaderka Secretary/Reporter Linda Pospisil Treasurer Tammy Whatley Youth Leader Cristy Girod Assistant Youth Leader Connie Voigt
At its Sunday, November 9, 2014, meeting, Lodge 4, Hallettsville members were honored to recognize Veterans for their military service. Veteran Alton Chudej, left, entered August 1961 and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Veteran Bennie Orsak, right, entered in January 1945 and served in Japan during World War II. Also pictured is District Six Director Karen Kaspar.
Property Committee members include Jesse Pospisil (2013 to 2015), Frankie Pustejovsky and Adolph Grieger (2014 to 2016), and Leonard Kaderka and Wayne Voigt (2015 to 2017). Charlie Campbell announced that he and Theo Vybiral will be getting married on November 29. Theo is a member of Lodge 47, Seaton. Members celebrating birthdays in November include Travis Franks, Charles Flink, Elaine Machu, Jerry W. Tallas, Chad Tallas, Michael Dewbre, Lucille Trcka, Barbara Nygrin, Richard Delancey, Sr., and Theo Vybiral. Door prizes were furnished by
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Anton Pokorny and Lucille Trcka. In January, Barbara Nygrin and Mary Jane Pustejovsky will bring door prizes.
Next Meeting—December 7 The next meeting/Christmas party will be on Sunday, December 7 at 3 p.m. The meeting was then adjourned. Fraternally submitted, Linda Pospisil Secretary-Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 32, Victoria Christmas social Thursday, Dec. 4
Reminding everyone of our Christmas social on Thursday, December 4, 2014. We will gather at 6 p.m. and serve promptly at 6:30 p.m. The lodge will provide ham, bread, coffee, and tea. Members are asked to bring sides and/or desserts. In addition to the dishes you will be bringing, please remember the family we will be blessing with non-perishables. They are in need of everything – canned goods, paper goods, etc. Linda Mozisek will be delivering to the family so they will be able to enjoy a wonderful meal on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Most of us take these things for granted, and you have no idea how happy this makes families in need – and they are so appreciative of this act of caring and sharing. It truly touches your heart when you are able to change their lives – if only for a few meals. God bless you for making a difference. And this item is strictly optional . . . but if you would like to bring a small door prize, it will be fun to see who gets what. Just whatever you want to bring – not setting a price – just a little something – if you want. Fraternally, Kathy Ahlstrom Reporter/FAC —SPJST—
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Lodge 6, Cottonwood Members Celebrate November Birthdays
Happy November birthday to, left to right, Georgie Soukup, Milton Peterson, and Lucille Sulak, all of Lodge 6, Cottonwood. They were recognized at the November meeting.
Lodge 39, Bryan sets Dec. 12 Christmas caroling, party
Dear Readers, Lodge 39, Bryan held its meeting on November 9, 2014. We had a wonderful meal of turkey and dressing with all the fixings—plus great desserts! Thanks to Wade and Lillie O’Shields for cooking the turkey and dressing. It was delicious. President Wade O’Shields called the meeting to order. Old and new business was discussed. There was not much old business to discuss, but we have a lot of upcoming events for new business. We will be singing at Sherwood Nursing Home again this year. Our Christmas party/meeting will be held right after the singing at the lodge hall. Joe Vytopil will be bringing his guitar, and Bryan ISD ladies will be giving out ornaments. This is always a great treat for the nursing home residents. The date and time will be Friday, December 12. We will meet at the nursing home between 5 and 5:30 p.m. and start singing at 5:30 p.m. After that, members will go to the lodge for pizza and Christmas goodies. We will have a short meeting then a white elephant gift exchange. Please bring a gift around $15 or something you would like to bring from home—used, made, or just never had a use for. We always have a great time so please come out and join in the fun! Sincerely, Binnie Ann Roesler, Reporter —SPJST—
sausage, turkeys, and dressing. Sunday, December 14, please bring desserts and side dishes to go with the meal. Kitchen Chairpersons Joyce Skrabanek and Patsy Koslovsky are in need of help in the kitchen to put out the meal, cut desserts, serve tea, and clean after the party. If you are willing to help in any of these areas, please give us a call. Your help in this area will be greatly appreciated. We look forward to a wonderful weekend of a good time and fellowship. Thank you all in advance for all your help for this great festivity amongst our SPJST friends. Again, we look forward to seeing you all on December 13th and 14th. Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 40 Lodge 47, Seaton El Campo-Hillje Christmas meeting Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 14 Sunday, Dec. 14 Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje will hold its Christmas meeting on Sunday, December 14, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the hall. We will be having a potluck meal. We are asking each member to bring a meat-type covered dish or a casserole. We are also asking each member to bring a dessert and a canned good for the Christmas needy basket. Fraternally, Ardis Bacak —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton prepares for Christmas
Dear Members, I hope each of you have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving! This is just a reminder of dates and times for the preparation of our annual Christmas party. Those of you who signed up to donate a turkey—please remember to bring the frozen turkey to the December lodge meeting on December 7. Following the meeting, please make plans to stay and decorate and set up the hall for the party on the 14th. On Saturday, December 13, members are asked to be at the hall at 8 a.m. to begin with the preparation of
Dear Members, The officers and members of Lodge 47, Seaton wish each of you Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas. We invite you, as members of Lodge 47, to our annual Christmas party which will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2014. The afternoon will begin at 3 p.m. with a candlelight memorial service in memory of our 2014 deceased members. Youth club members will perform Christmas skits, followed by all youth joining in singing a favorite, “Here Comes Santa Claus.” I hope they will sing loud for Santa Claus to hear their singing! Prior to the meal, members will be able to meet and greet new friends as well as visit others. Drinks will be served. A delicious meal of turkey, sausage, dressing, and all the trimmings will be served. Those attending are asked to bring a side dish and a dessert. Special guests and lodge officers of 2014 will be introduced. Newly elected 2015 officers and board members will be installed We look forward to your attendance on Sunday, December 14 for a great afternoon of fellowship and good food. Come and see what your lodge has planned for you as a member and all friends in 2015. Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky Reporter —SPJST—
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Lodge 49, Rowena Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 7
Dear Members, You are invited to the SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena Christmas party and membership drive on Sunday, December 7, 2014, at 4 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena hall in Rowena, Texas. A meal will be served, and door prizes will be awarded. Games for all ages will be available. Make plans to bring your family and a friend. Come and enjoy food, fun, and fellowship. Please RSVP by November 28 by calling Sylvia (325) 442-3141 or Beverly (325) 442-4841. We are asking every person to bring a canned food item for the local food pantry. If you have a favorite game you would like to play, please bring it! Happy Holidays! Fraternally, Beverly Teplicek Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 54, West Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 7
Dear Members, Lodge 54, West will host its annual Christmas party on Sunday, December 7, 2014, at Tours Hall, located at 301 St. Martin Church Road in West. Social hour begins at 3 p.m. followed by a performance by the West High Junior Historian Dancers. A fried chicken dinner will be served at 4:30 p.m. Santa will visit at 5:30 p.m. with cash door prizes to be awarded to several lucky adults and children attending the party. Each SPJST family is asked to bring a dessert for the dinner. Meal and refreshments will be provided by SPJST Lodge 54. Come out and enjoy the Christmas party. Please RSVP by November 21 by returning the card that all Lodge 54 members received in the mail. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, December 7, and Merry Christmas from Lodge 54, West! Fraternally, Freddie Kaluza President —SPJST—
Lodge 63 Sweet Home Christmas social Sunday, Dec. 7
Lodge 63, Sweet Home will hold its Christmas social on December 7, 2014, beginning at 12 noon at Tobola’s Party House. This is the same location we have used the past several years. It is on FM 531, just off State Highway 77A, going toward Sweet Home. We will start the afternoon with a social hour, followed by a short business meeting. A meal prepared by Darren Ward and his family will be served. Everything will be furnished by the lodge, but we are asking members to bring a dessert. The birthday cake will be baked by Blake/Pamela Bujnoch and will be won by someone with a birthday in the months from July through December. Door prizes will also be given out. Since this is our Christmas social, we will have a gift exchange and the price amount is approximately $5. Please label your gift as being for a lady, man, or child. Also, Christmas goodie bags will be distributed and furnished by the lodge. Please take some time from your busy Christmas schedule and come join us in Sweet Home on December 7. Give yourself a break for a couple of hours - enjoy the Sweet Home fellowship. Fraternally, Elaine Berkovsky FAC/Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 67 Schulenburg Christmas party Saturday, Dec. 13
SPJST Lodge 67, Schulenburg invites members to its Christmas party on Saturday December 13, 2014, at Schulenburg Community Center, located by the post office at 708 Anderson Street in Schulenburg, Texas 78956. Social hour with refreshments is from 6 to 7 p.m. A catered meal will be served at 7 p.m. Members are asked to please bring desserts to share. Attendance prizes are to be given away. Please RSVP by Friday, December 5 to Adrienne Kobza (979) 743-5629
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SPJST and Lodge 80, Holland Supports Volunteer Fire Department
or to Ernest J. Kutac (979) 561-8686 Sponsored by SPJST Lodge 67, Schulenburg. We look forward to seeing you! Fraternally, Ernest Kutac, President —SPJST—
Lodge 81 Needville elects 2015 officers
The November 2014 meeting of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville was held on Sunday, the 16th. At 12 noon, everyone enjoyed a meal of turkey and dressing with an assortment of side dishes and desserts brought by the members. Thanks to Darlene Blinka and her kitchen committee for getting everything ready. President Vincent Newman called the business meeting to order at 1 p.m. The youth club led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Robert Polasek was added to our sick list. All officers answered the roll call except Special Funds Chairman Tom Stavinoha. Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall read her report, and it was approved as read. Bradley Stavinoha read the treasurer’s report, and it was approved as read. President Vincent Newman read Tom Stavinoha’s special funds report, and it was approved as read. Since there was no old business to discuss, we moved straight to new business. We voted in new members, Charles Filip and Madison Jan. We hope to see you soon! We were excited to have District Five Director
District Two Director Jesse Pospisil, left, presents a donation to Coleman Benner of the Holland Volunteer Fire Department and Lodge 80, Holland President Rita Spinn. Lodge 80 contributed a matching donation to the volunteer fire department.
Larry W. Pflughaupt with us. He told us what Districts Five and Six were doing. He said that we’re doing well as far as investments. Next, it was decided to donate $125 to the senior citizens fundraiser. Also, Jeanette Newman will deliver a case of peaches to the S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home in Needville. Since next month is our Christmas meeting, it was decided to have 10 - $10 door prizes. Willie Mae Kuykendall and Jeanette Newman will make 30 bags for our Christmas meeting. After the meeting, we elected officers. They are: President Vincent Newman Vice President Jeanette Newman Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha Special Funds Chairman Tom Stavinoha
All the other committees stayed the same except Gilbert Walzel was taken off the activities committee, and Madelyn Gadway was added to this committee. District Five Director Larry W. Pflughaupt installed the officers for 2015. Door prize winners were Laura Ann Abschneider, Glenn McDonald, Dorothy Kuban, and Lawrence Janicak. Other prizes brought by District Five Director Pflughaupt were won by Troy Kettler, Dorothy Blinka, Bradley Stavinoha, Ann Gadway, Darlene Blinka, Madelyn Gadway, Georgie Kettler, Winnie Susan, and Willie Mae Kuykendall. Congratulations to our lucky winners! Next Meeting—December 21 For our next meeting on December
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21, Bradley Stavinoha volunteered to get a honey-baked ham, and Darlene Blinka will get some sausages. Members, please bring a side dish and a dessert. See you at the next meeting! Fraternally, Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—
P P P Presenting 2015 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 81, Needville
Lodge 87, Temple Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 7
Dear Members, We invite you to attend the SPJST Lodge 87, Temple Christmas party on Sunday, December 7, 2014, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at SPJST Home Office, located at 520 North Main Street in Temple. We look forward to seeing you there! Meat, bread, and iced tea will be provided. Attendees are asked to bring a salad or vegetable dish to accompany the meat. We are also collecting canned goods, socks, toiletry items, and coats/jackets to be donated to Feed My Sheep. Your donations will be appreciated and will help make Christmas a little brighter for those in need. Join us for dinner, games, and door prizes!
Leopard Street in Corpus Christi. After the meeting, we will have our Christmas social. Fraternally, Kathryn Marek, Treasurer —SPJST—
Lodge 141, Sealy Christmas social Tuesday, Dec. 9
Lodge 84, Dallas Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 14
Dear Readers, I just wanted to remind everyone that Lodge 84, Dallas will be having its annual Christmas party on Sunday, December 14, 2014. Doors will open at 4 p.m. The dinner is potluck, and the lodge will provide the meat and bread. Everyone attending is asked to please bring their favorite side dish and dessert to share with everyone. There is sure to be plenty of fun, fellowship, and food! Also, there will be caroling, accordion music, and a youth program for your entertainment, and I think maybe a special visit from Santa Claus. So do not miss out on this afternoon of holiday festivities! Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—
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The 2015 officers of, front, left to right, Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall, Vice President Janet Newman, President Vince Newman, and Treasurer/Youth Leader Bradley Stavinoha. They were installed by District Five Director Larry W. Pflughaupt, pictured in back at the podium.
Please RSVP with number attending by Wednesday, December 3 by emailing melaniez@vvm.com or calling (254) 534-0807. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Lodge 87, Temple! Fraternally, Terry Festa, President —SPJST—
Lodge 91 San Jacinto Christmas party Saturday, Dec. 6
Dear Members, You and a guest are invited to SPJST Lodge 91, San Jacinto’s annual Christmas party on Saturday, December 6, 2014, at 11 a.m. at China Ko, located off FM 2100 in Crosby. A short business meeting will be held. Lunch and door prizes will follow. Please bring $5 cash or $5 in cat or dog food as your admittance into the party. We look forward to seeing you there. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from SPJST Lodge 91, San Jacinto! Fraternally, Vonda Smesny, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 97, Placedo Christmas party Saturday, Dec. 6
Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 97, Placedo Christmas party is Saturday, December 6, 2014, at 11:15 a.m. at Veracruz Restaurant, located at 3110 North Navarro in Victoria. Please bring canned goods on non-perishable foods for those less fortunate this holiday season. Also, remember to bring canned drink pull tabs for Ronald McDonald House. And, something new this year . . . wear an ugly sweater for a special contest! We hope to see you at the Christmas party on December 6, and we wish all members a happy holiday season. Fraternally, Diana Redd Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 117 Robstown Christmas meeting Saturday, Dec. 13
Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 117, Robstown will hold its quarterly meeting on Saturday, December 13, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Hilltop Community Center, located at 11425
Lodge 141, Sealy’s December gettogether will be at Tony’s Restaurant starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2014. Members and their guests are invited to help us celebrate Christmas with a meal provided by the lodge. November business was conducted by telephone and email since we did not have sufficient members show up for the scheduled meeting. Thanks, Bernice Stolarski Secretary/Reporter/FAC —SPJST—
Lodge 142 Houston welcomes visitors
President Keith Kieschnick called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. after 35 members and two visitors present. All enjoyed the wonderful catered turkey, dressing, and trimmings meal along with desserts and a delicious cake that Dorothy Pflughaupt brought to the meeting was enjoyed as Thanksgiving. Thanks to all. Flag Bearer Gunnar Owens led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers’ and committee reports were given. Correspondence was read and discussed. District Five Director and his wife Dorothy were our visitors. Director Larry W. Pflughaupt spoke to the members. It was very informative. Thanks to Mr. Pflughaupt. Birthdays in November were M. Dunn, Carita Felbermayr, Gracie Owens, and Mary Ann Kieschnick. Celebrating anniversaries were Steve and Jo Dein Roznovsky - 58 years; Nelson and Alice Jochen - 64 years; Jack and Catherine Manchack - 39 years; and Cindy Payne - 28 years. Oldest member present: male is Jack
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Manchack; female is Mary Jane Hue; and youngest child is Zoe Saxton. Next Meeting—December 14 The meeting adjourned until the second Sunday, December 14 at 2 p.m. for the annual meeting and election of officers. Our Christmas meal will be catered. Come to be with us. Fraternally, Alice Jochen, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 151 Wharton meets Monday, Dec. 8
SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton will hold its quarterly meeting and Christmas social on Monday, December 8, 2014, at Wharton Depot Museum, located at 100 Sunset Street in Wharton. A catered turkey and dressing meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. Please call Carolyn Bucek at (979) 532-1910 before Sunday, November 30 if you plan to attend so she can make arrangements for the meal. Members will furnish the desserts. The presentation of 50- and 75-year pins will take place after the meal. Fifty-year pins will be awarded to Daniel Chumchal, Jr., Rose Marie Filip, Jeffrey B. Kalina, and Teresa R. Schilhab. Seventy-five year pins will be awarded to Robert Kallas, Lydia Georgia Matusek, and Joe Henry Urbanovsky. Members of the recipients’ families are invited to attend as guests. Officers for 2015 will be elected. Please volunteer to take an office. Members with birthdays in October, November, and December will be honored. We look forward to seeing you. Fraternally, Janie Bucek Secretary/FAC —SPJST—
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Lodge 88, Houston Members Perform at CCMH
The Jazz Medics perform at the 10-year anniversary celebration on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at the Czech Center Museum Houston. Kenneth Mlcak and
Carolyn Beseda, both of Lodge 88, Houston, are members of the orchestra. —Submitted by Dorothy Pflughaupt
Lodge 169 Brenham Christmas party Thursday, Dec. 4
Lodge 155, Austin Christmas social Sunday, Dec. 7
Lodge 155, Austin will hold its annual traditional Christmas social on Sunday, December 7, 2014, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Pok-E-Jo’s Smokehouse at 2121 West Parmer Lane in Austin. The lodge meeting and election of officers will precede the meal. We are honored to have Clifton Coufal, who was recently named SPJST’s 14th Supreme Lodge Vice President, to install the 2015 officers for Lodge 155. Members and guests are requested to “go Dutch” for their dinners. Gift cards will be distributed which can be applied to the cost of the meal. A reminder to members: It’s time to turn in your volunteer hours for fraternal/community events from our last lodge meeting in September to this meeting in December for the FAC report for the secretary to send to the SPJST Home Office. The lodge meetings count. Bring your holiday spirit for good fellowship and fun! Fraternally, Ginny Prasatik Secretary/FAC/Reporter —SPJST—
Dear Members, SPJST Bluebonnet Lodge 169, Brenham invites you to the annual Christmas dinner and meeting on Thursday, December 4, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. at The Cannery Kitchen, located at 314 East Alamo Street in Brenham, Texas. A traditional turkey and dressing dinner will be served. Members are asked to bring canned good donations for Faith Mission Food Pantry. Activities include a Christmas program and election of officers. Please RSVP by December 1 to Lodge 169 Secretary Lenora Bliznak (979) 277-8845 or to (979) 836-2609. Fraternally, Dorothy Strickland Vice President —SPJST—
Lodge 177 Academy elects 2015 officers
The regular meeting of SPJST Lodge 177, Academy was called to order at 5:09 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2014, by President Otis Beck. All officers were present. Everyone stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes were accepted after one correction was made. Correspondence included letters from the following organizations thanking Lodge 177, Academy for recent $1,000 donations to each: Churches Touching Lives for Christ (CTLC); Little River-Academy Volunteer Fire Department; and Academy ISD. The Sunshine Committee reported that currently there is no one on our sick list. Committee reports for October 2014 were presented. FAC Bill reported on several upcoming events: Veteran’s Day activities on November 11; 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive; Progressive 42 Tournament in Fort Worth; and SPJST Christmas Open House on December 1. Bill also announced that our lodge Christmas social, meeting, installation of officers will be December 10 at Dynasty Restaurant in Temple at 6:30 p.m. Be sure to come and bring a guest as well! There was no old business.
New Business Bill made a motion that the next time our lodge makes a donation to Academy ISD we specify that the money be designated to buy the most protective football helmets for the Academy ISD football program. Otis
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will research to determine which helmets are best in preventing injuries and report back to us. The 2015 officers and board of trustees were elected:
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Lodge 155, Austin Celebrates Birthday Members
Happy November birthday to Lodge 155, Austin members Clara Klinkovsky right,on the 25th, and Marianna Wood on the 29th. They are both members of Lodge 155, Austin.
President Otis Beck First Vice President Don McCrea Second Vice President Shirley McCrea Secretary/Reporter Joanne Hutka Treasurer Josie Mitchell FAC Bill Hutka
Board of Trustees Otis Beck, Bill Hutka, Don McCrea Shirley McCrea, Bernice Hutka Christine Beck
After motions by Bernice and Don, the meeting was adjourned at 5:51 p.m. Fraternally, Joanne Hutka Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 183 Arlington Christmas party Saturday, Dec. 13
You are cordially invited to the Lodge 183, Arlington Christmas party! Guests who are interested in SPJST membership are also welcome! The party is Saturday, December 13, 2014, at SPJST Lodge 183, Arlington Hall, located at 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane in Arlington, Texas. The party starts at 6 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Adults are asked to bring a $15 gift for a male or a female for the Chinese gift exchange. If you would like your child to receive a gift from Santa, please bring a wrapped gift. Please RSVP by Monday, December 8 by calling (817) 465-8538. —SPJST—
Lodge 189, BryanCollege Station Christmas dinner Sunday, Dec. 14
Dear Members, All members and their guests are invited to attend the December meeting and annual Christmas dinner of SPJST Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station on Sunday, December 14, 2014, at 12 noon at The Brazos County Senior Center, located at 1402 Bristol Street in Bryan. (The Center is located on the street behind Hillier Funeral Home, off of East 29th Street, one block north of St. Joseph Hospital.) A good meal will be provided. Members are asked to bring a dessert to share. We urge all members to attend this annual lodge dinner. To ensure that enough food will be prepared, please RSVP to Lodge 189 Secretary/Treasurer Gerald Rieger (979) 778-1592 or (979) 229-3920. If no answer, please leave a message with your attendance number. Remember, we are all in the SPJST family, and it is important to share in this fraternal activity and keep our lodge active. We will have a drawing for money like Ernie Wentrcek used to have! Bring your kids or grandkids. We had a great crowd last year, and we look forward to seeing you again! We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, December 14! Fraternally, Gerald Rieger Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—
Secretary/Reporter Michael D. Hosch Treasurer David Nauert FAC Gene McBride Sergeant-at-Arms Harvey LaFlamme
Congratulations to all who were elected. After the elections, motion was made to adjourn and members adjourned. I would also like to remind everyone of our Christmas party at Raymond’s on December 4 at 6:30 p.m. Come join the fun and great food. Fraternally, Michael D. Hosch, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 200 Lodge 200 Bruceville-Eddy Bruceville-Eddy Christmas party reports on Thursday, Dec. 4 November meeting Members of Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy met on November 5, 2014, at Taylor Hall for their monthly meeting. A meal was provided by Harvey LaFlamme. After the meal, President Allen Trigg opened the meeting. Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Michael D. Hosch then read the minutes of the last meeting. After the meeting, David Nauert read the treasurer/FAC reports mentioning the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive, Veteran’s Day, Christmas parade, and his birthday on December 1 along with the New Braunfels bowling tournament in February. Old Business Members discussed and confirmed the lodge Christmas party at Raymond’s.
New Business James R. Hosch mentioned that at the Beyersville 42 tournament, he placed eighth out of 15. The lodge had donated $50 to the Bruceville-Eddy Halloween carnival. James R. Hosch then read the November and December birthdays, which a December birthday boy was present - David Nauert. We would like to wish him a happy birthday after which the lodge then voted for officers which are: President Allen Trigg Vice President James R. Hosch
Dear Members, Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy invites you to its annual Christmas party on Thursday, December 4, 2014, at Raymond’s Southern Kitchen, located on Northbound IH-35 Frontage Road, at 6:30 p.m. Come enjoy dinner, door prizes, and a good time. Bring a wrapped gift valued at $5 for a fun exchange game. Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 2 by calling President Allen Trigg, Sr. at (254) 214-7351 or sending an email to Treasurer David Nauert at davidn@vvm.com. We look forward to seeing you at the party, and we send you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Fraternally, Allen Trigg, Sr., President —SPJST—
Lodge 246 Morgan’s Point Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 7
Dear Members, We invite you to attend the SPJST Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point Christmas party on Sunday, December 7, 2014, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at SPJST Home Office, located at 520 North Main Street in Temple. We look forward to
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seeing you there! Meat, bread, and iced tea will be provided. Attendees are asked to bring a salad or vegetable dish to accompany the meat. We are also collecting canned goods, socks, toiletry items, and coats/jackets to be donated to Feed My Sheep. Your donations will be appreciated and will help make Christmas a little brighter for those in need. Join us for dinner, games, and door prizes! Please RSVP with number attending by Wednesday, December 3 by emailing melaniez@vvm.com or calling (254) 534-0807. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Lodge 246 Morgan’s Point! Fraternally, James L. Lee, III, President —SPJST—
Fort Worth Friendship Club
The Friendship Club met on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, for our Thanksgiving meeting and social. President Sharron called the meeting to order, and instead of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, we sang “God Bless America,” led by Lois Smith. Guest was a friend of Felma Smith’s, but I failed to get her name. We enjoyed having you and do come again. Sharron welcomed everyone. Secretary Mary Ann Krivanek read the minutes from the last meeting, and Jo Ann Wilcox presented the financial report. Both were accepted as presented. Rose Ann Spann reported on Stanley Krenek’s recent fall out of a deer stand. I believe he had some broken ribs. Stanley, get well. You and Betty were missed. Rose Ann also reported on the death of her sister, Linda (Krenek) Thom, who died on November 3. She will be cremated, and a memorial service will be held later. Our sympathy goes out to Rose Ann and Stanley. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Sunshine person Darlene Tompkins reported sending get well and sympathy cards to Stanley and a sympathy card to Rose Ann. We had a nice craft show. Items available for purchase were jewelry, wreaths, adult bibs/aprons, crocheted afghans, and other items. Of course, most of us made some purchases. I got a couple of gifts for Christmas.
Lodge 185, New Braunfels Makes a Difference for Food Bank
Adult and youth club members from Lodge 185, New Braunfels took part in Make A Difference Day by collecting canned goods for the local SOS Food Bank. Together, they collected 87 pounds of food. This was more than years past, and the food bank is always happy to accept their donations, especially with the upcoming holidays.
Margaret Sears reported for the nominating committee, and she stated no one volunteered to serve. Following, Margaret Sears agreed to serve as president, Lola Taylor will be vice president, Mary Ann Krivanek will be secretary, and Jo Ann Wilcox previously said she would continue to be the treasurer. We have a good slate of officers, and everyone is looking forward to next year. Let’s all support our new slate of officers. President Sharron looked into her magic hat and found the name of Mary Agnes Ward as our “Queen for the Day.” She really did look good sitting on the throne in cape and crown and holding the scepter. Congratulations, Mary Agnes. The singing of “Happy Birthday” went out to our November celebrants—Elizabeth Creamer, Ella Greer, Tracy Horn, and Mary Agnes Ward. May you all have many more birthdays. For our “fun” time, Lola Taylor cut out feathers, had a three-foot turkey, and we played pin the tail on the turkey. Our first three place winners were Tracy Horn, Helen Skrasek, and Lois Smith. All who participated received a prize which all were so glad to get as it will be used as a Thanksgiving decoration. Thanks, Sharron, Rose Ann, and Lola. Our table decorations were in the Thanksgiving theme, and all looked lovely. The 50/50 dollar games were won
by JoAnn Wilcox and Pat McWilliams. Door prizes were donated by Paula Arsenault (two), Debbie Skrasek, Helen Skrasek, Libbie Vrla, and Rose Ann said all the table decorations of baskets with fall flowers or plastic fruit which she and Lola made were also to be given away. Thanks to all the donors, and we sure had lots of happy winners. Our Christmas social was discussed, and the Club will purchase ham for lunch. I didn’t get the name of the person who will take care of getting the ham. A $5 gift exchange will be held; if you bring a gift, you will get a gift. Following the meeting, the blessing was said and a great lunch was enjoyed. Rose Ann and Lola brought turkeys which were so good and juicy. Rose Ann, Marilyn Llewellyn, and someone else brought the dressing, and all three were good. Sorry I didn’t get the name of the third person. Don’t forget to bring a dish in December to compliment ham, bring your gift, and come have fun. The next meeting will be on December 3. We never know from one meeting to the next what President Sharron and her staff will have us doing. We have danced “The Chicken Dance,” “Mexican Hat Dance,” and “Bunny Hop,” pinned the tail on the turkey, and tried singing Czech songs. I am sure it will be a surprise.
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News Lydia Alholm is certainly enjoying being back home at the Wellington. As I said before, one of her first outings will be to WinStar, and sure enough, she has already gone. Asked if she won “big,” and she said, yes I won, but not all that big. And she is already driving her car. I told her to stay away from Loop 820 as all the new lanes, express, and HOV are open now. She did tell me she would just drive in the neighborhood. And, she is back helping run the bingo games at the Wellington. She enjoyed the weekend visit from her grandson, Danny, from the Chicago area. He came for the SMU homecoming. While here, he got Lydia a new flat screen television with a remote. Her old television was still in excellent working condition, but was so old that she had to get up and walk over to the TV to turn it on, change channels, and to turn it off. Now she can sit in her big chair and operate the TV. In mid-October, Helen Skrasek traveled to Oklahoma as son Ron and LeAnn had guests from the Czech Republic, and she went to help as an interpreter. Mrs. Bohunka Regenerova and her son Pavel, distant Skrasek cousins, came to the United States for a visit. They were entertained with lots of good food and visits to an operational oil well, a cattle ranch, Indian Cultural Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma City downtown museum of the 1995 Murrah Federal Building bombing. To greet Bohunka and Pavel in Oklahoma, Ada Marie (Skrasek) and Wendel Withrow, Barbara and Pete Brown, Willie Skrasek, and Marilyn Skrasek went for a visit. From Oklahoma, Bohunka and Pavel flew to Florida to help their Aunt Mary Chivdick celebrate her 90th birthday and to see the sights of Florida. In July this past year, Ron and LeAnn and Ada Marie and Wendel visited Bohunka in Liberec, Czech Republic where they attended a beer festival and that is where Pavel lives. They said it was very entertaining, and thousands of folks were attending. They hope to be able to do this again someday. I enjoyed a phone visit with Betty Landsfeld the other day. We both got caught up on everything. I did learn that her son-in-law Stanley Krenek is in the hospital. Get well soon, Stanley. Betty is doing real well, has help to come in, and she does like to visit over the telephone. So, everyone, call her (817) 921-4102. So Until, Keep Smiling! Libbie Vrla, Reporter —SPJST—
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SPJST Youth
Section
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
This section is dedicated to the youth of SPJST. As part of its membership benefits, SPJST offers a statewide youth program. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about opportunities offered to young members of SPJST, please contact your local lodge, District Youth Counselor, State Youth Director at (800) 727-7578, or visit www.spjst.org.
State Youth Director shares December updates
I hope you and your family enjoyed Thanksgiving. I have enjoyed reading in the Vestnik about what your youth clubs have been planning. It is wonderful that you do things in your community and that youth leaders and parents are giving their youth experiences that build great character and that can never be taken away. It’s even nicer when you take the time to share news and photos of your great works with our SPJST family. I wish you and your family an amazing Christmas and thank you, leaders, for the gifts of time, energy, and perseverance that you devote to our young members through the SPJST Youth Program.
We Can Grow Together— SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm On Saturday, November 15, SPJST LITs, future LITs, parents, mentors, and members of the Temple Un-Included club gathered at the SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm to help replenish the tree population and to spend some time on the ENC high ropes course. LITs helped fit harnesses, work ladders, run ropes, and helped to encourage participants when they were scared or unsure. Many of the youth from the Un-Included Club that participated had never experienced anything like a ropes course. A good time was had by all. Youth Leaders Retreat Please mark your calenders and save the date. Youth Leaders Retreat will
start on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at 10 a.m. at the SPJST Home Office. I would really like for all youth leaders to come and stay overnight with us and head home on Sunday, March 22. All youth leaders and their assistants are encouraged to attend. Your spouse/guest is welcome to accompany you. If you are planning to bring a spouse/guest, please let me know, and I will work with you on making arrangements. Please check your calendars and save the date. The registration form will be included in the January mailout.
2015 Youth Program Theme: “Mardi Gras 2015 Let The Good Times Roll” Our youth club theme is “Mardi Gras 2015 - Let The Good Times Roll.” This is a great theme that hopefully will give our young artists the opportunity to make some great designs for next year’s camp tee-shirt design contest.
2015 SPJST Camp Tee-Shirt Design Contest The camp tee-shirt theme is “Mardi Gras 2015 - Let The Good Time Roll.” I would really like for youth leaders to encourage some discussion on this topic during your next couple of meetings. Please encourage all of your youth club members to enter. The grand prize is a $100 Visa gift card and a free tee-shirt for the winner. Contest deadline is January 31, 2015. All participants receive two merit points and a participation certificate.
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. The SPJST will recognize youth for volunteer service during January 1 through December 31, 2014. This is a great opportunity for our youth members, parents, and groups. Please read about the program on page 40 of the youth club handbook. Volunteer Service Tracking Forms are available from the State Youth Director or on the SPJST webpage. Forms must be returned by February 28 to the State Youth Director. We can also provide you with log in information and you can electronically log your hours. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the program.
Lions Club Eyeglass Donations This month’s Vestnik project is about donating eyeglasses to be recycled and repurpose to the needy. Please consider organizing your own collection drive. Ask members of your youth to spread the word among their friends, family
and members of other groups to which they belong. Get the word out to local newspapers and radio and television stations. Encourage youth members to check lost and found departments at hotels, stores, schools, police stations, etc., for unclaimed glasses. This is a great cause that SPJST has been involved in for several years. In the last few years, the number of donations has decreased - let’s show the Lions Club that the youth of SPJST care.
SPJST Scholarships and Leadership Grants All members who are high school seniors and undergraduates are encouraged to apply for the SPJST General Scholarship. Active youth club members are encouraged to apply for both the General Scholarship and the Leadership Grant. Please, remember that you need to be an active youth club member to apply for the Leadership Grant. For more information or for applications, please call Sandra Dubcak in the Fraternal Department. Completed scholarship applications and related application materials must be postmarked on or before February 1, 2015.
100 Pennies Scholarship Fund 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. Youth leaders, if you do not have any of the 100 Pennies slips, please feel free to accept the donation and send it in on a piece of paper. Please be sure to include the name of the person making the donation and the amount of their donation.
Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Rides in Hummer Limo
Dear Readers, I recently got to ride in a Hummer Limo to McDonald’s for my school fundraiser. I had a lot of fun, especially with my friend, Kadie Hartman, who is also in my youth club.
The first picture is my friend Kadie, left, and me. The second picture is me in front of the Hummer Limo! Macy Narro —SPJST—
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2015 Leader-In-Training Retreat June 12 to 14 This year, we have a great LIT retreat lined up for our youth. Our retreat will be held at the SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm. This year our LIT retreat will start on Friday, June 12 and end on Sunday, June 14. Mark your calenders and save the date for a great time. I hope that all youth that finished their eighth grade year through graduating seniors will participate as LITs. I am looking forward to seeing you all there! SPJST Christmas Open House December 1 All members are cordially invited to attend the Temple Christmas Parade on Monday, December 1 in downtown Temple at 6:30 p.m. The SPJST will
have several entries in the parade — including the appearance of our 2014 2015 SPJST State Royalty Court. Following the parade, everyone is invited to the SPJST Christmas Open House. Come by and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Czech Christmas tree will be on display with traditional Czech ornaments. The youth will enjoy decorating Christmas cookies, balloon twisting and face painting. The open house will feature music, refreshments, and lots of fun. Throughout the holiday season, the Home Office will feature the Youth Christmas Tree featuring the statewide winning youth ornaments. We will be offering rides over to the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center for an enjoyable tour and refreshments. Best wishes to you and yours for a
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Fraternally, Lynette Talasek State Youth Director —SPJST—
District Two plans Dec. 5 to 6 lock-in
Dear Members, Make plans to attend the annual District Two lock-in beginning Friday, December 5, 2014, at 7 p.m and concluding at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning. The lock-in will be held at Wilson Recreation Center, located at 2205
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Curtis B. Elliott in Temple. The facility is a great place for a lock-in. The kids are going to have a blast! It has a nice large gym for volleyball and basketball, a movie room, and a craft area. There will be many activities to enjoy. Come to the lock-in and see what all is in store for the night. Youth club members can bring a guest. Pizzas, drinks, and plenty of snacks will be available throughout the lockin. And, of course, there will be door prizes for those who dare to stay up all night. We hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, and we’ll see you at the lock-in on Friday, December 5. Fraternally, Patsy, Cristy, and Amber —SPJST—
November N ovember V Vestnik estnik P Project roject - “ “Give Give tthe he G Gift if t o off Si Sight!” ght!” This This project project e earns arns a m maximum aximum 1 p point oint iin n tthe he SPJST Y Youth outh C Clubs lubs M Merit erit Po Points ints Syst System. em. M Mail ail co completed mpleted p project roject n no o llater ater tthan han D December ecember 1 15, 5, 2 2014 014 tto: o: Youth Program Program c/o c/o SPJST Office • P.O. P.O. Box SPJ SPJST ST Youth SPJST Home Home Office Box 100 100 • Temple, Temple, Texas Texas 76503 76503
Name______________________________________________________________________ Name_ __ ___ __ ___ __ __ __ ___ __ ___ __ ___ __ ___ __ __ __ ___ __ ___ __ ___ __ __ __ ___ __ ___ __ ___ __ __ __ ___ __ ___ __ ___ __ __ __ ___ __ ___ __ ___ __ __ __ ___ Ag Age______________ e_ __ ___ __ __ __ ___ __ ___ __ __ L Lodge______________ odge___ __ ___ __ __ __ ___ __ ___
Thanksgi Thanksgiving: ving: G ive tthe he G if t o ght! Give Gift off Si Sight! Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is is about about being being thankful thankf nkful ul for for what what we we have. have. It It is is a time time also also about about giving. giving. The The ability ability to to see see is is something something many many people people take take for for granted, granted, but the sight can can be a true true blessing blessing for for many. many. the gift gift of sight There There are are many many people and in in many many parts parts of people in in the the United United States States and the the world world who who cannot Most of these these vision vision cannot see see well well and and need need glasses. glasses. Most problems problems can can lead lead to to blindness blindness if if not treated. treated. Nearly Nearly 700 million million peopeople ple have have avoidable avoidable blindness blindness or impaired impaired vision. vision. Most Most of these these vision vision problems problems can can be quickly quickly diagnosed diagnosed and and easy easy to to treat treat with with perscription perscription eyeglasses. eyeglasses. So many So m any people people either either do not have have access access to to a vision vision center center or do not have have the the funds funds tto o ssee ee an an eye eye doctor. doctor or.. Because Be cause of this this millions millions people of pe ople have have to to live live with see with the the inability inability to to see well basic well enough enough to to do basic everyday as everyday tasks, tasks, such such as reading, reading, writing, writing, cookcookook ing ing aand nd earning earning a living. living. Some S ome people people are are pushed deeper pus hed de eper into into poverty pove rty simply simply because because they they don’t don’t have have glasses. glasses. They can't can't learn learn because because reading reading is is difficult difficult if They if you cannot cannot see see the the words. T hey can't can't work work to to the the best best of their their ability words. They ability because because they they can't can't see clearly clearly..
Lions Lions R Recycle ecycle ffor or Si Sight ght Lions Lions Club Club is is a worldwide worldwide charitable charitable society society devoted devoted to to social social and and iinternational nternational service, service, taking taking its its membership membership primarily primarily from from business business aand nd pr professional ofessional groups. groups. Collecting Lions Club Club as Collecting eyeglasses eyegl glas asses for for the the Lions well as other oth ot her service organ or ganizat atiions has longstanding S PJST well service organizations SPJST has been been a longstanding activity. It is! Youth Program Youth P rogr ogram am activity. It still still is! old eyeglasses, eyeglasses, readreadLions volunteers collect collect old Lions Clubs Clubs International International volunteers repair the the used used eyewear, eyewear, hey clean clean and and repair glasses They iing ng gl asses aand nd sunglasses. sunglasses. T to people people who who can't can't afford to buy their their own. own. w hich is is then then distributed distributed to which afford to They prescription and and non-prescription non-prescription eyewear, They accept accept both both prescription eyewear, in in both both sizes. It It costs costs the the Lions Lions Club aadults' dults' and and cchildren's hildren's sizes. Club less less than than eight eight pair of recycled recycled eyeglasses eyeglasses and ccents ents to to provide provide a pair and change change someone's someone's life. clear vision vision means means a better better education, life. For For cchildren, hildren, clear education, healthier healthier development better quality quality of life. life. For For adults, development and and a better adults, it it means means greater greater and economic economic strength. strength. For eemployment mployment opportunity opportunity and For seniors seniors it it means means others. lless ess dependence dependence on others. Donating Donating eyeglasses eyeglasses is is easy. easy. All All you have have to to do is is collect collect old old eyeeyeye glasses glasses and and ttake ake them them to to a SPJST SPJST youth youth club club or adult adult meeting. meeting.
Where Where Can You You Find Find Used Used Glasses? Glasses? List List three three places places you think think you could could find find old old glasses glasses to to donate donate to to Lions Lions Club Club International. International. 1. ____________________________________________________ 2. ____________________________________________________ 3. ____________________________________________________
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club reports on November meeting
The November 2, 2014, meeting of SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club was called to order at 2:30 p.m. by President Jacob Supak. Grant Bubela led the Pledge of Allegiance and the SPJST Youth Club Motto. We remained standing for a moment of silent prayer for the good of our members and friends. The register was read. Nine youth members were present. The secretary read the minutes from the last meeting. There were no corrections or additions to the minutes. Assistant Treasurer Grant Bubela reported that everyone has paid their dues. Treasurer Andrew Kresta read the treasury report.. Old business—The 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive has started, and forms were handed out.
mas clothes and bring a blanket. The Christmas social is Sunday, December 14 at 12 noon. Youth are to arrive at 10 a.m. to help decorate the hall for the social. Youth are to bring decorations for centerpieces and giveaways for door prizes. Youth parents signed up to bring a lunch item for social. Wear nice attire.
Youth Leader’s Report Lisa Bubela thanked everyone who worked at the Taiton Fall Festival on October 5 and Czech Dozanky Festival on October 12. The poem “Attitude of Gratitude” was read.
Next Meeting—December 14 Our next meeting will be December 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Taiton hall. President Jacob Supak adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m. Fraternally, Lauren Kresta, Reporter —SPJST—
New Business El Campo Christmas parade will be Thursday, December 4. Youth will ride the SPJST Float. Check El Campo Leader News paper for what time the parade starts. Youth are to wear Christ-
Lodge 81, Needville Youth Club Seeking New Members
Lodge 92 Fort Worth Youth Club invites all to activities
Dear Members, You are invited to enjoy and celebrate the Christmas season with SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth Youth Club! The Fort Worth Parade of Lights is this Friday, November 28 at 6:30 p.m. in Downtown Fort Worth. We are float number 105 in the parade. All youth and adult members are welcome to join us to ride the SPJST Float or just cheer us on at the parade. If riding the float, please contact Youth Leader Holly Anderson for details (682) 552-4498 or email hollyanderson33@gmail.com.
Children’s Christmas Party The Children’s Christmas Party is Friday, December 19 at SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth National Hall, located at 3316 Roberts Cut Off Road in Fort Worth, Texas 76114. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the program begins at 6:30 p.m. The tradition continues with a new date and time. Special guest will be Santa! Santa’s gifts should be placed under the tree by 6:30 p.m. Members, please bring cookies, candy, or cupcakes to share. Bring a stuffed toy to support Autumn’s Angel Bears benefitting the Snowball Express charity. We look forward to seeing you and your family at both of these activities! Merry Christmas from Lodge 92, Fort Worth Youth Club. Fraternally, Holly Anderson, Youth Leader —SPJST—
You are invited to enjoy and celebrate the Christmas season with
SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth Youth Club! Fort Worth Parade of Lights Friday, November 28 at 6:30 p.m. • Downtown Fort Worth
All youth and adult members are welcome to join us to ride the SPJST Float or just cheer us on at the parade. If riding the float, please contact Youth Leader Holly Anderson for details (682) 552-4498 or hollyanderson33@gmail.com
Children’s Christmas Party Friday, December 19 at SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth National Hall 3316 Roberts Cut Off Road • Fort Worth, Texas 76114 Doors open at 6 p.m. Program begins at 6:30 p.m. The tradition continues with a new date and time! Special Guest: Santa! Santa’s gifts should be placed under the tree by 6:30 p.m. Members, please bring cookies, candy, or cupcakes to share. Bring a stuffed toy to support Autumn’s Angel Bears benefitting the Snowball Express charity. We look forward to seeing you and your family! Merry Christmas from Lodge 92, Fort Worth Youth Club.
Members from Lodge 81, Needville Youth Club met on November 16, 2014, at 11:30 a.m. Members gathered at the SPJST lodge hall for a short meeting and to discuss plans for upcoming events. Youth members are making plans for a group social to look at Christmas lights and also discussed a membership drive and dance. If you are from Needville or the surrounding area, please consider attending the next youth club meeting on Sunday, December 21 at 11:30 a.m. Youth club meetings are the third Sunday of each month at the lodge hall in Needville. If you have any questions, contact Youth Leader Bradley Stavinoha at (979) 739-2386.
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014
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Lodge 154, Fort Worth Youth Club Excited about Thanksgiving, Parade, Holiday in the Park
On Sunday, November 16, 2014, Lodge 154, Fort Worth Youth Club met. We talked about the holiday season ahead. We discussed our plans for the annual Parade of Lights in Fort Worth—which by the way you should come to. It’s this Friday, November 28. There will be tons of beautiful Christmas floats, many choirs, and Santa, himself, will be there, too! We are also really excited for the District Three outing coming up in December at Holiday in The Park.
Easy ideas for wreaths
(MS) Wreaths are synonymous with the holiday season, and they can range from intricate to simple to flashy to rustic. Creating festive wreaths does not necessarily require a lot of skill, and wreaths can be fashioned from a variety of different materials. The first step to crafting wreaths is to gather the foundation pieces. This usually involves a sturdy material that will serve as the wreath round. It can be vine, foam, branches, or even wire. You'll also need decorative items that fit the theme of your wreath. These may be berries, ornaments, ribbons, bows, and other trinkets that will be attached to the wreath. Florist wire and tape can be used to attach the ornaments to the wreath.
“Say Cheese” Wreath—Purchase a premade evergreen wreath or wrap boughs of pine around a wreath frame to make your own. Glue or tie on small wooden frames with photos of the family to the wreath. Fill in the barren spots with small bows and ornaments.
Fruitful Wreath—Instead of an evergreen wreath, create something festive and edible. Fruit and vegetables in vibrant colors can be used to fashion a wreath. Use picks or wire to attach oranges, lemons, limes, clementines, and any other produce desired to a foam wreath. Use leaves to fill in sparse areas and a thick ribbon to hang the wreath.
We then did our November Vestnik project where we all listed some things we were thankful for. After that, we had fun making little turkeys out of some classic fall vegetables that we are giving to a senior living home. Hope y’all have a great Thanksgiving! :) Fraternally, Sophie Milan —SPJST—
Holly Vine Wreath—Purchase a plain grapevine wreath and decorate it with sprigs of holly leaves and stems with berries. Simple and festive, this wreath should take only a few minutes to make and then hang.
Metallic Wreath—Add a glamorous touch to an evergreen wreath with faux fruit and pine cones that you paint with glimmering metallic colors. Intersperse items in gold, copper and silver for an eye-catching piece that can
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adorn any spot in your home. Add a few twinkling lights to reflect off of the metallic elements to add even more appeal.
Bells or Glass Ornament Wreath—Use flexible wire to string a wreath of metal bells or glass ornaments together in a ring shape. Bells not only look nice but also lend a gentle twinkling sound anytime the door is opened.
Floral Wreath—Make a fresh flower wreath from a florist's wreath and fresh blooms. Soak the foam wreath in water according to the packaged directions. Trim flower stems (carnations are durable) and insert the stems into the wreath. Attach a bow to the bottom of the wreath and then hang. This is one wreath that is best displayed the day of the festivities because it has a short shelf life.
Cinnamon Wreath—This wreath looks beautiful and gives off that quintessential holiday aroma. Begin with a foam wreath and wrap with a two-inch wide ribbon to cover. Use hot glue to secure cinnamon sticks all around the wreath. For more color, add sprigs of holly, bows or mistletoe. —SPJST—
Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Prepare Tray Favors for Scottish Rite Hospital Patients
Lodge 84, Dallas youth prepare tray favors for the Scottish Rite Hospital patients who are unable to be
home for Christmas. It is an annual community service that the youth do to brighten the lives of those patients.
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014
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Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club Participates in District One Fall Fun Day
On Sunday, October 12, 2014, Lodge 17, New Tabor hosted District One Fall Fun Day. We had a great day. We really enjoyed participating in the Christmas orna-
ment contest, playing bingo, and decorating pumpkins. We both got second place with our ornaments. Happy Fall, everyone! —Submitted by Dillon and Macy Narro
ABOVE LEFT PHOTO: Pumpkin decorating. ABOVE CENTER PHOTO: Dillon makes his pumpkin. ABOVE RIGHT PHOTO: Maylee, Macy, and Kadie enjoy decorating pumpkins. LEFT and RIGHT PHOTOS: Bingo and meeting time. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Left to right, Ben Frank Trcalek, Jr., State FAC Frank Horak, and District One Director Donnie Victorick enjoy the day. BELOW CENTER PHOTO: First place ornament winners are, left to right, Wyatt Beasley and Maylee Dowell, both of Lodge 17, New Tabor, and Sydney Faust and Hayden Kovar, both of Lodge 9, Snook. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: District One Leaders-in-Training do a great job helping with bingo.
Lodge 187, Round Rock Youth Enjoy Halloween Fun!
Andrew Smith, far left, dressed up as Deadpool from X Men. Luke McCarthy, pictured above, left, dressed as Grim Ripper, and Mathieu McCarthy as Frankenstein. RIGHT PHOTOS: Mathieu loved playing peek-a-boo in the cauldron. FAR RIGHT PHOTO: Luke lost his first tooth on Halloween.
Podpora
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BENEVOLENCE
ROČNÍK 102 CISLO 47
Listopad film to be shown Nov. 30 in Temple
The next “All Things Czech” program will be on Sunday, November 30, 2014. This will be a special fundraising event hosted by the Czech Heritage Museum and SPJST at Temple’s Cultural Activities Center, located at 3011 North Third Street in Temple, Texas.
The event begins at 3 p.m. with a Moravian wine and cheese tasting party, followed by a screening of the new Czech film, Listopad, at 4 p.m. The film’s producer Jeffrey Brown, who is a member of SPJST Lodge 246, MorJefe Brown gan’s Point, will be in attendance to introduce the film and provide historical context for the period movie which takes place in 1989 in Czechoslovakia. The historic events surrounding the Velvet Revolution provide a historical stage for the story. Admission is $10, and proceeds benefit the Czech Her-
★
Lidskost
Česká
HUMANITY
Bratrství Wednesday, November 26, 2014
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Část
Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas
Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897
itage Museum. Please RSVP in order to help organizers with planning. Individuals, businesses, and groups seeking to provide underwriting support will be met with open arms! No gift is too small — or too large! Promotional consideration will be extended. For more information, please call (254) 534-2902. —SPJST—
TCHCC sets December 6 Christmas open house
Veselé Vánoce! Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center invites all to Czech Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 6, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center is located at 250 West Fairground Roads in La Grange, Texas 78945. Activities will be located throughout the facility. In Hanslik Hall will be a bake sale to benefit TCHCC. A soup and sandwich lunch will also be available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In the Kopecky Gift Shop, a variety of specialty Christmas items will be available for purchase. Also, new gifting ideas and items for 2014 will be featured. In the Museum will be Christmas Around the World exhibit and displays of Christmas items from various European cultures. The Czech Village will feature Christmas decorating traditions from the early 1900s. Step into vintage homes and buildings displaying an earlier time in Texas-Czech history. Music on the deck will be provided by The TubaMeisters The TCHCC Gala: Honoring Bands of the Past will also be on Saturday, December 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Pavilion Hall next to TCHCC.
This year’s honorees are The Hi-Toppers Orchestra, Bill Mraz Orchestra, and Leroy Rybak’s Swinging Orchestra. There will be a dinner buffet, silent Auction, RTV drawing, and recognition of the bands presentations. For more information, contact Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 West Fairground Roads at czechtexas.org; email info@czechtexas.org; or phone (888) 785-4500. —SPJST—
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BROTHERHOOD
26.listopad.2014
Mluvíte Česky?
Can you speak Czech? Wish you could? An informal understanding of the basic Czech terms needed for travel, speaking, singing, researching genealogy, and just for fun will be offered at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange, Texas. Classes will include the alphabet and conversational Czech, enjoy children’s literature, and examine the Czech song lyrics so prevalent in this area. Some classes will be continuations. All classes are geared to those taking the class for the first time so that everyone can join in. Classes will be every second Sunday of the month from 1 to 4 p.m. The fee is only $10 per person per class
Christmas Ornament Legends
By Charlene Hurta of SPJST Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy Texas Czech Genealogical Society President
The Czech Republic is noted for its beautifully painted eggs which many of us collect and display with great pride. Often, eggs are associated only with the Easter holidays; but, did you know the Monday following Easter (known as Easter Monday) is an official Czech National Holiday? On this Monday, where Pomlazka is the tradition, the boys playfully take the switches they made on Easter Sunday and chase the girls by pretending to whip their legs. Done in fun with no intention of ever causing pain, the switching symbolizes the casting off of winter’s gloom. The girl runs and hides but when found gives the boy an egg she has decorated. The egg, a symbol of eternal life, is also associated with the tomb from which Christ arose. A beautiful egg ornament placed on your Christmas tree offers an excellent way to lead into telling Christmas visitors about the Czech Pomlazka tradition. The Texas Czech Genealogical Society has an egg ornament available for $10 in our office located downstairs in the SPJST Home Office in Temple. Contact Nancy Machu at nbmachu@aol.com or phone her at (512) 218-1559 for more information. Have a most Blessed CHRISTmas. —SPJST—
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014
and includes handouts. The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC) is located at 250 West Fairgrounds Road on US Highway 77 just north of Bypass 71 in La Grange at the Fayette County Fair Grounds. Call or email to verify classes. Preregistration is suggested but not required. Call toll free (888) 785-4500 or (979) 968-9399) or email info@czechtexas.org. —SPJST—
Gifts for everyone on your list
Texas Czech Genealogical Society’s Gift Shop, located in the basement of the SPJST Home Office, 520 North Main Street in Temple, Texas, is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Our collection of quality Czech items offers something for everyone on your list. We offer a nice selection of quality crystal and Czech glass pieces as well as a number of economical gifts. To get your decorating started, peruse our variety of Czech Christmas ornaments. Special ornaments make wonderful gifts that will be used and cherished year after year, and often become a family legacy.
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Czech School of Dallas seeks volunteers
May we suggest beautiful, unique bib aprons made in Olesnice, Moravia from the stamped and dyed blue-print material that just says “Czech�. Other blue-print items include potholders, small heart pillows and stuffed animals.
The ladies on your list will love our kitchen novelties. Cheeseboards are handy, one-of-a-kind gifts that last for years. You would not go wrong with the tile trivets, square and round, a “welcome� wall shield, salt and pepper shakers, coffee mugs, spoon rests in three patterns as well as wooden spoon sets. We also offer a selection of cookbooks, in addition to our own Tribute to Czech Cooks.
Congratulations, TCGS!
Included in our array of inexpensive, yet desirable, gifts are novelty buttons, five different bumper stickers, Tarok cards, kitchen towels, Czech maps, Czech/English dictionaries, and a small assortment of 2015 calendars from the Czech Republic. We invite you to visit us any Wednesday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and we also invite you to attend our Open House, beginning on December 1 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., and continuing through December 12, Monday through Friday, 10 till 4. The gift shop will be closed from December 13 until January 7, 2015. —SPJST—
Hello all. Thank you for coming to Sokol Dallas and celebrating with us on Friday, November 14, 2014. Hope everyone is doing well and getting ready for yet another holiday season. Mikulas is fast approaching—Saturday, December 13. and we need to pull it together like we always do. We will be decorating Mikulas cookies in the next couple of weeks and could use your help. Proposed time is Sunday, November 30 during the Real Housewives cookie baking at 12 noon. We will also need help with decorating Sokol Ballroom (morning of November 30); potluck coordination; assembling gifts for children; coordinator that will make sure that families are ready to visit Mikulas; doors/tickets sale; gym - games helper; sound engineer/DJ; craft table person; Mikulas
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, Texas, 6 to approximately 8 p.m. Informal gathering for the purpose of listening to Czech, and reading and speaking Czech.
Second Sunday each Month Czech Language Class—at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange, Texas, 250 West Fairgrounds Road on US Highway 77, 1 to 4 p.m. Informal understanding of basic Czech terms, alphabet/conversational Czech, The Texas State Genealogical Society has recently named Early Czech children’s literature, Czech song Schools, published by the Texas Czech Genealogical Society, the first place lyrics. Fee is $10 per person per winner in its 2014 Category VII Division - Books Published by a Partner 1st Place AwardCall or email to verify class. Society. Earl classes. Pre-registration is sugWithin the books of 600 pages are 2,900-plus surnames but not required. Call toll The Texasgested, State Genealogical and over 600 photos, many of which are class photos with Society has recently named Early free (888) 785-4500; (979) 968students identified. This two-volume set brings many hours Czech Schools, published by the 9399; or email of reading pleasure as well as contributes greatly to Czech Texas Czech Genealogical Sociinfo@czechtexas.org. H W \ W K H ¿ U V W S O D F H Z L Q Q H U L Q L W V family research and would make a wonderful Christmas gift. 2014 Category VII Division It covers more than 100 Czech schools dating from the Books Published by a Partner Society. First, Third Tuesdays each Month 1800s through almost the mid-1900s, and includes photos and articles on Within the books 600 pages are 2,900+ surnames and over Tarok Lessons with Tarok Champion early Czech clubs at Texas A&M, The University of Houston, Rogers SKRWRV PDQ\High RI ZKLFK DUH FODVV SKRWRV ZLWK VWXGHQWV Jimmie Coufal—at Czech Heritage V H W E U L Q J V P D Q \ K R X U V R I U L G H Q W L ¿ H G 7 K L V W Z R Y R O X P H H D G L Q J School, Temple College, and The University of Texas. \ WR &]HFK PLO\ U119 SOHDVXUH DV ZHOO DV FRQWULEX HV JUHDWOMuseum, HVHDUFK West French Avenue, This award winning, soft-bound set is available for $55 +RXO$10 DV JL ,W FRYHU7 DQG Z G PDNH DshipV Pp.m.: RUH ZRQGHUI O &KULVWP Temple, Designed for all skill than Bill 100 Czech schools dating from the 1800s through almost ping/handling by sending a check made payable to TCGS to Hodon, levels, beginners to proficient. Come 1201 Nimbus Drive, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. Clubs at A&M, The University of Houston,some Rogers Highinexpensive entertainenjoy School, emple College and The University of For additional information, email Bill at bdhodon@sbcglobal.net or call ment; it’s a great social game. Get off 7KLV DZDUG ZLQQLQJ VR ERXQG VHWyour EOH U and LV DYDLODXbox join us. Free and open him at (512) 251-5201. s/h by sending a check made payable to TCGS to Bill Hodon, —SPJST— to everyone. For information, call 1LPEXV 'U 3ÀXJH YLOOH [DV For additional information(254) contact Bill at: 899-2935.
First Place Award Early Czech Schools
Published by
EGKRGRQ#VEFJOREDO QHW RU E\ SKRQH
November 30 Presentation/screening of Listopad—at Cultural Activities Center, Temple, Texas: The film is a story of spirited Friendship between three boys swept up in the Czech Republic’s 1989 Velvet Revolution. Visit www.listopadfilm.com for information.
December 6 TCHCC Christmas Open House— at the Center, 250 West Fairgrounds Road, La Grange, Texas: museum activities, gift shop, vintage decorated Czech village tours. For information, call (888) 7854500; email info@czechtexas.org; or visit www.czechtexas.org.
December 13 “MikulĂĄĹĄskĂĄ Partyâ€?—at Sokol ZiĹžka Dallas: 4 p.m. - doors open; doors close at appx. 10 p.m.; 4 to 5 p.m. music, fun, crafts for children; 5 p.m. - MikulĂĄĹĄ arrives; MikulĂĄĹĄ, AndÄ›l, and ÄŒert will greet attendees; 5 to 8 p.m. - games; 8 to 10 p.m. - free program/dance. For questions and/or to offer to help, contact Nina Marcussen (czechschoolofdallas@yahoo.com); or Nikol Linhart (nikol140@hotmail.com). —SPJST—
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book coordinator (Sarka Farnik will do this);decorating Christmas tee on stage and in the kitchen; table decorations; and photographer. Please email me and let me know what you are interested in helping out with. I am looking forward to another great event. Sincerely, Nina Marcussen —SPJST—
Do you remember Nonat?
The popular Czech healing salve. Every Czech household had a tube in its medicine cabinet. After an absence of 60 years, it is now back on the market in 3/4 oz. tin for $12.49 including shipping/handling from:
Alfred Novacek 3831 NE Wasco St. Portland, Oregon 97232 (503) 234-5594 www.nonatsalve.com
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Št’astný Díkůvzdání Happy Thanksgiving!
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
CUBA & CUBA, P.L.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014
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 Dean Carender (903) 564-7359.
LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3) Friday, November 29—Macik reunion Friday, December 5—Social night and decorate for Christmas; trustees meeting, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 6—RVOS Lodge No. 46 meeting and Christmas party Sunday, December 7—SPJST Lodge No. 6 meeting and Christmas party Sunday, December 14—Straten family Christmas party Friday, December 19—Social night cancelled Saturday, December 20—Brennan family Christmas Wednesday, December 31—SPJST Lodge No. 6 New Year’s Eve party and game night. Everyone invited.
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) 799-8550; Hall Phone: (254) 227-8759. 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, 6:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hall, 503 Park Drive, Weimar.
LODGE 9, SNOOK (1) Lodge Hall: 457 CR 269, Snook. Directions: From Snook, turn on FM 2155 to downtown. At Snook School, stay right on Spur 2155. At “T”, turn right on CR 269. Go 3/10 mile; hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: (979) 272-3732. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the lodge hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 13, DIME BOX (1) Lodge Hall: 425 CR 424, Dime Box. Directions: In Dime Box, turn left from FM 141 on CR 424. Go east on CR 425 for 3/10 mile; hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: (979) 884-1451; Hall Phone: (979) 8843211. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 5:30 p.m. at the hall. Please join us!
LODGE 15, BUCKHOLTS (2) Lodge Hall: 600 State Hwy 36, Buckholts. Directions: Hall is located on Highway 36, east of Buckholts. Hall Rental Information: (254) 593-2222. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 5
p.m. at the hall. Refreshments served after meeting, and door prizes awarded.
LODGE 17, NEW TABOR (1) Lodge Hall: 2674 CR 225, Caldwell. Directions: From Caldwell, turn from Highway 36 east onto FM 166. Proceed 2.1 miles; turn left on CR 225. Go one mile, veering to the right. Lodge building is on the right. Hall Rental Information: (979) 272-3440. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 18, ELGIN (2) Sunday, December 14—Christmas Dance: Red Ravens, polka/waltz/mix music. 3 to 7 p.m. $8/person. *Kitchen will be open. Wednesday, December 31—New Year’s Eve: Pure Country Band, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. $10/person. Blackeyed peas, cornbread, sausage, coffee served after the dance. No reservations.
Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information/Country/Western Band Bookings: David Meyer (512) 217-0162; Polka 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: First Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. at the hall. Call Youth Leader Joyce Bowen for information (512) 856-2481.
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: Mark or Brenda Maddux (254) 985-0002; Hall phone: (254) 985-2393. 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. LODGE 25, ENNIS (3) Saturday, November 29—Rental Saturday, December 6—Dining room rental Sunday, December 7—Youth club meeting Monday, December 22—Strudel Fundraiser: Pick up, 2 to 7 p.m. For information, contact Betty (972) 878-7719; or Margaret (972) 878-6149. Wednesday, December 24—Deagen family Christmas party
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: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. 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) Note: SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Hall will be closed for Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28. The Hall will reopen for business on Saturday, November 29.
Note: Wednesday through Friday, December 24 to 26—SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Hall will be closed for the Christmas holidays. The hall will be open for business on Saturday, December 27 at 3 p.m.
All Wednesday and Friday night dances have free admission. Second and fourth Wednesday of the month/music by Bobby Jay Five Band; Fridays, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Old-fashioned hamburgers served every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, December 3—Music by Sam and Bobby Band, 7 to 10 p.m. at the Taylor SPJST Hall. Friday, December 5—We Are Country, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. The parents of Thrall 4-H/FFA make oldfashioned hamburgers every Friday beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday, December 7—SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor members will hold their Christmas meeting/party beginning at 3 p.m. Covered dish meal following the meeting. The youth club will also meet at the same time. Friday, December 12—Glen Collins Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Parents of Thrall 4-H/FFA make oldfashioned hamburgers every Friday beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 17—Music by Sam and Bobby Band, 7 to 10 p.m. at the Taylor SPJST Hall. Friday, December 19—Sterling Country, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Parents of the Thrall 4-H/FFA will make hamburgers beginning at 6 p.m.
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: Hall /Rental Phone: (512) 352-9139. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. For youth club info, call Youth Leader Cristy Girod (512) 468-1347. Music: First and third Wednesdays of the month, music by the Sam and Bobby Band. 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, December 6—Shane Howard Band Saturday, December 13—Lost Heart Highway Saturday, December 20—Brett Hendrix Band Wednesday, December 31—New Year’s Eve: Nolan Pick Band
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: Gene Pavelka (254) 7493326; Hall Phone: (254) 863-9320. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the hall. Sales Agent: James (Dude) Mann (254) 7150275. LODGE 38, KOVAR (1) Lodge Hall: 278 Zimmerhanzel Road, Flatonia. Hall Rental Information: (512) 237-9099/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) 218-3527; FAC Ronnie Roesler (979) 406-0158.
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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) 243-4222; 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.
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: Seaton Star Hall is five miles east of Temple on Highway 53 (Adams Avenue). Star Hall is a nonsmoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Danny Stepan (254) 760-7819; Hall Phone: (254) 985-2548. 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) 450-8310. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.; except for the following months, the meeting time will be at 6:30 p.m. on May 12, June 9, July 14, and August 11 at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at the lodge hall.
LODGE 49, ROWENA (4) Note: Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Club will now hold its meetings the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m., and will continue to meet at the lodge hall in Rowena.
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: First Sunday of each month at 1 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; the second Friday in September at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Hall, 303 South Harrison 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: Location, date, and time to be announced in the lodge’s monthly meeting minutes that appear in the Věstník. Call (254) 799-4247 for more information.
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, 2 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 Phone: (254) 657-2485. Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 4 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m at Youth Leader Connie Horak’s home; call (254) 541-9165 for address. Board of Directors’ Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 3:30 p.m. Bingo: Every Thursday at 7 p.m. Permit No. SP12371416574; AL17460607355
LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5) Lodge Hall: 13609 Highway 36, Needville. Directions: Lodge building is located at the corner of Highway 36 and FM 361. Hall Rental Information: (979) 793-4313; email td_stavinoha@yahoo.com. Hall
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Phone: (361) 793-4742. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Contact Youth Leader Bradley Stavinoha (979) 739-2386.
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: (469) 9517396. 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: Terry Festa (254) 541-2285. 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) Saturday, November 29—No dance Friday, December 5—Joe Valentino Sock Hop, 50s and 60s. $10 per person Saturday, December 6—Jack Melick Orchestra, big band. *Dress code. $15 per person Saturday, December 13—Jazz Medics, big band. *Dress code. $15 per person Saturday, December 20—No dance Sunday, December 21—Holiday Blue Room Party: Greatful Geezers, 50s and 60s. 2 to 7 p.m. $35 per person Saturday, December 27—No dance Wednesday, December 31—The Moonglow Orchestra, big band. *Dress code. 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. $35 per person
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 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 p.m. Regular games start at 7:30 p.m. License No. 17407503501. LODGE 91, SAN JACINTO (5) Lodge Meetings: quarterly meetings—TBA in the Věstník. 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. 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 Diana Redd (361) 649-4388 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. 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) Please Note: Lodge meetings are now held on the second Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. at The Smith Group Building, 1718 Main Street, Danbury, Texas. For information, call (979) 922-1279; or (979) 922-1553. Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 11 a.m. at The Smith Group Building, 1718 Main Street, Danbury. For information, call (979) 922-1279; or (979) 922-1553.
LODGE 141, SEALY (1) Tuesday, December 9—Tony’s Restaurant, 1629 Meyer (S.H. 36), 6 p.m. Meal provided by the lodge. Members and their guests invited.
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. unless otherwise noted; meal served at 1 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Annex Building, 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Note: May, July, 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 (the Heights). For information, contact Lodge 142, Houston President Keith Kieschnick (713) 203-8712; or Secretary Alice Jochen (979) 743-3613.
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 Sunday 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; cjkristinek@yahoo.com for meeting location.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
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: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center, 12003 CR 65, Iowa Colony. LODGE 169, BRENHAM (1) Thursday, December 4—Annual Christmas dinner/meeting, The Cannery Kitchen, 314 East Alamo Street, Brenham, 6:30 p.m. RSVP by December 1 to Secretary Lenora Bliznak (979) 277-8845 or (979) 836-2609.
LODGE 172, PASADENA (5) Lodge Hall: 3609 Preston Road, Pasadena. Reservations/Hall Rental Information: Jo (713) 993-6878; 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, 5 p.m. at the hall; Trustees meet at 4:30 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, 6 p.m. at Central Library in Conroe. For more information, contact Barbara Williams-Rash (936) 2957778/email b.d.willrash@att.net; or Patsy McClellan (936) 520-6742; email pmcclellan@consolidated. net. Youth Club Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at Conroe Public Library.
LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY (2) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at The Chicken Place.
LODGE 183, ARLINGTON (3) Lodge Hall: 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane, Arlington. Directions: Take IH-35 West to Fort Worth. Take IH-20 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) 465-8538; (214) 8769029. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Last Friday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Game nights are every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. and every Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Permit No. 17516910506.
LODGE 184, MOULTON (6) Lodge Hall: FM 532 West, Moulton. Directions: From Texas 95 in Moulton, take FM 532 West four miles. Lodge hall is located on the right. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS (7) Lodge Meetings: Every other month - February, April, June, August, October, and December. Call for meeting date, time, and location. Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader Theresa Haag (830) 6258262 for meeting date/time/location
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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. Hall Rental Information: (512) 255-1554; (512) 771-4948. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall followed by a covered dish meal. Board Meeting: 2 p.m.; entertainment, 2:30 p.m.
LODGE 189, BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of March, June, September, and December, 2 p.m. at (unless otherwise noted) C&J Barbecue, 1010 South Texas Avenue in Bryan.
LODGE 191, LUFKIN (5) Lodge Hall: 197 Hughes Road, Lufkin. Hall Rental Information/Dance Reservations: George Scogin (936) 875-2867. Lodge Meetings: Monday night before the third Friday night of the month, 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. 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 normkneschk@gmail.com. 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 Deborah Stevens (325) 660-1421 for meeting date/time/location.
LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT (2) Lodge Meetings: First Monday of each month at SPJST Home Office, 520 North Main Street, Temple. Meal at 6 p.m. followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. For information, contact President James L. Lee, III (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: Call President Chester Jenke (210) 413-3053 or Treasurer Colleen Jenke (210) 215-9494 for meeting date, location, and time. —SPJST—
Music by Alfred Vrazel and Friends Temple Police
Czech Heritage Museum’]} Czech Veterans Wall of Honor
Christmas Stories
Temple High School Polyfoniks
Christmas P{hoto Booth
Facepainters, Dalmatians and Malinky the !Clown
Children’’’s Activities
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus
Holiday Refreshments
Accepting new, unwrapped toy donations for Santa Pal.
Come One, Come All
Christmas Open House Following the Temple Christmas Parade
Monday # December 1
SPJST Home Office
at 520 North Main Street # Temple, Texas and
Czech Heritage Museum
at 119 West French Avenue
Life Insurance and More Home Office: 520 North Main Temple, Texas 76501 (800) 727-7578
info@spjst.org www.spjst.org