Volume 103 Number 47
ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence
H E R A L D
★ Humanity ISSN —07458800
★ Brotherhood
Remembering Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941
SPJST Lodge 172, Pasadena member Clifford Richard Jenke was born February 25, 1927, in Houston, Texas. In 1940, at the age of 13, he enlisted with the 48th Marine Battalion, Texas State Guard. Brother Jenke was less than four months into his freshman year of high school on December 7, 1941 - the day that the Imperial Japanese Army bombed Pearl Harbor, prompting the
United States to join World War II. He visited the USS Houston in 1939 when it was docked in Houston. Two years later, it departed Pearl Harbor for Australia the same night as the attacks. Brother Jenke remembered that and wanted to join the war effort so he could protect his country. The only problem . . . his age . . . he was two years short
Continued on Page 13.
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Moulton Members Meet
Lodge 184, Moulton hosted a holiday open house on November 15 at the hall. Members, left to right, Terry Stevenson, Johnnie Hoffman, Patsy Michna, Dennis Baetz, and Elmer Michna, meet and greet attendees at the open house. More pictures on page 12.
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Important Dates ...................................3 Interest Rates ......................................3 Readers Write ......................................3 From the District..................................4 Lodge Section .....................................4 Christmas Open House Info ..........4,24
Lodge 81, Needville member Bessie Deiss achieves Grand Age of 96
SPJST congratulates Sister Bessie Deiss of Lodge 81, Needville, who celebrated her 96th birthday on November 16, 2015. Sister Deiss receives all SPJST member benefits with no further dues or assessments. Sister Bessie was born to Joseph and Angie Straznicky in Needville, Texas. She had one sister, M a r c e l l a Schwettmann (deceased) and three brothers - Bennie Straznicky (deceased), Henry Straznicky (deceased) and Emil Straznicky. Being from a rural farming area, Bessie and her siblings spent lots of time together. Sometimes when their parents went shopping, they - with the help of older brother Benny - would sneak off to a rural store (within walking distance) to buy tobacco to make corn cobb pipes and smoke. When parents were away with friends, Benny would take the family car, and they would all go for a joy ride - but they would promise not to tell their parents. Bessie walked to school cutting through pastures. She was once bitten by a neighbor’s dog. One of Bessie’s
chores was milking cows which had to be done very early each morning even after some of her late night dances. She also had to help pick cotton. Bessie married Leroy A. Deiss on March 23, 1940, in Richmond. They were blessed with two sons Leroy, Jr. (spouse Alice) of Richmond and Douglas (spouse Helen) of Rosenberg. Bessie was a homemaker. She was very creative and gifted. She always took care of her family and loved baking, sewing, and preparing delicious meals with limited resources. She is wellknown for her tasty kolaches, coffee cakes, and cinnamon rolls. She made baked chicken and cornbread dressing for her family. Some of Bessie’s hobbies were camping, hunting, and fishing with her husband and family. Bessie loved to dance to polka and waltz music. Congratulations again to Bessie Deiss on attaining the Grand Age of 96. Thank you for being a wonderful member of our SPJST for all these years. —SPJST—
SPJST Christmas Open House Monday, December 7 You’re invited! See page 4.
Inside Th is Week’s Vestnik
In Memoriam ......................................13 Youth Section ....................................14 Czech Culture ....................................18 Czech Calendar .................................19 Advertisements ............................20-21 Lodge Calendar .................................22
December 2, 2015
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Lodge 88 Houston member graduates from basic training
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Lodge 160 San Angelo hosts annual meeting
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District Two enjoys trip to Six Flags Over Texas
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Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Editor’s Note
ˇ ´ VESTNIK
Christmas Open House
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 76705-5330 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/TWO/THREE Philip (Phil) McBee, FICF, CFFM Mobile: 325-647-1949 • Fax: 325-784-7448 email: philipmcbee@aol.com DISTRICTS FOUR/SEVEN Bobby Davis, FICF, CFFM Mobile: 325-450-3748 • Fax: 325-657-2003 email: bgdsr2428@aol.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, 77853 • 979-884-0807 - sharonTexas russell28@yahoo.com District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S. St. Joseph Road, Burlington, Texas 76519-3108 - 254-985-2396 patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Kay Weeks, 4203 Treehaven Ct, Arlington, Texas 76016 • 817-896-5277 - kgweeks@att.net District Four - Pam Lehmann, PO Box 637, Tahoka, Texas 79373-0637 - 806-561-5105 - plehmann@poka.com District Five - Barbara Linney-Gonzales - 6043 Pineway Blvd., Houston, Texas 77023-6510 - 713-649-6138 - district5dyc@aol.com District Six - Lisa Bubela, 1405 Divide Street, El 77437 - 979-543-7120 Campo, Texas lisa_bubela@yahoo.com District Seven - Theresa Haag, 1334 Rivercrest Drive New Braunfels, Texas 78130 - 830-625-8262 theresa.haag686@gmail.com BY-LAW COMMITTEE District One - Richard Ford, 2392 CR 424, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - 979-884-1451 - dimebox5@aol.com District Two - Ronnie Rieger, 350 Rieger Road, Coupland, Texas 78615 - 512-365-2000 - 512-848-2416/cell - 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 - bjtep@verizon.net District Five - Mildred Holeman, 4001 North Shepherd, Suite 112, Houston, Texas 77018 - 713-683-0018 - 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 bvhouse@att.net FINANCE COMMITTEE District One - Thomas Cannon, P.O. Box 372, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - 979-567-4264 - jtcannon60@hotmail.com District Two - Edwin Pechal, 10660 State Highway 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - 254-985-2282 Edwin_Pechal@yahoo.com District Three - Michael Galler, 526 Karen, Waco, Texas 76706 - 254-662-4934 - mgaller@brazoselectric.com District Four - Herman D. Weise, 6006 FM Highway 765, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - 325-651-8550 - hdweise@zipnet.us District Five - Marceil Malak, 7444 Meiners Road, Ledbetter, Texas 78946-5118 - 979-249-5940 malaktax@gmail.com District Six - Glenn Kaminsky, 902 River Oaks Court, East Bernard, Texas 77435 - 979-335-4461 - gkamink@live.com District Seven - Roy Haag, 1334 Rivercrest Drive, New Braunfels, Texas 78130-3438 - 830-625-8262 39roha@gmail.com
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 - Charles Bucek, P.O. Box 147, East Bernard, Texas 77435 - 979-335-4118 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 Cannon, 141 Meadow Park Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78626 - 512-948-5339 - tcannon4715@yahoo.com District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside, Dallas, Texas 75206 - 214-826-3557 District Four - Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Drive, San Angelo, Texas 76903 - 325-651-5884 District Five - Lorenda Baldwin, 219 CR 47, Angleton, Texas 77515 - 979-922-1279 District Six - Helen Kelner, 911 Avenue K, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 - 281-342-2624 District Seven - Jarolyn Popp, 447 Shady Hollow, New Braunfels, Texas 78132 - 830-964-5135 HUMAN RESOURCES DEBBIE KLINKOVSKY 254-773-1575 • email: debbiek@spjst.com
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hope to see you in Temple on Monday, December 7! SPJST will participate in the Temple Christmas parade with three entries: SPJST State Royalty and our two floats which are themed “Merry Minions Christmas!” and “A Frozen Christmas!” The parade starts at 6:30 p.m., and we are close to the beginning of the parade. It 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, 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! Make plans to join us.
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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas . . . . . . all through the SPJST Home Office! If you are in the Temple area, stop by the Home Office at 520 North Main Street to see the beautiful Christmas tree with all of the creative ornaments that have been handmade by our SPJST youth club members. Next Week’s Vestnik We have a backlog of photos and VESTNIK
information to include in next week’s Vestnik, including:
• Lodge 66, Waco Anniversary Dinner
• Lodge 87, Temple Appreciation Dinner
• Lodge 169, Brenham members participate in Jan Hus symposium
• Members participate in Sokol West Grand Opening
• SPJST Floats win top awards in Fort Worth Parade of Lights with Lodges 92, Fort Worth and 154, Fort Worth
Important Vestnik Deadlines Here are important Vestnik deadline dates to remember for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Wednesday, December 2 5 p.m. deadline for Dec. 9 Vestnik Wednesday, December 9 5 p.m. deadline for Dec. 16 Vestnik Wednesday, December 16 5 p.m. deadline for Dec. 23 Vestnik Monday, December 21 12 noon deadline for December 30 Vestnik Wednesday, December 23 No Vestnik published —SPJST—
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 third week of October 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, December 2, 2015
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Family Fun and Important Dates
SPJST Float • El Campo Christmas Parade (6) Hosted by District Six SPJST Float • Salado Christmas Party (2) Lodge 169, Brenham Christmas Dinner The Cannery Kitchen, Brenham (1) SPJST Float • Morgan’s Point Christmas Parade (2) Hosted by Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point Lodge 51, Ellinger Christmas Party (1) Lodge 180, Burleson Christmas Party Villa Dianna Italian Restaurant (3) SPJST Float • San Angelo Christmas Parade (4) Hosted by District Four Youth SPJST Float • Smithville Christmas Parade Hosted by Lodge 38, Kovar (1) Lodge 32, Victoria Garage Sale (6) Lodge 88, Houston Christmas Party (5) Lodge 91, San Jacinto Christmas Party Chino Ko, Crosby (5) Lodge 92, Fort Worth Christmas Polka Party (3) Lodge 97, Placedo Christmas Dinner Vera Cruz, Victoria (6) SPJST Float • Bryan-College Station Christmas Parade (1) Hosted by Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station Lodge 6, Cottonwood Christmas Party (3) Lodge 17, New Tabor Christmas Social (1) Lodge 23, Moravia Christmas Social (6) Lodge 29, Taylor Christmas Party (2) Lodge 48, Beyersville Ol’ Fashioned Christmas Party (2) Lodge 49, Rowena Christmas Party (4) Lodge 54, West Christmas Party • Tours Hall, West (3) Lodge 63, Sweet Home Christmas Social Tobola’s Party House (6) Lodge 80, Holland Christmas Party (2) Lodge 88, Houston Blue Room Party (5) Lodge 155, Austin Christmas Social Pok-e-Jo’s Smokehouse (2) SPJST Floats • Temple Christmas Parade (2) SPJST Home Office Christmas Open House Lodge 32, Victoria Christmas Party (6) Lodge 141, Sealy Christmas Social Tony’s Restaurant, Sealy (1) Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy Christmas Party Raymond’s Southern Kitchen, Lorena (2) Lodge 39, Bryan Christmas Caroling/Pizza Party (1) Lodge 67, Schulenburg Christmas Party Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant (1) SPJST Float • Conroe Christmas Parade (5) Hosted by District Five Youth SPJST Float • Killeen Christmas Parade (2) Lodge 92, Fort Worth Children’s Christmas Party (3) Lodge 4, Hallettsville Christmas Party Vsetin Brethren Church Hall (6) Lodge 9, Snook Christmas Party (1) Lodge 18, Elgin Christmas Dance (2) Lodge 24, Cyclone Christmas Party (2) Lodge 47, Seaton Christmas Party (2) Lodge 84, Dallas Czech Christmas Party (3) Lodge 87, Temple Christmas Party SPJST Home Office, Temple (2) Lodge 92, Fort Worth hosts Saint Thomas Festival and Posada (3) Lodge 142, Houston Christmas Meal (5) Lodge 183, Arlington Christmas Family Potluck (3) Lodge 187, Round Rock Meal/Gift Exchange (2) Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station Christmas Dinner Brazos Senior Center (1) Lodge 196, Houston-West Christmas Open House (5) Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point Christmas Party SPJST Home Office, Temple (2) Lodge 202, Jourdanton Christmas Party Jourdanton Community Center (7) Lodge 151, Wharton Christmas Party Wharton Depot Museum (6)
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Lodge 18, Elgin Christmas Dance (2) Lodge 81, Needville Christmas Social/Meeting (5) Lodge 25, Ennis Strudel Fundraiser Pickup (3) No Vestnik Published Christmas Eve • SPJST Home Office Closed Christmas Day • SPJST Home Office Closed New Year’s Eve Dance • Lodge 18, Elgin (2) Fritz Hodde New Year’s Eve Dance • Lodge 35, Elk (3) Gordon Collier Band New Year’s Eve Dance • Lodge 88, Houston (5) Moonglow Orchestra New Year’s Eve Dance • Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) Doc Gibbs and his Big Band
SPJST INTEREST RATES . . . 11/01/2015 - 01/31/2016 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%
Readers Write
Mushroom Soup . . . yummy and delicious
Hi! Just wanted to share that Philip made the mushroom soup that was in the November 11, 2015, Vestnik issue. It was so yummy and delicious. Perfect timing for the cooler weather we had over the weekend. Annie Vahalik Lodge 4, Hallettsville —SPJST—
Rogers High School teacher expresses appreciation
Dear SPJST, I would like to thank you for sponsoring my classroom with the Temple Daily Telegram. The newspaper gives my students an opportunity to keep up with what is going on in the surrounding area. Thank you again for your generosity. Kristie Waits Rogers High School Lodge 24, Cyclone —SPJST—
Member expresses benefit thank you
To our Family, Friends, and Many Supporters: You have touched our hearts with your love, friendship, offers of help, and generous support shown at the benefit. We would like to leave you with the words of our friends at CTCA (Cancer Treatment Centers of America) and fellow Hawaiians: HO’OPONOPONO MANTRA . . . I love you. Thank you, Patricia Dieterich Family Lodge 6, Cottonwood —SPJST—
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Wednesday, December 2, 2015
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From the Supreme Lodge President
SPJST Home Office Christmas Open House this Monday
Dear Friends, You are cordially invited to attend the SPJST Christmas Open House on Monday, December 7. We’re located at 520 North Main Street, diagonally across from the Main Post Office. You can’t miss us with the two colorful S P J S T floats parked out front! Doors will open at 6 p.m. with activities kicking off immediately following the parade. Holiday treats and beverages will be in plentiful supply! You and your guests are invited to join us for what has become a Temple Christmas tradition. Activities will include command performances by the Temple High School Polyfoniks and the Alfred Vrazel and Marek Family Christmas Band. The Polyfoniks will be providing us with a preview of their annual Christmas show while the Vrazel-Marek combo will be playing an assortment of traditional folk and Christmas music. And, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making their appearance to accept all Christmas wish lists. Other activities planned for the evening include face-painting, cookiedecorating, balloon-twisting, Christmas stories, and a Christmas photo booth. As an added attraction, Temple Fire and Rescue will be bringing their
new Rollover Simulator. I don’t know what that’s all about; however, I’ve been assured that it’s an exciting teaching tool. On a related note, we will be welcoming representatives from the Bell County Sheriff’s Department. Our old friend, Dottie the Dalmatian, on loan from Jerry Hicks, will also be with us again.
While you are here, please make a point to visit with representatives of the Texas Czech Genealogical Society and view their organization’s Czech Veterans’ Wall of Honor and the Czech Pioneer Room located in our downstairs gallery. The Czech gift shop will also be open! On a related note, we encourage you to also visit the Czech Heritage Museum next door on the corner of French and North Third Street. They’ll be open as early as 5 p.m. with food, drink, and holiday entertainment. The annual Open House is SPJST’s long-running Christmas gift to the City of Temple and the surrounding community. I’m hoping that you can join us this year and make it part of your Christmas tradition. Fraternally, Brian Vanicek Supreme Lodge President —SPJST—
From the Districts recommendations that were printed in District Three the September 9, 2015, Vestnik. Bring any questions and concerns to the delegates meeting so we can discuss them. to meet Jan. 19 Lodge 183, Arlington has volun-
Attention: District Three Delegates Tuesday, January 19, 2016, will be the first District Three delegates’ meeting at Lodge 25, Ennis starting at 6:30 p.m. Please read, study, and review your by-laws and the SPJST Special Structure Committee’s proposed by-law
teered to host the second delegates’ meeting in February. The date is yet to be announced. We are looking for a host lodge for the third meeting in March. Fraternally, Kay Lynn Kovar By-Law Committee District Three Representative
SPJST Lodge Se ct ion
Lodge 4 Hallettsville plans Dec. 13 Christmas social
Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville met on Sunday, November 8, 2015, at 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce meeting room. President Joe Siptak opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. The present officers were re-elected by acclamation. Delegates to the convention in 2016 were elected. Delegates are Helen Zabransky, Annie Vahalik, and Patsy Zabransky. Alternates are Joe Siptak, Gayenell Chudej, and Susan Siptak. Secretary-Treasurer Helen Zabransky read the minutes to the last meeting and gave the financial report Correspondence was read. We have a new member - Ashton Riley Siptak. Members voted to approve the transfer of Agnes Louise Sembera from Lodge 153, LaSalle to our lodge. Sunshine Chairman Evelyn Holy gave her report. She then stated she would not be able to serve again next year. Mrs. Holy was thanked for the wonderful job she did with her committee at the rest home bingos. FAC Annie Vahalik gave her report. She read an important message from District Six Fraternal Field Manager Delisle Doherty on interest rates, etc, which was very informative. Cemetery Representative Philip Vahalik reported.
Christmas Social—December 13 Final plans were made for the December meeting and Christmas social on Sunday, December 13 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Vsetin Czech Moravian Brethren Church Hall. At 12 noon, a meal will be served with fried chicken
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
provided by the lodge. Members are asked to please bring side dishes and desserts. A short meeting will be held followed by games and door prizes. It was voted to give a contribution of $100 to Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce. The meeting adjourned followed by lunch. Door prizes were then given. Each prize had a Thanksgiving theme. Lucky winners were Evelyn Holy, Annie Vahalik, and Patsy Zabransky. We hope to see you at the next meeting and Christmas social on Sunday, December 13 in Vsetin. Fraternally, Patsy Zabransky, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 17 New Tabor Christmas social Sunday, Dec. 6
Dear Members, Lodge 17, New Tabor will host its annual Christmas social and memorial service on Sunday, December 6, 2015, at 5:30 p.m. at New Tabor SPJST hall. Those being remembered in a candlelit memorial service include Louis Kolarik, Geraldine Siptak, Doris Brewer, Dorothy Ondrasek, and Emil Marek. The youth of Lodge 17 will be lighting candles in memory of those departed. The youth are also planning a Christmas program for those in attendance. Following the program, a turkey and dressing meal will be served. After the meal, we expect a visit from Old Saint Nick. All Lodge 17 members and family members of the departed are invited to attend. We are asking you to bring a dessert if you plan to attend. If you have any questions, please feel free to
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call Susan Skrabanek at 979-2723440. Fraternally yours, Susan Skrabanek Sales Agent —SPJST—
Lodge 23, Moravia Christmas social Sunday, Dec. 6
Lodge Nova Morava, No. 23, Moravia will hold its annual meeting and social on Sunday, December 6, 2015, starting at 2 p.m. at the lodge hall. Two members will be recognized with membership pins - Marvin Cernik for 75 years and Edwin Vaculik for 50 years. Members are asked to bring a dip or dessert to the social after the meeting. Drinks and meat trays will be provided. Door prizes will be given. Please come out and enjoy the season. Kathleen Guenther, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 24, Cyclone Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 13
Dear Members, We invite you to attend the Lodge 24, Cyclone Christmas party on Sunday, December 13, 2015, at Flag Hall. The party begins at 3 p.m. with a social, and the meal will be served at 4 p.m. The meat will be furnished. Everyone is asked to please bring a side dish and/or dessert. The youth club will have its drawing from the membership drive held November 21. We hope to see you there. Merry Christmas from Lodge 24, Cyclone! Fraternally, Bobby Hoelscher, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 25, Ennis: order your apple strudel
Dear Readers, It’s time for our apple strudel bake fundraiser that benefits the Lodge 25 Improvement Fund. Strudels are $15 each. Place your orders to be picked up at the SPJST Lodge 25 dining room on Tuesday, December 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. Please call Margaret at 972-878-6149 or Betty at 972-8787719. Fraternally yours, Margaret Krajca Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 29, Taylor Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 6
Lodge 29, Taylor will hold its Christmas meeting/party at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2015. The hall will furnish turkeys and ham. Members attending will bring side dishes. Hopefully, Santa will be able to stop by to join in the activities. Fraternally submitted, Linda Pospisil Secretary-Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 32, Victoria Christmas party Tuesday, Dec. 8
Notice: Date Change . . . Our Christmas party date has been changed. Please take note and plan on celebrating with us on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, at 6 p.m. The lodge will provide ham, bread, coffee, and tea. Each family is asked to bring a side dish and dessert. We will meet at 6 p.m. and begin serving at 6:30 p.m. This year, we’re going to have some fun! Bring a “gift” – can be White Elephant – something you have around the house and want to get rid of – or something you see in the store and think you’d like to have or want to give someone. It’ll be a Chinese gift exchange and should be a lot of fun! If you want to play – bring a gift. It’s not mandatory – but fun!
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Garage Sale—December 5 We had so many donations – and with the rain, we did not have as many shoppers as we were hoping for. So we are going to do this again on Saturday, December 5 from 7:30 a.m. till 1 p.m. Come on out! Fraternally, Kathy Ahlstrom FAC/Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 39, Bryan to Christmas carol at rest home Friday, Dec. 11
Dear Readers, We will be singing Christmas carrols at Generation (Sherwood) Nursing Home again this year. Joe Vytopil will bring his guitar and the BISD Food Services ladies will be joining us and giving out ornaments to the residents. This is always a great treat for the nursing home and the singers. The date and time will be Friday, December 11. We will be meeting at Generations at 5 p.m. and start singing at 5:30 p.m. Right afterwards, we will go to the lodge for our Christmas party and meeting. We will be having pizza and Christmas goodies. If you would like to join in the White Elephant gift exchange, please bring a gift around the $15 price range or something 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. For questions, please call me at 979272-1216. Sincerely, Binnie Ann Matejka Roesler Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 48 Beyersville Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 6
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! You and your family are invited to attend our Christmas party and youth club program on Sunday, December 6, 2015. SPJST Lodge 48, Beyersville will host an Ol’ Fashioned Christmas Party at Beyersville SPJST Hall, located at 10450 FM 619 in Tay-
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lor, Texas. Social hour is from 4 to 5 p.m. Meal will be served at 5 p.m., and the program is at 6 p.m. The lodge will provide homemade chili, Frito pie, and hot dogs along with all the condiments. Members are asked to bring snacks or desserts. The party will include caroling, a visit from Santa, and fruit bags for children. Please bring dominoes and/or cards and enjoy socializing with others among the beautiful Christmas decorations. We ask that you please RSVP, if attending, by Thursday, December 3. This will help us with our meal count and the number of fruit bags for the children. Please RSVP to Janet Filla 512-450-8310 or Juanette Meiske 512-966-9408. Don’t forget your cameras for pictures with Santa! —SPJST—
Lodge 49, Rowena Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 6
Dear Members, You are invited to the SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena Christmas party and membership drive on Sunday, December 6, 2015, 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—
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Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Lodge 54, West Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 6
Dear Members, Lodge 54, West will host its annual Christmas party on Sunday, December 6, 2015, 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 at 3:30 p.m. A fried/baked 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. RSVPs were due by November 20. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, December 6, and Merry Christmas from Lodge 54, West! Fraternally, Freddie Kaluza, President —SPJST—
Lodge 63 Sweet Home Christmas social Sunday, Dec. 6
Lodge 63, Sweet Home will hold its monthly meeting and Christmas social on Sunday, December 6, 2015, at Tobola’s Party House beginning at 12 noon. The Party House is located on FM 531, outside of Sweet Home just off Highway 77A (HallettsvilleYoakum highway). Happy hour will start the party, followed by a short meeting with the usual business, yearend elections, and appointments of committees. A meal, cooked by our social chef Darren Ward, will immediately follow the meeting. The menu will depend on the weather. Members and guests are asked to bring dessert. Also, someone with a birthday which falls in the last half of the year (July to December) will win a birthday cake baked by Pamela Bujnoch. Gifts will be exchanged with the price being around $5. Anyone wish-
ing to participate should bring a gift marked as either a ladies, gentlemen, or child’s gift. If you wish to bring a gift for a particular child, please put his or her name on it. The lodge will be handing out gift packages of fruit and candy to everyone present. Door prizes will also be given to those in attendance. If you wish to bring a small item for the door prize, you are encouraged to do so. Come out to Sweet Home, and join the festivities. If you have friends or family visiting, bring them along. There is always room in home Sweet Home! We hope to see you at Tobola’s Party House on December 6. Fraternally, Elaine Berkovsky FAC/Reporter —SPJST—
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Lodge 66, Waco meets Dec. 14
The next Lodge 66, Waco meeting will be held at Heitmillers on Monday, December 14, 2015, at 6 p.m. Fraternally, Dorothy Veselka, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 67 Schulenburg Christmas party Friday, Dec. 11
SPJST Lodge 67, Schulenburg invites members to its Christmas party on Friday December 11, 2015, at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant, located in Schulenburg, Texas. Social hour with refreshments is from 6 to 7 p.m. A meal will be served at 7 p.m. Please RSVP by Monday, Decem-
Scenes from Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Family Day and Raffle Drawing Sunday, November 8, 2015
Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje hosted its family day and raffle on Sunday, November 8, 2015. TOP LEFT PHOTO: Youth participate in sailboat races. PHOTO 2: District Six Director Karen Kaspar, left, Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, and Lodge 40 President Cathy Garcia cut the cake
commemorating the day. PHOTO 3: District Six Queen Sky Garcia and Lodge 40 Youth Club members play games. RIGHT PHOTO: Ardis Bacak, left, Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, and Mary Ann Cerny are ready for the drawing.
LEFT PHOTO: Raising the flag. CENTER PHOTO: Left to right are Georgia Henderson, Vlasta Bartos, and Lodge 40 Treasurer Janet Marek. RIGHT
PHOTO: From left, Norma O’Canas, Director Kaspar, Gladys Cerny, and Kate Manriquez prepare hot dogs for the meal.
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ber 7 to Adrienne Kobza 979-7435629 or Ernest J. Kutac 979- 5618686. We look forward to seeing you! Fraternally, Ernest Kutac, President —SPJST—
Lodge 80, Holland Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 6
SPJST Lodge 80, Holland will hold its next monthly meeting and Christmas party on Sunday, December 6, 2015, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Installation of officers for 2016 will be conducted by State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak. Holland American Legion Post 526 will co-celebrate Christmas with us. Please mark your calendar about the change in date and time. We hope everyone will come out and enjoy the festivities. Fraternally, Rita Spinn, President —SPJST—
Lodge 81 Needville Christmas social Sunday, Dec. 20
For our next meeting on Sunday, December 20, 2015, we will have honey-baked ham and sausage at 12 noon. It will be our Christmas social. Members, please bring a side dish and a dessert. Christmas bags and door prizes will be given. Fraternally, Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—
ing class, but please feel free to bring your favorite prepared knedlíky recipe to share with dinner. Speaking of dinner . . . we are requesting Czech side dishes or Czechinspired side dishes or your favorite side dish to share with everyone! And if you want you can bring a dessert . . . it is all about celebrating a Czech Christmas . . . so the more the merrier to enjoy! We look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, December 13 at Lodge 84, Dallas! Social hours begins at 4 p.m., and the meal will be served at 5 p.m. Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 87, Temple Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 13
Dear Members, We invite you to attend the SPJST Lodge 87, Temple Christmas party on Sunday, December 13, 2015, at SPJST Home Office, located at 520 North Main Street in Temple. We will be joining our friends from Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point for a nice Christmas event, and we look forward to seeing you there! We will begin with a social at 12:30 p.m. A delicious catered lunch will be served at 1 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a dessert. 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
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
little brighter for those in need. Join us for dinner, games, and door prizes! Please RSVP with number attending by Wednesday, December 9 by calling Karin Bryant at 254-338-3275 or Judith Little at 254-913-8568 or 254-778-1592. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Lodge 87, Temple! Fraternally, Karin Bryant, President —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston Christmas party Saturday, Dec. 5
Dear Members, Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club will sponsor the annual Christmas party on Saturday, December 5, 2015, at 11 a.m. We will be singing Christmas carols, eating lunch, and enjoying a visit from Santa. Santa will have a gift for the children, and this will be a day of fun and fraternalism. The youth club is also having a food drive. If anyone would like to bring non-perishable food items the day of the party, we would appreciate it. They are also going to match from their funds $1 per item donated. All food and proceeds will be given to the food bank. Fraternally, Michelle Wockenfuss Assistant Youth Leader —SPJST—
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Lodge 88, Houston Holiday Blue Room Party Saturday, Dec. 6
SPJST Lodge 88, Houston presents the 2015 Holiday Blue Room Party on Sunday, December 6 from 2 to 7 p.m. Public is welcome. $35 per person includes dinner, dancing, mixed drinks, and beer. Music will feature The Ennis Czech Boys playing polka and variety. Ticket sales close at 12 noon on December 2. Guests must be at least 21 years of age. Company and family groups are welcome. Dress code is holiday or cocktail attire. Lodge 88 is located at 1435 Beall Street in Houston, Texas 77008. Phone 713-869-5767 or visit www.lodge88.org for more information. —SPJST—
Lodge 91 San Jacinto Christmas party Saturday, Dec. 5
Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 91, San Jacinto’s annual Christmas party is this Saturday, December 5, 2015, 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. We look forward to seeing you there. Fraternally, Vonda Smesny, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 49, Rowena Members Redo Hall Floor
Lodge 84, Dallas Czech Christmas Extravaganza Sunday, Dec. 13
Dear Readers, Like all good plans, I need to alert you all of a small change for the Christmas Extravaganza. There will not be a knedlíky cook-
Lodge 49, Rowena members recently redid the floor at the lodge hall. Butch Wood and stepdad Joe Binder sanded the wood floor. Then they varnished
the wood floor. Youth members Tanner, Hunter, and Cotton Wood helped as well. —Submitted by Becky Wood, Youth Leader
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Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Lodge 92 Fort Worth invites all to events
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Lodge 88, Houston Member Graduates from Basic Training
Dear Members and Friends, We invite you to mark these November dates on your calendars. Please come on out for a great time! Saturday, December 5 Big Christmas Polka Party! Czech and Then Some Band will play from 7 to 11 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Free admission for members of Lodge 92. Non-members will be $8. Snacks will be served. See the ad on page 21.
Saturday, December 12 Children’s Christmas party from 5 p.m. til . . . Santa comes to Lodge 92 bringing fruit and nut bags for all the kids - young and old. Please bring wrapped gifts for your children. Sunday, December 13 Saint Thomas Festival at Lodge 92. There will be a posada from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be a procession with Spanish and English Christmas carols. Nachos and snacks will be served. Admission is $5 per person. The posada will be followed by a one-man performance of “Bah Humbug,” a take on A Christmas Carol. Admission is $20 per person and includes dinner served from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. The performance starts at 6:45 p.m. Reservations are needed to plan for enough food. Call Mary Ann Krivanek at 817-6889958 for reservations.
Hall Rentals For information regarding hall events and rentals, please call Events Manager Jon Durham at 817-6241361 or check the hall’s website: www.nationalhallfortworth.com. Fraternally, Angela Paprskar Casteel President —SPJST—
Private Ryan Bronikowski of Lodge 88, Houston graduated from basic training. His family says, “We are all so proud of him and all that he has accomplished.” Sister Denae says, “I can tell that my brother had a great time seeing Mom and Dad and Aunt Kim and Uncle Chuck.” LEFT PHOTO: Private Ryan, center, is pictured with parents Robert and Doris Bronikowski, both of Lodge 88, and aunt Kim and uncle Chuck Woodall of Lodge 185, New Braunfels.
Lodge 97, Placedo Christmas dinner Saturday, Dec. 5
Lodge 97, Placedo will meet Saturday, December 5, 2015. This will be our final business meeting and Christmas dinner for the year. The meeting will be at 11 a.m. at Vera Cruz. Please bring pull tabs for the Ronald McDonald House and canned goods for the local food pantry. Fraternally, Diana Redd Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 107 Floresville hosts District Seven Fall Fun Day
On Sunday, November 8, 2015, Lodge 107, Floresville hosted the District Seven Fall Fun Day. It was a very nice day with a slight breeze blowing and the sun shining brightly. Lodge 107 members came in at 8 a.m. to get things started. The food was cooking, the tables were being decorated, and breakfast was set out. District Seven members began showing up and registering for the contest. A short meeting was held, and afterwards, the contests began. Progressive 42 and bunco were first on the agenda. Once they were finished, lunch was served - barbecue sausage,
potatoes, green beans, fresh homemade sauerkraut, and plenty of desserts. After we ate, the horseshoes and Uno contests began. There was also a large silent auction for the youth, lots of raffle prizes, and door prizes. We had a total of five lodges present with 81 members and guests. Fraternally yours, Lian Pruski, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 141, Sealy invites members to Tuesday, Dec. 8 meeting
The next meeting of Lodge 141, Sealy will be at Tony’s Restaurant beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8 with Lodge 141 furnishing the meal. Members and their guests are invited. Bernice Stolarski, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 142 Houston Christmas meal Sunday, Dec. 13
Dear Members, Lodge 142, Houston will meet Sunday, December 13, 2015, at 2 p.m. in the annex building at Lodge 88, Houston. This is a very important meeting because we will elect officers and delegates for the 2016 SPJST Convention. Committees will also be appointed. Before the meeting, we will celebrate Christmas with a delicious meal served at 1 p.m. Ham and all the trimmings will be served. Fraternally, Alice Jochen, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 142 Houston reports on November meeting
The monthly meeting was held on Sunday, November 8, 2015, at Lodge 88, Houston, in the Heights. President Keith Kieschnick presided over the 31 members and one visitor present who enjoyed the wonderful Thanksgiving meal of turkey, dressing, and trimmings. Secretary Alice Jochen called the roll of officers and read the minutes.
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All officers were present. Sales agents Ransom Whigham and Kerry Herrington were absent. In observance of Veterans Day on November 11, our veterans who were present and recognized were Emil Kutra, Steve Roznovsky, Gus Molenosky, Jack Manchack, and Jack Dowlen. Treasurer Mary Ann Kieschnick was nominated as fraternalist of the year for our lodge for 2015. Election of delegates for the 2016 convention was postponed till the December meeting. Lodge 142 is entitled to five delegates and five substitutes. Election of officers was also scheduled for the December meeting. November birthdays - Carita Felbermayer, Mo Dunn, Grace Owens, and Mary Ann Keischnick. November anniversaries were Jack and Catherine Manchack - 40 years; Steve and JoDein Roznovsky - 59 years; and Nelson and Alice Jochen - 65 years. The oldest male present was Bill Gaddy, age 87; and the oldest female was Carol LaPaglia, age 79. The meeting adjourned. Next Meeting—December 13 The next meeting will be Sunday, December 13, which is our Christmas meeting. We will have a catered lunch at 1 p.m., and the meeting will follow at 2 p.m. We hope to see you there. Fraternally, Alice Jochen, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 151 Wharton Christmas social Monday, Dec. 14
SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton will hold its Christmas social and quarterly meeting on Monday, December 14, 2015, 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 RSVP to Carolyn Bucek at 979-5321910 before Tuesday, December 8 if you plan to attend. Members will furnish the desserts. The presentation of 50-year pins will take place after the meal. Fiftyyear members are Cynthia Bucek Smith, Janie Bucek, Madeline Kubosh, Caroline Oliver, and Anthony Spacek. Members of the recipients’ families are invited to attend as guests.
Officers for 2016 will be elected. Please volunteer to take an office. In addition, we need to select delegates and substitutes for the 2016 Convention. Members with birthdays in October, November, and December will be honored. We hope to see you. Fraternally, Janie Bucek Secretary/FAC —SPJST—
Lodge 155, Austin Christmas social Sunday, Dec. 6
Lodge 155, Austin will hold its annual traditional Christmas social on Sunday, December 6, 2015, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Pok-e-Jo’s Smokehouse at 2121 West Parmer Lane. Anyone needing directions, may call Jean Motl at 512-836-0205. The lodge meeting and election of officers will precede the meal. 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 activities you recorded for fraternal/community events since our September meeting for the FAC report. Lodge meetings count as activities/events. Let’s have a good turnout for holiday spirit, fellowship, and fun! Fraternally, Ginny Prasatik, Secretary/FAC Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 169 Brenham Christmas dinner Thursday, Dec. 3
Dear Members, SPJST Bluebonnet Lodge 169, Brenham invites you to the annual Christmas dinner and meeting on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 7 p.m. at The Cannery Kitchen, located at 314 East Alamo Street in Brenham, Texas. A traditional turkey and dressing
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Happy Birthday, Marianna!
Marianna Wood celebrated her birthday on November 29. Not pictured, Clara Klinkovsky celebrated her birthday on November 26. Happy birthday to these two Lodge 155, Austin members.
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. Youth are especially encouraged to attend. Special guest will be SPJST State Youth Director Lynette Talasek. All youth in attendance will receive special gifts. Please RSVP by November 28 to Lodge 169 President Nello Strickland 979-836-2609. Fraternally, Nello Strickland, President —SPJST—
Lodge 177 Academy elects 2016 officers, delegates
The regular meeting of SPJST Lodge 177, Academy was called to order on Monday, November 9, 2015, by President Otis Beck. All officers were present except Don and Shirley. Minutes were accepted as presented. Correspondence included letters and cards from the following organizations: Little River-Academy Volunteer Fire Department thanking Lodge 177 for recent donations; Caring for God’s Kids requesting donations; and
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SPJST Home Office informing us of the upcoming state convention. Sunshine Committee reported that Bill Hutka was in the hospital following surgery, and that he is improving every day. Bill thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Committee reports for October were presented. FAC Bill reported on upcoming domino tournaments. He also said that the SPJST Home Office Christmas Open House will be December 7 after the Temple Christmas Parade. End-ofthe-year fraternal activities reports will also be due soon. There was no old business.
New Business It was reported that having the lodge kitchen leased out by the Whites is working well. Lodge officers and board of trustees were elected. The results of the election are: President Otis Beck First Vice President Don McCrea FAC Bill Hutka Second Vice President Shirley McCrea Secretary/Reporter Joanne Hutka Treasurer Josie Mitchell Board of Trustees Otis Beck, Don McCrea Bill Hutka, Shirley McCrea Joanne Hutka, Josie Mitchell Bernice Hutka
Delegates to the state convention are Bill Hutka, Otis Beck, Josie Mitchell. Alternates are Bernice Hutka, Don McCrea, and Shirley McCrea. After a motion by Bill, seconded by Otis, the meeting adjourned. Fraternally, Joanne Hutka Secretary-Reporter —SPJST—
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Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Lodge 179 Warrenton reports on Nov. meeting
Lodge 179, Warrenton met on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at Carmine Lions Club building. President Ricky Weyand called the meeting to order. Present were seven members
and one guest. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by the common table prayer. A beef stew prepared Angela Weyand, along with sides and desserts prepared by other members, was enjoyed by all. Officers for 2016 were elected. They are:
President/Reporter Ricky Weyand First Vice President Ruby Juergens Secretary-Treasurer Melissa Wickel Financial Secretary Brenda Callahan Fraternal Activities Coordinator Joan Goehring
Ora Lee Levien retired after many years of service to the lodge. We appreciate her dedication and service.
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Members elected Ricky Weyand to serve as the delegate for the 2016 Convention. Melissa Wickel is the alternate.
Next Meeting—December 10 It was decided to have our next meeting at JW’s Steakhouse in the main dining area on Thursday, December 10. Social will start at 5:30
Scenes from Lodge 160, San Angelo Annual Meeting
Sunday, November 22, 2015 • Wall Brethren Church Hall • Submitted by Sandra Jansa, President
Lodge 160, San Angelo held its annual meeting on Sunday, November 22, 2015, at the Wall Brethren Church hall. It was the largest attendance that we have had in the past few years. We served a barbecue lunch to more than 100
people. We were so honored to have Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek and Czech Heritage Museum Executive Director Susan Chandler join us. —SPJST—
LEFT PHOTO: Robyn Jansa, right, assists the Odom family as they register for door prizes. CENTER PHOTO: Charlene Dusek visits with Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek before the meeting. RIGHT
PHOTO: Kennedy Weatherford helps with the door prize drawings at the annual meeting on November 22. Kennedy is the great-granddaughter of the late District Four Director Stanley Broz and wife Martha.
LEFT PHOTO: The check for the $1,000 donation to the SPJST Scholarship Fund in memory of Stanley and Martha Broz was presented to Kennedy and Kanon Weatherford, Roxanne Weatherford, and Debbie Halfmann by Lodge 160 President Sandra Jansa, back, center. CENTER PHOTO: Dewyan Weise receives his 50-year membership pin from
Lodge 160 FAC Brenda Holik, left, President Sandra Jansa, and Secretary Charlene Dusek. RIGHT PHOTO: Czech Heritage Museum Director Nancy Weise, left, and CHM Executive Director Susan Chandler visit before the meeting. BELOW PHOTOS: More scenes from the Lodge 160, San Angelo annual meeting.
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p.m. and meeting is at 6 p.m. due to numerous parties booked for that night. Mr. and Mrs. Orville Kunkel celebrated their wedding anniversary on October 1, and Melissa Wickel celebrated her birthday on November 15. Everyone enjoyed playing bingo. The meeting adjourned. Ricky Weyand, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 179 Warrenton meets Thursday, Dec. 10
Dear Members, The next Lodge 179, Warrenton meeting has been moved to an earlier time on Thursday, December 10, 2015. The social begins at 5:30 p.m., and the meeting is at 6 p.m. We will meet at JW’s Steakhouse in the main dining room. We look forward to seeing you there! Fraternally, Ricky Weyand, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 180 Burleson Christmas party Friday, Dec. 4
Lodge 180, Burleson will hosts its annual Christmas party at Villa Dianna Italian Restaurant, located at 2475 East Renfro in Burleson, Texas, on Friday, December 4, 2015, at 6 p.m. Please RSVP no later than November 25 to reserve your place by calling one of the phone numbers listed below. Lodge Phone - 817-295-6497 Carole Slavik - 817-371-0255 Rhonda Hurtik - 972-268-0022 Nancy Kelly - 817-905-2097 Fraternally, Nancy S. Kelly, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 181 Conroe sets 2016 meeting dates
Lodge 181, Conroe will now hold lodge meetings on a quarterly basis starting in 2016. There will be no more meetings for Lodge 181 in 2015. The meetings for Lodge 181 in 2016 are now scheduled at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26; Tuesday, April 26; Tuesday, July 26; and Tuesday, October 25 and unless otherwise announced in the Vestnik the meetings will be at the Montgomery County Main Library Branch in Conroe. For further information contact President Barbara Williams-Rash at 936-295-7778 or b.d.willrash@att.net; Vice President Chuck Toney at 281362-9062 or cdtiii@toney.us; or Treasurer Patsy McClelland at 936788-5714 or pmcclelland@consolidated. Submitted by, Charles D. Toney III Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 183 Arlington family potluck Sunday, Dec. 13
Lodge 183, Arlington will have a family night potluck on Sunday, December 13, 2015. Plan to arrive at 4 p.m. The meal will be served at 5 p.m. The meat will be furnished. Everyone needs to bring a side dish and/or a dessert. Santa will also attend and hand out candy to the children. Contact Ann Pustejovsky if you plan to attend. Santa Claus will arrive and have candy for the children. There will not be a Chinese gift exchange. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! Everyone have a happy and prosperous 2016! Respectfully submitted, Darlene Hollingsworth Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 189 Bryan-College to host float in Dec. 6 parade
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Dear Members, Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station will host the SPJST Float on Sunday, December 6, 2015, in the 89th Annual B/CS Christmas Parade. The parade begins at 2 p.m. The route begins on University Drive at Polo Road and turns north on Texas to Sulphur Springs Road in Bryan. We invite members to ride on the float in the parade. It will be a fun day that will get you into the Christmas spirit. Give me a call at 979-778-1592 if you would like to ride. Please join us!
Christmas Party Set-Up Help Needed Lodge 189 is getting ready for its annual Christmas dinner on Sunday, December 13, and we are asking members to help set up on Saturday, December 5 at 6 p.m. at the Brazos Senior Center on Bristol Street. We need members to help us and to get involved. Give me a call at 979-7781592. We look forward to your participation at these events. Please join in! Fraternally, Gerald Rieger Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—
Lodge 196 Houston-West Christmas open house Sunday, Dec. 13
Lodge 196, Houston-West is pleased to announce that we are having a Christmas open house on Sunday, December 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the lodge hall, located at 17810 Huffmeister Road in Cypress, Texas. We are serving punch and holiday cookies in a festive atmosphere of traditional holiday music, along with special gifts for children under 16 years of age. All members of SPJST and their guests are invited, and we would especially like to see many of our own lodge members attend. If you would like to have a fun
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time, fellowship, and enjoyment, you may wish to join in on the decorating of the hall on Friday, December 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. We look forward to seeing many of you at the open house. Fraternally, Don Fruin, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 200 Bruceville-Eddy Christmas party Thursday, Dec. 10
Dear Members, Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy invites you to its annual Christmas party on Thursday, December 10, 2015, at Raymond’s Southern Kitchen, located on Northbound IH-35 Frontage Road in Lorena, 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 with your name and number attending by Tuesday, December 8 by calling President Allen Trigg, Sr. at 254-624-5152 or sending an email or text to Treasurer David Nauert at davidn@vvm.com or 254534-0809. We look forward to seeing you at the party, and we wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Fraternally, Michael D. Hosch Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 246 Morgan’s Point Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 13
Dear Members, We invite you to attend the SPJST Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point Christmas party on Sunday, December 13, 2015, at SPJST Home Office, located at 520 North Main Street in Temple. We look forward to seeing you there! We will begin with a social at 12:30 p.m. A delicious catered lunch will be served at 1 p.m. We are happy that our friends from Lodge 87, Temple will be joining us for the party. Attendees are asked to bring a dessert. We are also collecting canned
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Wednesday, December 2, 2015
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 9 by sending an email with the number attending to jameslee.three@gmail.com or calling 254-289-6816.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point! Fraternally, James Lee, III, President —SPJST—
Outdated
I’m all worn out and aggravated, just biding time ‘cause I’m outdated
My hat is bent my blue jeans faded, my youth was spent now I’m outdated
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My temperament and nerves are grated, on top of that my breath is bated I came real close I almost made it, my conclusion Age is overrated. ~d.knape —SPJST—
Scenes from Lodge 184, Moulton’s Holiday Open House Sunday, November 14, 2015 • Lodge 184, Moulton Hall
LEFT PHOTO: Fraternal Field Manager Delisle Doherty, left, and Dennis Baetz. PHOTO 2: Honorary District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom, left, and wife Kathy with Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek and wife Joan.
PHOTO 3: District Six Director Karen Kaspar, left, visits with Ann Marie Koncaba. RIGHT PHOTO: Joan Vanicek, left, helps Patsy Michna prepare desserts for serving.
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Richard Jenke
Continued from Page 1.
of 17 - the minimum age to join the United States military. He lied about his age and he convinced his mother to say ‘yes’ to joining the United States Navy. He then served on a Navy submarine in Australia and helped defend the Aussies against the Japanese. “I went there after I enlisted and saw all the damage they did,” Brother Jenke says. “My brothers and I took a terrible toll on them; we lost 52 of our subs, and my boyhood friend was on
A Day That Will Live In Infamy
As the United States slowly recovered from the great depression of the 1930s, there were few more exciting opportunities for a young man than a career in the Navy. It offered a stable income, warm meals, a semi-comfortable bed, and the chance to see the world. Exotic ports of call awaited those who chose to spend a few years of their youth at sea. Pearl Harbor in the territory of Hawaii was the homeport of the Pacific Fleet. Though the European continent found itself embroiled in a bitter world war in the latter days of the 1930s, in the Pacific there was no hint of trouble. American ships made routine patrols, practiced drills that most men thought would never be needed, and then returned to Pearl Harbor for periods of rest, relaxation, and recreation. The weekend of December 6 and 7, 1941, promised to be a great time for the sailors who had returned to Pearl. There wasn’t the slightest hint of trouble; even the weather seemed to be smiling on the tropical port. When the sun rose on Sunday morning young sailors from around the United States had little opportunity to be homesick; there was too much to see and do. On a pier near the harbor sailors and Marines prepared for a softball game. On the nearby battleship USS Nevada, others were getting ready for a tennis tournament. Many of the sailors had spent the night ashore, others had returned to their
Expression of Sympathy
We, the undersigned Resolution Committee of SPJST Lodge 23, Moravia, Texas, and on behalf of our entire membership, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family of our departed member, ELVIN KOCICH. Our daddy, Elvin Kocich, age 92, left this world Wednesday, September 30, 2015, to dance with his sons Anthony and Michael as they reunited in the presence of the Lord. Born on September 29, 1923, in a
one of them.” He earned three Gold Stars and a Silver Star and helped sink more than one enemy submarine. The ships’ score, he says, was “one large Jap destroyer, one large Jap submarine, one large Jap cruiser, and eight merchant ships.” Brother Jenke returned to Houston in 1945 and finished his high school diploma. He continued his career in the Navy, serving in the Korean War in the early 1950s. He retired from the military in 1954 after 12 years of service. We salute Brother Jenke for his service. God Bless America. —SPJST—
berths late after a night on the town. There was limited duty on this beautiful Sunday morning, affording ample opportunity for the men to enjoy their brief stay in Paradise. As the hour neared the 8 o’clock muster and the raising of the colors, all was peaceful and relaxed. A large number of sailors gathered on the beach for an outdoor morning chapel service. On the USS Nevada, the band was beginning the first strains of the National Anthem for the hoisting of the flag. Throughout the harbor men were at ease, finishing breakfast, writing letters home, planning for their afternoon on the island’s sandy beaches, or just sleeping in. Aboard the USS Nevada, Warrant Machinist Donald Ross was shaving and thinking about his girlfriend Helen at home. Tomorrow would be Donald’s birthday. On board the USS Oklahoma Ensign Francis Flaherty was counting the days until he could return home to Michigan and go back to school. He had joined the Navy to earn money to get into medical school. It was 7:53 a.m. and events were about to unfold that would propel the United States into a World War that would ultimately cost more than a quarter-million American men and women their lives. On this day alone more than 2,400 men, women and children would die in Paradise. The day was . . . December 7, 1941 . . . A Day That Will Live In Infamy! More at homeofheroes.com/pearlharbor/.
farmhouse in Moravia, Texas, Elvin was a proud Texan and an even prouder CzechAmerican. Elvin was a World War II veteran who valiantly served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945 in Company M Elvin Kocich 157th Infantry Division as a heavy machine gunner. Captured in battle by the Germans, he remained a POW for three months. He received commendations for his dedication and bravery, earning medals in-
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cluding the Bronze Star, Good Conduct, American Theater Campaign, EAME Campaign medal with Bronze Star, World War II Victory, POW, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Honorable Service. Upon his return home to Moravia, Elvin continued farming and later met and married his sweetheart Martha Shimek, sharing 60 amazing years together. They began their family in Moravia then spent a few years in San Angelo where he worked as a mechanic for John Deere. In 1966, the family moved to Sugar Land where they raised their seven children. Elvin worked for Sugar Land Industries and Imperial Sugar before retiring in 1992, and continued mowing yards with Martha until age 87. He loved his Czech music and dancing with his sweetheart. They enjoyed traveling to polka festivals, teaching their children and grandchildren how to make that special “Papa” sausage, lake house holidays spent with family, and many a dinner at their favorite Mexican food restaurants. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 23, Moravia. He was also a life member of the VFW Hallettsville and a 41year member of the Knights of Columbus 4204 in Sugar Land. He was preceded in death by sons Michael and Anthony; parents Louis and Sophie (Schwartz) Kocich; sister Willie Mae Krupala; brother Marvin Kocich; and twin sister Evelyn Vornsand. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Martha Kocich; children John Kocich, David Kocich, Frances Rychlik and husband Mike, Danny Kocich and wife Jennifer, Monica Borak and husband Ronald, and Carol Kocich; and a beautiful legacy of 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Visitation was Sunday, October 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Davis Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg with a rosary that began at 6 p.m. A celebration mass was held Monday, October 5 at noon at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Sugar Land. Reception immediately followed at St. Theresa’s Community Center. Burial at 3:30 p.m. was in Davis Greenlawn Cemetery and included full military honors presented by VFW Post 9182. Elvin’s wish was for donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of his wife and forever sweetheart Martha. Resolution Committee Kathleen Guenther, Secretary —SPJST—
Resolution of Sympathy
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We, the members of the Resolution Committee of Lodge Hvezda Texasu No. 47, Seaton, Texas, on behalf of our membership, wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of our departed member, JAMES RICHARD MUCHA. James Richard Mucha of Grapevine, Texas, and formerly of Villa Park, Illinois, and Temple, Texas, passed away September 23, 2015, at the age of 90. He was born September 14, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois, to Josephine and John Mucha. He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II. He had careers with Sunbeam Corporation, Boise Cascade, and Lengefeld Lumber Company. He was a valued volunteer at Baylor Scott and White Hospital - spending his time volunteering with Mended Hearts and as a greeter. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton. He is survived by son Randall John (Ellen) Mucha; daughter Joanne Lynn (Wayne) Jacobs; stepdaughters Pat Voss, Joan (Chuck) Emerson, Therese (Glenn) Ashworth, Donna (Jesse) White, Ginny (Joe) House, and Christine Anderson (fiancé Thomas Stirneman); stepson John Voss; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife Esther Lillian Gara Mucha of 24 years; second wife Marie Eunice Phillips Voss Mucha of 39 years; and stepson Raymond Voss, Jr. A memorial service was held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Temple at 10 a.m. For memorials, please donate to Veterans of Foreign Wars www.villaparkvfw.org or Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject. Resolution Committee Ruth Kohutek Joyce Skrabanek LaVerne Vanicek —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.
Lodge 88, Houston Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club youth meet for fun ready for Christmas festivities Ol’ St. Nick SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Youth Dear Members, It’s almost time for our annual Christmas party! That’s right—it’s this Saturday, December 5 at 11 a.m. The youth club is sponsoring this event and would love for you to join us that day. Youth members are asked to bring desserts for the meal and canned goods for the food drive. It will be a great time for all . . . so come young and old and have a visit with good Ol’ St. Nick and a great day of fraternalism. Fraternally, Michelle Wockenfuss Assistant Youth Leader —SPJST—
Club will have its next meeting on Saturday, December 5, 2015, following the Lodge 88 Christmas party. Note the change in date and time for our meeting, and please plan to attend! The Christmas party starts at 11 a.m., and there will be food, fun and fellowship. I hope everyone will come out and enjoy the festivities. I know I am excited to see Santa! Fraternally, Nathan G. Polly, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club Christmas party Lodge 88, Houston this Saturday youth invites all to ’Tis the season for the SPJST Christmas party Lodge 88, Houston Christmas party! Dear Members, Don’t forget about the Christmas party this Saturday, December 5, 2015, at 11 a.m. We will have food, caroling, and a visit from Santa! Don’t forget your canned goods for the food pantry. Our December meeting will be right after the party. See you then! Fraternally, Keith Wockenfuss, President —SPJST—
Everyone is invited to join us on Saturday, December 5, 2015, at 11 a.m. Bring your family and friends for Christmas carols, lunch, and a visit from Santa! The youth club is asking that everyone bring a non-perishable food item for the local food pantry. 1435 Beall Street, Houston, Texas 77008, in the Heights. See you on December 5! Fraternally, Jered J. Polly Publicity Committee —SPJST—
Christmas Trivia and Fun Facts
There’s no other holiday like Christmas and that’s what makes it so special. Although it’s observed around the world, many of us celebrate without knowing how our traditions got started or what they signify. Knowing the hows and whys help us understand Christmas and the holiday season. The trivia below reminds us that there is quite a bit of history behind our family customs. Try using it to make your own Christmas quiz for holiday parties and add a unique touch with personal favorites. The word Christmas is Old English, a contraction of Christ’s Mass.
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Germany made the first artificial Christmas trees. They were made of goose feathers and were dyed green.
Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895. The first Christmas cards were vintage and invented in 1843, the Victorian Era.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” appears on television more often than any other holiday movie.
Lodge 88 Houston Youth Turns 6!
The first president to decorate the White House Christmas tree in the United States was Franklin Pierce.
Lodge 25, Ennis Welcomes New Youth Club Member
AUBREY ROBERTS
Lodge 25, Ennis welcomes Aubrey Christine Roberts. She is the daughter of Stacy and Gary Roberts and has a baby sister, Avery Lynn, who is one year old. Aubrey is six years old, and she is in first grade at Travis Elementary in Ennis. Her great-aunt, Kay Lynn Kovar, took Aubrey to her first youth club meeting on Sunday, November 15, 2015, and helped her with the Vestnik project. They also made Christmas cards for the nursing home. We are so happy to have Aubrey as our newest member! —SPJST—
Lucas Cernosek who is a member of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston recently celebrated his sixth birthday on Thursday, November 19, 2015. His dad, aunt, and grandmother shared lunch with him at school. He also had a large costume party at Chuck E. Cheese. He went as Darth Vader from Star Wars. Lucas enjoyed all friends and family who attended - especially his cousins Joey and Emma. Lucas started kindergarten this year, and he attends Wharton Dual-Language Academy. He spends his free time salt water fishing with his dad. He likes to collect insects, watch cartoons, and play with his friends, Transformers, and dog and cats. Lucas is the son of Allen Cernosek and Melissa Ridgway. He is the grandson of Susan and Wilbert Cernosek, and the great-grandson of Betty Smith, who is a longtime member of Lodge 88. Susan is also a member of Lodge 88. Lucas recently joined the SPJST youth club and has been enjoying the many fun activities. —SPJST—
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“Rudolph” was actually created by Montgomery Ward in the late 1930s for a holiday promotion. The rest is history. “The Nutcracker” is the most famous Christmas ballet.
“Jingle Bells” was first written for Thanksgiving and then became one of the most popular Christmas songs.
If you received all of the gifts in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” you would receive 364 gifts. The poinsettia plant was brought into the United States from Mexico by Joel Poinsett in the early 1800s. Holly berries are poisonous.
Contrary to common belief, poinsettia plants are non-toxic.
Mistletoe was chosen as Oklahoma’s state flower in 1893 and later changed to the state floral emblem.
In 1843, “A Christmas Carol” was written by Charles Dickens in just six weeks.
The first state to recognize the Christmas holiday officially was Alabama. Christmas became a national holiday in America on June 26, 1870.
An angel told Mary she was going to have a baby.
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Black Friday is not the busiest shopping day of the year. Although it varies, it usually lands sometime in December.
Clearing up a common misconception, in Greek, X means Christ. That is where the word “X-Mas” comes from. Not because someone took the “Christ” out of Christmas.
A snowflake has six points.
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Eggnog first became popular in England where it was considered a drink for the upper class.
Oregon produces the most real Christmas trees in the United States.
Traditionally, Christmas trees are taken down after Epiphany.
More diamonds are sold around Christmas than any other time of the year.
Source: http://www.christmascelebrations.com/trivia.htm
—SPJST—
In Mexico, wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is said to bring new love in the upcoming year.
District Two Youth Enjoy Trip to Six Flags Over Texas
Saturday, October 3, 2015 • Arlington, Texas • Submitted by Amber Bartek, Assistant District Two Youth Counselor
TOP LEFT PHOTO: District Two bus riders are ready for the day. TOP CENTER PHOTO: Brandon Bartek with DYC Patsy Koslovsky, left, and Assistant DYC Amber Bartek. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 29, Taylor members. LEFT PHOTO: Danny Stepan with niece Madison and nephew Mason, along with Terry and Peyton Malina. RIGHT PHOTO: Jennifer and Shirley Hoelscher with Frances Elliott and granddaughters Rebecca, Ariana, and Lydia Federle. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are Seth Ray, Justin Kraatz, and Luke Ray. BELOW CENTER PHOTO: DYC Patsy Koslovsky, center, and assistants Amber Bartek, left, and Cristy Girod. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: The Mitchan family enjoy a fun day at Six Flags.
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The History of Christmas Cards
Given the popularity of greeting cards, it’s no wonder why it’s a multibillion dollar industry. The ancestor to modern greeting cards is the vintage Christmas card, which paved the way for the cards we send today, and opened the door to fun, everyday cards and thank-you notes. History in the making! In 1843, the Christmas card was invented by a man named John Calcott Horsley, who lived in Italy. He was hired by Sir Henry Cole in an effort to depict the desolate living conditions of the poor. The idea was to raise awareness and encourage people to help those in need.
Ironically, the result was a card portraying a happy family, including a child sipping wine. Scrawled across the front of the card was “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” This led to criticism as it was not socially correct for a child to drink alcohol. Despite this, the Christmas card was a hit and manufacturers found it difficult to keep up with the demand. By 1880, the Christmas card business was big and growing rapidly. The “trick card” era came next. Ranging from fans to puzzles, these cards quickly became popular. Common materials for these cards were satin and silk, making them quite elegant. They came in many different shapes such as bells, animals, and stars. The all-time favorites were popups, tab-cards, and cards that made
sounds. In 1862, Charles Goodall created cards that said “A Merry Christmas” and soon, religious-themed cards followed. Mangers, the baby Jesus, and Mary and Joseph were often the subject matter. Until 1815, Americans imported the cards from England. Later that year, Louis Prang opened his own shop to print off Christmas cards. By the year 1881, he had sold nearly 30 million cards, a booming success! Today, greeting cards are still popular and evolving. Not only can we easily find Christmas cards, we can buy cards for special occasions such as birthdays and weddings — and holidays, including Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day. Nonetheless, modern greeting cards
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will always resemble the classical ones invented in 1843. Who would want it any other way? Source: http://www.christmas-celebrations.com/cardshistory.htm
—SPJST—
District Two Beseda Dancers: Fun at Celebration Station Before the State Fair Saturday, October 10, 2015 • Dallas, Texas • Submitted by Amber Bartek, Assistant District Two Youth Counselor
TOP LEFT PHOTO: Kimora Davis on the bumper boats. TOP CENTER PHOTO: Celebration Station! TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Dannikka Bartek on the bumper boats. LEFT PHOTO: Aaron Kaderka and Hunter Bartek await their turn for jumpoline. RIGHT PHOTO: Friendly game of Lazer tag among beseda members and parents.
BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Tyson Bilbrey at the arcade. BELOW PHOTO 2: Brayden Gilliam plays games. BELOW PHOTO 3: Hunter, Camdon, and Everhett Bartek play golf. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Emma Regan at the arcade games.
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Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club Enjoys Build-a-Bear! Saturday, November 21, 2015 • Submitted by Denae Bronikowski
District Two Beseda Dancers Entertain at the State Fair of Texas
Sunday, October 11, 2015 • Dallas, Texas • Submitted by Amber Bartek, Assistant District Two Youth Counselor
TOP LEFT PHOTO: Dannikka Bartek, left, and Kara Kaderka. TOP CENTER PHOTO: Aaron Kaderka, left, Hunter Bartek. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Kimora Davis, left, and Emma Regan.
LEFT PHOTO: District Two Beseda Dancers. RIGHT PHOTO: Dancing on stage for Heritage Festival at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.
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Podpora Wednesday, December 2, 2015
BENEVOLENCE
ROČNÍK 103 CISLO 47
TCGS: legends, symbols, Traditional ornaments available
By Nancy Machu SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor
Featured in this week’s offering of ornaments, are four that are sure to become favorites to anyone who purchases one for his own tree or for a gift. One of them, the donkey, was a favorite in 2014. Our supply was depleted quickly, and many friends were disappointed because they were not be able to purchase it then, so we have brought it back this year. The other three are new for 2015.
The Legend of the Donkey The donkey ornament spans a space in time, letting us know the Lord always has a place for us to serve, no matter what our age. This legend lets us tell the story of Jesus and His death on the cross (the reason for His birth) in a most unusual way, a way which will capture one’s attention. About the time that Jesus was born, there was a little donkey that fell into a deep pit and, because he was quite old, the owner decided the best thing to do was to just bury him. Knowing this would be difficult and time consuming, he enlisted the help of several friends and neighbors. They proceeded to dig up dirt, shovel by shovel, and toss it into the pit onto the donkey. Each time, the donkey would bray “hee-haw” very loudly and shake off the dirt. The owner and his friends kept up their task and, being very de-
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Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas
Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897
termined, the donkey did as well. Soon the donkey had shaken off so much dirt he was able to walk out of what was to have been his grave. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, he was riding on this same little donkey. As Jesus walked to the cross, the donkey followed Him and watched from afar as He suffered on the cross before He died. After watching the torture Jesus was enduring, the donkey could watch no more so he turned his back on the cross that held Jesus. As he did, the shadow of the cross fell upon his back and his shoulders, and unto this day some breeds of donkeys have a cross mark on their backs. The donkey ornament can be yours for $13 and is available in the TCGS Gift Shop downstairs at the SPJST Home Office Building at 520 North Main in Temple.
The Symbol of the Candy Cane The story relates the fact that there was to be a Christmas celebration at the Cologne Cathedral in 1670. The choirmaster wanted to give the children who attended a gift. He asked the local candymaker to take a white stick of candy and bend it into the shape of a shepherd’s crook. The “J” was to represent the name of Jesus. The red stripes circling the white candy would symbolize the blood shed by Jesus Christ on the cross in order for us to have eternal life. The hardness of the candy represents the Solid Rock, the foundation of the church, and also symbolizes the firmness of God’s Promise. The sugar canes became popular throughout Europe very quickly and are now popular throughout the world. You can tell others about the Candy Cane by purchasing it from the TCGS Gift Shop for $10 and displaying it on your Christmas tree.
The Tradition of St. Nicholas and Santa Claus The American Santa Claus originated from St. Nicholas, who was born about 280 in the country that is now known as Turkey. St. Nicholas was a kind person, and children loved him. He was made a saint because of the good person he was. In Europe, people honored St. Nicholas by celebrating St. Nicholas Day on December 6. Children put out their stockings, and the good St. Nicholas filled them with gifts. December 6 became the day that people exchanged gifts with each other. As people began immigrating to America, they brought their traditions with them. The Dutch brought their version of St. Nicholas with them and he was known as “Sinter Klass.” Because Americans had a tough time with the Dutch language, they began calling St. Nicholas “Santa Claus.” He is now known as Santa Claus in the United States and in the United Kingdom. He is a beloved symbol of Christmas and especially loved and eagerly awaited by children of all ages. Some people still celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6, but Santa Claus is most related to December 24 or 25. The very colorful and stately St. Nicholas ornament is now available in the TCGS Gift Shop for $20.
The Painted Egg Ornament The Czech Republic is noted for its beautifully painted eggs which many of us collect and display proudly in our homes. Eggs are usually associated with the Easter holidays, and the Monday following Easter (known as Easter Monday) is an official Czech National Holiday. On Easter Sunday young boys make playful switches called “Pomlazka.” On Easter Mon-
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day, the boys playfully take the switches and chase the girls by pretending to whip their legs. The girls run and hide, but when found, they give the boy an egg that has been personally decorated by the girl. This is all done in fun and no harm is done to the girls. The switching symbolizes the casting off of winter’s gloom. The Czechs enhance the beauty of the Easter gift by painting the eggs with colorful designs. The egg is a symbol of eternal life. The TCGS Gift Shop offers a small deeply colored red egg with blue flowers for $12. Larger eggs are available in red, blue, and white, all decorated with floral designs for $20 each. We invite you to visit the TCGS Gift Shop, loaded with not only Legend, Symbol, and Traditional Ornaments, but also exquisite ornaments from the Czech Republic, as well as a large assortment of Czech crystal, art glass items, porcelain items, jewelry, textiles, caps, bumper stickers, beautiful rosaries, dictionaries, maps, cook books, and a series of books, published by TCGS, to help with genealogy of Czech families.
Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Through Friday, December 11 We hope to see you during our extended hours: Monday through Friday from November 30 through December 11 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Open House—Monday, December 7 Our open house is scheduled for December 7 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.
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We would love to help you with your Christmas shopping! Please contact Nancy Machu for additional information at nbmachu@aol.com. —SPJST—
Czech Heritage Museum sponsors Dec. 2 concert in Temple
The Czech Heritage Museum will sponsor a concert featuring baroque Czech Christmas classic, “Hej, Mistre!” performed by students and faculty of the University of North Texas College of Music at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at Temple Brethren Church, 2202 Birdcreek Drive in Temple, Texas. Singing Handel’s “Messiah” is a favorite tradition of the Christmas season in most Western countries, but in the Czech Republic, people gather to sing another baroque composition written in Czech by Jakub Jan Ryba. “Hej, Mistre!” or “Hey, Master!” joyfully tells the Christmas story from a shepherd’s point of view. The title is also the opening line, when a shepherd boy runs to wake his master after seeing an unusual star in the sky. Students and faculty of the University of North Texas College Of Music, funded by the Czech Educational Foundation of Texas, are bringing this beautiful music to eight cities across Texas. The tour stops in Temple on
Wednesday, December 2 for a concert at the Temple Brethren Church. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and lasts about 90 minutes. It is open to the public, and there is no admission charge. “It’s a good opportunity to hear music that is beyond the SmetanaDvorak-Janacek Top 40 and a great way to begin the holiday season,” said Thomas Sovik, professor of music theory at UNT. The tour is part of the International Festival of Czech Music held November 18 to 21 at the University of North Texas in Denton. The festival included four days of master classes, concerts, lectures, and film screenings by guest artists and scholars from around the world, plus a day-long academic conference on Czech music, concluding with a performance of “Hej, Mistre!” with soloists, choir, and orchestra, including the large pipe organ at the Margot and Bill Winspear Performance Hall on the UNT campus. The touring group includes the four soloists and a smaller choir, accompanied by organ and cello. “I’ve written an organ-continuo accompaniment (organ and cello) to compensate for the orchestra that we will not be bringing,” said Sovik. “This is probably how the mass would have been originally performed in Jan Ryba’s church in Rozmital pod Tremsinem in 1796.” The piece is also known as “Ceska Mse Vanocni” or “The Czech Christmas Mass,” although, it is considered a pastoral rather than a mass. Ryba wrote it in 1798, while the Czech lands were under Catholic Hapsburg rule. The piece is organized with movements named for parts of the traditional Latin mass, such as “Kyrie” and “Gloria.” Ryba’s piece concentrates on the Christmas story of the birth of Christ, unlike Handel’s comprehensive history, which works through both Biblical Testaments, from the ancient prophecies of Isaiah, through the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Accordingly, the Ryba piece is joyful and exciting. Written as a pastoral, there are sweet and delicate soprano sections contrasted with the rousing rustic male voices of the shepherds and then glorious full-choir angel choruses. While here in the United States, operas and choral pieces are not often performed in Czech. Bach and Mozart were said to have considered Czech especially suited for singing. The piece has been paired in an animated film with the art of Czech illustrator Josef Lada. Lada is known
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for his charming Christmas postcards as well as for his illustrations for the iconic Czech book, “The Good Soldier Svejk.” The Czech Educational Foundation of Texas has a Temple connection. It was established in 1954 when Attorney August Kacir of Temple, Henry Maresh, M.D. of Houston, and John M. Skrivanek, Ph.D. of College Station sought a state charter for the nonprofit organization. The current CEFT Board of Directors includes Cindy P. Belknap of Fort Worth; Jim Bezdek of Denton; David Chroust of College Station; Jean Blaha Davis of Dime Box; Amy Jurica Hinnant of Houston; Paul T. Hlavinka of
Wharton; Frank Horak of Holland; Daniel Hrna of Kerrville; Joan Johnson of Ennis; Sidney Kacir of Temple; Margaret Klecka of Dallas; Roger Kolar of Austin; Mark Labaj of Temple; Ray Lenart of Dallas; Joe Liles of Holland; Clint Machann of College Station; Marvin J. Marek of Katy; Anton Pustejovsky of Sargent; James Sassin of Austin; Woody Smith of Austin; Clarice Snokhous of West; Ben Trcalek of Caldwell; Lynette M. Urbanovsky of Bryan; Jan Vaculik of West; Brian Vanicek of Temple; Donnie S. Victorick of Snook; and Diane S. Wilson of West. The CEFT funds programs at three Texas universities. “The Texas Chair
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.
Alfred Vrazel, International Polka Pioneer Award - 2014 and Leo Majek, Sr. Orchestra, Four Generations of Czech Polka Music: live music, dancing, open bar, hors d’oeuvre, catered dinner, and silent auction. For ticket information, contact TCHCC 888-785-4500; or 979968-9399; or email info@czechtexas.org. Proceeds benefit TCHCC Preservation Projects. Submitted by Retta Chandler, Lodge 25, Ennis.
Czech Cultural Calendar
Second Sunday each Month Czech Language Class—at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 West Fairgrounds Road on US Highway 77, La Grange, Texas, 1 to 4 p.m. Informal understanding of basic Czech terms, alphabet/conversational Czech, children’s literature, Czech song lyrics. Fee is $10 per person per class. Call or email to verify classes. Pre-registration is suggested, but not required. Call toll free 888-785-4500; 979-9689399; or email info@czechtexas.org
First/Third Tuesdays each Month Tarok Lessons with Tarok Champion Jimmie Coufal—at Czech Heritage Museum, 119 West French Avenue, Temple, 7 p.m.: Designed for all skill levels, beginners to proficient. Come enjoy some inexpensive entertainment; it’s a great social game. Get off your Xbox and join us. Free and open to everyone. For information, call 254-899-2935.
Through January 9, 2016 Multi-media exhibition Texas Czechs: Rooted in Tradition on display at the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center in Temple. This unique exhibition features contemporary Texas Czech cultural traditions in photos, text, objects, and film. For Museum hours, call 254-899-2935. More info at polkaworks.org or call 512-448-4536. Submitted by Dawn Orsak, Lodge 187, Round Rock. December 5 TCHCC 10th Annual Gala—at Fair Pavilion, La Grange. Event will honor
December 5 CCMHouston Annual Gala/St. Nicholas Eve Celebration—at the Center, Houston. For information, call the Center 713528-2060; email museum@ czechcenter.org; or visit www.czechcenter.org. Submitted by Bill and Effie Rosene, Lodge 232, Mid-Houston.
December 6 23rd Annual Ellinger Chamber of Commerce Polka Fest—at Ellinger Chamber of Commerce Hall in Ellinger: Event includes a polka mass at 10 a.m.; fried chicken/sausage dinner following mass; silent auction; dancing/music. January 2016 Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Summer Study Program 2016 Sign up Deadline—Tour dates June 28 - July 18: Housing, tours of Czech historic places, Czech language instruction, and traditional Czech food. For information contact Thadious Polasek 979-561-7571; or email Polasek29@gmail.com. Submitted by Thadious T. Polasek, Lodge 67, Schulenburg.
February 28 Application Deadline for Czech Heritage Society of Texas’ Victor Peter Scholarship—For scholarship submission guidelines, contact: CHS of Texas Victor Peter Memorial Scholarship, c/o Pat Parma, 3311 Carolina Way, Richmond, Texas 77406-9680. Submitted by Pat Parma, Lodge 81, Needville.
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in Czech Studies” for teaching the Czech language at the University of Texas at Austin, the CEFT Czech Fellowship at Texas A&M University, and at the University of North Texas, the Frank J. and Hermine Hurta Kostohryz (cq) Residency in Czech Music and Culture and the Dr. Jim and Rose Bezdek Endowment Fund Celebrating Czech Music and Culture. For more information, contact Susan Chandler, Czech Heritage Museum Executive Director, at czechheritagemuseum@gmail.com; 254-899-2935; or 817-919-9095. —SPJST—
UNT Czech Christmas mass tour dates, locations set
As part of University of North Texas community-outreach service, beginning on the first Sunday of Advent (also Thanksgiving Sunday), the Česká mše vánoční - Christmas Mass - by Czech composer Jakub Jan Ryba (1765-1815) will be performed by UNT soloists and small choir and orchestra in eight churches across the State of Texas from Sunday, November 29 to Sunday, December 6. Tour schedule is: Wednesday, December 2 in Temple - 7 p.m. Temple Brethren Church 2202 Birdcreek Drive
Thursday, December 3 in College Station - 7 p.m. St. Mary’s Catholic Church 603 Church Avenue
Friday, December 4 in Houston - 7 p.m. St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church 13350 Ashford Point Drive
CUBA & CUBA, P.L.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law
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254-778-1824
COURT CUBA EXTRACO BANK BUILDING 18 S. MAIN, SUITE 802, TEMPLE, TEXAS 76501
Sunday, December 6 in Gainesville - 5 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 415 E. California Street (Performing with Gainesville High School Leopard Chorale)
information, visit For czech.music.unt.edu or call Tom Sovik at 817-287-9644. Tom Sovik —SPJST—
dency in Czech Music and Culture, and the Dr. Jim and Rose Bezdek Endowment Fund Celebrating Czech Music JoAnn Zaeske Lodge 189 Bryan-College Station —SPJST—
TCHCC Christmas Open House Brazos Valley CHS this Saturday It’s time for a Czech Christmas! On hosts Czech Saturday, December 5, 2015, Texas Christmas Mass Czech Heritage and Cultural Center will host the annual Christmas Open this Thursday The Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society is proud to host Česká mše vánoční - Czech Christmas Mass (1796) by Composer Jakub Jan Ryba and presented by The College of Music at the University of North Texas. All are invited and welcome from the community and surrounding communities to come out on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 7 p.m. to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, located at 603 Church Avenue in College Station, Texas 77840. Admission is free of charge. Four soloists, a small choir, small string group, and an organist from the University of North Texas will bring an evening of music that is performed at the Czech Christmas Mass in the Czech Republic to Bryan-College Station, Texas. Additionally, Dr. Thomas Sovik, an ordained military chaplain with the University of North Texas will offer a message. This performance tour is supported by funding from the Czech Educational Foundation of Texas, Frank J. and Hermine Hurta Kostohryz Resi-
House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s feature will be the beautifully vintage decorated Czech Village. Step back in time, before modern conven-
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iences, and experience the holidays in the early 1900s. The new Zapalac Saw Mill will also run at 1 p.m. There will also be a bake sale with plenty of great tasting homecooked goodies. A chicken noodle soup and sandwich lunch will be available in Hanslik Hall, and Taylor Czech Chorus will perform Czech and traditional Christmas carols. Shop our newly stocked Czech Gift Shop for great gifting ideas you won’t find anywhere else. Tour the exhibits in the Museums and Library. Stay for the annual Gala from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in Pavilion Hall. This year’s honorees are Alfred Vrazel, International Polka Music Pioneer Award 2014, and the Leo Majek Orchestra. There will be music and dancing by the Czechaholics Band, buffet by Bistro 108, open bar, silent auction, door prizes, and more. Tickets for the Gala are $125 in advance. Tables are also available. Texas
Invitation to Cat Spring:
From European Tyranny to Freedom to Civil War By Mary Frances Chupick Bennett SPJST Lodge 202, Jourdanton Member and Daughter of SPJST Supreme Lodge Secretary J.F. Chupick (1940 to 1960)
In the mid 19th Century, Pavel and Rozina decide to leave the tyranny of their ancestral homeland in Moravia for the wilds of Texas.
A perfect Czech heritage Christmas gift! $19.99 plus $7 for shipping (total $26.99) Order from Amazon.com. For an autographed copy, mail a check/money order to Mary Frances Chupick Bennett 303 Riverhill Blvd. ñ Kerrville, Texas 78028 Inscriptions may be included.
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Czech Heritage and Cultural Center is located at 250 West Fairgrounds Road just off US 77 North of La Grange. Mail check for tickets to TCHCC, PO Box 6, La Grange, Texas 78945. For more information, call 1-888-7854500 or email info@czechtexas.org. Visit the website www.czechtexas.org. Veselé Vánoce! —SPJST—
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
Veselé Vánoce
Czech Christmas Party Everyone Invited!
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas . . . Start the Christmas season with our
Merry Christmas Polka Party! Saturday December 5, 2015 7 to 11 p.m.
National Hall
SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth 3316 Robert’s Cut-Off Road • Fort Worth 817-624-1361
Sunday December 13, 2015
SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas 2625 Floyd Street • Dallas, Texas Social hour begins at 4 p.m. Dinner served at 5 p.m. Bring your favorite Czech side dish.
Youth Christmas Program Lots of Czech surprises planned. Czech music and fun for all ages. Hall phone: 214-823-0072
Featuring nationally-acclaimed
Czech and Then Some
will play a variety of polka, western music that will set your feet to tapping. Fun • Food • Polka Dancing • Pivo Admission for the Public is $8 • Children under 14 are free of charge. SPJST Lodge 92 members are free of charge.
Complimentary finger foods. Full bar available.
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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. Directions: Directions: Lodge building is located on Highway 159 East, three blocks from the town square. 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. For information, contact Youth Leader Ronnie Pflughaupt 979-249-6702; rpflughaupt@hotmail.com.
LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6) Note: Lodge meetings are held at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, 1614 North Texana Street, Hallettsville, the second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m.
Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, 1614 North Texana Street, Hallettsville, Texas.
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, December 4—Social Sunday, December 6—Christmas party Friday, December 18—Social cancelled
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. Lodge hall is on the right about 1/2 mile down the road. Hall Rental Information: 254-7998550; 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. For information, contact Youth Leader Peggy Dobecka 254-799-8550; or dataped@sbcglobal.net LODGE 8, WEIMAR (6) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Monday of each month, 6 p.m. at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant, Schulenburg.
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 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: 1081 County Road 425, 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: 979-884-1451. 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.
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) Note: Until further notice, youth club meetings will be held with the adult meetings, which are on the third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall.
Sunday, December 13—Christmas Dance: Red Ravens, polka/waltz, 3 to 7 p.m. $8/person. Kitchen will be open Sunday, December 20—Christmas Dance: Glen Collins Band, country and western, 3 to 7 p.m. $8/person Thursday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Fritz Hodde, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. $10/person. Black-eyed peas, cornbread, sausage, and 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 512-2170162; 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: Until further notice, youth club meetings will be held with the adult meetings, which are held on the third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. For information, call Youth Leader David Meyer 512-217-0162.
LODGE 20, GRANGER (2) Lodge Hall: 114 West Davilla, Granger. Hall Rental Information: Rita Marburger 512-859-2584. Lodge Meetings: First Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall - unless it’s a holiday then the meeting will be held on the second Monday. 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 28—quinceanera Sunday, December 6—Youth club meeting Tuesday, December 22—Strudel order pickup at SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis dining room, 2 to 6 p.m.Apple Strudel Bake Sale benefiting SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis Improvement Fund. $15 each. Call Margaret 972-8786149; or Betty 972-878-7719.
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 Infor-
mation: 972-875-8381; Hall Phone: 972-875-8381. 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. For information, contact Secretary Helen Kelner 281-342-2624. LODGE 29, TAYLOR (2) • All Wednesday and Friday night dances are free admission. • Old-fashioned hamburgers served every Friday beginning at 6 p.m.
For the Christmas holiday, Lodge 29, Taylor Hall will be closed Thursday and Friday, December 24 and 25. The hall will be reopen for business on Saturday, December 26 at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, December 2—Sam and Bobby Band with guest musician Fritz Hodde, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, December 4—Old Friends, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Sunday, December 6—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 meet at the same time. Friday, December 11—Glen Collins Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 16—Sam and Bobby Band with guest musician Fritz Hodde, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, December 18—Night Skies, 7:30 to 11:30 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: 512-352-9139; Hall Phone: 512-352-9139. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. For information, call Youth Leader Cristy Girod 512-468-1347. Music: First and third Wednesday each month, music by Bobby Jay Five Band, 7 to 10 p.m.; Friday evening, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. LODGE 30, TAITON (6) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo.
LODGE 32, VICTORIA (6) Lodge Hall: 3502 North Laurent, Victoria. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 35, ELK (3) Saturday, December 5—Santa Fe Station Saturday, December 12—Nolan Pick Band Saturday, December 19—Brett Hendrix Band Thursday, December 31—New Year’s Eve: Gordon Collier 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 Agents: James (Dude) Mann 254-715-0275 and Gene E. Pavelka 254-749-3326.
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.
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: Cathy Garcia 979-332-1614; Hall Phone: 979-648-2317. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 11:30 a.m. at the hall.
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LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at Six Mile Presbyterian Church, Royal Road, Port Lavaca.
LODGE 47, SEATON (2) Lodge Hall: 10842 State Highway 53, Temple. Directions: Seaton Star Hall is five miles east of Temple on Highway 53 (Adams Avenue). Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Michelle Porubsky 254-493-8020; 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. Visit www.seatonstarhall.com.
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 Monday, May 11; Monday, June 15; Monday, July 13; and Monday, August 10 at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the lodge hall.
LODGE 49, ROWENA (4) Lodge Hall: 706 FM 2133, Rowena. Hall Rental Information: 325-442-4841. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of February, May, August, and November, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: 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 in West.
LODGE 63, SWEET HOME (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. For meeting location, call 361-594-8429
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 67, SCHULENBURG Lodge Meetings: Third or fourth Sunday of March, June, September, and December (Christmas) at Frank’s Restaurant in Schulenburg at 2 p.m. Call Ernest Kutac to confirm meeting date 979-561-7190. LODGE 73, SEYMOUR (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 12 p.m. For meeting location, call 940-256-2263.
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: 254657-2485. 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 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;
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take a right on Floyd Street. Hall is the second building on the right. Hall Rental Information: 469-951-7396. 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. 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: Karin Bryant 254-947-3100 or Judith Little 254-913-8568. Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall.
LODGE 88, HOUSTON (5) Saturday, December 5—Joe Valentino “Sock Hop” 50s and 60s music. $10/person Sunday, December 6—Holiday Blue Room Party: Ennis Czech Boys, polka/variety. 2 to 7 p.m. *Dress Code. $35/person Saturday, December 12—Private party rental Saturday, December 19—Private party rental Saturday, December 26—Private party rental Thursday, December 31—New Year’s Eve: The Moonglow Orchestra, big band. 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. *Dress Code. $35/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: Third Monday, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First 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) Saturday, December 5—Big Christmas Polka Party!: Czech and Then Some, 7 to 11 p.m.; Doors open at 6 p.m. Free admission for members of Lodge 92. Nonmembers, $8; children under 14, free. Snacks will be served. Saturday, December 12—Children's Christmas party: Santa comes to Lodge 92 bringing fruit/nut bags for all the kids young and old. 5 p.m. till ? Sunday, December 13—Saint Thomas Festival: Posada from 3 to 5 p.m.; a procession of Spanish and English Christmas carols; nachos and snacks served. Admission is $5 per person. Following the posada will be a one-man performance of "Bah Humbug", a take on "A Christmas Carol". Admission is $20 per person and includes dinner served from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. The performance starts at 6:45 p.m. Reservations are needed to plan for enough food. Call Mary Ann Krivanek 817-688-9958 for reservations. Friday, December 18—Al Nelson: Concert tribute to the music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Thursday, December 31—New Year’s Eve: Doc Gibbs, variety music. 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. $25/person in advance; $30 at the door.
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 2 or 3 blocks down the road. (A Great Western Inn Motel is on the corner.) Hall Event/Rental Information: Events Manager Jon Durham/Hall Phone 817-6241361. 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. Game Nights: Second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. 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.nationalhallfortworth.com.
LODGE 97, PLACEDO (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Friday in March, June, September, and December, 6 p.m. For meeting location, call Secretary Diana Redd 361-649-4388.
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, contact President/Sales Agent John Vrla 214906-3385; or via 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 Sokol hall.
LODGE 139, DANBURY (5) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at 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) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Gordon Memorial Library, 917 North Circle Drive, Sealy. LODGE 142, HOUSTON (5) Note: December 13 meeting includes election of officers and delegates, and committe appointments. A Christmas meal of ham and all the trimmings will be served.
Sunday, December 13—Lodge meeting at Lodge 88, Houston annex building, 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Christmas meal of ham and all the trimmings at 1 p.,m., followed by the meeting at 2 p.m.
Lodge Meetings: Second or third Sunday of each month - whichever is noted, at 2 p.m., meal served at 1 p.m.; held at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston dining room or annex building - whichever is noted, at 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Youth Club Meetings: Same time/location as adult lodge meetings. For information, contact Lodge 142, Houston President Keith Kieschnick 832-627-2842; 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, Wharton.
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. Contact Secretary Cynthia Kristinek 806-763-7245; cjkristinek@yahoo.com for meeting location. LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of January, April, July, and October, 12 noon at Wall Volunteer Fire Department, Wall.
LODGE 162, IOWA COLONY (5) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center, 12003 CR 65, Iowa Colony. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center, 12003 CR 65, Iowa Colony.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
LODGE 169, BRENHAM (1) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Thursday in February, April, June, August, October at 6:30 p.m. at Texas Seafood and Steakhouse, 2209 South Market Street, Brenham. (December meeting/social information will be announced at a later date.) For information, contact Nello and Dorothy Strickland 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 held the first Saturday of each month, 7 to 11 p.m., except when noted. Variety dances are held 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: Second Monday of each month, (unless the second Monday is a holiday) at 2 p.m. Dances: Held the first Saturday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Variety Dances: Fourth Saturday of the month, unless noted.
LODGE 177, ACADEMY (2) Lodge Hall: 711 Rio Poco, Little River. Directions: Hall is on the south side of Academy, just off Hwy 95, on the right. Hall Rental Information: 254-982-4530. Hall Phone: 254-982-4434. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at the hall; Board of trustees meet at 6 p.m.; lodge meeting follows at 6:30 p.m. Bingo: Every Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; kitchen is open. LODGE 179, WARRENTON (1) Thursday, December 10—Social, 5:30 p.m.; meeting, 6 p.m. JW’s Steakhouse Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at Carmine Lions Club Building, 201 Centennial Street, Carmine.
LODGE 180, BURLESON (3) Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. Due to the holiday season approaching, some of the times may be changed. Check Věstník for times or call one of the following: 817-295-6497; 817-371-0255; 972-268-0022; or 817-905-2097.
LODGE 181, CONROE (5) Please Note: Lodge 181, Conroe will now hold lodge meetings on a quarterly basis starting in 2016.There will be no more meetings for Lodge 181 in 2015. Meetings for Lodge 181 in 2016 are now scheduled at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26, Tuesday, April 26, Tuesday, July 26, and Tuesday, October 25, and unless otherwise announced in the Vestnik, meetings will be held at Montgomery County Main Library Branch in Conroe. For further information contact President Barbara WilliamsRash 936-295-7778; email b.d.willrash@att.net; Vice President Chuck Toney 281-362-9062; email cdtiii@toney.us; or Treasurer Patsy McClelland 936-788-788-5714; or email pmcclelland@consolidated.
LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY (2) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin. Youth Club Meetings: Same time and place as adult lodge meeting.
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; 214-876-9029. Lodge Meetings: Third Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Last Friday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Game nights are every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. and every Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Permit No. 17516910506.
LODGE 184, MOULTON (6) Lodge Hall: FM 532 West, Moulton. Directions: From Texas 95 in Moulton, take FM 532 West four miles. Lodge hall is located on the right. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS (7) Lodge Meetings: Every other month - February, April, June, August, October, and December. Call for meeting date, time, and location. Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader Theresa Haag 830-625-8262 for meeting date/time/location.
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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. 1-74-20733095-41002.
LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK (2) Lodge Hall: 920 Luther Peterson Place, Round Rock. Hall Rental Information: 512-255-1554; 512-7714948. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 to 3 p.m. at the hall followed by entertainment and potluck meal. LODGE 189, BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of March, June, September, and December, 2 p.m. at (unless otherwise noted) C and 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 936875-2867. 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 to 10 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 1 p.m. at the hall. Covered dish meal will be served.
LODGE 200, BRUCEVILLE-EDDY (2) Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at Taylor Hall/Bruceville-Eddy Senior Center, 100 Fourth Street in Eddy.
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 at 1:15 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.
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: Second Saturday of January, March, May, July, and September at 6:30 p.m. at Tahoka Housing Authority (small room - 1400 Ave K). For any questions, call Secretary Pam Lehmann 806535-8356. Youth Club Meetings: For location/time, contact Youth Leader Janeece Williams 806-990-3351.
LODGE 219, EL PASO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 9 a.m. Call Secretary Edna Rivas 915-727-2048 for meeting location. LODGE 229, ABILENE (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. Call Secretary Tammy Copeland 325-333-4089 for meeting location.
LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT (2) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at SPJST Home Office, 520 North Main Street, Temple, 12 noon. For information, contact President James L. Lee, III 254-289-6816. LODGE 258, SEGUIN (7) Lodge Meetings: For meeting date, location, and time, contact President Chester Jenke 210-413-3053 or Treasurer Colleen Jenke 210-215-949 —SPJST—
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