Volume 104 Number 2
ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence
H E R A L D
★ Humanity
★ Brotherhood
January 13, 2016
American Fraternal Alliance President/CEO to deliver keynote
Lodge Leaders Invited to January 30 “Seeking the Treasures of SPJST” Banquet in Temple The SPJST Supreme Lodge takes pleasure in inviting all lodge leaders to attend the 2015 Incentive Awards Presentation and Banquet to be held Saturday, January 30 at the Frank W. Mayborn Convention Center in Temple. Doors open at 12 noon for the event which begins at 1 p.m. Activities are expected to conclude at approximately 6:30 p.m., following a catered steak dinner. Please note that a noon meal will not be served. Seeking the Treasures of SPJST Membership Drive The January 30 event will also be a rallying point for SPJST’s 2016 “Seeking the Treasures of SPJST” Membership Drive. The 2016 membership drive includes incentives for sales agents,
members, lodges, and youth clubs vehicle. Lodges that receive “Gold working to make a positive difference Star” recognition will be authorized mileage for up to two vein the lives of SPJST hicles. Gold Star lodges members. are those lodges that genAll 2015 lodge officers erate at least $10,000 in and 2016 lodge officers earned premium during and a guest are invited to the year. A total of 23 attend the awards presenlodges were recognized tation free of charge. as Gold Star lodges at Please feel free to extend last year’s awards presthis invitation to others in entation. Lodge presiyour lodge who are interdents and secretaries will ested in attending. Their be mailed an update this cost for the steak dinner is week informing them if $10 per person. The Intheir lodge will be resurance Department is Joe Annotti ceiving mileage for an taking care of invitations extra vehicle. Awardto sales agents. To facilitate attendance, every lodge winning sales agents will be notified by will have mileage paid for at least one the Insurance Department.
“Let the Good Times Roll!” December Top Agents
1st - Certificates Issued 1st - Annualized Premium $500 Award
2nd - Certificates Issued 2nd - Annualized Premium $100 Award
Susan Skrabanek, FIC
Ralph Juarez
Lodge 17, New Tabor District One
American Fraternal Alliance President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Annotti will be keynote speaker for the event. The Alliance represents more than 60 not-for-profit fraternal benefit societies domiciled in the United States and Canada. These societies, which include SPJST, provide a variety of financial services products – primarily life insurance and annuities – to their more than 9 million members, along with a host of other member benefits, from scholarships to financial planning courses, to social networking. Equally important, member societies contribute millions of dollars in direct financial support and millions more hours of volunteer service to a wide range of
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi District Seven
N N N N N N N N
Important Dates ...................................3 Interest Rates ......................................3 Readers Write ......................................3 Convention 2016 Information.............4 Let the Good Times Roll Update........7 Lodge Section....................................14
3rd - Certificates Issued 3rd - Annualized Premium 4th - Certificates Issued 5th - Annualized Premium 4th - Annualized Premium $50 Award $100 Award $100 Award
Ray Esparza
Lodge 76, Wichita Falls District Four
Lydia Talamantez
Lodge 160, San Angelo District Four
Inside Th is Week’s Vestnik
In Memoriam ......................................24 Youth Section ....................................28 Vestnik Project...................................29 Czech Culture ....................................33 Lodge Calendar .................................35 Advertisements ............................37-39
Page 17
Lodge 97 Placedo shares Christmas party scenes
Patsy Koslovsky, FIC Lodge 47, Seaton District Two
Continued on Page 8.
5th - Certificates Issued $50 Award
Kerry Herrington
Lodge 142, Houston District Five
N N N N N N N N Page 19
Lodge 91 San Jacinto collects donations for Paws Across Texas
Page 32
Lodges 9 and 189 participate in B/CS Christmas parade
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Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Editor’s Note
ˇ ´ VESTNIK
Thanks for the Memories!
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 - Oscar Korus, 2565 Bruce Road, Poteet, Texas 78065 - 830-391-4169 - oscarkorus@gmail.com 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 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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ast week’s “Treasured Memories” Vestnik was filled with many memories that our members submitted. A big thanks for your contributions. And, thanks to those who called or sent texts and emails appreciating the issue. If you would like to submit an SPJST memory or story, and photos, please share them with us. Send to:
L
SPJST Vestnik - Memories PO Box 100 Temple, TX 76503 email - melaniez@vvm.com
40 Pages This week’s Vestnik is a big 40page issue. That is a lot of pages; however, it was not nearly enough to get everything in that we received last week. We have a nice backlog of items that still need to be published, but we ran out of pages for the week. If you sent something in and have not seen it in the Vestnik, please give us another week. We greatly appreciate your patience. My goal is to get everything in next week’s January 20 issue. So another big Vestnik is on the horizon! My apologies to those who have been waiting for a couple weeks to see their items in print. They are coming! What a wonderful blessing . . . a continuous stream of content to fill the Vestnik each week! I cannot thank VESTNIK
our contributors enough for taking the time to send articles, information, and photos. Please keep sharing your items with the Vestnik.
Seeking the Treasures of SPJST This week’s Vestnik includes the 2016 membership drive program outlined on pages 11 to 13. The theme is “Seeking the Treasures of SPJST.” Our year and activities will be focused on the “treasure” theme.
Valentine’s Day is Coming Can you believe Valentine’s Day is just around the corner? Stores are already filling their shelves with a flurry of pink and red hearts, boxes of chocolates, and cute, cuddly teddy bears. In the Vestnik office, we are ready to accept your valentine greetings! See the back page for details on how you can send in valentine greetings to the special people in your life. The deadline is February 1 so send your greetings in today! Sincere Sympathy We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Finance Committee Secretary Marceil Malak of Lodge 88, Houston and her family. Marceil’s daughter Arlene Malak Brown passed away unexpectedly on December 21. A memorial service was held December 30 at Waldeck Lutheran Church.
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, January 13, 2016
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Family Fun and Important Dates
Jan. 18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Jan. 19-21 Supreme Lodge Meeting SPJST Home Office, Temple Jan. 19 District Three Delegates’ Meeting Lodge 25, Ennis Jan. 30 SPJST Incentive Awards Banquet Frank W. Mayborn Convention Center, Temple Jan. 31 DYC Meeting • Temple Jan. 31 SPJST Camp Tee-Shirt Design Contest Entry Deadline Feb. 1 SPJST Scholarship Paperwork Due to SPJST Home Office Feb. 6 State Tarok Tournament SPJST Home Office, Temple Feb. 13 Fraternal Alliance of Texas Bowling Tournament Fiesta Lanes, New Braunfels
Readers Write
Member appreciates youth club Christmas caroling
Thank you, sweet members of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club. Your Christmas caroling at Weston Inn in Temple was beautiful and thoughtful! May God bless each of you who participated in that event. It was appreciated and uplifting. Thanks again. Regards, Leroy Dana Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—
Old Memorabilia can make a difference
Just recently a lady called and talked to my wife on the phone. She said she was trying to get in touch Applications and all required with me. One of her family members information must be received had passed away about two years ago, by the Home Office on or before and she was helping go through some February 1, 2016. of his belongings. They came across some old pictures. Some of the picTo receive a General Scholarship tures were of my dad, my uncles, and Application and/or my great-grandfather – along with *Leadership Grant Application, others. please call the SPJST Home It turned out that my dad and the Office Fraternal Department lady’s family member who had passed at 800-727-7578 or download (Woodrow Marek) were not only very an application at www.spjst.org. good friends, but also cousins and *Must be an active Youth Club member to apply for the Leadership Grant. were in the Army together. She said no one really wanted the pictures, and she didn’t know what to do with them. SPJST INTEREST RATES . . . 11/01/2015 - 01/31/2016 When she had seen the Coufal name on several of the pictures, she had SPJST Farm/ Universal Life Annuities thought about an article in the Vestnik Commercial Universal Life 3 Annuity 5 that she had read about a year ago Property Rates (plans 1203-1222 with a (plans 8032-8039 with about John and Olga Coufal. That is Farm/commercial property rates are guaranteed rate of 2.50%) a 1.50% guaranteed rate) subject to change without notice. Call when she decided to get in touch with the SPJST Home Office 800-727- Credited Rate: 3.00% Credited Rate: 3.00% me and see if I wanted the pictures. 7578. Whole Life/ I am very thankful to this lady Farm/Commercial Annuity New 5 Year Universal Life 3 Property Rates (Evelyn Henning) for taking time to (plans 1223-1232 with a (plans 8040-8041 with call and have the pictures saved. It 75% Owner guaranteed rate of 2.50%) a 1.50% guaranteed rate) was a great gesture. It makes me Farm Property Credited Rate: 3.00% Credited Rate: 3.50% 4.75% for 1 to 30 years happy to know that there are people in Commercial Property our community willing to go out of 6.00% for 1 to 10 years their way to help others that they don’t 6.25% for 11 to 15 years really know and to help preserve our great heritage. Thank you very much. So, if anyone ever comes across old pictures, family memorabilia, or any type of information pertaining to family genealogy and history, and do not want to keep them, I encourage you not to discard them, but to ask around to see if someone is interested in them – or donate them to genealogy centers (especially if they have information
SPJST Scholarship Applications Available
September through January
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on them). Many people are looking for family tree and ancestry information of all types — even old stories. Thank you, Randy Coufal Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—
New Zealand band to visit Texas; seeks to play at SPJST halls
Hello, from New Zealand. We are The Bristol Dollar, a hardworking and hard playing band, and our style has been variously described as alt-folk, alt-country, swamp rock and Americana. We’ve been around for 10 years and recently changed our band name from The Johnny Possum Band to reflect our changes in musical style but in that 10 years we have released six CDs, been nominated for, and won, several awards and as well as playing gigs in New Zealand and Australia, we’ve been to the United States on four previous occasions and played venues throughout Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee (including many fine gigs in Nashville like Music City Roots and The Rusty Nail). Our new name comes from the town that straddles the Tennessee and Virginia state lines and a bet made between two band members there in 2014. We are just about to release our next CD, and you can have a sneak preview of the music here http://thebristoldollar.com/private-music/ You can also check out videos of the band on our website at www.thebristoldollar.com where you can also find out more about the band. We will be in Texas for two and one-half weeks from Thursday, March 17 to Sunday, April 3, 2016, as part of our fifth visit to the USA. We are looking to book gigs during this period and have so far locked in the following gigs: Saturday, March 19 – The Local Bar and Grill, Lubbock Sunday, March 20 – BarPM, Lubbock Tuesday, March 22 – In the Music Room, Waxahachie Saturday, March 26 – The Owl, Elgin Thursday, March 31 – Grand Stafford Theater, Bryan
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So if you have space for us on any night we are not currently committed to, we would love to play at an SPJST hall. We are also bringing our own support/opening act with us – the amazing Emily Fairlight, one of New Zealand’s best alt-folk musicians. Let me know if you have any questions. Regards, Sean Whitaker, Manager admin@thebristoldollar.com —SPJST—
Concho Christmas Celebration thanks SPJST for parade participation
Dear SPJST and District Four Youth, The Lights of Christmas Parade was absolutely spectacular this year. Thank you so much for being a part of it.
This was our greatest parade ever, and we have had many, many positive comments from people who were there to watch. We have come a long way since that first parade 15 years ago when there were only six entries. Each year, it just gets better and better. I hope you had as much fun participating as we did in preparing for this beautiful gift to our community. We are already looking forward to next year and hope you will be with us again. Please mark your calendar now for the Lights of Christmas Parade on December 3, 2016. Thank you again for your participation. Suzanne McGee Lights of Christmas Parade Chairman Concho Christmas Celebration Committee —SPJST—
From the By-Law Committee
By-Law Committee readies for 2016 Convention
Dear Members, The 2016 Convention begins on Monday, June 13 at Killeen Civic and Conference Center. The By-Law Committee begins its deliberations and preparations with a meeting this Saturday, January 16, 2016, at the SPJST Home Office in Temple at 9 a.m. According to the By-Laws of SPJST from the 2012 Convention, under “Convention” on page 6, “anyone seeking a Supreme Lodge office must announce candidacy at least 120 days prior to convention.” Candidates are asked to submit their announcements to the Vestnik and to By-Law Committee Secretary Beverly Teplicek. Announcements can be emailed or mailed. Mailed announcements must be postmarked no later than February 13, 2016. Under “Supreme Lodge” on page 4, a screening process will be established “for the purpose of reviewing all qualifications of submitted candidates for Supreme Lodge Officers, Editor/Director of Communication, and seven directors. The screening committee has the right to gather additional background information, submit the slate of qualified candidates to the delegates 90 days prior to convention, and shall
have the discretion to consult with personnel with legal and human resource expertise to assure compliance with current labor laws. The By-Law Committee will be the screening committee.” Saturday, February 13 120 Days Prior to Convention Candidacy for Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Vestnik Editor/ Director of Communication, and seven district director positions must be announced. Submit to Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny and to By-Law Committee Secretary Beverly Teplicek. Sunday, March 13 90 Days Prior to Convention By-Law Committee submits slate of qualified candidates to delegates through the Vestnik.
Wednesday, April 13 60 Days Prior to Convention Deadline for recommendations for changes to the By-Laws. Recommendations must be signed and submitted to any member of the By-Law Committee.
By-Law Committee members are listed on page 2 of each Vestnik. They are:
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
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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 - Oscar Korus 2565 Bruce Road Poteet, Texas 78065 830-391-4169 oscarkorus@gmail.com
Fraternally, Ronnie Rieger, Chairman By-Law Committee —SPJST—
From the Finance Committee
Finance Committee announces request deadline
The Finance Committee will meet Saturday, March 19, 2016, to prepare for Convention. We remind you that any requests for donations, salary changes, bonuses, etc. must be made in writing at least 60 days prior to convention - or April 13, 2016. You may send any suggestions or requests to Finance Committee Chair-
man Herman D. Weise or to Secretary Marceil Malak. Their contact information is: Chairman Herman D. Weise 6006 FM Highway 765 San Angelo, Texas 76905 hdweise@zipnet.us
Secretary Marceil Malak 7444 Meiners Road Ledbetter, Texas 78946-5118 malaktax@gmail.com
Fraternally, Marceil Malak, Secretary —SPJST—
2016 Important Dates to Remember Saturday, February 13 - 120 Days Prior to Convention Candidacy for Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication, and seven district director positions must be announced. Sunday, March 13 - 90 Days Prior to Convention By-Law Committee submits slate of qualified candidates to delegates through the Vestnik.
Monday, April 4 - Deadline for Convention Souvenir Program Book Advertisement Information and Payment
Wednesday, April 13 - 60 Days Prior to Convention Deadline for recommendations for changes to the By-Laws. Recommendations must be signed and submitted to any member of the By-Law Committee. Wednesday, May 11 Pre-Convention Vestnik published containing By-Law and Finance Committee recommendations, pre-convention reports, and other convention information. Monday, June 13 32nd SPJST Convention Convenes • Killeen Civic and Conference Center
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Donnie Victorick announces candidacy for District One Director It is an honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to serve you, members of District One and the entire SPJST, as director of District One. I have been able to experience many great opportunities with our organization. We have been blessed with an excellent management team to lead our society and know that we are committed to always act in the best interest of the SPJST and our members. I have also been blessed with the opportunity to serve our society as chairman of the Supreme Lodge since January 2005. I have always been totally committed to the betterment of SPJST and have always strived to make our society a leader among fraternals. Although we are not as large as many others, our presence is widely known throughout the fraternal world. This is something we should all be proud of. The performance and financial security of SPJST has steadily grown since our last convention, and I am proud to say that through the efforts of our officers and fellow directors, we have successfully made an impact on this great society since an all-time low in terms of financial stability dating back to 2008. We have been able to increase our surplus by an average of about $1 million a year, and we have increased our assets to over $200 million. Our insurance in force is nearing $1 billion, and it is my goal to see that we reach this milestone well before the 2020 Convention. I also have a goal of seeing that we increase our surplus by $1 million or more each year as we have done in the past. Another goal which I have is to see our insurance sales grow because we, at this time, are not bringing in enough new members to replace those who are no longer with us due to death, surrenders of insurance certificates, expirations of term certificates, and lapses. It is important for us to increase our membership count because we are facing the same dilemma as other fraternals which is declining membership. This concern is very heavy on the minds of our regulators who control the policies and procedures which fraternals must follow. We are not an organization that can isolate ourselves from the rest of the fraternal world. Today, we are faced with increased regulations and different ways that fraternals must operate. We cannot ignore our regulators and do what we want to do. We have rules which we must follow. For those of
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Bradley Stavinoha announces candidacy for District Five Director
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I would like to announce my candidacy for District Five Director. My resume appears below: Bradley Stavinoha 10522 Will Lehman Rd Needville, Texas 77461 bradley@needvilleinsurance.com cell: 979-739-2386 fax: 832 -550-2833 office: 979-793-7411
Objective SPJST Supreme Lodge District Five Director you who will be delegates to the convention, please remember this because the time has come when we cannot continue to do things the same way as we have always done in the past 100plus years. This may not be something you like or agree with, but this change is not coming from the Supreme Lodge—but from regulators and our legislators who are very concerned with the financial stability of fraternals nationwide. It is our job to do the things we are required to do in the future - whether we like it or not. With these thoughts and challenges in mind, I am committed to meeting them and announcing my candidacy for District One Director. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving you and look forward to being able to continue this service for years to come. My wife, Janice, and I look forward to seeing you at various SPJST functions, lodge meetings, and the convention in June. I am asking for your support to allow me to continue to serve in this capacity and to serve all of you to the best of my ability and to help SPJST grow and continue to be a success. This is an organization which I truly love. My credentials include a bachelor of arts and masters of education from Texas A&M University graduating with honors, along with a mid-management and superintendent certification. I am also a Fraternal Insurance Counselor and a Certified Fraternal Field Manager. Your support will be greatly appreciated. God bless. Fraternally, Donnie Victorick, FIC, CFFM District One Director —SPJST—
Education 1993-1996 Bachelor of Science from Texas State University • Environmental science major • Minor chemistry 1992-1993 Wharton County Junior College
1991 High School Needville High School
Diploma
2002 Fort Bend leadership graduate
2002 American Legion College graduate - Indianapolis, IN 2005 Rice University - leadership for nonprofits graduate
Work Experience 2000 to present Needville Insurance Agency, Inc. Owner/agent independent insurance agency. Current staff of four servicing RVOS Lodge 70, Fojtik-Needville and Lodge 97, Kneitz-Richmond.
1997-2012 Acetylene Oxygen Company Sales representative. Rosenberg branch outside sales covering Western Houston area. Several vendor-sponsored welding schools and Miller advanced sales school. Business has grown every year for AOC. Maintained and serviced accounts. Sold welding equipment, consumables, industrial gases such as nitrogen, argon, nitrous oxide, and specialty gases. 2000 - sales representative of the year 1996 to 1997 Texas Boll Weevil Eradication • Environmental monitoring supervisor
Military 1990 to 1999 - Texas Army National Guard, staff sargent Power Generator mechanic (honor graduate) M1-A1 tank commander NCO academy graduate - numerous military awards.
Civic American Legion - Post Commander 2000-2009, Post Adjutant 2009-present. Past department legislative committee, 9th district adjutant 2005 to present. Rotary Club of Rosenberg - President - 2006 to 2007; area membership director - 2014 to 2015.
Knights of Columbus - Bingo crew leader, Deputy Grand Knight, youth director.
Czech Heritage Society - member, soup supper chair member Blue Jay Booster Club - life member.
Needville ISD Career and Technology Advisory Board Vice President.
National Guard Association of Texas - member. Oak Bend Hospital - community relations board member. Fort Bend Extension Office - leadership board member.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Rosenberg/Richmond Chamber of Commerce - member. Needville Chamber of Commerce member and vice president.
Needville Little League - past team manager for peewee girls and minor girls. St. Michael’s Church - youth education teacher eighth grade - 2012 to present.
SPJST Members of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville; treasurer of Lodge 81, Needville - 2008 to present; youth leader of Lodge 81, Needville - 2014 to present; several committees; sales agent - many times a million dollar producer and top District Five producer; lodge convention delegate past three conventions. —SPJST—
Bob Bayer announces candidacy for District Seven Director
To the Members of District Seven, I am making it publicly known at this time, that I will be a candidate for the position of District Seven Director. I am asking for your support and vote to reelect me for another four years. I truly appreciate all of the support you all have given my in the past. Thank you. It is time for the 32nd SPJST Convention. It will be in Killeen, Texas, at the convention center on June 13 to 15, 2016. As delegates, we will be electing our leaders for the next four years. It is very crucial that you, as delegates, study the qualifications of all the candidates that will be running for office. We, the delegates, will be making some very serious decisions at this time. Now, I, Bob Bayer, am asking for your support and vote in reelecting me as your District Seven director for four more years. There is still work to be done in District Seven and the Home Office, and I want to be a part of it. SPJST has been around for 119 years plus. I have been a member for 49 years and a member of the board for 28 years. I think that the last 16 years, our leadership has come a long way and has moved to the forefront. They have responded to the directors and have been running our society very well. I am very proud to be a part of this and hope to continue for another four years. Yes, I had to make some harsh decisions, but I had to make them in the best interest for District Seven and the SPJST. As you all know now, it was a good decision for District Seven. District Seven is now one of the front runners in insurance in the state. District Seven is not a last place team anymore. I am not one to sit in a board meeting and just listen to the reports. I will question every aspect. I will question and question until I get an answer so that I can make a justified decision. I do not let the officers run rough shod over their reports. I
want explanations. I am a director that will continually ask for information and reports throughout the year. I want as much information as I can get to make sound decisions. I am very proud and honored to have served District Seven and the SPJST for the past 28 years. I believe that I have made progress in District Seven to bring us to the forefront in the state. My wife Polly and I have met and made so many new friends across the district and the state. We will never forget you all. We have enjoyed all of the lodge meetings that we have attended. We hope to make many more in the future. We have visited all lodges in the district. I have been truthful and fair to all of District Seven and the SPJST. I will not cover up anything. I feel that the next four years are going to be very crucial and will need all the experience to move SPJST forward in the coming years. We, SPJST, will be continually challenged to move forward. We, SPJST, are always bombarded with new laws, and we must keep up with this. I hope that you will look at all of the experience that I bring to District Seven and the SPJST. I seek no other
job in the SPJST other than being your District Seven Director.
1. Served 31 years as president of Lodge 107, Floresville. 2. Was instrumental in getting Lodge 107 hall remodeled to meet today’s standards. 3. Served in excess of 20 years at District Seven youth camp for Lodge 107 and District Seven. 4. Served two years as District Seven President. 5. Taught crafts at Longhorn Recreation Lab for a number of years in Brownwood, Texas, under SPJST State Youth Director Dorothy Massey and DYC Maxine Pavliska. 6. Served 10 years on the Longhorn Recreation Lab board representing SPJST. 7. Was one of the leading directors on getting the addition added on to the existing Home Office. 8. Ran for SPJST Supreme Lodge President in 2004. Quite an experience. 9. Was Supreme Lodge Chairman for 4 years. 10. Was Supreme Lodge Vice Chairman for 10 years. 11. Was on the committee to select our present State Youth Director. 12. Was on the committee to interview Vice President candidates. 13. I have attended the last 12 SPJST conventions as a delegate from Lodge 107. The 2016 convention will be my 13th convention. 14. Served eight years as Lodge 107 fraternal activities coordinator and still serving now. 15. Served 28 years as District Seven Director. I am now the senior director on the Supreme Lodge. 16. Served 12 years as substitute director. 17. Served four years as the chairman of the first internal Home Office audit committee. 18. Served three years on the Home Office grievance committee. 19. Was the first director to get dis-
Seeking the Treasures of SPJST
2016 Membership Program featured on pages 11 to 13 of this week’s Vestnik.
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trict straightened out in regards to marginal lodges. 20. Got District Seven’s lapses turned around from 43 percent to a good 99.99 percent. 21. Was a sales agent for SPJST. 22. Was a sales representative for RVOS for 18 years. 23. Served one year on the Wilson County Appraisal Board. 24. Attended four RVOS conventions as a delegate. 25. Served 10 years with the fire department in Floresville. 26. I am a third degree and a fourth degree Knights of Columbus 27. I was a district deputy of the Knights of Columbus for two years. 28. I was a District Warden of the Knights of Columbus. 29. I served two years on the Floresville Peanut Festival Board. 30. Helped other directors numerous times with loans in their districts. 31. Was lead director on loan for Taylor, Texas, retirement home. 32. Started the Jerry Elzner Fund to be donated in his memory to the Czech Heritage Museum. The sound system in the meeting room is in Jerry’s memory.
As you can see, there is a lot of work still to be done in the SPJST. I feel that I have the experience to help move SPJST forward in the next few years. I will never give into pressure and will continue to work for the betterment of District Seven and SPJST. I feel that we must be ready for anything that may come over the horizon. We must continue to monitor our expenses and look for more ways to increase our income. I want SPJST to be a front runner in the fraternal insurance field. Again, I ask for your vote and support. Fraternally, Bob Bayer District Seven Director —SPJST—
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
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7
Let the Good Times Roll! Statewide Goal: 1,500 Certificates Issued Through December: 1,053 Certificates Issued
Membership Program Update
Member Referral Incentive
Insuring and Enriching Lives.
All referral cards received during a given month go into a drawing for three $25 Walmart gift cards. All referral cards received during the year will go into a drawing for five $100 Walmart gift cards to be awarded at the 2016 SPJST Awards Banquet.
Our vision is to provide a wholesome family environment; to encourage cherished Czech traditions; and to provide high quality, competitive life insurance for our members.
Lodge 54, West • District Three
SPJST Mission Statement
Kerri Kaluza
SPJST Vision Statement
Lodge Incentive Guidelines
The 2015 Lodge Incentive Guidelines will include membership program incentives and be based upon premium income generated by the lodges. The formula for calculating the Enhanced Premium Refund is:
1. $1.00 for each paid-up certificate; and 2. 2.80% of the lodge’s annual earned premium.
To receive the Enhanced Premium Refund, lodges must meet the following three-point criteria:
1. Hold regular lodge meetings in accordance with Article 50 of the SPJST By-Laws and offer a wellrounded fraternal program. 2. Return all requested paperwork on time by the due date.
3. Submit regular letters/photos to the Vestnik.
For lodge incentive updates, please contact the Financial Secretary’s Department. —SPJST—
SPJST Monthly Insurance Report Through December
MONTH-TO-DATE TOTALS FOR INSURANCE WRITTEN, ISSUED, AND ANNUALIZED PREMIUM
Dist. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 Totals
Apps. 16 11 10 23 13 15 22 0 110
Written $710,000.00 100,000.00 185,000.00 1,605,000.00 1,539,000.00 1,140,000.00 1,395,000.00 0 $6,674,000.00
Certs. Issued Annualized Prem. 18 $345,000.00 $12,697.44 12 350,000.00 4,899.00 10 253,404.00 9,681.04 19 859,7657.00 9,906.54 13 1,025,000.00 1,816.12 9 485,000.00 3,396.16 20 1,115,002.00 21,036.55 0 0 0 101 $4,433,171.00 $65,610.91
YEAR-TO-DATE TOTALS FOR INSURANCE WRITTEN, ISSUED, AND ANNUALIZED PREMIUM
Dist. Apps. Written 1 111 $9,539,508.00 2 151 5,377,048.00 3 195 9,641,681.00 4 257 15,954,091.00 5 159 13,498,833.00 6 93 5,202,573.00 7 213 11,838,477.00 9 0 0 Totals 1,179 $71,052,211.00
Certs. 107 142 170 232 135 76 191 0 1,053
Issued Annualized Prem. $8,619,545.00 $71,824.01 3,924,290.00 112,610.47 7,450,904.00 94,013.30 12,638,704.00 113,942.13 10,712,410.00 51,916.13 3,895,136.00 111,357.90 9,443,395.00 90,321.35 0 0 $56,684,384.00 $638,014.28
SPJST Records 278 Referrals
Through the end of December 2015, the following individuals contribute 278 referrals during Let the Good Times Roll Membership Drive. Lodge
0 0 9 18 24 24 25 25 25 25 25 29 29 29 29 29 29 40 40 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47
Member’s Name
Holly Knecht Terry Malina Tatiana Tates Artie Monson Margaret Campbell Lisa Kirby Denise Christian Marlene Clark Willie Ann Juricek Betty Macalik Leslie Mach Carol Bingham Helmer Dahl Larry Flippin, Sr. Cristy Girod Sharon Kaderka Elaine Machu Daisy Enriquez Norma O’Canas Chase Alexander Amber Bartek Brandon Bartek Brinley Belson Debbie Dohnalik Sandra Dubcak Alexis Festa Christine Festa Ruth Hanusch Cynthia Hutka Debbie Klinkovsky Brad Kraatz Joyce Kraatz Justin Kraatz Tammy Martinez Edwin Pechal
Referrals 6 3 1 6 3 7 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 7 3 3 3 3 1 1 4 4 1 1 10 1 1 1 2 2 1 4
47 47 47 47 47 48 48 54 54 80 80 80 80 87 87 107 107 107 107 107 107 107 107 107 133 142 177 185 185 185 196 202 202 202 202 202 202 246 246 246 246 258
Sharla Pechal Meredith Santos Lori Slack Dorothy Stuchly Donica Zabcik William Bosley Gracie Grimm Kerri Kaluza Tyler Kaluza Linda Hill Doni Powell Alan Taisler Clayton Taisler Sharon Ingram Billye Westlake Juliet Barrera Roxanne Bertrand Maria Guerrero Miriam Guerrero Rosario Martinez Cheryl Morrisey Laura Pavliska Glen Pruski Yolanda Ramos Cathy Arrambide Jack Manchack Janie Coakley Jody Jurica Payton Mills Jordan Woodall Nicholas Doherty Bettie House Lloyd House Alma Olvera Katlyn Polasek Isabella Wiederhold Juana Zuniga Tamara Gettys Ann Paruzinski Marissa Salinas Susan Shofner Chester Jenke
12 1 4 6 20 1 1 5 5 14 3 1 3 9 18 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 6 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 3 2 12 6 25 3 2
—SPJST—
SPJST Youth Clubs’ Update
DISTRICT ONE YOUTH CLUBS
Lodge No.
9 17 186
Youth Club Name
Snook Youth Club New Tabor Youth Club Caldwell Youth Club
Certs. Issued
15 23 2
DISTRICT TWO YOUTH CLUBS
Lodge No.
24 29 47 48 80
Youth Club Name
Cyclone Youth Club Taylor Youth Club Seaton Youth Club Beyersville Youth Club Holland Youth Club
Certs. Issued
3 3 30 3 4
DISTRICT THREE YOUTH CLUBS
Lodge No.
6 25 84 154
Youth Club Name
Cottonwood Youth Club Ennis Youth Club Dallas Youth Club Fort Worth Youth Club
Certs. Issued
5 5 3 5
DISTRICT FOUR YOUTH CLUBS Lodge No.
49
Youth Club Name
Rowena Youth Club
Certs. Issued
3
DISTRICT FIVE YOUTH CLUBS
Lodge No.
81 88 162
Youth Club Name
Needville Youth Club Houston Youth Club Iowa Colony Youth Club
Certs. Issued
4 16 0
DISTRICT SIX YOUTH CLUBS
Lodge No.
30 40 148
Youth Club Name
Certs. Issued
Taiton Youth Club 11 El Campo-Hillje Youth Club 1 El Maton Youth Club 0
DISTRICT SEVEN YOUTH CLUBS Lodge No.
185 202
Youth Club Name
Certs. Issued
New Braunfels Youth Club Jourdanton Youth Club
2 9
Listing reflects youth clubs whose quarterly reports were received by December 31, 2015, and youth clubs that are active. —SPJST—
8
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
January 30 Banquet
Continued from Page 1.
community service projects and charitable organizations in all 50 states. In fact, fraternal benefit societies’ volunteer networks are one of the most powerful sources for good in North America. Joe was hired as the CEO by the Alliance Board on March 31, 2008. His primary responsibility is to be the chief visionary officer for the organization and the fraternal system. He is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the organization and serving as the voice of and advocate for the fraternal industry. But his real job, he says, is to envision and, in conjunction with the Board of Directors and Alliance members, help create a future environment in which strong, vibrant, and relevant fraternals can prosper. “That also means I serve as the child in the story of ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ and point out when societies’ stubborn grip on the past creates obstacles in their ability to accomplish their organizations’ missions and damages other fraternals in the process,” Joe remarks. “I’m not afraid to ruffle feathers – alright, sometimes I actually enjoy it – but I do it for only one purpose: to create a brighter future for fraternals.” Joe has more than 30 years of experience in association management, and joined the Alliance after serving as
Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). Prior to PCI, he served in a similar capacity with the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of California. Those two experiences gave Joe unique insights into both the insurer and producer sides of the business, as well as a thorough understanding of politics and policy. Joe and his wife Jody live outside of Chicago in the northern suburb of Golf, Illinois. They have been married for 34 years and have two married sons - one in Manhattan and one in San Antonio. In his free time, Joe and Jody enjoy traveling, taking in films, reading, and participating in a variety of sports. They also do volunteer work in their parish and for the local Jesuit high school. Joe also plays basketball in a church league.
Registration Form Lodge secretaries are asked to complete the banquet registration form and return it to the SPJST Home Office by January 22. The form may be completed online at www.spjst.org. If there are any changes after you send in the form, please call Sandra Dubcak at 800-727-7578 or 254-773-1575. Next week’s Vestnik will include more banquet information including an introduction of the local lodge fraternalists of the year. —SPJST—
State Tournament ment is open to the public, ages 16 and State Tarok above. Registration fee is $10 per Tournament player which includes snacks and lunch. Prizes will be awarded. set for Feb. 6 Please register by Monday, FebruThe 2016 SPJST State Tarok Tournament is Saturday, February 6, 2016, at the SPJST Home Office, located at 520 North Main Street in Temple, Texas. Check-in is from 8 to 8:45 a.m. with play beginning at 9 a.m. The tourna-
ary 1 by calling 800-727-7578 or 254773-1575 or sending an email to tammym@spjst.com For more information, contact State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak at 254-534-0681. —SPJST—
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SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Donors’ List
SPJST members and friends are
encouraged to support the 2015-2016 SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive. In sending in your donation, please be sure to include donor’s name(s) for that proper acknowledgement may be published in the Vestnik. Donations are taxdeductible, and 100 percent of the amount that you contribute is used for scholarships to SPJST members. Mail your contribution to: SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503
There have been 143 donations made to the 2015-2016 SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive. Donations to date are $1,822.13. SPJST Memorial donations to date are $1,655. Thank you for your generous donations to the SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund. Because of your generosity, many young SPJST members will be able to attend or continue with college. Thank you for your kind support. For more information or printed donation solicitation forms, please contact the Fraternal Department at 800-7277578.
Guidelines for Giving 1. Donations made by lodges out of lodge funds will be listed as a lodge donation. 2. Collected donations from a lodge meeting will be listed individually by member’s last name in alphabetical order. Individuals submitting a donation will also be listed by member’s last name alphabetically. 3. Gifts of $50 or more will be printed in bold. 4. Families or groups, which desire names, listed under a particular last name or group name should indicate this on the donation form or letter, otherwise, the names will be listed as individual donations by last name in alphabetical order. 5. 100 Pennies donations made as a memorial will be listed under memorial donations in a separate listing.
Note: Please print donor’s name(s) clearly.
Lodge District
29 107
2 7
39 17 17 66 92 29
1 1 1 3 3 2
172 202 17 17 80
29 29 185 107 88 202 202 185 246 87
29 92 29
185 185 29 17 17 25 29 23
202 29 23 17 29 29
32 133 29 189 29
160 49 49 49 49 49 49 49
5 7 1 1 2
2 2 7 7 2 7 7 7 2 2
2 3 2
7 7 2 1 1 3 2 6
7 2 6 1 2 2
6 7 2 2 2
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Name
Adamek, Kathryn Ahrens, Werner and Clara Bell Bailey, Rob and Linda Barta, Evan and Mary Ann Beasley, Weston Beasley, Wyatt Benner, Coleman and Virginia Boriskie, Maxine Dowell, Maylee Dowell, Tabor Easter, Roger Ellsworth, G. Eulenfeld, Bobby and Laverne Girod, Cristy Grieger, Adolph Haag-Howard, Lilyanna Henke, Ryan and Brooke Holeman, Mildred House, Kelly House, Lloyd and Bettie Howard, Zach Howell, Larry Hurta, Edward and Bernadette Jansky, Ila Mae Juran, Lisa Kaderka, Leonard and Sharon Kitchen, Madeline Kitchen, Rileigh Machu, Albin Narro, Dillon Narro, Macy Novy, Pauline A. Nygrin, Barbara Olsovsky, Albert and Dorothy Polasek, Katlyn Pospisil, Jesse and Linda Pospisil, Ollie Powell, Brandon Prinz, Jody Pustejovsky, Frankie and Mary Jane Raska, Mary Reyes, Juan Rieger, Ronnie and Lyn Scasta, Albert and Helen Schroeder, Norris and Ruby Schwartz, George E. Schwertner, Bella Schwertner, Brody Schwertner, Colt Schwertner, Grace Schwertner, Olivia Schwertner, Sutton Schwertner, Tracy
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2
155
2
15
28
29 74 24
2 3
6
2 2 2
Skrhak, Clyde and Dorothy Smith, Birdie SPJST District Three Fall Fun Day Auction SPJST Lodge 155, Austin SPJST Lodge 28, East Bernard SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Temple, Syble E. Vitek, Jerry
29 80
18 154 18 49 49 49 185 91
2 2
2 3 2 4 4 4 7 5
Voigt, Wayne and Connie Vrabel, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald and Family Wiesner, Ruby L. Williams, Darrell and Gay Wilson, Charles Wood, Hunter Wood, Morgann Wood, Tanner Woodall, Jordan Wotipka, Evelyn —SPJST—
From the Fraternal Department
State FAC Shares January Updates
Make Plans to Celebrate the Incentive Banquet on January 30 The SPJST Supreme Lodge takes pleasure in inviting all lodge leaders to attend the 2015 Incentive Awards Presentation and Banquet to be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016, at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple. The event begins at 1 p.m. and is expected to conclude by 6:30 p.m. following a catered steak dinner. The January 30 event will also represent the statewide unveiling of SPJST’s 2016 “Seeking the Treasures of SPJST” Membership Drive. The 2016 membership program includes incentives for sales agents, members, lodges, and youth clubs working to make a positive difference in the lives of SPJST members. At the time of this mailing, we were still awaiting confirmation of our guest speaker. To facilitate your attendance, every lodge will have mileage paid for at least one vehicle. Lodges that receive the “Gold Star” recognition will be authorized mileage for up to two vehicles. Lodge presidents and secretaries: There will be a letter mailed to you the first part of January informing you that your lodge received mileage for another vehicle. Award-winning sales agents will also be receiving notification from the Insurance Department. In order to plan for the banquet portion of the awards ceremony, the Home Office is requesting a head count on or before January 22. Efforts of lodge secretaries to get this information in prior to the deadline will be greatly appreciated! All lodges are entitled to send their 2015 and/or 2016 lodge officers to the banquet free of charge. Each officer is entitled to bring a guest. A reservation form was sent to lodge secretaries. If you have any questions with regards to this process, please feel free to call Assistant to the President Sandra Dubcak at 800-727-7578. She will be handling
the reservations for this awards banquet.
Happy New Year! First and foremost, please know that Fraternalist of the Year honorees that did not turn in paperwork may still receive recognition at the Incentive Awards Presentation and Banquet on January 30. We will do our best to get your biographical sketch into the event program, time permitting. The main thing is that we want to give recognition where recognition is due, and we would like to be able to present you with your medal during the awards ceremony. If you have any questions as it relates to the Fraternalist of the Year program or presentation, please give me a call at 254-534-0681. I hope you had a Merry Christmas; and now I wish you a healthy and happy New Year! I really enjoyed the month of December having the chance to meet with many of you. Thank you for sharing the joy of the holiday season with me. According to preliminary financial data, 2015 looks to have been a good year financially for SPJST. From a fraternal perspective, it was also a very good year! Even so, we have the power to make 2016 even better! We look forward to new experiences and helping lodges to identify clearly defined goals that unite members and improve life within the community. I will be setting time aside to visit with many of you in 2016. I will be scheduling and attending lodge meetings that I did not have a chance to visit in 2015.
Important Deadlines The following reports are due on the dates listed below.
Friday, January 1 New Officers Listing – address, phone listing, and email. Please know even
though the deadline has passed, we need your lodge president or secretary to mail in the New Officers Listing to the Home Office. Friday, January 8 Fraternal Incentive Hours – Need to be recorded on www.fraternalsgive.org website.
Friday, February 12 Outgoing Officer Awards – Please note: The award is meant for a seasoned fraternalist who is likely to be concluding his or her service as a lodge officer and not likely to hold another lodge officer position. Friday, May 13 990 and 990-T to IRS and copy to Home Office
If all the information above is submitted on time, your lodge will be able to report it on the www.fraternalsgive.org website as a member activity for 2016. Please know if these reports are not submitted by the deadline, any incentive money your lodge has coming will be held until this information is received. If your lodge has not addressed these items, please make sure to do so as soon as possible. These programs benefit your lodge as well as your members. If you need assistance, please feel free to contact me.
SPJST Everyday Heroes If you would like to recognize the Everyday Heroes in your lodge, a form to request these pins is available from the Fraternal Department.
SPJST Lifetime Achiever Award Lifetime Achiever Award requests will be due two weeks prior to your district spring meeting. With regards to the SPJST Lifetime Achiever Award, it is meant to recognize those individuals within the lodge who have devoted a lifetime of service to their lodge or Society. Generally stated, that reflects an individual in his or her golden years who has contributed a minimum of 10 active years of devoted service. In recent years, some very youthful individuals have been designated by their lodges to receive the honor. Even as SPJST greatly appreciates the time and energy of its young members, please keep in mind the Lifetime Achiever Award is meant to celebrate the contributions of your lodge’s longtime and seasoned fraternalists.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
9
Officer Elections All lodges should have elected officers in November or December. Please take a moment to complete the paperwork sent to each lodge and return to the office of Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska. Information requested is the names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails of the officers for the coming year. Remember, this counts as one of your fraternal acts for the year if all paperwork is submitted on time. If this has already been done, thank you. While lodges are electing new officers, this would also be an excellent time to update information in the back section of the Vestnik. If any information has changed, please contact Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny at 800-727-7578.
Outgoing Officers Do not forget to honor your officers who have given their time and dedication to your lodge. Remember with regards to SPJST Outgoing Officer plaques, the idea — once again — is to honor lodge officials who may be near or at the end of their service tenure to the lodge. Generally stated, eligibility is based on being an outgoing lodge officer or trustee who has not been reelected for the upcoming years and does not plan to seek re-election. The plaques should be awarded at your local lodge meetings. All requests should be in the State Fraternal Activities Coordinator’s office by February 12.
100 Pennies Scholarship Drive This year’s goal is to raise $20,000 in addition to the Supreme Lodge allocation. Through your generous donations, SPJST has been able to continue to provide scholarships to members who wish to further their education. Since its inception in 1982, the Scholarship Program has presented SPJST scholars with near 1,700 scholarships valued at more than $1.5 million. That is a lot of pennies! Donations of any amount will be accepted and added to the general scholarship fund that is maintained by the Home Office. No amount is too small or too large. The 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive continues through March 31. SPJST Scholarship Application Deadline The deadline for submitting applications and all paperwork for the SPJST Scholarship is no later than Monday, February 1, 2016. Any student (high school seniors and college
10
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
undergraduates) who have not previously received a scholarship are eligible to apply. For an SPJST General Scholarship or Leadership Grant Application and complete guidelines, please call Assistant to the President Sandra Dubcak in the SPJST Home Office at 800-727-7578 or 254-7731575 or visit www.spjst.org.
Tarok Tournament The SPJST State Tarok Tournament will be held on Saturday, February 6. The tournament will be held at the SPJST Home Office in Temple. All participants are encouraged to preregister no later than Monday, February 1. This will give me ample time to me on the amount of food to prepare for the event. For additional information, please see the article on page 8. Non-members will be permitted to participate in the tarok tournament. The registration fee for members and nonmembers will be $10. If anyone knows of someone (member or non- member) who would like to participate, please encourage them to submit an entry.
Fraternal Alliance of Texas Bowling Tournament We are a little bit more than a month away from the Fraternal Alliance of Texas Bowling Tournament. Make your plans today to participate in the 12th Annual Fraternal Alliance Of Texas Bowling Tournament on Saturday, February 13 at Fiesta Lanes. The address is 1202 Huisache Avenue in New Braunfels (behind HEB-Walnut Street). This is going to be a fun afternoon when fraternalists get together for fun and games! Teams again this year will consist of five members - any combination of men and women. Registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday with bowling starting at 12 noon. A handicap of 80 percent of 200 per game will be added to the total score following the completion of the third game. All teams are encouraged to pre-register by Friday, January 29. To register, you can mail the entry form to State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak or contact Fraternal Service Specialist Tammy Martinez in the Fraternal Department at tammym@spjst.com or 800-7277578. Please invite and encourage your friends to participate and enjoy a day of fraternalism. SPJST State Straight Domino Tournament The SPJST 2016 State Straight Domino Tournament on Saturday,
March 5 will be held at the SPJST Home Office in Temple, Texas. All participants are encouraged to preregister no later than Monday, February 29. This will give me ample time to me on the amount of food to prepare for the event. Watch the Vestnik for more information. Non-members will be permitted to participate in the Straight Domino Tournament. The registration fee for members and non-members will be $10. If anyone knows of someone (member or non-member) who would like to participate, please encourage them to submit an entry. To register, contact Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez in the Fraternal Department at tammym@spjst.com or call 800-7277578. Please invite and encourage your friends to participate and enjoy a day of fraternalism.
Join Hands Day As your lodge makes plans for the coming year, we strongly encourage all lodges to mark Saturday, May 7 on your calendar and make plans to organize a local Join Hands Day service project with those lodges that have a youth club or maybe with another fraternal or community group. The idea is simple: Adults and youth working together with other organizations to make good things happen in your community. Join Hands Day is a national event sponsored by America’s Fraternal benefit societies in partnership with The Points Light Foundation and the Volunteer Center National Network. It is a day when young people and adults connect as equal partners in planning an activity that fixes or improves a local problem and affirms the values of caring and working together. The Supreme Lodge again will offer the $100 incentive to all lodges who register their project with the Home Office. You can do this by completing the Join Hands Day flyer and returning it to the SPJST Home Office. This year American Fraternal Alliance is asking not to register your projects on their website prior to Join Hands Day. They are asking that you share stories of your projects, including and especially, photos on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fraternalalliance. We can help you with that if you have any question. Our goal for 2016 is to see 50 or more lodges participate! What can your lodge do? Projects from previous years include baking for the needy, cemetery clean-up, highway beautification, as-
sisting veterans and senior citizens programs and conducting a variety of fixup and refurbishing projects. You have plenty of time to decide what you want to do in 2016. The main thing is to make a commitment now. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Tammy. We are here to help if you need assistance. Please feel free to call me at 254-534-0681 or email frankh@spjst.com. You can also contact Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez by telephone - 800727-7578 or 254-773-1575 or email tammym@spjst.com. Your District FAC is also available to assist you. They are:
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District One FAC Kyle Skrabanek 979-820-0531 District Two FAC Ruth Hanusch 254-771-0193 District Three FAC Vicki Sims 214-763-0341 District Four FAC Janeece Williams 806-632-5239 District Five FAC Patricia Bruce 281-890-4933 District Six FAC Helen Zabransky 361-798-3347 District Seven FAC Glen Pruski 830-480-6212 Fraternally submitted, Frank Horak State Fraternal Activities Coordinator —SPJST—
From the Districts the September 9, 2015, Vestnik. Bring District Three any questions and concerns to the delegates meet meeting so we can discuss them. Tuesday, Jan. 19 March Meeting Dates at Lodge 25, Ennis February, To Be Announced 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. Read, Study, Review By-Laws Prior to the Meeting Please read, study, and review your by-laws and the SPJST Special Structure Committee’s proposed by-law recommendations that were printed in
Lodge 183, Arlington has volunteered to host the second delegates’ meeting in February. The date is yet to be announced. Lodge 6, Cottonwood has volunteered for the third meeting in March. Fraternally, Kay Lynn Kovar By-Law Committee District Three Representative —SPJST—
McLane Intelligent Solutions to provide SPJST’s IT services
SPJST Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak, center, welcomes McLane Intelligent Solutions as SPJST’s new IT Managed Services provider. Pictured are McLane Intelligent Solutions CEO/President Jay Battershell, left, and Virtual Chief Information Officer Michael Prosser.
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Seeking the Treasures of SPJST
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
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1. HOLD REGULAR LODGE MEETINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 50 OF THE SPJST BY-LAWS AND OFFER A WELL-ROUNDED FRATERNAL PROGRAM.
Every lodge is required to hold regular meetings to discuss lodge business with their members. Service to each other — as fellow SPJST members — and service to the community that we serve is an important part of SPJST’s mission. Rather than mandating a specific number of fraternal activities that your lodge must accomplish in a given year in order to remain in good standing and qualify for incentives, the greater focus is on lodges working to host a healthy mix of “quality” events that bring value to SPJST’s community presence.
2. RETURN ALL REQUESTED PAPERWORK ON TIME BY THE DUE DATE.
Every lodge is required to send in all requested paperwork that is needed from the lodge. This includes Form 990, Form 990-T, fraternal activity summaries, and updated lodge officer listing.
3. SUBMIT ROUTINE LETTERS/PHOTOS TO THE VESTNIK.
2016 Membership Drive Statewide Goal: 1,200 New Certificates Issued
Seeking the Treasures of SPJST is the theme of SPJST’s 2016 SPJST Membership Drive. As sales agents and lodge leaders, we are in a unique position to help others to discover the value that comes from owning an SPJST life insurance certificate or annuity and being an active member. 2016 is a new year! It’s also a convention year, and it represents the opportunity for a new beginning in SPJST. The 2016 Membership Drive is loaded with incentives for sales agents, members, lodges, and youth clubs working to make a positive difference in the lives of SPJST members. We Are on a Mission! The goals and objectives of the SPJST are reflected in its organizational mission statement and vision statement: SPJST Mission Statement Insuring and enriching lives. SPJST Vision Statement Our vision is to provide a wholesome family environment; to encourage cherished Czech traditions; and to provide high quality, competitive life insurance for our members.
Lodge Incentives Enhanced Premium Refunds Traditionally, one of the most important financial benefits that the SPJST Supreme Lodge has extended to local lodges is the annual Premium Refund Program. The purpose of this program has been to help SPJST lodges keep their operations on a sound financial basis. The 2016 Membership Drive will once again include Enhanced Premium Refunds. The formula for calculating the Enhanced Premium Refund is:
1. $1.00 for each paid-up certificate; and 2. 2.80% of the lodge’s annual earned premium.
To receive the Enhanced Premium Refund, lodges must meet the following three-point criteria:
Every lodge is required to routinely submit news of upcoming events, lodge meetings, and/or meeting/event summaries and/or photographs to the Vestnik as well as to their local media. Of course, the lodge may contribute to the Vestnik more frequently than once a month. Unless otherwise noted in the Vestnik, the deadline for submitting items for publication is the Wednesday preceding the publication date of the next issue. For more information, please contact Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny.
Enhanced Premium Refund will be withheld from a lodge deemed to be “non-compliant.” Enhanced Premium Refunds will be retained in escrow for a non-compliant lodge until May 1, 2016. Upon regaining compliant status, lodge will receive its Enhanced Premium Refund. The new Enhanced Premium Refund formula enables lodges to benefit in direct proportion to the amount of earned premium that is generated by the lodge. As such, there will be no maximum amount that any lodge can receive. Lodges that have over the years consistently enrolled solid, premium-paying business can expect to see an immediate increase in the amount of Enhanced Premium Refund that its lodge receives at the SPJST Awards Banquet in January 2017. Gold Star Lodge In addition to receiving an Enhanced Premium Refund, qualifying lodges that generate at least $10,000 in earned premium — excluding dump-ins and 1035 exchanges — on new business issued in 2016 will receive designation as an SPJST Gold Star Lodge and recognition at the 2017 incentive awards presentation and banquet. The Supreme Lodge reserves the right to periodically revisit the terms and incentives provided in the 2016 “Seeking the Treasures of SPJST” Membership Drive, making such adjustments and/or enhancements as necessary to ensure the success of the program and its participants.
Guidelines for New Lodges and Lodges in Existence Fewer Than Five Years For a newly chartered lodge, the lodge incentive award will be prorated from the date of the lodge’s organizational meeting. The lodge must also meet fraternal reporting requirements.
During the first five years of its existence, any lodge that receives an award greater than $2,000, the excess amount will be deposited into the SPJST Lodge Management Fund. The lodge can access the funds at any time with two lodge officers’ signatures, subject to the approval of the Supreme Lodge President and Supreme Lodge Vice President.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2016
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Mid-Year Get Away Incentives
Member Referral Incentives All SPJST Members - Adults and Youth
When it comes to getting new members, there is no substitute for referrals. When an SPJST member refers a friend or family member for membership in SPJST, he/she is helping to build a stronger and more active lodge. It also qualifies you to participate in the monthly referral card drawing contest.
Monthly Prize Drawing
The name of each member who sends in a referral card(s) during the month will go into a drawing for three $25 Wal-Mart gift cards. The referrer also benefits by helping to build a stronger and more active local lodge. t
Annual Prize Drawing The name of each member who submits a referral card(s) during the year will go into a drawing for five $100 Wal-Mart gift cards to be awarded at the SPJST Awards Banquet in 2017. Referral cards are available from the SPJST Home Office, at SPJST-sponsored events and onlineP at www.spjst.org.
Please help us to ensure that the leads that you pass on are quality leads. We would not want any sales agents to devote precious time to calling on unqualified leads. A good referral is someone who you have spoken to about membership and/or life insurance in the SPJST and who has expressed an interest in joining. In visiting with your prospective lead, make r sure that he or she knows that an SPJST Sales Agent will call.
Sales Agent Incentives Guidelines
The 2016 SPJST Membership Drive offers cash rewards for quality performance that is consistent with short- and long-term organizational objectives. They present visible goals with visible acknowledgment, helping keep all agents on track toward personal and SPJST performance. This section explains the monthly and annual incentive awards available to SPJST Sales Agents in 2016. The section also outlines a cooperaR tive advertising program that sales agents are invited to use as a tool in d developing their customer base.
Monthly Incentives
Each month, the Top 5 Agents will be recognized in two categories: • Certificates Issued • Amount of Annualized Premium
The top producing agent in each of these categories will receive $250 and recognition in the Vestnik. The second through fifth ranked producers will each receive $50 and recognition in the Vestnik.
To qualify, agents must have had a minimum of three certificates issued during the month and have at least an 85 percent persistency over the preceding 13 months. Annuities, dump-ins, and 1035 exchanges are exn cluded.
All agents who meet stated goals through June 30, 2016, will receive a trip to the SPJST Corpus Christi End of Summer Get Away on August 12 to 14, 2016. Annualized Premium from January 1 to June 30, 2016
$5,000 Annualized Premium
Lodging at Corpus Christi Get Away
$10,000 Annualized Premium
$250 for expenses at Corpus Christi Get Away
$15,000 Annualized Premium
$350 shopping spree and dinner with SPJST Vice President
To qualify, agents must have a minimum of six certificates issued between January 1 and June 30, 2016, and have at least 85 percent persistency over the preceding 13 months. Annuities, dump-ins, and 1035 Any lapses or terminations fromexchanges January 1 are excluded. Any lapses or terminations from January 1 through June 30, 2016, will be deducted from the qualifying totals.
$5,000 Annualized Premium Mid-Year $10,000 Get Away level winandIncentive $15,000 Annualized ners must attend SPJST Corpus Christi End of Summer Get Away on August 12 to 14, 2016, to receive lodging incentive award. Cash will not be awarded in lieu of lodging. $10,000 and $15,000 Annualized Premium Mid-Year Get Away Incentive level winners who do not take the trip will receive the cash awards.
Seeking the Treasures of SPJST Annual Incentive AtAgents the end the year, SPJST Sales Agents and willannualized be recognized for production their thatof produce at the following persistency premium amount of annualized premium. Agents that produce at the following persistency and annualized premium production rates will receive an award. Persistency over 13 months
CRUISE Award Annualized Premium
CRUISE PLUS Award Annualized Premium
80% Persistency
$23,000
$33,000
85% Persistency
$20,000
$30,000
90% Persistency
$18,000
$28,000
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE AWARD. There’s the Caribbean that you know and there’s Royal Caribbean! Winning agents will receive a 7Winning agents Cruise will receive a 7-night Caribbean Cruise for two night Caribbean Western for two departing fromWestern the port of Galveston aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in Spring 2017.
CRUISE PLUS AWARD. This is the Royal Caribbean Cruise Award plus $1,000 cash presented at the annual SPJST Awards Banquet in 2017 and recognition as “Best of the Best.”
TERMS AND CONDITIONS To qualify, the agent must have at least 18 certificates issued. Annuities, dump-ins, and 1035 exchanges are excluded. Any lapses or terminations from January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2016, will be deducted from the qualifying totals. Agents who have at least 24 certificates issued will have their mileage to and from Galveston reimbursed.
Agents who do not achieve an annual award will be entered into the drawing for one ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE trip. Agents will receive one CRUISE PLUS Award winners who do chance for every $1,000 in annualized premium throughout the year (e.g. someone with $9,500 in annualized premium will receive 9 chances). ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE Award winners must take the trip to receive the incentive award. Cash will not be awarded in lieu of the trip. CRUISE PLUS Award winners who do not take the trip will receive the $1,000 cash award.
Million Dollar Producers
SPJST Sales Agents who present themselves as fraternal life insurance professionals and stay abreast of changes in the industry are agents who generate business and become million dollar producers. It’s a plateau that is worthy of notice and one that pays incentives to those agents who make the grade.
For 2016, SPJST Sales Agents who achieve $1 million of life insurance issued in the year 2016* and who maintain at least 85 percent persistency over the preceding 13 months will receive the following incentives:
• Recognition in the Vestnik and on www.spjst.org • Recognition at 2017 SPJST Awards Banquet • Entry into the drawing for one Royal Caribbean Cruise trip. Agents receive one chance for every $1 million of life insurance issued throughout the year. If an agent is already qualified for the cruise award and his/her name is drawn, the agent will receive a $1,000 bonus. *Any certificates issued after December 23, 2015, will count towards the 2016 incentives. Annuities, dump-ins, and 1035 exchanges are excluded. Any lapses or terminations from January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2016, will be deducted from the qualifying totals. Other Incentives Other incentives will be offered throughout the year.
Youth Program Incentives
SPJST believes that the values and leadership skills learned early on are important building blocks for life. Thanks to SPJST Youth Clubs, young people in lodges around the state are encouraged to take a greater interest in their community and make good life choices. SPJST Youth Clubs also represent a starting point for youth to learn about becoming and staying active in the affairs of SPJST. For that reason, efforts to grow our local SPJST Youth Clubs are encouraged and share an important role in the 2016 SPJST Membership Drive.
To Qualify for Youth Program Incentives The District Youth Counselor (DYC) will submit a checklist to the State Youth Director on January 1, 2017, acknowledging if the youth club has met the following obligations in order for the youth club, youth leader, and/or assistant(s) and DYC and/or assistant(s) to qualify for cash incentives in the “Seeking the Treasures of SPJST” Membership Program.
The following requirement is mandatory: The youth club must meet all requirements as specified in the SPJST Youth Club Handbook. It is especially important to note that the youth club be in good standing and meeting the “Five Member Rule.”
In addition to meeting the above requirement, it will be necessary for the youth club to meet at least five of the eight objectives listed below:
• 1. Participation in District Youth Achievement Day (YAD). In the event that there are no youth club members participating, the youth leader can still help with District YAD.
• 2. Participation in State Youth Achievement Day. In the event that there are no youth club members participating, the youth leader can still help with State YAD.
• 3. Attendance at the district spring meeting. In the event that there are no youth club members in attendance, the youth leader and/or assistant are still encouraged to attend.
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• 4. Attendance at the district fall meeting. In the event that there are no youth club members in attendance, the youth leader and/or assistant are still encouraged to attend.
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5. Youth club participation in a district outing.
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7. Spring Youth Leaders Retreat - youth leader in attendance.
• 6. Host a membership rally. This may be done in conjunction with the adult lodge or in conjunction with a district event. • 8. District training meetings as called by the DYC - youth leader in attendance.
District Youth Club Incentive Requirements
• Host a district youth membership rally (may be held in conjunction with district spring or fall meeting). • Meet “Requirements to Qualify for Youth Program Incentives.”
Incentive Award
$100 for each youth club in respective district that achieves its youth club Funds must be goal. Funds must be used for the benefit of the youth in the respective u district.
Youth Club Goals
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DISTRICT ONE GOAL Lodge 9, Snook 5 Lodge 17, New Tabor 5 Lodge 186, Caldwell 5 DISTRICT TWO GOAL Lodge 20, Granger 3 Lodge 24, Cyclone 5 Lodge 29, Taylor 5 Lodge 47, Seaton 5 Lodge 48, Beyersville 5 Lodge 80, Holland 5 Lodge 182, Falls County 3 Lodge 187, Round Rock 3
DISTRICT THREE GOAL Lodge 6, Cottonwood 5 Lodge 25, Ennis 5 Lodge 84, Dallas 5 Lodge 92, Fort Worth 5 Lodge 154, Fort Worth 5 Lodge 183, Arlington 5 DISTRICT FOUR GOAL Lodge 49, Rowena 5 Lodge 215, South Plains 5 Lodge 229, Abilene 5
Youth Club Incentive
DISTRICT FIVE GOAL Lodge 81, Needville 5 Lodge 88, Houston 5 Lodge 142, Houston 5 Lodge 162, Iowa Colony 3 DISTRICT SIX GOAL Lodge 30, Taiton 5 Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje 3 Lodge 148, El Maton 3 DISTRICT SEVEN GOAL Lodge 79, Corpus Christi 5 Lodge 185, New Braunfels 5 Lodge 202, Jourdanton 5
Requirements
• Meet “Requirements to Qualify for Youth Program Incentives.”
Incentive Award • $10 for each certificate issued, ages 0 to 17, in the respective lodge. (Winning • Additional $10 for each certificate issued that joins the youth club youth ($20 c total). The winning youth club will receive a party for youth club members, f
Cost not to exceed $200.
“Top Youth Club in District” Award Y
Top active youth club with most certificates issued in 2016 that remain in force. (Winning youth club must have a minimum of 5 certificates issued in 2016 and meet “Requirements to Qualify for Youth Program IncenYouth Leader receives $100. • tives.”) The winning youth club will receive a party for youth club memY bers, families, and friends. Cost not to exceed $200.
Youth Leader Incentive
Requirements • Youth club must meet “Requirements to Qualify for Youth Program Incentives.”
Incentive Award
• Youth club increases average attendance for the year by 5 members: Youth Leader receives $100. • Youth club increases average attendance for the year by 10 or more members: Youth Leader receives $200. —SPJST—
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Wednesday, January 13, 2016
SPJST Lodge Se ct ion
Lodge 6 Cottonwood sets important dates
The meeting was called to order by President Milton Peterson on Sunday, January 3, 2016, at 2 p.m. The youth led the Pledge of Allegiance and the SPJST motto. A moment of silence was observed for the deceased of the lodge. Sister Georgie Soukup reported 22 members present. Sister Barbara Hykel read the minutes from the last meeting. Sister Peggy Dobecka gave the treasurer’s and youth club reports. The youth took down Christmas decorations. Youth are working on the camp tee-shirt design contest entries. Sister Evelyn Stuckly gave her fraternal activities coordinator’s report. She reminded everyone of the banquet on January 30 in Temple. The 100 Pennies Drive is still going on.
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
Brother Jerry Kucera had no report. A get-well card was sent to Brother Ray Perez. Sympathy cards were sent to Gary Beseda and Jeanette Beseda. Progressive door prize winner for $5 was not present. January birthdays were Al Soukup, Barbara Hykel, and Ray Perez. Attendance door prize winners were Ernest Bezdek, Georgie Soukup, and Selby Holder.
Dates to Remember Friday, January 15 - Social at 6:30 p.m. followed by the trustee meeting at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 7 - SPJST Lodge 6 meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 21 - Appreciation dinner for everyone who worked at the picnic and Westfest Sunday, March 6 - Easter party
Sister Barbara Hykel furnished the meal. She made stew, and it was delicious. Dorothy Kucera, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 6, Cottonwood Honors January Birthday Celebrants
Lodge 6, Cottonwood recognized January birthday celebrants at the meeting on January 3, 2016. Pictured are, left to right, Al Soukup, Ray Perez, and Barbara Hykel. Happy birthday!
Lodge 8, Weimar meets January 25
Dear Members, Happy New Year! Lodge 8, Weimar will meet Monday, January 25, 2016, at 6 p.m. at Oakridge Smokehouse in Schulenburg. We hope that you will plan to attend the meeting. We look forward to seeing you! Fraternally, Officers of Lodge 8, Weimar —SPJST—
Lodge 18, Elgin says thank you
It’s hard to believe that another year is gone. We at Lodge 18, Elgin would like to thank all of our dance supporters. So many halls have closed because the attendance is down. We feel the strain as well. We are absorbing the cost as long as we can. We feel it is important to keep the Czech heritage going. We need to support our local bands if we want to help them survive. Thank you to our members who help decorate the hall for the holidays. We had many compliments; the hall was beautiful. The gang who decorated the hall were F.L. Meyer, David Meyer, Charles Wilson, Delilah Wilson, Waldine Wierscheske, Alice Morgan, Johnny Vrabel, Irene Vrabel, and one of our faithful dancing customers, Betty Marak. Thank you, gang. You
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did a great job. District Two Director Jesse Pospisil and wife Linda came to the December meeting to install the 2016 officers. As always, Jesse brought door prizes. Believe it or not, we had a special guest. Santa Claus came to bring gifts to all who attended. Santa was sorry to see he had gifts left, not many were at the meeting. We have two new sales agents - Bill and Laurie McCrary. They can help you become an SPJST member. We would love to have you join us. We do a lot, and we have a lot of fun. SPJST is good for the community, and you never know when you will need insurance. Johnny and I lost a five-yearold great-granddaughter this summer in a tragic accident. What a blessing that she had an SPJST certificate. The bills were enormous. What help it was for a struggling young couple - not to mention the support from the SPJST lodges. Wherever you are, support your SPJST lodge. Your 2016 Lodge 18, Elgin officers are: President David Meyer Vice President/FAC Mike Mogonye Secretary/Treasurer Charles Wilson Reporter Irene Vrabel Trustees David Meyer, Charles Wilson Mike Mogonye, F.L. Meyer Jeanette Peterson
Thank you, officers and trustees, for serving your Elgin SPJST.
Vlasta Otile Sramek Achieves Grand Age of 96
Congratulations to Lodge 25, Ennis member Mrs. Vlasta Otile Sramek for reaching the Grand Age of 96 years on November 30, 2015, at IOOF Center in Ennis. She is pictured with daughter Joetta Oliver of Mesquite and District Three Director John Engelke who presented her a certificate from SPJST.
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We have Mark Halata on January 10. This is the first time Mark will be at Elgin SPJST. January 17 will be Glen Collins. Make plans to support Elgin SPJST . . . you never know when you will need us. We meet the third Tuesday at 7 p.m. Come join us - we look forward to seeing you.
Those with good sense are slow to anger, and it is their glory to overlook an offense. —Proverbs 19:11 Irene Vrabel, Reporter
Editor’s Note: Please see pictures from Lodge 18’s activities in next week’s Vestnik. —SPJST—
Lodge 23, Moravia reports on December meeting
Lodge 23, Moravia held its meeting/Christmas party on Sunday, December 6, 2015, at the lodge hall. President Elizabeth Holub opened the meeting and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. We also observed a moment of silence for our country, our military, the veterans, and departed SPJST members. All officers were present. The minutes of the September meeting were read and approved. President Holub welcomed District Six Director Karen Kaspar, and Fraternal Field Manager Delisle Doherty. The treasurer’s report was given and approved. Our lodge will host the District Six Spring Meeting on April 6 at Moravia Parish Dining Hall starting at 10 a.m. By acclamation, lodge officers will remain the same. President Elizabeth Holub was voted to be our delegate at the SPJST summer convention with alternate being Secretary Kathleen Guenther. Both District Director Kaspar and FFM Doherty gave a brief talk on the coming year and wished happy holidays to all of us. Door prizes were won by Karen Kaspar, Delisle Doherty, Eddie Vrana, Dot Vrana, David Carpenter, Wanda Carpenter, Elizabeth Holub, Tim Pospisil, Ollie Pospisil, Dorothy Olsovsky, Marilyn Palmquist, and Kathleen Guenther. The meeting was then adjourned. A
Christmas luncheon was held which was enjoyed by all. Fraternally submitted, Kathleen Guenther, Secretary Editor’s Note: Please see pictures from Lodge 23’s Christmas party in next week’s Vestnik. —SPJST—
Lodge 35, Elk welcomes guests
On, Friday, December 11, 2015, President Randy Pavelka called the SPJST Lodge 35, Elk meeting to order at 6:53 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by our members and guests. On the sick list was Rebecca Pavelka who was having surgery on Christmas Eve. Our hopes are that everything went well and that she is recovering nicely. Secretary Carla Pavelka read the minutes from our November meeting and with no corrections, the minutes were approved as read. Treasurer Barbara Pavelka read her report and with no corrections, it was also approved. A $100 donation was made by our lodge for the SPJST Scholarship Fund. Fred Kubitza read a list of the amounts of cash each working member was to receive to help defray the cost of working at the hall. It was approved. Our guest was District Three Director John Engelke and his wife Diana. John spoke about upcoming lodge activities among other things. He also installed our officers for the year 2016. We appreciate him for attending and for the nice door prizes. We are always glad that he brings his lovely wife, too.
Elk Hall Inc. Secretary Carla Pavelka read the minutes of our November meeting. No corrections were needed so it was approved as read. Treasurer Barbara Pavelka read her report as well, and it was approved as read, too. Floor Chairman Gene Pavelka and Bar Chairman Randy Pavelka gave their reports and turn-ins. Thank you to everyone who helped with getting our Christmas meal together and with clean-up after we were done. It was so good, and we appreci-
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ate you. We had our door prize drawing with some lucky winners. John Engelke installed the officers for 2016. Thank you, John. We had 20 members present. Our guests were Jack Levy, Johnnie Price, Karen Kubitza, Jason Breton, Angel Breton, Lily Breton, Kristi Kubitza, and Heather Hutchinson. The meeting adjourned at 6:17 p.m.
Next Meeting—January 13 Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 13, 2016, after hall clean-up. I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Fraternally yours, Janie Brewer, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 40 El Campo-Hillje elects 2016 officers
The regular meeting of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje was held Sunday, December 13, 2015, and called to order by President Cathy Garcia at 1 p.m. at SPJST El Campo-Hillje hall. A moment of silence was observed for all departed members and sick members, along with our servicemen and women, in addition to all our family situations that may be occurring. Roll of officers was called. Absent were Trustee/Assistant Youth Leader Inez Villarreal, Secretary Cynthia Garcia, and Treasurer Janet Marek. Present were President Cathy Garcia and Vice President Felix T. Garcia. Also present were five members. District Six Director Karen Kaspar sent her regards with the president for not being present. Members accepted the November minutes as printed in the Vestnik. Ardis turned in the old minutes to Cathy. Janet Marek sent the treasurer’s report by email. Felix made a motion to not accept the treasurer’s report as it was confusing and didn’t add up to the bank statement ending on November 30, 2015. Norma seconded the motion. Motion passed. Cathy reported that Janet paid herself the balance of the $400 stipend owed to her even though she stated she would not. Cathy reported that she will be submitting bills that need to be paid for
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cleaning, yard maintenance, and supplies including the cost of prairie day by the next meeting since the checkbooks are with Janet. Communications—Lodge 40 received transfer requests from Lodge 153, La Salle members; a vote is necessary to transfer into our lodge. Home Office packet was received and read. Bank statement, electricity bill late notices, and dumpster bill were received. An IRS bill for overdue taxes was received. Cathy received communication from the Home Office in reference to death payouts and lapse certificates along with new membership. Hall report—Cathy reported that there are four scheduled rentals for 2016. She stated that she received a call from the gentleman that offered $1,900 for the bingo equipment through the internet. This will need to be voted on under old business. Youth report—Cathy reported that the youth will be assisting in wrapping Christmas gifts for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for their charity work. There was no cemetery report. Also Vlasta turned in plastic tops for Inez. Cathy will get them to her. New member is James Lee Lopez. Norma made a motion to accept him, and Vlasta seconded it. Motion passed. Regarding the transfer members from Lodge 153, La Salle, Felix T. made a motion to accept Shirley, Wendy, and Wesley into Lodge 40’s membership. The motion was seconded by Gladys, and it passed. Under old business, quadrennial convention paperwork was handed out and completed. Cathy will mail the paperwork to the Home Office. A motion was made by Norma and seconded by Gladys to accept the offer from the man in Illinois for the bingo equipment. Motion passed. Cathy will submit the names of the winners from the raffle to the Vestnik. She will also send a big thank you to the Home Office personnel for all their help. Cathy reported that the Fraternalist of the Year for Lodge 40 has been turned into the Home Office. Under new business, Cathy brought up discussion of the late notices for the electric bills. She suggested getting a debit card to pay the bills on time so no late charges will be charged. A motion was made by Gladys and seconded by Mary Ann to get a debit card. The motion passed. The electric company was discussed. Ardis made a motion to search for a new electric company to get a better price - even if it means paying to
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get out of the contract. Vlasta seconded the motion, and the motion passed. The cost of the service lights of NCEC was discussed. Norma made a motion, seconded by Felix, to replace lights with some type of motion lights. The motion passed. The IRS bill that was received was discussed. A motion was made by Vlasta and seconded by MaryAnn for Cathy to contact the Home Office for help in addressing this bill. Motion passed. Insurance was discussed. Vlasta made a motion, seconded by Felix, for Cathy to purchase insurance for the building and liability. The motion passed. Bank signatures were discussed. A motion was made to change the bank signatures per new officers elected. The motion was made by Felix and seconded by Norma. The motion passed. The next discussion was about funds received by private donation in memory of John Strnadel. Felix made a motion, seconded by Gladys, to use this fund as a scholarship in memory of John Strnadel for three past youth club members who did not receive scholarship lodge funds from last year. They are Craig Cerny, Daisy Enriquez, Cynthia Garcia, and this year’s graduate Sky Garcia. They will each receive $300. Cathy will get the funds to these students and send a letter to the donor’s granddaughter on how the funds were used. The rest of the funds will go to the lodge’s general fund. This motion passed with three members abstaining—Ardis, Norma, and Mary Ann. Officers were elected. They are: President/Youth Leader Cathy Garcia Vice President Norma O’Canas FAC/Treasurer Felix T. Garcia Secretary/Assistant Youth Leader Inez Villarreal
A motion was made by Vlasta, seconded by Mary Ann, to elect all by acclamation. Motion passed. Cathy will work on getting books and information from Janet, and she will get the signature card changed with the bank with all newly-elected officers. Members chose not to elect any trustees. Cathy thanked everyone for attending the meeting. She adjourned the meeting at 2:54 p.m. Submitted by, Cynthia Garcia, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton hosts successful Christmas party
Dear Vestnik Readers, Lodge 47, Seaton held its annual Christmas party on Sunday, December 13, 2015. It was great to see so many members and guests attending. Thank you to our youth members and leaders Joyce Kraatz and Amber Bartek for the touching memorial service in which 25 of our deceased members were remembered. Thank you to family members who lit a candle in memory of their loved ones. Each family was given the candle lit and a framed poem, “Merry Christmas from Heaven.” Youth members shared with the audience a fantastic Christmas skit “Super Christmas.” Youth members, you were awesome! The group Brighter Vision - Joe and Christy Emmerson along with Tammy Pechal led the children in singing Christmas songs. Their voices brought in the jolly, happy man bringing joy not only to the young, but to all in attendance. Thank you, Santa, for joining us. Thank you, Joe, Christy and Tammy, for sharing your beautiful voices with everyone throughout the entire afternoon. There were so many little ones on the stage. Parents, we encourage you to bring your child and get involved with Seaton Youth Club. The youth have so much fun, and there are so many activities for them. Their meetings are held on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. here at Star Hall in Seaton. Everyone enjoyed the social hour of visiting before the evening meal was served. Then came the time for the awesome meal which we all look forward to. There were so many delicious dishes prepared by all who came. Thank you to everyone who brought a dish to share. A special thank you to those who prepared the turkey, sausage, and dressing the day before and the day of. After the meal, President Edwin Pechal introduced the 2015 officers and board members. All incoming officers and board members were also recognized. Thank you to all the 2015 outgoing officers and board members. We appreciate all you have done for Star Hall. We were honored to have special guests from the Home Office District Two Director Jessie Pospisil and wife Linda, Supreme Lodge Vice President Clifton Coufal and wife
Maggy, Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska and wife Dorothy, Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny and husband David Nauert, State Youth Director Lynette Talasek, and Honorary Supreme Lodge President Howard Lesikar and wife Nancy. President Brian Vanicek was attending another SPJST party, but we appreciate his wife Joan for joining us. Other special guests joining us were Texas State Representative Molly White and husband Ron and Bell County Commissioner Bill Shuman. We thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to be with us. We welcome all of you who came to the Christmas party to join us at our monthly meetings and other activities at the lodge. As SPJST Lodge 47 members, you are part of “our” family. Come and enjoy the fun and fellowship. There is always a place for you, and we would love to see new faces at our meetings. The meetings are held the first Sunday of each month. The youth meet at 1 p.m., and the adults meet at 2 p.m. After the adult meeting, we have a social hour with snacks - sometimes even a big meal. Thank you to those who helped in so many ways to prepare the delicious meal, decorate, clean up, and all the other things that were done to make this day a success. There were members and friends who spent Friday evening, the majority of Saturday, and all day Sunday at the hall. You are all very much appreciated. I encourage all members to get involved and join us. May each of you have a wonderful, healthy, and prosperous 2016. Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton reports on January meeting
Dear Vestnik Readers, On a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon, Lodge 47, Seaton President Edwin Pechal called the first meeting of 2016 to order at 2 p.m. on January 3. Twenty-four members and one visitor, Tom Williams, were present. The flags were presented by youth members Colton Regan and Kasen Carroll. We were blessed that there are no known deceased members since our last meeting. Our sick list included
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members Michelle Bartek-Porubsky, Linda Machicek, and Dan Stepan. Also mentioned were friends on the sick list to remember - Linda Johnson of Lodge 187, Round Rock, who is our District Two Secretary, and the grandmother of Assistant Youth Leader Chelsea Bilbrey. We wish each of you a speedy recovery. We are all very glad to hear that Leroy Dana is home after rehab. Take care, Leroy, and we hope to see you back with us soon! We miss you! Roll call of officers, board members, and active sales agents showed all present except board member Lynette Talasek and sales agent Dolores Skrabanek. December lodge minutes were accepted, with one date correction, as read by Secretary Patsy Koslovsky. She also read the unofficial December board minutes. President Pechal thanked all who helped with the Christmas party which was a very nice turnout. President Pechal also called for a short, special board meeting following the adjournment of the meeting. FAC Tammy Martinez gave dates for upcoming state activities: State Progressive 42 Tournament on January 9, SPJST Incentive Banquet on January 30, State Tarok Tournament on February 6, Fraternal Alliance Bowling Tournament in New Braunfels on February 13, Tarok Fundraiser for the Frank Klinkovsky Scholarship Fund in his memory to be hosted by Lodge 47 at Star Hall; and State Straight Domino Tournament on March 5. Secretary Patsy Koslovsky stated the year is off to a busy start with the youth program. She praised the youth club today, during their meeting, for the outstanding job of each officer with their parliamentary procedures. Each youth attending was so attentive and involved in the meeting. Great job, Lodge 47 Youth Club! With much regret, I announced today I will be stepping down as the youth beseda coordinator for District Two. My hope and prayer is that someone will be willing to take this position so our youth can continue performing. We will be having a social and parent meeting next weekend to determine the future. These groups of dancers, and parents alike, have been a true blessing to me. It has been such a wonderful experience to see their accomplishments. We have all had a wonderful time in performing and traveling to many places. Secretary Koslovsky stated she re-
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
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ceived a request from the Home Office for the number of those who will attend the incentive banquet on January 30. President Pechal stated he hoped for a good turnout from Lodge 47 at the awards banquet. The Supreme Lodge will pay for the 20152016 officers and a guest to attend. Our lodge will pay for the meal of any other Lodge 47 member who would like to attend. It will be a great afternoon seeing friends from across the state of Texas, and I know the meal will be great, catered by our own Edwin Pechal. Thank you to the Supreme Lodge and Lodge 47 for taking care of the meal tickets. Fraternalism doesn’t get any better than that. I am very excited about the number of members who are planning on attending the banquet. We wish the best to Lodge 47 member Brandon Bartek, to be the next SPJST State Fraternalist. What a well-deserved honor it would be for Brandon. Treasurer Becky Zavodny gave the treasurer’s report along with Bar Manager Danny Stepan giving his report, which were both accepted. Youth Leader Joyce Kraatz stated the youth had 37 members present today, including two new members, Tara and Tanner Sires. The youth club thanks District Two Director Jesse Pospisil for the donation he made to the youth club, which was given to Churches Touching Lives of Christians before the holidays. The youth also delivered canned goods to others and went Christmas caroling to two
Lodge 66, Waco gives to S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home, Taylor
nursing homes. Several members and parents had a great time working in the lodge kitchen on New Year’s Eve. The youth being in charge of the kitchen have been a big help in their fundraising. The youth club with its growth in membership has welcomed Chelsea Bilbrey as a new assistant youth leader. Welcome, Chelsea! We look forward to working together. Audit of all fourth quarter books will be held on Monday, January 11 at 7 p.m.
Frank Klinkovsky, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund David Pechal spoke on the prize
S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home Administrator Woody Richards, right, receives a check from Lodge 66, Waco President John Engelke for December’s donation in memory of past Lodge 66 President and District Three Rest Home Director George Pauling, who passed away in November 2015.
drawing which Lodge 47 will be hosting to raise funds for the Frank Klinkovsky, Sr. SPJST Memorial Scholarship Fund. Frank was a lifelong member of Lodge 47, where he held many positions - District Two Youth Counselor, curator of the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, State Fraternal Activities Coordinator, District Two Director, and the Fraternal Department Assistant. Frank was known to all and loved by everyone. The drawing will be held at the Lodge 47 meeting on Sunday, April 3 at 2 p.m. You do not have to be present to win. Prizes are:
Lodge 39, Bryan Members Sing Carols at Nursing Home
Happy New Year from Lodge 39, Bryan! On December 11, 2015, Lodge 39 sang at the new Sherwood Nursing Home which is now Generation. The new nursing home is right next door to the old one. This is a beautiful facility. Here are scenes from caroling in the lobby and singing in the halls of the home. Again the ladies from Bryan ISDs joined us. The children handed out homemade Christmas cards. Thank you, Joe Vytopil, for bringing your guitar. We did sound wonderful this year, and the residents joined in with the Christmas caroling.
There were a lot of smiles from them. After caroling, we went to the lodge for a very nice meal of pizza, salad, and dessert. We held our meeting then did our white elephant gift exchange. Everyone had a great time at the nursing home and our Christmas party. Our next meeting is January 10. Please come out and see us in the New Year. Sincerely, Binnie Ann Roesler, Reporter —SPJST—
1st prize - 42-inch Gravely Zero Turning Mower
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2nd prize - Echo PAS -225 VP Pro Attachment series which includes trimmer, edger, and pruner 3rd prize – 16-inch Echo CS-370 Chain Saw
We know how proud Frank is up in heaven knowing that a youth has furthered their education from this memorial scholarship fund. We are trying to raise this fund to $20,000 so his scholarship fund will continue every year in the future. Please help this goal to be reached. Please contact any lodge member, and we will be certain you get your chance to make a donation and the chance of a prize. PS: Frankie, we love and miss you! Celebrating January birthdays are: Lynette Talasek, Edwin Vasicek, Dolores Skrabanek, Lucy Mihatsch, Jennifer Grant, Seth Martinez, Payton Porubsky, Nora Sodek, Patricia Pechal, Nancy Chlapek, Jared Guidry,
Lodge 49, Rowena welcomes new member
Lodge 49, Rowena is proud to announce new member Grayson Gene Kalina, son of Matthew and Britney Kalina of Big Spring, Texas. Grayson was born July 3, 2015. Grayson’s grandparents are Curtis and Donna Kalina of Miles and Tommy and Maribeth Stolle of Round Rock. Great-grandparents are District Four Director Billy and Sylvia Rollwitz of Rowena, Marcel and Annie Lois Kalina of Eola, Keith and Linda Johnson, and Dolores Marshall of Austin. —SPJST—
Grayson Gene Kalina
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Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Charles Cehand, Dianne Cehand, Kimora Davis, Tara Sires, Everhett Bartek, and Ethan Zabcik. We wish each of you a happy birthday with many more good years of health, fun, and happiness. Congratulations to Leon and Vallie Zavodny on their marriage of 68 years. May you be blessed with many more years of happiness with each other. Lodge door prizes were won by Ruth Hanusch, EJ Pechal, Sharla Pechal, Dan Stepan, Nancy Meier, and Nelda Marek.
Next Meeting—February 7 The next meeting will be held on Sunday, February 7 at 2 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 2:40 p m. Members were asked to stay and restore the Christmas decorations. May each of you have a wonderful and healthy 2016! Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 49, Rowena members enjoy Christmas party
SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena held its annual Christmas party and membership drive on Sunday, December 6, 2015, with a good crowd in attendance. Special guests included District Four Director Billy Rollwitz and District Four Youth Counselor Pam Lehmann. President Brad Teplicek gave the welcome to all in attendance with Lee Lehmann leading the prayer. The youth cub sang several Christmas songs with Hunter Wood playing the guitar which everyone enjoyed. Visiting was enjoyed by young and old along with several different games being played. A delicious meal was served by Jackie Pospichal, Laura Pospichal, Sylvia Rollwitz, Diana Rozman, Nancy Schwertner, Beverly Teplicek, and Becky Wood. Special “candy trains” were given to all youth. Names were drawn for door prizes with youth club members helping to hand out the prizes. Respectfully, Beverly Teplicek —SPJST—
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P P P Presenting 2016 Officers P P P Lodge 76, Wichita Falls
The 2016 officers of Lodge 76, Wichita Falls are, left to right, SecretaryTreasurer Diana Ibarra, Vice President Ray Esparza, and President Bill Waddle. They were installed by District Four Director Billy Rollwitz, far right.
Lodge 51, Ellinger elects 2016 officers
Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 51, Ellinger hosted its Christmas party on Friday, Decem-
ber 4, 2015, at Ellinger Fire Station. We welcomed 29 members and five guests to the party. Visitors were District One Director Donnie Victorick and wife Janice, State Fraternal Activities Coordinate Frank Horak, and State Youth Director Lynette Talasek and daughter Zoe.
Christmas Bingo Night at Lodge 80, Holland Thursday, December 17, 2015 • Submitted by Risa Pajestka
December 17, 2015, was SPJST Lodge 80, Holland’s Christmas bingo night. Many happy players attended the last bingo for 2015. All attendees were given red dabbers which they were pleased to receive. Special door prizes of hams,
candy, or baked goods from Holland FFA students were given to some lucky players. They were delighted with their prizes. Lodge 80 wishes everyone a happy and prosperous New Year, and we hope to see folks playing with us again!
TOP LEFT PHOTO: Linda Hill hands a ham to a lucky winner while Dan Hendrix, Cyril Pajestka, and Frank Pajestka look for the next lucky winner. TOP CENTER PHOTO: Frank Pajestka and Cyril Pajestka begin the distribution of the excellent door prizes. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: More lucky winners while Linda Hill and Helen Pajestka look on. FAR LEFT PHOTO: Delighted winners with Cyril Pajestka, our excellent caller, that evening. LEFT PHOTO: Another happy winner! RIGHT PHOTO: Cyril Pajestka and Linda Hill prepare to call out the next winner of a huge box of Russell Stover chocolates. Yum!
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President Calvin Hlinsky welcomed and thanked everyone for attending. Everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance and observed a moment of silence for our troops, ill members, deceased members, and those who could not attend. Secretary/Treasurer Jo Ann Divin read the minutes and treasurer’s report. Both were accepted as presented. Larry Marusik will represent Lodge 51 as the delegate to the SPJST Convention in June in Killeen. Diane Marusik is the alternate. Officers for 2016 were reelected by acclamation. They are: President Calvin Hlinsky First Vice President Bradley Divin Second Vice President Anton Becka Secretary-Treasurer Jo Ann Divin Fraternal Activities Coordinator Burdine Divin
A turkey and dressing meal was prepared by Larry and Diane Marusik and Calvin and Bernita Hlinsky. Side dishes and desserts were prepared by members. Anna Minar said a blessing before the meal was served. Door prizes were also awards. Next Meeting—March 18 The next meeting is Friday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Ellinger Fire Station. Fraternally, Burdine Divin Fraternal Activities Coordinator —SPJST—
Lodge 66, Waco gives to S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home in Taylor
The meeting of SPJST Lodge 66, Waco was called to order by President John Engelke on December 14, 2015, at Heitmiller’s at 6 p.m. with all officers present. There were 12 members present. Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and motto. Members stood for a moment of silent prayer for deceased member George Pauling. Secretary Sister Dana McAdams read the minutes of the November 2 meeting, and they were approved as read. Sister Dorothy Veselka of the Entertainment Committee gave her re-
port. Members will bring potluck food. Sister Dorothy Veselka of the Cheer and Condolence Committee sent get well cards to Irene Mueller and Mary Alice Langlotz. Sympathy card was sent to the George Pauling family. FAC Sister Diana Engelke read the monthly letter from State FAC Frank Horak. She gave a list of tournaments for 2016. Bookkeeper Sister Diana Engelke gave the bookkeeping report. Sister Diana Engelke read the name of a candidate for membership. Clifford Randal House wrote up Shirley Darlene Bates. She was accepted into Lodge 66. Sister Diana Engelke read a resolution of sympathy for George Pauling. May he rest in peace. President Engelke reported on the luncheon which was held in November at Lodge 6, Cottonwood. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves. Thanks to everyone who attended. President Engelke reported that the first District Three delegates’ meeting will be held on January 19 at Lodge 25, Ennis.
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December donation of $150 was made to the S.P.J.S.T. Nursing Home, No. 1, Taylor. Door prize winner was Weldon Galler. One hundred percent winner was Michael Galler.
Next Meeting—January 25 The next Lodge 66 meeting will be held at St. Paul’s Church on January 25 at 6 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7 p.m. Fraternally, Dorothy Veselka, Reporter —SPJST—
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Lodge 84, Dallas meets January 17
Dear Members, In lieu of the Christmas party and the absence of President Yeager due to husband Doug being in the hospital, a motion was made and carried out to postpone the December meeting of Lodge 84, Dallas until Sunday, January 17, 2016, at 2 p.m. We hope to see all members at this meeting. Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston encourages scholarship applications
Dear Fellow Members, Applications for the 2016 SPJST Lodge 88, Houston scholarships are now being accepted. You may pick up
Lodge 91, San Jacinto Hosts Paws Across Texas Despite the cold weather, Paws Across Texas 2015 had another successful benefit for our furry friends in shelters. Lodge 91, San Jacinto collected approximately $450 and 350 pounds of dog and cat food on December 19 at the Crosby Wal-Mart. Officers of Lodge 91 thank Bob Malone and June Smesny for their help at this event. Our next benefit is scheduled for March. Please keep in mind that all food and monetary donations are given to shelters to help care for the animals that depend on us for survival. Donations can be made by calling 713-870-7114. —Vonda Smesny, Secretary
It was a cold day on December 19 when Lodge 91, San Jacinto members gathered at the Crosby WalMart to collect donations and funds for Paws Across Texas.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2016
your application from Lori Bornaschella in the Lodge 88 front office email her at or lori.bornaschella@lodge88.org or have one mailed to you. Completed applications must be received no later than January 13, 2016, to be considered. The mailing address: SPJST Lodge 88 1435 Beall Street Houston, Texas 77008 Office: 713-869-5767 Fax: 713-880-2657 Email: lori.bornaschella@lodge88.org Thank you for your continued support. Happy Holidays to all! Fraternally, Margie Moncrief, Chairman Lodge 88, Houston Scholarship Committee —SPJST—
Lodge 92 Fort Worth readies for January activities
Dear Members and Friends, We invite you to mark these dates on your calendars. Please come on out for a great time! Wednesday, January 13 Sportsman’s Club from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. This monthly meeting of hunting and fishing enthusiasts with speakers and prize drawings is open to the public. Admission is free of charge.
P P P Presenting 2016 Officers P P P Lodge 97, Placedo
The 2016 officers of Lodge 97, Placedo are, from left to right, Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Donna Vanek, President Gay Revel, Treasurer Dennis Vanek, and Secretary/Reporter Bernadette Bellanger. The officers were installed by District Six Director Karen Kaspar, pictured far right.
Saturday, January 23 Al Nelson concert - Tribute to the music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. $13 includes admission and barbecue dinner with coffee or tea. Enjoy dinner from 6 to 8 p.m., and the show is from 8 to 10 p.m. Table reservations are accepted with paid admissions on a first come, first served basis. Call Jon at 817-6241361. Tuesday, January 26 Game night at Lodge 92 at 7 p.m.
Hall Rentals For information regarding hall rentals and upcoming events information, please call Events Manager Jon Durham at 817-624-1361 or check the
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Member Recognized for AEP Years of Service
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi member Stephen Rebecek, left, is pictured with American Electric Power President Texas Bruce Evans after receiving his certificate as journeyman lineman with American Electric Power. Stephen has been employed with AEP for 17 years. Stephen’s parents are Mark and Virginia Rebecek, also of Lodge 79.
hall’s website: www.nationalhallfortworth.com. Fraternally, Angela Paprskar Casteel President —SPJST—
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Lodge 101 Gainesville members meet Thursday, Jan. 14
Dear Members, Happy New Year! You and your family are invited to join fellow members – and prospective members – for the January meeting of SPJST Lodge 101, Gainesville at The Neu Ranch House, located at 1825 US 82 in Gainesville on Thursday, January 14, 2016. Dinner will be served starting at 6 p.m. in appreciation of your attendance. Joining us for our meeting will be SPJST President Brian Vanicek, State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak, and District Three Director John Engelke who will be on hand to discuss ways to keep the lodge active and more involved. Feel free to extend this invitation to others in your household or friends who are not already members. Please RSVP on or before 12 noon Wednesday, January 13 by calling SPJST Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez at 800-727-7578. I look forward to seeing you at the meeting. Fraternally, Rudy Paclik, Secretary —SPJST—
Bessie Becker Achieves Grand Age of 96
Congratulations to Lodge 97, Placedo member Bessie Becker for reaching the Grand Age of 96 years on December 21, 2015. She is pictured with District Six Director Karen Kaspar who presented her a certificate from SPJST at Lodge 97’s Christmas social on December 5 in Victoria.
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Lodge 142 Houston reports on December meeting
The annual meeting of SPJST Lodge 142, Houston was held at Lodge 88, Houston Annex on Sunday, December 13, 2015. President Keith Kieschnick called the annual meeting to order at 2 p.m. after we all enjoyed a Christmas meal of ham and all the trimmings. We had 32 members present. Secretary Alice Jochen called the roll of officers. All were present except Flag Bearer Gunnar Owens, Sales Agent Carita Felbermayr, and Kerry Herrington. Secretary Alice also read the minutes from the November meeting which were accepted. All officers’ and committee reports were presented. Lodge 142, Houston officers were elected for 2016. Officers remain unchanged from 2015. They are: President Keith Kieschnick Vice President Dennis Hermis Secretary Alice Jochen Financial Secretary-Treasurer Mary Ann Kieschnick Youth Leader Catherine Manchack FAC Pat Schleider Guide Emil Kutra Flag Bearer Karley Kieschnick
Capsule prize winner for December was Emil Kutra. Congratulations. Delegates elected to the 2016 convention are Dennis Hermis, Jack Manchack, Catherine Manchack, Pat
P P P Presenting 2016 Officers P P P Lodge 142, Houston
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
The 2016 officers of Lodge 142, Houston are, front, left to right, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Pat Schleider, Youth Leader Catherine Manchack, Secretary Alice Jochen, and Treasurer Mary Ann Kieschnick. BACK: Guide Emil Kutra, President Keith Kieschnick, Vice President Dennis Hermis, and Flag Bearer Karley Kieschnick. —Submitted by Pat Schleider, FAC
Schleider, and Mary Ann Kieschnick. Alternate delegates are Keith Kieschnick and Alice Jochen. Birthday for December is Alice Jochen on the 1st. December anniversary celebrants are Keith and Amy Kieschnick on the 6th. The meeting adjourned. The next meeting is Sunday, January 10, 2016. Meal will be served at 1 p.m., and meeting is at 2 p.m. We hope to see you then. Respectfully submitted, Alice Jochen, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 179 Warrenton meets January 14
Lodge 179, Warrenton will meet Thursday, January 14, 2016, at the Carmine Lions Club building. Social will start at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting is at 7 p.m. Menu is to be decided. All members are invited! Ricky Weyand, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 180 Burleson sets meeting dates
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Lodge 180, Burleson had its first meeting of 2016 by opening with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by prayers for our service organizations and all military personnel as well as prayers for all of our loved ones. We especially want to have Carole Slavik in our prayers as she has been having some difficulties lately. Speedy recovery, Carole. Several issues were discussed and resolved during the meeting which will be continuing throughout the new year of 2016. Also discussed were additional plans for our lodge as we plan on our growth for the future. Happy birthday wishes go out to Rhonda Hurtik. Many more, Rhonda! We would like to encourage our members to join us at our next meeting so that you may help in planning for the future of your lodge. Your input is important and needed to help with the progression of Lodge 180.
Save the Dates! Please save the dates for our next two meetings – Tuesday, February 2 at Sammy’s Italian Bistro, located at 225 East Exchange Street in Burleson, Texas 76028, and Tuesday, March 1 at Antonio’s Mexican Restaurant, 344 SW Wilshire Boulevard in Burleson, Texas 76028. Fraternally, Nancy Kelly, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 151, Wharton Members Receive 50-Year Membership Pins
LEFT PHOTO: Madeline F. Kubosh’s sons share information about their mother’s family before they were presented her 50-year membership pin. They are Houston City Council Member Mike Kubosh, left, and Randall “Randy” Kubosh. PHOTO 2: District Six Director Karen Kaspar presents Madeline F. Kubosh’s pin to sons Mike, left, and Randy. PHOTO 3: Fifty-
year member honoree Cynthia Bucek Smith was unable to attend Lodge 151’s membership pin presentation. She received her pin on Thanksgiving Day from her aunt Janie Bucek, left. RIGHT PHOTO: District Six Director Karen Kaspar, left, presents Janie Bucek with her 50-year membership pin.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Lodge 181, Conroe changes to quarterly meetings
Beginning in 2016, SPJST Lodge 181, Conroe will hold quarterly meetings. Meetings for Lodge 181 are scheduled at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26; Tuesday, April 26; Tuesday, July 26; and Tuesday, October 25. Unless otherwise announced in the Věstník, meetings will be held at Montgomery County Main Library Branch in Conroe. For further information, contact President Barbara Williams-Rash 936295-7778/email b.d.willrash@att.net; Vice President Chuck Toney 281-3629052/email cdtiii@toney.us; or Treasurer Patsy McClelland 936788-5714/email pmcclelland@consolidated. —SPJST—
Lodge 191, Lufkin welcomes 2016
Happy New Year to everyone! I hope you had a good 2015 and will have an even better 2016. We have a few people on the “under the weather list.” Please be in prayer for Coleman Standley, Bobbie Lee Friday, Helen Boyd, and Roy Luce. If there are any more, please let me know by sending an email to GeorgePat@consolidated.net or calling 936 875-2867. We wish for a speedy recovery for each of these.
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Lodge 177, Academy gives to Churches Touching Lives for Christ
Lodge 177, Academy Treasurer Josie Mitchell presents a check for $1,700 to Weldon McDougle of Churches Touching Lives for Christ.
The December dance was great; Glenn Lenderman and Friends put on an outstanding performance as usual. Thanks, Glenn, for all the times you have played at the SPJST lodge. We appreciate you very much! Decorations were provided by Sarah Oliver and Lois St. John. The decorations put you in the Christmas mood. The winner of the 50-50 drawing, which was $66, was Gary Loving. He was gracious to give $20 to Bailey, who drew his winning ticket. What a generous man! The winners of the two dance tickets - to any dance but New Year’s Eve - were Wanda Briley and Ron Shepard. Ron also gave Bailey his free ticket. So sometimes it pays to be the person who draws the tickets. Congratulations to the winners! Please come out and enjoy the music of Glenn Lenderman and
Lodge 177, Academy supports Feed My Sheep
Lodge 177, Academy Treasurer Josie Mitchell, right, presents a $1,000 donation to Feed My Sheep in Temple.
Friends for the January dance. You are bound to have a good time relaxing after the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Kathy Riley is our host chairman for this year. Please volunteer to be a host for at least one time during the year. You do not have to pay for the dance if you are a host, and if there are at least two couples for each dance, no one will have to do too much. The next business meeting will be January 11. It seems very soon, but the first Friday this year was January 1. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and usually lasts about an hour. All of the decisions of the lodge are made at these meetings. If you are a member, please take the time to attend. Fraternally, Pat Scogin, Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 200 Bruceville-Eddy members enjoy Christmas party
Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy members and guests met at Raymond’s Southern Kitchen in Lorena for their annual Christmas party on Thursday, December 10, 2015. President Allen Trigg opened the meeting and had everyone introduce themselves after the Pledge of Allegiance was said. President Trigg then announced we would have a short meeting to address a couple of business affairs. First item on the agenda was mentioning the lodge’s new meeting place, which will be at BrucevilleEddy City Hall instead of Taylor Hall. Next, District Two Director Jesse Pospisil presented the lodge with a $200 check to be given to a local organization, which was the BrucevilleEddy kindergarten to fifth grade PE (physical education) classes to help with equipment and other tools for them. Mr. Gary Lucas was presented the check by President Allen Trigg and Reporter Michael D. Hosch. Pictures and an article will be in an upcoming edition of the Věstník. Director Pospisil then proceeded to install the officers for the upcoming year. After installation, the meeting was adjourned. Members and guests then prepared to eat after the prayer was said by James R. Hosch. After the meal, members and guests were treated to fun and games provided by David and Melanie Zavodny Nauert. I
SPJST assists Bruceville-Eddy ISD PE students
District Two Director Jesse Pospisil, left, presents a check from his discretionary funds to Lodge 200, BrucevilleEddy President Allen Trigg, Sr. for BrucevilleEddy ISD to be used to purchase equipment for physical education students.
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along with everyone else would like to thank David and Melanie for all the hard work they put in, not only for providing games for our lodge, but for all other lodges and all events during the year especially during the holiday season. Thank you! After all activities were over, James R. Hosch read birthdays for December. Members and guests then visited as we dispersed. It was a great time for all who attended. I would also like to thank all who attended. With great thanks to Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, Honorary Supreme Lodge President Howard Leshikar and wife Nancy, District Two Director Jesse Pospisil and wife Linda, Supreme Lodge Secretary-Treasurer and Lodge 200 member Leonard D. Mikeska and wife Dorothy, Kenny Lange from the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center in Temple along with other members from the Home Office. It was great seeing everyone. I would also like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. May it be filled with many blessings. I look forward to the upcoming year and all plans we have for the lodge. I hope to see all at our meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at Bruceville-Eddy City Hall at 6:30 p.m. Fraternally, Michael D. Hosch, Reporter Editor’s Note: Please see pictures from Lodge 200’s Christmas party in next week’s Vestnik. —SPJST—
Lodge 202 Jourdanton reports on January meeting
Lodge 202, Jourdanton met Sunday, January 3, 2016, at Jourdanton Community Center with 22 members and special guest District Seven Director Bob Bayer attending. Michelle House led the Pledge of Allegiance. Silence was observed for deceased members and for the armed forces. Vice President Sammy Hoggard welcomed everyone. Secretary Bettie House read the minutes that were approved as read. Treasurer Sandra Hoggard presented the financial report. Correspondence was received from the Atascosa Family Crisis Center and from SPJST concerning the awards banquet. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Kathleen Polasek reported February 13 is the bowling tournament. The 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive is in full swing. Youth Leader Regina House reported 31 shoeboxes filled with gifts were delivered to CASA, and the boxes were very much appreciated. The lodge will send a donation to the bowling tournament silent auction in New Braunfels. Several lodge youth will be showing livestock at the county livestock show. Director Bayer noted he enjoyed visiting with 100-year old Frances
Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point member supports Camo Santa with toys
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
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P P P Presenting 2016 Officers P P P Lodges 87, Temple and 246, Morgan’s Point
The 2016 officers of Lodge 87, Temple are, from left, Secretary Judith Little and President/FAC Karin Bryant. The 2016 officers of Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point are, third from left to right, President James L. Lee, III, Vice President Charlie Herendon, Treasurer Ingrid Petrik, FAC Susan Hutton, and Secretary/Reporter Melanie Zavodny. They were installed by District Two Director Jesse Pospisil, not pictured, at the lodges’ combined Christmas party on December 13, 2015, at the SPJST Home Office.
Kovar and presenting a certificate. Director Bayer installed the officers, and also provided door prizes. The meeting adjourned. Svacina was enjoyed.
Next Meeting—February 7 Sunday, February 7 will be the next meeting at 2 p.m. at Jourdanton Community Center. Fraternally, Bettie House, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 219 El Paso welcomes new baby
Still Here By d.knape
We’ve put on years and put on pounds We’ve had our ups as well as downs
Yet through it all we kept our cheer
And that’s why maybe we’re still here. —SPJST—
Thanks to Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point member George Brown, left, who donated more than 100 stuffed toys for the Camo Santa program in December. Also pictured are Joe Lingo and Laynee Lingo.
Lodge 219, El Paso welcomes new baby Camila L. Rivera. She was born in June 2015, and is the daughter of Edgar Mendoza and Rocio Rivera. She was welcomed by aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. May God always shine his brightest blessings on the Mendoza - Rivera family. —Baltazar Nunez, Reporter
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Wednesday, January 13, 2016
In Memory of Eugene Veselka
Eugene Ludwig Veselka, 85, passed away Saturday, December 12, 2015, at St. David’s Hospital in Austin, Texas, surrounded by his family. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, December 15 at 10 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg with Reverend Tim Kosler officiating. Placing of the pall was done by his children, Paul, Marilyn, Carolyn, and Dennis. Eucharistic minister was Gene Berger. Eugene Veselka Lector and altar server was Kenneth Berger. Also altar server was Blake Meyer. Gift bearers were Barbara Veselka, Dawn Veselka, and granddaughter Sadie Veselka. Organist Peggy Kalich provided the music with Bruce Lebeda as the vocalist. Pallbearers were Edward Tobola, Billy Beiersdorfer, James Brossmann, Harvey Schindler, Melvin Kunz, and Robert Hollas with Melvin Tobola and Edwin Novak, honorary pallbearers. Interment followed in St. Rose Catholic Cemetery. Rosary was said on Monday, December 14 at 7 p.m. at Schwenke Baumgarten Funeral Home led by Reverend Tim Kosler and Kenneth Berger, representing the Knights of Columbus 2902. Eugene, son of Ludwig Veselka and Mary (Tobola) Veselka, was born March 30, 1930, in Deming, New Mexico. On October 10, 1949, Gene married Henrietta Ohnheiser at St. Rose Catholic Church in Schulenburg. For the first seven years, they were farmers, farming in the High Hill, Breslau, and Swiss Alp areas. In 1956, they moved to Houston. He worked for Mastic Tile Company and Wyatts Metal and Boiler Works. Then he became a truck driver for 34 years having worked for Red Ball Motor Freight and retiring in 1995 for Consolidated Motor Freight. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Henrietta (Ohnheiser) Veselka; sons Paul Veselka and wife Barbara of Schulenburg and Dennis Veselka and wife Dawn of Oviedo, Florida; daugh-
ters Marilyn Yates and husband R.E. of Colleyville and Carolyn Moreno of Longview; half-sister Elsie Garza of Eagle Lake; grandchildren Mark Veselka of Schulenburg, Melissa Veselka of Houston, Adam Moreno of Longview, Keith Moreno and wife Amanda of Houston, Theresa Gray and husband Jonathon of Tyler, Todd Moreno of Spring, and Sadie Veselka of Oviedo, Florida; and great-grandchildren Gene Andrew, Caleb, and Madison Gray of Tyler, Ariana Herren of Rowlett, and Gavin, Mia, and Connor Moreno of Houston. Gene was preceded in death by his father Ludwig Veselka; mother Mary (Tobola) Korenek; half-brother Albert Veselka; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rudolph and Ida Ohnheiser. Gene was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Schulenburg for 20 years and before that, he was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Houston for over 40 years. He was a member of the SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar, having received his 50year pin earlier this year. He was also a member of Swiss Alp Farm Bureau. He was a proud member of Knights of Columbus Council 2902 where he held the office of Outside Guard for many years and was also an usher at St. Rose. His hobby was gardening which he shared with his friends and family. He enjoyed working at the church and KC functions and Schulenburg Festival, which he did for many years. Going to church picnics, far and near, and playing bingo were his favorite pastime. Fraternally, Carolyn M. Tobola, Treasurer Lodge 8, Weimar —SPJST—
Resolution of Sympathy
We, the undersigned Resolution Committee of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, Texas, and on behalf of our entire membership, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family of our departed member, CLARENCE JOHN BACA. Clarence John Baca was born February 9, 1920, to John R. and Marie (Zelesky) Baca in Fayetteville where his parents operated a grocery store. Following the long-standing family tradition of music, he learned the drums. Clarence joined his father’s band The John R. Baca Band and played his first paid job at Clarence Baca age 13. He fondly remembered getting paid 25 cents for the gig. This was the beginning of his love for polka music for the rest of his life. He graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1939 with a class of 20 and was proud to have attended Texas A&M University. His college career was interrupted by the war so Clarence never received his Aggie ring, but was one of the most devout Aggies you would ever meet. He worked in Todd’s Shipyards in Houston, then joined the Navy in 1943. He said when he was asked if he wanted Army or Navy, because of his two years of infantry at A&M, he said Army, and they said, “Okay, Navy!” This was very typical of Clarence who would go along with whatever others thought would be best for the good of the whole. His LST was hit by a kamikaze in the Pacific, an experience he felt very fortunate to have survived and remained in contact with other surviving shipmates for many years to come. Returning to civilian life after the war, Clarence began a 37-year career with the United States Post Office, while continuing to play with the John R. Baca Band. Clarence began his own band in 1960, playing until 1998. A member of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, Clarence along with Maurice Hafrnik, and Raymond Zapatel formed the first Lodge 88 concert band. High points in his career include four recordings (“Corn Cockle Polka,” “Farmer’s Waltz,” “Grasshopper Polka,” and “Baca’s Waltz”); playing the Rice Hotel in Houston and The
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Buccaneer in Galveston; playing Houston dance halls like Bill Mraz, the Shamrock; standing gigs with SPJST Lodge 88; plus several radio appearances. Clarence lived a full life of family, music, and dancing. He danced to his favorites at his 95th birthday party at Lodge 88. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family with his polka music playing. He was remembered for autographing CDs with “Keep dancing the Polka!” – Clarence Baca. There is a Youtube video clip of him sitting in with the SPJST Lodge 88 band and playing the drums at his 90th birthday. He was preceded in death by his wife of 20 years Lou Wernli Baca (who passed away in October 2015); his parents John and Marie Baca; brother Lee Edward Baca; and his first wife of 49 years Pasty. Surviving relatives include sister Rose Marie Baca Rohde and husband Jim of Fayetteville; stepchildren Russell Wernli and wife Joni, Cheryl Wernli Angell and husband Steve, Mark Wernli and wife Lee, and Troy Wernli wife Karen; grandchildren Christi Wernli Herring and husband Jim, Stacy Wernli Ellis and husband Rob, Jamie Wernli McClellan and husband Mike, Elise Angell Cohen and husband David, Kellie Angell Northington and husband Wes, Ashley Angell and fiancé Stuart Ellerbe, Tyler Wernli, Colby Wernli, Charley Wernli, and Ian Roe; eight great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews Alicia Needham and husband Jim of Corpus Christie, John Baca of Brenham, Shannan Gerik and husband Tom of Columbus, Kim Kovar and husband Randy of La Grange, Jimmy Rohde and wife Donna of Fayetteville, and Roxane and husband Doak of Columbus. Donations in Clarence’s name to Fayetteville Museum, Czech Heritage Museum in Temple, or SPJST Lodge 88, Houston would be appreciated. Family and friends celebrated Clarence’s life at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, December 4. Resolution Committee Gladys Havemann Mamie Lorenz —SPJST—
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In Memory of Dolores Greinert
A much loved mother and sister, Dolores Greinert, 88, of Taylor, Texas, died peacefully under hospice care on Sunday December 27, 2015. Dolores was born to the late Charles and Regina (Moerbe) Wuensche in Thorndale on June 18, 1927. Dolores was the second of three children. She had two brothers, Earl Dolores Greinert and Charles Jr. Dolores enjoyed growing up in Thorndale and graduated from high school there. She enjoyed working in her father’s Chevrolet dealership, Ideal Motor Company, doing a multitude of jobs. Dolores learned a good business sense from both her mother and father who worked hard to make that business a success. Dolores enjoyed music and played saxophone and violin in The Gilbert Kautz Band and played at various venues around the central Texas area. She fell in love with and married Edward Danek of Taylor on June 30, 1948. They had two children, Renee and Jayson. They were married for 29 years until his death in 1977. She later met Andrew Greinert, and they were married June 19, 1984. They enjoyed 29 wonderful years together ranching, raising cattle, and polka dancing all over Texas. They were quite the dancing couple and won several dance competitions over the years. Dolores was an active member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Taylor. She had a strong faith that sustained her in her later years with the many health issues she endured. Dolores had a passion for antiques, china, and crystal and was an avid collector. She loved flowers, especially roses and had some of the prettiest and well-tended rose gardens. She also enjoyed growing her prized African violets, and her favorite one always graced the kitchen table. She was always one of the best dressed ladies out about town and took a lot of pride in her appearance. She was fun-loving and enjoyed entertaining. Dolores was a member of SPJST Lodge 18, Elgin. She sold insurance for SPJST for many years and was a very competent business woman. She was a devoted wife and a very loving mother to her two children. She will always be remembered for her loving
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and caring heart. She left us with a lot of wonderful memories and was very much loved and will be greatly missed. Dolores was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Edward and Andrew; and daughter Renee. She is survived by son Jayson and wife Debbie of Manchaca; brother Earl and wife Evelyn of Thorndale; brother Charles and wife Louise of Lancaster, South Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews. A viewing was held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday January 1, 2016, at Condra Funeral Home in Taylor. Funeral service was at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 2 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Taylor. The family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association to help find a cure for this insidious disease. —SPJST—
winner. After retiring in 1996, he and his wife Vernell settled in New Braunfels. He was born August 31, 1927, in Marion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl (Charlie) Schultz and Eleanora (Nora) Kopplin Schultz; and brother Reuben. He married Vernell Pfeil on November 28, 1945, at Redeemer United Church of Christ in Zuehl. He is survived by Vernell, his wife of almost 70 years; sister-in-law Pauline Schultz; and many cousins and friends. Services were held Monday, November 9 at Redeemer United Church of Christ in Zuehl. Burial followed in the Redeemer Cemetery. You will be missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace. Chester Jenke, President SPJST Lodge 258, Seguin —SPJST—
Resolution of Sympathy
In Memory of Pauline Kovar
We, the Resolution Committee of SPJST Lodge 258, Seguin, wish to express our sincerest and most heartfelt sympathy to the family of our departed member, VERNON C. SCHULTZ, a member of SPJST Lodge 258, Seguin who passed away Thursday, November 5, 2015, at his home in New Braunfels, Texas, at the age of 88 years. He was a charter member of Lodge 258 where he assisted with lodge- sponsored district meetings/fall fun days and lodge socials. Vernon Schultz Until his health began to fail, he looked forward to attending monthly meetings, serving on the audit committee, and offered many valuable ideas and suggestions for the good of the local lodge. Among his hobbies, he was an avid nine-pin bowler until health conditions forced him to retire from bowling. His love for deer hunting was another sport on the top of his to-do list. Skat card playing was one of his weekly activities he looked forward to until just weeks prior to his death. Of course, he would not pass up an opportunity to visit the local casinos every chance he got, where he always came back a
Pauline Mildred Kovar of Arlington, Texas, passed from this life to one with Christ on Christmas Day - December 25, 2015. She was 101 years of age. Pauline was born in Alsdorf, Texas, a small farming community, on January 18, 1914, as the second child to John T. and Antonia Sebetka. At her death, Pauline was the only surviving child of this Sebetka family. She married Pauline Kovar Jerry Emil Kovar from Quinlan on February 2, 1937 in Ennis. Together they helped on the farm, later moving to the Dallas area, and then to Fort Worth where Jerry worked at Convair/General Dynamics until his death. Pauline worked as a homemaker all her life, rearing three children: son Walter Jerry and daughters Patricia Geraldine Fletcher and Paulette Ann Cooper. She was a loving, thrifty wife and enjoyed being a wonderful mother to each of her children, providing a happy home environment. She was a member of SPJST Lodge 130, Dallas. Visitation was December 31 at 1 p.m., followed by a graveside interment at 2 p.m. at Shannon Rose Hill Cemetery in east Fort Worth. Mr. John
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Mark Fowler, her hospice chaplin, provided the graveside service, followed by others who may want to make remembrance comments. Survivors include son Walter and wife Beverly Kovar of Goldthwaite; daughter Paulette and husband Roy Cooper of Arlington; son-in-law Larry Fletcher; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Pauline was preceded in death by parents John T. and Antonia Sebetka; husband Jerry E. Kovar (1969); daughter Patricia G. Fletcher (1999); four sisters; and one brother. Arrangements were by Shannon Rose Hill Funeral and Cemetery of Fort Worth. Condolences can be offered to the family online at http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/dig nitymemorial/guestbook.aspx?n=pauli ne-kovar&pid=177034671. Please make any memorial to your selected organization. —SPJST—
In Memory of Sidney Bridewell
Sidney Ann Zemanek Bridewell, 97 years old, of Dallas, Texas, passed away December 30, 2015, in her home. She was born on February 27, 1918, in Guy, the daughter of Josef and Kristina Zemanek. She was predeceased by her two brothers, two sisters, and her husband (1979). She graduated from Blessing High School in 1938, where she played basketball and tennis. Receiving a scholarship, she Sidney Bridewell graduated from a business school in Houston then moved to Dallas (1940) to work for General Electric and Sun Oil Company during World War II. On January 30, 1943, she married L.A. Bridewell and had three children. During their marriage, she was a homemaker, but she also worked as an editor and accountant to add to her children’s educational fund. For many years, she served as treasurer of The Dallas Garden Club, in several PTA offices, and as a Campfire Girl Leader. She is survived by daughter Linda Waldo; daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Ike Vanden Eykel; and son and daughter-in-law David and Sandy
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Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Bridewell, all of whom live in Dallas. Sidney was the proud grandmother of Dr. Eric Vanden Eykel, Lindsey Vanden Eykel, Steven Vanden Eykel, Lauren Waldo Young, and Michael Waldo. She also lived to have two greatgranddaughters Jane and Sidney. Inheriting a love and respect for education from her father, she did much to enhance the education of her children and grandchildren and insure the education of her great-grandchildren through her estate planning. Sidney loved to travel and made several trips back to her family home in Czech Republic. She was a member of SPJST Lodge 148, El Maton for more than 70 years and a member of Ennis and Dallas Krouzek since 1986. Visitation was Friday, January 1 at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral service was at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home on Saturday, January 2 at 10 a.m. with graveside services following. In memory of Sidney, please donate to VNA, 1600 Viceroy Drive, Dallas, Texas 75235. —SPJST—
In Memory of Lillie Mae Forson
Mrs. Lillie Mae Forson died December 25, 2015, at the I.O.O.F. Nursing Home in Ennis. Formerly Lillie Trojacek, she was born August 20, 1922, in Telico, the daughter of Joe M. and Mary J. Vrla Trojacek. She was reared in the Telico community, attended school there, and graduated from Ennis High School in 1940. Following her graduation, she became manager of a grocery store in Telico owned by her brother, Emil F. Trojacek, who was inducted into service in the United States Lillie Mae Forson Army and killed a year later in the Pacific area. On November 15, 1945, she married her school sweetheart Robert E. (Gene) Forson. They continued to operate the business and became owners in 1946. She began operating Telico Community Post Office on July 1, 1967, located in part of the grocery store. The business and post office
were discontinued November 30, 1986. Mrs. Forson was a member of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Ennis, a 70-year member of SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis and a member of The Texas Historical Foundation. She was active in community life and served as a director and secretary-treasurer of Telico Water Supply Corporation from construction in 1964 until the company merged with Rice WSC in 1977. She was an involved member of the Telico Volunteer Fire Department from its inception. Lillie will be best remembered for her special love of her family, for her love and friendship she shared with so many people that were her customers, and for her neverending determination for progress in the community. She was preceded in death by her parents; little eight-year-old brother Arnold, in 1936; brother Emil, killed in action in 1942 during World War II; brother Joe H. Trojacek in 1987; and sister Alice Honza in 1991. Surviving Lillie are sister Vlasta Sramek; niece Gladys (Honza) and Martin Zapletal; nephew Larry and Jimmie Honza; niece Donna (Honza) Spurgeon; niece Joetta (Sramek) Oliver; nephew Ricky and Jennifer Sramek; niece Kathy (Trojacek) and Raymond Navarro; and niece Neva (Trojacek) and David Del Bosque; and a host of great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. Lillie was cherished as a “grandmother” to Amy (Zapletal) Palmer, Adam Zapletal, Scott Honza, and Robyn Spurgeon. Visitation at J.E. Keever Mortuary was from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 27 with a rosary recited at 5 p.m. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. John Catholic Church on Monday, December 28 at 10 a.m. with interment in St. Joseph Cemetery immediately following. Serving as pallbearers were Larry Honza, Ricky Sramek, Martin Zapletal, Scott Honza, Logan Sramek, and Adam Zapletal. The family requests that you share financial blessings with the Telico Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Marvin Trojacek, 8911 FM 1181, Ennis, Texas 75119. Betty Macalik Financial Secretary SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis —SPJST—
In Memory of Frank Surovik
Frank Milton Surovik, 90, of Caldwell passed away Friday, November 27, 2015, at the Veterans Hospital in Temple, Texas. Services were at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 1 at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Caldwell with Reverend Joseph Polasek officiating. Interment followed at Slovak Cemetery. Visitation was from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Frank Surovik Frank was born on July 6, 1925, to Frank J. and Frances (Surovik) Surovik in the New Tabor Community near Caldwell. He attended New Tabor schools. He joined the Army November 16, 1943, and fought in the European theatre achieving the rank of Corporal. Citations included World War II victory ribbons, good conduct medal, EAME theatre ribbon, and three Bronze Service Stars. Frank was self-employed as a painter and later engaged in F&J cow/calf operation. In the 1960s, he served as Constable of Precinct 3 for four years. His involvement in the Czechoslovak Society of America or CSA started in the early 1950s, and he held many offices in the organization. He was also a member of SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor and RVOS. He enjoyed working his cattle and gardening. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers George Surovik and Johnny, J. Surovik; sister Fannie Kovar; brothers-in-law Paul Surovik and Charlie Kovar; and sister-in-law Carol Surovik. Survivors include sister Vlasta Surovik of College Station; brother and wife Albert J. and Winifred Surovik of Bryan; many nieces and nephews, and extended family; and special friend June Neal of Rockdale. Memorial donations may be made to VFW Post 4458 in Caldwell. Pallbearers were Chris Beasley, James Story, J. R. Surovik, Johnny Kovar, Leland Surovik, and Brian Pendergraff. Funeral arrangements were by Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Caldwell. —SPJST—
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In Memory of Robert Kofnovec
Robert George Kofnovec was born July 8, 1925, in Kaufman, Texas, and after 90 years, he left this earthly life surrounded by family members on September 21, 2015. He was happy to be joining his beautiful wife of more than 63 years, Gwendolyn Dolores Kofnovec, who predeceased him on March 7, 2013. Bob (who is Robert Kofnovec often known as “Bob K”) is survived by daughters who miss him dearly, Donna Hanover, Linda Kofnovec, Norma Thomas, and Wanda Wilhite; son-in-law Ed; grandchildren Jeff, Carlie, Andrew, Randy, and Caroline; granddaughter-in-law Nekole; great-grandchildren Jazzy and JR; brother Bill; sister Frances; brother-in-law Bud; sister-in-law Kay; and many loving nieces and nephews. Bob was the fifth of seven children born to farmers Frank and Mary Kofnovec. He came of age during World War II and joined the United States Navy on November 1, 1943. After boot camp, his interest in aviation took him to various Naval Air stations, where he received further training, especially in communications. He then flew off of the U.S.S. Intrepid as the rear seat gunner in SB2C Helldivers. While stationed shipboard in California, he encountered the lovely Gwen Domas and their dances turned into a lifelong love affair. They married on April 24, 1949. Gwen moved with their daughters to postings in Hawaii, Tennessee, Guam, and back to California in support of Bob’s military career. Bob and his family have always been proud that he served during World War II, the Korean conflict, and the Vietnam War. He became an officer and ultimately a Lieutenant Commander. During the Pueblo Crisis, he was the Chief Maintenance Officer of the squadron that kept heavily armed aircraft over the ship 24 hours a day ready to destroy it if necessary. His tremendous leadership and courage in those circumstances earned him The Navy Commendation Medal. After 25 years of service and many awards, Bob retired from the Navy on November 1, 1968. Bob was a member of SPJST Lodge 66, Waco. Bob then worked 12 years for Lockheed on the P3 Orion Aircraft. Bob and Gwen lived on their Big K Ranch in
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Saugus, square danced with the Sierra Hillbillies, attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, and traveled in their RV, camping in almost every state of the union. After Gwen’s passing, Bob moved to Friendly Valley and also renewed his interest in Duplicate Bridge. His daughters and grandchildren feel he
gave them tremendous support, love, and excitement, for which they are forever grateful. Visitation for LCDR Robert George Kofnovec, USN RET, was at Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Newhall, California, on Monday September 28 at 1 p.m., with a celebration of life memorial service at 2 p.m. Bob was next to
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Gwen in the Veteran’s section. For anyone that would like to make a contribution in Bob’s memory, his family would appreciate a donation to Santa Clarita Valley Senior Citizen Center, 22900 Market St., Santa Clarita, California 91321, Attn: Diane Kidd (661-259-9444). —SPJST—
Death Claims Paid in December 2015
Name Kimberly Lacey Kana Dennis F. Pavlicek Mary A. Gustafson Trisha D. Henry Patricia Hubenak Gilbert Paul H. Caldwell George S. Kadera Vivian Reba Corona Bernadette Gerik Ruby Espinoza Joe John Kusak Jerry Henry Cabla, Jr. Floyd Simmons Anna Lou Baca Edith M. Stockton Frank Truksa Louis F. Orsak Michael R. Flores Erwin Leo Wind Rene R. Gonzalez Robert F. Smajstrla Bobby S. Thomas George Pauling, Jr. Olga B. Pechak Johhnie Whitfield Alice Mae Piwonka Martha Gajewsky Nelson Lee Coker Jake Edward Foltyn Anna Maria Oliphant Richard J. Vasek Portia Koenig Powell Jack Carson Patterson Cecil Chauncey Hull
SPJST • Temple, Texas
Lodge 79 66 18 200 81 333 88 88 66 40 97 24 66 88 74 149 40 246 88 79 180 9 66 25 88 17 151 24 148 88 151 30 210 133
Location Corpus Christi Waco Elgin Bruceville-Eddy Needville First State Bank Houston Houston Waco El Campo-Hillje Placedo Cyclone Waco Houston Lovelady Alvin El Campo-Hillje Morgan’s Point Houston Corpus Christi Burleson Snook Waco Ennis Houston New Tabor Wharton Cyclone El Maton Houston Wharton Taiton Fairfield San Antonio
Date of Admission 6/19/1998 12/05/1968 2/19/1975 9/22/1994 12/10/1963 8/12/2009 1/18/1940 12/01/1982 6/04/1959 11/18/2008 10/10/1949 7/25/1945 11/09/2006 6/22/1967 5/20/1975 8/25/1954 3/03/1959 5/25/2004 12/16/1970 3/20/2015 12/22/1953 3/17/1959 9/04/1974 6/19/1939 4/12/1973 12/13/1945 12/15/1948 7/23/1951 1/22/1951 5/29/1973 11/06/1950 7/16/2013 6/04/1997 5/20/1991
To the Bereaved Survivors of Our Deceased Brothers and Sisters, the SPJST Supreme Lodge Expresses Its Heartfelt Sympathy. Fraternally, Leonard D. Mikeska, FIC Supreme Lodge Secretary-Treasurer
Date of Death 6/06/2015 8/02/2015 11/01/2015 9/15/2015 10/17/2015 11/08/2015 10/21/2015 9/09/2015 2/07/2014 11/13/2015 11/07/2015 11/04/2015 11/01/2015 10/09/2015 11/30/2015 11/12/2015 11/01/2015 10/01/2015 10/27/2015 11/01/2015 11/10/2015 9/23/2014 11/22/2015 10/25/2015 10/18/2015 3/09/2014 11/17/2015 11/27/2015 11/25/2015 11/25/2015 11/12/2015 12/05/2015 4/11/2015 8/08/2015
Age 38 58 82 51 68 67 89 94 74 62 76 85 75 86 78 84 72 71 96 67 89 78 85 93 84 84 97 64 78 73 80 67 82 93
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Death is Nothing at all
Death is nothing at all I have only slipped away into the next room I am I and you are you Whatever we were to each other That we are still Call me by my own familiar name Speak to me in the easy way you always used Put no difference into your tone Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow Laugh as we always laughed At the little jokes we always enjoyed together Play, smile, think of me, pray for me Let my name be ever the household word that it always was Let it be spoken without effort Without the ghost of a shadow in it Life means all that it ever was There is absolute unbroken continuity What is death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind Because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you for an interval Somewhere very near Just around the corner All is well. Nothing is past; nothing is lost One brief moment and all will be as it was before How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again! —Canon Henry Scott-Holland, Canon of St Paul’s Cathedral (1847 – 1918) —SPJST—
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Wednesday, January 13, 2016
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
shirt. There will be first place winners out of the other three age groups and the youth will receive a $75 Visa gift card. Youth leaders, please encourage all your youth members to participate. All participants will receive two merit points and a participation certificate. We have many youth who are very creative and talented. This year’s theme is “Seeking the Treasures of SPJST - 2016.”
Youth Development Workshop The District Youth Development Workshops will be conducted by your This section is dedicated to the youth of SPJST. As part of its membership benefits, District Youth Counselor. Please SPJST offers a statewide youth program. If you or someone you know is interested in watch your email and the Vestnik for learning about opportunities offered to young members of SPJST, please contact your more information. You will be coverlocal lodge, District Youth Counselor, State Youth Director at 800-727-7578, or visit ing topics that pertain to youth www.spjst.org. achievement day projects and a lot of other fun ideas to share. Please be sure ing to attain their Czech heritage merit to encourage your youth members to points. The project will be covering an participate. age-old European custom that people with the same first name have one day President’s Volunteer a year given to celebrate. It is like hav- Service Award The SPJST Youth Program is a ing a second birthday! If you would Dear Youth Leaders, sponsor for the President’s Volunteer like to check out http://www.ameriThe final weeks of 2015 were filled cannamedaycalendar.com online, you Service Awards for all SPJST youth with Christmas festivities and fun. It can look for youth club members’ who are eligible to receive the awards. was a great chance to visit and — in names to see what day corresponds No youth may receive more than one so many cases — make new friends, with their names. This is an American President’s Volunteer Service Awards too! Active involvement in SPJST can name calendar, but please note that during the preceding calendar year. be a blast — and a real family affair, there are several different calendars SPJST will recognize youth for voltoo! A big thank you — Youth Leaders for different nationalities. unteer service during January 1, 2015, and District Youth Counselors — for through December 31, 2015. Volunthe tremendous job you do with our 2016 SPJST Camp Tee-Shirt teer Service Tracking Forms are availyouth. able from the State Youth Director on Design Contest This year’s Temple Christmas Pa“We need your good ideas and cre- the SPJST youth website. You can also rade and SPJST Christmas Open ativity!” I challenge all youth club log your hours online. For information House on December 7 were both won- members to participate in the camp on logging hours online, please conderful successes! Due to the cool tee-shirt design contest. Remember tact Fraternal Services Specialist weather and clear skies, we had a huge the deadline is January 31. The grand Tammy Martinez at 254-773-1575. crowd at this year’s Christmas Open prize will be a $100 Visa gift card and Forms must be returned and all hours House. Thanks to all of the members your design on the 2016 camp tee- logged online by February 28. who turned out for these events! Both of the SPJST floats were in the Temple parade. Melanie and David continue to do a first-class job incorporating new ideas for the floats. Members of the SPJST State Royalty Court had to enLodge 20, Granger Youth dure the cold while riding in the Club members Corvettes. They did an exceptional job play on the of representing the SPJST. Later, at the merry-goOpen House, Royalty Court members round after helped the children decorate Christthe December mas sugar cookies. It was a great time meeting. for the youth and the young-at-heart. —Submitted I hope that everyone had a merry by Christmas. I wish all of you a happy Brita Bohac and prosperous New Year! Goodman Questions? Call 800-727-7578
State Youth Director shares January updates
Lodge 20, Granger Youth Club: December Meeting Fun
2016 Vestnik Projects February’s project will give you an opportunity to discuss a Czech heritage topic. This can also be a chance for youth attending the February meet-
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Youth Leader’s Retreat Please mark your calenders and save the date. Youth Leaders Retreat will start on Saturday, March 19 at 10 a.m. at the SPJST Home Office. I would really like for all Youth Leaders to come and stay overnight with us and head home on Sunday, March 20. All youth leaders and their assistants are encouraged to attend. Spouse and guest are welcome to accompany you; if you are planning to bring a spouse or guest, please let me know and I will work with you on making arrangements. We’re going to cover a lot of ground on Saturday’s program, but I plan on doing my best to make it as educational, informative, and fun as I possibly can. Following the daytime agenda, we will have our awards banquet. Afterwards, everyone is invited to enjoy a nice meal and a fun-filled evening. To take advantage of the incentives and really absorb what is happening, I highly suggest you make plans to attend. We will also be addressing any questions that you may have about the youth program. 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive Thanks to all of the young people and youth clubs who have contributed to this wonderful project. All young people who donate at least $2 will receive two merit points. All young people who donate at least $5 will also receive a certificate. May 31, 2016, is the deadline to receive credit.
Mark Your Calendar: May 7 is Join Hands Day Our goal for 2016 is to have 50 or more lodges participate. What can your youth club do? Some of the great projects from past years included baking for the needy, cemetery clean-ups, highway beautification, assisting veterans and senior citizens programs, and fundraiser for your local volunteer fire department. You’ve still got plenty of time to decide what you want to do in 2016. The main thing - at this point - is committing to doing something. The last few years we have seen a trend in Join Hands Day projects for youth clubs to help their mother lodges in fixing up their existing building. I would like to discourage this type of project. When coming up with ideas for your project try to do something that will be noticed by the public. If you have any questions on this, please contact me. Again, this year, the Supreme Lodge will offer a $100 incentive to local SPJST lodges to be used in de-
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veloping and/or promoting their project. This incentive will be for lodges who partner with youth in their community. To receive the $100 incentive, lodges must register the event with the Home Office.
2016 Leader-In-Training Retreat June 9-11 This year, we have a great LIT retreat lined up for our youth. Our retreat will be held at the SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm. This year, due to the SPJST Convention, our LIT retreat will start on Thursday, June 9 and end on Saturday, June 11. Mark your calenders and save the date for a great time. I hope that all youth that finished their eighth grade year through graduating high school seniors will participate as LITs. I am looking forward to seeing you all there!
SPJST Rules of Conduct for Youth and Adults Please have your new youth members and parents that participate with the youth sign the form and return to the Youth Department. There is no need to have our members sign this form each year as done in previous years. Once the Youth Department has the Rules of Conduct in the office, we will mail a copy directly to the members’ parents to keep for their records. The original will be filed in the Youth Department. Thank you for your help! Fraternally, Lynette Talasek State Youth Director —SPJST—
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
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Lodge 29, Taylor youth stays up all night at lock-in
Lodge 29, Taylor youth enjoys Christmas party
I liked the Christmas party this year. We got to eat candy and meet Santa. I attended the District Two Lock-in and stayed up all night playing games. Cody Voigt, age 8 —SPJST—
I liked the Christmas party, and I got to meet Santa. I also got $5. I went to the District Two Lock-in and stayed up all night. It was fun. Colten Voigt, age 9 —SPJST—
January V Ve estnik Project - “New Y Ye ear F Fo ood Traditions!” This project earns a maximum 1 point in the SPJST Youth Clubs Me M rit Points System. Mail completed project no later than February 15, 2016 to: SPJST Youth Program c/o SPJST Home Office • P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503
Name_______ ____________ __________ ____ _____________________ ____________ __________ _ Age___ ____________ _ Lodge__ _____________
New Y Ye ear’s Day yF Fo ood Traditions Did you ever wake up New Year’s Day and wonder what that aroma was com coming from your mother’s kitchen: The smell of a smoked-ham baking in the oven, en, black-eyed peas and cabbage simmering on the stove top and the ultimate aroma ma of fresh-baked cornbread!
Here are a couple of diffferences ferences when eating black-eyed peas: • Best chance of luck every day in the year ahead, one must eat at least 365 black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. • Black-eyed peas eaten with stewed tomatoes represent wealth and health. • People would place a dollar amount on the black-eyed pea which would be anywhere from a penny up to a dollar. Depending on how many you ate would determine the dollar amount you would receive during the year.
These are food traditions prepared and consumed on New Year’s Day, all in n the pursuit of good luck, health and fortune. Depending on who you ask, the foods represent various types of blessings and success. Pork’s rich fat content symbol olizes wealth and prosperity. Pork is also considered a symbol of progress because use pigs root forward. Ham, roast, pork loin and sausage are common meats eatenn on New Year’s Day. Pigs are popular symbols of good luck and progress in the Czech Republic.
Cabbage is another good luck vegetable that is consumed on New Year’s Day. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity. They represent paper currency. Therefore, the more cabbage eaten the more currency people will earn for the new year.
Today,, th he tradition of eating black-eyed peas for New Year’s Day has developed into a number of changes for luck and wealth.
Cornbread symbolizes life and good fortune. The tradition of eating cornbread on New Year's Day will reward one with gold throughout the year.
Below is a list of questions estions to answer about New Year’s Day Food Traditions. 1. What does pork’’s rich fat content symbolize?? _____________________ and ________________________________ ___________________ 2. Pigs are popular symbols of good luck and progress in the ____________________________ ____________ ________________________________. ______________________. 3. To ensure best chance c of luck every y day in the he year ahead, one must eat att least ___________________________ _______________ black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. 4. What do cabbage ge leaves represent? ___________________________ _____________________________ _____________ 5. What is your reward ward for eating cornbread? ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________
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Lodge 29, Taylor youth meets Santa Claus
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State Duchess Makayla, Sister Brooke Visit with Great-Grandma Urbanek State Duchess Makayla Newsom, left, and sister Brooke, both of Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Club, visit with GreatGrandma Urbanek after dancing with the District Two Beseda Dancers for Czech Heritage Month at Will-O-Bell Nursing Home in Bartlett.
I attended our lodge Christmas party and got to meet Santa. I also attend the District Two Lockin and liked climbing on the rock wall. Hunter Voigt, age 7 —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Leader reports on Dec. activities
Dear Věstník Readers, We had our last monthly meeting on January 3, 2016, at 1 p.m. Present were 37 youth club members. Two new members are Tara and Tanner Sires. Welcome to the youth club! I also want to welcome Chelsea Bilbrey as another assistant youth leader. She will be a great asset to our team. Old Business On December 6, the youth club meeting and Christmas party were held at Ratibor Country Grill
December 7 - Temple’s annual Christmas parade. Thanks to all who came out and rode on the floats then went and enjoyed the Home Office Open House with great music, food, and activities for all ages. I know the kids loved decorating cookies and visiting and having their pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. December 13 - Lodge 47, Seaton’s annual Christmas party. The youth did a great job on their skit. Thanks to Santa Claus for coming by and visiting with all the children, young and old. Brighter Vision - you guys were wonderful as usual. Thanks, Pastor Joe Emerson and his wife Christi, and my sister-in-law Tammy Pechal for all the beautiful songs and helping the children with their singing. Thanks, everyone, who brought side dishes and desserts to go with the turkey and dressing. It was a great meal. December 19 - We delivered canned goods to the Women’s Shelter and to Churches Touching Lives for Christ and gave CTLC the check from District Two Director Jesse Pospisil’s discretionary fund for $200. Thank you to Chelsea, Tyson, and Sidney
Bilbrey and my son Justin for taking these items to these two organizations. They were very appreciative of the donations. Thanks to youth club members and mother lodge members who brought canned goods to the meetings for our Make a Difference Day project. December 22 - the youth club went to Temple Living Center West and Weston Inn to sing Christmas carols and to hand out Christmas cards to the residents, which included Leroy Dana from our lodge. It was wonderful to see the smiles you put on the faces of these people. Great job, kids and parents. Afterward, we all went to Pizza, Wings, and Things to eat wings and pizza. December 31 - New Year’s Eve dance was a great success. Thanks to all members who helped in the kitchen. The music by Back Roads was great. Everyone enjoyed themselves dancing, visiting, and eating hamburgers and fries. We encourage each youth member to enter the tee-shirt design contest, which is for our summer camp shirts. Deadline is January 31 to the Home Office. Mail entries to: SPJST State Youth Director Lynette Talasek, c/o SPJST Home Office, PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503-0100. This year’s theme is 2016 - Seeking Treasures within SPJST. Grand prize is $100 Visa gift card and the winning design on camp tee-shirts. Also for the different age categories, there will be prizes of $75 for each group. Judging is based on overall appearance and appeal, creativity and originality, and yet
simple in design to reproduce to a teeshirt. Good luck. Please give to the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund - $2 - and you receive two merit points; $5 - and you receive two merit points and a certificate. January birthdays are Kimora Davis, Seth Martinez, Tara Sires, and Nora Sodek. Happy birthday to all. January 10 will be a District Two beseda meeting at SpareTime Bowling. Many decisions are to be made that day regarding beseda. Hopefully, everyone will attend. January 30 will be the SPJST Awards Banquet which will be held at the Frank W. Mayborn Convention Center in Temple. February 14 is Valentine’s Day. We have been asked by VA Hospice and Nursing Home to come out to bring socks and valentine cards to the Veterans at their facility in Temple. Amber is checking on the date. Please watch for the date in your email from Amber. Start making valentines and bring a package or two of socks to the next meeting on February 7 at 1 p.m. February 27 - District Two Skating Party at Wheel’s in Temple. Watch the Vestnik for details. We need help with our scrapbook. Please let Amber know if you would like to be on the committee. We need to get some dates set up. Thanks for your participation in the youth club. Remember, you each are making an impact on other peoples’ lives in everything you do. When Patsy asked me several years ago to take the position of youth leader, I was
really reluctant to take the job, but I have really enjoyed working with each of you in our youth club and lodge, district level, and statewide. I have always been a member all my life and love SPJST and the difference it makes in our lives. I’m hoping each and everybody had a very merry Christmas, and that we all have a healthy and prosperous New Year! šťastný nový rok. Fraternally, Joyce Kraatz, Youth Leader —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton youth share activities
Cool Floats I loved watching the SPJST Floats in the annual Temple Christmas Parade. They are always so cool! I cannot wait to be in the parade next year. Nash Belson •••
Minions Float Ride I rode in the Temple Christmas Parade on the Minions float. It was so fun! I had fun at the SPJST Home Office and saw Santa. Rebecca Federle •••
“I like SPJST.” I have fun playing and doing things at the meetings, but it is very short. I liked riding the float. It was fun. I like SPJST. Ariana Federle •••
New Year’s Eve Dance Fund I had fun at the New Year’s Eve dance at the hall with my friends. I am looking forward to giving the elderly people socks and Valentine’s at the VA. Kyndall Carroll •••
Christmas and New Year I hope you had a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Emma Ranly •••
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Good Christmas Hi. I hope you had a good Christmas. Logan Erskine
Great Christmas Hi. I hope you had a great Christmas and happy New Year! Elisa Ranly
Fun with Fireworks I had a fun Christmas and New Year’s Eve. We also had fun with fireworks. Seth Martinez
New Year’s Fun I had fun with my family and friends on New Year’s Eve! Dannikka Bartek
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Fun Trading Gift Cards The last meeting was fun at Ratibor because we traded gift cards at the party. Madison Roantes •••
Youth Enjoys Parade I liked the parade, and I loved seeing people watch the cars and the floats as we went by. Kasen Carroll •••
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Christmas Party Fun I had fun at the Christmas party. I like SPJST. It’s fun, and I had fun with the gift cards. Lydia Federle •••
Nice Christmas Party The Christmas party was very fun. It was nice to see everyone together dressed up nicely and having a very good meal. Colton Regan
Lodge 88, Houston youth enjoy ice skating social
New Year’s Eve with Friends I had so much fun at the New Year’s Eve dance at the hall with my friends! Emma Regan •••
Picture with Elsa During the Christmas parade, all the floats were so pretty. It was so fun seeing them. On the Frozen float, I took a picture of Elsa. I loved seeing all the cool floats. I can’t wait to see them next year. Brinley Belson •••
Lodge 81, Needville Youth Enjoy Christmas Party
Star Wars Movie I went to go see the new Star Wars movie on Christmas break. It was so awesome. We saw it in 3D. Kal-El Martinez
Family Gatherings I had a good Christmas and had Christmas with three different family gatherings. Brayden Gilliam
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Wishing for More Christmas On December 25, it was Christmas, and I had a lot of fun. I opened a lot of presents. I always love Christmas, and our breakfast was really good. I wish it was Christmas way more often. Tyson Bilbrey —SPJST—
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Wednesday, January 13, 2016
On Sunday, January 3, 2016, Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club held its meeting and social. We went ice skating at the Aerodrome Ice Skating Complex. I love ice skating! We had lots of members, old and new, attend. It was also Jade’s 14th birthday that day. Our guests included State Youth Director Lynette Talasek and Lodge 88 adult member Cindy Messina. It was a super fun day. Fraternally, Nathan G. Polly, Reporter Editor’s Note: See photos in next week’s Vestnik. —SPJST—
Lodge 81, Needville Youth Club members enjoy the Christmas party. Pictured are, front, left to right, Briley Nesvadba, Maxx Stavinoha, and Brice Nesvadba. Back: Breanna Nesvadba, Baley Stavinoha, Madison Schultz, Evan Stavinoha, and Anna Gadway.
Lodge 88, Houston Lodge 185 youth excited New Braunfels about Texans youth watches I went ice skating at the Aerodrome fireworks on January 3, 2016, with Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club. The ice was so cold, and I had a lot of fun skating with my friends. The youth club had a meeting, and we discussed some of our upcoming events. We also watched the Houston Texans football game. We beat the Jaguars! Go Texans! I hope they go to the Super Bowl! Fraternally, Jered J. Polly Publicity Committee Editor’s Note: Jered’s photos will appear in next week’s Vestnik. —SPJST—
Lodge 185 New Braunfels youth: fireworks and fishing
Dear Readers, We had two weeks off for Christmas break. I saw fireworks and went fishing. I had a lot of fun! Sincerely, Rileigh Kitchen —SPJST—
Dear friends, I got to watch fireworks for New Year’s Eve. It was a lot of fun, but I was tired the next day! Happy New Year, Madeline Kitchen —SPJST—
Lodge 187 Round Rock youth makes Christmas cookies
Dear Vestnik Readers, Last weekend, I helped my Mema - Linda Johnson - make Christmas cookies. We made sugar cookies, spritz cookies out of a machine, sand tarts, and butterflies (from an iron cookie form you put in hot oil then let it fry) - kind of like a funnel cake. Then we made three apple strudels. She said she learned to bake from her Grandma Rosalie Pesl. I had a choir program at Manor High School. It was three different schools in Manor from sixth grade through 12th. We sang a lot of Christmas songs. Alexandria Johnson —SPJST—
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Lodge 9, Snook Youth Participate in Bryan-College Station Christmas Parade Sunday, December 6, 2015 • Submitted by Loree Lewis, Lodge 9, Snook Youth Leader and Henry Mayo, Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station President
Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station and Lodge 9, Snook Youth Club participated in the Bryan-College Station Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 6. 2015. The SPJST “Merry Minions Christmas!” Float won the Award of Excellence. TOP LEFT PHOTO: Youth visit with Santa Claus at the parade. CENTER PHOTO: Members are ready to ride the float. RIGHT PHOTO: Pictured
are float driver John Hoelscher, passenger Lodge 9 Youth Leader Loree Lewis, and Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station President Henry Mayo who is walking beside the float. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 9, Snook Youth Club officers receive the float award. BELOW CENTER PHOTO: District One Queen Grace Lewis, left, and Miss Kolache Festival Deanna Hairrell.
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BENEVOLENCE
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“All Things Czech” returns to Czech Heritage Museum Jan. 21
The Czech Heritage Museum in Temple, in partnership with SPJST, is bringing back the popular “All Things Czech” lecture and discussion series. The next installment will be on Thursday, January 21 at the Czech Heritage Museum in Temple. The presentation will focus on current events in the Czech Republic. “I’m excited about the January program,” says Czech Heritage Museum Administrator Susan Chandler. Special guest presenters will include Pavel Kosar of Prague, John Honner of Fort Myers, Florida, and Brian Vanicek of Temple. Mr. Kosar is media specialist and the past Director of Czech Tourism, an agency of the Czech government engaged in the development of tourism in the Czech Republic. He is in the United States and Texas working on a book detailing the immigration of Czechs to the United States of America. Mr. Honner is the producer of Czech-American Internet
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Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas
Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897
TV. For more than 12 years, Czech American TV has been broadcasting unique, non-commercial educational programs across the USA at www.catvusa. Mr. Vanicek is President of SPJST and the Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic to the State of Texas. “A lot of our past programs in the ‘All Things Czech’ series have related to Czech history. They’ve been very well received; however, we wanted to kick off 2016 with something fresh and new. On January 21, we’re shifting the focus to current events and talking about the Czech Republic as it is today,” says Ms. Chandler. “The first part of that discussion will focus on present-day relations between the Czech Republic and the United States.” Make plans to come out on Thursday, January 21 and enjoy what is expected to be a fun and informative evening. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a Czech beer tasting at the Czech Heritage Museum, located at 119 West French Avenue in Temple. The public is cordially invited, and admission is free. —SPJST—
“Something New” Comes to Temple on Thursday, January 21
A Tunisian turtle born on January 1 is the first animal to be born in Prague Zoo in 2016, according to the zoo’s Facebook page. Closer to home, Temple’s Czech Heritage Museum hosts its first “All Things Czech” program of 2016 on Thursday, January 21 at 6 p.m. Past programs in the “All Things Czech” series have related to Czech history. On January 21, the focus will be on current events and exploring the Czech Republic as it is today.
Texas Czechs: Rooted in Tradition opens Jan. 16 in Austin
The multi-media exhibition “Texas Czechs: Rooted in Tradition” will be on display at the Capitol Visitors Center (CVC) in Austin from January 16 through June 11, 2016. It was produced by the nonprofit organization PolkaWorks and co-curated by Texas
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Czechs Lori Najvar and Dawn Orsak, who is a member of SPJST Lodge 187, Round Rock. It is presented at the CVC by the State Preservation Board. Czech culture has played an instrumental role in shaping the iconic Texas landscape and its sights, sounds, and tastes can still be found throughout Texas on any given day. Like many immigrant groups, Czechs brought dance, food, music, language, and other cultural traditions with them. The Texas Czech community maintains and passes on its sense of
Czech Cultural Calendar
Wednesday Evenings Czech Language Class (extemporaneous)—at S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home, No. 1, Taylor, 500 East Lake Drive, Taylor, Texas, 6 to approximately 8 p.m. Informal gathering for the purpose of listening to Czech, and reading and speaking Czech.
Second Sunday each Month Czech Language Class—at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 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 June 12 Multi-media exhibition Texas Czechs: Rooted in Tradition on display—in Austin at the Capitol Visitors Center (CVC) on the Texas State Capitol grounds. This
unique exhibition features contemporary Texas Czech cultural traditions in photos, text, objects and film. CVC hours at www.tspb.state.tx.us or call 512-3058400. More info at polkaworks.org or call 512-448-4536.
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 Polasek, Lodge 67, Schulenburg.
January 29 Fort Bend CHS Soup Supper—at SPJST Lodge 81, Needville hall, 13609 Highway 36, Needville, 5 to 8 p.m. A prize drawing will be held. Submitted by Glenn McDonald, Lodge 81, Needville. January 30 TCGS Gems and Treasures—at Caldwell Civic and Visitor Center, 103 Presidential Corridor Highway 21W, Caldwell. Presentations byFrank Kalbac, Jana Vaculik Riley, Leslie Gerik Nelson, Laura Doskocil, and Charlene Hurta. Registration/refreshments - 8 a.m.; program begins at 8:45 a.m.; Kovanda Band - 3 to 4 p.m.; trivia; sales table; silent auction. For registration information, contact bdhodon@sbcgloval.net or visit www.txczgs.org.
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identity by continuing to practice those traditions and creating some particular to Texas Czechs. “Texas Czechs: Rooted in Tradition” highlights these activities and presents a contemporary depiction of the diversity and richness of Texas Czech culture today. It also includes photographs, artifacts, and short documentary films. Topics include taroky, music, language, community celebrations, Sokol, and more. Two free public programs are planned in conjunction with the exhibition:
• Sunday, April 17 at 2 p.m. in the Capitol Extension Auditorium: “Varied and Vibrant Sources of the Czech Song in Texas” – a lecture/demo by accordionists and music scholars Dr. John Novak and Frances Barton.
• Saturday, June 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the CVC: “Big Czechs, Little Czechs” – a day of family activities that will feature food, language, kroj, music, and dance.
The Capitol Visitors Center is located at 112 East 11th Street in Austin and open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. “Texas Czechs: Rooted in Tradition” was produced in part with major funding from Humanities Texas, KJZT-Catholic Family Fraternal of Texas, KJT-Catholic Union of Texas, and individuals. PolkaWorks’ mission is to highlight unique cultural traditions through documentaries, photography, and public programs designed to educate and inspire. —SPJST—
TWCCHS meets Jan. 20 in Pflugerville
The Travis-Williamson Counties Czech Heritage Society will meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at Pflugerville Recreation Center, 400 Immanuel Road in Pflugerville. Pavel Kosar, formally from the Czech Republic, will discuss a book he is writing about what Czechs are doing in the United States. Come share your stories and welcome Pavel to central Texas. There will be a short meeting and refreshments. Guests are welcome. For additional
information contact Eileen Rosipal at 512-452-3292 or ERosipal@aol.com. Submitted by, Eileen Rosipal —SPJST—
Czech Museum to host Jan. 26 language social hour
The Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center will host “Svacina Time!” a bi-monthly Czech language social hour beginning Tuesday, January 26, 2016. The meetings will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the museum, located at 119 West French Avenue in Temple, Texas. “Museum visitors kept telling me that, although Czech was their first language, they were losing it because there was no place to use it,” said Susan Chandler, museum director. “I wanted to provide a place for that.” Temple and its surrounding communities are home to one of the largest enclaves of ethnic Czechs in the United States. Most of these are the children or grandchildren of immigrants who came from the Moravia region of the Czech Republic at the turn of the last century. “The unique Moravian dialect is endangered,” said Chandler. “It has been preserved here in Texas better than in Europe, so Czech linguists have an interest in it. I feel that our museum has a calling to preserve living culture as well as artifacts, so I wanted to create a way to do that.” The social hour will follow a structured format that changes every 15 minutes, but it is not a class and there will not be homework. “Each social time will be a stand-alone activity, so if you miss a week, you won’t have to catch up,” said Chandler. “Czechlish – any combination of Czech and English – will be encouraged. You have to start somewhere and we learn best by just plunging in and trying to communicate.” “We have a wonderful volunteer committee, led by Betty Marek and Janet Young, who will coordinate the logistics, but members will take turns bringing the subject matter to discuss,” said Chandler. “Svacina Time!” is open to all ages and anyone interested in learning or practicing the Czech language. Ini-
tially, the program will be held only in the afternoon; but if there is enough interest, an after-school or after-work program could be offered, as well, said Chandler. For more information, call 254899-2935 or email czechheritagemuseum@gmail.com Susan Chandler Museum Administrator Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center —SPJST—
Fort Bend CHS sets Jan. 29 soup supper
The annual soup supper of the Fort Bend County Czech Heritage Society is Friday, January 29, 2016, from 5 to 8 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 81, Needville, located on Highway 36 in Needville, Texas. All the soups that you can eat is $7. Salads, breadsticks, and tea are included with the soup. Desserts are extra. A prize drawing will also be held. Come for fun and fellowship. See you there. Respectfully submitted by, Glenn W. McDonald SPJST Lodge 81, Needville —SPJST—
Victor Peter Scholarship seeks applicants
The Victor Peter Memorial Scholarship is a $500 scholarship granted by The Czech Heritage Society of Texas to a graduating Texas high school senior. The money is given to the recipient upon proof of registration in a program of studies at a college or university. The applicant must submit the following: 1. A copy of his or her high school transcript.
2. Two letters of recommendation. One should be from a high school teacher attesting to the student’s academic promise. The other should be from an adult attesting to the student’s interest in Czech culture. 3. A 200-word autobiography (Times
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New Roman font, 14 point, one inch margins on a separate sheet of paper.)
4. A 100-word statement explaining what he or she plans to study in college or university, and what he or she plans to do in terms of a career. Include the name of the college or university you plan to attend. (Times New Roman font, 14 point, one inch margins on a separate sheet of paper)
5. A list briefly explaining up to 10 ways in which he or she has had contact with Czech culture or The Czech Heritage Society of Texas organization. The list should be in order of importance, with the first item as the most important. Even seemingly small things may be included, such as learning how to make kolaches or visiting Czech festivals. (Times New Roman font, 14 point, one inch margins on a separate sheet of paper. A line should be skipped between each numbered item in the list.)
6. An original 300-word essay. Topic may be either: A Family Member Who Represents Czech Heritage or A Family Member Who Contributed to the Czech Heritage in the United States. (Times New Roman font, 14 point, one inch margins on a separate sheet of paper.) 7. A cover sheet including the student’s name, address, phone number, and high school’s name, address and phone number.
All items must be submitted together in one envelope postmarked no later than February 28, 2016, and sent to: The Czech Heritage Society of Texas Victor Peter Memorial Scholarship Pat Parma 3311 Carolina Way Richmond, Texas 77406-9680 Submitted by, Pat Parma Lodge 81, Needville —SPJST—
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
VĚSTNÍK
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.
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, January 15—Social
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.
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) Thursday, January 14—Lodge 25 meeting, 7 p.m. Saturday, January 16—Rental kitchen, dining room, and bar Tuesday, January 19—District Three delegates’ meeting, dining room Saturday, January 30—Gary Krajca Benefit
Lodge Hall: 1901 East Highway 34, Ennis. Directions: From IH-35 East at Waxahachie, take Hwy 287 East exit. Stay on Hwy 287 East until you come to Ennis. Go straight through downtown Ennis and go under the overpass at Interstate 45. Go approx. 3/4 mile on Hwy 34. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 972-875-8381; Hall Phone: 972-875-8381.
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.
Wednesday, January 13—SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor members’ monthly meeting beginning, 6:30 p.m. Friday, January 15—Old Friends, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 20—Live music: Sam and Bobby Band, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, January 22—Edward Kopecky’s Czech Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Thursday, January 2—Taylor Lions Club Annual Chili Supper beginning at 5 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Hall. Friday, January 29—Sterling Country, 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) 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.
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.
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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.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2016
LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) Lodge Hall: 2625 Floyd Street, Dallas. Directions: From IH-35 East in Dallas, take IH-20 East. From IH20 East, take the IH-45 exit toward downtown Dallas. IH-45 runs into Hwy 75. From Hwy 75, take a right at Bryan Street exit. From Bryan Street, turn right on Cantreal Street and go until you come to Floyd Street; take a right on Floyd Street. Hall is the second building on the right. Hall Rental Information: 469-951-7396. 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, January 16—Lost Cause, polka/variety. $10/person Saturday, January 23—Private party Saturday, January 30—Private party Saturday, February 6—Mardi Gras Dance: Moonglow Orchestra, big band. *Dress Code. $15 Saturday, February 13—The Fab Five - Beatles’ tribute. $10 Saturday, February 20—Barefoot Becky, polka/variety. $10 Saturday, February 27—private party
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) Wednesday, January 13—Sportsmans Club, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.: TMonthly meeting of hunting and fishing enthusiasts with speakers and prize drawings. Open to the public. Free. Saturday, January 23—Al Nelson Concert - Tribute to the music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. $13 includes admission and barbecue dinner with coffee or tea. Enjoy dinner, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; show, 8 to 10 p.m. Table reservations are accepted with paid admissions on a first come, first served basis. Call Jon 817-624-1361. Tuesday, January 26—Game night at Lodge 92, 7 p.m.
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: For hall rentals and upcoming events information, call Naitonal Hall Events Manager Jon Durham 817-6241361. Also visit Lodge 92 website www.nationalhallfortworth.com. 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.
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) 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.
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) 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. 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) Note: Lodge 181, Conroe now meets quarterly, and meetings are scheduled at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26; Tuesday, April 26; Tuesday, July 26; and Tuesday, October 25. Unless otherwise announced in the Vestnik, meetings will be held at Montgomery County Main Library Branch in Conroe. For further information, contact President Barbara Williams-Rash 936-295-7778; email b.d.willrash@att.net; Vice President Chuck Toney 281362-9062; 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 Bruceville-Eddy City Hall.
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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Granger welcomes Mollie B on Feb. 6
SS. Cyril and Methodius Hall in Granger, Texas, welcomes Squeeze Box featuring Ted Lange and Mollie B on Saturday, February 6, 2016, from 6 to 10 p.m. The kitchen will open at 5 p.m. For tickets, call 512-859-2236 or email sscmhall@gmail.com. —SPJST—
CESAT meets Feb. 20
The Czech ExStudent’s Association of Texas (CESAT) will have its annual membership meeting on Saturday, February 20, 2016, at Blinn College in Schulenburg at 10 a.m. Members who have paid their dues will have the opportunity to be a part of the meeting via the Internet. Thadious Polasek Lodge 67, Schulenburg —SPJST—
Polka On! at Super Bowl party at Lodge 88 Houston
SqueezeBox, featuring Mollie B and Ted Lange, will get your Super Bowl Sunday off to a good start with a dance from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 7, 2016, at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston. Doors open at 11 a.m. Meet and greet Mollie, Ted, and SqueezeBox drummer Dana Lindblad from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The Sauerkraut Food Truck will be on site starting at 11 a.m. with German and American football food fare. Part of the proceeds from the dance and silent auction, sponsored by Texas Polka News, will benefit the International Polka Association Hall of Fame. The International Polka Association,
based in Chicago, is a non-profit organization whose purpose is the advancement of polka music. The IPA recently announced the appointment of Danny Zapletal D a n n y Photo by Theresa Zapletal of Parker/polkabeat.com Ennis to its Hall of Fame and Music Awards Board of Trustees to represent the Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico region. Since the IPA was formed in 1968, eleven trustees have governed the processes that select Hall of Fame (HOF) inductees and recognize polka artists with awards. Each trustee oversees 14 electors chosen to represent a given geographic area of the United States and Canada. The electors participate in the annual voting that elects HOF inductees and music award winners. “To better serve a large portion of the United States and its diversity of polka styles, the Executive Board recently moved to establish a new trustee position to represent Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico,” said IPA President Rick Rzeszutko. “Texas, especially, is a hotbed of polka activity, and we want to have representation from that area.” Danny Z is an Ennis, Texas, native and SPJST Lodge 25 member, who has been involved with the Ennis National Polka Festival since he was a kid. His father, Ray Zapletal, was one
SPJST Lodge #88
Save the Date! FREE Public Dance
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Lodge 88, Houston member Theresa Cernoch Parker, center, is pictured with Ted and Mollie.
—Photo by Mark Hiebert photo/polkabeat.com
of the founders of the fest, which will be celebrating its 50th year on Memorial Day Weekend in 2016. Danny was appointed vice president in 1992, president in 1993, and has served as the festival’s executive director since 2000. He is the host of two polka shows – KBEC Polka Party (Texas) and Czech Polka/Texas Czech Polka on WRJQ (Wisconsin). As a trumpet player, Danny joined Harry Czarnek and the Texas Dutchmen in 1980, and played with the band for 18 years. He helped form the band Czech and Then Some in 1997 and continues today as the leader. He also owns a recording
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studio where most of the polka bands from northern Texas record. “This is truly an honor to be chosen as a trustee. It’s one more way for us to keep our polka music and heritages alive and strong,” Danny said. Danny has wasted no time in showing the IPA how serious we are about polka in Texas. Working with Mollie
Texas Czech Genealogical Society Website: txczgs.org
Promoting the study of the genealogy of the particular group of people known as “Texas Czechs.”
COURT CUBA EXTRACO BANK BUILDING 18 S. MAIN, SUITE 802, TEMPLE, TEXAS 76501
For membership: Merlene Bravenec 254-778-7285
SS. Cyril & Methodius Hall • Granger, Texas • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ proudly welcomes ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Squeeze Box Ted Lange and Mollie B featuring
Details Coming Soon!
37
Saturday, February 6, 2016 6 to 10 p.m.
Kitchen opens at 5 p.m. For tickets, call 512-859-2236 or email sscmhall@gmail.com
38
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
B, Ted, and Texas Polka News Publisher Theresa Cernoch Parker, he has coordinated the first Texas fundraiser for the IPA Hall of Fame. “Come out and learn about the IPA and its Hall of Fame, become a member, and help polka music stay alive and well!” Danny said. “The Texas Polka News is proud to sponsor this IPA fundraiser, and very excited to see a Texan appointed to the IPA Hall of Fame board,” said Theresa, who is also a member of SPJST Lodge 88. “Alfred Vrazel was the first Texan inducted into the IPA
Do you remember Nonat?
The popular Czech healing salve. Every Czech household had a tube in its medicine cabinet. After an absence of 60 years, it is now back on the market in 3/4 oz. tin for $12.49 including shipping/handling from:
Alfred Novacek 3831 NE Wasco St. Portland, Oregon 97232 (503) 234-5594 www.nonatsalve.com
Hall of Fame in 2014 for his work as a polka DJ for 60 years, and we look forward to seeing more polka artists from this region nominated for induction and for the music awards,” she said. Super Bowl Polka Party tickets are $12 in advance through the Squeeze-
Box website (squeezeboxband.com) and $15 at the door. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. Reserved seating is available for those who pur-
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chase tickets in advance. Contact the Texas Polka News at 281-836-5362 or theresa@polkabeat.com. —SPJST—
Pastor Noble Atkins, resident
501 East Lake Drive • 505 East Lake Drive • Taylor, Texas (512) 352-6940 • Assisted Living (512) 352-6337 • Skilled Nursing and Rehab
S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Community
There is always something to do, exercise everyday in the week, and very well-attended. Lots of entertainment, bus trips, and more fun! I have used the exercise since I arrived, and it has certainly helped me physically. We have games, arts and crafts, painting, and more. Ann Geil, —Ann Geil, Resident resident
License No. 110391
These are just a few of the advantages . . . there are many more! —J. Noble Atkins, Resident
7. Meals are delicious. I have to guard against overeating.
6. Medicines managed. I do not have to schedule my own.
5. The cleaning of apartments plus complimentary laundry.
4. Plenty of plugs for sound system.
3. Furnishings and pictures from home.
2. My two-room single person suite with bath.
1. Small table dining.
Many Advantages
www.spjstresthomes.com
I moved to Taylor when my son and his wife found this place this wonderful place. Everyone here is so friendly and nice. Staff, employees, and residents are so willing and able to help in so many ways. There are so many fun things to do here. Today, we visited the Blanton Museum of Art down at the University of Texas. It was wonderful.
Lots of Entertainment and Fun
My name is Ruby Rakes. My husband Clarence and I have been married for 63 years. We came to S.P.J.S.T. Assisted Living in March 2012. We moved here from Dumas, Texas, a small town north of Amarillo in the Panhandle. Our reason for moving here is that our daughter and her husband live here in Taylor, and we needed to be near them. We also have some of our grandchildren and great-grandchildren that are in the area, too. We feel fortunate to be living in such a beautiful place. The staff is great, and they are very helpful in making everything pleasant. We find the staff and residents friendly Residents Clarence and Ruby Rakes and always willing to help. We enjoy the church services, musical entertainment, and bingo. There is always some kind of entertainment we can choose to attend. We would recommend S.P.J.S.T. Assisted Living to anyone.
Beautiful Place and the Staff is Great
“Some brief reflections of life at S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Community”
Expressions of Gratitude
S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living VĚSTNÍK Wednesday, January 13, 2016 39
Happy Valentine’s Day from the Vestnik!
Send Your Special Someone a Valentine in the Vestnik. Greetings are free of charge.
Any goodwill donations that are received will be cheerfully accepted and directed to the SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund. Photos may be published with a greeting for a minimum $5 donation. Donate online at www.spjst.org
Please Print Clearly. Thank You!
To:____________________________________________________
Message:________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
From:___________________________________________________ The following will not be published, but please include in case of questions.
Phone (____) _____________ Email______________________
Greetings/photos must be received by February 1 to be published. Donations must be received by February 1 for photo to be published.
Mail, fax, or email your greetings by Monday, February 1, 2016, to: SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503-0100 FAX: 254-773-8087 • Email: melaniez@vvm.com If emailing more than one greeting, please send separate emails. Valentines/donations may also be submitted online at www.spjst.org
Life Insurance and More Home Office: 520 North Main Temple, Texas 76501 800-727-7578
info@spjst.org www.spjst.org