Vestnik 2016 02 03 by SPJST

Volume 104 Number 5

ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence

H E R A L D

★ Humanity

★ Brotherhood

The Czech Queen of Kolache ISSN —07458800

February 3, 2016

Words by Sarah Junek • Photography by Sandy Wilson • From Edible Houston • January/February 2016 • Reprinted with Permission

dren and worked with her husband, Moody, in the cotton fields. And at an average of about 300 dozen a week, this baker’s hands were probably responsible for almost a million dozen Bez práce nejsou koláče—without homemade kolaches in the 47 years work, there are no kolaches. she’s been selling to the public. Lydia Mae Faust’s hands seem even At her home in Snook, Texas, the bigger than they now-82-year-old look when you looks at me from hear what they’ve behind coppergone through. rimmed glasses They are what I with concentranotice first as she tion in her dark rolls out her eyes as I ask her dough. I’m lookhow she first ing at hands that started at the bakused to milk cows ery. “There’s a seevery morning. cret to what you Hands that mixed do,” I say, coaxing their first cake beher to find words fore they could to her beginning reach a table. as a baker. She Hands that wreslooks up and tled with mulethinks for a modrawn hay rakes ment and says, and cotton chop“Yeah there is. It’s pers over miles of spelled l-o-v-e.” Texas land, growShe laughs then ing up on the Vajpauses, gathering dak family farm in her memories. Burleson County, “Well, we just west of Col- In her lifetime, SPJST Lodge 9, Snook can make a batch member Lydia Faust had made close of kolaches. How lege Station. Before they to a million dozen kolaches. ’bout that? I do it found their calling with my grandin dough, her hands found their kids all the time.” It’s as if the best strength from tying wire for as many way she’s found to tell her story is to as 500 bales of hay a day. They built make one more batch of the delectable chairs in a factory in Caldwell to help stuffed pastries. feed her family. They raised four chilLike many Czech families in Texas, Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Edible Houston for permission to reprint this article and photos. Lydia is a member of Lodge 9, Snook.

N N N N N N N N

Important Dates ...................................3 Interest Rates ......................................3 State Food Drive..................................3 Convention 2016 Information.............4 State Tournaments ..............................7 Lodge Section .....................................8

baking for Lydia began first in a working farm home. She was born in Rogers, just south of Temple, in 1933 before they moved to settle permanently in Snook in 1945, where her father was born. That’s when they got electricity and started getting ahead. “I went all the way through school in feed sack dresses,” she said. Each year she’d spend the first months of school

Continued on Page 19.

162 Years of SPJST Home Office Service

Dorothy Stuchly, left, is celebrating 50 years of service to the SPJST Home Office. Supreme Lodge members and Home Office staff honored her with a luncheon on January 20. Congratulating Dorothy are former supervisor Honorary Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas and Claims Specialist Dorothy Tomasek. Brother Mikulas retired in 2010 after 50 years of service. Sister Tomasek has 62 years of service. Congratulations to Sister Stuchly . . . and to Brother Mikulas and Sister Tomasek on their dedication to SPJST. A story recognizing Sister Stuchly will appear in next week’s Vestnik.

Inside Th is Week’s Vestnik

Youth Section ....................................21 Vestnik Project ..................................22 Czech Culture ....................................26 Advertisements ............................28-29 Lodge Calendar .................................30 Insure Your Love ...............................32

chopping cotton in the fields with her brothers and sisters, until the harvest was in. She’d milk the cows before school and when she came home, she’d work the fields till sundown. Baking days for her were first a day of rest—reserved for Sundays and when it rained.

Page 14

Lodge 117 Robstown members assist with wrapping gifts

N N N N N N N N Page 15

Lodge 87 Temple hosts appreciation dinner

Page 25

Lodge 79 Corpus Christi welcomes new youth leader

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

ˇ ´ VESTNIK

Insure Your Love

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, Texas 77853 • 979-884-0807 - sharonrussell28@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 78130 - 830-625-8262 New Braunfels, Texas 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 - marceil@cvctx.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

ife insurance is usually not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about February 14. Valentine’s Day is a day for people to celebrate their love for each other. That’s why every February the nonprofit LIFE Foundation asks people to look beyond the traditional gifts of chocolates and flowers, and to show their loved ones that they care through the selfless gift of life insurance. LIFE’s “Insure Your Love” campaign focuses on reminding people about why life insurance is so important – to protect the ones they love financially against life’s unexpected moments. When it comes down to it, the main reason to purchase life insurance is because of love. This February is a great time to think about the connection between love and life insurance and the important protection it can provide. Life insurance really is a gift of love. Call your SPJST sales agent for more information on this selfless gift.

Special Awards Banquet Vestnik Coming February 24 The February 24 Vestnik will feature all of the 2015 incentive program winners and everyone who was honored at the SPJST Awards Banquet. This will be printed in lieu of a regular Vestnik issue. With Sincere Sympathy We express heartfelt sympathy to Supreme Lodge Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska and his family. Leonard’s brother Donald Mikeska, 68, of Red Rock, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 24. A memorial service was held Friday, January 29 at Seaton Brethren Church.

Vestnik Memories I very much enjoyed a visit with Sister Maxine Sefcik at Lodge 54, West’s Christmas party in December. President Brian, Maxine, and I shared several special Vestnik stories and experiences. —SPJST—

Representing 16 years of Vestnik leadership! Pictured are Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, who served as Vestnik Editor from 1992 to 2004; Maxine Sefcik, wife of the late Rudy Sefcik, who served as Vestnik Editor from 1969 to 1992; and current Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny. 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, February 3, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

Family Fun and Important Dates

Feb. 6

Feb. 7 Feb. 8

Feb. 13

Feb. 13 Feb. 13

Feb. 15 Feb. 18

Feb. 20

Feb. 27 Feb. 27

Eve eryo one is s in nviite ed to partiicip pate e in n th he

Statewide

SPJST S PJST J YOUTH YOUTH O

Feb. 9

State Tarok Tournament SPJST Home Office, Temple Lodge 88, Houston Super Bowl Party (5) District Two Delegates’ Meeting Lodge 29, Taylor Lodge 41, Port Lavaca Appreciation Social/Dinner Texas Tradition Restaurant (6) Fraternal Alliance of Texas Bowling Tournament Fiesta Lanes, New Braunfels Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Club Valentine Dance (2) Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club Heritage Assisted Living, Tomball (5) Presidents’ Day • SPJST Home Office Closed Lodge 101, Gainesville Reorganizational Meeting Neu Ranch House, Gainesville (3) District Three Delegates’ Meeting Lodge 183, Arlington Standing Committee Pre-Convention Forum Lodge 25, Ennis Fundraiser (3)

Colle ect beans and riic ce

Drive

Bring food to March Youth Club meeting or contact your SPJST Youth Leader for more information.

Items donated will go to local food pa an ntries acros o s Texas!

Youth Leaders, ple ease report the pounds of food colllected to your DYC for a collective donation weight.

Attention Lodge Members! Bring beans and rice donations to your youth club or contact your District Youth Counselor listed on page 2 of the Vestnik for more details.

SPJST INTEREST RATES . . . 02/01/2016 - 04/30/2016 SPJST Farm/ Commercial Property Rates

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

Farm/Commercial Property Rates

75% Owner Farm Property 4.75% for 1 to 30 years Commercial Property 6.00% for 1 to 10 years 6.25% for 11 to 15 years

Universal Life Universal Life 3 (plans 1203-1222 with a guaranteed rate of 2.50%) Credited Rate: 3.00%

Whole Life/ Universal Life 3 (plans 1223-1232 with a guaranteed rate of 2.50%) Credited Rate: 3.50%

Annuities Annuity 5 (plans 8032-8039 with a 1.50% guaranteed rate) Credited Rate: 3.00%

Annuity New 5 Year (plans 8040-8041 with a 1.50% guaranteed rate) Credited Rate: 3.00%

VESTNIK

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.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

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. 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 listed on page 2 of each Vestnik. Fraternally, Ronnie Rieger, Chairman By-Law Committee —SPJST—

Announced Candidates

Supreme Lodge Vice President Delisle Doherty Clifton Coufal District One Director Donnie Victorick

District Two Director Jesse Pospisil

District Three Director John Engelke

District Four Director Billy Rollwitz District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha Don Fruin

District Seven Director Bob Bayer Donnie Howard

From the Finance Committee

Finance Committee sets request deadline

Any request for donations or financial assistance that requires Finance Committee review must be in the hands of the Finance Committee, in

writing, before April 13, 2016, which is 60 days before the Convention, or it cannot be considered. Please send your request to Chairman Dewyan Weise. See contact information in the Vestnik on page 2. Fraternally, Marceil Malak, Secretary Finance Committee —SPJST—

2016 Convention Program Book

Advertising open for convention souvenir book

Dear Members and Friends, The 32nd SPJST Convention will be held June 13 to 15, 2016, at Killeen Civic and Conference Center in Killeen, Texas. Plans include publishing a souvenir program book, and you are cordially invited to place an advertisement in the book. The Official Convention Souvenir Program Book will be distributed to approximately 300 delegates and visitors at the convention. All advertisers will receive a complimentary book. Prices for advertisements in the Official Convention Souvenir Program Book are: Full Page Ad — $100 Half Page Ad — $60 Quarter Page Ad — $35 Eighth Page Ad — $20 In Memoriam — $10 (photo can be included) Well Wish Greeting — $5 (one line of text)

All advertisements will be printed in full color. The SPJST Vestnik/Communication Department is available to assist with ad design. Please include the text for the ad and photos or clip art im-

ages. Digital images saved in TIFF, EPS, JPEG, or PDF files will work best. Digital-ready advertisements should be saved as PDF files. All text, photographs, or digital files must be received with payment by April 4, 2016. Please mail or email to: SPJST Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503-0100 email: melaniez@vvm.com

If you wish to place an advertisement in the book, please mail or email your information as soon as possible. Checks made payable to SPJST can be mailed to the address above and must accompany advertisement information by April 4. All proceeds from advertisement sales will go to Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center and SPJST Education and Nature Center. We look forward to hearing from you. For questions or additional information, please contact the SPJST Vestnik/Communication Department at 800-727-7578 or email melaniez@vvm.com. Fraternally, Melanie Zavodny Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication —SPJST—

From the Districts District Two District Three delegates set delegate meeting Feb. 20 meeting set for Feb. 8 at Lodge 29, Taylor The second District Three deleDistrict Two delegates will have an update meeting at Lodge 29, Taylor on Monday, February 8, 2016, at 7 p.m. A light meal will be provided by the hosting lodge. Please try to make it, and anyone wishing to come speak or run for office is welcome! Fraternally, Ronnie Rieger, Chairman By-Law Committee District Two Representative —SPJST—

gates’ meeting will be Saturday, February 20, 2016, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Lodge 183, Arlington. Please read, study, and review your by-laws and the SPJST Special Structure Committee’s proposed by-law recommendations that were printed in the September 9, 2015, Vestnik. Bring any questions and concerns to the meeting so we can discuss them. Lodge 6, Cottonwood has volunteered for the third meeting in March. A date will be announced soon. Fraternally, Kay Lynn Kovar By-Law Committee District Three Representative —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Clifton Coufal announces candidacy for Vice President Dear Members, Over the past year, I have had the honor and privilege of serving you, the membership, as the Supreme Lodge Vice President. I am asking for your support to elect me as the Supreme Lodge Vice President in the 2016 Convention. I am excited about SPJST and want us to grow our membership and continue to bring our cherished Czech traditions and family focus to communities across the state. During this past year, I have had the pleasure of working with an amazing management team and board of directors. I believe we share a common vision and are taking steps to make SPJST better every day. I think that by working together we can build an SPJST that is productive and can continue our many good works in our communities. I would like to highlight a few things I have accomplished during my time so far as Vice President. I am thrilled that we have made great progress in bringing on new members. In 2014, we had 888 issued applications, in 2015 we had 1,053 — an increase of 18.5 percent! Additionally, we have done a better job of keeping our membership on the books. Our 13month persistency was 87.1 percent at the end of 2014, but it improved to 94.6 percent by the end of 2015. Our 25-month persistency was at 81.8 percent in 2014 and has now grown to 91.3 percent at the end of 2015. There are several projects started that will make a direct impact on our members in 2016. First, we are sending out birthday cards to all of our members. Second, we have started calling our orphan members (members with no agent assigned to them) to ensure they have a positive experience with SPJST and know that we care about them. We are also starting a newborn benefit program that focuses on the next generation of SPJST members. We have also made some changes within the insurance department to help modernize our processes. This includes things such as accepting electronic applications to speed up the underwriting process. I implemented a bi-weekly newsletter to our agents to let them know the progress of goals and to recognize top agents. We also give weekly updates to agents about the status of pending applications and encourage greater communication. Looking forward, I want to con-

tinue to see SPJST shine across the state. I believe we need to showcase our achievements and need your help. The greatest referral a person can make is from a friend or a loved one. I would like for you to talk to at least two people about what SPJST means to you. By doing so, you can help raise awareness of SPJST and encourage others to join in our cause of bringing affordable life insurance and providing fraternal benefits to our communities. To give a bit of my background, I was raised on a farm just down the road from SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton. I enjoyed participating in the Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club and in various community events and charitable projects. I also have an absolute love for playing taroks. It is a game I have played since my earliest memories and will teach my children to play in the future. If you have not learned to play yet, the Czech Heritage Museum in Temple holds lessons to play taroks the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Prior to my time at SPJST, after obtaining a master’s degree in marketing from Texas A&M, I worked for JP Morgan Chase where I was a business specialist and utilized my FINRA and insurance licenses to create plans for businesses and individuals to help them achieve their financial goals while consistently achieving top performance goals. I then attended Duke Law School in order to further develop my understanding of the legal side of sales and financial products. I am a licensed Texas attorney and provide guidance for not only the business development aspects but also on strategy within a regulatory frame-

work. I also hold the Fraternal Insurance Counselor (FIC) designation from the National Association of Fraternal Insurance Counselors (NAFIC). Other career-related experiences include serving as a Texas Governor’s Fellow in the General Counsel’s Office, finance projects at the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. in Washington, D.C., developing marketing strategies for Hewlett-Packard, and presenting a proposal to Office Max’s Board of Directors to increase sales. I have led teams across the globe ranging from leading a group of 14 International MBA students from four different countries earning a “Golden Sales Award” to leading volunteer groups such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program where I served as a site coordinator as well as a variety of

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

other projects and charity work. I have been married for nine years to my beautiful wife Maggy and have a 20-month-old son named Hudson John and a three-month-old son named Clive Samuel. My sons are both SPJST certificateholders, and I look forward to them getting involved in many of the same experiences in the SPJST community that I had growing up. If elected, I look forward to working with my fellow officers, SPJST staff, the sales agents, and the members, and I hope to make you proud with what we will accomplish together in the coming months and years. Fraternally, Clifton Coufal —SPJST—

Don Fruin announces candidacy for District Five Director To the Membership of SPJST, I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the Supreme Lodge position of District Five Director at the upcoming 2016 Convention. I believe my 20-plus years of working in the life insurance industry, coupled with my formal education in business management and my management work experience with major companies like Campbell Soup and Community Coffee, has provided me with the skill set necessary to provide good leadership as District Five Director in SPJST. During my time in SPJST, I have served as vice president and treasurer of Lodge 255, Katy, served as vice president, reporter, and event coordinator of Lodge 196, Houston-West, and have earned numerous sales awards from SPJST. Additionally, I have over 30 years of experience working with non-profit organizations and civic associations, as well as charitable and church leadership, which give me guidance and direction to the fraternal arm of this exceptional organization. I’m a conservative businessman that believes in the motto, “If it isn’t broken, don’t mess with it.” I also believe that every part of a business needs to be regularly reviewed to ensure it’s functioning in the most productive and efficient way. The SPJST foundation is strong and solid, but there are always opportunities for improvement by identifying successful strategies and pruning those that are outdated or ineffective. We have all heard the sayings, “A new broom sweeps clean,” as well

as “A fresh set of eyes sees from every angle.” I believe that I can be that “broom” and “set of eyes” that will help lead District Five and SPJST to even greater heights. I truly believe SPJST is an exceptional organization with members that embrace the motto of SPJST—“Insuring and Enriching Lives,” and I would be proud and honored to help lead this great organization into the future. To learn more about me, feel free to call me at 832-651-5388; send an email to Dfruin@fruinandassociates.com; or contact me by mail at my address below. Respectively submitted, Donald “Don” Fruin 4914 Morningmount Ln Katy, Texas 77449 Lodge 196, Houston-West —SPJST—

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

State FAC presents February Fraternal Updates

District Spring Meetings District spring meetings are right around the corner and will begin in March. These meetings are informative, and your participation and input is very important for the success of SPJST and your district. What better time to meet fellow SPJST members in your district. Please plan to attend the meeting in your district. They are: District One—Sunday, April 10 Lodge 186, Caldwell District Two—Sunday, March 13 Lodge 48, Beyersville District Three—Sunday, April 24 Lodge 154, Fort Worth District Four—Saturday, April 2 Location to be announced District Five—Saturday, April 16 Lodge 88, Houston District Six—Sunday, April 3 Lodge 23, Moravia District Seven—Sunday, April 3 Hosted by Lodge 202, Jourdanton Jourdanton Community Center

2016 FAC Reporting Requirement First and foremost, I want to thank the lodge fraternal activities coordinators for their time and commitment in completing the fraternal hours for 2015. You have a very important job in your lodge by recording these hours. Please know that I am only a phone call away if you ever need help with user IDs, password, or walking you through the process of entering your fraternal hours. Once again, under the reporting method, the FAC will complete a simple one-page fill-in-the-blank/checkoff form for each lodge meeting, fraternal activity, and/or community service project on the www.fraternalsgive.org website. The new “one-form fits all” eliminates the need for the three-part forms that have been used by the SPJST for a number of years. The process also eliminates the necessity of filing both the FAC Mid-Year report and FAC Annual Report. Instead, the new form may be completed online following the lodge meeting or event. Watch your mail as I will be including the Fraternal Activities Coordinator position description, 2016 Reference Guide, and paper reporting forms. This guide will have important information such as FAC reporting requirements streamlined for 2016, premium refund program expanded to include incen-

tives, and lodge activity guide.

FraternalsGIVE One Hour Online Training American Fraternal Alliance is planning to have a one-hour, online training for the FraternalsGIVE website on Thursday, February 18 at 11 a.m. Central time. All fraternal activities coordinators are encouraged to participate if you would like some additional training on how to use the site. American Fraternal Alliance will cover all areas of using the site, including entering and editing chapter activities, running reports, editing profile information, etc., as well as an overview of any changes that have recently been made to the site. I will be emailing American Fraternal Alliance your email information so they can send you the information to log into the webinar. Please know when you receive an email from Readytalk in your inbox that it isn’t spam. It is the American Fraternal Alliance’s webinar software Readytalk with all of the login and dialin information. If you have any questions, please contact me for assistance.

SPJST State Straight Domino Tournament The SPJST State Straight Domino Tournament will be held on Saturday, March 5. The tournament will be held at the SPJST Home Office in Temple. Please see the Vestnik article for more information. All participants are encouraged to pre-register by Monday, February 29 so we can figure out the amount of food to prepare for the noon meal. To register, contact Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez in the Fraternal Department at tammym@spjst.com or call 800-7277578. 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.

State 42 Domino Tournament The SPJST State 42 Domino Tournament will be held on Saturday, April 2. The tournament will be held at the SPJST Home Office in Temple, Texas. All participants are encouraged to pre-

register by Monday, March 28 so we can figure out the amount of food to prepare for the noon meal. To register, contact Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez in the Fraternal Department at tammym@spjst.com or call 800-727-7578. Non-members will be permitted to participate in the 42 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. 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive Although the deadline to apply for a scholarship was February 1, the 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive continues through March 31. Thanks to all lodges and members who have contributed to this worthy cause to assist members in furthering their education and helping them to achieve career goals. Keep those pennies coming in. Any amount will be graciously accepted.

Join Hands Day Saturday, May 7 marks the date for this year’s Join Hands Day. Join Hands Day is a program of the American Fraternal Alliance. The more than 125year old organization unites not-for-profit fraternal benefit societies that operate in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. We hope your lodge has discussed plans for a project to involve youth, adults, and/or other organizations to make improvements in your community. This year, SPJST wants the lodges to invite other community organizations such as Lions Club, volunteer fire departments, Kiwanis, Boy/Girl Scouts . . . You can visit American Fraternal Alliance webpage at http://fraternalalliance.org and under the Meeting menu, click on Join Hands Day for more ideas. The Supreme Lodge again will offer the $100 incentive to all lodges that 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. Again, 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. If you have any questions, you can contact Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez at tammym@spjst.com or 800-727-7578 or myself at frankh@spjst.com or my

cell phone 254-534-0681.

VĚSTNÍK

Happy Valentine’s Day – February 14 Saint Valentine’s Day, better known simply as Valentine’s Day, is the annual commemoration of love celebrated on February 14. Valentine’s Day was created by Pope Gelasius I in 500 AD to honor the Christian martyr named Valentine. The religious observance of the day was deleted by Pope Paul VI from the Roman calendar of saints in 1969 but is still often permitted. Valentine’s Day was first related to romantic love by Geoffrey Chaucer during the Middle Ages. Until the 19th century, handwritten valentines were often given rather than modern mass-produced greeting cards. Valentine’s Day is often celebrated with expressions of love, and gifts of chocolates, flowers, and cards known as valentines. Symbols of modern Valentine’s Day include heart shapes, figures of winged Cupid, and doves. To celebrate the exchange of loving words to honor Valentine’s Day, here are some quotes taken from the “101 Best Valentine’s Day Quotes:”

“Loving is not just looking at each other, it’s looking in the same direction.” —Antoine de Saint-Expuery “Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.” —Albert Einstein

“A bell is no bell ‘til you ring it, A song is no song ‘til you sing it, And love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay Love isn’t love ‘Til you give it away.” —Oscar Hammerstein “You Are Sixteen” from the film Sound of Music

“Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs.” —William Shakespeare “Grow old with me! The best is yet to be.” —Robert Browning

“True love stories never have endings.” —Richard Bach

Remember to do something special for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day! We are here to help if you need assistance. Please feel free to call me at

VĚSTNÍK

or email 254-534-0681 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: 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—

State Tarok 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—

State Straight Domino Tournament person format. If you do not have a State Straight partner, one will be assigned, if availDomino Tourney able. Registration fee is $10 per player which includes snacks and lunch. March 5 The 2016 SPJST State Straight Domino Tournament is Saturday, March 5, 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 tournament is open to the public, ages 16 and above. The tournament will be a two-

Prizes will be awarded. Please register by Monday, February 29 by calling 800-727-7578 or 254-773-1575 or sending an email to tammym@spjst.com For more information, contact State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak at 254-534-0681. —SPJST—

Fraternal Bowling Tournament: February 13 in New Braunfels

Attention All Texas Fraternal Bowlers and Fans! Make plans now to be in New Braunfels, Texas, on Saturday February 13, 2016, and join in the fun and excitement of the 12th Annual Fraternal Alliance Of Texas Bowling Tournament. The tournament begins at 12 noon at Fiesta Lanes, located at 1202 Huisache Avenue (behind HEB off I35) in New Braunfels.

Come on out to bowl or to cheer on your society’s bowlers as they compete for the coveted Golden Fraternal Cup! Make it a date! Special Valentine’s Day auction items and door prizes will be awarded! The entry fee is $10 per person. Entry fees will pay for bowling and awards. Please make sure that your registration materials are received by January 29. Mail your name, address,

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

lodge, and fraternal you are bowling for (SPJST) along with the entry fee to: FAOT Bowling Tournament c/o Frank Horak PO Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503

Make checks payable to FAOT (Fraternal Alliance of Texas). No outside food or drinks, please. Great in-house dining. No alcohol is allowed.

Tournament Guidelines 1. Must be a member, at least 16 years of age, in good standing of one of the fraternal organizations participating in the Fraternal Alliance of Texas. Challenge is open to bowlers and nonbowlers. 2. Teams will consist of five members—any combination of men and women. Although teams are encouraged, individual entries will be accepted. You do not have to have a full team to enter the tournament. Lodges are encouraged to enter multiple teams.

3. Winning organization will be determined by pin fall. The total pin fall for each organization will be divided by the total number of participants for that organization to determine an average for the three games bowled. The organization with the highest average

will be declared the winner.

4. Each participant must bowl three games.

5. If a participant is a member of more than one fraternal society, he/she must decide which organization that he/she is bowling for before bowling. 6. Awards will be presented to the top three males and top three females for high series and high game.

7. Cost will be $10 per person, or $50 for a team of five bowlers.

8. Registration is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. with the tournament beginning at 12 noon. 9. Walk-ins will be accepted from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the day of the tournament, provided lanes are available. 10. Teams will be assigned lanes at check-in table on the day of the tournament.

11. Any questions about the tournament should be directed to Tournament Coordinator Frank Horak 254-5340681 or email fhorak@spjst.com. —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. Thursday, April 28 Deadline for Pre-Convention Vestnik

Wednesday, May 11 Pre-Convention Vestnik published containing By-Law and Finance Committee recommendations, pre-convention reports, and other convention information. Sunday, June 12 32nd SPJST Convention Registration/Howdy Party Killeen Civic and Conference Center

Monday, June 13 32nd SPJST Convention Convenes • Killeen Civic and Conference Center

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

SPJST Lodge Se ct ion

Lodge 4 Hallettsville meets Feb. 14

Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville met on Sunday, January 10, 2016, at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce meeting room at 3 p.m. President Joe Siptak opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Secretary-Treasurer Helen Zabransky read the minutes to the last meeting and gave the financial report. Correspondence was read. Committee reports were given. Members were reminded that the District Six Spring Meeting will be Sunday, April 3 hosted by Lodge 23, Moravia. It was voted to have bingo at the next meeting. President Siptak will be attending a By-Law Committee meeting on January 16 in Temple. The meeting adjourned followed by a delicious lunch. Door prize winners were Margaret Smotek, Lillie Balusek, and Helen Zabransky.

Next Meeting—February 14 The next meeting will be Sunday, February 14 at the chamber meeting room at 3 p.m. There will be door prizes, games, and lunch. Fraternally, Patsy Zabransky, Reporter —SPJST—

The deadline for all Vestnik items is 5 p.m. the Wednesday before the publication date. Send your news and photos directly to:

SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087

Email: melaniez@vvm.com

Questions? Call 800-727-7578

Lodge 6 Cottonwood meets this Sunday

Lodge 6, Cottonwood will meet this Sunday, February 7, 2016, at 2 p.m. at the lodge hall. The bridge on the road to the hall is out. Good news! You can still get to the hall. There is a detour. Take Farm Road 2114 East for

five miles. Turn right on Adair Road and immediately veer right onto Marek Road. Marek Road runs into Czech Hall Road. Turn right onto Czech Hall Road. Lodge 6 hall is on the left - about one-half mile down. Peggy Dobecka Treasurer —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis plans Feb. 27 fundraiser dance

Dear Readers, Lodge 25, Ennis will host a fundraiser dance on Saturday, February 27, 2016, from 7 p.m. to 12 midnight at the lodge hall. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Music will be provided by Lost Money and The Pontiax. A cash bar and snacks will be available. Admission is $10 per per-

VĚSTNÍK

son. Some of the prizes that will be given away are a John Deere ZeroTurn Mower, $1,000 cash, and a trip for two to Las Vegas. For more information, please call 214-837-9490. Come on out for a great evening of fun! Fraternally yours, Margaret Krajca, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 28 East Bernard meets this Sunday

SPJST Lodge Karel Jonáš No. 28, East Bernard will meet this Sunday, February 7, 2016, at 12 noon in the Wharton County Library Meeting Room. Lunch will be served. Please mark your calendar about the change in date. We hope you will attend. Fraternally, Helen Kelner, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 30, Taiton hosts annual Christmas social

Dear Vestnik Readers, Lodge 30, Taiton held its regular monthly meeting and annual Christmas social on December 13, 2015, at Taiton Community Center. President Yvonne Marcaurele called the meeting to order. Members present recited the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alice Mae Blaha, and a moment of silence was observed for any sick or departed members. A prayer was led by Lisa Bubela. Secretary Wanda Dorotik read the roll call of members and officers. She then read the minutes from the November meeting. The minutes were approved as read. Special guest District Six Director Karen Kaspar was then introduced and welcomed. Treasurer Lisa Bubela gave her report on the financial standing of our lodge. She asked for and received a motion to pay any outstanding bills. FAC Tommy Drapela reported on the events occurring around the state and discussed any deadlines needing to be met. He reminded members about the 100 Pennies Drive for the

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

scholarship program. He also reminded any graduating seniors to get their scholarship applications turned in. Youth Leader Lisa Bubela reported on the comings and goings of our youth program. She thanked everyone for making this a successful year. The youth club then presented District Six Director Karen Kaspar with a Christmas present. Director Kaspar then informed members that the District Six Spring Meeting will be held on Sunday, April 3. She thanked the members for continuing to refer new members. She congratulated the members for participating in the parade and winning first place. FAC Tommy Drapela gave his resignation as our Lodge 30 FAC. He presented the officers each with a wooden game box with their name carved on the top. Thank you, Tommy, for your many years of service to our lodge. We will miss you! With the resignation of FAC Tommy Drapela, the lodge then held an election for a new FAC. Crystal Bacak was elected as the new FAC for Lodge 30. It was announced that Crystal Bacak is our Fraternalist of the Year for Lodge 30. Congratulations, Crystal! Happy birthday was wished to Crystal Bacak, Ed Zapalac, Linda Supak, and Grant Bubela. Door prizes were then handed out. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, January 3, 2016, at Taiton Community Center. The adult meeting will begin at 10 a.m. with the youth club meeting to follow. The meeting was adjourned by President Yvonne Marcaurele. Director Kaspar then installed the new 2016 officers. The officers are: President Yvonne Marcaurele Vice President Debbie Krpec Secretary Wanda Dorotik Treasurer/Youth Leader Lisa Bubela Reporter Marjorie Treumer FAC Crystal Bacak Assistant Youth Leader Kirby Lange

Following the meeting, members enjoyed a meal of grilled chicken and all the trimmings. Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer, Reporter —SPJST—

By Jan Raesz • Taylor Press • December 23, 2015

The Perfect Christmas Gift Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the Taylor Press on December 23, 2015. It is reprinted with permission. Loretta Buzan was a member of SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor.

More elusive than catching sight of the Loch Ness creature, a leprechaun or unicorn is finding “the” perfect Christmas gift. This year, Buzan sisters, Lisa and Candy aced that challenge. The 11 grandchildren of Loretta and Moses Buzan were all recipients of the perfect gift as a result of their mother’s/aunt’s stroke of genius, and planning that began last April. (Note: a perfect gift may require less blind luck, and more of a convergence of time, opportunity, and ingenuity.) Those elements of inspiration occurred after Loretta’s death on April 6, 2015. It was during the process of cleaning out the family home, which was a multi step process that included each of the siblings – Trey, Lisa, Candy, and Jim – selecting objects they wanted to take home; Loretta’s friends meeting to select items that held special meaning to them; the granddaughters getting together to commemorate, share laughter, and choose their grandmother’s costume jewelry that held significance to each. Then came an estate sale, two garage sales, and trips to St. Vincent de Paul. Still there were enough items to keep the house comfortably furnished. Still remaining was the decision of what to do with all of Loretta’s clothing. A veteran shopper, Loretta had accumulated a 55-year collection of personal treasures in her home and wardrobe. After the previously-mentioned culling by friends and family, her closets yielded eight garbage bags full of clothing. It was then that opportunity met up with ingenuity. Lisa and Candy’s coworker is married to a member of the Giddings quilting club. After a phone call to make arrangements, the bags of clothing were delivered to the quilters last spring. Before they could say Rumplestiltskin, the guild completed the challenge of turning the bags of clothing into quilts: by October. Members of the guild kept Lisa and Candy apprised of progress with frequent photos of the individual quilts. For each of the granddaughters, there is a queen-sized quilt designed with feminine patterns, like the flamingo pajamas they all recognize. The one remaining item still in the house was Moe’s robe. It was mixed with less

gender-specific items of Loretta’s to make throws for the boys. Lots of burnt orange Tee-shirts with UT logos, a Taylor Duckling shirt, and western motifs created masculine designs for the boys. They are all inscribed with Loretta’s name, along with the affectionate names that were given to her by her grandchildren. A second, simultaneous project undertaken by the four Buzan siblings involved renovating their family home. A carpenter was engaged to repurpose the home as a VRBO vacation rental by owner property. The work was completed in time for a family reunion this past August. The initial event was declared an exceptional success, a foregone conclusion for the irrepressible Buzan clan. With the advancement of the calendar and Yuletide festivities looming ever closer, the Buzan offspring began preparations for the best MoLo Christmas ever. The designation for this event came about after their father’s death in 2009, as an answer to the December 25 dilemma of attending multiple family gatherings. To accommodate three generations in the annual Buzan tree festival and gift exchange, MoLo Christmas has been held the week prior to the actual observance. The refurbished home of their childhood is now more conducive to large parties. Through the efforts of

Lisa and Candy, it’s decorated and Christmas ready thanks to the many boxes of collected ornaments and trimmings that have become signs of the season to each one. There are still multiple boxes of decorations left untouched. From those, the individual Buzan heirs will select ornaments, adornments, and baubles to take for their own. The decorations that are used for this year’s merrymaking will remain at the house for future MoLo Christmas events. “We were very blessed with parents who made life so interesting for us. They knew everybody, and everybody knew them, and called them friends,” said Candy. She and Lisa have worked hard to keep the family tradition of celebrating with love, laughter, and the Buzan brand of uniqueness going far into the future. In addition to the Buzans’ five granddaughters and six grandsons, there are currently three great-grandsons. That’s quite an extension to the tribute this family has committed to each other through the singular event known as MoLo Christmas. On the first Sunday of December, the house was decorated and ready, and the gifts were wrapped and awaiting the day. What makes these quilts the perfect gifts is that once they are unwrapped, the recipients can wrap themselves in the love and comfort of their grandmother’s memories for many years to come. —SPJST—

Dubbed “MoLo Christmas” since 2009, the children of Moses and Loretta look forward to this special celebration. This year, each of the 11 grandchildren in the family unwrapped “the perfect Christmas gift,” which includes lots of love, comfort, and memories of their grandmother. Sisters Lisa, right, and Candy are shown holding up one of the quilts made from Loretta’s blouses. —Photo by Jan Raesz

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Lodge 30, Taiton reports on January meeting

Dear Vestnik Readers, Lodge 30, Taiton held its regular monthly meeting on January 3, 2016, at Taiton Community Center. President Yvonne Marcaurele called the meeting to order. Members present recited the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ardis Bacak, and a moment of silence was observed for any sick or departed members. Secretary Wanda Dorotik called the roll of officers and members. She then read the December meeting minutes. Treasurer Lisa Bubela gave her report on the financial standing of our lodge. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Crystal Bacak informed members of upcoming events around the state. The upcoming banquet will be held on January 30 at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple. She reminded members of the scholarship application deadline on February 1. If you are a senior, please get your application turned in. Also, please remember to donate to the 100 Pennies Drive this year. This is how our scholarships are funded. Youth Leader Lisa Bubela gave the report on the comings and goings of our youth program. She thanked the members for their participation and assistance at the annual Christmas social. It was a great success. President Yvonne Marcaurele thanked the members for hosting a successful Christmas social. She complimented the members for being able to come together once again to get the job done. She also thanked the mem-

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 30, Taiton Shares Christmas Party Scenes

LEFT PHOTO: The 2015 officers of Lodge 30, Taiton conduct the December meeting. Pictured are, left to right, FAC Tommy Drapela, Secretary Wanda Dorotik, President Yvonne Marcaurele, Vice President Debbie

Krpec, Treasurer/Youth Leader Lisa Bubela, and Reporter Marjorie Treumer (back to camera). RIGHT PHOTO: District Six Director Karen Kaspar and husband Leroy enjoy the Christmas party.

LEFT PHOTO: Karen and Ed Zapalac celebrate the season at Lodge 30’s annual Christmas party. RIGHT

PHOTO: Members enjoy a delicious Christmas meal at Taiton Community Center.

bers for their donations to the Women’s Crisis Center in El Campo. They were much appreciated.

New Business District Six Spring Meeting will be held on April 3 at Lodge 23, Moravia. We hope to see everyone there. An informational meeting will be

Lodge 38, Kovar member bags deer

John Lastovica killed an eight-point deer on the Lastovica Ranch. John is a member of Lodge 38, Kovar.

—Submitted by Dorothy Lastovica Reporter

planned for the delegates to attend before the upcoming convention this summer. The yearly attendance incentive checks were then given out. Happy birthday was wished to Wanda Dorotik. We wish her many more to come. Next Meeting—February 7 Our next meeting will be Sunday, February 7 at Taiton Community Center. The adult meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the youth to follow. The meeting was adjourned by President Yvonne Marcaurele. Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 41 Port Lavaca invites members to Feb. 9 appreciation dinner

SPJST Lodge 41, Port Lavaca invites its members to a member appreciation social and dinner on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at 6 p.m. at Texas Tradition Restaurant, located at 234 East Main Street in Port Lavaca, Texas. Door prizes will be awarded. Please RSVP by Thursday, February 4 to Lodge 41 President Franklin Jurek at 361-920-9674. We look forward to seeing you on February 9! Fraternally, Franklin Jurek, President —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 47, Seaton sets Klinkovsky Memorial tarok tournament

Save the date—Saturday, February 27, 2016. Lodge 47, Seaton will host the Frank Klinkovsky, Sr. Memorial Tarok Tournament at Seaton Star Hall. Star Hall is located five miles east of Temple on Highway 53 (Adams Avenue). Everyone is welcome! Registration is from 8 to 8:45 a.m., and play begins at 9 a.m. The fee is $25 per player and includes lunch and snacks. Trophies and $500 in cash prizes for the top four scores will be awarded. High round winner will each be paid. All proceeds will benefit the Frank Klinkovsky, Sr. SPJST Memorial Endowment Scholarship Fund.

Mail your $25 check made payable to SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton along with your name, address, and phone number by February 10 to: SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton c/o Tammy Martinez 2090 FM 437 Burlington, Texas 76519

Late entries will be accepted if player slots are available. Please pre-register to help us estimate our food supply. For more information and/or to register, contact Tammy Martinez 254493-9892 or email martinez_tam@yahoo.com or Jimmie Coufal 254-721-1875 or 254-985-2386. Fraternally, Tammy Martinez Fraternal Activities Coordinator —SPJST—

Lodge 48 Beyersville reports on January meeting

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

SPJST Lodge 48, Beyersville meeting came to order on Sunday, January 10, 2016, at 3:40 p.m. November meeting notes were read; there were no minutes for December read by Secretary Juanette Meiske. There were no new members and two terminations We discussed recognizing our 50year members. Brett gave his first fraternal activities coordinator’s report. Bobby Wuensche provided an update on the property report and installed our new officers for Lodge 48.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Michelle Newsom Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 79 Corpus Christi elects youth leader

SPJST Lodge 79, Corpus Christi enjoyed a meal of turkey, ham, sausage, and all the trimmings on January 17, 2016. President Mark Rebecek called the meeting to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Before the meeting got underway, we elected a new youth leader - Marcia Rew. Congratulations, Marcia! District Seven Director Bob Bayer in-

1976 • Happy 40th Anniversary, Leroy and Karen Kaspar! • 2016

Congratulations to District Six Director Karen Kaspar and husband Leroy on their 40th wedding anniversary! They were married January 3, 1976, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Taiton, Texas. The couple celebrated their special day on Saturday, January 2, 2016, with their family attending the 4 p.m. mass at

St. John’s Catholic Church at the Taiton Parish. They then enjoyed the evening together with a meal and visiting. Leroy and Karen’s children had a game planned with a quiz of happenings from 1976, including hit shows, songs, films, sports, costs, politics, etc. Happy 40th anniversary, Karen and Leroy!

Leroy and Karen Kaspar were married on January 3, 1976, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Taiton. Together with their children and grandchildren, they attended mass at St. John’s on Saturday, January 2, 2016, to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Surrounding Leroy and Karen are son Michael and daughter-in-law Bonnie Kaspar, left; son Kyle and Stephanie

Kaspar, back; daughter Lenice Kaspar, back, second from right; and son Jason, daughter-in-law Tamara, and grandchildren Julia and Olivia (being held by Tamara) Kaspar. RIGHT PHOTO: The Kaspar family. Left to right are Stephanie, Kyle, Bonnie, Michael, Leroy, Karen, Julia, Lenice, Tamara, Jason, and Olivia. They are all members of Lodge 30, Taiton.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

stalled in all the 2016 officers. All officers were present, and we had 24 members and guests in attendance. We observed a moment of silence for Dollie Huddleston, deceased sister of members Judy Majek and Leona Grant, and Adolph Sassin, cousin of Secretary Virginia Rebecek. President Rebecek introduced guests District Seven Director Bob Bayer and wife Polly, District Seven Finance Committee Member Roy Haag, and District Seven Youth Counselor Theresa Haag. Each of the guests spoke at the meeting. It’s always nice to have them visit our lodge meetings. Secretary Virginia Rebecek read the December 2015 minutes, and there was one correction made. The minutes were then approved. Financial report was given by Treasurer Frank Sacky, and it was approved. Frank also read a thank you note from Timon Ministry for our donation. Under communications, our lodge had one death claim and Secretary Virginia Rebecek read a letter from Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny on purchasing an ad in the 32nd Convention Souvenir Program Book. FAC report was given by Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky. He stated he is on the board for the rest home and S.P.J.S.T. is building a new facility. Watch the Vestnik for the grand opening. Also, the Hillje Nursing Home was purchased by S.P.J.S.T. He thanked all members for turning in their hours of fraternal acts. There was no unfinished business. Under new business, Secretary Virginia Rebecek made a motion to give

our monthly donation to ALS. Motion was approved. Rob Marek celebrated his birthday on January 24. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Rob. Twenty-five dollar door prizes were won by Frank Sacky and Mark Rebecek.

VĚSTNÍK

P P P Presenting 2016 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 79, Corpus Christi

Next Meeting—February 21 Our next meeting will be February 21 with potluck as our meal. Come out and enjoy the different foods and enjoyable company. The meeting was adjourned. Virginia Rebecek, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 88 Houston hosts Super Bowl party this Sunday

Happy Birthday, Allen Lastovica, of Lodge 38, Kovar!

Allen Lastovica, right, celebrated his birthday with family and friends. Pictured with Allen is nephew Ethan Holder. Allen and Ethan are members of Lodge 38, Kovar.

—Submitted by Dorothy Lastovica Reporter

The 2016 officers of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi are, left to right, Treasurer Frank Sacky, Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Jerry Sijansky, Youth Leader Marcia Rew, Secretary Virginia Rebecek, and President Mark Rebecek. The officers were installed by District Seven Director Bob Bayer, far right, at the lodge’s January meeting.

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 of 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 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 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 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 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 SqueezeBox website (squeezeboxband.com)

VĚSTNÍK

and $15 at the door. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. Reserved seating is available for those who purchase tickets in advance. Contact the Texas Polka News at 281-836-5362 or theresa@polkabeat.com. Submitted by, Theresa Cernoch Parker Lodge 88, Houston —SPJST—

Lodge 92 Fort Worth sets February events

Dear Members and Friends, We invite you to mark these dates on your calendars. Please come on out for a great time!

Sunday, February 7 Country/western dance from 2 to 6 p.m. with Randy and the 92 roadhouse Band. Admission is $6 per person.

Tuesday, February 9 Ladies Circle meets from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 9 Game night at Lodge 92 at 7 p.m.

Lodge 101 Gainesville reorganizational meeting set for Feb. 18

Dear Members and Friends, Greetings in the New Year! In the last two months, we have had two productive meetings with the members of Lodge 101, Gainesville. At the January meeting, members expressed a strong desire to move forward with the formal reorganization of their lodge. The reorganizational meeting of Lodge 101, Gainesville will take place at 12 noon on Thursday, February 18 at The Neu Ranch House, located at 1825 US 82 in Gainesville. Among the items that will be addressed are election of officers, officer orientation, and a discussion of ways to bring renewed relevance to the lodge experience. All members are invited to attend. Guests and prospective members are also invited to attend. Please call Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez at 800-727-

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

7578 by mid-day Wednesday, February 17 if you will attend. I look forward to seeing you there! Fraternally, Brian Vanicek Supreme Lodge President —SPJST—

Lodge 160 San Angelo meets Feb. 17

Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 160, San Angelo will hold its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at 6 p.m. The Dutch treat dinner and meeting will take place at the Ole Gin Steakhouse in Wall. We invite all members to attend this meeting. Fraternally, Sandra Jansa, President —SPJST—

Lodge 179 Warrenton sets dues

SPJST Lodge 179, Warrenton met on Thursday, January 14, 2016, at the Carmine Lions Club building. President Ricky Weyand called the meeting to order. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Eight members and two guests were present. Our guests were Cindy Goehring and Angela Weyand. Everyone present blessed the food with the common table prayer. Fried chicken was brought by Joan Goehring. We also had numerous side dishes and desserts which were enjoyed by all. Secretary/Treasurer Melissa Wickel read the minutes from the November meeting followed by the treasurer’s report. Both reports were accepted as read. FAC Joan Goehring discussed our Join Hands Day project and reported that it would be held on March 17. She also report on a health and nutrition secret. Local lodge dues for 2016 were set at $6 per person. The 2016 lodge officers were in-

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Shares January Meeting Scenes

Wednesday, February 10 Sportsmans’ Club meets from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. This is a monthly meeting of hunting and fishing enthusiasts with speakers and prize drawings. Admission is free of charge, and the event is open to the public.

Friday, February 12 Tanglefoot ballroom dance from 8 to 11 p.m. Members are $10, and nonmembers are $17.

Sunday, February 14 Lodge 92, Fort Worth meeting at 2 p.m.

LEFT PHOTO: Attending Lodge 79, Corpus Christi’s January meeting are District Seven Director Bob Bayer

and wife Polly. RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 79 members and guests enjoy a delicious meal.

LEFT PHOTO: Happy January birthday to Rob Marek who celebrated his special day on January 24. CENTER PHOTO: Roy Haag, who represents District Seven

on the SPJST Finance Committee, addresses Lodge 79 members and guests. RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 79 members and guests enjoy a delicious meal.

Tuesday, February 23 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 hall’s website: www.nationalhallfortworth.com. Fraternally, Angela Paprskar Casteel President —SPJST—

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

stalled and presented. Birthdays for January include Laverne Kunkel and Ricky Weyand, both on the 5th.

Next Meeting—February 11 It was decided to have our next meeting at Los Patrones Mexican Restaurant in Round Top on Thursday, February 11. Social will start at 6:30 p.m. and meeting is at 7 p.m. There being no other business, the meeting adjourned followed by bingo Ricky Weyand, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 181, Conroe meets Feb. 23

Lodge 181, Conroe, will hold its February meeting on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at 6 p.m. at the Golden Corral Buffet Restaurant, 1604 Interstate 45 North, Conroe 77301-1697, which is on the I-45 northbound access road between SH105/West Davis and Wilson Road. For further information, contact President Barbara Williams-Rash, 936-295-7778, email b.d.willrash@att.net; Vice President Chuck Toney, 281-362-9062, email cdtiii@toney.us; or Treasurer Patsy McClelland, 936-788-5714 or email pmcclelland@consolidated.net. —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 117, Robstown Members Wrap Gifts, Donate Funds at Good Samaritan Rescue Mission

On December 19, 2015, Lodge 117, Robstown Vice President/FAC Frank Sijansky, Treasurer Kathryn Marek, and Secretary Diane Raska helped wrap Christmas gifts that were to be given out to the homeless and neighbors of the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission on Christmas Eve. LEFT PHOTO: Secretary Diane

Lodge 182, Falls County hosts Blue Valentine Rally

SPJST Lodge 182, Falls County will host a Blue Valentine Rally on Saturday, February 6, 2016, from 2 to 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 301 Edwards Street, Riesel, Texas 76682. Come make Valentines for local emergency response teams! Let’s show our care and dedication for them. Refreshments, games, door prizes, facepainting, arts and crafts will be part of this fun event. All members of the local emergency response teams are cordially invited. Come on out and get to know SPJST in your community!

Lodge 117, Robstown gives to Food Bank of Corpus Christi

On December 16, 2015, Vice President/FAC Frank Sijansky delivered a check to the Food Bank of Corpus Christi where he volunteers. He is pictured presenting the check to Kathy Rios at Food Bank of Corpus Christi.

Raska, second from left, and Vice President/FAC Frank Sijansky, center, help to load the wrapped gifts. RIGHT PHOTO: Vice President/FAC Frank Sijansky and Treasurer Kathryn Marek, right, present a check to Director Carole Murphrey at the gift wrapping for the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission.

SPJST representatives will be present to answer questions about life insurance and fraternal benefits. For more information, contact Youth Leader Becky Beckendorf 254749-5732. —SPJST—

Lodge 196 Houston-West meets this Sunday

Lodge 196, Houston-West will change the date for the next lodge meeting to Sunday, February 7, 2016. We will start with a potluck lunch at 1 p.m., and the meeting will begin at 2 p.m. All members are asked to mark their calendars to note the change of date for the meeting and make plans to attend.

Save the Date Lodge 196, Houston-West will have its annual Easter party on Sunday, March 6 at the lodge hall from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be games, coloring contests, face painting, a fire truck, and a chance to have your picture taken with the Easter bunny. We will serve cookies and other goodies along with lemonade and iced tea. Each child will receive an Easter basket packed with treats. All SPJST members and their families and friends are invited to attend and take part in the fun. Don Fruin, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 200 Bruceville-Eddy gives to BEISD’s PE program

Members of SPJST Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy presented a check in the amount of $200 to Gary Lucas, who teaches physical education and health classes at Bruceville-Eddy Elementary School. The funds were donated by District Two Director Jesse Pospisil from his director’s discretionary funds. Coach Lucas was very surprised and honored that the lodge chose his program for the donation. Upon talking with Coach Lucas, he wanted to thank everyone at Lodge 200. He shared that the money will be used to buy and replace equipment such as basketballs, jump ropes, etc. He teaches classes kindergarten through fifth grade and has about 240 students per day. The program also hosts a fall festival to help with costs of equipment. Before I left our visit, he again wanted to share his gratitude and to thank SPJST and Lodge 200 for the donation. Fraternally, Michael D. Hosch, Reporter —SPJST—

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 87, Temple Hosts Membership Appreciation Dinner

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 87, Temple members enjoy dinner and visiting at a membership appreciation social on November 8, 2015, at the lodge hall. After dinner, members met to discuss lodge business and activities and

talk about the lodge’s proud past. CENTER PHOTO: Pictured are Bill McGarvey, Dan Kacir, Craig Wheeler, and Brent Wheeler. RIGHT PHOTO: Enjoying the social are Cristina and Beth Gossett and Brenda and Don Taylor.

LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are Robert and Judy Little and Bill Brodie. CENTER PHOTO: Lodge 87, Temple President Karin Bryant, back, welcomes

Betty and Gene Engbrock to the dinner. RIGHT PHOTO: Members visit and sign up for door prizes.

LEFT PHOTO: Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak and wife Becky, center, visit with Katherine Luna. RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 87 Secretary Judy Little and Bill Brodie review historical photos at the lodge hall.

BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Betty Engbrock and Dan Kacir reminisce about the past and recollect old times at Lodge 87. BELOW CENTER PHOTO: Left to right are District Two Director Jesse Pospisil and wife Linda and David Nauert. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Pictured are, left to right, Marvin and Johnnie Ann Labaj and Alice Diener.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Ennis Sewing Circle

Ennis Sewing Circle met on Thursday, January 14, 2016, at the Sokol Club Room. Several arrived at 8 a.m. to stretch Victoria Vlk’s quilt, make coffee, and get the tables clean and in order. We set up a long table along the wall in the club room for our soups, sandwiches, chips and dips, and desserts. Since we were having three different soups, we didn’t want to have to walk back to the kitchen for more soup. It worked out really well. Most of us, including me, went back three times to taste all three different soups. We had vegetable beef, 15 bean soup, and enchilada soup, and all were very good. They were made by Ann Clagett, Dolores Vrana, and Lorane Marusak. Someone asked me which one I liked best; I had to say all three were very good. We stretched Victoria’s quilt and started quilting with quilters all around. Victoria’s daughter Sally Long came and quilted. It was good to have her; she is a very good quilter. Thank you to all who came early. By lunchtime, we had 22 members and two guests, Liz Krajca and Sally Long. President Irene said grace, and we all enjoyed the soups, many sandwiches (I can’t name them all), chips and dips, deviled eggs, and many desserts. We really have wonderful members and good cooks. Thank you all members for a wonderful day. After lunch, President Irene called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. A moment

of silence was held for Sidney Bridewell, Georgia Wensowitch, Sadie Kubin, our longtime president Frank Mikel, Lillie Forson, and Frankie Vrana, Jr. The “Our Father” was recited for the above and all our sick members. New Secretary Ann Clagett read the minutes, and new Treasurer Dolores Vrana gave her report. Both were approved as read. Vice President Ginny Svehlak read several thank you notes: one was from Bessie Laznovsky that she wrote with her left hand that we all enjoyed so much. A note was received from Frances Vinkler and Mildred Trlica. We also received a letter from Joyce and Joe Ehrenberger from North Carolina along with a picture of them and their family. We had for viewing Sidney Bridewell’s obituary. We all enjoyed the eulogy her grandson Eric Vanden Eykel read. It was four and one-half typed pages, but very loving, sweet, and humorous. Sidney will be missed. Ginny also read the “Laughing Matters” article, which we always enjoy. Sunshine Lady Dorothy Prachyl announced January birthday celebrants - Lil Kosarek, Mildred Adamcik, Bessie Laznovsky, Dorothy Booth, and Anne Zabojnik. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Lil and Dorothy Booth. Birthday card was signed for Bessie Laznovsky, sympathy cards were signed for the families of Sadie Kubin and Georgia Wensowitch. Pat Fowler read the quilt schedule: February - Dorothy Kudrna; March -

Irene Prachyl; April - Dorothy Prachyl; and May - Kay Lynn Kovar. It was announced that Ann Tupy picked up Agnes Tupy’s Christmas gift sack. I think Libbie Vrla announced that Joyce Ehrenberger will be 90 years young on April 18. Let’s all try and remember to send Joyce a special card. President Irene made changes and add-on items in our little yellow members’ directory book. She handed out copies to all. Be sure and put them in your booklet. Irene talked about and had copies for all about hand quilting. She had fabric, needle and thread, thimble - all you need to quilt. She showed how to thread the needle correctly, make the knot at the end, pop the knot, make backstitch, quilting stitch, the rocking motion. It was all very interesting. I’ll try it all next month. Irene also read a cute saying: Old age comes at a bad time; you finally know everything just in time to forget it. That is about the way it is. Next month, Irene said we or she will start cutting the squares for this year’s Christmas quilt. She has the pattern and fabric picked out. I can’t

VĚSTNÍK

remember the name of the pattern. She will then sew a few squares and pass out the rest for members to sew. Lil will then sew all squares together for quilting. Liz Krajca, Junior Sokol manager, came and picked up the quilt we made for them - their traveling fund moneymaker. Liz was very happy and pleased with it, and said they would start selling chances at the Czech Music Festival on February 13 at Sokol Hall. If you’re there, stop by and purchase some chances. Victoria Vlk was our 50-50 dollar winner. If you haven’t paid your 2016 dues, please try and do so. President Irene thanked all for coming, the delicious soups, and sandwiches, chips and dips, desserts and all, and the set up and clean up, and to remember the next meeting on February 11, regular lunch and quilting Dorothy Kudrna’s quilt and playing 50-50 dollar game. Kay Lynn Kovar made a motion to adjourn the meeting, it was seconded by Pat Fowler. Stay well and warm, and hope to see you February 11. Georgie Morales, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 196, Houston-West Presents New Sign

P P P Presenting 2016 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 185, New Braunfels

The 2016 officers of Lodge 185, New Braunfels are, from left to right, President Donnie Howard, FAC Lynette Kitchen, Treasurer/Assistant Youth Leader April Howard, Second Vice President Kathleen Mills, Secretary Cindy Schmidtzinsky, First Vice President/Assistant Youth Leader Sherry McDonald, Assistant Youth Leader Diane O’Gorman, and Youth Leader Theresa Haag. The officers were installed by State Youth Director Lynette Talasek, far right.

Lodge 196, Houston West recently purchased a new sign to help promote the lodge and its place in the community. Lodge members are very excited to see what the future holds. We invite all members to come see all the changes that have happened at Lodge 196. Pictured, left to right, are Event Coordinator/Reporter Don Fruin and wife Amelia, Hall Manager Alma Schultz, Treasurer Cadance Wager, Secretary DeAnn Beckendorf, Vice President/FAC Donald Beckendorf, and President Mark Childres. —Submitted by Mark Childres, President with special thanks to Travis Wager, Photographer

VĚSTNÍK

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

I never wanted to be a poet

Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy presents donation to BEISD PE program

but somehow my life took a turn for the worse

The Postman Cometh By d.knape

My intent was to be a postman

enjoying the pleasure of the drive the sunshine the scenery of each day taking ads and junk mail to unsuspecting citizens with a steady routine a regular route knowing all the kids and cats and dogs along the way

and now I am stuck in this job that pays below minimum wage has no benefits no time off no Holidays no retirement and

worst of all no going away party and no gold watch when I get to the end

Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy Secretary Michael Hosch, left, and President Allen Trigg, Sr., right, present a $200 check to Bruceville-Eddy ISD Coach Gary Lucas. The funds will be used for physical education equipment for students in kindergarten to fifth grade. Thanks to District Two Director Jesse Pospisil who donated the check from his director’s discretionary funds.

I should have been a postman. —SPJST—

Scenes from Ladies Circle of Lodge 92, Fort Worth’s January Meeting FAR LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 92, Fort Worth Fraternalist of the Year Garland Ellsworth.

LEFT PHOTO: Theresa Clay’s granddaughter, Amanda.

RIGHT PHOTO: Birthday guy Robert Kurtnik. FAR RIGHT PHOTO: Visitor Linda Palmer.

LEFT PHOTO: Thanks to hostesses, left to right, Robin Brownlee, Janet Basham, Lisa Juran, and Sandi Celusniak and host Garland Ellsworth. RIGHT PHOTO: Birthday ladies are, left to right, Catherine Ann Davis,

Lorinda Manasco, Bessie Ellsworth, Theresa Clay, Kitty Rippin, Darlene Tompkins, and Ann Cooksey. —Submitted by Joan Simek Shropshire, Secretary

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

SPJST Home Office Hosts Annual Christmas Open House Monday, December 7, 2015 • SPJST Home Office in Temple

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

Kolache Queen

Continued from Page 1.

She married Moody Faust in 1953. They continued to work on the farm together until around 10 years later, when Moody started working for Charlie Sebesta in the furniture store in town, doing plumbing work for rural homes as part of a federal program. It was Charlie who asked Lydia if she’d like to open up a bakery, and she said sure. That first day she came to work, she used her own bowl and spoon to mix the first batch. They didn’t even have pans at first. Charlie had found a pizza oven at an auction in Houston and was still scrounging up supplies those first few weeks, she said. The town needed a gathering place, and he liked sweets, so he added on a room in the furniture store, found her some supplies and opened the Snook Baking Co. in 1968. Lydia and her husband bought the business from Charlie in 1983. Soon she was going through 10 to 12 sacks of flour a week, and was averaging 200 dozen on Saturdays. To Snook, the bakery brought the little town of about 500 together in ways it might not have otherwise. She was known to always have a warm coffee pot brewing a little after 4 a.m. except on Sundays, and to the Czech old-timers, she was loved for her homemade cottage cheese kolaches made with milk from her own dairy cow until the bakery got too big and too busy to handle the work. To Lydia ingredients were critical even as the business grew, sourcing her favorite Pioneer Flour from San Antonio, the right butter and commercial lard and always making her own fillings. She never could stand the canned commercial poppy seed fillings. Instead, she’d grind the seeds and make it herself, adding cream and

ABOVE: Lydia Faust in her old bakery. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: The old bakery, that once brought the community together, is now left abandoned. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Lydia in front of the bakery with husband Moody.

butter for the perfect texture and flavor.

Preserving the Past The year she opened her bakery, she says, was the year the homemakers club in Caldwell were selling baked goods at a courthouse Harvest Festival one Saturday and called her up asking if she had any kolaches left. She whipped up 25 dozen that afternoon, and they were sold out before the event was over. That’s when the ladies decided to make it into a festival. Lydia has served on the Caldwell Kolache Festival committee ever since, helping build it into a statewide attraction to Burleson now for 32 years. Though Lydia turns her nose at what some commercial stores call a kolache, she likes to see them for sale and see so many new bakers learn how to bake them. She’s open to wilder flavors like piña colada or an Oreo-filled at the baking contest last fall. She continues to add to

her own skills, traveling in the Czech Republic a few summers ago when she stumbled on a baker with a product she found delicious. She sold her business to Robert and Pat Collins in 1996, and they kept it running as Czech-Tex, adding on a barbecue and steak restaurant, which they operated until handing it over to new owners in 2013. The restaurant has since closed its doors, leaving the spot where the Snook Baking Co. stood for over 45 years vacant for the first time. Lydia lives in the same house they bought in 1956. She now bakes out of her small home kitchen, just walking

distance from the counter she used to stand behind for all those 14-hour days. I remember her standing there with the Snook Baking Co. sign when I ordered my first kolache of hers as a young girl of about seven. The sign was in blue letters—for the blue jay, the school mascot—and red letters for

Kolache Knowledge

Signs you’ve spotted someone with rural roots to the food.

#1 They know sausage rolls are not kolaches, they’re sausage rolls.

#2 Kolaches are never topped with icing but instead must have a sugar/butter sprinkle, called posypka.

#3 Look for square rolls. Now a stylistic choice, it was first a matter of hard labor convenience. More on a pan means more food in the oven and on the farm table. #4 Air is beaten into the dough so it’s light like a roll, not a biscuit.

#5 If there is no buttery, golden-brown crust on the bottom and top, you might as well save your calories. That’s essential flavor balance between the sweet dough and fruit filling. #6 Fillings at least taste homemade, not just straight from a can.

#7 And most telling of all: If they call it a Ko-LAH-tch, with no -ee on the end, the way they say it in Burleson County, you’ve found a local baker and, chances are, something you’ll never forget. —SPJST—

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

the prices that seemed to never change: 30 cents a kolache, 30 cents a sausage roll. And now, almost 30 years later, about the same age she was when she opened her bakery, I made my way back to the source to mix my first bowl of dough—something her own mother never really showed her. The mixing, she recalled, “that was something you had to experience on your own.” Now that her bakery is closed, she still bakes for private orders in the community. She doesn’t miss the long

VĚSTNÍK

hours, but she does miss the people. Her prices haven’t changed much in the years since she bought the bakery in 1983. She still sells them to friends for $10 a dozen, but admits to me, “I’m thinking real strongly I ought to go up.” —SPJST—

Lydia Faust’s Poppy Seed Kolaches

Passing on the Process

Inside the Snook school cafeteria, the SPJST (stands for Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas, or Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas) Lodge 9 youth program— from age 6 to adults—arrive with bowls, pans, and a wooden spoon. It’s the annual site of a kolache workshop where Lydia and her grandchildren help crank out the next grand champion kolache makers, a workshop she’s been leading for more than a decade. The Snook Youth Club is one of the largest, most active organizations in the state SPJST system, a fraternal organization that started as an insurance collective for farmers and is today one of the most successful social and cultural preservation societies in Texas. Over the hum of two convection ovens, an organizer yells, “OK, let’s get going. Y’all know what to do.” The table is set like an assembly line. Josef Orsak uses his late grandmother’s spoon. The initials E.O. in black ink on the handle stand for Ella Orsak, a baker who worked with Lydia and the other bakery in town off Highway 60. Josef, along with Lydia’s three grandchildren and nieces and nephews, have all won awards at the Caldwell Kolache Baking contest. Grandsons Nikolas and Braxton support with their instruction around the tables next to Lydia.

Nikolas pours the 50-pound sack of Peter Pan flour into a huge bowl that is set out on the end of a cafeteria lunch table as Lydia sifts. The yellow plastic tablecloths have white stickers, each a station marking a step in the kolache making process. After more than a decade of practice, youth leaders Marie Shelfer and Sharon Kovar have turned the SPJST Lodge 9, Snook Youth program over to new leadership. Together the class of about 20 rolls and cuts over 60 dozen kolaches and bags sacks of noodles to prepare for sale at the fireman’s barbecue the next day. They sell only apricot, prune, poppy seed, cherry, apple and cream cheese—the most traditional fillings and the last remaining public venue to buy a Lydia Mae Kolache. “This is the magic right here,” Lydia says to a student as she stoops over the table and adds in more flour. Dough is an art. This is why the students come. They need her to show them the look and the feel. From there, Josef picks up when another student is punching down his dough after a second rise. It’s a lot of work for the young hands, so Josef takes the bowl and spoon briefly to show him the motions. “Sometimes just by lifting like this, you’ll get a fluffier dough.” —SPJST—

Lydia Mae Faust shared with Edible Houston her basic dough recipe and poppy seed filling. You can use other fillings: anything with cooked fruit, from dried prunes to peach butter (but no jelly), or cream cheese, for instance.

For the Dough 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast 1/2 cup warm water 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup shortening (Lydia Faust uses 1/4 cup margarine + 1/4 cup Crisco) 1 1/2 cups milk 6 cups all-purpose flour (sifted) 1 tablespoon salt 1/2 can evaporated milk 2 whole eggs plus 1 egg yolk 6 to 8 tablespoons melted butter (cooled)

Dissolve yeast with 1 teaspoon sugar in warm water. In a mixing bowl, cream together remaining sugar and shortening. Add flour and add eggs 1 by 1. Add the salt and evaporated milk and mix in. Add the lukewarm milk and yeast mixture. Using a dough hook on a pastry machine, slowly beat in 2 to 3 cups flour 1 cup at a time until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you work by hand, use a wooden spoon to fold in the flour and beat until smooth. Let sit for about 5 minutes, then beat again until dough is elastic and glossy. Cover dough in bowl with a tea towel and let rise for 1 hour. When it has doubled in size after 1 hour, punch it down. Cover bowl and let rise again for another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out the dough on a floured

table to about 1 inch thick. Cut with a cookie cutter, and place on a greased pan. Butter each roll and let rise for about 20 minutes. Make a small indention in the middle of each roll and fill each with a little poppy seed filling. Let rise for about 15 minutes. Bake for about 20 minutes or until light brown. Poppy Seed Filling 1 1/2 cups ground poppy seeds 1 tablespoon flour 1 cup sugar 1 cup milk 1 tablespoon butter 1 pinch salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat the milk until it comes to a boil. Mix the poppy seeds with sugar, flour and salt and add slowly to the milk mixture. Boil slowly over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick. Add more milk if the mixture is too stiff. Add butter and vanilla. Cool completely before using. Streusel Streusel is a crumbly topping of butter, flour and sugar. It is sprinkled on the filled kolaches prior to baking. 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes 1 cup sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour

Rub all ingredients together until it resembles sand. Store in the freezer until ready to use. —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

SPJST Youth

Section

The deadline for all Vestnik items is 5 p.m. the Wednesday before the publication date. Send your news and photos directly to:

SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087

Email: melaniez@vvm.com

Questions? Call 800-727-7578

This section is dedicated to the youth of SPJST. As part of its membership benefits, SPJST offers a statewide youth program. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about opportunities offered to young members of SPJST, please contact your local lodge, District Youth Counselor, State Youth Director at 800-727-7578, or visit www.spjst.org.

State Youth Director presents February updates

Dear Youth Leaders, I’m excited! The District Youth Development Workshops and the Youth Leaders Retreat are just around the corner! A lot of important ground will get covered at these sessions — everything from Youth Achievement Day, summer camp, and teambuilding to topics covering youth club leadership, fundraising, socials, and charity projects. The District Youth Development Workshops and the Youth Leaders Retreat are great opportunities for both the youth and their leaders to share ideas, learn something new, and have lots of fun with old and new friends. Please make every effort to participate.

Statewide Food Drive The seven District Youth Counselors and I would like to challenge all SPJST members to donate bags of beans and rice. The idea is for each youth club to collect their food items at the March meeting. The youth leader is to weigh the donated goods and record the weight. Forward weight of the food collected to your District Youth Counselor. The food the youth club collects may then be donated to any food pantry you choose - but, please be sure to take a picture and submit your photo to the Vestnik. The District Youth Counselors will collect the weights of all food donated in their district and then forward that information to the Home Office. Please encourage your youth members to take copies of the flyer on page of this

week’s Vestnik and ask for donations from their family, friends, neighbors, and local grocery stores. Watch the Vestnik for the final count!

March Vestnik Project March is National Nutrition Month. The Vestnik project for March will cover the importance of exercise and eating healthy. Please consider having youth members bring their favorite nutritious snack or get creative and find a new one online. Maybe set up an obstacle course or a fun game of tug-owar. Check out your Mike Spiller CD for other great outside games for your youth group.

Election of Officers This year, we will elect youth club officers in March. This will allow all

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

new and re-elected officers a chance to learn their officer duties or get a refresher course. Youth leaders and their assistants are to identify all eligible nominees for each position and present them in a panel. Please contact your District Youth Counselor or me if you have any questions on this process. Members eligible for election are anyone who is an active member in good standing who has attended a majority of the meetings. All officers will be encouraged to attend the District Youth Development Workshop in their district. Officers are to be sworn in at the May meeting and take office in June. Youth Development Workshop Please keep your eyes and ears open for your District Youth Development Workshop date, time, and location to be announced.

Online Camp Applications Please know that applications for LIT Retreat, SPJST Summer Camp, and camp chaperones will be available on the spjst.org website beginning in March. Each camper and camp chaperone needs to fill out a separate camp application. Please be sure to fill in each blank and if it does not apply to you or your child, fill in the space with “N/A”. All camp applications are due June 1, 2016.

Youth Leaders Retreat Youth Leaders Retreat will be Saturday, March 19 at the SPJST Home Office in Temple. The program starts at 10 a.m. and will continue through 5

p.m. Plan on a fraternal experience that will be both fun and enlightening. One of the learning sessions focuses on teambuilding and renewing our enthusiasm for a new youth year. Look forward to a delicious evening meal and entertainment to complement the day. Rooms will be booked at the Holiday Inn Express in Temple for those of you who want to stay the night. I request that youth leaders share rooms with other youth leaders from their district and lodge. Please be sure to fill out the registration form and return it back to the Home Office no later than March 7 so that I can complete the arrangements and focus on the program. Thank you in advance for taking care of the registration form in a timely manner. Please know that you can scan and email, mail, or text me the information. All youth leaders and their assistants are encouraged to attend. If you are planning to bring a spouse, please be certain to fill out a separate registration form and check the box for ‘guest’. This will ensure arrangements can be properly made for you and your spouse. We’re going to cover a lot of ground during the program, including the 2016 incentive program. In addition to covering all of the regular topics such as rule book changes and camp, we’ll also be addressing any questions that you may have about the youth program. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the Youth Leader Retreat, please feel free to contact me.

District Four Youth Express Appreciation for SPJST Float

District Four youth enjoyed riding the SPJST “Merry Minions Christmas!” Float in the Lights of Christmas Parade in San Angelo on Saturday, December 5, 2015.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Greeting Card Design Contest Please encourage your youth to attend your district spring meetings and participate in the Greeting Card Design Contest. All members who attend their district spring meeting will receive five points in the Merit Point System. All contest participants will receive a participation award, and youth club members will receive another five merit points in the Merit Point System. The winning design from each district will also be judged on the state level. The overall winner in the state competition will receive a $100 Visa gift card and will be the official greeting card for the SPJST Home Office. The SPJST greeting card will also be available for purchase. In order to enter the contest each youth must draw a design on a sheet of plain, white paper that has been folded in half. Designs may be drawn

either horizontally or vertically. Please use ink, magic markers, crayons, or paint. Please do not use pencil, glitter, stickers, cut-outs, or computer generated graphics. Please make note of these spring meeting dates: District One—Sunday, April 10 Lodge 186, Caldwell District Two—Sunday, March 13 Lodge 48, Beyersville District Three—Sunday, April 24 Lodge 154, Fort Worth District Four—Saturday, April 2 Location to be announced District Five—Saturday, April 16 Lodge 88, Houston District Six—Sunday, April 3 Lodge 23, Moravia District Seven—Sunday, April 3 Jourdanton Community Center hosted by Lodge 202, Jourdanton

2016 Membership Program District Youth Club Incentives Goals to Achieve: • Host 1 district youth membership rally • Meet requirements needed to qualify for Youth Program Incentives Awards: • $100 for each youth club in respective district that achieves its youth club goal. Funds must be used for the benefit of the youth in the respective district.

Youth Club Incentives Goals to Achieve: • Meet requirements needed to qualify for Youth Program Incentives Awards: • $10 for each certificate issued, ages 0 to 17, in the respective lodge.

VĚSTNÍK

• Additional $10 for each certificate issued that joins the youth club.

“Top Youth Club in District” Award Top active youth club with most certificates issued in 2016 that remain in force. Must have a minimum of five certificates issued in 2016. Awards: Swimming, etc. party for youth leaders and youth members. Cost not to exceed $200.

Youth Leader Incentives A net increase of five active youth members at the end of 2016 will result in a $100 incentive award to the youth leader. A net increase of 10 or more active youth members at the end of 2015 will result in a $200 incentive award to the youth leader. Good luck with your youth club’s participation in the 2016 membership program. Please review these guide-

February Vestnik Project • It’s My Name Day Today! This project earns a maximum 1 point in the SPJST Youth Clubs Merit Points System. Mail completed project no later than March 15, 2016 to: SPJST Youth Program c/o SPJST Home Office • P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503

Name______________________________________________________________________ Age_____________ Lodge______________

It’s My Name Day Today! What is Name Day? It is a great tradition in the Czech Republic. If you look at the Czech calendar, you will see that every day of the year is someone’s “name” day. It’s a great thing because in one year you can celebrate twice — your birthday and your name day! It’s an age-old European custom that people with the same first name have one day a year given to celebrate. People celebrate it in the same way as birthdays. All the people named John receive congratulations and gifts from their family and friends. It is like having a second birthday. Not everyone knows it’s your birthday. This can’t happen with your name day! In the Czech Republic you can hear on the radios: “Congratulations to all Michaels today! If you know any Michael, remember to wish him happy name day today!” Not only is it written in all calendars, it will be printed in newspapers as well. Your friends will never forget your name day! The original list of names were the Catholic calendar of saints. For example Saint Michael’s Feast was held on September 29. As a result, all Michaels, in the Czech Republic, will celebrate their names on September 29. Since name days have been celebrated d for centuries in the Czech Republic, Republic many changes have

been made to try andd include many modern names. It is still common n today for parents to choose names for their children from the name day calendar ar. If a person has a first name that doesn’t appear in the calendar, he or she may feel left out for not being able to celebrate his or her name day. And — something ing that older folks might like — nobody asks you about your age on your nam me day! Complete the puzzle and solve the phr rase At the top of thee puzzle there is a KEY that lists all the letters from A thrrough Z with a boox below. Each of the letters has a corrresponding numberr. The bottom paart contains a secreet phrase. Each of the blanks has a number underneath h it. Fill in the letters that correspond to the numbers below the blanks to solve the phrase. Good luck!

VĚSTNÍK

lines carefully from the “Seeking the Treasures of SPJST” insert that appeared in the January 13 Vestnik. These are the standards for awarding your youth program and youth leader incentives at the banquet. If you have any questions about the requirements, please give me a call.

President’s Volunteer Service Award The SPJST Youth Program is sponsoring the President’s Volunteer Service Award for all SPJST youth who are

eligible to receive the awards. No youth may receive more than one President's Volunteer Service Awards during the preceding calendar year. SPJST will recognize youth for volunteer service during January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015. Registration information is available on page 40 of the Youth Club Handbook. All entries must be completed online by February 28, 2016. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Eyeglasses and Cell Phone Donations Did you know that SPJST collects old eyeglasses and hearing aid donations? For those of you who have sent these items in, please keep your donations coming. For those of you who are just learning about this ongoing collection effort that SPJST is a part of, please start collecting today. The actual program is being run through the Houston Eyeglass Center and the University of Houston. The reconditioned eyewear is redistributed

throughout the United States and the world, and the repairable cell phones are given to various care shelters throughout the country. Thanks to your efforts, we have already helped many people through this program and hope to help many more in the future.

Pull Tabs for the Ronald McDonald House The continuing support of sending pull tabs in for Ronald McDonald House is also a worthy charity that the members of SPJST have been helping

District Four Youth Participate in Lights of Christmas Parade

On December 5, 2015, the youth of District Four participated in the Lights of Christmas parade in San Angelo. The float that we were on was themed SPJST “Merry Minions Christmas!” We had so much fun. All the youth wore elf hats, and we wore Santa hats. There were people telling us we had the best float in the parade.

Thank you, Ms. Melanie, for organizing this for us. Also, we want to thank John Hoelscher and his elf for setting up and pulling the float. Thank you again, Pam Lehmann, District Four Youth Counselor —SPJST—

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 29, Taylor Youth Clubs Share Holiday Greetings

Lodge 29, Taylor Youth Club members gathered for a photograph at the lodge Christmas party on Sunday, December 6, 2015. They included the photo with a Christmas card that was received by the Vestnik office. Thanks, Lodge 29 Youth!

to support. The Ronald McDonald House representatives use the money from the sale of the can tabs to buy gas for their transportation vehicle and to buy much needed supplies for the house. I strongly encourage all of the SPJST youth clubs to save pull tabs for this worthy and ongoing project. Your youth club will receive a thank you letter from Ronald McDonald House and the knowledge that they helped someone in need that really needed help. Please mark your donations clearly so I can make sure your group gets the proper recognition that it deserves.

100 Pennies Scholarship Drive Thanks to all of the young people and youth clubs who have contributed to this wonderful project. SPJST has approximately 43,000 members! Can you imagine if every person donated just $1? Please be sure to donate to the 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive and help support the academic achievements of your fellow brothers and sisters. 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. More importantly, you will have the knowledge that you helped a fellow SPJST member move one step closer to achieving their dreams, and one day that person will be you accepting your very own SPJST Scholarship. Please know that May 31 is the deadline to have your donation here and to receive credit for it.

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 fundraising for your local volunteer fire department. You’ve still got

plenty of time to decide what you want to do in 2016. When coming up with ideas for your project, try to do something that will be beneficial and important to your community as a whole. The SPJST Home Office will once again offer a $100 incentive to local lodges to apply in developing and/or promoting their project. To receive the $100 incentive, lodges must register

the event with the Home Office.

2016 Leader-In-Training Retreat June 9 to 11 at SPJST Education and Nature Center Since 2016 is SPJST Convention year, we will need to start LIT retreat a day early. We are working on plans to have a great LIT retreat lined up for our youth. Our retreat will be held at

Lodge 88, Houston Youth: Fun to Bring Friends to SPJST

I am on the Cy-Fair basketball team, the Rebels, with my best friend Josh. We are 2-1 this season so far. Josh has joined us at some youth club socials like singing Christmas carols at the S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home in Needville and ice skating at the Aerodrome. It is fun to bring friends to SPJST events! Fraternally, Jered J. Polly —SPJST—

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Welcomes New Youth Leader

Lodge 88, Houston youth ready to learn polkas

I am in sixth grade and in band at my middle school. I play the tuba. My band teacher says I am a great tuba player! I was selected as one of four students in my class to play the tuba. I hope to learn some polkas one day and play with the Lodge 88 Orchestra on Czech Day. Fraternally, Nathan G. Polly —SPJST—

District Seven Youth Counselor Theresa Haag, right, welcomes new Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Youth Leader Marcia Rew. They are pictured with youth club members, second from left to right, Brandon Rew, Marcus Rebecek, and Christian Gainier.

the SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm. This year, 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 seniors will participate as LITs. Please be sure to return your LIT Contract and online registration no later than May 15. I look forward to seeing you all there! Lynette Talasek State Youth Director —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton youth reports on January meeting

Dear Readers, We had our meeting on January 3, 2016, at 1 p.m. Present were 37 members and two new members. Old business was December 6, our youth club meeting and Christmas party at Ratibor Country Grill. December 7 was the annual Christmas parade followed by a party at the SPJST Home Office. December 13 was the annual Christmas party at Seaton Star Hall where Santa came and had some good food. New business is January 10 will be a District Two Beseda meeting at Spare Time; January 30 will be the SPJST Awards Banquet; and February

14 is Valentine’s Day. We will deliver valentines that we made and socks to the VA Hospital and Hospice.

Next Meeting—February 7 The next meeting is February 7 at 1 p.m. District Two Skating party is February 21 at Wheel’s in Temple. Justin Kraatz, age 16 —SPJST—

Lodge 48 Beyersville youth learns about Czechs

Dear Readers, Very recently, I have been given the privilege to write a report about Czechoslovakia for my history class. For our projects, we will have to make foods so I will have fun with this report learning about Czechs and my history. Thank you for reading! Brooke Newsom —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston youth enjoys dirt bike

Dear Members, I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year. I did. I got a dirt bike for Christmas and am learning to do jumps on it. My dad is going to take me to the forest to the trails and ride with me when they open up again. We went, but they were closed because of too much rain. I hope that we can go soon. Fraternally, Keith Wockenfuss, President —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club meets February 7

Dear Members, Remember that our next Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club meeting is Sunday, February 7, 2016, at 2 p.m. We are still collecting canned goods for the food drive so don’t forget yours. Fraternally, Keith Wockenfuss, President —SPJST—

Lodge 182, Falls County hosts Blue Valentine Rally

Podpora Wednesday, February 3, 2016

BENEVOLENCE

ROČNÍK 104 CISLO 5

Polka On! at Super Bowl party this Sunday in 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 of 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

★

Lidskost

Česká

HUMANITY

Bratrství

VĚSTNÍK

★

Část

Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas

Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897

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 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 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 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 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

Winter Day in Bohemia, Czech Republic Submitted by Ivo Marek

BROTHERHOOD

3.únor.2016

said. Super Bowl Polka Party tickets are $12 in advance through the SqueezeBox website (squeezeboxband.com) and $15 at the door. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. Reserved seating is available for those who purchase tickets in advance. Contact the Texas Polka News at 281-836-5362 or theresa@polkabeat.com. Submitted by, Theresa Cernoch Parker Lodge 88, Houston —SPJST—

Czech polka bands invite all to Ennis Czech Music Festival

The Czech polka bands of Ennis invite everyone to the 10th Annual Ennis Czech Music Festival! Come out to Sokol Activity Center, located at 2622 East Highway 34, just east of Ennis on Saturday, February 13, 2016, from 1 to 10:30 p.m. Listen and dance to five polka bands:

VĚSTNÍK

Czech Harvesters at 1 p.m. Jodie Mikula Orchestra at 3 p.m. Czech and Then Some at 5 p.m. Moravians at 7 p.m. Ennis Czech Boys at 9 p.m.

Admission is only $7 per person, and ages 13 and under will be admitted free of charge. Great prizes will be given away, too! The kitchen will be open. Dress casual. Czech costumes are encouraged. Doors open at 12 noon. No reservations, please.

And, There’s More . . . Get a head start on the festival by joining us at the Friday Night PreParty on February 12 from 7 to 11 p.m. in the Sokol Clubroom to listen and dance to the music of Ennis’ newest and youngest polka band “Out Of The Box.” No cover will be charged. Clubroom entrance is located on the back west side of building. Doors open at 5 p.m. Bring a covered dish if you like. For more information, see www.ennisczechmusicfestival.com or www.sokolennis.com or call 972-8784748. Also, make plans to attend the 50th anniversary of the National Polka Festival in Ennis on May 27 to 29. For more information, see www.nationalpolkafestival.com. Be sure to tune in to KBEC Polka Party every Sunday morning from 9 to 11 a.m. on 1390 AM or online at www.kbec.com. —SPJST—

TCHCC says, “Treat your sweetheart for Valentine’s!”

Enjoy a formal evening at the Valentine’s Dinner and Piano Concert sponsored by the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange on Saturday, February 13, 2016. The evening will begin at 4 p.m. with a social which will include appetizers and featured wines and Czech mead from local Texas wineries. Dinner will be at 6 p.m. in the Hanslik Banquet Hall. A delicious four-course meal and desserts will be served to your table as you dine with friends. The highlight of the evening will follow with the Grand Piano Concert featuring well-known pianist John Dujka. Pianist John Dujka will be presenting a varied program of classical and

Czech favorites. A well-known entertainer and musician throughout Texas and nationally, John Dujka earned his bachelor and master of music degrees in music performance at the University of Houston Moores School of Music where he studied with Albert Hirsh, Ruth Tomfohrde, and Abbey Simon. A member of the Blinn College, Brenham faculty since 1990, Mr. Dujka is an active recitalist and collaborative pianist and also maintains a private piano studio in Brenham. He also produces “Saturday Morning Dance Time,” a radio program for KULP 1390 in El Campo, now in its 13th year. And John, along with his brother Mark, have been performing as the Dujka Brothers since 1986, and are well-known for their arrangements of Czech music and new compositions. Don’t miss this wonderful, one-ofa-kind evening. Advance ticket reservations only by February 8. Tickets are

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

$75 per person and includes all drinks, appetizers, dinner, concert, and roses for attendees. Only 80 tickets will be sold and the proceeds benefit the TCHCC. For more information or to reserve your tickets, contact TCHCC at 1-888785-4500 or email info@czechtexas.org. Mail to TCHCC, PO Box 6, La Grange, Texas 78945 and include the names of those attending. Visit the website at www.czechtexas.org. —SPJST—

BVCHS sets Valentine’s Day Dance in Bryan

Everyone is cordially invited to the Third Annual Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society Valentine’s Day

Dance on Sunday, February 14, 2016, at St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Activity Center, located at 600 East 26th Street in Bryan, Texas 77803. Doors open at 1 p.m., and the dance starts at 1:30 p.m. and will go until 4:30 p.m. The event will feature the Praha Bros. as the entertainment and our favorite master of ceremonies, Ronnie Horcica of KAGC Czech Polka Time Radio. You will be entertained with your favorite polkas, waltzes, and twosteps! Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided at the dance. Please come with your favorite dance partner to the Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society Valentine’s Day Dance! Submitted by, Jo Ann Zaeske Lodge 189 Bryan-College Station —SPJST—

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; 979-968-9399; 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.

Each Monday during Spring Semester Beginning January 25 Brazos Valley CHS Czech Language Classes—at St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Activity Center, 600 East 26th Street, Bryan: for all levels; 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost of class $35. Jan Benes, Czech Education Foundation of Texas Fellow Hlavinka Fellow selected student from the Czech Republic is instructor. For information, contact Jo Ann 979-846-2035; or Lynette 979-450-1820/email lur-

banovsky@gmail.com. Submitted by JoAnn Zaeske, Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station.

Second/Fourth Tuesdays/Month Beginning January 26 Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center “Svacina Time!”—at 119 West French Avenue, Temple: Bi-monthly Czech language social hour, 2 to 3 p.m. Social hour will follow a structured format that changes every 15 minutes. This is not a class - no homework. Betty Marek and Janet Young will coordinate the logistics. For information, call 254-8992935; or email czechheritagemuseum@gmail.com. Submitted by Susan Chandler, Museum Administrator, Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center.

February 6 SS. Cyril and Methodius Hall hosts Ted Lange and Mollie B/Squeeze Box—at SS. Cyril and Methodius Hall, Granger, 6 to 10 p.m. Kitchen opens at 5 p.m. For tickets, call 512-859-2236; or email sscmhall@gmail.com. Submitted by John Maresh.

February 13 TCHCC Valentine Dinner/Piano Concert—at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange. Evening begins at 4 p.m. with social, appetizers, featured wines and Czech mead; fourcourse dinner/desserts served at 6 p.m. in Hanslik Banquet Hall; followed by grand piano concert with pianist John Dujka. Advance ticket reservations only by February 8. Tickets are $75 per person and includes all drinks, appetizers, dinner, concert, and roses for attendees. Only 80 tickets will be sold. For more information or to reserve your tickets, contact TCHCC at 1-888-785-4500; or email

info@czechtexas.org. Visit www.czechtexas.org. Proceeds benefit TCHCC.

February 20 Czech ExStudent’s Association of Texas (CESAT) Annual Membership Meeting— at Blinn College in Schulenburg, 10 a.m. Members who have paid their dues will have the opportunity to be a part of the meeting via the internet. Submitted by Thadious Polášek, Lodge 67, Schulenburg.

February 28 Application Deadline for Czech Heritage Society of Texas’ Victor Peter Scholarship—For scholarship submission guidelines, contact: CHS of Texas Victor Peter Memorial Scholarship, c/o Pat Parma, 3311 Carolina Way, Richmond, Texas 77406-9680. Submitted by Pat Parma, Lodge 81, Needville. March 6 Bexar County CHS Dance—at Martinez Social Club, 7791 FM 1346 at FM 1516, San Antonio, 2 to 6 p.m., Mark Halata and Texavia. Refreshments. For information, call 210-648-2681. Submitted by Alice Vida, BCCHS Reporter

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. —SPJST—

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Johann Gregor Mendel By Ivo Marek Choceň, Czech Republic

Gregor Johann Mendel (*July 20, 1822, † January 6, 1884) was the German-speaking Moravian scientist and Augustinian friar who gained posthumous fame as the founder of the modern science of genetics. Though farmers had known for centuries that crossbreeding of animals and plants could favor certain desirable traits, Mendel’s pea plant experiments conducted between 1856 and 1863 established many rules of heredity, now referred to as the laws of Mendelian inheritance. During his childhood, Mendel worked as a gardener and studied beekeeping. He lived and worked on a farm owning by the Mendel family for at least 130 years. Later, as a young man, he attended gymnasium in Opava. From 1840 to 1843, he studied practical and theoretical philosophy and physics on the University of Olomouc on Faculty of Letters. He was given the name Gregor when he entered to Augustinian friars. In 1851, he was sent to the University of Vienna for a study. Mendel returned as a teacher principally of physics into the abbey in 1853. He became abbot of the monastery in Brno at 1867. Mendel probed into seven characteristics of pea plants: plant height, pod shape and color, seed shape and color, and blossom position and color. He showed on a seed color that when a yellow pea and a green pea were bred together their descendant plants were always yellow. However, in the further plants’ generation, green peas again at the ratio of 1:3 reappeared. For explain of this phenomenon, Mendel established nomenclature “recessive” and “dominant” afterwards

of certain traits. (In the preceding example, green peas are recessive and yellow peas are dominant.) He published his work in 1866, demonstrating of invisible “factors” - now called genes - activity providing of visible traits in a predictable way. Mendel presented his textbook, Versuche über Pflanzenhybriden (Experiments on Plant Hybridization), at two meetings of the Natural History Society of Brno in Moravia on February 8 and March 8, 1865. It was received favorably. Gregor Mendel is known as the “Father of Modern Genetics”. He studied on the monastery’s 2 hectares (4.9 acres) experimental garden. After start experiments with pea plants, Mendel targeted on a study of seven traits that seemed to inherit independently of other traits: 1) seed shape, 2) blossom color, 3) seed coat hue, 4) pod shape, 5) unripe pod color, 6) blossom location, and 7) plant height. Mendel cultivated and tested some 29,000 pea plants (Pisum sativum). This study showed that one in four pea plants had a purebred recessive trait, two out of four were crossings and one out of four was purebred dominant. His experiments led him to express of two results, the Law of Segregation and the Law of Independent Assortment, which later came to be known as Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance. Mendel died on 6 January 1884, at the age of 61, in Brno, Moravia, Austria-Hungary (now Czech Republic), from chronic nephritis. After his death, the following abbot burned all records of Mendel’s collection.

Sources: http://www.radio.cz/en/static/inventors/mendel https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregor_Mendel

—SPJST—

František Kupka By Ivo Marek Choceň, Czech Republic

František Kupka (further FK) was a Czech painter and graphic artist of world significance and he was one of the founders of modern abstract painting. He was born in Opočno, Bohemia on September 23rd 1871 and died in Puteaux, France on June 24th, 1957; so is 144th anniversary of his birth in September 2015. He lived most of his life in France. František Kupka was also a graphic designer-illustrator of books. FK was born as the oldest of five children in a family of a notarial officer. He spent his youth in Dobruška, where he learned saddler’s craft. Yet at that time he painted signboards and holy personalities’ pictures. He approved a great artistic talent, and therefore he was sent first to the craft school in Jaroměř

VĚSTNÍK

and later at the Prague Academy of F i n e A r t s (1887). He went to Vienna 1891; he was sent to Paris as a scholarship holder in 1895. On his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts, he was living with a placards’ painting; he taught religion and even exhibited as a spiritual medium. Around 1903, he made the first time internationally famous through a publication of his satirical drawings in the Parisian magazine L’Assiette au Beurre. He made three separate issues of this magazine i.e. albums with the names of Money, Religion and Peace. In WWI in 1914, he left voluntarily to

Th he Cz zech po pollka ba an nds of Ennis invitte yo ou to the 10 0th ann nual

Saturday, d Februar ry 13, 2016 1:00 PM to 10:30 PM M

Sokol o Activity Center 2622 E Hwy 34 ² Ennis, TX 75119

CZECH HARVESTERS 1:00 JOD DIE MIKULA A ORCHEST TRA 3:00 CZECH & THE T N SOME E 5:00 MORA AVIANS 7:0 :00 0 ENNIS CZE ECH BOYS 9:0 :00

$7 pe r person o • -Ages Ages 113 3 &and un nde r ffree ree free OnlyOnl $8yper person under

Doors open 12:00PM - No reservations - Kitchen open - Cash bar - Raffflee Prizes ǡ ǲ ǳ ȋ Ȍ

Feb 12th ² FESTIVAL T Prer Par rty 6pm-11pm in Sokol Clubroom (back ent trance) ² DOOR RS OPEN 5PM - No cover charge ge

ǯ Ƭ OUT OF THE H BOX 7:00-11:00PM ´7KLV LV D JUHDW ZD\ WR H[WHQG \RXU VXSSRUW DSSUHFLDWLRQ IRU &]HFK PXVLF KHULWDJHµ

Stay tuned to the KBEC Polka Party 9AM-11AM AM every Sundayy on KBEC 1390 or www.KBEC.com www.ennisczechmusicffestival.com - ennisczech hmusic@yahoo.com m - 972-878-4748 Ȃ Like us on Facebook

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

fight on the front and he was wounded. He was awarded the Officer’s Order of Honor’s Legion, and for his worth in the army, he received a rank of captain. He helped to organize the Czechoslovak legions in France in Paris, where he founded the so-called Czech colony. After the WWI, he was appointed Professor at the Prague Academy, where he also read in 1920. Later he read in Paris, where he taught Czechoslovak scholarship holders. By his life, he organized many expositions and has received numerous awards for his work. Picture Amorpha Fugue à deux couleurs (Shapeless Dump in two colors), Kupka exposed on the Fall’s Saloon in Paris in 1912. Top period of Kupka’s creation is so called pure abstraction. An important role was also the Kupka relationship to music, leading to the progress of an art course – orfism, in which it deals about following of music and fine arts.

CUBA & CUBA, P.L.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law

• ESTATE PLANNING • WILLS • TRUSTS PROBATE • REAL ESTATE • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL FARM AND RANCH • MORTGAGES • LAND USE EMINENT DOMAIN • CONTRACTS • LEASES • FRANCHISES BUSINESS SALES AND ACqUISITIONS • CORPORATION • PARTNERSHIP • LLC • INSURANCE CLAIMS • TRIAL • MEDIATION

254-778-1824

was sold in Czech auction for 22.1 million crowns in 2007. The picture Tvar modré (Blue shape) (from FK) was auctioned off at 57.4 million crowns in the year 2012. Significant collections of Kupka´s pictures and studies are laid in Prague in Museum

The biggest exposition of his work was the exhibition of his pictures in Japan in 1994. František Kupka’s pictures large exhibition was realized in Prague’s National Gallery 1998. Picture Élévation (Heights) IV from FK

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

SPJST Lodge #88

Save the Date! FREE Public Dance

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Details Coming Soon!

Kampa and in the National Gallery.

Source: https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franti%C5%A1e k_Kupka http://zpravy.aktualne.cz/domaci/trh-sumenim-lame-rekordy-mel-letos-obrat-550milionu/r~i:article:783976/

—SPJST—

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

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) Note: The bridge on the road to the hall is out; there is a detour to get to the hall. Directions: Take Farm Road 2114 East for 5 miles. Turn right on Adair Road and immediately veer right onto Marek Road. Marek Road runs into Czech Hall Road. Turn right onto Czech Hall Road. The hall is on the left about 1/2 mile. Sunday, February 7—Lodge 6 meeting 2 p.m. Friday, February 19—Cottonwood Water Supply Meeting Sunday, March 6—Lodge meeting, 2 p.m.; SPJST 6 Inc. meeting and Easter party

Lodge Hall: 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. Note: The bridge on the road to the hall is out; there is a detour to get to the hall. Directions: Take Farm Road 2114 East for 5 miles. Turn right on Adair Road and immediately veer right onto Marek Road. Marek Road runs into Czech Hall Road. Turn right onto Czech Hall Road. Hall on the left about 1/2 mile down. Hall Rental Information: 254-799-8550; Hall Phone: 254-227-8759. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. 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) Saturday, February 6—Dining room rental Sunday, February 7—Dining room rental Thursday, February 11—Lodge meeting Friday, February 12—Dining room rental Saturday, February 13—Dining room rental Saturday, February 20—Hall rental Saturday, February 27—SPJST Lodge 25 Annual Fundraiser. For details, see lodge letter on page ??? .

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, February 3—Sam and Bobby Band with guest musician Fritz Hodde, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, February 5—Second Hand Rose, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Sunday, February 7—SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Youth Club monthly meeting, 1 p.m. at Taylor SPJST Hall Thursday, February 11—SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor members monthly meeting, begins at 6:30 p.m. Covered dish meal follows the meeting Friday, February 12—Night Skies, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 17—Sam and Bobby Band with guest musician Fritz Hodde, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, February 19—Old Friends, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, February 26—Sterling Country Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 5025 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: In Taylor, at intersection of State Hwy 95 and US 79 Business (4th Street), turn east on Hwy 79. Proceed to FM 619, turn north (left) and go about .8 mile to the hall. Hall Rental Information: 512-352-9139; Hall Phone: 512-352-9139. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. For information, call Youth Leader Cristy Girod 512-468-1347. Music: First and third Wednesday each month, music by Bobby Jay Five Band, 7 to 10 p.m.; Friday evening, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. LODGE 30, TAITON (6) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo.

LODGE 32, VICTORIA (6) Lodge Hall: 3502 North Laurent, Victoria.Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 35, ELK (3) Saturday, February 13—Gordon Collier Band Saturday, February 20—Midnight Mustangs Saturday, February 27—Steve Dansby and the Tailgate Philosophers

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.

VĚSTNÍK

LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at Six Mile Presbyterian Church, Royal Road, Port Lavaca.

LODGE 47, SEATON (2) Lodge Hall: 10842 State Highway 53, Temple. Directions: Seaton Star Hall is five miles east of Temple on Highway 53 (Adams Avenue). Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Michelle Porubsky 254-493-8020; Hall Phone: 254-985-2548. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Visit www.seatonstarhall.com.

LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE (2) Lodge Hall: 10450 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: From Taylor, take the South Loop. Turn right on FM 112. Go about 1/2 mile. Turn right on FM 619. Go about three miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 512-450-8310. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.; except for the following months, the meeting time will be at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 11; Monday, June 15; Monday, July 13; and Monday, August 10 at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the lodge hall.

LODGE 49, ROWENA (4) Lodge Hall: 706 FM 2133, Rowena. Hall Rental Information: 325-442-4841. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of February, May, August, and November, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. at the lodge hall. LODGE 51, ELLINGER (1) Lodge Meetings: Third Friday of March, June, September, and December, 6:30 p.m. at Ellinger Fire Department, West Main Street in Ellinger.

LODGE 54, WEST (3) Lodge Meetings: First Friday in March, June, and November; the second Friday in September at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Hall, 303 South Harrison Street in West.

LODGE 63, SWEET HOME (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. For meeting location, call 361-594-8429

LODGE 66, WACO (3) Lodge Meetings: Location, date, and time to be announced in the lodge’s monthly meeting minutes that appear in the Věstník. Call 254-799-4247 for more information.

LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG Lodge Meetings: Third or fourth Sunday of March, June, September, and December (Christmas) at Frank’s Restaurant in Schulenburg at 2 p.m. Call Ernest Kutac to confirm meeting date 979-561-7190. LODGE 73, SEYMOUR (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 12 p.m. For meeting location, call 940-256-2263.

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

LODGE 79, CORPUS CHRISTI (7) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Meal served at 1 p.m.; meeting follows. Visitors welcome. Hall Phone: 361-854-8423. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi.

LODGE 80, HOLLAND (2) Lodge Hall: 12141 East FM 2268, Holland. Directions: On Hwy 95, south of Holland, turn east onto FM 2268; go 1/2 mile to hall on the right. Hall Phone: 254657-2485. Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 4 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Youth Leader Connie Horak’s home; call 254-541-9165 for address. Board of Directors’ Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 3:30 p.m. Bingo: Every Thursday at 7 p.m. Permit No. SP12371416574; AL17460607355.

LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5) Lodge Hall: 13609 Highway 36, Needville. Directions: Lodge building is located at the corner of Highway 36 and FM 361. Hall Rental Information: 979-793-4313; email td_stavinoha@yahoo.com. Hall Phone: 361-793-4742. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Contact Youth Leader Bradley Stavinoha 979-739-2386.

VĚSTNÍK

LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) Note: Youth club meetings are held one hour before the adult lodge meeting at the lodge hall unless otherwise noted. For information, contact Youth Leader Bessie Petr. 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. Youth Club Meetings: Held one hour before the adult lodge meeting at the lodge hall unless otherwise noted. For information, contact Youth Leader Bessie Petr.

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, 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 Saturday, March 5—Moonglow Orchestra, big band. *Dress Code. $15

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) Sunday, February 7— Randy and the 92 Roadhouse Band, country and western, 2 to 6 p.m. $6 Tuesday, February 9—Ladies Circle, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 9—Game night at Lodge 92, 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 10—Sportsmans' club meeting, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.: monthly meeting of hunting and fishing enthusiasts with speakers and prize drawings.Open to the public. Free. Friday, February 12—Tanglefoot ballroom dance, 8 to 11 p.m. Members $10; non-members $17. Sunday, February 14—Lodge 92 meeting, 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 23—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.

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.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

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 meeting location/time will be announced in the Vestnik.

Tuesday, February 23—Lodge meeting at 6 p.m. at Golden Corral Buffet Restaurant, 1604 Interstate 45 North in Conroe, which is on the I45 northbound access road between SH105/West Davis and Wilson Road.

Lodge Meetings: Lodge meeting location/time will be announced in the Vestnik. For further information, contact President Barbara Williams-Rash 936-295-7778; email b.d.willrash@att.net; Vice President Chuck Toney 281-362-9062; email cdtiii@toney.us; or Treasurer Patsy McClelland 936-788-5714; 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.

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—

Life Insurance and More Home Office: 520 North Main Temple, Texas 76501 800-727-7578

info@spjst.org www.spjst.org