ˇ ´ VESTNIK
Volume 104 Number 13
S P J S T Benevolence
H E R A L D
★ Humanity ISSN —07458800
★ Brotherhood
March 30, 2016
Convention Souvenir Program Book Deadline is April 4
The 32nd SPJST Convention will be sist with ad design. Please include the held June 13 to 15, 2016, at Killeen text for the ad and photos or clip art images. Digital imCivic and Conferages saved in ence Center in TIFF, EPS, JPEG, Killeen, Texas. or PDF files will Plans include pubwork best. Digilishing a souvenir tal-ready adverprogram book, tisements should and members, be saved as PDF lodges, districts, files. All text, businesses, and photographs, or friends are cordigital files must dially invited to place an adver32nd SPJST Convention be received with payment by April tisement in the June 12 to 15, 2016 4, 2016. Please book. Killeen Civic mail or email to: The Official and Conference Center Convention SouKilleen, Texas SPJST Vestnik venir Program Editor/Director of Book will be disCommunication tributed to apMelanie Zavodny proximately 300 PO Box 100 delegates and visTemple, Texas itors at the con76503-0100 vention. All advertisers will receive a complimenemail: melaniez@vvm.com tary book. Prices for advertisements in the Official Convention Souvenir ProChecks made payable to SPJST can gram Book are: be mailed to the address above and must accompany advertisement inforFull Page Ad — $100 mation by April 4. All proceeds from Half Page Ad — $60 advertisement sales will go to the Quarter Page Ad — $35 Czech Heritage Museum and GenealEighth Page Ad — $20 ogy Center and SPJST Education and In Memoriam — $10 Nature Center. (photo can be included) For questions or additional informaWell Wish Greeting — $5 tion, please contact the SPJST Vest(one line of text) nik/Communication Department at or email All advertisements will be printed in 800-727-7578 full color. The SPJST Vestnik/Commu- melaniez@vvm.com. —SPJST— nication Department is available to as-
N N N N N N N N
Important Dates ...................................3 Interest Rates ......................................3 Convention 2016 Information.............8 ENC Job Postings ...............................9 Financial Statement ..........................10 From the Districts..............................11
Easter Egg-citement
A big SPJST congratulations to Zoey Hyatt for winning first place in the ages four and under coloring contest at the Lodge 196, Houston-West Easter egg hunt held Sunday, March 6. Zoey displays her coloring sheet in one hand and her Easter bunny prize in the other hand. See article and more photos on page 23. —Submitted by Mark Childres, President
Early SPJST Voting
Lodge 81, Needville member Dan Pavlas displays a voting “machine” used in the 1920s at SPJST Conventions and meetings. Dan demonstrated the device at the lodge’s meeting held March 20.
Inside Th is Week’s Vestnik
Lodge Section....................................14 Youth Section ....................................27 In Memoriam ......................................32 Czech Culture ....................................35 Advertisements .................................37 Lodge Calendar .................................38
Page 20
Lodge 17 New Tabor welcomes new members
N N N N N N N N Page 22
Lodge 80 Holland hosts St. Patrick’s Day Bingo
Pages 28,30
Youth clubs participate in state food drive
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Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Editor’s Note
ˇ ´ VESTNIK
SPJST Car Show May 7 in Seaton
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 4188 FM 1303, Floresville, Texas 78114-6092 Home: 830-393-2872 email: blackbayer39@hotmail.com FRATERNAL FIELD MANAGERS DISTRICTS ONE/TWO/THREE Philip (Phil) McBee, FICF, CFFM Mobile: 325-647-1949 • Fax: 325-784-7448 email: philipmcbee@aol.com DISTRICTS FOUR/SEVEN Bobby Davis, FICF, CFFM Mobile: 325-450-3748 • Fax: 325-657-2003 email: bgdsr2428@aol.com DISTRICTS FIVE/SIX Delisle Doherty Mobile: 254-239-9616 • Mobile: 832-232-2049 email: delisled@spjst.com
FINANCIAL SECRETARY ROY VAJDAK 254-773-1575 email: royv@spjst.com
STATE FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR FRANK HORAK Office: 254-773-1575 • Mobile: 254-534-0681 email: frankh@spjst.com STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR LYNETTE TALASEK Office: 254-773-1575 • Mobile: 254-931-0639 email: lynettet@spjst.com
DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Sharon Russell, 1292 CR 441, Dime Box, 77853 • 979-884-0807 - sharonTexas russell28@yahoo.com District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S. St. Joseph Road, Burlington, Texas 76519-3108 - 254-985-2396 patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Kay Weeks, 4203 Treehaven Ct, Arlington, Texas 76016 • 817-896-5277 - kgweeks@att.net District Four - Pam Lehmann, PO Box 637, Tahoka, Texas 79373-0637 - 806-561-5105 - plehmann@poka.com District Five - Barbara Linney-Gonzales - 6043 Pineway Blvd., Houston, Texas 77023-6510 - 713-649-6138 - district5dyc@aol.com District Six - Lisa Bubela, 1405 Divide Street, El 77437 - 979-543-7120 Campo, Texas lisa_bubela@yahoo.com District Seven - Theresa Haag, 1334 Rivercrest Drive New Braunfels, Texas 78130 - 830-625-8262 theresa.haag686@gmail.com BY-LAW COMMITTEE District One - Richard Ford, 2392 CR 424, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - 979-884-1451 - dimebox5@aol.com District Two - Ronnie Rieger, 350 Rieger Road, Coupland, Texas 78615 - 512-365-2000 - 512-848-2416/cell - RonnieR1056@yahoo.com District Three - Kay Lynn Kovar, 3303 West Lake Bardwell Drive, Ennis, Texas 75119 - 972-875-6827 District Four - Beverly J. Teplicek, 817 FM 381, Rowena, Texas 76875 - 325-442-4841 - bjtep@verizon.net District Five - Mildred Holeman, 4001 North Shepherd, Suite 112, Houston, Texas 77018 - 713-683-0018 - mmholeman@yahoo.com District Six - Joe Siptak, 2312 Norvell, Bay City, Texas 77414 - 979-244-4415; 979-479-0056 cell District Seven - Oscar Korus, 2565 Bruce Road, Poteet, Texas 78065 - 830-391-4169 - oscarkorus@gmail.com
FINANCE COMMITTEE District One - Thomas Cannon, P.O. Box 372, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - 979-567-4264 - jtcannon60@hotmail.com District Two - Edwin Pechal, 10660 State Highway 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - 254-985-2282 Edwin_Pechal@yahoo.com District Three - Michael Galler, 526 Karen, Waco, Texas 76706 - 254-662-4934 - mgaller@brazoselectric.com District Four - Herman D. Weise, 6006 FM Highway 765, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - 325-651-8550 - hdweise@zipnet.us District Five - Marceil Malak, 7444 Meiners Road, Ledbetter, Texas 78946-5118 - 979-249-5940 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, 305 Bluehaw Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628-6367 - 512-948-5339 - tcannon4715@yahoo.com District Three - Lynda Novak, 7153 Cornelia Ln, Dallas, Texas 75214 - 972-948-4456 District Four - Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Drive, San Angelo, Texas 76903 - 325-651-5884 District Five - Lorenda Baldwin, 219 CR 47, Angleton, Texas 77515 - 979-922-1279 District Six - Helen Kelner, 911 Avenue K, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 - 281-342-2624 District Seven - Jarolyn Popp, 447 Shady Hollow, New Braunfels, Texas 78132 - 830-964-5135 HUMAN RESOURCES DEBBIE KLINKOVSKY 254-773-1575 • email: debbiek@spjst.com
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T
he March 9 Vestnik featured a Czech Easter egg hunt through the pages of the Vestnik. More than 150 members submitted their finds. The names were entered into a drawing, and three lucky winners were selected. Congratulations to: Gilbert Canik Lodge 1, Fayetteville Warren J. Lange Lodge 49, Rowena
Chelsi Orsak Lodge 73, Seymour
These members each received a beautiful kraslice - Czech Easter egg. Thanks to each and every person who submitted an entry.
Still to Come . . . This week’s Vestnik is another 40-page issue. Unfortunately, it was not enough as several items are awaiting next week’s issue. Please stay tuned for these features: • Dedication of November 5, 2009 Fort Hood Memorial • Scenes from Youth Leaders Workshop and Banquet • Scenes from District Two Spring Meeting • Scenes from District Six Youth Development Workshop • Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club’s March and Easter Activities • Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club Easter Egg Hunt
Thanks to our members, readers, and very dedicated Vestnik contributors for making each issue special and a historical archive for SPJST.
SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration is Saturday, May 7 The 2016 SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration is coming up on Saturday, May 7. Thanks to Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall for hosting the event. A big day is planned with many exciting activities including music, Czech demonstrations and displays, a kolache eating contest, and kids’ activities. The Praha Bros. will entertain during the afternoon. It will be a day filled with shopping, too, through many vendor booths that will offer many unique items - plus the silent auction will feature a vast array of merchandise, too. Proceeds will benefit the SPJST Foundation which supports the Czech Heritage Museum and SPJST Education and Nature Center. A very special thanks to our sponsors. We will feature them in an upcoming Vestnik. We are so appreciative for their help with this event. If you or your lodge would like to be a sponsor, please call SPJST Foundation Director of Development James Lee, III at 254-7731575, ext. 246. It’s going to be a great day in Seaton on Saturday, May 7. I hope that you can join in on the fun! —SPJST—
For SPJST updates, find us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/spjst
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, March 30, 2016
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Family Fun and Important Dates
March 31 April 2
100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive Ends State 42 Domino Tournament SPJST Home Office, Temple April 2 District Three Delegates’ Meeting Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) April 2 District Four Spring Meeting Logan’s Restaurant, Abilene (4) April 3 District Six Spring Meeting Lodge 23, Moravia (6) April 3 District Seven Spring Meeting Jourdanton Community Center (7) April 3 Lodge 47, Seaton Frank Klinkovsky, Sr. Scholarship Fundraiser (2) April 4 Deadline for Advertising in SPJST Convention Souvenir Program Book April 9 Lodge 38, Kovar hosts SPJST Float: Smithville Jamboree (1) April 10 District One Spring Meeting Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) April 10 District Two Beseda Dancers’ Barbecue Fundraiser Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall (2) April 10 District Five Delegates’ Meeting Lodge 88, Houston (5) April 10 Lodge 107, Floresville Banquet (7) April 11-13 Insurance License Class SPJST Home Office, Temple April 13 Deadline for By-Law Recommendations April 13 Deadline for Finance Committee Recommendations April 16 District Five Spring Meeting Lodge 88, Houston (5) April 16 Lodge 81, Needville hosts SPJST Float: Needville Youth Fair Parade (5) April 17 Lodge 38, Kovar Dinner and Country Auction (1) April 17 Lodge 84, Dallas Honors Longtime Members (3) April 17 Lodge 133, San Antonio Anniversary Celebration (7) April 19-21 Supreme Lodge Meeting • Temple April 24 District Three Spring Meeting Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) April 27 Administrative Professionals Day April 28 Deadline for Pre-Convention Vestnik May 7 Join Hands Day 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.
SPJST INTEREST RATES . . . 02/01/2016 - 04/30/2016
SPJST Farm/Residential/ Universal Life Commercial Property Universal Life 3 Information (plans 1203-1222 with a Call the SPJST Home Office guaranteed rate of 2.50%) 800-727-7578 for information. Credited Rate: 3.00% 75% Residential/Farm Whole Life/ Loans for 5 to 30 Years Universal Life 3 Commercial Property (plans 1223-1232 with a Loans for 1 to 10 Years guaranteed rate of 2.50%) and 11 to 15 Years 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%
Members enjoy fun contests in Věstník
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Readers Write
Dear Editor, Thank you for all the fun contests you have for kids and adults alike. My six-year-old grandson enjoys them so much. He said they are like his hidden pictures book. Again, thanks so much for getting the little ones involved. Susan Cernosek Lodge 88, Houston —SPJST—
Ennis Sewing Circle appreciates Věstník letters
Dear Melanie, Enclosed is a donation to the SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund in honor of the Věstník Staff. Thank you for publishing our Ennis Sewing Circle articles each month. Our ladies always look forward to reading them. Respectfully, Dolores Vrana, Treasurer Ennis Sewing Circle —SPJST—
SPJST State Tournament State 42 Domino Tournament this Saturday
The 2016 SPJST State 42 Domino Tournament is Saturday, April 2, 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 twoperson team format. If you do not have a partner, one will be assigned, if available. Registration fee is $10 per player which includes snacks and lunch. Prizes will be awarded. Please register by Monday, March 28 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—
From the Insurance Department Opportunity Knocks - Go For It!
SPJST is offering a wonderful opportunity to advance and enhance your career. On April 11, 12, and 13, 2016, there will be a three-day class at the SPJST Home Office that will prepare you to pass an exam to be a licensed life insurance agent. You will receive all of the help you will need to pass the exam, including an up-to-date textbook and CD for home study. The author of the textbook will be your teacher, Dr. B. J. Sims, an experienced instructor whose success rate for first-time test-takers has been a phenomenal 98 percent. Ask yourself, what is in it for me? First, it will help you get a better un-
derstanding of life insurance products. Second, it will provide increased income opportunities as you share SPJST with others. Third, it will give you the satisfaction of helping families solve their insurance problems and ensure their families have peace of mind. The cost for all three days is only $125. If you then become an SPJST agent (or are one already) and write at least 10 applications between April 13 and December 31, SPJST will reimburse you the cost of the class. Please contact the SPJST Home Office at 254-773-1575 by March 31 if you would like to attend. —SPJST—
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Wednesday, March 30, 2016
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SPJST Officers Address Member Inquiry Related to Bonus Compensation
Dear Members, The March 9, 2016, Vestnik included a letter from Lodge 25, Ennis member Pat Fowler requesting clarification on any bonuses which may have been paid to SPJST officers and/or employees in the past. We appreciate the opportunity to address this question and bring clarity to the matter. From 2005 to 2007, a sales incentive bonus was paid to SPJST Officers, Editor/Director of Communication, Directors, and Home Office employees. For the Officers, Editor/Director of Communication, and Directors, the amount was equal to two weeks compensation. The bonus was paid on the basis of a performance schedule established by the Supreme Lodge which mandated that various production goals be achieved before a bonus would be paid. The incentive program was approved by the Supreme Lodge without the input of the Finance Committee. Vice President Clifton Coufal, Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska, and Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak, were not officers at the time the 2006-2008 incentives were paid. During the Finance Committee meeting of 2008, it was determined that moving forward, all bonuses for Supreme Lodge Officers, Editor/Director of Communication, and Directors must first be approved by the Finance Committee. Delegates to the 30th SPJST Convention in 2008 provided for a bonus with the passage of the following recommendation: “When annual net gain of operations reach or exceed $1,000,000 plus an increase in surplus, the elected officers, directors, and Editor/Director of Communication would receive a bonus of 2 percent of their salary of the year in which the bonus was earned. When $1,000,000 in net gain of operations and an increase in surplus is attained in consecutive years, elected officers, directors, and Editor/Director of Communication would receive a bonus of 4 percent of their salary of the year in which the bonus
was earned. Recipients must be employed at the time of the distribution of the bonus.” As a follow-up, in 2011, SPJST posted a $1 million net gain from operations and added $193,000 to surplus; however, no bonus was paid. On a related note, delegates to the 31st SPJST Convention in 2012 passed the recommendation that “Officers and Directors should not be paid a bonus until the earned surplus reaches the $24 million level.” In short, no bonuses have been extended to Supreme Lodge members or the Editor/Director of Communication since the 2007 calendar year, and none of our current Supreme Lodge officers were in place in 2001 when a Christmas bonus — equivalent to two weeks compensation — was extended by the Supreme Lodge to officers, directors, and employees. The current Supreme Lodge Officers work well together as a management team and have worked to effectively address — and in some cases eliminate — many of the policy servicing issues, investment challenges, and management concerns which weighed heavy on SPJST in the past. The SPJST management team touched on these issues at a pre-convention information forum for all SPJST Standing Committee members which took place at the SPJST Home Office on Saturday, February 27, 2016. A summary of that meeting begins in the right column on this page. Thank you for your kind attention. Fraternally, Brian Vanicek President
Clifton Coufal Vice President
Leonard Mikeska Secretary-Treasurer Roy Vajdak Financial Secretary —SPJST—
SPJST Management Team Hosts Standing Committee Pre-Convention Meeting
The SPJST management team hosted a Standing Committee Pre-Convention Meeting on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at the SPJST Home Office in Temple. The purpose of the open forum was to stimulate a discussion for items relating to the 32nd SPJST Convention which is set for June 13 to 15. Participants included President Brian Vanicek, Vice President Clifton Coufal, Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska, Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak, and Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny; Directors: Donnie Victorick, Jesse Pospisil, John Engelke, Billy Rollwitz, Larry W. Pflughaupt, Karen Kaspar, and Bob Bayer; By-Law Committee: Chairman Ronnie Rieger, Richard Ford, Kay Lynn Kovar, Beverly Teplicek, Mildred Holeman, Joe Siptak, and Oscar Korus; Finance Committee: Chairman Dewyan Weise, Michael Galler, Marceil Malak, and Glenn Kaminsky; Insurance Committee: Wendy Pruski; Publication Committee: Chairman Jarolyn Popp, Floyd Kostelka, Tammy Cannon, Lynda Novak, and Helen Kelner; and Human Resource Administrator Debbie Klinkovsky. Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek stated that it was the desire of the Home Office management team that the forum be a frank and open discussion — and not simply a lecture — of the management issues relevant to the upcoming convention process. The forum, he said, represented the first time in his 24 years of SPJST service that management had presented a preconvention information forum for the standing committees. “Too often in years past, the months leading to the convention have been laced with misinformation and innuendo,” he said. “That was wrong and it was counterproductive to the Home Office work environment, to the convention process, and to fraternalism in general.” We can work to achieve our great potential by being transparent in our operations, thorough in communicating the issues that we are facing and by articulating clear goals and objectives for the future.” President Vanicek acknowledged that the constructive relationship enjoyed by the current management team and directors was an evolutionary process and the result of the officers, staff and directors working to identify
and resolve many of the issues that had been eroding the financial base of the organization. Officers cited several examples to support that assertion, including:
(1) The elimination of an annual dividend in 2006 — which had been paid for nearly 40 years — on an entire class of life certificates not designed or priced to pay a dividend;
(2) The massive overhaul of the Universal Life insurance accounting process which took place as the result of an internal audit in 2008 that revealed that a large number of Universal Life certificates had been booked improperly;
(3) The recognition of the high lapse ratio of life insurance certificates issued through the mid-2000s during which the lapse ratio exceeded more than 12 percent annually; through 2015, that lapse ratio had been lowered to 2.6 percent;
(4) the internal audits from the mid2000s have evolved from a time consuming task in which multiple areas of expenditure were identified, challenged, and eliminated to a streamlined process where detailed reports are provided to the committee in advance of their meeting allowing the committee to focus on more than just the financials; and
(5) the implementation of an investment strategy beginning in year 2008 designed to help SPJST meet its many and varied obligations as well as rebuild its unallocated surplus which declined from $24 million to $13 million between 2007 and 2008.
Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak indicated that SPJST presently maintains an unallocated surplus of approximately $19 million. Secretary Treasurer Leonard Mikeska took it as an opportunity to explain the term “unallocated surplus.” “Unallocated surplus isn’t a cash account,” explained Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska. “It’s a calculation which represents SPJST’s excess of assets over liabilities that represents a measure of financial soundness of the society and its ability to remain viable and solvent
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even through tough economic times.” Vice President Coufal reported on the overall increase in life insurance sales persistency. Persistency, by definition, is the amount of new business written that continues to stay on the books. The 25month persistency in 2015 was 91 percent compared to 81 percent in 2014. The 13-month persistency was 94 percent in 2015 compared to 87 percent in 2014. He acknowledged the efforts of the SPJST sales agents who had been bringing in good business, working to keep it on the books, and taking care of our members’ life insurance needs. He noted that insurance certificates issued in the preceding 12 months had increased by 18.5 percent, from 888 in 2014 to 1,053 in 2015. Thanks to corrective actions which have been taken, President Vanicek said SPJST is better positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities in the future. “SPJST has an impressive fraternal program. We continue to look for ways to make that program relevant in the lives of our members even as we work to position SPJST to respond to the regulatory challenges facing the life insurance industry.” He thanked SPJST Standing Committee members for their willingness to serve and work for the betterment of the Society.
April 13 Deadline President Vanicek reiterated that the deadline for submitting recommendations for changes to the by-laws is April 13. Recommended changes can be submitted to the Special Structure Committee’s proposed recommendations that were presented in the September 9, 2015, Vestnik as well as to the current by-laws.
Special Structure Committee Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Zavodny, who served as secretary on the Special Structure Committee, explained the eight-year process which led to the recommendation to update the by-laws and to concurrently develop an SPJST Operations Manual. The Special Structure Committee came into being as a result of actions taken by delegates to the 2004 Convention to see what structure was necessary for SPJST and to hire a professional consulting firm to work with an SPJST committee to determine the needs. The Supreme Lodge met in January 2008, and representatives to the Special Structure Committee were appointed shortly thereafter. Attorney Todd Martin served as a consultant on the project. Mr. Martin was recommended to
SPJST by the American Fraternal Alliance (formerly National Fraternal Congress of America). He serves as outside general counsel to the American Fraternal Alliance. His primary practice has been devoted to the fraternal system during which time he has provided legal services to more than 30 fraternal benefit societies across the country including several fraternal restructuring projects. The SPJST Special Structure Committee first met through a telephone conference in March 2008 to review a by-laws document that Mr. Martin prepared. Committee members then met face-to-face in April 2008 to further review the document and converse with Mr. Martin, who participated through teleconference. Generally stated, it was the contention of the consultant that a lot of the detailed information included in our bylaws would be better presented in a policies and procedures - or operations - manual – as a companion document to the by-laws. Members of the committee saw merit in elaborating on the scope and description of various Supreme Lodge officer positions as well as elaborating on many operating procedures which had previously not been included in the by-laws. It was apparent early on that it would be difficult and expensive for the entire committee to meet on a regular basis so a subcommittee was formed to provide routine in-depth assessments and suggestions to the structure of the existing by-laws. The subcommittee consisted of Committee Chairman Donnie Victorick, Committee Secretary Melanie Zavodny, Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, and Lisa Bubela of Lodge 30, Taiton. The subcommittee began its work through a series of workdays in April 2008. At the direction of the Special Structure Committee, the subcommittee extensively reviewed the by-laws, and an effort was made to organize the material – not eliminate it – into a more clean and concise manner. Special Structure Committee members came together in May 2008 to review the subcommittee’s work. In reporting to the delegates at the 2008 SPJST Convention on behalf of the committee, President Vanicek and Committee Secretary Zavodny stated that the work of the Special Structure Committee was still in progress and would be delivered to the delegates at the 2012 SPJST Convention. Following the 2008 Convention, the subcommittee continued working on the document. The Special Structure
Committee met in 2009 and again in 2011 to review and discuss drafts of the proposed recommendations. In between the face-to-face meetings, the committee corresponded and reviewed document drafts through email communications. The By-Law Committee also reviewed the document in 2011 and suggested a three-column attachment that identified the suggested modifications and compared the document to the 2008 SPJST By-Laws. The Special Structure Committee presented a binder to each delegate at the 2012 Convention with its “Proposed Recommendations for By-Laws of SPJST.” The binder also included the three-column attachment and the history of the committee and its work. Delegates in the 2012 Convention approved separating the by-laws from the operations manual and the format of the document. Changes from the 2012 Convention would be incorporated into the document, and members would have four years to review and make recommendations to the document that would be voted on during the 2016 Convention. In 2014, attorney Kathy Brost was hired as a consultant to review the Special Structure Committee’s proposed by-laws that were presented at the 2012 Convention. Ms. Brost has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, 11 as inhouse counsel to the nation’s largest fraternal benefit society, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Ms. Brost presented several recommendations to the committee. The subcommittee met in May 2015 to incorporate the changes from the 2012 Convention into the document and to review Ms. Brost’s recommendations. The Special Structure Committee met in June 2015. Members of the Supreme Lodge and the By-Law Committee were also invited and participated in the meeting. Ms. Brost and American Fraternal Alliance Executive Vice President Allison Koppel participated through teleconference. The committee’s proposed recommendations were reviewed line-by-line. Ms. Brost’s recommendations were also reviewed and considered, and some were added into the document. Following the meeting, the subcommittee met to incorporate the changes. In August 2015, Ms. Koppel met with members of the Special Structure Committee, Supreme Lodge, and ByLaw Committee to discuss the proposed recommendations and to review the Corporate Governance Annual Disclosure Model Act (CGAD). At this meet-
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ing, attendees voted to include the Supreme Lodge Vice President as a hired officer in addition to the Secretary-Treasurer. The Special Structure Committee presented its final document - “Special Structure Committee’s Proposed Recommendations for By-Laws of SPJST” - to the By-Law Committee and to the membership in the September 9, 2015, Vestnik. President Vanicek stated that the positions of Supreme Lodge Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer would be elected at the 2016 Convention. He also noted that on the basis of the recommendations made by the Special Structure Committee and following this Convention process, any subsequent new Supreme Lodge Vice President or Secretary-Treasurer would be hired. While the current by-laws offer some general qualifications for these key positions, they do not articulate detailed qualifications and/or state licensures that are necessary for an incumbent to function effectively in these key positions. What is not clearly defined in the recommendations published in the September 9, 2015, Vestnik, he said, was what kind of transition process — if any — would take place for the Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer following their election at the 2016 Convention. Discussion followed. Director Victorick noted that a provision currently exists in the by-laws that states newlyelected officer positions are subject to a six-month probation period. Publication Committee Chairman Popp suggested that a re-elected incumbent should not be subject to the six-month review and should be allowed to serve the four-year term empowered by the delegates. By a show of hands, meeting attendees agreed with Ms. Popp’s recommendation that any re-elected incumbent official would not be subject to the initial six-month review process and that the individual holding the position would be considered to be a hired position at the end of the four-year term. Any newly-elected official would be subject to the initial six-month review and — pending a positive review — the official would be considered to be serving in a hired capacity. By-Law Committee Chairman Ronnie Rieger stated that his committee is reviewing all of the recommendations that have been submitted to the by-laws by the Special Structure Committee. The By-Law Committee, he said, is considering the recommendations on a line-by-line basis. At the 2016 Conven-
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tion, the By-Law Committee will be using the document that was printed in the September 9, 2015, Vestnik. Publication Committee Chairman Popp observed that historically, delegates had approved salaries for officers at the convention and that it was the Supreme Lodge who would be setting the salaries for hired officers. She asked if the amount of the hired officers’ salaries is available to the members. Supreme Lodge Chairman Victorick stated that the Supreme Lodge should consult with and abide by the Finance Committee’s recommendations on these salaries. The Officers’ and Directors’ salaries, he said, would be disclosed on the March supplement to SPJST’s Annual Statement and on the Form 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Publication Committee Chairman Popp said she believes the delegates should receive more communication on the hiring process for officer positions, including the number of people who are being interviewed as well as information regarding the process of hiring for an officer position. Director Bayer stated that the SPJST Home Office hiring processes were coordinated through the office of the Human Resource Administrator and that much of the information that is conveyed during the hiring process must, by law, be kept confidential. Director Pflughaupt said that the Home Office could report, for example, that five applications had been received and the most qualified individual had been hired. In posting for positions, he indicated that a salary range should be posted. During the noon meal, attendees listened to a pre-recorded message presented by American Fraternal Alliance President/CEO Joe Annotti at the SPJST Awards Presentation and Banquet held on January 30, 2016, in Temple. President Vanicek called the meeting back to order after lunch. He conveyed that in recent years, every SPJST director had attended and participated in the American Fraternal Alliance workshops that reviewed best practices for directors. Director Victorick shared that the Special Structure Committee researched and studied the structure of SPJST and came to a consensus in its recommendation to elect the Supreme Lodge President, Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication, and seven district directors and hire the remaining three officers (Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, and Financial Secretary).
The President, he said, remains “the face” of SPJST; the Editor/Director of Communication remains “the voice” of SPJST. These two positions, he said, will continue to be elected by the membership. Director Victorick stated that it was his opinion that SPJST was in its best position since the days of J.R. Kubena. He commended the current officers for doing a “tremendous job.” President Vanicek thanked Director Victorick for his comments, adding that his reference to past SPJST Secretary J.R. Kubena was extremely wellplaced. “It was leaders like J.R. Kubena and our early founders who had the business and financial acumen as well as the fraternal spirit necessary to establish a strong base of operations for SPJST.” SPJST’s long and colorful history offers a glowing testament to the power of the great fraternal idea fielded by the early leaders of our Society.” Finance Committee Chairman Weise inquired about the screening process and criteria and guidelines currently in place for qualifying officers and directors. By-Law Committee Chairman Rieger responded that for the 2016 Convention process, the current bylaws provided that some basic qualifying standards be met. He also acknowledged that the By-Law Committee would be looking into redefining and elaborating on this qualification process in the future. By-Law Committee Member Holeman and Finance Committee Chairman Weise inquired if the screening committee had the authority to conduct background checks on the candidates. President Vanicek replied that all of the candidates seeking district or statewide elected positions would need to consent to a background check. It was noted that the By-Law Committee — acting in its capacity as “screening committee” would be presenting the listing of all qualified candidates in the Vestnik no later than March 13 — 90 days before the convention. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska asked if the screening committee would be interviewing the prospective candidates. By-Law Committee Chairman Rieger said that would not be taking place in 2016; however, it would be a future consideration. President Vanicek turned the discussion to the Corporate Governance Annual Disclosure Model Act (CGAD) and the safeguards that these new regulations would seek to put in place for all life insurers including fraternal benefit societies. He presented several slides and discussed the Corporate Gover-
nance Annual Disclosure Model Act (CGAD). The following is a summary of President Vanicek’s presentation:
How the NAIC’s Corporate Governance Annual Disclosure Model Act Will Affect SPJST In 2014, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Executive Committee and Convention adopted the Corporate Governance Annual Disclosure Model Act (CGAD). There was also a companion regulatory document adopted known as the Corporate Governance Annual Disclosure Model Regulation. These models were adopted as the result of a multi-year project of the NAIC’s Corporate Governance Working Group to study and compare existing governance requirements for U.S. insurers and to establish best practices. NAIC is the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and it is the U.S. standard-setting and regulatory support organization created and governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer review, and coordinate their regulatory oversight. In essence — NAIC — working in tandem with state legislatures and state insurance departments — combine to form the United States’ system of statebased insurance regulation in the U.S. CGAD — Corporate Governance Annual Disclosure — represents an accreditation standard. The mission of the accreditation program is to establish and maintain standards to promote sound insurance company financial solvency regulation. The accreditation program provides a process whereby solvency regulation of multi-state insurance companies can be enhanced and adequately monitored. When something is defined by NAIC as an “accreditation standard” it refers to a standard that must be enacted by a state in order to remain in compliance with the NAIC’s accreditation standards. The concept of accrediting state insurance departments began in the mid-to-late 1980s when several large insurance companies became insolvent. In May 1988 — as a response to the insolvencies — a congressional inquiry began looking at the insolvencies. Subsequently, in September 1988, the NAIC began discussing and shaping the Financial Regulation Standards and Accreditation Program that we have today.
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Generally stated, the objective of the CGAD is to improve the governance procedures of life insurers and promote strong, viable, competitive organizations that are accountable to stakeholders. In our case, those stakeholders are our members. Under the requirements of CGAD, U.S. insurers will be required to provide a detailed narrative describing governance practices to their lead state regulator by June 1 of each year. In our case, that’s the Texas Department of Insurance. One of the key provisions of the CGAD is that it requires insurance management and boards to be sufficiently experienced and of the integrity to effectively run an insurance company. President Vanicek indicated that NAIC had issued a manual to provide insurance companies with guidance with regards to reporting on their corporate governance practices as required by the Corporate Governance Annual Disclosure Act. Companies filing will be required to address four major areas. These are:
Section 1 — General Description of the Organization’s Corporate Governance Framework This is the section of the report where the society describes and provides rationale for the current Board size and structure, including the duties of the Board of Directors and each of its significant committees and how they are governed — for instance: bylaws, charters, etc. It’s in this section that the society describes how the Board’s leadership is structured, including a discussion of the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board within the society.
Section 2 — Description of Board of Directors and Committee Policies and Practices This is the section where the society describes the qualifications, expertise and experience of its Board members. It brings a lot of other areas into focus also — for instance — whether term limits are placed on directors; how the election and re-election processes function; and processes that are in place for the Board to evaluate its performance and the performance of its committees. The section also addresses any Supreme Lodge training programs that the society may have in place. Quite frankly, the matter of “board leadership” has been a hot-button topic for several years now throughout the business world and at the American Fraternal Alliance meetings and workshops SPJST participates in. On that note, all
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of our current SPJST directors have participated and continue to participate in continuing education programs.
Section 3 — Description of Management Policies and Practices Like the name suggests, it’s in this section that the society describes everything from its processes for determining compensation and corrective actions to describing the officers and key persons and various control functions — their background — and their suitability for fulfilling their prospective rolls.
Section 4 — Management and Oversight of Critical Risk Areas This is the section that deals with risk management and the processes that the society has in place for providing oversight in critical risk areas. That includes the actuarial function, the investment-decision making processes, the re-insurance decision-making processes, short-, intermediate- and long-term business strategies, systems in place for ensuring compliance as well as financial reporting and internal audit processes. In most cases, I believe that we’ve got most of these bases covered — with the notable exception of having any clearly defined and quantifiable intermediate or long-term plans in place. To date, five states have embraced and enacted the Corporate Governance Annual Disclosure Act. They are California, Iowa, Louisiana and Vermont. Year-to-date, the legislation is currently being legislated in Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio and Rhode Island. A flurry of activity is expected to take place in 2016. Since the Texas Legislature has an off-year in 2016, no legislation is likely until 2017, meaning that the earliest date for Texas insurers, including the SPJST, to file a CGAD report would be June 1, 2018 before the first SPJST Corporate Governance Annual Disclosure (CGAD) is required by the Texas Department of Insurance. It is difficult to say with a high degree of certainty exactly when such a mandate will be issued; nevertheless, SPJST leadership owes it to the membership — as a matter of routine — to take steps to ensure that it continues to adopt those business practices which enable it to operate in a way that is both fiscally — and fraternally — responsible.
SPJST Operations Manual It will be the objective of the SPJST management team — working with
SPJST directors — to integrate any necessary operational mandates and/or updates into the SPJST Operations Manual. The SPJST Supreme Lodge will have the ability to update the manual on an as-needed basis with a simple ratification vote at its regular quarterly meetings. The operations manual — in its present form — as it was presented in the September 9 edition of the Vestnik, can be expected to grow exponentially as various operational procedures, including enterprise risk management documentation, are fully documented and put into place. In other discussion, Finance Committee Chairman Weise asked if the Supreme Lodge adhered to the mandated rules like five years of membership and insurance in force when hiring for the Vice President’s position. President Vanicek replied that they did and that the position vacancy was posted in the Vestnik and on the SPJST website.
Financial Condition Financial Secretary Vajdak reported on SPJST’s financial condition. The year 2015 ended with $235,999,512 in assets; liabilities were $216,525,523; leaving a surplus of $19,473,989. He commented on the $19 million surplus and that some think that this amount needs to be given to the members. This is not a free pot of money. He explained that SPJST lost $11 million in surplus in 2008 when the stock market crashed. If we gave away the surplus, we would have no cushion. In fact, financial regulators require an amount as a cushion. If our surplus falls below this cushion amount, we are subject to being run or even taken over by the Texas Department of Insurance. We need our surplus to grow as we are facing potential increased reserve requirements if some proposed legislation is passed. The net gain from operations in 2015 was $618,000. A total of $3.2 million is built up in interest maintenance reserve (IMR) after $790,000 in amortization was taken in 2015. The IMR is being amortized at a faster rate than it is being replenished. If we did not have this amortization amount in 2015, our net gain from operations would be negative. Financial Secretary Vajdak expressed the need for caution in future spending. He reported an overall good year even though premium income is down. He announced that $943 million of insurance is in force and $125 million is in annuities. He stated that SPJST is a billion dollar insurance company. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska said
that he is constantly looking at the future and that there are still challenges that need to be overcome. He and Financial Secretary Vajdak had a conversation with the actuary on the financial commitments with the Education and Nature Center (ENC) and Czech Heritage Museum (CHM). We must set aside $204 million to make sure that members’ policies are paid off in the future. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska suggested that the Finance Committee be conservative with its recommendations at the convention. Financial Secretary Vajdak stated that death claims were $1.7 million higher in 2015, and annuities were $1.3 million higher. SPJST made $498,000 on life premiums and $2.1 million on annuities. Fraternal expenses are over $2 million which are covered through interest from the $19 million surplus (at 4.5 percent interest, $855,000 was made to cover the fraternal expenses with an additional $1.2 million needed from operations). More premium income is needed, or reserves must be set up for the fraternal expenses. He outlined the $2 million fraternal expenses: $200,000 - Vestnik; $300,000 - youth, DYCs, and camps; $267,000 contributions; $140,000 - general expenses; $147,000 - district, youth, and lodge allocations; $650,000 salaries/benefits. President Vanicek announced that the SPJST Foundation enlisted the services of a Director of Development to administer to the growth of the SPJST Education and Nature Center and Czech Heritage Museum. Director Pospisil commented that no director wants to be on the Supreme Lodge when it comes time to cut fraternal expenses. President Vanicek stated that the key is to generate additional and reoccurring premium income. In acknowledging the SPJST’s role as a leader within the fraternal industry, President Vanicek noted that the Vestnik is now the only weekly newspaper among all fraternal benefit societies in the nation. More than simply a “corporate mouthpiece,” the Vestnik represents the voice of the membership. Publication Committee Member Kelner stated that members like to be seen in the Vestnik. By-Law Committee Member Kovar inquired about the convention costs. Financial Secretary Vajdak replied that he established a reserve for convention expenses after the last convention so that we will not bear the full cost of the convention in 2016. Finance Committee Chairman Weise clarified that we must ramp up insur-
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ance sales in order to increase surplus. He inquired on the priorities on what to fund when pulling funds out of surplus. President Vanicek indicated his desire to see the SPJST Foundation being positioned to address some of the significant financial obligations of the Czech Heritage Museum in Temple as well as the SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm in the future. Financial Secretary Vajdak also acknowledged that SPJST was obliged to maintain the existing commitments with the ENC and CHM. Director Victorick noted that Vice President Coufal had started a program to contact members by sending cards on their birthdays. The Insurance Department is contacting all past members and asking their families to join. They are also calling on orphan members to update their records and inform them about the many and varied life insurance options and member benefits available through SPJST. Vice President Coufal stated that members have not been contacted in a long time and that member outreach is very important. For the birthday cards, he explained that agents are receiving a list of members each month to contact to wish them a happy birthday. Orphan members are being contacted from the Home Office in an effort to reach out to them, sell to their family members, and to let them know we do still care about them. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska stated that we are doing more things nowadays and reaching out to our members through modern technology. He also explained the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Committee that was created to look at emerging risk that the SPJST faces. Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Zavodny announced that a new website will also be introduced in June. Financial Secretary Vajdak emphasized that the Supreme Lodge supports the changes to the by-laws and encouraged the members to be the voice to hopefully ensure a smooth convention. President Vanicek announced that the Fort Hood Memorial will be dedicated on March 11 at 3 p.m. in Killeen bringing closure to that six-year process. He indicated that a large turnout was being expected, including a presentation by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. President Vanicek closed the meeting by thanking the participants for caring and for attending. —SPJST—
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CONVENTION O R N E R
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June 13 to 15, 2016 Killeen Civic and Conference Center 3601 South W.S. Young Drive Killeen, Texas 76542
32nd SPJST Convention
Deadline to submit recommendations to By-Law and Finance Committees is 60 days before the convention — April 13.
President’s Office Seeks Individuals to serve as Convention Secretaries
The 32nd SPJST Convention is fast approaching and will be called to order on Monday, June 13, 2016, at 8:30 a.m. at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center in Killeen, Texas. The convention is expected to conclude on Wednesday, June 15. The Office of Supreme Lodge President is currently enlisting the services of six detail-oriented individuals to serve as convention secretaries. Two teams consisting of three convention secretaries each will work the convention in rotating shifts, collaborating to provide an accurate account of actions taken by the 32nd SPJST Convention. In turn, these summaries will be reviewed by delegates, amended as necessary and become part of the official Proceedings of the 32nd
Convention. Please know that it is not necessary that you be a convention delegate in order to serve as a convention secretary. Convention secretaries will be compensated at the daily rate of $345 per day. A “day” shall consist of whatever time is necessary to complete each day’s proceedings. Mileage will be paid to convention secretaries at the rate of 54 cents per mile or the IRS adjusted rate at time of travel for one round trip. If you would like to be considered as a convention secretary or if you have any related questions, please contact President Brian Vanicek at 800-7277578. —SPJST—
2016 Important Convention Dates to Remember 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. Deadline for donation/financial assistance requests that require Finance Committee review must be submitted to the Finance 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
From the Finance Committee To Set the Record Straight
I would like to respond to Pat Fowler’s Convention Recommendations, published in the March 9, 2016, Vestnik, concerning Christmas bonuses for Supreme Lodge Officers and Directors. Yes, there have been Christmas and other bonuses paid in the past. The bonuses were paid without the approval of or knowledge of the Finance Committee. I would also like to point out that Supreme Lodge Officers Clifton Coufal Vice President, Leonard Mikeska Secretary-Treasurer and Roy Vajdak Financial Secretary, were NOT Supreme Lodge Officers at the time these bonuses were paid, and none of the above mentioned Officers received these bonuses. During the year of 2008, the stock market went down considerably and the surplus funds of the SPJST dropped
from $24,261,037 to $13,022,948. At the March 7, 2009, Finance Committee meeting, the following recommendation was passed: “Because realized and unrealized gains and losses have a material effect on Earned Surplus, we feel that no bonuses should be allowed until the Earned Surplus again reaches $24 million at a given year end.” This means that no bonuses will be considered or paid for Supreme Lodge Officers and Directors until the surplus regains the value of $24,261,037. As of December 31, 2015, the surplus fund was $19,473,989 so the above mentioned recommendation is still in effect. Herman Dewyan Weise Finance Committee Chairman District Four Lodge 160, San Angelo —SPJST—
From the By-Law Committee By-Law Recommendation
Dear By-Law Committee Members, On Sunday, January 31, 2016, we, the seven SPJST District Presidents and Fraternal Activities Coordinators, met and are requesting an amendment be made to Article 42(j).
Current Article 42(j) reads: Article 42(j). Each district will receive an allocation of $3,500 per year from the Supreme Lodge to be placed in the district’s General Expense Fund. This sum is to be used by the district to pay the lodge hosting the district meeting $750 per meeting with the balance being used to defray the expenses of the district and to promote growth for the Society.
The change would read: Article 42(j). Each district will receive an allocation of $4,000 per year from the Supreme Lodge to be placed in the district’s General Expense Fund. This sum is to be used by the district to pay the lodge hosting the district meeting $1,000 per meeting with the balance being used to defray the expenses of the district and to promote growth for the Society.
The last increase for the district meetings was at the 2004 SPJST Convention.
Fraternally, District One President Randy Gaas District One Fraternal Activities Coordinator Kyle Skrabanek District Two President Frank Horak District Two Fraternal Activities Coordinator Ruth Hanusch District Three President Selby Holder District Three Fraternal Activities Coordinator Vicki Sims District Four President Laura Pospichal District Four Fraternal Activities Coordinator Janeece Williams District Five President Ashley Victorick District Five Fraternal Activities Coordinator Patricia Bruce District Six President Joe Siptak District Six Fraternal Activities Coordinator Helen Zabransky District Seven President James House District Seven Fraternal Activities Coordinator Glen Pruski Fraternally, Frank Horak District Two President (2015-2016) —SPJST—
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District Delegate Meetings District Three delegates’ meeting Saturday, April 2 at Lodge 6, Cottonwood
The District Three delegates’ meeting has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 2, 2016, at Lodge 6, Cottonwood from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Please note that the March meeting has been cancelled. Please make a note of the date change. 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. Kay Lynn Kovar By-Law Committee District Three Representative —SPJST—
District Four delegates to meet Saturday, April 2 at Logan’s in Abilene
District Four delegates are asked to meet immediately after the District Four Spring Meeting on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at Logan’s Restaurant, located at 3126 South Clack in Abilene, Texas. Please see the meeting agenda on page 12 of this week’s Vestnik. Fraternally, Beverly Teplicek By-Law Committee District Four Representative —SPJST—
District Five delegates’ meeting Sunday, April 10 at Lodge 88, Houston
District Five delegates will meet Sunday, April 10, 2016, at 3:30 p.m. at Lodge 88, Houston. All delegates are urged to attend this very important meeting. 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. Fraternally, Mildred Holeman By-Law Committee District Five Representative —SPJST—
District Six delegates’ meeting Tuesday, March 29 in Taiton
District Six delegates will meet Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at 6 p.m. at Taiton Community Center. 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. Fraternally, Joe Siptak, President/ By-Law Committee District Six Representative Karen Kaspar District Six Director —SPJST—
SPJST ENC JOB POSTINGS
SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) is a year-round facility serving non-profit groups, churches, schools, and families through summer camp programs, retreats, team-building, high ropes courses, food service, and more. SPJST ENC is looking to fill several spots on its leadership team and staff. Please see the abbreviated job descriptions that follow this notice. For full job descriptions, qualifications, and job application, please visit www.spjst.org. Please submit your
completed application and resume to: Lynette Talasek, Secretary ENC Board of Directors Fax: 254-774-7447 Mail: PO Box 100 Temple, TX 76503 Email: lynettet@spjst.com
For any questions or concerns, please call Lynette Talasek at 254-9310639 or 254-773-1575, ex. 234.
Job Position: Camp Director – SPJST Education and Nature Center Where: Ledbetter, Texas What: Full-Time - Exempt
This is a full-time position. Applicant must be willing to relocate and reside on the camp property - family housing will be provided. The Camp Director reports to the ENC Board of Directors and is responsible for the daily operations of camp. The Camp Director will fulfill the mission through positive, caring relationships with guests and staff; manage camp facilities, human resources, and sales and marketing. The Director will oversee coordination and delivery of all aspects of camp operations, and interact with guest and staff to provide a positive overall experience at the camp.
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For complete job description and application, please visit www.spjst.org. —SPJST— Job Position: Administrative Assistant SPJST Education and Nature Center Where: Ledbetter, Texas What: Part-Time - Non-Exempt
This is a part-time position that provides clerical and administrative support to camp management. Applicant must be computer literate, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, be organized, present a professional image, be a self-starter, take initiative, and be dependable. For full job description and application, please visit www.spjst.org. —SPJST—
Attention, College Students! Work at Summer Camp!
It’s more than a summer job . . . it’s an experience of a lifetime. Job Position: Seasonal Summer Camp Staff - Program Assistants - SPJST Education and Nature Center Where: Ledbetter, Texas • What: Seasonal
This is a full-time, seasonal position. Program Assistants will attend CPR instruction, open water lifeguarding, challenge course instruction, archery training, bb gun training, kitchen training, and all other areas of operation training during the first two weeks of employment. • Program Assistant’s primary responsibility is to assure safety of the campers.
• Program Assistants are to set a good example at all times, to show an enthusiastic attitude about learning and the outdoor environment. It will be your responsibility to ensure that campers have an enjoyable camp.
• Program Assistants will be in charge of all campers they are working with at the time, and Program Assistants will be under the direction of the Camp Director.
• Program Assistants will be responsible for running the programs they are
assigned to do and any other duties as needed. • Program Assistants will be responsible for providing a safe, fun, and pleasant atmosphere for campers.
• Program Assistants will be at camp at all times, unless scheduled to be off, or with permission to leave by Camp Director. • Duration of work: Program Assistants will be at camp from June 8, 2016 to August 15, 2016. For full job description and application, please visit www.spjst.org. —SPJST—
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From the SPJST Financial Secretary SPJST Financial Statement as of December 31, 2015
Dear Members, In accordance with the 2012 SPJST By-Laws, I am submitting a report of our Society which is extracted from the 2015 Annual Statement. This report gives you pertinent items of information concerning our Society. All items are entered as found in the 2015 Annual Statement which ASSETS
was filed with the Texas Department of Insurance in March 2016. Please review this report in detail and should you have any questions, please contact me. Fraternally, Roy W. Vajdak Financial Secretary —SPJST—
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
Bonds.................................................................................$205,204,919 Stocks ................................................................................ 4,466,482 Mortgage Loans................................................................. 16,400,286 Real Estate: Properties occupied by the Society............................. 2,224,849 Properties held for the production of income............... 64,754 Certificate Loans................................................................ 1,491,367 Cash .................................................................................. 2,875,311 Other Assets ...................................................................... 3,271,544
TOTALS ......................................................................$235,999,512
LIABILITIES AND RESERVES
Certificate Reserves ..........................................................$204,363,643 Liability for Deposit-type Contracts ................................... 3,888,961 Certificate Benefits Payable ............................................. 1,203,863 Premiums Received In Advance ...................................... 563,777 Interest Maintenance Reserve …….................………….. 3,235,064 Asset Valuation Reserve ……………………....………….. 2,174,660 Other Accrued Liabilities.................................................... 1,095,555
DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME
Life and Annuity Benefits ................................................... $16,016,265 Refunds to Members ......................................................... -199 Additions to Reserves........................................................ 1,118,446 5,883,225 Operating Expenses .......................................................... TOTALS....................................................................... STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN CERTIFICATE HOLDERS’ SURPLUS
INCOME
Insurance and Annuity Premiums...................................... $12,455,348
Net Investment Income......................................................
10,312,222
Commissions and Expense Allowance .............................
1,514
Amortization of Interest Maintenance Reserve ................. Net Realized Capital Gains or (Losses) ............................
Miscellaneous Income .......................................................
790,141 89,323
76,865
TOTALS....................................................................... $23,725,413
12/31/15
BALANCE, ENDING.......................................................... $19,473,989 —SPJST—
SPJS ST FOUN NDATION N A Tax Exempt Non-Proffit 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization on
“Cllean Ouutt YYooouur ur Bar BBaarn rn” rn” Statew ewidddee AAuuc uctcttion tiiioion on on CENTR AL A TEXAS XA AS S AU AUCT UC U CTION C TION T O ON N SERVICES ER ERVICES RVICES VICES V IC CES ES E S Trey Galla awa way A wa Auctioneer uctioneer u ioneer oneer o neer e , License er iicense ccense nsse n se N No o 12798 o.
SA ATURDAY, SE SEPTEMBER EPTEMBER PTEMBER P TE EMB EM MBER M BER BER ER 17,, 2016
2001 Ledbettter R Road oa ad d Ledbetter, Texa ass a Auction on st star ta arrttss a at 9 9:3 9:30 :3 30 a.m. 30 a
19,473,989
12/31/15
707,676
Balance, Beginning............................................................ $19,241,757 Net Income......................................................................... 707,676 Change in Unrealized Capital Gains or (Losses).............. -641,459 Change in Asset Valuation Reserve.................................. 187,066 Miscellaneous Changes .................................................... -21,051
TOTALS ......................................................................$235,999,512 STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
23,017,737
NET INCOME .............................................................. $
TOTALS .............................................................. $216,525,523
Unassigned Funds.............................................................
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100% of all tax-deductible ctible proceeds eeds benefit ne SPJST Education and Nature e Center ter and Czech Heritage tage Museum and Genealogy enealogy Center
WANTED: • • • • • • • • • • •
Farm Eq quipment and Implements Tractors, Dozers and Graders Mowers and Shredders Stock, Flatbed and Water Water Trailers Diesel and Water Water Storage Tanks Firearms, Antiq ques and Collectibles Trucks and Cars Boats and Watercraf Watercraffts Tra avel Trailers and RVs Four Wheelers and UTVs Building and Fencing Materials ** Real Estate can also be donated, including: Farms, Ranches, Acreage, Buildings and Homes
For infformation, ormation, please contact James Lee, III at JamesL@spjst.com or call 800-727-7578
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
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11
District Three Spring Meeting Agenda From the Districts
N N Please Note Meeting Location Change N N Lodge 17, New Tabor to host District One Spring Meeting
District One Spring Meeting Sunday, April 10 at Lodge 17, New Tabor
The District One Spring Meeting will be Sunday, April 10, 2016, at the lodge hall in New Tabor. Lodge 17, New Tabor will host the meeting with registration starting at 1:30 p.m. Lodge 17 is located at 2674 CR 225, east of Caldwell off FM 166. Please remember this is a convention year; we would like to have you and your convention delegates at this meeting. This will be the time you can ask questions about any by-laws or any
other concerns you may have. Youth members are encouraged to participate in the district thank you card design contest. Contest rules can be found in the youth handbook. After the meeting, a meal will be provided by Lodge 17, New Tabor. Fraternally, Randy Gaas District One President —SPJST—
District One Spring Meeting Agenda Sunday, April 10, 2016
SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor 2674 CR 225 • Caldwell, Texas
501(c)(3) Directors’ Reports SPJST Education and Nature Center............................................Randy Gaas Czech Heritage Museum.........................................................Larry Brinkman S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers...........................................Donnie Victorick Appoint Audit Committee..............................................................Randy Gaas
Call Meeting to Order ........................................................................Randy Gaas Pledge of Allegiance...............................................District One King and Queen Welcome by Lodge 17 President .......................................................Randy Gaas Roll Call of Officers.......................................................................Lindy Beasley Roll Call of Lodges.........................................................................Lindy Beasley Recognition of Guests........................................................................Randy Gaas Reading of Minutes ........................................................................Lindy Beasley Tribute to Departed Members (Reading of Deceased Members)...........................................Kyle Skrabanek Reading of 50- and 75- Year and Age 96 Members...........................Randy/Kyle Treasurer’s Report...........................................................................Sharon Kovar District Youth Counselor’s Report.................................................Sharon Russell Reports of Standing Committees By-Law ........................................................................................Richard Ford Finance....................................................................................Thomas Cannon Insurance................................................................................Susan Skrabanek Publication................................................................................Floyd Kostelka Supreme Lodge Report...................................................................Lodge Official State Youth Director’s Report ......................................................Lynette Talasek State FAC’s Report............................................................................Frank Horak District Director’s Report...........................................................Donnie Victorick Old Business Audit Committee Report New Business Election of District Officers for 2016 Selection of Site, Time, and Date of Fall Fun Day and 2017 Spring Meeting Adjournment —SPJST—
Sunday, April 24, 2016 Hosted by Lodge 154, Fort Worth Complimentary Pastries, Juices, Milk, and Coffee provided by Lodge 154, Fort Worth 10 to 10:30 a.m. Youth and Adult Contest entries registration
10:15 to 11 a.m. Audit Committee: Tom Weeks, Karen Sonnenberg, Michael Galler
11 a.m. Call to Order President ....................................................................Selby Holder Pledge of Allegiance and Youth Motto ................................................................. Flag Bearer/District Three Duke Preston Sullivan Welcome.......................................................................President 154 Jerry Milan Response and Recognition of Visitors...............First Vice President Lesli Milan Names of Departed Members ..........................Second Vice President John Vrla and Memorial Service Dismissal of Youth ...........................................................President Selby Holder Recognition of Age 96, 75- and 50-Year..........Second Vice President John Vrla Members and Fraternalist Nominees Introduction of Nominating and Auditing Committees...President Selby Holder Introduction of Contest Judges ........................................President Selby Holder Approval of Minutes and Correspondence...............Secretary Patricia Dieterich Treasurer’s Report........................................................Treasurer Mary Steinman Committee Reports—Please limit time to three minutes per report. Insurance .....................................................................................Philip McBee Finance ......................................................................................Michael Galler By-Law...................................................................................Kay Lynn Kovar FAC .................................................................................................Vicki Sims Publication ..................................................................................Lynda Novak Audit......................................................................................Audit Committee Home Office Report........................Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek
Introduction of Royalty....................................................President Selby Holder Lunch Prayer...............................Royalty Melinda McClellan and Pierce Tignor Lunch Break Donation of six canned goods per person entitles member to a meal at no charge; otherwise $7 per plate. No expired canned goods, please. Meeting Resumes Lifetime Achiever Awards..................................First Vice President Lesli Milan Adult Contest Winners ................................................................FAC Vicki Sims Old Business New Business Announcement of Number of Members in Attendance and number of canned goods .........................................................Host Lodge Presentations.................................................................Treasurer Mary Steinman Youth Report/Contest Winners..................................................DYC Kay Weeks Election of Officers Coming Events *District Youth Achievement Day—June 25, 2016 *Fall Meeting—October 23, 2016 *Spring Meeting—April 23, 2017 *District YAD—June 25, 2017 *Fall Meeting—October 22, 2017 * Host lodge is needed for upcoming events. Please contact President Selby Holder or District Three Director John Engelke, if interested. Door Prizes Installation of Officers Adjournment of Meeting
—SPJST—
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Wednesday, March 30, 2016
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District Four Meeting Agenda
Saturday, April 2, 2016 Logan’s Restaurant • 3126 South Clack • Abilene Hosted by Lodge 229, Abilene
10:30 a.m.—Host Lodge 229, Abilene Visiting ......................................................................................Everyone Present 11:45 a.m. — Lunch Provided by Lodge 229, Abilene
12:45 p.m. Reports ......................................................................................Everyone Present S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers (Rest Homes) ........................Billy Rollwitz Czech Heritage Museum .............................................................Nancy Weise Education and Nature Center ....................................................Brad Teplicek
1 p.m. Meeting Called to Order.........................Laura Pospichal, District Four President Presentation of Colors ......................................Hunter Wood, Grace Schwertner Pledge to the Flags .................................................................................Audience Song “America”......................................................................................Audience Welcome.......................................................Janice Stevens, Lodge 229, Abilene Response ......................................................................................Laura Pospichal Introduction of Visitors ...............................................................Laura Pospichal Memorial Service .......................Janeece Williams, District Four Vice President Recognition of 50-, 75- and Age 96 Honorees..........................Janeece Williams Roll Call of Officers............................Beverly Teplicek, District Four Secretary Roll Call of Lodges ....................................................................Beverly Teplicek Reading of Minutes....................................................................Beverly Teplicek Reports Awards – Youth Leaders – Thank You Card Contest Unfinished/Old Business New Business Recognition of Sales Agents....................Bobby Davis, Fraternal Field Manager Announcements – All Convention delegates are asked to meet immediately following this meeting. Installation of Officers Adjournment —SPJST—
Districts Five, Six Agents Take Advantage of 4 Hours of CE Classes Offered by FFM Doherty
SPJST sales agents in Districts Five and Six took advantage of two continuing education classes offered by Fraternal Field Manager Delisle Doherty on Saturday, March 19, 2016, at SPJST Lodge 81, Needville. Brother Delisle presented two hours of Ethics and two hours of Designating Beneficiaries. The classes gave the agents four hours towards their continuing education hours necessary to maintain their insurance licenses. Even in the cold, cloudy weather, the class was well-attended, and everyone enjoyed the presentation. Delisle will present two more classes on Saturday,
May 14: three hours of Servicing Orphan Accounts and two hours of Superior Customer Service. These classes are registered continuing education classes and will be five hours towards an agent’s continuing education for his/her license. If any agent outside of Districts Five or Six would like to attend, please contact Delisle Doherty at 254-239-9616 or 832-232-2049 or email delisled@spjst.com. The class will be held at Lodge 81, Needville from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and lunch will be provided. —SPJST—
District Five Spring Meeting Agenda
Saturday, April 16, 2016 • Lodge 88, Houston Registration—10:30 a.m. to 12 noon
Youth Thank You Card Design Contest Registration—10:30 to 11:30 a.m. See SPJST Youth Club Handbook for contest information. Dessert Contest Registration—10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Lunch—Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Serving: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adults: $2 • Children: Free (ages 12 and under and youth club members)
1 p.m. Call Meeting to Order ................................................................Ashley Victorick Pledge of Allegiance ...............................................................District Five Youth Welcome by Lodge 88, Houston President ......................................Janice Jahns Roll Call of Officers...........................................................Mary Ann Kieschnick Roll Call of Lodges............................................................Mary Ann Kieschnick Recognition of Special Guests...........................................................Janice Jahns Reading of Minutes............................................................Mary Ann Kieschnick Treasurer’s Report......................................................................Lorenda Baldwin FAC Report .....................................................................................Patricia Bruce Memorial Service Youth excused for District Youth Club Election of Officers and Meeting (assigned area) Supreme Lodge Report.......................................Supreme Lodge Representative District Director’s Report .....................................................Larry W. Pflughaupt Fraternal Field Representative .....................................................Delisle Doherty District Youth Counselor’s Report ..............................Barbara Linney-Gonzales Old Business New Business Audit Committee Report Recess for 501(c)(3) Directors’ Reports Education and Nature Center ..................................Barbara Linney-Gonzales Election: ENC Director Czech Heritage Museum......................................................Mildred Holeman Election: CHM Director Senior Living Centers................................................................Lonnie Lostak Election: S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers’ Director Reconvene Meeting....................................................................Ashley Victorick Election of District Officers for 2016 Announcement of District Youth Club Officers ............District Youth President Announcement of Thank You Card Design Winners .......................................................Barbara Linney-Gonzales Announcement of Dessert Contest Winners................Barbara Linney-Gonzales Presentation Information on the Fall Fun Day September 10, 2016 at Lodge 196, Houston-West Selection of Place, Time, and Dates for 2017 Spring Meeting and Fall Fun Day General Announcements Installation of District and Youth Officers ...........................Larry W. Pflughaupt Adjournment —SPJST—
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
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District Six Spring Meeting
Sunday, April 3, 2016 • Moravia Parish Hall Hosted by Lodge 23, Moravia
The District Six Spring Meeting will be Sunday, April 3, 2016, at the Parish Hall in Moravia. Lodge 23, Moravia will host the event with registration starting at 11 a.m. A delicious catered meal will be served at 12 noon. All lodges attending are asked to bring two desserts and a door prize. The audit and nominating committees will meet at 10:30 a.m. Members of the audit committee are Debbie Krpec (30), Jeanette Kaminsky (28), and Janie Bucek (151). Members of the nominating committee are Joseph Nezval (28) and Gay Revel (97). Immediately following the noon meal, special reports will be given by district representatives for the Czech Heritage Museum, SPJST Education and Nature Center, S.P.J.S.T. Senior
Living Centers (rest homes), and Cemetery Committees. After the meeting is called to order, reports will be given by the standing committees, including By-Law, Publication, Finance, and Insurance. District representatives for these committees should be present to give their reports. Official reports will be given from the Supreme Lodge, Fraternal Field Manager, and District Six Director. Youth members are encouraged to participate in their club booths and the district “thank you” card design contest. Contest rules can be found in the youth club handbook. Moravia Parish Hall is located on FM 957 across the road from the Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church. —SPJST—
District Six Spring Meeting Agenda 10:30 a.m. - Audit and Nominating Committees Meet 11 a.m. - Registration Begins 12 noon - Catered Meal Served
All lodges are asked to bring two desserts and a door prize.
Special reports begin immediately following the meal. Czech Heritage Museum.............................................................Philip Vahalik Education and Nature Center .........................................................Lisa Bubela S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers.................................................Charles Bucek Cemetery.......................................................................................David Bucek
Business Meeting Call to Order ..........................................................................President Joe Siptak Posting of Colors ......................................................Lodge 148, El Maton Youth Welcome ......................................Lodge 23, Moravia President Elizabeth Holub Response/Introduction of Guests......................................Second Vice President/ Fraternal Activities Coordinator Helen Zabransky Roll Call of Officers, Lodges and Standing Committees ................................Secretary Wanda Dorotik Treasurer’s Reports ...................................................Treasurer Marjorie Treumer Youth Report .............................................................................DYC Lisa Bubela Standing Committee and Executive Reports By-Law..............................................................................................Joe Siptak Publication....................................................................................Helen Kelner Finance ....................................................................................Glenn Kaminsky Insurance.....................................................................................Charles Bucek Supreme Lodge Report...........Supreme Lodge Vice President Clifton Coufal Fraternal Field Manager...........................................................Delisle Doherty District Six Director Report ........................................................Karen Kaspar Old Business New Business Announcements Report of Nominating Committee and Election of Officers Report of Audit Committee Memorial Service ...........................................First Vice President Annie Vahalik Recognition of 50- and 75-Year Members, Age 96 Honorees, and Fraternalists of the Year
Adult and Youth Awards and Special Presentation Fall District Meeting Information Installation of Officers Adjournment Directions
13
Directions Moravia Parish Hall is located on FM 957 in Moravia across the road from the Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church. —SPJST—
District Seven Spring Meeting Sunday, April 3 at Jourdanton Community Center
SPJST District Seven Spring Meeting, hosted by Lodge 202, Jourdanton will be Sunday, April 3, 2016, at Jourdanton Community Center, located at 1101 Campbell Avenue in Jourdanton, Texas. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Refreshments will be furnished by Lodge 202. The lunch served at 12:15 p.m. will consist of barbecue brisket and chicken, cheesy potatoes, green beans, and dessert for $4. Members are asked to report the number of plates needed to your lodge secretary by Friday, March 25. The meeting convenes at 10:30 a.m. Members are asked to bring items for
the silent auction. The recipient(s) will be voted on at the meeting. A delegates meeting will follow the district meeting. Candidates may speak for five minutes. Everyone is encouraged to attend. The district is still collecting eyeglasses and cases, hearing aids, and aluminum can tabs. These may be brought to the district meeting. Your attendance and support will be appreciated. Bring a friend. Fraternally, Bettie House District Seven Secretary —SPJST—
District Seven Spring Meeting Agenda Sunday, April 3, 2016 Hosted by Lodge 202, Jourdanton Jourdanton Community Center
1101 Campbell Avenue • Jourdanton, Texas 78026 10 a.m. — Registration Refreshments furnished by Lodge 202, Jourdanton Thank You Card Design Contest (youth)
10:30 a.m. General Discussion Education and Nature Center....................................Director Donnie Howard Czech Heritage Museum .......................................Director Roxanne Bertrand Senior Living Centers (Rest Homes)...........................Director Jerry Sijansky
Meeting Convenes ...............................................District President James House Presentation of Colors/Pledge of Allegiance ....................Lodge 202 Youth Club Welcome .........................................................Lodge 202 President James House Introduction of Guests.......................................................................James House Announce Committees .....................................................................James House Roll Call of District Officers/Lodges ..................District Secretary Bettie House Memorial Ceremony .................................................District Director Bob Bayer Minutes ..............................................................................................Bettie House Correspondence.................................................................................Bettie House Recognition of 50-Year, 75-Year, Age 96, Age 100 Honorees.......................................District FAC Glen Pruski Supreme Lodge Officer...................................................President Brian Vanicek
14
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
12:15 p.m. — Barbecue Brisket and Chicken Plate - $4
1 p.m. District Youth Counselor..................................................................Theresa Haag Financial Report .............................................District Treasurer Sandra Hoggard District Director.....................................................................................Bob Bayer Fraternal Field Manager....................................................................Bobby Davis Standing Committee Reports Publication ....................................................................................Jarolyn Popp Finance...............................................................................................Roy Haag Insurance......................................................................................Wendy Pruski By-Law..............................................................................................Oscar Korus District Fraternalist Nominees Recognized........................................Glen Pruski Lifetime Achiever Honorees Recognized ..........................................Glen Pruski Youth Contest Winners ....................................................................Theresa Haag Auditing Committee Report Old Business a. Bowling Tournament b. Silent Auction Recipient(s) New Business a. Discuss District Funds b. End of Summer Getaway Nominating Committee Report/Election of Officers Installation of Officers Site of Fall Fun Day Split-the-Pot winners Silent Auction results Door Prizes Adjourn District Delegates Meeting Fraternally, Bettie House, District Seven Secretary —SPJST—
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SPJST Lodge Se ct ion
Lodge 6 Cottonwood honors longtime members
President Milton Peterson called the Lodge 6, Cottonwood meeting to order on Sunday, March 6, 2016, at 2:15 p.m. A moment of silence was observed for the deceased of the lodge. Sister Georgie Soukup reported 48 members and two guests present. Sister Barbara Hykel read the minutes from the last meeting. Sister Peggy Dobecka gave the treasurer’s and youth club reports. The youth made Easter bags for the rest home. They will deliver them on March 20. The youth had a prize drawing, program, and Easter egg hunt for everyone. Sister Evelyn Stuckly gave the FAC report. She reminded everyone of the District Three Spring Meeting on April 24. The Corpus Christi Summer Getaway is August 12 to 14. Join Hands Day is May 7.
The deadline for all Vestnik items is 5 p.m. the Wednesday before the publication date. Send your news and photos directly to:
SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087
Email: melaniez@vvm.com
Questions? Call 800-727-7578
Brother Jerry Kucera reported three juvenile members into the lodge. Fifty-year pins were presented to Donnie Berger, Allen Richard Leman, Fred Mechell, Lillie Marie Mynar, Robert Svrcek, and Irene Peterson and Ann Berger for their deceased brother Edward Soukup. The work that needs to be done on the hall was awarded to Heath Construction. Brother Don Urbanovsky gave out the charitable donations. Celebrating birthdays were Jerry Kucera and John Engelke. Progressive door prize winner was absent. Attendance winners were Barbara Hykel, Lillie Hromadka, and Jeanie Svrcek. Home Office prize winners were Jerry Kucera, Jr., Lucille Sulak, Bobby Dobecka, Evelyn Stuckly, and Don Urbanovsky.
Next Meeting—April 3 The next meeting will be Sunday, April 3, and a trustee meeting will be on April 15. The lodge prepared and served a delicious meal to all present. Dorothy Kucera, Reporter —SPJST—
SPJST supports Buckholts Volunteer Fire Department
District Two Director Jesse Pospisil, left, presents a check from his discretionary funds to Gary Kleypas, secretary of the Buckholts Volunteer Fire Department, during Lodge 15, Buckholts’ meeting on Monday, March 14, 2016.
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Lodge 15 Buckholts reports on March meeting
The March meeting of SPJST Lodge 15, Buckholts was called to order at 5 p.m. by President Doug Williams at the Post Office Restaurant. We had a nice turnout for the meeting. Our sick folks were all back. We had the pleasure of having District Two Director Jesse Pospisil and his wife Linda as our guests. All officers were present. President Williams had Linda lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence in memory of our departed members. Gary Kleypas attended the meeting, and we presented a check in the amount of $250 for the Buckholts Fire Department from District Two Director Jesse Pospisil, which I know will be put to good use. It is appreciated so much. Also in attendance, we had our electrician who will be doing some electrical maintenance by putting up some much-needed outside lighting for the safety of everyone and repairing our fans; if they are not worth repairing, we want to replace them. It looks like spring is here, and we will be needing them soon. We appreciate Mary Helen Rodriguez for assisting in getting this all done. We want to thank Derrick Ruzicka for keeping a watch on our lodge building. The old barbed-wire fence by our building is very rusty and needs replacing very badly. Derrick is making plans to replace this wire. In old business, we have been paying to get some gravel to put around the hall. The containers we had fell through so President Williams contacted Hilliard Materials to get us a bid so maybe we can get something done soon. Some of us attended the District Two Spring Meeting at Beyersville. It was very nice, and we had an enjoyable day. The food was delicious. In new business, we have an important event coming up on Good Friday, March 25. A delicious fish fry prepared by Jeff Kuzel, which will consist of fried fish, French fries, hush puppies, cole slaw, dessert, and tea. Dine-in or take out for $10 - all plates. There will also be baked goods for sale and a silent auction. It begins at 5 p.m. until sold out. The fish fry is being sponsored by Amazing Grace Thrift Shop, which does so much for our town, our children, and all fami-
lies in need. Our lodge is offering free rental for this important event. A delicious meal was prepared by Sandie Fischer at the Post Office Restaurant and enjoyed very much by all in attendance. Thanks, Sandie! Dot Tomascik Doug Williams, President —SPJST—
Lodge 23, Moravia presents 75-year membership pin
Lodge 23, Moravia met Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at the lodge hall. At the meeting, District Six Director Karen Kaspar presented at 75-year membership pin to Marvin Cernik of Moravia. Mr. Cernik is retired from the State Department under US Aid. His job led him to Turkey, Iran, Washington, D.C., Columbia, Afghanistan, and Panama. He was also a colonel in the Air Force Reserves. Special guests that evening were Director Kaspar, State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak, Clinton Cernik, and Sophie Cernik. A lunch was served, and many congratulations were said to Mr. Cernik. Fraternally, Kathy Guenther, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 24, Cyclone sets May 8 Mother’s Day Barbecue
Lodge 24, Cyclone met on Monday, March 14, 2016, at Flag Hall, amid the oceans of newly-planted corn. All farmers are having bated breath looking for a stand. We have had much rain, and the creeks were foaming with the phosphate in its waters. The meeting was called to order by President Daniel Wilde at 7:10 p.m. Shirley Hoelscher read the minutes from the February 12 meeting. They were approved as read. Sadly, we lost Clarence J. Zabcik, Donald J. Mikeska, Ann Williams, and Nelson Coker. Linda Wilde gave the treasurer’s report. The biggest item was the new insurance policy. It is just south of 7K. Brenda Maddux gave the bar report, and it is doing well. Brenda also gave
the hall manager’s report with more bookings for this year and next year. She is doing a yeoman’s job. Brenda gave the youth report with their meeting on March 6 at the hall. They had 11 members and six adults present. They discussed nutrition and had some burgers grilled on our grill. They will have an Easter egg hunt in Rogers on March 26 with the eggs furnished by the SPJST Youth Department. It will be a membership drive as well. The youth club collected 48 pounds of rice and beans. Their next meeting will be on April 10 at 2 p.m. Brenda gave the FAC report as well. The State 42 tournament at the Home Office is on April 2. The SPJST Car Show is at Star Hall on May 7, the day before our Mother’s Day Barbecue. Join Hands Day is on May 7 as well. The board organized with Bobby Hoelscher as chairman and Jason Hoelscher as secretary. We passed an amendment to the bylaws that members of the Supreme Lodge be limited to 10 years with a $150,000 net worth. If the other part is passed, it does not make sense to give a lifetime job on the board. The Corpus Getaway is August 12 to 14. The Red Ravens will be back at our hall on February 18, 2017. Air conditioning units will be replaced. And, save the date: Sunday, August 7 — Texas Polka Music Museum will host Jerry Haisler and the Melody Five and the Praha Bros. at Flag Hall. Air conditioning units in the hall will be replaced. Robert Macek’s birthday was on March 3. Dorothy Haisler’s birthday was on February 11. We are in empathy with Linda Machicek. Bobby Hoelscher Reporter —SPJST—
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
15
Lodge 28 East Bernard to honor longtime members May 15
On Sunday, March 6, 2016, members of Lodge Karel Jonas, No. 28, East Bernard met in a regular monthly meeting at 12 noon in the Wharton County Library meeting room. All officers were present. President Glenn Kaminsky called the meeting to order. Everyone said the Pledge of Allegiance. There was a moment of silent prayer for deceased members and our military. We wish a speedy recovery for our members on the sick list. Glenn Kaminsky then said grace, and we recessed for our luncheon and social. Thanks to all who helped. When the meeting convened, Helen Kelner read the minutes of the February meeting, and the minutes were approved as read. Anton ‘Tony’ Kelner gave the treasurer’s report of the February finances. Report was approved as given. Helen Kelner reported on upcoming fraternal events and activities. Jeanette Kaminsky reported she secured the meeting room for the May 15 presentation of the 50-year and 75-year members’ pins. Glenn and Helen reported on the standing committees’ informational meeting held February 27 at the Home Office. Helen reported the District Six Spring Meeting will be Sunday, April 3 in Moravia beginning at 10:30 a.m. There will also be a delegates’ meeting for District Six in Taiton on March 29 at 6 p.m. Glenn reported checking on the Join Hands project as well as tax exemption status for Lodge 28. Helen reported Bessie Petr of Lodge 84, Dallas passed away. Our sympathy goes out to her family. Members voted and agreed to purchase a one-quarter page ad in the convention book. Door prizes were awarded.
Next Meeting—April 3 Our next regular monthly meeting will be held in Moravia on Sunday, April 3. President Kaminsky adjourned the meeting. Fraternally, Helen Kelner Reporter —SPJST—
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Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Lodge 29, Taylor to participate in SPJST Car Show
President Ronnie Rieger called the meeting to order on Thursday, March 10, 2016. He led the Pledge of Allegiance and had a moment of silence in honor of our departed members and the military that serves our country. Tammy Cannon was absent. The February minutes were read and approved. Ronnie gave the treasurer’s report in Tammy’s absence. Vice President/FAC Sharon Kaderka informed us of the District Two Spring Meeting at Beyersville on Sunday, March 13. On Friday, March 11, there will be a dedication of the Fort Hood Memorial at 3 p.m. SPJST has a member referral program with monthly drawings and an annual drawing at the incentive banquet in January. On Saturday, May 7, the 2016 SPJST Car Show will be held at Lodge 47, Seaton. Join Hands Day is also on May 7. Linda Pospisil made a motion for Lodge 29 to join in with the other groups working the car show to be our Join Hands Day project. Charlie Campbell seconded, and the motion passed. The Corpus Christi Get Away Weekend is scheduled for August 12 to 14. Sharon thanked everyone who helped at our recently held fundraising auction. Cristy Girod reported District Two held a skating party with around 75 people in attendance. The youth club will be collecting rice and beans until the March 21 meeting. Jesse Pospisil, on behalf of the Property Committee, thanked everyone for their contributions towards the auction fundraiser. The bathroom renovations are almost complete. Ronnie discussed the auction fundraiser and thanked everyone for their help at the auction. Members celebrating birthdays in March include Sharon Kaderka, Kristen Rieger, Frankie Pustejovsky, Mike Girod, Andylyn Teat, McKensie Falk, and Ruby Schroeder. Kathryn Adamek and Ila Mae Jansky brought door prizes. Next month Charles and Theo Campbell volunteered to bring them. Next Meeting—April 13 The next meeting will be Wednesday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. Fraternally submitted, Linda Pospisil Secretary-Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 38, Kovar plans April 17 chicken dinner, country auction
Lodge 38, Kovar invites everyone to a dinner and country auction on Sunday, April 17, 2016, at the lodge hall, located at 278 Zimmerhanzel Lane in Flatonia, Texas 78941 (Highway 95 South of Smithville at Stolle Lane). Dinner will be served at 11:30 a.m. Plates will be $9 for adults, and $6 for children, ages 12 years and under. The cafeteria-style meal will include fried chicken, stew, and all the trimmings. Plates-to-go will also be available. Food will be sold while supplies last. An auction will follow at 12:30 p.m. Other activities include a cake wheel and door prizes during the auction. Proceeds will go towards a new floor for the hall. Come on out to Lodge 38, Kovar for a delicious meal and an afternoon of fun! Fraternally, Donna Zimmerhanzel Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—
Lodge 40 El Campo-Hillje reports on March meeting
Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje met Sunday, March 13, 2016, at 1:06 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Vice President Norma O’Canas. President Cathy Garcia, Secretary Inez Villareal, and FAC Felix Garcia were not present for the meeting. Mary Ann Cerny made a motion to accept the minutes from our February meeting as presented in the Vestnik. Old and new business was discussed. Vice President Norma O’Canas read the fraternal updates for March. Ardis Bacak made a motion to give a donation towards an ad to be placed in the official convention souvenir program book. Member Georgia Henderson seconded the motion. The motion was voted on and approved by the El Campo-Hillje members that were present at the meeting. Vice President Norma O’Canas asked everyone to try to attend the Dis-
trict Six Spring Meeting in Moravia on April 3. The meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m. Ardis Bacak —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton invites members to April 3 program
Dear Lodge 47, Seaton Members, The next monthly meeting of Lodge 47, Seaton will be held on Sunday, April 3, 2016, at 2 p.m. The meeting will entail a special program with the honoring and recognizing our 75- and 50-year lodge members. We invite everyone to this special meeting. The lodge will furnish the meat and potatoes. Members are asked to please bring side dishes and desserts. The meeting will also entail the ticket drawing in which many of you graciously donated toward the Frank Klinkovsky Memorial Scholarship Fund. Tickets are still available. You may contact any lodge member to purchase tickets, and they will be available on April 3 at the meeting. Thank you to each of you who have donated toward the scholarship fund. Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton to honor longtime members
Dear Members, The next monthly meeting of Lodge 47, Seaton will be Sunday, April 3, 2016, at 2 p.m. The meeting will entail a special program with the honoring and recognition of our 75- and 50-year lodge members. Lodge 47 is honored to recognize three 75-year members: Barbara Ann Hejl, Betty Lou Marek, and Jerry Mikulas and nineteen 50-year members: Brian Bartek, Douglas Ray Beckhusen, Barbara J. Brenek, Irene A. Chlapek, Janet L. Guess, Robert Charles Hubik, Kelly Jay Kelarek, Brian Kent Kosel, Royce Lee Marek, Lucy Lee Mihatsch, Lisa Renee Motl, Dale Louis Pechal, Patricia A. Pechal, Frieda Popelka, James A. Schiller, Dianne Marie Tyroch, Donald Edward Vrba, Jr. , Charles Wigginton, and Delores Jo Williams. Each of you should
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have received an invitation inviting you to this special occasion. Please ask your family to join you. A meal will be served in your honor. Your RSVP will be appreciated. We thank you for being a member of this wonderful organization and look forward to seeing each of you and your guests on Sunday, April 3 at 2 p.m. Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton hosts fundraiser for Klinkovsky scholarship fund
Dear Vestnik Readers, I would first of all like to thank Amber Bartek for taking the March lodge minutes for me as I was attending Lodge 155, Austin’s quarterly meeting. It was a great meeting in which Ashley Tullos was elected youth leader for the lodge. We wish the best to Ashley and her youth club. Lodge 47, Seaton President Edwin Pechal called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2016. Thirty-seven members and four youth were present. The flags were presented by youth members Colton Regan and Ryan Festa. Katherine Skrabanek is on the sick list. We wish you well, Katherine! Roll call of officers, board members and active sales agents showed all present except Parliamentarian/Board Chairman James Skrabanek. State Youth Director Lynette Talasek was attending a youth meeting in Houston and District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky was attending the lodge meeting in Austin. A motion was made and accepted to count both present as they were attending youth functions. The February lodge minutes were accepted as read by Amber Bartek. She also read the unofficial February board minutes. President Pechal read the Home Office invitation for all to attend the Fort Hood Memorial on Friday, March 12. A big thank you to member Earl Soudelier for donating wood for barbecuing. President Pechal asked all members who are willing to help for the June 5 lodge picnic to please meet on Monday, April 21 at 6 p.m. Thank you to those volunteering to be chairpersons: Sausage - James Skrabanek,
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Kitchen - Joyce Skrabanek, and Raffle - David Pechal. Everyone, mark your calendars for the June 5 picnic at Star Hall! Tickets for the Frank Klinkovsky Memorial Scholarship Fund are still needing to be sold. Thank you to all who have sold tickets and to those who have bought tickets. Thank you, Brandon Bartek, for your $500 in ticket sales! FAC Tammy Martinez gave an update on the SPJST Car Show which will be held at Lodge 47, Seaton on Saturday, May 7 from 9 to 3 p.m. Vendor booths are available for $35 - inside and $25 - outdoors. Last year, the different booths were awesome! So many different ones with such a variety of things. The State 42 Domino Tournament will be held on Saturday, April 2 at the Home Office. Tammy thanked all who came out for the tarok tournament in memory of Frank Klinkovsky. It was a great day and enjoyed by all. There were a total of 44 players. Donated to the scholarship fund was $517. A thank you note was read from Frank, Jr. and Debbie Klinkovsky thanking all who attended and helping to make this event a success. A total of $6,000 needs to be raised to complete the $20,000 to keep the scholarship being given yearly. Thank you to the 10 lodges who have made lodge donations. There is still time to donate. Treasurer Becky Zavodny gave the treasurer’s report along with Bar Manager Danny Stepan giving his report, which were both accepted. Hall Manager Michelle Bartek gave her report Extraco’s St. Patrick’s Day event is March 17, and the annex is rented on March 12 and 13. Youth Leader Joyce Kraatz stated the youth had 32 members present. The youth delivered valentines and socks to the VA . The residents were so pleased to receive the gifts, but the visit from the youth members was the big hit. They love having visitors. Youth members enjoyed the District Two Skating Party along with pizza and door prizes. Election of youth club officers was held. Officers for the 20162017 youth year are: President Hunter Bartek, Vice President Ryan Festa, Secretary Chase Alexander, Treasurer James Bostick, Reporter Kaitlyn Erskine, and Sergeant-at-Arms Zoe Talasek. The newly-elected officers will take their positions at the June meeting. Beans and rice donations are still being collected. The District Two Spring Meeting will be held on Sunday, March 13 in Beyersville. Registration is from
1 to 2 p.m. The youth contest will be a thank you note design. President Pechal thanked Ginger Ringwald for taking care of purchasing window blinds for the lodge. They will be installed at the next workday. We are really getting excited to see a change to the hall. The next meeting will be honoring the 50- and 75-year members. Members are asked to bring side dishes and desserts. David Pechal asked that everyone please sell tickets for the scholarship fund. He would like to see someone set up booths at various places. Please contact David if you are interested. Supreme Lodge Vice President Clifton Coufal asked everyone to please attend the Fort Hood Memorial on March 11. Lodge 47 Vice President Brandon Bartek reiterated what the memorial means to so many. He gave an account of being there at Fort Hood when it took place. Prayers to those who witnessed the day and to all families who were personally effected. Celebrating March birthdays are Brandon Bartek, Joyce Kraatz, Debbie
Alexander, Jerry Pechal, Justin Kraatz, Windee Skrabanek, Marcus Psencik, Lisa Gidding, Patricia Hoelscher, and Kyle Hoelscher. We wish each of you a happy birthday with many more good years of health, fun, and happiness. Congratulations to Patsy and Albert on their marriage of 42 years and Edward and Alice Mares on their six years of marriage. May you be blessed with many more years of happiness with each other. Lodge door prizes were won by Dolores Skrabanek, Danny Stepan, and Ginger Ringwald. Next Meeting—April 3 The next meeting will be held on Sunday, April 3 at 2 p.m. Please remember to bring side dishes and/or desserts and enjoy a wonderful meal. The meeting adjourned at 2:47 pm. Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky, Reporter —SPJST—
RD A W R FO O F S G IN R S P ENC WITH ANN UAL WOORK PROO J ECTS The SPJST Education and Naturre Center in Ledbetter is busy preparing for for the upcoming pcoming summer youth camps by scheduling seven spring work projects.. Each project will be led by an ENC District Board Memberr,, and the completed eted projects will help to maintain and improve SPJJST camp facilities.W We will be working on these projects during the week of Saturdaay, Maayy 14 through gh Sundaayy, Maayy 22.. If you or your lodge would like to participate in any of these ENC spring work projeccts,, please contact your respective district’s ENC board member listed below. In addition,, to defraayy the cost of these ENC spring work projects,, SPJST lodges an and d members maay sponsor one of these projects by donating d cash or materials to the SPJST Foundation. n.. If you or your lodge are interested in donating tto one of these work projects or would like additional onal informa o tion,, please contact SPJST Foundation Director of Development James Lee, III at JamesL@ @spjst.com or 800-727-7578.
DISTRICT 1 Clearing Natur ature Trails – Need 8 volunteers to work on cuttingg trees and brush and 2 flatbed trailers to haul cuttings to the back of the ENC property Contact: Randy Gaa as, Img@woodsonlumberr.com, .com, (979) 596-2606
DISTRICT 2 Building a Gaga Pit and Human Foosball Course – Need 4 voluunteers Contact: Lynette Talasek, Talasek, a Secretary, lynettet@spjst.com, (254) 773-1575 3-1575 e ext. xt. 234
DISTRICT 3 Repair Fishing Dock – Need 2 carpenter volunteers and $1,500 ffor or lumber and materials Contact: John Engelk l e, john.engelke@hotmail.com, (254) 799-4247 7
DISTRICT 4 to be announced u Contact: Brradley Teplicek, Teplicek, e bptep@aol.com, (325) 442-2001
DISTRICT 5 to be announced unced Contact: Barbarra Gonzales, G District5dyc@aol.com, (713) 649-6138 8
DISTRICT 6 Stain the Housing Porches – Need 8 painting volunteers and 50 gallons of stain to ccoat the porches,, est.. cost $1,200 Contact: Lisa Bubela, a, Vice-President, lisa_bubela@yahoo.com, (979) 79) 543-7120
DISTRICT 7 Repair and Repaint Barns – Need 45 gallons of metal paint,, est.t.. cost $1,800 Add Sand to o the Volleyball Pit – Need 5 cubic yards of sand Contact: Donnie Howar o d, President, donnie.occ@gmail.com, (830)) 358-2262 Also,, other items that are needed at th he ENC include:
• • • •
4 automatic flush commercial grrade ade toilets ts 4 electric hand dr yers A 25 cubic ffeet eet refrrigerator ffor or the kitchenn A large capacity microwave
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Lodge 66, Waco welcomes new members
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The Lodge 66, Waco meeting was called to order by President John Engelke at St. Paul’s Church on Monday, March 7, 2016, at 6 p.m. with all officers present. There were 12 members present. Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and motto. Members stood for a moment of silent prayer for deceased member Irene Mueller. Sister Dana McAdams read the minutes from the February 22 meeting, and they were approved as read. Sister Dorothy Veselka of the Entertainment Committee gave her report. For the April meeting, we will have Subway sandwiches, chips, dessert, and tea. FAC Sister Diana Engelke read the monthly letter from State FAC Frank Horak. She reported that May 7 is Join Hands Day, the District Three Spring Meeting will be April 24 at Lodge 154, Fort Worth, and that the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive deadline is March 31. Sister Dorothy Veselka of the Cheer and Condolence Committee reported that she sent sympathy cards to Justin, Misha, and Mira Engelke on the death of her cousin Melissa Dawn Marmino; to Justin, Misha, and Mira Engelke on the death of her father Jimbo Hutchison; and to the family of Irene Mueller on the death of Irene. She also congratulated Jodie and Dana McAdams on their 35th wedding anniversary on March 2. Brother Louie Veselka reported that there were no grievances. Bookkeeper Sister Diana Engelke gave the bookkeeping report. Sister Diana Engelke read names of candidates for membership. Jean Randolph wrote up Jimmy Lewis Fields, Shaffer Allen Fields, Charles Wilson Fields, and Jeffrey Ladele Fields. Johnnie Joe Gaidusek, Jr. wrote up Reta M. Guerrero. All were accepted into Lodge 66. Sister Diana Engelke read a resolution of sympathy on Irene Mueller. May she rest in peace. A $100 donation for March is being made to St. Paul’s Church for the children of the community Easter egg hunt. A $50 donation is being made to the West Ambulance Service in memory of Irene Mueller. March birthday celebrant is John Engelke. Door prize winner is Dana
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McAdams, and 100 percent winner is Jane Galler.
Next Meeting—April 12 The next Lodge 66 meeting will be held at St. Paul’s Church on April 12 at 6 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Fraternally, Dorothy Veselka, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 80, Holland reports on March meeting, activities
SPJST Lodge 80, Holland was called to order by President Rita Spinn on Sunday, March 6, 2016, at 4 p.m. Membership stood for the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for the departed members. All officers were present except Joe W. Liles who was excused; he was helping RVOS in West, Texas. He is also a sales agent. Directors Ann Weir, Curtis Wolf, and Helen Pajestka were
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Lodge 6, Cottonwood Honors 50-Year Members
Congratulations to Lodge 6, Cottonwood’s 50-year members who were recogized at the lodge’s March 6, 2016, meeting. Pictured, left to right, are Irene Peterson, Robert Svrcek, Ann Berger, Lillie Marie Mynar, Allen Richard Leman, Donnie Berger, and Fred Mechell. —Submitted by Dorothy Kucera, Reporter
absent. Motion was made by Mary Mowdy and seconded by Curtis Janke to accept the minutes of the February meeting. Motion carried.
Financial report was read by Frank Pajestka, Jr. Motion was made by Shirley Liles and seconded by Curtis Janke to accept the financial report. The financial report was approved by
the board of directors prior to the meeting. Motion carried. Youth Leader Connie Horak reported that youth had upcoming dates to remember. March 12 is the Easter egg hunt; March 13 is the District Two Spring Meeting and design a thank you card contest; and March 19 is the Youth Leaders Workshop. FAC Frank Pajestka, Jr gave his report. Join Hands Day with Women’s Study Club is May 13. Motion was made by Mary Mowdy and seconded by Shirley Liles to purchase chicken and spaghetti and to help cook 14 roasters of food for a value of approximately $300. March 17 will be St. Patrick’s Day bingo. Motion was made by Mary Mowdy and seconded by Shirley Liles to make a donation of $250 to Holland and Bartlett Volunteer Fire Departments. Motion carried. Motion was made by Vicki Slye and seconded by Curtis Janke to give $30 each to Bell County Youth Fair participants who are members of Lodge 80, Holland. They are Alexander Barton, Shelby Horak, Jacob Pajestka, Andrew Vrabel, and Allison Janke. Motion carried.
Lodge 6, Cottonwood Presents Donations to Community Organizations Lodge 6, Cottonwood presented donations to several organizations. The checks were presented by Second Vice President Don Urbanovsky, pictured right in each photo.
LEFT PHOTO: John Engelke accepts a donation for the Czech Heritage Museum in Temple. CENTER PHOTO: Brother Urbanovsky presents a donation to Lodge 6, Cottonwood youth, from left, Aubrianna, Rendon, and Quinlan Dobecka. RIGHT PHOTO: George Nors of West Volunteer Fire Department accepts a donation. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Pat Dieterich re-
ceives a check for West Sokol. BELOW PHOTO 2: Andrew Watson of Boy Scouts Troop 494 accepts a check from Brother Urbanovsky. PHOTO 3: Georgie Soukup receives a check for Robinson Volunteer Fire Department. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Brother Urbanovsky presents a check to Bobby Dobecka of Chalk Bluff Volunteer Fire Department.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
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Rita Spinn, Frank Horak, and Joe Liles attended the District Two delegates’ meeting in Taylor to discuss some of the proposed by-law changes. One change to be voted on at the state SPJST Convention will be the way officers will be elected in the future. This will follow a national model. Please see the September 9, 2015, Vestnik for other information. SPJST Home Office sent a letter to Lodge 80 to remember to check our tax-exempt status with the State Comptroller. Last letter of tax exemption was received on April 2014. Motion was made by Risa Pajestka and seconded by Vicki Slye to accept new workers for AL/Lodge 80 bingo. They are Joyce Delacruz and Ann Mazoch. Motion carried. Frank Pajestka, Jr sent in 25 renewal forms for bingo workers to Bingo Commission. Motion was made by Vicki Slye and seconded by Mary Mowdy to donate $500 from the bingo account to Lodge 80 Youth Club to help with the Easter egg hunt. Motion was made by Curtis Janke and seconded by Carol Wolf to make a donation of $100 to the Cameron Rest Home where Mary and Melanie Mowdy work with senior residents. A thank you note was read from Jessica Dague for a belt buckle in rabbit showman, Sara Dague for commercial steer project, and Adelaide Rice for a belt buckle with a champion horse. Fifty-year members’ names were read. Reminder that the formal ceremony and dedication of the 5 November 2009 Fort Hood Memorial will be held on March 11 at 3 p.m. Thank you to all service members and all bingo workers. Frank Pajestka, Jr. would like to extend a big thank you to Delvin and Sil-
Lodge 6, Cottonwood Recognizes March Birthdays
Happy March birthdays to District Three Director John Engelke and Jerry Kucera of Lodge 6, Cottonwood. They were recognized at the Lodge 6 meeting on March 6, 2016.
veria Tschoerner, Angie Hernandez, and John and Bernice Hernandez for their help after bingo sessions to help clean up. Birthdays in March are for Rita Spinn, Margie Lovellette, and Katherine Heger. Get well wishes go to Helen Pajestka and Curtis Wolf. Congratulations to Frank Pajestka, Jr. and Cyril Pajestka for placing third in the State Straight Domino Tournament held at the SPJST Home Office on March 5. Motion made by Frank Pajestka, Jr. and seconded by Vicki Slye to allow the Holland ISD seniors to use Lodge 80 until 12:30 a.m. after graduation. Door prize winners were J.D. Coker, Katherine Hegar, Shelby Horak Connie Horak, Frank Pajestka, Jr. (donated his back), and Vicki Slye. Meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m. with a motion made by Melanie Mowdy and seconded by Curtis Janke. A wonderful meal prepared by Frank Pajestka, Jr. was enjoyed by all as well as cake and
other desserts. Thank you, Frank, for everything you do for Lodge 80. Linda Hill Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 81 Needville reports on March meeting
The March 2016 meeting of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville was held on Sunday, the 20th. At 12 noon, a prayer of thanks was given by President Vincent Newman, and everyone enjoyed a meal of chicken fried steak plates bought by the lodge. Desserts were provided by members. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Darlene Blinka and her kitchen committee for getting everything ready for us. President Vincent Newman called the business meeting to order at 1 p.m.
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Bradley Stavinoha led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. We had a moment of silence for departed members Evelin Kolar and Genevieve Mikeska. All officers answered the roll. Added to our sick list were Ed and Dorothy Kuban. We wish you both a speedy recovery. Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall read her report, and after a minor correction, it was approved as read. Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha read his report, and it was approved as read. Special Funds Chairman Tom Stavinoha read his report, and it was approved as read. Under old business, President Vincent Newman asked if anyone else would like to go to the SPJST Convention, since he and Jeanette were unable to go. No one else was able to go. Under new business, President Vincent Newman read a thank you note from Needville Little League. He also told us about the upcoming domino tournament, member referrals, and the car show. We voted in new members, Sue Kolar and Loren Dannhaus. We hope to see you soon. Under other business, it was decided to purchase an auction item along with RVOS from the Needville Youth Fair in April. We also decided to donate to the youth program. They will be making fleece quilts for children with cancer. Also under other business, member Dan Pavlas brought a voting machine used by SPJST in the 1920s to 1940s. He explained how the black and white marbles were used to cast your vote. He and wife Gloria decided that they will eventually donate it to SPJST. Thank you very much! That is part of the SPJST history that can be preserved. Door prize winners were Joy Pesak, Bradley Stavinoha, Robert Polasek, and Martha Polasek. Extra plates were won by Emma Kujawa, Jeanette New-
Lodge 6, Cottonwood Hosts Easter Egg Hunt, Program
LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 6, Cottonwood hosted an Easter egg hunt on Sunday, March 6, 2016, at the lodge hall. Youth enjoy hunting eggs. CENTER PHOTO: Left to right, Quinlan Dobecka, Abrianna Dobecka, and Rendon
Dobecka participate in the Easter program. RIGHT PHOTO: Amy Kucera with has a basket full of eggs. —Submitted by Dorothy Kucera, Reporter
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Wednesday, March 30, 2016
man, Dorothy Blinka, and Winnie Susan. Congratulations to our lucky winners!
Next Meeting—April 17 For our next meeting on April 17, it was decided to have fried chicken. Members, please bring a vegetable and a dessert. See you at meeting! Fraternally, Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 81 Needville seeks scholarship applicants
Any college or technical school bound senior, who has been a member of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville for at least one year, can apply for the local lodge scholarship. Please send a selfaddressed, stamped envelope to SPJST Lodge 81, Needville, 9939 Peterson Road, Needville, Texas 77461 on or before April 15, 2016, to receive an application. Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 84, Dallas welcomes new sales agent
Dear Readers, Lodge 84, Dallas’ monthly meeting was brought to order at 2:20 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, 2016, by Vice President Vicki Sims in the absence of President Justine Yeager. President Yeager was taking care of her daughter and husband who are both under the weather. Get well soon, Tara and Doug. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Lynda Novak, and a moment of silence was observed for departed members Helen Hornak Kral, Martha E. Hunt, Lloyd Lyndell Baker, Jr., and Bessie Petr. May your loved ones rest in peace. February minutes were read by Secretary Cherri Petr; all were approved by those members present. Sister Cherri also reported on correspondence. Hiram Dixon, who is a candidate for SPJST Supreme Lodge Vice President, came to ask for our support during the convention elections by the delegates. Hiram served as SPJST Fraternal Field Manager in the past. He also introduced Sister Lynda Novak as a new sales agent. Lynda follows in the footsteps of her father, Brother Emil Petr, and her mother, Sister Bessie Petr. Congratulations to Lynda! Sunshine Lady JoAnn Manak reported that the sun was shining bright as nobody seems to be ill! House committee reported that now that spring has sprung, the yard work will be needing attention more frequently. The roof and foundation will
Lodge 23, Moravia Recognizes 75-Year Member
Congratulations to Lodge 23, Moravia member Marvin Cernik. He received his 75-year membership pin from District Six Director Karen Kaspar at the lodge’s meeting on March 15, 2016. Mr. Cernik is retired from the State Department under US Aid. His job led him to Turkey, Iran, Washingon, D.C., Columbia, Afghanistan, and Panama. He was also a colonel in the Air Force Reserves.
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Lodge 17, New Tabor Welcomes New Members
Lodge 17, New Tabor welcomes second cousins Thatcher Dowell and Madelynn Bammel. Thatcher is the son of Mabrey Petty Dowell and the grandson of Carol Petty and the late Bud Petty and Leisa Dowell. Madelynn is the daughter of Michael and Mindy Bammel and the granddaughter of Donnie and Betty Suehs. Great-grandmother of both babies is Gladys Hejl. They are all members of Lodge 17, New Tabor.
be watched carefully as rain tends to cause leaks and soften the ground. The formal nomination and voting into office of the vacated youth leader position is complete. Sister Lynda Novak again is following in the footsteps of her mother, Sister Bessie Petr. Lynda will lead the youth as they progress to their adult lodge membership. Thank you, Sister Lynda! After her acceptance of the youth leader’s position, Lynda did not miss a beat as she gave the youth report from their meeting earlier. The youth met prior to the mother lodge meeting. After their meeting, they enjoyed games and a social/svacina.
Celebrating Longtime Members— April 17 Mark your calendar for Sunday, April 17! This is the date of our annual initiation of new members and the presentation of 50- and 75-year membership pins. Doors will open at 1 p.m. with a half-price social hour from 1 to 2 p.m. After the initiation and distribution of pins, a delicious spaghetti dinner will be served. Desserts are welcome, and monetary donations will be accepted. This is always a fun time to visit and enjoy the company of fellow members. I hope you will make plans to attend. A big thank you to the youth club for sharing their svacina goodies with the members at the mother lodge meeting. I hope to see you all on Sunday, April 17 at our annual initiation of new
members and presentation of 50- and 75-year pins! Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston to host Czech SpringFest this Sunday
The annual Czech SpringFest is Sunday, April 3, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, located at 1435 Beall Street at 15th Street in the Heights. Kovanda’s Czech Band will play from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Mark Halata Band will play from 3 to 6 p.m. Guest artist Jaroslav Rod, Drator from Dubnica nad Vahom, Slovensko Republic will demonstrate the art of weaving jewelry and other art forms. A traditional Czech Sunday dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Costs are adults - $10 and children under 11 - $7. Soup and sausage with sauerkraut will be served at 1 p.m. Activities include a kolache eating contest, cultural exhibits, silent auction, country store, and vendors. Admission is $8 per person. Children under 11 will be admitted free of charge. The event is sponsored by Czech
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
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Lodge 97, Placedo plans Join Hands Day event
Lodge 35, Elk Appreciates Dedicated Service Lodge 92 Fort Worth announces April activities
Lodge 35, Elk Vice President Fred Kubitza, Jr., left, presents Jack Levy and Wanda Sebik with an appreciation gift for many years of dedicated service to Elk Hall.
Heritage Society of Texas, Harris County Chapter and benefits the CHSHCC Library and Archives. For more information, call 713-349-0500 or email chsheritage20@att.net. See the advertisement in this week’s Vestnik. —SPJST—
Lodge 91 San Jacinto reports on March meeting
Lodge 91, San Jacinto held its first quarterly meeting of 2016 on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Crosby Diary Queen. All officers were present with the exception of Vice President Carlos San Miguel and President William Locke. Approximately seven members were present along with District Five Director Larry W. and Dorothy Pflughaupt. Secretary Vonda Smesny called the meeting to order, and the minutes and treasurer’s report were read and approved. FAC Malba Smesny spoke briefly about the End of Summer Corpus Christi Getaway, 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund, District Five Spring Meeting, Join Hands Day, and Paws Across Texas. Mrs. Smesny indicated that the proceeds from the last Paws Across Texas benefit held on December 19 were distributed accordingly: $100 to Cynthia Wotipka Boland, $400 to a New Dawn in Deer Park, and all food collected
was given to Margie Michalsky, owner of Puppy Dogs R Us. Under new business, Secretary Vonda Smesny discussed the possibility of honoring the lodge’s 75-year member Willie Haluska by placing his picture in the 2016 convention book. She also suggested that we honor Odis Divin, a 90-year-old member of Lodge 91, by doing the same. Motions were made and seconded to proceed with this recommendation. Secretary Vonda Smesny spoke about a Czechoslovakian exchange student living in Crosby and attending Crosby High School. Her name is Veronika Pospisilova. Director Pflughaupt spoke about his plans to retire and about the candidates to be voted on at the 2016 Convention. The meeting adjourned at 12:10 p.m. Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch and visiting with one another. A big thank you to Larry and Dorothy Pflughaupt for your presence. We always enjoy seeing the both of you, and you will truly be missed. We would also like to ask members to keep Cynthia Wotipka Boland in your prayers. Fraternally, Vonda Smesny, Secretary —SPJST—
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Dear Members and Friends, Congratulations to Bill Dikes and Manny Schroeder for winning best dressed cowboy and cowgirl at the Texas Independence Day Dance. Garland Ellsworth won the 50/50 drawing, and the Ladies Circle cake roulette (always a lot of fun) was a big success. Congrats to all! We invite you to mark these activities on your calendar. Please come on out for a great time! Sunday, April 3 Country/western dance with Randy and the 92nd Roadhouse Band, 2 to 6 p.m. $6 per person.
Friday, April 8 Tanglefoot Ballroom dance, 8 to 11 p.m. $10 - members, $17 - non-members. Sunday, April 10 Lodge 92, Fort Worth meeting, 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 12 Ladies Circle meeting,10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, April 12 Game night at Lodge 92, Fort Worth at 7 p.m.
SPJST Lodge 97, Placedo held its meeting on Friday, March 11, 2016, at the Victoria Mall meeting room. The meeting was brought to order by President Mrs. Gay Revel at 6:06 p.m. Sarah Bellanger led the Pledge of Allegiance. Special guest and speaker Mr. Delisle Doherty, District Six Fraternal Field Manager, said grace for our food and fellowship. Pizza and cookies were served by Donna Vanek. Well wishes and prayers were given to Mrs. Bessie Becker for her recent hospital stay. We all wish her a speedy recovery.
Old Business Minutes were read by Secretary/Reporter Bernadette Bellanger and approved upon motion by Shirley Sklar. No FAC report was given by Donna Vanek. She did, however, remind lodge members of Join Hands Day on May 7, which will be once again at Hospice with Judy Ledwig, and we will start between 9:30 and 10 a.m. Treasurer Dennis Vanek stated our lodge balance. He informed us of two awards our president received - a pre-
Lodge 66, Waco Sales Agent Via Randolph Recognized
Wednesday, April 13 Sportsmen’s Club meets from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monthly meeting of hunting and fishing enthusiasts with speakers and prize drawings. Open to the public. Free admission.
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—
Congratulations to Lodge 66, Waco Sales Agent Via Randolph! She received a $250 first place award as February’s Top Sales Agent in certificates issued.
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Wednesday, March 30, 2016
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Lodge 80, Holland Hosts St. Patrick’s Day Bingo
LEFT PHOTO: Several bingo attendees had some luck as they won one of the five green door prizes. The winners seemed very happy to win. The Irishinspired prize baskets contained canned potatoes, corned beef hash, cookies, green mints, crackers, green Sprites, green chewing gum, and a green bingo dabber. In addition to these prizes, all the bingo players were given a Blow-Pop to enjoy while playing bingo. It was a great St. Patrick’s Day! CEN-
mium incentive award and the Friendship 2013 award. Congratulations! Gay suggested removing the paper awards from previously won plaques and presenting them to the Boys and Girls Club, and the awards put in a binder. There was no unfinished business. District Six Fraternal Field Manager Doherty spoke of a new program offered by SPJST - the newborn benefit program and the convention in June. Delegates for that will be Gay Revel and Yvonne Garrett. Mr. Doherty informed us of the new by-laws and major changes being implemented. We were encouraged to read the Vestnik newspaper and give our opinions to Gay Revel for the convention. We are to all encourage new memberships to family and friends. There was no new business. Door prizes donated by Mr. Doherty were distributed. Thank you so much! Fifteen members were in attendance. Donna Vanek presented Gay Revel a beautiful wooden box with crochet squares inside to be given to Hospice. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m. David Bellanger made the motion to adjourn, and Marvin Thomas seconded it. Pull tabs were given to Gay Revel.
Next Meeting—June 10 Our next two meetings will tentatively be at the Victoria Meeting Room in Victoria Mall on Friday, June 10. Bernadette Bellanger Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 107 Floresville invites members to April 10 banquet
Lodge 107, Floresville will honor its Age 96, 75-year members, 50-year members, new members, volunteers, and sales agents on Sunday, April 10, 2016, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the hall. You and your family are invited.
Lodge 66, Waco member celebrates March birthday
Happy March birthday to John Engelke of Lodge 66, Waco. He was recognized and presented a cake at the lodge’s meeting on March 7, 2016. John also serves as District Three Director.
TER PHOTO: What’s this?! Methinks there may be a real leprechaun at Lodge 80! No, it’s Rosemary Taylor, a good sport, spreading some Irish cheer. RIGHT PHOTO: Green was the color of the day at Lodge 80’s St Patrick’s Day bingo on March 17, 2016. Pictured here are a few folks hoping to have the ‘luck o’ the Irish’ as they show off their best Irish green attire. —Submitted by Risa Pajestka
Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. The lodge will provide the meal, and each member is asked to bring a dessert. Our guest speaker will be SPJST Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek of Temple, Texas. All members of SPJST are welcome to attend. You may bring a guest to see if he or she would be interested in joining SPJST. Our goal this year is
Lodge 91 San Jacinto member celebrates 90th birthday
Happy 90th birthday to Odis Divin, Sr. of Lodge 91, San Jacinto! He celebrated his special day on February 4, 2016. Odis has been a member of SPJST since 1932. Congratulations and best wishes to Brother Odis!
15 new members. Please bring referrals with you and help us with our goals. We will have a prize drawing for referrals. To RSVP, please call Oscar Korus at 830-391-4169; Wendy Pruski at 210-535-4916; or Bob Bayer at 830393-2872 to let us know if you and your family will be attending. We must know by April 1 so we can prepare for you. Fraternally, The Officers of Lodge 107, Floresville —SPJST—
Happy Birthday, Jean Motl of Lodge 155 Austin
Jean Motl celebrated her 81st birthday on February 17, 2016. She is a member of Lodge 155, Austin.
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Scenes from Lodge 196, Houston-West Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, March 6, 2016 • Lodge 196, Houston-West • Photos Submitted by Mark Childres, President
The Easter egg hunt held at Lodge 196, Houston-West on Sunday, March 6, 2016, was a fun event for all who attended. The children had fun “fishing” for toys, candy, and other treats as well as showing their skill in the bean bag toss, and there are some very promising golfers if the putting green game is any judge of their abilities. Cypress Volunteer Fire Department allowed the children to have a close-up look at a
fire truck and an ambulance that they brought to the lodge. The Easter Bunny was there and posed for pictures with “kids” of all ages, and he lead the children out to the yard to start the egg hunting. The children all had a different way of hunting the eggs. Some went for just one color—orange, green, pink—but others put any egg they found in their baskets. There were plenty of eggs to be
found; over 900 eggs were spread out on the east lawn of the lodge. As the day went on and the children ate cookies and other treats as well as the loads of candy, the energy level grew, along with the noise level. The joy on the faces for the children and the pleased look of the parents made this day one that I will remember for a long time.
Thank You! I want to thank all of the lodge members and the others who worked so hard to make this event one the kids will remember. Now take a deep breath, and remember, next year is coming faster than you think. Fraternally, Don Fruin Event Coordinator —SPJST—
LEFT PHOTO: DeAnn Beckendorf helps this young lady with her catch. PHOTO 2: Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department demonstrates firefighting
equipment. PHOTO 3: Carter Wager explains how to put out a fire. RIGHT PHOTO: Nicholas Doherty explains the fire truck equipment to son Joseph.
LEFT PHOTO: The hunt begins! PHOTO 2: Coloring contest participants have a great time. PHOTO 3: Sydney Moncada tries her luck at fishing
while Mark Childres conducts the coloring contest in the background. RIGHT PHOTO: “Which egg do I open first?”
LEFT PHOTO: Easter Bunny poses for a picture with the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department. RIGHT PHOTO: Easter egg hunting fun!
LEFT PHOTO: Carter Wager wins first place in the ages 5 to 7 category of the coloring contest. PHOTO 2: Nadia Fruin is the third place coloring contest winner in ages 4 and under. PHOTO 3: Cadance Wager escorts
the Easter Bunny to the hunt. PHOTO 4: Easter Bunny poses for a photo with this little cutie! RIGHT PHOTO: Sydney Moncada poses with a fire truck.
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Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Lodge 133 San Antonio plans April 17 anniversary
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Joe and Jean Motl Celebrate 60 Years of Marriage
SPJST Lodge 133, San Antonio will host a luncheon for its anniversary celebration on Sunday, April 17, 2016. Please save the date, and join us at 12:30 p.m. for a catered barbecue meal. If you have any questions, you may call me at 830-214-5228. Submitted by, Jarolyn Popp, President —SPJST—
Lodge 151 Wharton supports Klinkovsky Scholarship Fund
SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton held its quarterly meeting on Monday, March 14, 2016, at the Wharton Depot Museum. A pizza and salad meal was served at 6:30 p.m. to six members and one guest. President Macha called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was observed for departed members. The roll was called, and all of officers were present except Vice President Ray Pilgrim who had a health issue. The December minutes and trea-
March 9, 1956
surer’s report had been handed out to the members before the meeting. After the minutes and treasurer’s report had been reviewed, James Vasek made a motion to accept the minutes and treasurer’s report. Charles Bucek seconded the motion. Motion passed. Secretary Janie Bucek presented information about placing an ad in the Official SPJST Convention Souvenir Program Book. Second, she read the names of our eleven 50-year members and one 75-year member. Third, she stated four death claims had been paid. Last of all, she said she had received tickets for the Frank Klinkovsky, Sr., Memorial Scholarship at the SPJST Awards Banquet. Janie Bucek gave the fraternal activities coordinator’s report. First, she
Lodge 151, Wharton Honors January, February, March Birthdays
Congratulations to Joe and Jean Motl of Lodge 155, Austin! They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on March 9, 2016. They are both members of Lodge 155, Austin. Their marriage is a beautiful and heartfelt milestone that all can admire.
reported the District Six Spring Meeting will be hosted by Lodge 23, Moravia on Sunday, April 3. Next, she stated the District Six delegates meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 29 at Taiton Community Center. She then said the 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive will end on March 31. Last of all, she reported on the upcoming SPJST events in the state. Charles Bucek gave the senior living center (rest home) report. He informed us on what was happening at all three S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers. David Bucek gave the cemetery report. Under new business, Carolyn Bucek made a motion to purchase a one-quarter page ad in the Official Convention Souvenir Book. James Vasek seconded the motion. Motion passed. Next, Charles Bucek made a motion to pur-
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chase 12 tickets for the Frank E. Klinkovsky, Sr., Memorial Scholarship. David Bucek seconded the motion. Motion passed. Last of all, we changed the dates for the June 2016 quarterly meeting and the March 2017 quarterly meeting. Our June quarterly meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 21 since the SPJST Convention will convene on our regular meeting date. We did not select Monday, June 20 to meet because several of our members had other meetings scheduled. The March 2017 quarterly meeting was changed to Tuesday, March 14 so several of our members could attend the El Campo Volunteer Department Annual Donor Appreciation Supper which is always held on the second Monday in March. District Six Director Karen Kaspar spoke about the District Six delegate
Lodge 177, Academy Supports Czech Heritage Museum
Lodge 177, Academy First Vice President Don McCrea, left, presents a $500 check to Kenny Lange of the Czech Heritage Museum in Temple.
Lodge 151, Wharton birthday honorees for January, February, and March are, left to right, District Six Director Karen Kaspar, Janie Bucek, Carolyn Bucek, James Vasek, and Gerald Macha. Happy birthday!
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meeting that will be held on March 29 at Taiton Community Center. She also encouraged us to read District One Director Donnie Victorick’s article in the Vestnik. Last of all, she reminded us about the District Six Spring Meeting that will be held in Moravia on April 3. The January, February, and March birthday honorees were Carolyn Bucek, Janie Bucek, District Director Karen Kaspar, Gerald Macha, and James Vasek. Names for door prizes were drawn. President Macha adjourned the meeting at 8:17 p.m. Fraternally, Janie Bucek Secretary/FAC —SPJST—
Lodge 196 Houston-West changes April 10 meeting time
Lodge 196, Houston-West is changing the starting time for the Sunday, April 10, 2016, meeting. Because of the District Five delegates’ meeting that day, we will be moving the starting time of our covered dish lunch to 12 noon, and the lodge business meeting to 1 p.m. Please mark your calendar so that you do not miss this fun time of food and fellowship with your fellow lodge members. Fraternally, Don Fruin Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 202 Jourdanton seeks scholarship applicants
Attention Lodge 202, Jourdanton High School Seniors: Lodge 202, Jourdanton is offering scholarships to its graduating seniors. If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, please email Youth Leader Regina House at spjst202youth@gmail.com or call 830-570-2046. Scholarship applications are due May 31, 2016. —SPJST—
Friendship Club of Fort Worth
The Friendship Club of Fort Worth met on Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at the St. Thomas Dining Room for its monthly meeting and social. The meeting was called to order by President Margaret Sears, and she welcomed everyone. Our guest was Margaret Hoenig, friend of Mary Agnes Ward. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all. The theme for the day was Easter, and the color was yellow. All the decorations by Lola Taylor and Rose Ann Spann were lovely and enjoyed by all. President Margaret read a nice St. Patrick’s Day poem which was enjoyed by all. Secretary Mary Ann Krivanek read the minutes from the last meeting, and Treasurer JoAnn Wilcox presented the financial report. Both reports were approved as presented. Members of St. Thomas Church are
hopeful that their new building will be completed before Christmas. A discussion was held as to where our Club will meet. At opening, the new church will not have kitchen facilities - only a snack room. Mary Ann Krivanek and Lola Taylor will check with Father and report back to the Club soon. President Margaret discussed various programs for our meetings each month. For our April meeting, we will have Officer John Smith from Lake Worth Police Department speak on “Self Defense.” This should a very informative program. Our telephone committee will call each of you as a reminder to come and bring a friend. Elizabeth Creamer said she has been a member of a Garden Club for many years, and could possibly get someone to speak. Libbie reported she had a contact name of a person that speaks on butterfly gardening and monarchs. In visiting with the lady, she got so excited that she does speak and does not charge anything. But when she was
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told where we meet, this lady said she cannot go out of Parker County. She did invite us to come on a field trip to Weatherford as they do have a café at this garden, and we could have a tour, listen to the presentation on monarchs, and eat lunch. Some of the ladies said we could possibly do this on our eating out social in July. This will be discussed later. Another member stated she heard a presentation on training service dogs which was most interesting. She will check on the possibility of having them come speak to us in May as Armed Forces Day is in May. Hopefully, some good programs can be lined up as we certainly have enjoyed all of our past speakers. Lola Taylor discussed having an elephant sale or a silent auction. Libbie said that she is a member of the Ennis Sewing Circle, and each year, they have an elephant sale where everyone brings all their unwanted “junk” or things. It is a lot of fun finding things at a very low cost, and the Circle does make extra cash. It was voted to have a white elephant sale in April. Put a price on each item you bring. The singing of “Happy Birthday” went out to March celebrants - Margaret Hoenig, Anna Marie Moncrief, and Jo Ann Wilcox. May you all have many more. Sunshine Person reported a get well card was sent to Shannon Connelly. We hope she is well by now. We have been missing her. Sharron, come see us soon. Door prizes were donated by Lola Taylor and Annie Marie Moncrief with our winners being Margaret Sears and Lola Taylor. Winners of the 50/50 dollar games were Jo Ann Wilcox and Mary Ann Krivanek. There were lots of happy winners! President Margaret stated that April is a designated month in which we bring non-perishable food items for St. Thomas Food Pantry. Our donations are always appreciated. April hostesses will be Darlene Tompkins and Marie Keller. Helpers are always appreciated. Stanley Krenek has been a great dishwasher the past few months. Thanks, Stanley! The theme for April is spring, and the color is “spring colors.” Following the meeting, grace was said and a fried chicken luncheon was enjoyed. The next meeting is Wednesday, April 6. Don’t forget your items for the white elephant sale, items for St. Thomas Food Pantry, a dish for lunch, and a friend to enjoy our speaker and lunch with us.
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News On March 11, I was invited to travel to Killeen with Jerry and Henrietta Milan and Kenya Harris of Maypearl to attend the formal ceremony and dedication of the 5 November, 2009, Fort Hood Memorial at Killeen Civic and Conference Center. The ceremony was very impressive and sad. All the dignitaries and special guests - one of which was SPJST President Brian Vanicek made remarks with the keynote address delivered by Governor Greg Abbott. Family members of those that died, and those present who were wounded were introduced, and Governor Abbott presented them with the Texas Purple Heart and a certificate. The Governor also spent a few minutes visiting with each family which made this so special. Following the indoor ceremony, all went outdoors for the dedication of the memorial. The memorial is a gazebo with a bronze monument dedicated to each of the 13 soldiers that died which had their picture, name, and a little scripture or saying about each. On top of the monument were various items that were special to each, such as a laptop computer, soccer ball, baseball, Bible, books, baseball cap, convertible, four-door family car, frog, small radio or recorder, coffee cup, the letter “U”, etc. In viewing each monument, we stopped at the one with the name of PFC Aaron Nemelka. During the presentation of the Purple Hearts, Jerry and I made the comment that this sounds like a Czech name. There were two women and three men standing next to this monument, and I asked if they were family members, and if Nemelka was a Czech name. The answer to both questions was “yes.” We introduced ourselves and told them we were Czech, too. The folks were the mother, sister and her boyfriend, and two brothers. They were from Utah, and we had a nice visit and they were so glad to meet some Czechs. Available was a paper which said something about all the items on top of each Soldier’s bronze. This is what was written about items on Nemelka’s bronze: “Aaron’s Treasure Box: He loved sports and played most of them and was really good at everything he tried. His love of music was also a great treasure he shared with his brothers and sister. Every day a song reminds his family of him. His greatest treasure was love for his family. Once when he was a little boy, he came into the house holding something. When he opens his hands to show his mother his treasured frog, he told his mother, “I’m a frog, I’m a frog.” To his mother “he was my little
frog.” This was a most treasured trip for us, even though we drove in misty rain both ways. Watch the Vestnik as Brian, Melanie, Katherine, Jerry, and Brooke were there taking photos. Willie Mae Becan celebrated her 95th birthday on March 9. Mary Schneider and I stopped in at Western Heritage Assisted Living where she resides. Her son, daughter, and daughter’s husband were there visiting with her. Willie Mae looked real good and was having a great day visiting with everyone. Rose Cuba was a former member and moved to Wichita Falls to be near family. At that time of Rose’s death which was April 2, 2015, Rose’s sister Georgia told me Rose requested a certain amount of money be sent to her church of St. Andrew’s here in Fort Worth for masses to be said in her memory. Each week, I always checked the bulletin, and sure enough, there always was a mass said for Rose each week. So Until, Keep Smiling, Libbie Vrla, Reporter —SPJST—
Ladies Circle of Lodge 92 Fort Worth
President Cathy Simmank called the meeting to order with 42 members reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Theretta Praslicka read a prayer that her son offered at Thanksgiving when he was nine years old. Attendance was a little light as many of our members from St. Thomas Catholic Church were attending a funeral. Business proceeded as usual with the reading of the minutes where there were no corrections. That almost never happens, and Treasurer Margaret Lamance gave a brief summary of our finances. She was available for those who wished to pay dues after the meeting. Margaret was instructed to go ahead and send in our donations to Meals on Wheels and Safe Haven. I believe we had already given the lodge its donation for 2015. The hall was decorated beautifully with hearts and candy. Several members brought gifts for everyone. And last of all, our Sweetheart for 2016 and her court were crowned and given a bouquet of flowers, candy, and a crown. Sandi Celusniak was chosen queen with Doris Overstreet and Christine Apperson as her court. These
ladies are precious to us. Robert Kurtnick was chosen as king for the day. He took it all in stride and humored us. Lucy Martinez, Evelyn Scaff, Sherrie Watkins, Theresa Clay, and Cathy Simmank were hostesses with Mr. Garland Ellsworth assisting in the kitchen. Lunch was “delish,” and we always look forward to the variety of menu items members bring. Yum-m-m. Jon Durham gave a run down on upcoming events scheduled for the lodge. A celebration for Texas Independence Day was scheduled for March 5. Jon quickly reviewed the activities that the lodge was planning and asked if the Ladies Circle would be interested in holding a cake walk during the band’s intermission. After motions were made and approved, Treasurer Margaret will handle the arrangements. It should be a fun afternoon. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Shirley Martin and Pauline Morbitzer. Others celebrating who were not there were Brenda Lackey, Madeleine Myers, Pauline Brownlee Linda Palmer, and Bob Shropshire. We missed you. Door prizes were given out, and there were 12 lucky winners. Candy in heart-shaped boxes was the gift of the day. Members wore in pink or red, and you were probably able to tell by the pictures that appeared in the March 9 Vestnik that many dressed for the occasion. It was fun, and thanks to all who brought a treasure. After show and tell, Theretta Praslicka said the blessing for lunch, and bingo closed the activities for the day. Joan Simek Shropshire Secretary —SPJST—
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★ ★ Reunions ★ ★
Reunion notices are published at no charge and as a benefit to our SPJST members. First-run announcements may be edited to fit the space. Thereafter, until the week prior to the reunion date - as space permits notices will be run in an abbreviated form. Please include your SPJST lodge number/name, and your contact phone number. Thank you.
April 16 Rural School Reunion—at SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood Hall in West. Schools: Alligator, Cottonwood, Denton Hill, Leroy, Leggott, Ross, Tokio, Tours, Closner, Snake Creek, Liberty Hill, Gerald, or any school overlooked. For information call Milton and Irene Peterson 254-533-2372; Al and Georgie Soukup 254-6620839; or Charlie and Irene Barber 254-622-2998. Note: The road to the hall has been closed due to the bridge out so when you leave West on FM 2114 proceed approximately five miles to Adair Road then turn immediately right on to Marek Road then turn right on South Czech Hall Road. Submitted by Milton and Irene Peterson, Lodge 6, Cottonwood.
April 23 Descendants of Cernosek and Amalia Cernosek Peter families—at Holy Rosary Parish Hall, Hostyn. Contact Frank or Wanda 210-6908237; or 210-262-2839. Submitted by Willie and Joyce Bohuslav, Lodge 88, Houston. —SPJST—
Familiarity By d.knape
We find familiarity replaces excitement the new and different hold little appeal the allure of popularity or celebrity seems shallow and in this slower stage of life there is comfort in routine the gentleness of the ordinary they become a life ring to which we cling we keep our heads above water we hang on. —SPJST—
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SPJST Youth
Section
The deadline for all Vestnik items is 5 p.m. the Wednesday before the publication date. Send your news and photos directly to:
SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087
Email: melaniez@vvm.com
Questions? Call 800-727-7578
This section is dedicated to the youth of SPJST. As part of its membership benefits, SPJST offers a statewide youth program. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about opportunities offered to young members of SPJST, please contact your local lodge, District Youth Counselor, State Youth Director at 800-727-7578, or visit www.spjst.org.
Share your memories of Bessie Petr
Dear Members, You are invited and encouraged to share memories of the late District Three Youth Counselor Bessie Petr for a special tribute in the Vestnik. Sister Bessie served as Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Leader and District Three Youth Counselor for many years and touched the lives of many generations of SPJST members. Sister Bessie passed away on February 12, 2016.
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Communication Melanie Zavodny no later than Thursday, March 31 to melaniez@vvm.com. Fraternally, Lynda Novak Lodge 84, Dallas —SPJST—
Deadline is March 31 Please email your stories and pictures to Vestnik Editor/Director of
District Two Youth Host Annual Skating Party
Saturday, February 20, 2016 • Wheels Family Skating Center in Temple • Submitted by District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky
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Lodge 17, New Tabor Welcomes New Youth Club Member
CULLEN STONE
Lodge 17, New Tabor welcomes Cullen Stone, age 13, to the youth club. He is in seventh grade at Caldwell Middle School. Cullen loves football, basketball, baseball, and hunting. —SPJST—
District Two Beseda Dancers set April 10 lunch fundraiser
Support SPJST District Two Beseda Dancers at a barbecue chicken dinner on Sunday, April 10, 2016, at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall. Plates consisting of one-half chicken, sauce, green beans, cole slaw, potato salad, bread, pickles, onion, tea, and dessert will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
for dine-in or take-out and will be $8 per plate. Seaton Star Hall is located at 10842 East Highway 53 in Temple. A prize drawing for a gift card basket, summer fun ice chest, and a pull cart wagon will be held at 1:30 p.m. For more information, contact District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky at 254-718-1606. —SPJST—
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O SPJST Youth Statewide Food Drive O SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club Collects 164 Pounds
Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club reports on February meeting
The February 7, 2016, meeting of SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club was held at Taiton Hall. The meeting was called to order at 2:26 p.m. by Jacob Supak. Emily Kresta led the Pledge of Allegiance and SPJST Youth Club motto. A moment of prayer and silence was held. A total of 12 members and four guests were present, which included Brett Bacak, Vanessa Riha, Grady Lange, and Kaylynn Perry. Old business discussed was that camp tee-shirt designs will be due by February 15. The collection for the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive will continue through March. New business discussed was that the District Six Spring Meeting will be Sunday, April 3 in Moravia. The youth will need to work on creating their cards for the greeting card contest. The next youth club meeting will be Sunday, March 6 at Taiton. There will be a youth workshop from 1 until
For the March charity project, Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club participated in the SPJST Youth Statewide Food Drive. Youth members collected 164 pounds of beans and rice and donated it to Elizabeth Lutheran Church community food pantry in Caldwell. Way to go, New Tabor Youth Club!
around 3:30 p.m. to learn about what each officer does. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Jacob Supak at 2:41 p.m. Brooke Bacak —SPJST—
Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club reports on March meeting
The March 6, 2016, meeting of SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club was held at Taiton Hall. The meeting was called to order at 1 p.m. by Jacob Supak. Lauren Kresta led the Pledge of Allegiance and the SPJST Youth Club motto and pledge. A moment of prayer and silence was observed. A total of 11 Lodge 30 members were present.
State Duchess Participates in District Two Spring Meeting
Hello, Readers. Thank you for coming to Lodge 48, Beyersville for the District Two Spring Meeting. I was very glad to see everyone. I worked at the registration table with Queen Kacie and King Brady handing out tickets. I also entered the thank you card contest and got third place. I got to take pictures with the Easter Bunny and helped my cousins Tatiana, Della, and Sawyer with the Easter egg hunt. I had a
great meal that Mr. John cooked. I also played dominos with some of the boys and football. I hope to see everyone in Seaton for the beseda fundraiser. I will be handing out the meal plates. Your State Duchess, Makayla Newsom —SPJST—
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Old business discussed was the collection of dry beans and rice for the statewide food drive. We also discussed the Taiton Altar Society Fried Chicken Dinner. Don’t forget to bring your cakes for the cake walk! New business discussed was that the spring district meeting will be Sunday, April 3 in Moravia. The youth will need to work on creating their greeting cards for the greeting card contest. Also think about the Join Hands Day project for May. Congratulations to Bethany Baker for placing in the K to 8 tee-shirt contest. The next youth club meeting will be on Sunday, March 20 at Taiton at 3:30 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your Easter baskets! A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Jacob Supak at 2:45 p.m. Fraternally, Brooke Bacak, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club elects officers
Dear Readers, At the last meeting of Lodge 47. Seaton Youth Club, the election of of-
P P Presenting 2016-2017 Officers P P SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club
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cards for the contest. Our next meeting will be held in April where we will discuss new business. Sincerely, Chase Alexander —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton youth wins second place in card contest The 2016-2017 officers of Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club are, left to right, President Dillon Narro, Vice President Madison Kellum, Secretary Macey McCuller, Treasurer Tabor Dowell, Reporter Brandon Powell, and Assistant Secretary/Reporter Kellie Ihlenfeldt.
ficers was held. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t get an office because I am graduating this year. I wish luck to those who did receive spots as they will be leading the meetings in the next year. Fraternally, Brady Alexander —SPJST—
Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Participates in March Meeting
Dear Readers, I’m on spring break, and it has rained almost every day. My grandma is keeping me busy this week so I am writing to let you know what’s going on. At the last meeting, I filled in for the secretary and read the minutes. That’s me on the left. Pictured with me at the
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meeting are April, Makenzie, and Pierce. I finished my king speech this week. I also worked on my individual talent and took a picture of a tree. The next meeting is Sunday, April 3. Fraternally yours, Austen Holland —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton youth create thank you cards
Dear Readers, As part of the Seaton Youth Club, we elected officers at our last meeting. We also had our district’s spring meeting where the children made thank you
Lodge 47, Seaton youth kills rattlesnake
Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club member David Hejl is pictured with a Western diamondback rattlesnake that he killed during spring break in South Texas. The 5-foot, 8-inch snake weighed about 30 pounds.
I attended the District Two Spring Meeting on Sunday, March 13, 2016, in Beyersville. I entered the greeting card contest and won second place. My mom was very proud of me. After the meeting, all the kids had an Easter egg hunt, and I got a lot of candy. The Easter Bunny also came, and we took pictures with him. Tyson Bilbrey —SPJST—
Happy Birthday, Trevor of Lodge 48 Beyersville!
Happy 11th birthday to Trevor Lee Wuensche of Lodge 48, Beyersville! Trevor celebrated his special day on March 17, 2016. He is the son of John Wuensche and Linda Wuensche. His siblings include older sisters LeAnna Jackson and Kayla Wuensche and brother Trent Wuensche. He is the grandson of Bobby and Ruth Ann Wuensche and the late Wilmer Smith.
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Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club Hosts Annual Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, March 6, 2016 • Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall • Submitted by Joyce Kraatz, Youth Leader
LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 47, Seaton youth are pictured with the Easter Bunny at the youth club’s annual egg hunt on Sunday, March 6, 2016. Front, left to right, Lydia Federle, Nash Belson, Braden Gilliam, Tyson Bilbrey, Camdon Bartek, Everhett Bartek, Easter Bunny, Rebecca Federle, Dannikka Bartek, Brinley Belson, Kal-El Martinez, Tristan Martinez, Seth Martinez, Angelina Ringwald, Braxton White, and Brayton White.
Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club reports on March meeting
Dear Readers, The youth of Lodge 84, Dallas met for their monthly meeting on Sunday March 20, 2016. The meeting was brought to order around 1 p.m. by Jason Sims. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Josh Tucker, and a moment of silence was observed for Bessie Petr. Old and new business was discussed, and Youth Leader Lynda Novak reminded us of upcoming
events especially our initiation of new members and the distribution of 50and 75-year pins on Sunday, April 17. We then enjoyed an Easter egg hunt, confetti egg battle, and social afterward. A fun time was had by all.
Next Meeting—April 17 The next meeting will be Sunday, April 17 at 1 p.m. Fraternally, Kendall Tucker, Reporter —SPJST—
O SPJST Youth Statewide Food Drive O SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Club Collects 36 Pounds
Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Club participated in the SPJST Youth Stateside Food Drive. Youth collected 36 pounds of beans and rice. Great job!
Back: Ariana Federle, Julia Zavodny, Kyndall Carroll, Ryan Festa, Colton Regan, Emma Regan, and Zoe Talasek. CENTER PHOTO: With baskets in tow, youth anxiously await the Easter egg hunt. Pictured are, left to right, Brayton White, Everhett Bartek, Braxton White, Rebecca Federle, and Camdon Bartek. RIGHT PHOTO: Brayton White shares a moment with the Bunny.
Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club elects officers for 2016-2017 year
Dear Members, We had our elections at our March meeting, and officers were elected. They are:
Reporter Ian Fahrenhold Flag Bearers Cheyenne Parker and Addison Shaffner Sergeant-at-Arms Daden Chmiel
I’m looking forward to working with our new officers next year! ;-) Fraternally, Keith Wockenfuss, President —SPJST—
President Nathan Polly Vice President Keith Wockenfuss Secretary Jered Polly Treasurer Tyler Parker
O SPJST Youth Statewide Food Drive O SPJST Lodge 162, Iowa Colony Youth Club Collects 48 Pounds
Lodge 162, Iowa Colony Youth Club participated in the SPJST Youth Statewide Food Drive. Adult lodge and youth members collected a total of 48 pounds of beans and rice. Awesome job!
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
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SPJST Youth Thank You Greeting Card Design Contest
Lodge 185, New Braunfels Youth Attends Spring Break Camp
What is it? The Greeting Card Design Contest is sponsored by SPJST to encourage youth members to be creative and express their artistic talents. The contest is held at the district spring meeting. The card type/theme will be a thank you. The winning design will be an official greeting card for the SPJST Home Office. The SPJST Greeting Card will also be available for purchase. Youth must be present to enter and win. Please check with your youth leader, District Youth Counselor, or the Vestnik for your district’s 2016 spring meeting date, location, card design type/theme, and contest registration time. The theme for 2016 is a thank you card. Who Can Enter? SPJST members entering kindergarten to high school senior.
Tate Smith, a member of Lodge 185, New Braunfels Youth Club, attended Christian Youth Theater (CYT) Spring Break Camp from March 14 to 18, 2016. The children learned about Mary Poppins. They discussed setting, scenes, songs, and lines. The children performed a showcase on Friday, March 18 to show off everything they learned at camp. Tate had a wonderful time singing, dancing, and creating arts and crafts. He even learned how to snap! He says he would like to continue taking classes at CYT.
The Rules ❒ Submit entry on an official entry form (available from SPJST youth leaders or the State Youth Director) or draw your design in an 8 1/2inch by 5 1/2-inch space on a sheet of plain, white paper. Design size
must be 8 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches. This is equivalent to a regular sheet of paper folded in half. Designs may be drawn either horizontally or vertically.
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or paint. No pencils and no additions (cut-outs, glitter, etc.)
❒ Entries must be freehand originals created by the youth member. No computer-generated entries accepted.
Judging Designs will be judged on overall appearance and appeal, creativity and originality, and ability to reproduce on a greeting card. One design in each age category will be selected at each district’s spring meeting and sent to the SPJST Home Office.
Awards All Greeting Card Design Contest participants will receive a participation award, and youth club members will receive five merit points in the Merit Point System. The winning cards from each district will also be judged on the state level. The overall winner in the state competition will receive a $100 gift card. —SPJST—
❒ Use ink, magic markers, crayons,
Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club Presents Easter Egg Hunt Scenes Sunday, March 20, 2016 • Lodge 84, Dallas • Submitted by Kendall Tucker, Reporter
TOP PHOTOS: Youth enjoy confetti eggs and the Easter egg hunt. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Youth show off their egg hunt finds. BELOW CENTER PHOTO: Hiram Dixon, right, visits with new sales agent and Lodge 84 Youth Leader Lynda Novak. Brother Dixon is a candidate for Supreme
Lodge Vice President. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Pictured are, left to right, Megan and Ryan Ruzicka, Jason Sims (holding Kalyne Tucker), and Kendall and Joshua Tucker. Youth enjoyed the egg hunt, confetti eggs, and social time.
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Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Expression of Sympathy
We, the members of Lodge Pokrok 84, Dallas, on behalf of our entire membership, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family of our departed sister, ELIZABETH “BESSIE” PETR. Elizabeth “Bessie” Petr passed away Saturday, February 12, 2016, and joined her husband in Heaven. Born July 27, 1923, in Bardwell, Texas, to Anna and Joseph Slovak, Bessie met Emil, the love of her life, at Bessie Petr a dance in Ennis in 1936. They were married November 26, 1942. For the next 60 years, their love and devotion would be a testament to their friends and family until his death in 2002. They settled in Dallas in 1945 after his return from the Army, and raised three children. Beginning her career as a housewife, Bessie opened Bessie’s Wedding and Catering in 1961, a business Bessie continued until her death along with her daughter Lynda. In addition to her family and her work, Bessie was devoted to the organizations she held so dear. She was a devout Catholic and member at St. Thomas Aquinas since 1954 where she was also a member of the Altar Society. She was extremely active in SPJST, serving as Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Leader for 63 years. Hundreds of kids and young adults grew up under her guidance, knowing her affectionately as “Mama Bessie.” She was also active in KJT and KJZT. She was preceded in death by her husband Emil; and son Frank; brothers Emil Slovak and Louis Slovak; and sisters Ann Patril and Frances Patak. She is survived by sister Margaret Spaniel; son Larry and wife Liz; daughter Lynda and husband James; eight grandchildren Larry and Beth; Damon and wife Leigh; Meribeth and husband Benedict; Christopher; Lauren and husband Tim; J.J. and wife Deneé; Franklin and wife Seanna; and Jamie; and great-grandchildren Zoe, Braden, Molly, Luke, Trenton, and Laney.
Visitation was at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 15 at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home; rosary followed at 7 p.m. Funeral mass was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 16 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Dallas. Gravesite ceremony followed at Calvary Hill Cemetery. The family asks that memorial donations be made to SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas or to a charity of your choice. May our departed sister rest in eternal peace. Resolution Committee Justine Yeager Cheryl Petr —SPJST—
In Memory of Frank Juarez
Funeral service for Frank Sanchez Juarez, 78, of Lufkin was held Saturday, February 6, 2016, at 2 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Ty Phillips and Richard Joseph officiating. Interment followed in the Ryan Chapel Cemetery. Mr. Juarez was Frank Juarez born June 4, 1937, in Gonzales to the late Bruno Bonilla and Lucy Sanchez Juarez and died Tuesday, February 2 at his residence in Lufkin. Mr. Juarez resided in Lufkin for the past 46 years. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He was postmaster for a total of 42 years, including Apple Springs from 1979 to 1982, Corrigan from 1982 to 1993, and Diboll from 1993 to 2000. Mr. Juarez was past president of the Lancewood Water Supply, a volunteer for the Hudson Fire Department, and on the CCA Board of the Diboll Correctional Center. He loved to dance and spend time with his family. He was an avid birdwatcher and a collector of stamps, coins, and elephants. Mr. Juarez was of the Catholic faith. He was a charter member of SPJST Lodge 191, Lufkin. Survivors include wife Dolores Juarez of Lufkin; son and daughter-inlaw Michael Conrad and Pamela Amaya Juarez; grandson Jacob
Michael Juarez; grandson and spouse Jonah Conrad and Heather D. Juarez and their children JaeLynne and J’ace; grandson and spouse Jesse Matthew Juarez and Jessica Pawlowski and their children Kalieah and Kalysa; grandsons Jeremy Abram Juarez, Judah Elijah Juarez, and Jordan Zachary Juarez; brother and sister-inlaw Gregory and Rosa Juarez of Houston; and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and son Frank Juarez, Jr. Pallbearers were his grandsons. The family welcomed friends and loved ones from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday evening, February 5 at the funeral home. Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. —SPJST—
In Memory of Duaril Lamb
Duaril Lamb, 79, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 11, 2016, in Ennis, Texas. Duaril was born in Crisp on October 24, 1936, to Orbie Victor and Goldie (Minter) Lamb. He grew up in Ennis and graduDuaril Lamb ated from Ennis High School in 1955. On June 20, 1980, he married Lauraette Carl, and they made their home in Ennis. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy serving on the USS Rushmore from 1955 until 1959. Duaril was owner of Lamb Motors for 22 years. Prior to that, he worked as a salesman manager for several dealerships. He was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church. He was also a member of SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis; IOOF; and American Legion. He enjoyed playing golf, cards, and dominos. The joy of his life was his family and his church. Duaril will be remembered by all the lives he touched over the many years, and his memory will be cherished most by his loving family including his wife of over 35 years, Lauraette Lamb; son Dale Cox; daughter Jill Moreno and husband Joe; granddaughters Casey Moreno, Haley
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and Briley Hicks, Samantha Cox, and Brittany Cox; brother Paul Lamb and wife Christy; sisters Doris Crow, Jane Mecom and husband Jim; and Donna Lamb; brother-in-law Tommy Brown; and a host of extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dan Lamb; sister Madge Brown; and brother-in-law Jack Crow. Visitation was held on Sunday, February 14 from 3 until 5 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. A celebration of his life was Monday, February 15 at 10 a.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Ennis with Reverend Mike Sellers officiating. Private family interment followed under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc. Submitted by, Betty Macalik Financial Secretary —SPJST—
Resolution of Sympathy
We the members of Lodge 66, Waco, wish to express our deepest and sincerest sympathy to the family of our departed sister, BERNICE PANKONIEN. Bernice Ida Melinda Pankonien, age 87, of Riesel, Texas, passed away Monday, March 7, 2016, in a Waco hospital. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 10 at Bellmead Funeral Home B. Pankonien Chapel with Pastor Jerry Arthur Officiating. Burial followed at Riesel Cemetery. A visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 9 at the funeral home. Bernice was born January 1, 1929, in the St. Paul community of Falls County, the daughter of Herman and Marie (Neumann) Grams. She married Alfred Pankonien on August 9, 1950. He preceded her in death on August 30, 1997. Bernice loved cooking, playing dominoes, and dancing. She was a member of SPJST Lodge 66, Waco and a member of Meier Settlement United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter Kathryn Ann Bailey. Survivors include daughter Carolyn
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Marie Pankonien of Riesel; sons Gary Allen Pankonien of Palestine, Illinois, Larry Wayne Pankonien of Laguna Park, and Edward Leland Pankonien of Moody; the second love of her life Edward Vorderkunz of Riesel; brother Walter Herman Grams of Mexia; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. May our departed sister rest in peace. Resolution Committee Dorothy Veselka Diana Engelke —SPJST—
Expression of Sympathy
We, the members of the Resolution Committee of Lodge Hvezda Texasu No. 47, Seaton, Texas, on behalf of our membership, wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of our departed member, GLADYS SCHILLER. Graveside service for Gladys Marie Schiller, age 87, of Temple was held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Ocker Brethren Cemetery with Reverend Larry Zabcik officiat- Gladys Schiller ing. Mrs. Schiller died Wednesday, March 9 in a Belton nursing home. Mrs. Schiller was born in Moody to Clifford Johnson and Ludie LaGrone Johnson. She attended school in Moody, Vincent, and Lott. She graduated from Lott High School as valedictorian in 1946. She attended Southwest State Teachers College, Temple Junior College, and graduated from Baylor University. She taught school at Red Ranger, North Elm, Barclay, and Southwest Elementary in Belton for 29 years. She retired in 1989. She lived in Moody, Lott, and Barclay before moving to Temple. She married Lee Roy Schiller on November 28, 1952. He preceded her in death on February 20, 2011. She was a member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton. She was also member of Temple Brethren Church where she was involved with the Christian Sisters. Survivors include daughters Frances Jeanette Eaton of Belton and
Marsha Schiller-Lunde of Belton; and several grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Memorials in Gladys’ name to Temple Brethren Church; or to Gentiva Hospice would be appreciated. Scanio-Harper Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Resolution Committee Ruth Hanusch Joyce Skrabanek —SPJST—
Resolution of Sympathy
We, the members of the Resolution Committee of Lodge Hvezda Texasu No. 47, Seaton, Texas, on behalf of our membership, wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of our departed member, PEARLIE R. FAICHTINGER. Pearlie R. Faichtinger, age 89, of Temple, died on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at a local nursing home. She was born August 18, 1926, in Thorndale to P. Faichtinger Willie and Rosie (Lammer) Jechow. Pearlie married Laddie Faichtinger on July 28, 1947, and moved to Temple in 1955. She was a longtime, active member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton. She was also a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She worked for Tem-Tex News Agency for 11 years and Jefferson School for three years. She was preceded in death by husband Laddie on August 12, 1991. Pearlie is survived by son Johnnie Faichtinger and wife Peggy of Temple; daughter Helen Hoelscher and husband Donnie of Temple; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral, visitation, and rosary were held at Hewett-Arney Funeral Home, Saturday, March 12. Visitation was at 1 p.m. followed by a rosary at 1:30 with Deacon Smetana. Funeral service was at 2 p.m. Burial followed at Seaton Cemetery. Resolution Committee Ruth Hanusch Joyce Skrabanek —SPJST—
In Memory of Gladys Baack
Gladys Meischen Baack, age 86, widow of Alfred Baack, passed away Friday, February 19, 2016 in Tomball, Texas. Gladys Baack was born September 20, 1929 in Shelby to Louis and Theresa Echoff Meischen. On January 10, 1948, she married Alfred Baack in Houston. She was employed by JC Penney as a floor supervisor for many years. Gladys was an active member of SPJST Lodge 179, Warrenton. Survivors in- Gladys Baack clude daughter Beatrice Turner of Houston; son Rickey Baack and wife Vickie of Magnolia; sister Hertha Goebel of Shelby; grandchildren Heath Turner, Brandon Baack and wife Amber, Amber Baack and Clint Bass, Justin Baack and Melissa Hodges; greatgrandchildren: Hallie Baack, Colton Baack, Dylan “Bopper” Baack, Grayson Baack, Nicholas Cortes, and Dylan Cortes. Gladys was preceded in death by her husband; parents; three brothers; and six sisters. Visitation was from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday afternoon, February 21 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Funeral service was held at 1 p.m., Monday, February 22 at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Shelby. Pastor John David Nedbalek officiated. Burial followed in Shelby Cemetery. Pallbearers were Brandon, Justin, Colton, and Dylan Baack, Clint Bass, and Heath Turner. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Shelby; or Shelby Cemetery Association. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com. Respectfully submitted, Joan Sue Goehring, FAC —SPJST—
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
In Memory of Calvin Vojtek
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Calvin John (Johnny) Vojtek, age 85, passed away at St. Joseph Hospital, Bryan, Texas, on February 11, 2016. He was born on May 24, 1930, in Houston to Fred and Anna Kubin Vojtek. He was raised by his grandmother and by his aunt Ella and uncle Frank Adlong. Calvin served in the United States Army before he married Esther the love of his life - on April 11, 1953. They celebrated 58 years together before she passed away in 2011. He was a Scout leader and Calvin Vojtek loved to camp with the Boy Scouts and family. He loved to travel by car, plane, or cruise ships. Esther and Calvin learned to Square dance and go to different Square Dance clubs to dance. When he lived in Cypress, Calvin volunteered at the local fire station as a fire fighter. Living in Bryan, he joined the Lions Club and American Legion. Calvin was very service oriented in the Bryan-College Station Brethren Church and Mutual Aid Society. He was loved by all who knew him and did not know a stranger. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston. Calvin was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife Esther Marek Vojtek; uncle and aunt Frank and Ella Adlong; and two brothers. Survivors include children Rosann and Larry Mullens; Daniel and wife Cyndy Vojtek; grandchildren Kasey and Chris Lenart; Charlie and Carla Anderson; great-grandchildren Ella Lenart; Jacklynn, Cooper, and Lincoln Anderson; brother Henry Vojtek of Giddings; and many nephews, nieces, and friends. Memorials may be made to BryanCollege Station to any of these organizations: Mutual Aid Society; Hus School; or Foreign and Home Missions. Please indicate which organization on the check or donation. —SPJST—
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Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Expression of Sympathy
The officers and members of Lodge 202, Jourdanton express sincere heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of JOURDINE EDITH DORNAK TYMRAK. Jourdine Dornak Tymrak, well known Jourdanton, Texas, resident and business owner, died Friday, March 18, 2016. Jourdine was born in Atascosa County west of Jourdanton on the Jourdan Campbell farm on June 29, 1922. She was the youngest of five children of John and Terezie Janak Dornak and was named after Jourdan Campbell, the founder of Jourdanton. Jourdine started school at age Jourdine Tymrak seven in Christine. She was of Czech descent and did not know how to speak the English language; however, she could sing a song in Czech that her mother taught her and a song in Spanish that she learned from her neighbor playmates before starting school. The teachers thought that was an unusual talent and had Jourdine perform her two songs on stage for a school assembly. She went on to learn English quickly from playing with her schoolmates on the playground so well that she made her first and second grades in one school year. She attended school through part of the fifth grade in Christine then finished her schooling in the Jourdanton School. She was very athletic in volleyball, basketball, and baseball and was a cheerleader in her junior and senior years of high school. She graduated from Jourdanton High School at age 16 in 1939. She met and married Joseph “Joe” Tymrak, who was a business owner of Joe’s Place, on October 21, 1940. She worked side by side with him in Joe’s Place until his death May 12, 2000, at which time they closed the business. They were blessed with six children - Jourdine Joeneatte, Patricia Jeane, Judith Carol, Janice Lee, Donald Joseph, and Tommy Jerald. They were also blessed with nine grandchildren Steven James, Deborah Lynn and Robert Wayne Mueller, Jason Ryan, Kimberly Michelle, Katrina Jonette, Teresa Rene, Travis Cody, and Michelle Leann Tymrak. On September 19, 2002, Jourdine was blessed with her first great-grandchild - Daniece Nicole Mueller, daughter of Deborah Lynn Mueller. Daniece kept Great-Grandma on her toes by always wanting to listen
and dance to the polka music when she visited. Jourdine was baptized as a baby in St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Jourdanton and was a member of this parish all of her life. All of her children were also baptized in this parish.She was also married in this parish as were all of her children except for her oldest daughter, Joeneatte, who passed away November 3, 1961, at the age of 20. She learned to read, write, and sing in the Czech language from her mother. At age 14, she performed in several Czech plays in Jourdanton and Robstown. Anyone who knew her knew that she never passed up a chance to sing Czech songs wherever she was and loved to dance to all types of music especially Czech polkas and waltzes. She learned the love of dancing at home and at the Dobrowolski SPJST Hall at the early age of five. Being a good dancer, she and husband Joe were asked countless times to lead grand marches for weddings. Jourdine was a very friendly and outgoing person by nature who had the knack of getting acquainted with people easily and one who never met a stranger. She had a winning smile and great gift of gab that could make people feel comfortable and at ease right away. She was known affectionately at Joe’s Place as a person who could give you all the news, serve you a good cup of coffee, and preach you a good sermon all for a nickel. Her children swore that she was a detective in another life because she could talk to a stranger in Joe’s Place and know who they were, where they were from, where they were going, and what business purpose they had in our town within minutes. During her years with Joe’s Place, she made many good, faithful, longtime friends that she cherished and kept in contact with throughout the years. Her children, their spouses, and the grandkids all knew that they would receive one of her big warm hugs when they saw her as did her many friends. She had a wonderful talent known by her friends and relatives to write and send long and newsy letters several notebook pages long. If you didn’t know what was going on in town, you could read her letters and know every detail and feel like you had been there as she was very detailed and descriptive in her writings. The saying was, if Jourdine didn’t know and write you about it, then it just hadn’t happened yet. She also had a great sense of humor and never passed up a good joke whether telling one or hearing one. For over 40 years, Jourdine along with her husband Joe served as the only City of Jourdanton fire siren operators and dispatchers for the fire department, answering the fire phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The commu-
nity was accustomed to and relied on them to blow the traditional noon whistle, the Tuesday night fire meeting whistle, the Civil Defense alert whistle as well as blowing the whistle for every fire. Jourdine was the top hamburger maker at Joe’s Place and received many compliments on her hamburgers on how good they were and how much her customers enjoyed them. She knew all of her regular hamburger customers and could remember how each one wanted their hamburgers made. Since they closed Joe’s Place, she would meet some of her customers and was always happy to hear that so many of them remembered her and those good hamburgers she used to make and how much they still missed them. After Joe’s death and the closing of Joe’s Place, she retired and took time to slow down and rest. In doing so, she enjoyed visiting and playing dominoes with her friends at the senior center along with having her friends and relatives visit her and play dominoes. To celebrate her 80th birthday, her children gave her a trip to Las Vegas. This was her first airplane ride, her first taxi ride, her first city bus ride, and her first trip to Las Vegas . . . and she thought it was the greatest trip of her lifetime. Since this was her first trip on an airplane, the steward got the pilot’s hat and placed it on her head, gave her a set of miniature wings, and took her picture on the plane. This was two weeks before the 911 tragedy in New York. She had a very enjoyable trip playing the slot machines and seeing the Las Vegas sites and shows. She was accompanied by three of her children and their spouses. Jourdine was a member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church Altar Society, member of the Atascosa County Genealogical Society Library in Poteet, and a lifetime member of the SPJST fraternal insurance lodge. In her youth, she was a member of SPJST Lodge Dobrota, No. 78 in Dobrowolski, Texas, and at her death, she was a member of Lodge 202, Jourdanton. She was preceded in death by husband Joe; parents John and Terezie Janak Dornak; oldest daughter Jourdine Joeneatte Tymrak; sister Justina Dornak Liberda; and brothers Julius, Johnny, and Jerome Dornak. She is survived by children Patricia Jeane Elizabeth Tymrak Daughtrey of Jourdanton, Judith Carol Tymrak Jaksik and husband Steve of Corpus Christi, Janice Lee Tymrak Mueller and husband Leslie of Jourdanton, Donald Joseph Tymrak and wife Beverly of Karnes City and Tommy Jerald Tymrak and wife Lisa of Jourdanton; grandchildren Steven James Mueller, Deborah Lynn Mueller (Mike) Jarvis, Robert Wayne Mueller, Jason Ryan (Tiffany)
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Tymrak, Kimberly Michelle Tymrak (Shawn) Stoute, Katrina Jonette Tymrak (Sean) Wiatrek, Teresa Rene Tymrak (Nathan) Teague, Travis Cody Tymrak, and Michelle Leann Tymrak (Dustin) Titzman; great-granddaughters and great-grandsons Daniece Nicole Mueller, Autumn Elise and Logan Grant Mueller, Kiera Raine, Hixon Stone and Hendrix Cole Wiatrek, Jakstyn Joe Coe, Cashtyn Wayne and Kynli Samantha Teague, Penelope Capri Titzman, Kaylynn Grace and Evan Russell Tymrak, and Meila Reign Stoute; along with wonderful numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Visitation was Friday, April 1 beginning at 2 p.m. at Hurley Funeral Home in Pleasanton. Rosary was recited at 7:30 p.m. Funeral service was held Saturday, April 2 at 10 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Jourdanton with interment following in St. Matthew Catholic Cemetery in Jourdanton. Fraternally, Bettie House, Secretary —SPJST—
Resolution of Sympathy
We the members of the Resolution Committee of Lodge 30, Taiton, on behalf of our officers and members, wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of PORTIA KOENIG POWELL. Portia Koenig Powell, 67, of El Campo, Texas, passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2015. Portia was born on June 2, 1948, in East Bernard to Walter and Lorene Roznovak Koenig. Portia graduated from El Campo High School. She owned and operated Video Express in East Bernard for more than 20 years. She was a member of SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton. She is survived by mother Lorene Koenig; sons Blake Powell and wife Judy of Waco and Troy Powell of Las Vegas, Nevada; and granddaughter Willow Brooke Powell of Waco. She was preceded in death by her father Walter Koenig; and grandparents Willie and Agnes Roznovak and John and Mary Koenig. Visitation was Tuesday, December 8 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Triska Funeral Home. Funeral service was Wednesday, December 9 at Triska Funeral Home with the Reverend Marcos Otterstad officiating. Burial followed at the Garden of Memories Cemetery. Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer Resolution Committee —SPJST—
Podpora
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BENEVOLENCE
ROČNÍK 104 CISLO 13
Zpráva ze schůze SPJST řádu č. 54 ve Westu, Tx. Jan Vaculík
Pravidelná čtvrtletní schůze SPJST řádu číslo 54 Jaromír v Westu, Tx. se konala dne 4. března 2016 v síni svatého Josefa při osadě Nanebevstoupení Svaté Panny Marie ve Westu,Tx. za příjemného jarního počasí a poměrně hojné účasti členstva. President Freddie Kaluža Ray Snokhous zahájil schůzi, přivítal přítomné a složili jsme přísahu vlajce a republice, pro kterou stojí. Chvílí ticha jsme uctili památku zemřelých členů, bratra Busbyho a Raymonda Snokhouse. Raymond J. Popeye Snokhous ve věku 86 let zemřel časně ráno ve spánku dne 26. února 2016 ve své residenci. Růženec byl modlen dne 28. února a pohřební obřady se konaly ve dvě hodiny odpoledne v pondělí 29. února v kostele Svaté Panny Marie, kdy slavnostní obřady vedl Rev. Paul Hudson, spolusloužili Rev. Vincent Chacko, Rev. Ed. Karásek, Rev. Stephen Nesrsta, Rev. Joe Hybner, Rev. Aleš Pisařovic, Rev. Walter Dhanwar, stejně jako diakon Ronnie Sýkora. Zpěv zastal Sbor kostela a vojenské obřady provedli veteráni při hrobu na hřbitově svaté Panny Marie ve Westu, Tx. Na trubku zahrál Danny Zapletal z Ennisu, Tx. a Chris Rybák z Halletsville, Tx. se přidal s pěknou hudbou českých písní. Raymond se narodil 18. srpna 1929 ve Westu jako syn zemřelého Ludwiga J. Snokhouse a Sidonie (Dvorské) Snokhousových. Vyšel základní školu při kostele Svaté Panny Marie a v roce 1947 absolvoval Westskou střední školu a navštěvoval menší universitu
★
Lidskost
Česká
HUMANITY
Bratrství Wednesday, March 30, 2016
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Část
Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas
Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roků 1897
v Hillsboro, Tx. Raymond pak získal stipendium na fotbal a promoval s vyšším titulem z Houstonské university a pak vystudoval práva na Jihotexaské universitě v Houstonu, Tx. Sloužil v americké armádě jako parašutista v 101. parašutistické divisi za Korejské války. Oženil se 5. září 1952 s Jolene Grant v Houstoně, Tx. Tato manželka zemřela dne 11. dub na 1997. Raymond se pak oženil znovu s Claricí Annou Mařík v Magdaleně na Moravě, Česká republika. Raymond byl zaměstnán u Gulf Oil společnosti od roku 1952 do roku 1983. V roce 1983 začal pracovat Houstonské elektrárně jako vicepresident pro mimopodnikové záležitosti a odešel do důchodu jako starší vicepresident pro vládní a ředitelské záležitosti. Sloužil také jako čestný a vysloužilý konsul České republiky v Texasu. Byl věrným a oddaným členem kostela Svaté Panny Marie ve Westu, byl členem 4. řádu Kolumbových rytířů, členem Společnosti českého dědictví v Hill-McLennan odbočce, dále Katolické jednoty, odbočky číslo 31, Amerických legionářů č. 478, Národní asociace zbraní, SPJST řádu 54., Českého centra a musea v Houstonu, Tx., bývalým členem Mezinárodního výboru Houstonského rodea a výstavy dobytka, členem Českého katolického sdružení a organisace Amerických přátel České republiky a jiných mnohých organisací Raymond také pracoval jako člen Výboru Texasko-českého střediska pro dědictví a kulturu v LaGrange, Tx., též v středisku svatého Petra při Baylor universitě a byl bývalým presidentem Velkohoustonského přístavního úřadu. Byl hrdý na svůj česko-americký původ a mnohokrát jeli s manželkou Claricí do staré vlasti a zaplatili za zvony pro mnohé kostely. Byl znám jako profesionální boxer a byl přeborníkem boxu v Texasu. Rád sbíral staré farmářské stroje, pracoval na pozemku a uspořádal otcovu kovárnu
ve středu města. Také se rád zasmál dobrému vtipu a strávil hodně času s rodinou a mnohými přáteli. Raymonda předešli na druhý svět jeho rodiče, bratr Louis Snokhous a sestra Evelyn Urbanovská. Na tomto světě zanechal manželku po 17 letech Clarice Ann Snokhous, syna Marka Snokhouse s manželkou Nanette z Deer Parku, dceru Karen Nunneley s manželem Deanem z Tulsy, Oklahoma, nevlastní syny Johna O´Hare s manželkou Lucy, Jamese O´Hare s manželkou Delphine, nevlastní dcery Partricii Woolfe s manželem Gregem, Mauren Holý s manželem Tomem, bratra Jamese Danielse s manželkou Bett, sestru Angeline Šulák, vnoučata Jasona Snokhouse s manželkou Kristen, Kayla Kippley s manželem Mattem, Kelsey Scott s manželem Robertem, Kyle Nunneley a Kody Nunneley, pravnučky Olivii a Sidonii, nevlastní vnoučata Grega a Christophera Wolfe, Kate LaNotre s manželem Gastonem, Jonathana Wolfe, Josephine a Oscara O´Hare, nevlastní pravnou čata Beatrice, Bernard a Gerard a mnoho neteří, synovců a ostatních příbuzných. Aktivní nosiči rakve byli Jason Snokhous, Kyle Nunneley, Kody Nunneley, Russell Devorský, Nathan Kaluža a Gary Snokhous. Čestnými nosiči rakve byli velvyslanec České republiky Petr Gandalovič, čestný konsul pro Texas Brian Vaníček, Earl Austin, Don Jordan, Jim Stephenson,Thomas Standich, Keith Owen a šerif Parnell McNamara. Peníze upotřebené na květiny a jiné potřeby věnujte do stipendijní pokladny školy svaté Panny Marie, na hřbitov anebo na adresu Texaskočeského kulturního střediska a dědictví v LaGrange, Tx. Aherhold pohřební ústav ve Westu zařídil uctivý pohřeb a všechno potřebné k důstojnému obřadu. Osobně přidávám jen vzpomínku na touhu Raymonda po vypátrání osudu amerických letců za Druhé světové války, opravoval jejich pomníky a nacházel památná místa jejich přistání a případného útěku na Sloven-
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BROTHERHOOD
30.březen.2016
sko. Vzpomínám, že nejednou pomohl občanům staré vlasti, kteří se zamotali do nepříjemné situace v Mexiku a potřebovali pomoc k odchodu do vlasti. Mohl udělat mnoho dobrého, protože měl snahu a prostředky pomoci lidem. Po vzpomínce na Raymonda J. Snokhouse jsme pokračovali v pořadu schůze. Zápis z poslední schůze přečetla tajemnice Janice Kaluža, byl přijat tak, jak byl čten. Linda Kaluža pouká zala na mnohé události, které probíhají v rámci jednoty. Finanční tajemnice Mary Lou Mynář přečetla pěknou zprávu a byla přijata tak, jak byla čtena. Podle vyúčtování za vánoční besídku si všichni pochvalovali večeři, návštěvu svatého Mikuláše a byla dobrá nálada po celé odpoledne President Freddie Kaluža zhodnotil úspěch vánoční besídky a poukázal na to, že taková besídka připraví půdu pro získání dalšího pojištění. Oznámil, že se připravuje stavba síně vedle sokolovny, plány jsou připravené a stavební výbor čeká jen na pořádek ve financích, aby mohla být stavba zahájena. Wilburn Willis se zmínil o opravě staré školy, která vydržela výbuch ve skladě hnojiva a nyní se budova upraví na dobré školní museum. V příští červnové schůzi budeme mít oslavu několika členů od našeho řádu s mnohaletým členstvím u jednoty. Oslava se bude konat dne 3. června 2016 v síni svatého Josefa. President 3. okrsku John Klinkovský upozornil, že jednota i jednotliví členové a členky mohou pomoci nezpůsobilým lidem při úklidu kolem domu a vysadit na patřičná místa stromy a okrasné keře .Jean Maléř obdržela děkovnou plaketu za dlouholetou činnost pro náš řád a jednotu. Hlavní úřadovna zahájila novou činnost a posílají blahopřání lidem, kteří mají narozeniny a tím získávají nové kontakty pro případnou životní pojistku. Příští schůze bude se konat dne 3. června 2016 v síni svatého Josefa ve Westu, Tx. Těšíme se na početnou návštěvu členstva a hostů. —SPJST—
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Wednesday, March 30, 2016
CESAT international and online meeting
On February 20, 2016, Czech ExStudents Association of Texas (CESAT) met on the campus of Blinn College in Schulenburg. President Jane Reynolds presided over the firstof-its-kind meeting. Members attended online from other Texas cities and other states. Also in attendance via Skype was Dr. Ivana Bozdechova of Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. This is the first time that CESAT’s membership was able to attend online. CESAT is grateful to Blinn for allowing the meeting to take place on its campus in Schulenburg and for letting CESAT use the technology to enable members who are out-of-state and country to participate from the comfort of their homes. After the business meeting, members from Mr. Thadious Polasek’s Czech class presented compositions in Czech. The students explained why they chose to study Czech, their ancestors’ native language, and what they are doing with the Czech language they are learning. These reports will follow in future articles. Dr. Bozdechova commented on the reports presented by the students and encouraged CESAT and CEFT (Czech Education Foundation of Texas) to send students to study Czech during the summer in the program offered by CUZ (Czechoslovak Foreign Institute). Dr. Bozdechova encouraged the continued study of Czech in Texas. Thanks to the help from CESAT and SPJST, Blinn College in Schulenburg is offering Czech classes online that can be taken from the comfort of one’s home. There are students who travel due to work and have participated in class from multiple states in the United States as well as from the Netherlands. For information about the Czech classes at Blinn, contact Ms. Loraine Orellana, Coordinator of Distance and Community Education at Blinn College in Schulenburg at 979-743-5237. The plan for the fall is to offer continuing education classes in Czech via the internet to anyone in the United States who is interested studying Czech. CESAT is a non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage the study of the Czech language in Texas public schools and universities. If you are interested in joining or want to
know more about the organization, please contact Ms. Reynolds at janereyntx@yahoo.com or call her at 512-771-7842.
Editor’s Note: Mr. Thadious Polasek is a member of SPJST Lodge 67, Schulenburg. —SPJST—
Czech SpringFest this Sunday at Lodge 88 Houston
The annual Czech SpringFest is Sunday, April 3, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, located at 1435 Beall Street at 15th Street in the Heights.
VĚSTNÍK
Kovanda’s Czech Band will play from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Mark Halata Band will play from 3 to 6 p.m. Guest artist Jaroslav Rod, Drator from Dubnica nad Vahom, Slovensko Republic, will demonstrate the art of weaving jewelry and other art forms. A traditional Czech Sunday dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Costs are adults - $10 and children under 11 - $7. Soup and sausage with sauerkraut will be served at 1 p.m.
Czech Cultural Calendar
Wednesday Evenings Czech Language Class (extemporaneous)— at S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home, No. 1, Taylor, 500 East Lake Drive, Taylor, 6 to approximately 8 p.m. Informal gathering for the purpose of listening to Czech, and reading and speaking Czech.
Second Sunday each Month Czech Language Class—at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 West Fairgrounds Road on US Highway 77, La Grange, 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; 979968-9399; 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.
Mondays during Spring Semester Brazos Valley CHS Czech Language Class— 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. Instructor is Jan Benes, Czech Education Foundation of Texas Fellow Hlavinka Fellowselected student from the Czech Republic. For information, contact Jo Ann 979-8462035; or Lynette 979-450-1820/email lurbanovsky@gmail.com. Submitted by JoAnn Zaeske, Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station.
Second/Fourth Tuesdays each Month 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, CHMGC.
April 3 Czech SpringFest—at Lodge 88, Houston, 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights), 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, located at 1435 Beall Street at 15th Street in the Heights: Czech music; guest artist; traditional Czech dinner; adults - $10; children under 11 - $7; kolache eating contest; cultural exhibits; silent auction; country store; soup and sausage with sauerkraut; and vendors. Admission, $8 per person. Children under 11, free. Event sponsored by Harris
County Chapter of the Czech Heritage Society of Texas and benefits CHSHCC Library and Archives. For more information, call 713-3490500; or email chsheritage20@att.net. See advertisement on page 37.
April 8 Movie Night—at Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto Houston, Texas 77004: Mistri (Champions) (2004) - A dark comedy set in 1969, a group of misfits gather and watch the Czech National Hockey Team play Russia in a desolate village on the Czech border. Fueled by the prophetic visions of an alcoholic, the self-obsessed fans follow a much less successful course than the national team. Free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; movie begins at 7 p.m. For information, contact CCMH 713-528-2060; or via email: events@czechcenter.org.
April 9 TOCA Annual Banquet—at TCHCC, 250 West Fairgrounds Road on US Highway 77, La Grange. Czech founded organizations of Texas. Dinner, awards ceremony, 4 p.m. in Hanslik Hall. For information, call 888-7854500; 979-968-9399; or email info@czechtexas.org.
April 17 Polkaworks hosts Varied and Vibrant Sources of the Czech Song in Texas—in the Capitol Extension Auditorium in the State Capito, Austin, 2 p.m.: a talk and demonstration given by accordionists and music scholars Dr. John Novak and Frances Barton on Texas Czech folk music in support of their forthcoming book. Event is free and is offered in conjunction with the multi-media exhibition Texas Czechs: Rooted in Tradition on display at the State Capitol Visitors Center (CVC) through June 12. Find more info at polkaworks.org; or call 512-448-4536. For CVC hours, call 512305-8400. You may also contact Dawn Orsak 512-825-2249/cell; via email dawnorsak@gmail.com; on Twitter @svacinaproject; and read her blog www.svacinaproject.blogspot.com. Submitted by Dawn Orsak, Lodge 187, Round Rock
April 28 to May 1 Mollie B Polka Party taping—at Sokol Hall: Enjoy more than 20 bands from multiple states playing polkas in a variety of styles. For ticket information, go to http://store.rfdtv.com/category-s/100.htm or call 402-991-6290 during the day
May 13 Movie Night—at Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto Houston, Texas 77004: Zelary (2003) - A nurse and her surgeon-lover are part of a resistance movement in 1940s Czechoslovakia. When they are discovered, her lover flees, and she must find a place to hide. A patient whose life she saved, a man from a remote mountain village agrees to hide her as his wife. Free and open to the
public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; movie begins at 7 p.m. For information, contact CCMH 713528-2060; or via email: events@czechcenter.org. Free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; movie begins at 7 p.m. For information, contact CCMH 713-528-2060; or via email: events@czechcenter.org.
May 15 Slavnost ‘May Fest’ and Tribute to Czech Immigrants—at TCHCC, 250 West Fairgrounds Road on US Highway 77, La Grange: Czech immigrants to Texas of 1920 and earlier will be recognized; noon meal; music/dancing; prize drawing; May-pole dance; car show; pastry booth; Czech village. For information, call 888-785-4500 or 979-968-9399; email info@czechtexas.org; or visit www.czechtexas.org.
June 10 Movie Night—at Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto Houston, Texas 77004: Venkovský učitel (Country Teacher) (2008) - A young teacher takes a job teaching natural science at a country grammar school to avoid dealing with his identity. There, he meets a woman and her troubled teenaged son and comes to grips with who he is. Free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; movie begins at 7 p.m. For information, contact CCMH 713-528-2060; or via email: events@czechcenter.org.
Through June 12 Multi-media exhibition Texas Czechs: Rooted in Tradition on display—at the Capitol Visitors Center (CVC) on the Texas State Capitol grounds, Austin. Exhibition features contemporary Texas Czech cultural traditions in photos, text, objects, and film. Find CVC hours at www.tspb.state.tx.us; or call 512-305-8400. For more information, visit polkaworks.org; or call 512-448-4536.
June 25 TCHCC/CHS Youth and Family Day—at TCHCC, 250 West Fairgrounds Road on US Highway 77, La Grange: activities; special tours and demos; family recognitions. For information, call 888-785-4500 or 979-9689399; email info@czechtexas.org; or visit www.czechtexas.org
July 8 Movie Night—at Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto Houston, Texas 77004: Rape of Europa (2006) - During World War II, the Third Reich ordered the destruction of thousands of pieces of art from “inferior” cultures and the theft of thousands more. Documentary explores the effects of the cultural destruction perpetrated by the Nazis across Europe, and examines the ongoing struggle to recover and return the stolen art. Free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; movie begins at 7 p.m. For information, contact CCMH 713-528-2060; or via email: events@czechcenter.org.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
VĚSTNÍK
Activities include a kolache eating contest, cultural exhibits, silent auction, country store, and vendors. Admission is $8 per person. Children under 11 will be admitted free of charge. The event is sponsored by Czech Heritage Society of Texas, Harris County Chapter and benefits the CHSHCC Library and Archives. For more information, call 713-349-0500 or email chsheritage20@att.net. See the advertisement in this week’s Vestnik. —SPJST—
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Texas Czech Genealogical Society Website: txczgs.org
Promoting the study of the genealogy of the particular group of people known as “Texas Czechs.”
For membership: Merlene Bravenec 254-778-7285
Great American Train Journey Chicago, Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Portland, OR June 16 - 23, 2016 Sleeper and Meals included.
Alaskan Cruise with Talkeetna Package July 16 - 25, 2016 Vancouver, B.C. Inside Passage, Air, Ship, Bus and Train all included.
ABCATS Travel Agency 361-578-0828 www.abcatstravel.com
Rowena Annual Farm Consignment Sale Saturday, April 9 at 10 a.m. SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena Hall Grounds - 706 FM 2133 in Rowena Consignments are being taken now. Call Billy Rollwitz 325-442-3038 - shop 325-277-5362 - cell • 325-442-3141 - home
Auctioneer: Granvil Burrow Lic. 12636 • 325-214-2664
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Wednesday, March 30, 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; but good news; 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, April 3—Lodge 6 meeting, 2 p.m. Friday, April 15—Social Saturday, April 16—Rural school reunion Saturday, April 30—Knapek reunion Sunday, May 1—Lodge meeting 2 p.m.
Lodge Hall: 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. Note: The bridge on the road to the hall is out; but there is a detour 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. Sunday, April 3—Glen Collins Band, country western. 3 to 7 p.m. $8 per person Sunday, April 10—Jerry Haisler, polka/waltz, 3 to 7 p.m. $10/person. Kitchen will be open Sunday, May 15—Ennis Czech Boys, polka/waltz, 3 to 7 p.m. $10/person. Kitchen will be open
Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information/Country/Western Band Bookings: David Meyer 512-217-0162; Polka Band Bookings: Artie Monson 512-281-3711; Hall phone: 512285-3100. 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) Lodge Hall: 1901 East Highway 34, Ennis. Directions: From IH-35 East at Waxahachie, take Hwy 287 East exit. Stay on Hwy 287 East until you come to Ennis. Go straight through downtown Ennis and go under the overpass at Interstate 45. Go approx. 3/4 mile on Hwy 34. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 972-875-8381; Hall Phone: 972-8758381. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. Game Room: Open every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.
LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 12 noon at Wharton County Library - East Bernard Branch, 746 Clubside Drive, East Bernard. For information, contact Secretary Helen Kelner 281-3422624. LODGE 29, TAYLOR (2) • All Wednesday and Friday night dances free admission • Old-fashioned hamburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches sold every Friday beginning at 6 p.m.
Lodge Hall: 5025 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: In Taylor, at intersection of State Hwy 95 and US 79 Business (4th Street), turn east on Hwy 79. Proceed to FM 619, turn north (left) and go about .8 mile to the hall. Hall Rental Information: 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. All Wednesday and Friday night dances are free admission. Old-fashioned hamburgers served every Friday beginning at 6 p.m.; fish burgers also sold during Lent.
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, April 2—Midnight Mustangs Saturday, April 9—Gordon Collier Band Saturday, April 23—Lost Heart Highway Saturday, May 14—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 254-749-3326; 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 979-2183527; FAC Ronnie Roesler 979-406-0158.
LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE (6) Lodge Hall: 30420 Loop 524 US Hwy 59, Hillje. Directions: Hall is just off US 59 in Hillje. Hall Rental Information: Cathy Garcia 979-332-1614; Hall Phone: 979-648-2317. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 11:30 a.m. at the hall.
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LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at Six Mile Presbyterian Church, Royal Road, Port Lavaca.
LODGE 47, SEATON (2) Lodge Hall: 10842 State Highway 53, Temple. Directions: Seaton Star Hall is five miles east of Temple on Highway 53 (Adams Avenue). Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Michelle Porubsky 254-493-8020; Hall Phone: 254985-2548. 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: 254-657-2485. Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 4 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Youth Leader Connie Horak’s home; call 254-541-9165 for address. Board of Directors’ Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 3:30 p.m. Bingo: Every Thursday at 7 p.m. Permit No. SP12371416574; AL17460607355. LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5) Lodge Hall: 13609 Highway 36, Needville. Directions: Lodge building is located at the corner of Highway 36 and FM 361. Hall Rental Information: 979-793-4313; email td_stavinoha@yahoo.com. Hall Phone: 361-793-4742. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Contact Youth Leader Bradley Stavinoha 979-739-2386.
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LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) Note: Youth club meetings are held one hour before the adult lodge meeting at the lodge hall unless otherwise noted.
Lodge Hall: 2625 Floyd Street, Dallas. Directions: From IH-35 East in Dallas, take IH-20 East. From IH-20 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: Contact Kelly Tucker 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. 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) 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, April 3—Randy and the 92nd Roadhouse Band, country/western dance, 2 to 6 p.m. $6 Friday, April 8—Tanglefoot Ballroom dance, 8 to 11 p.m., $10 members; $17 non-members Sunday, April 10—Lodge 92 meeting, 2 p.m. Tuesday April 12—Ladies Circle,10:30 a.m. Tuesday April 12—Game night at Lodge 92, 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13—Sportsmen's Club, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Monthly meeting of hunting and fishing enthusiasts with speakers and prize drawings. Open to the public. Free.
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 National Hall Events Manager Jon Durham 817-624-1361. Also visit Lodge 92 website www.nationalhallfort-worth.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.
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: 254-9824530. 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) Tuesday, April 5—Lodge meeting, 6 p.m. at Spring Creek Barbecue
Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. Check Věstník for times or call one of the following: 817-295-6497; 972-268-0022; or 817-9052097. LODGE 181, CONROE (5) Note: Lodge meeting location/time will be announced in the Vestnik.
Lodge Meetings: Lodge meeting location/time will be announced in the Vestnik. For further information, contact President Barbara Williams-Rash 936-2957778; 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) Note: Lodge monthly meetings and family night are held together on the third Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. at the lodge hall.
Lodge Hall: 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane, Arlington. Directions: Take IH-35 West to Fort Worth. Take IH20 East exit and proceed on IH-20 East until you come to Cooper Street exit. Take Cooper Street exit to the North and stay on Cooper Street until you come to Mayfield Street. Take a right on Mayfield; go down and take a left on Pleasant Valley Lane. Hall Rental Information: Hall Phone: 817-465-8538; 214-876-9029. Lodge Meetings and Family Night: Third Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Last Friday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Game nights are every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. and every Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Permit No. 17516910506.
LODGE 184, MOULTON (6) Lodge Hall: FM 532 West, Moulton. Directions: From Texas 95 in Moulton, take FM 532 West four miles. Lodge hall is located on the right. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS (7) Lodge Meetings: Every other month - February, April, June, August, October, and December. Call for meeting date, time, and location. Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader Theresa Haag 830-6258262 for meeting date/time/location.
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
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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; 512771-4948. 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) Friday, April 15—Cruise the Seas: Linda Kaye and the Kool Kats Friday, May 20—Covered Wagon Chow Down: Glenn Lenderman and Friends
Lodge Hall: 197 Hughes Road, Lufkin. Hall Rental Information/Dance Reservations: George Scogin 936-875-2867. Lodge Meetings: Monday night before the third Friday night of the month, 7 p.m. at the lodge hall. Regular Dances: Third Friday night of each month, 7 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 806-535-8356. 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 915-7272048 for meeting location.
LODGE 229, ABILENE (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. Call Secretary Tammy Copeland 325-3334089 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 210-4133053 or Treasurer Colleen Jenke 210-215-9494. —SPJST—
SPJST Is Offering A New Fraternal Benefit Program For Newborns! Protect the ones you love
Guaranteed Infant Insurance Policy
Newborn Benefit
The sadness of losing an infant or caring for an infant in poor health shouldn’t be compounded by financial distress. SPJST’s Newborn Benefit can help ease the financial burden if a newborn passes away between the 3rd and 180th day after birth.
If one parent is an SPJST member,* he/she will receive $2,500, and if both parents are SPJST members,* they will receive $5,000 to help with medical or funeral expenses. SPJST Home Office must be notified in writing within 6 months of the child’s passing for the benefit to take effect.
SPJST will issue a life insurance certificate, regardless of health or insurability, at standard rates for a $5,000 single premium life certificate if one parent is an SPJST member*. If both parents are SPJST members*, up to $10,000 in permanent life insurance can be purchased. The application must be received by SPJST when the child is between 3 and 180 days of age. The insurance will become effective when the child reaches 181 days if the child would have been uninsurable.
* SPJST members qualified to receive the guaranteed infant insurance certificate or the newborn child benefit must be members of SPJST at least 60 days before the birth of the child.
Welcome Home Gift
If the Newborn Fraternal Benefit applies to your new arrival, please contact the Home Office, and you’ll receive a complimentary “Welcome Home” gift.
SPJST Fraternal Life Insurance 520 North Main Temple, Texas 76501 800-727-7578 254-773-1575 Fax 254-774-7447 www.spjst.org