Vestnik 2016 05 04 by SPJST

Volume 104 Number 18

ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T

Benevolence

H E R A L D

★ Humanity

ISSN —07458800

★ Brotherhood

May 4, 2016

SPJST ENC welcomes new camp director

Thank You and Best Wishes, John!

Before John Hoelscher, left, of Lodge 47, Seaton said goodbye to SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) last week, he officially welcomed new camp director Jeb Lapeyrolerie. John served as SPJST State Youth Director from 2004 to 2010 when he left to organize and head up the ENC operations and camp. Thanks to John and his family, and we wish the best in his new opportunity. We also welcome Jeb and look forward to working with him.

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Important Dates ...................................3 Interest Rates ......................................3 Readers Write ......................................3 Convention News .............................4-5 Lodge Section......................................9 Vestnik Graduate Form.......................9

Car Show Saturday in Seaton

Vehicles of many different makes, models, and years will roll into Seaton Star Hall on Saturday, May 7 for the 11th Annual SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration. The day begins at 9 a.m. and will include more than 20 vendors, silent auction, music, heritage demonstrations, food, kids’ activities, kolache eating contest, and much more. See pages 2, 7, 17, and 40 for more information.

This week’s Vestnik includes the 2016 SPJST Scholarship and Leadership Grant winners on pages 18 to 23. Congratulations to each of these young members on their achievements. We wish them the very best in their future endeavors. For more information about the SPJST Scholarship Program, please contact Sandra in the Fraternal Department.

Inside Th is Week’s Vestnik

In Memoriam ......................................24 Youth Section ....................................30 Vestnik Project ..................................31 Lodge Calendar ............................35-36 Czech Culture ....................................37 Advertisements .................................39

Page 7

SPJST purchases 182-acre Education and Nature Center

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Home Office celebrates Administrative Professionals’ Day

Page 25

Remembering Bessie Petr

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Editor’s Note

ˇ ´ VESTNIK

Big Car Show Saturday 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@gmail.com

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 - Lian Pruski, 418 West Hunt Street Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - 830-480-2737 lianpruski@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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e are ready to host this Saturday’s 11th annual SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration! What a fantastic event we have planned. The day which kicks off at 9 a.m. will be filled with some of the most attractive, breath-taking vehicles that you have ever laid your eyes on! Plus, more than 20 vendors will be offering a variety of items from fresh kolaches to wreaths to candles to jewelry to car-related items. Kids’ activities will include a bounce house, slack line, and games hosted by the Education and Nature Center. The Czech Heritage Museum will host several demonstrations like noodle-making, ropemaking, and lace-making. Lodges 47, Seaton Youth Club and 48, Beyersville Youth Club will offer breakfast tacos, sausage wraps, barbecue sandwiches, and turkey legs. And, Lodge 47 will serve cold beverages throughout the day. Listen (and dance) to the Praha Bros. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. while you place bids on a large collection of silent auction items. The kolache eating contest begins at 2:30 p.m., and car show awards will be presented at 3 p.m. Come on out to Seaton for a very fun day!

Thank You, John and Lisa! It’s always hard to say goodbye when a collegue leaves, and this time is no exception. SPJST ENC Camp Director John Hoelscher is leaving after six years of hard work, dedication, and devotion to a project that I know will always be very dear to his heart. I remember the sometimes endless days as State Youth Director searching for places for our youth to camp. Then I vividly recall conversations with John when he was State Youth Director about how he dreamed and visioned for SPJST to one day have

its own place to camp. He pursued that passion, and I’m sure the camp will continue to flourish for many years to come. To John, Lisa, Michael, Emma, and Abby — thank you . . . for your untiring efforts, your enthusiasm, and most of all, your friendship. I appreciate you and will miss working with you. Best of luck in your new home, community, and adventures.

Welcome, Jeb! We extend an SPJST howdy to Jeb Lapeyrolerie who joins SPJST ENC as the new camp director. Jeb is originally from Louisiana so let’s give him a warm Texas welcome as he begins his duties at the ENC. Jeb says he is looking forward to meeting our SPJST members.

Pre-Convention Vestnik Coming Next Week Please note that next week’s May 11 Vestnik will be the pre-convention issue with reports from all SPJST officers and standing committees. The issue will include the By-Law Committee’s recommendations that will be discussed at the 32nd SPJST Convention which is June 12 to 15 at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center.

Thank You! Thanks to Jarmille Pechal of Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy and Kenneth Mlcak of Lodge 88, Houston for donating their old Vestnik collections to our archives. Friendly Reminder . . . Vestnik Deadline Unless otherwise posted, the deadline for each week’s Vestnik is Wednesday at 5 p.m. Please help us to continue to meet our printer’s deadline each week. Thank you!

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, May 4, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

Family Fun and Important Dates

May 7 May 7

Join Hands Day SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall May 7 SPJST Float: Granger Lakefest Parade (2) May 8 Lodge 24, Cyclone Mother’s Day Barbecue (2) May 11 Pre-Convention Vestnik May 14 Lodge 88, Houston Free Public Dance (5) May 15 Lodge 28, East Bernard Honors Longtime Members (6) May 16 District Two Delegates’ Meeting Lodge 80, Holland (2) May 22 Lodge 84, Dallas Svacina (3) May 22 District Three Delegates’ Meeting Lodge 84, Dallas (3) May 28 SPJST Kolache Eating Contest National Polka Festival Parade, Ennis (3) May 28 SPJST Float • National Polka Festival Parade Ennis (3) May 30 SPJST Home Office Closed • Memorial Day May 31 Lodge 202, Jourdanton Scholarship Application Deadline (7) June 5 Lodge 47, Seaton Annual Picnic (2) June 9-11 Leader-In-Training Retreat SPJST Education and Nature Center, Ledbetter June 12-15 32nd SPJST Convention Killeen Civic and Conference Center

PRE-CONVENTION VESTNIK ALERT! Please note that the May 11 Vestnik will be the pre-convention issue and will not be a regular Vestnik.

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 . . . 05/01/2016 - 07/31/2016

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%

Readers Write

District Seven Director candidate defines “Investment”

Investment – 1) the action or process of investing money for profit or material result 2) a thing that is worth buying because it may be profitable or useful in the future 3) an act of devoting time, effort, or energy to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. The definition of “investment” encompasses the very fiber of our wonderful organization that we know as SPJST. The most obvious of these, is on the business side of course, being the first and the second definitions due to annuities and IRAs that are sold by the agents of SPJST. I believe these are areas that can be enhanced by better marketing which would lead to more “new” money coming into SPJST. However, today I want to focus on the third definition. “An act of devoting time, effort or energy to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result.” What in SPJST, is worthy of this definition? Our youth and our younger generation who are in their late 20s early 30s and now have children that are coming through a program that they once went through that helped mold them into the people they are today . . . that is who. When you invest in the youth you accomplish two things, and quite possibly, a third:

1) sell an insurance policy 2) build the youth program 3) then possibly add parents by the sale of an insurance certificate because they see what SPJST has done for their child and what their child is getting from it. I have always believed in what I call, “investing in tomorrow,” which is our youth. Long before becoming a member of SPJST, I invested in youth and if I am elected District Seven Director, you can bet that on top of making sound, educated decisions as it pertains to making SPJST the absolute best in insurance and annuities, working closely with the youth leaders to build outstanding youth clubs will be tops on that list as well. They are our future, and that is undeniable. So why not invest in as many children as possible, with a positive and character building program such as the one provided by SPJST? That job, as I see it, falls on all of us as a frater-

nal society, youth leaders and especially on district directors since they are the leaders of the district. Thank you for reading and see you in Killeen. Fraternally, Donnie Howard Lodge 185, New Braunfels Candidate for District Seven Director

“Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.” ~ John F. Kennedy —SPJST—

Reader appreciates Lodge 180, Burleson coverage

Dear Melanie, I was very pleased to see such wonderful coverage of Lodge 180, Burleson in the recent Věstník. The early members of that lodge, including my late parents Alfred and Julia Dueser, worked hard for years to build Lodge 180 into a vibrant SPJST organization. It’s been heartbreaking to watch its gradual decline in recent years. It’s good to know there’s another group of pioneers working now to revitalize the lodge. It can’t be by accident that you printed two nice Lodge 180 photographs and a good lodge report in one issue. It’s pleasing to know that you and your colleagues at the Supreme Lodge are actively aiding the effort to get 180 back on its feet. Thank you! Cheers and best wishes from the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Ray Dueser Machipongo, Virginia Lodge 92, Fort Worth —SPJST—

Member expresses thanks

Dear Scholarship Committee, My name is Trey Groce, and I was honored to be a recipient of last year’s scholarship. I would like to begin by thanking you for choosing me and supporting my education at Blinn College. Your financial assistance has allowed me to pursue my dreams of continuing my education.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

I have almost completed my freshman year at Blinn College and during my tenure at Blinn, I had the honor of making the Dean’s List for the fall 2015 semester and was elected president of the Sigma Kappa Delta honor society. I will proudly serve a year as president of this prestigious organization, whose goal is to give back to the community. I plan on taking six credit hours this summer and 10 credit hours in the fall of 2016. Once again, I’d like to extend my gratitude for being selected as a winner of last year’s scholarship. Sincerely, Trey Groce Lodge 17, New Tabor —SPJST—

Member creates bags, purses, with modern feed sacks

I have been reading in the Vestnik the stories from members who had feed sack clothes. Well, I use today’s modern feed sacks and turn them into tote bags, grocery bags, and even purses. I’ve even used dog food bags. My favorite bags are bird seed bags with pretty artwork. They’re quick and fun to make with my sewing machine.

Age 96 honoree appreciates Vestnik article

Dear Vestnik Editor Melanie, I indeed feel honored to have my picture and a small part of my life story on the front page of the April 20, 2016, Vestnik. I also feel blessed that at my age of 96 years I can still write and recall many things that I have done in my life. Today (April 24, 2016), I was honored at the District Three Spring Meeting as a Lifetime Achiever of SPJST. Your professional journalism I enjoy reading every week in the Vestnik. Fraternally, Lydia Alholm Lodge 92, Fort Worth —SPJST—

The SPJST Home Office, in partnership with SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas and the Czech Heritage Museum of Temple invite all Lodge 84, Dallas and District Three members to come and celebrate “Svačina!” on Sunday, May 22, 2016, at the lodge hall at 2625 Floyd Street in Dallas. The many first-generation Texas Czechs now living in Texas are also being invited to attend. The informal social will last from 1 to 3 p.m. and be followed by the final pre-convention delegates’ meeting. Guest presenter will be SPJST President Brian Vanicek. En-

CONVENTION O R N E R

svačina specialty items to add to the sample table. Hoping to see you there! Fraternally, Brian Vanicek Supreme Lodge President —SPJST—

June 12 to 15, 2016 Killeen Civic and Conference Center 3601 South W.S. Young Drive Killeen, Texas 76542

32nd SPJST Convention

Pre-Convention Vestnik with by-laws, committee reports, and officer reports to be published May 11 in lieu of a regular issue.

2016 Important Convention Dates to Remember

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

Gay Revel Lodge 97, Placedo —SPJST—

From the Supreme Lodge President

Lodge 84, Dallas invites one and all to May 22 get acquainted svačina

svačina! The event begins at 1 p.m. The Svačina will be followed by the final preconvention delegates meeting. An assortment of svačina items and recipes will be available for attendees to sample and enjoy. Although not required, attendees are welcome to bring their own

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tertainment will be provided by the Dallas Czech Folk Singers. The tradition of svačina can be traced back hundreds of years to the Czech lands of Moravia and Bohemia. The word itself — pronounced “svah-cheenah” is derived from the old Czech word “svac” which meant a get-together of friends or acquaintances. “Svacina isn’t lunch and it isn’t dinner. It’s something in-between,” says Vanicek. “It can include everything from sausage and sauerkraut to kolaches, strudels, cakes, and pies.” The May 22 program tells the story of the svačina from early days to modern times, with an emphasis on the Texas Czech svačina, with an emphasis on kolaches. Make plans to come out to Lodge 84, Dallas and enjoy what is sure to be an enjoyable presentation — and a delicious

District Delegate Meetings District Two delegates’ meeting Monday, May 16 at Lodge 80, Holland

District Two delegates will have an update meeting at Lodge 80, Holland on Monday, May 16, 2016, at 7 p.m. A meal will be provided by the hosting lodge.

District Three delegates’ meeting Sunday, May 22 at Lodge 84, Dallas

District Three delegates will meet for one final meeting prior to the convention on Sunday, May 22, 2016, at Lodge 84, Dallas from 3 to 5 p.m. The meeting will follow the svacina event

All delegates are urged to attend this very important meeting. Please read, study, and review the proposed by-laws recommendations and committee reports that will be presented in the May 11 special pre-convention Vestnik. Fraternally, Ronnie Rieger, Chairman By-Law Committee District Two Representative —SPJST— that will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Delegates are encouraged to attend the meeting and to bring their May 11 special pre-convention Vestnik that will include Supreme Lodge and standing committee reports and by-laws to be voted on at the convention. Fraternally, Kay Lynn Kovar By-Law Committee District Three Representative —SPJST—

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

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32nd SPJST Convention • June 12 to June 15, 2016 Killeen Civic and Conference Center

3601 South W.S. Young Drive • Killeen, Texas 76543 • 254-534-3888

Sunday, June 12

Delegates’ Registration Howdy Party Complimentary snacks and cash bar. Entertainment to be announced.

12:30 to 4 p.m. 4 to 7 p.m.

Monday, June 13

7 to 8:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10 a.m. to 12 noon 12 noon to 1 p.m.

1 to 4 p.m. 6:30 to 10 p.m.

7:30 a.m. 8 to 12 noon 9:30 a.m. 12 noon to 1 p.m.

Tuesday, June 14

Late Registration Complimentary Coffee and Water Assembly of Delegates Opening Ceremonies Delegates’ Picture Morning Snacks and Beverages Business Session Lunch—available for $8 (Tickets must be purchased in advance no later than May 23) Smoked ham and swiss on a pretzel roll with kicked up mac and cheese or Smoked ham and cheese chef salad Both include banana pudding. Business Session Convention Banquet - $20 per person (Tickets must be purchased in advance no later than May 23) Suggested Attire: Semi-Formal Social Time: 6:30 to 7 p.m. Dinner: 7 p.m. • Cash bar available. Burgundy beef tips/smothered chicken in cream sauce, spring mix salad, garlic mashed potatoes, parmesan crusted asparagus, yeast rolls, assorted desserts Dance: 8 to 10 p.m. - Band to be announced.

1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Complimentary Coffee and Water Business Session Morning Snacks and Beverages Lunch—available for $ 8 (Tickets must be purchased in advance no later than May 23) Chopped brisket sandwich served on a kaiser roll with southern style potato salad or grilled chicken salad Both include peach cobbler. Business Session No Evening Activities Scheduled

Wednesday, June 15

7:30 a.m. 8 a.m. to TBA 9:30 a.m. 12 noon to 1 p.m.

Complimentary Coffee and Water Business Session Morning Snacks and Beverages Lunch –available for $8 (Tickets must be purchased in advance no later than May 23) Mesquite chicken salad sandwich on croissant with tomato, cucumber, and red onion salad or taco salad with fresh salsa and guacamole Both include lemon cream cake with blueberry compote.

SPJST CONVENTION LUNCH AND BANQUET TICKETS ORDER FORM

ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE Please complete order below and return with your payment, by May 23, 2016 to: SPJST Convention Tickets • PO Box 100 • Temple, TX 76503 • Make checks payable to SPJST. Days Sunday Monday Monday Monday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Total HOWDY PARTY

Number of Tickets

FREE

Lunch

Evening

Lunch

$ 8.00

$ 20.00

$ 8.00

Ham and Ham and BANQUET Chopped Cheese Brisket Swiss Sandwich Sandwich Chef Salad

Lunch

Grilled Chicken Salad $ 8.00

Lunch

Mesquite Chicken Salad on Croissant $ 8.00

Lunch

Taco Salad w/Fresh Salsa and Guacamole $ 8.00

If you have any questions or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to call Linda at 800-727-7578.

Amount Enclosed

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

From the President’s Department State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Presents May Updates

Join Hands Day Many lodges will observe Join Hands Day on May 7, 2016. As of present time, 30 lodges have signed up. Wow! There’s still time if you haven’t signed up. Lodges throughout the state will complete many excellent projects in which youth and adults join together to do good in their community. Thanks again to all lodges who plan to participate in this worthy event. Please make sure you submit your photos to Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny. Join Hands Day is a program of the American Fraternal Alliance, the SPJST’s nationwide trade association. It’s a day when young people and adults connect as equal partners in planning an activity that fixes or improves a local problem and affirms the values of caring and working together. The SPJST strongly supports this initiative and encourages our lodges and youth clubs to get involved on this special day! Please also remember to share stories of your projects, including and especially, photos on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fraternalalliance.

Mother’s Day May 8 is a very important day to all of us — and especially our mothers. Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. Anna Jarvis of Grafton, West Virginia created the holiday in 1908 as a day to honor one’s mother. Jarvis wanted to accomplish her mother’s dream of making a celebration for all mothers, although the idea didn’t take off until she enlisted the services of wealthy Philadelphia merchant John Wanamaker. She kept promoting the holiday until President Woodrow Wilson made it an official national holiday in 1914. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in spring. The United States celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May, as does the Czech Republic. Mother’s Day started in former Czechoslovakia in 1923. The promoter of this celebration was Alice Masaryková. After World War II communists replaced Mother’s Day with

International Woman’s Day, celebrated on the eighth of March. The former Czechoslovakia celebrated Woman’s Day until the Velvet Revolution in 1989. After the split of the country in 1993, the Czech Republic started celebrating Mother’s Day again the second Sunday in May. Please remember your mother, mother-in-law, and mothers-to-be this month by honoring them at your May meeting. Their nurturing is instrumental in who we become in life. We must let them know how much they mean to us.

Education and Nature Center: Springs Forward with Annual Work Projects! SPJST Education and Nature Center in Ledbetter, Texas is busy preparing for the upcoming Summer Youth Camps by scheduling seven spring work projects. An ENC District Board Member will lead each project and the completed projects will help to maintain and improve our SPJST camp facilities. These projects will begin the week of Saturday, May 14 through Sunday, May 22. Please refer to flyer in your April packet for the list of projects. Each district is planning and additional items needed at the Education and Nature Center. If you and your lodge would like to participate in any of these ENC spring work projects, please contact your respective District’s ENC Board member. District One—Randy Gaas lmg@woodsonlumber.com District Two— Lynette Talasek, Secretary lynettet@spjst.com District Three—John Engelke john.engelke@hotmail.com District Four—Bradley Teplicek bptep@aol.com District Five—Keith Kieschnick 832-627-2842 District Six— Lisa Bubela, Vice President lisa_bubela@yahoo.com District Seven— Donnie Howard, President Donnie.occ@gmail.com

National Polka Festival We invite all members to the National Polka Festival in Ennis to come

help celebrate 50 wonderful years of Czech heritage festivities Friday, May 27 through Sunday, May 29. Held annually on Memorial Day weekend, the National Polka Festival offers an abundance of activities to be enjoyed by the entire family in a small city atmosphere. SPJST is a proud sponsor of the event. The festival kicks off with an opening dance on Friday at 7 p.m., featuring polka music and the King and Queen Dance Contest, where participants and non-participants are encouraged to wear traditional Czech kroj. The opening dance is a fun event you don’t want to miss! At 10 a.m. on Saturday, floats, bands, and colorful costumes will kick-off the downtown festivities. The parade includes something for visitors of all ages. Enjoy the music of polka bands and our very own SPJST Royalty Court riding on our SPJST Float or the sounds of the award winning Ennis High School Marching Band. The Shriners make their annual appearance, as well as celebrities, public officials, motorcycles, horseback riders, clowns, kids, and seniors! This giant parade twists through historic downtown Ennis and is sure to please. At 1 p.m. you will find the SPJST kolache eating contest under the main downtown tent. Men, women, boys and girls can join in the fun to see who can finish eating their kolache first. Prizes will be awarded to the first place winner of each category. You will experience traditions, religious customs, dancing, tastes, sights, sounds, and “a little bit of the Czech Lands” throughout historic downtown and at three spacious air conditioned halls and 14 sensational live polka bands.

Member Referrals Wanted: Participate in the Monthly Prize Drawing! When it comes to getting new SPJST members, there is no substitute for member referrals. When an SPJST member refers a friend or family member for membership in the SPJST, he or she is helping to build a stronger and more active lodge. It also qualifies you to participate in the monthly referral card drawing contest. Monthly Contests! All referral cards received during a given month will go into a drawing for three (3) $25 Wal-Mart gift cards. The individual making the referral also benefits the SPJST by helping to build

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a stronger and more active local lodge. On a related note, SPJST is looking for men and women who belive in the fraternal ideal and would like to consider the benefits of being an SPJST Sales Agent. Please note the enclosed flyer inviting prospective sales agents to apply. Memorial Day—Monday, May 30 Memorial Day is a US federal holiday that is celebrated every year on the final Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed in 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to “Taps.”

End of Summer Get Away It is not too early to start planning for the Corpus Christi Get Away held August 12, 13 and 14. This event gets bigger and better each year. Last year, approximately 368 men, women, boys and girls from across the state came out to enjoy the weekend fraternal celebration. SPJST this year is hosting the deepsea fishing excursion on Friday in conjunction with the End of Summer Get Away. Check out the flyer with information on the excursion. Once again, the 2016 celebration commences with the Aloha Party Friday night. Saturday’s events will once again include sand sculpting, horseshoes, 42, bunco and an evening party. This year, the Saturday night theme will be “Seeking The Treasures Of SPJST.” Additional details will be printed in the Vestnik as they become available. We are here to help if you need assistance. Please feel free to call me at 254-534-0681 or email frankh@spjst.com. You can also contact Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez by phone - 800-7277578 or 254-773-1575 or email - tam-

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

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mym@spjst.com. Your District FAC is also available to assist you. They are: District One FAC Kyle Skrabanek 979-820-0531 District Two FAC Ruth Hanusch 254-771-0193 District Three FAC Vicki Sims 214-763-0341 District Four FAC Janeece Williams 806-990-3351 District Five FAC Patricia Bruce 281-890-4933 District Six FAC Helen Zabransky 361-798-3347 District Seven FAC Glen Pruski 830-480-6212

SPJST Purchases 182-Acre SPJST Education and Nature Center Site

SPJST is pleased to announce that the contract has been signed to purchase the 182-acre site which is home to the SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) at Cooper Farm. The investment property, located approximately 14 miles northeast of La Grange in Fayette County, was previously owned by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and was being leased to the SPJST ENC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. The deal effectively establishes SPJST as the lessor and owner of the property. “It’s a beautiful parcel of land,” says SPJST President Brian Vanicek. “We look forward to working with the SPJST Education and Nature Center Board of Directors as they continue in their quest to turn the property into a topflight education and nature center.” Pictured above, SPJST President Brian Vanicek signs the purchase contract on April 8 at Central Land and Title Company in Temple, Texas. Looking on are Supreme Lodge Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska, left, and Attorney Jamey Secrest, who handled the legal aspects of the transaction.

Fraternally submitted, Frank Horak State Fraternal Activities Coordinator —SPJST—

SPJST Car Show - Saturday,

May 7

Visit www.spjst.org for forms and more information.

SPJST to host 11th Annual Car Show, Czech Heritage Celebration in Seaton

Saturday, May 7 will be filled with classic cars, arts/crafts, food, music, Czech heritage, kids’ activities, kolache eating, and fun at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall for the 11th Annual SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration. Star Hall is located at 10842 State Highway 53, seven miles east of Temple in the community of Seaton. The event opens to the public at 9 a.m. Car show registration begins at 8 a.m. The show is organized into 40 classes. Vehicles will be independently judged, and more than 100 trophies will be awarded. Trophies will also be presented to the top three people’s choice entries. Other special awards include SPJST King’s and SPJST Queen’s choice, club participation, distance, best engine, best paint, best graphics, and best interior. A special SPJST Award will be presented to an SPJST member. Car show entry fee is $30 per vehicle ($25 for SPJST members). The day will also include a silent auction and will benefit the SPJST Foundation which supports the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, located at 119 West French Avenue

in Temple, and SPJST Education and Nature Center, located in Ledbetter, Texas. Museum volunteers will have special displays like noodle-making, lace-making, and rope-making and accordion music. SPJST ENC will feature several kids’ activities including a bounce house, slack line, and games. The day will also be filled with music, and the Praha Bros. polka band will play from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. SPJST District Two Beseda Dancers will perform at 1 p.m. The silent auction featuring many unique items closes at 2 p.m. Adults and youth are encouraged to enter the kolache eating contest. Registration closes at 2:15 p.m., and the contest begins at 2:30 p.m. Categories include men, women, boys, and girls. First place winners in men and women’s divisions win $50 cash, and first place in boy’s and girl’s win $25 cash. Car show awards will be presented at 3 p.m. Arts/crafts, service, and auto-related vendors are welcome. A 10’ by 10’ inside space is $35; outside is $25. See list of vendors on page 17.

Event admission is free of charge. Beverages will be available from Lodge 47, Seaton both inside and outside Star Hall. Various food items including sausage wraps and turkey legs will be available inside the hall from Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club. Breakfast tacos will also be available from 7 to 9 a.m. from Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Club. Visit spjst.org for more information or to register online! Visit www.spjst.org for complete event information or to register for the car show online. Contact David Nauert 254-534-0809/email davidn@vvm.com or Melanie Zavodny 254-5340807/email melaniez@vvm.com for car show information. For vendor booths, contact Lynette Talasek 254-9310639/email lynettet@spjst.com. For kolache eating contest information, contact Frank Horak 254-534-0681/email frankh@spjst.com. To donate an item for the silent auction, contact James Lee, III 254-7731575/jamesL@spjst.com or Susan Shofner 254-773-1575/susans@ spjst.com.

Special thanks to our generous Platinum, Gold, and Silver sponsors. Please support these businesses. We will feature them in an upcoming Vestnik. Platinum

Garlyn Shelton McLane Intelligent Solutions SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Gold

Alpha Capital Management Jack Hilliard Distribution Co. Parkway Advisors Slovacek’s Silver Amos Electric B & G Paint and Body Darrel Green’s Auto Clinic, Inc. Don Ringler Chevrolet Green’s Sausage House Ponders Auto and Fleet Service RVOS Insurance Sanders Paint & Body —SPJST—

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

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SPJST ENC News

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 up 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 completed 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, May 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 o these ENC spring work projects,, SPJST lodges and d members maay sponsor one of these projects by donating 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 additio onal informa o tion,, please contact SPJST Foundation D @spjst.com or Director of Development James Lee, III at JamesL@spjst.com 800-727-7578.

DISTRICT 1 Clearing Naature 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 G Pit and Human Foosball Course – Need 4 voluunteers Contact: Lynette T Talasek, a alasek, 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 Purchase and n Install 4 Electric Hand Dryers Contact: Brradley adley T Teplicek, e eplicek, bptep@aol.com, (325) 442-2001

DISTRICT 5 to be annouunced

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.

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 coat c the porches,, est.. cost $1,200 Contact: Lisa Bubela, la, Vice-President, lisa_bubela@yahoo.com, (979) 79) 543-7120

DISTRICT 7 Repair and Repaint Barns – Need 45 gallons of metal paint,, est 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 • A 25 cubic ffeet eet refrrigerator ffor or the kitchenn • A large capacity microwave

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.

SPJST ENC JOB POSTING

Administrative Assistant

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 sup-

port 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—

• A 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.

• Salary range of $225 weekly, with room and board. For full job description and application, please visit www.spjst.org. —SPJST—

F F F F F ENC SPRINGS FORWARD F F F F F ANNUAL WORK PROJECTS UPDATE SPJST Education and Nature Center greatly appreciates these donations:

$750 from District Four for the electric hand dryers $100 from Lodge 6, Cottonwood for fishing dock repairs $100 from Lodge 25, Ennis for fishing dock repairs Gaga Pit from Lodge 29, Taylor $1,500 from Lodge 30, Taiton for staining the housing porches $100 from Lodge 66, Waco for fishing dock repairs $200 from Lodge 92, Fort Worth for fishing dock repairs $200 from Lodge 154, Fort Worth for fishing dock repairs $200 from Lodge 183, Arlington for fishing dock repairs

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SPJST Lodge Se ct ion

Lodge 4 Hallettsville meets this Sunday

Dear Members, The next meeting of Lodge 4, Hallettsville will be Sunday, May 8 at the chamber meeting room at 3 p.m. There will be door prizes, games, and lunch as usual. Fraternally, Patsy Zabransky, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 24, Cyclone Mother’s Day Barbecue this Sunday

Lodge 24, Cyclone invites you to treat yourself or someone you love to a delicious barbecue chicken dinner on Mother’s Day - Sunday, May 8, 2016, at Flag Hall in Cyclone. Plates will be available for dine-in or to-go beginning at 11 a.m. The cost is $9 per plate. The youth club will also host a quilt prize drawing. We hope to see you this Sunday, May 8 at Flag Hall for a delicious Mother’s Day lunch! For the Lodge, Bobby Hoelscher, Reporter —SPJST—

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

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

Email: melaniez@vvm.com

Questions? Call 800-727-7578

Lodge 30, Taiton reports on March meeting

Dear Vestnik Readers, Lodge 30, Taiton held its regular monthly meeting on Sunday, March 6, 2016, at Taiton Community Center. President Yvonne Marcaurele called the meeting to order. Members present recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence was observed for any sick or departed members. Secretary Wanda Dorotik called the roll of officers and members. She then read the February meeting minutes. Treasurer Lisa Bubela gave her report on the financial standing of our lodge. She had no outstanding bills at this time. FAC Crystal Bacak informed members of the upcoming events around the state. The District Six Spring Meeting is hosted by Lodge 23, Moravia on April 3. May 7 is Join Hands Day. We plan to power wash the community center for the fall festival. Youth Leader Lisa Bubela gave the report on the comings and goings of our youth program. She informed the members about the success of the youth workshop that had been held earlier that day. District Six Director Karen Kaspar then shared her recent activities. She discussed the upcoming district meeting as well as the convention planning meeting.

Old Business District Six Spring Meeting will be held in Moravia on April 3. The contest is greeting cards. On March 13, we will participate in the annual St. John’s Altar Society chicken dinner. Each member is asked to bring a cake to the cake walk. The convention delegates will meet

on March 29 at Taiton Community Center at 6 p.m. to discuss convention information.

New Business On May 1, we will host an appreciation dinner. Fifty-year members will be recognized, and outgoing officer award and sales agent awards will be presented. We hope to see everyone there. Happy birthday was wished to Lisa Bubela and Karen Kaspar. We wish them both many more to come. Our next meeting will be Sunday, March 20 at Taiton Community Cen-

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

ter. The adult meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. with the youth club meeting to follow. This will also be the annual community Easter egg hunt. The meeting was adjourned by President Yvonne Marcaurele. Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer, Reporter —SPJST—

Attention SPJST Graduates

and parents and grandparents of graduates!

hether it’s your high school commencement or college graduation, it’s quite an accomplishment. Share your achievement with other members of SPJST in a May issue of the Vestnik. To be included, please complete the following biographical sketch and mail it, along with a color headshot photograph, no later than May 16, to:

VESTNIK Editor Melanie Zavodny c/o SPJST Home Office P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503

Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you wish to have photo returned.

Information and headshot photographs can also be emailed to melaniez@vvm.com. Photograph must be in .jpg or .tif formats. For more information, contact the Vestnik Office 800-727-7578 or 254-773-1575 ★ ★ ★ Please print clearly. Thank you! ★ ★ ★

Name ________________________________________________________

Lodge No. and Name _________________________________________

Graduating from (name of high school or college) ______________ ______________________________________________________________

Major/Degree (if applicable) ___________________________________

Parents_______________________________________________________

Grandparents ________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

Future Plans __________________________________________________

Telephone:____________________________________________________ — Graduates must be SPJST members —

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Lodge 30, Taiton reports on April meeting

Dear Vestnik Readers, Lodge 30, Taiton held its regular monthly meeting on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at Taiton Community Center. President Yvonne Marcaurele called the meeting to order. Members present recited the Pledge of Allegiance led by Shelby Krpec, and a moment of silence was observed for any sick or departed members. Secretary Wanda Dorotik was unable to attend so District Six Director Karen Kaspar called the roll of officers and members. She then read the March meeting minutes. Treasurer Lisa Bubela gave her report on the financial standing of our lodge. She purchased the auction item for the recent St. John’s Altar Society annual chicken dinner. FAC Crystal Bacak informed members of the upcoming events around the state. The District Six Spring Meeting will be hosted by Lodge 23, Moravia on Sunday, April 3. May 7 is Join Hands Day. We will clean our assigned highway space on April 16 at 9 a.m. We plan to power wash the community center for the fall festival as well. Youth Leader Lisa Bubela gave the report on the comings and goings of our youth program. She reminded the members that the youth will need to bring a spring item for the raffle table at the upcoming district meeting. She also informed the members that the youth would participate in the Czech heritage program at Taiton Community Center on April 16. Lisa also in-

formed members of the maintenance day for District Six at SPJST Education and Nature Center on May 22. District Six will be responsible for providing the paint/stain for the front porches of the living quarters. District Six Director Karen Kaspar then shared her recent activities. She discussed the upcoming district meeting as well as the convention delegates’ meeting to be held on March 29 at Taiton Community Center beginning at 6 p.m.

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Home Office Staff, Sales Agents Attend Insurance Class

Old Business District Six Spring Meeting will be held in Moravia on April 3. Convention delegates will meet on March 29.

New Business On May 1, we will host an appreciation dinner. Happy birthday was wished to Yvonne Marcaurele, Jacob Supak, Brittany Baker, and Andrew Kresta. We wish them many more to come. Happy anniversary was wished to Tommy and Brenda Drapela for 39 years of wedded bliss. Our next meeting will be Sunday, May 1 at Taiton Community Center. Youth club members are asked to arrive at 2 p.m. to assist with decorating. They will then have their meeting along with celebrating the graduation of Senior Jacob Supak. The adult meeting will begin at 3 p.m. with snacks and social time. The business meeting will follow with awards presentations. A catered meal will then follow. The meeting was adjourned by President Yvonne Marcaurele. Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer, Reporter —SPJST—

Fraternal Field Manager Philip McBee conducted an insurance class for sales agents and Home Office staff members on Friday afternoon, April 22, 2016, at the Home Office in Temple. Pictured are, left to right, Lori Slack, Nancy Miller, Lynette Talasek, Jeanette Krizan, Doris Horne, Billye Westlake, and Virginia Longoria. BACK: Fraternal Field Manager McBee, James Lee, III, District Three Director John Engelke, Lynda Novak, Albin Machu, Sharla Pechal, Joe Liles, Terry Malina, Dana Boyd, District One Director/Supreme Lodge Chairman Donnie Victorick, and Cristy Girod.

Lodge 47, Seaton to host SPJST Car Show this Saturday

Dear Vestnik Readers, SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton met for their monthly meeting on Sunday, April 3, 2016. The meeting was called to order at 2 p.m. by President Edwin Pechal. Flags were presented by youth members along with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance. Members on the sick list are Ginger Ringwald and

SPJST Home Office Honors Staff for Administrative Professionals’ Day

SPJST Home Office recognized staff members on Administrative Professionals’ Day - Wednesday, April 27, 2016, for their service and dedication to SPJST.

Staff members were treated to chair massages, kolaches during the morning break, and lunch at Oscar Store.

Katherine Skrabanek along with lodge friend Butch Keith. Please keep these fine folks in your prayers for a quick recovery. President Pechal welcomed Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek and wife Joan, District Two Director Jesse Pospisil and wife Linda, and visitors Tom Williams, Eugene Brenek, Michael Galler, and Pastor Joe Emerson. We welcome each of you and invite you to visit with us again. With this being a special day, honoring our 75- and 50-year members, we were honored to have 55 members along with eight visitors. What a blessing to be able to set out more chairs! Honor members attending were Betty Marek, Barbara Brenek, Brian Kosel, Lucy Mihatsch, Dale Pechal, Patricia Pechal, and Charles Wigginton. Please see the separate letter regarding their recognition. We were so pleased to have our hall looking so nice today with the new window blinds. We again thank Ginger Ringwald for shopping around and finding the right ones to add the nice additional touch to our hall. Thanks also to the board members who hung them after the last meeting. Roll call showed all officers, active sales agents, and board members present except board member Terry Festa. The March minutes were approved as read by Secretary Koslovsky. Board Secretary Patsy also read the unofficial March board minutes. I would like

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to thank Amber Bartek for taking the minutes for me during the March lodge meeting as I was attending Lodge 155, Austin’s meeting. A successful meeting it was, as Youth Leader Ashley Tullos was elected to begin a new youth club in District Two. Congratulations, Ashley and Lodge 155 Youth Club! Our lodge is very pleased to accept and welcome new members Annie Balusek, written by the Home Office, and Jima Hilliard, written by Patsy Koslovsky. Join us . . . we’d love to have you! Fraternal Activities Coordinator Tammy Martinez stated there were many activities going on around the state. May 7 is Join Hands Day and the SPJST Car Show which will be held at Lodge 47, Seaton. The car show will have entertainment and activities for the entire family: showing of unique cars and trucks, kolache eating contests, vendor and crafts booths, a silent auction, kids’ activities, food including turkey legs and so much more. SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) will have work days from Saturday, May 14 to Sunday, May 22. District Two has been asked to volunteer building a gaga pit and a human foosball course. Both of these activities are very popular at our SPJST camps. There is a work spot for everyone in many areas. Please contact District Two ENC Board Member/ Secretary Lynette Talasek for any questions you may have. A “Clean Out Your Barn Auction” will be held

on Saturday, September 17. Proceeds will help with the funding of SPJST ENC and the Czech Heritage Museum. And, of course, no one wants to forget about the 10th Annual Corpus Christi Get Away August 12 to 14. SPJST has so much to offer to its members! What a wonderful organization! Congratulations to Lodge 47 members Lee Hanusch and Ronnie Culp who placed first in the SPJST State 42 Domino Tournament at the Home Office. We are proud of you guys! Patsy Koslovsky reminded everyone of the beseda fundraiser which will be held on Sunday, April 10. Barbecue plates with one-half chicken, potato salad, cole slaw, green beans, and dessert will be sold for $8 per plate. Treasurer Becky Zavodny gave the treasurer’s report along with Bar Manager Danny Stepan giving his report which were all accepted. Hall Manager Michelle Porubsky gave hall rental updates. Youth Leader Joyce Kraatz stated the youth had a good meeting with 34 members present. The youth will be joining hands by being responsible for the meal at the car show. Proceeds of $575 will go towards “Kids Against Hunger.” On May 14, youth members will pack food for 2,200 kids. What a wonderful gesture for our youth members to work for the money and also give their time in helping to pack food to feed so many children. Edwin Vasicek stated help is

Lodge 13, Dime Box Receives Incentive Award

Lodge 13, Dime Box was honored with an incentive award for its efforts in 2015. District One Director Donnie Victorick, second from right, presented the lodge with a plaque and check recently. Pictured are, left to right, Kenny Ford, Floyd Kostelka, Debbie Kostelka, Rick Ford, Director Victorick, and Wesley Ford. In front are Brodie and Haley Ford.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

P P P Presenting 2016 Officers P P P SPJST District Five

The 2016 officers of District Five are, left to right, District Youth Counselor Barbara Linney-Gonzales of Lodge 88, Houston; Treasurer Lorenda Baldwin of Lodge 139, Danbury; Second Vice President Janice Jahns and President Ashley Victorick of Lodge 88; Secretary Mary Ann Kieschnick of Lodge 142, Houston; First Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Patricia Bruce of Lodge 88; District Five Director Larry W. Pflughaupt; and Assistant DYC Michelle Wockenfuss of Lodge 88.

needed in judging for the barbecue cookoff on July 16. Both members and non-members are welcome to judge. President Pechal thanked President Vanicek and District Two Director Jesse Pospisil for being present today. Each one gave a short report. President Pechal also thanked Judy Pechal for making the cake for our 75- and 50-year recipients. The first quarter audit of all lodge books will be held at the beseda fundraiser on April 10. Chris Zavodny, website coordinator, stated the website is going great. Thank you, Chris, for doing an outstanding job on the website. Celebrating April birthdays are Tammy Martinez, Roy Ringwald, Ruth Kohutek, Brian Hoelscher, Erin Vincent, Kasen Carroll, Rebecca Federle, Pastor Joe Emerson, and Isabell Kellhoffer. We wish each of you a happy birthday with many more good years of health, fun, and happiness. Anniversary congratulations to Dianne and Lawrence Psencik -33 years, Pat and Beth Rabroker - 27 years and Windee and Gary Skrabanek - 10 years. Much happiness to each of you. Lodge door prizes were won by James Skrabanek, Joyce Skrabanek, and Garrett Festa. Thank you to Jesse and Linda Pospisil for the door prizes which were won by Edwin Pechal, EJ Pechal, Joyce Kraatz, Danny Stepan, Michelle Porubsky, Alice Mares, and Edwin Marek. Thank you also to President Brian Vanicek for door prizes won by Earl Soudelier, Mary Soude-

lier, Jerry Pechal, Betty Mare, Ruth Hanusch, Calvin Skrabanek, Amber Bartek, and Lynette Wigginton. Our next lodge meeting will be held on Sunday, May 1 at 2 p.m. Please join us! Enjoy the beautiful spring weather! Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 51, Ellinger: save the date . . . July 16

SPJST Lodge 51, Ellinger annual picnic will be held Saturday, July 16, 2016, at Ellinger Chamber of Commerce Hall. Barbecue chicken will be served along with sausage, pinto beans, potatoes, and peaches. Members may bring desserts, if desired. John Divin, Jr. will receive a 50year pin that day. Please save the date and plan to join us for food and fellowship. Burdine Divin, FAC —SPJST—

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Lodge 66, Waco to recognize longtime members at May 23 meeting

The meeting was called to order by President John Engelke at St. Paul’s Church on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at 6 p.m. with all officers present except Guide May Lou Urbanek. There were nine members present. Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and motto. Members stood for a moment of silent prayer for deceased member Bernice Pankonien. Secretary Sister Dana McAdams read the minutes of the March 7 meeting, and they were approved as read. Sister Diana Engelke received correspondence from Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak that Jacob C. Witt is being transferred to Lodge 54, West. Sister Diana Engelke also received correspondence from Megan Byrd thanking Lodge 66, Waco for the donation made to Helping Hands Ministry. Also a thank you note was received from St. Paul’s Church on the donation of Easter candy for the community Easter egg hunt. A thank you note was read from the Supreme Lodge on the donations made by Lodge 66 to the Johnnie Krizan Scholarship Fund and to the Gladys Yates Scholarship Fund. Sister Dorothy Veselka of the Entertainment Committee reported that for the May 23 meeting, Bush’s

Prom 2016

2015-2016 SPJST State King Brady Alexander of Lodge 47, Seaton and friend Caitlyn Foster attend Salado High School’s prom on April 16, 2016.

Chicken will be served as the 50-year pins will be presented on that day, and we will celebrate Mother’s Day as well. Sister Dorothy Veselka of the Cheer and Condolence Committee reported she sent a sympathy card to the Bernice Pankonien family and get well cards to Dana and Jodie McAdams. FAC Sister Diana Engelke read the monthly letter from State FAC Frank Horak.

P P P Presenting 2016 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 73, Seymour

Bookkeeper Sister Diana Engelke gave the bookkeeping report. Sister Diana Engelke read names of candidates for membership. Via Jean Randolph wrote up Donald Gene Franklin, Sariah Mone Randolph, Azaria Johnson, Chrystianna Jalyce Johnson, and Via Randolph. All were accepted into Lodge 66. Sister Diana Engelke read a resolution of sympathy on Bernice Pankonien. May she rest in peace. President Engelke reminded members of the District Three Spring Meeting at Lodge 154, Fort Worth on April 24. A $100 donation for April is being made to SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) for materials needed to replace the dock. District Three Director John Engelke is in charge of this project. Door prize winner was Michael Galler. One hundred percent winner was Louie Veselka. Next Meeting—May 23 The next meeting will be Monday, May 23 at St. Paul’s Church at 6 p.m. Fifty-year pins will be presented at this meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Fraternally, Dorothy Veselka, Reporter —SPJST—

The District Three Delegates’ meeting will follow from 3 to 5 p.m. Bring your May 11 Vestnik which will have all of the convention information that we can review. You do not want to miss either event. There are lots of items for the future of Lodge 84 to be discussed at our meeting. The svačina is sure to be lots of fun, and the delegate meeting will definitely be informative for the upcoming convention. Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 38, Kovar member Ray Palla retires from NBT

Lodge 84, Dallas meets May 15; sets May 22 svačina

Dear Readers, Please mark your calendars for the following upcoming dates/events happening at Lodge 84, Dallas: Sunday, May 15 Monthly meeting at 2 p.m.

The 2016 officers of Lodge 73, Seymour are, second from left, Treasurer Peggy Blankenship, President Chelsi Orsak, Vice President Chris Orsak, and Secretary Alice Orsak. The officers were installed by District Four Director Billy Rollwitz, far left, and District Four Fraternal Field Manager Bobby Davis.

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Sunday, May 22 Afternoon svačina and delegates’ meeting at Lodge 84. All members are invited to svačina from 1 to 3 p.m. This get-acquainted social time is for all Lodge 84 members and anyone else in the community. Our plans are to introduce the Czech community to each other. Come on out for a great afternoon. And, please bring your favorite svačina if you wish! Refreshments will be served. Please call Tammy at 800-727-7578 if you will attend so we can plan for the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

National Bank and Trust recently honored Assistant Vice President and Loan Review Officer Ray Palla for his retirement. Ray was employed at National Bank and Trust for 31 years. Pictured are Ray, left, and President/CEO Kenny Zapalac. Zapalac noted, “Ray’s dedication and service to the bank was as solid as it can get. He contributed greatly toward the successes of the bank, and he will be missed by all.” Ray is a member of SPJST Lodge 38, Kovar. Ray and his dad Wilbert help out at the lodge’s fundraisers. —Submitted by Dorothy Lastovica, Secretary

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Lodge 88, Houston sets May 16 meeting, scholarship presentations

Attention Members and Friends, The next meeting of Lodge 88, Houston will be Monday, May 16 at 7 p.m. A meal will be served at 6 p.m. Scholarships will be presented. Please note this change, and we will see you on Monday, May 16 at Lodge 88, Houston. Fraternally, Janice Jahns, President —SPJST—

Lodge 91 San Jacinto to join hands this Saturday

Lodge 91, San Jacinto will join hands with Churches United in Caring (CUIC) this Saturday, May 7, 2016. CUIC is a non-profit organization that receives donations and is run by volunteers from several churches in the Crosby area.

Lodge 179 Warrenton appreciates Angelia

Thank you, Angelia Weyand, for being our new member and for your good chicken spaghetti; you are a keeper! —From the members of Lodge 179, Warrenton

Lodge 91 will partner with CUIC to sort clothes and other items to be resold. We encourage members to participate to demonstrate support for our community. Vonda Smesny, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 92 Fort Worth plans May activities

We invite you to mark these activities on your calendar and plan to visit Lodge 92, Fort Worth. Get ready for a great time! Sunday, May 8 Happy Mothers’ Day! Please note: we will not have a lodge meeting on this day. The lodge meeting will be Tuesday, May 10 at 6 p.m. before game night which will be at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Tuesday, May 10 Ladies’ Circle meets at 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, May 10 Lodge 92 meeting at 6 p.m. followed by game night at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, May 11 Sportsmens’ Club meets at 7:30 p.m. This monthly meeting of hunting and fishing enthusiasts with speakers and door prizes is open to the public. Admission is free of charge.

Friday, May 13 Tanglefoot dance from 8 to 11 p.m. Members: $17, non-members $10.

Lodge 47, Seaton Honors Longtime Members By Patsy Koslovsky, Secretary/Reporter

SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton is so blessed to celebrate 19 members with 50 years of membership and three members with 75 years of membership this year. Sunday, April 3, 2016, was an incredible afternoon at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton. Six members celebrating 50 years and one member celebrating 75 years along with their families were able to join us for our regular monthly meeting and their recognition of this celebration. Attending and receiving her 75year pin was Betty Lou Marek. Members attending and receiving their 50-year pin were Barbara J. Brenek, Brian Kent Kosel, Lucy Lee Mihatsch, Dale Louis Pechal, Patricia A. Pechal, and Charles Wigginton. Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek conducted the presentation of each special member in attendance. As each name was called, District Two Director Jesse Pospisil escorted each member to a special table set up and decorated in their honor. President Vanicek asked if any honoree would like to share a highlight of being a member of Lodge 47. Sharing comments were 75-year member Betty Marek who stated her daddy sold SPJST insurance; her parents were active and worked at the dances; and she remembers the old Lodge 47 hall. She now helps at the lodge’s annual picnic and volunteers at the Czech Heritage Museum. Fifty-year members and sisters Barbara Brenek and Patricia Pechal stated they were very active in the Seaton Youth Club. They remember going to State Youth Achievement Day with their square dance talent act. Fifty-year member honoree Lucy Mihatsch is the mother of Barbara and

Congratulations to 50-year member, front, left to right, Patricia Pechal, 75year member Betty Lou Marek, and 50-year members Lucy Mihatsch and Barbara Brenek. In back are Lodge 47 President Edwin Pechal, 50-year members Charles Wigginton, Dale Pechal, and Brian Kosel, and SPJST President Brian Vanicek.

Patricia. All three were signed up for SPJST Life Insurance at the same time. Lucy was very active at the lodge and continues to make as many lodge meetings as possible. She is very proud and honored that all three were able to be recognized and receive their 50-year pins together. President Vanicek had in hand the Vestnik from April 6, 1966, in which he shared many awards from Lodge 47 members and youth. How interesting to hear the names of so many that were involved 50 years ago. As everyone says, “Where has the time gone?” And how true it is. He also shared that in 1966, gas was 32 cents per gallon; the cost of a new home was $14,200; average yearly income was $6,900; and miniskirts were in fashion. Thank you, President Vanicek, for your research and sharing with us.

Several of the members were unable to attend; some due to their travel from North Carolina, Irving, Houston, Bedford, and Humble. Please know 50-year members—Brian Bartek, Douglas Beckhusen, Irene Chlapek, Janet Guess, Robert Hubnik, Kelly Kelarek, Royce Marek, Lisa Motl, Freida Popelka, James Schiller, Dianne Tyroch, Donald Vrba, Jr., and Delores Williams, and 75-year members—Barbara Hejl and Jerry Mikulas, you were missed. Your names were read for your recognition. I do hope you have received your pins. If not, please contact me at patsyk2011@yahoo.com. Again, congratulations to each of you! And, thank you, President Vanicek, for conducting the wonderful ceremony. —SPJST—

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Tuesday, May 24 Game night at Lodge 92 at 7 p.m.

Hall Rentals For information regarding hall rentals and upcoming events information, please call Events Manager Jon Durham at 817-624-1361 or check the hall’s website: www.nationalhallfortworth.com. Angela Paprskar Casteel President —SPJST—

Lodge 155, Austin plans June 5 summer social

Lodge 155, Austin invites members and guests to its summer social on Sunday, June 5, 2016, at Pok-e-Jo’s Smokehouse, located at 2121 West Parmer Road, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Members are reminded to bring their activities sheet for the fraternal activities coordinator’s report that must be turned in to the Home Office after each of our quarterly meetings. Exciting News! Youth Club Organizes at Lodge 155 Our lodge is excited to have a new youth club thanks to the combined efforts of District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky and Ashley Tullos, our vice president and newly-elected youth leader. We encourage grandchildren and great-grandchildren of our members to join and to tell their neighborhood, school, or church friends about the fun activities this

group is all about so these friends will want to join also. Fraternally, Ginny Prasatik Secretary/FAC —SPJST—

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Lodge 179, Warrenton Appreciates Ora Lee Levien

Congratulations to Ora Lee Levien for many years of service as an officer of Lodge 179, Warrenton. The memberships loves and thanks her! President Ricky Weyand is pictured presenting an outgoing officer plaque to Ora Lee.

Lodge 160 San Angelo meets May 11

Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 160, San Angelo will hold its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at 6 p.m. The Dutch treat dinner and meeting will take place at Ole Gin Steakhouse in Wall. We invite all members to attend this meeting. Fraternally, Sandra Jansa, President —SPJST—

Lodge 183 Arlington changes meeting date to May 16

Dear Members, Lodge 183, Arlington will meet Monday, May 16, 2016, at 7 p.m. instead of Saturday, May 14 as previously scheduled. We will not have our Join Hands Day project on May 14. It has been rescheduled for June. The time will be announced at a later date. We will only have a monthly meet-

ing on Monday, May 16. We will not have family night. Family night will also be rescheduled in June. Please make a note of the new meeting date, and we will see you on Monday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall in Arlington. Fraternally, Darlene Hollingsworth Secretary/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—

Lodge 73, Seymour Joins Hands with Baylor County 4-H, Seymour FFA, TEEA JOIN HANDS DAY 2016 • Submitted by Peggy Blankenship, Treasurer • JOIN HANDS DAY 2016

SPJST Lodge 73, Seymour participated in Join Hands Day by sponsoring booths for Baylor County 4-H Club, Seymour FFA Chapter, and Seymour Texas Extension Education Association (TEEA) Club at the annual Ag Appreciation Day held in Baylor County. Ag Appreciation Day is an annual event that honors all agricultural-related persons and busi-

nesses in the area. There was educational material, giveaway items, and volunteers to answer questions about their particular involvement in the community. Agriculture is of primary importance in the Lodge 73 area, and lodge members believe “our youth today will be our leaders of tomorrow.”

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Ennis Sewing Circle

Ennis Sewing Circle met on April 14, 2016 in the Sokol Club Room. We arrived at 8 a.m., stretched Dorothy Prachyl’s pretty quilt and started quilting very early. Thank you, all ladies who came early - Georgia Holy, Dorothy Booth, Dorothy Kudrna, Ann Clagett, Irene Prachyl, Victoria Vlk, Dolores Vrana, Martha Ritchey, and Georgie Morales. We had quilters all around; how nice. Several others came soon after - Ginny Svehlak, Geraldine Valek, and Karen Haskovec. We all quilted and visited till noon with 17 members. President Irene said grace, and we all enjoyed a delicious lunch. Thank you for the delicious dishes, the set-up and clean up crew. After lunch, President Irene called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all, and a moment of silence was held for Albin Dlabaj, Ernest Haba, Roger Gagnon, Henry Vrana, Catherine Smolka, Billie Valigura, Freddie Christian, Reverend G.G. Melton, Wanda Ray, Pat Behne, and Edna Newman. The “Our Father” was recited for the above and our sick members. Secretary Ann read the minutes of our last meeting and Treasurer Dolores gave the treasurer’s report. Both were approved as read. Ginny Svehlak read two funny newspaper articles that we all enjoyed. Sunshine Lady Dorothy Prachyl had three cards for us to sign. Sympathy cards to Frances Vinkler and Joan Brown; and a happy birthday card to Ella Mae Zmolek. Quilt Scheduler Pat Fowler had a doctor’s appointment so President Irene read the schedule: May - Irene Prachyl; June - Georgia Holy; July elephant sale; August - our Christmas quilt; and September - Kay Lynn Kovar. President Irene volunteered to sew the quilt squares that we all sewed together for our Christmas quilt. She also reminded for everyone to bring their favorite recipe dish so she can have them ready to give in booklet form to us by Christmas. It was announced we will be needing foil and tea glasses. I’m not sure if anyone volunteered to bring the above or not. Libbie Vrla reported talking with Joyce Ehrenberger in North Carolina. Her husband Joe has been in the hospital and now is in rehab and is doing fine Joyce had her 90th birthday. All

her children gave her a big birthday party I understand it was a great, beautiful day. We wish her many more birthdays. Libbie also talked with someone about Bertha Podhrasky, who is doing okay and plans to come to one of our meetings soon. We all hope so because we haven’t seen her in a long time. We are looking forward to seeing you soon. Victoria Vlk was our 50-50 dollar winner. Libbie donated a 2016 Czech calendar, and Lil Kosarek was the winner of it. They are lucky, lucky members. Our blueberry lady - Karen Haskovec - showed me a picture of her blueberry garden on her phone. It was really something. She has wooden square boxes and berries on the bushes; but they haven’t turned color. She is having to cover them to keep the birds off. It was really pretty. Maybe she will bring a couple when ready. Dorothy Prachyl thanked all who quilted on her quilt. President Irene thanked all for coming, for quilting, for the wonderful lunch, the set up and clean up.

The next meeting will be Thursday, May 12. Please come early. We will quilt for President Irene, have a meeting, lunch, 50-50 dollar game, and don’t forget your favorite recipe. It was good to see everyone and please come again. Stay well and happy . . . Georgie Morales, Reporter —SPJST—

Ladies Circle of Lodge 92 Fort Worth

What a great meeting we had on Tuesday, April 12, 2016. Let me tell you, the Easter Bunny came with eggs, candy, and prizes for all. It was so much fun, and our members had a ball gathering eggs. Our creative President Cathy Simmank, along with Doris Overstreet and Evelyn Scaff assisted the Bunny and prepared enough eggs with surprises for everyone to have five or six eggs apiece (plastic, of course). They stuffed 250-plus eggs

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

and hid them in greenery and flowers on a couple of tables. Prizes were grab bags, packages of homemade cookies, cupcakes, and coins. The grand prize was a ceramic carousel, and I don’t know who won that one. Ladies were gathering eggs which reminded me of old times when my mother would go to the hen house and load eggs in her apron and gently take them back to the kitchen. The ladies were juggling their treasurer as they went back to their seats. The meeting was so much fun. As usual we said the Pledge of Allegiance and proceded with business. Sunshine Chairman Marlene Bass filled us in on those who were ill or had experienced a death in the family. Cards were sent to Lorinda Manasco and Don Morbitzer on the loss of their sister in California and to Roy Thieme who is in the hospital with pneumonia. Prayers are also still needed for Mary Carpenter (Pauline Morbitzer’s and Betty Loyd’s sister) who lives in Indiana. To each of you, we send our thoughts and prayers on these difficult circumstances. We always miss those of you who are not with us. Hopefully, you all

Scenes from Ladies Circle of Lodge 92, Fort Worth’s April Meeting

Hostesses are, left to right, Betty Krenek, Sunny Kercho, and Alene Kercho. RIGHT PHOTO: Hunting Easter eggs are Marlene Bass, left, and Theresa Clay. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: President Cathy Simmank.

BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Birthday ladies, left to right, Cherie Price, Joyce Tesar, Marie Keller, Wanda Moree, and Lydia Alholm. —Submitted by Joan Simek Shropshire, Secretary

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

were out having a good time someplace in, uh, say Oklahoma or visiting the Alamo. Happy birthday to Cherie Price, Joyce Tesar, Marie Keller, Wanda Moree, and Ms. Lydia Alholm. All of you are super duper, and we wish you another wonderful year. Lydia Alholm is one of our beloved regulars here at the Ladies Circle. She is a doll, and we always enjoy her stories. What a great article in the Vestnik recently on her life. Although we knew a little about her already, we now know what an inspiration she is and was to so many lives she has touched. What a lady! In May, we will celebrate our mothers and have an auction for a gift basket. Everyone is encouraged to bring your remembrances or stories you wish to share with us. Currently, the Fort Worth Star Telegram is asking the question, “Are You Becoming Your Mother?” Maybe we’ll find out if anyone of our members think they are like their moms. There were door prizes and as always, great food for lunch. Thanks to our hostesses Betty Krenek, Sunny Kercho, and Alene Kercho for their work in the kitchen. Lunch was outstanding. Of note from me, Evelyn Scaff brought strudel and I could not stop eating it. Oh my gosh, if I could cook like that I would weigh 300 pounds! It was so good. Last of all, we wish to take this time to remember one of our regular members. In one week’s time we went from fun and happiness to grief and sadness. We lost Catherine Ann Kosarek Davis in a tragic event. She was at our meeting, and it is a total shock that she is now gone. This was just unbelievable . . . so unnecessary, and we will miss her smile and kind nature. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers. Once again, we are expecting April storms tonight. Hope everyone will be safe from hail, floods, and tornadoes. Good grief, the weather this spring has been crrrazzy. Respectfully submitted, Joan Shropshire, Secretary —SPJST—

Don’t Mess with Texas

By John Cornyn United States Senator for Texas

★ ★ 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.

June 4 Kelner family—at American Legion Hall, East Bernard. Contact the following for information: President PF Thomas 281-636-9822; Vice President Helen Vrana 979-532-3622; Secretary Helen Kelner 281-3422624; Treasurer Joey Pitman 281236-7652; Historian Lillian Neeley 713-947-2472. Submitted by Helen Kelner, Lodge 28, East Bernard •••

Sefkin-Kubin families

The Sefcik-Kubin family reunion will be Sunday, June 5, 2016, at New Tabor Brethren Church Fellowship Building, located on County Road 225 in Caldwell, Texas 77836. A catered meal served at 12:30 p.m. Please respond to Lillie B. Chafin by May 22 with the number attending because meals will be ordered for those who respond. Each family is asked to please bring a dessert. Respond to Lillie B. Chafin, 880 County Road 284, Caldwell, Texas 77836 or call 979-272-1136 or 979777-6674. Submitted by, Lillie B. Chafin Lodge17, New Tabor —SPJST—

No doubt you’ve seen, heard, and probably even said these words — but you may be surprised at how our state’s unofficial motto came to be. As Texans, when we have a problem our pioneering spirit leads us to take matters into our own hands and fix it. So that’s exactly what our State Department of Highways and Public Transportation (now the Texas Department of Transportation, or TXDOT) did about three decades ago when they recognized a growing problem: litter along our state’s highways. And they found a solution in the “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign. In the 1980s, the majestic sprawling landscapes for which our state is known were becoming cluttered with fast food wrappers, ice cream cups, and almost anything else you can imagine. Traditional marketing campaigns that connected littering with guilt and shame weren’t working on the ‘typical litterer’ of the time, identified by the agency as an 18-35 year old male. By 1985, Texas was spending more than $20 million on highway cleanup, and it was estimated that number would increase by as much as 15 percent each year in the future. Texas had a problem, and so the search for a solution began. When Austin advertising mogul Tim McClure pitched the “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign to the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation, the older participants in the room expressed their doubts. This only encouraged Tim – they weren’t his target audience. He continued to push his idea, and they eventually gave him a chance. The slogan first debuted across the state with a few slow-to-sell bumper stickers in 1985, but a television ad with the slogan featuring Stevie Ray Vaughan during the 1986 Cotton Bowl took the state by storm. The Dept. of Highways and Public Transportation distributed trash cans bearing the catchy slogan across the state’s highway grid, and soon bumper sticker sales caught on. It wasn’t long before the slogan went viral and celebrities were asking to be a part of the anti-litter campaign. Willie Nelson, George Foreman, and Chuck Norris are just three of the

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iconic Texans who have lent their fame to our state’s cleanup efforts. Thirty years later, TXDOT now hosts an annual “Don’t Mess with Texas” highway clean-up day in April to commemorate the anniversary of the campaign. Boy Scouts can earn a special badge for participating, and students can earn college scholarships for leadership efforts to clean our highways. And not only has Tim McClure’s slogan become an iconic Texas saying, his creative solution has been wildly successful. In the campaign’s first six years, the state recorded a 72 percent reduction in highway litter. According to TXDOT, while the state paid today’s equivalent of $2.21 per Texan in 1985 for roadside cleanup, by 2015 that figure had dropped to $1.19 – even with the addition of many more miles of Texas roads. In addition to inspiring Texans to take action, the viral “Don’t Mess with Texas” slogan allows TXDOT to collect royalties on products bearing the phrase, translating to more money for cleanup efforts. All types of items have been emblazoned with the slogan, but one Texans can be particularly proud of is the United States Navy’s USS Texas (SSN-775), a Virginia-class submarine which proudly displays the motto on its crest. After 30 years, the “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign continues with a clear goal in sight: if every Texan picks up just two pieces of trash each month, they estimate our highways will be completely litter-free in a year. That is, as long as fellow drivers don’t mess with Texas. —SPJST—

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

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Lodge 84, Dallas Honors Longtime Members

SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration Vendors Saturday, May 7, 2016 SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Vendors registered as of April 28. See more event details on pages 1, 2, 7, and 40 and at www.spjst.org

Come shop for Mother’s Day, graduations, weddings, and just because! Lots to choose from.

Lodge 84, Dallas recognized 50- and 75-year members and new members at the Sunday, April 17, 2016, meeting. TOP LEFT PHOTO: Members observe a moment of silence. TOP CENTER PHOTO: Lodge 84 Secretary Cherri Petr, left, and Vice President Vicki Sims review meeting details. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Members visit at the meeting. LEFT PHOTO: Delicious desserts. RIGHT PHOTO: Youth Leader Lynda Novak, left, leads the SPJST motto along with Vice President Sims. —Submitted by Anne Cowan, Reporter

Gerry Dana Premier Jewelry, handmade items Holly Knecht handmade crafts, Rada Cutlery Wanda’s Uniquely Yours glassware, blankets, horseshoe crosses Arbonne Int’l health and wellness information

Belton Upholstery Shop displays and samples of auto/motorcycle, etc. items Frank and Pat Russo jewelry Craftershaven arts and crafts

Rolling Memories neon clocks, reproduction signs

Amos Electric

Wood Works woodworking items

Callie’s Country Creation primitives, home décor, barnwood Gonzo’s FabWorks and CNC metal car cut-outs, etc. Red Birds and Roses tables, purses, wallets, caps

S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Maintenance Director presented Customer Service of the Month

Texas Czech Genealogical Society Czech items Nana’s Brittle and More homemade brittle, cookies, sugar scrubs

His Jewels handcrafted gemstone jewelry, ladies’ clothing, accessories SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas lighted boxes, kolaches

Rockin V Wood Designs woodworking items Scentsy Fragrance warmers, scents

Gene Zachary, Maintenance Director of S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living in Taylor, Texas, was presented Customer Service of the Month Award for March. Gene was nominated by Charlotte Albert, the daughter and daughter-in-law of two special women in her life who spent their last days in the S.P.J.S.T. Nursing Home. Gene was always there for whatever Charlotte needed for them. The person who is nominated for this award is one who goes the extra mile for the customer and has displayed superior customer service.

Nominations are made from anywhere in Taylor by sending in a letter or note to the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce. The nomination letters are read at the Greater Taylor Chamber Ambassador Luncheon and are voted on for the award. The vote was unanimous for Gene Zachary. Congratulations, Gene! —Submitted by Julie Stermer, Marketing Director S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Community —SPJST—

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

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Seniors, One and All: Make the Most of Life!

SPJST Proudly Presents Its 2016 Scholarship Winners Dear Members, One of the highlights of the April Supreme Lodge meeting each year is the announcement of that year’s General Scholarship and Leadership Grant recipients. This year was no different. Following the announcement, I had the joyful task of writing letters to each recipient, congratulating them on their academic achievement. Upon completion of this happy assignment, it occurred to me that a whopping 38 years have passed since I graduated from Rogers High School! Even so, I still remember the thrill of graduation night. I also remember wondering where I would be 20 years from that day. I didn’t have much of a clue: I knew that I wanted to go to college and major in journalism but beyond that, everything was pretty much a blank slate. No girlfriend. No bills. No income. It was an exciting time!

Nearly 40 years later — gee whiz, that sounds like a long time — life remains an exciting adventure and I still find my self wondering, “Where will I be in 20 years?” To that I respond, wherever you happen to be on life’s road, make the most of it! It makes living so much more enjoyable! It’s never too late to start over. If you weren’t happy with yesterday, try something different today. Don’t stay stuck. Strive to do better! If you’re reading this, you’re probably an SPJST member. Please make the most of that membership. If you’re able-bodied, consider getting involved. It can be a lot more fun that sitting on the sidelines. If you’re a lodge leader, get together with your fellow officers and trustees and determine how your lodge can best meet the needs of your members and the community in which you live. The SPJST Model Lodge Best Practices Guide — now available online

at www.spjst.org — is filled with ideas to get your creative juices flowing. If you’re already to the point of making great things happen in your lodge and the community, keep up the good work! Lodges that work hard at nurturing an environment of courteous service, goodwill, and purpose will prosper because they are making a positive difference in the lives of their members and their community. SPJST is at its best when we work to achieve the high ideals of benevolence, humanity, and brotherhood. We grow — as individuals and as groups — to be like that which we idealize. Expect the best, and you very well may get it! Fraternally, Brian Vanicek SPJST Supreme Lodge President —SPJST—

★ SPJST Leadership Grant Winner ★

Brady Dave Alexander Lodge 47, Seaton

Salado High School Son of Debbie Kay Alexander and Tarrant Lee Alexander Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Marine Biology ★ SPJST Leadership Grant Winner ★

Alexander Brett Barton Lodge 80, Holland

Holland High School Son of Brett and Cynthia Barton and Ty and Christina Howard Temple College Mathematics

★ SPJST Leadership Grant Winner ★

Cole Rhett Campbell Lodge 24, Cyclone

Rogers High School Son of Derek and Kim Campbell Texas A&M University Poultry Science

★ SPJST Leadership Grant Winner ★

Braxton Alexander Faust

Madeline Gayle Gadway

Snook High School Son of James Faust and Stefani Faust Blinn College Wildlife Management

Needville High School Daughter of Marc Edward Gadway and Karen Louise Gadway Wharton County Junior College Physical Therapy

Lodge 9, Snook

Lodge 81, Needville

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Wednesday, May 4, 2016

O O O 2016 SPJST Scholarship Winners O O O ★ SPJST Leadership Grant Winner ★

★ SPJST Leadership Grant Winner ★

Jacob William Supak

Georgiana Paige Tignor

El Campo High School Son of Terry Supak and Linda (Wendel) Supak Texas A&M University Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Ennis High School Daughter of Lisa Sullivan and Bill Sullivan Abilene Christian University Political Science

Lodge 30, Taiton

★ SPJST Technical Scholarship Winner ★

Lodge 25, Ennis

★ SPJST Technical Scholarship Winner ★

Bryson Stuart Holt

Ty Alan Brewer Lodge 35, Elk

Mart High School Son of Richard Scott Brewer and Jennifer Leigh Brewer Texas State Technical College Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Lodge 204, Stephenville

Hico High School Son of Cliff Neal Holt and Christi Kay Black Texas State Technical College Welding

★ SPJST Technical Scholarship Winner ★

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★

Chase Allen Stary

Dimitri Kelton Anglin

Lodge 30, Taiton

El Campo High School Son of Glenn and Mandy Stary Wharton County Junior College Process Technology

Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station

Wheeler High School Son of Brian H. Anglin and Kara J. Wilson Anglin Oregon State University Business Management

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★

Ellen Nicole Bain

Claire Alyse Casey

Louise High School Daughter of Mark Bain Wharton County Junior College Radiologic Technology

Cypress Woods High School Daughter of Keith and Donna Casey Texas A&M University Business/Marketing

Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★

Sara Kay Chapman

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi

Samuel Clemens High School Daughter of Susan Chapman and Brian Chapman Texas State University Forensic Psychiatry

Lodge 88, Houston

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★ Johnnie R. Krizan Scholarship

Andrew Joseph Cole Lodge 25, Ennis

Cherry Creek High School Son of Cathy Prachyl Cole and Billy Mark Cole Baylor University Business Finance

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

O O O 2016 SPJST Scholarship Winners O O O

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★ Slovacek’s Scholarship

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★

Jillian Bailey Favor

Tyler Scott Evatt

Lodge 202, Jourdanton

Lodge 24, Cyclone

Jourdanton High School Daughter of John and Elizabeth Favor Texas Southern University Management

Belton High School Son of William and Kimberly Evatt Texas A&M University Biomedical Science ★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★

Timothy Todd Forbes Lodge 25, Ennis

Ennis High School Son of John Timothy Forbes and Trina Dean Forbes Undecided Kinesiology

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★ District Six Scholarship

Sky Catalina Garcia

Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje

El Campo High School Daughter of Felix T. and Cathy V. Garcia Wharton County Junior College Veterinary Science/Business

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★

Braden Paul Hegwood

Kyle Mark Hoelscher

Kingwood Park Senior High School Son of Vincent and Kimberly Hegwood Texas A&M University Petroleum Engineering

Rosebud-Lott High School Son of Mark and Patricia Vrazel Hoelscher Texas State University Business Management

Lodge 88, Houston

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★

Jacob Charles Honza Lodge 25, Ennis

Ennis High School Son of Jodie and Sharon Honza University of Texas at Tyler Criminal Justice

Lodge 47, Seaton

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★ Frank E. Klinkovsky Scholarship

Jacob Tyler Horak Lodge 80, Holland

Holland High School Son of Frank and Connie Horak Stephen F. Austin State University Computer Science

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★

Alyse Nicole Janak

Elena Marie Kovar

Hallettsville High School Daughter of Scott Allen Janak and Connie Sklar Janak Blinn College Physical Therapy

Dime Box High School Daughter of Glenn E. Kovar and Sarita R. Kovar Blinn College Veterinary Technology

Lodge 4, Hallettsville

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Lodge 13, Dime Box

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Wednesday, May 4, 2016

O O O 2016 SPJST Scholarship Winners O O O

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★ Sid Pokladnik Scholarship

Regan Claire Lewis

Lodge 185, New Braunfels New Braunfels High School Daughter of Mark and Martha Lewis University of Incarnate Word Social Science

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★

Logan Patrick Lipscomb Lodge 25, Ennis

Ennis High School Son of Rel and Lisa Lipscomb Texas Wesleyan University Kinesiology

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★

Madison Nicole Malcik

Amanda Nicole Miller

Rogers High School Daughter of Roy and Kimberly Malcik Texas A&M University Nutritional Science

Pleasanton High School Daughter of Karen Louise Miller Texas A&M University Business Management

Lodge 24, Cyclone

Lodge 202, Jourdanton

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★

Avery Nicole Moyle

Cory Jon Noak

Lodge 162, Iowa Colony Angleton High School Daughter of Travis and Brenda Moyle Texas A&M University Biomedical Engineering

Lodge 29, Taylor

Thrall High School Son of Eddie and Amy Noak Texas A&M University Civil Engineering

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★ Otto Hanus Scholarship

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★

Colton Henry Orsak

Ashlyn Nicole Pugh

Snook High School Son of Bill and Sheila Orsak Blinn College Agricultural Engineering

Stephen F. Austin High School Daughter of Samuel Carlton Pugh and Tammy Marie Pugh Sam Houston State University Interdisciplinary Studies

Lodge 9, Snook

Lodge 51, Ellinger

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★

Morgan Elaine Sebesta

Carlee Marie See

Snook High School Daughter of Richard John Sebesta and Laura May Sebesta Texas A&M University Animal Science Industry/Production

Snook High School Daughter of John W. See, III and Robin Klussmann See Texas A&M University Interdisciplinary Studies

Lodge 9, Snook

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

O O O 2016 SPJST Scholarship Winners O O O

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★

Caleb Lee Skrivanek

Vincent Robert Sluss

Ennis High School Son of Glenn and Tracey Skrivanek Tarleton State University Agriculture

Pearland High School Son of Robert Sluss and Angela (Zucha) Sluss University of Texas Business/Accounting

Lodge 25, Ennis

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★

Savanah Lee Steffey Lodge 191, Lufkin

Livingston High School Daughter of Kurt and Sheri Wilson and Sean and Michelle Steffey Texas A&M University Business Administration

Lodge 172, Pasadena

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★ Ben and Martha Trcalek Scholarship

Tanner Allen Stefka Lodge 17, New Tabor

Caldwell High School Son of Stacy Stefka and Mark Stefka Texas A&M University Animal Science

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★ Denisse Wuensche Scholarship

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★ Ernest Wentrcek Scholarship

Kacie Karoline Vanecek

Fallon Elise Wenck

Lodge 48, Beyersville Taylor High School Daughter of Tim and Donna Vanecek University of North Texas English

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Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station A&M Consolidated High School Daughter of Fred R. and Cheryl Z. Wenck Texas A&M University Biomedical Engineering

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★ Nick A. Morris Scholarship

★ SPJST Freshman Scholarship Winner ★ J.R. Kubena Scholarship

Baylis Mattea Zak

Julia Marie Zavodny

Hallettsville High School Daughter of David T. and Carol A. Zak Blinn College Radiologic Technology

Rogers High School Daughter of Elden and Becky Zavodny Undecided Business/Public Relations

Lodge 4, Hallettsville

Lodge 47, Seaton

★ SPJST Undergraduate Scholarship Winner ★

Katherine Marie Allbritton

Sarah Elizabeth Blazek

Cy-Fair High School Daughter of Traci and Bobby Allbritton Texas Tech University Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics

Ennis High School Daughter of DeAnna and Gregory Blazek Texas A&M University Community Health

Lodge 88, Houston

Lodge 82, Ennis

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Wednesday, May 4, 2016

O O O 2016 SPJST Scholarship Winners O O O

★ SPJST Undergraduate Scholarship Winner ★

Ronni Lee Boyer

★ SPJST Undergraduate Scholarship Winner ★

Colton Eric Dunk

Lodge 39, Bryan

Lodge 1, Fayetteville

Troup High School Daughter of Jeff and Stacy Boyer Texas Women’s University Child Development Pre-Occupational Therapy

La Grange High School Son of Ralph Dunk and Melinda Dunk Texas A&M University Construction Science

★ SPJST Undergraduate Scholarship Winner ★ Gladys Yates Scholarship

★ SPJST Undergraduate Scholarship Winner ★ Otto Hanus Scholarship

Kelsie Lynn Frerich

Hannah Beth Halfmann

Rosanky Christian Academy Daughter of Ronnie and Laura Frerich Blinn College Animal Science/Veterinary

Garden City High School Daughter of Nathan and Gena Halfmann Angelo State University Interdisciplinary Studies

Lodge 38, Kovar

★ SPJST Undergraduate Scholarship Winner ★ Myles Marek Scholarship

Samantha Renee Holub Lodge 23, Moravia

Sacred Heart Catholic High School Daughter of Elizabeth and Michael Holub University of Texas at San Antonio Political Science

Lodge 160, San Angelo

★ SPJST Undergraduate Scholarship Winner ★

Emily Ann Kleihege Lodge 88, Houston

Cypress Ridge High School Daughter of Don and Debra Kleihege Texas A&M University Genetics

★ SPJST Undergraduate Scholarship Winner ★

Justin Joseph Mikush

Kaitlyn Ashley Pavlicek

Klein Oak High School Son of Craig and Sandra Mikush Louisiana State University Construction Management

Spring High School Daughter of Greg and Laura Pavlicek Lone Star College Nursing

Lodge 4, Hallettsville

Lodge 88, Houston

★ SPJST Undergraduate Scholarship Winner ★

Andrew Howard Smith

Grace Elizabeth Vann

Hendrickson High School Son of Greg and Jennifer Supak McCarthy Texas A&M University Veterinary and Biomedical Science

Caldwell High School Daughter of Danny and Dana Vann Sam Houston State University Dance/Economics

Lodge 187, Round Rock

Lodge 186, Caldwell

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

In Memory of Randolph Scott

Randolph Vernon Scott, was born June 20, 1921, to Dudley Randolph Scott and Arrien (Moore) Scott in Tyler, Texas. He was a loving husband, devoted father and a cherished grandfather. He attended John Tyler High School and enlisted in the Army after gradu- Randolph Scott ation in 1940. He was in the Battle of the Bulge and Invasion of Normandy Beach conflicts and the Liberation of Italy. After his honorable discharge, he moved to Dallas to work for Dallas Transit System (DART) in 1944 where he met the love of his life Rose (Podrouzek) Scott, and together they enjoyed 65 and one-half years of marriage until her death in 2011. Randolph was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church where he served as an usher for nearly 40 years. He was a 50-year member of SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas where he served on the door committee and decorating committee. He was also the lodge photographer for several years. Survivors include son Kenneth and wife Dona; daughter Anne Cowan and husband Steve; grandson Scott Cowan; and granddaughter Elisabeth Cowan; step-granddaughter Sonja Grube and husband Eddie and their children Kayley and Zachary. He will also be remembered by a host of relatives and friends. Visitation was Thursday, April 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. with rosary at 7 p.m. at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral mass was Friday, April 22 at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Dallas. —SPJST—

Expression 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 PETE JOHN MERTA, JR. Pete John Merta, Jr., 91, of Taiton, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Pete was born on March 8, 1925, to Peter John Merta, Sr. and Mary Koudela Merta. He was a retired farmer and rancher. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton. He is survived by daughters Monica Staff and husband Frank of Nada and Madilyn Zbranek and husband Gary of Taiton; grandchildren Camille Pete Merta, Jr. Stancik and husband Lance of La Grange, Mandy Staff of Bryan, Trey Staff of Sheridan, Zach Zbranek and wife Shari of Rosenberg, and Grady Zbranek and wife Jordan of Conroe; great-grandchildren Paisley, Tucker and Landry Stancik and Kinzley and Kasen Zbranek; sister Bettie Konvicka; and special friend Gayla Dluhos. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Annimae Merta; brother Frank Merta; and sisters Martha Kulcak, Lillie Janek, Mary Osina, Lucille Mach, and Stella Stewart. Visitation was Monday, March 14 at 4 p.m. at Triska Funeral Home with a rosary recited at 7 p.m. Funeral mass was at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 15 at St. John’s Catholic Church with Father Gabriel Oduro Tawiah officiating. Burial followed at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were Trey Staff, Zach Zbranek, Grady Zbranek, Richard Priesmeyer, Richard Janak, and Dickie Merta. Honorary pallbearers were Harry Mach, Jr., Wayne Priesmeyer, Randy Mitchell, and Garland Blaha. Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer Resolution Committee —SPJST—

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In Memory of Dewey Labay

Dewey D. Labay, age 83, of Hamshire, Texas, passed away from this earthly life on Sunday, April 3, 2016, at Riceland Community Hospital. A gathering of Mr. Labay’s family and friends was from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 6 at Broussard’s in Winnie. Mass of Christian Dewey Labay burial was celebrated at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 7 at St. Phillip’s Catholic Church in El Campo. Interment was at Holy Cross Memorial Park in El Campo. He was born on August 18, 1932, in Pierce, the third of six children to Leona Louise Myer Labay and William Charles Labay. Dewey was a United States Air Force veteran. In 1959, he married Janell Dressler. They moved to Hamshire, where they remained until his death. Dewey worked for Texas Gulf as a heavy equipment operator for 34 years until he retired in 1989. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council No. 6763 and St. Mary Catholic Church in Fannett. Dewey was a member of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include wife Janell Labay and son Kevin Wayne Labay, both of Hamshire; brothers William Charles Labay and wife Joyce of Nome, Lewis George Labay and wife Loretta of Rosenberg, and Glenn Eugene Labay and wife Lynn of Fort Stockton; sister Joan L. Yates of Beaumont; sisters-in-law Lorraine Kana of El Campo and Charlyne Labay of East Bernard;and numerous nieces and nephews. —SPJST—

Expression of Sympathy

We, the Resolution Committee of Karel Jonas Lodge No. 28, East Bernard, Texas, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family of our departed member, LILLIE SONTAG. Lillie Sontag, age 93, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2016, at her residence in Rosenberg, Texas. She previously resided in Sugar Land for more than 30 years. Lillie was born on October 27, 1922, to Olga Provacek and John Witek. She was Lillie Sontag predeceased by husband Johnnie Frank Sontag; and her parents. She is survived by daughter Betty J. Ragsdale of Rosenberg; grandchildren Steven Smelly of Cleveland, Brian and Brandon Ragsdale of Rosenberg, and Brandy Hemphill of Needville; sisters Evelyn Hansen of Webster, Doris Milam of Sacramento, California, and Ann Romano of The Woodlands; nephews, nieces, cousins, and a host of friends. She was a member of SPJST Lodge 28, Karel Jonas East Bernard for 45 years. She was also a member of the Community Christian Church in Rosenberg. Funeral service was at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 21 at Community Christian Church in Rosenberg with Reverend Ben Kruse officiating. Following the funeral service, a graveside service was held at 1 p.m. at Czech National Cemetery in East Bernard. Condolence messages may be written for the Sontag family at www.garmanycarden.com. Service was under the direction of Garmany and Carden Funeral Directors in Rosenberg. May our departed member and friend rest in peace. She will be greatly missed by all. Fraternally, Helen Kelner, Secretary —SPJST—

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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, JOHN ALBERT BAKKER. Service for John Albert Bakker, age 76, of Temple, Texas, brother to Dale Bakker, of Eastland, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2016, at First Baptist Church of Academy. Burial is at 3 p.m., Friday, May 6 at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. Mr. Bakker died Saturday, April 16 at his residence. He was born May 16, 1939, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Albert Bakker and Dorothy Thode. He graduated in 1957. He served in the United States Army Reserve. He received a Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and a Purple Heart, and Korean Service Medal. He married Mary Ann Caswell and worked for Gidden Distributing. John had a fast life. He enjoyed

drag racing and was known as “Pops.” He won various categories as the winning season point’s champion, and best street class. He had other hobbies such as watching golf and westerns. He was a family man and was loved by all. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton. Survivors include his wife of 53 years; sons Stephen Small (Patricia) and John W. Bakker (Brandi); daughters Sheri Young, Renate Baerscneider (Roland), Carla Pedigo (David), and Christina Coon; brother Dale Bakker; sister Claudia Harrigan; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother Glenn Bakker. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Youth Program of Academy. Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple was in charge of arrangements. Resolution Committee Ruth Hanusch Joyce Skrabanek —SPJST—

Remembering Bessie Petr e SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas f

Bessie Petr

Teta Bessie, Nanny, Mama Bessie . . . several names . . . one extraordinary woman July 27, 1923 ~ February 12, 2016

e Eulogy f Given by Justine Pokladnik Yeager Lodge 84, Dallas

I’ve been invited to say a few words of remembrance about a wonderful woman in all our lives—Bessie Petr. She started out life as Elizabeth Slovak, daughter of Anna and Joseph Slovak, born into loving, but humble beginnings on July 27, 1923. This was the start of an extraordinary, young woman, seeming to grow up to live an ordinary life . . . speaking the language of Czech immigrants she’s descended from, cooking the foods, learning all an

ordinary, young, country girl would at the time. Bessie fell in love with a local young man whose name was Emil Petr. And, in 1942, instead of seeing this love of her life go off to war alone, she packed a suitcase and did maybe one of her first extraordinary things: Bessie went way up north where Emil was and married him on November 26, making sure that he took with him her whole heart, and she kept the home fires burning for his return. Bessie and Emil were so lucky to have repeated this sweet trip for their anniversary years later, and were still as much in love until Emil’s passing in 2002. So now we know that Elizabeth, or Bessie as we all knew her to be called, was open to adventure, and to do what she had to in her life - strong and capable, trusting her feelings and always doing her best. This weekend (February 13 and 14, 2016), our news channels have been covering the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. He was called extraordinary, son of immigrants, and achieving one of the highest offices in

the land. Some people make national news; others like Bessie fill rooms and hearts. She didn’t know that all the efforts she made would lead to the hundreds of people she was known to even if she did not always know them. That’s why I call her extraordinary. I told (Bessie’s daughter) Lynda (Novak) that my heart was broken, and I could only do my best to talk about Teta Bessie or Mama Bessie. My memories go back all of my 65 years. She was a part of every aspect of my life: a close friend to my parents, an active member of my church and school, and the leader, later my mentor, in teaching the children of our Czech heritage how to best learn the dances, songs, games, food, and especially the parts of fraternalism that made us the big family we were. I have given words of comfort to many of our lodge members over the years and the accomplishments that they made in our lives, but I must say, Teta Bessie was the only one I had to sleep with on the overnight teen trips. Apparently, I had a problem sleepwalking to see boys, and my parents felt better if Bessie was my roommate. It’s kind of like sleeping in the principal’s office. The great thing is that she always told me she trusted me, and that faith she had made me want her to be proud of me. So I obeyed her rules, and years later, I worked side by side with her as an assistant youth leader that she had mentored all through the raising of my own children. Bessie was extraordinary at helping kids feel as if they were good. She earned the name Mama Bessie for reasons that have to do with love and respect. As we “other kids” were elbowing our way into life, she raised three of her own beautiful children. Tragically losing Frankie in his teens, Bessie showed true strength to keep going. She worked hard to build a catering business, and as I look out at everyone here tonight, there are not many who didn’t have Bessie do a wedding, anniversary, birthday, or come to Lodge 84 for the traditional Czech dinner that she was famous for. Her kolache, strudels, and other pastries found their way around the state of Texas and beyond. Her cooking was what many knew her for,

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

and her results were extraordinary. In SPJST, it’s hard to imagine except I’m old enough to remember most of it: Bessie agreeing back in the early ‘50s to lead a band of youth members at our lodge. In the beginnings of SPJST, there was no formal youth department so those parents (some like Bessie who worked with scout troops) volunteered to have meetings and other events for the youth. It started with the teens, electing their own officers and then what was later the Junior Club members doing the same. All, under the leadership of Mama Bessie and other parents she asked to be her assistants. Eventually, the SPJST State Youth Department was formed, and each district formally had its district youth clubs. Bessie who started out as Assistant District Three Youth Counselor later became, for decades, the District Three Youth Counselor, only to retire recently. At the time of her death on February 12, 2016, Bessie still held our local lodge’s elected youth leader position. Her dedication to children was extraordinary. Bessie was also an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Altar Society, and other Czech and fraternal life associations. She was an SPJST convention delegate from Lodge 84 since I can remember. She also represented us at the Fraternal Council, Czech Cultural Society, and the Texas Cultural Partnership, which we helped form to continue Heritage Day at the State Fair of Texas. And guess what? Bessie’s food was there, too! Bessie had an extraordinary life, and yet she was so unaware of the important memories she’s left so many of us. Her love for her family was enormously important to her. Larry and Liz, Lynda and Jim, all of your children and their children, what a close and loving relationship you had with your mother. Her grandchildren meant everything to her and their children as well. Our hearts go out to each of you, and I hope that tonight as we pray, knowing she’s up in heaven with her love Emil, and her sweet Frankie, that you all take strength from her . . . one extraordinary and loving woman. [h\

26 h

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Bessie Petr Tributes h Read by Leslie Sims Lodge 84, Dallas at Bessie’s Funeral Mass on February 16, 2016 Dallas, Texas

I am honored to have been asked to share with you some of the precious memories from the family about their Nanny and Mom. ~ Leslie Sims [h\

Mom, You were my scout leader, my homework monitor, my dance teacher, my assistant paper delivery boy, and my guidance counselor for life. In other words - the perfect mom. I love you and will miss you. ~ Larry Petr [h\

I can only imagine what it was like when Daddy appeared to you and asked if you would go to the Valentine’s event with him. I can only imagine how you said, “yes” to know you would be at his side with Frankie holding your hand. I can only imagine what your thoughts were when the angels came and said, “It’s time.” I can only imagine when you were face to face with Jesus and how you told him how you worship him. And how happy you must have felt just being in his presence. But here I am being lonely and weary. Mom, the love you gave me will always live. You will always be there every time I fall. You offered me the greatest love of all. You take my weakness, and you make me strong. Goodbye is the saddest word I will ever say, but today you have to say those words. It breaks my heart to have to say that word to you, too, but goodbye right now means till we meet again. Goodbye, Mom, and I will always pray to you! ~ Lynda Novak [h\ Elizabeth “Bessie” Petr Known by many as Aunt Bessie, Teta Bessie, and Mama Bessie; but to me, she will always be Nanny. When you hear these different nouns describing Bessie, they all evoke one general

characteristic - family. When you think of family, you think of love. Love for all was a characteristic she definitely had. Unconditional love, a trait not many people have anymore. There is no telling how many lives Nanny touched, how many souls her love nourished. From working with the youth and teen groups for over half a century at SPJST, to the countless catering events: lunches, dinners, weddings, and hundreds of events at the hall. Love is what Nanny shared in her commitments to food, family, and friends, and it was always accompanied by a warm, modest smile. Once a year and every year, Nanny’s true passion came out in carrying on her Czech heritage at the State Fair of Texas. Preparation with both the food and countless rehearsals were always stressful and hectic. Her pride in everything being just right always paid off from the kiddos’ “Little Red Hankerchief” dance to the beseda performances and, of course, the amazing Czech food - klobasnik, sauerkraut, kolaches, and apple strudel. Year after year, it was a true achievement in itself and a dedication to keeping traditions alive and well. I will always remember Nanny as the rock in the family. The family gatherings, always at her house, were greeted with a house fully decorated, her in her apron, and the smell of her wonderful cooking. No matter if it was Easter Sunday, birthdays, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, I always looked forward to any occasion. She had a way of always making everything just right. So many memories of Nanny’s catering shop will always be with me. Once again, I come back to family. She kept us close and in check over the years by getting us to help with all her events. We grandkids would easily get bored and distracted through the long hours. I’m not exactly sure how it started, but on the fridge there was a dry erase board where lists were made of what was needed from the store. Even though Nanny loved us all evenly, we began a game of writing who was the favorite grandchild on this board. CJ would write he was the favorite then I’d erase it and write my name. Meribeth and Jamie would have their go as well. Whoever had snuck their name in would openly and loudly say, “See, I’m Nanny’s favorite. It says so right there!” We always tried to outdo the others. Last time I recall being at the shop, I think I saw Jamie was the favorite grandchild, and I stopped and smiled. Friday, February 12, 2016, marked

a date in history, a day we lost a great woman, a true leader, a humble, kind, and loving soul who would be there for anyone who needed her. Nanny was a woman who dedicated her life to seeing people smile, whether it be from a catering job well done, a family event where all were present, or telling one of her famous jokes; a woman who cooked love into everything she prepared; a woman who brought people together like no one else could; a woman by many different, loving names to everyone who knew her; a woman, to me, who will always be my Nanny . . . a woman of true unconditional love. ~ Larry Petr, II [h\

Oh, my beautiful, beautiful Nanny. I don’t even have to say anything because we already said goodbye at Christmas. Or maybe it’s better to say you said goodbye at Christmas because I couldn’t say anything . . . I was crying the whole time. Thank you for all of the nice things you said to me. I do have the best husband in the world and the cutest little boy a mom could ask for. And thank you for telling that to Benedikt. Whenever I would leave to go back to Germany, there were always so many tears, but this time your beautiful, radiant, contagious smile said everything. It was so great to see that smile again. I hadn’t seen it in a while. Do you remember when I was little, and you would cut my hair? I remember sitting on your countertop in your bathroom and you asking me if it looked okay. And I remember our trips to Dillard’s to go shopping. There were girls in middle school who asked me if I ever wore the same outfit twice. Thank God for PawPaw had his discount. And speaking of PawPaw, tell him I’m mad at him right now, although who can blame him for wanting to be with you on Valentine’s Day? You two were so in love. I remember how you used to always hold his hand. And I remember that when he died, you didn’t even know how to put gas in your car because he always filled up your tank. You were so lucky. And I remember that after he died you had to wash all the dish towels for the shop by yourself. I hadn’t realized PawPaw did all of that for you until he died. He loved you so much. And how amazing that he supported you - followed you - to the shop. You were the boss there. And he so happily washed the dishes after you cooked. There was a reason you never

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got a dishwasher, wasn’t there? It gave him time to wash the dishes and for you to tell your dirty jokes. Sometimes really dirty! But now you can tell those jokes to St. Peter himself. And to Frankie. I’m so happy for you that you are with him now. I can’t even imagine what strength it takes to lose a son. Probably the same strength it takes to put up with CJ, JJ, Jamie, and me. Thanks for always supporting mom when we were younger. You know that she repaid you for all of those times. She was such a great daughter to you, all the way until the end. I’m not sure if she loved you more, or if you loved her more, but one thing I know - I was your favorite. We don’t have to tell the others. We have three different bird houses in our backyard. We both know PawPaw loved red birds. Sometimes they come to visit. When I got the news today that you passed away, sunshine filled up my office because I was at work when I got the news. I will put some more bird feed out tomorrow. Come visit when you want to see us. I’ll be waiting for you, my beautiful, beautiful Nanny. ~ Meribeth Banaschik [h\

I cannot thank Nanny enough for being the amazing grandmother she was and a role model to me. Nanny showed me that a woman can be a combination of many traits - strong, loving, and fun - and it is this unique combination that made her so special to us all. I appreciate the leader Nanny was, in both her career and in her volunteer life. She showed me that a woman can be successful and strongwilled. I am thankful Nanny showed me how important marriage and family should be to a woman. It is because of her that my cousins were my best friends growing up, and I just hope that my husband and I can be as happy as Nanny and PawPaw were on their 50th anniversary. I also love that Nanny showed me having fun is a key to a long, happy life. It takes one fun grandmother to dance with her grandkids to polka music, or to voluntarily take hundreds of youth camping year after year. But that was my grandmother . . . that was Nanny. ~ Lauren Cromer [h\

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How do you sum up a life - one as rich as Bessie’s - in just a few short sentences? I’d say it was difficult, but I’d be lying. It’s impossible. Obviously to me, she was my grandmother, my Nanny, the matriarch of our family . . . She was our foundation in life and fellowship and happiness. Our family would not have been the same without her. But to describe her just like that isn’t enough because Bessie was so much to so many. It’s hard for me to summarize it now. Over these past few days, I’ve heard many stories of Bessie. Some I knew, but many I did not. She was an amazing and extraordinary woman, and these stories paint the picture of her life. A life as our mentor, our inspiration, our mother, and our friend! In a word, our Bessie. So instead of trying to capture my Nanny in a few heartfelt words, I’m going to listen. I’m going to listen to the stories I’m told of the love that Emil and Bessie shared. I’m going to listen to the stories about Bessie’s passion for our Czech heritage. And I’m going to listen to the stories about how this wonderful woman shaped our lives because it’s in these stories that the spirit of our Bessie will continue to live on. ~ Franklin Petr [h\

I’m so thankful for the life lessons my Nanny taught me. She taught me the basics, like having a relationship with God, work hard to be successful, and give to others. I will always remember Nanny praying her rosary and watching the Catholic channel in the living room. There were times when she would want to stay at home and learn more about our Savior than to go out with us. She never pushed the gospel on us, but it always reminded me of the importance with our Lord Jesus Christ. She also showed me that you have to put in hard work to have a successful career. I remember washing dishes, buttering kolaches, and making sure all the cups had enough iced tea.

The many days I spent at the shop will forever be cemented in my mind and will always be a joyful memory. Catering was hard work at the time, but looking back, I got to spend a lot of quality time with Nanny that others don’t get with their grandparents. I’m so blessed to have spent that time with Nanny. She also taught me that it’s much better to give than receive. Nanny loved to shop at Dillard’s and would hook me up with clothes for school and made sure I had all the necessities in life. I will always remember that, and I will make sure to take care of my kids the same way she took care of me. Love you Nanny, and give PawPaw and Frankie a hug from all of us down here! ~ JJ Novak [h\

Bessie Petr and Lynda Novak have been the two most influential people in my life. There are no words in the English language that could possibly come close to describing what these two women mean to me. Losing my grandmother has been absolutely devastating. Recently, I learned the importance of being grateful. I am truly grateful for all the time I was allowed to spend with my Nanny. I know that most grandchildren do not get to know their grandmother as well as I did. No words can describe how much I will miss her. ~ CJ/Christopher Novak [h\

To My Wonderful Nanny, Where do I begin? I am incredibly lucky to have had a lot of glorious memories with you for the past 31 years! Not only with me, but an integral, close part of my life. It is rare for a grandparent/grandchild relationship to be so close, essential, and so longlasting; but then again, you were that exceptional kind of person, every single day of your life.

When I recaptured our time together, I realized that you were physically there for every milestone in my life. Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, all SPJST YAD accomplishments, high school football games, and every dance recital; but the ultimate moment was walking proudly across the stage at my college graduation. You witnessed your youngest grandchild fulfill a lifelong dream, all because of the sacrifices you made for me. You always were my biggest cheerleader so when I accepted my diploma, I was privileged to have you in the audience witnessing this monumental event with me because I literally couldn’t have done it without you. Support and guidance were the biggest attributes you instilled into my life. You always knew the perfect words to say when I lost all confidence in myself. When asked my favorite memory, I tell the same story: Constantly being teased in middle school for not being well endowed. Like the rest of my family, Nanny gave me the best advice. “Jamie, I can solve this problem. The longer you stir kolache mix, the more they grow.” Two hours and two cup sizes bigger, I understood her point. Patience is worth the wait. I love you, Nanny, and just know the way in which I can truly honor your life is to continually strive to make you proud. Love always, your fave . . . ~ Jamie Novak [h\

I’m so grateful for this opportunity to have shared these memories with all of you here today. Looking around the room it’s abundantly clear, she’s touched and made a special impact on so many lives. We love you. ~ Leslie Sims [h\

I first met Aunt Bessie when I married Emil’s nephew Raymond Marek, on December 23, 1950. We began our married life in Austin, Texas. When we were back in Dallas for a

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visit, Bessie and Emil and little Larry invited us to dinner. She made us feel so welcome as only Bessie could do. Our oldest child Joe was married to Katherine Green in Dallas in 1974, and of course, Bessie catered their reception. Then in 1980 when Joe was ordained as a pastor in the Lutheran Church in America at First United Lutheran Church in Dallas, Bessie catered that reception, too, and made it very special. We always loved being a part of the Petr family and the SPJST when our children were little and participated regularly. Since we moved to Austin for good in 1974, we haven’t been together so much, but we have many wonderful memories. ~ Virginia Marek [h\

My memories of Bessie Petr go back almost 60 years. She was the youth director at SPJST Lodge 84 ever since I was a young child. I recall my sisters and I participating in our lodge’s youth programs and in the State YAD programs, and Sister Bessie was always there to encourage us and cheer us on. I can vividly remember standing backstage at Lodge 84 waiting for the cue to go on stage. The red velvet curtains were daunting. But Sister Bessie would calm our fears with her winning smile and then tell us what a great job we did. Then through the next 50 years, we ate many delicious meals prepared by Sister Bessie with her wonderful family and catering staff at SPJST Lodge 84. These included Czech Days at the lodge and wedding receptions for myself and my sister, Barbara. Bessie was a true representation of “fraternalism.” Her dedication to her lodge and the generosity of her time and talent will always be remembered. She will certainly be missed. Sincerely, ~ Irene Vlk Roché [h\

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

My Friend - Bessie Petr. I knew the very first time I saw Bessie Petr we would be lifelong friends. That day was in March 1988 at the SPJST Youth Leaders’ Workshop in La Grange, Texas. I was a newly-elected District Youth Counselor, and it was my first year attending as DYC. I had seen Bessie at other functions while being a youth leader, but that day was different. I could not keep my eyes off her. Not only did I keep looking at her, I realized she was always looking at me. I had a reason for what you might say “staring at her.” Did she realize that I was staring at her and wondering why? I just knew she was a beautiful lady, and her smile was so familiar. She looked just like my mother, Martha Klusacek. After the square dancing session was over, I went over to Bessie and introduced myself and apologized for “staring” at her. And she apologized for the same. I went on to explain that she

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looked just like my mother. She told me her “staring’ at me was due to the memory of a close friend she had just lost that looked exactly like me. We knew we would always look at one another and be reminded of someone we loved very much. How much we always had to talk about. I loved trying to talk to her in Czech and learning a lot of words I never knew. I always reminded her I could understand Czech, and she made sure I did. Bessie’s beautiful smile, jokes, and those sweet hugs every time—and I mean every time, I saw her—will never be forgotten. Neither will those delicious kolaches and brownies be forgotten. Bessie, you will always be in my heart and will never be forgotten. ~ Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor [h\

• SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas Teen Youth Club Charter Members • Front, seated, left to right, Teen Leader Bessie Petr, President James J. Janousek, Vice President Richard J. Sykora, Secretary Mary Ann Skrabanek, Treasurer Betty Jean Staglik, Reporter Jerry Ann Urban, and Assistant Teen Leader Estelle Smith. Center Row: George Nemec, Ronnie Stone, Karry O’Keefe, Joe Ondrusek, Pat Proza, Carole Nemec, Billy Skrabanek. Back: Phyllis Crane, Inez Beseda, Sue Haggerty, Cathey Adamcik, Bill Sill, Robert Sill, Mary Ellen Pekar, and Lodge 84 President Sid Pokladnik.

Editor’s Note: The following was published in the September 26, 2012, Vestnik.

Bessie Petr started a youth club at Lodge 84, Dallas in 1952. After looking back in the books, Lodge 84 was the first youth club to ever organize and conduct their activities like the mother lodge. It all started under the thoughts of James J. Janousek who approached Bessie Petr and Sid Pokladnik to start a Teen Club. Bessie had asked James to enter an essay contest that SPJST was sponsoring. The essay topic was “What I Expect As A Youth From The SPJST.” James was stimulated from Bessie’s leadership that he really wanted to help her start a club. He remembers working so hard on this essay that it inspired him to put everything that he wrote in his essay into action. In his essay, James described a youth club to meet just like the adults once a month with planned activities that would interest the teenagers. Some events would consist of going to dude ranches, learning the beseda dance, having bake sales, a king and queen contest as a fundraiser, and promoting insurance sales and membership. After he attended a mother lodge meeting in September, the lodge approved the group of teens to have their own club. They met the following Sunday for their first Charter meeting. James Janousek was elected as the president until the first election could be held. He took the $25 prize money from his winning essay to start the youth club’s treasury. Bessie was involved with the Boy Scouts at this time as well. She was involved with programs for the Scouts to where people from SPJST kept saying that she needed to bring the same ideas to the lodge. Having a newborn, she really did not know if she could keep up with both groups. But, the more she got involved in SPJST, the more she began to grow with the club. Bessie felt like she was really blessed with a wonderful husband Emil who sup-

ported her work with SPJST. Emil would be at home with the younger children doing the homework and house chores while Bessie would be at the hall teaching beseda, decorating, or working on programs with the youth. Bessie today knows that if she did not have that support, she would not have been as active as she has been for the past 60 years. The club put on programs at the lodge. She worked many hours with the youth practicing and decorating the stage. There were many times when Bessie would go and pick up several members—even in the snow—just so they could get the job done. She treated the youth club members as if they were her own children; the youth started calling her “Mama Bessie.” Bessie remembers the many Princess Balls. They had a different theme each year. The youth would come up with fancy decorations year after year. Sometimes, it would take several days to put together as well as to take down and restart for the next year. Her most memorable decoration was the youth wanting to bring a tree into the hall. She could not figure out how they would do it, but when it was all done, to her, it was the best theme they had. Another fancy decoration that her youth came up with was a waterfall. “It was just amazing,” Bessie recalls. But Princess Ball meant so much to the girls. They all dressed according to the theme. They also raised as much money as they could to help the club. Bessie knew prior to the event who would most likely win, and she would purchase a Madame Alexander doll. She dressed the doll to look like the winning Queen, and she presented the doll at the crowning. Her first Princess Ball was held in 1957-58, and crowned were Queen Carole Nemec and King Joe Ondrusek. As the Princess Ball traditions continued, many crowns became retired. Bessie had a special showcase built to display her royal tradition. Even at the 50th year of Princess Ball, a crown and

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the second staff retired in the case as a tradition—and also as a milestone. In 1965, a tragedy happened in Bessie’s life. She lost her 15-year-old son. She really wanted to give up all of her activities to spend more time with her family. This mentally and physically affected her. But this is when the SPJST family tried to help her overcome her tragedy. Bessie thought about her 13-year-old child who was just getting into the fun of the youth club. She started back up being involved, but it took her a long time to heal. As the youth club grew, the teenagers needed to be separated from the younger youth. This is when the club was divided into a junior club and a teen club. The teens’ activities were designed for 13 years of age to high school seniors, and the junior youth consisted of ages six to 12 years. Czech heritage is Bessie’s pride. She loves teaching the Czech dance, called the beseda. For several years, her club was the only club who danced the beseda at many public and private places. When the State Fair of Texas came around, she had adults as well as her youth club performing the beseda at the Fair. This dance began to spread throughout other districts in SPJST. Bessie traveled to as many places as she could to help teach the dance, but this got to be such a demand that she had a step-by-step video produced— using her Teen Club all dressed in their Czech costumes. In 1982, Bessie was elected District Three Youth Counselor. It was around this time of her life she thought that maybe she would start slowing down and possibly hand down the torch. But, SPJST opened a different door for her to grow even more in the organization. With her in charge of camps and Youth Achievement Days for District Three, she became even stronger. Soon both local lodge youth and district youth were calling her Mama Bessie.

But a lot of her success is not hers alone. It took several youth leaders to help keep her organized. If not for her other leaders, she could not have done all that she accomplished. They helped guide the youth members in planning socials and trips. They helped her with all types of communications—not only to the youth but with the parents about the youth activities. Many newsletters, calendars of events, and phone calls were made to make the club and district such a success. The assistants helped with Youth Achievement Days and with planning camps and all activities. It would not have been possible without their help. These people are the ones who helped make her 60 years a joy. An article appeared in a past Vestnik about Bessie that we would like to share. It is from the Dallas Circle of Czech Women, written by President Deanna Houpy. She wrote: Although non-certified, there is an educator and mentor among us who has committed her life to the children of our Czech heritage. Among her attributes: Introducing at an early age an appreciation for the music and dances of our culture;

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Rest in peace, Mama Bessie. You always said, “All good things must come to an end.” You were right. Although you’re in heaven, your awesome legacy will still exist within our SPJST family. You inspired me and others so much, and I hope one day I will get to see you again. It will never be the same without you.

~ April Dvorak

Making the annual trek to summer camps with the children in her charge and making sure special attention and concern were provided for those who may have been hurt;

And offering her prayers for those same children as they entered adulthood and followed their dream and goals for their futures.

It is with special pleasure and respect that we recognize our sister, Bessie Petr,

Teaching how to share with each other and the needy and show compassion for the elderly and disabled;

for her stamina, devotion, unflappable patience and infinite love for several generations of our children.

Encouraging through the challenge of competition to succeed and providing hope with failure and support to try again;

Bessie has gone through at least three generations of families in the SPJST youth club. And, as District Three Director Johnnie Krizan stated at the 2012 tribute of her 60 years of serving this organization, “We will not personally see anyone in our lifetime to dedicate their life and time like Sis-

Entertaining through and introducing children to the medium of arts and crafts;

Disciplining only when necessary;

Thank you, Bessie.

ter Bessie Petr has done SPJST.” It is truly an honor to have gone through her youth club (as Johnnie himself had done, too) and to be standing there that night presenting her with the award plaque that the Home Office presented her at the most recent convention. It was a great pleasure to see Bessie Petr receive this recognition for all of her hard work and dedication that she had given to SPJST. And, we all thank her very much! We all know she has so many memories of all the good times and friendship that she had made along the way. And, this year has been a special year marking her 60 years. We are proud of all her accomplishments and eagerness to continue all of her traditions. And, we will put all the fun we had each and every year in the history memory books. We cannot wait to see how many more years Mama Bessie will shine! Thank you, Bessie! Fraternally, SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas and District Three [h\

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

SPJST Youth

Section

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

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

Email: melaniez@vvm.com

Questions? Call 800-727-7578

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

State Youth Director shares May updates

Dear SPJST Youth Leaders, May is here, and that means school will soon be out and many of our young people will be graduating from high school. Graduating seniors, remember the values your parents, grandparents, and the SPJST Youth Program have instilled in you and know that they help to define the person you are today. Believe in yourself

and have the courage and conviction to stand up for what is right. Strive to do your best. Congratulations! I wish you much success with everything you do in life. I have been to several district spring meetings and Easter egg hunts in the last month. Everyone has been so nice, and I have enjoyed every minute of my travels. Many of our youth have taken the time to create a thank you card and participate in the thank you card decorating contest. It has been very exciting to me to see the entries and the creativity of each youth that has participated. Now that district

spring meetings are all done, we are now in full swing for camp and youth achievement days.

Online Camp Forms Campers and Chaperones: To register for 2016 SPJST camp, log on to www.spjst.org. Click on “Summer Camp Registration.” On the Summer Camp Registration page, you will be able to register for your district’s camp. Prior to beginning the registration process, please review the list of information needed to complete the application. Please follow the instructions on the page. Be sure to read and answer each question. As always the immunization information is very important. Type “NA” for anything that is not applicable. Chaperones, please note that on the chaperone section of the camp application, it is asking for your immunization information as well - you may answer “NA.” We will need to know if you have had a Tetanus shot in the last two years; if not, then note a date longer than two years. If you have any questions, please let us know. LITs, please have your camp forms 100 percent complete no later than May 25. All other camp forms need to be completed by June 1. Contact your District Youth Counselor if you need an extention. Please note that as long as you are an SPJST member, you may attend camp. If you do not participate in the youth

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program throughout the year, you may attend camp for a small fee. If you would like more information, please contact me at 254-931-0639.

Chaperone Training All camp chaperone training will be held through Expert Online Training. After you have filled out the camp chaperone application, the District Youth Counselors will provide you with a link to the training website. You will enter the website into your computer browser and choose to create a new account. You will be directed to create a login and password. This will allow you to start where you left off if you need to walk away from the training. Please note that since this is an accredited course, you will only be required to renew every three years. Please let me know if you need any help or have any questions.

Camp Tee-Shirt Orders Due June 30 Youth leaders, please let parents know that they can order their children’s camp tee-shirts online at http://www.spjst.org/camp_teeshirt_or der.html. This year’s camp tee-shirts are available for sale. The deadline to order is June 30. Tee-shirts can be delivered to camp, picked up at the Home Office, or mailed to you for a fee of $2.

Scenes from District Four Youth Development Workshop LEFT PHOTO: Youth receive goodies.

RIGHT PHOTO: Youth work on a boat project.

BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Youth members are ready to eat cupcakes!

BELOW CENTER, RIGHT PHOTOS: Learning and playing games!

—Submitted by Becky Wood, Youth Leader Lodge 49, Rowena

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Flag Day Essay Contest All SPJST youth between the ages of six and high school senior are encouraged to enter this year’s Flag Day Contest. This contest will promote patriotism and creative literacy. There will also be a coloring contest for members ages eight and under. Several prizes will be awarded in the Flag Day Contest. All of the winners will be announced at the 32nd SPJST Convention at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center on Tuesday, June 14. The deadline for all entries is May 31. This year’s theme is “My American Freedom.” This would be a good time to talk about the right way to display the United States flag and flag etiquette. You may also consider having a member of the Boy Scouts come in as a guest speaker.

Important Notice: Vestnik Projects and Fourth Quarterly Merit Reports Due June 1 Please remember the Vestnik projects and fourth quarterly merit reports are due on Wednesday, June 1. If you mail them to the Home Office on or after June 1, this does not give Tammy enough time to get the data to the District Youth Counselors on who is eligible to attend SPJST camp and youth achievement day.

SPJST Education and Nature Center Work Days May 14 to 21 The SPJST Education and Nature Center has been up and running for six years. We are sad to see Camp Director John Hoelscher and his family leaving us, but we are excited for the

new opportunities that are in their future! The Education and Nature Center is happy to welcome new Camp Director Jeb Lapeyrolerie to the SPJST family, and we hope that you all can come out sometime during this work week to meet Jeb and show him that even though his immediate family is Louisiana, his SPJST family is here to support him in his transition from Camp Stewart for Boys in Hunt to SPJST Education and Nature Center. SPJST Education and Nature Center has designated May 14 to 21 as work week at the ENC. The ENC board is comprised of one representative from each district. Each board member has taken on a project. Please take a moment to look over the list on page 6 of this week’s Vestnik, and see where you could be the most help. You

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do not have to participate in only your district’s listed project. We need to clean out flower beds, clear out some of the trails, and get the place ready for the summer. We will have an entire week where members, lodges, and other groups can come out and help complete several of the needed laborious task. If you are available for the whole week or a couple of days, the cabins will be open for those who need to stay the night. Water will be provided, and ice chests are welcome. If you are not able to donate your time, please consider making a monetary donation towards the project. Please save the date on your calendar and watch the Vestnik for more details. If you, your lodge, or any other group is interested in helping any time during the week of May 14 to 21,

SP PJST May V Ve estnik Project - A National Treasurer: The Star Spangled Banner This project earns a maximum 2 points in the SPJST Youth Clubs Me M rit Points System. Mail completed project no later than May 31, 2016 to: SPJST Youth Program c/o SPJST Home Office • P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503

Name______________________________________________ ____________________ Age______________ Lodge______________ During the 19th century, “The Star-Spangled Banner” became one A National Treasure: of the nation’s best-loved patriotic songs. It gained special significance The Star Spangled Banner during the Civil War, a time when many Americans tturne urned to music to e xpre s s t he i r fe e l i ngs for t he fl a g a nd t he i de a l s a nd va lues it representtThe SPJST Youth Program has three parts: educational, social and patriotic. The patriotic program consists of ceremonial ritu- ed. By the 1890s, the military had adopted the song for ceremonial purposes, requiring it to be played at the raising and lowering of the colorrs. als and an annual essay contest. The objective is to teach the operation of a free democratic society and majority rule. In June, we Despite its widespread popularity, “The Star-Spangled Banner” did noot become the National Anthem until 1931. take a closer look at the United States National Anthem, The StarSpangled Banner. On September 14, 1814, U.S. soldiers at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry raised a huge American flag to celebrate a crucial victory ov ver British forces during the War of 1812. The sight of those “broad stripees and bright stars” inspired a gifted amateur poet and attorney Francis Scott Key to write a song that eventually became the United States naational anthem. Key’s words gave new significance to a national symbol b and started a tradition through which generations of Americans have invested the flag with their own meanings and n memories.

The Old Original The original StarSpangled Banner, the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the song that would become our national anthem, is among the most treasured artifacts in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

Something to Think About Have you ever wondered why The Sttar ar Spangled Banner is always played before ball games? In 1918, the United States was fighting n in World War I. With American soldiers facing intense combat in Franc n e, baseball offfi ficials considered canceling the World Series. When they heard that the soldiers were looking forward to hearing the series, the off-ficials compromised, and they went ahead with the games, but as a patriotic gesture, they played The Sttar ar Spangled Banner during the seventh-inning stretch. Everyone stood and sang along. Eventually, The St Star Spanglled Banner be b came a tradition at baseball games, and before eveery other major sporting n event as well. For morre backgrround on tthe he Natio onal Antthem, visit tthe he Sm S ithsonian’’s website att http:///americanhisto ry.si.edu//starspangl pang glledbanner.

After reading about the Star-Spangled Banner, answe er the ffo our questions below: 1. What was the name of the gifted amateur poet and attorney who wrote t the Star t -S Spangled Banner?______________________________ ___ 2. In what year was the Star-Spangled Banner written?_________ ___ 3. In what year did the song become our National Anthem?_________ 4. In what year was the Star-Spangled Banner introduced as a reg gular and patriotic ttribute to national sporting events?____________ ___

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please RSVP so that we will know how much food and drinks to have at the camp. Please RSVP or to make a monetary donation, contact ENC Secretary Lynette Talasek at 254-9310639 or email your inquires to lynettet@spjst.com.

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District Two Hosts Youth Development Workshop, Trip to Zoo

Create a Commercial Contest SPJST is excited to introduce a new contest! Members are encouraged to create a commercial.

2016 Leaders-In-Training Workshop Leaders-In-Training Workshop will be at SPJST Education and Nature Center on June 9 to 11 starting at 1 p.m. This will give the LITs an opportunity to learn responsibilities and initiatives not only at camp but in their everyday activities. There will be fun and laughter as well as some lessons on growing up. LITs must attend this event in order to be eligible to assist with their district’s summer camping season. LITs will also assist their youth leaders with their youth clubs throughout the year. LIT online camp forms are due by May 25. Youth eligible to be a Leader-InTraining? LITs are active high schoolaged youth who have been approved by their youth leader and district youth counselor as responsible and mature enough to be an LIT. The youth club member may attend the LIT workshop after completing a Leader-In-Training application. Forms are available from youth leaders and district youth counselors. The LIT form can be found at http://www.spjst.org/youth_summer_campsyads.html

District Two Director Jesse Pospisil speaks at the youth development workshop held April 9, 2016, at Lodge 47, Seaton. Youth learned about parliamentary procedure and officer responsibilities. RIGHT PHOTO:

Mark Your Calendar: May 7 is Join Hands Day Our goal for 2016 is to have 50 or more lodges participate. What can your youth club do? Some of the great projects from past years included baking for the needy, cemetery clean-ups, highway beautification, assisting veterans and senior citizens’ programs, conducting a variety of fix-up and refurbishing projects, and fundraiser for your local volunteer fire department. This year, we would like for lodges to consider joining forces with the SPJST Home Office-sponsored car show and Czech Heritage Celebrations. If you have any questions on this, please contact me. Again, this year, the Supreme Lodge will offer a $100 incentive to local SPJST lodges to be used in de-

After the workshop, youth enjoyed a field trip to Cameron Park Zoo in Waco. —Photos submitted by Patsy Koslovsky, DYC and Cristy Girod and Amber Bartek, Assistant DYCs

veloping and/or promoting their project. This incentive will be for lodges who partner with youth in their community. To receive the $100 incentive, lodges must register the event with the Home Office prior to Join Hands Day. The Supreme Lodge will then forward a check to the lodges who have registered.

100 Pennies Scholarship Drive There’s still time for youth club members to send in donations for this year’s 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive. Thanks to all of the youth and youth clubs who have contributed to this wonderful project. All youth who donate at least $2 will receive two merit points. All youth who donate at least $5 will also receive a certificate. May 31 is the deadline to receive credit.

District Five Youth Presents Thank You Contest Winners, Officers

LEFT PHOTO: Congratulations to District Five youth thank you card contest winners! They are, left to right, ages 15 to high school senior - Denae Bronikowski, ages 12 to 14 - Jade Caffey, and ages 9 to 11 - Jered Polly, all of Lodge 88, Houston. RIGHT PHOTO: District Five Youth officers are, left to right, Secretary/Trea-

surer Jade Caffey, Sergeant-at-Arms Denae Bronikowski, Vice President Anahi Guerrero, Reporter Jered Polly, Sergeant-at-Arms Alyssa Moyle, Reporter Zoe Saxton, and Flag Bearers Juan Guerrero and Keith Wockenfuss. Not pictured is President Nathan Polly. —Submitted by Denae Bronikowski

State YAD - August 6 Frank W. Mayborn Center in Temple Some of you will need hotel rooms for State YAD. You can find the information on our website at http://www.spjst.org/stateyad.html. In the past, we have not had to compete with other groups during YAD for rooms. This year, there will be another convention in Temple so please make your reservations as soon as you can to make sure you get a room.

Mark Your Calendar: End Of Summer Get Away! Good times await you at the Corpus Christi End of Summer Get Away. Start making your plans now to join us on Friday, August 12 to 14 for a funfilled weekend. We will be staying at the Emerald Beach Inn which is located right on the beach. There will be a lot of activities for the whole family. Additional details will be presented in the Vestnik as they become available. Fraternally yours, Lynette Talasek State Youth Director —SPJST—

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District Two hosts youth development workshop

Dear Members, District Two youth members met at Lodge 47, Seaton on Saturday, April 9, 2016, for our youth development workshop. Members enjoyed a meal of hot dogs, chips, cookies, and a drink. Thank you to District Two Director Jesse Pospisil and Brandon Bartek for preparing and serving the hot dogs. We appreciate all you do for our youth on a regular basis! Thank you to all the members and parents who attended. We reviewed parliamentary procedures, each officer’s responsibilities, and youth member’s roles during a meeting. The youth were asked to pay close attention to the parents and youth leaders as they played the role of each youth officer. Some were “awesome,” and others “needed a little help” conducting their role. Youth members were then asked where each “officer” needed help with “her” office or to compliment the “officer” for a job well done. Those participating and giving a good point were rewarded with a piece of candy thrown to them. Major points brought up included standing when you speak, heads up, and speak to be heard. We also discussed the reason for a “moment of silence.” Cristy spoke on how important it is to know the youth club handbook and follow the rules. Handbooks were distributed. She asked questions regarding YAD, and I must say, these youth had the answers without the use of the handbook. Amber went over camp rules and fill-

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Lodge 88 Houston Youth Club visits Czech museum

Members of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club visited Czech Center Museum Houston on Saturday, April 23, 2016, for our Czech heritage project. I enjoyed the exhibits and learning about my Czech roots. Afterwards, we had pizza, rode go-karts, and played games at Speedy’s. I had a lot of fun. Fraternally, Nathan G. Polly Reporter —SPJST—

ing out camp forms. I was so impressed when all hands would go up and shouting out answers of the camp rules. I know one young man who will be a firsttime camper, Camdon Bartek, who knew all the answers. His parents must really be preparing him for camp. Brother Hunter stated he was just shouting out the answers to get the candy. Right answers are what got him the prizes. Everyone had a hand full for their participation. Afterwards, we took a field trip and caravanned to enjoy Cameron Park Zoo in Waco. We met several other members who were not able to attend the workshop at our favorite place, Buc-ee’s. It

Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club meets May 15

Dear Readers, The youth of Lodge 84, Dallas were scheduled to have their monthly meeting on Sunday, April 17, 2016. A motion was made to table the minutes so that we could assist the mother lodge with their initiation and handing out 50- and 75-year pins. Next Meeting—May 15 Our next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, May 15 at 1 p.m. I hope to see you there. Kendall Tucker, Reporter —SPJST—

was a great day for all! A big thank you to the members and parents who came early to help with the preparation for the beseda fundraiser which was held the next day. We hope you are working on your YAD projects, talents, royalty speeches, and getting camp forms filled out online. LITs are looking forward to a great camp in just a few weeks. See you all soon! Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor Cristy Girod, Assistant DYC Amber Bartek, Assistant DYC —SPJST—

O SPJST Youth Statewide Food Drive O SPJST Lodge 185, New Braunfels Youth Club Collects 353 Pounds

Lodge 185, New Braunfels Youth Club participated in the SPJST State Youth Food Drive. Lodge 185 youth collected 353 pounds of rice and beans. The rice and beans were distributed to the local food bank in New Braunfels and SOS Spirit Of Sharing Food Bank. Both agencies were delighted to receive the donations. LEFT PHOTO: Youth, left to right, Tyler Hilbig, Ethan Hilbig, Jordan Woodall, Lilyanna Howard, Zack

Howard, and Hailey Hilbig, and Lodge 185 President Donnie Howard are pictured with the beans and rice. RIGHT PHOTO: Shannon Gay, coordinator of the SA Food Bank, receives the food donation from Lodge 185 President Donnie Howard. —Submitted by Theresa Haag Youth Leader

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Lodge 88, Houston youth reports on district meeting

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club: Fun at Speedy’s

The new District Five youth officers are: President Nathan Polly Vice President Anahi Guerrero Secretary/Treasurer Jade Caffey Flag Bearers Keith Wockenfuss and Juan Guerrero Reporter Zoe Saxton and Jered Polly Sergeant-at-Arms Denae Bronikowski and Alyssa Moyle

We discussed a district outing where we will be going to Huntsville for a festival. Everyone was also advised on the different dates for SPJST camp, LIT camp, and District Five and State YAD. It was great seeing everyone and having a fun day! Fraternally, Denae Bronikowski —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston youth wins first in card contest

The SPJST District Five Spring Meeting was held on Saturday, April 16, 2016. We elected officers and dis-

cussed going to the Huntsville Folk Festival on Saturday, May 14. Youth also participated in the greeting card contest. I won first place in my age group (ages 9 to 11) with my watercolor thank you card. Fraternally, Jered J. Polly Publicity Committee —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club members enjoy a visit to Speedy’s where they ate pizza, rode go-karts, and played games. LEFT PHOTO: Mark Polly with sons Jered and Nathan. RIGHT PHOTO: Youth are glowing

Lodge 202 Jourdanton youth performs in area play competition

Dear Vestnik, On Saturday, April 9, 2016, (my birthday), my theater company, Company J, competed at the area one-act play competition in Smithson Valley. Out of all the competitions in the state, it is said that this was one of the hardest. Salgado High School performed The Christmas Truce, Wimberley High School performed The Beggars, Boerne High School did The Three

Welcome to ENC, Jeb!

SPJST State Youth Director/ENC Secretary Lynette Talasek, front, left, and Home Office Staff Accountant/ENC Treasurer Nancy Miller visit with outgoing ENC Camp Director John Hoelscher, back, left, and new ENC Camp Director Jeb Lapeyrolerie last week.

in their bright orange tee-shirts. They are, left to right, Keith Wockenfuss, Jade Caffey, Ian Fahrenhold, Jered Polly, and Nathan Polly. —Submitted by Jered and Nathan Polly

Musketeers, Bandera High School performed Peter Pan, and Jourdanton High School (that’s us) performed The Rivers of Eldrich. It was a bittersweet moment when we found out we didn’t make it to move on, but I doubt we will

miss our late night practices! In the end, however, it was a good experience for us all. Fraternally, Kelly House —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

SPJST Fraternal Activities and Entertainment

Post your lodge’s upcoming SPJST fraternal activities and entertainment dates and information here. These listings are free. The deadline for submitting information for the Fraternal Activities and Entertainment Guide is Wednesday at 5 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Send updates directly to: VESTNIK, c/o Editor Melanie Zavodny, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. FAX to: 254-773-8087. Email to: melaniez@vvm.com. Advertising rates are $2 per column inch for lodge ads; $4 per column inch for non-profit organization ads; and $6 per column inch for commercial ads. For advertising information, please call the Editor at 800-727-7578 or email melaniez@vvm.com.

LODGE 1, FAYETTEVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 507 East Main Street, Fayetteville. Directions: Directions: Lodge building is located on Highway 159 East, three blocks from the town square. Hall Rental Information: (979) 966-3795. Lodge Meetings: First Monday of even-numbered months February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6 p.m. at the lodge hall. Potluck served after meeting. Youth Club Meetings: First Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the lodge hall. For information, contact Youth Leader Ronnie Pflughaupt 979-249-6702; rpflughaupt@hotmail.com.

LODGE 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 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 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 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.

Sunday, May 15—Ennis Czech Boys, polka/waltz, 3 to 7 p.m. $8/person Sunday, May 22—Glen Collins Band, country western. 3 to 7 p.m. $8/person

Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, 1614 North Texana Street, Hallettsville.

LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3) Note: The bridge on the road to the hall is out; but good news; 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. The hall is on the left about 1/2 mile. Sunday, May 1—Lodge meeting, 2 p.m. Friday, May 20—Social Sunday, May 29—Lander reunion Sunday, June 5—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: 254-2278759. 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 254799-8550; 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 18, ELGIN (2) Note: Until further notice, youth club meetings will be held with the adult meetings, which are on the third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall.

Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information, Country-Western Band Bookings: David Meyer 512-2170162; Polka Band Bookings: Artie Monson 512-281-3711; Hall phone: 512-285-3100. Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Until further notice, youth club meetings will be held with the adult meetings, which are held on the third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. For information, call Youth Leader David Meyer 512-217-0162.

LODGE 20, GRANGER (2) Lodge Hall: 114 West Davilla, Granger. Hall Rental Information: Rita Marburger 512-859-2584. Lodge Meetings: First Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall - unless it’s a holiday then the meeting will be held on the second Monday. A light meal is served before each meeting. All members are invited. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 23, MORAVIA (6) Lodge Hall: FM 957 North, Schulenburg. Directions: Located 12 miles south of Schulenburg, in Moravia. From Highway 77 between Hallettsville and Schulenburg, take FM 532 West four miles to Moravia. Turn right on FM 957 North. Go one mile; hall is on the right. Lodge Meetings: Tuesday after the second Sunday in March, June, and September, 7:30 p.m.; and the first Sunday of December, 3 p.m.

LODGE 24, CYCLONE (2) Sunday, May 8—Mother’s Day Barbecue: Barbecue chicken; dine-in or plates-to-go; $9; 11 a.m. until ? ; youth club quilt drawing. Treat yourself or someone you love to a delicious dinner! Sunday, August 7—Texas Polka Music Museum fundraiser. Watch for details.

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) Sunday, May 1—Youth club meeting; dining room rental

Lodge Hall: 1901 East Highway 34, Ennis. Directions: From IH-35 East at Waxahachie, take Hwy 287 East exit. Stay on Hwy 287 East until you come to Ennis. Go straight through downtown Ennis and go under the overpass at Interstate 45. Go approx. 3/4 mile on Hwy 34. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 972-875-8381; Hall Phone: 972-875-8381. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. Game Room: Open every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD (6) Sunday, May 15—Lodge meeting at Wharton County Library meeting room at 12 noon. 50- and 75-year members will be honored.

Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month (unless otherwise noted), at 12 noon at Wharton County Library - East Bernard Branch, 746 Clubside Drive, East Bernard. For information, contact Secretary Helen Kelner 281-342-2624. LODGE 29, TAYLOR (2) • All Wednesday/Friday night dances - Free admission • Old-fashioned hamburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches sold every Friday beginning at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, May 4—Sam and Bobby Band. Guest musician Fritz Hodde, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 6—Second Hand Rose, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, May 13—Night Skies, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Sunday, May 15—SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor honors 50and 75-year members at its monthly meeting beginning at 3 p.m. Covered dish meal served following the meeting. Lodge 29, Taylor Youth Club will hold its meeting at 3 p.m. - the same time as the adult meeting. Wednesday, May 18—Sam and Bobby Band, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 20—Old Friends, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, May 27—Edward Kopecky’s Czech Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 5025 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: In Taylor, at intersection of State Hwy 95 and US 79 Business (4th Street), turn east on Hwy 79. Proceed to FM 619, turn north (left) and go about .8 mile to the hall. Hall Rental Information: 512-352-9139; Hall Phone: 512-352-9139. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. For information, call Youth Leader Cristy Girod 512-468-1347. Music: First and third Wednesday each month, music by Bobby Jay Five Band, 7 to 10 p.m.; Friday evening, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. 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, 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 254-7493326; Hall Phone: 254-863-9320. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the hall. Sales Agents: James (Dude) Mann 254-715-0275 and Gene E. Pavelka 254-749-3326.

LODGE 38, KOVAR (1) Lodge Hall: 278 Zimmerhanzel Road, Flatonia. Hall Rental Information: 512-237-9099/day; 830-8394353/night. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 39, BRYAN (1) Lodge Hall: Cherry Bend Circle, Lot 12, Bryan. Directions: From Hwy 6, turn west on OSR; go 2 miles to Mumford Road and turn left. Go 1.1 mile and turn left on Magnolia. Take the first right turn on Cherry Bend Circle. The lodge hall is at the bend of the road (white building). Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Lunch at 12:30 p.m. Meat, drinks, and serving items provided by the lodge. Please bring a dessert or side dish. For information, call President Wade O’Shields 979-218-3527; FAC Ronnie Roesler 979-406-0158.

LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE (6) Lodge Hall: 30420 Loop 524 US Hwy 59, Hillje. Directions: Hall is just off US 59 in Hillje. Hall Rental Information: Cathy Garcia 979-332-1614; Hall Phone: 979-648-2317. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 11:30 a.m. at the hall.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG Lodge Meetings: Third or fourth Sunday of March, June, September, and December (Christmas) at Frank’s Restaurant in Schulenburg at 2 p.m. Call Ernest Kutac to confirm meeting date 979-561-7190.

LODGE 73, SEYMOUR (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 12 p.m. For meeting location, call 940-256-2263.

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

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

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

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5) Lodge Hall: 13609 Highway 36, Needville. Directions: Lodge building is located at the corner of Highway 36 and FM 361. Hall Rental Information: 979-793-4313; email td_stavinoha@yahoo.com. Hall Phone: 361-793-4742. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Contact Youth Leader Bradley Stavinoha 979-739-2386. LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) 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 IH20 East, take the IH-45 exit toward downtown Dallas. IH-45 runs into Hwy 75. From Hwy 75, take a right at Bryan Street exit. From Bryan Street, turn right on Cantreal Street and go until you come to Floyd Street; take a right on Floyd Street. Hall is the second building on the right. Hall Rental Information: 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. Contact Youth Leader Lynda Novak 972-9484456.

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) Note: The regular April lodge meeting has been cancelled due to emergency flooding conditions. The next meeting of Lodge 88, Houston will be held Monday, May 16 at 7 p.m.; eat at 6 p.m. Scholarships will be presented. Please note this change.

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) Note: There is no lodge meeting on Mother’s Day Sunday, May 8. The next meeting will be Tuesday, May 10 at 6 p.m.

Sunday May 8—Mothers' Day: No lodge meeting held this day. Next meeting - Tuesday, May 10 at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 10—Ladies' Circle, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 10—Lodge 92, Fort Worth, meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday May 10—Game night at Lodge 92, Fort Worth, National Hall, 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 11—Sportsmens' Club meets at 7:30 p.m. Monthly meeting of hunting and fishing enthusiasts: speakers and door prizes. Free and open to the public. Friday, May 13—Tanglefoot dance, 8 to 11 p.m. Members: $17, non-members $10. Tuesday, May 24—Game night at Lodge 92 at 7 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 3316 Roberts Cutoff Road, Fort Worth. Directions: From Interstate 35 West in Fort Worth, take Interstate 30 West to the Henderson exit. Take Henderson North, and it becomes Jacksboro Highway (TX199). Stay on this road north until Roberts Cutoff which is a right off of Jacksboro Highway. The lodge also known as National Hall is on the right about 2 or 3 blocks down the road. (A Great Western Inn Motel is on the corner.) Hall Event/Rental Information: For hall rentals and upcoming events information, call National Hall Events Manager Jon Durham 817-6241361. 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 Bernadette Bellanger 361-579-8331/ Bbbellanger2011@hotmail.com.

LODGE 107, FLORESVILLE (7) Lodge Hall: 1156 FM 1303, Floresville. Directions: From Floresville, take FM 536 West three miles to FM 1303; turn right and go two miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 830-393-7796. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 117, ROBSTOWN (7) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of March, June, September, and December, 1:30 p.m. at Hilltop Community Center, 11425 Leopard, Corpus Christi. LODGE 130, DALLAS (3) Lodge Meetings: For monthly meeting date/time/location, contact President/Sales Agent John Vrla 214906-3385; or via email jvrla@cebridge.net.

LODGE 133, SAN ANTONIO (7) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Activity Center, 1630 Goliad Road, San Antonio.

LODGE 135, ENNIS (3) Lodge Hall: 2622 East Highway 34, Ennis. Directions: From IH-35 East at Waxahachie, take Hwy. 287 East exit. Stay Hwy. 287 on until you come to Ennis. Go straight through downtown Ennis and under the overpass at IH-45. Then go approximately 1 3/4 miles on Hwy. 34. Hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: Larry Valek 214-794-7674. Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of January, April, July, and October, 7 p.m. at the Sokol hall.

LODGE 139, DANBURY (5) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. at The Smith Group Building, 1718 Main Street, Danbury. For information, call 979-922-1279; or 979-922-1553.

LODGE 141, SEALY (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Gordon Memorial Library, 917 North Circle Drive, Sealy.

LODGE 142, HOUSTON (5) Lodge Meetings: Second or third Sunday of each month - whichever is noted, at 2 p.m., meal served at 1 p.m.; held at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston dining room or annex building - whichever is noted, at 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Youth Club Meetings: Same time/location as adult lodge meetings. For information, contact Lodge 142, Houston President Keith Kieschnick 832-627-2842; or Secretary Alice Jochen 979-743-3613.

LODGE 148, EL MATON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. at Frank Hahn’s Camphouse in El Maton. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month following the adult lodge meeting at Frank Hahn’s Camphouse in El Maton.

LODGE 151, WHARTON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of March, June, September, and December, 6:30 p.m. at Wharton Depot Museum, 100 South Sunset Street, Wharton.

LODGE 154, FORT WORTH (3) Lodge Hall: 6500 Boat Club Road, Fort Worth. Directions: From IH-35 West in Fort Worth, take IH-20 West exit. Stay on IH-20 West until you come to 820; stay on 820 until you come to Jacksboro Highway and Azle Street exit. Take Azle Street exit; go to the traffic light. Turn left at the traffic light. Go to the second traffic light, then turn right onto Boat Club Road. Go approx. 2 1/2 miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: Hall Phone: 817-237-5181. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 3:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 155, AUSTIN (2) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of March, June, September, and December. Call Secretary Ginny Prasatik 512-472-1721 for meeting time/location.

LODGE 157, LUBBOCK (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of every other month, 1 p.m. Contact Secretary Cynthia Kristinek 806-763-7245; cjkristinek@yahoo.com for meeting location.

LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of January, April, July, and October, 12 noon at Wall Volunteer Fire Department, Wall.

LODGE 162, IOWA COLONY (5) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center, 12003 CR 65, Iowa Colony. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center, 12003 CR 65, Iowa Colony.

LODGE 169, BRENHAM (1) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Thursday in February, April, June, August, October at 6:30 p.m. at Texas Seafood and Steakhouse, 2209 South Market Street, Brenham. (December meeting/social information will be announced at a later date.) For information, contact Nello and Dorothy Strickland 979-836-2609.

LODGE 172, PASADENA (5) Lodge Hall: 3609 Preston Road, Pasadena. Reservations/Hall Rental Information: Jo 713-993-6878; Hall Phone: 713-487-3297. Country/western dances held the first Saturday of each month, 7 to 11 p.m., except when noted. Variety dances are held the fourth Saturday of each month, 7 to 10 p.m., except when noted. Beer, soft drinks, and ice are available at the bar. (Do not bring them inside the hall.) Regular Lodge/Covered Dish Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month, meal at 1 p.m. followed by meeting at 2 p.m. with the exception of November and December, as noted. Lodge Executive Board Meetings/Trustee Meetings and Workdays: Second Monday of each month, (unless the second Monday is a holiday) at 2 p.m. Dances: Held the first Saturday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Variety Dances: Fourth Saturday of the month, unless noted.

LODGE 177, ACADEMY (2) Lodge Hall: 711 Rio Poco, Little River. Directions: Hall is on the south side of Academy, just off Hwy 95, on the right. Hall Rental Information: 254-982-4530. Hall Phone: 254-982-4434. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at the hall; Board of trustees meet at 6 p.m.; lodge meeting follows at 6:30 p.m. Bingo: Every Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; kitchen is open. LODGE 179, WARRENTON (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at Carmine Lions Club Building, 201 Centennial Street, Carmine.

LODGE 180, BURLESON (3) Thursday, May 5—Lodge meeting held at Spring Creek Barbecue in Burleson.

Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. Check Věstník for times or call one of the following: 972-268-0022 or 817-905-2097. LODGE 181, CONROE (5) Note: Watch the Vestnik for lodge meeting location/time to be announced.

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

LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY (2) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin. Youth Club Meetings: Same time and place as adult lodge meeting.

LODGE 183, ARLINGTON (3) Note: Lodge monthly meetings and family night are held together - the third Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. at the hall.

Lodge Hall: 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane, Arlington. Directions: Take IH-35 West to Fort Worth. Take IH-20 East exit and proceed on IH-20 East until you come to Cooper Street exit. Take Cooper Street exit to the North and stay on Cooper Street until you come to Mayfield Street. Take a right on Mayfield; go down and take a left on Pleasant Valley Lane. Hall Rental Information: Hall Phone: 817-465-8538; 214-876-9029. Lodge Meetings 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.

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LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS (7) Lodge Meetings: Every other month - February, April, June, August, October, and December. Call for meeting date, time, and location. Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader Theresa Haag 830-625-8262 for meeting date/time/location.

LODGE 186, CALDWELL (1) Lodge Hall: 937 State Hwy. 36, Caldwell. Directions: Lodge building is just off Hwy. 36 on the south side of Caldwell, next to Burleson County Fairgrounds. Hall Rental Information: 979-567-4264. Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at the hall. Social games: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Kitchen and bar open. License Permit No. 1-74-20733095-41002. LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK (2) Lodge Hall: 920 Luther Peterson Place, Round Rock. Hall Rental Information: 512-255-1554; 512-7714948. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 to 3 p.m. at the hall followed by entertainment and potluck meal.

LODGE 189, BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of March, June, September, and December, 2 p.m. at (unless otherwise noted) C and J Barbecue, 1010 South Texas Avenue in Bryan. LODGE 191, LUFKIN (5) Friday, May 20—Covered Wagon Chow Down: Glenn Lenderman and Friends

Lodge Hall: 197 Hughes Road, Lufkin. Hall Rental Information/Dance Reservations: George Scogin 936875-2867. Lodge Meetings: Monday night before the third Friday night of the month, 7 p.m. at the lodge hall. Regular Dances: Third Friday night of each month, 7 to 10 p.m. Please continue to bring finger foods for the snack table.

LODGE 196, HOUSTON-WEST (5) Lodge Hall: 17810 Huffmeister Road, Cypress. Directions: Off Hwy 290 West at Skinner. Hall Rental Information: 281-351-1045; Hall Phone: 281-3739482. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, at 1 p.m. at the hall. Covered dish meal will be served.

LODGE 200, BRUCEVILLE-EDDY (2) Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at Bruceville-Eddy City Hall.

LODGE 201 BLEIBLERVILLE-NELSONVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 3948 FM 2502, Bleiblerville. Directions: Hall is across the street from the post office in Bleiblerville. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 202, JOURDANTON (7) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. (March, June, September, and December at 1 p.m.) at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 1:15 p.m. (March, June, September, and December at 1 p.m.) at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. LODGE 204, STEPHENVILLE (3) Lodge Meetings: For meeting date/time/location, call Norman Kneschk 254-386-3222; or email normkneschk@gmail.com.

LODGE 207, IOWA PARK (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. Call Secretary Mary Hatter 940-322-8503; or any sales agent for meeting location.

LODGE 215, SOUTH PLAINS (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Saturday of January, March, May, July, and September at 6:30 p.m. at Tahoka Housing Authority (small room - 1400 Ave K). For any questions, call Secretary Pam Lehmann 806535-8356. Youth Club Meetings: For location/time, contact Youth Leader Janeece Williams 806-990-3351.

LODGE 219, EL PASO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 9 a.m. Call Secretary Edna Rivas 915-727-2048 for meeting location. LODGE 229, ABILENE (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. Call Secretary Tammy Copeland 325-333-4089 for meeting location.

LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT (2) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at SPJST Home Office, 520 North Main Street, Temple, 12 noon. For information, contact President James L. Lee, III 254-289-6816. LODGE 258, SEGUIN (7) Lodge Meetings: For meeting date, location, and time, contact President Chester Jenke 210-413-3053 or Treasurer Colleen Jenke 210-215-9494.

Podpora

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BENEVOLENCE

ROČNÍK 104 CISLO 18

TCHCC presents Slavnost - May Fest, Immigrant Tribute

The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC) in La Grange will be hosting the annual ‘Slavnost’ May Fest and Tribute to the Immigrants to Texas. The event will be held Sunday, May 15, 2016, at the TCHCC Complex located adjacent to the Fayette County Fairgrounds on US Highway 77 North of La Grange. The day will begin with music in the Koliba Foyer at 9 a.m. along with svačina. The Tribute to the Immigrants to Texas ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Museum Exhibit Hall. This year’s ceremony recognizes the families whose ancestors immigrated to Texas from 1916-1920 and earlier. A delicious fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings will be served

Vítáme vás!

★

Lidskost

Česká

HUMANITY

Bratrství Wednesday, May 4, 2016

★

Část

Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas

Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897

in Hanslik Hall beginning at 11 a.m. Plenty of Czech-style desserts will also be available along with refreshing beverages of all kinds. Hamburgers will be available beginning at 3 p.m. Music on the deck of the TCHCC from 12:30 to 5 p.m. will be by the legendary Leo Majek Orchestra of Corpus Christi, now in the fifth generation of family musicians. A dance floor has been added this year for all our dancing patrons. There will also be a classic car show, the Czech Village and Museums will be open for touring, a hay ride, giveaway drawing, May pole dance, door prizes, country store, pastry shop, homemade ice cream, and much more. Item donations for the country store and pastry shop are welcomed. Help with genealogy research will be available in the Melnar Library and the TCHCC Kopecky Gift Shop has a new stock of items great for gifts for any occasion for everyone. For more information, contact TCHCC at 1-888-785-4500, email

Texas Czech Genealogical Society “welcomes you” to visit our gift shop at the SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration on Saturday, May 7 at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall. We will have a full array of special items, including this new door or wall plaque that welcomes visitors to your home. Our members will be on hand to help you choose a special gift that your mother or graduate would be happy to receive on their special day. We hope to see you there! See back page for more information.

BROTHERHOOD

4.květen.2016

info@czechtexas.org, or visit the website www.czechtexas.org. The TCHCC address is 250 West Fairgrounds Road, PO Box 6, La Grange, Texas 78945. TCHCC is a nonprofit organization and accepts donations in any form. All

donations are welcomed and will be acknowledged. Submitted by, Retta Chandler TCHCC President Lodge 25, Ennis —SPJST—

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.

May 13 Movie Night: “Zelary”—at Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto, Houston. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; movie begins at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. For information, contact CCMH 713528-2060; or via email: events@czechcenter.org.

Czech Cultural Calendar

Second Sunday each Month Czech Language Class—at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 West Fairgrounds Road on US Highway 77, La Grange, 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. Preregistration is suggested, but not required. Call toll free 888-785-4500; 979-968-9399; or email info@czechtexas.org

First/Third Tuesdays each Month Tarok Lessons with Tarok Champion Jimmie Coufal—at Czech Heritage Museum, 119 West French Avenue, Temple, 7 p.m.: Designed for all skill levels, beginners to proficient. 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 254-8992935.

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, CEFT Fellow Hlavinka Fellow-selected student from the Czech Republic. For information, contact Jo Ann 979-846-2035; 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 254-899-2935; or email czechheritagemuseum@gmail.com. Submitted by Susan Chandler, Museum Administrator, CHMGC.

May 15 Slavnost - May Fest/Tribute to Czech Immigrants—at TCHCC, 250 Fairgrounds Road, La Grange: 10 a.m. - tribute to immigrants 1916 to 1920; 11 a.m. - lunch served; Czech music 12:30 to 5 p.m. Czech village/museum tours, pastry shop, classic car show, door prizes, gift shop, give-a-way drawing, country store, food and drinks available all day. For cost/information, call (888) 7854500; email info@czechtexas.org; or visit www.czechtexas.org. June 10 Movie Night: “Venkovský učitel” - “Country Teacher”—at Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto, Houston. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; movie begins at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. 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 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 979968-9399; email info@czechtexas.org; or visit www.czechtexas.org

July 8 Movie Night: “Rape of Europa”—at Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto, Houston. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; movie begins at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. For information, contact CCMH 713-528-2060; or via email: events@czechcenter.org.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

TCGS hosts “Czech Family Research Building Blocks”

“Czech Family Research Building Blocks,” a Texas Czech Genealogical Society one-day conference, was held on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at the Brenham Campus Student Center at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. Following registration, coffee and kolaches, and getting settled for a full, information-packed day, the meeting was called to order by President Charlene H u r t a . Prayer was offered by Chaplain Reverend John Gantt. The first speaker was Angelina Kretzschmar, who spoke about her ongoing project, “Orphan Train Riders Adopted by Texas Czechs.” Even though there were many more children transported to Texas from other places, Angelina is documenting only the orphans from New York to Texas of Czech, German, and Polish ancestry. The presentation was eye-opening for many who had no previous knowledge of this topic and had not realized how many children were orphans nor the manner of how they were transported and placed with families, either as adoptees or as indentured servants. Judge Ed Janecka, a favored speaker of the members of TCGS, gave a rousing presentation, filled with comical anecdotes, on “Dubina C z e c h Schools” as well as other aspects of Fayette C o u n t y. Dubina was begun in 1856 with three schools. Seventy-eight school districts existed in the 1800s. Ignac Haydusek was the first Czech mayor and became the school administrator. No Czech was

spoken in the schools, even though most of the children knew nothing else. Only English was spoken in order to prepare the Czech children for life in America. Judge Janecka mentioned the Painted Churches in the area and encouraged everyone to write his or her life story for future generations. After a short break, Karen Locher gave an expert presentation entitled “Indianola, Mighty Port to Ghost Town.” Indianola is located on Matagorda Bay in Calh o u n C o u n t y, Texas. It w a s founded in 1846 and served as a major port. Before the 1875 storm, Indianola was second only to Galveston as Texas’ primary port. The town was incorporated in 1853. In 1856, the port received cargos of camels. This was an experiment of the United States Army Corps to replace horses and mules as the primary pack animal in the southwestern parts of the country with camels. The community, once the county seat of Calhoun County, is a part of the Victoria, Texas, Metropolitan Statistical Area. In 1875, the city had a population of 5,000, but on September 15 of that year, a powerful hurricane struck, killing between 150 and 300 people, and it almost entirely destroyed the town. Indianola was rebuilt, only to be wiped out again on August 19, 1886, by another hurricane of intense force which was followed by a fire. Indianola is now a ghost town. Following Ms. Locher’s talk, a delicious lunch, catered by Slovacek’s, was served. During the lunch break, attendees were seen perusing the Czech Veterans’ Military Display and the Czech Pioneers Photo Display and selecting items from the TCGS sales table. The first speaker after the lunch break was Mr. Ken Breaux, whose topic, “Known Only to God,” totally captured the attention of those in attendance. Mr. Breaux works with The American Battle Monuments Commission, which is a small independent agency of the United States government, established in 1923, that administers, operates, and maintains

permanent U n i t e d States military cemeteries, memorials, and monuments both inside and outside the U n i t e d States in such places as Europe, Africa, and the Pacific. The organization is located in Arlington, Virginia. They commemorate the services of the United States armed forces where they have served since April 6, 1917. They choose suitable war memorials from the design stage to the installation stage, and also maintain permanent United States military burial grounds in foreign countries. The United States Department of War established eight European burial grounds for World War I. The ABMC’s first program was landscaping and erecting non-sectarian chapels at each of the eight sites, constructing 11 separate monuments and two tablets at other sites in Europe, and constructing the Allied Expeditionary Forces World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C. For those buried who could not be identified during World War I, a percentage was commemorated by Star of David markers, rather than a cross; this practice was not continued for those who could not be identified during World War II. In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order transferring control of the eight cemeteries in Europe to the ABMC and made the commission responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of all future permanent American military burial grounds outside the United States. The ABMC has been the caretaker of cemeteries, monuments, and memorials for World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Mexican-American War. In 2013, Clark Veterans Cemetery in the Philippines became the 25th site under the control of the commission. Clark Veterans Cemetery dates back to the Philippine-American War at the turn of the 20th century. As of 2015, there are 25 sites under the care of the ABMC. There are 124,905 United States servicemen and servicewomen interred at

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these sites, and more than 94,000 missing in action, or lost or buried at sea, whose names are individually carved into monuments. The ABMC also maintains an online database of names associated with each site. TCGS members Phil and Debbie Konarik are raving about Ken and his presentation. They gave information they had on one of Debbie’s MIA uncles to Ken and have already learned a tremendous amount of information about him that they did not know. The last speaker of the day was Dr. David Chroust, speaking on “Where Can Genealogy Lead? Looking Outward and Onward From Our Lineages.” Dr. Chroust’s main interest lies in social sciences and humanities, and he is an associate professor at T e x a s A&M Univ e r s i t y, Cushing Memorial Library and Archives. He is from Teplice-Sanov, Ustecky Kraj, Czech Republic. His presentation explained the great amount of Czech family ancestral information one can obtain from archives, and much of that information is online. Limitless records on family exist because the country was required to keep chronicles for the individual villages and many of those books are waiting for discovery by American Czechs who are searching for family information in the Czech lands. Czech National Radio Company and European Broadcasting has a tremendous amount of information that can be accessed for one to gain a better understanding and to learn about things that interest you. The website for this information is www.rozhlas.cz and it can be read in English. The day ended with the drawing for the door prize—a $100 gift card. It was won by Linda Weisner of El Campo. Submitted by, Nancy Machu TCGS Reporter Lodge 29, Taylor Photos courtesy of Frank Kalbac —SPJST—

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50th annual National Polka Festival set for May 27 to 29

The National Polka Festival in Ennis, Texas, invites everyone to come help celebrate 50 wonderful years of Czech heritage festivities Friday, May 27 through Sunday, May 29, 2016. Held annually on Memorial Day Weekend, the National Polka Festival offers an abundance of activities to be

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

enjoyed by the entire family in a small city atmosphere. The festival kicks off with an opening dance Friday at 7 p.m., featuring polka music and the King and Queen Dance Contest, where participants and non-participants are encouraged to wear traditional Czech kroj (costumes). At 10 a.m. on Saturday, floats, bands, and colorful costumes will kickoff the downtown festivities. The parade traditionally includes something for visitors of all ages. Enjoy the music of our polka bands riding on decorated floats or the sounds of the award-win-

ning Ennis High School Marching Band. The Shriners make their annual appearance, as well as celebrities, public officials, motorcycles, horseback riders, clowns, kids, and seniors! This giant parade twists through historic downtown Ennis and is sure to please. You will experience traditions, religious customs, dancing, tastes, sights, sounds, and “a little bit of the Czech

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Lands” throughout historic downtown and at three spacious air-conditioned halls (KJT, KC, and Sokol halls). Enjoy a weekend of polka dancing, Czech foods, and 19 sensational live polka bands including Grammy Award winning Brave Combo. —SPJST—

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Youth Club Quilt Drawing

Come One!

ELEVENTH Annual Come All!

SPJST Car Show

Saturday May 7

Seaton Star Hall

Car Show 9 a.m. -to 3 p.m.

For car show entry info, please visit spjst.org or call 254.534.0809 or 254.534.0807. Seaton Star Hall is seven miles east of Temple off Highway 53.

Czech Heritage CelebratiON Benefiting the Czech Heritage Museum of Temple and SPJST Education and Nature Center

Insuring and Enriching Lives Since 1897 www.spjst.org 800.727.7578

Living History Demonstrations Music by Praha Brothers, 11 - 2 SPJST Beseda Dancers at 1 Kolache Eating Contests, 2:30 Kids Zone Activities, 10 - 3 Vendor and Food Booths For booth info, call 254.931.0639

Silent Auction

FREE ADMISSION!

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

info@spjst.org www.spjst.org