Volume 106 Number 1
ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence
H E R A L D
★ Humanity ISSN —07458800
SPJST Youth Program Looks to the Past and Future for Inspiration By Brian Vanicek Supreme Lodge President
Nearly 50 years have passed since Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the moon. I can still recall the day. It was July 20, 1969. And I remember the time. It was just before the 10 o’clock news. I was sitting on the living room floor of my parents’ house, focused to the screen of the old black-and-white Admiral television and seeing the live images of the Apollo 11 lunar landing module that were being transmitted by satellite from the surface of the moon. With pad and pen in hand, I chronicled the important details of the day. Even as a nine-year-old, I grasped the significance of what was happening and that this would be a day to remember.
“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” Armstrong said as he took his historic first step on the moon. Fast forward to the present: Here we are in 2018 — nearly a half century later — and Neil Armstrong’s accomplishment continues to retain its brilliant luster! The first manned moon landing represented a crowning achievement for
★ Brotherhood
the United States’ space program and a triumph of teamwork. And while it was Astronaut Neil Armstrong who took that dramatic first step, it was a day — and the achievement of an extraordinary goal — that belonged to all of us. By challenging Americans to put a man on the moon by 1970, President John F. Kennedy captured the imagination of a generation. Being a part of this new generation had nothing to do with how old you were. It was about the shared experience. We couldn’t all be astronauts or work for NASA; however, everyone had the opportunity to share in the thrill of the mission and learn something along the way. As the SPJST Youth Program seeks to advance, we will seek to embrace this spirit of collaboration and discovery. Our mission — in line with providing a well-rounded educational, patriotic, and social program — will be on exploring and learning to appreciate and better understand the world and the universe in which we live.
January 10, 2018
Winter Wonderland at SPJST Camp
2001 Waldeck Rd
Ledbetter, TX
December 7-8, 2017
The SPJST Space Program The SPJST Space Program will seek to explore two broad areas — the space around us and the space above us. The space around us refers to our natural environment, with an emphasis on the great outdoors, namely the countryside, away from the buildings and cities. The space above us refers to the vast region which exists beyond our earthly grasp, encompassing the planets, stars, asteroids, and other celestial bodies and energy forces. Part of our mission will be conveyed Continued on Page 6.
N N N N N N N N Inside This Week’s Věstník N N N N N N N N
Important Dates ...................................3 State Tournament Info ........................3 Interest Rates ......................................3 Recipe ..................................................3 Lodge Section .....................................7 Youth Section ....................................19
Vestnik Project...................................20 In Memoriam ......................................26 Czech Culture ....................................27 Advertisements.............................28-29 Lodge Calendar .................................30 Vestnik Valentines Form...................32
Page 5
SPJST participates in Temple Christmas Parade
Page 18
Lodge 169 Brenham member shares memories
Page 24
Lodge 80 Holland Youth Club collects food for local pantry
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ˇ ´ VESTNIK
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Editor’s Note
SPJST HERALD
SPJST HOME OFFICE PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 800-727-7578 • 254-773-1575 Fax: 254-774-7447 www.spjst.org VĚSTNÍK EDITOR/ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION MELANIE ZAVODNY, FIC Office: 254-773-1575 • Mobile: 254-534-0807 VĚSTNÍK Fax: 254-773-8087
email: vestnik@spjst.org or melaniez@usa.com
SUPREME LODGE PRESIDENT BRIAN VANICEK, FIC Office: 254-773-1575 Mobile: 254-534-2902 email: vanicek@spjst.com
VICE PRESIDENT HIRAM DIXON, FICF, LUTCF, CFFM Office: 254-773-1575 Mobile: 254-231-7722 email: hiramd@spjst.com
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER LEONARD D. MIKESKA, FIC Office: 254-773-1575 Mobile: 254-721-4739 • Home: 254-778-3720 email: leonardm@spjst.com
DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING/ INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES ROY VAJDAK Office: 254-773-1575 email: royv@spjst.com DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR/CHAIRMAN DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CFFM PO Box 85, Snook, Texas 77878-0085 Home: 979-272-3265 • Mobile: 979-224-3125 email: dv.aggie71@gmail.com 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 PO 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 BRADLEY STAVINOHA, FIC 10522 Will Lehman Road, Needville, Texas 77461 Mobile: 979-739-2386 • Office: 979-793-7411 email: spjst@earthlink.net 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 Mobile: 830-391-3375 FRATERNAL FIELD MANAGERS DISTRICTS ONE/TWO/THREE Philip (Phil) McBee, FICF, CFFM Mobile: 325-647-1949 • Fax: 325-784-7448 email: mcbeephilip@gmail.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: 832-232-2049 email: delisled@spjst.com SPJST CAMP Jeb Lapeyrolerie, Executive Director 979-249-5674 • jebL@spjst.com
People who make a difference in our lives
STATE FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR/STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR FRANK HORAK Office: 254-773-1575 • Mobile: 254-534-0681 email: frankh@spjst.com
DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Sharon Russell, 1292 CR 441, Dime Box, Texas 77853 • 979-884-0807 sharon_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 Campo, Texas 77437 979-543-7120 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 - Dorothy Pflughaupt, 1243 Clovis Road, Houston, Texas 77008 713-859-8976 dotpflugh@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, PO 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 - 254-744-8973 - mlgaller54@gmail.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 - James House, 146 Deer Run, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - 830-570-7750 - james.houseconstruction146@gmail.com
INSURANCE COMMITTEE District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - 979-272-3440 District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S. St. Joseph Road, Burlington, Texas 76519-3108 - 254-985-2396 patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Robert Sill, 400 Westview Terrace, Arlington, Texas 76013 District Four - Leonard Jansa, 6617 Plainview Drive, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - 325-234-8117 District Five - Mark Childres, 14011 Laskey Manor Court, Cypress, Texas 77429 - 832-496-6646 mark@childresinsurancegroup.com District Six - Elizabeth Holub, 4624 Freyburg Hall Road, Schulenburg, Texas 78956 - 979-561-8640 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 - Vonda Smesny, 2607 Wolcik Road, Crosby, Texas 77532 - 832-694-8762 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 LYNETTE TALASEK 254-773-1575 • email: lynettet@spjst.com
VĚSTNÍK
H
ere’s an interesting quiz that will really make you think. You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them straight through, and you’ll get the point.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
The lesson . . . The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name 10 people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners. . . . How did you do? . . .
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies . . . Awards tarnish . . . Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. See how you do on this one: 1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
They simply are the ones who care the most . . .
We welcome Rick Hrbacek as the new Operations/Marketing Manager in the Insurance Department. We will introduce him in an upcoming Věstník.
Welcome, Rick!
Věstník Dates and Deadlines January 17 Věstník deadline is Wed., Jan. 10 at 5 p.m.
January 24 Věstník deadline is Wed., Jan. 17 at 5 p.m. January 31 Věstník deadline is Wed., Jan. 24 at 5 p.m. February 7 Věstník deadline is Wed., Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. Věstník Valentines Deadline to submit a Valentine is Monday, February 5 at 5 p.m.
February 14 Věstník deadline is Wed., Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. —SPJST—
VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published weekly except the third week of September 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 Věstník do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor or SPJST management. Please sign all correspondence intended for publication. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VĚSTNÍK c/o Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
VĚSTNÍK
Family Fun 4 and Important Dates
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Jan. 13
Jan. 16-18 Jan. 20 Jan. 27 Jan. 27 Jan. 31 Feb. 1 Feb. 3
Feb. 11 Feb. 24
March 3
March 24
SPJST State Progressive 42 Domino Tournament SPJST Home Office, Temple (2) SPJST Supreme Lodge Meeting SPJST Home Office, Temple (2) SPJST Sales Agents Annual Meeting Lodge 81, Needville (5) District Youth Counselors’ Meeting SPJST Home Office, Temple (2) Lodge 48, Beyersville Tarok Tournament (2) Camp Tee-Shirt Design Contest Deadline SPJST Scholarship Application Deadline SPJST Tarok Tournament (2) at SPJST Home Office, Temple Lodge 18, Elgin Valentine Dance (2) Lodge 48, Beyersville Progressive Straight Domino Tournament (2) SPJST State Straight Domino Tournament SPJST Home Office, Temple (2) Youth Leaders’ Workshop at SPJST Home Office, Temple
SPJST SPJST STATE PROGRESSIVE 42 DOMINO TOURNAMENT STATE PROGRESSIVE 42 DOMINO TOURNAMENT Saturday, January 14, 2017
Saturday,SPJST January 13, 2018 Home Office 520 North Main Street, Temple, TX 76501
SPJST Home Office
OpenStreet, to the public; 520 North Main Temple, TX 76501 Ages 16 and above!
Check-in: 8 to 8:45 a.m. Check-in: 8 to 8:45 a.m. begins at 9 a.m. PlayPlay begins at 9 a.m. Registration Fee: $10 per player
For SPJST updates, find us on Facebook.
Readers Write
Czech Center Museum Houston expresses thanks
Dear President Brian Vanicek and all SPJST Foundation members, You are angels . . . special ones! Czech Center Museum Houston is so blessed to have supporters like you. Czech Center Museum Houston is in receipt of your donation totaling $1,000. This donation will go to help defray costs repairing damage caused by Hurricane Harvey. Your generosity goes towards upholding one of Houston’s Nineteen Fine Museums in the Museum District. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, our expenses and endeavors could not be managed without the kindness and support from our community members like you. Thank you. With deepest appreciation and blessings of health and happiness for the Christmas season from all of CCMH to all of you . . . Respectfully yours, Effie M. Rosene Chairman Chief Executive Officer W.G. Bill Rosene Vice President, Administration —SPJST—
Mom’s Chicken Soup
Recipe submitted by Dorothy Stuchly Lodge 47, Seaton 4 cups chicken broth, more if needed 1 medium carrot, sliced 1 celery stalk, sliced 1 medium onion, chopped Ground black pepper, to taste 1/2 cup extra wide egg noodles, uncooked (I use no yolk noodles.)
1 cup chicken, cooked and shredded Whole cloves 2 bay leaves
Heat broth, carrot, celery, onion, and black pepper in medium saucepan over mediumhigh heat. Bring to a boil. Add noodles, chicken, cloves, and bay leaves. Stir. Reduce heat to medium. Cook 10 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring often. Remove bay leaves before serving. Note: I use 1 chicken cube per 1 cup warm water. —SPJST—
Sales agent disappointed about not receiving SPJST calendar
What a disappointment it was to not getting a 2018 SPJST calendar in the mailbox this year! I so looked forward to getting this every year, as it is the only paper calendar we ever had hanging up in the house. I enjoyed seeing the State Royalty court on the front cover and enjoyed seeing the Home Office employees on the inside cover as well. I also liked the recipes featured each month. This calendar gave great recognition to the FUTURE OF OUR ORGANIZATION. As a sales agent for SPJST, I have had numerous phone calls inquiring about the calendar as well. Believe it or not, there are still members out there that enjoy these little perks of being an SPJST member. There will be a blank spot on my office wall where my SPJST calendar always hung. Hopefully, our Supreme Lodge officers and directors will reconsider and publish calendars again. Fraternally, Susan Skrabanek Sales Agent Lodge 17, New Tabor —SPJST—
SPJST INTEREST RATES . . . 11/01/2017 - 01/31/2018
SPJST Commercial Property Information Call the SPJST Home Office 800-727-7578 for information.
Commercial Property Loans for 1 to 10 Years and 11 to 15 Years
www.facebook.com/spjst
From the 2012 SPJST Tasty Traditions Cookbook
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Universal Life Universal Life 3 (plans 1203-1222 with a guaranteed rate of 2.50%) Credited Rate: 3.00% Whole Life/ Universal Life 3 (plans 1223-1232 with a guaranteed rate of 2.50%) Credited Rate: 3.50%
Annuities Annuity 5 (plans 8032-8039 with a 1.50% guaranteed rate) Credited Rate: 3.00% Annuity New 5 Year (plans 8040-8041 with a 1.50% guaranteed rate) Credited Rate: 3.00%
Receive your Vestnik by email each week! VĚSTNÍK
You will receive your Vestnik on Tuesday morning! Visit www.spjst.org to sign up for an email subscription today.
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Wednesday, January 10, 2018
= = = Fraternal News = = =
If you want to exercise more, add it to your weekly schedule, too.
4. Move Past Doubt Keep tabs on how often you “unset” your goals with your thoughts. Pay attention to self-sabotaging mind chatter like “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do it.” Every thought you have is an intention. It’s normal to feel fear, doubt, or worry — but to make progress, it’s important to move past those negative feelings.
State FAC shares January fraternal updates
Think You Can’t Keep a New Year’s Resolution? Think Again! Happy New Year — 2018 is here! It’s a great time to plan, prioritize, and get a fresh start on your goals and dreams. Author and psychologist Richard Wiseman notes that in a recent study, 52 percent of resolution-makers were confident they’d achieve their goals, but only 12 percent succeeded. What was the secret of that 12 percent? Those who took meaningful steps to achieve their resolutions setting step-bystep goals or telling their friends and family, for example — were far more likely to achieve their objectives than those who made no specific commitments. Read on for six practical tools for making realistic, attainable resolutions — and then work your plan! 1. Get Specific A common mistake people make is setting undefined goals like, “I’ll be healthier.” Instead, make your resolution specific, with a real, achievable outcome. For example, “I’m going to lose 10 pounds by May.”
2. Write it Down Write down your goals and outline the small, manageable steps you’ll need to take in order to achieve them. If you set a big goal without a step-by-step plan, it can be overwhelming and trigger frustration that gets in the way of your success. But by planning and accomplishing one small thing at a time, you’ll stay on track, focused and positive.
3. Make the Time Be sure to make time for yourself to achieve your goals. If you really want to write that book, set aside time each week to write and track your progress monthly.
5. Get a Partner — Get Support Having a group, partner, friend, or professional to encourage you can be a great way to keep you going. Try finding a friend who has a similar resolution, and check in with each other every week to talk about your progress and challenges. Or ask a family member or significant other to keep you accountable — just make sure they’re supportive and positive. You can also seek professional help, whether that’s a personal trainer to help you meet your fitness goals or a counselor who can help you tackle larger, looming issues such as low self-confidence or a lack of direction.
6. Get Some “You”-Time You’re more likely to slip on your goals when you’re stressed or overwhelmed, so try to spend some time reconnecting with yourself. You can try breathing exercises, prayer, meditation, yoga, or just going for a walk. Taking mental breathers will clear your head and set you up for success.
Setting and reaching goals isn’t about willpower; it’s about the power of your intentions. Success breeds success. Reaching even a small goal, like losing three pounds, will fuel your motivation. You’ll find yourself tackling larger challenges. With practice and perseverance, you can achieve more than you ever dreamed.
District Spring Meetings District spring meetings are right around the corner and will begin in March. These meetings are informative and your participation and input is very important for the success of SPJST and your district. What better time to meet fellow SPJST members in your district. Please plan to attend the meeting in your district. They are:
District One—Sunday, April 8 Lodge 9, Snook District Two—Sunday, March 18 Lodge 29, Taylor District Three—Sunday, April 22 Lodge 154, Fort Worth District Four—To be announced District Five—Date to be announced hosted by Lodge 232,
Houston-Midtown District Six—Sunday, April 15 hosted by Lodge 4, Hallettsville at St. Mary’s Catholic Church District Seven—Date to be announced hosted by Lodge 202, Jourdanton
SPJST Lifetime Achiever Award The definition of lifetime is the duration of a person’s life. This award is to recognize individuals or couples who have made a significant impact in their lodge’s success and growth over a lengthy period of time. Those individuals or couples should be of a mature age. In the past couple of years, the Home Office has received nomination applications for many young members that still have many years of service to the lodge and its members. Think about it . . . if a young or middle age member receives this award, is this telling them that they have achieved their significant impact to their lodge and here on out they are finished contributing to their lodge and its members? The form is available on the spjst.org website. Please complete and return the form to the SPJST Fraternal Department.
VĚSTNÍK
New Officer Listing Form that was mailed out the first week of November from Receptionist Tamara Gettys. This form needs to be completed and turned into the Home Office after you have your elections. All other deadline dates remain the same. They are: January 2— New Officers Listing form (address, phone listing and emails) January 19—Year-End Fraternal Incentive Reporting Hours February 23—Outgoing Officer Awards
May 15—990 and 990-T to IRS and copy to Home Office
Outgoing Officers With the election of new officers, do not forget to honor your officers who have given their time and dedication to your lodge. Honor your outgoing leaders by giving them an outgoing officer plaque. Any officer who is not elected to serve in 2018 and does not seek re-election in future years is eligible. The recipient must be a current SPJST member and must be active at the time of selection. The plaques should be awarded at your local lodge meeting.
SPJST Scholarship Program The deadline for submitting all scholarship paperwork for the SPJST Scholarship is Thursday, February 1, 2018. The paperwork has to be in the Home Office by Thursday, February 1 — not postmarked by February 1, 2018. Any student (high school seniors and college undergraduates) who has not previously received a scholarship are eligible to apply. For SPJST General Scholarship or Leadership Grant applications and complete guidelines, please call Executive Assistant to the President Sandra Dubcak in the SPJST Home Office at 800-727-7578; 254-773-1575; or visit www.spjst.org.
Important Paperwork Everyone, please know that the forms listed below are very important in receiving your enhanced premium refund and other incentives. Please return these forms even if there are no changes from the previous year. Fraternal Activities Coordinators, it is very important to enter and complete your hours by Friday, January 19 to receive those refunds and other incentives. Please remind your lodge secretary of the 2018
Straight Domino Tournament The SPJST State Straight Domino Tournament will take place on Saturday, March 3. The tournament will be held at the SPJST Home Office in Temple Texas. Watch the Vestnik for more details or visit www.spjst.org. All participants are encouraged to pre-register so we can figure out the amount of food to prepare for the noon meal. Also remember if you do not pre-register for the tournament, we can not guarantee you a spot to play.
100 Pennies Scholarship Drive Everyone spread the word! October 1 started the SPJST 100 Pennies Drive to benefit the scholarship fund. Through your generous donations, SPJST has been able to continue to provide scholarships to members who wish to further their education. Donations of any amount will be accepted and added to the general scholarship fund that is maintained by the Home Office. No amount is too small or too large. The 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive will run through March 31, 2018.
Tarok Tournament The SPJST State Tarok Tournament will be Saturday, February 3. The tournament will be held at the SPJST Home Office in Temple, Texas. Watch the Vestnik for more details or visit www.spjst.org under Fraternal Activities/State Tournaments and Fraternal Activities. All participants are encouraged to pre-register so we can figure out the amount of food to prepare for the noon meal. Also remember if you do not pre-register for the tournament we can not guarantee you a spot to play.
VĚSTNÍK
Please remember to mark your calendars for the 2018 SPJST State Tournaments. Again this year’s State Tournaments will be held at the SPJST Home Office. Entry for the tournaments will be $10 for members and non-members. There will be Czech pastries in the morning, a catered meal for the participants during the noon hour, and fun and fellowship. Tournaments will be held at the SPJST Home Office in Temple, and dates are:
Progressive 42 Dominoes—January 13 Tarok Tournament—February 3 Straight Dominoes—March 3 Regular 42 Dominoes—April 7
SPJST FAC Assistance We are here to help if you need assistance. Please feel free to call me at 254534-0681 or 254-773-1575; email frankh@spjst.com or Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez 254-7731575; 800-727-7578; or email
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
tammym@spjst.com. Your District FAC is also available to assist you. District FACs are: District One FAC Kyle Skrabanek 979-820-0531 District Two FAC Ruth Hanusch 254-771-0193 District Three FAC Vicki Sims 214-763-0341 District Four FAC Janeece Williams 806-632-5239
District Five FAC Don Fruin 832-651-5388 District Six FAC Helen Zabransky 361-798-3347 District Seven FAC Theresa Haag 830-625-8262
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Fraternally submitted, Frank Horak State Fraternal Activities Coordinator —SPJST—
Temple Christmas Parade
Monday, December 4, 2017 • Downtown Temple, Texas
SPJST participated in the Temple Christmas Parade on Monday, December 4, 2017. Members of Lodge 47, Seaton rode the two SPJST floats in the parade. The Trolls-themed float received the first place award, the Emoji-themed float received the third place award. District Two King Ryan Festa and Duke Tyson Bilbrey, both of Lodge 47,
Seaton, were driven by District Two Director Jesse Pospisil in a Corvette, and Queen Shelby Horak and Duchess Molley Taisler, both of Lodge 80, Holland, were driven by District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky in a Corvette. The evening’s weather was perfect for a parade with a light breeze and temperatures in the 70s.
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Wednesday, January 10, 2018
VĚSTNÍK
SPJST Youth Program
Continued from Page 1.
through the Vestnik and part of this mission, we’ll convey — with hands-on learning experiences — at the 2018 Leaders-in-Training (LIT) Retreat and at each of our 2018 summer sessions at the SPJST Camp in Fayette County. Simply stated, the SPJST Space Program represents a determined effort to make our SPJST Youth Program and society a more relevant and dynamic force in the lives of our members and the communities that they serve. With some exceptions, those of us born between 1946 and 1964 — the Baby Boomers — comprise the last generation of Americans to share an intimate relationship to the land and water. Many of us who are now in our fifties and older grew up on farms or enjoyed regular access to pastures, woods, lakes, and other nature areas. Even those who lived in towns or cities had grandparents or other relatives who farmed or had recently arrived from farm country during the ruralto-urban migration of the first half of the 20th century. For today’s young people, that family and cultural linkage to farming and the great outdoors is diminishing.
“Children need nature for the healthy development of their senses, and, therefore, for learning and creativity,” says Richard Louv, author of the national bestseller, Last Child in the Woods. “This need is revealed in two ways: by an examination of what happens to the senses of the young when they lose connection with nature, and by witnessing the sensory magic that occurs when young people — even those beyond childhood — are exposed to even the smallest direct experience of a natural setting.”
SPJST recognizes the opportunity that it has to make a positive difference in the lives of its young people — and others — by committing itself through its fraternal programming to developing a greater appreciation, understanding and involvement with the natural world. Our beautiful SPJST camp in Fayette County will provide a wonderful rallying point for the “back to nature” aspect of the SPJST Space Program. Additionally, we have access to the personnel — through our membership — and through wonderful organizations like the Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas Agricultural Extension Service that we can call on for assistance. The SPJST Youth Program and SPJST Camp also provide a neat launchpad for our focus for the extraterrestrial aspect of the SPJST Space Program. At the outset of this writing, I made reference to the Moon explorations of the Apollo space program. Since the Apollo program, NASA — the National Aeronautic and Space Administration — has been driving to explore the unknown, discover new worlds, and push the boundaries of our scientific and technical limits. In addressing the technological challenges related to human space exploration, new industries have evolved. What’s more, collaboration aboard the International Space Station has helped to foster a peaceful connection with other nations. As stated on the NASA website, “Curiosity and exploration are vital to the human spirit and accepting the challenge of going deeper into space will invite the citizens of the world today and the generations of tomorrow to join NASA on this exciting journey.” I’ll take that as an invitation to the SPJST and the SPJST Youth Program to come along for the ride! We are entering a new era of space exploration in which NASA has been challenged to develop systems and capabilities required to explore beyond low-Earth orbit, including destinations such as near-Earth asteroids and eventually Mars.
This isn’t science fiction. This is science fact. Utilizing resources made available through NASA and the Johnson Space Center in Houston, as well as personal connections involved within the space program, the SPJST Youth Program will encourage its youth members to peer into the farthest reaches of the universe and achieve new knowledge and understanding of Earth, the solar system and the universe. By the arrival of summer, we are hoping to have a dedicated star-gazing field in place at the SPJST camp.
What’s next? For starters, all SPJST young people are invited to let their imaginations fly and enter the 2018 SPJST Camp Tee-Shirt Contest. The 2018 theme which emerged from the
2017 Fall Meeting of SPJST District Youth Counselors is “Out of This World with SPJST.” The contest runs through January 31, 2018. Designs will be appraised by a team of graphic communicators based on originality and creativity. One design from each of the four age categories will be deemed a winner based on the selection process. An overall winner will be selected among these division winners, and the artist’s concept will appear on the 2018 SPJST Summer Camp Tee-Shirt. Also, I made several references to our SPJST camp and summer camping program in this article. Please know that all SPJST youth are eligible to attend SPJST summer camp. Active youth club members can attend camp at no charge provided that they attend at least seven youth club meetings in the 12-month period which precedes camp. Youth who are not active in a local youth club are also invited to join in the fun of SPJST summer camp at the rate of $250 for the fiveday, four-night camping experience. Please contact Interim State Youth Director Frank Horak at 254-534-0681 if you have any questions. In seeking to enhance the Youth Program, it’s important to know that SPJST remains committed to the ideas expressed in SPJST’s Vision Statement, “Our vision is to provide a wholesome family environment; to encourage Czech traditions; and to provide high quality, competitive life insurance for our members. Special thanks to all of the adult staff members, District Youth Counselors, youth leaders, and adult volunteers who work with our young people. Working together, we can make a tremendous and powerful difference! Thank you for your kind attention. Best wishes to you for a great year in 2018! —SPJST— SPJST President Brian Vanicek, left, and State Fraternal Activities Coordinator/State Youth Director Frank Horak tour Nasa’s Johnson Space Center in Clear Lake, Texas. Behind them is the Apollo 11 command module. Small in size but giant in its historical stature, the “Columbia” module has taken center stage at the Space Center where it is part of the Smithsonian’s new “Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission” traveling exhibit.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
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SPJST Lodge Section The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. the Wednesday before the publication date. Send your news and photos directly to: Questions? Call 800-727-7578
Lodge 4, Hallettsville meets February 11
Dear Members, The next meeting for SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville will be Sunday, February 11, 2018, at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce meeting room at 3 p.m. There will be door prizes and lunch as usual. Games will be played. Other meeting dates are Sunday, April 15; Sunday, August 19; Sunday, December 9, and as needed. See you February 11. Fraternally, Patsy Zabransky, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 6, Cottonwood honors December birthday celebrants
SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087
Email: vestnik@spjst.org
Lodge 15, Buckholts discusses fundraising ideas
The meeting of SPJST Lodge 15, Buckholts was called to order by President Mary Helen Rodriguez on Monday, December 11, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. Sandie Fischer led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence for our departed members. We welcomed Jesse Pospisil and wife Linda who drove all the way from Taylor to install our officers for 2018. We got right down to business, and our officers were installed. They are: President Mary Helen Rodriguez Vice President Scott Brandon Secretary-Treasurer Sandie Fischer
We had a lot of discussion on fundraising ideas, and we really appreciate Jesse and Linda sharing how their lodge raises money and giving us several ideas. Of course, the conversation turned to
Lodge 25, Ennis members brave the cold; celebrate birthdays at potluck supper
Laure Krajca, left, and Pat Fowler braved the cold to celebrate their December birthdays at Lodge 25, Ennis’ potluck supper on December 27, 2017. The next birthday potluck social will be Wednesday, January 31, 2018.
Happy December birthdays to Milton Peterson and Georgie Soukup of Lodge 6, Cottonwood! They were recognized at the lodge’s meeting on December 3, 2017.
how very much we miss members Doug and Virginia Williams, Dorothy Tomascik, and Lamerle Zajicek. It seems to be a universal problem with all lodges - replacing older, hard-working members with younger ones. The next meeting will be Monday, January 8, 2018, at 5 p.m. Fraternally yours, Sandie Fischer Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—
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Our monthly meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Vice President Laure Krajca. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Margaret Krajca. A moment of silence was observed in memory of deceased members Billy Dalrymple and Louise Valek. On the sick list were several members missing from the meeting due to a virus, including officers President JoAnn Needham, FAC Kay Lynn Kovar, and Youth Leader Rita Holland. It was also reported that Ron Mraz had minor eye surgery. New members accepted into the lodge are Jace Speltz who was signed up by agent Danny Dvorak and Garrett Lacky, who was signed up by agent Margaret Krajca. Secretary Pat Fowler read the minutes of the November meeting. Treasurer Betty Macalik gave the financial reports. Ray Elleven gave the bar report which detailed the profit/loss margins and an inventory report. Thank you, Ray, for your help and for continuing to prepare these reports for us. There was no FAC report, and in Rita’s absence, the youth report was given by Betty. Betty reported that the youth went Christmas caroling at Legend Oaks Skilled Nursing Center. Several lodge members and officers also participated with the youth. Under old business, the lights have
Czech exchange student receives Christmas treats Texas-style
Lodge 25, Ennis members enjoy meal before meeting
Dear Readers, On Thursday, December 14, 2017, our monthly members’ meal began at 6:30 p.m. with Vice President Laure Krajca leading the members in prayer. Betty Macalik prepared baked ham, broccoli rice casserole, and spinachstrawberry salad with soft and flaky crescent rolls. For dessert, we had cream cheese pie with a choice of either cherry or blueberry topping. Dorothy Dvorak added a tray of homemade Christmas goodies. I did not get the name of those wonderful chocolate treats, but I will call them “Magic Chocolate” because of the way they disappeared! Thank you, Betty and Dorothy, for the wonderful meal and the delicious sweets!
Krystof Kozler, Czech exchange student at Pleasanton High School, receives a Texas Christmas stocking filled with an assortment of chocolates to celebrate his first Christmas in Texas from Jim and Louise Koutny of Pleasanton.
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been repaired on the marquee sign. We are still taking bids on a hot water system to be installed in the bar. We are also getting prices for wireless speakers to be installed in the clubroom. The strudel bake sale, which was from November 21 to December 22, will have a final report at the January meeting. Under new business, a planning committee was named for the upcoming annual fundraiser which will be Saturday, February 17. December birthdays were announced, and “Happy Birthday” was sung to Pat Fowler and Laure Krajca who were present. The meeting adjourned, and happy hour began with 18 members present. Next Meeting—January 11 The next monthly supper will be Thursday, January 11 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is at 7 p.m. with social hour following. The next potluck supper honoring January birthdays will be at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31. Come out and join the fun! Fraternally, Margaret Krajca, Reporter —SPJST—
O O O Presenting 2018 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton
District Six Director Karen Kaspar, far left, installs the 2018 officers of Lodge 30, Taiton. They are, second from left to right, President Yvonne Marcaurele, Vice President Debbie Krpec, Secretary/Reporter Marjorie Treumer, Treasurer/Youth Leader Lisa Bubela, Assistant Youth Leader Kirby Bubela, and Fraternal Activities Coordinator Patsy Baker.
Lodge Karel Jonáš No. 28, East Bernard celebrates Christmas
To celebrate Christmas, members enjoyed ham with delicious side dishes and desserts at the lunch in Wharton County Library meeting room at 12 noon on Sunday, December 10, 2017. President Glenn Kaminsky said grace then all enjoyed the meal of ham, side
O O O Presenting 2018 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 54, West
The 2018 officers of Lodge 54, West are, second from left to right, Vice President Wilburn Willis, President Freddie Kaluza, Secretary Janice Kaluza, Treasurer Mary Lou Mynar, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Linda Kaluza, and Czech Reporter Jan Vaculik. The officers were installed by Director of Accounting/IT Services Roy Vajdak, far left, and Chief Financial Officer Leonard Mikeska, far right.
dishes, and desserts while visiting. Thanks go out to Glenn and Jeanette Kaminsky for preparing the ham, side dish, and dessert and for also decorating. Thanks also to Tony and Helen Kelner, Barbara Tichacek, and Linda Bratina for added side dishes and desserts. After the meal, President Glenn Kaminsky called the meeting to order, and everyone said the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silent prayer was
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observed for the passing of past member Ludmila Talafuse and members on our sick list. All officers were present along with three members and youth member Macy Stavinoha. Secretary Helen Kelner read the minutes of the September, October, and November meetings. Minutes were approved. Next, Anton ‘Tony’ Kelner reported on funds for September, October, and November. The treasurer’s reports were approved as read. FAC Linda Bratina reported on all forms that are due, upcoming events, and the need to elect a fraternalist of the year for 2017. Glenn and Linda reported on sales agent training and new members that they signed. Also discussed was old business. President Kaminsky reviewed donations for 2017. After members’ discussion, all agreed to give to the following: East Bernard 4-H Club, Wharton County Children’s Protective Services, Czech Heritage Museum in Temple, S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 2 in Needville, S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 3 in Hillje, and SPJST Scholarship Fund.
Officers Elected Glenn called for the election of officers for 2018. Anton ‘Tony’ Kelner made a motion to nominate all current officers by acclamation. Jeanette Kaminsky seconded the motion. All members agreed. Officers for 2018 are:
SPJST supports Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry in Taylor
A $200 check from District Two Director Jesse Pospisil’s discretionary fund was presented by John Wuensche, second from left, of Lodge 48, Beyersville to Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry in Taylor just in time for Christmas. Shepherd’s Heart representatives said the donation will be put to good use by completing their new cooler setup which will hold more perishable items. —Submitted by Michelle Newsom, Reporter
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President Glenn Kaminsky Vice President Jeanette Kaminsky FAC Linda Bratina Treasurer Anton ‘Tony’ Kelner Secretary/Reporter Helen Kelner
Fraternalist of the Year Helen Kelner nominated Linda Bratina for fraternalist of the year for 2017, seconded by Barbara Tichacek. All voted in favor. November birthday was Helen Kelner; she celebrated her 75th. Next, door prizes were awarded. The meeting adjourned.
Next Meeting—March 11 The next meeting will be Sunday, March 11 at 12 noon in Wharton County Library. Fraternally, Helen Kelner, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 30, Taiton adults, youth gather to celebrate Christmas
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Dear Vestnik Readers, Lodge 30, Taiton held its regular monthly meeting and annual Christmas Social on December 10, 2017, at Taiton Community Center. President Yvonne Marcaurele called the meeting to order. Members present recited the Pledge of Allegiance led by State Fraternal Activities Coordinator/State Youth Director
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Frank Horak, and a moment of silence was observed for any sick or departed members. Secretary Marjorie Treumer called the roll of members and officers. She then read minutes from the November meeting. The minutes were approved as read. Special guest Supreme Lodge President Brain Vanicek and wife Joan, State FAC Frank Horak, and District Six Director Karen Kaspar and husband Leroy were then introduced and welcomed. Treasurer Lisa Bubela gave her report on the financial standing of our
Lodge 47, Seaton Christmas Party
Sunday, December 10, 2017 • Seaton Star Hall • Submitted by Shannon White, Photographer
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lodge. She asked for and received a motion to pay any outstanding bills. FAC Patsy Baker reported on the events occurring around the state and discussed any deadlines needing to be met. Youth Leader Lisa Bubela reported on the comings and goings of our youth program. She thanked everyone for making this a successful year. She also informed the members that the El Campo Christmas Parade would not be rescheduled due to weather and too many other commitments. The parade was cancelled due to inclement weather on December 7. Director Kaspar then thanked everyone for attending and for everything that is done throughout the year. She then shared her annual gift with the members. The adult lodge and youth club both donated $250 to the Everyday Hero’s Organization representative Clayton Ryan. Director Kaspar matched the donation from the lodge and youth club with a $500 donation from her director’s discretionary fund. State FAC/Youth Director Frank Horak shared with the gathering the
happenings going on at the Home Office. He thanked the members for inviting him to the annual social again. He also thanked the members for all that we do for SPJST. President Brian Vanicek then shared the story behind the Czech coloring book that he gave to the youth members. President Marcaurele then presented Brian and Frank with their Christmas gifts. Youth member Luc Marcaurele presented Youth Leader Lisa Bubela and Assistant Youth Leader Kirby Bubela with a Christmas gift from the youth members. Happy birthday was wished to Crystal Bacak, Ed Zapalac, and Grant Bubela. Door prizes were handed out. The next meeting will be Sunday, January 7, 2018, at Taiton Community Center. The adult meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the youth meeting following. The meeting was adjourned by President Yvonne Marcaurele. District Six Director Karen Kaspar then installed the new 2018 officers. Officers are:
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Lodge 84, Dallas honors Charles Nemec
Congratulations to Charles Nemec, center, of Lodge 84, Dallas! He was presented with the SPJST Lifetime Achiever award by District Three Director John Engelke and Lodge 84 Youth Leader Lynda Novak.
President Yvonne Marcaurele Vice President Debbie Krpec Secretary Marjorie Treumer Treasurer Lisa Bubela Reporter Marjorie Treumer FAC Patsy Baker Youth Leader Lisa Bubela Assistant Youth Leader Kirby Lange
Lodge 48, Beyersville Members Enjoy Fun, Games at Christmas Party
Lodge 48, Beyersville members celebrated Christmas on Sunday, December 10, 2017, with a meal and games for everyone. We had a coloring contest, guessing games, toy walk, cookie decorating, and crafts. Winners of the coloring contest were Tatiana Poldrack, age 2; Blake Boysen, age 6; Makayla Newsom, age 11; and Brooke Newsom, age 14. Guessing
game winners were Cory Miksch, Linda Mokry, Kendra Miner, Brooke Newsom, John Wuensche, Hannah Stefek, Ruth Ann Wuensche, Becky Urbanek, Joann Miller, Jennifer Miksch, and Cheryl Hall. —Submitted by Michelle Newsom Reporter/Youth Leader
Following the meeting, members enjoyed a meal of fried chicken, dressing, and all the trimmings. Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer, Reporter
Editor’s Note: Photos from the December meeting and Christmas party will appear in next week’s Vestnik. —SPJST—
Lodge 35, Elk elects 2018 officers
President Randy Pavelka called the SPJST and Elk Hall, Incorporated meetings to order on Wednesday December 13, 2017, at 7:13 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by officers, members, and guests. Secretary Carla Price read the minutes for the November meetings, and they were approved as read. Treasurer Barbara read her reports for the November meetings. She made a correction, and the reports were then approved. Floor chairman Gene gave a good report for our dances and rentals for November. Bar chairman Randy also gave a good report for November. Under old business, it was reported that the vault has been repaired and is in good working condition once again. Under new business, it was discussed to check into getting a new refrigerator for our kitchen as the one we have is old and not working very well anymore. We elected officers for 2018. It was decided to keep the same slate of officers as the current ones. They are doing a great job so we are keeping them! Thank you all for doing a great job in
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keeping our lodge going in an orderly manner. We have a group of great people working hard to make this happen. Best wishes for it to continue so we can continue to keep it open for our Saturday night dances and other functions. Officers for 2018 are:
O O O Presenting 2018 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 79, Corpus Christi
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
President Randy Pavelka Vice President Freddie Kubitza Secretary Carla Price Treasurer Barbara Pavelka Reporter Janie Brewer
Richard Brewer, longtime member, celebrated a birthday on December 15. Congratulations and happy birthday, Richard! Best wishes for many more happy birthdays. We had 13 members and one guest present. Lodge 35 members would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. Our meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m. Next Meeting—January 10 The next meeting will be Wednesday, January 10 after hall cleanup. Fraternally yours, Janie Brewer, Reporter —SPJST—
The 2018 officers of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi are, left to right, Youth Leader Marcia Rew, Treasurer Frank Sacky, Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky, Secretary Virginia Rebecek, and President Mark Rebecek. Not pictured is Assistant Youth Leader Christina Rew. Officers were installed by District Seven Director Bob Bayer, far right.
Lodge 48, Beyersville Tarok Tournament Saturday, Jan. 27
Are you ready for the SPJST State Tarok Tournament? Well, here is a chance for you to practice a little ahead of time. Lodge 48, Beyersville will have a tarok tournament on Saturday, January 27, 2018. All rules will be the same as the SPJST state tournament. We will charge a $10 entry fee and provide cof-
O O O Presenting 2018 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 91, San Jacinto
fee, snacks, and a noon meal. Prizes will be $150 for first place, $100 for second place, $50 for third place, and $5 will be given for the player having the most chips on each round. Come on out and enjoy the day! Everyone is welcome. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. Play will begin at 9 a.m. We ask that you pre-register by Wednesday, January 24 to help us in preparing the noon meal by contacting Bobby Wuensche via phone 281-3523517 or 281-352-7815; or by mail County Road 405, Taylor, Texas 765745421. Fraternally, Bobby Wuensche —SPJST—
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Lodge 48, Beyersville plans February 24 domino tournament
SPJST Lodge 48, Beyersville will host a progressive straight domino tournament on Saturday, February 24, 2018. This will be something new for us. We will charge a $10 entry fee, provide coffee and snacks, and a noon meal. Prizes will be $150 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place. Everyone is welcome. You don’t need a partner so come on and have some fun. We will play eight games, 45 minutes each. The player who wins the most games will be the winner. The first tiebreaker, if needed, will be the total number of points scored throughout the day. The second tie breaker, if needed, will be the total number of points allowed. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. Play will begin at 9 a.m. We ask that you pre-register by Wednesday, February 21 to help us in preparing the noon meal by contacting Bobby Wuensche at any of the following: 281-352-3517; call or text 281-3527815; 2451 County Road 405, Taylor, Texas 76574-5421; or bobbyleewuensche@gmail.com. Fraternally, Bobby Wuensche —SPJST—
Lodge 160, San Angelo supports Czech Heritage Museum
Lodge 160, San Angelo President Sandra Jansa, left, presents a $500 check to Czech Heritage Museum Vice President and District Four representative Nancy Weise.
The 2018 officers of Lodge 91, San Jacinto are, left to right, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Malba Smesny, President Frankie Brewer, Treasurer Marie Stasny, Vice President June Smesny, and Secretary Vonda Smesny.
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Lodge 54, West Christmas Party Sunday, December 3, 2017 • Tours Hall • West, Texas
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
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Lodge 141, Sealy Members Gather for Christmas Meal
Lodge 141, Sealy members gathered at Tony’s Restaurant at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, for a short meeting and a Christmas meal hosted by Lodge 141. Fourteen attendees enjoyed the meal and visiting. Lodge leaders look forward to having even more people come next year. Pictured are, from left, Rick Martinez, Bernice and Bennie Stolarski, Bernard and Pearl Greener, Freda Jemela, Leona Pawlak, Frances and Bill Bollom, District One Director Donnie Victorick, Janice Victorick, John Simpson, and Anita Tovar. Not pictured is Dora Martinez. —Photo by Dora Martinez • Submitted by Bernice Stolarski
Lodge 157, Lubbock assists family whose home was destroyed by fire
Lodge 157, Lubbock youth Angeline and Tristan Turner asked the lodge to assist the brother of their kindergarten teacher. The family lost everything in a fire the week prior. The youth presented their teacher with a check on Tuesday, December 19, 2017.
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Lodge 79 Corpus Christi celebrates Christmas
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi celebrated an early Christmas on Sunday, December 17, 2017, with a meal of ham, sausage, and sides. President Mark Rebecek called the meeting to order at 2:10 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Present were 41 members and guests. All officers were present. On the sick list was Lina Novosad, wife of member Larry Novosad, who is recovering from surgery. President Rebecek introduced guests Director Seven Director Bob Bayer, wife Polly, and District Seven Youth Counselor Lian Pruski. Director Bayer and DYC Pruski spoke to the group. Secretary Virginia Rebecek read the November minutes, and the minutes were approved. Treasurer Frank Sacky gave the financial report, and it was also approved. FAC report was given by Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky. He thanked all who turned in their fraternal acts. He in-
Scenes from Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Christmas Luncheon/December Meeting
LEFT PHOTO: Members of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi enjoy the luncheon and meeting. PHOTO 2: Youth Leader Marcia Rew with Assistant Youth Leader Christina Rew make pinecone ornaments with youth members at the Christmas meeting. PHOTO 3: District Youth Counselor Lian Pruski
is pictured with Lodge 79 youth. RIGHT PHOTO: Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky presents sales agent Lilah Deleon with a gift card. Lilah is Lodge 79’s new sales agent. We welcome, Lilah, to Lodge 79, Corpus Christi!
LEFT PHOTO: Margaret Majek and Jerry Sijansky visit at Lodge 79’s December meeting. PHOTO 2: District Seven Director Bob Bayer, wife Polly, center, and District Seven Youth Counselor Lian Pruski attend the meeting. PHOTO 3: Irene and Weaver Mitchell enjoy the lodge’s Christmas
meeting. RIGHT PHOTO: December birthday celebrants at Lodge 79 were, left to right, Frank Sacky on the 20th, Lian Pruski on the 24th, and Javier Mora on the 3rd. Happy birthday! —Submitted by Mark Rebecek, President
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Wednesday, January 10, 2018
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Lodge 91, San Jacinto hosted another successful Paws Across Texas event on Friday, December 22, 2017, collecting $663 in monetary donations and 800 pounds of food. K-9 Angel Rescues was the recipient
of all donated food. All monetary donations will be distributed to local shelters as needed. —Vonda Smesny, Secretary
troduced Sales Agents Javiar Mora and Lilah Deleon. He presented Lilah with a gift card since she is a new sales agent. Under new business, Judy Majek made a motion that the monthly donation go to CASA. The motion was approved. Youth Leader Marcia Rew gave the youth club report. They had 10 members and guests in attendance. Youth made pinecone ornaments and received Christmas goodie bags. Birthdays for December Javier Mora on the 3rd, Frank Sacky on the 20th, and Lian Pruski on the 24th. “Happy Birthday” was sung to these members. We elected officers for 2018, and they are:
Lodge 81, Needville meets January 21
President Mark Rebecek Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky Secretary Virginia Rebecek Treasurer Frank Sacky Youth Leader Marcia Rew Assistant Youth Leader Christina Rew
Congratulations to all! President Rebecek stated that in 2017, all officers had a 100 percent attendance. Twenty-five dollar door prizes were won by Jacob Anes and Larry Novosad. The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
Lodge 80, Holland meets January 9
SPJST Lodge 80, Holland will hold its regular bi-monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, January 9, 2018, at 6 p.m. at the lodge hall. Please mark your calendar for the date. Come and join us for the first meeting of the new year. Fraternally, Rita Spinn, President —SPJST—
For the next Lodge 81, Needville meeting on Sunday, January 21, 2018, at 12 noon, it was decided to have fried chicken. Members, please remember to bring a side dish and a dessert. See you at the next meeting! Fraternally, Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—
O O O Presenting 2018 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 169, Brenham
Next Meeting—January 21 The next meeting will be Sunday, January 21, 2018, with potluck for the meal. Everyone, please bring your favorite dish to share. Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek, Secretary —SPJST— The 2018 officers of Lodge 169, Brenham are, left to right, Reporter Erin Sodolak, Secretary/Treasurer Lenora Bliznak, Vice President Stephen Bliznak, and President Janna Alsobrook. They were installed by District One Director Donnie Victorick, pictured far right.
Lodge 81, Needville seeks scholarship applicants
Any college or technical school bound senior who has been a member of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville for at least one year, can apply for the local lodge scholarship. To receive an application, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope before March 15, 2018, to: SPJST Lodge 81, Needville 9939 Peterson Road Needville, Texas 77461 —SPJST—
Lodge 84, Dallas meets January 21
Dear Members, Happy New Year! Lodge 84, Dallas will meet Sunday, January 21, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the lodge hall. Important information about the sale of the lodge building will be presented at the meeting. Please come on out and attend the January meeting! Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan Reporter —SPJST—
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
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Lodge 187, Round Rock Shares Christmas Party Scenes
LEFT PHOTO: Gift exchange table at Lodge 187, Round Rock’s Christmas party on Sunday, December 12, 2017. CENTER PHOTO: The youth of Lodge 187, Round Rock: Alexandria Johnson, Karter Meyer, Kadnce Meyer, Kember Meyer, Mathieu McCarthy, Misty Meyer, and Luke Mc-
Carthy. RIGHT PHOTO: Andrew Smith with his eyes closed . . . to remind people to close your eyes to see your inner self and to see others with your heart and not your eyes. —Submitted by Jennifer McCarthy, Reporter
Lodge 91, San Jacinto held its fourth quarterly meeting of 2017 on Saturday, December 9 at Golden Corral in Baytown, Texas. All officers were present. President Frankie Brewer called the meeting to order by opening with the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was held for departed members. The minutes and treasurer’s report were read and approved. FAC Malba Smesny spoke about Paws Across Texas scheduled for December 22 and the Lodge 91 scholarship in the amount of $500. Motion was made and approved to give the $500 to the Crosby Alumni Association. This would allow the $500 to be combined with the Association’s scholarship to be given to a graduating senior upon review of the applications. Last, a motion was made to accept the present officers by acclamation for 2018. They are:
The December 2017 annual meeting of SPJST Lodge 142, Houston was held on Sunday, December 10, 2017. At 1 p.m., a prayer of thanks was said, and everyone enjoyed a meal of ham and all the delicious trimmings. President Keith Kieschnick called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Flag Bearer Karley Kieschnick. On the sick list were Rosie Malota and Bill Gaddy, both improving. Roll call of officers showed all present except Guide Emil Kutra. We had 33 members and three guests present.
Lodge 91, San Jacinto donates to Crosby Alumni Association
Lodge 92, Fort Worth meets January 14
Lodge 92, Fort Worth will meet Sunday, January 14, 2018, at 2 p.m. Lunch will be served. Upcoming events and rental information is available from Event Manager Jon Durham at 817-624-1361 or online at www.nationalhallfortworth.com. Fraternally, Angela Paprskar Casteel —SPJST—
Lodge 142, Houston reports on December meeting
O O O Presenting 2018 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 179, Warrenton
President Frankie Brewer Vice President June Smesny Treasurer Marie Stasney FAC Malba Smesny Secretary Vonda Smesny
The meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m. Everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner and great conversation. Fraternally, Vonda Smesny, Secretary —SPJST—
The 2018 officers of Lodge 179, Warrenton are, front, left to right, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Joan Sue Goehring, Vice President Ruby Renck, and President/Reporter Ricky Weyand. BACK: Secretary-Treasurer Melissa Wickel and Membership Brenda Callahan.
Secretary Elizabeth Hermis read the minutes from the November meeting, and they were approved as read. Financial Secretary-Treasurer Mary Ann Kieschnick gave the report, and all approved. Youth Leader Catherine Manchack gave a detailed report on all activities for the youth and new youth members.
Thanks, Alice Jochen! Fraternal Activities Coordinator Pat Schleider reported on receiving warm wishes from the Home Office for the holiday season. A plaque will be presented to our outgoing Secretary Alice Jochen with her service of 49 years to SPJST. Christmas cards were passed around and were given to Rosie Malota, Alice and Nelson Jochen, and Bill Gaddy. FAC Schleider also reported on updating the Vestnik with new officers and phone contacts. Auditing committee reported all books were audited on December 8 and are currently in order. Under old business, the scholarship program was discussed in several different aspects. President Keith discussed maintaining GPA average. Under new business, President Keith Kieschnick read rules and regulation changes, and they were all voted on and approved. Pat Schleider has been selected as our fraternalist of the year. Congratulations! Director of Accounting/IT Services Roy Vajdak and wife Becky were welcomed. He shared greetings from the Home Office and spoke about new interest rates and information regarding SPJST. He brought several door prizes that were given out to our members. 2018 Officers Elected Officers for 2018 were elected, and they are:
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Wednesday, January 10, 2018
President Keith Kieschnick Vice President Dennis Hermis Secretary Elizabeth Hermis Financial Secretary-Treasurer Mary Ann Kieschnick Fraternal Activities Coordinator Pat Schleider Youth Leader Catherine Manchack Assistant Youth Leader J.R. Coleman Flag Bearer Zoe Saxton Guide Carol LaPaglia
Birthdays for December are Melvin Kubena - 90 years on the 9th; Chris Schleider - 26 years on the 2nd; Brielle Comberrel - 7 years on the 29th; and J.R. Coleman - 56 years on the 30th. Happy anniversary to Keith and Amy Kieschnick - 20 years on December 6. Door prizes and capsule drawings were awarded, and the meeting adjourned. Next Meeting—January 21 The next meeting will be Sunday January 21, 2018, at 2 p.m. with a meal at 1 p.m. in the Annex building at Lodge 88, Houston. Fraternally, Elizabeth Hermis, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 142, Houston students urged to apply for scholarship
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Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point supports VFD
Attention High School Seniors and Undergraduates: Lodge 142, Houston scholarship applications are now available. There have been some requirement changes. For your copy of the application, please call Lodge 142 Treasurer Mary Ann Kieschnick at 713 862-5512 or email makieschnick@comcast.net. Fraternally yours, Mary Ann Kieschnick Treasurer —SPJST—
Lodge 169, Brenham elect 2018 officers
SPJST Lodge 169, Brenham members had their Christmas party and meeting on December 7, 2017, at Cannery Kitchen. We enjoyed a meal of chicken fried steak with sides. We elected officers for 2018. They are: President Janna Alsobrook Vice President Stephen Bliznak Secretary-Treasurer Lenora Bliznak Reporter Erin Sodolak Submitted by, Lenora Bliznak Secretary-Treasurer —SPJST—
O O O Presenting 2018 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 185, New Braunfels
The 2018 officers of Lodge 185, New Braunfels are, left to right, President Donnie Howard, Second Vice President Kathleen Mills, First Vice President Sharon McDonald, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Lynette Kitchen, Treasurer April Howard, Secretary Jennifer Jurica, and Youth Leader Theresa Haag.
Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point President James L. Lee, III, left, and Treasurer Susan Hutton present a $400 donation to Morgan’s Point Resort Fire Chief John Phillips. The lodge matched a donation from District Two Director Jesse Pospisil’s discretionary fund.
Lodge 185 New Braunfels members celebrate Christmas
contributed items for a yummy taco bar dinner, followed by dessert, meeting, and door prizes. The adult lodge installed its 2018 officers, and a good time was then had by all. Submitted by, Andrea Velasquez —SPJST—
Lodge 185, New Braunfels members gathered for their annual Christmas party on Friday, December 29, 2017, at the American Legion hall. Members
O O O Presenting 2018 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 258, Seguin
The 2018 officers of Lodge 258, Seguin are, left to right, President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Chester Jenke, Vice President Curry Jenke, Secretary Henrietta Lowak, Treasurer Colleen Jenke, and Reporter Carrie Origas.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
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Ennis Sewing Circle Members Enjoy Christmas Party Lodge 187 Round Rock members enjoy holiday dinner
Hello. Tom Etheredge started the December 10, 2017, meeting by reading all the notes and events from the Home Office. We even talked about dealing with holiday stress and planning ahead. It was very helpful indeed. It was discussed and voted by acclamation that all the current board officers and directors will all sign on to continue to be reinstated in January 2018. Entertainment report was by Jennave Fuchs. She read a great poem, “Somebody” by one of our known members Mr. Knape. It was a wonderful poem, and I would love to have a book of all his poems. Mrs. Fuchs stated that everybody should love everybody and then the world would be a better place. Agree and amen to that! December birthdays go to Brodi Volek, Rose Etheredge, and Joann Oman. We had an exciting gift exchange then we all enjoyed a mouth-watering
Ennis Sewing Circle met on December 14, 2017, and members enjoyed a Christmas party. LEFT PHOTO: Front, seated on floor, are, left to right, Dorothy Kudrna, Georgie Morales, and Libbie Vrla. Second row: Georgia Holy, Lil Kosarek, Sandy Pochobradsky, Irene Prachyl, Dolores Vrana, Martha Ritchey, and Victoria Vlk. Back: Dee Anderson, Marie Hejny,
holiday fajita dinner with very tasty desserts. Next Meeting—January 14 The next gathering will be Sunday, January 14, 2018. Blessings to all, Jennifer McCarthy, Reporter —SPJST—
Dorothy Booth, Kay Lynn Kovar, Geraldine Valek, Dorothy Prachyl, Pat Fowler, Dorothy Bobalek, Lorane Marusak, Margaret Martinek, Lillie Macalik, Maggie Holy, Karen Haskovec, and Mary Nell Sladecek. RIGHT PHOTO: Quilt winner Lorane Marusak. Congratulations! —Submitted by Georgie Morales
Ennis Sewing Circle
Ennis Sewing Circle met on Thursday, December 14, 2017, around 9 a.m. in the Sokol Club Room. We had 23 members, and the first thing we did was play bingo. Winners were Georgia Holy, Martha Ritchey, Lil Kosarek, Libbie Vrla, and Dorothy Prachyl. We’re happy for all of you!
Thank you to Lori Macalik for being there and taking our group picture. We forgot to take one last year. President Irene led us in grace, and we all enjoyed a delicious lunch of ham and all the trimmings. Thank you, Maggie Holy, for baking the ham. It was delicious as was everything else. After lunch, we all said the Pledge of Allegiance and held a moment of silence for Rose Marie Novy and Louise Valek. The “Our Father” was recited for
Christmas Party Scenes from Ladies Circle of Lodge 92, Fort Worth
The Ladies Circle of Lodge 92, Fort Worth enjoyed a Christmas party on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth. Fifty-eight members and guests attended. LEFT PHOTO: Birthday ladies! Seated is Josephine Cox. Second row are, left to right, Lupe Esparza, Christine Ap-
person, and Bennie Thieme. In back are Sue Solan, Carolyn Irby, Lola Taylor, and Caroline O’Brien. CENTER, RIGHT, and BELOW: Scenes from the Christmas gift exchange. —Submitted by Joan Simek Shropshire, Secretary
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the above and our sick members. Secretary Sandy read the minutes of the last two meetings, and Treasurer Dolores gave her report. Both were approved as read. Dolores read several thank you notes. President Irene read several funny articles about quilting that we all enjoyed. We missed Vice President Ginny Svehlak. She had knee surgery and is in rehab, but I hear she is doing great. Hurry and come back. Dorothy Prachyl thanked Ann Clagett for donating a box of cards to the Circle. Dorothy had cards for us to sign for our shut-in members: Bessie Laznovsky, Agnes Dujka, Mildred Trlica, and Geraldine Zhanel. Circle members Dorothy Kudrna, Ann Clagett, and I think Irene Prachyl made lap quilts for the above shut-in members. They were all very pretty, and I’m sure the shut-ins were very happy and pleased to get them. Quilt scheduler Pat Fowler read the schedule for 2018. January, we will quilt for Dorothy Kudrna; February - Irene Prachyl; and March - Georgia Holy. We discussed the quilt show, which will be held on March 11 at Sokol Hall. Keep that date in mind and plan to attend. It will be special. We are having Mr. Don Locke exhibit his quilt of “The Last Supper” that he pieced. I have seen a picture of this quilt, and it is something to see. I will write more about it next time. Just keep it in mind. We discussed the January meeting. We will quilt for Dorothy Kudrna, have soup and sandwiches, and of course, desserts. I didn’t get the names of who volunteered to bring soup, three people - Ann Clagett for one. Sorry, I didn’t catch the other names, but I know it will all be just good. We had the Christmas drawing, and the quilt winner was Lorane Marusak. We had several other prizes, but didn’t get everyone’s name so I won’t mention any of the other winners, sorry! We had the gift exchange. I think all were happy with their gift. Dorothy Prachyl made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Pat Fowler. I want to thank everyone for coming especially Marie Vrla. We don’t get to see her often. I want to again thank everyone for coming, and I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year. We hope to see you all on Thursday, January 11. Georgie Morales, Reporter —SPJST—
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Lodge 169, Brenham Member: My Memories by James D. Rothermel
I enlisted in the United States Navy on March 24, 1942, at Houston, Texas, as a Painter 3rd Class and was called to duty in June 1942 to Camp Allen, Virginia, for boot camp training. I was assigned to C Company of the 14th United States Navy Construction Battalion. The 14th Battalion was commissioned on July 14, 1942. The personnel were primarily from Texas and Oklahoma with small delegations from New York to California. September 9, 1942 - We set sail across the Pacific to Nouméa, Caledonia. I was assigned shore duty to help construct a Navy Receiving Hospital. On the 14th, I left New Caledonia for Guadalcanal arriving at Guadalcanal on November 29, 1942. Our first objective was to clear and build an emergency landing strip for crippled planes and others. The landing strip was completed on December 16, 1942. Our Commander Captain James V. Carney borrowed a single engine plane from Henderson Field to test out the new landing strip. We were highly complimented on the condition and short period of time to complete. He boarded the plane taking off to Henderson Field. The engine failed crashing into Skylark Channel killing Captain Carney and his gunner. He was buried in Marine Cemetery at Guadalcanal on December 19, 1942. The 14th and 26th Seabees completed two heavy bomber air fields, and they were named for Captain Carney - Carney Fields No. 1 and No. 2. My duties were painting signs, buildings, tents, quonset huts, and 110-bed Acorn Hospital. The 14th built roads, sawmill, water plant, bridges, docks, and dredged gravel from the Malimbu River for the base of the airfields. The life on Guadalcanal was very miserable. We had excessive heat, humidity, it rained every day, and the ungodly mosquitoes that carried the dreadful malaria that sent more than 600 of our personnel back to the states. Too, we were spending more time at night in our foxholes, rather than in bed getting a good night’s sleep due to Washing Machine Charley flying overhead with anti-aircraft guns shooting at him in the lights. He always flew around until his fuel supply became low, dropping
James D. Rothermel
his bombs wherever he was before returning to home base. Our living quarters were pyramid tents with dirt floors and were located just off the beach. We cleared and built a new site about three miles inland and occupied the new quarters on January 13, 1943. That night, we had a 500-pound bomb land near our campsite. I had no bomb shelter, but I knew where a deep pit was dug for our grease trap at our galley. That night, anti-aircraft batteries were firing away, and I was running for my life diving into the freshly dug pit with all of the cooks and bakers busting my nose causing bleeding, and thought I was wounded. January 21, 1943 - We had a great flood washing out bridges, roads, and tents. We were ordered to evacuate our area as well as Acorn Hospital. We walked in waist- to shoulder-deep water for two miles then were picked up and taken to high ground on the beach. We spent the night there, and the 20th Command furnished us breakfast with sausage, eggs, and coffee. We moved back and cleaned up the camp site. Two days later, it flooded the camp again, but we did not move out. We were housed in our galley and other higher ground we could not detect the night of the first flood. During this same time, we experienced the biggest air raid and shelling from the sea. We had several bombs fall into our area having several receiving small pieces of shrapnel with no
major injury. We were ordered to build bomb-covered shelters at each tent site. The officer dug their own shelters after seeing the results of this raid. I was promoted to 2nd class painter. The malaria was now really taking a huge toll as was fatigue. November, 1943 - We were about 500 men remaining. November - The battalion loaded its gear on the liberty ship Wallace for Hawaii and San Francisco arriving mid-December just in time for my first Christmas at home since entering the Navy. We were given a 30-day leave and reported back to Camp Parks, California, for 10 months. In November, we shipped out to Hawaii on the General R.L. Howze spending four months at Barbers Point for retraining and general work details. In March 1945, we were sent to Saipan spending 29 days loading and unloading onto LSTs for Okinawa. I was on an LST loaded with 50-gallon drums of gasoline, jeeps, and trucks. While en route, a submarine infiltrated our convoy sending a torpedo that went under our LST. I was glad his depth was set for a larger ship. The destroyers dropping depth charges destroyed the sub. We arrived at Okinawa the last days of April. We were busy building docks, roads, and warehouses and were primarily dock facility operators. We saw many kamikaze attacks. We were never in serious trouble with the Japs. We did have two typhoons destroying the docks and campsites that were rebuilt. I was promoted to painter 1st class shortly after arrival. I returned to San Francisco in November to be discharged in Camp Wallace, Texas. I was discharged December 15, 1945. I immediately enrolled in college graduating with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I married Dorothy Ann Hodde in 1947 having two sons and six grandchildren. I spent 29 years in education. I taught high school and served as high school principal and dean of College of Business Administration. I retired in 1978. The past 22 years, we have been active volunteers and traveled to 48 states along with two trips to Europe and Australia and New Zealand. —SPJST—
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
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SPJST Youth Section
The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. the Wednesday before the publication date. Send your news and photos directly to:
STAFF APPLICATIONS OPEN FOr SPJST Camps
SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087
- Experience working with kids - Gain leadership skills - Get certified in Ropes - Work alongside international staff - Lifelong friendships - Be a role model - Get outside and unplug - Be a part of the Texas Czech community
Email: vestnik@spjst.org Questions? Call 800-727-7578
Happy New Year to our District Youth Counselors, Assistant District Youth Counselors, Youth Leaders, and SPJST Youth! Please help me wish Lynette Talasek the best in her new position as Human Resource Administrator. Lynette will be helping some as needed through the year. I am looking forward to the new year and working with your youth club and districts. I will be attending many events this year. You will see me at your Districts Youth Achievement Day. I will be at the camps when time allows. Here’s to the New Year!
Membership Drives Membership drives can help create a momentum of growth in your group, but don’t just stop there. Continue to host fun events for youth to enjoy throughout the year. Check out www.thesource4ym.com for some really great youth event ideas. Some of the ideas on this web page would also be useful when planning your youth club meetings and holiday parties.
Save these 2018 Dates! Leaders-In-Training Camp June 15 to 17 Districts Two and Six Camp June 20 to 24 Districts Three and Five Camp June 27 to July 1 Districts One and Seven Camp July 18 to 22
Please be sure to check your calendars. We will be looking for physically active adult chaperones very soon. Youth, if you
are not able to make it to your district’s camp - that is okay - you can register for any of the camps!
Backing the Blob Last summer at SPJST Camps, the blob received a non-repairable tear. The cost to replace the blob is $4,400. SPJST has 33 active youth clubs, and if each one was to donate $150, united we would be able to replace the blob. Please send all donations to P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503.
Scholarships and Leadership Grants All members who are high school seniors are encouraged to apply for the SPJST General Scholarship. Undergraduates are encouraged to apply for the General Scholarship as well. Please, remember if you are an active youth club member, you may apply for both the SPJST General Scholarship and Leadership Grant. For more information or applications, please call Sandra Dubcak in the Fraternal De-
Must be 18 years old by June 1, 2018, to be eligible
GrOw with SPJST
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 January updates
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Contact Whitten Shappell at 979-249-5674 or email whittens@spjst.com to receive your application today!
partment or visit spjst.com. Completed applications and related application materials must be in the Home Office on or before February 1, 2018.
Youth Leader Training Youth Leaders Workshop will be held Saturday, March 24 at SPJST Home Office, located at 520 North Main Street in Temple. This will be a one day event. Please note that attendance is a requirement of a youth leader. If you or your assistant is not able to attend, please identify a member of your lodge who would attend on your behalf. District Youth Counselors cannot be considered a lodge representative. We will cover the youth program, incentives, youth achievement day projects, and Home Office-sponsored contests.
Quarterly Reports Due Please make every effort to submit your quarterly reports, youth leaders. We still have a number of them that have not been turned into the office. They were due December 15. This is the report for September, October, and November. This report is used to help determine youth club funding and incentives. Not turning in a report could mean losing hundreds of dollars for your youth club. President’s Volunteer Service Award The SPJST Youth Program is a sponsor for the President’s Volunteer Service Awards for all SPJST youth who are eligible to receive the awards. No youth may receive more than one President’s Volunteer Service Awards during the preceding calendar year. SPJST will recognize youth for volunteer service during
Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club Donates to Food for Families
SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club participated in the Food For Families Food Drive in Caldwell on December 6, 2017. Youth donated 80 pounds of
food. Way to go, New Tabor youth! Thanks for your donations! —Submitted by Holly Narro, Youth Leader
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
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January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2017. You can log your hours online. For information on logging hours online, please contact Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez at 254-773-1575 or 800-727-7578. The deadline for logging hours is February 28.
Youth Development Workshop The District Youth Development Workshops will be conducted by District Youth Counselors. Please watch your email and the Vestnik for more information. You will be covering topics that pertain to youth achievement day projects and a lot of other fun ideas to share. Please be sure to encourage your youth members to participate.
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January Vestnik Project January’s Vestnik Project talks about Apollo 1. Try and plan an activity or memorial to honor our fallen astronauts. The February Vestnik Project will be the phases of the moon. Have a fun activity with Oreo cookies (instructions were included in this month’s packet).
2018 Youth Program Theme: “Out Of This World With SPJST” Our youth club theme is “Out Of This World With SPJST.” This is a great theme that hopefully will give our young artists the opportunity to make some great designs for this year’s camp teeshirt design contest.
The camp tee-shirt theme is “Out Of This World With SPJST.” Complete information and an official entry form are on page 25 . I would really like for youth leaders to encourage some discussion on this topic during your next couple of meetings. Please encourage all of your youth club members to enter. The grand prize is a $100 gift card and a free teeshirt for the winner. Contest deadline is January 31. All participants receive two merit points and a participation certificate. Mark Your Calendar: May 5 is Join Hands Day Our goal for 2018 is to have 50 or
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more lodges participate. What can your youth club do? Some of the great projects from past years included baking for the needy, cemetery clean-ups, highway beautification, assisting veterans and senior citizens programs, and raising funds for your local volunteer fire department. You’ve still got plenty of time to decide what you want to do in 2018. The main thing — at this point — is committing to doing something. 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 developing and/or promoting their project. This incentive will be for lodges who partner
Mail completed project no later than F SPJST January Vestnik Project -• P.O. Remembrance of76503 Apollo 1 Box 100 • Temple, Texas
This project earns a maximum 1 point in the SPJST Youth Clubs Merit Points System. Mail completed project no later than February 15, 2018 to: SPJST Youth Program c/o SPJST Home Office • P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503
Name___________________________________________________________Age______________ Lodge______________
N Apollo 1: National Day of Remembrance
The Apollo program changed forever on January 27, 1967, when a flash fire swept through the Apollo 1 command module during a launch rehearsal test. The three men inside perished despite the best efforts of the ground crew. It would take more than 18 months, and extensive redesigns, before NASA sent more men into space.
NASA had a lofty goal, set by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, to land a man on the moon and return him safely to Earth by the end of the decade. Earlier Mercury and Gemini flights had been the first steps toward that goal, testing how humans behaved in space and how to do technical spacecraft procedures such as meeting other space craft (rendezvous). Now the Apollo missions would take astronauts all the way to the moon for orbital missions and landing missions.
The Apollo 1 crew commander, Virgil "Gus" Grissom, was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He was chosen among NASA's first group of seven astronauts, the Mercury Seven. Fellow spaceflight veteran Ed White, an Air Force lieutenant colonel, was the first American to make a spacewalk, on Gemini 4 in 1965. Roger Chaffee was a seasoned Navy lieutenant commander who joined the program in 1963, but a rookie in space.
Decades later, NASA recalls the Apollo 1 incident every January in an annual Day of Remembrance. It also honors the Challenger and Columbia crews, who died in 1986 and 2003, respectively.
Words to find: APOLLO, ASTRONAUT, EARTH, GEMINI, MERCURY, MOON, NASA, SPACE, & STARS h
https://www.space.com/35477-apollo1-new-nasa-hatches-exhibit.html
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with youth in their community. To receive the $100 incentive, lodges must register the event with the Home Office. Fraternally, Frank Horak State Youth Director —SPJST—
District Two youth encouraged to dance beseda
Dear Friends, The month of May will mark a year since District Two Youth Beseda Dancers have had a public performance. Many youth, parents, and spectators have commented on missing the performances. I would love to see the groups reorganize and get started again. Deana Burt and Lynette Talasek, both of Lodge 47, Seaton, have graciously volunteered to direct and schedule performances and practices for the group. I know these ladies will do an awesome job and make it enjoyable. I plan on making myself available to help wherever possible. I
know that I can count on everyone else to do the same. There is interest in learning the dance and joining beseda from several of the younger members. I hope some of our previous dancers will get back involved to help teach those who are wishing to learn. What a memory for those of you who participated in all the performances of the previous group. Remember the excitement and happiness in the eyes of those who watched you dance? What a gift you all received by being a part of something much bigger than yourselves. Each one of you has the ability to help carry on this tradition – not only the dance, but the performance. A meeting was scheduled for Sunday, January 7 at 1:30 p.m. at Lodge 47, Seaton. We hope that all youth and parents attended. If you are interested, but were unable to attend the meeting, please give either Deana or Lynette a call so that something can be worked out. I am sure there are a lot of questions and suggestions, and these ladies are ready to listen and help. We will need everyone’s help and input to keep the Czech heritage beseda dance alive.
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Costumes If you have a costume and you do not feel like you will be able to participate in the District Two Beseda, please contact Deana, Lynette, or Patsy so that we may be able to pick up the costume. This will help keep the cost down on replacing costumes. If you have a costume and wish to participate in the District Two Beseda group, please try on the costume in its entirety. If you have a piece that needs to be replaced, please bring that part of the costume to Deana, Lynette, or Patsy. Finally, whether you wish to participate or not, if you have any boots, shoes, pants, or shirts that no longer fit, please consider donating those back to the group. Let’s Do This! We can do this! Just ask those who have participated before. You will be a part of preserving Czech heritage in SPJST, learning different dance steps, meeting new friends, making others happy, dancing in different areas of the state, going on trips, and so much more, but mostly . . . having fun! Please share this information with all
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your friends! If you have any questions, please contact: Lynette Talasek 254-931-0639 Talasekl72@gmail.com Deana Burt 254-718-9453 (text) Dlburtbiz@gmail.com Patsy Koslovsky 254-718-1606 patsyk2011@yahoo.com
Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor —SPJST—
Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club Honors Deceased, Hosts Christmas Program
On Sunday, December 3, 2017, Lodge 17, New Tabor held its annual memorial service and youth program. Departed lodge members were honored, the youth club presented a program, a delicious meal was served, and we had a visit from Santa! LEFT PHOTO: The youth program was fabulous - great job! CENTER PHOTO: Santa came to visit! He is pictured with New Tabor Youth Club members. RIGHT PHOTO:
District One Director Donnie Victorick tells Santa what he wants for Christmas! BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Youth Leader Holly Narro enjoys a visit with Santa. BELOW CENTER PHOTO: New Tabor “Mayor” Gladys Hejl loves Santa! BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Remembering departed lodge members. —Submitted by Holly Narro, Youth Leader
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Lodge 47, Seaton youth excited about New Year
School is almost out for the Christmas holidays. I will miss my friends and teachers. I am looking forward to the New Year. Lydia Federle, age 10 —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton youth enjoys Christmas party
I enjoyed the Christmas party. Best of all, school is out! I will see all of my family, and it is a large family so I’ll do a lot of visiting. Ariana Federle, age 12 —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton youth: games, food at December meeting
Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club members had their meeting in December. We played games and had lots to eat. I had fun! Rebecca Federle, age 7 —SPJST—
Fun activities for families to enjoy in January By Apryl Duncan spruce.com
January may seem like a dreary month since it can get so cold outside. But there are plenty of fun things for families to do together in January with activities and celebrations that make all of you forget about the weather outside.
Enjoy Winter Activities Together Kids are playing indoors more these days. Keep them busy without video games. Try a complete list of winter activities for kids that will entertain your children until the spring thaw. From going places to having fun in your own backyard, you don’t have to be cooped up all winter. Play Indoors Staying in the house doesn’t mean the kids have to park it in front of the television. There are plenty of indoor activities for kids that involve active games, pretend play, and creativity exercises. Build a life-sized board game, write picture stories, or create a website together.
Sign Up for Music Classes New sessions of kids’ music classes start this month, and many programs are geared toward the school-age child, all the way down to classes for mommies and babies. Not interested in classes? Try music activities with kids that allow you to strike up the band on your own terms.
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Get Organized Your house may feel like it’s overflowing now that Santa has paid your kids a visit. Don’t wait until the spring thaw. Get organized now and get a jump on de-cluttering. Make way for the new toys by clearing out some of the old. And don’t forget to clear out those bedrooms and storage areas. Your camera isn’t exempt either. Organize all of those pictures you took over the holidays so you can find them easily on your computer when you need them. Volunteer The holidays are behind us, and it’s easy to think there isn’t a need for volunteers right now. But many organizations have a continual need for volunteers, not just in the Christmas months. Pick out volunteering opportunities that are age-appropriate for everyone in your family and start volunteering this month. Cook Winter Recipes as a Family Out of all of the months in your family’s busy calendar, January is usually
Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club Delivers Christmas Cheer to Legend Oaks Care Center
Dear Readers, Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club gathered on Sunday, December 3, 2017, at Legend Oaks Care Center in Ennis to distribute gifts and homemade Christmas cards
and to perform our annual Christmas program for the residents. Afterwards, we met at Pizza Hut to eat and have a short meeting. The next meeting will be Sunday, January 7, 2018. See you then, and Veselé Vánoce a
LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club performs at Legend Oaks. CENTER PHOTO: Youth sing Christmas carols for the residents. RIGHT PHOTO: Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and helpers. BELOW LEFT PHOTO:
Šťastný Nový Rok! Fraternally, Rita Holland, Youth Leader —SPJST—
State Queen April, right, and State Duchess Madison. BELOW CENTER PHOTO: State Royalty at the Fort Worth Parade of Lights. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Some of the SPJST participants in the parade.
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Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club Participates in Temple, Rogers Parades
Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club loved the opportunity to be a part of the Christmas parades in Temple and Rogers. We look forward to the opportunity. But most of all, thank you to Melanie and David for their dedication in making the floats happen. What a joy it is to hear over and over throughout the
one of the slower ones. Activities haven’t picked up yet like they do in spring, summer, and fall. It’s a great time to cook together and enjoy some delicious winter recipes. National Hobby Month Find a new hobby to enjoy with your children during National Hobby Month. Explore many fun hobbies, such as jewelry making, rubber stamping, origami, painting, and more. Hobbies are a great way to spend quality time with your fam-
ily every day.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
parades about what great floats we have. What a great impact this makes for SPJST. Thank you! Amber Bartek, Youth Leader —SPJST—
National Soup Month Warm up your winter days with hot soup. National Soup Month is the perfect time to get your kids in the kitchen to make soup together. Whip up a batch of chicken soup, vegetable beef soup, bean soup, and more. National Staying Healthy Month Cold and flu season is kicking into high gear. Keep kids safe and healthy
with winter health tips. Get your children involved with health, safety, and nutrition worksheets.
National Thank You Month Practice the gift of “thank you” during National Thank You Month. Encourage your kids to write thank you notes and show them how to make those thank you cards special. Not sure where to start? Have the kids write thank you notes to their friends and family for those gifts they got during the holidays.
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Oatmeal Month When else do you get to celebrate all things oatmeal? Make oatmeal cookies together. Send them off to school with a bowl of warm oatmeal in their bellies.
Make a Sick Plan Of course, you do your best to keep your kids from getting sick, but it seems inevitable that germs will make their way through your family. Don’t wait for the germs to invade your house before coming up with a plan. Be ready with activities kids can do even when their sick. Mom’s not immune either. Be prepared for those days when mom is too sick to entertain.
Take a Winter Trip Avoid the cabin fever blues and get away for a while. Take a family trip, whether it’s a holiday road trip or a simple weekend adventure. Winter is a great time to go on vacation with your kids because prices for most destinations and attractions plummet in the off season. —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Members gather for December Meeting, Christmas Celebrations
In November, Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club had a membership drive in connection with the mother lodge’s chili lunch. We provided games and prizes for the kids. A huge thank you to Temple High School volunteers from the athletic trainers group and Student Council. It was all made possible with the help and coordination of Windee Skrabanek. Thank you so much!
Thank you, parents, for all the donations of candy and cupcakes. The December youth club meeting was followed by a Christmas celebration of the youth club. Parents brought snacks and drinks. We planned a youth club outing for January. We will take a trip to Medieval Times in Dallas. All active youth will be offered a free
ticket, and parents and siblings can purchase their tickets at our group rate. Please notify me by December 20 if you would like to attend. I enjoyed being youth leader for 2017 and look forward to an even greater year in 2018. Amber Bartek, Youth Leader —SPJST—
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Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Idle Thought by d.knape
I went into the woods to find part of what I was missing the coolness of wind the flutter of falling leaves the painted trees in the going I found an idle thought laying next to a tree and carried it home with me it soon curled up in the back of my mind and snuggled there it lays there still waiting for me to wake it up a poem inside sleeping.
VĚSTNÍK
Lodge 80, Holland Youth Club Collects Food for Local Pantry
Lodge 80, Holland Youth Club hosted a food drive in November and December for the local food pantry. In addition to the food drive, the youth club also held a drawing to raise money to purchase additional food. All food items were do-
nated to First Baptist Church of Holland Food Pantry. Youth Club President Shelby Horak presented the lucky winners from the drawing with their prizes. —SPJST—
—SPJST—
Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Club Spreads Christmas Joy Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club Shares December Meeting Scenes
Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Club made Christmas pins to hand out to the residents before Christmas at the S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Center in Taylor. —Michelle Newsom, Youth Leader
Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club members gathered on Sunday, December 17, 2017, at Spring Creek Barbecue for their monthly meeting. —Submitted by Megan and Ryan Ruzicka
VĚSTNÍK
2018 SPJST Camp Tee-Shirt Design Contest Rules
Theme: Out Of This World With SPJST
What is it? Each year, SPJST sponsors a tee-shirt design contest for youth members to create an artistic design for the summer camp tee-shirts. Who can enter? Active SPJST members entering kindergarten or age 5* to high school senior. Contest Dates October 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018.
The Rules ❒ To enter, the youth must currently be an active youth club member. ❒ Create a tee-shirt design relating to the 2018 theme: “Out Of This World With SPJST”
❒ Submit entry, using a black pen, black marker, or any coloring instrument on an official entry form (available from SPJST youth leaders or the State Youth Director).
❒ Entries must be freehand originals created by the youth member. ❒ Entries should be simple in design and easy to reproduce on a tee-shirt. ❒ Entry will not display any alcohol, tobacco, or drug-related items.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
❒ Entries become the property of SPJST and will not be returned. ❒ Grand prize winner may not enter the contest for one year following winning. ❒ Entries must be postmarked by January 31, 2018. ❒ Mail entries to: SPJST State Youth Director c/o SPJST Home Office PO Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503-0100
Judging Designs will be judged by in-house art specialists. Judging is based on the design’s overall appearance and appeal; creativity and originality; and ability to reproduce on a tee-shirt.
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Awards All participants will receive a participation certificate, and youth club members will also receive two merit points in the Merit Point System. The following prizes will be awarded:
Grand Prize Winner $100 gift card and youth member’s design on the 2018 SPJST Camp TeeShirts (Youth winning grand prize will not receive age category prize.) Age Category Prizes Ages Entering Kindergarten or Age 5 to 8 Years $75 Gift Card Ages 9 to 11 Years $75 Gift Card Ages 12 to 14 Years $75 Gift Card Ages 15 Years to High School Senior $75 Gift Card
2018 SPJST Camp Tee-Shirt Design Contest Official Entry Form 2018 Theme: “Out Of This World With SPJST” Entry Deadline: January 31, 2018 Draw your original design in the space blocked at left. See 2017 - 2018 SPJST Youth Club Handbook for contest rules for complete details. Name __________________________ Lodge __________________________ Age___ Date of Birth ____________ Address ________________________ City ____________________________ Zip ____________________________ Phone (_____) ___________________ This is my original artwork -- not traced or copied. I understand that it becomes the property of SPJST and will not be returned. ________________________________
Youth Member’s Signature
________________________________ Parent’s Signature
________________________________ Date
Mail entry by January 31, 2018 to: SPJST Camp Tee-Shirt Design Contest c/o SPJST Home Office P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503
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Wednesday, January 10, 2018
VĚSTNÍK
Being Though Of by d.knape
To be thought of remembered by someone is a wonderful thing
in times that move so fast how nice that for a moment time stops for connection between two one remembered from the past another remembered for the present both opened the gift of being thought of
perhaps the greatest gift of all. —SPJST—
Year’s End by d.knape
So much that we experienced has now come down to this The waning hours of this worn year we take time to reminisce
We think back on what occurred to make some sense of it It gave us many memories and for its time we’re blessed.
—SPJST—
Expression of Sympathy
We, the members of SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family of ALFRED MARTIN SABRSULA Alfred Sabrsula, Sr., 91, of Wharton passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, in a Wharton care center. He was born on October 28, 1926, in Needville to the late Adolph and Ludmilla Muniza Sabrsula. Alfred was raised in the Crescent area and attended school there and later finished Alfred Sabrsula his education once the family relocated to Oklahoma. Upon returning to Texas, he married Ruth Kalina on November 16, 1948, in Smithville. He served our country honorably in the United States Army Air Corp. Alfred was a farmer and worked as a carpenter, building homes for many people in the Wharton area. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing his harmonica, and collecting more than 650 cookie jars. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton. In addition to his parents, Alfred was preceded in death by his siblings Anton Sabrsula, Paul Sabrsula, A.J. Sabrsula, Viola Kalina, Pauline Kalina, Lillie Kalina, Betty Dry, and Mary Ann Doris. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ruth Kalina Sabrsula; sons Alfred Sabrsula, Jr. and wife Gloria of Bay City and Kenneth Sabrsula of Wharton; daughters Carolyn Pavlicek of Wharton and Judy Felcman and husband Frank of Hungerford; sisters Clara Kutach and husband Adolph of Boling and Tracy Howell and husband Preston of Edna; grandchildren Judy K. Cox, Bo Pavlicek, Craig, Ryan and Carly Sabrsula, Kasey Felcman, Kerry Kocian, Kelly Sweat, Katy Morrison, and Chad Sabrsula; and 22 great-grandchildren. Visitation was Thursday, January 4 at the Chapel of Wharton Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral service was Friday, January 5 at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Wharton Funeral Home. Burial was in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery under the auspices of American Legion Post 87 and VFW Post 4474. Serving as pallbearers were Bo Pavlicek, Bubba
Cox, Chad Sabrsula, Ryan Sabrsula, Adam Kocian, Cody Sweat, and Brent Morrison. Funeral service was the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www. whartonfuneralhome.com. Fraternally, Janie Bucek Secretary/FAC —SPJST—
In Memory of Robert Mohel
Robert Lee Mohel was called home to the Lord on Monday, December 11, 2017. He was born on October 11, 1938. He lived in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife Leta of 53 years. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 20, Granger. Robert Mohel He was preceded in death by his parents Emile Mohel and Hattie Gaida; son Robert Lee; and sister Helen Marie Mohel. He is survived by daughter Cynthia A. Baker and husband Rainer of Hondo; daughter Sandra Speed and husband Billy of Castroville; grandchildren RainerLee Baker and wife Analise of San Antonio and Amanda Speed of Castroville; great-granddaughter Autumn NovaLee Baker of San Antonio; and brother Dan Mohel. —SPJST—
In Memory of Ann Balusek
Ann Schiller Ondrej Balusek, age 97, of Cameron, Texas, died Friday, December 15, 2017, in a Cameron nursing and rehab facility. Funeral service was at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 19 at Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home with Reverend Johnny Kueker officiating. Burial followed in Hope Lutheran Memorial Park in Buckholts. Visitation was Monday, December 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Mrs. Balusek was born January 8, 1920, to John and Anna (Stracik)
Schiller. She married Alfred Fritz Ondrej; he preceded her in death in 1971. In 1972, she married Dan Balusek, and he preceded her in death in 2014. She had worked for the City of Cameron for many years. Mrs. Balusek was a member of Buckholts Brethren Church where she was a member of the Christian Sisters organization. She was a founding member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW Post 2010 and a member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton. She is survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. —SPJST—
Resolution of Sympathy
The Resolution Committee of Lodge Karel Havlicek, No. 4, Hallettsville, Texas, on behalf of the entire membership wishes to express our sincere and deepest sympathy to the family of our departed lodge brother, CRAIG JOSEPH MIKUSH, age 50, who suddenly passed away at his home in New Braunfels, Texas, on Thursday, November 16, 2017. He was born on December 5, 1966, in La Grange, Fayette County, to Joe John Mikush and Verline Bennett. He married Sandra Warren on March 5, 1994, enjoying 23 years of marriage. He was serving as the current president of the Mikush Family Reunion which is held every year on the second Sunday in July in Hallettsville. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville. He was preceded in death by his father Joe John Mikush on December 1, 2013. Survivors include wife Sandra Mikush of New Braunfels; son Justin Joseph Mikush attending Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; mother Verline Bennett of Houston; sister Wanda Marie McBride and husband Kevin and children Kirsten and Payton of Waller; and sister Sheryl Lynn Mikush of Houston. Visitation was Monday, November 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Addison Funeral Home in Spring. Funeral service was Tuesday, November 21 at 11 a.m. at Addison Funeral Home. Burial followed at 3 p.m. at Vsetin Cemetery in Hallettsville. May our departed brother rest in eternal peace. Resolution Committee Victoria Zak Gayenell Chudej —SPJST—
Podpora
VĚSTNÍK
BENEVOLENCE
ROČNÍK 106 CISLO 1
Czech Center Museum Houston hosts special free movie weekend
This MLK weekend: Dancers from all over the world will descend upon Houston to share a weekend of Tango, connection, and joy at the Czech Center and Museum! The Czech Center and Museum will host Houston’s second-ever tango marathon with over 30 hours of dancing packed into one weekend! Dancers from every corner of the United States, Mexico, and Europe will join world class tango DJs to share many memories and enrich our local tango community. Although the marathon is ticketed and only open to tango dancers, there is still a way for you to enjoy the explosion of tango in our lovely city. To help you get in the tango spirit, there will be two free screenings of Tango movies on Saturday, January 13 and Sunday, January 14. Come see the movies on the first floor of the Czech Center and Museum and feel free to take a peek upstairs and enjoy some of the dancing, music, and connection. Executive produced by Wim Wenders, Our Last Tango tells the life and love story of Argentina's most famous tango dancers Maria Nieves Rego and Juan Carlos Copes, who met as teenagers and danced together for nearly 50 years until a painful separation tore them apart. Relaying their story to a group of young tango dancers and choreographers from Buenos Aires, their story of love, hatred, and passion is transformed into unforgettable tango-choreographies. Sunday, January 14 - 4 p.m.: For the Love of Tango - A blind man’s journey into the intoxication, complex world of Argentine tango. Beyond the fancy footwork, beautiful dresses, high heels, and dazzling performances, tango is about discovering of oneself. The time is from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto Street, Houston, TX, 77004. —SPJST—
★
Lidskost
Česká
HUMANITY
Bratrství Wednesday, January 10, 2018
★
Část
Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas
Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897
Travis-Williamson Counties CHS meets January 17
The first New Year meeting of TravisWilliamson Counties Czech Heritage Society will be held at the Pflugerville Recreation Center, 400 Immanuel Road in Pflugerville, on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at 7 p.m. Kay Bouska will give a two-part presentation. The first is in honor of the 100th anniversary of the forming of Czechoslovakia. She will share a brief summary of the history of the Czech people that led up to the forming of the country in 1918. The second part will be a description of an exciting program her hometown in South Dakota presents during their annual Czech days to honor the town’s Czech pioneers. As always in addition to the meeting and program, good food and fellowship will be enjoyed by all. For additional information, please contact Julia Johnson at 512-837-1726. Submitted by, Janie Zbranek, Reporter —SPJST—
TCGS’ Keeping Alive and Cheating Death seminar Jan. 27 in Caldwell
Can you fill out your family medical history when you go to the doctor? Can your children and grandchildren provide family medical history if needed? What are medical facilities like in the Czech Republic? What would you do if you had an accident while on an overseas trip? Do you understand the causes of death listed on old family death certificates? Do you understand genealogical aspects of DNA and how to understand DNA results? It is important to preserve, share, and
pass along family health information/records to future generations. Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS) will focus on these health topics in its “Keeping Alive and Cheating Death” seminar on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at Caldwell Civic Center, 103 Highway 21 West in Caldwell from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Doors open at 8 a.m. with registration and morning refreshments. The schedule from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. includes program, annual meeting, election of officers, silent auction, sales table, and music by Henry and Mark Holub. Registration fee includes a catered lunch. Membership in TCGS is not required to attend. Program sessions include:
“Family History: Are you Passing it On?” - Charlene Hurta In 2001, Charlene became a cofounder of Texas Czech Genealogical Society and served as President from 2003 to 2016. She also served as the České Stopy editor, book publishing chair as well as other capacities. Her session will encourage sharing family med-
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BROTHERHOOD
10.leden.2018
ical knowledge and records, along with the importance of passing them on and preserving them for future generations.
“My Moravian Odyssey” Gladys Valchar After serving Irving High School in Irving as a math teacher for six years and a lead counselor for 38 years, Gladys retired from full-time work to have time to resume her genealogy research, which had been dormant for more than 25 years. Joining TCGS in 2007 and serving as secretary for the last three years renewed her interest in taking her bucket list trip to the Czech Republic in the summer of 2017 to visit her ancestors’ villages. Breaking a leg in Janová, Moravia, changed her scheduled two-week tour of villages to a sixweek tour of four hospitals. Gladys will share her experiences including Moravian hospitals in Vsetin and Brno; “He Died of What? Explaining Causes of Death” Doug Kubicek A 28-year Texas History Instructor
Keeping Alive and Cheating Death Texas Czech Genealogical Society Saturday, January 27, 2018 Caldwell Civic/Visitors Center
103 Texas Hwy 21 W • Caldwell, Texas
Mail with payment to: Carroll Brincefield • PO Box 45 • Hallettsville, TX 77964
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Wednesday, January 10, 2018
for Hallettsville ISD, Doug always creates original presentations based on his unique knowledge and research. This time, he explains causes of death listed on the certificates of the past and what they mean.
“DNA Testing in Genealogy” Jane Magill Jane has a PhD from Cornell University and is a retired Professor of Biochemistry at Texas A&M University. She will talk about the genealogical aspects of DNA testing, analysis of pedigrees, and explanation of DNA results. She is prepared to work one on one to assist individuals understand their DNA results so bring your DNA test results and pedigrees. Register Today! TCGS membership is not required to attend the event. Registration - $35 for members; $40 for non-members (if postmarked on/before January 13; $40 for members and $45 for non-members if postmarked between January 14 to 19; and $50 for everyone registering after January 19 or at the door. Registration fee includes a catered lunch. To register by credit card, go to https://squareup.com/store/TXCZGS/ite m/registration. Registration forms and more information are also available on TCGS website at http://txczgs.org. Registration form follows at the end of this article. You may also register by mailing a check made out to TCGS, with your name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address to Carroll Brincefield, PO Box 45, Hallettsville, Texas 77964. If you have questions, please contact Carroll 361-798-6588 or 361798-4280; or email her at brincefieldc@gmail.com. TCGS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Refunds given only for death or hospitalization of an immediate family member. Gladys Valchar Lodge 87, Temple —SPJST—
Texas Czech Genealogical Society Website: txczgs.org
Promoting the study of the genealogy of the particular group of people known as “Texas Czechs.”
For membership: Merlene Bravenec 254-778-7285
VĚSTNÍK
Lodge 24, Cyclone member recognizes names on 1927 quilt at Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center
The Czech Heritage Museum was honored recently with a visit from Mrs. Viola Doskocil of Lodge 24, Cyclone and her daughter Barbara Rubino. Mrs. Doskocil found that she personally knew many of the people from her youth represented on this 1927 quilt that is displayed in the Museum. “Membership Quilt’ was made in 1927 by the Christian Sisters of Ocker Brethren Church in Zabcikville, Texas, and the Seaton
Westphalia Knights to host January 28 42 domino tournament
The annual Westphalia Knights of Columbus Council “42” Domino Tournament is Sunday, January 28, 2018, at Westphalia Community Parish Hall, located on Highway 320 in Westphalia. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. continuing until 12:30 p.m. with play starting shortly after that. Each player will draw for a partner between rounds and will play four 30-minute rounds. A nominal cost will be charged per player. Prizes will be awarded to the top players. Food and drinks will be available at a nominal cost starting at 11 a.m. If you need more information, call Junior Hering at 254-583-2156 or James Kahlig at 254-985-2315. Make plans to attend and enjoy an afternoon with old friends and make new ones. Ken Driska —SPJST—
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Brethren Church in Seaton, Texas, along with ladies from the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cyclone, Texas. Each square was made by a different sister. The quilt contains 528 names of members from the three churches. It was donated by Mrs. Anne Mae Schiller Fleming on San Antonio, Texas. —Susan Chandler, Museum Administrator Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center
Bexar County CHS sets March 4 dance
Bexar County Czech Heritage Society will host a dance on Sunday, March 4, 2018, at Martinez Social Club, located at 7791 FM 1346 at FM 1516 in San Antonio, Texas 78220.
Mark Halata will provide the music from 2 to 6 p.m. Admission will be charged, and children ages 14 and under will be admitted free of charge. Refreshments will include sausageon-a-bun, sauerkraut, and kolaches. Submitted by, Frankie M. Twardowski —SPJST—
Tarok Tournament
Saturday, January 27, 2018 Lodge 48, Beyersville Hall 10450 FM 6198 • Taylor
E IS EVERYON ! E WELCOM
All rules will be the same as the SPJST tournament.
$10 entry fee includes coffee, snacks, and noon meal. Prizes: 1st - $150 • 2nd - $100 • 3rd - $50 Plus, $5 to the player with the most chips on each round Registration - 8 a.m. Play begins at 9 a.m. Please pre-register by Wednesday, January 24 Bobby Wuensche 281-352-3517 or 281-352-7815 or by mail: 2451 County Road 405 • Taylor, Texas 76574-5421
VĚSTNÍK
TCHCC shares 2018 event schedule
Czech School of Dallas plans Easter Market on March 24
Vaclav Havel Czech School of Dallas/Česká škola Václava Havla and Sokol Dallas, 7448 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75231, invites your family to an Easter Market and day of family fun on Saturday, March 24, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The traditional Easter egg decorating will be turned into a day full of fun for the whole family! Join to decorate eggs and make pomlazka, other crafts, and games. The Easter Market will include delicious food, snacks, arts, and crafts! Stay tuned for more details! If you’d like to be a vendor, email czechschoolofdallas@yahoo.com or call Nina 214-881-6474 for booth/table fee. Tables will be provided. —SPJST—
Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC), 250 West Fairgrounds Road in La Grange, Texas, invites all to mark the following 2018 events on their calendars and plan to attend:
Saturday, February 10—Valentine’s Dinner and Concert: 4 p.m. - social featuring local wines. 6 p.m. - dinner served to your table. 7 p.m. - piano concert by Professor John Dujka. Roses given to attendees. Tickets go on sale after Monday, January 1, 2018. $75/person. Friday, February 23 and Saturday, February 24—Hanslik Hall: Lunches for Best Little Quilt Show in Texas Annual Quilt Show at the Fairgrounds. TCHCC hosts a chicken noodle soup and kolače lunch available for purchase.
March—Museum: World War I and the Birth of Czechoslovakia - an exhibit detailing Czech efforts on the battlefield and Czech Americans on the home front during World War I. Any memorabilia of an ancestor who fought in World War I is being accepted for display in the exhibit.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Saturday, March 24—Texans of Czech Ancestry (TOCA) Banquet and Awards. Contact a member of TOCA for tickets.
Sunday, May 20—Slavnost - May Fest and Tribute to the Immigrants: Ceremony honors Czech immigrants to Texas of any year at 10:30 a.m. Contact TCHCC for immigrant recognition forms. Available for the first 25. Event includes a meal served beginning at 11:30 a.m.; music on the deck - 12:30 to 5 p.m.; prize drawing, country store, May pole dance, and village tours.
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Amphitheater, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks Finale, 9:30 p.m.
For more information, visit www.czechtexas.org; call 888-7854500; or email info@czechtexas.org. —SPJST—
Monday, July 16 to Sunday, July 29— Czech Republic Bohemian/Moravian Tour 2018: 13 days through the Czech lands. For tickets and details, email probert420@aol.com. Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20—Heritage Fest and Muziky. Friday: Octoberfest on the deck: music by the Dujka Brothers Band, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday: Music by Jerry Haisler and the Melody 5, and Enzian Buam, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Muziky, Muziky at the
Texas Polka News Subscribe Today! Monthly, full-color publication offers band/musician features, music event calendar, festival/church picnic coverage, Texas music history & more! Our mission is to reach 3,000 subscribers by 2018, the paper’s 30th anniversary. Designate SPJST Youth Programs to receive a donation & the youth programs will be eligible to win prize money. Learn more at TexasPolkaNews.com.
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Flag Hall - SPJST Lodge 24, Cyclone 411 FM 964 Rd • Cyclone, Texas
Mail this form and $25 to Texas Polka News, PO Box 800183, Houston, TX 77280
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Or subscribe online at TexasPolkaNews.com
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Get your tickets now!
Name Street City Ph
7 to 11 p.m. Dance
ST
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Email Yes! Donate $5 of subscription price to to SPJST Youth Programs!
❏ New ❏ Renewal ❏ Gift ❏ Address change (please include old address)
Advance ticket - $15 Ticket Admission at door - $20
Call Linda Wilde - 254-985-2258
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Wednesday, January 10, 2018
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: VĚSTNÍK, c/o Editor Melanie Zavodny, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. FAX to: 254-773-8087. Email to: vestnik@spjst.org. Advertising rates are $2 per column inch for lodge ads; $4 per column inch for nonprofit organization ads; and $6 per column inch for commercial ads. For advertising information, please call the Editor at 800-727-7578 or email vestnik@spjst.org. LODGE 1, FAYETTEVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 507 East Main Street, Fayetteville. Directions: Lodge building is located on Hwy 159 East, 3 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 hall. Potluck served after meeting. Youth Club Meetings: First Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, contact Youth Leader Ronnie Pflughaupt 979-249-6702; or email rpflughaupt@hotmail.com. LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6) Lodge Meetings: The lodge meets every other month (location/time TBA), 10 at 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, 1614 North Texana Street, Hallettsville.
LODGE 5, PILOT POINT-TIOGA (3) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 2 p.m. at PointBank Community Center, 739 East Liberty Street, Pilot Point. For directions/meeting information, contact Brian Heitzman 940-686-4429; or Dean Carender 903-564-7359.
LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3) Bridge Update: The bridge on the way to the hall is complete. Spread the good news! Friday, January 19—Social and trustee meeting Sunday, February 4—Lodge meeting, 2 p.m. Thursday, February 15—Social Sunday, February 18—Appreciation dinner Friday, February 23—Cottonwood Water Supply meeting Saturday, February 24—Radcliff party Sunday, March 4—Lodge meeting, 2 p.m.
Lodge Hall: 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. Directions: From Interstate 35, take the West exit and stop at the blinking light. Go east at the blinking light and stay on Oak Street through downtown West. Take Farm Road 2114 East for 3 miles. Turn right on Czech Hall Road. Lodge hall is on the right about 1/2 mile down the road. Hall Rental Information: 254-799-8550; Hall Phone: 254-227-8759. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, contact Youth Leader Peggy Dobecka 254-799-8550; or dataped@sbcglobal.net. LODGE 8, WEIMAR (6) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Monday of February, April, June, August, October, and November, 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 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: 979884-1451. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 15, BUCKHOLTS (2) Lodge Hall: 600 State Hwy 190/Hwy 36, Buckholts (historic hexagon-shaped building with a stone entrance. Directions: Hall is located on Hwy 36, east of Buckholts, 1/4 mile east of downtown Buckholts. Hall Rental Information: 254-217-2863. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 4 p.m. at the hall. Refreshments served after meeting, and door prizes awarded.
LODGE 17, NEW TABOR (1) Lodge Hall: 2674 CR 225, Caldwell. Directions: From Caldwell, turn from Hwy 36 east onto FM 166. Proceed 2.1 miles and turn left on CR 225. Go 1 mile, veering to the right. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 979-272-3440. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 18, ELGIN (2) Sunday, January 14—Chris Rybak Sunday, January 21—Scooter Dubec and Sterling Country, country western/polka Sunday, February 11—Valentine Dance: Dujka Brothers Sunday, February 18—Glen Collins Band
Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rentals/Band Bookings: David Meyer 512-217-0162. Hall phone: 512-285-3100. Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Lodge Meetings: Youth club meetings are held with the adult meetings, which are 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 Davila, Granger. Hall Rental Information: Brenna Bohac 512-859-2584. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the hall. 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. Located 12 miles south of Schulenburg, in Moravia. Directions: From Hwy 77 between Hallettsville and Schulenburg, take FM 532 West for 4 miles to Moravia. Turn right on FM 957 North; go 1 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. at the hall.
LODGE 24, CYCLONE (2) Saturday, January 20, 2018—Squeezebox featuring Mollie B. and Ted Lange, 7 to 11 p.m.: Doors open at 5 p.m. Great wooden dance floor. Advance tickets $15; at the door $20. Food and drink will be available for purchase. You may carry in food, but you cannot carry in beverages. RVs welcome; limited electrical hookups available.Flag Hall is a non-smoking facility. For information, contact Linda Wilde 254-985-2258; also visit www.SqueezeBoxBand.com. Lodge Hall: 411 FM 964, Burlington. Directions: Hall is 12 miles east of Temple, past Zabcikville. Exit Hwy 53 at blinking light to FM 485; go 1 mile to FM 964. Hall Rental Information: Mark or Brenda Maddux 254-9850002. Hall Phone: 254-985-2393. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 25, ENNIS (3) Lodge Hall: 1901 East Hwy 34, Ennis. Hall Rental Information: 972-875-8381. Mail: PO Box 129, Ennis, Texas 75120. Email: SPJSTennis@yahoo.com. Game Room: Open every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the lodge dining room with supper at 6:30 p.m. followed by a complimentary social in the game room. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month - unless otherwise noted in the Věstník - 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) Attention: SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor will be closed Sunday, December 24 for the Christmas holidays. The hall will be open for business on Wednesday, December 27 at 3 p.m. • All Wednesday, Friday night dances - Free admission • Old-fashioned hamburgers served Fridays, 6 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, January 10—SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. followed by a covered dish meal. Friday, January 12—Second Hand Rose, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 17—Taylor Made Band with guest musician Fritz Hodde, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, January 19—Old Friends Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, January 26—Rian C. 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 large, 2-story 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, 1 p.m. For information, call Youth Leader Cristy Girod 512-468-1347. Music: First and third Wednesday each month, live music, 7 to 10 p.m.; Friday night dance, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.
LODGE 30, TAITON (6) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. LODGE 32, VICTORIA (6) Attention: Lodge meetings are held at Victoria Mall Meeting Room. Please note this change. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at Victoria Mall Meeting Room. LODGE 35, ELK (3) Saturday, January 13—Lost Heart Highway Saturday, January 20—Nolan Pick Band Saturday, January 27—Midnight Mustangs Saturday, February 10—Huser Brothers Saturday, February 17—Gordon Collier Band Saturday, February 24—Steve Dansby and the Tailgate Philosophers
Lodge Hall: 9508 Elk Road, Axtell. Directions: From Interstate 35 in Waco, take Hwy 84 East exit. Stay on Hwy 84 East through Bellmead; go approximately 8 miles. On the right side of Hwy 84 will be a sign saying “Elk.” Take the Elk Road. Turn right on Elk Road; go approximately 1 mile; the road will dead end. Turn right at the dead end; go approximately 1/2 mile. Hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: Gene Pavelka 254-749-3326; Hall Phone: 254-863-9320. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the hall. Sales Agents: James (Dude) Mann 254-715-0275 and Gene E. Pavelka 254-749-3326.
LODGE 38, KOVAR (1) Lodge Hall: 278 Zimmerhanzel Road, Flatonia. Hall Rental Information: 512-237-9099/day; 830-8394353/night. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 39, BRYAN (1) Lodge Hall: Cherry Bend Circle, Lot 12, Bryan. Directions: From Hwy 6, turn west on OSR. Go 2 miles to Mumford Road; turn left. Go 1.1 mile and turn left on Magnolia. Take the first right turn on Cherry Bend Circle. Hall (white building) is at the bend of the road. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Lunch at 12:30 p.m. Meat, drinks, and serving items provided by the lodge. Please bring a dessert or side dish. For information, call President Wade O’Shields 979-218-3527; or 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, 6 p.m. at Six Mile Presbyterian Church, Royal Road, Port Lavaca. For information, call lodge Secretary Mary Sitka 361-552-5170; or email danmarysitka@yahoo.com.
LODGE 47, SEATON (2) Lodge Hall: 10842 State Hwy 53, Temple. Directions: Seaton Star Hall is 7 miles east of Temple on Hwy 53 (Adams Avenue). Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Michelle Porubsky 254-493-8020;
VĚSTNÍK
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 and go about 0.8 mile. Turn right on FM 619; continue on FM 619 for approximately 4 miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 512-739-9324. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 5:30 p.m. at the hall except the June meeting, which will be Monday, June 12, 6:30 p.m., and the August meeting, which will be Monday, August 14, 6:30 p.m. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 5:30 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 49, ROWENA (4) Lodge Hall: 706 FM 2133, Rowena. Hall Rental Information: 325-262-3377 - Butch Wood. 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 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, and the second Friday in September, 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 Lodge Secretary Ann Moseley 361-594-8429.
LODGE 66, WACO (3) Lodge Meetings: Date, time, location TBA in the lodge’s monthly meeting minutes that appear in the Věstník. For information, call 254-799-4247.
LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG (1) Lodge Meetings: Third or fourth Sunday of March, June, September, and December (Christmas) at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant in Schulenburg, 2 p.m. To confirm meeting date/s, call Ernest Kutac 979561-7190. LODGE 73, SEYMOUR (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 12 p.m. - unless otherwise noted. For meeting location, call Alice Orsak 940-889-2391.
LODGE 76, WICHITA FALLS (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday in March, June, September, and December, 1 p.m. at Luby’s Cafeteria, 1801 Ninth Street in Wichita Falls. For information, contact Diana Ibarra 940-224-7383.
LODGE 79, CORPUS CHRISTI (7) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Meal served at 1 p.m.; meeting follows. Visitors welcome. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi.
LODGE 80, HOLLAND (2) Note: Beginning May 2017, meetings will be held bimonthly. Watch the Věstník for dates/times of lodge and board meetings.
Lodge Hall: 12141 East FM 2268, Holland. Directions: On Hwy 95, south of Holland, turn east on FM 2268. Go 1/2 mile to hall, which is on the right. Hall Phone: 254657-2485. Lodge Meetings: Held bimonthly. Youth Club Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Youth Leader Connie Horak’s home; call 254541-9165 for address. Board of Directors’ Meetings: Watch the Věstník for dates/times. Bingo: Every Thursday, 7 p.m. Permit No. SP12371416574; AL17460607355.
LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5) Lodge Hall: 13609 Hwy 36, Needville. Directions: Hall is located at the corner of Hwy 36 and FM 361, 1 mile from the traffic light in Needville. Hall Manager/Bookings: Dan Natho 979-618-1426. Hall Phone: 361-7934742. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Contact Youth Leader Madeline Gadway 979-900-9566 or madeline.gadway@gmail.com.
LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) Attention: Beginning in January 2018, Lodge 84 will continue to meet on the third Sunday of each month. Meeting location will be posted in the Věstník.
VĚSTNÍK
Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. Meeting location will be posted in the Věstník. Youth Club Meetings: Held one hour before the adult lodge meeting at the hall - unless otherwise noted. Contact Youth Leader Lynda Novak 972-948-4456.
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 254913-8568. Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 88, HOUSTON (5) Sunday, January 14—Mollie B and Squeezebox, polka/variety. 2 to 6 p.m. Tickets: in advance - $15; at the door - $20. Friday, January 19—Jeff Woolsey and The Dancehall Kings, country and western. $15 Saturday, February 17—Battle Dance: Barefoot Becky and Ivanhoe Dutchmen, and The Dujka Brothers Band, polka/variety. 5 to 10 p.m. $15 Friday, February 23—The Fab 5, Beatles Tribute. $10
Lodge Hall: 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Directions: Hwy 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: 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. 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 91, SAN JACINTO (5) Lodge Meetings: Quarterly meetings - TBA in the Věstník. For information, contact Lodge Secretary Vonda Smesny 832-694-8762.
LODGE 92, FORT WORTH (3) Lodge Hall: 3316 Roberts Cut Off Road, Fort Worth 76114. Directions: From IH-35 West in Fort Worth, take IH-30 West to the Henderson exit. Take Henderson North; it becomes Jacksboro Hwy (TX 199). Stay on this road north until Roberts Cut Off, which is a right off of Jacksboro Hwy. Hall - also known as National Hall - is on the right about 2 or 3 blocks down the road. Great Western Inn Motel is on the corner. Hall Event/Rental Information: Call National Hall Events Manager Jon Durham 817624-1361. Visit Lodge 92 website www.nationalhallfortworth.com. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Game Nights: Second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Ladies Circle: Meets the second Tuesday of each month. Randy and the 92nd Road House Band plays every first Sunday. Dressy casual. LODGE 97, PLACEDO (6) Lodge Meetings: March, June, September, and December. For meeting date, time, and location, call President Gay Revel 361-649-4443.
LODGE 107, FLORESVILLE (7) Lodge Hall: 1156 FM 1303, Floresville. Directions: From Floresville, take FM 536 West for 3 miles to FM 1303; turn right and go 2 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, and location, contact President/Sales Agent John Vrla 214906-3385 or email jvrla@cebridge.net.
LODGE 133, SAN ANTONIO (7) Lodge Meetings: Quarterly meetings on July 16 at 2 p.m.; October 15 at 12:30 p.m.; and December 10 at 12:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Activity Center, 1630 Goliad Road, San Antonio.
LODGE 135, ENNIS (3) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of January, April, July, and October, 7 p.m. at Sokol hall, 2622 East Hwy 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. Sokol Hall is on the left.
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 979922-1553. 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) Attention: Lodge 142, Houston will hold its meetings on the third Sunday of each month except in December which is the second Sunday at 2 p.m. - unless otherwise noted; meal served at 1 p.m. Meetings are held at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights) in the annex building - unless otherwise noted. For information, contact Lodge142 President Keith Kieschnick 832627-2842; or Secretary Elizabeth Hermis 281-7878717. Youth club meetings will be held on the same date, time, and location as the adult lodge meetings - unless otherwise noted. For information, call Youth Leader Catherine Manchack 832-443-0469. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month except in December which is the second Sunday at 2 p.m. - unless otherwise noted; meal served at 1 p.m. Meetings are held at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights) in the annex building - unless otherwise noted. For information, contact Lodge142 President Keith Kieschnick 832-627-2842; or Secretary Elizabeth Hermis 281-787-8717. Youth Club Meetings: Held the same date, time, and location as the adult lodge meetings - unless otherwise noted. For information, call Youth Leader Catherine Manchac 832-443-0469.
LODGE 148, EL MATON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 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. For information, call 979-532-5884.
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 Hwy 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. For meeting time/location, call Secretary Ginny Prasatik 512-472-1721. LODGE 157, LUBBOCK (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of every other month, 1 p.m. For meeting location, contact Secretary Cynthia Kristinek 806-763-7245; or via cjkristinek@yahoo.com.
LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Wednesday of February, May, and August. The November meeting is held the third Sunday. Watch the Věstník for meeting time/location. For information, contact President Sandra Jansa 325-651-8045 or sandra.jansa@hotmail.com.
LODGE 162, IOWA COLONY (5) Attention: Beginning in November, 2017, both adult lodge and youth club meetings will begin at 5 p.m. Please mark this on your calendar. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 5 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, 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.) Lodge Information: Call Stephen Bliznak 979-251-4150; or Lenora Bliznak 979-277-8845.
LODGE 172, PASADENA (5) Note: Lodge 172 has closed its doors, and the building has gone up for sale. Until further notice, we only open the doors for our monthly lodge meetings, held the fourth Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. For information, contact Jo 713-628-3007.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Lodge Hall: 3609 Preston Road, Pasadena. Hall Phone: 713-487-3297. Regular Lodge/Covered Dish Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month, meal, 1 p.m. followed by meeting, 2 p.m. with the exception of November and December, as 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 5 p.m.; lodge meeting follows at 5:30 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. For information, contact Melissa Wickel 979-249-7393.
LODGE 180, BURLESON (3) Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month at the Burleson Police Department Building - Community Room, 1161 S. W. Wilshire, Burleson, 6:15 p.m. For information, call 817-905-2097 or 972-268-0022.
LODGE 181, CONROE (5) Lodge Meetings: Lodge meeting location/time will be announced in the Věstník. For further information, contact President Barbara Williams-Rash 936-295-7778; email b.d.willrash@att.net; Vice President Chuck Toney 281-362-9062; email cdtiii@toney.us; or Treasurer Patsy McClelland 936-788-5714; or email pmcclelland@consolidated.
LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY (2) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin. Youth Club Meetings: Same time and place as adult lodge meeting.
LODGE 183, ARLINGTON (3) Lodge Hall: 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane, Arlington. Directions: Take IH-35 West to Fort Worth. Take IH-20 East exit and proceed on IH-20 East until you come to Cooper Street exit. Take Cooper Street exit to the North. Stay on Cooper Street until you come to Mayfield Street. Turn right on Mayfield; go down and turn left on Pleasant Valley Lane. Hall Rental Information: Hall Phone: 817465-8538; 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 for 4 miles. Hall is located on the right. Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November, 7 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS (7) Lodge Meetings: Every other month - February, April, June, August, October, and December. Call for meeting date, time, and location. Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader Theresa Haag 830-625-8262 for meeting date, time, and location.
LODGE 186, CALDWELL (1) Lodge Hall: 937 State Hwy 36, Caldwell. Directions: Hall 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. Directions: From Taylor, take Hwy 79 into Round Rock until you get to Sunrise. There will be a 7-11 store on the right. Turn right and proceed past Hopewell School. Continue through the four-way stop. Luther Peterson Boulevard is the first street on the left. From Temple, take IH-35 South. Just past Georgetown, exit on University Boulevard. Proceed to stop sign. Take left on University Boulevard. The third street is Sunrise. Turn right onto Sunrise. The second street to the right will be Luther Peterson Boulevard. Hall Rental Information: 512-255-1554; 512-771-4948. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, beginning at 2 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.
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LODGE 191, LUFKIN (5) Lodge Hall: 197 Hughes Road, Lufkin. Hall Rental Information/Dance Reservations: George Scogin 936875-2867. Lodge Meetings: Monday night before the third Friday night of the month, 7 p.m. at the 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 Phone: 281373-9482; email spjstlodge196@gmail.com. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall; covered dish meal served - unless otherwise noted. For information, call Cadance Wager 713-515-2835. Youth Club Meetings: Contact Youth Leader Cadance Wager 713-515-2835. LODGE 200, BRUCEVILLE-EDDY (2) Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at Taylor Hall, 100 4th Street, Eddy. For information, contact President Allen Trigg, Sr. 254-624-5152.
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 at 2 p.m.; except in September and December, meetings are held on the second Sunday at 1 p.m. at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday at 1:15 p.m. except in September and December, meetings are held on the second Sunday at 1 p.m. at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton.
LODGE 207, IOWA PARK (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. For meeting location, call Secretary Mary Hatter 940322-8503.
LODGE 215, SOUTH PLAINS (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Saturday of January, March, May, July, and September, 6:30 p.m. at Tahoka Housing Authority (small room - 1400 Ave K). For any questions, call Secretary Pam Lehmann 806-535-8356. Youth Club Meetings: For location/time, contact Youth Leader Janeece Williams 806-990-3351. LODGE 219, EL PASO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 9 a.m. For meeting location, call Secretary Edna Rivas 915-727-2048.
LODGE 229, ABILENE (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November, 6 p.m. at Rosa’s Cafe and Tortilla Factory, 1026 North Judge Ely Boulevard, Abilene. For information, contact Secretary Tammy Copeland 325-672-0577 or 325-721-5127.
LODGE 232, HOUSTON MIDTOWN (5) Attention: Meetings are now held the third Tuesday of every other month for January, March, May, July, September, and November at Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto, Houston. Lodge Meetings: Meetings are held the third Tuesday of every other month for January, March, May, July, September, and November, 6:30 pm. at Czech Cultural Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto, Houston. For information, contact Secretary Catherine Anderson 713726-1928.
LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT (2) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October, and December, 11:30 a.m. For meeting location, call President James L. Lee, III 254289-6816 or Secretary Melanie Zavodny 254-534-0807. 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. —SPJST—
Happy Valentine’s Day from the Vestnik!
Send Your Special Someone a Valentine in the Vestnik. Greetings are free of charge. A photo may be published with a greeting for $5.
Please Print Clearly. Thank You! ❒ Photo(s) enclosed @ $5 each Total enclosed: $_______
To:____________________________________________________
Message:________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ From:___________________________________________________ The following will not be published, but please include in case of questions. Full Name ______________________________ Lodge No. ____ Phone (____) _____________ Email______________________ Greetings and photos with payment must be received by February 5 to be published.
Submit valentines, photos, and payment online at www.spjst.org
Submit online, mail, or fax your greetings by Monday, February 5, 2018, to: SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503-0100 FAX: 254-773-8087
Life Insurance and More Home Office: 520 North Main Temple, Texas 76501 800-727-7578
info@spjst.org www.spjst.org
SPJST Mission Insuring and enriching lives.
SPJST Vision
Our vision is to provide a wholesome family environment; to encourage cherished Czech traditions; and to provide high quality, competitive life insurance for our members.