Youth Section

Lodge 200 Bruceville-Eddy elects officers

Members of Lodge 200, BrucevilleEddy met for their October meeting. A meal provided by the members was served. After the meal, Acting President James R. Hosch called the meeting to order with members reciting the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence. Next, Michael D. Hosch read minutes from the last meeting followed by Frances McBride reading the treasurer’s report.

James R. Hosch read the fraternal report.

There was no old business to discuss. Members took a few minutes to remember Lodge 200 President Allen Trigg who passed away in June, telling stories from barbecue, to his love of watching the Rangers play, to his countless acts of service to the community. He will be missed by all who knew him.

New Business

Michael D. Hosch made a motion to donate to the Bruceville-Eddy Volunteer Fire Department for its fundraiser. Members voted, and the motion passed. District Two Director Jesse Pospisil also matched the donation from his discretionary funds.

James R. Hosch made a motion to donate to the Bruceville-Eddy Senior Citizens Center for its upcoming fundraisers. Members voted, and the motion passed.

Next order of business was the election of officers. After the election, Director Pospisil installed the officers. The meeting was adjourned.

I would like to thank Jesse for attending our meeting.

Officers for 2021 are:

President/FAC James R. Hosch Vice President/Secretary Michael D. Hosch Treasurer Frances McBride

As a reminder, due to the pandemic, we will not be holding a Christmas party this year. We would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season, and we hope to see everyone next year!

Next Meeting—February 3

The next meeting will be February 3, 2021. Michael D. Hosch Vice President/Secretary —SPJST—

Scenes from Ennis Sewing Circle

Several Ennis Sewing Circle members are pictured with next year’s quilt donation for the Junior Sokol, which is a red, white, and blue patriotic design.

RIGHT PHOTO: Quilters are socially distanced around the room while working on baby quilts. —Submitted by Liz Moucka Krajca, President

Ennis Sewing Circle

Ennis Sewing Circle has met only three times since the COVID-19 shutdown earlier this year. Since March 12, 2020, we have met on June 11 with seven members, on September 10 with 10 attendees, and on October 6 with 10 in attendance. Many of our older members are still not comfortable coming out to a group, but our younger members were eager to resume activities. The good news is that we have signed up two new members these past two months.

In June, we worked on baby quilts, which allowed us to set up small quilting frames socially distanced around the room. In September, a few quilters distanced around the large frame to start quilting our Christmas raffle quilt, while others worked again on baby quilts. Some of these baby quilts will be donated to the Hope Clinic. Ann Clagett volunteered to finish the Christmas quilt at home. In October, we first stretched Anita Kubin’s quilt, which was pieced by her mother years ago. We then stretched the quilt we are making to donate to the Junior Sokol gymnasts for their fundraiser. Lillie Macalik volunteered to take this quilt home to finish.

We still enjoyed our potluck luncheons and realized the benefit of small gatherings is that with less food on the buffet, we don’t eat ourselves into a stupor. After lunch, President Liz Moucka Krajca called the meetings to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. This month, we were sad to report that two of our members passed away within the past few weeks - Bessie Laznovsky and Marie Vrla. We honored their memory with a moment of silence and recited “The Lord’s Prayer” for them and our sick members and family.

Secretary Dolores Vrana read the minutes of the last meeting, and Treasurer Anita Kubin reported our finances. Vice President Irene Prachyl read a thank you card we received for our donation to cemetery upkeep in memory of Bessie Laznovsky and Marie Vrla.

In November, we plan to work on Maggie Holy’s quilt. We will also have our food drive when members bring canned goods or cash to benefit the needy during this holiday season. Our usual Christmas party in December will include a show-and-tell as we did not meet in July for our traditional white elephant sale and show-and-tell. We do not quilt in December. Irene Prachyl plans to start another beginner’s quilting class in January 2021. We meet at the Sokol Club Room in the morning on the second Thursday of the month. Submitted by, Liz Moucka Krajca, President (reporting in the absence of Reporter Georgie Morales) —SPJST—

In Memoriam

In Memory Alfonse Peters Alfonse Raymond Peters, age 82, of Hallettsville, Texas, entered into his eternal reward on October 30, 2020. A loving husband and father, he was born on August 2, 1938, to Raymond and Libbie (Hermis) Peters in Praha, Texas. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann (Joy) Peters, on August 11, 1960, just celebrating 60 years of marriage. Alfonse (Sonny), as he was known by his nieces, nephews, and friends was known for his sense of humor and goodhearted nature. There wasn’t a person in need who he would not give a helping hand to assist. Sonny was a veteran of the United States Army and enjoyed his membership with Hallettsville American Legion Alfonse Peters Council where he had numerous friends. His pastime hobbies were hunting and fishing with family and friends. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 79, Corpus Christi.

Alfonse is survived by wife Elizabeth; daughter Libbie and Donnie Tabola of Smithville; son Gary and Jennifer Peters of Shiner; grandchildren Vicky, Ashley, and Brittney Tabola, and StevieNicole, Sarah, and Elliott Peters; five great-grandchildren; and sisters Judy (Charlie, deceased) Majek of Corpus Christi, Leona (Doug, deceased) Grant of Corpus Christi, and Georgia and Newell Rambo of Needville.

Alfonse was preceded in death by his parents; and sister Delores Huddleston and spouse Jeff Huddleston.

Funeral mass service was at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville with rosary at 11 a.m. and visitation at 10 a.m. Officiant was Monsignor John Peters.

Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or donor’s choice. Burial was at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Fraternally, Mark Rebecek, President Lodge 79, Corpus Christi —SPJST—

Resolution of Sympathy

We, the Resolution Committee of Lodge Hvezda Texasu, No. 47, Seaton, express our sincere sympathy to the family of our departed brother, ACE CHLAPEK.

Services for Ace L. Chlapek, 78, of Temple, Texas, were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4 at Seaton Brethren Church with Pastor Denise Mikeska and Reverend Tom Popelka officiating. Visitation was held before the service on Wednesday, November 4 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Seaton Brethren Church. Burial immediately followed at Seaton Cemetery.

Ace Lloyd Chlapek passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2020. Ace was strong in his faith; he put the Lord first in his life. Daily, he read his Bible and devotionals and believed in Jesus Christ, as his Savior.

Ace Lloyd Chlapek was born on November 27, 1941, to Jerry D. and Anna Belle (Bartek) Chlapek in Seaton/Ratibor community. He was born on the family farm, delivered by the family doctor Ace H. Alsup. He attended Lost Prairie School, graduated from Rogers High School, and furthered his education through Temple Junior College. He continued with his secondary education at the Texas A&M Supervisory Academy. He married his “Honey Ace Chlapek Bunch,” Nancy Sefcik on November 16, 1963, at Seaton Brethren Church for the longevity of 57 years.

Mr. Chlapek began his career with USDA, Bell County ASCS office in 1966. He presided over several counties including Dallas, Bell, and Falls as an executive director. On January 1, 1988, he transferred to Texas State ASCS office in College Station where he served as a district director at-large, production adjustment and agriculture conservation program specialist, and finally as an administrative and contracting officer. He was outstanding in his performance which resulted in numerous awards. In 1992, Mr. Chlapek received the Administrators award in Washington, D.C. for excelling in performing his contracting duties. He aspired to build and manage the pre-need counselors/family service advocates for Young’s Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center in Temple.

Ace was a founding member of Evangelical Brethren Church in Temple in which he served as president of the board of elders, a beloved Sunday School teacher, and a member of choir. He transferred to Seaton Brethren Church where he continued his Godly duties as vice president of the board of elders, leading choir member, and of the Men’s Brotherhood. Ace’s leadership continued through his presidency for Seaton Cemetery Association; secretary/ treasurer of RVOS Lodge 5, Seaton; vice president of the Temple lodge Woodmen of the World; and as a lifetime member of the NRA where he served as treasurer of County Friends. He was also a member of Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS).

Ace was a member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton.

Ace was a selfless man and encouraged everyone to be the best they could be. He spent his days as a loving husband, father, and “papa” to his grandchildren. Always spending time with his family and friends, his infectious smile and laugh would light up the room. He was known by many for his quick wit and his kind and compassionate spirit. Ace had a passion for farming in which he did everything from tilling on the tractor, mowing the pasture, gardening (with dogs Cocoa and Buttermilk by his side), and never turning down a new project. Some of his other hobbies included hunting, making sausage, barbecuing, sharing ice cream, horseplay with the grandsons, working with children during vacation Bible school and enjoying photography. He also traveled and led numerous tours to the Czech Republic.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother J.D. Chlapek, Jr.; and niece Sandy Chlapek.

Survivors include his wife Nancy J. (Sefcik) Chlapek; son Timothy Chlapek; son Paul Chlapek and wife Jennifer; grandsons Taylor Manziel, Josef Chlapek, and Nicolas Chlapek; brother Dwaine Chlapek and wife Brenda, their children Anna Geisenhoff and husband Dave, Greg Chlapek, Matt Chlapek, and wife Jodi, Shawn Preece, and Jeffery Mueller; niece Netta Creech and husband Dennis, Godchildren Mark and Denise Mikeska; and someone he came to know like a daughter Sabrina Young and husband Justin and Godchildren Kayla, Kelsea, Zaydriana, Valora, and Cecilia Young. Resolution Committee Ruth Hanusch Joyce Skrabanek —SPJST—

Resolution of Sympathy

We, the Resolution Committee of Lodge Hvezda Texasu, No. 47, Seaton, express our sincere sympathy to the family of our departed sister, LAVERNE VANICEK, of Temple, Texas, who passed away peacefully on October 28, 2020, in a hospice care facility in Dallas with her family at her side.

LaVerne unselfishly provided and cared for her family with unwavering strength. A quality we can only hope to have gained and strive to practice as we continue our lives. She will be missed but never forgotten. We have been truly blessed by having her as our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. LaVerne was born on July 10, 1928, to Jerry and Mary Machat Schiller in the Meeks community near Temple. LaVerne was baptized on December 28, 1928, and confirmed on July 19, 1942, at LaVerne Vanicek Ocker Brethren Church in Zabcikville. She graduated from Rosebud High School in 1945.

On September 15, 1946, LaVerne was united in marriage to Johnie L. Vanicek at the home of the late Reverend F.J. Kostohryz in Temple. LaVerne and Johnie became members of First Lutheran Church in Temple in 1949. She was very active in the life and activities of the church, serving on various committees. She was also an active member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton for many years. Together, she and Johnie owned and operated J.L. Vanicek Construction Company, where she was a bookkeeper, retiring in 1980.

LaVerne and Johnie enjoyed camping and deer hunting with friends and family and traveled all over the United States. They also enjoyed being with the many friends they made during their years of involvement with SPJST.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband in 2003; her parents; sister Lorine Fuchs; and brother Jerry D. Schiller.

Survivors include son Brian Vanicek and wife Debbie of McKinney; daughters Becky Sutter and husband Paul of Belton, and Beth Giniewicz and husband James of Plano; grandsons Bradley Sutter and wife Sarah of Porter and Jason Sutter of Temple; and greatgranddaughter Sadie Sutter of Porter.

Visitation was Friday, October 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. A memorial service was held Saturday, October 31 at 2 p.m. at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple with Reverend Rusty Campbell officiating. Burial was at Bellwood Memorial Cemetery in Temple. Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church, 1515 West Adams, Temple, Texas 76504; or to Faith Presbyterian Hospice in Dallas (www.faithpreshospice.org). Resolution Committee Ruth Hanusch Joyce Skrabanek —SPJST—

The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Send your news and photos directly to:

SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087 Email: vestnik@spjst.org Questions? Call 800-727-7578

This section is dedicated to the youth of SPJST. As part of its membership benefits, SPJST offers a statewide youth program. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about opportunities offered to young members of SPJST, please contact your local lodge, District Youth Counselor (listed on page 2), or State Fraternal Director at 800-727-7578, or visit www.spjst.org.

Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club reports on meeting, upcoming activities

Dear Readers,

The youth continue to meet for their monthly meetings via Zoom. I miss meeting face-to-face, but with the help of Youth Leader Lynda Novak, Assistant Youth Leaders Kelly Tucker and Vicki Sims, and Mrs. Jennifer Ruzicka, we are able to keep up with everything so it is all good.

Youth Leader Lynda reported that camp registration forms will be online beginning Sunday, November 1, 2020. She also reminded everyone about the November 15 deadline to submit their best picture of their Christmas ornament to be judged virtually by State Fraternal Director Frank Horak. She even gave us a blank Christmas ornament to help get started. Rules can be found at https://spjst.org.christmas-ornamentscontest/

She also reported on important upcoming dates for 2021: Youth Leader Workshop will be held on Saturday, January 16 and the Youth Development Workshop will be held on Saturday, January 30. District Three Youth Achievement Day is scheduled for Sunday, April 18 at Lodge 25, Ennis. State Youth Achievement Day is planned to be held on Saturday, July 31 in Temple. More details will be given as events get closer.

Youth Leader Lynda also reminded us that we are responsible for completing and submitting our Vestnik projects which are at spjst.org. Additionally, we are also able to submit anything of interest we want to report on, there is a tab at

Macy Narro receives SPJST state merit grant award

On Sunday, September 6, 2020, Macy Narro of Lodge 17, New Tabor was presented the SPJST State Merit Grant by District One Director Donnie Victorick and District One Youth Counselor Hannah Kovar. Congratulations, Macy! —Submitted by Holly Narro Youth Leader spjst.org, and we can even attach pictures if we want. Youth Leader Lynda also reminded us about the Christmas party for lodge members on Sunday, December 6, 2020. More details are posted in the lodge letters’ section of this week’s Vestnik. She said not to forget to bring canned goods for the canned good drive and a dessert to share.

It was a good meeting, and we got a lot of information. We were all able to practice safe protocol. Fraternally, Josh Tucker, age 11 Reporter —SPJST— Dear Readers,

Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club had an optional come-and-go meeting on Sunday, October 11, 2020. Those that were able to come wore their masks and practiced social distancing. The rest of the members met virtually. Everyone received their scrapbook paper to work on

Lodge 81, Needville Welcomes New Youth Club Member

RUBY JONES

Lodge 81, Needville welcomes new youth club member Ruby Jones. Ruby is in kindergarten and is happy to be working with older sister Amber to build the youth club in Needville.

Welcome to the SPJST Youth Program, Ruby!

Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club hosts come-and-go meeting

—SPJST— their page for the super heroes themedscrapbook that we will put together.

It was good to see everyone, and I hope that we will get to have more inperson meetings in the future. Fraternally yours, Rita Holland, Youth Leader —SPJST—

LEFT PHOTO: Pictured, left to right, are the Oliver girls. In back are, from left, Cody, Preston, and Misty. RIGHT PHOTO: Linda and Chad Jurik.

Different ways children can give back

(Editor’s Note: Please consult your local laws and regulations to confirm this article’s content aligns with pandemic mandates currently in place in your city.)

Children can learn about the importance of giving back at an early age. Youngsters who become accustomed to volunteering and supporting charities may be more inclined to continue doing so as they get older. number of parents with young children who are volunteering and getting involved has increased in recent years. As family schedules continue to be busy, charitable work done as a family unit can be an ideal way to spend time together and engage in activities for the greater good.

Kids can get involved in many different charitable efforts. Quite often children are forward thinkers and innovators and may have their own unique ideas in regard to volunteering or charitable work, but the following are some ways kids can get involved in giving back.

Lodge 25, Ennis youth shares family experiences

Dear Readers,

I got to go on a boys’ fishing trip with my daddy to the Texas beach, and we Donate food.

Children can easily gather food to donate to a food pantry in the area. Set aside a bag to donate and pick one item for the donation bin each time the family visits the supermarket. When the bag is full, deliver it to an organization in need. Children also may work with their schools to have a collection box on camcaught red fish.

I helped Me-Me trim trees on her farm. June and I worked on youth club pus and encourage other families to donate. Participate in a “walk” or “run.”

Walks or runs for a cause are popular events in which participants solicit pledges tied to their performances. While these are traditionally group efforts, COVID-19 may change the way Vestnik projects. Fraternally yours,

Parents magazine reports that the

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club member Luke Holland helps haul off tree branches. CENTER PHOTO: Luke, right, and his father Jake Holland

(2003 SPJST State King) with the big fish that they caught. RIGHT PHOTO: Grandpa (Scooter Holland) helps Luke and June work on Vestnik puzzles.

Luke Holland, age 6 future walks are organized. Participants may be able to do a walk or run on their own and still raise funds for local charities.

Be a buddy.

Children can be paired up with a senior at a nursing home, a child at a children’s hospital, or even a kid who is new

Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club; CSA Lodge 277 donate baskets to teachers, police in honor of Czech Heritage Month in Texas

In honor of Czech Heritage Month, Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club along with CSA Lodge 277 donated 12 baskets filled with goodies and snacks to area schools for teachers and staff as well as Burleson County Sheriff’s Department and Caldwell Police Department on Monday, October 5, 2020. “We wanted to show how much they are all appreciated,” Lodge 17 Youth Leader Holly Narro reported. “Thanks for being generous, New Tabor Youth Club!” TOP LEFT PHOTO: Youth club members from Mumford ISD with baskets of goodies for teachers and staff. TOP CENTER PHOTO: Youth club members from Caldwell Intermediate School with baskets of goodies for teachers and staff. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Youth club members from Caldwell Elementary School with baskets of goodies for teachers and staff.