ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence
Volume 109 Number 4
H E R A L D
★ Humanity
★ Brotherhood
March 1, 2021
ISSN —07458800
A SURPRISING SNOWSTORM
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Siblings Allis Droste, left, and Rita Holland, both of Lodge 25, Ennis.
Texans do not know what to do with the extreme cold weather, but we sure do know how to make the most of it! We found creative ways to enjoy the snow. I’m not normally a risk-taker, but I can now tell my greatgrandchildren one day about how I walked on the frozen tank in 2021!
”
“
The night before Valentine’s Day, I stayed up until midnight. I was watching the snow fall and keeping my puppy warm. On Valentine’s Day, we were going in and out of the house playing in the snow then coming inside the house to warm up. The snow was everywhere! And, it was almost zero degrees!
Siblings Luke and Makenna Poppe, both of Lodge 202, Jourdanton.
”
—Rita Holland Lodge 25, Ennis
—Makenna Poppe Lodge 202, Jourdanton
FROM NORTH TEXAS . . . . . . . . . TO SOUTH TEXAS! Czech Language Classes in Colleges May End If Students Don’t Act Now
The teaching of Czech language in Texas at the community college level is about to come to an end unless at least 10 students register for a dual credit Czech class. See article on page 21 for complete details.
Fayetteville Hall Clothed in White
Fraternal Friends
Thanks to Gary E. McKee, editor of The Texas Polka News, for sharing this photo that he took of SPJST Lodge 1, Fayetteville during the recent snowstorm.
Fraternal friends Adolph Grieger, left, Jesse Pospisil, center, and Terry Skrhak, all of Lodge 29, Taylor, help out each other with making sausage recently. More on page 9.
( ( ( ( ( Inside This Week’s Věstník ( ( ( ( ( Important Dates ...................................3 Readers Write .....................................3 Interest Rates ......................................3 Supreme Lodge Meeting Minutes ......4 Standing Committee News .................7 Lodge Section......................................8
In Memoriam ......................................15 Youth Section ....................................18 Vestnik Project ..................................20 Czech Culture ....................................21 Advertisements .................................25 Lodge Calendar .................................26
Scenes from Lodge 54, West’s November meeting Page 10
Lodge 157 Lubbock member earns award Page 13
Lodge 49 Rowena Youth Club members enjoy pizza, bowling Page 18
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Monday, March 1, 2021
VĚSTNÍK
ˇ ´ VESTNIK 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 254-773-1575 (ext. 122) • Mobile: 254-534-0807 VĚSTNÍK Fax: 254-773-8087 email: vestnik@spjst.org or melaniez@usa.com SUPREME LODGE PRESIDENT BRIAN VANICEK, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 139) • Mobile: 254-534-2902 email: vanicek@spjst.com VICE PRESIDENT DELISLE DOHERTY 254-773-1575 (ext. 240) • Mobile: 832-232-2049 email: delisled@spjst.com CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER LEONARD D. MIKESKA, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 149) Mobile: 254-721-4739 • Home: 254-778-3720 email: leonardm@spjst.com CONTROLLER ROY VAJDAK 254-773-1575 (ext. 142) • email: royv@spjst.com DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CFFM PO Box 85, Snook, TX 77878-0085 Home: 979-272-3265 • Mobile: 979-224-3125 email: dv.aggie71@gmail.com DISTRICT TWO DIRECTOR JESSE POSPISIL 4710 FM 1331, Taylor, TX 76574-2164 Home: 512-365-1110 • Mobile: 512-826-7371 email: jlpospisil@yahoo.com DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR/CHAIRMAN JOHN ENGELKE 6475 Gholson Rd, Waco, TX 76705-5330 254-799-4247 • email: john.engelke@hotmail.com DISTRICT FOUR DIRECTOR BOBBY DAVIS, FICF, CFFM 1886 Pecos St, Ste 3, San Angelo, TX 76901-3268 Mobile: 325-450-3748 • Fax: 325-657-2003 email: bgdsr2428@aol.com DISTRICT FIVE DIRECTOR BRADLEY STAVINOHA, FIC 10522 Will Lehmann Rd, Needville TX 77461-9164 Mobile: 979-739-2386 • Office: 979-793-7411 email: spjst@earthlink.net DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR ANNIE VAHALIK 2508 N Levi St, Victoria, TX 77901-4059 361-649-4888 • email: amvahalik@gmail.com DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR REGINA HOUSE 146 Deer Run St, Pleasanton TX 78064-1510 830-570-2046 • email: spjst202youth@gmail.com REGIONAL GENERAL AGENTS DISTRICT ONE - Jim Schroeder, LUTCF 936-661-2294 • jeschroeder.insurance@gmail.com DISTRICT TWO - Sabino Garcia 817-909-8899 • garciasabi@att.net DISTRICT THREE - Sabino Garcia 817-909-8899 • garciasabi@att.net DISTRICT FOUR - Lydia Talamantez 325-262-9743 • lillyg636@yahoo.com LODGE 219, EL PASO - Francisco Viniegra 915-203-3124 • fviniegra@vinquiz-insurance.com DISTRICT FIVE - Kerry Herrington 281-704-5737 • kerryherrington@yahoo.com DISTRICT SIX - Carolina Covarrubia 281-779-9956 • covarrubia.carolina@yahoo.com DISTRICT SEVEN - Armando Perez, LUTCF 361-425-5543 • asperez6040@hotmail.com CAMP KUBENA • 2001 Waldeck Rd • Ledbetter, TX Rob Clift, Executive Director 979-249-5674 • robc@spjst.com
HUMAN RESOURCES LYNETTE TALASEK 254-773-1575 (ext. 146) • email: lynettet@spjst.com STATE FRATERNAL DIRECTOR FRANK HORAK Office: 254-773-1575 (ext. 177) • Mobile: 254-534-0681 email: frankh@spjst.com DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Hannah Kovar, PO Box 28, Snook, TX 778780028 - 979-220-7904 - ladyjays@tamu.edu District Two (Acting) - Amber Bartek, 10745 Burgess Rd, Temple, TX 76501-7441 - 254-931-0295 - abartek002@yahoo.com District Three - Mary Steinman, 1136 Westgrove Dr, Saginaw, TX 76179-3463 - 817-731-2580 - appamary@sbcglobal.net District Four - Laura Pospichal, PO Box 253, Rowena, TX 76875-0253 - 325-365-6485 - yellowcar02@aol.com District Five - Melissa Victorick-Brown, 2324 Lakeway Dr, Friendswood, TX 77546-6196 - 832-274-7369 district5dyc@gmail.com District Six - Lisa Bubela, 1405 Divide St, El Campo, TX 77437-6152 - 979-543-7120 - lisa_bubela@yahoo.com District Seven - April Howard, 814 Madison Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130-3918 - 830-624-9242 - aprhoward@gmail.com BY-LAW COMMITTEE District One - Bill Orsak, PO Box 252, Snook, TX 778780252 - 979-272-1243 - billorsak@gmail.com District Two - Bridget C. Bohac, PO Box 182, Granger, TX 76530-0182 - 512-694-1897 - brdgtbhc@gmail.com District Three - Mary Steinman, 1136 Westgrove Dr, Saginaw, TX 76179-3463 - 817-731-2580 - appamary@sbcglobal.net District Four - Beverly J. Teplicek, 817 FM 381, Rowena, TX 76875-4006 - 325-442-4841 - bjtep@verizon.net District Five - Dorothy Pflughaupt, 1243 Clovis Rd, Houston, TX 77008-6232 - 713-859-8976 - dotpflugh@yahoo.com District Six - Joe Siptak, 2312 Norvell Ave, Bay City, TX 77414-6944 - joesiptak@yahoo.com - 979-479-0056 District Seven - Oscar Korus, 2565 Bruce Rd, Poteet, TX 78065-5013 - 830-391-4169 - oscarkorus@gmail.com FINANCE COMMITTEE District One - Debbie Kostelka, 1914 County Road 403 Dime Box, TX 77853-5379 - 979-540-8532 - debbiekostelka@yahoo.com District Two - Edwin Pechal, Edwin Pechal, 10660 State Highway 53, Temple, TX 76501-7446 - 254-721-2887 - edwinpechal@yahoo.com District Three - Michael Galler, 526 Karen Dr, Robinson, TX 76706-5121 - 254-744-8973 - mlgaller54@gmail.com District Four - Herman D. Weise, 6006 FM 765, San Angelo, TX 76905-7461 - 325-651-8550 - hdweise@zipnet.us District Five - Ashley Victorick, 26810 Sweetstone Springs Ct, Cypress, TX 77433-3500 - 832-577-5433 - ashley.victorick@gmail.com District Six - Karen Kaspar, 8550 N State Highway 71, El Campo, TX 77437-9819 - 979-332-1616 - k-kaspar@hotmail.com District Seven - Colleen Jenke, 211 Cottonwood Ln, Seguin, TX 78155-0697 - 830-303-4316 - jenkec@att.net INSURANCE COMMITTEE District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, TX 77836-4300 - 979-272-3440 - spjst@aol.com District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S St Joseph Rd, Burlington, TX 76519-3108 - 254-985-2396 - patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Robert Sill, 400 Westview Ter, Arlington, TX 76013-1632 - 817-274-2783 - arlingtonsill@yahoo.com District Four - Leonard Jansa, 6617 Plain View Dr, San Angelo, TX 76905-7509 - 325-234-8117 - ljansa13@gmail.com District Five - Kerry Herrington, 18703 Ember Trails Dr, Houston, TX 77904-2617 - 281-704-5737 - kerryherrington@yahoo.com District Six - Elizabeth Holub, 4642 Freyburg Hall Rd, Schulenburg, TX 78956-5478 - 979-561-8640 - mikelizh@cvctx.com District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 3895 County Road 430, Pleasanton, TX 78064-6113 - 210-535-4916 - poohbear78064@hotmail.com PUBLICATION COMMITTEE District One - Floyd Kostelka, 1914 County Road 403, Dime Box, TX 77853-5379 - 979-540-8531 - floydkostelka@yahoo.com District Two - Amber Bartek, 10745 Burgess Rd, Temple, TX 76501-7441 - 254-931-0295 - abartek002@yahoo.com District Three - Lynda Novak, 7153 Cornelia Ln, Dallas, TX 75214-3226 - 972-948-4456 - magiclady_46@hotmail.com District Four - Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Dr, San Angelo, TX 76903-9106 - 325-651-5884 District Five - Baley Stavinoha, 10522 Will Lehmann Rd, Needville, TX 77461-9164 - 281-912-9619 - baleystavinoha@gmail.com District Six - Marjorie Treumer, 1806 Laurel St, Bay City, TX 77414-8405 - 979-578-2762 - mtreumer@gmail.com District Seven - Trey Bielefeld, 518 County Road 210, Floresville, TX 78114-5215 512-917-0083 trey.bielefeld@gmail.com
Editor’s Note
Stuck in a snowglobe? The January 10 snowfall in Texas was beautiful! Life stopped for one day to enjoy the rare weather. The next day, the snow was gone and life resumed. Little did we know that was a practice for February 11 to 20 when it seemed like we were stuck in a real, live snowglobe. The recent Texas snowstorm was certainly an interesting experience . . . inches of snow, inches of ice, subzero temperatures, freezing days of power/water/internet outages, significant damages to trees and property, and deaths. I hope that you are recovering from this event, and that the effects were minimal. 2020 Tax Return Deadline Extended to June 15 Due to the recent winter storm that left millions without power and water, Texans now have until June 15 to file their 2020 returns, instead of the regular deadline of April 15, the IRS announced last week. The extension also includes any taxes that would have been owed by April 15, as well as any business returns that otherwise would have been due on March 15, the IRS said. Texans also will have until June 15 to make 2020 IRA contributions, the agency said. The extension will be automatic for anyone living in Texas, which means you will not have to file forms requesting more time to file. Sincere Sympathy We extend our condolences to District Two Publication Committee Representative/Acting District Two Youth Counselor Amber Bartek. Amber’s mother Connie Higginbotham of Belton
passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at the age of 68. Her funeral service was on Saturday, February 13 at Wildwood Baptist Church in Temple. Please keep Amber and her family in your thoughts and prayers. ***Note Changes to March Věstník Dates and Deadlines*** Update for March Věstníks . . . Due to the Texas snowstorms with power and internet outages, a Věstník was not published on February 22. Since the month of March has five Mondays, we will deviate from the usual second and fourth Monday schedule to publish on the first, third, and fifth Mondays which are March 1, 15, and 29. The deadlines are March 8 at 5 p.m. and March 22 at 5 p.m. The usual second and fourth Monday publication dates will resume in April. Unless otherwise noted, the Věstník is published on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, and the deadline is on the first and third Mondays at 5 p.m. Upcoming Věstník dates and deadlines are: March 15 Věstník deadline is Mon., Mar. 8 at 5 p.m. March 29 Věstník deadline is Mon., Mar. 22 at 5 p.m. April 12 Věstník deadline is Mon., Apr. 5 at 5 p.m. April 26 Věstník deadline is Mon., Apr. 19 at 5 p.m. May 10 Věstník deadline is Mon., May 3 at 5 p.m. May 24 Věstník deadline is Mon., May 17 at 5 p.m. —SPJST—
VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published on the second and fourth Mondays of each month by SPJST, PO 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 Controller Roy Vajdak, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.
VĚSTNÍK
Monday, March 1, 2021
SPJST Family Fun and Important Dates (Number in parentheses denotes SPJST district.)
Please contact the lodge/district, prior to attending. March 4 Sales Agent Virtual Training: Understanding Universal Life register at spjst.org March 7 Lodge 47, Seaton Ladies’ Fashion Bingo (2) March 14 Daylight Saving Time Begins March 14 Second Sunday Youth Webcast • register at spjst.org March 15 Sales Agent Training: SPJST Annuities - Our Products and How They Work, Corpus Christi (7) March 18 Sales Agent Virtual Training: Fraternal Benefits as a Selling Tool • register at spjst.org March 23 Fraternal Focus Webinar • register at spjst.org March 31 SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive Ends March 31 Lodge 88, Houston Scholarship Application Deadline (5) April 2 SPJST Home Office Closed • Good Friday April 7 Sales Agent Training: Beneficiary Designation (CE) Lockhart (1) April 8 Sales Agent Training: Beneficiary Designation (CE) Los Cucos Mexican Restaurant, College Station (1) April 21 Sales Agent Training: Agent Refresher Course Life Products and Solutions SPJST Home Office, Temple (2) June 14 Deadline to Submit Recommendations to the By-Law Committee and Finance Committee for the 33rd SPJST Convention June 23-27 Leaders-In-Training Camp Camp Kubena, Ledbetter July 7-11 Junior Camp Session One Camp Kubena, Ledbetter July 14-18 Junior Camp Session Two Camp Kubena, Ledbetter July 31 State Youth Achievement Day Aug. 13-15 33rd SPJST Convention Killeen Civic and Conference Center
SPJST INTEREST RATES 02/01/2021 - 04/30/2021 Universal Life Universal Life 3
(plans 1203-1222 with a guaranteed rate of 2.50%) • Credited Rate: 3.00%
Annuities 1-Year Annuity
Credited Rate: 1.25%
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Readers Write ✍ Czech language classes may end in colleges if students do not act now
Member shares church fundraiser information
Dear Readers, CESAT (Czech Ex-Students Association of Texas) is pleased to announce dual credit Czech classes for high school students at Blinn College. These classes will earn both high school and university credit. We have scholarships for up to 15 high school students from any high school in Texas. The class will be free to students (15) for both the fall and spring semesters. The Czech classes begin in the fall of 2021. Unfortunately, if the classes do not materialize with at least 10 students, this will be the last time the classes can be offered at community colleges. Please contact parents in your lodges that have high school students and encourage them to take dual credit Czech. The parent will need to go to the school principal and ask that the dual credit classes online can be offered at your school. The contact for Blinn College dual credit is Shannon Williford - Director Dual Credit Programs. She can be reached by telephone 979-209-8218 or email Shannon.williford@blinn.edu. Thank you for helping us get the word out to our parents that they need to ask that dual credit Czech be offered at our schools. Fraternally, Thadious Polasek Lodge 67, Schulenburg
Dear Readers, Saint Mary Catholic Church Spring Festival tickets are still available! Our spring festival annual fundraiser is coming up soon, and we’ve got three items up for grabs: first prize is a 2021 Keystone Springdale 260BH RV (retail value near $18,000); second prize is a $1,000 Visa card; and third prize is a $500 Visa card. The drawing will be held on April 18, 2021. Full details can be found at stmarytempletx.org (click on the Spring Festival info link). If you are interested in a “no contact” transaction, I have Venmo (free app). Then I will personally fill out your tickets and text you a picture of your tickets as confirmation. My contact information: cell - 254598-9358 (call/text); email liskamo@yahoo.com; and Venmo - Michael-Morris-358. Please provide the following information for the ticket: your full name (as you want it listed on the ticket); your mailing address; your preferred phone number; and your preferred email address. Thank you and good luck! Michael Morris Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—
Editor’s Note: Please see the related article on page 21 of this week’s Vestnik. —SPJST— Welcome to Your SPJST Member Discounts
2-Year Annuity
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Monday, March 1, 2021
FROM THE SUPREME LODGE February 3, 2021 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of SPJST Supreme Lodge held via online video conference PRESIDING The meeting was called to order by Supreme Lodge Chairman John Engelke on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at 9 a.m. ATTENDING: Brian Vanicek, President; Delisle Doherty, Vice President; Leonard Mikeska, Chief Financial Officer; Roy Vajdak, Controller; Donnie Victorick - District One/Supreme Lodge Vice Chairman; Jesse Pospisil - District Two; John Engelke - District Three/Supreme Lodge Chairman; Bobby Davis - District Four; Bradley Stavinoha - District Five; Annie Vahalik - District Six; Regina House - District Seven; Melanie Zavodny, Editor/Director of Communication; Janie Coakley, Recording Secretary. OPENING OF MEETING The meeting was opened by Supreme Lodge Chairman Engelke with a welcome to all. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was observed in respect to our departed members and in honor of our government officials, military troops, law enforcement, firemen, EMS, healthcare workers, and others affected by COVID-19, especially our members who have been affected. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska led the Supreme Lodge in an opening prayer. ANNOUNCEMENTS President Vanicek announced there will be three visitors today - Larry White of AQS Asset Management at 1 p.m. to report on investments; Rob Clift, executive director of Camp Kubena at 2 p.m. to report on the camp; and Bruce Bading of BFB Consulting at 4 p.m. to report on cyber security. APPROVAL OF SUPREME LODGE MINUTES After review of the following minutes - October 20 and 21, 2020 Regular Meeting; November 3, 2020 Special Called Meeting; November 5, 2020 Special Called Meeting; November 21, 2020 Special Called Meeting; and December 22, 2020 Special Called Meeting, Controller Vajdak moved we accept all the minutes as written. Director Pospisil seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
VĚSTNÍK INVESTMENTS Chief Financial Officer welcomed Larry White of AQS Asset Management to the meeting. Larry reported on the portfolio yield rate of return from inception with AQS and current yields. He also discussed SPJST’s current and proposed assets. Director Victorick moved that we raise the total amount that can be invested in a commercial direct loan mortgage from $500,000 to $1,000,000. Director House seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska moved that we approve the Investment Policy Statement with corrections made on page 8, correcting the purchase limits of invested assets. Director Pospisil seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously. CAMP KUBENA President Vanicek moved that we add Editor/Director of Communication Zavodny as a member of the Camp Kubena Advisory Committee. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Rob Clift, executive director of Camp Kubena, presented the proposed 2021 budget for Camp Kubena. President Vanicek, on behalf of the Camp Kubena Advisory Committee, moved that we accept the proposed budget as presented. Controller Vajdak added there would be a depreciation amount of $28,000 in the budget that was not listed. This motion does not require a second due to the Advisory Committee making the motion. The motion passed with eight in favor, two opposed, and one abstention. Voting in favor: President Vanicek, Chief Financial Officer Mikeska, Controller Vajdak, Director Victorick, Director Pospisil, Director Engelke, Director House, and Director Vahalik. Voting in opposition: Director Davis and Director Stavinoha. Abstained: Vice President Doherty. Rob Clift, executive director of Camp Kubena, presented the proposed cost to upgrade the existing “Tractor Barn” to become the new “Maintenance Barn” with a concrete floor, fence, and upgraded electrical and plumbing. This will provide a safer, organized, and visually appropriate location for the maintenance needs of Camp Kubena.
OLD BUSINESS The executive officers each presented a report on their old business, and each report was accepted as presented.
Director Victorick moved to proceed with the relocation of the maintenance barn and accept a bid of $145,648 from Round Top Builders. Director Engelke seconded the motion, and the motion carried with eight in favor, one opposition, and two abstentions. Voting in favor: President Vanicek, Chief Financial Officer Mikeska, Controller Vajdak, Director Victorick, Director Pospisil, Director Engelke, Director House, and Director Vahalik. Voting in opposition: Director Stavinoha. Abstained: Vice President Doherty and Director Davis.
Recess for lunch was taken from 12:08 to 12:40 p.m.
Recess for break was taken from 4:05 to 4:10 p.m.
MANAGEMENT TEAM MEETING NOTES The management team meeting notes were reviewed.
CYBER SECURITY Bruce Bading, president of BFB Consulting, discussed the risk of cyber security. NEW BUSINESS The executive officers each presented a report on their new business, and each report was accepted as presented. President Vanicek discussed the physical condition of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje and items that need to be corrected. Director Victorick moved that the Supreme Lodge directs Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek and SPJST District Six Director Annie Vahalik to act expediently in working with the lodge to ensure that the structural integrity of the Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje building remains intact and the overall neat appearance of the property be maintained. Director Vahalik is further instructed to proceed posthaste in contacting a property insurance company to insure the building against sudden and/or catastrophic loss. Expenses aligned with this project are subject to review and approval by Supreme Lodge officers. Correspondingly, the Supreme Lodge reserves the right to request compensation or to assess Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje at a later date. In the interim, any plans to sell, lease, and/or otherwise reassign the use of the lodge building and property are subject to review and discretion of the Supreme Lodge. The motion was seconded by Director House, and the motion passed unanimously. Director Victorick moved that Controller Vajdak be requested to audit the financial records of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje. Director House seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska reported on three meetings concerning investments: October 29, November 18, and December 10. Director Pospisil moved to ratify as presented. Director Stavinoha seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska moved for approval of the recommended rates on annuities as presented in his report. Director Victorick seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. The rates remain the same from last quarter. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska moved for approval of the recommended rates on universal life as presented in his report. Controller Vajdak seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. The rates remain the same from the last quarter. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska reported on five delinquencies; he stated all are well secured. He will continue to monitor and collect payments. Controller Vajdak presented and reported on the quarterly statement and statement of operations dated December 31, 2020, and the proposed 2021 to 2025 budget.
VĚSTNÍK
Monday, March 1, 2021
Controller Vajdak moved to adopt the 2021 to 2025 budget with any needed revision completed in the April 2021 Supreme Lodge meeting. Director Victorick seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Director Pospisil stated he was against the reduction of the budgeted amount for support of the Czech Heritage Museum.
January - Lodge 9, Snook meeting; Lodge 13, Dime Box meeting; webinar demonstration with Equisoft; webinar with Illustrate, Inc.; webinar with Sales Force.
President Vanicek discussed the need for clarity of voting during online meetings.
Successes of 2020 1. How successful was and is working from home? 2. Had amazing YADs virtually at a cost savings 3. Had virtual Supreme Lodge meetings 4. Numerous webinars 5. Increase in investment income 6. We are seeking new ways of doing business 7. Now have uniform training for RGAs and sales agents 8. Fraternal Focus webinars 9. Reaching out more to members via social media 10. Cutting costs and reducing expenses 11. Efficiency study completed and need for continuing to implement 12. Overall willingness to change 13. Focus on improving 14. Realization by some that you get what you pay for 15. Open and frank discussions 16. More of a focus on working together 17. Lowering our breakeven point on insurance 18. Placing more of an emphasis on annuities and training agents to sell 19. Reducing our loss from operations by looking at operating costs 20. Being more proactive instead of reactive
SUPREME LODGE CLARIFIES VOTING ELIGIBILITY FOR ELECTRONIC MEETINGS Delegates to the 32nd SPJST Convention in 2016 approved Section 68 which states, “Electronic Communication. Any meeting of SPJST at which written minutes are kept, except the convention, may meet by telephone conference or other means of communication that allows all participants to simultaneously communicate with each other.” Members participating electronically in lodge meetings may vote via laptop or smartphone provided that their visual identity has been verified by the meeting host and/or tabulator. Hybrid meetings are permissible in which members are present both onsite and electronically. Director Victorick moved to accept the clarification of the Supreme Lodge on voting eligibility for electronic meetings. Director Pospisil seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Director Vahalik moved for adjournment. Director Pospisil seconded the motion, and the motion to adjourn carried unanimously. Chairman Engelke adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Supreme Lodge will begin at 8 a.m. on April 20, 2021. Janie Coakley, Recording Secretary Leonard Mikeska, Chief Financial Officer —SPJST—
DISTRICT DIRECTORS’ REPORTS District One Director Donnie Victorick Activity Report November - Online meeting introducing new SPJST Vice President; Lodge 9, Snook meeting; Supreme Lodge special called meeting; District Five youth social (cooked hot dogs); Fraternal Focus webinar; Supreme Lodge Strategic Planning meeting. December - Lodge 17, New Tabor memorial service and youth Christmas program; Lodge 141, Sealy meeting; online SPJST Supreme Lodge meeting; webinar Meet the Vice President and RGAs; visitation for Evelyn Green (President Vanicek’s mother-in-law) in Rosebud.
Commentary Below are my thoughts about 2020 and things that I believe we need to improve.
Things that Need to be Worked on and Improved 1. Officers, don’t pit staff against directors 2. Directors being more appreciative towards officers and staff 3. Officers need to be more innovative 4. Officers lead and not be afraid to make mistakes 5. Officers take more responsibility for our shortfalls 6. Directors need to spend more time looking for ways to improve our organization 7. Need to work as a team 8. Officers should not take criticism personally 9. Officers should be more open to new ideas and changes 10. Officers realize they can disagree with one another and still respect and work with each other 11. Officers should not team up against one another 12. Consolidate our systems where we are piecemealing with different vendors 13. Respect one another and agree to disagree 14. Make decisions for what is best for the organization and not because of friendships 15. Officers and Directors accept the decision of the majority and support it outside the board 16. Continue to be proactive and look to the future 17. Don’t keep doing things the same old way 18. Look for ideas and procedures to make us current 19. Directors speak your conscience wearing your business hat and not being afraid to challenge officers
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20. Directors need to realize their fiduciary responsibilities. It all falls on us if we fail. I also want to say that we had a very positive meeting covering a lot of areas. I especially want to thank Delisle for all he has accomplished in these last few months. I look forward to the time ahead with the encouraging improvements we are attempting to implement. We just need to remember to stay our course and not let things get in our way of bringing the SPJST current. We have a ways to go, and these changes will take time. We must continue to be persistent and do what is best for SPJST. We all need to be looking forward to 2021. Fraternally, Donnie Victorick, FICF, CFFM District One Director •••
District Two Director Jesse Pospisil Activity Report October - Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy meeting and installed 2021 officers; Fraternal Focus webinar; Lodge 29, Taylor meeting; Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center Muziky Festival in La Grange; Supreme Lodge meeting; Lodge 24, Cyclone barbecue fundraiser. November - Lodge 47, Seaton meeting; Supreme Lodge special called meeting; delivered discretionary fund check to Lodge 87, Temple; Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point meeting and presented discretionary fund check; presented discretionary fund check to Buckholts Volunteer Fire Department; helped prepare meal for medical benefit at Lodge 47, Seaton. December - Lodge 80, Holland meeting; delivered discretionary fund checks in Taylor; Lodge 187, Round Rock meeting and Christmas party; online Supreme Lodge meeting; webinar - Meet the Vice President and RGAs. Commentary Thanks to the officers and directors for their excellent reports that they shared prior to the meeting. These reports allow the directors to make the sometimesvery-difficult decisions much easier. After hearing Vice President Delisle Doherty’s new sales plan, I am hoping to see a vast improvement to our insurance income. This quarterly Supreme Lodge meeting was held virtually. I like the GoToMeeting format, and it worked well for our meeting. This also saves SPJST a great amount of money since there are no travel expenses. Fraternally, Jesse Pospisil District Two Director •••
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Monday, March 1, 2021
District Three Director John Engelke Activity Report October - SPJST Senior Living meeting in Temple. November - Supreme Lodge special called meeting in Temple; Lodge 6, Cottonwood meeting; Fort Worth Parade of Lights video recording with SPJST Float, State Royalty, and District Three; Supreme Lodge Strategic Planning meeting; Lodge 66, Waco meeting. December - Lodge 180, Burleson meeting; Lodge 84, Dallas meeting; Temple Christmas Parade with SPJST Float and State Royalty; video message recording for SPJST Christmas greeting; online Supreme Lodge meeting; Lodge 66, Waco meeting. January - Lodge 6, Cottonwood meeting; virtual Youth Leaders Workshop; Lodge 35, Elk meeting; Lodge 66, Waco meeting. February - Camp Kubena Advisory Committee meeting; Supreme Lodge meeting. Commentary I would like to thank the officers and directors for allowing us to change the meeting date due to illness. I feel that we had a very good virtual meeting and accomplished a lot in one day. I look forward to an onsite meeting in April so we can get ready for our August convention. I ask that all our members practice safety in meeting over the next few months. I hope we get to a better resolution with the coronavirus disease. Fraternally, John Engelke District Three Director/ Supreme Lodge Chairman •••
District Four Director Bobby Davis Activity Report November - Conference call, Supreme Lodge special called meeting; Supreme Lodge Strategic Planning meeting. December - Fraternal Focus webinar; assist member after death (member service); Lodge 230, Midland meeting and election of officers; Lodge 229, Abilene Christmas party and election of officers; online Supreme Lodge meeting. Commentary We need to look at cutting waste - every dime counts. I believe that as directors we need to set an example. As state field managers, we were told that in order to stay in a hotel, we had to be more than 100 miles. As directors, we need to be at least 50 miles, which is still less than the field managers. Also we were told if you were 100 miles from home, we were to buy our own meals not unless you were working with agents. I believe as directors we need to honor the same.
VĚSTNÍK How are we monitoring employees working at home, District Six Director and is there any overtime pay being paid out? Annie Vahalik Fraternally, Bobby Davis, FICF, CFFM District Four Director Activity Report November - Lodge 30, Taiton meeting and installa••• tion of officers; Supreme Lodge special called meeting conference call; Supreme Lodge special called meeting District Five Director in Temple; Lodge 4, Hallettsville meeting and installation of officers; Lodge 184, Moulton meeting and inBradley Stavinoha stallation of officers; Lodge 41, Port Lavaca meeting and installation of officers; Supreme Lodge Strategic Activity Report November - Supreme Lodge conference call about so- Planning meeting in Temple; Supreme Lodge special cial members; new agent training in Rosenberg; online called meeting in Temple. meeting regarding new Supreme Lodge Vice President; December - El Campo Christmas Parade with Supreme Lodge special called meeting in Temple; Dis- SPJST Float; Fraternal Focus webinar; Lodge 40, El trict Five youth night at Lodge 88, Houston; Supreme Campo-Hillje meeting and officer installation; Lodge Lodge Strategic Planning meeting. December - Fort Bend Czech Heritage Society Christ- 151, Wharton meeting, officer installation, and Christmas party; 2021 Texas Legislature meeting with elected mas party; Fraternal Focus webinar; webinar - Meet officials to set agenda; American Fraternal Alliance Encore the Vice President and RGAs. online event reception; Fraternal Focus webinar; WellingJanuary - virtual Youth Leaders Workshop; youth ton webinar on 2021 bond market; University of Houston webcast; phone meetings with District Six Cemetery CT Bauer College of Business leadership webinar; Amer- Association business; checked on all three SPJST Disican Fraternal Alliance Encore online meeting; online Supreme Lodge meeting; webinar - Meet the Vice President trict Six Cemeteries - Shiner, Moravia, and Velehrad; met with Victoria Diocese regarding Moravia Cemeand RGAs; member spotlight in El Campo. January - Agent training; Czech Catholic annual meet- tery; webinar with Eric Swanson of illustrateinc.com; ing; Lodge 88, Houston annual meeting; Equisoft dem- Equisoft webinar. onstration webinar; virtual Youth Leaders Workshop; Lodge 81, Needville meeting; agent training webinar on Commentary using e-application; Illustrate, Inc. demonstration webinar; This was a great meeting with thorough reports. We Czech Heritage Society fundraiser in Needville; American covered a lot of important topics. I commend the Home Fraternal Alliance Board Success webinar; Equisoft webinar on insurance; insurance training on life insurance; ILS Office for keeping business going through this pandemic. I appreciate the support for the Lodge 40, El investment webinar. February - Sureify demonstration; online Supreme Campo-Hillje hall. I am excited for Camp Kubena and hope it will have a good camping season. Lodge meeting. Fraternally, Commentary Annie Vahalik The year 2020 was one for the records. Without the District Six Director camp losses because of Covid-19, BKD efficiency study, and the loss on some bonds we had to sell, SPJST would ••• have been profitable in 2020. I see a bright future for the organization. We have such a great marketing and sales professional District Seven Director in our new Vice President Delisle. He has brought fresh ideas and great changes to increase insurance and annuity Regina House sales for SPJST. We did a marketing strategy session with some great ideas being presented by Delisle. We also Activity Report: talked about having a presence and agents in areas of Texas October - Supreme Lodge meeting at the Home Ofwhere SPJST is underrepresented such as Austin. We will fice in Temple. also be asking for involvement, input, and expertise from November - Supreme Lodge special called meeting marketing professionals who are members of SPJST. via conference call; Supreme Lodge special called meetAgents will also be excited about new illustration and posing in Temple; Lodge 107, Floresville meeting (cansible CRM software coming to aid them in sales. I recently took the NAMIC course to become an celed); Fraternal Focus webinar. FMDC certified board of director. I obtained lots of good December - Met with Supreme Lodge Vice President information and skill that I can share with the Supreme Delisle Doherty and District Seven Regional General Lodge. Agent (RGA) Armando Perez; Lodge 202, Jourdanton Fraternally, meeting and installation of officers; Lodge 107, FloresBradley Stavinoha ville meeting; online Supreme Lodge meeting. District Five Director January - virtual Youth Leaders Workshop; youth webcast. •••
VĚSTNÍK
Monday, March 1, 2021
Commentary: Thanks for a productive meeting. Being able to conduct the meeting in an online format is a great way to still meet with all the health challenges we have had. I’m amazed at how much I have learned over the past several months, and I plan to continue to work hard, learn, and be accessible to the members of District Seven and the state. Fraternally, Regina House District Seven Director —SPJST—
From the SPJST Standing Committees By-Law Committee meets; sets June 14 deadline for recommendations
From the SPJST State Fraternal Director State Fraternal Director shares March updates Premium Refund Checks and Fraternal Paperwork Please know that the due date for all fraternal paperwork to be in the Home Office was January 15, 2021. This is so I can report to the Supreme Lodge, prepare a report for the American Fraternal Alliance, and for mailing out lodge premium refunds from 2020. Last year, the Supreme Lodge set a final due date on all fraternal paperwork to be in the Home Office no later than Thursday, April 1 to receive the 2020 premium refund for your lodge. This mean that your lodge’s fraternal hours and lodge officer listing must be turned in to the Home Office by Thursday, April 1, 2021. Otherwise, you will forfeit the premium refund for your lodge. This also includes 990E-card from 2020 taxes. Lodges that earn $50,000 or more are required to send a copy of the receipt from their IRS filing. Lodges that earn under $50,000 are completed by Tamara Gettys at the Home Office. If you have any questions, please send an email to frankh@spjst.com or call 254-534-0681. Fraternal Focus March 23 and You’re Invited Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek will host the next Fraternal Focus webinar on Tuesday, March 23 at 7 p.m. The webinar is open to all SPJST members who register. This link will take you to the registration page: https://spjst.org/fraternal-focus/ or you can go to www.spjst.org click on “Events” in the upper menu of the website. Once you register for the webinar, you will receive a confirmation email with more details.
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100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive Everyone spread the word! The SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive benefits the scholarship program. 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 Fund Drive runs through March 31. 2021 State Tournaments Please know we were planning to host state tournaments. However, due to increasing Covid-19 cases, we have postponed the tournaments. I know our members look forward to these tournaments, and Tammy and I do, too. However, we are thinking of you and your family’s safety during this time. Thank you for understanding. SPJST FAC Assistance We are here to help if you need assistance. Please feel free to call me at 254534-0681 or 800-727-7578 or email frankh@spjst.com or Tammy at 800-7277578 or 254-773-1575 or email tammym@spjst.com. Your District FAC is also available to assist you: District One FAC Kyle Skrabanek 979-820-0531; District Two FAC Ruth Hanusch 254-7710193; District Three FAC Vicki Sims 214-763-0341; District Four FAC Janeece Williams 806-632-5239; District Five FAC Clay Zapalac 281-750-2920; District Six FAC Helen Zabransky 361-798-3347; and District Seven - 254-773-1575. Fraternally submitted, Frank Horak State Fraternal Director —SPJST—
The By-Law Committee met on Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 10 a.m. at SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor. The meeting was called to order by Chair Dorothy Pflughaupt. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was observed. Those in attendance were newly elected members Bill Orsak of Lodge 9, Snook in District One and Bridget Bohac of Lodge 20, Granger in District Two; and Mary Steinman of Lodge 154, Fort Worth in District Three; Beverly Teplicek of Lodge 49, Rowena in District Four; Dorothy Pflughaupt of Lodge 88, Houston in District Five; Joe Siptak of Lodge 4, Hallettsville in District Six; and Oscar Korus of Lodge 107, Floresville in District Seven. Covid-19 social distancing was practiced, and members wore their masks, if they were more comfortable doing so. The Committee chose the Taylor site for its meeting rather than the Home Office because of the number of individuals who had Covid-19, member safety as we were the only people in the hall, no interruptions, and a central location for all members. The purpose of the meeting was to meet our newly-elected members and to review the proposed SPJST by-law recommendations, as presented to the ByLaw Committee by the Supreme Lodge in June 2020 that were to be presented to the delegates at the 2020 Convention. There was a discussion on most of the proposed changes, with every member stating their thoughts and suggestions, along with reasoning. It was a very good, productive meeting. A reminder to all lodges and members, the By-Law Committee will receive by-law change recommendations until June 14, 2021, as the Convention is scheduled to began on August 13, 2021. The next By-Law Committee meeting will be Saturday, May 8 with the place and time to be announced. Fraternally, Beverly Teplicek, Secretary SPJST By-Law Committee —SPJST—
Finance Committee to meet March 13 at SPJST Home Office Dear Members, The SPJST Standing Finance Committee has set a face-to-face meeting with social distancing incorporated on Saturday, March 13, 2021, beginning at 8 a.m. at the SPJST Home Office, 520 North Main Street in Temple, to review the completed 2020 financial statements with SPJST Controller Roy Vajdak. Should you have any questions you would like for the committee to bring for discussion, please contact your district director and/or Finance Committee representative prior to the meeting date. The Finance Committee members are: District One - Debbie Kostelka debbiekostelka@yahoo.com District Two - Edwin Pechal edwinpechal@yahoo.com District Three - Michael Galler Committee Vice Chair mlgaller54@gmail.com District Four - HD Weise Committee Chair hdweise@zipnet.us District Five - Ashley Victorick Committee Secretary ashley.victorick@gmail.com District Six - Karen Kaspar k-kaspar@hotmail.com District Seven - Colleen Jenke jenkec@att.net The names and contact information for all district directors can be located on page 2 of each Vestnik. Fraternally, Ashley Victorick, Secretary —SPJST—
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Monday, March 1, 2021
VĚSTNÍK
SPJST Lodge Section The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Send
/// Questions? Call 800-727-7578
Lodge 9, Snook to sponsor Little League teams The Wednesday, February 3, 2021, meeting of SPJST Lodge 9, Snook was called to order by President Donnie Hejl at 7:03 p.m. President Hejl led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for Emily Hejl and Raymond Klechka. Roll of officers was called. Minutes from the January meeting were approved as presented. Hall manager, treasurer, state, and fraternal reports were given. In the youth club, they discussed upcoming events and camp. We had several Zoom participants at our meeting. We have two new applicants – Travis Becker and William Orsak. We passed motions to sponsor Little League baseball and softball teams. We will have the hall heaters serviced. February birthday includes James Schoeneman on the 5th. The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m. Next Meeting—March 3 The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 3 at 7 p.m. To join the Zoom meeting: https://tamu.zoom.us/j/95317632082?pw d=QjBoVWVzZm0wdUc1dGlyeGdoZFlTZz09
SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087
Meeting ID: 953 1763 2082 Passcode: SPJST (ALL CAPS) One tap mobile: +13462487799,,95317632082#,,,,,,0#,,6 30623# US (Houston) Dial by your location +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) 877 853 5247 US Toll-free 888 788 0099 US Toll-free Meeting ID: 953 1763 2082 Passcode: 630623 Fraternally, Hannah Kovar, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 13, Dime Box to vote on selling hall at April 8 meeting Dear Members, All members, please know that you are invited to and encouraged to attend an important meeting on Thursday, April 8, 2021, at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall in Dime Box. The purpose of this meeting will be to consider and vote on a motion to sell the land, building, and its contents. Thank you for your attention, and please mark this date on your calendar and plan to attend the meeting. If you
have any questions, please give me a call at 979-540-8531 or Ricky Ford at 979884-1451. Fraternally, Floyd Kostelka —SPJST—
Lodge 24, Cyclone announces longtime members Lodge 24, Cyclone met at Flag Hall on Monday, February 8, 2021, amid tractors applying fertilizer for the upcoming crops. President Daniel Wilde called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. President Wilde led the Pledge of Allegiance and observed a moment of silent prayer for the deceased members. Brenda Maddux read the minutes of the January meeting, and Linda Wilde gave the treasurer’s report. Brenda Maddux gave the hall and bar reports. Shirley Hoelscher gave the fraternal report. The state tournaments will not be held at the Home Office for now. The Home Office
has set a date in April to get all paperwork turned in, or the lodge will risk losing its incentive funds. We have Justin Everett, Charles Schneider, and Margaret and Wilbert Mikeska on the sick list. We sadly lost Antonie Malcik who was this writer’s partner as we marched in for the eighth grade graduation from Rogers School. She was from the Seaton Common School District, and the writer was from Cyclone Common School District. Longtime Members Fifty-year members are Kenneth R. Andel, Nancy Lynn Aulbaugh, Sharon Kay Barnes, Joan Angela Benner, Ouida Black, Calvin Ray Coker, Patrick H. Everett, Patti Lynne Everett, Kathy J. Husak, Michael Ray Jones, Kimberly Louise Malcik, Joseph Marek, III, Kenneth J. Martinec, James H. Marwitz, Bart James Martinec, Carrie A. Schiller, Debbie Ann Seifts, James J. Slovacek, Susan C. Tyroch, Thomas W. Valenta, Gerald T. Yezak, and Rebecca A. Zabcik. Seventy-five year members are Johnnie Lee Martinec, Linhart Ray Pechal, and James David Stepan.
SPJST WELCOMES NEW SALES AGENT LINDA FIGUEROA SPJST welcomes Linda Figueroa, as a sales agent. She was born in New Mexico, but she was raised in Chihuahua, Mexico. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. Linda is married with three children. She has had her life and health license since 2015. Linda has experience with several life companies and Medicare as well. “I love my job and try to do it with compassion,” she says. “I do the best I can to give the clients the best service they deserve.” Linda says she is assigned to Lodge 133, San Antonio, “I am ready and willing and would love to help Lodge 202, Jourdanton; Lodge 107, Floresville; and Lodge 185, New Braunfels.” Please contact Linda to assist you with your life insurance needs. Best wishes to Linda in her career with SPJST! —SPJST—
LINDA FIGUEROA 210-815-7868 l.rod2018@icloud.com
VĚSTNÍK
Monday, March 1, 2021
Five leaks were fixed on the hall which is fairly good on a 50-year-old building. The columns at the road were knocked down during the snow in January and were put back up at a small cost. Derek Campbell, Steve Bruggman, Roy Malcik, and Daniel Wilde have been working to put up the new wainscoting and decorate the entrance on Sundays. They work from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The lodge is in their debt. Linda Wilde has a birthday on February 17. For the Lodge, Bobby Hoelscher, Reporter —SPJST—
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O O O Presenting 2021 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Lodge Karel Jonáš No. 28, East Bernard to meet March 14 via phone conference SPJST Lodge Karel Jonáš No. 28, East Bernard members intended to meet in person on Sunday, March 14, 2021; however, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the meeting location is closed and not available. The lodge will instead meet through telephone conference. For meeting information or questions, please call Helen Kelner 832-490-0664. Please stay safe and well. Fraternally, Helen Kelner Secretary-Reporter Editor’s Note: Member Linda Bratina’s name was incorrectly stated in the February 8 Vestnik. Thanks to Sister Bratina for preparing a delicious pumpkin pie for the December lodge meeting. The Vestnik regrets the error. —SPJST—
Fraternalism Among Friends
Lodge 29, Taylor member Terry Skrhak, not pictured, harvested a deer so Jesse Pospisil, left, and Adolph Grieger, both of Lodge 29, helped Terry make sausage. The gentlemen also made sausage for Adolph and for another friend, Duane Danek, who has helped with fish fries at the lodge hall. Adolph, Jesse, and Frankie Pustejovsky, not pictured, also made sausage for Lodge 29. “We are always helping each other out,” they all remarked. “We have a great friendship!”
SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor officers and new property committee members for 2021 were installed by District Two Director Jesse Pospisil, not pictured, at the meeting held February 10, 2021. Pictured are, front, President Ronnie Rieger. BACK: Property Committee Member Scott Kaderka, Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Sharon Kaderka, Secretary/Reporter Linda Pospisil, Treasurer Tammy Cannon, and Property Committee Member Mikey Girod.
Lodge 29, Taylor: hall is open on Wednesdays through Sundays On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, President Ronnie Rieger called the Lodge 29, Taylor meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. He asked for a moment of silence for our deceased members and military serving our country. The January minutes were read. Tammy gave the treasurer’s report. Sharon Kaderka read a thank you letter from Shepherd’s Heart Pantry for the donation from Lodge 29. She also informed us of the donation to Lodge 29 from Frankie and Judy Limmer in memory of Irene Hamann. Jesse Pospisil reported the Lions Club chili supper was a success. The City of Taylor sent us a letter ordering us to remove our sweepstakes machines. We had a new security system installed. The refrigerator in the kitchen is not working so he will have someone check it out. Jesse also informed the members that it will be the 125th anniversary of SPJST in 2022. There was a discussion on what possible celebration Lodge 29 could have to honor this achievement. Ronnie read the names of our 50- and 75-year members. They will be receiving
their pins in the mail. Ronnie also asked the members to help stop the rumor that our hall is closing down. The Taylor SPJST Hall is open from Wednesdays through Sundays from 3 to 10 p.m. - as always. District Two Director Jesse Pospisil installed the 2021 officers and two property committee members. Members celebrating birthdays in February include Lyn Rieger, Bobby Eulenfeld, Albin Machu, Joseph Kaderka, Layla Miller, Charles Campbell, Jessica Konikowski, Emily Sumner, Velma Marx, Julia Meiller, and Eva Lyn Langley. Adolph and Wanda Grieger will celebrate their wedding anniversary this month. Lyn Rieger donated door prizes. Next month, Adolph Grieger volunteered to bring them. The meeting was adjourned. Next Meeting—March 10 The next meeting will be Wednesday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. Fraternally submitted, Linda Pospisil Secretary-Reporter —SPJST—
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Monday, March 1, 2021
VĚSTNÍK
Calling All Members of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje.
LET’S GET TOGETHER!
Sunday March 14 1 p.m. SPJST Lodge 40 El Campo-Hillje Hall 30420 Loop 524 US Hwy 59 Hillje, Texas
Greetings to our members! We hope that you are doing well! The year ahead brings new challenges and opportunities for SPJST Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje. As a first step in this exciting process, you are cordially invited to attend and participate in a strategic planning meeting of SPJST Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje on Sunday, March 14, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the
lodge hall, located at 30420 Loop 524 US Highway 59 in Hillje. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t been to a lodge meeting for years – or if ever. You are a valued member of SPJST and of this lodge, and that’s what counts. It would be our honor to have you in attendance. We’ll have a nice svačina of pastries and dessert items for you to enjoy while we address the business at
hand. All of the standard social distancing guidelines, including face masks, still apply. SPJST Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek will lead us in a discussion about our lodge and where its been, where it stands, and where we want to be next year and the year after that. Topics that don’t typically come up in regular lodge meetings will be addressed . . . the positives . . . the negatives . . . and everything in between. By the time we’re done, Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje will be on its way to moving forward with clearly defined missions and goals. Our lodge occupies a historic place within our community. It is our sincere desire to continue to bring people together and make a positive difference in our community. Please confirm your attendance by sending an email to amvahalik@gmail.com or by calling/texting Annie 361-649-4888 or Cathy 979-332-1614. We look forward to your reply and seeing you on Sunday, March 14 at 1 p.m.! Fraternally, Cathy Garcia, President Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Annie Vahalik District Six Director —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton reschedules fashion bingo to March 7 Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall’s Ladies’ Fashion Bingo has been postponed two weeks due to weather-related issues. The new date is Sunday, March 7 at 2 p.m. Doors open at 1:15 p.m. Ten games will be played with some lovely purses and jewelry as prizes. Tickets for the 10 games, snacks, beverage, and a bingo dauber are available for $40 in advance or $50 at the door. A reserved table for six ($240) or eight ($320) can be made in advance. You are welcome to bring in your own snacks or drinks. CDC guidelines will be followed during the event to keep everyone safe and healthy. To purchase tickets, call Ginger Ringwald 254-931-6619, Emily Ordogne 979- 716-8332, Patsy Koslovsky 254718-1606, or Judy Pechal 254-770-8638. Fraternally, Ginger Ringwald, FAC —SPJST—
Lodge 54, West presents scenes from November 2020 Meeting
Lodge 54, West met Friday, November 6, 2020, at St. Joseph Hall. TOP LEFT PHOTO: Birthday celebrants were recognized. They are, left to right, Marcela Vaculik, Aiden Howard, Janice Kaluza, and Beulah Zahirniak. TOP CENTER PHOTO: Linda and Ronnie Kaluza. TOP RIGHT
PHOTO: Aiden Howard, left, and Mary Lou Mynar. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Marcela and Jan Vaculik. BELOW CENTER PHOTO: Freddie and Janice Kaluza. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Pee Wee and Beulah Zahirniak.
VĚSTNÍK
Lodge 48, Beyersville: rebuilt and now open for event bookings Dear Members and Readers, The rebuilt SPJST Lodge 48, Beyersville has reopened for event bookings after a fire destroyed the previous building on July 16, 2019. The lodge is accepting bookings for weddings, sweet 16s, showers, business meetings, reunions, graduation parties, and most other events upon approval of hall management. The capacity at this time is 300 but will be dependent on the Covid-19 regulations in place at the time of the event. Since Covid-19 has had an impact on all of us, we have developed special pricing for the year 2021. Please contact Bonnie Urbanek at 512-739-9324 or send an email to spjst48@gmail.com to discuss pricing and availability. This has been a long journey to actually see our vision of a new facility come to realization. You will see a modern look while incorporating many of the usable items from the destroyed building within the decor. There are still some final touches to the premises that are being addressed. We would appreciate any donations towards this endeavor, and anyone interested can contact Bonnie Ur-
Monday, March 1, 2021 banek. We are very thankful to the membership of Lodge 48, the community, and contractors who assisted in the rebuilding so we can now offer a community center of which we are extremely proud. Alice Bracewell, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 54, West shares November meeting minutes The meeting of SPJST Lodge 54, West was held at St. Joseph Hall on Friday, November 6, 2020. The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by President Freddie Kaluza. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Kaluza followed by a moment of silence for all our departed members especially Carol Jean McNeil, Josephine Kocian, and Mary Sulak who passed away since our last meeting, for unity in the world, and for Wilburn Willis who recently had a surgery. All officers and sales agents were present except Wilburn Willis, and we had nine of our members in attendance for the meeting. The minutes of the last meeting were read by Janice Kaluza. Mary Lou Mynar
O O O Presenting 2021 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 107, Floresville
SPJST Lodge 107, Floresville officers for 2021 are, front, Flag Bearer Colt Pruski. Second row: Fraternal Activities Coordinator Bob Bayer, Reporter Polly Bayer, Youth Leader Lian Lynn (holding daughter Tillie), Secretary Wendy Pruski, Treasurer Oscar Korus, and Assistant Youth Leader Launa Tholkes. BACK: President Trey Bielefeld, Hall Manager Roxy Bertrand, and Vice President Larry Bertrand.The officers were installed by District Seven Director Regina House, front, far right.
made a motion to accept the minutes, and Linda Kaluza seconded the motion. Motion passed. Fraternal Activities Coordinator (FAC) Linda Kaluza let the members know there would be an adult Christmas contest on November 15, 2020, to honor Veterans on Veterans Day if anyone was interested in participating in it. We had Pee Wee Zahirniak stand because he served in the Korean Conflict, and he thanked him for his service. Linda also let the members know there would be domino tournaments on January 9 and March 6 and if you needed further information about this to call SPJST Home Office for details. (Editor’s Note: The tournaments have since been postponed due to Covid-19.) Linda reminded all members that applications for scholarships are to be turned in before February 1, and if anyone is interested, we can mail them an application. The guidelines to apply for this scholarship is for high school graduates and undergraduates and you do have to be a member of SPJST to receive the award. Freddie will be sending out applications to all members who are eligible from our lodge. Marcela Vaculik made a motion to accept the FAC report, and Pee Wee Zahirniak seconded the motion. Motion passed. The treasurer’s report was presented by Mary Lou Mynar. In May 2020, with the Covid-19 pandemic in the community, many elderly were homebound and needed meals so the City of West
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was delivering lunches to many of these homes. Our officers voted and decided to donate $1,000 to help with these meals. Lodge 54, West member Marcela Vaculik helped in delivering many meals to the elderly, and it was so appreciated by the many people who couldn’t go out. Ronnie Kaluza made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, and Janice Kaluza seconded the motion. Motion passed. Czech Reporter Jan Vaculik stated he did not have anything to report, but he wants to make sure everyone remembers to wear their mask to protect them from Covid-19. Under old business, we have canceled our Christmas party for 2020 and plan to get everything rescheduled for 2021. Joins Hands Day, Convention and 75and 50-year pin presentations were also canceled and will be scheduled for a later date. This has been an unusual year, and we apologize for not being able to celebrate these special times with our members. We pray for all of our members to stay safe and well. Under new business, we had two new certificates - Remi Renee Wissinger and William Alfred Kaluza with Sales Agent Janice Kaluza. We had one transfer, Benedict Firasek from Lodge 167, Penelope to Lodge 54, West. Mary Lou Mynar made a motion to accept them as new members, and Marcela Vaculik seconded the motion. Motion passed. President Freddie Kaluza announced we have Jean Martin as a new agent for
O O O Presenting 2021 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 160, San Angelo
The 2021 SPJST Lodge 160, San Angelo officers are, left to right, President Sandra Jansa, Vice President Betty Schwartz, Secretary Charlene Dusek, Treasurer Sharon Hohmann, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Brenda Holik, and Youth Leader Ryan Jansa.
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Monday, March 1, 2021
our lodge, and we welcome her as a new sales agent. Supreme Lodge Vice President Richard Hrbacek resigned, and we now welcome Delisle Doherty to the team. We wish him well with all his future endeavors for our fraternal organization. Ronnie Kaluza and Marcela Vaculik reported that an audit was completed, and all the books for our lodge are in order. President Freddie Kaluza talked about the SPJST Scholarship Fund and West Junior Historians. He asked if we would like to make a donation to them as part of our normal annual contribution. Janice Kaluza made a motion to contribute $100 to the scholarship fund and $200 to West Junior Historians. Beulah Zahirniak seconded the motion. Motion passed. President Freddie Kaluza then announced that Martha Gerik outlived her certificate at the age of 96 years old, and we hope to honor her at the June meeting. Freddie called Norma at the church and booked St. Joseph Hall for our meet-
Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje member grows rare 2-headed cabbage in garden
VĚSTNÍK ings in 2021 for March, June, September, and November. Vice President Wilburn Willis was not available to hold the election of new officers so it was given to the lodge members present at the meeting. PeeWee Zahirniak made a motion to keep all officers the same by acclamation, and Ronnie Kaluza seconded the motion. Motion passed. Officers are: President Freddie Kaluza Vice President Wilburn Willis Secretary/English Reporter Janice Kaluza Treasurer Mary Lou Mynar FAC Linda Kaluza Czech Reporter Jan Vaculik Audit Committee Ronnie Kaluza and Marcela Vaculik Janice Kaluza made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Marcela Vaculik. Motion passed. Door prizes were awarded, and the members enjoyed food and fellowship. The prayer was led by Janice Kaluza in English and Marcela Vaculik in Czech. A cake was brought for the birthdays since the last meeting which were Janice Kaluza, Aiden Howard, Marcela Vaculik, and Beulah Zahirniak. Door prize winners were Ronnie Kaluza and Freddie Kaluza. Next Meeting—March 5 The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 5, 2021, at St. Joseph Hall. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. —1 John 4:16 Fraternally, Janice Kaluza, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 40, El CampoH i l l j e member Vlasta Bartos shared this photo of her grandson Colby Cerny and the rare two-headed cabbage that was recently grown in Colby’s garden. Colby is 19 years old, and he is also a member of Lodge 40.
Lodge 79 Corpus Christi meets March 21 Lodge 79, Corpus Christi will meet on Sunday, March 21, 2021. Meal will consist of chopped steak and sides. Members are asked to bring a salad or dessert of their choice. Meal will be served at 1 p.m., and the meeting will commence at 2 p.m. Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 84, Dallas reports on February meeting Dear Readers, The monthly meeting of Lodge 84, Dallas was brought to order on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at 2:45 p.m. by Vice President Vicki Sims. Flag Bearer Lynda Novak led all members present in the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was held afterwards for Sister Tara Andreason Cloutman, daughter of Lodge 84 President Justine Andreason Yeager, and for Sister Betty Landsfeld, sister of Brother Bob Liska and aunt of treasurer Jim Liska. We also observed a moment of silence for departed SPJST members, troops serving our country, those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and those affected by the bad weather from the previous week. Secretary Cherri Petr read the minutes from the January meeting which were approved by all members present. Additionally, she read correspondence received from the Home Office and a thank you letter from Restored Hope. Secretary Cherri then reported on members who will be receiving their 50- and 75year membership pins. Youth Leader Lynda Novak gave her report. The youth continue to meet virtually each month. Lynda reported that the youth are gathering items for the scrapbook, work on their Vestnik projects and their entries for District Three Youth Achievement Day to be held virtually. Sister Lynda then reported on Czech Culture Society and Fraternal Council. The sunshine committee reported that a get well card was sent to Sister Tara Andreason Cloutman and, later, a sympathy card was sent to the family of Sister Tara Andreason Cloutman. May Tara rest in peace. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Vicki Sims reported that she had no news to report. Brother Jim Liska then gave the treasurer’s report. It was mentioned that our former lodge building was being dismantled which then led to a discussion on the memories that were made when we called it “home.” Next Meeting—March 21 Vice President Vicki Sims thanked everyone for attending the meeting, and she reminded everyone that the next meeting will be Sunday, March 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the home of Charles and Kathy Nemec, 10707 Webster Terrace Dallas, Texas.
Call 214-351-4214 for directions.The meeting was then adjourned, and everyone enjoyed the afternoon svačina! Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston scholarship application now available Lodge 88, Houston announces that its scholarship application is now available on the lodge website. If you will be a 2021 graduating senior, please visit www.lodge88.org to submit your application by March 31, 2021. Fraternally, Carol Havemann —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston meets March 8 Dear Members, Due to the weather conditions, the February 15 meeting was canceled. The next meeting will be Monday, March 8, 2021, at 7 p.m. to avoid conflicts with spring break as we have in previous years. Aaron Rigamonti President —SPJST—
Lodge 151, Wharton meets March 8 SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton will hold its quarterly meeting on Monday, March 8, 2021, at the Wharton Depot Museum, located at 100 Sunset Street in Wharton. A light meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP by Thursday, March 4 to Carolyn Bucek at 979-532-1910 if you plan to attend. Members with birthdays in January, February, and March will be honored. We hope you can attend. Fraternally, Janie Bucek Secretary/FAC —SPJST—
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Monday, March 1, 2021
Lodge 191, Lufkin reports on January meeting
Lodge 196 Houston-West cancels Easter egg hunt
The Monday, January 25, 2021, meeting of Lodge 191, Lufkin was held with nine members present. Guest was State Fraternal Director Frank Horak who shared lots of information with the members. Lodge officers were approved for the year, and an audit committee was appointed. We decided to meet quarterly. We will inform members when we can return to hosting our regular dances. If you have not paid your membership dues, please do so now. You also may want to add a little extra to support and to keep our lodge so we can be ready to dance when we get the okay to do so. For lodge information, please contact George Scogin at 936-875-2867. Fraternally, Alma Breazeale —SPJST—
Lodge 196, Houston-West met on Sunday, February 7, 2021, for its monthly meeting. It is with a sad heart that we made the decision to cancel the Easter egg hunt that was scheduled for March 27. We felt that with all of the health issues that are still in play, we should stay on the safe side and not have our annual event. We will be looking at hosting other events as the year progresses so keep checking the Vestnik for information on future events. Fraternally, Don Fruin Event Coordinator —SPJST—
Lodge 191, Lufkin to meet quarterly Dear Members, Lodge 191, Lufkin is located at 197 Hughes Road in Lufkin, Texas. For lodge information, call George Scogin at 936875-2867. Due to Covid-19, meetings are now held quarterly with the next one being in April. We will let you know the date. Also due to Covid-19, we are not hosting dances at this time. We will let you know when we can start dancing again. Fraternally, Alma Breazeale —SPJST—
But Mom Said . . . by d.knape
Whenever I would tell my children something relative to their obedience or learning they would always say But Mom Said . . . It was their response to things they found contradictory between what I said and what they had previously heard it could be the slightest thing where I thought I might offer some insight or wisdom some guidance to behavior but always mom had gotten there first and given the opposite advice But Mom Said . . . became their fallback position nullifying anything I offered and so I became irrelevant like most fathers simply an object of curiosity something to be seen in passing but then ignored like an off-hand remark not to be taken seriously what was really important was What Mom Said I still offer my insight but now the kids themselves know better they are now smarter than me I have to give them credit they learned well and somehow survived all my good advice. —SPJST—
Smaller Circles
Apple
by d.knape
by d.knape
Now in the shrinking of our world our circles grow smaller and smaller we cannot go out we cannot meet no work no school no social events we are saddled with masks and bans and restrictions what was a wide circle circles back becomes smaller ever smaller until . . . there is no one left to hug. —SPJST—
A poem is like an apple its small compact and is healthy for your mind and spirit a poem snaps when you bite into it you can roll it around on your tongue chew on it lovingly it leaves a pleasant aftertaste. —SPJST—
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Lodge 157, Lubbock member wins Grand Champion award in San Angelo Ag Mechanics Contest Congratulations to Elizabeth Kristinek of Lodge 157, Lubbock for winning first place in class and Grand Champion in her division at the San Angelo Ag Mechanics Contest held Thursday and Friday, February 4 and 5, 2021. The team of two girls from Farwell FFA built a 10-foot by eight-foot rotisserie smoker. The smoker has six eight-foot rotisserie trays. In addition to the ribbon and banner, the team received several thousand dollars worth of mechanical tools. Elizabeth has won a blue ribbon for every entry she has made for entry at the ag mechanics shows. In 2020, she won the chairman’s award at San Antonio for a fire pit that she made. Elizabeth is the daughter of Jason and Trisha Kristinek and granddaughter of Jerome and Cyndy Kristinek, all of Lodge 157, Lubbock.
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Monday, March 1, 2021
Life is a Gift by Brent Hegwood Lodge 88, Houston My name is Brent Hegwood. I’m a member of Lodge 88, Houston and the son of Vincent and Kim Hegwood, and the grandson of the late King B. and Helen Hegwood. I am a graduate of Texas A&M University Class of 2018. When I was three years old, I was diagnosed with autism. Since then, I’ve overcome a lot of struggles and learned a few things along the way. Throughout my life, there were two constants that have aided me in my journey: God and family. The Lord laid the path before me to travel, and my parents walked beside me, catching me whenever I stumbled. I’m eternally grateful to both of them. At first, I didn’t think that my story would be all that interesting to people. I always considered myself pretty average, so I figured other people would find me as boring as I found me. But my mother shared my story with others on social media and in person. I discovered that I could touch the lives of so many with just my story. What would happen if I purposefully focused my energy into such an exercise? So I started this blog. I hope that my whimsical words will brighten your day and enlighten your mind. At the very least, I want my words to show you a different perspective, one you may not have thought of but will be familiar to those who struggle with autism or who have a family member who struggles with autism. Just last Tuesday, I had my twenty-fifth birthday, and next Tuesday is my mother’s birthday (I’m not telling you her age, though). Realizing that I’m now a quartercentury old has given me cause to reflect on my life.
VĚSTNÍK I’ve written before about the importance of gratitude – the importance of thanking God for all the wonderful things in your life. I’ve also written about the specific things I’ve been grateful for, like my mother, my father, my little brother, my dear departed Nanny, my other set of grandparents, my dog, my country and the troops who serve it, and even God Himself. But of all these things, being alive is the best thing to be grateful for. Without life, you cannot experience any other good thing. How can you enjoy good food if you aren’t alive? How can you speak with friends if you aren’t alive? How can you read books without being alive? How can you have a good life if you don’t have a life? That’s why, of all the things you should feel grateful for, the fact that you’re alive should be top among them. I do not deny that there are people whose lives are unfortunate and full of hardship. But even in such a life, there can be redeeming elements – no person’s life, no matter how hard, is deprived of goodness. One can find the simple pleasures of a good meal or music while impoverished. One can find the chance for camaraderie and glory in the bleakest of battlefields. And no matter what your life circumstances are, God is watching, and He will reward you for your virtue in the afterlife. I could focus on the bad part of my life – I do despair sometimes that I don’t have as steady employment as I’d like. I dislike not being able to live up to the standards I set for myself, both in this blog and elsewhere. I could focus on how I have autism and am thus unable to understand others as well as I might have otherwise. I could despair at all the poor choices I set out for myself. I could also attack the society around me for its numerous flaws and tendencies. But those things are pittance next to the overwhelmingly positive things in my life. If I were to moan and groan about my lot in life, what kind of person would that make me? It’s thoughts like this that make me grateful for having been born. Despite its flaws, I do enjoy my life – perhaps too much! Even if I’m no Pollyanna, I try my best to embody the ideal of joie de vivre. Part of growing up means being able to take the good and the bad while remaining fundamentally joyful and appreciative of others. Someone who occupies his time concocting ever more recherché reasons for badmouthing his society and forebears is not mature. Cynicism is the hallmark of the narcissistic adolescent, not the world-weary adult. One common form of cynicism is antinatalism, the belief that procreation is immoral because of the unavoidable suffering one must endure in life. “Human existence is totally pointless,” says antinatalist Raphael Samuel as he sues his parents for giving birth to him. Though he admits that he has a good life and is (apparently) close to his parents, he wants to scare parents all over the world into not having children. When I look at such people, I can only shake my head. I can never understand why someone would be such an ungracious, spoiled brat. It’d be one thing if you were an impoverished wretch living in the third world. It’d be one thing if you were suffering from de-
pression and were constantly being told by everything around you that your life was worthless. Such people deserve our sympathy and our prayers. But many of these antinatalists live comfortable, middle-class lives. If they are miserable, if they feel that life is so terrible, then that is their fault. These people cannot see the goodness that outweighs and redeems this world’s suffering. These people do not see the inherent value of life. Philosophers like David Benatar argue that humans generally do not properly evaluate the squalor of their condition. People who are happy with their lives are small-minded and ignorant of the wider suffering in the world. But what justifies such arrogant pessimism? Benatar claims that since not living means not suffering, it is superior to living. But as I pointed out before, life is necessary for all the good things too. And what of the people who courageously endure things like disease, abuse, or personal tragedy? Will the antinatalist spit on this bravery as something delusional? What does the increasing popularity of antinatalism say about our society? Well, for my money, it points to the fact that people equate a pleasurable life with a life well-lived and a painful life with a terrible one. This is the philosophy known as hedonism. But pain and pleasure must presuppose something greater than themselves. Pleasure is a biological signal that the organism fulfilled some desire, and pain is a biological signal that the organism experienced some harm. What makes pleasure good and pain bad is that they have the greater purpose of preserving the organism in question. They do not give the organism’s life meaning. Rather, life’s intrinsic goodness gives pleasure and pain meaning. The solution is very easy: be grateful. Thank God for all the good in your life and never take it for granted. I hope that, now that I’m twenty-five, I can be a bit more mature and spread this message to others. Don’t let people steal your joy. Life’s hard enough without it. —SPJST—
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Monday, March 1, 2021
In Memoriam In Memory of Alice Boudny
Expression of Sympathy
Alice Linda Boudny, age 86, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2021, at the Boudny Family Farm near Coupland, Texas, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on this same farm on November 2, 1934, to A.L. and Mary Monroe Boudny. She attended school in Taylor. Alice spent most of her life dedicated to caring for her father and mother in their final years. She Alice Boudny worked hard on the farm as well. She was a great baker and made many birthday cakes for her nieces and nephews. Alice loved animals and took care of all manner of farm animals. She cared for the chickens, guinea fowl, cows, and many cats and dogs in her lifetime. She bottle-fed calves and was very protective of her animals. When her caregiver took her on short walks on the porch, she always waved at the cows in the pasture. She was also a birdwatcher and went on birding trips with her sister. Alice was a gentle woman who was loved by all who knew her. She liked watching television and listening to country music. She spent her final days with her sisters, especially her sister Ruth who put her to bed at night and got her up in the morning. Although she had no children of her own, she loved all her nieces and nephews. She will be missed. She was a member of SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor. Alice was preceded in death by her parents; brother Alfred Boudny; and sisters Patricia Bryan, Dorothy Drozd, Gene Boudny, Irene Turner, and Barbara Boudny. She is survived by sisters Ruth Boudny and Helen Fremin; numerous nieces and nephews and their children; and many friends. Memorials may be made to Central Texas Food Bank, 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin, Texas 78744 or any of the local animal shelters. —SPJST—
We, the undersigned Resolution Committee of SPJST Lodge 87, Temple, on behalf of the officers and entire membership wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of WILLIAM E. “BILL” BRODIE, who passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021, at the age of 92 years. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 19 at Bellwood Memorial Park with Dr. Tom Robbins officiating. Mr. Brodie was Bill Brodie born in Temple, Texas. He attended Temple High School and received degrees from Mary Hardin-Baylor and Prairie View A&M. He married Anna Marie Kurtin on July 10, 1954. She preceded him in death. Mr. Brodie was a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church in Temple; Optimist Club; Boy Scouts of America; Texas State Teacher’s Association; and SPJST Lodge 87, Temple. Survivors are sons Stephen W. Brodie and wife Robin and John R. Brodie and wife Arlis, all of Houston; and five grandchildren. Memorials may be made to The ARC of Bell County or First United Methodist Church. May he rest in eternal peace. Respectfully submitted, Carolyn Greene Sidney Kacir —SPJST—
In Memory of Joe B. Camp Joe B. Camp, 96, of Temple, Texas, passed away on January 13, 2021. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on November 14, 1924. He grew up in Junction, where he graduated from high school in 1942. He completed his freshman year at Texas A&M College before he was Joe B. Camp drafted into the Army in June 1943. Joe took basic training at North Camp Hood in Texas, and upon completion, the Army placed him in the ASTP Engineering Program, sending him to the University of Oklahoma where he completed engineering coursework. After World War II, he returned to Texas A&M and graduated with a BS in agricultural engineering in 1948. He went to work for the Soil Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Pecos. Following the war years, this region was experiencing an agricultural boom with large acreage being put into irrigated cotton production. Joe’s knowledge and training as an agricultural engineer was in high demand.
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It was there that he met and married Gay Poitevint. The young couple joined the First Christian Church and remained members throughout their lives. Children and promotions followed, and in 1965, Joe was transferred to San Marcos to assume a lead position in watershed planning. From San Marcos, the Camps moved to Temple in 1973 where Joe assumed statewide responsibilities. After retiring from work in Temple, Joe’s involvements included church activities, NARFE, Freemasonry, Kiwanis, VFW, SPJST, and Wildflower Antique Auto Club. Joe and Gay enjoyed trips to Canada, Europe, Hawaii, and most states in the United States by road and air. Joe was a member of SPJST Lodge 87, Temple. Joe was preceded in death by his wife Gay Camp; son Billy Camp; parents Blalock and Gladys Camp; and sister La Dell Burnette. He is survived by son and daughter-in-law Robert and Linda Camp of Houston; daughter and son-in-law Shirley and Cody Vanderford of Oak Point; grandchildren and grandchildren-in-law Noelle and Jake Johnson of Alvin, Tara and Spencer Kalliainen of Vancouver, Washington, Bijan Camp of Houston, and Ryan and Emily Balliett of Euless; great-grandchildren James and Arabella Johnson; and multi-generations of nephews, nieces, and cousins. —SPJST—
Bronze SPJST Cemetery Markers Bronze SPJST cemetery markers are available for purchase through the Home Office for $20 a piece. Price includes shipping and handling. The markers measure three inches in diameter and include a four-inch threaded post for mounting. To purchase or for more information,
ON LY $20
L UA T AC SIZE
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Monday, March 1, 2021
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, THOMAS “TOM” EDGAR GIBSON, JR., age 78, who passed away at his home on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, after a long illness. Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, February 19 at Hewett-Arney Funeral Home of Temple with a private family rosary following. Funeral mass was at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 20 at St. Mary’s Church with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery. Tom Gibson, Jr. He was born in Temple, Texas, on August 5, 1942, to Thomas E. and Laurine “Teen” (Twitty) Gibson, Sr. After graduating from Temple High School in 1960, Tom worked for the City of Temple before he went to work for the Santa Fe Memorial Hospital in 1968. He worked in the physical therapy department, as an aide, for 34 years, until his early retirement in 2002. Tom loved all of his co-workers, especially Ray Rucker. While at Santa Fe, he met his lifelong love and nurse-mate, Margaret Lillian “Cookie” Pechal, in January 1971. Being too shy to ask in person for a date, Tom called her at work and set up a time to go to Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown. They were married on May 22, 1971, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Temple. Tom’s greatest passions, besides his family, were fishing and hunting for arrowheads. He and Harry Shafer had many digging trips to the Stillhouse Hollow site before it became the reservoir. He continued such ventures as long as he could with brothers-in-law Bill Wofford and Anton Pechal. At home, Tom loved planting flowers and having a large vegetable garden. He enjoyed being actively involved in all kinds of activities with his family, including SPJST, 4-H, church, school, and scouts. Tom was a lifetime member of Central Texas Sportman’s Club, where he helped build the fishing docks. He became a 3rd degree Knight in Council
VĚSTNÍK 3444 and a 4th degree Knight in Assembly 1138, where he enjoyed organizing the annual altar server’s swim event. Tom loved the Santa Fe Hospital and the railroad itself and always volunteered at the annual train festivals. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton; Boy Scout Troop 152; Order of the Arrow; and St. Mary’s School PTC. Tom is survived by wife Margaret of 49 years; daughter Laura Christine (Arden) Aylor of Alabama; sons Thomas Leroy and Daniel William (Lindsay) Gibson, both of Temple; brother William Twitty “Bill” (Rose) Gibson of Rockport; granddaughters Grace, Madelyn, Mariana, and Emma; and grandsons Clayton, Jacob, and Henry. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1018 South 7th, Temple, Texas 76504. May our departed brother rest in peace. Resolution Committee Ruth Hanusch Joyce Skrabanek —SPJST—
In Memory of Eugene Machu Eugene Thomas Machu, age 70, of Taylor, Texas, passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020, with his loving family by his side. Eugene Thomas Machu was born to Albin E. Machu and Vlasta (Kovar) Machu on September 4, 1950. Eugene graduated from Granger High School and attended Central Texas College in Killeen. He was a Eugene Machu tool and die maker for more than 28 years at Westinghouse and Intercraft Industries. Eugene married Rose Finn on June 9, 1973, and they were blessed with two children, Tracy and Michael. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, collecting antiques, and vacationing with his family. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor. Eugene was preceded in death by his
parents Albin and Vlasta Machu; inlaws Clarence and Lina Finn; brothersin-law Richard Finn and Gerald Schmale; and great-niece Morgan Jones. Eugene is survived by wife Rose Machu; daughter Tracy Machu; son Michael Machu and wife Destinee; sisters Rubie Loessin (Leslie), Marie Ann Ripple (Henry), Angeline Malicoat, Sharon Mikulec (TJ), Debbie Haag (Larry), and Sandy Strmiska (Clement), and brothers Albin Machu (Elaine) and Marvin Machu (Barbara); his wife’s sisters Linda Schmale, Betty Jones (Ron), and Darlene Warwick (Elvin); and numerous nieces and nephews. Due to Covid-19, the family has requested a private memorial service, and memorials may be made to Machu Cemetery, courtesy of Albin Machu, 909 TH Johnson Drive, Taylor, Texas 76574; or Taylor Brethren Church, PO Box 351, Taylor, Texas 76574. —SPJST—
In Memory of Johnny Marek Johnny Lee Marek, 84, passed away at his home in Wylie, Texas, on February 8, 2021, after a long illness. Johnny was born in Ratibor on May 3, 1936. Johnny owned a successful company, L & D Man(Lee ufacturing and Daughters). He worked until he was 77 years old and was a meticulous machinist. Johnny was a very active parent of his three daughJohnny Marek ters. He often coached their softball teams and attended numerous games. When his grandchildren came along, he was often in attendance at their activities. Johnny also enjoyed his farm located east of Garland. He maintained a small herd of cows which kept him active. Another hobby that Johnny loved was to go to Lake Ray Hubbard and trotline fish for catfish. Throughout the years, he raised several Boston Terriers and pugs. Johnny was always seen in a hat and blue jeans. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 24, Cyclone. Johnny was preceded in death by his
parents; and one brother. Johnny is survived by wife Gloria of 64 years; children Karen Marek of Garland, Brenda Fielding and husband Tim of Plano, and Cathy Muhlbauer and husband Mitch of Saint Paul; grandchildren Amber, Ashley, Clint, Lauren, Aaron, and Erica; great-grandchildren Logan, Magnolia, Gideon, Samson, Zayden, Zuri, and an additional great-granddaughter in May 2021; and eight brothers and sisters. —SPJST—
In Memory of Joseph Pesak, Jr. Joseph Edward Pesak, Jr. of Weimar, Texas, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at 6:05 p.m. at MeHerman morial Hospital in Katy. He was 63. Visitation was DeMonday, cember 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Weimar. Funeral service was Tuesday, December 8 at Joseph Pesak, Jr. 10 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church with Pastor Herb Beyer officiating. Interment was at Miller Creek Cemetery. Joseph was born August 20, 1957, in Wharton to the late Joseph Edward Pesak, Sr. and wife Gladys Lucko Pesak. Joseph attended schools in Boling, Damon, and Needville, but he learned the most from life. He played football in high school and was a member of the FFA. Joseph was a truck driver for more than 40 years and enjoyed seeing the sites of the world. Joseph’s handle as a truck driver was Fisherman, indicating his love for fishing. He loved hunting, and he loved the cold weather when the bucks were moving. Judy was not just his life partner, but also his hunting and fishing partner. Outdoors he loved gardening, mowing with his zero-turn mower, barbecuing, and checking his cows. Indoors, he watched westerns and listened to music with family and his pets Bodine, Harley, and Charlie. He also enjoyed Judy and Charlotte’s culinary talents. Joseph and Judy’s love story began
VĚSTNÍK January 15, 1976, at a birthday party for Judy’s sister Janis Jahn. After five years, Joseph and Judy were married September 13, 1980, in Weimar at Faith Lutheran Church. Soon after, daughter Charlotte Renee Pesak was born December 16, 1981. In 1986, the family grew again, and Joseph Edward Pesak, III was born. Through life, Judy and Joseph truly embraced what it meant to be united as one. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar. Joseph is survived by his wife of 40 years, Judy Kay Kuehn Pesak; daughter Charlotte Renee Pesak of Weimar; son Joseph Edward Pesak, III and wife Leslee of Mont Belvieu; sister Bethany Guthmann and husband Walter of Columbus; brother John Paul Pesak of Weimar; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Douglas Pesak, Brandon Pesak, Robert Pesak, Larry Thomas, Darrell Janacek, JR Friedrich, CJ Cernoch, Lynn Reising, and Lee Adams. Honorary pallbearers were all his nieces and nephews. The family asks for monetary donations to defer funeral costs be sent in care of Judy Pesak, 1025 Pesak Ln, Weimar, Texas 78962 or to Henneke Funeral Home, 1515 Montezuma Street, Columbus, Texas 78934. The family asks for your continued prayers. Submitted by, Carolyn M. Tobola Lodge 8, Weimar Secretary —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, DEAN PATRICK MIKESKA, age 80 of Rogers, Texas, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, in a Temple hospital surrounded by his family. Visitation was held on Sunday, February 21 at ScanioHarper Funeral Home in Temple from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral service was held Monday, February 22 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cyclone at 11 a.m. He was born March 17, 1940, to Ed and Emily Mikeska in Temple. Dean was a graduate of Rogers High School -
Monday, March 1, 2021 class of 1958. Growing up on a farm near Rogers, he developed a love and passion for farming and agriculture. Dean attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville and graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in in Agronomy 1962. During college, he served in National the Guard. After graduating, Dean returned home to the family farm and began his dream of farming and ranchDean Mikeska ing. A few years later - October 8, 1966 - he married his lovely wife Florence Green at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cyclone. Together, they raised a family and were side by side for 54 years of marriage. Dean’s love for farming was evident with his hard work ethic and his natural creative ability to engineer and come up with innovative ideas to solve many farming issues. Through the years, many crops were planted and harvested with his knowledge, guidance, and expertise. While he truly loved farming, his greatest joy was the cattle ranching part of the business. When his son Steven followed in his footsteps and began working with him on the farm, he was pleased, grateful, and proud. Dean was awarded the Outstanding Young Farmer’s Award by Temple Jaycees in 1969 and was an active member in many community organizations such as St. Matthew’s Catholic Church of Rogers; Knights of Columbus of Temple; Farm Bureau; SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton; Rogers ISD School Board (seven years); East Bell Boosters (charter member); and Elm Creek Watershed (board member). He also had a love for hunting and was an avid and enthusiastic deer and wild game hunter. Dean would travel near and far for a good deer hunt. Some of his favorite hunts were in Colorado, Africa, and New Zealand. It wasn’t just the joy of hunting that he cherished, but the many years of fellowship with his extended family and buddies. Dean had a fun-loving spirit and “the gift of gab.” He would strike up a conversation with just about anybody who would talk to him. He could talk about a variety of topics, but his favorite subjects were farming, ranching, and hunting. He and his wife enjoyed traveling to
many beautiful places. In his later years, they traveled to different destinations, but one of his favorites was when they went to the Czech Republic, where they met and visited with his distant relatives. He was proud of his Czech heritage. He was preceded in death by his parents Emily and Ed Mikeska; and brother Gene Mikeska. He is survived by wife Florence; daughter Stephanie Mikeska Honeycutt of Leander; son Steven Mikeska and wife Melissa of Rogers; grandchildren Emily Honeycutt, Ashley Honeycutt, Meredith Mikeska, Dylan Mikeska, and Justin Marshall and wife Michelle; sisters Sandra Vrba of Richmond and Linda Mikeska of Houston; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Dean will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Cemetery Association; St. Matthew’s Catholic Church of Rogers Building Fund; or a charity of your choice. May our departed brother rest in peace. Resolution Committee Ruth Hanusch Joyce Skrabanek —SPJST—
In Memory of Evelyn Post Evelyn Lydia Post, 91, a retired registered nurse, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2020, at her home in Fort Worth, Texas. Funeral service was Monday, October 12 at 2 p.m. in Laurel Land Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation was at 1 p.m. preceding the service. Evelyn was born April 13, 1929, to Albina and August Marek in the Czech
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farm community of Bila Hora near Hallettsville. She married Jerome Post in 1948, and they soon started their family of two children living most of their lives in Fort Worth. Evelyn Post Evelyn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great homemaker, but she also enjoyed working outside the home. She worked as a nursing assistant prior to marriage. In the late 1950s through 1960s, she owned and operated Evelyn’s Frock’s for Tots and Salty’s Caps then worked for J.C. Penney until she resumed her nursing studies in 1971. She graduated from Harris Hospital School of Vocational Nursing and TCJC School of Nursing. Evelyn loved being a nurse, and her career spanned more than 30 years. Most of the years were as a nursing instructor for All Saints Hospital School of Vocational Nursing followed by John Peter Smith Hospital School of Vocational Nursing. Evelyn moved to Riverbend Villas Condos after the death of her husband in 2006 where she made numerous friends. She was a member of SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar. Survivors are children Mike Post and wife Dee of Hillsboro and Beverly Sustala and husband Jerry of Fort Worth; grandchildren Terra Kinard and husband Brad, Peggy Mannan, and Michelle Dees and husband Shane; great-grandchildren Shane, Caleb, and Sloane; and caregiver and companion D’Andra Houston. Submitted by, Carolyn M. Tobola Lodge 8, Weimar Secretary —SPJST—
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VĚSTNÍK 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.
State Fraternal Director shares March youth news Second Sunday Youth Webcast Sunday, March 14 at 6 p.m. To register for the Sunday, March 14 webcast, visit www.spjst.org and click on “Events” where you will see “Second Sunday Youth Webcast.” After you register, you will receive an email with additional details. I am looking forward to the program, and I hope you will be able
to join in. Your efforts to spread the word to our younger members as well as to our teens is greatly appreciated. 2021 Quarterly Reports and Recording Merit Points Please know we are still challenged with youth leaders not submitting quarterly reports to the Home Office. On your reports, please state “No meetings due to Covid-19” on the months that you have not had meetings. Reports are always due by the 15th of the month after the quarter is over. The actual dates are:
Lodge 49, Rowena youth club enjoys night of bowling
Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Club members met at the bowling alley in San Angelo on Saturday, February 6, 2021, to enjoy a night of bowling with a pizza party. All youth had a great time challenging each other to see who would achieve the highest score. —Submitted by Becky Wood, Youth Leader
First Quarter due Thursday, April 15 Second Quarter due Thursday, July 15 Third Quarter due Friday, October 15 Fourth Quarter due Saturday, January 15 Dates for 2021 Camp Sessions SPJST summer camp will be held at Camp Kubena, located at 2001 Waldeck Road in Ledbetter, Texas. Camp dates are: Leaders-In-Training/Teen Camp Wednesday, June 23 to Sunday, June 27 Junior Camp Session One Wednesday, July 7 to Sunday, July 11 Districts Three, Four, Five, and Seven Junior Camp Session Two Wednesday, July 14 to Sunday, July 18 Districts One, Two, and Six Updated Registration Deadlines Junior camper applications are due Friday, June 4. Leaders-In-Training (LIT)/teen applications are due Wednesday, March 31. Chaperone applications are due Wednesday, March 31. Online Camp Registration is Open Updated Please know all campers must have finished kindergarten to high school senior to attend camp. For camp registration, visit spjst.org and under “Programs,” click on “Summer Camp Registration” which will direct you to the CampDoc website. Invite a Friend to Camp! Youth members: this year, you can invite a friend to camp! Yes, that’s right. Your friend or friends do not have to be an SPJST member to attend camp with you. The cost is $350 for each friend to attend and enjoy all of the camp fun. If your child is a current youth club member and has made seven out of 12 meetings, SPJST will pick up the cost of camp. Youth who attend lodges with no youth club can attend seven adult meetings and qualify for camp without paying. The local lodge secretary will need to provide the Home Office with copies of the membership roster of each meeting the youth attended. Youth who have not made at least seven meetings will be prorated $35 per meeting missed. Youth can make up a meeting by attending another local youth club. Please see your youth leader about this.
Parents and grandparents, please know your child or grandchild can go to camp this year for $250, as long as the youth has a current SPJST life insurance certificate than is inforce. Parents and grandparents, if you have an SPJST life certificate that is inforce and your child or grandchild does not have a certificate, he or she can attend camp for $350. Please contact me if you have any questions about attending summer camp. SPJST Youth Achievement Day (YAD) All 2021 District Youth Achievement Days will be conducted virtually this year. Please refer to the 2021 SPJST Youth Club Handbook for Youth Achievement Day (YAD) rules and categories. The handbook can be found online at this link: https://issuu.com/spjst/docs/2021_spjst_y outh_handbook The food category will not be used this year due to the competition being held online. Please check the Vestnik and SPJST social media for the official announcement of when you can begin entering and uploading the project entries. Youth, please start working on your projects now. Last year, many youth made projects in the categories that we didn’t have for the youth showcase. Please know you can enter these projects for 2021.
Happy Birthday, Alexandria!
Look who turned a big 18 years old! Now, she is a beautiful little lady. Alexandria Johnson of Lodge 187, Round Rock Love, Your Mom and Mema
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State YAD—July 31 in Temple Please mark your calendar for State YAD on Saturday, July 31 in Temple. Plans are to have an in-person YAD in Temple. Of course, this may change if Covid-19 cases are increasing during that time. Camp Chaperone Training to be Held Online SPJST summer camp chaperone training is mandatory. I will check CampDoc on a weekly basis to set up the training for the Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention program. Chaperones will receive an email notification from TrainRight. This training is based on Texas laws. Camp Kubena chaperone training will be conducted online through a webinar. SPJST will offer a number of training dates to choose from. Camp Kubena training will be conducted by Camp Executive Director Rob Clift and State Fraternal Director Frank Horak.
All chaperones must make a 100 percent commitment to be at camp from start to finish in 2021. No exceptions! Vestnik Project The April Vestnik Project will focus on District Three Youth Counselor Mary Steinman. SPJST youth members and
leaders will get to know Mary when she was young and what her interests were while growing up. The monthly Vestnik Projects are now viewed and submitted online. You will be able to access the project by scanning the QR code in the mailed Vestnik. If you receive your Vestnik by email, under the
QR code is a link to take you to the project. The projects will be accessible on the www.spjst.org webpage under the “Youth Program” tab. Below is an example of the QR code.
Lodge 25, Ennis Youth club members find creative ways to enjoy the winter surprise LEFT PHOTO: Austen skis in the street. PHOTO 2: Brandon ice skates. PHOTO 3: Chad and his dog enjoy the falling snow. PHOTO 4: Cody is ready for a snowball fight. PHOTO 5: Posing on the tank are the Holland, Clark, Droste, and Jenson families. RIGHT PHOTO: Jake, Jessica, Luke, and June build a snowman. BELOW PHOTOS - LEFT: Julia and Garrett
are all smiles in the snow. PHOTO 2: Kalynn bundles up to spend time out in the snow. PHOTO 3: Madison strolls on the frozen pool. PHOTO 4: Maison and Brian take a selfie. PHOTO 5: Misty enjoys the winter wonderland. RIGHT PHOTO: The Oliver sisters are ready to play in the snow. —Submitted by Rita Holland, Youth Leader
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100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive The 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive to benefit the scholarship fund is still underway. This link: https://spjst.org/programs/scholarships/ will take you directly to the scholarship page to make a donation. Click on the yellow donate button to make your donation. You can also find the Scholarship page at www.spjst.org and click on “Programs,” then click on “Scholarships.” The 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive will run through March 31, 2021. Fraternally, Frank Horak State Fraternal Director —SPJST—
Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club meets virtually Dear Readers, In an effort to keep up with everything, the youth of Lodge 84, Dallas continue to meet virtually during the Covid-19 pandemic. Youth Leader Lynda Novak has been keeping us current with upcoming events like getting our Vestnik Projects submitted on time. Also . . . do not to forget about the Second Sunday webcast schedule with State Fraternal Director Frank Horak. The next one will be held on Sunday, March 9 at 6 p.m. Register online at spjst.org under “Events.” Youth Leader Lynda said she hopes we are working on our projects for District Three Youth Achievement Day (YAD) which will be held virtually this year. Lynda is looking for lots of scrapbook items to showcase our youth club activities! We are all staying busy during this pandemic and doing our best to stay healthy. Hope you all are, too! Fraternally, Josh Tucker, age 11 Reporter —SPJST—
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SPJST February Věstník Project This project earns a maximum 1 point in the SPJST Youth Merit Point System. To complete the project questions to earn 1 point in the SPJST Merit Point System, scan the QR Code below, or go directly to spjst.org/programs/vestnik-project/
Get to Know Camp Kubena Executive Director Rob Clift Robert “Rob” Clift III grew up in the small North Texas farming town of Bonham, Texas, near the Red River. His father, Robert “Bob” Clift Jr., owned Red River Tractor, the only John Deere dealership in the area, and Rob spent many hours playing and exploring the multitude of new tractors, combines, and various farm implements on the lot. It was like a giant playground of green. Bob tells the story taking Rob, who was about seven years old, to work with him at Red River Tractor on a cold, wintery Saturday. After some time, Bob suddenly realized no one had seen Rob for hours. The entire staff stopped work and began franticly looking for Rob. They soon found Rob fast asleep in the cab of a brand-new John Deere combine. The sun had warmed the cab and the seat was so comfortable, that is where Rob decided to take his afternoon nap. There were many naps taken in that combine. When Rob was about 10 years old, his family decided to move to the larger town of Sherman, Texas. His mom, Judy Clift, had an opportunity to further her career as a State Farm Insurance agent. The 1980s had not been kind to farm implement dealers. Rob and his younger brother, John Clift, were excited about this new adventure in a “big town” with a mall. Rob and John would go on many adventures as t h e i r house was on the edge of town and had acres
of forest, creeks, and trails to explore. They each had a trail motorcycle and so did all the neighbor friends. Like Lewis and Clark, they would be off discovering new places and treasures until the first streetlamp came on, which was the sign to get home ASAP. Not a bad way to grow up! As Rob got older, he attended Sherman High School and became highly active in the Sherman High School band program as a percussionist. He was always able to pick up an instrument and
just play it. Rob remembers learning the theme song to The Pink Panther by ear on his mom’s black lacquer piano. He was always playing music with his friends and would load his 1966 Mustang with a drum set and head out to jam in someone’s garage. This passion for music and adventure w o u l d eventually take Rob across the Atlantic Ocean to Ghana, Africa, where he would spend a summer studying African music. Even though Rob’s passion was music, his love for the outdoors and adventure was always there. His father always took Rob and John on boating and fishing trips on Lake Texoma, to Boy Scout meetings and campouts, and on hunting trips to the Texas Hill Country. During Summer S c o u t Camp,
Rob decided to earn the Boy Scout of America Sailing Merit badge. This would be the beginning of many sailing adventures. One of his favorite adventures was after a flood on Lake Texoma in 1990, a neighbor offered to give Rob a 21foot sailboat. The issue was the sailboat was 20 feet under water at a marina. Rob, along with other friends in his Boy Scout troop, were able to get the boat out of the water and begin restoring the 21-foot Santana sailboat. Rob built his skill of boat work, sailing, and leadership during this time and found a deep passion for the open water. This experience would lead Rob to the opportunity of earning his Captain’s license and leading weeklong sailing adventures for the Boy Scouts National High Adventure Sea Base in the Florida Keys. Rob said the opportunity to p a s s along the adventuro u s spirit and encourage youth to grow in a positive direction, lets him feel he is making a difference in the lives of others. —SPJST—
https://spjst.org/programs/vestnik-project/
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Monday, March 1, 2021 Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas
Česká
Část
ROČNÍK 109 ČISLO 4 1.březen.2021
Podpora ★ Lidskost ★ Bratrstvi´ BENEVOLENCE
HUMANITY
BROTHERHOOD
Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897
Saving Czech language teaching in Texas The teaching of Czech language in Texas at the community college level is about to come to an end, unless at least 10 students register for dual credit Czech in the Blinn College service area. The area includes all or portions of Milam, Robertson, Brazos, Burleson, Lee, Fayette, Washington, Austin, Waller, Grimes, Madison, Walker, and Montgomery counties. Any and all are welcome to sign up for the community ed version - live in the morning or on your schedule by viewing the recordings of the morning class. If the Czech class does not materialize, Czech will be removed from the
list of classes that can be offered at community colleges, and Czech language teaching for credit will end at community colleges. This would be a great loss to Texas after more than 150 years of Czech presence in Texas. Surprisingly, the total and only solution to this challenge is directly in the hands of local individual students, their families, and individual Texas school districts. This article will provide complete details on the easily available, cost free solution for Czech language high school dual credit study starting this fall. The advantages to students for their college careers, money saved on tuition, along with the benefits for educational diversity and excellence for the State of Texas, are described here.
Czech Cultural Calendar Tuesday through Saturday Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, 119 West French Avenue, Temple. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To arrange a private small group tour, contact the Museum at czechheritagemuseum@gmail.com or leave a message at 254-899-2935. March 9 “Chuck Norris vs Communism.” (Romanian audio, English subtitles.) Czech film screenings are held at The Beltonian Theatre in downtown Belton, 219 East Central Avenue, 3 and 6 p.m. For a complete list of films, visit the Museum’s website https://czechheritagemuseum.org/ and click on the link at the top; or click the Event tab. April 15 “The Pagan Queen.” (English. Adult nature. Not for children.) Czech film screen-
ings are held at The Beltonian Theatre in downtown Belton, 219 East Central Avenue, 3 and 6 p.m. For a complete list of films, visit the Museum’s website https://czechheritagemuseum.org/ and click on the link at the top; or click the Event tab. May 11 “Miloš Forman, What Doesn’t Kill You.” (English and Czech audio, English subtitles.) Czech film screenings are held at The Beltonian Theatre in downtown Belton, 219 East Central Avenue, 3 and 6 p.m. For a complete list of films, visit the Museum’s website https://czechheritagemuseum.org/ and click on the link at the top; or click the Event tab. August 13-15 SPJST Convention—at Killeen Civic and Convention Center. —SPJST—
Czech Distance Learning Class for Fall 2021 is Available Now All the pieces of the puzzle for this Czech class and for a robust continuation of the Czech language are already in place, waiting only for the minimum of 10 high school students or 20. These students must be identified, be encouraged, and register for the 2021 fall Czech class. This class is now accepting high school students from freshman to senior for the Czech class beginning the fall of 2021. The course will be taught by a master educator who has statewide recognition for his expertise in technology and distance learning. The teacher’s qualifications and background will be described further later in this piece. What is Required to Access this Unique Opportunity to Study Czech? All that is required is for an interested student and his/her parents or grandparents to approach their local school administration, particularly the local high school principal (but also school board members and the superintendent), stating their desire to take advantage of this unique, cost free, dual credit educational opportunity. Not only will this course provide one year of high school foreign language credit taken in high school, but also, at the same time while taking the same study course, it also provides college level transferable credit for a two-semester year (eight hours if studied in fall and spring) of college first year language transferable credit when the student reaches college. Due to generous donations, the Czech class is free because, full tuition scholarships are available currently for the first 10 students. If more than 10 high school students register, more funding will be available. For funding purposes, we request that students register by the end of March or April 2021 so that Czech Ex-Students Association of Texas (CESAT) will know how much more funding is needed. CESAT has been working for the preservation of Czech teaching at the community college level. CESAT has been in existence, under various names, since about 1909 as an organization of Czech students, former students, and individuals whose focus is the promotion and preservation of Czech language and culture in Texas.
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Repeating, if the class does not make this fall, Czech will be removed from the list of classes that can be taught at community colleges. What is the benefit of studying Czech? The study of Czech helps students to a truly higher level of scholarship, by “learning how to learn” truly new material under a master teacher. Let us explain. The teacher of this Czech class is one of best language teachers in the state, an expert in distance language learning, an expert in learning by technology, and he has more than 40 years of teaching experience. The teacher is a childhood native speaker of Texas Czech and is fully fluent in the standard Czech of the Czech Republic, as well as deeply versed in Czech literature. The classes are live and online. Also the classes are recorded for those who cannot attend class at the scheduled time. Recording the class gives the students an opportunity to review the material covered at a convenient time. A diligent student can succeed, because the teacher teaches every part of the language thoroughly and checks for mastery of language concepts, with close personal attention paid to each student’s mastery of the language. This teacher monitors the progress of each student extremely closely. No student is left behind or allowed to flounder. It would be worth noting that this teacher also successfully teaches Czech to five to 10-year-olds by distance learning. In learning Czech, no more effort is required than one would need for any foreign language. All language learning for a beginning student of a foreign language is roughly the same across various languages: nouns for who does the actions, verbs for what is done and when, and all vocabulary is necessarily new for any language not previously known. Advantages of Czech Study for High School Students and for Texas Czech grammar teaches English grammar very thoroughly to the English speaking student. Learning Czech grammar requires the knowledge of English grammar concepts and makes better English writers and readers. English grammar is well taught as part of the course. Czech study provides identified gifted students an early exposure to college
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style learning. Even strongly gifted students are less prepared for college because so much material in high school is super easy for them. Czech language study starts the process of actually learning how to learn something exciting and novel, not just repeating previously known and unchallenging material. For the State of Texas, Czech is a mother heritage language of the descendants of a large swath of Texan settlers from 1856 to 1924, when immigration laws changed. There are many descendants who love their culture. Most Czech settlers were farmers and their families now are salt-of-the-earth, patriotic Americans who still have a strong and proud presence, especially in rural Texas, exemplified by their many festivals, fraternal halls with bands and dances, native costumes, and foods like kolaches. But without knowing how to speak Czech, the beautiful folk costumes are only something of a bit of dress up and lacks the beautiful embroidery that the language gives a Texas Czech. A Czech song says, “When the language dies, everything changes.” Why would we let our Texas Czech heritage die? For many native Texas Czechs, Czech is and was their first language. The idea of English-only caused them to not teach their children. Our respect for our Czech/Moravian speaking grandparents should be shown by not letting their language die in Texas and changing the Texas Czech culture forever. Why would Texas Czechs stand by and watch their heritage die, when we can work to revive and continue our rich cultural heritage? To preserve our Czech heritage, act now! Now is the time individual students and their parents can make a difference, by contacting their local schools and insisting on the option for Czech language study to be preserved and utilized. You do that by going to your public school as a local taxpayer, talking to the principal and the school board, and explaining this opportunity. CESAT has the program in place right now and only awaits your action. There is the old saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” The teacher has already appeared. We wait to hear from students and their families. For further information, contact Thadious Polasek at 979-562-2207. Mr. Po-
VĚSTNÍK lasek has travelled to the Czech Republic more than 30 times over 40 years and has completed post-graduate studies in Czech language, literature, and history studies by distance learning at Charles University in Praha (Prague). This article, which may be modified, reprinted, and is not copyrighted, was written February 8, 2021 by George H. Pazdral, graduate of Somerville High School in Burleson County in 1971. His father and aunt, G.V. Pazdral (19051987) and Olga Pazdral (1907-1965,) graduated respectively from West High School in 1923 and 1925. Ms. Pazdral was the principal of West High School at the time of her death in 1965, teaching Czech, English, and Spanish. In 1942, she authored Czech Folklore in Texas. Dr. Pazdral can be reached by email at gpmj01@startmail.com. —SPJST—
Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center offers memberships The Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center has resumed its regular hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. All local Covid-19 mandates are being followed. Masks are required, and social distancing will be followed. For private, small group tours, please email CzechHeritageMuseum@gmail.com or call 254-899-2935. Interactive virtual private tours are available with the purchase of a Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center annual membership. These are available at czechheritagemuseum.org; by calling 254-899-2935; sending an email to CzechHeritageMuseum@ gmail.com; or by writing to us at Memberships, Czech Heritage Museum, 119 West French Avenue, Temple, Texas 76501. Memberships Available Memberships are available in various levels to fit most budgets and can be paid annually or quarterly. A senior membership is only $6 per quarter. A Czech Heritage Museum membership is a great value because the Museum participates in two nationwide museum reciprocal programs. This means free
admission and gift shop discounts at most participating institutions. Plus, as stated above, an interactive virtual private tour is included with each membership. Staying in for the pandemic? You can still be a family member at the Czech Heritage Museum! If you would like a virtual tour to fit educational criteria for students, please send an email to CzechHeritageMuseum@gmail.com, and the Museum staff will do their best to tailor your tour to fit those needs. Czech Film Night and Matinees Czech Film Night and Matinee events have resumed at the historic Beltonian Theatre in Belton. Each event will include two screenings of Czech or Czech-related films. Matinees begin at 3 p.m., and evening shows start at 6 p.m. Admission is free of charge. Donations are accepted online or through a donation box at the concession window. Imported Czech beer and wine are available. Upcoming films are: Tuesday, March 9 “Chuck Norris vs Communism.” A true story, often told by the actual persons who lived it. A story of ingenuity, survival and the importance of art. In the 1980s, the communist regime censured or banned foreign films. But, people found a way around it, even though VCRs were outlawed and cost the price of a car on the black market. It is said that the VCR brought down communism in Romania. (Romanian audio, English subtitles) Tuesday, April 15 “The Pagan Queen” tells the legend of Libuse, queen of Moravia and wife of Premsyl, who envisioned then built Prague. A beautifully dark film. (English. Adult nature. Not for children.) Tuesday, May 11 “Miloš Forman, What Doesn’t Kill You” follows award-winning Hollywood director Miloš Forman as he returns to his home in the Czech Republic and explains how his experiences there influenced his films. (English and Czech audio, English subtitles.) Tuesday, June 8 “A Paul Fierlinger Film Fest.” A delightful look at the adult and children’s animated films of Paul Fierlinger, a Czech who escaped Czechoslovakia and made his career in the United States including work with PBS and Sesame
Street. (English audio with occasional Czech audio.) Tuesday, July 13 Czech Children’s Cartoons including Krtek – the Little Mole. Tuesday, August 10 “Beyond the Wall” - A reprise of a film the Czech Heritage Museum screened in November 2017 at the Beltonian. Back by popular demand. A documentary looking at how the abrupt changes of the 1980s affected Central Europeans. Submitted by, Susan Chandler CHM Administrator —SPJST—
TCGS offers free webinar to public Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS), in partnership with Texas State Genealogical Society, is offering a free webinar, “Underutilized Resources,” on Saturday, March 20, 2021 from 10 to 11 a.m. to anyone interested in learning more about sources of information that might help with their family history. Birth, marriage, baptismal and marriage records, census lists, immigration information and other documents are often searched when beginning to research family history. However, repositories of information around the country may have been recipients of special collections containing information about your ancestors as they migrated and settled in other areas. By broadening your search, you may uncover a wealth of information in unexpected places. In this webinar, often overlooked and underutilized resources, such as university archives and repositories, which may house records, will be discussed. Pat Gordon, an accomplished speaker and genealogist, will conduct the seminar. She is also a former newspaper reporter and university journalism lecturer. She will discuss resources at: Texas Tech University, University of Texas at Arlington, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, University of Texas at Commerce, and many
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others, showing how to research those sites. Although the Zoom webinar is free, advance registration is required. You may register by going to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvcO2pqjgiGtHym2zZc7E4ElQGJ7LdNJH. You will receive a confirmation and will be able to log on to the webinar about 9:45 a.m. on March 20th. We hope you will join us in this opportunity to gather new research possibilities in a safe manner…no mask, social distancing, or washing hands required. Gladys Valchar SPJST Lodge 87, Temple —SPJST—
NCSML offers Czech virtual cooking classes National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library (NCSML) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is pleased to announce registration for the third series of Chef Tom Slepicka’s Classic and Modern Czech Cuisine virtual cooking classes. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn the following recipes from the comfort of their own kitchen: pork, dumplings, and sauerkraut from 2:30
to 6 p.m. on March 6; bublanina from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on March 13; and Czech rolls from 2:30 to 6 p.m. on March 20. Participants will need high-speed internet and a computer, tablet, or smartphone to access the course content. A webcam and microphone is needed to interact with Slepicka during class. After registration, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to access the class. Shopping lists and recipes will be emailed at least a week before each class so participants can purchase the ingredients. Slepicka graduated from culinary school in his hometown of Brno, located in the Czech Republic. While still in school, he established a successful full-service catering company which operated in the Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, and Austria. During his years in the catering industry in Europe, he focused on providing a fine-dining experience utilizing world cuisine. He moved to the United States with his wife in 2014. He operated the Czech Deli at the NewBo City Market from 2015 to 2016. The goal of his courses is to make tasty and high-quality meals more accessible to everyone. For more information, costs, and to sign up for classes, visit ncsml.org. —SPJST—
TCGS presents its Easter egg collection Colored eggs have been a part of the Easter celebration since before Christianity. Eggs in the 14th century were often decorated by staining or covering with gold leaf. These eggs were usually exchanged by royalty. The Macedonians are credited for being the first Christians to use eggs in connection with Easter. The early eggs used in Easter celebrations were real eggs, decorated in various ways. Pope Paul began a tradition of blessing Easter eggs in England, Scotland, and Ireland. For some reason, Protestant churches never took up this ritual, and it was discontinued by the Catholics in the 16th century. As early as the 1800s, a new way of decorating eggs, called “scratch-carving.” was discovered. Using a needle, a design was scratched out on the shell of a dyed egg. This was a basic method used by the Moravians as they decorated eggs in the darker colors of red, white, and black. One of the eggs that we have in our 2021 collection is designed in this way. EGL-12 is an actual egg, decorated in the Moravian manner and comes to
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us from the Czech Republic. Some of the most intricately decorated Easter eggs in the world originated in the Slavic nations of Ukraine, Poland, and Czechoslovakia. Eggs were exchanged by everyone for a new beginning, a symbol of love, friendship, and good things to come. Children would give their most beautiful eggs to their special, most-loved friend. When they were exchanged, the giver would say “Christ is risen.” The recipient would respond, “He is risen indeed.” Eleven of the eggs in our Easter Egg Collection this year are handmade of glass in the Czech Republic, using some of the patterns that one can see on real eggs. The eggs are embellished with an assortment of sequins, glitter, ribbons, and jewels and have ribbon hangers to allow for hanging on your special Easter egg tree. The eggs will make a beautiful and lasting gift and can be used not only at Easter but at Christmas as well. To place an order, please contact Nancy Machu at nbmachu@gmail.com or call 512-971-4284, leaving a short message for a callback. Shipping charges will be added, based on the number of eggs ordered. We are happy to take a personal check or a credit card for payment. Fraternally, Nancy Machu Lodge 29, Taylor —SPJST—
#EGL-2 $8 - approx. 3.15” Jeweled Golden
#EGL-3 $8 - approx. 2.5” Silver Flowered
#EGL-4 $8 - approx. 3.15” Jeweled Pearl
#EGL-5 $8 - approx. 3.15” Purple-Adorned
#EGL-6 $8 - approx. 3.15” Ruby/Gold Design
#EGL-7 $8 - approx. 2.5” Powder Blue/Flowers
#EGL-8 $8 - approx. 3.15” Green/White Geometric
#EGL-9 $8 - approx. 3.15” Gold/Rosebud Design
#EGL-363 $15 - approx. 2.5” Pink Roses
#EDM-263 $12 - approx. 2.5” Floral /Gold Design
#ESM-162 $10 - approx. 2.5” Floral Design
#EGL-12 $14 - approx. 2.5” Red/Black/White/Mosaic
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Časopis Krajánek hledá ilustrátora/ grafika pro rubriku Krajánci na cestách (spěchá) Milí krajané, urgentně hledáme posilu (dobrovolníka) z řad ilustrátorů/grafiků, kteří mají chuť a možnost pomoci pravidelně se zpracováním rubriky Krajánci na cestách. Ilustrátor/grafik zpracovává podkladový obrázek velikosti A3 na základě spolupráce s autorkou textu, nebo zapracovává/upravuje fotografie z lokalit. Příklady najdete v příloze, ale nebráníme se novému autorskému zpracování.
VĚSTNÍK
Polka/Czech Music Live. Online. 24/7. continued from February 8, 2021, Vestnik
Listen. Stream. Dance. Sing Along. Enjoy! Lift your spirits. Be happy. Here is a list of polka/Czech music programs broadcast on radio stations throughout Texas. Many programs can be accessed on the radio station’s website, podcast, or via TuneIn, Simple Radio, or other free internet radio apps, and some are on demand. Alfred Vrazel’s Polka Show KMIL 105.1FM, Cameron Sundays, 12 to 2:30 p.m. kmil.com Host Alfred Vrazel Czech Polka Time KAGC 1510AM/97.3FM, Bryan Saturday, 10:05 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday, 4:05 to 6 p.m. kagc1510.com Host Ronnie Horčica
Časopis Krajánek má 36 stran a přispívají do něj jak členové krajanských komunit, tak profesionálové, a to všichni bez výjimky na dobrovolnické bázi zdarma. Vychází 11x ročně. Krajánek ve světě z.s. je nezávislá, dobrovolná iniciativa, která vznikla za účelem realizace projektu časopis Krajánek. Krajánek je online měsíčník určený zejména multilingvním dětem věkové kategorie 5−12 let žijícím v zahraničí. Časopis se snaží přizpůsobit specifikům multilingvních dětí žijících mimo ČR, které jsou vystaveny češtině v omezené míře v rámci českých komunit či smíšených rodin v zahraničí. Děkujeme za šíření. Ivana Kaçmaz šéfredaktorka —SPJST—
Frank’s Polka Show KULP 1390AM/106.7FM, El Campo Saturday, 6 to 10 a.m. kulpradio.com Host Frank Milder Friday Afternoon Polka Show KMIL 105.1FM, Cameron Friday, 1:05 to 5 p.m. kmil.com Host Nonito Martinez Larry’s Polka Time KVLG 1570AM, La Grange Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, 1 to 2 p.m. kvlgkbuk.com Host Larry Sodek Polka Celebration KSEY 94.3FM/1230AM, Seymour Sunday, 12 to 7 p.m. kseyfm.com Host Alexander Fydryszewski Polka Party KNAF 910AM, Fredericksburg Monday through Friday 8:30 to 9 a.m. texasrebelradio.com Host Jerry Sotello Polka Show KRXT 98.5FM, Rockdale Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Sunday, 1:15 to 6 p.m. krxt985.com Host Michael Craig Polka Show
KBEC 1390AM, Waxahachie Sunday, 9 to 11 a.m. kbec.com Host Danny Zapletal Polka Time with Ole Clinto KULP 1390AM/106.7FM, El Campo Monday to Friday, 8 to 9 a.m. kulpradio.com Host Clint Robinson Ricky Čaník Polka Show KULM 98.3FM, Columbus Monday through Friday, 5:15 to 7 p.m. Saturday, 7 to 9 a.m. kulmradio.com Host Ricky Čaník Saturday Morning Dance Time KULP 1390AM/106.7FM, El Campo Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. kulpradio.com Host John Dujka Sunday Afternoon Polka Show KMIL 105.1FM, Cameron 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. kmil.com Host Nonito Martinez Texas Polka Time KWHI 1280AM/101.7FM, Brenham Saturday, 9 to 10 a.m. kwhi.com Host Craig Montana Texas Thunder Radio Polka Show KTXM 99.9FM and KYKM 92.5FM, Shiner Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 12 to 1 p.m. texasthunderradio.com Host TKO The American Czech Hour KHBR 1560AM, Hillsboro Sunday, 1:30 to 3 p.m. khbrhillsboro.com Host David Kolar Online/Podcast Czech Classics - Then and Now https://www.czechpolka.com/radio/ index.html Host Dennis Svatek Note: During Covid-19, some polka/Czech music programs may have been suspended temporarily. However, please let us know if there are any Texas radio stations currently broadcasting polka/Czech music that are not on the list. Thank you. —SPJST—
St. Patrick’s Day 2021 By The Editors January 14, 2021 almanac.com/content/st-patricks-day
This year, St. Patrick’s Day will be observed on We d n e s d a y, March 17. Although the holiday originally started as a Christian feast day celebrating the life of St. Patrick and the spreading of Christianity to Ireland, today, it is a day of revelry and a celebration of all things Irish. Don’t forget to wear green! The significance of March 17 is that it’s said to be the date of St. Patrick’s death in the late 5th century (circa A.D. 493). Who was St. Patrick? Was He a Real Person? Saint Patrick is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. He is credited with successfully spreading Christianity throughout Ireland—hence the Christian celebration of his life and name. Was There Really a St. Patrick? Definitely. However, there are many legends about him that mix with the truth. Did he play a large role in spreading Christianity to Ireland? Yes, absolutely. Did he really drive all the snakes out of Ireland? Probably not, since snakes weren’t native to Ireland to begin with! In any case, St. Patrick’s impact was significant enough to warrant our modern-day celebrations. Here’s a bit about St. Patrick himself. A Young St. Patrick Finds God The man who would eventually become St. Patrick was born in Britain (part of the Roman Empire at the time) as Maewyn Succat in the late 4th century. His family was Christian, but it’s said that Maewyn himself was an atheist throughout his childhood. That would change at age 16 (around A.D. 400), when Maewyn was kidnapped from his home on the west coast
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of Britain by Irish pirates, who proceeded to carry him off to Ireland and force him to work as a shepherd herding sheep. After six years, he escaped his captors, walking nearly 200 miles through the Irish landscape and convincing a ship to carry him with them back to Britain. This harrowing experience certainly had an effect on Maewyn, who was convinced it was the Lord who protected him and delivered him safely home. St. Patrick Spreads the Gospel Upon returning home, Maewyn received his call (in a dream) to preach the Gospel—in Ireland, of all places! He spent the next 15 or so years in a monastery in Britain, preparing for his missionary work. When he became a priest, his name was changed to Patricius, and he returned to the land of his captors to begin his teachings. Although some Christians already lived in Ireland at the time, the country was largely pagan, so spreading a foreign religion was not an easy task. Patricius traveled from village to village to share the teachings of the Lord, and was successful enough to eventually found many churches there. Why is The Shamrock Associated with St. Patrick’s Day? We wear a shamrock on St. Patrick’s Day because, legend says, St. Patrick used its three leaves to explain the Holy Trinity in his teachings. (The Trinity is the Father, the Son, and the Spirit as three divine persons who are one divine being [God].) The truth of the St. Pat-
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: Marie Dulak 979-589-1903
rick legend, however, is in question, as there is no direct record that the saint actually used the shamrock as a teaching tool. Note: The symbol of St. Patrick is a three-leaf shamrock, not a four-leaf clover. However, long before the shamrock became associated with St. Patrick’s Day, the four-leaf clover was regarded by ancient Celts as a charm against evil spirits. In the early 1900s, O. H. Benson, an Iowa school superintendent, came up with the idea of using a clover as the emblem for a newly founded agricultural club for children in his area. In 1911, the fourleaf clover was chosen as the emblem for the national club program, later named 4-H.
☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ Q: Why should you never iron a four-leaf clover? A: You don’t want to press your luck!
☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘
Irish Potato Biscuits
Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Boil and mash the potatoes, making sure they are free of lumps. Add the milk, butter, and salt. Add just enough flour to make a soft dough, then lay it on a floured board and roll out quickly and lightly to a half-inch sheet. Cut into rounds; bake about 10 minutes, or until just crisp on the outside. Butter and eat before they fall. Makes 12 to 18 biscuits.
This is a different sort of biscuit that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day and goes well with a corned beef or meat stew. Ingredients 6 to 8 potatoes 1 cup milk or cream 1 tablespoon melted butter Salt, to taste 1/2 cup self-rising flour (approximately)
More St. Patrick Day recipes can be found at https://www.almanac.com/bestst-patricks-day-recipes.
—SPJST—
More St. Patrick’s Day Facts, Fun, and Folklore ☘ Blue was the color originally associated with St. Patrick, but green is now favored. ☘ The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the American colonies was held in New York City on this day in 1762. ☘ St. Patrick’s Day is the traditional day for planting peas, even in the snow! ☘ Cabbage seeds are often planted, and old-time farmers believed that to make them grow well, you needed to plant them while wearing your nightclothes! ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ “On St. Patrick’s Day, the warm side of a stone turns up, and the broadback goose begins to lay.” ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘
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The Taylor Czech Chorus CD and Songbook package Featuring 21 Czech Songs! $20 for the CD and Songbook. Free shipping. Mail check to: Buster Pavlicek 112 Walnut Tree Loop Georgetown, TX 78633 For information, call 512-818-0004
Only
$20!
The Taylor Czech Chor Still . . . Carrying on
us
the Tradition
Lyrics and Interpretati ons
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VĚSTNÍK
SPJST Fraternal Activities and Entertainment Post your lodge’s upcoming SPJST fraternal activities and entertainment dates and information here. These listings are free. The deadline for submitting information for the Fraternal Activities and Entertainment Guide is on the first and third Mondays of each month at 5 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Send updates 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 non-profit organization ads; and $6 per column inch for commercial ads. For advertising information, please call the Editor at 800-727-7578 or email vestnik@spjst.org. LODGE 1, FAYETTEVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 507 East Main Street, Fayetteville. Directions: Lodge hall is located on Hwy 159 East, 3 blocks from the town square. Hall Rental Information: 979-9663795. Lodge Meetings: First Monday of even-numbered months - February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6) Tentative dates for 2021: Sunday, March 14—Lodge 4, Hallettsville meeting, 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce Sunday, June 13—Lodge 4, Hallettsville meeting, 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce Sunday, August 8—Lodge 4, Hallettsville meeting, 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce Sunday, November 14—Lodge 4, Hallettsville meeting, 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce Sunday, December 12—Christmas party in Vsetin Lodge Meetings: Held every other month at 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, 1614 North Texana Street, Hallettsville. For information/updates, call 361798-3347. LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3) 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: Peggy Dobecka 254-717-0383 or Jeanette Beseda 254-717-7840. 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 254-717-0383; or dataped@sbcglobal.net. LODGE 8, WEIMAR (6) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Monday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant, Schulenburg. Dates are February 24, May 25, August 24, and November 23. 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: 979272-3732. 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. For information, call Youth Leader Loree Lewis 979-220-4733. LODGE 13, DIME BOX (1) Lodge Hall: 1081 County Road 425, Dime Box. Directions: In Dime Box, turn left from FM 141 on CR 424. Go east on CR 425 for 3/10 mile; hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: 979-884-1451; Hall Phone: 979-8841451. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. For information, contact Youth Leader Julie Schneider 512-269-8180. 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 hHwy 36, east of Buckholts, 1/4 mile east of downtown Buckholts. Hall Rental Information: 254-217-2863. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly. For information, call 254-721-3902.
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 then turn left on CR 225. Go 1 mile, veering to the right. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 979272-3440. 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. For information, call Youth Leader Holly Narro 979-218-4931. LODGE 18, ELGIN (2) Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a nonsmoking facility. Hall Rentals/Band Bookings: FL Meyer 512-940-7970. Hall phone: 512-285-3100. Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 20, GRANGER (2) Lodge Hall: 114 West Davilla, 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. Call Youth Leader Brita Goodman for information 254-541-5344. 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) Lodge Hall: 411 FM 964, Cyclone. 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 Maddux 254-721-1774; or Brenda Maddux 254-721-1682. 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. For information, call Kim Campbell 254-721-0586. LODGE 25, ENNIS (3) Attention: We regret to announce that the bar has temporarily closed due to COVID-19 precautions. 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: For date, time, place, and more information, call Youth Leader Rita Holland 469-337-2284. LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 12 noon at Wharton County Library - East Bernard Branch, 746 Clubside Drive, East Bernard.Call Secretary Helen Kelner 281-342-2624 for information. LODGE 29, TAYLOR (2) The hall is open Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 10 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/Hall Phone: 512-352-9139. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall.
Due to the global pandemic, please contact the lodge/district prior to attending any event due to possible schedule changes, postponement, or cancellation. 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 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. For information, call Youth Leader Lisa Bubela 979-5437120. LODGE 32, VICTORIA (6) Lodge Meetings: Held the second Thursday of every other month - January, March, May, July, September, and November, 2019 at Victoria Mall Meeting Room, at 6:30 p.m. For information, contact Secretary Linda Mozisek 361-220-7725. LODGE 35, ELK (3) 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 Agent: James (Dude) Mann 254-715-0275; mrdudemann@yahoo.com. 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, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 512332-6758.
LODGE 49, ROWENA (4) Lodge Hall: 706 FM 2133, Rowena. Hall Rental Information: 325-442-4841 - Beverly Teplicek. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. at the hall. Call Youth Leader Becky Wood for information 325-6560029. 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. For information, call Calvin Hlinsky 979-378-2364. LODGE 54, WEST (3) Lodge Meetings: First Friday in March, June, and November, and the second Friday in September at St. Joseph Hall, 303 South Harrison Street in West, 7 p.m. For information, call Freddie Kaluza 254-709-2303. LODGE 63, SWEET HOME (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. For meeting location or information, call Lodge Secretary Ann Moseley 361-781-2644. 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 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: Held quarterly - watch for date in Věstník, 1 p.m. at the hall. Lunch at 12:30 p.m. Meat, drinks, and serving items provided by the lodge. Please bring a dessert or side dish. For information, call President Wade O’Shields 979-2183527; or FAC Ronnie Roesler 979-406-0158.
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 979-561-7190.
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: For meeting date, time, location, call Youth Leader Cathy Garcia 979-332-1614.
LODGE 76, WICHITA FALLS (4) Lodge Meetings: Sunday, September 13; and Sunday, December 6. Meetings are at 12:30 p.m. at Luby’s Cafeteria, 1801 Ninth Street in Wichita Falls. For information, contact Dianna Ibarra 940-224-7383.
LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at Six Mile Volunteer Fire Department Meeting Room, Royal Road, Port Lavaca. For information, call lodge Secretary Mary Sitka 361-5525170 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. Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Danny Stepan 254-760-7819; Hall Phone: 254985-2548. Visit www.seatonstarhall.com. 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.Call Youth Leader Amber Bartek for information 254-931-0295.
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 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. Call Youth Leader Marcia Rew for information 361-563-6779.
LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE (2) The new hall complete. We are now taking bookings; contact Bonnie Urbanek 512-739-9324.
LODGE 80, HOLLAND (2) 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: 254-6572485. Bingo: Every Thursday, 7 p.m. Permit No. SP12371416574; AL17460607355. Lodge Meetings: Held bi-monthly. Watch the Věstník for dates/times. Board of Directors’ Meetings: Watch the Věstník for dates/times. Youth Club Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at the hall, 6 p.m. Call Youth Leader Kelly Taisler 254-913-3309 for location, information.
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 Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For information, call Youth Leader Michelle Newsom 512-9130226.
LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5) Lodge Hall: 13609 Hwy 36, Needville. Directions: Hall is located at the corner of Hwy 36 and FM 361, one mile from the traffic light in Needville. Hall Manager/Bookings: Dan Natho 979-618-1426. Hall Phone: 361-793-4742. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m.; meal at 12 noon at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Contact Youth Leader Kristen Jones 936-556-3248 or Assistant Youth Leader Krystle Bender 832-792-1194.
VĚSTNÍK
Monday, March 1, 2021
LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. Meeting location will be posted in the Věstník. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. - unless otherwise announced in the Věstník. Contact Youth Leader Lynda Novak 972-948-4456.
LODGE 139, DANBURY (5) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly - the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at Main Street Steakhouse, 1802 Main Street in Danbury. Meeting at 12 noon, luncheon follows. For information, call Lonnie 979-922-1553.
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. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 254-773-2363.
LODGE 141, SEALY (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of every other month - February, April, June, August, October, and December at 6 p.m. at Gordon Memorial Library, 917 North Circle Drive, Sealy. For information, contact Secretary Bernice Stolarski 979-885-6786.
LODGE 88, HOUSTON (5) 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 is on the right. Hall Phone/Rental Information: Call 713-869-5767; or visit www.lodge88.org. Dances are held 8 to 11:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. For more information, call 713-8695767, 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. *Introductory pricing. Bingo: Every Thursday evening; games start at 7 p.m. License No. 17407503501. Lodge Meetings: Third Monday, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Zoom Meetings: Held second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. To join, please email spjstyouthlodge88@yahoo.com for link. For information, contact Youth Leader Vanessa Guerrero 281-745-1697.
LODGE 142, HOUSTON (5) 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 Dennis Hermis 713-826-2981; 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 Amanda Muzny 713-5605377.
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 817-6241361. Visit Lodge 92 website www.nationalhallfortworth.com. Ladies Circle: Meets the second Tuesday of each month. Randy and the 92nd Road House Band plays every first Sunday. Dressy casual. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall unless otherwise noted. LODGE 97, PLACEDO (6) Lodge Meetings: Monday, March 2; Monday, June 1; Monday, September 14 in the Community Room at Victoria Mall, 6 p.m. For information, call Secretary Judy Bellanger 361-576-2935. 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. Youth Club Meetings: For meeting date/time/location, contact Youth Leader Lian Lynn 830-480-2737. 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 are held in March, July, October, and December at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Activity Center, 1630 Goliad Road, San Antonio. For information, contact President Jarolyn Popp 830-964-5135. 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 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. Call Youth Leader Melissa Zielonka for information 979-618-1890. 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 Phone: 817-237-5181. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 3:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 817-731-2580. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. at the hall. Contact Youth Leaders CarrieAnn Jones 817-371-1727, carrieannjones@att.net; or Appa Burcie 817-614-2967, abburcie2015@gmail.com for information. LODGE 155, AUSTIN (2) Lodge Meetings: For dates time, and location of quarterly meetings, call Secretary Ginny Prasatik 512472-1721. LODGE 157, LUBBOCK (4) Lodge Meetings: Last Sunday of every other month of March, June, and September; then December - the first Sunday at 2:30 p.m. For meeting location, contact Secretary Cynthia Kristinek - phone 806-763-7245; or email cyndynjerome@gmail.com. LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Wednesday of February, May, and August; and 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. Youth Club Meetings: For date, time, location, call Youth Leader Ryan Jansa 325234-5879. LODGE 162, IOWA COLONY (5) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center, 12003 CR 65, Iowa Colony. For information, contact President Betty Crawford 713-594-5049. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center. For information, call Youth Leader Brenda Moyle 713-303-1471. 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) Lodge Hall: 3609 Preston Road, Pasadena. Lodge Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at the lodge hall, 3609 Preston Avenue, in Pasadena. November and December meetings will be held on the third Sunday. For information, contact Jo 346-317-4412; or Helen 713-920-7172 LODGE 177, ACADEMY (2) Lodge Hall: 711 Rio Poco, Little River-Academy. Directions: Hall is on the south side of Academy, just off Hwy 95, on the right. Hall Phone: 254-982-4434. Please leave a message with questions. Bingo: Every Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Kitchen is open. Board of Trustees/Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November - Board Meeting, 6:15 p.m. Regular lodge meeting, 6:30 p.m. LODGE 179, WARRENTON (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 11 a.m. Location will be announced in the Věstník prior to the meeting each month. For information, contact Ricky Weyand 979-966-7138. LODGE 180, BURLESON (3) Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month at the Burleson Police Department Building - Community Room, 1161 S.W. Wilshire Boulevard, Burleson at 6 p.m. For information, call 817-905-2097 or 972-268-0022. LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY (2) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin. For information, contact Youth Leader Becky Beckendorf 254749-5732. 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: 682-8003485. Game Nights are every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. and every Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Permit No. 17516910506. Lodge Meetings/Family Nights: Third Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 184, MOULTON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November, 7 p.m. at Moulton VFD building in the meeting room. RSVP to Elmer Michna at 361-7723876 or Johnnie Hoffman at 361-772-5049. Please RSVP by Thursday of the week prior to the meeting. 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: Fourth Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. (subject to change). Call Youth Leader Jessica McCoy for information 979-7778215. 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. Call Youth Leader Yolanda Brinkman for information 979-5670637. 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; or 512-771-4948. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, beginning at 2 p.m. at the hall, followed by entertainment and potluck meal.
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LODGE 189, BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION (1) Quarterly business meetings are held in March, June, and September, and a social meeting in December. Location and dates will be announced in the Věstník. Contact President Henry Mayo for information 979-777-1426. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of March, June, September, and December, 2 p.m. at (unless otherwise noted) C and J Barbecue, 1010 South Texas Avenue in Bryan. LODGE 191, LUFKIN (5) Lodge Hall: 197 Hughes Road, Lufkin. Lodge/Hall Information: George Scogin 936-875-2867. Lodge Meetings: Due to Covid-19, meetings are now held quarterly. 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: First Sunday of each month. Potluck social at 1 p.m.; meeting begins at 2 p.m. - unless otherwise noted. For information, call Cadance Wager 713-5152835. LODGE 200, BRUCEVILLE-EDDY (2) Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month on even months - February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6:30 p.m. at Taylor Hall, 100 4th Street, Eddy. For information, contact President James R. Hosch 254-718-4798. 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. For information, call Jenell 979-357-2181. LODGE 202, JOURDANTON (7) Adult Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly, the first Sunday of March and June at 1 p.m.; and the second Sunday of September and December at 1 p.m. A meal will be served at each meeting. Meetings are at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. For information, contact Secretary Bettie House 830281-8246. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of every month at 1:15 p.m. except in September and December, meetings are held on the second Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. For information, contact Youth Leader Regina House 830-570-2046. LODGE 207, IOWA PARK (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. For meeting location, call Secretary Joyce Kotulek 940855-0882. LODGE 215, SOUTH PLAINS (4) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 6 p.m. at 631 Lockwood Street in Tahoka. For information, contact Secretary Pam Lehmann 806-535-8356. Youth Club Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 6 p.m. at 631 Lockwood Street in Tahoka. For information, contact Youth Leader Janeece Williams 806-632-5239. LODGE 219, EL PASO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of March, April, and May at 6 p.m. at Puerto Vallarta Grill, 1611 Montana Avenue, El Paso. For questions, call President Aracely Quiz 915-999-2062. LODGE 229, ABILENE (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. For meeting location information, contact Secretary Tammy Copeland 325-333-4089. LODGE 232, HOUSTON MIDTOWN (5) Lodge Meetings: Held the third Tuesday of every other month in January, March, May, July, September, and November, 6:30 p.m. at Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto, Houston. For information, contact Secretary Catherine Anderson 713-726-1928. LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT (2) Lodge Meetings: Unless otherwise announced, second Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November, 11:30 a.m. For meeting location, call President Ingrid Petrik 254-760-1831 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—
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