Youth Section

2021 Flag Day Essay Contest Winner continued from page 1 Congratulations, Macy Narro of Lodge 17, New Tabor!

camp, retreats, youth achievement day, socials, volunteer work, and charity projects are all united acts that SPJST has provided me and continues to provide its youth members.

As a life-long member of SPJST and being very active in my youth club since the age of five, I have had the opportunity to unite with other members at Leader-InTraining camp, district summer camp, youth achievement days, meetings, and much more. I have also grown as an individual and leader and feel that younger members look up to me. SPJST is, always has been, and always will be a huge part of my life.

My brother currently serves in the United States Navy onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. As in all branches of the military, they are united for a single purpose - to protect and defend our great nation, much like the heroes on Flight 93. Today, more than ever, we must stand united . . . united as Americans, united as SPJST members, and united as humans in general. May we always stand united for the land of the free and the home of the brave. God bless SPJST and the United States of America! —SPJST—

Flag Day Essay Contest Winners

Grand Prize: $100 Gift Card / Age Category Prize: $50 Gift Card Grand Prize Winner Macy Narro - Lodge 17, New Tabor Ages 5 to 8 Marley Kocurek - Lodge 17, New Tabor Ages 9 to 11 Bailen Kocurek - Lodge 17, New Tabor Ages 12 to 14 Megan Ohnheiser - Lodge 185, New Braunfels

Flag Day Contest Participants

Essay Contest

ages 5 to high school senior Coloring Contest

ages 8 and under

District One Lodge 17, New Tabor

Bailen Kocurek

Marley Kocurek

Macy Narro

District Three Lodge 25, Ennis Misty Dvorak Macy Jones Miles Jones Steven Suges

District Four Lodge 49, Rowena

Cotton Wood

Hunter Wood

Tanner Wood

Lodge 154, Fort Worth

Mckenzie Burcie

Holly Jones District Seven Lodge 185, New Braunfels

Megan Ohnheiser

District One Lodge 17, New Tabor

Marley Kocurek

Kyren Plachy

Emmy Supak

District Two Lodge 20, Granger

Braxton Henley

Lodge 47, Seaton

Tristan Martinez

Lodge 187, Round Rock

Karter Meyer

District Six Lodge 23, Moravia

Bo Rerich

Lodge 30, Taiton Ella Garrett Millie Garrett Grady Lange

SPJST Youth Section

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 Online: spjst.org/news/submitarticle-photo 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), State Fraternal Director at 800-727-7578, or visit www.spjst.org.

State Duchess excited about end of school, summer activities

Dear Readers,

I’m so excited! I finished my last day of school. On the last day, we had a class party and a clap out where all the fifth graders walked the hallways of the school. I am excited about going to middle school next year, but I’m glad to be out of school for awhile. I hope to do lots of fun things this summer.

Mckenzie Burcie, age 11 2020-2021 State Duchess Lodge 154, Fort Worth —SPJST—

Lodge 30, Taiton youth wins awards in county fair

We had our county fair, and I recently placed eighth on my roaster project and third in showmanship. I then made the “sale of excellence,” and it was a wonderful reward. Bethany Baker, age 14 —SPJST—

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club honors graduates at May meeting

SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club met on Sunday, May 2, 2021, at Taiton Community Center. Brittany Baker called the meeting to order. The youth recited the SPJST motto and Pledge of Allegiance.

Mrs. Bubela went over upcoming dates, and she reminded everyone to sign up for camp and Leaders-in-Training (LIT). She then went over the District Six Youth Achievement Day (YAD) virtual rules and deadlines. We discussed group talent ideas.

We congratulated our two seniors Brittany and Andrew. We had cake and gifts for them.

May birthdays were Brett Bacak and Grady Lange. Our youth meeting was then adjourned. We finished the day by celebrating with an awards luncheon and graduation social. Abigail Garrett, age 10 —SPJST—

Scenes from the National Polka Festival Parade

Saturday, May 29, 2021 • Ennis, Texas

SPJST youth and adult members are pictured with winners of the National Polka Festival King and Queen Contest on the SPJST Float prior to the National Polka Festival parade in Ennis, Texas, on Saturday morning, May 29, 2021. Pictured in front are Diana and District Three Director John Engelke, left, and Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Leader Rita Holland. RIGHT PHOTO: 2020-2021 SPJST State Royalty are, left to right, State King Koby Stone and State Duke Everhett Bartek, both of Lodge 47, Seaton, and State Duchess Mckenzie Burcie and State Queen Holly Jones, both of Lodge 154, Fort Worth. The State Royalty Court represented SPJST at the parade and festival.

Lodge 49, Rowena youth ready to work this summer

Dear SPJST,

School is almost out, and I’m getting more excited. I’m going to be working for a guy that does metal buildings and construction. I can’t wait to make some money so I can buy stuff for my pickup. Hunter Wood, age 15 —SPJST—

Lodge 49, Rowena youth enjoys last days of school

Dear SPJST,

The last few days of school have been fun. We’ve gone on AR parties, field day, and today, we get to play kick ball. I hope my class wins. Cotton Wood, age 10 —SPJST—

Lodge 49, Rowena youth achieves perfect attendance

Dear SPJST,

I don’t have to take my finals for school. My grades have been good, and I have perfect attendance. I’m ready to work for my grandparents this summer. Tanner Wood, age 16 —SPJST—

Lodge 185, New Braunfels youth ready for summer

Dear Readers,

Today, we went bowling. I didn’t do very well, but I had a good time. Summer is almost here, and I can’t wait.

Skeet Kitchen age 10 —SPJST—

Lodge 185 New Braunfels youth bowls at May meeting

Dear Readers,

Today, we had our May meeting at Fiesta Lanes Bowling. It was fun to see all of my friends. I also brought a friend to our meeting.

We have one more week of school! Yay!

Sincerely, Madeline Kitchen, age 11 —SPJST—

Bite into these facts about hot dogs

Hot dogs are the yin to the hamburger’s yang. Franks and burgers are a common pair at barbecues and ballparks, and rightfully so. Handheld, portable meals, they pack a convenient and flavorful punch.

Few foods may seem as American as hot dogs. However, hot dogs are derivative of European sausages. This fact and more can shed light on the humble hot dog, which is sure to find its way to a grill near you this summer.

• Mental Floss says it’s pretentious to consume a hot dog with utensils. Hot dog etiquette experts also insist adults should not top their hot dogs with ketchup, which they suggest is a topping strictly reserved for children.

• Hot dogs are often associated with New York City. However, hot dogs gained popularity across the country in the 20th century.

• Hot dogs are often called frankfurters.

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi youth receives perfect attendance award

Congratulations to Jacob Rebecek of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Youth Club! He received a certificate for perfect attendance. Jacob was promoted to fifth grade at Calk-Wilson Elementary. He is the son of Stephen and Laura Rebecek and grandson of Mark and Virginia Rebecek. They are all are members of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi.

lodge 48, beyersville youth graduate from kindergarten; eighth grade

Makayla Newsom graduated from eighth grade at St. Mary’s Catholic School Taylor. She will attend Taylor High School in the fall. Della Miksch graduated from kindergarten in Taylor, and Tatiana Poldrack graduated from kindergarten in Thrall. Both girls are excited for first grade. —Submitted by Michelle Newsom, Youth Leader This refers to Frankfurt, Germany, where pork sausages similar to hot dogs are believed to have originated.

• Hot dogs were given their name by cartoonist Tad Dorgan. He observed a vendor selling “hot dachshund sausage dogs” during a baseball game at New York City’s Polo Grounds. As legend has it, Dorgan couldn’t spell the name of the dog, instead writing only “hot dogs.” The name eventually caught on.

• Despite several jokes as well as speculation regarding what hot dogs contain, hot dogs are cured and cooked sausages that contain mainly pork, beef, chicken, and turkey. The meats come from the muscle of the animals. If a product contains organ meats, it must be declared on the packaging. with 100 million sold annually.

• Relish, sauerkraut, and even ketchup are popular hot dog toppings. But mustard is by far the most popular.

• Why are there typically 10 hot dogs per pack and only eight buns per bag? When hot dogs were first introduced, they were sold at varying quantities at the butcher shop. Hot dogs were eventually standardized to packages of 10, but buns are baked in clusters of four in popular pans designed to hold eight rolls.

Hot dogs are a summertime staple that have an interesting and extensive history. (MS)

—SPJST—

• In 1867, Charles Feltman made a cart with a stove on it, which he used to boil sausages. The cart also had compartments to keep buns fresh. Carts that sell hot dogs on the street are now seen in cities across the country.

• Hot dogs are a NASA-approved food for astronauts.

• While hot dogs are sold at many venues, data indicates that the popular convenience store chain 7-Eleven sells the most grilled hot dogs in North America,

Keep Sand Behind on your next beach day

Summer wouldn’t be the same without days at the beach. Beaches can provide the perfect respite on hot summer days and are go-to destinations for billions of vacationers every year.

Surf and sand contribute to relaxing summer vibes. Though it’s possible to towel off and leave the surf behind at the end of a long beach day, it’s not so easy to rid yourself of sand. Toes in the sand may be one of the best things about summer, but sand in our vehicles and homes is less than ideal. It might not be possible to leave the beach completely sand-free, but the following are some ways to reduce the amount of sand you take home with you.

Use mesh beach bags. Beach bags contain everything from towels to Tshirts to toys. Unfortunately, by the end of a typical beach day they also contain sand. Lots of sand. Mesh beach bags won’t accumulate nearly as much sand as closed cloth bags or bags made from other solid materials, and they can even be easily shaken once you get to your car,

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi youth earns honor roll recognition

Congratulations to Marcus Rebecek of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Youth Club! He made the AB honor roll all year at Hamlin Middle School. Marcus was promoted to seventh grade. He is the son of Stephen and Laura Rebecek and grandson of Mark and Virginia Rebecek. They are all are members of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi.

providing one last chance to leave sand behind before going home.

Rinse off. Many beaches provide community showers outside or adjacent to restrooms so beach-goers can rinse their bodies and their toys, chairs, and other sandy items before getting in their vehicles and going home. Make use of these showers whenever possible. Regular beach-goers who live near the beach may want to look into having outdoor showers installed on their properties. Outdoor showers greatly reduce the amount of sand that’s tracked into your home, and they can be especially helpful to parents of young children who can be hard to corral upon arriving home.

Change clothes at the beach and bag up beach attire. Another way to leave sand behind is to take advantage of restroom facilities at the beach. Change clothes before getting back in the car, and place swimsuits, beach towels and any other clothing and linens into a laundry bag. Once you arrive home, take that laundry bag right to your washroom and wash clothes immediately. (MS) —SPJST—

Celebrate vacation season. Color in this picture to create your own masterpiece.

Happy Birthday, Jenna!

Lodge 202, Jourdanton Youth Club Flag Bearer Jenna Fair will celebrate her birthday on June 21, 2021. Have a great day, Jenna! —Photo by Sandra Hoggard

Lodge 154, Fort Worth Youth Explore Variety of Attractions at Urban Air

Lodge 154, Fort Worth Youth Club members enjoyed spending a fun few hours at Urban Air Adventure Park for their April meeting. Youth members played on a variety of attractions. —Submitted by Appa Burcie Assistant Youth Leader