ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T
Volume 109 Number 12
Benevolence
H E R A L D
★ Humanity
★ Brotherhood
June 28, 2021
ISSN —07458 800
SPJST invites members to build their business online SPJST invites business owners and
service providers – large and small – to stand out online and promote their trades and services in the new SPJST Member Services Directory. The directory – first published in 1995 as a special edition of the Vestnik – is scheduled to go live on Labor Day, September 6. Reserve Your Listing Now That means now is the time for business owners to claim their space in the directory. It’s easy to do. Begin by going to the spjst.org website. Once you’ve arrived, look for the big kolache and click on “SPJST Member Services Directory.” That will take you to the “Get Started” form. On the “Get Started” form, you will input your business name, location, and select the categories that apply to your business listing. There is also a place to include your contact information and your business website – if that is applicable. This basic information will enable the SPJST Communication Department with all of the initial information that they will need to set up the directory framework. “Once the framework is up and before the directory goes online, I will send an email and link to our SPJST business and service providers — to manage their listings,” explains SPJST Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny.
Proud SPJST Members! SPJST President Brian Vanicek, left, presents the first “Proud SPJST Member” plaque to Judy and Edwin Pechal of Lodge 47, Seaton. They are the owners of Ratibor Country Grill at 11226 FM 2086, Temple, Texas.
“It’s at that point that business owners and service providers will be able to provide detailed information about the products and services as well as a photograph that helps to communicate their business.” The old printed directory featured a wide range of more than 700 business and service listings – everything from accountants, attorneys, and artists to wedding cake designers, well drillers, and woodworkers.
; / ; / ; / ; / ; Readers Write ......................................3 Interest Rates.......................................3 Important Dates ...................................3 Convention Info ...................................4 District News........................................6 “It’s Your Life”......................................7
“We expect the online directory to be much larger,” says SPJST President Brian Vanicek. “It isn’t necessary that
Inside This Week’s Vestnik
Lodge Section....................................10 In Memoriam ......................................20 Youth Section ....................................21 Czech Culture ...................................24 Advertisements .................................29 Lodge Calendar .................................30
Continued on Page 17.
; / ; / ; / ; / ; Lodge 32 Victoria members enjoy dinner
Lodge 24 Cyclone hosts Ted Lange and Mollie B Page 11
you’re the business owner. The directory will include members who work for larger companies, too. The rule of thumb is any member who is in a position to provide a business or service qualifies.” “And the listing doesn’t have to reflect your primary occupation,” Vanicek adds. “We know that there are many SPJST members who have sideline businesses or services that they offer in their spare time. Hunting leases, fence building, beauty products. and so on . . . ” In addition to the member business listings, the directory will also include local lodge contacts, including sales agents and information about the life insurance and annuity benefits available to SPJST members and prospective members. There will also be sections which introduce various aspects of the SPJST experience – including the SPJST Youth Program, Scholarship Program, and Camp Kubena. The online format will allow for regular revisions and updates as well as the
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Page 17
Lodge 219 El Paso Sales Agents welcome Vice President Doherty
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Monday, June 28, 2021
VĚSTNÍK
ˇ ´ VESTNIK
Editor’s Note
Happy Fourth of July from SPJST!
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 melaniez@spjst.com 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 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 - Jim Schroeder, LUTCF 936-661-2294 • jeschroeder.insurance@gmail.com DISTRICT THREE - Sabino Garcia 817-909-8899 • garciasabi@att.net DISTRICT FOUR - Lydia Talamantez 325-262-9743 • lillyg636@yahoo.com DISTRICT FOUR - EL PASO AREA - Arnulfo Rivera 915-630-8074 • arnulfok5@yahoo.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
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 - Ryan Jansa, 10377 Penny Lane, San Angelo, TX 76905-7616 - 325-234-5879 - rjansa1@gmail.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, 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
We will celebrate the Fourth of
July holiday with the State Royalty riding on the SPJST Float in the Belton Fourth of July Parade on Saturday, July 3 at 10 a.m. The parade will be televised in the Central Texas area. Watch SPJST’s Facebook page for more information. The float will also appear in the Arlington Fourth of July Parade on Monday, July 5 at 9 a.m. If you are at these events, be sure and give us a shout! Happy Fourth of July from SPJST! Get Well Soon, Leonard! We send get well wishes to SPJST Chief Financial Officer Leonard Mikeska who underwent knee surgery on Friday, June 25. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Pre-Convention Reports Vestnik The next Vestnik (July 12) will be the pre-convention reports issue featuring recommendations from the By-Law
and Finance Committees and reports from the Insurance and Publication Committees and Supreme Lodge Officers and Directors. This will be a big issue with a lot of information as we prepare for the 33rd SPJST Convention on August 13 to 15. All of the reports will also be published in the delegates’ Convention app available for smartphones and tablets. Delegates - please let us know if you need help downloading the app.
Věstník Dates and Deadlines July 12 Věstník deadline is Mon., July 5 at 5 p.m. July 26 Věstník deadline is Mon., July 19 at 5 p.m. August 9 Věstník deadline is Mon., Aug. 2 at 5 p.m. August 23 Věstník deadline is Mon., Aug. 16 at 5 p.m. September 13 Věstník deadline is Mon., Sept. 6 at 5 p.m. September 27 Věstník deadline is Mon., Sept. 20 at 5 p.m.
What a great day it was on June 13 - District Six meeting at beautiful Camp Kubena then District Two meeting at the new, amazing Lodge 48, Beyersville hall. I am pictured at Lodge 48 with SPJST President Brian Vanicek, left, and Honorary President Howard Leshikar. Both of these gentlemen were responsible for my employment at SPJST in 1994! 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, June 28, 2021
SPJST Family Fun • • • • • and • • • • • Important Dates (Number in parentheses denotes SPJST district.)
July 3 July 5 July 5 July 7-11 July 9-10 July 14-18 July 18 July 18 July 19 July 19 July 20 July 25 July 25 July 31 July 31
August 3 August 7 Aug. 13-15 Sept. 3 Sept. 18 Sept. 24-25 October 31
SPJST Float: Belton Fourth of July Parade (2) Vestnik Deadline for July 12 issue SPJST Float: Arlington Fourth of July Parade (3) Junior Camp Session One - Districts Three, Four, Five, Seven Camp Kubena, Ledbetter Lodge 47, Seaton Barbecue Cookoff (2) Junior Camp Session Two - Districts One, Two, Six Camp Kubena, Ledbetter Lodge 6, Cottonwood Picnic (3) Lodge 84, Dallas Lakeside Picnic (3) Vestnik Deadline for July 26 issue District Five Delegates’ Meeting • Lodge 88, Houston (5) Fraternal Focus Webcast • register at spjst.org District Three Delegates’ Meeting • Lodge 25, Ennis (3) District Seven Annual Meeting Jourdanton Community Center (7) State Youth Achievement Day Frank W. Mayborn Convention Center, Temple Lodge 92, Fort Worth hosts Paprskar Memorial Tarok Tournament IX (3) Delegates’ Convention Webcast Lodge 24, Cyclone Backwards Auction Fundraiser (2) 33rd SPJST Convention Killeen Civic and Conference Center SPJST Float: Westfest Parade (3) SPJST Float: Burleson County Fair Parade, Caldwell (1) Lodge 29, Taylor Barbecue Cookoff (2) Lodge 24, Cyclone Barbecue Dinner (2)
SPJST INTEREST RATES 05/01/2021 - 07/31/2021 Universal Life Universal Life 3
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Readers Write Reader appreciates Lidice coverage Dear Editor, Thank you for your coverage of the massacre and destruction of Lidice. This inhumane destruction of innocent people deserves periodic publication. Our generation would have no information or details of this atrocity. It’s certainly not in our school’s history books. Thank you, Mary Ellen Kiely Lodge 187, Round Rock —SPJST—
Genealogy assistance requested Dear Melanie, I need your help in finding my greatgrandparents. As far as I know, they did not come to the country with my grandparents who were adults. They were from Moravia, Czechoslovakia. Any help is appreciated. Here is some information: • John Koutný, Sr. arrived on Ellis Island in New York on December 25, 1890. • They settled in Moravia, Texas, in Lavaca County. • John Koutný, Sr. was born May 20, 1871, in Moravia, Czechoslovakia. • John Koutný, Sr. met and married Mary Kalcak on June 18, 1892, in Fayette County, Texas. • Mary Kalcak was born November 1, 1872, to John and Mary (Betela) Kalcak in Moravia, Czechoslovakia. • They (my grandparents were 20 and 21) were adults when they arrived without their parents. How do I get information on my great-grandparents from Moravia, Czechoslovakia? I enjoy reading your columns and the Věstník. Sincerely, James J. Koutný 320 Low Meadow Pleasanton, Texas 78064 pepaw2k@yahoo.com —SPJST—
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District Six Cemetery Organization thankful for donation Greetings, SPJST Supreme Lodge. The members of SPJST District Six Cemetery Organization wishes to say thank you for your $600 donation to the organization. The $600 is much appreciated as we have already paid out $925 for maintenance of the cemeteries this year. We are in the process of turning over two of the cemeteries to the Catholic church. They will maintain them which is good, but in doing so we will lose our only source of reliable income. So now we will be totally dependent on donations such as yours. Thanks again! Johnnie Hoffman Secretary/Treasurer District Six Cemetery Organization —SPJST—
Member appreciates scholarship SPJST, Thank you for the $1,000 scholarship. It will greatly assist me as I further my education at Texas A&M University in the fall. Sincerely, Sarah Norman Lodge 81, Needville —SPJST—
Westphalia KCs to host blood drive Westphalia Knights of Columbus Council 13902 is sponsoring a Baylor Scott and White blood drive on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at Westphalia Parish Hall from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Council is providing a pancake breakfast starting at 9 a.m. to anyone who signs up to give blood, as well as all parishioners of the Church of the Visitation. A photo ID is required to donate. Masks are required to be worn during the appointment. To schedule your appointment, go to bswblood.com and find the July 11 blood drive. Appointments are highly encouraged; walk-ins will be accepted as space allows. Give blood, the gift of life! James Kahlig Westphalia KCs —SPJST—
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Monday, June 28, 2021
The BookMan says, “Save your heirlooms!” Dear SPJST Members and Friends, Save your heirlooms! I repair Bibles and precious books from all over the United States and Canada. I specialize in treasured family Bibles and concen-
VĚSTNÍK trate on covers, repairs, and new binding. For more information, visit www.bookman-jim.biz; email jim@bookman-jim.bix; or call 920-2655966. Jim Andrews Pearland, Texas —SPJST—
Convention Registration, Meals, and Credentials The 33rd SPJST Convention is set for Friday, August 13 to Sunday, August 15, 2021, at Killeen Civic and Conference Center, located at 3601 South W.S. Young Drive in Killeen, Texas 76543. Friday, August 13 2 to 7:30 p.m. Delegate Registration 6 to 9 p.m. Howdy Party Saturday, August 14 7 to 8:30 a.m. Late Registration 7:30 a.m. Coffee and Water 8:30 a.m. Assembly of Delegates Opening Ceremony 9:30 a.m. Morning Snacks and Beverages 9 to 10:15 a.m. Business Session 10:15 to 10:30 a.m. Break 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Business Session 12 to 1 p.m. Lunch 1 to 4:30 p.m. Business Session 4:30 to 5 p.m. Delegates’ Photo 6 to 6:30 p.m. Catholic Mass 6:30 to 10 p.m. Banquet Reception Sunday, August 15 7:30 a.m. Coffee and Water 8 to 8:30 a.m. Ecumenical Service 9:30 a.m. Morning Snacks and Beverages 8:30 to 9 a.m. Hotel Check-Out 9 to 10:15 a.m. Business Session 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Business Session 12 to 1 p.m. Lunch 1 p.m. Conclude Business Session followed by Break and Caucus Breakouts
Convention Meals Saturday lunch selections are chicken and beef fajitas with charro beans and Spanish rice or chicken and beef fajita salad with avocado ranch dressing. Both selections include banana pudding. The menu for Saturday’s banquet dinner is ribeye steak, salad, potatoes with cheese, green beans, and dessert. Sunday lunch selections are barbecue pulled pork sandwich served on a kaiser roll with southern style potato salad or grilled chicken Caesar salad. Both selections include peach cobbler. Lunch and dinner meals will be provided for delegates and official committee members; however, they must be reserved in advance. Costs for guests will be $8 for lunch and $20 for dinner. Delegates will receive more information and RSVP details soon. Delegate Credentials Forms Delegates are asked to bring their credentials form to the registration at the Convention. The registration table will be located in the lobby of the Killeen Civic and Conference Center between 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 13 and 7 and 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 14. If you have lost or misplaced your credentials form, please send an email to Linda Hill at lindah@spjst.com or call 254-773-1575, ext. 162 as soon as possible. It is very important that you contact the Home Office soon so your credentials form can be replaced prior to the Convention. —SPJST—
Convention Registration and Hotel Information Dear SPJST Convention Delegate, Congratulations on your election as a delegate to the 33rd SPJST Convention to be held in Killeen, Texas, on August 13 to 15, 2021. Registration Registration will begin in the lobby of the Killeen Civic and Conference Center on Friday, August 13 at 2 p.m. The Killeen Civic and Conference Center is located at 3601 South WS Young Drive in Killeen. The Howdy Party is scheduled for Friday evening, August 13. Late registration will continue on Saturday morning, August 14. Hotel information for the 33rd SPJST Convention Howdy Party - Friday, August 13 Convention - Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15 Here is a list of hotels in the Killeen area at which we have blocked rooms at a special rate. These rooms are only available at these special rates until July 12, 2021, on a first come, first served basis. To guarantee the reservation, you will need to provide the hotel with your credit card number or prepay for one night’s lodging. (If you had a prior reservation, we urge you to call the hotel to confirm.) When making room reservations, please call the hotel directly and be sure to give them the Special Rate Code which is “SPJST”. Again, please note that the rooms at the listed rates will not be guaranteed after July 12, 2021. All room rates are subject to applicable tax, and prices are based on double occupancy. Shilo Inn Suites Hotel 3701 South WS Young Dr Killeen, TX 76542 254-247-3133 254-699-0999 Rate: $120 Special Rate Code: SPJST 105 rooms available
Best Western Plus 2709 Cunningham Rd Killeen, TX 76542 254-634-5560 Rate: $95 Special Rate Code: SPJST 40 rooms available Hampton Inn Killeen 2702 O.W. Curry Dr. Killeen, TX 76542 254-554-7110, dial 0 when you hear hotel greeting message Rate: $94 Special Rate Code: SPJST 25 rooms available Courtyard Killeen 1721 E Central Texas Expy Killeen, TX 76541 254-616-2000 Rate: $120 Special Rate Code: SPJST 100 rooms available Please note: If you had a reservation at Hilton Garden Inn, this hotel is temporarily closed due to a fire and will not be available for the Convention. The address for the Killeen Civic and Conference Center is 3601 South WS Young Dr, Killeen, TX 76542. Please call Linda at the SPJST Home Office if you have any questions or need assistance in making your hotel reservations. Linda can be reached by email lindah@spjst.com or by telephone 254-773-1575, ext. 162. We look forward to seeing you in August in Killeen! Fraternally, Leonard Mikeska Chief Financial Officer —SPJST—
Attention, Delegates! SPJST Convention App is now available. Please check your email for details or call Melanie at the Home Office.
VĚSTNÍK
Member submits recommendations to By-Law Committee Editor’s Note: Page numbers correspond with the By-Law Committee’s proposed recommendations document (06-122021) that appears on the spjst.org website and in the Convention app that is available for SPJST Delegates to the 33rd Convention. Sister Durham’s recommended changed are in red. (page 3) Article V – Membership Section 8. Local Lodge Membership. The local lodge has the right to determine whether it will accept an applicant for membership into the lodge. Upon receipt of notification of a new candidate for membership, the local lodge must shall vote to accept or to reject the candidate no later than the second regularly scheduled meeting after application is accepted notification is received by the local lodge. The candidate for membership must receive a majority vote of those present and voting to be accepted as a member. The local lodge secretary notifies the candidate whether he/she is accepted or rejected. If rejected, the member may begin application to another lodge. No one may hold membership in more than one SPJST lodge. (page 8) (d) Act on all reports filed by the Board of Directors and the Governance Committee. Reports by Governance Committee and Executive Committee. (f) Governance Committee’s report. (page 9) Section 20. Discussions. All Executive Committee members and Governance Committee members may participate in the discussions at the Convention, but they do not have the right to make motions, vote, or nominate unless they are delegates. (a) No concern can be discussed in the Convention unless it was first presented to the Governance Committee and acted upon by that committee. (b) Any delegate may reserve the right to appeal the Governance Committee’s action to the delegation.
Monday, June 28, 2021 (page 11) Section 22. Minutes. The Convention minutes should accurately summarize what was discussed and actions taken by the Convention. The minutes should be accurate, concise, objective, and to the point, but written in such a way that they do not leave out critical information and are easily understood and usable in the future. Minutes may include brief summaries of the discussions but should reflect a record of the exact wording of motions, amendments, and resolutions as well as who made the motions, who seconded them, and the outcome of any votes taken. The minutes shall be kept and approved in the English language. A copy of the Convention minutes shall be sent to each local lodge secretary, all Convention delegates, Governance Committee members, and/or all members, upon request. (page 12) Section 23. Composition. The Governance Committee shall be comprised of seven elected members (one from each of the seven districts). The Board of Directors shall fill any vacancy occurring in the Governance Committee temporarily by appointing an Adult Member to serve from the same district as the vacancy until the district delegation holds a special election to fill the vacancy no later than 90 days from the occurrence of the vacancy. (page 14) Section 33. Delegate Election Requirements. (a) Qualifies as an adult member. (b) Is present during the election or is absent due to unavoidable circumstances. (c) Attended at least 50 percent of the regular meetings of the lodge during one year preceding the election of delegates for the Convention. Lodges meeting monthly, 50 percent is six meetings; lodges meeting bi-monthly, 50 percent is three meetings; and lodges meeting quarterly, 50 percent is two meetings. (When there is a conflict with the date of their local lodge meeting, Executive Committee members, district fraternal activities coordinators, on official business, may count as attending a regular meeting for this purpose. The state fraternal director, district youth counselors and their assistants, on official business, may count as attending youth club meet-
ings. Notification must be given to the local lodge secretary prior to the event with written confirmation made by the party within two weeks following the event.) Newly transferred members’ attendance record of the previous lodge shall be accepted. (page 16) Section 36. Composition of Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall be composed of the seven elected District Directors (one from each of the seven districts). The Board of Directors shall have the authority to provide rules and regulations for the extension and development of SPJST and shall have all other necessary and incidental powers to carry out the objectives of SPJST and such other duties as prescribed by these bylaws. (a) The President/CEO is shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. The President/CEO shall only vote in the event of a tie vote of the Board of Directors. However, the President/CEO shall abstain from voting on any item of business relating to his/her personal compensation and/or employee benefits. (page 20) Section 39. Duties. (z) Ratify hiring and compensation of all Executive Officers. (page 21) Section 41. Regular Meetings. The Board of Directors shall meet quarterly during the third week or weekend in January, April, July, and October. In case of necessity, the President/CEO, in conference with the Chair of the Board of Directors, has the right to change the date of the meeting. Meetings are open to SPJST members except during executive sessions concerning personnel, disciplinary matters, litigation, or threatened litigation. Section 42. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President/CEO or the Chair of the Board of Directors, in case of necessity. In the event that five members of the Board of Directors determine a necessity for a special meeting, and the President/CEO refuses to call such a meeting, the five members may, by written notice, call all members of the Board of Directors to such a special meeting and hold the meeting. Five members of the Board of Directors will constitute a quorum at special meetings.
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(page 22) Section 48. Committee Establishment. The Board of Directors may appoint committees to have such authority as the Board of Directors may delegate. Each committee shall consist of three or more Executive Committee members and two or more Governance Committee members. Additional committee members may be appointed by the Board of Directors. A majority of the members of each committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all committee business. (page 23) Section 51. Vacancy. (c) In the event of a vacancy by an Alternate District Director who succeeded the District Director, the District President shall call a meeting of the delegates of the previous regular Convention to a place centrally located for the purpose of electing a new District Director and Alternate District Director for the term to the next Convention. This election shall be carried out within 30 days. The results of the election shall be announced to the Executive Committee without delay. (page 24) Section 52. Removal of President/CEO or District Director. A determination of cause shall be made within the reasonable discretion of the Board of Directors in consultation with the District President. The President/CEO or District Director, upon termination of his/her tenure, must deliver to their successors all property belonging to SPJST. (page 25) Section 53. Officer Requirements. (f) No Executive Officer can hold more than one office at a time, and no Executive Officer can receive more than one compensation at one time. Section 55. President/CEO. The President/CEO shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. The President/CEO shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Society, shall have general supervision and direction of the day-to-day business and affairs of the Society, and shall perform all duties incumbent to the position and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time. The President/CEO is the official head of SPJST and oversees
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all departments. The President/CEO is an ex officio member of all appointed committees within the Board of Directors. Subject to such rules and policies as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the President/CEO shall have authority to appoint and terminate such other officers, agents, and employees and to delegate authority to them. with ratification of the Board of Directors upon appointment and/or termination of an Executive Officer. (page 49) ARTICLE XXII RULES OF PROCEDURE Section 98. If the Charter of Incorporation or by-laws of SPJST are silent as to any procedural aspect of any action or meeting hereunder, the procedures of the latest edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order” shall control such procedure. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised
VĚSTNÍK shall govern SPJST in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Charter of Incorporation, the by-laws, or any special rules of order SPJST may adopt. (page 50) Section 101. Between meetings of the Convention, the Board of Directors may by two-thirds vote of all members of the Board of Directors, amend these by-laws in any way necessary to clarify or give effect to Convention enactments, to remove or revise contradictions or ambiguities, or to make these by-laws conform to the laws of the State of Texas. Thirty days prior to the vote to amend, all by-law changes shall have public notification by posting in the Vestnik. Submitted by, Pam Durham Lodge 92, Fort Worth —SPJST—
District Five Delegates’ Meeting Monday, July 19 at Lodge 88, Houston Dear District Five Delegates, A delegates’ meeting has been scheduled at Lodge 88, Houston on Monday, July 19, 2021, following the 7 p.m. monthly meeting. Please try to come. A light dinner of hot dogs and watermelon will be available after the meeting. Please review proposals prior to the meeting, and be ready with any questions or concerns you may wish to discuss. Thank you, Dorothy Pflughaupt, Chair By-Law Committee —SPJST—
District Seven Meeting at Jourdanton Community Center SPJST District Seven Spring Meeting, hosted by Lodge 202, Jourdanton, will be Sunday, July 25, 2021, at Jour-
District News
O O O Presenting 2021 Officers O O O SPJST District Two
The 2021 SPJST District Two Officers are, left to right, Flag Bearer Trent Wuensche of Lodge 48, Beyersville; President Rita Spinn of Lodge 80, Holland; Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Ruth Hanusch of Lodge 47, Seaton; Secretary Linda M. Wilde of Lodge 24, Cyclone; Treasurer Lyn Rieger of Lodge 29, Taylor; and Flag Bearer Trevor Wuensche of Lodge 48, Beyersville. They were elected at the District Two Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Lodge 48, Beyersville.
danton Community Center, located at 1101 Campbell Avenue in Jourdanton, Texas. RSVP for Lunch Registration begins at 10 a.m. Refreshments will be furnished by Lodge 202, Jourdanton. The lunch served at 12:15 p.m. will consist of a lasagna or King Ranch chicken plate with salad, garlic bread, and dessert for $5. Members are asked to report the number of plates needed to your lodge secretary by Friday, July 16. The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. Members are asked to bring items for the silent auction. Members are also asked to bring glasses and cases, hearing aids, and aluminum can tabs. Delegates’ Meeting A delegates’ meeting will follow the district meeting, and all delegates are encouraged to attend. Your attendance and support will be appreciated. Bring a friend. Please see the agenda on page 7. Fraternally, Wendy Pruski District Seven Secretary —SPJST—
O O O Presenting 2021 Officers O O O SPJST District Six
The 2021 SPJST District Six Officers are, second from left to right, President Joe Siptak of Lodge 4, Hallettsville; Vice President Yvonne Marcaurele of Lodge 30, Taiton; Secretary Elizabeth Holub of Lodge 23, Moravia; Treasurer Marjorie Treumer of Lodge 30, Taiton; Fraternal Activities Coordinator Susan Siptak of Lodge 4, Hallettsville; and District Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela of Lodge 30, Taiton. Pictured with them are SPJST Vice President Delisle Doherty, far left, and District Six Director Annie Vahalik, far right. The officers were elected at the District Six Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Camp Kubena.
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District Seven Annual Meeting Agenda
Sunday, July 25, 2021 • Hosted by Lodge 202, Jourdanton 1101 Campbell Avenue • Jourdanton, Texas 10 a.m. - Registration Refreshments and drinks provided by Lodge 202, Jourdanton Decorated Rock Contest (Youth) 10:30 a.m. - General Discussion Czech Heritage Museum............................................Director Roxanne Bertrand Senior Living Centers (Rest Homes)......................................Director Val Barta
From the Desk of SPJST Vice President Delisle Doherty
It’s Your Life
“How Will You Step Up to the Plate?”
Meeting Begins...................................................District President Donnie Howard Presentation of Colors/Pledge of Allegiance.................District Youth Members Welcome........................................................Lodge 202 President James House Introduction of Guests.................................................District President Howard Announce Committees.................................................District President Howard Roll Call of Officers/Lodges.................................District Secretary Wendy Pruski Memorial Ceremony...................................District Seven Director Regina House Minutes.............................................................................District Secretary Pruski Correspondence.................................................................District Secretary Pruski Financial Report............................................District Treasurer Sandra Hoggard Recognition of 50-Year, 75-Year Age 96, and Age 100 Honorees............................................District FAC House District Youth Report............................................................DYC April Howard
Since the new year is well underway, Covid is giving us our freedom back, and we are letting people see our smiles again, it’s time to step up to the plate. I know what is going through many of your minds; I’m glad to be out, but what do I do next? With the lodges meeting in person again, it’s time to let the community know you are there for them. Here are some ideas that will help you step up to the plate:
Standing Committee Reports Publication.....................................................................................Trey Bielefeld Finance ...........................................................................................Colleen Jenke By-Law .............................................................................................Oscar Korus Insurance.........................................................................................Wendy Pruski
1. Friends and Relatives. Friends don’t let friends drive drunk. We have heard that on the beer commercials. I say to you, “Friends don’t let friends die without insurance.”
12:15 p.m. - King Ranch Chicken or Lasagna Plate - $5 Youth will leave for outing off the premises at 11 a.m. Bring a swimsuit and a towel. Lunch will be provided for the youth.
2. Lodges. Every lodge needs insurance certificates to get new members and lodge incentive money. Most lodges do not inform anyone because they are not comfortable with the agent. I say every agent works for every lodge. All you have to do is call me, and I’ll assign the best agent for your referral, and the agent will work for your lodge that day. In essence, every lodge has 196 agents working for them.
Meal Prayer .................................................................................Director House 1 p.m. SPJST Home Office..................................State Fraternal Director Frank Horak District Director................................................................Director Regina House Audit Committee Report Old Business New Business Nominating Committee Report/Election of Officers Site of Fall Fun Day Youth Contest Winners..............................................................DYC April Howard Youth Prize Drawing Winners Announced Split-the-Pot Winners Announced Silent Auction results Door Prizes Adjournment Fraternally, Wendy Pruski, District Seven Secretary District delegates’ meeting will be held after the meeting for all convention delegates. —SPJST—
3. With the Covid scare, many people are wondering if they have enough insurance. Have a free review day! Let the members and the
community know you are having a free insurance review day. Or, set up a seminar for you to educate them on insurance. I’ll be glad to conduct the seminar. We have plenty of agents that will be glad to come to your lodge to help with this event. 4. Network, network, network. Networking groups are everywhere. Chambers, Rotary Clubs, VFWs, business networks, Christian social groups, Lions Clubs, etc. Networks come in all forms and sizes. There is something for everyone. It’s a great way to promote the lodge to the community. 5. Ask to have agents work your events. We have agents that will drive all over the country to do events. Give me enough time, and I’ll give you a great team. 6. Ask me to sit down with your lodge and put a strategy together. I’m the Vice President of SPJST not the Vice President of Insurance. Marketing for SPJST is my job. Make me earn my money. We are SPJST . . . Not SPJST Fraternal . . . Not SPJST Insurance. We win as a team, and we lose as a team. Either way, we are a team. My door is always open - figurative and literally. All you have to do is call 832-2322049. Watch for our new referral program in July! —SPJST—
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District Two Annual Meeting
Sunday, June 13, 2021 • Lodge 48, Beyersville
Left to right are Edwin and Judy Pechal, both of Lodge 47, Seaton; Scott Kaderka (29), Sarah Snyder, and Sharon Kaderka (29); State Fraternal Director Frank Horak (80) and Honorary Supreme Lodge President Howard
Leshikar (48); Alice Bracewell (48), District Two Director Jesse Pospisil (29), and Linda Pospisil (29); Charles Wilson, FL Meyer, and David Meyer, all of Lodge 18, Elgin; and James R. Hosch (200).
Left to right are Patsy Koslovsky (47), Becky Beckendorf (182), and Amber Bartek (47); District Two Director Jesse Pospisil (29), District Two President Rita Spinn (80), and State Fraternal Director Frank Horak (80); Editor/Direc-
tor of Communication Melanie Zavodny (246), State Fraternal Director Frank Horak (80), Patsy Koslovsky (47), and Amber Bartek (47); Katherine Merka (29), Donna Machac (48), Linda Mokry (48), and Janie Barron (187).
LEFT PHOTO: Linda and Daniel Wilde (24). PHOTO 2: Lodge 187, Round Rock ladies - Johnnie Haak, Jennifer McCarthy, Janie Barron, Rubie Volek, with JoAnn Oman, seated, left, and Deborah Rohlack. PHOTO 3:
Barbara Nygrin (29) and Frankie and Mary Jane Pustejovsky (29). PHOTO 4: Rubie Volek (187) and Linda Johnson (187). RIGHT PHOTO: Emilie Tischler (20) and Bridget Bohac (20).
LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 48, Beyersville’s new hall is beautiful. Members prepared snack cups for all the attendees. PHOTO 2: Adult Decorated Rock Contest winners are first - Jennifer Miksch (48), second - Linda Johnson (187), third - Jennifer McCarthy (187), and honorable mention - Greg McCarthy (187). Congratulations! PHOTO 3: Thanks, Lodge 48, Beyers-
ville members for hosting a wonderful meeting! Left to right are Bonnie Leshikar, Michael and Bonnie Urbanek, Rita Kelm, Michelle Newsom, Alice Bracewell, John Wuensche, Bret Wuensche, and Robert Leshikar. RIGHT PHOTO: SPJST President Brian Vanicek (24) and wife Joan (24) with their delicious plates of food, prepared by Lodge 48 members.
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District Six Annual Meeting
Sunday, June 13, 2021 • Camp Kubena in Ledbetter, Texas
LEFT PHOTO: District Six officers conduct the meeting. Left to right are DYC Lisa Bubela (30), Treasurer Marjorie Treamer (30), President Joe Siptak (4), Vice President Yvonne Marcaurele (30), and Secretary Elizabeth Holub (23). CENTER PHOTO: Honorary District Six Director Karen Kaspar
(30), left, and Elizabeth Holub (23). RIGHT PHOTO: Pictured are Thomas, Jordan, and George Hargrove, Patsy Zabransky, Philip and District Six Director Annie Vahalik, Elizabeth Hargrove, and Jennifer Hessler, all of Lodge 4, Hallettsville.
LEFT PHOTO: Visiting at the meeting are, left to right, Vlasta Bartos (40), SPJST Vice President Delisle Doherty (196), David Nauert (246), Mary Ann Cerny (40), and Ardis Bacak (40).Members enjoyed a hamburger lunch prepared by the staff at Camp Kubena. CENTER PHOTO: Pictured, left to
right, are Felicia, Noah, Cathy, and Nayeli Garcia, all of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje, and Brett Bacak (30). RIGHT PHOTO: From left are Patsy Zabransky (4), Ann Moseley (63), SPJST Vice President Delisle Doherty (196), District Six Director Annie Vahalik (4), and Elaine Berkovsky (63).
LEFT PHOTO: Pictured, left to right, are Honorary District Six Director Karen Kaspar (30), District Six Director Annie Vahalik (4), District Six President Joe Siptak (4), and Susan Siptak (4). PHOTO 2: Debbie Krpec (30),
and David and Janie Bucek (151). PHOTO 3: Camp Kubena Executive Director Rob Clift, Lisa Bubela (30), Kirby Lange (30), and Heather Garrett (30). RIGHT PHOTO: Vlasta Bartos (40) and Johnnie Hoffman (184).
LEFT PHOTO: District Six Director Annie Vahalik, far left, assists District Six Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela with awards to the youth club members who participated in the decorated rock contest. CENTER PHOTO: Camp
Kubena staff judge the decorated rock contest. RIGHT PHOTO: SPJST Vice President Delisle Doherty, far left, speaks to the members during the District Six Meeting held at Camp Kubena.
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SPJST Lodge Section
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 Online: spjst.org/news/submitarticle-photo Questions? Call 800-727-7578
Lodge 6 Cottonwood excited to host July 18 picnic President Milton Peterson called the meeting of SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood to order on Sunday, June 6, 2021, at 2:15 p.m. Sister Peggy Dobecka recited the Pledge of Allegiance and SPJST motto. A moment of silence was observed for the sick and deceased of the lodge. Officer Sister Jeanette Beseda was absent. Sister Irene Peterson reported 13 members and one guest present. Sister Barbara Hykel read the minutes from the last meeting. Sister Peggy gave the treasurer, youth club, and fraternal reports. The youth club will have a drawing at the picnic.
meal. We will also have an auction and a prize drawing with great prizes. Progressive door prize winner was absent. Birthdays for June were Dorothy Kucera and Don Urbanovsky. Attendance door prize winners were Pam Urbanovsky, Barbara Hykel, and Henry Blahuta. James Nemec won a glass dish donated by Henry and Lou Blahuta. Everyone, make plans for the picnic - on the 18th - the third Sunday of July.
Lodge 8, Weimar meets June 28 SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar will meet on Monday, June 28 at Oakridge Smokehouse in Schulenburg at 6 p.m. The meeting was originally scheduled in May but was canceled due to flooding. A memorial service for Lodge 8, Weimar members who passed away during 2019 and 2020 will be led by Anton Machacek. All members are invited and encourage to attend. The meal will be compliments of Lodge 8, Weimar. Fraternally, Carolyn M.Tobola Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—
Lodge 9, Snook meets July 7 Reminder: The next meeting of Lodge 9, Snook will be Wednesday, July 7 at 7 p.m. Fraternally, Hannah Kovar, Reporter —SPJST—
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Vrazel Celebrate 60th Wedding Anniversary
Next Meeting—July 11 The next meeting will be on Sunday, July 11 at 2 p.m. Wishing all dads a happy Father’s Day and everyone a happy Fourth of July. Dorothy Kucera, Reporter —SPJST—
Great News! Lodge Picnic Returns! Our lodge picnic is back! We will have plates to-go in the back of the hall or you can dine inside the hall. All plates will be $10 each for a great fried chicken
1961 - June 24 - 2021
Lodge 6, Cottonwood says, “Happy June birthday!” Happy June birthdays to Don Urbanovsky and Dorothy Kucera! They were recognized at the lodge’s meeting on Sunday, June 6, 2021. Best wishes!
Bernice Vansa and Alfred Vrazel were married on June 24, 1961, at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Marak, Texas, with the Reverend Rafael Gerskovich officiating. Alfred is retired from farming and Vrazels’ Polka Band, but he is still active in ranching and hosting the Alfred Vrazel Polka Show on KMIL 105.1 FM in Cameron, which has been on the air every Sunday since 1955. Bernice has worked for Farmers Mutual Protective Association (RVOS) in Temple for seven years; Cameron Community Hospital in Cameron for eight years; and Central
Freight Lines in Cameron, retiring after 12 years. Both Alfred and Bernice are and have been active in their church, Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church at Marak all their lives. The couple has one daughter, Cynthia Ann Morris, and husband, Michael, of Temple, and two grandchildren, Matthew Strmiska and Jessica Strmiska of Austin. Alfred and Bernice Vrazel are members of SPJST Lodge 15, Buckholts. —SPJST—
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Lodge 24, Cyclone hosts Ted Lange and Mollie B
Friday, May 21, 2021 • SPJST Lodge 24, Cyclone Flag Hall • Submitted by Linda Wilde, Treasurer The doors of Flag Hall - SPJST Lodge 24, Cyclone - opened at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021, and the crowds of people began to rush in. Immediately, the line to the kitchen and bar started to get long so that everyone would have their food and beverages ready when Ted and Mollie entered the stage at 7 p.m. and started a wonderful evening of music, fun, and dancing. Many groups in attendance were celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, and
graduations so lots of cakes and snacks were spread on tables, and the parties began. Since people have been “sheltering in place” for over a year, it was good to see friends visiting and catching up on what has been happening around the area. A wonderful grand finale was when Alfred Vrazel joined the band on stage, which made a group of four members of the National Polka Music Hall of Fame consisting of Mollie Busta, Ted Lange,
LEFT PHOTO: Alfred Vrazel, center, of Lodge 15, Buckholts joins the band. PHOTO 2: Mollie B, center, visits with Lodge 24, Cyclone members Rose Vrazel, left, and Debbie
Alfred Vrazel, and Fred Ziwich. But that traditional “Vrazel Polka Band” sound came out loud and clear when Alfred sang “If I Were a Bird” for his brother Anton who always put that special sound to that song on the accordion. Michael Morris, a local drummer, joined the group, giving Dana a break from the drums. Following in that Vrazel Polka Band tradition of playing “overtime,” Ted and Mollie had so many requests that they
too had to play till 11:30 p.m. I hope you enjoy the pictures just simply showing the crowd having a wonderful time, and we hope to see you all again when Ted and Mollie come back to Flag Hall on Sunday, February 6, 2022. Details and ticket sales information will be announced in December, 2021. Fraternally, Linda M. Wilde, Treasurer —SPJST—
Vrazel. PHOTO 3: This group from West, Texas, joins the party at Flag Hall! RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 24, Cyclone Treasurer Linda Wilde, right, is pictured with Mollie B.
LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 24 kitchen workers are, left to right, Derek Campbell, Carl Macek, Steve Bruggman, Cade Campbell, Nash Campbell, Kim Campbell, and Jennifer Hoelscher. CENTER PHOTO: National Polka Hall
of Fame members gather on stage for the grand finale. They are, left to right, Fred Ziwich, Mollie Busta, Alfred Vrazel, and Ted Lange. RIGHT PHOTO: Attendees enjoy the evening at Flag Hall in Cyclone.
Left to right: Michael and Cindy Morris visit with Dana; Ted Lange; Robert Vansa celebrates his birthday; Mollie B; fun times for all!
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Lodge 24, Cyclone readies for August 7 fundraiser Lodge 24, Cyclone met on Monday, June 14, 2021, at Flag Hall amid wheat fields crying for relief of their burden as the weather was causing the kernel to swell and get lighter. Also, one section of the ranch may soon be a solar farm. The meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m. by President Daniel Wilde. He led the Pledge of Allegiance and had a silent prayer for our deceased members. Secretary Brenda Maddux read the minutes of the last meeting. Linda Wilde gave the treasurer’s report. Shirley Hoelscher gave the fraternal activities coordinator’s report. June 14 was Flag Day, and the District Two Annual Meeting was June 13. The deadline for the virtual District Youth Achievement Day was Sunday, June 13. State YAD is in person at the Frank W. Mayborn Center in Temple on July 31. We discussed charitable works to be done. The big news was Cathy Bruggman’s report of the fundraiser on August 7. Tickets are available now. We are looking forward to their work on this project. Birthdays were Nash and Cade Campbell on June 14. Daniel and Linda Wilde were married 45 years on June 5. Justin Everett is on the sick list. Check out our ticket for the fundraiser for the zero-turn lawn mower. For the Lodge, Bobby Hoelscher Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 25, Ennis honors high school seniors with scholarship awards Dear Readers, This month’s Lodge 25, Ennis meeting was held Thursday, June 10, 2021, beginning with a delicious meal that Betty prepared and served, consisting of chicken spaghetti, salad, bread, kolache, and strudel. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. On the sick list is Don Wesley. The reports were read by the officers. Joann announced that the National Polka Festival was a huge success and that everyone had a great time.
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Lodge 25, Ennis Honors Graduating High School Seniors
Lodge 25, Ennis honored its graduating high school seniors with scholarships at the June 10, 2021, meeting. LEFT PHOTO: Olivia Zmolik will attend Abilene Christian University. She is the daughter of Mark and Missy Zmolik and granddaughter of Betty Macalik.
Pictured, left to right, are Missy, Olivia, and Betty. RIGHT PHOTO: Cody Nelson, son of Marie Nelson and Chad Nelson, joined the Air Force after graduation. Pictured are Lisa, Rita, Cody, Preston, and Scooter.
LEFT PHOTO: Jacob Mraz is carrying on a legacy tradition by attending Texas Tech in the fall. He is the son of Jeff and Julie Mraz and the grandson of Pat Fowler. In the photo are Jeff, Julie, Jacob, and Pat. RIGHT PHOTO: Landon Lipscomb, son of Lisa and
Rel Lipscomb and grandson of Adell Rejcek, will attend Texas State University to study HVAC. Pictured are Adell, Rel, Lisa, Landon, and Rita. Congratulations and best wishes to all! —Submitted by Margaret Krajca, Reporter
A big thank you to everyone who helped out. Special thanks to Frankie for making the barbecue and to Betty for the kolaches and strudel. Lodge high school seniors were honored and awarded scholarships. They are: Landon Lipscomb, Jacob Mraz, Cody Nelson, and Olivia Zmolik. Pat Fowler noted that most of these youth are fourth generation SPJST members and that our ancestors would be very proud that we are able to help them out with their higher education expenses. New flooring was discussed, and plans are to have the project complete in time for the lodge celebration on November 13. A big thank you went out to the Milton Martinek family who donated a nice, round top table that held many domino
playing memories. After the meeting, everyone enjoyed refreshments and fellowship. Fraternally yours, Margaret Krajca, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 29, Taylor seeks cookoff sponsors Lodge 29, Taylor members met for their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, with President Ronnie Rieger presiding. He led the Pledge of Allegiance, and members observed a moment of silence for our de-
parted. All officers were present. The May minutes were read and approved. Tammy Cannon gave the treasurer’s report. Sharon read information about Flag Day which is celebrated on June 14. She reminded us of the District Two Annual Meeting at Lodge 48, Beyersville Hall on June 13. Alice Kasper’s daughter, Dawn Layssard, passed away recently. Alice has been such a wonderful supporter of Lodge 29 so Mary Jane Pustejovsky made a motion to do a memorial for Dawn to the SPJST Scholarship Fund. Frankie Pustejovsky seconded the motion, and it passed. Lyn Rieger made a motion to do a memorial in honor of Janice Victorick to the Donnie and Janice Victorick Scholarship Fund, and Frankie Pustejovsky sec-
VĚSTNÍK onded. The motion passed. Jesse Pospisil reported that a part has been ordered for one of our air conditioners. The electrical lines outside should be installed in a couple of weeks, weather permitting. Jesse also recognized Karin Bryant who became a United States citizen recently. Ronnie Rieger asked members to start thinking of sponsors for our 20th Annual SPJST Barbecue Cookoff on September 24 and 25. We also discussed the appreciation dinner for barbecue sponsors. We will also have a silent auction on Saturday, September 25, and donated items are needed and will be greatly appreciated. On Monday, June 21, there will be a delegates’ meeting at Lodge 29, Taylor beginning at 6:30 p.m. Members celebrating birthdays in June are Hailey Girod, Cindy Buzan, Pam Clark, Connie Voigt, Bonnie Rathke, Tommy Harrison, Louren Karkoska, Caroline Tate, Patrick Tate, Harrison Tate, Matthew Dewbre, Malaena Bazan, Monica Mehevec, Scott Kaderka, Luke Mehevec, Catherine Basil, and Frankie Limmer. Jesse and Linda Pospisil celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on June 10.
Lodge 28 East Bernard welcomes new member SPJST Lodge 28, East Bernard welcomes new member Waylon R. Kopycinski. Waylon was born April 8, 2021, to Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Kopycinski. —SPJST—
Waylon R. Kopycinski
Monday, June 28, 2021 Joyce Patschke furnished door prizes. Lyn Rieger volunteered to bring them in July. Next Meeting—July 14 The next meeting will be Wednesday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m. Fraternally submitted, Linda Pospisil Secretary-Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 32, Victoria members meet in person It was so good to see everyone again! It was 14 months since we were able to be in a group - a long time - so you can imagine all the noise we were making - all talking at the same time! We enjoyed our dinner at La Hacinda on the patio - the noise from Navarro Street during 5 p.m. traffic meant we had to talk louder, but we had a great time! Franklin Elles was presented his 75year pin. Congratulations, Franklin! District Six Director Annie Vahalik and husband Philip were our guests. It was so good to have them with us. Sales agent Sylvia Rangel and Regional General Agent Carolina Covarrubia joined us, too. It was so nice to have you ladies with us. Next Meeting—July 8 Our next meeting is Thursday, July 8 at 6:30 p.m. at The Grapevine (close to DeTar North), located at 110 Medical Drive, Suite 202 in Victoria. Everyone is having a good time as things begin to open and get back to as normal as possible - still stay safe and keep out of this heat! Hope to see y’all soon. Kathy Ahlstrom FAC/Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 66, Waco reports on May meeting The meeting of SPJST Lodge 66, Waco was called to order by President Douglas Galler on Monday, May 24, 2021, at St. Paul’s Church at 6 p.m. All officers were present except Guide Michael Galler and Secretary Dana McAdams. Five members and one visitor Fiona Galler - were present. The Pledge of Allegiance and motto were recited. Members stood for a moment of silence for Rome Milan and for past member Mildred Stanislav. May they rest in peace Fraternal Activities Coordinator Douglas Galler gave the fraternal report. He gave a list of upcoming events - one being the convention in August. Bookkeeper Sister Diana Engelke gave the bookkeeping report. Fifty-year pins have been delayed until September. Sister Dorothy Veselka sent a sympathy card to Brother Ron Neumann on the death of his grandmother, Katie Neumann. May she rest in peace.
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Donation for May is going to CareNet. Door prize winner was Douglas Galler; 100 percent winner was John Engelke; and mother-of-the-year was Diana Engelke. The meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m. Next Meeting—June 28 The next Lodge 66 meeting will be Monday, June 28 at St. Paul’s Church at 6 p.m. Sandwiches, chips, tea, and dessert will be served. Fraternally, Dorothy Veselka, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 29, Taylor member Josephine Ewasiuk Achieves Grand Age of 96 SPJST congratulates Sister Josephine Ewasiuk of Lodge 29, Taylor, who celebrated her 96th birthday on Thursday, June 10, 2021. As such, Sister Josephine is entitled to all SPJST benefits with no further dues or assessments. Josephine was born in Taylor, Texas, to Erick Polzin and Adele Rungy Polzin on June 10, 1925. She has one brother, John Polzin. Josephine met Stanley Ewasiuk, and they were married on March 23, 1946, in San Antonio. They were blessed with three children - son Donald R. Ewasiuk of Homer Glen, Illinois, daughter
Nancy L. Stalker of Knoxville, Tennessee, and daughter Christine R. Stegmann of Tinley Park, Illinois. Josephine did clerical office work in her younger years. She collects figurines and loves to do crossword puzzles in the newspaper. Her favorite pastime is playing Tri-ominos. Again, we congratulate Sister Josephine Ewasiuk on attaining the Grand Age of 96. Thank you, Josephine, for all your devotion to SPJST for all these years. May God bless you and your family for many more years of good health and happiness. —SPJST—
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Lodge 84, Dallas invites members to upcoming events Dear Readers, The monthly meeting of Lodge 84, Dallas was brought to order at 6:46 p.m. at Tupinamba’s Mexican Cafe on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. Vice President Vicki Sims welcomed everybody before she brought the meeting to order. Flag Bearer Lynda Novak led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for departed member Sister Estelle Smith, our troops serving overseas, and those affected by the pandemic. Secretary Cherri Petr then read the minutes from our June meeting and correspondence from the Home Office. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Vicki Sims reported on the District Three meeting held on Sunday, June 13 at Lodge 25, Ennis. FAC Vicki also reported that three of her grandchildren - Kendall and Kalyne Tucker received honorable mentions and Josh Tucker received second place for their decorated rock contest entries. She then reminded everyone that a delegates’ meeting is scheduled to be held at Lodge 25, Ennis on Sunday, July 25. Youth Leader Lynda Novak said that the youth continue to meet via Zoom. She also said how proud she was of the youth that they were all able to submit their YAD projects ahead of schedule and for continuing with submitting their Vestnik projects monthly. Sister Lynda then gave her reports on Fraternal Council and Czech Culture Society. Lodge 84 is staying very busy! Please mark your calendars and watch for updates to the following events that Lodge 84 will be having this year. Sunday, July 18 - Lodge 84 Annual Lakeside Picnic. Please see more details in the following article. Sunday, August 22 - Spaghetti Dinner and Bingo to be held at Sokol Dallas, 7448 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75231. Spaghetti dinner prepared by Bessie’s Catering will be served starting at noon with bingo to follow. Please RSVP to Vicki Sims 214-763-0341 or Lynda Novak 972-948-4456 no later than Friday, August 13. Sunday, September 19 - regularly scheduled monthly meeting.
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Lodge 32, Victoria Members meet for Dinner
After 14 months of not meeting in person, Lodge 32, Victoria members were excited to once again see each other. Members enjoyed dinner on the patio at La Hacinda. Congratulations to Lodge 32 member Franklin Elles! He was presented his 75-year SPJST membership pin. He is pictured in the top left photo, holding his pin. Special guests were District Six Director Annie
Sunday, October 10 - regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Sunday, October 17 - Czech Culture Day celebration to be held at Sokol Dallas. More details to follow. Sunday, November 14 - regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Sunday, December 5 - Lodge 84 Annual Christmas party to be held at Sokol Dallas. More details to follow So, as you can see, we are very active at our lodge, and we hope that you can join us for all the fun and fellowship we have planned. Remember to mark your calendars! Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—
Vahalik and husband Philip and Regional General Agent Carolina Covarrubia. We also enjoyed having Sales Agent Sylvia Rangel in attendance. The next meeting is Thursday, July 8 at 6:30 p.m. at The Grapevine (close to DeTar North), located at 110 Medical Drive, Suite 202 in Victoria. —Submitted by Kathy Ahlstrom, Reporter
Lodge 84, Dallas lakeside picnic set for July 18 What: Lodge 84, Dallas Lakeside Picnic Where: 287 Autumnwood Trail Gun Barrel City, Texas 75156 When: Sunday, July 18, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lodge 84, Dallas will be hosting a lakeside picnic and monthly meeting on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Please mark your calendars to join us as we enjoy a day of fun, fellowship, and food. Everyone is asked to bring a dessert and side dish to share; the lodge will provide meat, bread, and paper goods. Everyone is also asked to bring your own folding tables and chairs, a personal cooler filled with your beverage of choice, your own rod and reel for fishing, and your own swimsuit for swimming. Other games and entertainment will be provided.
The picnic is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be served at 12 noon. The phone number to call in case you have questions or need directions is 214-5640269. We hope to see you there! Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 92, Fort Worth to host Paprskar Memorial Tarok Tournament IX The Paprskar Memorial Tarok Tournament IX will be held Saturday, July 31, 2021, at SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth - National Hall, 3316 Roberts Cut Off in Fort Worth (Lake Worth). Registration and snacks will be served from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Six one-hour rounds
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begin at 9 a.m. Meal is included at noon break. Trophies will be awarded for the top four scores. Cash will be awarded for the top four scores. Registration is $25 per player. For more information or directions, contact John Paprskar 817-480-3480. Late entries will be accepted if player slots are available. To register by mail, send name, address, and phone number by July 23 to John Paprskar, 905 Venice Street, Hurst, Texas 76053. Fraternally, John Paprskar —SPJST—
Lodge 202 Jourdanton to host District Seven meeting SPJST Lodge 202, Jourdanton met Sunday, June 6, 2021, at Jourdanton Community Center with 21 members and guests attending. Flag Bearer Jenna Fair led the Pledge of Allegiance. Silence was observed for deceased members Maria Reyes Gonzales and Carol Horelka, and in honor of our armed forces. President James House welcomed everyone. All officers were present. Kayla Fair gave the table prayer. Secretary Bettie House read the minutes that were approved as read. Treasurer Sandra Hoggard presented the financial report. The letter from the Home Office concerning the annual lodge refund was read.
Fraternal Activities Coordinator Kathleen Polasek mentioned LIT camp, District YAD online, and State YAD. Youth Leader Regina House reported on the youth outing at Pleasant Perk Coffee House in Pleasanton. June 14 will be an outing at Paradise Canyon on the Rio Medina. District Seven Director Regina House noted the district meeting hosted by Lodge 202 is July 25. The Supreme Lodge is planning the state convention. The audit committee reported the financial records of the lodge and the youth club were in order. The menu for the District Seven Meeting will be lasagna or King Ranch chicken, green beans, salad, bread sticks, and dessert for $5. Door prize winners of $25 were Herlinda Ramos, Kayla Fair, Lloyd House, Valerie Barta, Ryanne Popham, Kathleen Polasek, Regina House, and Cheryl House. SPJST President Brian Vanicek donated items won by Sandra Hoggard, Patty Foster, Colton Fair, Sharon LaGrange, James House, Jenna Fair, Jesse Huizar, and Gloria Iberra. Winners of plates of food were Gloria Iberra, Patty Foster, Cheryl House, James House, Ryanne Popham, Colton Fair, and Bettie House. The meeting adjourned. SPJST President Brian Vanicek gave an interesting perspective on evaluating positive and negative aspects of a lodge. Members were challenged to report their thoughts.
Lodge 81, Needville; Catholic life donate flag to needville veterans memorial
SPJST Lodge 81, Needville and Catholic Life teamed up to donate a United States flag to Needville Veterans Memorial. Pictured are, left to right, Catholic Life representatives Denise Smerek and Bernadette Novak and SPJST Lodge 81 Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha.
Next Meeting—September 12 Lodge 202 will meet Sunday, September 12 at 1 p.m. at Jourdanton Community Center. The youth club will honor grandparents with a Czech meal. Fraternally, Bettie House, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 84, Dallas Members Dine Out for June Meeting
Lodge 84, Dallas members met at Tupinamba’s Mexican Cafe on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. Members enjoyed dinner and socializing along with the monthly meeting. One of the agenda items was planning the lodge’s lakeside picnic on Sunday, July 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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The picnic will be held at 287 Autumnwood Trail in Gun Barrel City. Save the date, and plan to join us! For more details, please see the article in the Lodge Letters’ Section. —Submitted by Anne Cowan, Reporter
Ennis Sewing Circle Ennis Sewing Circle met on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 10 a.m., and we had 21 members present. Thanks to everyone for attending and quilting. After lunch, President Liz called the meeting to order. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance and “The Our Father” for Rome Milan and Olga Patak. Secretary Dolores read the minutes of the last meeting; one correction was made by Pat Fowler. Treasurer Anita Kubin gave her report. It was approved as read. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Anita. We wish her many more happy days. In July, we will have our elephant sale and pizza party furnished by the Circle. Some of our members are bringing salad and dessert. Sorry, I didn’t catch the names. Please have all your sale items priced. In August and September, we will quilt for Anita and Maggie; October and November are open, but I think we will quilt our Junior Sokol quilt or baby quilts. It was announced that we need iced tea drinking glasses. I will bring them. I hope I don’t forget. Dolores Vrana was our 50-50 winner. Everyone, stay well and safe, and hope to see you all in July. Georgie Morales, Secretary —SPJST—
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★ ★ Reunions ★ ★ Reunion notices are published at no charge and as a benefit to SPJST members. First-run announcements may be edited to fit the space. Thereafter, until the week prior to the reunion date - as space permits - notices will be run in an abbreviated form. Please include your SPJST lodge number/name, and your contact phone number. Thank you.
Ruzicka family
Jekel (Conrad), and Julius Ruzicka (France) are invited and urged to attend. Bring your entire family and friends! Please bring your favorite covered dish and/or dessert for all to share. To help offset the cost of the reunion, we will again have a silent auction so please bring items for the auction. For more information or questions, contact Robert Harris 972-746-7565. We look forward to a great turn-out and a fun day! Joseph J. Beran Lodge 47, Seaton
Happy Hoo Ray 1st Birthday, Lauren! Happy first birthday to Lauren Lambert of Lodge 187, Round Rock. Her proud grandmother is Linda Johnson, who serves as president of Lodge 187.
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The 31st annual Ruzicka family reunion will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021, at Church of Christ, 100 East 3rd Street, Cameron, Texas. Doors will open at 10 a.m. Please note this is a new location from previous years. All descendants from the families of John Ruzicka (Mary), Rose (Ruzicka) Tomasek (Charlie), Sophie (Ruzicka)
July 10 Bartek family—at Ratibor Country Grill, 10226 FM 2086, Temple, Texas 76501. Contact Amy Pagel Devereaux at 254-913-9256 or Paula Pagel Faris at 512-818-0259. Submitted by Amy Pagel Devereaux and Paula Pagel Faris, Lodge 47, Seaton. —SPJST—
Lodge 107, Floresville Members Host Hall Work Day On Sunday, May 25, 2021, members of Lodge 107, Floresville had a work/clean-up day at the hall. A variety of chores were accomplished from lawn care, cleaning walls, and windows to staining new tabletops. —Submitted by Polly Bayer, Reporter
LEFT PHOTO: Hall manager Roxy Bertrand and youth member Colt Pruski apply stain to new tabletops inside the hall. CENTER PHOTO: Wendy Pruski tackles weeds with her weed eater outside the hall. RIGHT PHOTO: Youth Leader Lian Lynn’s youth exchange student, Davide Pa-
rolari, helps clean walls. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Trey Bielefeld cleans the windows. BELOW CENTER PHOTO: Larry Bertrand mows the grass. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Youth member Colt Pruski babysits his sister, Tillie.
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SPJST Member Services Directory
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Lodge 219, El Paso Agents welcome Vice President Doherty
Continued from Page 1. addition of new member business and service listings. Users will be able to conduct searches on the basis of topics as well as location – like the zip code. What will really make SPJST’s online directory unique is that only SPJST members will have access to posting their businesses or services; however, the general public – by virtue of the Internet – will also have access. “More access means more potential business for our members,” says Vanicek. “Exactly!” says Zavodny. “We’ll be taking advantage of social media to promote the directory – to members, of course, as well as to non-members. “It’s all part of SPJST’s invigorated effort to make membership in SPJST a more engaging experience,” says SPJST Vice President Delisle Doherty. “It underscores the great value SPJST places on building upon its existing relationships. We want to see our members do well. That’s the value proposition they receive in exchange for getting involved. ” “We appreciate that and to show it, we’re going to provide every business that is listed in the directory with signage that will help to promote their business while it raises our profile.” “Every business listed in the directory will receive signage that will help to pro-
SPJST Vice President Delisle Doherty visited with agents at Lodge 219, El Paso in May.
mote their business and help to build the SPJST member services network.” Depending on the nature of the business or service, the signage will come in two forms – as a window decal and as a plaque – each designating the business or service provider as a “Proud SPJST
Member.” “By marketing your business or service as an SPJST member, I believe you’ll get the same kind of stimulus that you would if you were a member of your local chamber of commerce – which is also a good thing,” says Doherty, adding,
Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point prepares meal at Feed My Sheep
“It reflects your community service orientation and makes you more desirable to customers. “And, certainly, it helps SPJST because it helps to reflect the superior character of our membership.” —SPJST—
Working From Home by d.knape
Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point members prepared and served a meal on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at Feed My Sheep in Temple. Pictured are, left to right, Winifred Dorsey, Lodge 246 President Ingrid Petrik, and Lodge 246 Secretary Melanie Zavodny. RIGHT PHOTO: Feed My Sheep Feed volunteer Cindy Ecklund, left, and Ingrid Petrik. Feed My Sheep is a 501c(3) non-profit mini-
stry for the homeless. Assisting the needs of the community, Feed My Sheep offers many services such as hot cooked meals and sack lunches seven days a week; showers (women and men locker rooms); laundry facilities and other personal services such as haircuts; children's clinic; and furniture donations. —Submitted by Melanie Zavodny, Secretary
I’ve been working from home for many many years it is nothing new to me and not caused by market conditions technology or the pandemic it is caused by a desire to loaf to goof off to live a more normal life like a natural human being freed from the treadmill to actually enjoy my Self yes working from home is nothing new to me it’s called Retirement. —SPJST—
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“Pay attention . . . or we may lose our freedom.” Someflowers by d.knape
Some flowers they are these Sunflowers with their giant stalks as tall as fence posts they rise up in my flower bed having come up on their own even after the brutal Texas freeze they survived somehow and are now hardy and strong reminders of life itself they project their joy their resilience each flower a miniature sun smiling. —SPJST—
Happy Anniversary, Regina and James!
Lodge 202, Jourdanton President James House and Youth Leader Regina House celebrated their 34th anniversary on Sunday, June 13, 2021. Regina also serves as District Seven Director. Congratulations and best wishes for many more happy years together! —Submitted by Bettie House, Secretary
“Freedom . . . guard it with your life, America,” often warned well-known Texas Gulf Coast fraternalist and late SPJST Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje member Karel Matejka, Sr. of El Campo, Texas. Karel was only 16 years old when the Vimperk, Sumava, Czechoslovakian Freedom Fighter was imprisoned by the Nazis following Germany’s occupation of the Sudentenland at the beginning of World War II. He spent almost eight years of his youth as a forced laborer in Hitler’s infamous concentration camps. He was freed in 1946 by General George S. Patton’s United States Army and returned to his Czechoslovakian Karel Matejka homeland where he opened a bakery and grocery store. Karel became outspokenly critical of Post War Russian-imposed Communism that was being forced on the freedom-loving Czechs. Czechoslovakia’s pre-World War II democratic government had been patterned after the United States of America. After learning in 1948 that his business was to be nationalized by the Communists and the impending threat of imprisonment again “as an enemy of the State,” Karel and his wife, Gizela, escaped overnight to western Germany. Bishop John L. Morkovsky learned of their plight as displaced European refugees and arranged for the Matejkas to come to Houston in 1950 under the National Catholic Refugees Program. Karel and his wife were warmly welcomed into the greater Houston American-Czech community including the old SPJST Lodge 88, Houston on Studewood Drive. He was active in the Houston Sokol movement and other benevolent Slavic organizations such as Western Fraternal Life. The gifted singer and musician had a vast repertoire of authentic Czech folk songs. The accomplished accor-
dionist and drummer also loved to polka dance. He formed a Houston band which played at many special celebrations including a downtown El Campo street dance and “All Nations Festival” in 1962 when the city became “Capital of Texas for 24 hours” as designated by “Governor-for-a-Day” Culp Krueger, President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate at that time and owner of KULP Radio and the El Campo Leader-News-Svoboda. A member of the SPJST Lodge 88 Choral Group and Drama Club, he was cast in major roles of many Czech language divadlos — theatrical presentations including operettas such as Kmoch’s “Muziky, Muziky” and other entertaining Czechoslovakian dramas and comedies staged at Lodge 88 and in other Texas communities. Karel was honored in 1999 as one of the founders of the Saints Cyril and Methodius Slavic Heritage Festival, which is one of Houston’s oldest ethnic festivals. He often expressed his worry that many Americans are apathetic about the precious liberty he and his wife finally enjoyed in Texas. “We must pay attention or one day, we may lose our freedom here,” cautioned Karel on July 4, 2003, when he single-handedly staged an Independence Day event in El Campo after learning no local public observance was scheduled. One of his happiest days was on November 12, 1958, when he became a naturalized United States citizen. His Czech citizenship had been revoked by the Communists, but President Vaclav Havel re-instated it in 2000 so Karel held dual citizenship during his final years. Karel passed away on Friday, June 2, 2006, on his 83rd birthday. Editor’s Note: This article was originally submitted by Chuck and Joanna Schwartzkopf of Lodge 40, El CampoHillje. “Karel was a very dear person who went through a lot for his freedom,” says Lodge 88, Houston member Mary Krippner who asks that the article be rerun around Independence Day. “We often don’t value freedom as much as we should. I love America, and I treasure Brother Karel’s values.” —SPJST—
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♥ ♥ ♥
Monday, June 28, 2021
In Loving Memory of Janice Victorick
♥ ♥ ♥
of SPJST Lodge 9, Snook (Wife of Supreme Lodge Vice Chairman/District One Director Donnie Victorick) March 25, 1947 - May 26, 2021
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, Unseen and unheard, but always near, ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Still loved, still missed, and very dear.
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In Memoriam In Memory of Victoria Vydrzal Victoria Vydrzal was born in Smithville, Texas, on July 28, 1921, to Charles Vyvjala, Sr. and Sofie (Kubicek) Vyvjala. She had two brothers Alfred Vyvjala and Charlie Vyvjala, Jr. She is survived by her children, Gene Grohman (Joanne) of Smithville, Barbara Dean (Gary) of Beaumont, and Billy Victoria Vydrzal Vydrzal (Nancy) of Smithville; and grandchildren Vicki Lynn West, Stanley Vydrzal (Gloria), Tracy Johnson (Doug), Doug Vydrzal (Amber), Shane Lance Brown, Chris Colvin, Becky High (Jeff), and Melanie Seaman (Tim); and stepson Roger Wyatt (Susan) of England; great-grandchildren Seth and Connor Vydrzal, Alex, Abby, and Emmy Johnson, Dax and Vivian Vydrzal, Caleb and Hailey Brown, Kristopher, Rylee, and Sophia Colvin, Samuel Seaman, and Ashley Traver (Ryan). Victoria (Vicky) was born in a little white house near the railroad tracks in Smithville, Texas. She grew up on Yeager Street in the little house with red trim that still stands today. She spent almost her entire life around Smithville, and she loved the town and everyone there. They were very poor - there was no running water inside the house and no electricity. Water was heated outside in pots to wash clothes and dishes. Vicky’s parents were Czech and spoke almost no English at home. She learned the English language after starting school. She had two dresses and one pair of shoes to wear, and they walked everywhere that they went around town. They ate a lot of pork and beans and also watermelon and bread for supper. She usually carried hardboiled eggs for her school lunches. When Victoria was 12 years old, her mother had tuberculosis and was sent to Kerrville for treatment. Those were difficult, challenging times preparing her for the length of time The Lord knew she would be facing in this life.
Victoria attended schools in Smithville and while in high school, she was in the pep squad cheering on the Tigers. She only missed one half of a day of classes throughout her four years in high school, and she proudly graduated in May 1939. She had several jobs throughout her lifetime and was always a dedicated, hard worker. Victoria worked at Camp Swift during World War II as a clerical typist for more than two years. They kept inventory for all the equipment our government was sending overseas to our military bases. After the war was ending, she began working at the Jewel Motel Restaurant in Smithville, attending night school in Austin to become a key punch operator. From there, she went to work for the Selective Service Board for five years and also at IRS. After that, she attended Nixon Clay College for two years (1973 to 1975) and got an associate’s degree in accounting. Then she took the postal exam and got the job in Smithville becoming the first-ever female rural carrier in the Smithville area. She loved that job and missed delivering mail up to the end of her life. In 1947, she met the love of her life, Stan Vydrzal. They worked hard together to provide a good life for their family. Dad grew and raised our food, and Mom cooked and canned most of it. She made kolaches, homemade bread, and the best sausage wraps ever - and her pecan pies were amazing! We had a wood stove for heat and on cold nights, Mom would warm up blankets by the stove and come wrap up each one of us in bed. She always took us to church and taught us how to pray. She worked very hard and always did so much for her children. During those years, our family spent a lot of time visiting with our extended Vydrzal and Vyvjala families; grandparents, aunts, uncles, and all our cousins. Victoria was also a lifetime member of SPJST Lodge 38, Kovar where she made many donations to various functions there. She also belonged to the local VFW Post 1309 for many years and always supported them as well. She loved the Veterans. Her husband (Stan) passed away suddenly in 1958 leaving her with four children to raise - ages 16, 11, 9, and 8. She was devastated, but she went to work to
provide for us and made sure we had a home to live in. Mom would sit, talk, and listen to us throughout all ages and stages of our lives, always offering to help and guide us through whatever we were facing. She was the most generous mother. She embraced her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the same manner, she was their Mema. They were all dearly loved by her, and she was so proud of her family. In the late 60s, she met her wonderful companion, Alfred Merkord, Jr. She enjoyed spending her time and life with him, they shared many wonderful memories together, and he became family until his passing in 2011. In 1983, Victoria’s heart was broken when she lost her son, Leroy Vydrzal, to cancer. After his death, she always said the hardest thing she had ever done was to give up her child. In 1986, she lost her daddy, Charles Vyvjala, Sr., who lived the same length of time on this earth as she did - a couple months shy of 100. Vicky cared for herself most of her life; however, as she got older, Gene Grohman and Billy Vydrzal and their wives were always available if she needed them. At age 94, Victoria experienced a few health issues and decided to spend some time with her daughter Barbara and son-in-law Gary in the Beaumont-Golden Triangle area. Her health improved, and she really began enjoying her life there. We took her shopping, and she drove the store carts, went out to restaurants and all kinds of celebrations, especially those honoring the Veterans as she was very patriotic. The Senior Citizen Center in Port Neches was a special place. She made several new friends at the center, and one gentleman, Mr. David, encouraged her to read and she did. She loved reading books about World War II and the military dogs. We also locally attended a church/Bible study group with some wonderful Christian people. She loved them all, and she loved “praising the Lord.” Vicky faithfully watched YouTube videos of all the services at Believer’s in Christ Fellowship in Smithville. Her daughter-in-law, Joanne Grohman, is the pastor and her son, Gene Grohman, is the music minister. Sadly, life began changing after the pandemic, and she was learning that some of her friends were passing on and it was sad. Vicky’s family had planned a huge 99th birthday celebration for her last year, and everything was cancelled because of the virus. She really missed
seeing her family and friends. Every night, she prayed with her daughter and after her favorite prayer, “The Lord’s Prayer,” every family member and friend were mentioned along with their needs were prayed for. She also prayed for them in the mornings as they traveled to work and then she read Scriptures. Victoria loved her precious Lord and Savior and was not afraid to tell anyone about Him. She loved The Old Rugged Cross, Amazing Grace, and The Bible. Victoria accepted Jesus Christ into her heart and life as her Lord and personal Savior years ago, and she called upon Him frequently. The last thing she said to her daughter was, “See you in the morning.” Victoria was a beautiful woman inside and out. She was strong, honest, realistic, dedicated and determined, an amazing person, and a wonderful mother and grandmother. Her absence from our lives leaves a void that will never be replaced. Serving as pallbearers were Stanley Vydrzal, Doug Vydrzal, Shane Brown, Chris Colvin, Chris Vyvjala, and Doug Johnson. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 6 at Marrs Jones Funeral Home in Smithville. Funeral service was at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 7 at Marrs Jones Funeral Home with burial following at Oak Hill Cemetery in Smithville. —SPJST—
In Memory of Anne Green Anne Patricia Green, age 78, of Temple, Texas, passed from this life during the afternoon hours of Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Temple. She was born on March 26, 1943, in Rosebud to parents Leo “Sam” William Green and Leona Elizabeth Dolle. In Anne’s younger years, she attended school at Anne Green Cyclone, St. Joseph’s parochial school, and Rogers. She graduated from Marian High School in Bellaire in 1960. Anne made a long career for herself as a secretary having worked for Gestetner Office Machines in Fort Worth, Scott and White Hospital in Temple, and for the
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state vital statistics office in Austin for more than 26 years until her retirement. She was a member of SPJST Lodge 24, Cyclone for more than 70 years. Anne loved to watch the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and the University of Texas football and baseball teams. She enjoyed listening to Elvis Presley and George Strait. She loved to cook, and she loved to dance to polka bands like Vrazels and Mikulas which were her favorite. Anne was strong in her Catholic faith; she had been attending mass at St. Luke’s in Temple since 2011 when she moved to Temple from Austin. Anne will be dearly missed by friends and family. She is preceded in death by her parents Sam and Leona; sister Lucille Greener and husband Walter; brother Randolph Green and wife Evelyn; and
brother-in-law Marvin Wilde. Anne leaves behind to cherish her memory her sister Oleta Wilde of Cyclone; sister Rachel Green of Temple; brother Joseph Green of Brenham; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A memorial service was held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Temple on Friday, June 25 at 12 noon with Father John Guzaldo officiating. The rosary began at 11:40 a.m. at the church. Burial will be held at later date at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Cyclone. Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Cemetery Association or to a charity of your choice. Hewett-Arney Funeral Home of Temple was entrusted with the arrangements. —SPJST—
n io t c e S h t u o Y T S J SP
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
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Lodge 49, Rowena youth encounters snake
Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club reports on meeting, activities
Dear SPJST, I’m so glad it’s summer! I get to go work at my Nanny and Grandpa’s house. Yesterday, a snake fell from one of her trees and scared my uncle. I’m not going to help her pick up pecans now because it was a huge snake. Cotton Wood, age 10 —SPJST—
Dear Readers, With the pandemic still a threat to everyone’s health, the youth of Lodge 84, Dallas continue to meet monthly via Zoom. We continue to stay busy with our monthly Vestnik projects, keeping current with State Fraternal Director Frank Horak’s webcasts and waiting for Youth Achievement Day project results and the upcoming State Youth Achievement Day in July. Additionally, we continue to work on potential community service project ideas and submitting our 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive contribution. I am hoping to attend the mother lodge annual lakeside picnic on Sunday, July 18. The details are listed on page 14 of this week’s Vestnik. I hope you can come, too! Fraternally, Josh Tucker, age 12 —SPJST—
Lodge 49, Rowena youth helps grandparents Dear SPJST, It’s summer, and summer workouts have begun. They haven’t been too bad so far. I’m working at my Nanny and Grandpa’s getting the planter ready and doing anything they need me to do. Tanner Wood, age 16 —SPJST—
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.
Lodge 30, Taiton youth ready for camp SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club met on Wednesday June 2, 2021. Mrs. Bubela discussed all upcoming events and reminded us to submit all of our virtual YAD projects by June 13. After the meeting, we practiced our group talent. On Sunday, June 13, I attended the District Six Meeting at Camp Kubena, where we got to eat hamburgers, ice cream, have a decorated rock contest, and go for a swim. I can’t wait for camp! Abigail Garrett, age 10 —SPJST—
District six youth visit camp kubena
Lodge 49, Rowena youth: long summer days Dear SPJST, School is out, and I have a summer job building metal buildings and construction. I’m putting in long hours starting with morning workouts then my job and coming home to work as well. It’s okay though because I’m making some money to pay my pickup. Hunter Wood, age 15 —SPJST—
Members of Lodge 30, Taiton and 40, El Campo-Hillje Youth Clubs are pictured at the District Six Meeting held at Camp Kubena. Youth enjoyed eating hamburgers and ice cream, a decorated rock contest, and swim time. —Submitted by Abigail Garrett - Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club
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District Two Annual Meeting
Sunday, June 13, 2021 • Lodge 48, Beyersville TOP LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Leader Michelle Newsom, far left, presents awards to coloring contest winners Della Miksch (48), Tynlee Beckendorf (182), MaKayla Newsom (48), and Brooke Newsom (48). Assisting with the presentation is Honorary District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: District Two Decorated Rock Contest winners are, left to right, Mathieu McCarthy (187), Everhett Bartek (47), Luke McCarthy (187), and Brooke Newsom (48). BELOW LEFT PHOTO: The Martinez family from Lodge 47, Seaton - Kal-El, Tammy, Adam, Seth, and Tristan. BELOW RIGHT PHOTOS: Trent and Trevor Wuensche (48) spin the prize wheel in the country store game and Brooke Newsom (48) helps with the ring toss game.
District Six Annual Meeting
Sunday, June 13, 2021 • Camp Kubena in Ledbetter, Texas
LEFT PHOTO: Congratulations to the District Six Decorated Rock Contest winners. They are, left to right, Millie Garrett, Brett Bacak, Brooke Bacak, and Grant Bubela, all of Lodge 30, Taiton. CENTER PHOTO: Youth from Lodges 30, Taiton and 40, El Campo-Hillje proudly display their dec-
orated rock contest entries. RIGHT PHOTO: Heather and Ella Garrett, both of Lodge 30, Taiton, listen during the meeting. BELOW PHOTOS: Youth visit prior to the meeting and at lunch. Youth also enjoyed swimming and other activities at Camp Kubena.
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The importance of safety when swimming in backyard pools
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Lodge 202, Jourdanton Youth Club: Fun Times at Paradise Canyon
Backyard pools provide families with ample opportunities for recreation. It’s easy to be distracted by all the fun when swimming in a backyard pool, but it is crucial that homeowners take steps to ensure everyone is safe when spending time in the pool. Establish a barrier The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children between the ages of one and four in the United States. Pools attract curious children, so maintaining a barrier between the home and the pool is essential. Many municipalities require some sort of fencing around pools or ladders that self-latch or can be closed off to climbing. Locks and alarms on windows and doors that face or provide access to the backyard also can serve as barriers.
Lodge 202, Jourdanton Youth Club members enjoyed an outing to Paradise Canyon in Rio Medina on Monday, June 14, 2021. The youth had a great time swimming, floating, and fishing. —Submitted by Regina House, Youth Leader
Keep play under control Children and even adults may be swept up in the fun and engage in potentially dangerous behaviors. Pool users should not be allowed to run around the perimeter of an inground pool, as the cement can get slippery when wet and lead to falls that can cause injuries.
Lodge 258, seguin youth win awards in spjst contests Lodge 258, Seguin youth members proudly show off their winning ribbons! Kora Johnston, left, won first place in pictorial arts and photography for ages 15 to high school senior in the 2020 District Seven Youth Showcase. Erin Johnston won second place in the Christmas Ornament Contest for ages 12 to 14. Way to go, girls! —April Howard District Seven Youth Counselor
Exercise caution when using diving boards or diving into pools. It’s easy for divers to hit their heads when diving off a board into a pool due to close proximity of the transition wall in the deep end of the pool or by diving into shallow water. The Red Cross recommends a water depth of 11.5 feet for safe diving and the transition wall should be at least 16.5 feet from the tip of the diving board. However, the standard depth for many pools is 7.5 feet of water and a slope beginning seven feet from the board. Exercise caution with inflatables The Good Housekeeping Research Institute found that inflatable pool toys are especially dangerous. Such toys can flip easily, putting children at risk for injury (from striking the sides of the pool)
or drowning (especially if the children were ejected into deep water). Inflatables also can prevent access to the surface of the water for submerged swimmers. Choose a backyard lifeguard At least one person should be designated as backyard lifeguard when the pool is in use. This person should always direct his or her focus on the pool, counting swimmers and keeping track of who enters and leaves the pool. Safe Kids Worldwide suggests rotating water watchers every 15 minutes. Pools are fun places to spend summer afternoons, especially when every step is taken to ensure the safety of swimmers. (MS) —SPJST—
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VĚSTNÍK
Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas
Česká
Část
ROČNÍK 109 ČISLO 12 28.červen.2021
Podpora ★ Lidskost ★ Bratrstvi´ BENEVOLENCE
HUMANITY
BROTHERHOOD
Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897
Učme se česky Let Us Study Czech Lekce sedmá Lesson 7 Pokracovat. Continued. The English “I am sorry” in Czech means Je mi líto or Ja lituji. The Czech phrase is used in the same sense as the original meaning of “I am sorry,” but generally, we can say that Je mi líto is used much more sparingly than “I am sorry.” The latter can often be translated odpusťte or promiňte. S
S
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Jak se máte (máš)? / Jak se vám (ti) daří? - How are you? Děkuji, dobře - Fine, thank you. Nestojí to za nic - It’s not worth anything. špatně, mizerně - bad, miserable Jak se máte (máš)? or Jak se vám (ti) daří? are not quite as common a greeting as in English. In Czech, you ask it when you want to know how your friend is dong not instead of “good morning”.
The answer to Jak se máš? In Czech, you may hear a little longer story than the stereotype “fine, thank you”. The European people do not share the American optimistic outlook and more often than not, you may hear an answer more in the form of a complaint. S
S
S
dobré chutnáni - enjoy your meal It is very common to wish your guests dobré chutnání as they are sitting ready to eat. The same wish is sometimes used among members of the family as they start with their meal. The literal translation is “good appetite.” This wish is very common on the Continent - in French, German, and practically all Continental language. —SPJST—
Czech Heritage Museum presents Czech Film Night The Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center is presenting Havel: Co Byste Obětovali pro Prvdu a Lásku? What Would You Sacrifice for Truth and Love? on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at 6 p.m. at the Beltonian Theatre just off the charming courthouse square at 219 East Central Avenue in Belton. 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. Please note: There will be no matinees for July and August. Havel was featured this spring in the 2021 Czech That Film festival. The Havel film cleverly and artistically connects the former president’s actual experiences to his resulting plays. The federal government slowly increased control until it was heavily censuring the humanities. Then came the Prague Spring in the beginning of 1968, and it looked like freedom had arrived with the title “Socialism with a Human Face.” Czechs began to travel, the Beach Boys gave a concert, the press asked important questions. But it only lasted until August, when the soviets clamped down harder than ever. Art, music, books, and plays were especially scrutinized. Paintings could not be abstract; music could not be rock and roll. Clothing and hairstyles had to conform. Pet dogs were not allowed. These arbitrary rules were enforced by creating an atmosphere of social pressure and a fear of surveillance. Film director Milos Foreman said, “The communists are so cruel, because they impose one taste on everybody, on everything; and who doesn’t comply with their teachings and with their ideology is very soon labeled. The censorship itself, that’s not the worst evil. The worst evil - and that’s the product of censorship – is self-censorship, because that twists spines, that destroys character.
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. Visit us in Temple! The Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, Temple has resumed regular hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. For private, small group tours, please email CzechHeritageMuseum@gmail.com; or call 254-8992935. Interactive, virtual private tours are available with the purchase of a Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center annual membership. These are available at czechheritage-museum.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 re-
Mollie B and Alex meixner assist with spjst prize drawing at national polka festival SPJST hosted a drawing for a barbecue grill and smoker combo at the National Polka Festival on May 28 to 30, 2021, in Ennis. SPJST President Brian Vanicek, left, holds the winning ticket Nancy Vance of Rockwall, Texas, that was drawn by Mollie B and Alex Meixner during the closing of the event on Sunday, May 30.
VĚSTNÍK ciprocal 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 its best to tailor your tour to fit those needs. Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center is located at 119 West French Avenue Temple, Texas. Find us online at CzechHeritageCenter.org and on Facebook. Susan Chandler CHM Administrator —SPJST—
Miss Czech-Slovak US to discuss CarpathoRusyn heritage in Plano July 17 Anna Tombazzi, the first CarpathoRusyn crowned Miss Czech-Slovak US, will talk about her heritage on Saturday, July 17, 2021, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at Plano Environmental Education Center, located at 4116 West Plano Parkway in Plano, Texas 75093. Meet the captivating Miss Tombazzi as she relates her experiences preparing for, performing in, and winning the Miss Czech-Slovak US pageant. She will describe the blessings and difficulties of reigning as Queen during the Covid pandemic. Anna will wear her awardwinning traditional kroj and perform on her violin the beloved folk music which garnered her the top pageant award for talent. Anna brought her Carpatho-Rusyn ethnicity to the stage of the Miss CzechSlovak Pageant in Nebraska, and she is thrilled to share it now with Dallas, Texas! To learn more about Anna, see https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/ OF7rzym/AnnaT Admission is free of charge, and registration is appreciated. Donations are gratefully accepted. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be served. To register to attend or for more information, send an email to CRSDallas@verizon.net. Learn more about Carpatho-Rusyns at www.c-rs.org. —SPJST—
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TCGS July Book of the Month: Lee County Czechs Eleven years ago, Texas Czech Genealogical Society launched a project designed to fill an important gap in the genealogical records of Texas by means of a book titled, Lee County Czechs. The book subsequently has found its way into various local and personal libraries, as well as notable genealogical libraries across our country. The book had its beginning with the challenge, “You were from Lee County, and we (Texas Czech Genealogical Society) don’t have anything from there. Why don’t you do something on the Czechs of Lee County?” - or something to that effect. Well, I accepted the challenge with some trepidation, never having done anything like this before. At first, I considered doing the work from information from the United States Federal Census of 1900, this being the most comprehensive of all the censuses insofar as family information is concerned. However, upon compiling the information I found that due to the rather small Czech population of the county in 1900, I proposed to our leadership team that I expand the work to include information from the census records of 1910, 1920, and 1930 to include that of 1900. To this they agreed. In addition, the team agreed with my recommendation that we include pictures so as to add “life” to what might otherwise be considered “dull statistics.” An appeal was sent out, and a number of individuals and couples (whose names appear in the credits of the book) very graciously shared their collections with me. These appear in a “Lee County Scrapbook” chapter. Early on, I felt that it would be good to have a chapter on the physical setting of Lee County to show why the Czech community grew where it did: first and foremost, a belt of rich black land that stretched from southwest to northeast in the central part of the county. I also felt that it might be interesting to include something of the historical background of the county to demonstrate the progression of the various ethnic groups and individuals who, shall we say, paved the way for the Czechs who basically overflowed from crowded Fayette County. Therefore, beginning with the Tonkawa Indians, who had been driven out of their Edwards Plateau homeland by the Apaches and Co-
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manches, I briefly touched on the coming of the Spanish, French, Mexicans, American adventurers, Texan heroes, Germans, and Wends, all along that historical trail called El Camino Real (or, as it is sometimes called, King’s Highway, or Old San Antonio Road, or most recently, The Presidential Corridor), currently State Highway 21, until at last we come to the Czechs, who, in the early 1880s, settled along both sides of that stretch of rich black land previously mentioned. Thus, we have a second chapter for the book. Then, in order, I included the extractions from the Federal Census Records for Lee County for each of those four decades 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 (the records for 1940 not yet having been released.) Next, having researched county records for corresponding years, I decided to include as much of these as were available. (When I say this, I am referring to the fact that only the records for 1900 and 1910 were available - the ones from 1920 and 1930 having been lost due to flooding in the courthouse some years ago). My reason for including these was to help the reader and researcher to see how individuals and families either prospered or suffered financial set-backs over those 20 years of living in Lee County. These tax record extractions form two chapters of the book. At last, we come to that chapter mentioned earlier, “Lee County Scrapbook.” It is hoped that the index of names in the back of the book will make its use more convenient. This work has been “a labor of love.” Yes, it was a long road to completion, but along those roads, precious memories of some very fine people who, in seeking to find a better life for themselves and their families, also helped to make Lee County, Texas, and America a stronger, happier, and richer place to live. There have been many nights when these memories have come to haunt my mind. I’m happy to have had the opportunity to share some of these memories and to help you to appreciate those fine
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people whose names are written herein. May God bless the memory of them and their children who have come after them. Free Shipping in July To obtain your copy of Lee County Czechs, please send a check for $32 per book, payable to TCGS, to Nancy Machu, 3337 Bianco Terrace, Round Rock, Texas 78665. To pay by credit card, please call Nancy at 512-971-4284 to give credit card information. TCGS is offering free shipping on this book during the month of July 2021. Submitted by John R. Gantt TCGS Chaplain SPJST Lodge 9, Snook —SPJST—
VĚSTNÍK
Czech Center Museum Houston sets docent training; July 1 concert After a year of restrictions and limitations, the Czech Center Museum Houston is excited to welcome guests back to our museum and fun summer events! Read through this newsletter to catch up on all things Czech and to give you ideas of what to do this summer: New Changes in the Museum This past year, the Czech Center Museum Houston has made alterations to our permanent exhibit. With
the help of local artist Madelline Vi c e n c i o , the third floor has been transformed into a vibrant display of folk art. Explore this exhibit to learn more about the immigration of Czechs to the United States, and specifically Texas. The new updates allow visitors to interact digitally through scanning QR codes and enjoying informational video displays. We highly encourage you to pay a visit to the museum and find out what is new while enjoying a cold Czech beer.
Docent Training If you love culture, heritage, art, and history, share your passion with visitors from all over the world. Become a Czech Center Museum Houston docent! No previous experience is required, just a passion for history, art, and interest in meeting international visitors. For information on becoming a CCMH docent, contact us at development@czechcenter.org What does a docent do? A docent is a volunteer gallery educator. At CCMH, our dynamic docent corps helps to create and facilitate conversation-based tours in the Museum’s galleries. Our docents provide an invaluable service to the community, especially the students who are often
Czech heritage museum: site of clue in tour temple’s scooter scavenger hunt Czech Cultural Calendar
The Czech Heritage Museum was one of several places to be found in Tour Temple’s Scooter Scavenger Hunt. The scooter racers were provided a clue sheet that instructed them to find a flag and to take a selfie in front of it to verify they had been there. “They even did this in the rain!” reports CHM Curator Kenny Lange. “It was another fun event in downtown Temple.”
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: czechheritagemuseum@gmail.com; or leave a message 254-899-2935. Exhibit through June: “The Bonfire of Liberties: Censorship of the Humanities,” an exhibition by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Museum hosts Czech Films - Matinee at 3p.m.; Night 6 p.m. on the second Tuesdays of the month at Beltonian Theatre, 219 East Central Avenue, Belton. Admission is free. There will be no matinées in July and August. Every First and Third Tuesday Evenings Tarok Parties—at Czech Heritage Museum, Temple, 119 West French. All ages and anyone interested are welcome. No admission or fee. Jimmie and Carolyn Coufal are award-winning tournament champions who not only teach beginners, but also help experienced players increase their skill. For information, call CHMGC 254-899-2935; find them on Facebook; or on the web at https://czechheritagemuseum.org. Monday through Saturday Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto Street in Houston, Texas 77004-5719, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit revamped exhibits. Experience the culture, art, music, and stories of many
Czechs, Slovaks, and people of all cultures who left their country to seek liberty and democracy in America. For info, call 713-528-2060; or visit czechcenter.org. Through November 15 Exhibit: Texas-Czech Wedding Apparel and Tradition—at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC), 250 West Fairgrounds Road on US Highway 77, La Grange: exhibit includes 10 dresses that have been donated by our members and are from weddings that occurred from 1883 to 1946; view fragile mementos; and leave with an understanding of Czech culture and traditions that are still alive today. July 18 SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood Fried Chicken Drive-thru Dinner—at the hall, 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. October 17 Celebrating Heritage Day—at Sokol Dallas, 7448 Greenville Avenue in Dallas, Texas 75231, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stay tuned for more information. Event is presented by the American Czech Culture Societies and its member societies - Sokol Dallas, SPJST, WFLA, KJT, KJZT, VH Czech School of Dallas, and RVOS. You may contact Bob Podhrasky at pod@att.net; Nina Marcussen at czechschoolofdallas@yahoo.com; or Lynda Novak at magiclady_46@hotmail.com for information. —SPJST—
VĚSTNÍK visiting the museum for the first time as well as senior groups. Docents entering the training program in the summer of 2021 will commit to lead three tours per day. A background in art history is not required. Spanish-English or Czech-English bilingual skills are helpful, but not required. We ask that all new docents commit to remaining in the program for a minimum of one year. Although CCMH docents come from all walks of life, they share a few common traits; each of our docent volunteers is curious, passionate about volunteering, flexible, and open to feedback, and enjoys interacting with people from all over Houston, Texas, USA, and worldwide. Schedule of Training Wednesday, July 14 at 10 a.m. Museum walk-through, including an introduction to the exhibit changes. Wednesday, July 21 at 10 a.m. Old European history from Wenceslaus until the dissolution of the AustroHungarian Empire. Wednesday, July 28 at 10 a.m. The Czechs 20th century including World War I, 1920s and 1930s, World War II, and Communism. Wednesday, August 4 at 10 a.m. What is the Modern Czech Republic? How to visit and enjoy the country as a tourist. Wednesday, August 11 at 10 a.m. Audiences and tour procedures. Concert at the Museum Thursday, July 1 Czech Center Museum Houston presents The Marbriago Trio with special guest soprano Nina Polachek in their performance of American Stories on Thursday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. American Stories is a rousing exploration of American patriotic music and the stories of American composers from independence through modern times. American greats Stephen Foster, Scott Joplin, George M. Cohan, Gershwin, Copland, Bernstein, and more come to life through the unique storytelling and comedy of the Marbriago Trio, joined by the brilliant soprano vocalist Nina Polachek. Also, learn how the great Czech composer Antonin Dvorak influenced the direction of American
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music and taught Americans to embrace the folk traditions he found in the “New World.” This event is free; however, the Czech Center Museum Houston appreciates donations in order to support our musicians and continue community programs such as this. Czech Center Museum Houston Czech Center Museum Houston is located at 4920 San Jacinto Street in Houston, Texas 77004. For more information, visit centercenter.org or call 713-528-2060. Submitted by, Sandra Samolik Czech Heritage Museum Houston —SPJST—
Czech Heritage Society shares Miss Texas CzechSlovak Queen results Ahoj! Congratulations to Madison Murphy who was crowned the 2021 Czech Heritage Society Miss Texas Czech Slovak Queen with her Little Czech Sister Rachel Alexander. Madison represented McLennan-Hill CHS and is from Abbott, Texas. She will compete in the Miss Czech-Slovak US Pageant in 2022. Congratulations to Misty Dvorak who is the first runner-up CHS Queen with Little Czech Sister June Holland. Misty represented Ellis County CHS and is from Ennis. These young ladies competed in private interviews, on-stage interviews, talent, and kroj modeling. Madison Murphy won the on-stage interviews, authentic kroj, and talent awards. Misty
Dvorak won the private interviews and Americanized kroj awards. Lauren Gerik, 2020 Miss Texas Czech-Slovak, assisted with all pageant events with her Little Czech Sister Sarah Alexander. Miss Lauren will compete in the national pageant this fall in Wilber, Nebraska. We were honored with special assistance by Sarah Middlebrook Armor, 2006 Miss Czech-Slovak US. Additional CHS members offered assistance for the pageant events. Thank you to Barbara Mikulik and Concho Valley CHS for hosting our pageant so beautifully in Wall. Everyone enjoyed the Czech Youth Group performance, accordion players and music, and the traditional offering of bread and salt - an old Czech sign of welcome and hospitality. A parade of krojí was enjoyed by all and seeing the queen display boards. A wonderful silent auction and many Czech heritage booths were truly appreciated. Thank you to the judges: Jerusha Brown, 2019-2021 First Runner-Up Miss Czech-Slovak US from Oklahoma; Alice Vida, Bexar County CHS; and James Steffek, Lavaca County
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CHS. Thank you to Concho Valley CHS pageant auditors, Dorothy Pustka and Beverly Teplicek. Thank you, Master of Ceremonies Tom and Phyllis Teykl of Fayette County CHS. Thank you, Danny Hughes and Billy Raley of Wharton County CHS for our Czech heritage stage set. Thank you, Janis Hrncir and Richard Skopik, for assistance with the pageant program. Thank you for all the beautiful gifts from our CHS chapters and members in support of our CHS Queens and Little Czech Sisters. Thank you to all who were able to join us, and we missed all of those who were unable to attend. I am so proud of these young ladies continuing their Czech heritage. I am so very excited to be the CHS Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Pageant Director and to serve on the National Board. Thank you for all your support. Thank you, Kathy Podsednik CHS Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Pageant Director National Board Miss Czech-Slovak US —SPJST—
Czech Heritage SOCIETY: QUEENS, CROWNS, KROJÍ, AND LITTLE Czech SISTERS Congratulations to Miss Texas CzechSlovak Queen Madison Murphy with Little Czech Sister Rachel Alexander and first runner-up CHS Queen Misty Dvorak with Little Czech Sister June Holland. Madison is a member of SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood. Misty and June are members of Lodge 25, Ennis.
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Czech Cucumber Salad Čech Okurkový Salát This is a recipe for Czech cucumber salad, a simple and delicious side dish that brings back childhood memories. It’s a salad with grated cucumber with a water-based dressing. The dressing’s flavor is a sweet and sour combination of sugar, salt, and vinegar. Czechs call their cucumber salad okurkový salát. Serve this Czech cucumber salad cold in a little bowl and put a small spoon with it. It’s an ideal light accompaniment to main dishes such as řízek - breaded and fried Schnitzel, roast chicken, smažený sýr, sekaná, or holandský řízek. Apart from the Czech Republic, this salad is also popular with our southern neighbors in Slovakia, known as uhorkový šalát.
VĚSTNÍK Make watery dressing: Place water, sugar, vinegar, salt, and ground pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir well until combined. Adjust the taste of the dressing to your liking. Simply add more sugar, vinegar, or salt to achieve the dressing’s final satisfying taste. Place grated cucumber into a bowl and pour over with the dressing. Makes 2 portions. Additional Information The best cucumber for this salad is English cucumber with dark green skin. In Czech, we call it hadovka, you could freely translate it to something like “a snake cucumber” because of its long, thin shape. This is a piece of advice my mom gave me: If you buy cucumbers in a store, prefer longer and thinner pieces over the shorter and plumper ones. Press the ends of cucumbers; they should be firm enough and not soft. Cucumbers freshly picked from the garden can be grated with the skin without peeling them in advance. The commonly used vinegar in Czech kitchens has a pretty pungent aroma. The amount of vinegar depends on its strength. The more pungent vinegar taste, the less you will pour in the dressing. Moreover, it’s also a matter of a personal preference in taste. Some people prefer a sharper flavor, others a milder one. A grated cucumber lets out a lot of water. It doesn’t matter for this kind of watery dressings, so the cucumber does not have to be sweated out to get rid of any excess liquid.
Fascinating. ~ Taylor J
Loved it! Kenny was super helpful with research. ~ Janie P
Cool facts. Very intriguing! ~ Sheryl B
Wonderful exhibit and guide. ~ Trent B
Awesome! ~ Michael S
Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center Receives All ‘Round Rave Reviews! Visit us today! 119 West French Avenue Temple, Texas Museum Open: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Adults: $4; Seniors (60+): $3 Children (12 and under): $2 254-899-2935 czechheritagemuseum.org czechheritagemuseum@gmail.com
https://www.cooklikeczechs.com/czech-cucumber-salad/
Ingredients 1 English cucumber 2 cups cold water 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar 3/4 Tablespoon salt 1to 2 Tablespoons vinegar 1/2 teaspoon black ground pepper Instructions Peel the cucumber and cut off its ends. Grate it roughly, I used my hand-grate box. The other - but less common option for this kind of salad - is to slice the cucumber into thin circles.
—SPJST—
Beautiful exhibit. ~ Stephanie R
Fascinating! Such resilient people. ~ Pam C
Great displays and library. ~ Janie C
A really great place. ~ Matthew K
Awesome! Wonderful “personal” docent. ~ Susan L
Very interesting and informative. ~ Sandi P
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Czech Republic is open to Americans with just one requirement
➛ And finally, if you have recovered from COVID-19 within six months of travel, proof of such is required.
Caroline Tanner June 24/25, 2021 The Czech Republic started welcoming U.S. citizens back this week, increasing the European travel possibilities for Americans this summer. Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek announced the addition of the United States to its “green countries” list via Twitter on June 21, which means Americans can resume travel to the country sans a negative COVID-19 test, or quarantine thanks to the Czech Republic’s use of the traffic light system, which allows tourists from low-risk nations to bypass the otherwise required testing. However, literally entering the country is about all you will be able to do without additional documentation. COVID-19-related requirements still remain for Americans and fellow visitors with low-risk entry status hoping to experience the country as tourists. In order to enjoy activities such as staying at a hotel, eating at restaurants, visiting museums and attending public events, you must show one of the following: ➛ Negative PCR test taken within the past 72 hours. ➛ Negative antigen test from the past 24 hours. ➛ For single-dose vaccines, such as Johnson and Johnson, proof that 14 days have elapsed after the dose within the last nine months. ➛ For double-dose vaccines, such as Moderna and Pfizer, proof that 22 days have elapsed after the first dose within the last 90 days, or proof that 22 days have elapsed after the second dose within the last nine months.
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
Main Square - Kroměříž
“We’ve been waiting for this for so long,” Michaela Claudino, director of Czech Tourism USA and Canada, said in a statement regarding the reopening. “We hope that tourists can take the time to see the famous sights, but also get to know some of the Czech Republic’s hidden gems. One look at the incredible architecture, culture, food, drinks, and fun will make your trip worth the extra effort.” As previously reported, the Czech Republic was one of seven early users of EU Digital COVID Certificates, formerly known as “green passports.” Although Americans are still not allowed to use them, the certificates allow EU travelers to digitally store and access the aforementioned requirements. Additionally, be sure to pack designated respirator masks - most commonly known in the U.S. as KN95 or N95, both of which filter up to 95 percent of air particles per the CDC - as these are necessary to engage in most public spaces, including shops, airports, and public transportation, including taxis and ride-sharing services. If you are outside and social distancing is not possible, also be prepared to don a mask. https://thepointsguy.com/news/czech-republic-open/
—SPJST—
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Fourth of July Fun Facts ★ Only Two Men Signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 - Charles Thompson and the infamous John Hancock were the only two men who actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The other 54 delegates signed over the course of the next month. ★ The designer of the 50-star flag lived in Lancaster, Ohio. In 1958, there was a class assignment to redesign the national flag as both Alaska and Hawaii neared statehood. Heft, age 16, designed a new flag using the old 48-star flag and $2.87 worth of
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blue cloth and white iron-on material. His design earned him a B-minus; yet he sent his design to Washington D.C. to be considered by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Heft’s design became the official flag in 1960. ★ Our national anthem - The Star-Spangled Banner - was written by poet Francis Scott Key after the war of 1812. It wasn’t put to music and declared our national anthem until 1931. ★ According to the National Sausage and Hot Dog Council, Americans are expected to eat 150 million hot dogs over the July 4th holiday. https://blog.hocking.edu/15-fun-facts-about-the-fourth-of-july —SPJST—
Paprskar Memorial Tarok Tournament IX Saturday July 31, 2021 at
National Hall
SPJST Lodge 92 Fort Worth 3316 Roberts Cut Off Road Fort Worth (Lake Worth), Texas Registration: $25 per player Registration and Snacks 8 to 8:45 a.m. 6 one-hour rounds begin at 9 a.m. Meal included at noon break Trophies for top 4 scores Cash for top 4 scores For more information or directions: John Paprskar 817-480-3480
Late entries accepted if player slots are available. To register by July 23, mail your name, address, and phone number to: John Paprskar, 905 Venice Street, Hurst, Texas 76053
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Monday, June 28, 2021
VĚSTNÍK
SPJST Fraternal Activities and Entertainment Post your lodge’s upcoming SPJST fraternal activities and entertainment dates and information here. These listings are free. The deadline for submitting information for the Fraternal Activities and Entertainment Guide is Wednesday at 12 noon, unless otherwise posted. Send updates directly to: VĚSTNÍK, c/o Editor Melanie Zavodny, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. FAX to: 254-773-8087. Email to: vestnik@spjst.org. Advertising rates are $2 per column inch for lodge ads; $4 per column inch for nonprofit organization ads; and $6 per column inch for commercial ads. For advertising information, please call the Editor at 800-727-7578 or email vestnik@spjst.org. LODGE 1, FAYETTEVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 507 East Main Street, Fayetteville. Directions: Lodge 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 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 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6) 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 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 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) Sunday, July 11—Lodge meeting, 2 p.m. Saturday, July 10—Hrabal reunion Sunday, July 18—Lodge Picnic: drive-thru and dine-in meal: fried chicken and trimmings, auction, prize drawing Saturday, July 24—Kocian reunion 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) Monday, August 23—Lodge meeting Monday, November 22—Lodge meeting Lodge Meetings: Fourth Monday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant, Schulenburg.
LODGE 18, ELGIN (2)
Dances are 3 to 7 p.m., cover $10 per person - un•less otherwise noted. Sunday, July 18—Glen Collins and The Alibis, country Sunday, July 25—Fritz Hodde, polka Sunday, August 22—Mark Halata, polka Sunday, September 12—Czech Melody Masters, polka Sunday, September 19—Glen Collins and The Alibis, country Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a nonsmoking facility. Polka and Country 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. Follow us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/elginSPJSTlodge18 and on Twitter - @SPJSTelgin18 . 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 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 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 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 25, ENNIS (3) Lodge Hall: 1901 East Hwy 34, Ennis. Hall Rental Information: 972-875-8381. Mail: PO Box 129, Ennis, Texas 75120. Email: SPJSTennis@yahoo.com. Game Room: Open every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the lodge dining room with supper at 6:30 p.m. followed by a complimentary social in the game room. Youth Club Meetings: 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)
Hall is open Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 10 •p.m. • All Friday dances: 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. with free admission. • Clay Raesz serves hamburgers each Friday beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, July 2– Serling Country Friday, July 9–Second Hand Rose Wednesday, July 14–SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor members will hold their monthly meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Covered dish meal following the meeting. Friday, July 16–Texas Rein Friday, July 23—Fritz Hodde and the Fabulous Six Friday, July 30—Craig Howell Band 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. 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) Saturday, July 17—Nolan Pick Band Saturday, July 31—Birthday Party Saturday, August 7—Joe Parker Band Saturday, August 14—Wedding Saturday, August 21—Gordon Collier Saturday, August 28—Wedding 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 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 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 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 48, BEYERSVILLE (2) Update: The new hall is complete. We are now taking bookings. 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 Bookings/Rentals: Call Kim Ogden 512-739-9324 or email SPJST48@gmail.com. Lodge meetings: Second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the hall. Youth club meetings: Held prior to the adult meeting at 5:15 p.m. Call Youth Leader Michelle Newsom 512-913-0226 for information. A notification will be sent to members if meeting times need to be changed. 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 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 73, SEYMOUR (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 12 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For meeting location, call Alice Orsak 940-889-2391. LODGE 76, WICHITA FALLS (4) Lodge Meetings: 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 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 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.
VĚSTNÍK 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/Rentals: Marion Morales 281-650-4466. 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 936-5563248 or Assistant Youth Leader Krystle Bender 832-7921194. 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 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 88, HOUSTON (5) Friday, July 9—Fab5, 8 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, August 28—Czechaholics, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, September 24—Fab5, 8 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, October 22—Texas Sundown, 8 to 12 a.m. Friday, November 13—Red Ravens, 7 to 11 p.m. 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 information, call 713-869-5767, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beer, set-ups, soda, and ice sold at bar. Please do not bring from outside. *Dress Code dances: evening attire for ladies and gentlemen. *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 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) Saturday, July 31—Paprskar Memorial Tarok Tournament IX: Registration, snacks - 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Six one-hour rounds - 9 a.m. Meal included at noon break. Trophies for top four scores. Cash for top four scores. Registration is $25 per player. Late entries accepted if player slots are available. For information, contact John Paprskar 817-480-3480. To register by mail, send name, address, and phone number by July 23 to John Paprskar, 905 Venice Street, Hurst, Texas 76053. 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.
Monday, June 28, 2021 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 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 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 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 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 512-472-1721.
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 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 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 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
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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. 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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