VĚSTNÍK
Monday, July 12, 2021
District News District Two Delegates’ Meeting Monday, July 26 at Lodge 24, Cyclone
District Six presents June 13, 2021 meeting minutes
Dear District Two Delegates, We will meet Monday, July 26, 2021, at Lodge 24, Cyclone at 6:30 p.m. to discuss and review the by-law recommendations to the 2021 SPJST Convention and address any questions that you may have. All delegates are encouraged to attend. We look forward to seeing you there! Fraternally, Bridget Bohac Lodge 20, Granger By-Law Committee District Two Representative —SPJST—
District Six did not hold a spring 2020 business meeting due to COVID19 and CDC restrictions. District Six Director Karen Kaspar (30) did not seek reelection in 2020. Annie Vahalik (4) was elected District Six Director. With Annie serving as district director, she was no longer eligible to serve as an officer for the district. A text/phone meeting was held with the officers to elect an interim vice president. Yvonne Marcaurele (30) was elected to fill that position. The District Six Annual Meeting was held on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Camp Kubena in Ledbetter, Texas. Lodge 30, Taiton hosted the event with 51 members and guests present. After registration and the morning social, SPJST Vice President Delisle Doherty led the blessing. Lodge 30 had Camp Kubena kitchen staff prepare hamburgers with all the trimmings. Immediately following the meal, District Six President Joe Siptak (4) asked for special reports from representatives of the Czech Heritage Museum, Education and Nature Center (Camp Kubena), S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers, and District Six Cemetery Committee. Philip Vahalik (4) reported that the Czech Heritage Museum is now open again for visitors. He said that the Museum board would be meeting in the near future. Mr. Vahalik welcomed everyone to come visit the Czech Heritage Museum in Temple. Lisa Bubela (30) introduced Rob Clift, executive director for Camp Kubena, to report on activities, events, and improvements taking place at the camp. Rob said that with the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, there were no camp activities. 2020 was used to upgrade camp safety areas and make needed improvements. Camp Kubena now has a new maintenance building which was an old structure that has been remodeled and refurbished to house equipment and gave the camp the ability to fence off equipment for camp safety. The project was completed under budget expectations. The camp now has a store that will help raise funds for
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—
Camp Kubena. The store was built with refurbished/reused items, such as the store door which was donated by David Wagner. Camp Kubena’s barn is now the activity barn which houses an area for leatherwork, stage, and other activities for groups to enjoy. Rob reported that the 2021 winter storm made a winter wonderland on the property. Fortunately, Rob - alternating his schedule with the assistant - director allowed them to monitor the Camp Kubena property for affects of the storm. The only damage was to a small pipe near the pool. Recovery from last summer is going well. With no one here in 2020 to this year holding family adventure days, 160 children coming next week, and the remaining of the summer is booked. Rob then reported on the positive effects of Camp Kubena: • Supporting SPJST youth - development of leadership, outdoor activities, challenge themselves, and making lifelong relationships. • Support membership - more access to Camp Kubena, family and group lodging. • Head Chef Dustin Motley is a former camper - this shows a future for our youth. SPJST youth are running the camp, including Shelby and Jacob Horak. Purchasing insurance products for youth helps build fraternal aspect of SPJST and longtime leadership and friendship goals. Rob reported that the future goal for Camp Kubena is being available and open year round. Mission of Camp Kubena is “Impacting lives through positive outdoor experiences.” Joe Siptak (4), District Six Director for S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers, reported on rest homes and assisting living facilities in Taylor, Needville, and Hillje. Mr. Siptak reported that all facilities were doing well. With the pandemic, there were no positive COVID-19 cases reported. Taylor reported the most damage from the winter storm. To date, visitor restrictions are being lifted and residents have been vaccinated and 50 to 60 percent of staff have been vaccinated. Staff continue to be screened daily along with all visitors. District Six President Joe Siptak (4) then opened the floor for nominations for the District Six Director for S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers since he was temporarily voted
5
into the position with the resignation of Charles Bucek (151). Lisa Bubela (30) nominated Joe Siptak (4), and Marjorie Treumer (30) seconded the nomination. With no other nominations, Joe Siptak (4) was elected by acclamation. Joe Siptak (4) thanked the members for electing him. He will continue to do his best to represent District Six on the Senior Living Centers Board. Johnnie Hoffman (184) reported for the District Six Cemetery Organization. He stated that the District Six Cemetery Organization has deeded the SPJST Shiner Cemetery and the SPJST Moravia Cemetery to their neighboring Catholic cemeteries. SPJST Velehrad Cemetery will remain under the care of District Six Cemetery Organization. The road for the Velehrad Cemetery sustained some damage during the May heavy rainfalls. Repairs are scheduled to be taken care of. President Joe Siptak (4) called the District Six Annual Meeting to order at 1:02 p.m. Hosting Lodge 30 President Yvonne Marcaurele led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lodge 30 President Yvonne Marcaurele then welcomed the District Six membership and guests. She thanked everyone for their attendance and hoped they enjoyed their visit to the wonderful facilities that SPJST had to offer with Camp Kubena. She encouraged everyone to look around if this was their first visit. Vice President Yvonne Marcaurele (30) welcomed Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny (246), FIC, Vice President Delisle Doherty (196), Camp Kubena Executive Director Rob Clift and Staff, District Six Director Annie Vahalik (4), and Honorary District Six Director Karen Kaspar (30). Secretary Elizabeth Holub (23) called the roll of officers, lodges, and standing committees. She reported that Second Vice President Helen Zabransky (4) was not able to attend due to her health. All other officers were present, and all committees had representation. Seven lodges were in attendance: Lodges 4, Hallettsville; 23, Moravia; 30, Taiton; 40, El Campo-Hillje; 63, Sweet Home; 151, Wharton; and 184, Moulton. Under old business, Secretary Elizabeth Holub (23) provided copies of the minutes from the 2019 spring meeting for members to read. Debbie Krpec (30) moved to approve the 2019 spring meeting minutes, seconded by Ardis Bacak (40). Motion passed.