VĚSTNÍK an aborted flight mission, comes back stronger, our program will as well. January’s event was built on a solid platform - in April, it will be even stronger. We look forward to seeing you then. Sincerely, Charlene Hurta, Event Chair Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy —SPJST—
Texas Antique Gas Engine reunion and Texas Blacksmithing Conference at TCHCC Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC) will host a Texas Antique Gas Engine Reunion and Texas Blacksmithing Conference Friday, January 28 beginning at 12 noon and Saturday, January 29, starting at 9 a.m. at its facility, 250 West Fairgrounds Road in La Grange, Texas. Event will include demonstrations, saw mill, museums, village, and vendors. On Saturday, a live auction begins at 1 p.m. featuring blacksmithing tools. Heritage music will be played throughout the day. For gas engine reunion and general information, call 888-745-4500 or email info@czechtexas.org. For blacksmith information, call 832-776-7979 or email joshuarachita@gmail.com. For general information, visit www.czechtexas.org. Event benefits TCHCC blacksmith shop and construction. —SPJST—
CESAT sets February 5 virtual meeting The Czech Ex-Students’Association of Texas (CESAT) will have a virtual annual meeting on February 5, 2022, at 9AM. The mission of CESAT is to preserve the Czech language in Texas. Our current efforts are to have the Czech language taught in Texas high schools. To join the meeting, please email Thadious Polasek at polasek29@gmail.com or Deborah Bartley at debbiebartley@me.com for a link to the meeting. Join the meeting to learn about the successes and what yet needs to be done. —SPJST—
Monday, January 24, 2022
Czech language class begins February 7 in Bryan A spring Czech language class will begin Monday, February 7, 2022, and continue through Monday, May 9. The class will meet every Monday at St. Joseph Parish Activity Center, located at 700 East 26th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The class focuses on Czech language and culture, and anyone interested may enroll. The class structure strives to meet the needs of attendees and typically centers on conversational Czech and has a casual atmosphere. Attendees do not have to be Czech or Catholic to attend. The tuition for the semester is $35, and includes educational materials. A textbook is available for purchase but not required. The instructor is Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society member Stanislav (Stan) Vitha, who is from Olšovice in the Southern Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic but now lives in Bryan. For additional information on the class, please contact Jo Ann Zaeske at 979-224-4434. Submitted by, Jo Ann Zaeske Lodge 189 Bryan-College Station —SPJST—
Treat your valentine sweetheart with dinner, concert at TCHCC Enjoy an evening you will never forget! Treat your valentine sweetheart to dinner and a piano concert on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Hanslik Hall on the grounds of Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 West Fairgrounds Road in La Grange, Texas. Appetizers, drinks - featuring local wines, and a delicious dinner will be served followed by a concert performance by pianist John Dujka. Social begins at 4 p.m.; dinner served at 6 p.m. Concert begins at 7 p.m. Donation of $80 per person. Advance tickets by February 7. Formal evening attire requested. For information, call the Center 888785-4500 or visit www.czechtexas.org. —SPJST—
Bishop to designate Dubina an official pilgrimage site for Czech Catholics On Monday, February 14, 2022, Bishop Brendan Cahill of the Diocese of Victoria will celebrate Mass starting at 10:30 a.m. in Dubina, Texas. On this occasion, he will designate Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church as a diocesan place of pilgrimage to give glory to God, to honor the Apostles to the Slavs and the Czech immigrants who brought the Faith to Texas given to them by the two brother saints. (These saints created an alphabet that gave literary [written] birth to the Slavic language used in their mission to the Moravians in 863 A.D. to evangelize and convert the pagans to our Faith.) The designation by the Bishop will include attendant indulgences allowed by Canon Law for pilgrims visiting the church and offering prayers of worship, thanksgiving, reparation, or petition. The church in Dubina was selected since it was the first parish founded in Texas under the patronage of Saints Cyril and Methodius. The saints feast day is celebrated in the United States on February 14. The celebration will continue with lunch after Mass in the church hall. The Czech Catholic Foundation of Texas and the parishioners extend an invitation to all interested Catholics and non-Catholics to attend both the Mass and luncheon. To provide an estimate for food preparation, please call 832-437-4077 or email mmarek1212@gmail.com. Submitted by, Bradley Stavinoha Lodge 81, Needville —SPJST—
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Czech Cultural Calendar Tuesday through Saturday Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, 119 West French Avenue, Temple. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To arrange a private small group tour, contact the Museum: czechheritagemuseum@gmail.com; or leave a message 254-899-2935. The Museum hosts Czech Films on the second Tuesdays of the month - at Beltonian Theatre, 219 East Central Avenue, Belton: Matinee at 3 p.m.; Night - 6 p.m. Free admission. Donations accepted online or through a donation box at the concession window. Imported Czech beer, wine available. 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 information, call 713-5282060; or visit czechcenter.org. February 5 Czech Ex-Students’ Association of Texas (CESAT) Virtual Annual Meeting at 9 a.m. Mission of CESAT is to preserve Czech language in Texas. Our current efforts: to have Czech language taught in Texas high schools. To join the meeting, please email Thadious Polasek at polasek29@gmail.com or Deborah Bartley at debbiebartley@me.com for a link to the meeting. February 19 15th Annual Ennis Czech Music Festival — at Sokol Hall, 2622 East Highway 34, Ennis, Texas, 75119, 1 to 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 12 p.m. Great music, dancing, food, kid zone, and more! Ennis Czech Boys, Jodie Mikula Orchestra, Czech and Then Some, and The Moravians. $10 per person; ages 12 and under free. Fried catfish dinner served 4 to 7 p.m. - $12. For more information, call 972-878-4748, visit ennisczechmusicfestival.com or find the event on facebook. See ad on page 37. —SPJST—
