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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.

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—

C z e c h C u l t u r a l C a l e n d a r

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—

Breakfast in the Czech Republic

Breakfast has often been called the most important meal of the day and, according to novinky.cz, Czech people certainly agree with this statement. Breakfast - Snídaně - is enjoyed by the majority of the Czech people. Only about 14 percent of Czech people skip breakfast regularly. The rest of the population start their day with a delicious breakfast every morning. But what does a typical Czech breakfast look like? The Czech Republic is home to millions of people and, while their tastes obviously vary, there are a few favorite meals which have become staples at the Czech breakfast table. We begin with beverages. Tea and Coffee Coffee and tea are among the most popular choices when it comes to breakfast drinks in the Czech Republic. Studies have found that most Czechs like to begin their day with a cup of hot tea (usually flavored with either sugar or honey and possibly lemon) or a cup of coffee. Coffee is only slightly less popular than tea, with the most popular variety being the Czech specialty known as turecká káva - Turkish coffee. Turecká káva is a Czech version of coffee, which is prepared by pouring boiling water over finely ground coffee beans. Within the Czech Republic, about 80 percent of the coffee is prepared this way in about 90 percent of the homes, making it the most popular choice. Now, let’s look at a few of the typical meals you will encounter on a Czech table in the morning. Let’s begin with the most popular choices: Bread or Rolls with Spreads, Cheeses, or Meats A typical Czech breakfast consists of a slice of rye bread or a roll - rohlík with a spread such as butter, jelly, or honey, or perhaps a slice of cheese or meat such as salami or ham. This versatile meal is an incredibly popular way to begin the day. Homemade garlic or egg salad spreads are also a popular topping to flavor your bread or roll. Baked pastries and buns Baked pastries and buns are another popular choice especially on weekends or special occasions. Popular choices include kolache, buchty, bublanina, and babovka. A smaller percent of the population has eggs, yoghurt, palacinky, or some sort of kasé - cream of wheat and oatmeal at the most popular choices.

https://www.tresbohemes.com/2018/09/breakfast-in-theczech-republic/ —SPJST—

Czech Polka Bands of Ennis plan February 19 music festival

The Czech Polka Bands of Ennis invite you to the 15th Annual Ennis Czech Music Festival on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Sokol Hall, 2622 East Highway 34, Ennis, Texas, 75119 from 1 to 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 12 p.m. The event includes great music, dancing, food, kid zone, and much more! Featured bands - Ennis Czech Boys, Jodie Mikula Orchestra, Czech and Then Some, and The Moravians. Cost is $10 per person; ages 12 and under free. A fried catfish dinner will be served 4 to 7 p.m. for $12. For more information, call 972-878-4748, visit ennisczechmusicfestival.com or find the event on Facebook. See advertisement on page 37. —SPJST—

Brazos Valley CHS offers scholarships; deadline is March 20

Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society (BVCHS) is offering two scholarships in 2022. The BVCHS Novak Zaeske Memorial Scholarship is intended for graduating high school seniors, and the BVCHS Matush Czech Heritage Scholarship is intended for college students currently enrolled in a four-year university/college, two-year college, or trade school. Both applications are due by March 20.

Matush Czech Heritage Scholarship (offered by Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society)

The Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society (BVCHS) is offering the 2022 Matush Czech Heritage Scholarship in the amount of $500 to a college student who is currently enrolled in a four-year college, two-year college, or trade school and exemplifies academic achievement, outstanding merit, and the spirit of involvement and leadership. The applicant must be able to show that they are currently active or desire to become involved in their Czech heritage. The recipient will be notified the last week of March and will be awarded the scholarship at our April meeting.

Applicant must be a member or related to a member of the BVCHS. The applicant may become an immediate member of BVCHS by completing the attached membership application along with the annual dues of $15.

Eligibility requirements: • Applicant must be a college student who is currently enrolled in a four-year college, two-year college, or trade school, and exemplifies academic achievement, outstanding merit, and the spirit of involvement and leadership in their school and community. • Applicant will be evaluated based on a 300- to 400-word, typed, doublespaced essay defining what their Czech heritage means to them, how it has influenced them, their current and past Czech cultural involvement, and why they think they should be selected for this scholarship. • Applicant must include a letter of recommendation. (Extra consideration will be given to the applicant who has an interest in continuing to learn about their Czech heritage by attending club events.)

Information to include: 1) Completed and signed application 2) Official college transcript to date 3) A 2x3-inch headshot photo attached to a sheet of paper with your name printed under the photo 4) Essay of 300 to 400 words, typed, double spaced 5) Letter of recommendation 6) Membership application to BVCHS if you or your relative is not a member

Deadline: Completed application with all parts, must be mailed/postmarked by March 20, 2022. Mail to Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 3383, Bryan, Texas 77805.

Novak - Zaeske Memorial Scholarship (offered by Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society)

The Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society (BVCHS) is offering the 2022 Novak - Zaeske Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500 to a graduating high school senior who exemplifies academic achievement, outstanding merit, and the spirit of involvement, volunteerism and leadership as evidenced through extracurricular activities. The applicant

must be able to show that they are currently active or desire to become involved in their Czech heritage. The recipient will be notified the last week of March and will be awarded the scholarship at the Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society’s April meeting.

Eligibility requirements: • Applicant must be a member or related to a member of BVCHS. • Applicant must be a graduating senior in the current school year and will be evaluated based on academics, extracurricular activities, leadership and involvement in school and community. • Applicant will be evaluated based on a 300- to 400-word, typed, doublespaced essay defining what your Czech heritage means to you, how it has influenced you, your current and past Czech cultural involvement, and why you think you should be selected for this scholarship. • Applicant must include two letters of recommendation. (Extra consideration will be given to the applicant who has an interest in continuing to learn about their Czech heritage by attending club events of BVCHS with the potential goal of becoming a member if they are not already.)

Information to include with application: 1) Completed and signed application 2) Official high school transcript 3) On a sheet of paper, please attach a 2x3 headshot photo with your name under the photo 4) Essay of 300 to 400 words, typed, double spaced 5) Two letters of recommendation

Deadline: Completed application must be mailed/postmarked by March 20, 2022. Mail to Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 3383, Bryan, Texas 77805.

Submitted by, Cheryl Wenck BVCHS Scholarship Chair —SPJST—

CCFT continues to preserve Czech Catholic faith

On Saturday, January 15, 2022, St. Michaels hosted the Czech Catholic Foundation of Texas (CCFT). Members from all over Texas came to Needville.

CCFT’s mission is to document, study, preserve, celebrate, and perpetuate all elements of the Czech Catholic faith transplanted to Texas by immi grants from the Czech lands; and t o strengthen ties with Czech Catholics of the ancestral home land evangelized by St. Cyril and Meth odius.

President Marvin Marek led the meeting with Reverend Paul Chovanec from St. Justin Martyr Parish in Houston leading the prayer. A meal of stew was prepared by host Bradley Stavinoha.

After the meeting members took a tour of St. Cyril and Methodius in Damon. The portrait of the saints which is the official icon of the organization was taken there also making this the fourth church named after the saints that it has visited. Others include churches in Cistern, Dubina, Shiner, Marak, Granger, and Corpus Christi. One of the goals of the organization it to make Dubina an official pilgrimage site for Czech catholics—Dubina being the oldest of the churches named after St. Cyril and Methodius. Saint Ludmila being the first recognized Czech saint was discussed, and mass was held in Shiner on September 16, 2021, by Reverend Gary Janak, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, on the 1100 anniversary of martyrdom of the holy and royal St. Ludmila.

Reverend Paul Chovanec is a member of SPJST Lodge 232, Houston Midtown, and Bradley Stavinoha is a member of Lodge 81, Needville and serves as SPJST District Five Director. —SPJST—

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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 979-324-7871