In Memoriam

Lodge 191, Lufkin invites members to attend April 24 special called meeting

Dear Members,

Greetings and best wishes to you and your family for a happy and prosperous 2022.

The leaders of Lodge 191, Lufkin are considering the sale of the lodge building as a way for the lodge to capitalize on the significant equity that exists in the property. Correspondingly, and in accordance with SPJST operational procedures, a special called meeting will be held on Sunday, April 24 at 3 p.m. to discuss, consider, and vote on the proposed sale. The meeting will take place at the lodge hall, located at 197 Hughes Road in Lufkin. All adult members are encouraged to attend and to weigh in on the discussion.

SPJST District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha will be in attendance.

In the event that members vote to sell, this will be an opportune time for us to discuss ideas for the revitalization of Lodge 191, Lufkin as well as prospects for a future lodge home. We want SPJST Lodge 191, Lufkin to be known as a family organization that embodies the idea of service to each other and to the community. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you are invited to share your thoughts with us through email at georgepat@consolidated.net; however, please note, in order to vote on the proposed transaction, it will be necessary for you to be in attendance at the meeting on April 24.

Thank you for your attention. Fraternally, George Scogin, President —SPJST—

Lodge 196 Houston-West Easter egg hunt Saturday, April 9

Lodge 196, Houston-West members are happy to once again have our Easter egg hunt this year on Saturday, April 9, 2022, from 2 to 4 p.m. Again, we will be having the egg hunt set up by age groups so that everyone has a good time hunting eggs. We will also have snacks and beverages, and a drawing for some “monster” prizes.

Mark your calendars, invite your family and friends, and come enjoy a great time! ^ Don Fruin, Reporter —SPJST—

Fort Worth Friendship Club

The Wednesday, March 9, 2022, meeting of Fort Worth Friendship Club was called to order by Vice President Sharron Connelly due to the illness of President Lola Taylor.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, prayers were said for Mary Cecilia Saladin, the precious daughter of Mary Ann Krivanek; Bill Moncrief, the wonderful husband of Anna Marie Moncrief; Lola Taylor, our dear president; and for the people of Ukraine involved in the terrible war.

More Sad News

Rose Ann Span fell and injured her foot. Elizabeth Cramer’s dear son John Lalley passed away. Lois Smith one of our longtime members passed away.

We celebrated the Feast Day of St. Patrick with a little history of the Saint and found he was not from Ireland, but from Roman Britain. He was kidnapped at the age of 16, escaped and returned to spread Christianity across Ireland. We had an Irish toast with hot wassail, and sang, “Irish Eyes are Smiling.”

Sharron Connelly painted a life-size leprechaun for us sitting in a pot of gold and decorated it with shamrocks and gold coins. She decorated the tables with green tablecloths and decorations provided by Lola Taylor.

Betty Krenek was crowned St. Patrick’s Day Queen. She was presented with a lovely bouquet, which was decorated with shamrocks and golden coins. Her husband, Stanley, was crowned as her Leprechaun King with a tall, green leprechaun hat with a gold buckle and given a green, plastic, beer stein decorated with shamrocks.

Due to the weather, we had to cancel the January meeting and had a combined January and February meeting with a snowman/valentine theme. Mary Ann Martinez was crowned Snow Queen, and Mary B. Shallcross was crowned Valentine Queen. Both smiling ladies were presented with bouquets and scepters. Our giant Snowman was made by Sharron Connelly, and is terribly missed.

We had a marvelous fried chicken dinner with delicious dishes brought by our lovely ladies. The plant sale was a success, and we had lots of fun playing bingo.

We look forward to more fun in April when the theme is spring and the color to wear is floral. As the Irish say, till we meet again, “May God hold you in the palm of his hand.” Sharron Connelly —SPJST—

In Memoriam

In Memory of David Knape

David Gerald Knape passed away Monday, March 14, 2022. Funeral service was at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ammannsville, Texas, on Saturday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m. with visitation at 9 a.m.

David was born on October 2, 1944, in San Antonio at Santa Rosa Hospital, the son of Victor and Henrietta Knape. He was employed by Nabisco as a salesman and manager for more than 30 years. You could always find David working in his garden, nurturing his many plants. He was also a prolific poet, composing words that captured the charm of life’s daily routines. David was known as a man of principle, sensitivity, warmth, and humor, often entertaining strangers with an unexpected joke. David was a wonderful husband, married 52 years, a loving father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Paula Knape; daughters Karin and Kimberly; son Karl; son-in-law Steve Reed; grandsons Landon and Ethan Reed; and sister Barbara Singleton.

David was a longtime member of SPJST Lodge 187, Round Rock. His poetry was frequently featured in the Vestnik. —SPJST— David Knape

In Memory of Clarine Penak

Clarine Jaksik Penak, 93, of Verdi, Texas, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 14, 2022, in Jourdanton, Texas.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hurley Funeral Home-Pleasanton. Graveside service will be at 9 a.m. Friday, April 8 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.

She was born on April 10, 1928, in Loire. She was a member of SPJST Lodge 79, Corpus Christi.

She is survived by daughters Janice Douglas and husband Rex and Laura King and husband Vernon; son James Penak; grandchildren Collin King, Camrin King, Jason Ciomperlik, and Kelly Ciomperlik; great-grandchildren Slade Craig, Sloan Craig, and Lane Ciomperlik; and stepgreat-grandson Noah Aguilar.

Clarine was preceded in death by her parents James Jaksik and Lillie Zidek Jaksik; husband Frank Penak Jr.; and brothers Victor and Jerry Jaksik.

Pallbearers will be Rex Douglas, Vernon King, Jason Ciomperlik, Lane Ciomperlik, Camrin King, and Collin King.

Memorials in Clarine’s honor can be made to the Verdi Community Center 40 Fairview Road, Pleasanton, Texas 78064.

Clarine Penak