Vestnik 2022.04.11 by SPJST

ˇ ´ VESTNIK SPJST HERALD

Benevolence ★ Humanity ★ Brotherhood

Volume 110 Number 7

April 11, 2022

ISSN —07458800

A 2022-2023 District Three Royalty A Leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the Lodge 63, Sweet Home meeting are, from left, Emery Zabransky, Kason and Owen Koncaba.

Q9Q Honoring Heritage Q9Q Congratulations to 2022-2023 District Three Royalty. They are, left to right, Duke Luke Holland, King Preston Sullivan, Queen Madison Holland, and Duchess June Holland, all of Lodge 25, Ennis. They won the titles at District Three YAD held Sunday, March 27 at Lodge 25, Ennis. District Three Youth Achievement Day (YAD) photos and results appear on pages 25 to 28.

March Top SPJST Sales Agents: Certificates Issued and Annualized Premium 1st - Certificates Issued 2nd - Annualized Premium $300 Award

Janice Jahns Lodge 88 Houston District Five

1st - Annualized Premium 3rd - Certificates Issued $300 Award

Tommy Ganaway Lodge 91 San Jacinto District Five

2nd - Certificates Issued $50 Award

Joyce Kotulek Lodge 207 Iowa Park District Four

3rd - Annualized Premium 4th - Certificates Issued $100 Award

Ray Esparza Lodge 76 Wichita Falls District Four

SPJST recognized Lodge 15, Buckholts members Alfred and Bernice Vrazel for their significant contributions to SPJST and Czech heritage on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at the Texans of Czech Ancestry (TOCA) Awards Banquet in La Grange. Pictured, left to right, are President/CEO Brian Vanicek, District One Director Donnie Victorick, Alfred and Bernice Vrazel, and District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha. More on page 35.

; / ; / ; / ; / ; Inside This Week’s Vestnik ; / ; / ; / ; / ; Readers Write ......................................3 Interest Rates.......................................3 Important Dates ...................................3 Job Posting..........................................3 Controller’s Report..............................4 District News........................................5

Lodge Section......................................7 Youth Section ....................................20 In Memoriam ......................................29 Czech Culture ....................................32 Advertisements .................................37 Lodge Calendar .................................38

Lodge 84 Dallas members celebrate Easter

Lodge 6 Cottonwood hosts Easter egg hunt Page 9

Page 13

Lodge 179 Warrenton hosts svacina Page 16

Monday, April 11, 2022

VĚSTNÍK

ˇ ´ VESTNIK SPJST

SPJST HOME OFFICE PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 800-727-7578 • 254-773-1575 Fax: 254-774-7447 www.spjst.org VĚSTNÍK EDITOR: MELANIE ZAVODNY, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 122) • Mobile: 254-534-0807 VĚSTNÍK Fax: 254-773-8087 vestnik@spjst.org melaniez@spjst.com melaniez@usa.com EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER BRIAN VANICEK, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 139) Mobile: 254-534-2902 vanicek@spjst.com VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING DELISLE DOHERTY 254-773-1575 (ext. 240) Mobile: 832-232-2049 delisled@spjst.com VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS MELANIE ZAVODNY 254-773-1575 (ext. 122) Mobile: 254-534-0807 melaniez@spjst.com CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER LEONARD D. MIKESKA, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 149) Mobile: 254-721-4739 leonardm@spjst.com CONTROLLER ROY VAJDAK 254-773-1575 (ext. 142) royv@spjst.com DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR/VICE CHAIR DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CFFM PO Box 85, Snook, TX 77878-0085 Home: 979-272-3265 • Mobile: 979-224-3125 dv.aggie71@gmail.com DISTRICT TWO DIRECTOR JESSE POSPISIL 4710 FM 1331, Taylor, TX 76574-2164 Home: 512-365-1110 • Mobile: 512-826-7371 jlpospisil@yahoo.com DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR/CHAIR JOHN ENGELKE 6475 Gholson Rd, Waco, TX 76705-5330 254-799-4247 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 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 spjst@earthlink.net DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR ANNIE VAHALIK 2508 N Levi St, Victoria, TX 77901-4059 361-649-4888 amvahalik@gmail.com DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR REGINA HOUSE 176 County Road 343, Charlotte, TX 78011-3663 830-570-2046 spjst202youth@gmail.com

Editor’s Note

Thank You, SPJST Volunteers!

HERALD

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE District One - Bill Orsak, Vice Chair PO Box 252, Snook, TX 77878-0252 979-272-1243 • billorsak@gmail.com District Two - Edwin Pechal 10660 State Highway 53, Temple, TX 76501-7446 254-721-2887 • edwinpechal@yahoo.com District Three - Michael Galler 1312 Fawn Lily Dr, Temple, TX 76502-7808 254-744-8973 • mlgaller54@gmail.com District Four - Brad Teplicek PO Box 372, Rowena, TX 76875-4006 325-442-2001 • bptep@aol.com District Five - Dorothy Pflughaupt, Chair 1243 Clovis Rd, Houston, TX 77008-6232 713-859-8976 • dotpflugh@yahoo.com District Six - Lisa Bubela, Secretary 1405 Divide St, El Campo, TX 77437-6152 979-543-7120 • lisa_bubela@yahoo.com District Seven - Oscar Korus 2565 Bruce Rd, Poteet, TX 78065-5013 830-391-4169 • oscarkorus@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 - Ralph Juarez 361-537-5506 • juarez2112@aol.com STATE FRATERNAL DIRECTOR FRANK HORAK Office: 254-773-1575 (ext. 177) • Mobile: 254-534-0681 frankh@spjst.com DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Hannah Kovar PO Box 28, Snook, TX 77878-0028 979-220-7904 • ladyjays@tamu.edu District Two - Patsy Koslovsky 764 S St Joseph Rd, Burlington, TX 76519-3108 254-718-1606 • patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Mary Steinman 1136 Westgrove Dr, Saginaw, TX 76179-3463 817-731-2580 • appamary@sbcglobal.net District Four Contact State Fraternal Director Frank Horak 254-534-0681 • frankh@spjst.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 CAMP KUBENA • 2001 Waldeck Rd • Ledbetter, TX Rob Clift, Executive Director 979-249-5674 • robc@spjst.com

e can find meaning and reward by serving some higher purpose than ourselves, a shining purpose, the illumination of a thousand points of light . . . we all have something to give.” —President George W. Bush, founder of Points of Light National Volunteer Week, which is April 17 to 23, is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities, and be a force that transforms the world. Each year, the week shines a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve, recognizing and thanking volunteers who lend their time, talent, and voice to make a difference in their communities. Today, as people strive

to lead lives that reflect their values, the expression of civic life has evolved. Whether online, at the office, or the local food bank; whether with a vote, a voice, or a wallet – doing good comes in many forms, and we recognize and celebrate them all. A special thanks to all of our SPJST volunteers! Vestnik Dates and Deadlines April 25 Vestnik deadline is Mon., April 18 at 5 p.m. May 9 Vestnik deadline is Mon., May 2 at 5 p.m. May 23 Vestnik deadline is Mon., May 16 at 5 p.m. June 13 Vestnik deadline is Mon., June 6 at 5 p.m. June 27 Vestnik deadline is Mon., June 20 at 5 p.m. July 11 Vestnik deadline is Mon., July 4 at 5 p.m. —SPJST—

Happy Easter from your friends at SPJST! At Easter, may you be blessed with a home filled with happiness, joy, and love. Happy Easter to our members and friends from the staff at SPJST Home Office and Camp Kubena and the SPJST Executive Committee!

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, April 11, 2022

SPJST Family Fun • • • • • and • • • • • Important Dates (Number in parentheses denotes SPJST district.)

April 15 April 15 April 16 April 16 April 16 April 16 April 19-20 April 22-23 April 23 April 24 May 1 May 1 May 1 May 7 May 22 June 5 June 12 June 12 June 18 June 23-26 July 7-10 July 14-17 July 17 July 30 October 29

SPJST Home Office Closes at Noon • Good Friday Lodge 35, Elk Fish Fry (3) SPJST Float: Hyde Park Neighborhood Easter Parade (2) SPJST visits Rogers Community Easter Egg Hunt (2) Lodge 88, Houston Gin & Jazz (5) Lodge 88, Houston Kid’s Night Out (5) SPJST Executive Committee Meeting Home Office, Temple Youth Leaders’ Appreciation Banquet and Workshop Camp Kubena Lodge 88, Houston Crawfish Boil (5) District Three Annual Meeting • Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) District Five Annual Meeting • Lodge 196, Houston-West (5) Lodge 6, Cottonwood Mother’s Day Meal (6) Lodge 88, Houston Day of Caring (5) Delegates’ Advisory Council Virtual Meeting District Two Annual Meeting • Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Lodge 88, Houston Homecoming (5) District Four Youth Achievement Day (4) District Seven Youth Achievement Day (7) Lodge 24, Cyclone Dance: All Around Czechs (2) Leaders-In-Training (LIT) Camp • Camp Kubena Junior Camp Session One • Camp Kubena Junior Camp Session Two • Camp Kubena Lodge 6, Cottonwood Picnic State Youth Achievement Day Mayborn Civic and Convention Center, Temple SPJST and Camp Kubena present “Cars & Guitars” Camp Kubena, Ledbetter

SPJST INTEREST RATES 11/01/2021 - 04/30/2022 Universal Life Universal Life 3

(plans 1203-1222 with a guaranteed rate of 2.50%) • Credited Rate: 3.00%

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5-Year Annuity

(plan 8064 with a 1.00% guaranteed rate) • Credited Rate: 3.25%

Annuity 7

(plans 8069-8075 with a 1.00% guaranteed rate) • Credited Rate: 3.25%

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• • • • • • • JOB POSTING • • • • • • •

Staff Accountant SPJST seeks a qualified individual for the position of Staff Accountant. Under the supervision of the Controller, applies accounting principles, practices, and procedures to prepare and analyze financial statements including balance sheet, income statement, and departmental budgets. Responsible for the preparation of journal entries, analysis of general ledger account balances and reconciliations, verifies accuracy and makes recommendations for correction. Ensures that assigned responsibilities accurately reflect SPJST’s position. Education qualification requires a

bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Three to five years experience in similar position required. SPJST is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates submit resume and application to PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503, Attn: Human Resources. Applications may also be completed online at www.spjst.org. Deadline Application deadline is May 1, 2022. —SPJST—

Readers Write Member offers grief meetings, groups Hello, SPJST Members. The following are different clubs, little meetings, and groups that will take place in the near future that we invite you to attend. All events will be held at Young’s Daughters Funeral Home, located at 4235 East Business 190 in Temple. Grief Share group will meet Tuesday, April 19 at 6 p.m. Compassionate Friends will meet Thursday, April 14 at 6 p.m. at Young’s Daughters Funeral Home. “Memory Box” Crafting Grief Class will take place on Tuesday, April 26 at 3 p.m. Help Heal “Gratitude Journal” Craft class will take place on Tuesday, May 24 at 3 p.m. Please contact Savannah Perez at 254-401-1302 if you have any questions. Submitted by, Sabrina Young Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—

National Day of Prayer event set for May 5 in Temple National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 5, 2022. As we Pray for America whose Pledge of Allegiance recounts that we are “one nation under God,” and whose currency states that it is “in God we trust,” we want Americans to encounter the God who rules over their country. Join us in praying into the seven centers of influence in our nation; we will pray for the government, federal government, state government, military, media, businesses, education, churches, and our families. Join us on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at the Temple City Hall, located at 2 North Main Street in Temple, Texas. Arrival time is 11:45 a.m. Event will begin at 12 noon. We will be praying for our city, city officials and our citizens. The keynote speaker is Dr. Sonjanette Crossly. Then, join us on Thursday, May 5 at the Bell County Expo Center, upstairs second floor, at 301 West Loop 121 in Belton, Texas. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and prayer begins at 7 p.m. For more information, please contact Sabrina Young at 254-401-1302. Submitted by,

Sabrina Young Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—

Monday, April 11, 2022

VĚSTNÍK DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME

From the Controller

SPJST Financial Statement as of December 31, 2021 Dear Members: In accordance with the 2021 SPJST By-Laws, I am submitting a report of our Society which is extracted from the Annual Statement for the period ending December 31, 2021. This report gives you pertinent items of information concerning our Society. All items are entered as found in the Quarterly

Statement which was filed with the Texas Department of Insurance in March 2022. Please review this report in detail and should you have any questions, please contact me. Fraternally, Roy W. Vajdak Controller —SPJST—

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION ASSETS Bonds.......................................................................................... $208,138,352 Stocks ......................................................................................... 4,416,128 Mortgage Loans.......................................................................... 25,661,420 Real Estate: Properties occupied by the Society ..................................... 1,919,444 Properties held for the production of income....................... 3,128,189 Certificate Loans......................................................................... 1,653,716 Cash ........................................................................................... 2,509,407 Other Assets ............................................................................... 3,416,767

Life and Annuity Benefits ............................................................ Refunds to Members .................................................................. Additions to Reserves................................................................. Operating Expenses ...................................................................

$22,872,398 359 7,568,258 5,121,465

TOTALS ...............................................................................

35,562,480

NET INCOME.......................................................................

$486,244

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN CERTIFICATE HOLDERS’ SURPLUS 12/31/21 Balance, Beginning..................................................................... Net Income.................................................................................. Change in Unrealized Capital Gains or (Losses) ....................... Change in Asset Valuation Reserve ........................................... Miscellaneous Changes..............................................................

$13,384,514 486,244 6,100 (274,290) (377,377)

BALANCE, ENDING ..................................................................

$13,225,191

—SPJST—

TOTALS ............................................................................... $250,843,423

From the Insurance Department

LIABILITIES AND RESERVES Certificate Reserves ................................................................... $224,513,352 Liability for Deposit-type Contracts ............................................ 6,479,317 Certificate Benefits Payable ....................................................... 1,504,121 Premiums Received In Advance ................................................ 72,151 Interest Maintenance Reserve …….................…..........……….. 1,736,733 Asset Valuation Reserve ……………………....…..........……….. 2,190,302 Other Accrued Liabilities ............................................................. 1,122,256 TOTALS .............................................................................. $237,618,232 Unassigned Funds......................................................................

13,225,191

TOTALS ............................................................................... $250,843,423 STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS INCOME

12/31/21

Insurance and Annuity Premiums .............................................. $ 24,290,904 Net Investment Income...............................................................

11,355,780

Amortization of Interest Maintenance Reserve ..........................

381,677

Commissions and Expense Allowance ......................................

222

Net Realized Capital Gains or (Losses) .....................................

(2,632)

Miscellaneous Income ................................................................

22,773

TOTALS ...............................................................................

$36,048,724

SPJST Insurance Update through MARCH 186 Certificates IssueD MONTH-TO-DATE TOTALS FOR INSURANCE WRITTEN, ISSUED, AND ANNUALIZED PREMIUM Dist. Apps. Written Certs. Issued Annualized Prem. 1 11 $835,000.00 12 $142,000.00 $6,675.20 2 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 3 7 374,250.00 2 20,000.00 743.64 4 9 487,093.00 5 317,093.00 1,659.36 5 20 2,519,000.00 13 1,010,000.00 3,358.80 6 4 350,000.00 3 250,000.00 1,609.92 7 5 367,000.00 5 142,000.00 5,462.52 9 0 0.00 0 0 2,785.04 Annuities 17 0.00 17 0 0

Totals

$4,932,343.00

$2,444,093.00

$16,831.96

YEAR-TO-DATE TOTALS INSURANCE WRITTEN, ISSUED, AND ANNUALIZED PREMIUM Dist. Apps. Written Certs. Issued Annualized Prem. 1 23 $1,517,724.00 20 $1,157,724.00 $10,811.20 2 7 350,100.00 7 350,100.00 1,357.20 3 16 633,031.00 13 293,781.00 4,276.92 4 44 2,813,623.00 33 1,401,530.00 9,731.76 5 30 3,386,000.00 21 2,647,000.00 6,787.64 6 12 965,000.00 13 905,000.00 5,235.16 7 28 1,489,547.00 25 1,174,547.00 7,488.60 9 0 0.00 0 0 0 Annuities 54 0.00 54 0 0

Totals

214

$11,155,025.00

186

$6,528,152.00

$45,688.48

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, April 11, 2022

District News District Two Annual Meeting at Lodge 24, Cyclone on May 22 From the Desk of Delisle L. Doherty SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing

It’s Your Life

For those of you who know me, you know that my life is built around helping people. As a disciple of Christ, it is my job to help wherever I can. This article is modified from a friend in the industry named Chris Liebum with RIA Advisors, with some slight modifications from me. I feel it is important to help in all areas of life not just our products. I hope you enjoy.

You Have Income Insurance, Don’t You? Insurance comes in many forms. In the end, it is the income insurance that helps us and our loved ones continue with a lifestyle we have created for ourselves. So what is income insurance? Well, it provides coverage if you die too soon, live too long, or are injured to where you cannot work along the way. Let’s start with if you die too soon. This is where life insurance comes into play. Life insurance can provide a cash benefit to your spouse or family should you die too soon. The benefit received can provide for lost income, pay off a mortgage, debts, future college, and wedding expenses just like you would have wanted to if you were here to do so. There are many types of life insurance, but the most important one is the one in place when you pass away. A qualified life insurance agent can help you do an analysis of your situation to help you decide how much coverage, and more importantly, what types of life insurance you need. If you are a business owner, having key person, buy-sell, and executive bonus policies in place can help a business that loses a key employee. Policies like these can help with loss of income, transition, and business transfer expenses. What if you get injured to where you cannot continue to work in your occupation? What if you went skiing and had a bad accident and you were not able to perform your duties at work and suffered a reduc-

tion or loss of income? Disability insurance will provide for that loss of income. When purchasing these policies, they can select the amount of benefit and length of time to receive the benefits. Actuarily during your earning years, it is more likely you will suffer a disability than die. Some companies offer this coverage as part of their benefit package, but if yours does not, it is certainly worth looking at this valuable coverage. Can you outlive your retirement? So you have lived a long life and enjoyed the journey. The problem is that now your number one worry is running out of money! You had made some great plans when you were younger, but now the accounts are stretching thin. Some people believe in the 4 percent rule when pulling money from their accounts, but the sequence of returns risk, higher inflation, and taxes can really affect this. Perhaps, if they would have utilized an income annuity along with their Social Security to provide for the “needs” and their investment account to provide for the inflation risk and “wants,” you would not have this worry. We have gone on a quick income journey and some of the solutions to put in place so now “let’s make a plan so you and your honey do not run out of money!” If you are interested in disability insurance, please contact me and I will be glad to put you in contact with Chris. Thank you for the article. “I found out retirement means playing golf, or I don’t know what the heck it means. But to me, retirement means doing what you have fun doing.” —Dick Van Dyke My door is always open; figuratively and literally. Stay blessed, Delisle L. Doherty Vice President of Sales and Marketing 832-232-2049 —SPJST—

The District Two Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Lodge 24, Cyclone, located at 411 FM 964, Cyclone. Registration begins at 1 p.m., and the meeting starts at 2 p.m. We are planning a great meeting. District officers will be elected. If anyone is interested in serving, please let us know. We are asking all youth and adults to decorate a rock for the contest. Use your imagination in decorating. I know you can come up with a great idea! Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place winners. Come on everyone . . . let’s have a bunch of you enter decorated rocks. District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky is planning a silent auction for the youth club. She is asking for

members to bring an item for this auction. Let’s help the youth raise some money for their fund. Lodge 24 is planning a great meal for the meeting which consists of chicken spaghetti, salad, drink, and fruit. All of this will only be $3! Where else can you get a great plate of food for $3! Please mark your calendar for May 22, and come on out to Lodge 24, Cyclone. Join members and friends for a great day together. Thank you and see you on then! Fraternally, Ruth Hanusch District Two Vice President/FAC —SPJST—

District Three posts minutes from 2021 annual meeting

Three meeting. Cherri Petr (84) made a motion to dispense with reading the minutes, but to accept the copy handed out to members. The motion, seconded by Vicki Sims (84), passed. Treasurer Sister Mary Steinman (154) presented the treasury report. It was approved as presented. President Pace (154), turned the floor over to the youth to hold their meeting. District Three Youth Counselor Sister Mary Steinman (154) called the youth meeting to order. The virtual Youth Achievement Day (YAD) was discussed along with Leaders-in-Training (LIT) Camp and Junior Camp. The youth also elected new officers. President Preston Sullivan (25), Vice President Holly Jones (154), Secretary Macy Jones (154), and Reporter Mckenzie Burcie (154). Insurance Committee Member Brother Robert Sill (183) was not present for his report. Finance Committee Member Brother Michael Galler (66) gave a report. By-Law Committee Member Sister Mary Steinman (154) gave a report. Sister Vicki Sims (84) gave the fraternal activities coordinator’s report. Publication Committee Member Sister Lynda Novak (84) gave a report. The audit committee audited both the adult and youth books and reported that

The District Three Annual Meeting was held June 13, 2021, at Lodge 25, Ennis. President Sister Lori Pace (154) called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Sister Macy Jones (154), and the SPJST youth motto was led by Sister Kyleigh Hernandez (154). President Pace (154) then introduced the District Three Royalty - State Queen Sister Holly Jones (154) and District King Brother Preston Sullivan (25) gave an opening prayer. Sister Joann Martinek Jones (25), president of Lodge 25, Ennis, welcomed the District Three members at the gathering. First Vice President Sister Lesli Milan (154) recognized District Three Director Brother John Engelke (66) and other special guests. Second Vice President Brother John Vrla (130) and the District Three youth hosted a memorial service for our departed members. President Pace (154) then introduced the nominating and audit committees and the contest judges. Sister Lesli Milan (154) started to read the minutes from the last District

Monday, April 11, 2022

they are both in order. District Three Director Brother Engelke (66) then gave a Home Office report. Adult contest winners were recognized by Sister Vicki Sims (84). Sister Appa Burcie (154) won first place, and Sister Candice Oliver (25) won second place. Under new business, the upcoming state convention was discussed. District Three Fun Day at the Dallas Czech/Slovak Heritage Day was announced. Treasurer Sister Steinman (154) presented a check to the hosting lodge, Lodge 25, Ennis, to Lodge 25 President Sister Jones (25). Youth contest (decorated rock) winners were then recognized by DYC Sister Steinman (154). They were: Ages 5 to 8 1st - Victoria Oliver (25) 2nd - Layne Oliver (25) 3rd - Paige Oliver (25) Honorable Mention - Gentry Burcie (154) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Aubrianna Dobecka (6) 2nd - Mckenzie Burcie (154) 3rd - Morgan Oliver (25) Honorable Mention - Kalyne Tucker (84)

VĚSTNÍK Ages 12 to 14 1st - Kyleigh Hernandez (154) 2nd - Joshua Tucker (84) 3rd - Miles Jones (154) Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Holly Jones (154) 2nd - Quinlan Dobecka (6) 3rd - Reagan Hernandez (154) Honorable Mention - Kendall Tucker (84) Honorable Mention - Macy Jones (154) The next order of business was election of District Three Officers: President Sister Lori Pace (154) First Vice President Sister CarrieAnn Jones (154) Second Vice President Brother John Vrla (130) Secretary Sister Dana McAdams (66) Treasurer Sister Mary Steinman (154) Upcoming 2022 events discussed were the District Three YAD site and the District Three Annual Meeting. Lodge 25, Ennis volunteered to host YAD in 2022, and Lodge 92, Fort Worth, volunteered to host the 2022 annual meeting. Door prizes were awarded, and new district officers were sworn in. The meeting was adjourned by President Pace. Submitted by, Dana McAdams (66) District Three Secretary —SPJST—

District Three Annual Meeting Agenda Sunday, April 24, 2022 • Lodge 92, Fort Worth 3316 Roberts Cut-Off Road • Fort Worth, Texas 76114 Director John Engelke (66) Officers - President Lori Pace (154) • First Vice President CarrieAnn Jones (154) Second Vice President John Vrla (130) • Secretary Dana McAdams (66) Treasurer/District Youth Counselor Mary Steinman (154) Fraternal Activities Coordinator Vicki Sims (84) Flag Bearers Macy Jones (154) and Kyleigh Hernandez (154) Please Note: If anyone is interested in running for office, please contact President Lori Pace at 817-237-4749 or Lynda Novak (Nominating Committee Chair) at 214-827-3744. 12 to 12:30 p.m. Registration for meeting, youth and adult decorated rock contest. If you have any questions regarding the decorated rock contest, please contact Vicki Sims or a youth leader. Size limit is 4 to 6 inch rock. 12 to 1 p.m. - Lunch Members who donate a minimum of six canned goods for the food bank will receive a complimentary lunch. (No expired goods, please). 12:30 to 1 p.m. - Audit Committee Meeting Cherri Petr (84), Michael Galler (66), and Diana Engelke (66) are asked to arrive early.

12:30 to 1 p.m. - Decorated Rock Contest Judging 1 p.m. - Meeting Begins Call to Order.........................................................................................President Lori Pace Pledge of Allegiance and Youth Motto ....................Macy Jones and Kyleigh Hernandez Introduction of District Royalty ..........................................................President Lori Pace Prayer...................2021 District Royalty - Queen Macy Jones and King Preston Sullivan Welcome..................................................................John Paprskar, President of Lodge 92 Response and Recognition of Visitors......................First Vice President CarrieAnn Jones Names of Departed Members and Memorial Service..............Second Vice President John Vrla and Youth Members Recognition of Age 96 Members, 75- and 50-Year Members, Fraternalist Nominee.................................................Second Vice President John Vrla Introduction of Nomination and Auditing Committees......................President Lori Pace Introduction of Contest Judges............................................................President Lori Pace Approval of Minutes and Correspondence..............................Secretary Dana McAdams Treasurer’s Report......................................................................Treasurer Mary Steinman Meeting Floor Turned Over to Youth for Youth Meeting DYC Youth Report ...........................................................................DYC Mary Steinman Committee Reports (Please limit time to three minutes per report.) Governance Committee..........................................................................Michael Galler Fraternal Activities Coordinator..................................................................Vicki Sims Audit ..............................................................................................Auditing Committee Home Office Report.................Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny District Director..................................................District Three Director John Engelke Lifetime Achiever Award.........................................First Vice President CarrieAnn Jones Adult Contest Winners.......................................................................................Vicki Sims Old Business Summary of Convention................................................District Director John Engelke New Business Announcement of Number of Members in Attendance ..................................Host Lodge Presentations ..............................................................................Treasurer Mary Steinman Youth Contest Winners.....................................................................DYC Mary Steinman Election of Officers Upcoming Events • 2023 District Three Youth Achievement Day (YAD) - need date and host lodge • 2023 Annual Meeting - Sunday, April 23 - need host lodge Host lodges are needed for upcoming events. Please contact District Three President Lori Pace, Director John Engelke, or District Youth Counselor Mary Steinman, if interested. • Keep checking your Vestnik for other dates. Door Prizes Installation of Officers Meeting Adjournment

Directions to Lodge 92, Fort Worth—3316 Roberts Cut Off Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76114. From IH-35 West in Fort Worth, take IH-30 West to the Henderson exit. Take Henderson North; it becomes Jacksboro Highway (TX 199). Stay on this road north until Roberts Cut Off, which is a right off of Jacksboro Highway. 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. —SPJST—

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Monday, April 11, 2022

SPJST Lodge Section

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 to honors mothers at May 1 meeting The monthly meeting of Lodge 6, Cottonwood was called to order by President Milton Peterson. The Pledge of Allegiance and SPJST motto were recited, followed by a moment of silence to honor our sick and deceased members. Sister Irene Peterson reported 21 adult members, four guests, and nine youth members were present. Minutes from the March meeting were read by Secretary Barbara Hykel. Treasurer’s report was given by Peggy Dobecka. Both reports were approved as

presented by the membership. Youth club report was given by Peggy Dobecka. Congratulations to Aubrianna Dobecka and Quinlan Dobecka for their winning entries at District Three Youth Achievement Day (YAD). Barbara Hykel reported she received notification of a new Lodge 6 member, youth Ruth Muenler. Barbara then read the list of 50-year and 75-year members, followed by acknowledgment of two members reaching 96 years of age. Congratulations to all! SPJST Home Office news was reported by FAC Jeanette Beseda. The event, Cars & Guitars, has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 29 at Camp Kubena. District Three Director John Engelke provided information on

O O O Presenting 2022 Officers O O O SPJST District Four

The 2022 SPJST District Four officers are, second from left to right, President Laura Pospichal of Lodge 49, Rowena; Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Janeece Williams of Lodge 215, South Plains; Secretary Joyce Kotulek of Lodge 207, Iowa Park; and Treasurer Kaycee Lehmann of Lodge 215, South Plains. The officers were installed by District Four Director Bobby Davis, far left.

Monday, April 11, 2022

his busy schedule and upcoming SPJST events. We are always glad to see John and wife Diana at our meetings. Under old business, Milton informed the membership that at the last trustee meeting, members voted to increase the lodge picnic meal to $12. Prize drawing tickets will remain at $1 each or six tickets for $5. The Lodge 6, Cottonwood picnic will be held on Sunday, July 17. Anyone wanting to donate an item or gift card for the prize drawing, please contact Milton Peterson or Jeanette Beseda before the next meeting on May 1. This allows time for the printing of the tickets. Under new business, a vote was taken to give Peggy Dobecka authority to seek estimates for hall repairs and the follow-through to be sure they are done. Jeanette Beseda proposed the hall’s wooden floors are needing to be refreshed. Suggestions of various businesses to seek more information regarding floor refresh were discussed. The next lodge meeting will be Sunday, May 1, and there will be a lunch in honor of Mother’s Day. Several men volunteered to prepare the meal, which was decided to be served at noon. Irene Peterson and Bobby Dobecka were recognized for April birthdays. The progressive door prize winner was

VĚSTNÍK Wilma Sanders. Attendance door prize winners were Matt Peterson, Jeanette Beseda, and Kim Seith. Additional door prizes of Easter bunny gnomes were presented to James Nemec, Aubrey Uptmor, Peggy Dobecka, and Barbara Hykel. SPJST Lodge 6, Inc. meeting followed this monthly meeting. Next Meeting—May 1 The next lodge meeting will be Sunday, May 1 at 2 p.m., honoring mothers with a noon lunch. Don’t forget that a trustee meeting will be held at 1 p.m. prior to the monthly meeting. Happy Easter, everyone! Patti Rosales, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 8, Weimar gives to Boys and Girls Club Lodge 8, Weimar members met on Monday, February 28, 2022, at 12 noon at Oakridge Smokehouse in Schulenburg, Texas, for their meeting and meal. President Henrietta Veselka called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. Henrietta

led the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for our departed member, Erline Janik, a very faithful member of Lodge 8, Weimar. Nine members and guests were in attendance, plus District Six Director Annie Vahalik. All officers were present. Minutes of the November 22, 2021, meeting were in the January 10, 2022 Vestnik. Becky Jares made a motion, seconded by Arlene Marshall, to accept the minutes as printed in the Vestnik. The motion carried. Becky Jares made a motion, seconded by Melvin Tobola, to accept the treasurer’s report as presented. The motion carried. Correspondence was read from the Home Office. Wendy S. Agee, who was a member of Lodge 8, Weimar, requested a transfer to Lodge 4, Hallettsville. A letter was also received from Tamara Gettys notifying our lodge that the Home Office has successfully filed our e-postcard for tax year 2021. Carolyn handed out brochures in Spanish concerning life insurance products. Under old business, Arlene Marshall nominated Becky Jares to be our vice president. Motion carried. New business was Director Annie’s report on the District Six Annual Meeting to be held in Taiton on Sunday, April 10. Please watch the Vestnik for all fu-

ture happenings. We were advised that Lodge 8, Weimar will celebrate its 125th anniversary on July 1. This will be celebrated at our August meeting. Becky made a motion, seconded by Melvin, to send Erline Janik’s memorial to Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange. The motion carried. A memorial service will take place at our next meeting on Monday, May 23. Becky will help with the memorial service. It was suggested that we send a donation at our next meeting to the Boys and Girls Club in Weimar. Rosie Shumbera is in Regency Nursing Center in Schulenburg. Birthdays since the last meeting are Earline Lorfing on January 11 and Arlene Marshall on February 6. Annie had a door prize, and Earlene Lorfing won an SPJST 2022 planner. Annie said a prayer before everyone enjoyed a buffet meal, compliments of Lodge 8, Weimar. Next Meeting—May 23 The next meeting will be Monday, May 23 at 12 noon at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant in Schulenburg. Carolyn M. Tobola Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—

Lodges 4, Hallettsville; 32, Victoria; 41, Port Lavaca; 97, Placedo join hands to assist Victoria VFW Women’s Auxiliary project

The Victoria VFW Women’s Auxiliary enlisted the help of many individuals and organizations in the area to collect recyclable plastic lids. The lids will be made into benches for the local VA Clinic as well as clinics across the state of Texas. With the assistance of the Catholic Daughters Court St. Ann No. 369 in Victoria and SPJST Lodges 4, Hallettsville; 32, Victoria; 41, Port Lavaca; and 97, Placedo more than 50 pounds of lids were gathered—and that was a lot of lids. Patsy Zabransky and Annie and Philip Vahalik worked to sort and complete the delivery to the auxiliary. The community response was overwhelming, and enough lids

have been collected to complete the project. Thank you to everyone for participating. LEFT PHOTO: Joette Otto, left, of Lodge 32, Victoria donates plastic lids (and pull tabs for Ronald McDonald House). She is pictured with District Six Director Annie Vahalik. PHOTO 2: Lodge 41, Port Lavaca members Carolyn and Larry Rokyta drop off lids for the project. PHOTO 3: Allison Elles of Lodge 32, Victoria collects several bags full of lids. RIGHT PHOTO: George Hargrove of Lodge 4, Hallettsville proudly collects and donates lids to the project. Thanks to all who assisted with this worthwhile project.

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Monday, April 11, 2022

Scenes from Lodge 6, Cottonwood Easter Celebration Sunday, April 3, 2022 • Submitted by, Patti Rosales, Reporter

SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood held its Easter celebration on Sunday, April 3, 2022. Short business meetings were held and longtime members were honored. Attendees enjoyed a delicious fried chicken dinner and desserts. An Easter egg hunt was held for all ages, which included prizes. It was a fun, beautiful day!

Age category 0 to 6 First prize egg - Presley Meadows Second/Third prize Knox Morrison

Age category 7 to 9 First - Sarah Kirkpatrick Second - Ella McGuire Third - Gunner Caldara

Age category 10 to 15 First - Caden Halbert Second - Abagail Bruner Third - Audry Bruner

Monday, April 11, 2022

Lodge 18, Elgin: site tornado relief fundraiser on May 21 Dear Readers, Lodge 18, Elgin has donated the use of its hall for a tornado relief fundraiser that is set for Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight. Plans include a barbecue meal, Cajun food, bands, silent auction, dessert booths, and kids’ activities. Stay tuned for more details. Fraternally, F.L. Meyer, Trustee —SPJST—

Lodge 30, Taiton hosts District Six Annual Meeting Dear Vestnik Readers, The SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton meeting was called to order on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at Taiton Community Center by President Yvonne Marcaurele. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Grant Bubela, and a moment of silence was observed for any sick or departed members.

Lodge 6, Cottonwood honors April birthdays

Happy April birthdays to Irene Peterson and Bobby Dobecka, both of Lodge 6, Cottonwood! They were recognized at the lodge meeting. —Submitted by Patti Rosales, Reporter

VĚSTNÍK Treasurer Lisa Bubela reported on the financial standing of the lodge. There were no outstanding bills at this time. She reminded members that the lodge books would be audited at the next meeting. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Patsy Baker informed the members of upcoming events around the state. Secretary Marjorie Treumer read the termination, lapses, and new issued certificates. She also shared information about transfer requests. Vice President Megan Riha read a thank you note from the Victorick family for the recent memorial gift given in memory of Janice Victorick. Youth Leader Lisa Bubela informed the members of the upcoming important dates. She reminded members that we would be participating in the upcoming Taiton Altar Society Chicken Dinner on March 13. She informed the members that State Fraternal Director Frank Horak wants to meet with all lodge parents to discuss the youth program. Possible dates discussed were March 10 or March 31. Lisa informed the parents that anyone who would be attending camp as a chaperone was being asked to attend the Youth Leaders Workshop in April to find out what is going on at Camp Kubena. LIT camp is planned for June 23 to 26, District Six camp is July 14 to 17. Check-in will be from 2 to 3 p.m. District Six Youth Achievement Day (YAD) will be Sunday, July 10 at Taiton Community Center, and State YAD will be Saturday, July 30. Old Business The members reviewed the lodge bylaws. Megan Riha made a motion to accept the changes, and Karen Kaspar seconded the motion. Motion carried. Our charitable donations were then discussed. It was decided that we would make a donation of $200 to the Adopt a Grandparent organization, a $300 donation to Camp Kubena, and a $100 donation to the District Six Cemetery Organization. Karen Kaspar made a motion to also make a donation to St. John’s Catholic Church since we periodically use the parish hall for our events and meetings. Debbie Krpec seconded the motion, and the motion carried. The District Annual Meeting was then discussed. The meeting will be hosted by our lodge at Taiton Community Center. A possible date would be Sunday, April 10. Members should

O O O Presenting 2022 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar The 2022 SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar officers are, seated, in front, Secretary-Treasurer Carolyn Tobola, and in back, Vice President Becky Jares, left, and President Henrietta Veselka. BELOW: The officers were installed by District Six Director Annie Vahalik at the lodge’s recent meeting.

bring a door prize and a raffle item. The Youth Leaders Workshop with the camp chaperones will be held on Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23 at Camp Kubena. New Business Members are asked to bring a cake for the cake walk for the Taiton Altar Society Chicken Dinner on March 13. The teen members will assist with selling raffle tickets while the parents and younger members are working the cake walk booth. Each family is encouraged to bring a homemade item to place in the basket to be donated to the auction. Happy birthday was wished to Debbie Krpec for her February birthday and to Lisa Bubela, Megan Riha, and Karen Kaspar for their March birthdays. Hope they have many more to come. Our next meeting will be Sunday, April 10 at Taiton Community Center with the members setting up for the district meeting at 9:30 a.m. The lodge meeting will follow the set-up time. District Six Annual Meeting will begin with a noon meal. After the meetings, the youth will participate in the annual Easter egg hunt hosted by the community. Everyone will also enjoy grilled hamburgers after the hunt. Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 35, Elk hosts March meeting On Wednesday, March 16, 2022, President Randy Pavelka called the Lodge 35, Elk and Elk Hall, Inc. meetings to order at 7:04 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by officers and members. Twelve members and officers were present. Secretary Carla Price read the minutes from our February meeting and with no additions or corrections, they were approved. Treasurer Cari Hammer gave her February meeting reports and with no corrections, they were approved as read. Bar Chair Randy Pavelka and Floor Chair Gene Pavelka reported a great month again. Keep up the great work, and thanks to all of the members who keep giving their time to keep us doing so well. Under new business, it was voted to have a fish fry on Friday, April 15. Fred Kubitza made a motion to have the fish fry, and Walter Kubitza seconded the motion. A motion was also made by Walter Kubitza to raise the price of sodas and bottled water to $1.50 each. Fred Kubitza seconded the motion, and it passed. With no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Fraternally yours, Janie Brewer, Reporter —SPJST—

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Lodge 66, Waco assists Ukrainians with donation The March meeting of Lodge 66, Waco was called to order by President Douglas Galler at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 28, 2022, at St. Paul’s Church in Bellmead. There were five members and three visitors present. In roll call of officers, Vice President Ronald Neumann was absent. There was a moment of silence for departed brother James Holacka. Minutes from the last meeting were read by Secretary Dana McAdams. They were approved as read. In correspondence, Treasurer Diana Engelke received a thank you from St. Paul’s for the Easter egg hunt donation that the lodge made last month. Brother Douglas then gave the FAC report. In the cheer and condolence report, Sister Diana reported that a sympathy card was sent to the family of Brother Jodie and Sister Dana McAdams on the death of his father. Another sympathy card was sent to Sister Jerryline Holacka on the death of her husband. Sister Diana then read a resolution of sympathy for Brother James Holacka. In old business, Sister Diana reported that all the taxes are completed and filed. In new business, there was discussion

Monday, April 11, 2022

Amber Dreams performs in Temple; features Lodge 24, Cyclone member

Amber Dreams, featuring Lodge 24, Cyclone member Amber (Penn) Rasura and husband Ricky, performed in downtown Temple on Friday, April 1, 2022, during the monthly First Friday event. Amber Dreams is a harp/voice duo. They recently released their album (inset photo), “Songs for a Melancholy Soul,” which

about the March donation. Elm Mott Volunteer Fire Department was mentioned. Sister Dana made a motion to give our March donation to Elm Mott Volunteer Fire Department. The motion, seconded by Sister Diana, was passed. Brother John Engelke mentioned giving a donation to help the people of Ukraine. There was discussion about which organization would be best, and the Salvation Army was suggested as a good organization to send donations. Brother

O O O Presenting 2022 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 28, East Bernard

The 2022 SPJST Lodge 28, East Bernard officers were installed at a recent meeting. Pictured are, left to right Sales Agent Mary Jo Salinas, President Glenn Kaminsky, Vice President Jeanette Kaminsky, Treasurer Anton Kelner, and Secretary Helen Kelner. The members enjoyed a fried chicken dinner at the meeting.

is available at www.amberdreamsmusic.com. Amber was the 2008 SPJST State Merit Grant winner and served as 2006 and 2008 District Two Queen. RIGHT PHOTO: Ricky and Amber Rasura, center, are pictured with David Nauert, left, and SPJST Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny.

John made a motion to send a donation to the Salvation Army for use in Ukraine. The motion, seconded by Sister Diana, was passed. District Three Director Brother John then gave a run down of upcoming District Three and state events. The March door prize was won by Sister Dana, and the 100 percent pot of $4 was won by Brother John. March birthday celebrant was Brother John Engelke. The meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m. Next Meeting—April 25 The next meeting is Monday, April 25 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Bellmead. Please note that this is 30 minutes earlier than our normal meeting time. Respectfully submitted, Dana McAdams Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 84, Dallas hosts Easter celebration Dear Readers, Lodge 84, Dallas joined KJT, KJZT, and WFLA/Better Life on Sunday, April 3, 2022, for an early Easter celebration. As you can see from the pictures on page 13, it was a wonderful turnout and everyone had a good time, I believe. Lodge 84 members gathered for an impromptu meeting and unanimously approved the motion to table our April meeting until May. Then everyone went about enjoying the rest of the festivities. Next Meeting—May 15 The next meeting will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 15 at the home of Charles and Kathy Nemec, located at 10707 Webster Terrace in Dallas, Texas 75229. Call 214-351-4214 for directions. If planning to attend, please bring a dessert to share with our afternoon svačina! Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—

Monday, April 11, 2022

Lodge 88, Houston plans April 23 Crawfish and Piveaux

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Lodge 63, Sweet Home Members gather for homemade chili on a cold, winter day

Date Night in the Blue Room— Gin & Jazz on April 16 Join us in the Blue Room on Saturday, April 16 to enjoy dinner, drinks, and live jazz. Fifties or sixties attire is encouraged - a great excuse to stream an episode of Mad Men for inspiration. Onsite childcare will be available through Kid’s Night Out! Who: Members and dates of members When: Saturday, April 16 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.; music starts at 6 p.m. Where: SPJST Lodge 88 - Blue Room What: Dinner, drinks, and a live jazz trio $38 per person (includes dinner and beverage) Visit https://bit.ly/3xep0ea to purchase tickets. Kid’s Night Out In conjunction with the monthly date nights, the Blue Room Committee will also be coordinating a monthly Kid’s Night Out in which we will partner with the Motherhood Center of Houston to provide onsite childcare. Kids can enjoy food, a movie, and playtime with friends in the main hall! The cost is $35 per child and includes food and activities. Kids must be potty-trained and age three or older. To purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3xkdEoO. Guy’s Night—April 21 Guy’s Night is Thursday, April 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. The bar will be open in the main area. Crawfish Boil 2022 Tickets Available If you missed last year’s inaugural Crawfish Boil, don’t worry, we’re coming back bigger and better in 2022. This event is sponsored by the Men’s Club. • Saturday, April 23 - Members and their guests • Bar will be open from 12 p.m. to last call • $20 per crawfish ticket preorder 2 pounds of crawfish including corn, potato and sausage • Limited day-of sales for $25 • “Kitchen” will be open from 12 to 5 p.m. • Please select a crawfish serving time that works best with your schedule

ule has the May meeting on Mother’s Day. The lodge would be a great place to spend some time on Mother’s Day, but you probably don’t feel like participating in a meeting no matter how interesting it is . . . even when dinosaurs show up (you really should have made it to the March meeting if that doesn’t make sense)! Next time we get together, anticipate that we will make a motion to move the May meeting to the 1st, which is nice because we can tie it into the Day of Caring. More to come. Standing Events • Bingo every Thursday • Beer Garden every Friday • Ladies Night the first Thursday • Guys Night third Thursday

Lodge 63, Sweet Home members are ready to enjoy homemade chili and desserts after the February 24, 2022, meeting, which was moved to the home of Ann and Bobby Moseley due to the freezing cold weather conditions. Pictured are, front, left to right, Elaine Berkovsky, Kason Koncaba, Emery Zabransky, and Donna and Owen Koncaba. Standing in back are BJ and David Zabransky, Preston Koncaba, Diane Ward, Pam Bujnoch, Kevin Munkres, Ann Moseley, District Six Director Annie Vahalik, and Earline Zabransky. Not pictured are Sherry Munkres, Bobby Moseley, and Philip Vahalik.

12 to 2:30 p.m. or 2:30 to 5 p.m. • Pizza by the slice will be available for purchase day of • Live Music by ELC No entry fee and please feel free to come and go as you would like. Since we have to preorder the crawfish, we are asking everyone to get their tickets online at https://bit.ly/37yf98o by Tuesday, April 19. There will be limited day-of sales, but guarantee your order and save some $. As this is a backyard boil-style event, we ask that you please select a serving time that works best for your family to allow our boilers to prep and serve in a rolling fashion (12 to 2:30 p.m. or 2:30 to 5 p.m.). But why wait? You know you are going. Order them now. Like stop reading, order them, and come back to here. Not a big fan of crawfish? No worries, we’ll have pizza available for purchase by the slice, and did we mention beer? We’re also fortunate to once again have live music by ELC (including some of Lodge 88’s own very talented members)! There is no doubt that the yard will be rocking, and we can’t wait to see everyone! Do you have any boil gear that you may be able to offer up, or are you in-

Come see us at SPJST Lodge 88, located at 1435 Beall Street in Houston, Texas. Fraternally, Aaron Rigamonti, President —SPJST—

terested in cooking? If so, please send an email to ryandgum@gmail.com Meeting Date Moved to May 1 We failed to bring this to the membership for a vote, but the current sched-

O O O Presenting 2022 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 63, Sweet Home

The 2022 SPJST Lodge 63, Sweet Home officers are, left to right, President Diane Ward, Vice President Preston Koncaba, Secretary Ann Moseley, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Elaine Berkovsky, and Treasurer Earline Zabransky. In front is Flag Bearer Emery Zabransky.

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Monday, April 11, 2022

Lodge 84, Dallas Members Enjoy Easter Celebration Sunday, April 3, 2022 • Sokol Dallas Hall in Dallas, Texas

Lodge 84, Dallas joined KJT, KJZT, and WFLA/Better Life on Sunday, April 3, 2022, for an early Easter celebration at Sokol Dallas Hall. LEFT PHOTO: Young ladies await the Easter Bunny’s visit. PHOTO 2: It’s the Czech Easter Bunny! PHOTO 3: Playing for everyone’s entertainment

are, from left, Bobby Adamcik, Mark Holub, and Laddie Gajdica. RIGHT PHOTO: Enjoying the day are the Petr, Sims, and Tucker families. Happy Easter to all from Lodge 84, Dallas! —Submitted by Anne Cowan, Reporter

Lodge 92, Fort Worth Ladies Circle presents March meeting notes

Lodge 133 San Antonio members invited to April 24 appreciation rally

The Ladies Circle of Lodge 92, Fort Worth met on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, with 27 ladies and four men attending. As usual, President Cathy Simmank got us going with the Pledge of Allegiance after which time, we stood for a moment of silence in honor of those family members lost by several of our members. We share in their losses as their hearts break and they endure these really tough times. Janet Basham read a prayer sent to her from her sister in Florida. It was based on the Bible verse Matthew 6:33. She also read one of our favorite verses, entitled “Angles.” Business then proceeded as always with the reading of the minutes and the financial report from our treasurer, Claire Rooney. Sunshine Chair Marlene Bass announced that she sent several sympathy and get well cards this past month. An update was given on Robyn Brownlee’s health issues that continue to plague her. We also found out that Lola Taylor fell and broke a couple of bones, and Rose Ann Spann fell and is now nursing a bad ankle. President Cathy announced that in April, the Easter Bunny will visit, and we will have our annual “indoor” Easter egg hunt. “The Bunny,” aka President Cathy, puts in a great deal of time making sure we have interesting and fun activities. The egg hunt is a chance for us to see who gets the prize egg or eggs and

who gets shut out. Ahh . . . those memories of beautiful baskets and lovely little frocks in our childhood! We celebrated Mardi Gras by choosing a Mardi Gras Queen, and we celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day by selecting a Wild Irish Rose and the smallest leprechaun we could find. Shirley Martin was our beautiful queen, Lucy Martinez was our wild rose, and Judy Robinson was selected as our leprechaun. Secretary Joan walked around to those attending and picked the shortest ladies present (measuring them to her stature). New member Judy Robinson was the tiniest lady of all making her the “Leprechaun of the Day.” No one knew what was going on so that made it even more fun. Hostesses were thanked for their work in the kitchen, and Jeanette Tesar gave the update on lodge activities in John’s absence. Information on those activities/dances can always be found in the back of the Vestnik lodge section. Door prizes were awarded to 10 lucky ladies, and Vice President Janet offered our prayer of thanksgiving for the lovely meal we were about to have. The meeting ended, lunch was served, and bingo followed. Respectfully, Joan Simek Shropshire Secretary —SPJST—

Dear Members, You and your family are cordially invited to attend the SPJST Lodge 133, San Antonio member appreciation rally on Sunday, April 24, 2022, from 2 to 4 p.m. at VFW Post 76, located at 10 10th Street in San Antonio. VFW Post 76 Sam Houston Post is the oldest and largest Post in the State of Texas; organized and chartered in San Antonio on June 26, 1917, by the Veterans of the Spanish American War. The 10th Street structure, also known as the Petty House, was sold to the Sam Houston Post 76 in June 1947, and has since been used as the post headquarters, a place to serve and honor our veterans, and a social center open to the surrounding community. Refreshments and light snacks will be served, and three lucky winners will receive dining packages at San Antonio area restaurants. SPJST, which celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2022, is a family organization that cherishes the idea of service to each other and the community. SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek will be on hand to present an informative program touching on the history of SPJST in Texas and the San Antonio area. In addition, boys and girls will receive information on SPJST summer camp and other youth benefits including scholarships. Three lucky youngsters will win gift cards to Academy Sports + Outdoors.

Feel free to extend this invitation to others in your household or friends who are not already members. We want this to be a fun event! Please RSVP on or before 12 noon on Thursday, April 21 by contacting SPJST District Seven Director Regina House at spjst202youth@gmail.com or 830-5702046. Thank you for your attention and consideration. I look forward to seeing you on April 24!^ Fraternally, Jarolyn Popp, President —SPJST—

Lodge 66, Waco says, “Happy Birthday, John!”

Lodge 66, Waco recognized John Engelke as its March birthday celebrant. Happy birthday to John, who serves as District Three Director! —Submitted by Dana McAdams, Secretary

Monday, April 11, 2022

Lodge 151, Wharton reports on March meeting SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton held its quarterly meeting on Monday, March 14, 2022, at the Wharton Depot Museum. A light meal was served at 6:30 p.m. to 10 members and three guests. David Bucek led the prayer before the meal. President Macha called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was held for our departed members. The roll was called, and all of

Mystery Trophy at Lodge 88, Houston

Lodge 88, Houston is seeking the history of this prestigious trophy that is located in its case at the lodge hall. The trophy reads, “Victory.” However, the name plate is faded. If you have any information about the purpose or history of this trophy, please contact the lodge hall at 713-869-5767 or send an email to office@lodge88.org.

VĚSTNÍK our officers were present. President Macha then welcomed special guests District Six Regional General Agent Carolina Covarrubia, Sales Agent Mary Jo Salinas, and Frances Macha. The December minutes and treasurer’s report were handed out to the members. After they had been reviewed, Edith Molberg made a motion to accept them. The motion was seconded by Jo Ann Preisler, and it passed. Communications were read. Treasurer Carolyn Bucek read thank you notes from S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Center in Needville, S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Center in Hillje, and the SPJST District Six Cemetery Organization. Secretary Janie Bucek reported our lodge has nine 50-year member. Names of the 50-year members were read. Next, she announced Lodge 151 has seven new members. Last of all, she said we had one death claim and one termination. Janie Bucek then gave the fraternal activities coordinator’s report. She reported the 2022 membership drive and contest for all lodges is underway. Next, she stated the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive will end on March 31. Then Janie said Cars & Guitars will be held on Saturday, October 29 at Camp Kubena. Last of all, she announced the SPJST District Six Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, April 10 at Taiton Community Center in New Taiton, Texas. David Bucek presented the cemetery report. He stated the SPJST District Six Cemetery Organization held its annual meeting on the last Sunday in January. He stated Ferdinand Breska who was the first vice president of SPJST is buried in the SPJST Velehrad Cemetery. Since SPJST is going to celebrate its 125th anniversary this year, the cemetery organization plans to put a plaque on Vice President Breska’s grave to honor him. SPJST District Six Director Annie Vahalik is in charge of this project. Tria Svatek made a motion to accept our seven new Lodge 151 members. The motion was seconded by Bennie Hundl, and it passed. We would like to welcome Reginald James Clay Jr., Neshira Irene Clay, Aniyah Irene Clay, Kevin R. Carrion, Alejandra Michelle Villanuo, Ariana Grace Pasohondo, and Juan M. Pasohondo to Lodge 151. Under new business, David Bucek suggested our lodge change banks because our current bank is charging high

service fees. We decided to research the service charges of other banks. Then our account can be transferred to the bank that gives us the best deal. RGA Carolina Covarrubia stated she is learning illustrations for a new program agents will use to sell SPJST products. This new program also will enable sales agents to do electronic applications which are faster and easier. She reported she still is working on orphan accounts and trying to hire new sales agents. Last of all, she also mentioned the SPJST District Six Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, April 10 at Taiton Community Center. Birthday honorees for January, February, and March were Carolyn Bucek, Charlotte Bucek, Janie Bucek, Carolina Covarrubia, Valeria Hundl, Gerald Macha, Jo Ann Preisler, and Tria Svatek. Each birthday honoree received a gift from the lodge. Door prizes were drawn. President Macha adjourned the meeting at 7:47 p.m. Fraternally, Janie Bucek Secretary/FAC —SPJST—

Lodge 154, Fort Worth plans April 17 Easter picnic SPJST Lodge 154, Fort Worth will host its annual Easter picnic at Lodge154/Sokol Fort Worth on Sunday, April 17, 2022. Doors will be open at 12:30 p.m.; eating at 1 p.m. Remember to bring food for the “shared picnic lunch.” After lunch, we will begin the children’s egg hunts followed by the men’s and women’s hunts. Warm up your arms for the raw egg toss and softball game to end the day. Hope to see you all there!^ Fraternally, Lesli Milan, Treasurer —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston Bingo Supports Klein Oak Softball Booster Club

After a great 9-5 victory under the Friday night lights of softball, Carol and Donnie Havemann were proud to present a generous $3,000 donation from the SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Bingo Committee to Klein Oak High School Softball Booster Club and Coach Barry Wilson. Carol and Donnie’s freshman granddaughters, Katelyn Havemann and Carlyn Zahn, play on the varsity team. The team is also coached by Casey Westmoreland and Susan Roberts. Susan shared that she was a lifeguard at the Lodge 88’s original pool along with Vincent Hegwood! Lodge 88 is proud to support its youth. Play with your hearts, Panthers!

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Lodge 172, Pasadena meets April 13 to review future prospects following sale of lodge property Members of Lodge 172, Pasadena are invited to attend a dinner meeting on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 6 p.m. at Peppers Steak and Seafood, located at 3604 Fairmont Parkway in Pasadena. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the recent sale of the lodge building as well as outlining a path forward for Lodge 172, Pasadena. If you would like to attend, please contact me by email at Bradley@NeedvilleInsurance.com or by telephone at 979-7392386.^ Fraternally, Bradley Stavinoha District Five Director —SPJST—

Lodge 179, Warrenton hosts social, meeting On Sunday, April 3, 2022, Lodge 179, Warrenton members enjoyed a social on the grounds of Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange. Present were 14 members and guests. We were honored to welcome President/CEO Brian Vanicek, State Fraternal Director Frank Horak, District One Director Donnie Victorick, and Camp Kubena Executive Director Rob Clift. Brother Brian Vanicek worked diligently to prepare a wonderful table full of various foods – a truly fantastic svačina! Door prizes were awarded. This meeting of our lodge was special because we discussed methods to determine what could be done to increase membership attendance and participation. After the official opening of the meeting by Lodge 179 President Ruby Juergens, a rather informal round table discussion was held. Ideas presented were considered. Brother Vanicek agreed to help our officers set up a meeting with officers of other small lodges in the area to discuss some possible combined activities. We all agreed that we need to communicate to our members the importance of their membership to the lodge, to the community, and to their own families. Camp Kubena

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O O O Presenting 2022 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton

The 2022 SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton are, left to right, Second Vice President Edith Molberg, Vice President David Bucek, Secretary/Fraternal Activities Coordinator (FAC) Janie Bucek, Treasurer Carolyn Bucek, and President Gerald Macha.

Executive Director Rob Clift offered to host one of our future meetings at the camp. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Marceil Malak proposed that a helping hands activity for this year could be a visit to Care Inn, a nursing facility in La Grange, to take toiletries to distribute to the residents. This action was approved. Therefore, we will appreciate donations of small toiletries to include in this fraternal act. Contact Marceil with your donation at 979-966-7270 and for the date of the visit. All members and guests are welcome to participate in this visit. A motion to begin meeting quarterly rather than monthly, due to small attendance, was passed and it was decided that the next meeting will be in July. The exact date and location will be announced. Watch the Vestnik for future Lodge functions! Marceil Malak, FAC —SPJST—

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

Happy Birthday, Lodge 151, Wharton Members!

Lodge 151, Wharton birthday honorees for January, February, and March are, left to right, Carolina Covarrubia, Tria Svatek, Valeria Hundl, Jo Ann Preisler, Charlotte Bucek, Janie Bucek, Carolyn Bucek, and Gerald Macha. —Submitted by Janie Bucek, Secretary/FAC

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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—

Emergency preparation supplies sales tax holiday April 23 to 25 From Glenn Hegar Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publ ications/98-1017.php/ Natural disasters will continue to happen. Prepare yourself during the 2022 Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday for emergencies that can cause physical damage like hurricanes, flash floods and wildfires. You can purchase certain emergency prepa-

Lodge 179, Warrenton hosts svačina

On Sunday, April 3, 2022, Lodge 179, Warrenton members enjoyed a social on the grounds of Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange. President/CEO Brian Vanicek worked diligently to prepare a wonderful table full of various foods. It was a truly fantastic svačina! —Submitted by Marceil Malak Fraternal Activities Coordinator

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Lodge 151, Wharton shares March meeting scenes

Lodge 151, Wharton members met on Monday, March 14, 2022, at Wharton Depot Museum. A light meal was also served. LEFT PHOTO: Pictured are, left to right, Janie Bucek, Gerald Macha, Carolyn Bucek, Edith Molberg, Tria Svatek, Valeria Hundl, Bennie Hundl, Jo Ann Preisler, David Bucek, Charlotte Bucek, Mary Jo

ration supplies tax free during the sales tax holiday. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase, and you do not need to give an exemption certificate to claim the exemption. This year’s holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 25. These emergency preparation supplies qualify for tax exemption if purchased for a sales price: Less than $3000 • Portable generators Less than $300 • Emergency ladders • Hurricane shutters Less than $75 • Axes • Batteries, single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6 volt or 9 volt) • Can openers - nonelectric • Carbon monoxide detectors • Coolers and ice chests for food storage – nonelectric • Fire extinguishers • First aid kits • Fuel containers • Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits • Hatchets • Ice products - reusable and artificial • Light sources - portable selfpowered (including battery operated) Examples of items include: candles, flashlights and lanterns • Mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers • Radios - portable self-powered (including battery operated) includes two-way and weather band radios

Salinas, and Frances Macha. RIGHT PHOTO: Pictured, left to right, are Mary Jo Salinas, Frances Macha, David Bucek, Janie Bucek, Gerald Macha, Carolyn Bucek, Edith Molberg, Tria Svatek, Valeria Hundl, Jo Ann Preisler, and Charlotte Bucek. —Submitted by Janie Bucek, Secretary/FAC

• Smoke detectors • Tarps and other plastic sheeting Note: Several over-the-counter self-care items, such as antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, spray and wipes, are always exempt from sales tax if they are labeled with a “Drug Facts” panel in accordance with federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. These supplies do not qualify for tax exemption: • Medical masks and face masks • Cleaning supplies, such as disinfectants and bleach wipes

• Gloves, including leather, fabric, latex and types used in healthcare • Toilet paper • Batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles • Camping stoves • Camping supplies • Chainsaws • Plywood • Extension ladders • Stepladders • Tents • Repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies • Services performed on, or related to, emergency preparation supplies • Online Purchases and Telephone Orders

Lodge 179, Warrenton members Visit velehrad hall at TCHCC

Members of Lodge 179, Warrenton toured Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center on Sunday, April 3, 2022, following their April meeting. They are pictured inside the SPJST Lodge 19, Velehrad hall which is located on the grounds of TCHCC.

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During the holiday, you can buy qualifying emergency preparation supplies in-store, online, by telephone, mail, custom order, or any other means. The sale of the item must take place during the specific period. The purchase date is easy to determine when the purchase is made in-store but becomes more complicated with remote purchases. The purchaser must have given the consideration for the item during the period even if the item may not be delivered until after the period is over. For example, if a purchaser enters their credit card information in an online shopping website on Monday April 25, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. to purchase a qualifying generator, but the generator will not be shipped until Friday April 29, 2022, and will not arrive until Tuesday May 3, the purchase will still qualify for the exemption. However, if the charge to credit card is declined by the payment processor at 11:00 p.m. on Monday April 25, 2022, and the purchaser does not resubmit payment until Tuesday April 26, the purchase is taxable. Additional Charges Affect the Sales Price Delivery, shipping, handling, and transportation charges are part of the sales price. If the emergency preparation

supply being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable. Consider these charges when determining whether an emergency preparation supply can be purchased tax free during the holiday. For example, you purchase a rescue ladder for $299 with a $10 delivery charge, for a total sales price of $309. Because the total sales price of the ladder is more than $300, tax is due on the $309 sales price. Sales Tax Holiday Refund Requests Purchasers can buy certain emergency preparation supplies tax free during the annual Texas Emergency Supplies Sales Tax Holiday. If you pay sales tax on these items during the sales tax holiday, you can ask the seller for a refund of the tax paid. The seller can either grant the refund or provide their customer with Form 00-985, Assignment of Right to Refund (PDF) that allows the purchaser to file the refund claim directly with the Comptroller’s office. Should you have additional questions about refund requests, please contact us at 800-531-5441, ext. 34545, or visit our Sales Tax Refunds web page for further details on filing a refund claim. —SPJST—

Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point member stops in Temple to visit SPJST friends

Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point members enjoy march luncheon meeting Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point met Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at Oscar Store. Pictured are, left to right, Ingrid Petrik, Linda and District Two Director Jesse Pospisil, Frances McBride of Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy; Melanie Zavodny, David Nauert, Ricki Dixon, and Cindy Fisher.

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Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point member Charlie Herendon, front, right, recently visited the Temple area and enjoyed lunch with his family at Oscar Store at the same time that the District Two youth leaders were meeting. Everyone enjoyed the visit with Charlie, who now resides in Weatherford. Pictured are, left to right, Melanie Zavodny of Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point; Amber Bartek and Patsy Koslovsky, both of Lodge 47, Seaton; and Frank Horak of Lodge 80, Holland.

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Monday, April 11, 2022

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Editor’s Note: If you schedule a trip to any of these charming towns, please call that town’s local or nearest entity for current dates, times, and activities.

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zexans, or Czech Texans, settled Texas as early as the 1820s. Josef Lidumil Lesikar helped colonize the state, bringing two groups of about 160 Czechs to Texas in 1851 and 1853 through the port of Galveston. Known as the Father of Czech Immigration to Texas, Reverend Josef Arosy Bergman settled in Texas then wrote letters to Moravian families encouraging them to travel and make their home in Texas. Over 12,800 Texans still speak the Czech language today, characterized by the Moravian dialects, since most Texas immigrants came from Moravia, rather than Bohemian dialects spoken by other Czech-Americans. Today, Texas hosts the largest Czech American population in the U.S. with 155,855. Czech heritage is still evident today with the infamous Painted Churches, cemeteries with Czech inscriptions, Czech newspapers, heritage museums, polka festivals, and foods like kolaches, sausage, sauerkraut, and more. The 85th Texas Legislature in 2017 designated September 30 as Czech Heritage Day. Here’s my pick of the top Czech towns in Texas in no particular order. About 70 miles south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex on Interstate 35, West, The Czech Heritage Capital of Texas, is a must-stop for kolaches at the Czech Stop when headed to Austin or San Antonio. I love ham and cheese kolaches, sausage, and many types of fruit kolaches like raspberry, strawberry, apricot, blueberry, and cream cheese. It’s hard to pass up the pecan rolls, cinnamon rolls, brownies, turnovers, lemon bars, or the vast selection of cookies. Take home a homemade pie like pecan, pumpkin, apple, peach, or chocolate. You’ll find a large selection of yeast bread, focaccia bread, sourdough bread, and dinner

11 Charming

Czech Towns

to Visit in Texas Janie H. Pace www.travelawaits.com December 14, 2021

rolls. I can’t leave without a half dozen kolaches, jalapeno cheese bread, and the green peanut brittle flavored with jalapeno. 1. West Since 1976, Westfest, held annually over Labor Day Weekend, celebrates the rich Czech heritage featuring family-oriented activities, entertainment, and authentic Czech food and music. Westfest and its local volunteers have raised over $986,000 for the community, including youth athletic facilities, senior citizens activities, a community center, library, and other cultural and civic programs. Enjoy traditional cuisine like cabbage rolls, sausage, kraut, or dumplings at Picha’s Czech-American Restaurant, a rustic, down-to-earth diner in the West. Slovacek’s West is a meat market and deli serving sandwiches, wraps, breakfast burritos, sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits. The Kissing Pig Café serves barbecue, smoked turkey, ham, pulled pork, or brisket sandwiches, sausage on a stick, and daily soups with sides of po-

tato salad, coleslaw, or sauerkraut. 2. La Grange The Original 300 Austin Colonists settled La Grange in 1837; German immigrants came in the 1840s. Czech and Moravian immigrants settled in Fayette County in the 1850s. La Grange is home to the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center. Czech settlers established the first SPJST - Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas - lodge in 1896 at the La Grange Courthouse. Interesting fact: In 2021, over 40,000 members in 104 SPJST lodges across Texas help people care for their families and extend family values to the communities. Today, La Grange is home to festivals, museums, concerts, antiques, air shows, feasts, and the annual county fair. Visit Schmeckfest This familyfriendly event hosts kids’ activities, wassail tasting, band performances, a Santa visit, and more holiday fun. See the grand Romanesque Revival influenced Fayette County Courthouse on the square. Can you find the gargoyles? The song “La Grange” by Texas’ ZZ Top is famous in the town.

Enjoy movie nights on the courthouse lawn during the summer, and don’t miss the farmer’s market every Saturday featuring local fare. Discover live entertainment, holiday refreshments, visits with Santa, living history programs, and family activities at the Trail of Lights at the Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill Historic Sites on weekends in December. 3. Temple Located 65 miles north of Austin on Interstate 35, Temple is home to SPJST and Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, hosting the library, archives, and museum dedicated to preserving the Czech culture. See the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum in the historic Santa Fe Depot. Dress the kids in their Christmas pajamas and enjoy a magical evening with Santa at the depot. Marvel at the dazzling lights on the plaza and enjoy Christmas music while you sip hot chocolate. The Saturday Winery Tour includes Axis Winery in nearby Salado, Dancing Bee Winery at Walker Honey Farm in Rogers, and 3 Texans Winery and Vineyard in Temple, voted the best winery in Central Texas. Friday’s Brewery Tour includes Corky’s Beer and Wine Bar, BJ’s Restaurant Temple Brewery, Bold Republic Brewing Company in Belton, and Fire Base Brewing Company in Temple. 4. Ennis Home to the National Polka Festival every Memorial Day Weekend in May, Ennis hosts the polka parade with street dancing, colorful costumes, delicious Czech food, desserts, and over 13 traditional Polka bands. Ennis is home to many Czech-owned businesses selling Czech merchandise and features Kolache Christmas every December. The Ennis Market and Sausage Factory sells traditional Czech meats. The Ennis SOKOL organization started in 1909, with the Sokol Activity Center housing

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the Ennis and Southern District Sokol Museum providing fitness and community for families. Visit Ennis each spring for the “Official Bluebonnet City and Trail of Texas.” April is busy with the Ennis Garden Club detailing the best wildflower viewing areas. 5. Schulenburg A popular stop along the drive from Houston to San Antonio, Schulenburg is best known for the Czech World-Famous Painted Churches, the infamous jewels of the Fayette County area in the communities of Praha, Ammannsville, Dubina, and High Hill. Call to book a tour and get more information. Schulenburg Sausagefest - celebrated each spring - features a sausage cookoff and live polka music highlighting the area’s rich Czech and German heritage. Enjoy three fun-filled days of family entertainment at the annual Schulenburg Festival on the first weekend of August. See rodeo action, music festivals, arts and crafts, chili cookoff, fun run, golf tournament, pageants, and

9 Morning Habits for a High-Energy Day www. happierhealthierhumans.com 1. Don’t hit the snooze button. Dozing for a few extra minutes can actually make you feel more tired and less focused during the day because it shortcircuits your ability to get a full sleep cycle. 2. Drink a big glass of water. Being even a little bit dehydrated can make you feel tired, and after going an entire night without water your body needs it! And while you’re at it . . . 3. Splash your face with cold water . . . or take a cold shower. This will really wake you up! Cold water is invigorating

sports competitions. Schulenburg Historical Museum boasts early Czech and German life in the community. 6. High Hill High Hill, three miles northwest of Schulenburg, features St. Mary Catholic Church, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and one Painted Church with some of the best examples of faux-finish woodwork and stained glass. 7. Dubina Dubina hosts the Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, one of the Painted Churches included in the tour, adorned with extensive decorative interior painting, located seven miles northeast of Schulenburg. Dubina is the Czech word for Oak Grove, founded in 1856 by a group of Czech-Moravian immigrants. The town is almost a ghost town, never recovering after a 1909 storm and a 1912 fire. 8. Ammannsville St. John The Baptist Catholic Church stands in Ammannsville as part of the Painted Churches tour. Today, the small and it can trigger your body to send out endorphins, which are feel-good hormones. 4. Take a BIG!! stretch. Did you know that when you are in REM sleep, your skeletal muscles are actually paralyzed? This is just one reason why stretching when you wake up feels so good – plus, it can stimulate your body to release more of those endorphins. 5. Eat a healthy, low-sugar breakfast. Research shows that skipping breakfast can affect your performance later in the day. Skip the donuts/muffins/bagel and instead go for lean proteins (eggs or tofu), veggies and/or fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats. 6. Get some sunshine. Not only is it energizing in the moment, but it also helps your body create energy-promoting vitamin D. Plus, it helps regulate

community consists of the church, the KJT Hall - Katolicka Jednota Texaska, a community hall or Catholic Union of Texas - an old cotton gin, and a few residences.

Church and St. Mary’s Parish, located two miles west on FM 340. Vsetin Cemetery is six miles northeast of Hallettsville on FM 2314. The weekly Czech newspaper Novy Domov dates to 1894.

9. Praha Praha, sometimes called Maticka Praha - Mother Prague - is called the Czech Capital of Texas. The town’s most notable feature is the St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption, one of the painted churches on tour. Completed in 1892, the church is the center of the annual Feast of the Assumption, a homecoming festival celebrated on August 15 since 1855. Praha Picnic draws over 5,000 visitors to kolaches and Czech polka music.

11. Shiner Called initially New Half Moon, the town changed its name to Shiner in 1888, honoring Henry B. Shiner. The SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, built in 1891, boasts the red brick Romanesque Revival style featuring a stately altar, beautiful statues, painted murals, and majestic stainedglass windows imported from Bavaria. St. Ludmila’s Academy Catholic school opened in 1897. The Spoetzl Brewery, which still operates today, was founded in 1909 by the Shiner Brewing Association. See Christmas in the Park and Jingle Jog on December 5, Green Dickson Park with Christmas music concerts, and a visit from Santa Claus who arrives riding in a Shiner fire truck.

10. Hallettsville The county seat, situated on the Lavaca River, Hallettsville became the agricultural center when settled by the Czechs. The city has two festivals, the South Texas Polka and Sausage Festival in March and the Hallettsville Kolache Fest in September. A state marker highlights the town’s Sacred Heart Catholic your hormones to improve your sleep at night. 7. Do something fun or energizing. Listen to your favorite music or upbeat podcast, work out, try a morning meditation – whatever appeals to you! 8. Drink a cup of coffee or green tea (but not more). Overdoing it in the morning can actually make you feel drained later in the day! 9. Wake up after 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep. This article would be too long if we listed off all the reasons why getting a good night of sleep is vital to your health (and energy!). Make sure you go to bed early enough so this is a possibility. Source: www.healthline.com/health/cold-shower-benefits www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4310332/

—SPJST—

https://www.travelawaits.com/2712752/czech-towns-tovisit-texas/

—SPJST—

Monday, April 11, 2022

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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 Fax: 254-773-8087 Email: vestnik@spjst.org Online: spjst.org/news/submitarticle-photo

Lodge 84, Dallas youth excel at District Three YAD Dear Readers, The youth met for a quick virtual meeting on Saturday, March 26, 2022, for their monthly meeting. Assistant Youth Leader Vicki Sims was checking to make sure we were all prepared for District Three Youth Achievement Day (YAD) which was set for Sunday, March 27 and to remind us about the registration time and attendance requirements. Sunday, March 27 was a busy but fun day. It was great seeing all of my district friends! Youth Achievement Day results for Lodge 84, Dallas youth:

Megan Ruzicka (Grades 9 to 11) 1st - Handicraft 1st - Pictorial Art 3rd - Merit Points (senior) Honorable Mention - Dessert Honorable Mention - Photography Kendall Tucker (Grades 9 to 11) 2nd - Constructed Items 2nd - Hobby Kits 2nd - Royalty Queen 3rd - Merit Points (senior) Honorable Mention - Dessert

Hi! We just finished the third nine weeks at school. I made the AB honor roll. We also got to go to the beach for spring break with our family and friends. It was so much fun! I am ready for summer so we can go back. Shaylee Velasquez, age 9 —SPJST—

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.

Ryan Ruzicka (Grades 9 to 11) 3rd - Dessert 3rd - Individual Talent 3rd - Merit Points (senior) Honorable Mention - Photography

Lodge 185 New Braunfels youth: spring break at beach

Honorable Mention - Photography Josh Tucker (Grades 6 to 8) 1st - Dessert 3rd - Photography 3rd - Merit Points (junior) Honorable Mention - Hobby Kits Honorable Mention - Constructed Items Kalyne Tucker (Grades 3 to 5) 1st - Constructed Items 2nd - Photography 2nd - Dessert 2nd - Hobby Kits 2nd - Royalty Duchess 3rd - Merit Points (junior)

Lodge 185 New Braunfels youth makes honor roll Hi! We just finished the third nine weeks at school. I made the AB honor roll. We also got to go to the beach for spring break with our family and friends. It was so much fun! Anabella Velasquez, age 9 —SPJST—

The Easter Bunny’s origins: the interesting history behind this Easter symbol by Elisa Roland https://www.rd.com/article/whybunnies-popular-for-easter/ The Easter Bunny’s history is more complicated and mysterious than you may think, and it has nothing to do with the Bible. Who isn’t familiar with the origins of Bugs, Thumper, or Peter Cottontail? These famous bunnies are beloved characters from classic childhood cartoons, movies, and literature. But did you ever wonder how the most famous bunny of all, the Easter Bunny, became synonymous with Easter, a holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus? Easter bunny origins While there isn’t any historical documentation that explains how a rabbit

District Two youth leaders discuss youth program revitalization

Congratulations to everyone who participated in District Three Youth Achievement Day, and I hope to see you all at State Youth Achievement Day in Temple on Saturday, July 30. Fraternally, Josh Tucker, age 12 —SPJST—

State Fraternal Director Frank Horak and Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny visited with youth leaders in District Two on Saturday, March 26, 2022, to discuss ideas to revitalize SPJST’s youth program. Pictured are, clockwise, from bottom left to right, District Two Director Jesse Pospisil; State Fraternal Director Frank Horak; Youth Leader Becky Beckendorf of Lodge 182, Falls County; Youth Leader Brita Goodman of Lodge 20, Granger; Youth Leader Michelle Newsom of Lodge 48, Beyersville; Assistant Youth Leader Chelsea Bilbrey of Lodge 47, Seaton; Assistant Youth Leader Emilie Tischler of Lodge 20, Granger; Assistant District Two Youth Counselor/Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Leader Amber Bartek; Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny; and District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky. Thanks to DYC Patsy Koslovsky for hosting the meeting at Oscar Store near Temple and for the delicious lunch.

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became the “furry” face of Easter, the most obvious connection may be the calendar. April showers not only bring spring flowers, but the birth of baby rabbits. Both springtime and bunnies are iconic symbols of birth and renewal. “Rabbits (originally hares) are longstanding fertility symbols associated with the arrival of spring because they are so prolific and give birth as soon as the weather warms,” notes Diane Shane Fruchtman, Assistant Professor of Religion at Rutgers University. There’s no religious significance to a bunny being part of the Easter holiday, according to Dr. Fruchtman. “Easter is

a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, who, according to the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, celebrated Passover on a Thursday (the last supper was a Passover Seder, celebrating the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt), was crucified on Friday, and rose from the dead on Sunday.” In fact, the Easter egg has more historical context than the Easter Bunny, in that eggs may have been part of the Passover Seder plate at the last supper, as it still is today. “We don’t know for sure, but later Jewish sources firmly incorporate the egg in the Passover ritual,” Dr. Fruchtman says, “though there are no bunnies to be found.”

You’ll see the Easter Bunny pop up (or should we say hop up) in Easter movies and on Easter decorations, but when did it actually first appear? The earliest reference to the Easter Bunny dates back to some time before the 17th century when the Germanic people of Europe introduced the Osterhase—a rabbit who brought gifts to children at Easter time. As History.com explains: When these Germanic immigrants settled in America in the 1700s, they brought this tradition with them to Pennsylvania. The tradition even included children leaving carrots out for the Osterhase, much like leaving cookies for Santa at Christmas.

Another popular theory about the Easter Bunny The myth of Ostara is another popular theory that some contend is the origin of the Easter Bunny. According to theconversation.com, the eighth-century scholar known as the Venerable Bede wrote in his work The Reckoning of Time that the word “Easter” stems from “Eostre” (another version of the name “Ostara”). Dr. Fruchtman elaborates on this theory, saying that Bede (and English monk) wrote that the word comes from an Anglo-Saxon goddess, Eostre, whose feast-day in the spring coincided with the day of the Christian Paschal celebra-

District Two Youth Pizza and Skating Party Sunday, February 20, 2022 • Cici’s Pizza / Wheels Family Skating Center • Temple We had a great time in February at the District Two youth skating party. We started our afternoon with buffet pizza at Cici’s Pizza in Temple. For the skating party, we had 40 youth and 11 guests join us. All enjoyed a great time! We even had lots of parents brave the skates! Members from

Lodges 20, Granger; 47, Seaton; 182, Falls County; and 187, Round Rock were in attendance. —Submitted by Amber Bartek Assistant District Two Youth Counselor

LEFT PHOTO: Some of the members from Lodge 187, Round Rock Youth Club. PHOTO 2: Additional members from Lodge 187, Round Rock Youth

Club. PHOTO 3: Lodge 182, Falls County Youth Club. RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 20, Granger Youth Club.

LEFT PHOTO: District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky, left, and Assistant District Two Youth Counselor/Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Leader

Amber Bartek. PHOTO 2: Door prize winners show off their prizes. RIGHT PHOTO: Thanks to all attendees who participated in the event.

Monday, April 11, 2022

tion. However no other source mentions Eostre, and it’s entirely possible that Bede made her up. But Bede makes no mention of rabbits or eggs being associated with her.” Where does the Easter bunny live? We all know Santa lives at the North Pole, but the Easter Bunny’s homestead is shrouded in mystery. Trackeasterbunny.com believes the Easter Bunny lives on Easter Island, a remote Polynesian island in the Pacific. Reportedly, the Easter Bunny departs from Easter Island on Easter Eve to deliver gifts and candy all across the globe. Easter Island is also said to house magical animals who serve as the Easter Bunny’s loyal helpers, similar to the elves in Santa’s workshop. Why does the Easter bunny bring eggs? There are several theories about where Easter eggs originated and why the Easter Bunny delivers them. According to History.com, one theory contends that Easter eggs are connected to pagan traditions. The egg represented new life in the ancient world, and as such, it was

VĚSTNÍK associated with pagan spring celebrations. In Christianity, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus’ resurrection. Although the true origins of the Easter Bunny (and Easter eggs) may never be fully known or agreed upon, they continue to be much-loved traditions of the Easter holiday.” Even if your typical Easter sermon won’t include anything about rabbits, eggs, or fertility, that’s not to say that the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs are not religious traditions,” says Dr. Fruchtman. “Religion is about far more than doctrine, texts, belief, and sacred buildings; it’s about practices, community, memory, family, home, and traditions that have meaning to you.” Sources: History.com: “Easter Symbols and Traditions” The Conversation: “The very strange history of the Easter Bunny” Track Easter Bunny: “Where Does the Easter Bunny Live?” —SPJST—

District Six youth leaders discuss youth program revitalization

25 Easter riddles that will have you hunting for answers by Hedy Phillips https://www.rd.com/article/ easter-riddles/ Hop right on up and get your fill of these super fun Easter riddles! What is Easter? Time for chocolate bunnies, colorful eggs, and, of course, Easter riddles! Every holiday comes with its own traditions, and many of those traditions make for great riddles and jokes. There are so many Easter games to play and Easter jokes to share, so why not expand on the fun with some riddles? These Easter riddles can be enjoyed right alongside these everyday riddles for kids, short riddles, and long riddles to really make joke time shine. A great way to enjoy these riddles? Write them on small slips of paper and put them inside plastic Easter eggs along

with candy. Then when the kids hunt for their eggs, they’ll find a joke and a treat. With these riddles, they’ll be able to celebrate Easter and exercise their brains and funny bones! 1. How do you send Easter greetings? Answer: By hare mail. 2. Why did the duck get fired from his Easter job? Answer: He kept quacking the eggs. 3. Why do you paint eggs for Easter? Answer: Can you imagine trying to wallpaper them? 4. What does the Easter bunny do after he takes a shower? Answer: He uses a hare dryer. 5. If a rooster laid an egg on the top of a hill, which direction would it roll down? Answer: It wouldn’t—roosters don’t lay eggs.

Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Collect Socks FOR WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY Lodge 47, Seaton participated in a charity project of collecting socks for National Down Syndrome Day on March 21. We presented these socks to the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas in Austin. They have monthly meetings for youth and young adults. We have our personal hero in our youth club so I think this was a great project to bring awareness to our youth. Thank you, Shirley Hoelscher, for helping share as a parent of DS. I also want to say thank you to Marilyn Yates of Colleyville. She called me and had some socks that her husband couldn’t wear and would like to donate. Thank you for your sweet consideration of us. — Amber Bartek, Youth Leader

State Fraternal Director Frank Horak and Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny visited with youth leaders in District Six on Thursday, March 31, 2022, to discuss ideas to revitalize SPJST’s youth program. Pictured are, front, left to right, Ardis Bacak of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje; Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny; State Fraternal Director Frank Horak; and Crystal Bacak of Lodge 30, Taiton. BACK: District Six Youth Counselor/Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Leader Lisa Bubela; Megan Riha, Heather Garrett, and Assistant Youth Leader Kirby Lange, all of Lodge 30, Taiton; District Six Director Annie Vahalik; Honorary District Six Director Karen Kaspar; and Sara Kresta and Patsy Baker, both of Lodge 30, Taiton. Thanks to District Six for hosting the meeting at Taiton Community Center, to DYC Lisa Bubela for the delicious refreshments, and to Director Annie Vahalik for the mouth-watering cookies.

VĚSTNÍK 6. What kind of story does the Easter bunny like best? Answer: The ones with hop-py endings.

Monday, April 11, 2022 13. What treat does the Easter bunny hide in the ocean? Answer: Oyster eggs.

22. What do you get when you cross a rabbit with shellfish? Answer: The Oyster Bunny.

7. What do you call the Easter bunny the day after Easter? Answer: Tired.

14. How many Easter eggs can you put in an empty basket? Answer: Only one—after that, it’s not empty anymore.

23. What kind of music does the Easter Bunny like? Answer: Hip hop.

8. There’s only one place where Christmas comes before Easter. Where is it? Answer: The dictionary.

15. What is the Easter bunny’s favorite sport? Answer: Basket-ball.

24. Where does the Easter Bunny eat breakfast? Answer: IHOP!

16. How do you find all the loot on Easter? Answer: Eggs marks the spot.

25. What’s the best way to make Easter easier? Answer: Put an “i” where the “t” is. —SPJST—

9. What kind of beans won’t grow in your garden? Answer: Jelly beans. 10. What kind of bunny can’t hop? Answer: A chocolate bunny.

17. Why shouldn’t you tickle an Easter egg? Answer: Because it might crack up.

11. What popular Easter item has to be broken before you can use it? Answer: An egg—egg-cept on Easter!

18. What branch of the military would the Easter bunny join? Answer: The Hare Force.

12. What kind of jewelry does the Easter bunny wear? Answer: 14-carrot gold.

Addee Williams wins first in rock contest

Lodge 202, Jourdanton youth places at state powerlifting meet

19. Where do bunnies hang out? Answer: The hare salon. 20. How does Easter end? Answer: With an “r.” 21. Why was the Easter egg hiding? Answer: Because it was a little chicken.

Lodge 185 New Braunfels youth ready to cheer

Lodge 48, beyersville youth club: giving back to the community

Congratulations to Addee Williams of Lodge 215, South Plains! She was the first place winner (9th to 12th grade) in the decorated rock contest held at the District Four Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 2, 2022, in Lubbock.

Lodge 48, Beyersville youth and parents assist at Shepherds Heart Food Pantry on Saturday, April 2, 2022. —Michelle Newsom, Youth Leader

Seventh grade has been a busy year, but I am loving it. I was recently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. I have worked really hard to keep my grades up. I also tried out for cheer for my eighth grade year, and I made it. I can’t wait to cheer for our football team next year! Mallory Velasquez, age 13 —SPJST—

Hello, Vestnik Readers. I competed in regional powerlifting on Friday, March 11, 2022, in Bishop, Texas. I placed fourth which allowed me to advance to compete at the THSPA State Powerlifting Meet. On Saturday, March 26, in Division II in the 308’s, I placed ninth at State. I had a wonderful experience. This is only my sophomore year in high school. I hope to continue lifting in my junior and senior years. Thank you, Diego Valdez, age 16 —SPJST—

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Lodge 81, Needville Youth Help with Veterans’ Fundraiser On Sunday, March 20, 2022, we helped the Veterans with their fundraiser that they do each year. People buy plates of chicken fried steak and pick them up. I like helping walk out the food to the cars. It was a pretty day. We ended up having our monthly meeting there because our hall was dirty from the night before. I sold

my chocolates for my softball team to the adults, too. I play on the Diamondz with my sister Ruby! Amber Jones, age 8 —SPJST—

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 81, Needville Youth Club Members. CENTER PHOTO: Lodge 81 youth Maxx Stavinoha, right, poses with Veterans and volunteers: Phil Janda (spouse of Veteran Joyce Janda), Marion Mireles, and

District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha (Marion and Bradley are both veterans and members of Lodge 81). RIGHT PHOTO: Assistant Youth Leader Krystle Bender, far right, poses for photo with Veteran Joyce Janda.

Lodge 81, Needville Youth Decorate Nursing Home Windows On Sunday, April 3, 2022, we decorated the windows at the nursing home for Easter. The day was pretty. We had lots of friends come out with our members to help. I love seeing the elderly people; I can’t wait to go inside. I had fun. After, some of us went to eat Mexican food for lunch. It was yummy. Love, Ruby Jones, age 7

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Sunday, March 27, 2022 ★ Lodge 25, Ennis ★ Hosted by District Three Members

District OTHREE Youth Achievement Day

Constructed Items Repurposed Items Kindergarten - 2nd Grades 1st - Kalynn Ryan (25) 2nd - Luke Holland (25) 3rd - 5th Grades 1st - Kalyne Tucker (84) 6th - 8th Grades 1st - Aubrianna Dobecka (6) 2nd - Mckenzie Burcie (154) 3rd -Morgan Oliver (25) 9th - 11th Grades 1st - Quinlan Dobecka (6) 2nd - Kendall Tucker (84) 3rd - Preston Sullivan (25) Dessert - Cookies Kindergarten - 2nd Grades 1st - Garrett Wyatt (25) 3rd - 5th Grades 1st - Layne Oliver (25) 2nd - Kalyne Tucker (84) 6th - 8th Grades 1st - Joshua Tucker (84) 2nd - Aubrianna Dobecka (6) 3rd - Chad Jurik (25) 9th - 11th Grades 1st - Quinlan Dobecka (6) 2nd - Holly Jones (154) 3rd - Ryan Ruzicka (84) Handicraft Kindergarten - 2nd Grades 1st - Victoria Oliver (25) 2nd - Kalynn Ryan (25) 3rd - Garrett Wyatt (25) 6th - 8th Grades 1st - Mckenzie Burcie (154) 2nd - Madison Holland (25) 3rd - Aubrianna Dobecka (6) 9th - 11th Grades 1st - Megan Ruzicka (84) 2nd - Quinlan Dobecka (6) 3rd - Holly Jones (154)

Constructed Items Left to right, Kalynn Ryan (25), Kalyne Tucker (84), Aubrianna Dobecka (6),Quinlan Dobecka (6).

Dessert Left to right, Garrett Wyatt (25), Layne Oliver (25), Joshua Tucker (84), Quinlan Dobecka (6).

Handicraft Left to right, Victoria Oliver (25), Mckenzie Burcie (154), Megan Ruzicka (84).

Hobby Kits Kindergarten - 2nd Grades 1st - Kalynn Ryan (25) 2nd - Victoria Oliver (25) 3rd - June Holland (25) 3rd - 5th Grades 1st - Layne Oliver (25) 2nd - Kalyne Tucker (84) 6th - 8th Grades 1st - Mckenzie Burcie (154) 2nd - Madison Holland (25) 3rd - Aubrianna Dobecka (6) 9th - 11th Grades 1st - Miles Jones (154) 2nd - Kendall Tucker (84) 3rd - Preston Sullivan (25) Needlework Kindergarten - 2nd Grades 1st - Victoria Oliver (25) 3rd - 5th Grades 1st - Layne Oliver (25)

Hobby Kits Kalynn Ryan (25), Layne Oliver (25), Mckenzie Burcie (154), Miles Jones (154).

Needlework Victoria Oliver (25), Layne Oliver (25), Chad Jurik (25), Holly Jones (154).

6th - 8th Grades 1st - Chad Jurik (25) 2nd - Morgan Oliver (25) 3rd - Mckenzie Burcie (154) 9th - 11th Grades 1st - Holly Jones (154) Photography Street Impressions Kindergarten - 2nd Grades 1st - Luke Holland (25) 2nd - June Holland (25) 3rd - Garrett Wyatt (25) 3rd - 5th Grades 1st - Layne Oliver (25) 2nd - Kalyne Tucker (84) 6th - 8th Grades 1st - Morgan Oliver (25) 2nd - Madison Holland (25) 3rd - Joshua Tucker (84)

Monday, April 11, 2022

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District THREE Youth Achievement Day

Sunday, March 27, 2022 ★ Lodge 25, Ennis ★ Hosted by District Three Members

Photography

9th - 11th Grades 1st - Preston Sullivan (25) 2nd - Quinlan Dobecka (6) 3rd - Holly Jones (154) Pictorial Arts Kindergarten - 2nd Grades 1st - Kalynn Ryan (25) 6th - 8th Grades 1st - Madison Holland (25) 2nd - Morgan Oliver (25)

Left to right, Luke Holland (25), Layne Oliver (25), Morgan Oliver (25), Preston Sullivan (25).

Pictorial Arts Left to right, Kalynn Ryan (25), Madison Holland (25), Megan Ruzicka (84).

9th - 11th Grades 1st - Megan Ruzicka (84) 2nd - Quinlan Dobecka (6) 3rd - Miles Jones (154) Science and Education Kindergarten - 2nd Grades 1st - Kalynn Ryan (25)

Science and Education

9th - 11th Grades 1st - Miles Jones (154)

Left to right, Kalynn Ryan (25), Miles Jones (154).

Sewing Kindergarten - 2nd Grades 1st - Victoria Oliver (25) 3rd - 5th Grades 1st - Layne Oliver (25) 6th - 8th Grades 1st - Mckenzie Burcie (154) 2nd - Morgan Oliver (25) 9th - 11th Grades 1st - Miles Jones (154) Individual Talent Kindergarten - 2nd Grades 1st - Victoria Oliver (25) 3rd - 5th Grades 1st - Layne Oliver (25) 6th - 8th Grades 1st - Morgan Oliver (25) 9th - 11th Grades 1st - Holly Jones (154) 2nd - Miles Jones (154) 3rd - Ryan Ruzicka (84)

Sewing Left to right, Victoria Oliver (25), Layne Oliver (25), Mckenzie Burcie (154), Miles Jones (154).

Individual Talent Left to right, Victoria Oliver (25), Layne Oliver (25), Morgan Oliver (25), Holly Jones (154).

Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 25, Ennis June Holland Luke Holland Layne Oliver Victoria Oliver Kalynn Ryan Garrett Wyatt Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 154, Fort Worth Holly Jones Miles Jones 2nd - Lodge 25, Ennis Madison Holland Chad Jurik Morgan Oliver Preston Sullivan Royalty - King District King Preston Sullivan (25) District Duke Luke Holland (25) First Runner-Up King Miles Jones (154) First Runner-Up Duke Garrett Wyatt (25) Royalty - Queen District Queen Madison Holland (25) District Duchess June Holland (25) First Runner-Up Queen Kendall Tucker (84) First Runner-Up Duchess Kalyne Tucker (84) —SPJST—

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District THREE Youth Achievement Day SCENES

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 25, Ennis Treasurer Betty Macalik heads up soda and snack duties at District Three Youth Achievement Day.

RIGHT PHOTO: Assisting with tabulation are, Brandon and Appa Burcie, both of Lodge 154, Fort Worth.

LEFT PHOTO: Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez double-checks contest results. CENTER PHOTO: Way to go, District Three! District Three Youth Counselor Mary Steinman and District Three Director John Engelke, right, present $500 to State Fraternal Director Frank Horak for summer camp programs at Camp

Kubena. The funds were raised in a silent auction of YAD desserts category (cookies) that were donated by participants. Thank you to youth contributors and buyers! RIGHT PHOTO: District Three Director John Engelke assists with tabulation. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and made the day run smoothly.

District three Youth Achievement Day

SENIOR GROUP TALENT - Lodge 154, Fort Worth. Miles Jones, Holly Jones.

Sunday, March 27, 2022 ★ Lodge 25, Ennis ★ Hosted by District Three Members

JUNIOR GROUP TALENT - Lodge 25, Ennis. Back, left to right, Luke Holland, Layne Oliver, Kalynn Ryan. Front: Garrett Wyatt, June Holland, Victoria Oliver.

Monday, April 11, 2022

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LEFT PHOTO: District Three Royalty Court and their families. Front, left to right, Garrett Wyatt, 2022-2023 District Three Duke Luke Holland, 2022-2023 District Three King Preston Sullivan, 2022-2023 District Three Queen Madison Holland, 2022-2023 District Three Duchess June Holland. Back: April Wyatt, Jake and Jessica Holland, Pierce Tignor, Lisa and Bill Sullivan, Brian Holland, Austen Holland, Kristi Holland, Isaac Burns, and Rita and Scooter Holland. RIGHT PHOTO: State, district, and local lodge officials congratulate

the newly-crowned District Three Royalty Court. Front, left to right, are 2022-2023 District Three Royalty - Duke Luke Holland, King Preston Sullivan, Queen Madison Holland, and Duchess June Holland, all of Lodge 25, Ennis. BACK: State Fraternal Director Frank Horak, Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Leader Rita Holland, District Three Director John Engelke, District Youth Counselor Mary Steinman, and Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny. Congratulations to the 2022-2023 District Three Royalty!

District three Youth Achievement Day

far right, recognize, second from left to right, 1990 State Duchess Kelli (Sims) Tucker, 1969 State Duchess Rita (Krajca) Holland, 2020 State Duchess Mckenzie Burcie, 2020 State Queen Holly Jones, 2019 State Queen Misty Dvorak, 2003 State King Jake Holland, 2017 State King Austen Holland, 2009 State Duke Brandon Droste, and 2017 State Duchess Madison Holland.

Sunday, March 27, 2022 ★ Lodge 25, Ennis ★ Hosted by District Three Members

LEFT PHOTO: Four Generations-Proud of Lodge 25, Ennis Members! 2022-2023 District Three Queen Madison Holland is pictured with her father Brian Holland, left, great-grandmother Margaret Krajca, and grandmother Rita and grandfather Scooter Holland. RIGHT PHOTO: Roll out the red carpet for past royalty in attendance at District Three YAD. Mistress of ceremonies CarrieAnn Jones, far left, and District Three Youth Counselor Mary Steinman,

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Monday, April 11, 2022

In Memoriam In Memory of Dr. Larry Chaloupka Dr. Larry James Chaloupka Sr., age 80, died Tuesday, March 18, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 27, 1941, in Rosenberg, Texas, the son of Henry John Chaloupka and Marie Edna (Zwahr) Chaloupka. The family received friends at a visitation on Dr. Larry Chaloupka Thursday, March 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Commerce Funeral Home. Funeral was Friday, March 25 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Commerce with Reverend Kris Myers officiating. Burial was at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas. Larry graduated from Needville High School with the class of 1959. He then earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1962 and his Master of Arts degree in 1965, both from Sam Houston State University. He completed his formal education in 1969, earning his Doctor of Education degree from Louisiana State University in 1969. He spent 34 years in Commerce in the health and physical education department of East Texas State University (Texas A&M-Commerce), until his retirement in 2007. After retirement, Larry stayed active by teaching Sunday School classes for all ages and stages of life. He was very involved with his grandchildren. He enjoyed their concerts, sporting events, graduations, and other life events. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville. He was also a member of TAPHERD, served as a deacon at First Baptist Church-Commerce, president of Parks and Recreation Board in Commerce as well as working with the college ministry at First Baptist Church. Larry was an avid golfer, traveled, loved reading, watching sports, and keeping up with political news. Left to cherish Larry’s memory are his loving wife of 39 years, Linda; children Larry Chaloupka Jr. and wife Rochelle, and Molly Chaloupka McRae and husband Kelly; stepchildren Gary

Glenewinkel Jr. and Myke Gregg and husband Guy; brother Dennis and wife Pat; grandchildren Maggie Chaloupka, Elizabeth McRae, Ryan McRae, Gary “Trey” Glenewinkel III, and Trevor Gregg; best friend Keith Emmerson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Edna Chaloupka. Serving as pallbearers were Gary Glenewinkel Jr., Gary Glenewinkel III (Trey), Larry Chaloupka Jr., Kelly McRae, Ryan McRae, Guy Gregg, Trevor Gregg, and Phillip May. Honorary pallbearers were Dennis Chaloupka, George Shields, Frank Street, Jim Folks, Tims Edwards, Marty Yale, Robert Riza, and Bobby Zwahr. Memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church Commerce Senior Adult Ministry, 1401 Washington Street, Commerce, Texas 75428. —SPJST—

In Memory of Dorothy Gajdosik Dorothy Gajdosik, our precious mother, age 92, of West, Texas, passed away late Wednesday morning, February 16, 2022, at Providence Hospital in Waco. Graveside service was at 11 a.m. Monday, February 21 at St. Mary’s Cemetery near West, with Deacon Ronnie Sykora officiating. The Dorothy Gajdosik family received visitors from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 27 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel. Dorothy was born October 11, 1929, in West, the daughter of Frank and Janie (Foitek) Steinocher. She attended schools in Tours and West. On August 19, 1947, she was united in marriage to Rudolph Gajdosik in West. After 51 years of marriage, Rudolph preceded her in death on August 27, 1998. Dorothy was a lifelong and faithful member

of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. She was also a member of KJZT Society 11, West and SPJST Lodge 54, West. She worked for Lorch Manufacturing in West for many years. Dorothy enjoyed playing bingo, quilting, working on puzzles, and gardening. She especially loved spending time with her family. Dorothy was also preceded in death by her parents; and brothers Raymond, Edward, and Frank Steinocher. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Dorothy and Alvin Sembera of West and Evelyn and Richard Wedeking of Robinson; grandchildren and their spouses, Kyle Sembera, Kristie and Greg Athens, Paula Sembera, Patricia and Linn Taylor, Jason and Jennifer Sembera, Shelly and Cruz Trevino, and Sarah and Josh Goodrum; nine greatgrandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Betty Steinocher; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Memorials may be made to Waco Humane Society or West Meals on Wheels. You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Dorothy in our memorial guest book found at www.aderholdfuneralhome.com. Aderhold Funeral Home in West was in charge of arrangements. —SPJST—

In Memory of Jimmy Holacka James Raymond “Jimmy” Holacka, age 81, of Dallas, Texas, passed away late Sunday afternoon, March 20, 2022, at Parkland Hospital in Dallas. A rosary was recited at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 27 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, followed by visitation until 5 p.m. Mass of Christian burial Jimmy Holacka was celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday March 28 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Reverend Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military graveside rites followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery in West,

conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard. Jimmy was born October 19, 1940, in Penelope, the son of Jim and Regina (Kocian) Holacka. He attended school in West and was a 1959 graduate of West High School. On October 30, 1965, he was united in marriage to Jerryline Gajdosik in West. Jimmy proudly served his country in the United States Army as a radio operator and served in the Army Reserves during Peacetime. He worked for Parkland Hospital Bluitt Flowers Outpatient Clinic in Dallas for the van transportation department while taking elderly patients to and from the clinic for more than 24 years until his retirement. Jimmy was a ticket agent for Southwest Airlines and prior to that worked as a barber at James Connally Air Force Base in Waco. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dallas and served as an Eucharistic minister. Jimmy was also a member of VFW Post 4819 of West, KJT in Dallas, and the SPJST Lodge 66, Waco. He enjoyed listening to polka music, dancing, doing yard work, and had a great desire for helping people in need. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; and brother Eugene Holacka. Survivors include his beloved wife of 56 years, Jerryline Holacka of Dallas; sister-in-law Dorothy Holacka of Austin; nieces Helen and Don Oelrich of Austin and Stephanie and Blaine Smelscer of Robinson; nephew Donald Holacka and wife Mary of Saginaw; Godsons and great nephews Elliott and Noah Smelscer; Goddaughters Theresa, Pamela, and Ronica; and many other relatives and friends. Pallbearers were Donald Holacka, Wilford Gajdosik, Blaine Smelscer, Robert Hessel, Gary Beseda, and Earl Ehlers. Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dallas. You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Jimmy in the memorial guest book found at www.aderholdfuneralhome.com. Aderhold Funeral Home in West was in charge of arrangements. —SPJST—

Monday, April 11, 2022

In Memory of Harry Hykel Harry Lee Hykel, age 90, of West, Texas, passed away early Monday morning, December 13, 2021, at Ascension Providence Hospital in Waco. A rosary was recited at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 16 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation until 8 p.m. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at Harry Hykel 10 a.m. Friday, December 17 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Reverend Ed Karasek as celebrant, assisted by Robin Waters. Military graveside rites followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery in West, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard. Harry Lee was born August 13, 1931, in West, the son of Edward and Vlasta (Hrabal) Hykel. He attended Elk and St. Mary’s School in West. On August 28, 1951, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Holecek in West. Harry Lee proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. Harry Lee served as Commander of West Veterans Honor Guard, and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4819, American Legion Post 478, SPJST Lodge 54, West, and the RVOS Marak Lodge, where he served as an auditor. He was also a lifetime member of National Rifle Association and Texas State Rifle Association. Harry Lee worked for General Tire and Rubber Company for 34 years, before retiring in 1985. He also worked as a carpenter with J.M. Holecek and, following his retirement, worked with his son at Larry Hykel Construction Company until 2001. Harry Lee enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, dancing, traveling, gambling, having a good cold beer every once in awhile, visiting with friends, and participating at the VFW Club. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Harry Lee was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Edward “Shorty” Hykel, Joe “Yoba” Hykel, and Robert Hykel; sister Rosalie Karlik; and infant brother Victor Hykel.

VĚSTNÍK Survivors include his beloved wife of 70 years, Mary Ann Hykel of West; children Larry Hykel and wife Donna of West, George Hykel and wife Linda of West, Carla Ruiz and husband Ernest of Austin, and Julie Deiterman and husband Gary of West; brother Patrick “Butch” Hykel and wife Joanie; sister, Caral Ann “Tootsie” Lehman and husband Richard; grandchildren Justin Hykel and wife Cristy, Lacey Hykel, Tyler Hykel and wife Elizabeth, Garrett Hykel and wife Olivia, Joseph Ruiz and wife Vera, Amanda Jordan and husband Trevor, and Allison Ruiz and Ben MacMaster; great-grandchildren Reigan Hykel, Gage Hykel, Sophie Jordan, Abigale Hykel, August Hykel, and Eli Hykel; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Active pallbearers were Justin Hykel, Joseph Ruiz, Tyler Hykel, Garrett Hykel, Trevor Jordan, Ben MacMaster, Jerry Mazanec, and Jeff George. Honorary pallbearers were Norman Payne, Charles Rieger, Ernest “Toby” Tobola, Alfonse Kaska, Alan Bishop, Mike Driscoll, David Pareya, David Neckar, Gage Hykel, Eli Hykel, August Hykel, R.J. “Jake” Sulak, and members of the West Veterans Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Cemetery Pavilion, St. Anne’s Altar Society, or West Volunteer Ambulance Association. You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Harry Lee in our memorial guest book found at www.aderholdfuneralhome.com. Aderhold Funeral Home in West was in charge of arrangements. —SPJST—

In Memory of Marvin Laffere Shortly before his 92nd birthday, Marvin W. Laffere went to meet his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the home of his daughter. Visitation was Thursday, March 17 at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home followed by funeral services at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Deanville. Marvin was Marvin Laffere born on March 16, 1930, at home to Elo F. and Bertha (Dworsky) Laffere. He was number seven of eight children. Marvin attended Deanville Public School until the eighth grade then began working the farm with his mother after the death of his father to provide a living for his siblings still at home. In February 1952, he enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to Korea where he served for just over a year in the 4th Army Area. Marvin was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, and the UN Service Medal. After returning home, he worked briefly at the commissary at Texas A&M University before beginning work at Alcoa Aluminum for 30 years. He retired in 1984 and continued to farm and ranch until his death. Marvin was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Deanville; Sons of Hermann - Deanville; SPJST Lodge 13, Dime Box; VFW Post 4458; Deanville Volunteer Fire Department; Birch Sports Club; and on the board of Deanville Water Supply Corporation. On June 3, 1956, he married the love of his life, Loretta (Ripple) Laffere. They had one daughter, Bridget. Marvin enjoyed dancing, fishing, hunting, playing dominoes, and gambling. Spending time working with his cows was his passion, and he could often be seen in the pastures on his Ranger checking and feeding them. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Loretta Laffere; parents; sisters Hilda Prazak, Margie Atkinson, Madelyn Pavlas, and Bertie Jester; and brothers Elo Laffere and Milton (Pete) Laffere.

He is survived by daughter Bridget and husband Joe Ofczarzak; granddaughters Alyssa and husband Mark Melson and Ashlee and husband Brandon Telschow; great-grandchildren Aiden and Aubrey Melson, and Jolee, Jesee, and Jet Telschow; brother Jimmy Laffere; and numerous nephews and nieces. Serving as pallbearers were John Laffere, Mike Jester, Rick McGinnis, Chris Perry, James Schumacher, and Bobby Schumacher. Honorary pallbearers were Buddy Brinkman and Bennie Supak. Please consider a donation in Marvin’s name to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2609 FM 60, Caldwell, Texas 77836; or Tradition Hospice, 1862 Rock Prairie Road, Suite 202 and 204, College Station, Texas 77845. Condolences may be expressed at PhillipsandLuckey.com. —SPJST—

In Memory of Martha Mahdak Martha Mae Pokladnik Mahdak, beloved mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, sister, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at the age of 91. She was born in Dallas, Texas, on Halloween in 1930, the youngest of seven children to Emil and Marie Pokladnik, who immigrated from Czechoslovakia in Martha Mahdak the early 1900s. Martha grew up in Dallas and in 1948, she graduated from North Dallas High School. She met George Mahdak at a dance, and they married on September 10, 1949. Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 40 years, George Mahdak; infant daughter Deborah; brothers Emil, Frank, and Robert Pokladnik; and sisters Annie Petr and Lillian Jennings. Martha is survived by her children and their spouses, Kathy Mahdak, Karl Mahdak, Cindy Cappel (Eric), Christine Bandy (Preston), and Camille Payne (Boyd Pace); grandchildren and their spouses, Courtney Mahdak, Kristopher

VĚSTNÍK Cody Mahdak (Alison), Cole Cappel, Justin Bandy, Michael Bandy (Brianna), Adrian Bandy, Michael Pace (Erin), Troy Pace, Amber Crawford (Stephen), Bill Payne (Jen), and Daniel Payne (Tristin); and great-grandchildren Ethan, Ellie, and Quinn; and sister Mary Kubin. Martha was a parishioner of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church for more than 65 years where she was a member of the Altar Society and Women’s Circle, Leisure Club, and volunteered for numerous church activities. She was also a lifelong member of SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas where she was selected twice as Fraternalist of the Year, was a youth leader, and a member of the choral group. Martha enjoyed dancing and was a member of P.O.L.K.A. dance group, performing with them for many years. She was also a member of Dallas Krouzek - Circle of Czech Women and KJT. Martha was always involved with her family’s activities and worked as a full-time bookkeeper for more than 25 years. The family asks that you donate to one of the following charities: St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, American Heart Association, or The American Cancer Society. May she rest in peace The Resolution Committee Cheryl Petr —SPJST—

In Memory of Josephine Mayfield Josephine Marie Mayfield, age 86, resident of Pasadena, Texas, passed away on December 24, 2021. She was born in Houston to Pepino Pizzitola and Teresa Arfele Pizzitola. She was born October 12, 1935. She attended and graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School. She later married Josephine Mayfield the love of her life Robert D. Mayfield on September 7, 1959. They celebrated 62 wonderful and happy years. Josephine was a sweet, loving, generous, and kind woman who would help anyone in need. She loved to sew and

Monday, April 11, 2022 dance. She was an active member and officer of SPJST Lodge 172, Pasadena for many years. She was preceded in death by her father Pepino; mother Teresa; and brother Frank Pizzitola. She will be deeply missed by her husband Robert; daughter Teresa and husband Sergio Zubia; grandchildren Tabitha Carroll and husband Jim, Daniel Carroll and wife Jessica, Erik Zubia, and Cristian Zubia and wife Michaela; and great-grandchildren Obin and River Carroll and Madeleine Zubia; and all those who loved her. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkEast-FHC.com for the Mayfield family. —SPJST—

of West Bass Club. For more than 20 years, Toby was a printer for J.S. Barnett Printing in Waco until retiring in 1992. At that time, he started painting with Joe “Mike” Mazanec and then for himself. Toby enjoyed fishing, listening to Czech music, drinking a good cold pivo, hunting, and sitting at the table of knowledge at Mynar’s and the VFW Club. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandsons and watching them play football and all their other sports and activities. Toby was preceded in death by his parents; brother Harry Lee Tobola; and sisters Betty Chudej and Patsy Jones. Survivors include his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Doris Tobola of West; his children and their spouses, Lisa and Johnny Hutyra and Jeff and Terri To-

bola, all of West; grandsons Christopher Williams, Cory Williams, Haden Tobola, Mason Tobola, Jaye J. Hutyra, and Jaycee Hutyra and wife Rachel; greatgrandson John Hutyra; sister Kathy and husband John Lozano; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Active pallbearers were his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers were his special friends from the “Table.” Memorials may be made to West Volunteer Ambulance Association or St. Mary’s Cemetery Association. You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Toby in our memorial guest book found at www.aderholdfuneralhome.com. Aderhold Funeral Home in West is in charge of arrangements. —SPJST—

In Memory of Ernest Tobola Ernest J. “Toby” Tobola, age 81, of West, Texas, passed away Monday morning, February 28, 2022, surrounded by his family at West Rest Haven, which is on the old Tobola farm land where he grew up. A rosary was recited at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 6 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, followed by visitation until 5 p.m. Memorial mass of resurrecToby Tobola tion was at 10 a.m. Monday, March 7 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Reverend Ed Karasek as celebrant. Burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Toby was born September 25, 1940, in West, the son of Ernest and Marie (Zahirniak) Tobola. He attended schools in West. At an early age, he started sweeping floors at Čechoslovak Publishing Company for Mr. Joe Holasek, and while there, he learned to run the printing press. Toby printed the West News, the Vestnik, and the Hospodar. On May 12, 1962, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Doris Macik, in West. Toby was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was also a member of SPJST Lodge 54, West and a co-founder

Bronze SPJST Cemetery Markers Bronze SPJST cemetery markers are available for purchase through the Home Oﬃce for $20 a piece. Price includes shipping and handling. The markers measure three inches in diameter and include a fourinch threaded post for mounting. To purchase or for more information, call the Home Oﬃce at 800-727-7578 and ask for Sandra.

ON LY $20

L UA T AC SIZE

Monday, April 11, 2022

VĚSTNÍK

Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas

Česká

Část

ROČNÍK 110 ZÁŘÍ 7

11.duben.2022

Podpora ★ Lidskost ★ Bratrstvi´ BENEVOLENCE HUMANITY BROTHERHOOD

Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897

Učme se česky Let Us Study Czech Lekce dvacet pět Lesson 25 Číslovky - Numerals Cardinal Ordinal 1 jeden první (first prvý) jedna jedno 2 dva druhý (2nd) dvě 3 tři třetí 4 čtyři čtvrtý 5 pět pátý 6 šest šestý 7 sedm sedmý 8 osm osmý 9 devět devátý 10 deset desátý 11 jedenáct jedenáctý 12 dvanáct dvanáctý 13 třináct třináctý 14 čtrnáct čtrnáctý 15 patnáct patnáctý 16 šestnáct šestnáctý 17 sedmnáct sedmnáctý 18 osmnáct osmnáctý 19 devatenáct devatenácty 20 dvacet dvacátý 21 dvacet jeden dvacáty první or or jedenadvacet jedenadvacátý 30 třicet třicátý 40 čtyřicet čtyřicátý 50 padesát padesátý 60 šedesát šedasátý 70 sedmdesát sedmdesátý 80 osmdesát osmdesátý 90 devadesát devadesátý 100 sto stý 200 dvě stě dvoustý 300 tři sta třistý 400 čtyři sta čtyrstý

500 pět set pětistý 600 šest set šestistý 1,000 tisíc tisící 2,000 dva tisíce dvoutisíci 1,735 — tisíc sedm set třicet pět tisíci sedmistý 1,000,000 — milion milióntý S

Jeden, jedna, jedno; dva, dvě, tři, čtyři (for all three genders) stand for adjectives agreeing in gender, number, and case with the noun they qualify. Dva and dvě have an old dual number inflection dvou, dvěma (like rukou and rukama); oba and obě: obou oběma.

Jedni means ‘the ones’, but druzi means ‘the others’. Jedny, jedna are used with the plural: jedny housle, jedna kamna. S

Málo (little, few) is invariable in adjective use: Píšu si s několika málo přáteli. Půl (-polovina, polovice) and čtvrt do not change: Od půl šesté do čtvrt na devět. S

In the nominative case, the nouns and adjectives are in the genitive plural after these numbers: pět velkých domů přijdu v šest domů přijdu v šest hodin Instrumental: s pěti velkými domy Locative: o šesti hodinách Gen. pl.: je zde pět lidí. bylo tam dvacet lidí: kolik jich bylo?

Czech Film Night and Matinee features Queen Marie on April 12 in Belton

There is a special class of numerals indicating different kinds of individual objects (generic numerals): dvojí - twofold; trojí; čtvrtý; patérý; šesterý, devátery, desátery, sterý, tisícerý. These answer the question: kolikerý? — of how many different kinds?

Example: Máme dvojí víno, červené a bílé. Veškerý — all kinds of . . . : total, universal. Pokračovani. —SPJST—

Usage examples: Od tři do čtyř. Ve dvou dnech. Ve třech dnech. S třemi koňmi. S

Indefinite Numeral Mnoho, kolik, tolik, and nekolik are all indefinite numerals. Approximate number is expressed by the words asi, skoro, or na: bylo tam na padesát lidí.

Czech Film Night and Matinee will feature the film Queen Marie on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at The Beltonian Theatre, located at 219 East Central Avenue in Belton, Texas 76513-3237. Admission is free of charge. The matinee is at 3 p.m., and the evening show is at 6 p.m. This true story gives insight into the roles of United States President Woodrow Wilson plus a nod to British journalist Wickham Steed. Both were also instrumental to the freedom of the Czech and Slovak people in 1918. This is the story of those world events through the unique experiences of Marie, queen of Romania, who was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria and raised in England. It details the power she found and used for good, even as a seemingly powerless monarch. Submitted by, Susan Chandler Administrator Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, April 11, 2022

Diary of a Modern Dad (Deníček moderního fotra) Directed by Jan Haluza Top Grossing Czech Comedy — 2021, Official Selection Karlovy Vary IFF

Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center shares happenings

Czech That Film Texas comes to Texas Austin: April 19 and 26 Dallas: April 29 - May 1

The Antique Glass Club The Antique Glass Club held a lunch meeting on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center in Temple. CHMGC Administrator Susan Chandler gave a program on “end of the day glass.” A collection of antique Czech art glass and pottery recently donated to the Museum by Jean Blaha-Davis includes excellent examples of this genre. Vanny Bolsins, pictured above, shows her “End-of-Day Glass” vase at the Czech Heritage Museum during a recent meeting of the Antique Glass Club. In 2018, the Antique Glass Club donated two new beautiful cherry wood and glass curio display cabinets to the Museum for the collection of antique Czech boudoir glass. The Club has held meetings and luncheons at the Museum over the years. It’s always fun to have this lively group in the Museum! Submitted by, Susan Chandler Administrator Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center —SPJST—

Presented by Big Day Pictures and PolkaWorks, Czech That Film Texas annually brings the best of Czech contemporary cinema to Texas. The festival is committed to exhibiting films that not only expose participants to Czech culture, but also enlighten audiences, bring people together, and present inspired entertainment for all. Traveling to 20 cities in the USA and Canada over the last decade, Austin and Dallas will be two of the few cities presenting in-person screenings in 2022. The Austin event will be hosted at Violet Crown Cinema, 434 West 2nd Street in Austin, Texas 78701. Seating is limited. Tickets are available at www.violetcrown.com. The schedule is: Tuesday, April 19 at 7 p.m. Diary of a Modern Dad (Deníček moderního fotra) Tuesday, April 26 at 7 p.m. Two Ships (Marťanské lodě) The Dallas event will be hosted at Studio Movie Grill, SMG Spring Valley, 13933 North Central Expy in Dallas, Texas 75243. Tickets are available at the box office before each show or in advance at www.studiomoviegrill.com. The schedule is: Friday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. Occupation (Okupace) Saturday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. Bird Atlas (Atlas ptáků)

Sunday, May 1 at 4 p.m. Diary of a Modern Dad (Deníček moderního fotra) All films are in the Czech language with English subtitles. Occupation (Okupace) Directed by Michal Nohejl 5 Czech Critics’ Choice Awards including Best Picture plus 3 Czech Oscars A sleepy actors’ party is disrupted by an uninvited guest. A drunken Russian officer comes to the bar to sell a canister of gas, but the business transaction quickly turns into a vodka drinking race. The Russian, interested in the striking Milada and entertained by the comedic cowardice of all the men present, wouldn’t leave. The atmosphere thickens and the Russian is having a grand old time. So grand that he pulls out a gun . . . The party, beating to the rhythm of the cosmically psychedelic music by Kill the Dandies!, spins out of control and the participants can’t keep up. The game becomes a trap, heroes become cowards, and cowards become heroes. There is only one way out of the occupied bar: a revolution! After this night, no one will be the same. Bird Atlas (Atlas ptáků) Directed by Olmo Omerzu 9 Czech Oscar Nominations, Official Selection Karlovy Vary IFF A huge money embezzlement in a multi-million company creates a domino effect of suspicion between the members of the family who run the business. Ivo Rona, a long-time CEO, and his family look for the one to blame, when Marie, one of his most trusted employees, goes missing. A revenge plan, a corporate sabotage or a well-played internet fraud? One thing is certain: someone among them cannot be trusted.

Martin and Eliška meet for the very first time at Martin’s birthday party at derelict premises of Brno train station. Young psychologist Eliška invites musician Martin to a lecture she organizes. Martin is really impressed. He is courting her, she is chasing after him. Martin flies to Norway to see her. After their arrival home, they realize they need each other. Their story resembles a Hollywood romance, except it takes place in Brno. Can a cosmic love cure all their pains? Two Ships (Marťanské lodě) Directed by Jan Foukal Czech Oscar Nomination – Best Female Performance, Official Selection Karlovy Vary IFF Martin and Eliška meet for the very first time at Martin’s birthday party at derelict premises of Brno train station. Young psychologist Eliška invites musician Martin to a lecture she organizes. Martin is really impressed. He is courting her, she is chasing after him. Martin flies to Norway to see her. After their arrival home, they realize they need each other. Their story resembles a Hollywood romance, except it takes place in Brno. Can a cosmic love cure all their pains? Submitted by, Jeffrey Brown —SPJST—

Monday, April 11, 2022

Brazos Valley CHS to host April 23 Czech baking class Learn to make genuine Czech kolache, buns (buchty), and a fruit sheet cake with crumbly topping at a Czech baking class sponsored by Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society. The class will be held Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Activity Center, 600 East 26th Street in Bryan, Texas. Cost for the class is $40 with a limit of 12 participants (age 12 and older). Most supplies for the class will be provided.

To register, sign up online at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0 944ABAB2AA0F49-czech or contact Stanislav Vitha by email at bohemian2012@aol.com or 979-587-1777. Within a few days after registration, you

will receive an email regarding payment information, a list of items to bring, and a copy of the recipes. Kelly Sandhop BVCHS Reporter —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Madeleine Albright: Pioneering Diplomat, Influential U.S. Secretary State “As secretary, I will do my best to talk about foreign policy not in abstract terms, but in human terms and bipartisan terms,” she said. “I consider this vital because in our Albright, US democracy, we Madeleine Secretary of State, cannot pursue 1997-2001. policies abroad that are not understood and supported here at home.” ~ Albright said in a speech at Rice University according to the New York Times. , . Madeleine Albright, died of cancer aged 84 on March 23, 2022. She was the first woman to hold the office of secretary of state of the United States. It fell to her to cope with the painful dilemmas presented for the US by the breakup of Yugoslavia and the rise of Islamic opposition in the Middle East. While she fulfilled the role in the administration of President Bill Clinton, she could not take the place that office usually confers as third in succession to the president because she was not a “natural born citizen” of the US. Like Henry Kissinger, a secretary of state in the Nixon administration, and Zbigniew Brzezinski, the national security adviser to Jimmy Carter, she had been a refugee from Europe. Like them also, Albright came to the job not via business or politics but through an academic background in the study of international relations. Madeleine Albright was a pioneering diplomat who was highly influential in shaping U.S. foreign policy. Her family immigrated to the United States from the Czech Republic in 1948 after communists seized power. She became a United States citizen in 1957 and earned a PhD from Columbia University. She worked on the National Security Council and became a faculty member at Georgetown University. In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed her to be the U.S. ambassador for the United Nations and she became the first female U.S. secretary of state in 1997 taking over for Warren Christopher, serving in that role until President Clinton left office.

While in office as secretary of state, Albright supported the strengthening of the NATO alliance and the addition of former Soviet bloc countries and pushed for NATO to intervene in the genocide during the Balkan War. She was a supporter of environmental concerns, reasoning that NATO operations should be limited by controls on greenhouse gas emissions. She worked against nuclear weapons being developed by rogue countries and met with Kim Jong-il in North Korea in 2000 but was unable to reach a deal with him to limit their ballistic missiles. She was influential in getting Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 1998 to allow UN inspectors back in when it was believed he was building biological and chemical weapons. In the 1990s, Madeleine Albright discovered her Jewish ancestry when the Washington Post published a piece reporting that her parents had been Jewish and converted during World War II. She accepted the information as the truth and told the New York Times, “I think my father and mother were the bravest people alive. They dealt with the most difficult decision anyone could make. I am incredibly grateful to them, and beyond measure.” Eldest of three children, she was born Marie Jana Korbelová in Prague. on May 15, 1937. Her family took refuge from the Nazis in Switzerland, where she was educated at the Préalpina Institut pour Jeunes Filles on Lake Geneva. Madeleine was a French version of her Czech name. During the second world war, her family moved to London, which became the headquarters of the Czech government in exile, and Madeleine was brought up first in Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, then in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, and Walton-onThames, Surrey. Her father Josef was a diplomat who took his family out of Czechoslovakia to London after Hitler and the Nazi’s invaded the country. While in London, they

made the difficult decision to convert to Roman Catholicism in 1941 as the Nazi regime terrorized Europe. The children were baptized and their parents made up a family history that involved Catholic holidays in their past. They went back to their home country after the war but left for the United States in 1948 when the communists took control. In the 1990s, Madeleine Albright discovered her Jewish ancestry when the Washington Post published a piece reporting that her parents had been Jewish and converted during World War II. She accepted the information as the truth and told the New York Times, “I think my father and mother were the bravest people alive. They dealt with the most difficult decision anyone could make. I am incredibly grateful to them, and beyond measure.” Albright, with her considerable expertise in both domestic and international politics, and her ability to speak several foreign languages, was a natural choice for Clinton, when he was elected president in 1992, to choose as US ambassador at the United Nations. By the time of the Clinton administration, a female secretary of state was, if not exactly an idea whose time had come, at least not unthinkable, if the woman were well known and well liked in the Washington Democratic establishment. It is said that Clinton asked Albright if she was happy as ambassador to the UN; she replied that she was, but that she would rather be secretary of state. Clinton appointed her in 1997. In 2012, Albright was awarded the presidential medal of freedom by Barack Obama later that year. She is survived by her three daughters, Anne, Alice, and Katherine; and six grandchildren. https://www.theguardian.com/usnews/2022/mar/23/madeleine-albright-obituary https://www.legacy.com/news/celebrity-deaths/madeleine-albright-1937-2022-first-female-secretary-ofstate/

—SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, April 11, 2022

SPJST participates in TOCA Awards Banquet

Saturday, March 26, 2022 • Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange, Texas

SPJST hosted a wine and cheese reception prior to the 2022 Texans of Czech Ancestry (TOCA) Awards Banquet on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange. CENTER PHOTO: Left to right, District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha, District One Director

Donnie Victorick, and President/CEO Brian Vanicek greet attendees. RIGHT PHOTO: SPJST’s honorees Alfred and Bernice Vrazel of Lodge 15, Buckholts, pictured left, are surrounded by their family members who attended the TOCA Awards Banquet.

SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek, left, acknowledges Alfred and Bernice Vrazel for their significant contributions to SPJST and Czech heritage. CENTER PHOTO: Mr. and Mrs. Vrazel, seated in front, are pictured with family. Standing, left to right are granddaughter Jessica Strmiska, grandson Matthew Strmiska, Bernice’s brother Adolph and sister-in-law Dorothy Vansa, Bernice’s sister Patsy Gaines, Bernice’s brother Robert

and sister-in-law Debbie Vansa, and daughter Cynthia and son-in-law Michael Morris. RIGHT PHOTO: Pictured, left to right, are SPJST District One Director Donnie Victorick, TOCA President Thomas Stavinoha, SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek, SPJST honorees Alfred and Bernice Vrazel of Lodge 15, Buckholts, and District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Vrazel!

TOCA-member organizations also recognized several SPJST members during the event. LEFT PHOTO: Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS) honored Daniel Mares, center, of Lodge 47, Seaton and Edwin Hlavaty, not pictured, of Lodge 17, New Tabor. Also pictured are TOCA President Thomas Stavinoha of Lodge 81, Needville and TCGS representative Nancy Machu of Lodge 29, Taylor. PHOTO 2: Fort Bend County Czech Heritage

Society recognized Neal Adamcik, center, of Lodge 88, Houston. PHOTO 3: Travis-Williamson Counties Czech Heritage Society honored Dawn Orsak, right, of Lodge 187, Round Rock. RIGHT PHOTO: Czech Heritage Society of Texas recognized Rudolph Rusnak, second from right, of Lodge 232, Houston Midtown. Congratulations to the 2022 TOCA award honorees.

Monday, April 11, 2022

Czech Easter Easter means that spring has arrived. It is a moveable holiday. In the west Christian tradition, Easter is celebrated on the first weekend after the first spring full moon that follows the equinox, which is in March or April. Easter celebrations go a long way back into the past. The Czech Republic, like any other European country, has Jewish-Christian roots so the spring festival is a combination of pagan, Jewish, and Christian traditions.

VĚSTNÍK White Saturday - Bílá sobota. It is known as the Day of Light, symbolizing Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. It is also a day of cleaning and whitewashing. Tables are set with some Easter stuffing, a ram cake or cross bun, and Judas buns. It’s also the last day Czech boys go around their villages shaking their wooden rattles until they are given money. Easter Sunday - Velikonoční neděle. The celebrations continue when churches and cathedrals again fill up with people. Preparations also continue for Easter Monday - Velikonoční pondělí. Easter Monday - And Monday? Monday is all about folk traditions! Easter remains one of the most joyful and fun holidays on the Czech calendar.

Holy Week and Customs The week preceding Easter is called Holy Week. Days of preparation lead up to Easter Monday, each with their religious undertones and customs. Holy Week consists of: Ugly (Spy) Ash Wednesday - Škaredá středa. Ash Wednesday commemorates Judas’ betrayal, or bad deed. The name ash stems from the tradition of sweeping ashes from the chimney on that day. It is a cleaning day, but we should not get upset as one superstition says that a grumpy face could then return every Wednesday of the year. Children are let out of school so that they can spend time making Easter “beautiful” by cleaning and preparing. Green (Maundy) Thursday - Zelený čtvrtek. It honors the Last Supper and is traditionally a day of fasting. No meat is consumed, and green vegetables are encouraged - spinach, cabbage, or nettle salad - to stay healthy all year round. It’s also a day to celebrate with zelene pivo - green beer! Good Friday - Velký pátek. It is a day of mourning over the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and a day of strict fasting. In 2015, Good Friday joined Easter Monday again as an official national holiday.

Painted Eggs The most famous symbol of Easter, not only in the Czech Republic, is the painted egg - to represent fertility and new life. Empty eggshells are decorated in a typical way, according to family or regional tradition. The decorations are varied - painted and carved, dyed in onion peel and other natural colors,

etched, wired, decorated with wax, or perforated. The straw decorating method is very traditional. The egg is initially dyed, and miniature pieces of prepared straw are then glued onto the shell. Some eggs look like works of art and their production can even take a few days; yet, they are so fragile!

Boys Shake Rattles to Scare off Judas For three days during Holy Week, groups of boys head out into their villages shaking a řehtačka - wooden rattle. The tradition is said to scare off Judas, the apostle Christians believe be-

trayed Jesus. On the third day - White Saturday - the boys stop at homes and make noise until they are given a present, usually money and usually to make them stop. The Whip The custom of whipping girls and women with a handmade whip has been a Czech Easter tradition for several centuries, perhaps going back to pre-Chris-

tian times. Boys and men used to whip girls with simple willow branches. Over time, the branches started to be braided together - pomlázky - and, in the end, a long and elaborately braided whip became the pride of its owner. It’s a centuries-old playful tradition said to bring

health and youth to girls and women chased and gently “whipped” by boys and men on Easter Monday morning while chanting the best known rhyme:

Hody, hody, doprovody, dejte vejce malovany, nedate-li malovany, dejte aspon bily, vsak vam slepicka snese jiny. . . . give a painted egg, if you don't give a painted one, give at least a white one, the hen will bring you something different. Traditionally, as boys and men walk around their neighborhood with their pomlázky/whips, they are given a ‘reward’ - a painted egg, a colored ribbon for their whip, money, something sweet, or something stronger, as in Moravia, where homemade brandy is popular. Where to see the Traditions All Czech open-air museums strive to keep the Czech folk traditions alive. The most popular event is Easter in Wallachia, which takes places in the openair museum in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm in Moravia. Another open-air museum that keeps the traditional Easter customs is Veselý Kopec in East Bohemia. Most all historical buildings are decorated and welcome visitors. Open-air museum employees, wearing traditional costumes, will tell all about traditional folk customs, some of which have long been forgotten. Spiritual Dimension The spiritual dimension of Easter is also important in the Catholic tradition in the Czech Republic. It is commemorated at many pilgrimage sites, such as the Holy Mountain in Příbram in Central Bohemia, at the Roman Catholic parish in Velehrad in Moravia, or at Zelená hora near Žďár nad Sázavou, which is inscribed on the UNESCO list. Veselé Velikonoce! Happy Easter! http://www.eatingpraguetours.com/blog/czech-easter/ http://www.nebraskaczechs.org/EventsFolder/czecheastervelikonoce.htm https://www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/ad3469f4-7d02-480a-a00766715732bb2c/article/n-czech-easter-celebrations

—SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, April 11, 2022

Color the Czech Easter Egg!

Czech Cultural Attaché Jan Woska of the Czech Embassy in Washington, D.C., enjoys his visit to the SPJST Lodge 19, Velehrad building, which is located on the campus of Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange. RIGHT PHOTO: He is pictured with SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek and daughter Stephanie at Czech That Film in Austin.

CUBA & CUBA, P.L.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law

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 by email czechheritagemuseum@gmail.com or leave a message at 254-899-2935. The Museum hosts Czech Films on the second Tuesdays of the month - at the 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, 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. —SPJST—

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254-778-1824 COURT CUBA EXTRACO BANK BUILDING 18 S. MAIN, SUITE 802, TEMPLE, TEXAS 76501

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

Monday, April 11, 2022

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: 979-966-3795. 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: 254217-2863. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly. For information, call 254-721-3902.

LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6) Sunday, June 5—Lodge meeting Sunday, August 14—Lodge meeting Sunday, November 13—Lodge meeting Sunday, December 11—Christmas Party and Recognition of 50- and 75-Year Members at Vsetin Educational Building

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: 979-2723440. 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 361-7983347. LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3) Sunday, April 17—Marek Easter party Saturday, April 23—Baby shower Saturday, April 30—50th Wedding anniversary Sunday, May 1—Lodge meeting, 2 p.m. Sunday, May 29—Lander reunion Saturday, June 4—Tichavosky Reunion Sunday, June 5—Lodge meeting 2 p.m. 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 254-7170383; or dataped@sbcglobal.net. LODGE 8, WEIMAR (6) Update - Meeting time change: Beginning February 2022, lodge meetings will start at 12 p.m. Lodge Meetings: Fourth Monday of February, May, August, and November at 12 p.m. at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant, Schulenburg. 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: 979-272-3732. 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 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: 979-884-1451. 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 18, ELGIN (2) 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. Dances: 3 to 7 p.m.; cover $10 per person - unless otherwise noted. 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 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 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) Friday, April 15—The Other Band Friday, April 22—Dry Country Friday, April 29—Pure Country Regular business hours: Hall is open Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 10 p.m. All Friday dances: 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. with free admission. Hamburgers served each Friday beginning at 6 p.m. 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, 2story hall. Hall Rental Information/Hall Phone: 512-3529139. 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 361-2207725. LODGE 35, ELK (3) Saturday, April 23—Dustin Terrel Band Saturday, April 30—Gordon Collier Band Saturday, May 7—Prom for Homeschool Saturday, May 14—Justin Hewitt Band Saturday, May 21—Wedding Saturday, May 28—Re-Wind Party Band 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 254715-0275; mrdudemann@yahoo.com. LODGE 38, KOVAR (1) Lodge Hall: 278 Zimmerhanzel Road, Flatonia. Hall Rental Information: 512-237-9099/day; 830-839-4353/night. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 512-332-6758. 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 979-218-3527; 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 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: 254-985-2548. 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) 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 325-656-0029. 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 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 361-552-5170 or email danmarysitka@yahoo.com.

LODGE 80, HOLLAND (2) Lodge Meetings: Held bi-monthly on the second Tuesday of the months of January, March, May, July, September, and November at “The Hall” (formerly SPJST Lodge 80 Hall), located south of Holland at 12141 East FM 2268. Go 1/2 mile to hall which is on the right. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. Bingo Permit No. 12371416574. Watch the Věstník for changes in dates or times for special occasions. For information, call 254-760-6427.

LODGE 47, SEATON (2) Sunday, April 3—Drive-thru Lunch Fundraiser: Pork loin, potato salad, green beans, dessert. Serving begins at 11 a.m. $12 per plate. Youth club meeting at 1 p.m. followed by an Easter Egg Hunt. All children and friends are invited to join the fun. All treats will be provided. Adult lodge meeting at 2 p.m. We would love to have all members and friends join us. You are always welcome! If you have any questions, please call Patsy 254-718-1606.

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: 361-7934742. 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 936-556-3248 or Assistant Youth Leader Krystle Bender 832-792-1194.

VĚSTNÍK 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 254773-2363. LODGE 88, HOUSTON (5) Saturday, May 14—Dujka Brothers, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 10—Fab 5, 8 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, July 30—Nitebeat, 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, August 27—Mark Halata and Texavia, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, September 9—Fab 5, 8 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, October 1—Yelba’s Variety Band, 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, December 31—Fab 5, 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.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: Second Sunday, 2 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 281-7451697. 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) 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 817-624-1361. 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. LODGE 97, PLACEDO (6) Update: Quarterly meetings for 2022 will be held on the following dates, unless otherwise noted: Monday, March 14; Monday, June 13; Monday, September 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Grapevine Restaurant. Lodge Meetings: Held on Mondays on the following dates: March 14; June 13; and September 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Grapevine Restaurant. For information, call Secretary Judy Bellanger 361-576-2935. 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 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 214-9063385 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 830-9645135.

Monday, April 11, 2022 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 979922-1553. 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 713-560-5377.

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 979-2514150; or Lenora Bliznak 979-277-8845. LODGE 172, PASADENA (5) Sale of hall is pending. Stay tuned for meeting information. LODGE 177, ACADEMY (2) Saturday, June 4—Jerry Haisler and the Melody 5. Great country and variety dance music. 7 to 11 p.m. $10/person; under age 12 free. 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 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 979618-1890.

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 254-7495732.

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 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: 682-800-3485. 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 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: Quarterly meetings are held at 3 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 817731-2580. 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 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 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 325-234-5879. 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 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 361-772-3876 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 979-777-8215. 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: 979567-4264. 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 979-567-0637. 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 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: 281-373-9482; 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 713-515-2835. 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 Secretary Michael D. Hosch 254-9130273. 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 830-281-8246. 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 940-8550882. 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 David Nauert 254-534-0809. 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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