ˇ ´ VESTNIK SPJST HERALD
Volume 110 Number 10
Benevolence ★ Humanity ★ Brotherhood
May 23, 2022
ISSN —07458800
In Memory of Sidney Kacir SPJST mourns the loss of Honorary Legal Advisor Sidney Kacir, who passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. Brother Kacir served as SPJST Legal Advisor from 1984 to 2004. At the time of his passing, he was serving as president of SPJST Lodge 87, Temple. He was also a delegate at the 2021 SPJST Convention. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brother Kacir’s wife and family. His obituary appears here. George Sidney Kacir, 92 of Temple, Texas, received his second set of wings on Wednesday, May 11. At the request of Sidney, a private service for the immediate family will be held at a later date. Sidney was born to August and Bettie Marie Leshikar Kacir in Temple on April 21, 1930. He married Dorothy May Wood on June 10, 1955, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Sidney was a pilot with the United States Air Force and combat operation’s officer Air Task Force 13, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served during the Korean War as a bomber, fighter, and aircraft carrier pilot in the South China Sea. He was an at-
torney for more than 60 years and judge for the City of Temple for 31 years. He was a rancher and pecan producer and a skillful steward of the land he owned, following sustainable and organic agricultural practices on his ranch. He had a BBA, MBA, and JD all from The University of Texas at Austin. He was a champion wrestler while attending the university. He had many interests including ranching, flying, space travel, the environment, reading, traveling - especially to the mountains, and his Czech heritage. He was a firm believer in keeping his mind and body active. He enjoyed spending time with his family, working at his ranch, and practicing law. Along with serving his many clients, he was the legal advisor and honorary legal advisor for SPJST, Farmers Mutual Protective Association (RVOS), and Czech Educational Foundation of Texas (CEFT). He had been a director for Bell Milam Land and Water Rights Association; past president of Continued on Page 4.
2022 Jefferson Awards: Henry Mayo Henry Mayo is described as the ultimate volunteer Editor’s Note: Congratulations to Henry Mayo of SPJST Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station! Henry was honored as a recipient of the 2022 Jefferson Awards. The awards ceremony was held at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. The Jefferson Awards were created in 1972 by the The American Institute for Public Service to honor those who have dedicated time to public service. Special thanks to Josef Orsak of Lodge 9, Snook for sharing the article and video links from KBTX. The video is available on SPJST’s Facebook page and at this link: https://www.kbtx.com/2022/04/24/2022jefferson-awards-henry-mayo/ Article by Fallon Appleton Photos courtesy of Howard Batten from kbtx.com • April 24, 2022
You have probably seen 2022 Jefferson Awards recipient Henry Mayo volunteering at a local event across the Brazos Valley. Henry doesn’t just give his time to one organization, but instead gives all his time to helping as many as he can. “Henry is the volunteer of all organizations,” said Leisha Mullins Museum The 2022 Jefferson Award recipients are, left to right, Henry Mayo, Kit Darling, Jacque Flagg, and Max Gerall. Henry serves as president of SPJST Lodge 189, BryanCollege Station.
Continued on Page 4.
; / ; / ; / ; / ; Inside This Week’s Vestnik ; / ; / ; / ; / ; Readers Write ......................................3 Interest Rates.......................................3 Important Dates ...................................3 Advisory Council Meeting .............5-12 SPJST Graduates Form ....................13 Lodge Section....................................16
Youth Section ....................................26 Flag Day Contests........................30-31 In Memoriam ......................................32 Czech Culture ....................................33 Advertisements .................................37 Lodge Calendar .................................38
Lodge 54 West members perform
District Six shares scenes from annual meeting Page 15
Page 19
Page 24
Lodge 196 Houston-West hosts successful Easter egg hunt
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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
Hey, Youth! Get ready for Flag Day! Enter our contests.
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
F
lag Day is Tuesday, June 14. People across the United States celebrate Flag Day to honor the United States flag and to commemorate the flag’s adoption. America’s Flag Day marks the Second Continental Congress’s adoption of the first United States national flag on June 14, 1777. The first flag featured the same 13 red and white stripes we see today. However, the number and arrangement of stars have changed as the number of states has increased over the centuries. The current flag has remained the same since 1960. SPJST youth are invited to enter the Flag Day contests. Information appears on pages 30 and 31. “Color the Patriotic Picture” is available to ages 8 and under. Youth in kindergarten to 12th grades are encouraged to submit an essay or poem on the theme “What Red, White, and Blue Means To Me.” Various prizes and gift cards are up for grabs so enter today! The deadline is May 31. This contest is open to all SPJST youth. Youth club membership is not required. Best of luck to all contestants! Heartfelt Sympathy We extend sincere sympathy to the family of Honorary Legal Advisor Sidney Kacir. Mr. Kacir passed away on Wednesday, May 11. Brother Kacir served as SPJST Legal Advisor from 1984 to 2004. At the time of his passing, he was serving as president of SPJST Lodge 87, Temple. He was also a delegate at the 2021 SPJST Convention.
Sidney was a very kind and giving gentleman. My first trip as State Youth Director was to the District Five Fall Fun Day at Lodge 88, Houston. Sidney invited me to ride with him to the meeting. We had a great time that day, and I enjoyed getting to know him. He shared valuable SPJST and Czech heritage history. On the way home, we stopped by the Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum. Sidney was the catalyst in arranging SPJST’s teens to enjoy several years of camping and leader-in-training experiences at the beautiful Peaceable Kingdom in Youngsport (near Killeen). Sidney was a big supporter of the youth and fraternal programs. We will greatly miss him. Our heartfelt condolences go to Mrs. Kacir and the family. Vestnik Dates and Deadlines 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. July 25 Vestnik deadline is Mon., July 18 at 5 p.m. August 8 Vestnik deadline is Mon., Aug. 1 at 5 p.m. August 22 Vestnik deadline is Mon., Aug. 15 at 5 p.m. —SPJST—
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.
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SPJST Family Fun • • • • • and • • • • • Important Dates (Number in parentheses denotes SPJST district.)
May 25 May 31 June 5 June 5 June 6 June 7 June 12 June 12 June 12 June 18 June 23-26 June 26 July 7-10 July 8-9 July 14-17 July 17 July 17 July 30 July 31 August 14 Sept. 24 October 8 October 29 October 30
Lodge 47, Seaton welcomes Pardubická Muzika (2) Flag Day Contest Deadline Lodge 47, Seaton Annual Picnic (2) Lodge 88, Houston Homecoming (5) Lodge 47, Seaton Honors Graduates (2) Summer Camp Registration Deadline District Four Youth Achievement Day - Virtual Contest (4) District Seven Youth Achievement Day (7) Lodge 18, Elgin Dance: Fritz Hodde and the Fabulous Six (2) Lodge 24, Cyclone Dance: All Around Czechs (2) Teen Camp • Camp Kubena Lodge 18, Elgin Dance: Glen Collins and the Alibis (2) Junior Camp Session One • Camp Kubena Lodge 47, Seaton 30th Barbecue Cook-Off (2) Junior Camp Session Two • Camp Kubena Lodge 6, Cottonwood Picnic (3) Lodge 84, Dallas Lakeside Picnic (3) State Youth Achievement Day Mayborn Civic and Convention Center, Temple Lodge 24, Cyclone hosts Vrazels Tribute Band (2) Lodge 88, Houston Back to School Drive (5) Lodge 88, Houston Family Talent Night (5) Lodge 88, Houston Czechfest (5) SPJST and Camp Kubena present “Cars & Guitars” Camp Kubena, Ledbetter Lodge 24, Cyclone Barbecue Fundraiser Meal (2)
SPJST INTEREST RATES 05/01/2022 - 07/31/2022 Universal Life Family Value Universal Life 2.00% guaranteed rate Credited Rate: 3.00%
Annuities 1-Year Annuity*
WANT TO
RECEIVE YOUR
VĚSTNÍK ON
MONDAYS?
Credited Rate: 1.75%
5-Year Annuity*
VĚSTNÍK
1.00% guaranteed rate Credited Rate: 3.25%
Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity Non-IRA 1.00% guaranteed rate Credited Rate: 3.35%
Traditional and Roth IRAs 1.00% guaranteed rate Credited Rate: 3.25%
*$10,000 minimum deposit
Readers Write Community garage sale set for June 4 in Westphalia The Westphalia Knights of Columbus Council 13902 is sponsoring a community-wide garage sale at the Westphalia Parish Hall Pavilion/Parking Lot on Saturday, June 4, 2022, from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. Westphalia Parish Hall is located off State Highway 320 in Westphalia. The actual address is 144 County Road 3000, Lott, Texas 76656. Booth space is free of charge. To obtain a booth space or be placed on the map, contact Ken Jezisek 512-927-6581 or Teresa Jezisek 254-931-0120. Sausage wraps and drinks will be available for purchase from the Knights of Columbus. Submitted by, James Kahlig KC Council 13902 —SPJST— Welcome to Your SPJST Member Discounts
2-Year Annuity*
Credited Rate: 2.25%
The next Fraternal Focus Webcast is Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at 7 p.m. All members and friends are invited to attend the virtual one-hour presentation on health and wellness. Register for the event by visiting spjst.org.
Subscribe to receive the Věstník by email. Visit www.spjst.org to sign up for an email subscription.
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Member conveys gratitude Thank you so much for considering and choosing me as a recipient for your scholarship. This money will help me in many ways, and I could not be more grateful. Thanks again, Colby Tolbert Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy —SPJST—
Member appreciates scholarship Hello, Ms. Sandra. I would like to thank the SPJST organization for selecting me as a scholarship recipient. My family has been involved with SPJST for many years, and it is a privilege to represent your organization. Jack Dorotik Lodge 30, Taiton —SPJST—
COMPARE AND PERSONALIZE YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERAGE
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GO TO WWW.SPJST.ORG ▬► PROGRAMS ▬► MEMBER BENEFITS FOR MORE INFORMATION
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Monday, May 23, 2022
In Memory of Sidney Kacir Continued from Page 1.
VĚSTNÍK
Jefferson Award: Henry Mayo Continued from Page 1.
Bell Lampasas Mills Bar Association; president of SPJST Lodge 87, Temple; secretary for Temple Farm and Ranch Club; attorney for the City of Troy; a volunteer at Gentiva Hospice; and a Mason, along with many other community services. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Stanley Kacir; and sister Betty Jane Kacir Wheeler. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Dorothy; daughters Donna Waskow and Linda Hopper (husband James); son Dan Kacir; grandchildren George Hopper, Jennifer Ashley Hopper, Charles Kacir, and Samantha Jane Kacir, several nieces and nephews, and cousins. Memorials may be made to the George Bradley Hopper Special Needs Trust, c/o of Linda Hopper, 3302 Elm Drive, Temple, Texas 76502; or Heights Baptist Church, 1220 South 49th Street, Temple, Texas 76504. Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple is in charge of arrangements. —SPJST—
of the American G.I. Secretary and Treasurer. “He doesn’t just work for one or volunteer for one organization he volunteers for right now. I can think of at least four that he is working on and there is probably more.” Mullins describes Henry as the ultimate volunteer. “He doesn’t even consider it volunteer work,” said Mullins. “It’s just innate within his nature to help people.” The story’s the same across the Brazos Valley. Henry has helped with Boonville Days for over 15 years and has served on the board of the El Camino Real de Los Tejas National Historic Trail Association. Deborah Cowman Executive Director of the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, who helped nominate Henry for the Jefferson Awards, says he doesn’t do it for himself.
“Henry is an incredibly altruistic individual who gives of himself just as much as he can, and I think that is what makes him so unique. Not only is he very capable, but the range of what he does as a volunteer is really incredible.” —Deborah Cowman Executive Director of the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History To name a few more of Henry’s involvements: • President of the Washington on the Brazos Historical Foundation • Chairman of the Brazos County Historical Commission • Served for more than 20 years at Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History • Armored Support Group volunteer at the Museum of the American G.I. If it connects us to our past, you can expect to see Henry involved. In fact, when he’s not lending a helping hand, you can find henry surveying Brazos County, which has helped him gain the title as local historian.
“I get more credit than I deserve being the most knowledgeable person on it, but I am sort of the center point of a few circles of historians and museums in town,” said Henry Mayo. Its this knowledge combined with his servant heart that Cowman believes makes him the embodiment of the Jefferson Award. “He is the kind of volunteer that not only is he very intelligent and very knowledgeable, but he is so kind,” said Cowman. “I am certain that if I would ask him to give me the shirt off of his back he would do it. To me, Henry Mayo embodies the spirit of the Jefferson Awards.” The American Institute for Public Service created the Jefferson Awards in 1972, honoring those who have dedicated time to public service. Since 2004, select local citizens have been honored with Jefferson Awards for their outstanding public service in our community. For information on the history of the American Institute for Public Service or the national Jefferson Awards, visit www.jeffersonawards.org. —SPJST—
Float the Colorado River! Camp Kubena now offers a Colorado River Canoeing Experience Incredible scenery and wildlife on this beautiful and challenging tour from Smithville to La Grange. Our professionally trained guides will provide you with an unforgettable experience. For more details or to book: 979-220-4256 • robc@spjst.com • campkubena.com
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2022 SPJST Advisory Council Meeting Summary of the 2022 SPJST Advisory Council Meeting via Webcast ● May 7, 2022 The SPJST Advisory Council was established as the result of the corporate governance by-law provisions that were approved by delegates at the 2021 SPJST Convention. That provision appears as Article 11 in our current bylaws: ARTICLE XI SPJST ADVISORY COUNCIL Section 57. Convention delegates shall serve as members of the SPJST Advisory Council between conventions. SPJST Advisory Council members shall serve on a volunteer basis and meet annually each spring with the Executive Committee with the objective of keeping the SPJST Advisory Council members engaged and responsive in matters relating to the growth and development of SPJST. = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Opening of the Meeting The meeting opened with a prayer led by Vice President of Sales and Marketing Delisle Doherty. * Executive Committee Participating in the Meeting Along with Advisory Council members, participating in the webcast were SPJST Board of Directors - Board Chairman/District Three Director John Engelke; Board Vice Chairman/District One Director Donnie Victorick; District Two Director Jesse Pospisil; District Four Director Bobby Davis; District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha; District Six Director Annie Vahalik; and District Seven Director Regina House. Executive Officers - President/CEO Brian Vanicek; Vice President of Sales and Marketing Delisle Doherty; Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny; Chief Financial Officer Leonard Mikeska; and Controller Roy Vajdak. * As a result of actions taken by delegates to the 2021 Convention, the directors and officers are now collectively referred to as the SPJST Executive Committee. Previously the term “Supreme Lodge” was assigned to that body. = = = = = = = = = = = = =
The following elements were addressed during the meeting: ➛ SPJST’s financial performance ➛ Review of SPJST’s investment performance ➛ SPJST sales and marketing initiatives achieved in 2021 and what to expect in the year ahead ➛ Review of SPJST’s fraternal engagement initiatives in 2021 along with some priorities in 2022 ➛ Overview of camp initiatives which were achieved in 2021 as well as some projections for the current year
this area had amounted to about $2.7 million so that resulted in a net increase to surplus of $200,000. More recently, in 2020, a $2 million spike in death claims negated what would have otherwise been a good year for SPJST. I believe it’s important that you know these kinds of things. It reflects well on the current team for taking the necessary actions to right the course for SPJST. The 2021 annual statement, I am happy to say, reflects the positive direction we are progressing. Rather than playing “clean up,” the emphasis is squarely focused on investing in the business end of operations. I’d like to share some numbers now. What I’ve done is construct charts in such a way as to illustrate the four most recent years of activity along with the results
posted from our first quarter 2022 statement. In that way, I believe you can get a more visual representation of the trends and where they may be leading. I will start with Total Society Assets. Total society assets increased from $243 million in 2018 to $250 million in 2021. As of March 31, 2022, our society assets stand at almost $256 million. That’s a substantial increase over where we were in 2018. Next, I’ll move on to General Operating Expenses. You can see that general operating expenses have declined from $3.2 million in 2017 to $2.8 million in 2021. This is due to the Home Office focusing on reducing expenses where we can and on a reduction of staff. The next two charts, respectively, illustrate the Death and Annuity Benefits
Total Society Assets
Controller Roy Vajdak’s Report The past year – 2021 – truly has been a turning point for SPJST in a lot of ways - a lot of positive ways. So many of the issues that SPJST had to deal with in the preceding years have been eliminated. I’ll give you a couple of examples: Going back to 2011, our internal accounting controls identified that SPJST’s universal life program was improperly crediting surplus payments to a number of accounts. Chief Financial Officer Leonard Mikeska worked diligently on this issue. While the crediting impacted membership in a positive way, the end result is that it necessitated that SPJST recompensate the Internal Revenue Service approximately $1.1 million. That resulted in a direct hit to surplus. Later, in 2016, our internal controls identified an actuarial flaw in the cash reserves set aside for SPJST’s Term 4 Life plan. That resulted in an additional $1.6 million that had to be reassigned from our unallocated surplus to reserves. In 2019, SPJST wisely made the decision to relieve its investment portfolio of some longstanding problem issues in equities and bonds. Equities had been carried on our books at fair market value. When those investments were jettisoned, that resulted in a substantial $2.5 million hit to net income. That impact was partially offset because we were able to relieve surplus of our unreserved losses. Unrecognized losses in
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General Operating Expenses
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Unallocated Surplus
Net Investment Income
VĚSTNÍK that SPJST has paid to members over the past five years. You can see that in death claims, we were consistent in paying more than $3.5 million to members in 2017 to 2019. However, in 2020 and 2021, we saw a substantial increase by about $2 million in our death claims. Annuity benefits are consistent at about $10 million-plus per year. However, in 2021, we saw an increase due to the special offer on annuities that was made to some of our members. Now, let’s take a look at an Unallocated Surplus. Unallocated surplus is basically the retained earnings of the SPJST. You’ll see that our unallocated surplus has declined from $16.8 million in 2018 to $13.2 million in 2021. On a positive note, as of March 31, 2022, unallocated surplus had increased back to $14.1 million. As the Unallocated Surplus illustration shows, the surplus numbers reflect the corrective actions taken in recent years. The slight decline in unallocated surplus for the year 2021 can be attributed to two items: First, SPJST made an investment in the software that now enables SPJST sales agents to take and submit all SPJST life and annuity applications online. That $344,000 business development product shows up as a non-admitted asset on our balance sheet. Additionally, SPJST’s commercial mortgage portfolio expanded in 2019, necessitating that an additional $274,000 be set aside in reserves. Collectively, these two items accounted for approximately $600,000 which resulting in a slight decline in surplus at year-end. You will also want to note that through the first quarter of 2022, we are reporting a net gain in surplus of approximately $960,000 which can be attributed primarily to investment income and first-year premium income. On a related note, here’s a chart that illustrates Net Investment Income, revealing some very positive trends in this area. Brian will be elaborating more on this in our investment section of today’s meeting. The turnaround here should be very apparent. You can see that net investment income was in the high $9 million range, in 2018 to 2020. In 2021, our net investment income increased to $11.3 million. As of March 31, 2022, we’re showing $3.4 million in net investment income. That should result in another increase here in 2022.
If any Advisory Council member would like to receive a digital copy of the SPJST Annual Statement or first quarter report, please send a request to royv@spjst.com, and I’ll be happy to provide you with a complete digital copy of both reports by email. Chief Financial Officer Leonard Mikeska’s Report Note: President/CEO Brian Vanicek presented the first portion of CFO Mikeska’s report. CFO Mikeska’s comments and overview follow the presentation. To summarize Controller Vajdak’s presentation, several of SPJST’s key performance indicators showed marked improvements at year-end, namely total assets, premium income, and investment income. And while surplus was down incrementally at year-end, that number, too, has rebounded nicely through the end of the first quarter. These two sets of numbers — “Death Claims Paid” and “Annuity Payouts” — perhaps more than any others — communicate the important role that SPJST has played for generations of Texas families. The very reason we were chartered and the fundamental reason that we exist . . . and that is to provide financial support to the beneficiaries of our members when they die. We have lost so many dear members of our fraternal family in recent years, and many of those in 2020 and 2021 were due to Covid. We can never replace a loved one or a friend; however, as fraternal brothers and sisters, we can offer our condolences to the survivors and we can offer our assistance. The $22.5 million in death benefits that SPJST delivered over the past five years most certainly helped to ease the financial burdens of those left behind. And, as the second set of numbers shows, during that same five-year period— from 2017 through 2021—SPJST distributed more than $58 million in annuity benefits to our members. And for the most part, seldom—if ever—do we draw attention to these impressive statistics—even to our own members! To some, this may sound like a revelation: Since the year 2000, SPJST has delivered more than $68 million in death claims to beneficiaries and close to $190 million in annuity benefits. Collectively, that’s right at $258 million – a quarter of a billion dollars and that’s just since the
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year 2000. It speaks well of the strength and fidelity of SPJST. CFO Mikeska conferred with me earlier and requested that I address SPJST’s investment performance for 2021 and to offer some insight into our investment portfolio and how it is being managed. I want to emphasize the increase of year-end income from 2020 to 2021 from $9.3 million to $11.3 million. That $2 million bump represents an almost 18 percent increase over the preceding year. And none of that relates to gains achieved in the stock market. Looking back, the events of the past two years generated waves of great uncertainty and anticipation in the marketplace. Covid wreaked havoc throughout 2020.
Recall the global market crash that took began in late February of that year? And while those fears were largely abated by year-end, the market remained in a state of flux. It was stoked routinely by fears of Covid resurgence
and compounded the prospects of a coming inflation. Even so, SPJST fared well. The “slow and steady wins the race” strategy prevailed. Here’s why: High grade corporate bonds played and continue to play the leading roles in SPJST’s diversified securities portfolio. The strategy itself is simple: As a life insurance company, our aim is to invest our members’ premiums in longer-duration, low-risk fixed income assets. That does three things for us: 1. Steady flow of income. 2. Guard against stock market volatility. 3. The ability to take advantage of new opportunities. First, fixed-income investments provide SPJST with a steady flow of income. Our bond maturation dates are laddered in such a way as to provide the Society with a steady cash flow that enable it to meet its varied obligations. Second, fixed-income investments offer protection against the whims and volatility of the stock market. This past week - some of you may have noticed the stock market received a thrashing when the Federal Reserve announced that it was hiking the Federal funds rate by a half percentage point. And keep in mind, back in March, the Fed indicated there could be a many as six rate hikes this year. Thirdly, the laddered structure of our bond portfolio enables us to us take advantage fixed-income investment opportunities that present themselves
General Operating Expenses
throughout the year. In recent years, that strategy has also enabled SPJST to take advantage of some great opportunities, including business bridge loans and some select business mortgages. SPJST’s bond portfolio is very diverse and as of today includes 256 positions which support various US businesses and local governments. There are well-known corporate issues that are included within the portfolio, such as the NAIC Distribution chart shows how our bonds are rated according to the NAIC – National Association of Insurance Commissioners – rating scale.
53.4 percent are NAIC 1s. 45.8 percent are NAIC 2s. And less than one percent are NAIC 3s. We have no holdings in the NAIC 4, 5 or 6 range. Bonds that are rated NAIC 1 and 2 are considered Investment Grade and are considered the most safe. Bonds which are rated 3, 4, 5, or 6 are considered noninvestment grade and carry a higher degree of risk. The two bonds that we own in the NAIC 3 cate-
gory are Ford Motor bonds, and they have not presented us with any payment issues nor do we anticipate that they will. SPJST’s trusted partner in navigating these investment seas is AQS Asset Management of Austin, Texas. AQS has been with us two years, and already, we are seeing impressive results. Two AQS charts were also shared during the presentation. One chart tracks the 2021 Fixed Income Reinvestment Yield for all fraternal life insurance companies within our size range. And I must say this represents a very broad range – from around $50 million in total assets to around $4 billion in total assets. With assets of $255 million, SPJST is somewhere in the middle. Look closely and you’ll see that for the year 2021, SPJST ranks at the very top of the list with an impressive 5.65 percent yield for the year. This chart was constructed on the basis of data obtained from each fraternal organization’s 2021 Annual Statement. Another AQS chart speaks well to the recent performance of SPJST’s investments. The slide is titled Portfolio Yield Shift, and it covers the period from 2020 to 2021. It shows how much of an average increase - or decrease- in investment return that each fraternal organization’s portfolio has experienced over the most recent two-year period. On the basis of the blue bars, you can see that only five fraternals have posted an increase in their average rate of return and, once again, SPJST appears at the top of the chart with a gain of 36 basis points. That’s equivalent to a little more than a third of a percentage point. These results
SPJST NAIC Distribution
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are the result of a very deliberate process. SPJST investments are closely managed according to the guides of an Investment Policy Statement. It’s actually a lot more than a statement. It’s a 10-page agreement between SPJST and AQS which specifies our investment objectives as well as the strategies that AQS should apply in meeting these objectives. The Executive Committee meets with AQS each quarter and the management team - especially CFO Mikeska meets with them periodically throughout the week. AQS also routinely provides SPJST Executive Committee complimentary access to continuing education finance and investing seminars. CFO Mikeska’s Overview I will share information about a test we do to assure that SPJST has adequate reserves to cover current and future needs and payment of death claims and other obligations. An insurance company’s obligations extend out many years through the lifetime of its insured certificateholders. Over this period, we go through various scenarios of interest rates and investment returns. Changes in interest rates affect the investment return on the company investments which are needed to pay claims and obligations. The investment portfolio must be properly structured. For the financial safety of our members, our actuary conducts a process called Cash Flow Testing. Our insurance products and our portfolio of investments are tested against numerous rising and falling interest rate scenarios. The object is to determine if our reserves are adequate to allow SPJST to continue to pay claims and meet its obligations over various rate scenarios.
VĚSTNÍK We were well pleased about the results of the cash flow testing this year. We passed the testing on all interest rate scenarios and were informed that SPJST did not need to set aside and provide for any additional reserves on our plans of insurance. The laddering, structure, and return of our investment portfolio and product pricing were the key in the positive testing results.
Vice President of Sales and Marketing Delisle Doherty’s Report Note: President/CEO Vanicek provided a brief lead-in to Vice President of Sales and Marketing Delisle Doherty’s report: Effectively serving the insurance needs of our existing members and their extended families with high quality life insurance remains a key component of SPJST’s invigorated efforts to achieve new growth in 2021 and beyond. Under the leadership of Vice President of Sales and Marketing Delisle Doherty, the marketing department’s emphasis is on achieving sustainable, year-over-year growth that is aligned with the mission of the Society. I’d like to turn the program over to Delisle who will provide us with a review of SPJST’s sales and marketing initiatives and accomplishments and what we can expect on a go-forward basis. In 2021, we focused on five areas (many more, but five main areas):
were giving away our products. After re-pricing, our breakeven point was between two and four years. What this means is if we sold a final expense plan in 2016, it would not start making money until 2025. The new final expense plans sold in 2021 will start making money in 2023.
These actions along with others have allowed us to take a $2.4 million loss and turn it into a $488,000 gain in one year. Product Repricing. Our breakeven point with our products ranged between six and 10 years (excluding single paid life, which was higher). We basically
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VĚSTNÍK Refreshing our Products. To make our products more attractive, we refreshed two of our most challenged products, Final Expense and Universal Life. We simplified the final expense to be an accept or declined product. No medical underwriting (MIB and Script Check only) and created the Universal Life so the agents cannot underfund it and no longer write it to anyone over age 50. Ages 50 and above was our biggest underfunded group. Revamped Agent Programs. Our strategy was quantity over quality. This created a system of a lot of unproductive agents. Out of 312 agents, only 39 percent had sold one or more certificates (minimum standard is six), and only 29 percent was certified to sell annuities, our most profitable product. We cleaned the program and focused on quality over quantity and added extensive training. We went down to 159 agents, required all to be annuity-certified by a certain date, and added more than 50 training classes throughout the state. We also do a monthly virtual class. Today, over 85 percent of the agents are annuity-certified. New agents must be fully licensed and certified by the state to be accepted. We also created a full-time and parttime position, with the part-time being paid 20 percent less commission. This also created a model that keeps more on the books. Our 25-month persistency in 2002 (how much is sold and what percent is still on the books after 25 months) was only 54 percent going as low as low as 41.34 percent in 2008. Our new programs brought the persistency to 88.56 percent in 2021, our second best in over 20 years. Focus on New Annuity Sales. With our focus on new annuity sales, we brought in $6.2 million in 2021. Our 2019 and 2020 combined brought in $6.3 million. In the first four months of this year, we brought in $3.7 million trending us to hit $11.1 million for 2022. We also brought in additional deposits by offering a bonus rate for any flexible annuity that was five years or older. With this success, it allowed us to raise the rates this quarter on new 1year annuities from 1.25 percent to
Monday, May 23, 2022 1.75 percent, our 2-year from 1.75 percent to 2.25 percent, and our Flexible Premium non-IRA annuity from 3.25 percent to 3.35 percent. Efficiency: √ Restructured Jobs - same production; 3 less employees √ Stopped using third party vendors for medical records √ Renegotiated treaty with re-insurer √ New technology for agent quoting and electronic applications This created faster turnaround times on our new certificates, less expenses from third party vendors, lower payroll, and created more cash flow by collecting premiums quicker. We also renegotiated our treaty with the reinsurer to save on medical reports, APPS requests (blood and urine), and allow us to issue the applications quicker. This was all money savings and cash flow opportunities at the same time. More production, less expense. Member Benefits. In 2021, we started a new branding campaign with new signage for consistency in markets and posters to allow the lodge building to market within the walls when renting the building. We are also looking at additional benefits, like long term care and day trips, along with continuing to grow our member business directory. We are also sponsoring more community events to help market and brand SPJST in the communities. This year, we are committed to help the lodges get visibility in their communities and grow membership. Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny’s Report Note: President/CEO Vanicek gave a brief update of the Board of Directors’ decision to shift member engagement section daily oversight: In January 2022, the Board of Directors designated Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny with the added charge of daily oversight of SPJST’s member engagement section, which includes the SPJST youth program and local lodge outreach and assistance. As a practical matter, I will remain active and involved within in the broad realm of fra-
ternal programming and outreach. What has changed is that the two fulltime Home Office employees – State Fraternal Director Frank Horak and Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez and one part-time employee, Staff Assistant Ruth Hanusch – now report directly to Melanie. I’ll start out by taking us back just a little further to 2020 . . . the year of Covid . . . the year that so many of our routine SPJST lodge activities came to a grinding halt. Those were some trying times especially for those lodges that had bills to pay. Those bills never stopped. In 2021, SPJST and its lodges reemerged from the wicked Covid hibernation. My sincere thanks to lodge officers and lodge members for their fraternal devotion and for finding ways to stay together during those uncertain times. By mid-year 2021, most SPJST lodges were once again meeting faceto- face as well as hosting events. In some cases, those events were spectacular! Lodge 25, Ennis and their reemergence as one of the host lodges for the National Polka Festival over the 2021 Memorial Day weekend comes to mind. Other lodges, too, demonstrated great resilience and provided a dynamic testament to the important role that SPJST plays in their local communities. In the spring of 2021, Lodge 48, Beyersville arose from the ashes with the dedication of their spacious new lodge hall. Lodge 88, Houston, too, rebounded nicely in 2021 with not one but two new swimming pools, a children’s play area, and a revitalized social calendar for its members. Bingo Thursdays were also back in a big way! Those are just three examples. Even lodges without buildings were active community players. Lodge 84, Dallas comes to mind and their efforts to join forces with other Dallas area fraternal and mutual organizations for the magnificent Christmas gathering at Sokol Hall in Dallas. In lodges all over the state, members of all ages were once again volunteering their time and energy to support worthwhile causes, taking the best that SPJST had to offer — a tradition of helping people to care
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for their families — and extending these values to their communities. Look through any typical issue of the Věstník over the past year and you’ll see SPJST members having fun and doing good things for each other and for their communities. That’s what it’s all about and that was good to see. Thanks to the devotion of Věstník readers and reporters, we were never at loss for news and photos. Through their participation in local SPJST Youth Clubs and statewide events, our young members between the ages of five and 18 developed a greater awareness of the common bonds that we all share. Throughout 2021, SPJST youth clubs worked independently and in collaboration with community-based organizations, tailoring programs to fit their local needs. The Scholarship Program also made a positive difference in 2021. A total of 48 SPJST scholarships were presented in 2021. Of those, 39 were presented in the spring and nine were presented at SPJST State Youth Achievement Day on July 31. District Youth Achievement Days were held online for the second year in 2021 with the crowning event – State Youth Achievement Day – taking place live in Temple on the last Saturday in July. Many thanks to the District Youth Counselors, youth leaders, adult volunteers, and judges who assisted with the online competitions and to those who turned out to make the statewide celebration a success! SPJST Summer Camp in 2021 was once again an enjoyable experience for the boys and girls who attended; however, SPJST camp was cut short by a session due to the late summer resurgence of Covid. One of the things that made camp extra special this year for some of our campers is that they were allowed to bring friends and family who were non-members to camp – for a fee, of course. I’m going to reserve commentary on Camp Kubena at this point as we will receive also an update from Camp Director Rob Clift. Even so, a “shout out” here is due to Camp Director Rob Clift for the visionary role that he is fulfilling and his Camp Kubena team for the wonderful job that they are doing with the program.
VĚSTNÍK There is great value in the personal relationships that exist within the SPJST Youth Program and that are nurtured by our statewide District Youth Counselors, their assistants, and youth leaders. They understand the importance of working together to achieve common goals. Too, there is recognition on the part of the Executive Committee that the SPJST Youth Program is a valuable SPJST program. There is also the determination on the part of the Executive Committee to see the program expand and recommit to the idea of volunteerism and service. Since the beginning of 2022, State Fraternal Director Frank Horak and I have been working with the DYCs, youth leaders, and parents to collect their input on the many and varied aspects of the SPJST Youth Program. We had a great Youth Leaders Appreciation Event and Workshop on April 22 and 23 at Camp Kubena. I believe everyone is ready to see a dose of new life and energy injected into the program. We’ve begun a thoughtful process that includes evaluating the program that we currently have and identifying ways to update it to make it more appealing and relevant in the lives of our young members. Your ideas and input are greatly appreciated. Conditioning our existing lodges for revitalization also remains a top priority and one of our organizational goals for 2022. If you’ve followed the Věstník in recent weeks, you may have noticed the efforts that are being made to bring members, families, and friends together. As with the Youth Program, there is a keen desire on the part of the Executive Committee that the Home Office work with lodges to reunite the members first as communities of friends and then to develop missions that will serve the community as well as bringing them closer as members. On April 24, Lodge 133, San Antonio hosted a family and friends get-together at the historic VFW Post 76 in San Antonio. There was food! There was music! And, there were spirited men, women, and young people having a good time! And when the event was done, there was the desire to meet again at the VFW post – and to keep the idea of fraternalism alive in the Alamo City. We’ll see where it goes from here.
VĚSTNÍK That’s just one example but it’s indicative of what is now taking place. On May12, SPJST members, families, and their friends in the vicinity of Longview - regardless of their lodge affiliation are being invited to dinner and a program as a simple way to get members who may have never been to a lodge meeting or event reacquainted with the idea of SPJST and its potential for good within the community. Brian and Delisle have been working together with the lodges and with the district directors on these initiatives. To help facilitate this ongoing process, Brian presented the Executive Committee with a working draft of the new SPJST Lodge Operations Manual at the April Executive Committee meeting. The online guide will be informative and comprehensive and cover many aspects of the SPJST experience ranging from lodge leader essentials, SPJST rituals, and a slew of resource materials. Brian will be delivering a second draft of the guide at the July meeting with the intent to have the new guide in lodge leaders’ hands shortly thereafter. There’s just so much to say regarding SPJST’s non-contractual benefits. Benefits including PerkSpot, Travel Insurance, and Amazon Smile are all profiled on the spjst.org website. Additionally, we are in the perpetual process of building SPJST’s new online member services directory. We call it “Big Kolache!” It’s in its infancy now; however, it’s just another way for SPJST to deliver value to its members. I could go on; however, I’ll draw my section to a close by saying thanking to our members and lodge leaders for their dedication and devotion to SPJST. Camp Kubena Executive Director Rob Clift’s Report My name is Rob Clift, and I’m the director at Camp Kubena. I’ve been working at Camp Kubena for three years, and I just love being out here. Thank you for the opportunity to share a little bit about what we’re doing. Our mission at Camp Kubena is impacting lives through positive outdoor experiences. We have a six-part strategy that we are working on to make sure that we can impact those lives through those positive experiences.
Monday, May 23, 2022 ➽ Leadership ➽ Integrate with SPJST ➽ Infrastructure ➽ Income opportunities ➽ Outreach and marketing ➽ Core educational program I’ll talk about a little about each one of those and tell you where we are with things. Leadership. First of all, our leadership is fantastic. For the first time, we have five leaders. It’s myself and Assistant Director David Motley. Under our two directors, we have three managers Hospitality Manager Melinda Bigham who’s in charge of all food services, all the housekeeping; Program Manager Katie Redinger, who is in charge of all the fun stuff, all the programming activity, staff - when they’re here for the summer and making sure that we have good educational programs; and Maintenance Manager Earl Preston, our fulltime maintenance person who makes sure that all of our equipment and buildings are well-maintained. Then during the rest of the year, we will ebb and flow with different amounts of seasonal employees. In the summertime, we’ll probably hire about 20 people for our seasonal staff who live right here on site. SPJST Family. We want to integrate with SPJST. Remember, every dollar spent at Camp Kubena by SPJST and SPJST members goes right back into the organization you work at and are part of. So, how do we support that organization? Well, we support our youth program working directly with State Fraternal Director Frank Horak to make sure that we have fantastic summer camp opportunities for our kids. We also have training available for our adult leaders. So, I’m always working with Frank on those. And, we have employment opportunities for those youth members that have graduated and gone on to be young adults. They can come and work at Camp Kubena and make some money. We have those other opportunities as well. SPJST Meetings. We love to support SPJST business. We’d love to be a meeting and conference space. We also
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would like to be more involved in the future for our professional development. Finally, we’d like to be of access and benefit to our membership at SPJST. How can Camp Kubena be a facility that the membership visits and uses? Well, there’s a discount. You could come out here, rent a cabin, maybe do a family reunion, etc. If you’re out here during summer camp, all of our Camp Kubena members always have a discount at the Camp Kubena Store. So those are ways we support our own. Infrastructure. Infrastructure is fantastic at Camp Kubena! If you haven’t been out to the camp in a while, I encourage everyone to come out. First of all, we’ve done a fantastic job painting and maintaining all of our buildings. We’ve been upgrading some of our buildings such as our maintenance barn. We put a lot of time and effort into making sure that the buildings are repaired and are now a useful resource to make sure camp is run in a fantastic way. We now have a new medical lodge that helps accommodate our need for having a quarantine space when we do summer camp. Our old medical lodge was turned into a full-time residence for our assistant director. Once again, the assistant director’s role is to help us give 24/7 coverage. We have completed a lot more work out here from the pond, mowing and lighting around camp, making sure landscaping is up to grade as well as having really good communications with the recent installation of fiber optics.
VĚSTNÍK Income. None of this can work without income opportunities. This year has already been one of the best income producing years that Camp Kubena has ever seen. We’ve had 10 spring groups booked with well over $80,000 of income this year. I only budgeted $60,000, and we are already $20,000 above my projected income. I am hoping to really knock it out of the park in the fall! I’ve already got four groups booked in the fall. Summer camp is fully booked, and we have antique week, school trips, meetings, and family reunions as well as our brand new Camp Kubena fundraiser on October 29 - Cars & Guitars. We’re looking forward to having everyone out for that. It’s going to be a great opportunity to bring in some additional funds in to Camp Kubena. Marketing. We are spreading the word about Camp Kubena through outreach and marketing. This year, we are going to be involved in a magazine will be distributed throughout the state of Texas to all the Texas stop-overs. It’s going to be working with Fayette County Record to produce that magazine. We will be on the front cover of the magazine as well as on social media and websites that we will be working with. Education. Finally, for our core educational programming, we have great programs - disc golf, bocce ball, leatherwork, we have a nature center now with STEM-integrated programs that we are doing field trips with schools. Of course, we also have all of our other programs, such as high ropes and low ropes with a new high ropes program called crate stacking. The last program that we are excited about - another income producer - is going to be our canoe guiding on the Colorado River. Stay tuned for more information about that. That’s just a little bit about what is going on at Camp Kubena. Thank you very much for your time, and I hope everyone has a great day.
Closing Note: President/CEO Brian Vanicek and Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny closed out the webcast. Just a few more observations we’d like to share at this point. We’re especially excited to see how new business volume has increased in 2021. With a revitalized emphasis on SPJST branding, sales training, and mission, we look forward to seeing this trend to continue. And, as Melanie pointed out, on the fraternal front - for our lodge system and our youth program - our watchword remains “relevancy” - doing those things that bring meaning and substance to the SPJST fraternal mission. There were at least a couple of references made today to the year 2020 and Covid and how that affected SPJST. The silver lining of 2020 was the way it also accelerated SPJST’s embrace of the digital workplace. Necessity provided management with the motivational kick necessary to break from the past and think about how to do things differently. In six short months, we became more resourceful: Insurance applications without face-to-face contact; business activities shifting online; and business meetings conducted by teleconference. So, there were good things that came out of 2020. Even our semi-monthly Fraternal Focus webcasts. We started those online visits as a way to stay in touch and at same time, convey meaningful information. Of course, we should always be vigilant with costs, but it’s more than just that. Driving SPJST’s growth requires ongoing and calculated investments in the business, in the form of new sales and marketing technology, and fraternal activities that support excellent customer service and member experiences. Delisle’s full court press to integrate the illustrate.inc illustration software for the sales department in 2021 is a beautiful example of that. Our current drive to integrate the Equisoft policy administrative software will dramatically improve SPJST’s ability to manage SPJST’s existing member data base. All aspects of certificate management stand to improve. From the
members’ ability to access and update their coverage information to every aspect of Home Office policy administration and commission management, we’ll be in good shape. One of the areas that Delisle touched on that Melanie will speak to is our ongoing efforts to enhance the visibility of SPJST statewide. Over the past year, SPJST continued to show strong support for a multitude of annual public events, most notably helping to sponsor such events as National Polka Festival in Ennis, Westfest in West, and the Kolache Festival in Caldwell. The Society also offered its support to an array of cultural and heritage groups including Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center (CHMGC) in Temple; Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS); Czech Educational Foundation of Texas (CEFT); Texans of Czech Ancestry (TOCA); Czech Heritage Society (CHS) of Texas; Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC) in La Grange; Czech Center Museum Houston (CCHM) in Houston; and Sokol. It was an honor for us to work with and to be affiliated with these fine organizations and the projects that they championed. And finally, through the SPJST Foundation, more than $40,000 was raised in 2021 to aid the community of Hrusky in the Czech Republic after the devastating tornado damage that was experienced. Now, here we are - May 7, 2022 125 years into the future from where we started. Present and future generations of our SPJST Family will benefit as a result of our harmonious and collaborative efforts. Thank you for your time and attention. We appreciate your service and dedication to SPJST. If you have questions after today’s program, please email them to info@spjst.org. Thank you again for joining in. Best wishes from SPJST to you and your lodge. —SPJST—
VĚSTNÍK
Monday, May 23, 2022
From the Desk of Delisle L. Doherty SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing
It’s Your Life
13
Attention SPJST’s 2022 Graduates
and parents and grandparents of graduates!
The Vestnik will publish a commemorative special section celebrating the graduating class of 2022.
★ ★ ★ Senior Spotlight ★ ★ ★
Help Jumpstart Your Children Way back in the days we got a 25 cent weekly allowance (that shows my age). Twenty-five cents was a lot in those days. First thing we would do was run down to the candy store and spend it. Nobody ever said anything about saving some of it. When I got a job, then it was time to open a savings account. You didn’t need to have a lot to put in - it’s creating the habit of saving that I found to be important. I only wish I would have gotten in that habit before I got my first job. Because I never learned the value of saving early, my first paychecks rarely made it to the bank account. In today’s environment, it is even more important to teach kids about saving. Teaching kids early and creating that habit will take them a long way in life. Starting a savings account is simple. Creating the savings habit at a young age is even simpler. Once you start a savings account, it is now all negotiating. If they want a big toy, you let them earn it. They do a job, you pay them. To get the money, they need to agree to put half the pay in savings and the other half toward the toy. Once they get in the habit of putting half away and can see how it is
growing, you would be surprised how many more jobs they want to do. If you would like to go a step further, you can start a Flexible non-IRA annuity for them. Give them money for their savings when they do a job, but also gift them by depositing money into the annuity every time they put so much into their savings. This now helps them start on their retirement. For example, every time they reach a hundred dollar mark, you can add $100 to their annuity. Now you are teaching them to save and helping them learn about retirement (when they get older, of course). Six-year-olds don’t seem to care about retirement, but when they turn 18, they will understand what you just did for them. What you just did for them was help them build a better life. My door is always open; figuratively and literally. Stay blessed, Delisle L. Doherty Vice President of Sales and Marketing 832-232-2049 —SPJST—
All SPJST high school or college seniors are encouraged to submit photographs and information that showcase them as a person and an accomplished graduate! To be included, please complete the following information and submit along with up to 4 photographs no later than Tuesday, May 31 at 5 p.m. (deadline) to: Online - www.spjst.org/graduates Email - vestnik@spjst.org • Text - 254-534-0807 Mail - SPJST VESTNIK Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you wish to have photo(s) returned.
For more information, contact the Věstník Office 254-773-1575, ext. 169. Please print clearly. Thank you! Name ________________________________________________________ Lodge No. and Name _________________________________________ Graduating from (name of high school or college) ______________ ______________________________________________________________ Major/Degree (if applicable) ___________________________________ Parents_______________________________________________________ Grandparents ________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Accomplishments (optional) ___________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Future Plans __________________________________________________ Message to Graduate/Additional Information (optional) __________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Phone _______________________Email___________________________ — Graduates must be SPJST members —
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Monday, May 23, 2022
VĚSTNÍK
From the SPJST State Fraternal Director State Fraternal Director shares adult, youth news, updates One Combined Newsletter Starting with this newsletter, I will have both adult and youth information combined into one newsletter. This newsletter is to the point and will give you a quick reference to what is happening each month. This way all fraternal news will be wrapped up in one letter. SPJST Youth Program Makes a Difference Earlier in May, Connie and I attended our youngest child Shelby’s college graduation at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Camp Information for Members and Non-Members Join us at Camp Kubena for some fun in the sun this summer! Youth are encouraged to register and attend SPJST Camp. We extend an invitation to youth club members, youth who are not part of a youth club, and all youth who are new to SPJST. If you would like more information about Camp Kubena, visit campkubena.com. Qualifications for camp are: SPJST Members • Youth enrolled in kindergarten through 11th grades as of 2021-2022 school year. • Attend 7 youth club meetings (or adult meetings, in lodges without youth clubs) between January 2021 and May 2022. Youth earn camp credit for attending youth club meetings (or adult meetings, in lodges without youth clubs). • Youth leader (lodge secretary for adult meetings) provides sign-in sheet for verification of attendance.
While watching and taking photos like a good father would do, I was thinking about many of our youth that I have watched grow up in the SPJST Youth Program and how they have become very successful adults. The SPJST Youth Program is a way to empower the young members to be part of something greater than themselves. The program teaches integrity, ability to delegate, courage, respect, and independence. 2022 Camp Registration SPJST and Camp Kubena have rolled out a new camp registration platform which is available at https://spjst.org/camp/. It is very helpful for our office if you will register your camper as soon as you can. This helps us to determine the amount of food and snacks to prepare, and it allows us to create cabin and day group assignments weeks before camp and not the week of camp. It takes a lot of work to have a successful camp. So please help us by registering your camper now.
• Fees are: Attended 0 meetings - $250 Attended 1 meeting - $210 Attended 2 meetings - $175 Attended 3 meetings - $140 Attended 4 meetings - $105 Attended 5 meetings - $70 Attended 6 meetings - $35 Attended 7 meetings - no charge Non-Member Youths • Youth enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade as of 2021-2022 school year • Fee: $350. This amount is reasonable compared to other Texas camps starting at $745 for a week of camp. Please contact me if you have any questions about attending SPJST Camp.
Junior Camp Session 1 Thursday, July 7 to Sunday, July 10 Districts Two, Three, Four, Five Junior Camp Session 2 Thursday, July 14 to Sunday, July 17 Districts One, Six, Seven • All camp registrations will start at 2 p.m. and last one hour. • Late registration must be coordinated with your District Youth Counselor. SPJST Camp T-Shirts Camp t-shirts can be ordered online at spjst.org. District Youth Achievement Days District One - Sunday, July 10 Caldwell Civic Center District Two - Sunday, July 17 Lodge 47, Seaton District Four - to be held virtually District Five - Saturday, July 16 Lodge 81, Needville District Six - Sunday, July 10 Taiton Community Center District Seven - Sunday, June 12 Jourdanton ISD Please watch the Vestnik for updates on District YADs. State Youth Achievement Day State YAD will be held on Saturday, July 30 at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple. SPJST 125th Anniversary Help us celebrate SPJST’s 125th anniversary on Saturday, October 15 in La Grange at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center. Cars & Guitars—October 29 at Camp Kubena Save the date! The Cars & Guitars event will be Saturday, October 29. Planned activities include classic cars, music, food, arts/crafts vendors, kids’
activities, a disc golf tournament, and family fun. Donations Encouraged We are asking lodges, individuals, and districts to donate items valued at $50 or more for a big prize drawing in conjunction with the 125th anniversary and the Cars & Guitars event. Please give me a call if you’d like to donate an item. Thank you! Early Registration Available Online The October 29 car show is open to all makes and models. Early registration is available online at campkubena.com. Spots are also available for farmers market, arts/crafts, service, and auto-related vendors. The cost is $40 for one 10-foot by 10-foot outdoor space. Vendors can register online at campkubena.com. About Camp Kubena Camp Kubena is located at 2001 Waldeck Road in Ledbetter, Texas. Camp Kubena is a 182-acre conference and event center that offers camps and programs for schools and other groups throughout the year. Camp Kubena is also a venue for weddings, family events, and community activities. Vestnik Project The June Věstník project theme is “Why Summer Camp is Important.” You will learn what camp is all about and how it helps you grow as a person. Věstník projects are accessible at spjst.org webpage under the “Youth Program” tab. All youth are encouraged to submit their Věstník projects. Fraternally, Frank Horak State Fraternal Director —SPJST—
Dates for 2022 SPJST Camps Leaders and parents, our camp sessions will begin on Thursday and end on Sunday morning. All qualifying campers, Leaders-in-Training (LITs), and chaperones may choose either junior session. Teen Camp (LIT) Thursday, June 23 to Sunday, June 26
www.spjst.org
VĚSTNÍK
Monday, May 23, 2022
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Scenes from District Six Annual Meeting Sunday, April 10, 2022 • Taiton Community Center • Hosted by Lodge 30, Taiton
LEFT PHOTO: Smiling Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club members at their prize drawing booth. PHOTO 2: Showing off one of the new posters for lodge halls are, from left, Sales Agent Mary Jo Salinas (28), Regional General Agent Carolina Covarrubia (28), SPJST Vice President of Sales
and Marketing Delisle Doherty, and Sales Agents Crystal Bacak (30) and Elizabeth Holub (23). PHOTO 3: From left are Marjorie Treumer (30), Ann Marie Moseley (63), and Elaine Berkovsky (63). RIGHT PHOTO: From left are Johnnie Hoffman (184) and David and Janie Bucek (151).
LEFT PHOTO: Lisa Bubela (30) reported on Camp Kubena. PHOTO 2: First Vice President Yvonne Marcaurele (30), President Joe Siptak (4), and FAC Susan Siptak (4). PHOTO 3: SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty gave an update from the Home Office. PHOTO 4: We can’t have a lodge meeting in Moravia or Wharton, or a District Six meet-
ing without the best poppyseed cakes from Dorothy Olsovsky (23) and David Bucek (151)! PHOTO 5: Jennifer Hessler (4) welcomes and registers attendees. RIGHT PHOTO: Cathy Garcia (40), left, and Linda Henderson (40) discuss the 120th anniversary celebration of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje.
RIGHT PHOTO: Honorary District Six Director Karen Kaspar (30), left, and District Six Director Annie Vahalik (4). PHOTO 2: Visiting are, from left, Mary Ann Cerny (40), Vlasta Bartos (40), Lisa Bubela (30), and Janet
Marek (40). PHOTO 3: Happy hostesses from Lodge 30, Taiton prepare drinks for lunch. RIGHT PHOTO: Director Vahalik, far right, installs the district officers.
RIGHT PHOTO: Philip Vahalik (4) presents the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center report. PHOTO 2: SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty presents a check to District Six Treasurer Marjorie Treumer (30). PHOTO 3: Sales Agent Mary Jo Salinas (28), left,
catches up with Ardis Bacak (40). PHOTO 4: Tony and Helen Kelner (28) enjoy coffee. PHOTO 5: Carolina Covarrubia (28) and Mary Jo Salinas (28) hit the dessert table! RIGHT PHOTO: Johnnie Hoffman (184) presents the District Six Cemetery Association report.
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Monday, May 23, 2022
SPJST Lodge Section
VĚSTNÍK
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 4, Hallettsville meets June 12 Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville will meet Sunday, June 12, 2022, at Hallettsville Chamber Meeting Room at 3 p.m. Door prizes will be given, and lunch will be served as usual. We hope to see you there.^ Fraternally, Patsy Zabransky, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 6, Cottonwood plans June 5 meeting; June 10 social The next Lodge 6, Cottonwood meeting will be Sunday, June 5, 2022, at 2 p.m. A social at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 10 will include a Father’s Day meal, trustee meeting, and a work project for the upcoming picnic. We hope to see you at both of these events.^ Patti Rosales, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 24, Cyclone congratulates scholarship recipients Lodge 24, Cyclone met on Monday, May 9, 2022, at Flag Hall amid ripening wheat fields. President Daniel Wilde called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and a silent prayer for our deceased members. Last meeting’s minutes were read by Brenda
Maddux, and they were approved. Linda Wilde gave the treasurer’s report including a paper from the state for the beer business. Brenda Maddux gave the bar report with great results. She also gave the hall report. Old business was trim being installed in the north end of the hall. One roof panel is showing wear. The sign has been installed, and a mention of Flag Hall will be added to the sign. One air conditioner has been ordered from Matt Hoelscher, and he will have another for the kitchen with duct work to cool the youth room. June 18 is a free wedding dance with All Around Czechs providing the music. Jacelyn Chervenka and Emma Hoelscher were awarded SPJST Scholarships. Emma will graduate from Rice Consolidated High School on May 25, and Jacelyn Chervenka will graduate from Rogers High School on May 26. We are justly proud. Congratulations to both young ladies! Two new members were written into our lodge by Sales Agent Roberta Amos. Jennifer Hoelscher celebrated her 15th birthday, and Joseph Hoelscher has a 10th birthday. Shirley and Jason Hoelscher celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary. Flag Hall will host the District Two Annual Meeting on May 22. This is the same day that the Wildes return from the cruise. Our trust is in Cathy Bruggman and Kim Campbell. We talked about a flag pole, and there is one there. The writer understands it was not put for fear that someone would run into it and the lodge would be liable for the car and pole. The writer does not look under the bed at night either. For the Lodge, Bobby Hoelscher, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 25, Ennis offers Czech meal, music on May 28 SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis is excited to announce that we will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 12 midnight on Saturday, May 28, 2022, for National Polka Festival. We will be serving a fabulous Czech meal - barbecue and klobase (made by Frankie Svehlak), buttered parsley potatoes, seasoned green beans, choice of sauerkraut or coleslaw, bread, and Czech pastries (made by Betty Macalik and the SPJST Crew). The meal will be served from 11:30 a.m. until we run out. Also available will be barbecue and klobase sandwiches and sauerkraut boats!
go, then simply drive to the back of the hall, place your order, and have this delicious food delivered right to you. Thank you to all those who help support SPJST Lodge 25! We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, May 28! —SPJST—
Dine in, enjoy a cold pivo, and listen to the music of Texas Dutchmen with Pardubická Muzika (brass band from the Czech Republic), Dujka Brothers, and the Moravians — or get your food to-go! If you choose to get your food to-
O O O Presenting 2022 Officers O O O SPJST District Six
The 2022 SPJST District Six officers are, second from left to right, Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela (30), Treasurer Marjorie Treumer (30), Secretary Elizabeth Holub (23), Second Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Crystal Bacak (30), First Vice President Yvonne Marcaurele (30), and President Joe Siptak (4). District Six Director Annie Vahalik, far left, installed the officers.
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Lodge 25, Ennis readies for National Polka Festival Dear Readers, Lodge 25, Ennis met on Thursday, May 12, 2022. Betty served a delicious meal consisting of chicken, rice, and broccoli. Thank you, Betty! The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Margaret. Randy Trojacek and Sandra Slovak are on the sick list. All officer reports were accepted as read. A thank you card from the Catholic Daughters for the use of the hall for its meetings was read by Pat. We discussed the upcoming Polka Festival, and Arlene asked for volunteers to help in different areas. JoAnn went chair shopping and found a sturdier one that the membership agreed on to purchase. She will order enough to furnish the entire hall, and they should come in about six to eight weeks. Birthdays and anniversaries were announced. Everyone then enjoyed refreshments and socializing the rest of the evening. Next Meeting—June 9 The next meeting will be held on Thursday, June 9. See you then! Fraternally yours, Margaret Krajca, Reporter —SPJST—
Monday, May 23, 2022
Lodge 28, East Bernard meets June 12 Lodge 28, East Bernard will meet Sunday, June 12 at 12 noon in Wharton County Library meeting room.^ Helen Kelner Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—
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District six supports cemetery association’s efforts to purchase grave marker for first spjst vice president ferdinand breska
Lodge 29, Taylor supports local organizations SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor met on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, with President Ronnie Rieger leading the Pledge of Allegiance and having a moment of silence for our departed members, especially our beloved Sharon Kaderka. All officers were present. The April minutes were read and approved. Tammy Cannon gave the treasurer’s report. Ronnie read a thank you note from the David Betak family for the use of the hall. He also read a thank you from the Friends of the Moody Museum for the donation Lodge 29 gave to them. We received a request from the Friends of the Taylor Public Library for a donation to the summer reading program for the area children. Jesse Pospisil made a motion to donate $100, and Charlie Campbell seconded. The motion passed.
Lodge 54, West honors birthday celebrants
Lodge 54, West honored its birthday celebrants with a cake at the meeting held on March 4, 2022. Pictured are, left to right, SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek, Ronnie Kaluza, Jon Vaculik, Melissa Sefcik, PeeWee Zahirniak, Mary Lou Mynar, Freddie Kaluza, District Three Director John Engelke, Jaydean Willis, and Wilburn Willis. Congratulations and best wishes!
District Six members voted to present a $400 donation to the District Six Cemetery Association to help cover costs associated with purchasing a grave marker for Ferdinand Breska of Lodge 19, Velehrad, who was elected Vice President when SPJST was established on July 1, 1897. Pictured in front are Cemetery Association Treasurer Johnnie Holub (184) accepting the check from District Six Treasurer Marjorie Treumer (30). In back, left to right, are Cemetery Association representatives Elizabeth Holub (23), President David Bucek (151), Vice President Vlasta Bartos (40), and Philip Vahalik (4).
Adolph Grieger made a motion for Lodge 29 to donate $100 to the Granger Youth Athletic Association Crappie Tournament on June 18. This would go towards youth baseball programs. Leonard Kaderka seconded, and the motion passed. Lyn Rieger reminded members again of the District Two Annual Meeting at Lodge 24, Cyclone on Sunday, May 22. Members celebrating May birthdays are Kathryn Adamek, Angie Malicoat, Karin Bryant, Tammy Miller, Bradyn Teat, Brady and Sarah Pasemann, and Frank Chovanec. Wedding anniversaries are celebrated by Ronnie and Lyn Rieger (15 years on May 19) and Frankie and Mary Jane Pustejovsky (52 years on May 9). Charlie Campbell brought door prizes. Adolph Grieger volunteered to bring door prizes next month. The meeting then adjourned. Next Meeting—June 8 The next meeting will be Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30 p.m. Fraternally submitted, Linda Pospisil Secretary-Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 30, Taiton reports on April meeting Dear Vestnik Readers, The SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton meeting was called to order on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at Taiton Community Center by President Yvonne Marcaurele. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Carolina Covarrubia, and a moment of silence was observed for any sick or departed members. Minutes of the February/March meeting were read and approved. Three officers, eight adult members, 12 youth members, and two guests were in attendance. Treasurer Lisa Bubela reported on the financial standing of the lodge. A motion by Kirby Lange, seconded by Crystal Bacak, was given to pay all outstanding bills. The motion carried. The treasurer’s books were audited by Stephanie Janssen and Crystal Bacak. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Patsy Baker was unable to attend due to other commitments. President Marcaurele reminded the members of events
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that would be happening around the state. She read a message from the Home Office wishing all members a happy Easter. Cars and Guitars will be held at Camp Kubena on Saturday, October 29. It was discussed that this would be a good possible date for a fall fun day. Watch the Vestnik for more information. Youth Leader Lisa Bubela informed members of upcoming important dates for the summer. Youth Leaders Workshop was to be held on April 22 and 23, and all camp chaperones are encouraged to also attend. Please register for camp as soon as the window opens. Teen (LIT) camp will be June 23 to 26, district junior session is July 14 to 17, District Six YAD will be hosted by Taiton on July 10, and State YAD will be in Temple on July 30. Youth Leader/Treasurer Bubela asked for another copy of the minutes from the July 2021 meeting so that she can get the accounts changed over to Prosperity Bank. The recent events attended were then discussed. The Taiton Altar Society chicken dinner was a great success, and the youth members were able to assist
VĚSTNÍK with several different activities that day. The rules and regulations were then handed out for the members to review the changes made after the discussion during the previous meeting. Happy birthday was wished to Yvonne Marcaurele. We wish her many more blessed years to come. Happy anniversary was wished to Stephanie and Kyle Janssen for seven years of wedded bliss. Our May meeting time and place will be determined, and the members will be notified. The meeting was adjourned by President Yvonne Marcaurele. Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton hosts Czech band; plans annual picnic
Congratulations to 2022 West High School graduate Jenna Maler, right, of Lodge 54, West! She was awarded the first-ever SPJST Rudy and Maxine Sefcik Benevolence Scholarship for $1,000. Lodge 54 Vice President Wilburn Willis presented the scholarship to Jenna. Mrs. Maler, left, is also pictured.
Dear Vestnik Readers, Please keep these upcoming events in mind and on your calendar, and plan to join us at Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall:
much appreciated. Youth member and graduating Rogers High School senior Elisa Ranly will be honored with receiving the SPJST Lodge 47 scholarship for her graduation, along with cake and ice cream. Members are also welcome to bring your favorite ice cream to share with the cake. Take care, and we hope to see you all soon at Seaton Star Hall!^ Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky, Secretary —SPJST—
Wednesday, May 25— Czech Brass Band Performance Lodge 47 will host Pardubicka Muzika (Czech brass band performance) on Wednesday, May 25. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 to 9 p.m. performance. Music performers are from Pardubice, Czech Republic. For more information, see the full article in this week’s Vestnik.
Lodge 81, Needville awards scholarship to Bryce Nesvadba Lodge 81, Needville President Vincent Newman, left, proudly presents the lodge scholarship to Bryce Nesvadba. Bryce is a member of Lodge 81 and plans to attend Texas A&M University. —Submitted by Jeanette Newman, Reporter
Jenna maler of Lodge 54, West receives SPJST Scholarship
Sunday, June 5— Annual Lodge Picnic Our annual picnic is on Sunday, June 5. Fried chicken, homemade sausage, potato salad, cole slaw, bread, pickles, onions, dessert, and tea will be available beginning at 11 a.m. till sold out. The cost is $12 per plate. At 12 noon, join us for free entertainment: polka jam music and dancing on the pavilion; free games for the kids; and other entertainment including bingo and a prize drawing, plus a live auction at 3 p.m. Next Meeting—June 6 The next mother lodge meeting will be Monday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m. Members, if you can come a few minutes earlier to help complete the cleanup from the picnic, it will be very
Lodge 54, West establishes Rudy and Maxine Sefcik endowed scholarship The meeting of SPJST Lodge 54, West was held at St. Joseph Hall on Friday, March 4, 2022. The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by President Freddie Kaluza. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Freddie followed by a moment of silence in memory of departed members Harry Lee Hykel and Ernest “Toby” Tobola who had passed away since our last meeting. We also added a silent prayer for the Ukrainian people with all the loss of lives and hardships placed on their families. All
of our officers and sales agents were present for this meeting except sales agent Jean Martin. In attendance were 19 members and two guests. We welcomed our guests, SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek and District Three Director John Engelke. The minutes of the last meeting were read by Janice Kaluza. Ronnie Kaluza made a motion to accept the minutes, and Wilburn Willis seconded the motion. Motion passed. The FAC report was given by Linda Kaluza. She stated the paperwork was due for the FAC report, and she took care of this and mailed it in. The events taking place would be the Cars & Guitars car show at Camp Kubena on April 2 and a spring break canoe trip on March 16 to 18. If you needed any further information, call the Home Office for details. Janice Kaluza made a motion to accept the FAC report. Terry Sefcik seconded the motion. Motion passed. Mary Lou Mynar gave the treasurer’s report. Terry Sefcik made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, and Marcela Vaculik seconded the motion. Motion passed. Thank You, Czech Reporter Jan Vaculik for 50 Years of Service! Freddie asked Czech Reporter Jan Vaculik if he had anything to report, and he said after 50 years of Czech report-
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Monday, May 23, 2022
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Lodge 54, West members perform with west junior historian dancers
West Junior Historian Dancers performed for parents and grandparents recently on the West High School Football Field. The dancers include Lodge 54, West members Kera and Riley Kaluza, who are the granddaughters of Lodge 54 President Freddie and Secretary Janice Kaluza. “We really enjoyed watching them perform,” said Freddie. “The stadium was full of people!” Freddie and Janice also serve as SPJST sales agents. LEFT PHOTO: Riley Kaluza and her dancing partner. RIGHT PHOTO: Kera Kaluza and her dancing partner.
ing, his health was declining and could no longer hear at the meetings to successfully report so he requested to resign his position as Czech reporter. All present understood, but did not make a motion or replace this position. We will table this till the election of officers takes place and work on a write-up about Jan for the Vestnik and getting a plaque for 50 years of dedicated service. President Freddie Kaluza also reported we served 325 plates for the SPJST annual Christmas party. He said it was a great success, and the West Junior Historian Dancers did a great job. Henry Dudik, Ricky Hromadka, and Betty Hromadka were all signed up as new members of Lodge 54 by Agent Janice Kaluza. Tyler Mears and Finley Chupik were signed up as new members, and Karissa Mears signed up for additional insurance, all by Lodge 54 Agent Freddie Kaluza. Mary Lou Mynar made a motion to accept the new members, and Beulah Zahirniak seconded the motion. Motion passed. In old business, President Freddie Kaluza talked to the Little League about advertising with a 4-foot by 8-foot banner supporting them at the
baseball/softball field. The cost for the banner is $450, and it would stay up for three years. He was going to talk to Melanie at the Home Office about the design for the banner. Beulah Zahirniak made a motion we go ahead with this project, and Terry Sefcik seconded the motion. Motion passed. In new business, we will be honoring Lodge 54 members with 50-year pins— Evelyn Cepak, Paul Cepak, Veronica Cepak, Deborah Debbendener, Audra Geisler, Henry Kapavik Jr., Caroline Kaska, Johnny Joseph Mynar III, and Edwin G. Sulak Sr. and 75-year pins— JoAnn Cepak, Linda Frances Gipson, and Dwain Roy Pomykal. We will have a meal prepared by Still Smokin BBQ and a pin presentation at our next meeting on Friday, June 3 for all who have faithfully stayed a member throughout the years. Lodge members have been discussing starting a Rudy and Maxine Sefcik Scholarship Endowment Fund at SPJST Home Office with a startup amount of $20,000 to award a senior graduating from West High School. This principal amount could generate interest to help keep the scholarship as an ongoing en-
deavor for years to come with additional add-in amounts from memorials or other donations. We talked about the family deciding on who receives this scholarship. Some of the things that were discussed such as having to be an SPJST member, possible West Junior Historian, highest ranked graduate, a District Three candidate, and keeping the Czech tradition alive. These were not final decisions, but some of the things the family could look at as criteria for the award. Mary Lou Mynar made a motion we proceed today with establishing this endowment, and Wilburn Willis seconded the motion. Motion passed. President Freddie Kaluza let SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek talk about the endowment, how it is established, and the importance of how to keep this endowment scholarship fund active. President/CEO Vanicek also presented Lodge 54 with a new banner for our lodge to replace the old one that has been missing and could not be found. We are so happy to have this banner replaced for our meetings. District Three Director John Engelke let us know the District Three Annual Meeting will be Sunday, April 24 at
Lodge 92, Fort Worth. On May 7, there will be the first delegates’ Advisory Council meeting virtually if we were interested. SPJST camps for youth at Camp Kubena will be held in June and July. State Youth Achievement Day will be on July 30 in Temple. In April, the scholarships for graduating students will be announced at the Executive Committee meeting. Mary Lou Mynar reported Ronnie Kaluza and Marcela Vaculik audited the books, and all were in order. Wilburn Willis made a motion to accept the audit report, and Beulah Zahirniak seconded the motion. Motion passed. Janice Kaluza made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Terry Sefcik. The prayer was led by Janice Kaluza in English and Marcela Vaculik in Czech. A cake was brought for the birthdays since the last meeting which were Ronnie Kaluza, Freddie Kaluza, Mary Lou Mynar, Jaydean Willis, John Engelke, Brian Vanicek, Melissa Sefcik, PeeWee Zahirniak, Wilburn Willis, and Jon Vaculik. Door prizes of $20 each were given to Mary Lou Mynar and Bubba Sefcik. President/CEO Vanicek donated prizes, and they were given to
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Jaydean Willis (umbrella), Janice Kaluza (cap), Terry Sefcik (stuffed animal), Jon Vaculik (camo bag), and Marcela Vaculik (cap). We all enjoyed food and fellowship together before the meeting.
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Bryce Nesvadba of Lodge 81, Needville receives SPJST Scholarship Congratulations to Lodge 81, Needville member Bryce Nesvadba who received a $1,000 SPJST Scholarship! Bryce was presented the scholarship by Lodge 81 Hall Manager Marion Morales. Best wishes to Bryce, who is a graduate of Needville High School and planning to attend Texas A&M University.
Next Meeting—June 3 The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 3 at St. Joseph Hall. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. —1 John 4:16 Fraternally, Janice Kaluza, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 81, Needville awards scholarship The May 2022 meeting of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville was held on Sunday, the 15th. At 12 noon, a prayer of thanks was given by President Vincent Newman, and everyone enjoyed a meal of pizza donated by the lodge. Desserts and side dishes were provided by members. President Vincent Newman called the business meeting to order at 12:55 p.m. Willie Mae Kuykendall led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers answered the roll except Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha and Special Funds Chair Marion Morales. We had a moment of silence for the Peggy Raesner family. Our sympathy goes out to her family and friends. Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall read her report, and it was approved as read. Since Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha and Special Funds Chair Marion Morales were not present, their reports will be read at our June meeting. Under new business, Youth Leader Kristen Jones gave a report. She said that the YAD is scheduled at our lodge on July 16, and State YAD will be on July 30 in Temple. She also mentioned that they are looking into having the youth participate in the Lunches of Love program this summer. Under other business, scholarship recipient Bryce Nesvadba came to receive his certificate. Congratulations, Bryce! Next Meeting—June 26 The next meeting will be held on Sunday, June 26 since our regular meeting would fall on Father’s Day. We will have sandwiches for our June meeting.
Members, please bring chips, dips, potato salad, or whatever you like to eat with your sandwich and a dessert. See you at the next meeting! Fraternally, Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 84, Dallas reports on May meeting Dear Readers, Lodge 84, Dallas members met on Sunday, May 15, 2022, for their monthly meeting. President Vicki Sims brought the meeting to order at 2:45 p.m. Flag Bearer Charles Nemec led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence was held afterwards. President Vicki welcomed Bob Podhrasky and Ray Faraizl to our meeting. It is always wonderful to see a new or familiar face, and we appreciate both for attending our meeting! Secretary Cherri Petr read the minutes from our March and April meetings; there were no corrections noted, and everyone approved them as read. Sunshine committee reported that sympathy cards were sent to the families of Sister Martha Mahdak and Sister Carole Faraizl; may your loved ones rest in peace. Also, get better soon cards were sent to Kendall Tucker - foot and arm injuries, Josh Tucker - hand injury, and Kalyne Tucker on her allergic reaction to sun overexposure. We are hoping you all get better soon!
Youth Leader Lynda Novak reported that the youth met on Sunday, April 3. Youth Leader Lynda reported on teen (leaders-in-training) camp and district summer camp dates and reminded everyone that registration forms were online. She also reminded the youth to get their Flag Day essays submitted to State Fraternal Director Frank Horak by the May 31 deadline. Youth Leader Lynda then told the youth that she and Assistant Youth Leader Vicki Sims will attend the youth leader workshop on April 22 and 23 at Camp Kubena, and they will be bringing lots of new and fun information back to discuss at the next youth meeting. She also reminded the youth about the District Three Annual Meeting at Lodge 92, Fort Worth and to be sure and bring our decorated rock entry. Vice President Lynda Novak then gave her reports on Fraternal Council and Czech Culture Society. Treasurer Jim Liska also gave his report. Next Meeting—June 12 President Sims thanked everyone for attending the meeting today and invited everyone to come to the next meeting on Sunday, June 12 at 2:30 p.m. at Back Country BBQ, located at 6940 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75231, phone - 214-696-6940. The meeting was then adjourned, and we enjoyed a very delectable svačina! Fraternally, Anne Cowan Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 84, Dallas save the date: July 17 for lakeside picnic Lodge 84, Dallas will host its annual lakeside picnic meeting fun day at Yeager Lake House on Sunday, July 17, 2022. Please keep reading the Vestnik for more details! Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston invites members to June 5 homecoming This message is for all members, but it’s mostly targeted at those that haven’t been back to the Lodge in a while. We get it. Maybe you don’t live quite as close to the Lodge as you used to. Or maybe you just haven’t been to the Lodge in forever and haven’t found a good excuse to come back yet. The Lodge was a really important part of your life before, but yeah, it’s been a while. Lord knows that COVID didn’t make anything easier. But hopefully you have been keeping up with what’s going on with the Lodge through the Vestnik. Hopefully, you’ve seen the Lodge coming back to its roots as a place where families come together to build a community that is preparing for the future while remembering its past. Pokrok . . . right? And, hopefully, you have really just been waiting for that last good excuse to come back. The Board and Officers would like to formally invite you (and all members) back to the Lodge for Homecoming this year on Sunday, June 5, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We’ll have food at lunch from Harold’s, polka in the ballroom from our own Czech Orchestra (10 to 11 a.m.) and Texas Sound Czech (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Plus the bar will be open! Lunch is free of charge for all adult members who have paid their 2022 annual dues and all youth members. Friends and family are welcome, too ($20 for adults, and kids are $12). Please RSVP/buy tickets by visiting w w w. l o d g e 8 8 . o rg / e v e n t s all/2022/6/5/spjst-homecoming-2022members-and-member-guests or calling the office by May 30 to let us know ev-
VĚSTNÍK eryone that is coming (or just do it now). If you don’t RSVP, we cannot guarantee we will have enough food to go around. As a special gift for our longtime members, if you have been a member for more than 10 years, RSVP and join us on the 5th, we will have a 20-ounce RTIC tumbler engraved with the classic Lodge 88 logo waiting for you as you come in. It’s the good excuse you have been looking for to come back and see us! We hope you come on out and mingle with members - old and new. Bring your friends and family, too. It’s been too long, and it’s going to be a great time. We hope to see you there. Fraternally, Aaron Rigamonti, President —SPJST—
Lodge 91, San Jacinto meets June 11 Lodge 91, San Jacinto will host its second meeting of 2022 on Saturday, June 11 at Crosby Dairy Queen. The meeting will begin at 11 a.m. Fraternally, Vonda Smesny, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 92, Fort Worth hosts tarok tourney Saturday, June 4 The Paprskar Memorial Tarok Tournament X will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022, at SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth National Hall, 3316 Roberts Cut Off in Fort Worth (Lake Worth). Registration and snacks will be served from 8 to 8:45 a.m. Six one-hour rounds begin at 9 a.m. Meal is included at the noon break. Trophies will be awarded for the top four scores. Cash will be awarded for the top four scores. Registration is $25 per player. Late entries will be accepted if player slots are available. To register by mail, send name, address, and phone number by May 30 to John Paprskar, 905 Venice Street, Hurst, Texas 76053.
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Keith Wockenfuss receives Lodge 88, Houston Scholarship
Congratulations to 2022 Huntsville High School graduate Keith Wockenfuss of Lodge 88, Houston! Keith was presented the Lodge 88 Scholarship at the meeting on Sunday, May 15. Lodge members prepared and enjoyed a cake in his honor. RIGHT PHOTO: Keith is pictured with his mom, Michelle Wockenfuss, and his grandmother, Barbara Linney-Gonzalez. Mi-
chelle served as assistant youth leader at Lodge 88 and assistant youth counselor for District Five for many years, and Barbara served as youth leader at Lodge 88 and District Five Youth Counselor for many years. Keith plans to attend Texas State Technical College in Waco. Best wishes to him in his future endeavors!
Lodge 88, Houston was proud to present a $1,000 scholarship to Keith Edward Leo Wockenfuss at the May monthly meeting. Keith is the son of Michelle and Jerry Wockenfuss. Keith was an active Lodge 88 Youth Club member along with his sister, Allison, until his family moved to Huntsville. His grandmother, Barbara Linney-Gonzalez, was his youth leader for many years. Even after his move, Keith continued to uphold the ideals of the SPJST Youth motto by “joining hands” and doing fraternal work at his church. He set up for and helped at community events such as their carnival, worked at making new friends in his new community, and worked to in-
still youth club motto ideals to the younger members at his church. Keith was also a member of Huntsville High School Welding Club and FFA. After graduation, he will attend Texas State Technical College in Waco and major in diesel mechanics. God bless you, Keith, as you continue to make the world a better place. Fraternally, Carol Havemann Scholarship Committee —SPJST—
For more information or directions, contact John Paprskar at 817-480-3480. Fraternally, John Paprskar Lodge 92, Fort Worth —SPJST—
Lodge 141, Sealy supports city of Wallis’ Fourth of July celebration Officers and members met at the office of Rick Martinez to conduct their April business. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by President Rick Martinez. Roll call of officers
followed. Then Secretary Bernice Stolarski read the minutes, and Treasurer Dora Martinez gave her report. A motion to donate $150 to the City of Wallis Fourth of July celebration was made by Bernice Stolarski, seconded by Dora Martinez. Motion passed. A few other items were discussed. The meeting was then adjourned with motions by Dora and Haley Martinez. Next Meeting—June 14 The next meeting will be held at the Gordon Memorial Library on Tuesday, June 14, starting at 6 p.m. Thank you. Bernice Stolarski, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 151, Wharton meets June 13 SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton will hold its quarterly meeting on Monday, June 13, 2022, at the Wharton Depot Museum, located at 100 Sunset Street in Wharton, Texas. A light meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP by Thursday, June 9, to Carolyn Bucek at 979-532-1910 if you plan to attend. Members with birthdays in April, May, and June will be honored. We hope you can attend. Fraternally, Janie Bucek Secretary/FAC —SPJST—
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Lodge 179, Warrenton schedules Join Hands Day activity
Lodge 172, Pasadena meets June 15 Members of Lodge 172, Pasadena are invited to the quarterly meeting on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at 6 p.m. at Peppers Steak and Seafood, 3604 Fairmont Parkway in Pasadena. Make plans to attend our dinner meeting by contacting Jerry Dressler 512-551-9009. Fraternally, Jerry Dressler, President —SPJST—
Lodge 177, Academy to host June 4 dance SPJST Lodge 177, Academy will host a dance on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at the hall from 7 to 11 p.m. Lodge 177 is a large, family friendly hall with a nice dance floor. The hall is located at 711 East Rio Poco Street in Little RiverAcademy. Tickets are $10 per person with ages 12 and under admitted free of charge. Jerry Haisler and the Melody 5 will play great country dance music along with other favorites. —SPJST—
The date has been set! On Friday, June 10, 2022, we plan to go to Care Inn, 457 North Main in La Grange, to take small gifts to the residents. We will also provide cookies for a social visit. Come Join Us! Let’s Bring Joy to the Residents! We invite and encourage all members to participate to bring some joy to the residents. I know they look forward to visitors. Please call Ruby Juergens at 979-249-3080 or Marceil Malak at 979966-7270 to help us coordinate this fun event. Marceil Malak, FAC —SPJST—
Lodge 202, Jourdanton meets June 5 Lodge 202, Jourdanton will meet Sunday, June 5, 2022, at 1 p.m. at Jourdanton Community Center. Sandwich fixings and drinks will be provided. Bring sides or desserts. Lodge 202 will host District Seven YAD on Sunday, June 12 at Jourdanton High School Cafeteria. Please plan to attend both events. Fraternally, Bettie House, Secretary —SPJST—
Fort worth friendship club names easter queen Congratulations to Easter Queen Linda Powell who is pictured in her Easter bonnet and holding her pink bouquet. She was honored at the April meeting of the Fort Worth Friendship Club. —Submitted by Sharron Connelly Lodge 154, Fort Worth
Lodge 88, Houston member Hester Clark achieves Grand Age of 96 SPJST congratulates Sister Hester Maybelle (Friedly) Clark of Lodge 88, Houston, who celebrated her 96th birthday on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Sister Hester is now entitled to all SPJST benefits with no further dues or assessments. Hester was born in Verdon, Nebraska, to Benjamin and Mary Friedly. She had two siblings, Thelma Swisgood, (deceased) and Marion Wittrock. Hester married Robert (Bob) W. Clark, Sr. on June 25, 1950, in Richardson County, Nebraska. They were blessed with daughters Carol Williams, of Katy, Cynthia St. John (Donald) of Nacogdoches, and Catherine McDaniel (Jimmy) of Angleton and son Robert W. Clark, Jr. (Susanne) of Friendswood. Sister Hester’s husband Bob was very charming. Her parents were unsure about him before they met him since they did not know his family. However, after they met him, Hester always said they liked him more than her!
Fort Worth Friendship Club President Lola Taylor opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. We were happy to have Lola back after her fall. Lola blessed us with beautiful bunny decorations that lifted our hearts. Sharron Connelly told us about the history of the Easter Bunny, while Lynn Cummings gave out bunny cupcakes to everyone. Linda Powell was crowned with a big Easter bonnet as our Bunny Easter Queen and presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Secretary Mary Martinez read the minutes, and we really appreciate her joining the team. Treasurer Margaret Sears reported on our finances. We are so happy to have her and are grateful for all the work she does and what she contributed to the club. Sunshine Reporter Betty Carter reported on the cards she sent to our dear members who are ill. Sharron Connelly reported on send-
Bob and Hester moved nine times between 1950 and 1953 before settling in Houston. Traveling with Bob’s geophysical crew was an adventure. Sister Hester was a teacher and later a volunteer ESL (English as a Second Language) tutor. She was beloved by her students and often invited to weddings or family events. She traveled to Singapore in the 1990s for a student’s wedding. Hester received the 1997 Mayor’s Award for outstanding volunteer service from Houston Mayor Bob Lanier. Sister Hester loves crocheting, sewing, reading, and traveling. Congratulations again to Sister Hester M. Clark on attaining the Grand Age of 96. Thank you, Hester, for all your devotion to SPJST for all these years. May God bless you and your family with many more years of good health and happiness. —SPJST— ing an article to the Vestnik, a Czech newspaper, and gave out photos to last month’s queen Linda Powell. Chris Strieff and Betty Carter won the door prizes. Dennis Heigesan was lucky and won both dollar games. We sang “Happy Birthday” to Rose Ann Spann, Kathy Tome, and Patti Williams. The ladies brought wonderful dishes to go with our fried chicken. It was a happy and wonderful meeting. Sharron Connelly Lodge 154, Fort Worth —SPJST—
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may meeting scenes from lodge 92, fort worth ladies circle Tuesday, May 10, 2022 • SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth National Hall
LEFT PHOTO: SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth Ladies Circle meeting was RIGHT PHOTO: Hostesses for May were Delores York, Jeanette Tesar, held on Tuesday May 10, 2022. CENTER PHOTO: Guests this month and Mary Ann Krivanek. were Jan Tenney, Lee Williams, Leila Puckett, and Sharon Wenke. —Submitted by Lisa Ellsworth FAR LEFT PHOTO: Guest speaker Dr. Zhenya GurinaRodriguez spoke about the people suffering because of the conflict going on between Russia and Ukraine. LEFT: Jeanne O’Connor was celebrating a birthday this month. RIGHT: We welcomed new members - Nancy Davis and JuDawn Potter. FAR RIGHT PHOTO: There was a raffle for a gift basket which was won by Claire Rooney. Congratulations!
★ ★ Reunions ★ ★ Reunion notices are published at no charge and as a benefit to SPJST members. First-run announcements may be edited to fit the space. Thereafter, until the week prior to the reunion date - as space permits - notices will be run in an abbreviated form. Please include your SPJST lodge number/name, and your contact phone number. Thank you. June 4 Descendants of Anton and Alouise Jancak Kelner—at Riverside Hall, East Bernard. For information, contact any of the following: President William Kelner 979-310-3245; Vice President Donnie Kelner 979-318-3245; Secretary Helen Kelner 281-342-2624; and Treasurer Joey Pitman 281-236-7652. Submitted by Helen Kelner, Lodge 28, East Bernard
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June 5 Families of George and Francis Kubin Sefcik —at New Tabor Church Brethren Fellowship Hall. Hosted by the families of Frank G. Sefcik, Alvina Sefcik, and George A. Sefcik. For questions, contact Georgia Sefcik Fritsche 979-255-6439. Submitted by Georgia Sefcik Fritsche, Lodge 17, New Tabor
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Vajdak family The Vajdak family will meet Sunday, June 12, 2022, at SPJST Lodge 9, Snook. A potluck meal will be served at noon. Please bring a dish to share. There will also be a silent auction and a plant exchange. For more information, call Carla at 979-229-3630. Carla Welch Lodge 9, Snook —SPJST—
Great weekend getaway ideas (MS) Few things embody a summertime vibe better than a day spent soaking up the sun and enjoying a warm breeze in the great outdoors. Warm weather and generally dry conditions are one reason why summer is so popular among vacationers. Even individuals who can’t get away on vacation this summer can still look to the weekend as a great time to hit the road or the friendly skies for weekend getaways. Convenience and proximity are two selling points when choosing weekend getaway destinations. The following are some weekend getaway ideas that are tailor-made for summer fun. Take yourself out to the ballgame. The pandemic forced millions of baseball fans to stay home as their favorite team battled it out on the diamond. No fans were allowed during the shortened 2020 season, and the 2021 season began with many teams allowing only limited attendance. Some fans might not have felt comfortable return-
ing to packed stadiums last summer. Now that attendance restrictions have been lifted, what better way to enjoy America’s pastime than in person? Take a weekend to follow your favorite team on the road or visit a stadium you’ve never been to. Many ballparks are now surrounded by great restaurants and five-star hotels, making a ballpark trip an ideal way to experience a new city in style. Make it a water-based weekend. No matter where you live, a body of water is no doubt nearby. Though the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicates that roughly 40 percent of the United States population lives in a coastal region, oceans aren’t the only places to find some sand and enjoy a warm summer breeze. Lakes and rivers are great places to relax, and getaway seekers can utilize sites like Airbnb and Vrbo to find short-term waterfront rentals. Soak up the city lights. Big cities tend to clear out on summer weekends, which can make this
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an ideal time to visit. City visitors won’t have to contend with the sizable crowds that descend on metropolises in winter, when indoor entertainment is in high demand. That means savvy travelers also may find discounts on live theater and local concerts. It also won’t be as difficult to book reservations at the latest culinary hotspots, particularly for travelers who book early.
VĚSTNÍK hike their way through the mountains before retiring to their resort for a more laid back evening of relaxation. There’s no wrong way to get away. Summer travelers who don’t have much time to escape can look to some unique weekend getaway ideas and enjoy a relaxing taste of something new. —SPJST—
Hit the slopes (seriously). Skiing might be the furthest thing on people’s minds in summer. However, skiing hotspots can make for the ideal summer getaways for individuals looking for a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Instead of traversing slopes on skis, visitors can
Did you know? (MS) Peaches are a summertime staple. This sweet fruit is at home in desserts, salads, on top of cereals, and all on its own. Peaches thrive in warm climates with lots of sunlight. Peaches are native to northwest China, and they are believed to have been domesticated and cultivated since 2000 B.C. Later, they were widely grown in the region known as Persia, which is now called Iran. As a result, the scientific name for the peach species is Prunus persica. China continues to be the world’s largest peach producer, followed by Spain, Italy, Greece, and the United States. In the United States, even though Georgia is
known as “The Peach State,” it is not the country’s biggest producer of peaches. Georgia is beat out by California and South Carolina. New Jersey also produces its fair share of peaches. Nectarines and peaches are similar fruits. In fact, nectarines are a type of peach. Peaches have a dominant allele for the fuzzy skin, while nectarines have a recessive allele for that fuzz. In regard to flavor, peaches and nectarines are very similar, but some experts say nectarines are slightly sweeter and firmer. According to the College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, nectarines also have considerably more potassium and twice as much vitamin A as peaches. —SPJST—
Lodge 196, Houston-West Hosts Annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 9, 2022 • SPJST Lodge 196, Houston-West Hall • Cypress, Texas Lodge 196, Houston-West held its annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 9, 2022, and what a success it was. We had more than 250 people attend, and of those 150-plus children hunted eggs. The turnout was so overwhelming, and our supplies were quickly used up. The eggs were found in record time then everyone moved on to the rest of the activities. The Easter Bunny was mobbed so quickly that even the flat-footed Bunny was cornered and found no way to escape the crowd. He was helped to a safe room to recover and rehydrate. The food was eaten at blinding speed, and coloring sheets had to have additional copies made. The wall banner that was set up for the children to draw and color was
an amazing piece of art, and the sounds of laughter and enjoyment were heard everywhere. The event was a great time, and several people commented they had no idea of what SPJST is and had not known that the hall was so nice and available to rent for parties and other events. We hope these photos will give you some sense of the excitement that was everywhere. A big thank you to everyone for all of the effort,
time, and hard work that was done to make this a great day of fun for those who attended. Fraternally, Don Fruin Event Coordinator —SPJST—
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Massacre and Destruction of Lidice June 10, 1942 ~ 80 years ago The world first learned about the destruction of Lidice via a brutally detached Nazi radio annoucement broadcast the day after the attack and proudly proclaimed: “All male inhabitants have been shot. The women have been transferred to a concentration camp. The children have been taken to educational centers. All houses of Lidice have been leveled to the ground, and the name of this community has been obliterated.” f
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After the Munich Agreement of September 1938, Hitler’s troops occupied the ethnic-German border regions of Bohemia and Moravia (the Sudetenland). Soon afterward, Hungary received territory in southern Slovakia and Ruthenia. Czechoslovakia ceased to exist in March 1939 when Hitler occupied the rest of the Czech lands. Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia had tragic consequences for Lidice. In order to suppress the growing anti-Fascist resistance movement, security police chief SS Obergruppenfuhrer Reinhard Heydrich was appointed deputy Reichs-protektor in September 1941. Lidice, a mining village about 12 miles from Prague, languished under the control of Reinhard Heydrich, a high-ranking SS official and deputy of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, but did not appear to be in immediate danger. Many people throughout the Sudetenland died on the scaffold from Heydrich’ s persecution, that he earned himself the nickname the “Hangman”. As Heydrich worked to crush the Czech resistance movement, however, the situation grew tenuous. Edvard Beneš, leader of the Czechoslovak government-in-exile, together with František Moravec (head of Czechoslovak military intelligence), organized and coordinated a resistance network. Emil Hácha (third President of Czechoslovakia, 1938 to Edvard Beneš 1939), Prime Minister Eliáš (Czechoslovak general and politician and Prime Minister of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, April 27, 1939 to September 28, 1941), and the Czech resistance also acknowledged Beneš’s leadership. It was decided by Beneš and Moravec, together with other political and military leaders in Paris and London, that some action must be taken if they wanted to retain the leadership of the exiled movement under their control. That action was to be the assassination of SS Obergruppenführer Reinhard Heydrich, the Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia, “The Butcher of Prague”.
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Operation Anthropoid The mission codenamed Operation Anthropoid was to be carried out by seven Czech patriots - Adolf Opá lka, Josef Bublík Jan Kubiš, Jaroslav Švarc, Jan Hrubý , Josef Valčík, and Josef Gabčík - who had trained with Polish forces in Britain. May 27, 1942 Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš were airlifted along with seven soldiers from Czechoslovakias army-in-exile. On May 27, 1942, Heydrich had planned to meet Hitler in Berlin. At 10:30 a.m., Heydrich proceeded on his daily commute from his home in Panenské Břežany to Prague Castle. Gabčík and Kubiš waited at the tram
Jan Kubiš
Jozef Gabčík
stop on the hair-pin curve - for which Heydrich’s car would have to slow - near Bulovka Hospital in Prague 8-Libeň. Gabčík tried to open fire, but his Sten gun jammed. Kubiš threw a modified anti-tank grenade at the vehicle, which severely wounded Heydrich. Heydrich was taken to Bulovka Hospital. He died eight days later from sepsis on June 4. An enraged Adolf Hitler ordered immediate retaliation. He decided to make an example of Lidice because he believed several residents were connected to the Czech resistance. In nearby Kladno, the Gestapo had intercepted a love letter written by a suspected participant in Heydrich’s assassination. The note was addressed to a local factory worker who, upon interrogation, implicated the Horáks, a family living in Lidice. Known Allied sympathizers, the Horáks even had a son fighting in Great Britain’s Czech army, but after investigating the claim, the Nazis found no connection between the family and Heydrich’s death. Hitler was determined to punish the Czech people regardless of their complicity in the underground movement and moved ahead
Lidice - before and after Nazi destruction, 1942.
with his plan. Just after midnight on June 10, Nazi officials arrived in Lidice and herded villagers into the main square. Men over the age of 15 were taken to the Horáks’ farmhouse, women and children to a school in Kladno. By afternoon, the Nazis had systematically executed 173 men. Victims were brought out in groups of 10 and lined up against a barn, which had been covered with mattresses to prevent bullets from ricocheting. Officials offered mercy to local priest Josef Stembarka in exchange for calming his congregation, but he refused. “I have lived with my flock,” he said, “and now I will die with it.” Women who refused to leave their husbands were also shot, and men who happened to be away from the village were later found and killed. Determined to obliterate Lidice, the Nazis destroyed every building in sight and even dug up the town’s cemetery. They dumped massacre victims into a mass grave dug by prisoners from Terezin, a nearby concentration camp, and gleefully filmed the aftermath of the annihilation. This footage would soon become
Nazi propaganda designed to quell further resistance. Three days after the attack, Nazi officials separated the young from their mothers, assuring all that a reunion would follow relocation. The women boarded trucks bound for Ravensbrück concentration camp, and most of the children left for a camp in Łódź, Poland, where German doctors identified those with “Aryan” characteristics for Germanization - a process where suitably featured non-German children were adopted by German families. In total, nine children met the criteria for Germanization and were sent to Puschkau, Poland. On July 2, the remaining 81 children arrived at Chelmno extermination camp. Historians believe they were killed in mobile gas chambers that same day. As a direct result of the June 10 massacre, 340 of Lidice’s 503 residents were dead. Today, Lidice - a small town of about 540 residents - rebuilt alongside a memorial and museum commemorating the tragedy and 82 larger-than-life bronze statues, each representing a lost child of Lidice, greet visitors.
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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
SPJST June Věstník Project This project earns a maximum 1 point in the SPJST Youth Merit Point System. To complete the project questions to earn 1 point in the SPJST Merit Point System, scan the QR Code below, or go directly to spjst.org/programs/vestnik-project/
Fax: 254-773-8087 Email: vestnik@spjst.org Online: spjst.org/news/submitarticle-photo 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.
Lodge 47, Seaton youth excited about summer Dear Vestnik Readers, It’s May! School’s out in one week! I am super excited for summer. We get to go to Ralph Wilson Youth Club in June. I am super excited because there are lots of things to do there. In July, we get to go on vacation to Galveston. I can’t wait to go there. Today, we had our SPJST Lodge 47 pork loin drive-through lunch. We got to all help out. I think we sold a lot of plates and had a very good turnout. I can’t believe that the temperature will be in the 90s for the next few days.
I cannot wait till the pool opens. Anyway, I guess I’ll see you in June. I hope you have a good day, and I hope you have a great summer. Fraternally Travis Ordogne, age 10 —SPJST—
State Queen Megan earns medal at state prose interpretation contest Dear Vestnik Readers, On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, I went to Waco and participated in the TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) state competition for prose interpretation. I read “Going Grapefruit” by Ian Richards. I placed second at state and received a medal for my performance. This was extremely exciting as this was my first academic competition in high school. Sincerely, Megan Ohnheiser, age 15 Lodge 185, New Braunfels —SPJST—
Why Summer Camp is Important Camp Kubena Ledbetter, Texas
Every summer, you set out on an exciting adventure while developing life skills at summer camp. Even after school is out for summer, you have plenty of choices to learn new skills, start new adventures, and have lots of fun. Summer camps can bring all this and much more for you. While at summer camp, the benefits are teamwork, independence, making new friends, getting to know the outdoors, building confidence, and discovering new hobbies. Doesn’t that sound like a lot of fun? Summer camp focuses on a wide variety of physical, social, and characterbuilding skills that you will carry on
long after summer camp is over. SPJST summer camp is focused on team-related activities such as low ropes activities, organized mass chaos, and canoeing. These are a few activities that help you build teamworking skills. By going to an overnight camp, you will be spending some time away from home. It can be tough for everyone, but it’s an important part of developing your independence. Camp staff and chaperones will teach responsibility and independent thinking. It can help you discover who you are and help you learn to speak for yourself, without mom or dad helping you. Summer camp is full of boys and girls who have the same interests as you. Fun activities will help you make new friends. You will connect with other kids over common goals. You will all work together to solve challenges and from this, friendships are made. Summer camps take advantage of warm temperatures and beautiful surroundings. SPJST Camp is full of outdoor, physical activities, and sports. There will be no shortage of time to head outside and use up all that energy. Swimming, volleyball, gaga ball, nine square in the air, and disk golf are just a few activities you will get to do. Confidence is important to your development. What is confidence? The more confidence you have, the more you will try new things, ask questions, learn from mistakes, express yourself, and help learn about yourself. Finally, camp will help you try many new activities and a fun setting where you can learn new skill levels. Come out to SPJST camp and find out more about yourself. Register online today at spjst.org. —SPJST—
https://spjst.org/programs/vestnik-project/
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Lodge 84, Dallas youth readies for summer activities
Lodge 47, Seaton youth visits zoo Dear Vestnik Readers, May 21 is my birthday. I’m really really, really excited. I will have fun. I cannot wait to know what I’m going to get for my presents. Soccer has ended. My last game was Saturday. I have not gotten my trophy yet. We will get it at our soccer party. It is going to be at Treno Pizzeria. Today, I went to the zoo for a class field trip. It was fun. I saw rhinoceros, stingrays, bears, giant tortoises, leopards, and lions. The lions were all female though. My favorite was the giant tortoises. That’s all folks, Andrew Ordogne age 6 (almost 7) —SPJST—
Dear Readers, The youth of Lodge 84, Dallas met for the monthly meeting on Sunday, April 3, 2022. Youth Leader Lynda Novak reported on teen (LIT) camp and summer camp dates. She recommended that we try to attend if we are eligible, which we are! She also reminded us to get our Flag Day essays submitted to State Fraternal Director Frank Horak by the May 31 deadline. Youth Leader Lynda then told us that she and Assistant Youth Leader Vicki Sims will be attending the youth leader workshop on April 22 and 23, and they will be bringing lots of new and fun information back to discuss at our next meeting. Lynda also reminded us of the District Three Annual Meeting at Lodge 92, Fort Worth and to be sure and bring our decorated rock entry. We then adjourned and enjoyed the rest of our day! Fraternally, Josh Tucker, age 12 —SPJST—
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Lodge 25, Ennis youth collect tabs for Ronald McDonald House
LEFT PHOTO: Kalynn’s sister Kenley and cousin (Jerrod’s daughter) Lily helped Kalynn put can tabs into plastic jars. RIGHT PHOTO: Kalynn with two jars of can tabs.
Dear Readers, My Meme (Margaret Krajca), Babi “Babicka” (Laure Krajca), and uncle Jerrod helped me save can tabs for Ron-
ald McDonald House. Fraternally Kalynn Ryan, age 8 —SPJST—
DISTRICT SIX YOUTH HUNT FOR EGGS AND DECORATE ROCKS Sunday, April 10, 2022 • Taiton Community Center
LEFT PHOTO: Bethany Baker, Grant Bubela, and Luc Marcaurele sell tickets for the youth drawing. PHOTOS 2-5: Youth open their eggs.
YOUTH DECORATED ROCK CONTEST WINNERS: PHOTO 1: Grades Kindergarten to 2. Third place - Ella Garrett, second - Grady Lange, first - Case Janssen. PHOTO 2: Grades 3 to 5. Third place Hudson Riha, second - Abigail Garrett; first - Millie Garrett. PHOTO 3: Grades 9 to 12. Third place Bethany Baker, second - Brooke Bacak, first - Grant Bubela. —Submitted by Kirby Lange, Assistant Youth Leader
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40 Patriotic Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day with Kids
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Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club honors graduating senior Faith Korenek
by Jessica Sager parade.com 1. Honor the true meaning of the holiday. Many people don’t realize the difference between Memorial Day, which honors troops who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty, and Veterans Day, which honors all those who have served. Note the difference and explain it to the younger ones. 2. Write letters to troops. Though Memorial Day is a day to honor fallen troops, recognize the heroes who are still fighting for us every day. Support Our Troops, Operation We Are Here, and Any Soldier are great resources to send thanks to the men and women who keep us safe.
Lodge 25, Ennis youth visits Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty
Lodge 30, Taiton had its meeting on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 6 p.m. We met at Lonestar Cafe as part of the celebration for graduating senior Faith Korenek. We voted to continue our contract with the highway cleaning. All members were reminded to register for Camp Kubena. The theme for the camp party is ‘Saddle Up!’ District Six Youth Achievement Day will be Sunday, July 10 at Taiton Community Center. Keep an eye out for details 3. Write letters to families of fallen troops. If you know a family or spouse of a fallen military member, write them a thank you letter to let them know you’re thinking of them during what may be a difficult time. 4. Call a spouse or loved one of a military member in your community. If you have a military family in your community, call them! This is especially kind if the military member is deployed.
here in the Vestnik! We wished Grady Lange and Brett Bacak a happy birthday this month and enjoyed a catered meal and cake celebrating our graduate, Faith Korenek! Hudson Riha, age 8 Vanessa Riha, age 8 Reporters —SPJST—
7. Donate to provide homes for heroes. Many troops and veterans live in poverty or cannot afford housing that suits their needs, especially if they have disabilities. Organizations like Building Homes for Heroes and Homes for Our Troops help provide homes for military families and veterans.
8. Volunteer for Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude welcomes virtual volunteers more than ever to raise awareness and give thanks to troops. 9. Listen to a great military soundtrack. This can be a great history lesson for all ages.
Lodge 20, Granger youth club hosts spjst float in lakefest parade
5. Make care packages for troops. Organizations like Operation We Are Here, Operation Shoebox, Operation Gratitude, Hero Box and Any Soldier are great resources to send what troops really need and want overseas to show you care. Rather donate cash to help military families? The Gary Sinise Foundation is an amazing resource. Dear Readers, I went to Ellis Island, and I sat on a bench like my great-great-greatgrandpa did. I walked around and listened to stories about how people came to America. The Statue of Liberty is a gift from France. Fraternally yours, Garrett Wyatt, age 5 —SPJST—
6. Honor veterans—and work towards a scholarship—with the Veterans Heritage Project. The Veterans Heritage Project connects students with veterans and gives them each a sense of purpose and pride, while preserving veterans’ stories. The Veterans Heritage Project also has scholarship opportunities available to student members.
Lodge 20, Granger Youth Club hosted the SPJST Float in the Granger Lakefest Parade on Saturday, May 7, 2022. The youth club earned the first place float award. Pictured are, left to right, Kathy Turner, Gabe Daulton, Aubrey Marshall, Grace Daulton, Emilie Tischler, Braxton Henley, Brenna Bohac, Sterling Marshall, Brita Bohac, Sebastian Goodman, Bridget Bohac, and Maxx David.
VĚSTNÍK 10. Watch Civil War films. Lincoln is a great Civil War film for older kids and teens (determine if you think it’s appropriate for your children; rated PG-13); and The Red Badge of Courage is appropriate for elementary school kids and up. 11. Watch Megan Leavey and Max. These films focus on canine heroes, with Megan Leavey rated PG-13 and Max rated PG. 12. Watch Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero. Have young kids? Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero is an adorable animated feature for little ones that’s based on a true story of a very good boy. 13. Become a social ambassador for Hero Box. If your kids are attached to their phones anyway, let them put their social media skills to use for a good cause as social ambassadors for Hero Box. 14. Volunteer to leave flags on military members’ graves at a local cemetery. Always check with cemetery directors before proceeding, and be mindful of the proper placement for flags.
Baseball Support
Monday, May 23, 2022 15. Make DIY red, white and blue decor. Wreaths are a fun, simple craft, and the DIY confetti launchers are a lot of fun for kids (and for you, if you’re not the one who’s cleaning up the confetti!). 16. Make patriotic art. Celebrate with sidewalk chalk murals.
17. Make your own Memorial Day poppies. These pretty poppies hold a significant meaning. 18. Rock DIY patriotic tie-dye. Get festive, crafty and stylish all at once. 19. Make a festive, refreshing dessert.
20. Make delicious, patriotic ice. Put strawberries and blueberries (or just blue and red sports drinks or juices!) into your ice cube tray and freeze. Toss them in punch or sparkling water, and voila. 21. Hang a flag—and learn the proper care and keeping of one, too.
2022 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! 4-day, 3-night summer camp opportunities for both SPJST members and non-members enrolled in Kindergarten through 12th grades
Teen Camp 8th through 12th grades as of 2021-22 school year
June 23-26 Junior Camps Kindergarten through 7th grades as of 2021-22 school year
Session 1- July 7-10 Session 2 - July 14-17 Non-Member: $350 SPJST Member: $250 SPJST Active Youth Club Members may be eligible for discounted rate. See youth leader for details.
“Thank you to District One Director Donnie Victorick for coming to watch a little baseball when we were in his ‘neck of the woods’ College Station,” says Amber Bartek of Lodge 47, Seaton. “I love how SPJST goes beyond just each district, but supporting across the state!” Director Victorick is pictured above with Camdon Bartek, left, and 2020 SPJST State Duke Everhett Bartek, both of Lodge 47, Seaton.
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All camps are held at Camp Kubena in Ledbetter, Texas. Visit campkubena.com to view the camp.
Register online at spjst.org/camp
Camp registration deadline is June 7, 2022. For more information, contact Frank Horak at 254-534-0681 or frankh@spjst.com
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Know how and where to hang your flag, as well as how to maintain it. 22. Support local businesses. Get a takeout or a gift card for a military family from a local eatery. 23. Donate to the USO. Whether you donate cash directly or get items for their wishbook, supporting the USO is a great way to send love to the troops.
VĚSTNÍK 24. Adopt a soldier. Adopt a soldier! Ladies of Liberty, a sub-division of Soldiers Angels, supports female troops overseas with care packages designed specifically for their unique needs, or you can adopt any soldier through the main program. 25. Make double of your usual Memorial Day goodies and deliver it to a military family in your community. Whether it’s from the griddle for
brunch, from the grill for dinner, or a delectable dessert, save some for a family who will appreciate it. 26. Attend a Memorial Day parade. 27. Tune in to the annual Memorial Day concert on PBS. Visit https://www.pbs.org/nationalmemorial-day-concert/concert/performers/ to view this year’s performers.
28. Clip coupons for troops. The Overseas Coupon Program will take your expired coupons and send them to troops, who can use them at commissaries up to six months past their expiration dates. 29. Listen to veterans’ stories. The Veterans History Project helps preserve veterans’ histories for the Library of Congress.
Color the Patriotic Picture All SPJST members ages eight and under can participate. All participants’ names will be en-
tered in a drawing for prizes. Entries will be exhibited at the SPJST Home Office in Temple during the summer months. Mail entries to SPJST Youth Department, PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503-0100. Email entries to frankh@spjst.com and copy to tammym@spjst.com. All entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
"#$%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!&'%!!!!!!!!!!!"()*(+!,-.'%!"-#"#/.!"#$%"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
VĚSTNÍK 30. Visit a national park. Tons of national parks are hosting virtual visits. Find one for your family here. 31. Read patriotic books. Band of Brothers, The Things They Cannot Say, The Things They Carried, The Wall, and Memorial Day Surprise are good options depends on your children’s ages. 32. Make s’mores with a festive twist. Hershey’s has red, white and blue Cookies ‘n’ Creme bars, which will make s’mores look as delicious as they taste. 33. Tune in to historical programming. The History Channel and The Military Channel will be great for this socially distanced Memorial Day weekend. 34. Listen to patriotic songs. The Library of Congress compiled a list of songs about American wars. Browse streaming services for more modern choices as well. 35. Take a veteran to school. The Take a Veteran to School Day program is a great one for both students and veterans alike. Talk to your child’s school to see if you can establish a program for the upcoming academic year. 36. Go on a virtual scavenger hunt. This is a great online scavenger hunt designed specifically for Memorial Day. 37. Color uniforms accurately. Download patriotic coloring pages and learn which branches wear which colors.
Monday, May 23, 2022
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2022 SPJST Flag Day Contest THE THEME IS: “What Red, White, and Blue Means To Me” FIRST PLACE PRIZES AWARDED IN FOUR DIVISIONS Kindergarten - 2nd Grades $50 Gift Card 3rd - 5th Grades $50 Gift Card 6th - 8th Grades $50 Gift Card 9th - 12th Grades $50 Gift Card
38. Color a medal of honor. Kids can color and dedicate their own special Medal of Honor from Crayola. 39. Have a moment of silence. Memorial Day, for all of its celebrations, is, at its core, one of the country’s most somber occasions. Mark it as such with a moment of silence to remember those who’ve lost their lives defending America. 40. Watch the Arlington National Cemetery Wreath Laying Ceremony. On Memorial Day, at 9 a.m., you can view a wreath ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to honor the men and women in uniform who have died while serving on the U.S. Department of Defense website. —SPJST—
Grand Prize: $100 Gift Card All SPJST members who are in kindergarten to 12th grades are encouraged to enter. Youth club membership is not required. Age division is determined by grade level as of the 2021-2022 school year. The Rules: Write a Flag Day essay or poem that addresses the theme, “What Red, White, and Blue Means to Me.” Essay length must be between 150 and 500 words. Entries must be typed. Entries — including digital files —must include a cover sheet with participant’s name, address, phone number, email address, and lodge number. Entries must be original and created by the youth. Entries become the property of SPJST and will not be returned.
Entries must be received on or before May 31, 2022. H Send entries by U.S. Mail to: SPJST Flag Day Contest c/o SPJST Home Office • P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503-0100 Send email entries to: frankh@spjst.com
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In Memoriam In Memory of Sharon Kaderka Sharon Jane Kaderka (Cummings) of Taylor, Texas, gained her heavenly wings on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at the age of 75. Visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 26 at Providence Funeral Home, 807 Carlos Parker Blvd NW, Taylor, Texas 76574. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, May 27 at Davilla Cemetery on FM Sharon Kaderka 487 in Davilla, Texas 76523, with a celebration of life to follow at 12 noon at SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor, located at 5025 FM 619 in Taylor, Texas. Sharon was born on March 15, 1947, in Davilla (Milam County) to the late Lillie and Clarence Cummings. In her early years, Sharon was the mascot cheerleader for Sharp High School at the age of four. Her favorite past-time was being with family, helping others, and playing bingo in Academy with sisters Betty and Billye. Sharon’s family moved to Bartlett when she was nine years old. The Cummings’ family worshipped at Bartlett Baptist Church. Leonard and Sharon met in Bartlett where she attended Bartlett High School. They were married December 5, 1964, at the bus station in Temple (Bell County) and made a home in Charleston, South Carolina, while Leonard served in the United States Navy. Leonard and Sharon moved to Austin in 1968, then moved to Taylor in 2005. In 2008, Sharon became a member of SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor, where she served as vice president for 15 years. Sharon Jane Kaderka was a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend to everyone. She was a loving and caring woman who worked as a childcare provider at Braker Lane Daycare and other daycare facilities, where she treated all the children as her own.
As the matriarch of her large family, Sharon was known for her strength, encouraging words, quick wit, and beautiful smile. In addition to her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by sisters Francis Zigalo (Frank), Billye Wood (Gary), and Jaydene White; and brother-in-law Curtis Freeman. Sharon is survived by her husband of 57 years, Leonard Kaderka; sister Betty Freeman; brother-in-law Arthur White; sons Scott (Sarah Louise), Thomas (Paula), William (Sarah Rose), and Roger (Sandra); grandchildren Jacob, Ryan (Baylie), Aaron (Chezni), Kara, Jennifer, Caitlyn (Charlie), Kendall, Emily, Ivan, Heidi, Kaden, Joseph (Danell), and Amanda; and 14 great-grandchildren. She loved them all dearly. —SPJST—
In Memory of Curtis Minzenmayer Curtis Walter Minzenmayer, loving husband, daddy, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, May 6, 2022, at the age of 92. Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10 at Providence Funeral Home Chapel in Taylor, Curtis Minzenmayer Texas. A celebration of life was at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11 at Providence Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. Minzenmayer was laid to rest at Taylor City Cemetery. Curtis was born in Coupland on July 27, 1929, to parents Walter and Louise Minzenmayer. Curtis was drafted in the Army in March 1951 and was stationed at Fort Hood. He was honorably discharged in November 1956. During this time, he met and married his loving wife, Rosalie Irene (Bachmeyer) Minzenmayer, on September 11, 1954. He spent many
years farming and ranching, and worked at Alcoa. He enjoyed refinishing antique furniture and rebuilding antique tractors. In his later years, he spent hours and hours putting puzzles together. Curtis was a 60-year member of American Legion; 70-year member of Hermann Sons; 18-year member of SPJST Lodge 48, Beyersville; and a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church Taylor. Curtis was preceded in death by son Russell Curtis Minzenmayer; and sister Ruby Minzenmayer Poldrack. He is survived by wife of 67 years, Rosalie; daughter Cindy (Jerry) Stefek; son Randy (Cristi) Minzenmayer; grandchildren Richelle (Mat) Kevil, Renee (Corey) Hall, Jeremy Stefek, Weston Minzenmayer, Randa Minzenmayer, and Remington Minzenmayer; and great-grandchildren Amber Kevil and Courtney and Blake Hall. Pallbearers were Jeremy Stefek, Weston Minzenmayer, Remington Minzenmayer, Corey Hall, Mat Kevil, and Craig Smith. Memorial donations may be made to the Russell Minzenmayer Scholarship Fund. —SPJST—
In Memory of Marvin Adams Marvin Lloyd Adams, 83, passed away on Tuesday April 12, 2022, at his home in Ennis, Texas. Visitation was Monday April 18 at Keever’s Chapel from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral service was Tuesday, April 19 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Ennis. Reception for family and friends immediately followed at the SPJST hall. Marvin Adams Marvin was born in Mexia on January 15, 1939, to Mary Florence and Loyd Chelsie Adams. He grew up in Ennis and graduated from Ennis High School in 1957. He played football and ran track in high school, earning a varsity letter in track as a freshman due to his incredible speed. Upon graduation from high school, he had multiple scholarship offers and chose East Texas State
University where he set multiple state records in track. At East Texas, he also became a proud member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Marvin served proudly in the United States Navy for four years. During that time, he married Regina Hattie Moucka on June 7, 1963. They moved to Duncanville for a short time, before settling in Ennis – where he and Regina would remain lifelong residents and raise their three children. Marvin’s career spanned several different companies, primarily in sales positions. He owned Adams Menswear, worked as a brakeman conductor for Southern Pacific Railroad, and retired from Terry Gregory Ford in Ennis. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church; SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis; Sokol; KJT; and the American Legion Hall. He loved golf and enjoyed playing most of his life, many of those years spent at Lakeside Country Club where he had many dear friends. His other favorite pastimes included gambling, attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren, listening to country music, and watching the Dallas Cowboys. Marvin will be remembered for all of the lives he touched over the years, and his memory will be cherished the most by his loving family. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Florence and Loyd Chelsie Adams. Marvin is survived by his loving wife of more than 58 years, Regina Adams; oldest son Anthony (Tony), wife Carrie Adams, and their children – Logan and Jack of Dallas; daughter Kimberly Adams Woods, husband Bob, and their children – Ryan, Chase, Rex, and Scott of Ennis; son Byron, wife Valerie Adams of Telico, and their children – Blake and wife Allison of Waxahachie, Brandon and wife Courtney of Argyle, and Bailey and husband Mark Slack of Kansas City, Missouri; and special companion, who was at his side until the end – his beloved dog, Axle. Pallbearers were grandsons – Blake Adams, Ryan Woods, Brandon Adams, Logan Adams, Chase Woods, Jack Adams, Rex Woods, and Scott Woods. Honorary pallbearers were Joe Pool, Gary Head, Jim Benton, Bill Sims, Jackie Walker, Marvin Cogdell, Ray Glenn Davis, Jerry Norman, and Jimmy Swindell. —SPJST—
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Monday, May 23, 2022 Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas
Česká
Část
ROČNÍK 110 ZÁŘÍ 10
23.květen.2022
Podpora ★ Lidskost ★ Bratrstvi´ BENEVOLENCE HUMANITY BROTHERHOOD
Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897
Učme se česky Let Us Study Czech Lekce dvacet sedm Lesson 27 The following terms have to do with students and colleges. Studenti a kolej Students and Colleges Vocabulary kolej–college; also students’ dormitory místnost–room přízemí–ground floor poschodí–story, floor kuchyně–kitchen kancelář–office úřadovna–(adm.) office čitárna–reading room knihovna–library šatna–cloakroom umývarna–washroom sprcha–shower ještě–also, yet nábytek–furniture byt–flat, or apartment úředník–official skříň–closet, cupboard šaty–clothes křeslo–armchair ústřední topení–central heating potom–then, afterwards přednáška–lecture, speech posluchárna–lecture room mluvnice–grammar rozumím–I understand mluvím–I speak trochu–little jestliže–if (conj.) rychle–quickly (adv.) pomalu–slowly nahlas–loudly měsíc–month, moon přirozený–natural důležitý–important
rozhovor–conversation kam?–whither? (showing action) kde?–where? (no action) peníze–money zpráva–information, news, report rodiče–parents jak často?–how often? týden–week práce–work manželka–wife manžel–husband zřetelně–distinctly spisovatel–writer chyba–mistake pravopis–spelling román–novel S
S
S
Translate the following sentences using words from the above vocabulary list: 1. Vidíme tam naši kolej. 2. Moje místnost je dole. 3. Přítel má místnost v přízemí 4. Hlavní budova má šest poschodí. 5. V přízemí máme jídelnu a kuchyni. 6. Hlavní budova má také kanceláře, čítárny, a různé jiné místnosti. 7. Nahoře máme, pokoje, šatny, umývárny, a sprchy. 8. Kde vy máte Váš byt? 9. Bydlíte ještě mímo města. 10. Máte koupený nový nábytek? 11. Bratr Alois je úředníkem v koleji. 12. Koupil jste si nové šaty? 13. Naše kolej má zařízené ústřední topení. 14. Pán profesor nám každ den přednáší. 15. Paní učitelka nám přednáší v posluchárně. 16. Ona mluví moc rychle. 17. Pan Světlík mluví pomalu. 18. Nerozumím, když nemluví oni nahlas.
19. Píši domů každý měsíc. 20. Je to přirozený a důležitý úkol. 21. Měl jsem s panem Dvořákem krátký rozhovor. 22. Kam jdete? 23. Kde jste byl? 24. Rodiče mi posílají poštou peníze. 25. Jak často píšeš domu? 26. Já píši každý den. 27. Můj manžel koná svoji písemnou práci zřetelně. 28. Čapek byl veliký český spisovatel. 29. Četl jste jeho romány? S
S
S
Pořádek Thoughts for Today Zvykni si ukládati své věci na jisté místo, abys, když jich potrebuješ, snadno je mohl nalézti. Tím uspořís sobě a jiným mnohé mrzutosti, uchráníš se mnohé škody, přijdeš všude v pravý čas a vyhneš se mnohe výčitce, ano i trestu ze strany rodičů a učitelů svých. Zanechej všech marných hádek. Dbej jen vždycky o pořádek. —SPJST—
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Czech brass band sets May 25 performance at Lodge 47, Seaton Pardubická Muzika will perform at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the 7 to 9 p.m. performance. A meal will be available prior to the band’s performance. The event will be hosted by Lodge 47. Bring out your family and friends to enjoy traditional Czech brass band music performed by this stellar ensemble of Conservatory of Music players from Pardubice, Czech Republic. The traditional Czech line-up includes two clarinets, two flugelhorns, two bass flugelhorns, two trumpets, trombone, tuba, drums, and two singers. Brass-band music has a long tradition at the Pardubice Conservatory. It has been a part of the Brass Department for almost as long as the Conservatory has existed, representing it at many events in the region. In 2012, the Banda di Feste ensemble was founded. In the beginning, it focused exclusively on classical Czech brass music. As time went on, it began to play dance and popular music, so there wasn’t as much room for brass band music in the band’s repertoire anymore. Therefore, Banda di Feste eventually split into two separate ensembles, a big band and a brass band
Pardubická Muzika to perform May 25 at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall
Pardubická Muzika, a stellar ensemble of Conservatory of Music players from Pardubice, Czech Republic, will perform at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall on Wednesday, May 25. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the 7 to 9 p.m. performance. Seaton Star Hall is located at 10842 State Highway 53, Temple, Texas.
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bearing the name of “Pardubická muzika.” The band also has two amazing singers. Although the band members are students of classical music, they play brass music with great passion, a sense of style and respect for tradition. The qualities of its members will hopefully help this ambitious band become one of the most prominent ensembles of the Conservatory as well as of the city of Pardubice and the Pardubice Region. The band is led by Michal Chmelař, the first trumpet of the Pardubice Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also the bandleader of the Křídlovanka brass band, with which he has twice won the European Championship in the interpretation of Czech and Moravian brass music in the category of professional ensembles. His experience and many years of practice guarantee that the brass band will build on the best traditions of brass music in Bohemia. —SPJST—
Lodge 92, Fort Worth hosts tarok tourney Saturday, June 4 The Paprskar Memorial Tarok Tournament X will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022, at SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth National Hall, 3316 Roberts Cut Off in Fort Worth (Lake Worth). Registration and snacks will be served from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Six onehour rounds begin at 9 a.m. Meal is included at noon break. Trophies will be awarded for the top four scores. Cash will be awarded for the top four scores. Registration is $25 per player. Late entries will be accepted if player slots are available. To register by mail, send name, address, and phone number by May 30 to John Paprskar, 905 Venice Street, Hurst, Texas 76053. For more information or directions, contact John Paprskar 817-480-3480.^ Fraternally, John Paprskar Lodge 92, Fort Worth —SPJST—
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31st Kolache Klobase Festival June 11 in East Bernard This is the 31st year for the Czech Kolache Klobase Festival scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Riverside Hall in East Bernard, located about 45 miles southwest of Houston on Highway 90-A. This event brings people together to enjoy good music, good food, and to celebrate ethnic heritage and culture. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. and continuing nonstop until 8 p.m., this year’s festival again features a first-rate lineup of entertainers – Ennis Czech Boys, Czech and Then Some, Dujka Brothers, Red Ravens, Al Sulak’s Country Sounds, and Texas Sound Check. The three-band concert at 4:30 p.m. inside the hall will feature Czech and Then Some, Dujka Brothers, and Red Ravens. A kolache eating contest, sponsored by the KJT State Office, is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the pavilion. Festival admission is $8 per person. Children 12 and under are admitted free. The admission fee covers all entertainment and music provided by bands and entertainers in the hall and outdoor pavilion. Parking is free, and there are plenty of handicapped parking spaces. Massive water fans will cool the pavilion to provide a more comfortable setting for dancers and spectators. Arts and crafts booths will be located both inside and outside the hall. Crafts and goods of every kind will be available for sale. This is a good opportunity to shop for all types of hand-crafted items, jewelry, and clothing. Win something sweet in the cake walk, buy prize drawing tickets to win great prizes including beautiful handmade quilts. A plate lunch will be available for purchase featuring sausage, barbecue chicken, sauerkraut, and other trimmings. The sausage and chicken will be prepared on-site the morning of the festival by society members assuring a fresh-cooked meal. Serving begins at 11 a.m. Drive-thru plates-to-go will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Of course, there will be hundreds of kolaches for sale throughout the day. Hamburgers and sausage sandwiches will be available for purchase in the afternoon. The Festival Committee welcomes and encourages the wearing of Czech costumes to add a festive atmosphere and to further promote the preservation and celebration of ethnic heritage. The
Kolache Klobase Festival June 11 in East Bernard
Po.L.K. of A. are also urged to attend in their “red and whites” and to join in the spirit of fun and appreciation of the happy sounds of polka and waltz music. A moving flag tribute is scheduled at 3 p.m. and will recognize attending armed services veterans. This will be followed by a grand march featuring Czech and festive costumes on parade. For information about game or arts and crafts booths, call 979-531-9747 or email srdujka@gmail.com. For general information and band schedules, call 979-335-7907 or 979-232-0265. Visit the festival website at www.kkfest.com for further information. KJT Society No. 40, the festival sponsor, is a non-profit organization and has been in existence in East Bernard since 1905. The society participates in a program of charitable works including scholarships, social welfare, and civic support. KJT Society No. 40 would like to extend a special invitation to everyone to come out and enjoy the festival. Submitted by, Martha Viktorin SPJST Lodge 28, East Bernard —SPJST—
Czech Family Day set for June 25 at TCHCC Connect with your heritage at Czech Family Day on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC), located at 250 West Fairgrounds Road in La Grange, Texas. Everyone is welcome to this day of fun for the whole family. The event is cosponsored by the Czech Heritage Society of Texas and TCHCC. You don’t have to be a member to attend so bring your friends. Registration for the Czech Family Day activities is at 10 a.m. inside TCHCC. Czech Family Day is free of charge. Food is a separate cost upon registration. Random activities throughout the day along with touring the TCHCC Museums and grounds is from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include ice cream making, cooking decorating, butter making, Czech bingo, rock painting, Czech musical chairs, pickle canning, and more. For more information and to RSVP for lunch, contact Phyllis Teykl at 512971-4453 or send an email to p.teykl@sbcglobal.net. You may also call TCHCC at 888-785-4500 or email info@czechtexas.org. Submitted by, Phyllis Teykl —SPJST—
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Monday, May 23, 2022
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Meda Mladkova: Czech arts collector, patron, historian dies By Karel Janicek, Associated Press Prague, May 3, 2022 Meda Mladkova, a Czech arts collector, patron and historian who was an impassioned promoter of Frantisek Kupka and supported artists in communist Czechoslovakia while she was in exile behind the Iron Curtain, died on May 3, 2022. She was 102. The Kampa MuMeda Mladkova seum, a modern arts gallery that Mladkova created in the heart of Prague, announced she died on Tuesday. “Meda, although she lived a large part of her long life abroad, was always a great patriot and loved the Czech nation,” the museum said. “All her life she believed in the idea: ‘If culture survives, the nation will survive,’” said Jiri Pospisil, the chairman of the museum’s board. Mladkova, born on Sept. 8, 1919 in Zakupy, Czechoslovakia, as Marie Sokolova, was studying political science in Geneva in 1948 when the communists took over then-Czechoslovakia. She refused to return and moved to Paris instead after her graduation. She met her husband-to-be, exiled Czech banker Jan Mladek, in the French capital and studied art at the Sorbonne. There, too, she fell in love with the work of Kupka, a Czech-born pioneer of abstract art, who was then an unknown painter. They became friends. When Kupka was dying of cancer in 1957 — still a virtually unknown artist — Mladek wanted to make him happy and told him she would arrange “a big exhibition” of his works. After Mladkova and her husband moved to the United States in 1960, she helped organize a Kupka retrospective at New York’s Guggenheim Museum in 1975.
Born in 1871, Kupka had studied in Prague and Vienna before moving to Paris in 1896. In 1912, Kupka put on display two works, “Fugue” and “Warm Chromatics,” which are now considered to be the first two entirely abstract paintings. To afford to buy two Kupka’s increasingly expensive oils, Mladek and her husband had to sell their house in Washington for $950,000. Their efforts of many years have resulted in a collection of pencil studies, watercolors, color pastels and oils reflecting the development of Kupka’s art from his student days to his late abstract pieces. In the meantime, Mladkova travelled on a regular basis to her homeland after 1967, purchasing art pieces by artists who were banned by the totalitarian communist regime. Following the death of her husband in 1989 and the fall of communism, Mladkova decided to move her collection of Kupka’s works to Prague. “I thought it’s the right place for them,” she told The Associated Press in a 2003 interview. In the Czech capital, Mladkova opened the Museum Kampa, a complex of meticulously renovated historical buildings on Kampa island near Prague’s iconic Charles Bridge. It houses a valuable collection of 215 works by Kupka, who has become one the country’s most celebrated painters. The museum also displays sculptures by Czech cubist artist Otto Gutfreund and a collection of modern Central and East European art. In 1999, Mladkova was awarded a state decoration by then President Vaclav Havel. In 2012, she became the commander of the French Order of Merit. She had donated her art collections to the city of Prague. https://cw33.com/entertainment-news/apentertainment/czech-arts-collector-patron-meda-mladkova-dies-at-102/
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Czech Culture 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 713528-2060; or visit czechcenter.org. May 25 Pardubická Muzika—at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton - Star Hall, 10842 State Hwy 53, Temple (Hall is 7 miles east of Temple on Hwy 53. Star Hall is a non-smoking facility.) Performance is from 7 to 9 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Traditional Czech brass band music performed by this stellar ensemble of Conservatory of Music players from Pardubice, Czech Republic. Event hosted by Lodge 47, Seaton. June 4 Paprskar Memorial Tarok Tournament X —at SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth - National Hall, 3316 Roberts Cut Off in Fort Worth (Lake Worth). Registration and snacks served - 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Six one-hour rounds begin at 9 a.m. Meal is
included at noon break. Trophies will be awarded for the top four scores. Cash will be awarded for the top four scores. Registration is $25 per player. To register by mail, send name, address, and phone number by May 30 to John Paprskar, 905 Venice Street, Hurst, Texas 76053. For information or directions, contact John Paprskar 817-480-3480. Late entries will be accepted if player slots are available. Submitted by John Paprskar, Lodge 92, Fort Worth. June 11 31st Kolache Klobase Fest—at Riverside Hall, East Bernard, 14643 Buls Rd, East Bernard, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Inside a/c hall, wood dance floor and under pavilion in water-fan cooled comfort - variety of Czech bands; flag/veteran tribute and grand march; kolache eating contest; cake walk; kolaches; arts/crafts; prize drawing. Available for purchase: sausage/bbq chicken plate lunch 11 a.m. till ? . Drive thru plates served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sausage sandwiches/hamburgers available during the afternoon. Festival admission $8/person; children 12 and under free. For booth info, call 979-531-9747 or email srdujka@gmail.com. General info 979-335-7907. For more information, visit kkfest.com. Event sponsored by KJT Society No. 40. See full article on page 34 and the advertisement on page 37. July 8 - 9 SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton 30th Annual BBQ Cookoff—at Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall, 10842 State Highway 53, seven miles east of Temple. July 31 Vrazels’ Tribute Band—at Lodge 24, Cyclone - Flag Hall, 411 FM 964, Cyclone. (Hall is 12 miles east of Temple, past Zabcikville.) Doors, kitchen, and bar open at noon. Music 2 to 6 p.m. Tribute band members - John Dujka/accordion, Mark Dujka/saxophone, Scott Hodde/saxophone, Jerry Haisler/guitar, Mike Marek/bass, and Matthew Strmiska/drums. Plates consisting of sausage, pan fried cabbage, parsley new potatoes, green beans, tea, dessert available - $12. For dance ticket information, contact Linda Wilde 254-985-2258 or 254- 231-5348. —SPJST—
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Monday, May 23, 2022
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Pivovar hotel brings Czech culture to Waco Downtown Waco offers a look into Czech culture with the new restaurant Pivovar.
“Czechs in Chicago: A Home in the Heartland” premieres Manifest Films’ feature documentary “Czechs in Chicago: A Home in the Heartland” premiered on Chicago PBS, WTTW, on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 8 p.m., CDT with additional airings throughout the following week. “Czechs in Chicago” is the story of the Czech immigrant experience in Chicago, past and present. Spanning nearly two centuries of turbulent times, it shows how the Bohemians helped build and shape the city, and what Chicago did in turn, to empower them to thrive in a new land and help establish a free and sovereign Czechoslovakia. Upcoming episode airdates are: Monday, May 23 at 3:03 a.m. on WTTW Prime Monday, May 23 at 8:00 a.m. on WTTW Prime Thursday, May 26 at 9:00 p.m. on WTTW Friday, May 27 at 7:00 a.m. on WTTW Prime Saturday, May 28 at 2:30 p.m. on WTTW Prime Note from Manifest Films: We just completed the making of this film. The Chicago PBS airings are the first step in our distribution process. Wider distribution will occur as the job unfolds. We will announce further airings, streaming, and screenings in other locations as they’re arranged.) For more information, please contact Manifest Films info@manifestfilms.tv. —SPJST—
By Cayli Clack | Guest Contributor Baylor Lariat • May 4, 2022 Photo courtesy of Cayli Clack Pivovar is the name of Waco’s Czechinspired location, serving as a hotel, brewery, bakery, beer garden, and beer spa. The head chef and general manager, Jeremy Eaton, said that it’s considered upscale without the aspect of snobbiness. “The aesthetic is essentially classic European furniture with a big industrial warehouse space — kind of a mix between the old world and the new world,” Eaton said. Eaton owned and operated multiple restaurants in The Woodlands before feeling called to come back to the homestead, where he landed a job as Pivovar’s master chef. With everything from pork knuckles to creme brulee cheesecake, customers can expect a top-notch dinner menu — probably the best in Waco, Eaton said. “We took the idea and the history behind the Czech recipes and mixed them with the ingredients that we have here locally and dishes that are very popular here, and kind of did a merge,” Eaton said. “We will actually be going to Prague this summer, where I’ll be visiting a bunch of Czech restaurants and seeing how they operate, how they do all the traditional dishes, and doing lots of food tours. Then the menu will probably change.” Pivovar is setting its own “European standards” in Waco, according to CEO and part-owner Steve Beseda. “This place is changing Waco eating habits,” Beseda said. “You got people that are coming in, eating, and staying awhile. We’ve got four beers, lots of good cocktails and a great menu selection with quality food. We’re not competing against a chicken fried steak or Waco barbecue. We’re doing something truly unique.” Dansville, California, freshman Ainsley Gibbs said she came in with low expectations for what she thought was a basic hotel restaurant, but she left feeling full and pleasantly surprised. “I think one of my favorite parts about the whole place was the menu, which almost looked like a fairytale book,” Gibbs
said. “They offered a variety of unique dishes, so my friends and I wanted to each try a little bit of everything. The food was delicious and cooked perfectly to my taste.” Server Jackson Osborne said he loves working in the restaurant because of its chill take on fine dining, and he thinks it’s very cool how they do things compared to most places. “So generally speaking, in most restaurants, you come in, get your food and drink, and then you leave,” Osborne said. “Here, people come in, get their food, have a drink, have another drink and another drink, and they stay a long time.” Pivovar also has an in-house bakery. One of the head bakers, Flor Strickland, has mastered the artistry of Czech baking and makes the best kolaches in Texas, according to Eaton. Strickland said she has been baking since she was young and highly values her time in the Pivovar kitchen, despite difficulties making treats that Texans can truly appreciate. “I love baking so much that I could sleep here; just give me a pillow, and the kitchen will be my bed,” Strickland said. “It’s hard to introduce something new, especially in the South, because here they like it more basic, like apple and pecan pies. But the Czechs are proud of what they have, and they want to keep it like that.” Pivovar also includes an outdoor beer garden; however, contrary to its name, beer may not “grow” there. Beer gardens are an essential part of Central European tradition, where people gather during
warm summer afternoons to sit and indulge in conversation, along with a meal and an ice-cold beer. Pivovar’s garden features plenty of authentic wooden picnic tables, string lights, and an easy-access bar. Beseda said it feels “a little bit like Europe” in a haven where locals can enjoy the sun and some company, snack on small bites, and even bring their dogs to join in on the fun. The name “Pivovar” is actually Czech for brewery, with the establishment selling four types of beer. “So the key thing about our beer is that Pilsner Lager is the world’s best-selling, most popular beer; it’s the golden beer, and all of the bigger companies use it,” Eaton said. “That Pilsner Lager brewing process started in the town of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. We imported the original ingredients and recreated that original process, just like that very first beer that was ever made.” As only the second such operation in the United States, Pivovar also has a beer spa, equipped with brass tubs filled with hot water and beer yeast. “Our beer spa actually originated in Europe,” hotel receptionist Gabriella Strickland said. “There are two beer spas on each floor, and each spa is completely private. There’s two tubs in there, so you can enjoy it with your significant other or friend, and you get a choice of either champagne or one of our four types of beer to enjoy in there.” For the future, Eaton and Beseda said the first goal of many is going to be set
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Monday, May 23, 2022
on the beer garden itself, with hopes of inserting a shady rooftop to protect from the harmful rays of the Texas sun as well as the occasional Waco waterworks. Calling it a “little hiccup,” Eaton said Pivovar may have to shut down for a little while the construction takes place. “We’re going to have a roof with some nice fans and some TVs out there,” Eaton said. “So it’s going to stay cool during the summer and be a lot more inviting on those hot summer days.” The second thing nearing is the creation of their very own beer brand. The canning process is set to begin at the end of April, Eaton said. “We’ll do our first 20,000 cans of beer and then distribute to a distributor to start growing our brand,” Eaton said. “It’ll be called ‘Pivovar,’ and then coming soon is ‘Pivovar Ultra.’” Strickland said many come thinking Pivovar is a regular hotel but leave glad they’ve gotten to experience everything. “You can enjoy a beer bath and get a feeling of that and then go enjoy our food, all while in an environment that is just like the Czech Republic,” Strickland said. —SPJST—
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National Polka Festival: Lodge 25, Ennis open on May 28; offers Czech food, bands SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis is excited to announce that the hall will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 12 midnight on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the National Polka Festival and serving up a fabulous Czech meal - barbecue and klobase (made by Frankie Svehlak), buttered parsley potatoes, seasoned green beans, choice of sauerkraut or coleslaw, bread, and Czech pastries (made by Betty Macalik and the SPJST Crew). The meal will be served from 11:30 a.m. until we run out. Also available will be barbecue and klobase sandwiches and sauerkraut boats! Dine in, enjoy a cold pivo, and listen to the music of Texas Dutchmen with Pardubická Muzika (band from the Czech Republic), Dujka Brothers, and the Moravians — or get your food togo! If you choose to get your food to-go, then simply drive to the back of the hall, place your order, and have this delicious food delivered right to you. Thank you to all those who help support SPJST Lodge 25! We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, May 28! —SPJST—
31st Annual Czech
Kolache Klobase Festival Saturday, June 11, 2022 • 10:30AM - 8PM Riverside Hall • East Bernard, Texas
INSIDE AIR CONDITIONED HALL, WOOD DANCE FLOOR: ENNIS CZECH BOYS 10:30-1PM CZECH & THEN SOME 1-2PM, 5-6PM DUJKA BROS. 2-3PM, 6-7PM RED RAVENS 3:30-4:30PM, 7-8PM FLAG/VET TRIBUTE AND GRAND MARCH 3-3:30PM THREE BAND CONCERT 4:30-5 PM UNDER PAVILION IN WATER-FAN COOLED COMFORT: AL SULAK’S COUNTRY SOUNDS 11-12:30PM, 2:30-4PM TEXAS SOUND CHECK 12:30-2PM, 4-6PM KOLACHE EATING CONTEST, 2-2:30PM •••••••••••••••••••••••••
Sausage/Barbecue Chicken Plate Lunch - 11AM Drive-thru Plates - 11AM-1PM Sausage Sandwiches and Hamburgers Available in the Afternoon Cake Walk • Lotsa Kolaches • Arts/Crafts • Prize Drawing Booth info: 979-531-9747 or email srdujka@gmail.com General info: 979-335-7907 or kkfest.com
Texas Czech Genealogical Society Website: txczgs.org Promoting the study of the genealogy of the particular group of people known as “Texas Czechs.”
CUBA & CUBA, P.L.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law
• ESTATE PLANNING • WILLS • TRUSTS PROBATE • REAL ESTATE • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL FARM AND RANCH • MORTGAGES • LAND USE EMINENT DOMAIN • CONTRACTS • LEASES • FRANCHISES BUSINESS SALES AND ACQUISITIONS • CORPORATION • PARTNERSHIP • LLC • INSURANCE CLAIMS • TRIAL • MEDIATION
For membership: Marie Dulak 979-324-7871
254-778-1824 COURT CUBA EXTRACO BANK BUILDING 18 S. MAIN, SUITE 802, TEMPLE, TEXAS 76501
Paprskar Memorial Tarok Tournament X Saturday June 4, 2022 at National Hall
SPJST Lodge 92 Fort Worth 3316 Roberts Cut Off Road Fort Worth (Lake Worth), Texas Registration: $25 per player Registration and Snacks 8 to 8:45 a.m. 6 one-hour rounds begin at 9 a.m. Meal included at noon break Trophies for top 4 scores Cash for top 4 scores For more information or directions: John Paprskar 817-480-3480 Late entries accepted if player slots are available. To register by July 23, mail your name, address, and phone number to: John Paprskar, 905 Venice Street, Hurst, Texas 76053
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Monday, May 23, 2022
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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: 979-9663795. 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: 254-217-2863. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly. For information, call 254-721-3902.
LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6) Sunday, June 12—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: 979272-3440. 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 361798-3347. LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3) 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 254-717-0383; 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: 979272-3732. 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: 979-8841451. 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) • All Friday night dances 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Free admission • Hamburgers are served at 6 p.m. Friday, May 27—Dance: Pure Country Friday, June 3—Dance: The Other Band Wednesday, June 8—SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m. Covered dish meal follows. Friday, June 10—Dance: Second Hand Rose Friday, June 17—Dance: Gabriel River Band Friday, June 24 –Dance: Pure Country Friday, July 1—Dance: Sterling Country Friday, July 8—Dance: Robert Lawhorn and Triple Threat Wednesday, July 13—SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m. Covered dish meal follows. Friday, July 15—Dance: Texas Neon Ramblers Friday, July 22—Dance: Dry Country Friday, July 29—Dance: The Other Band 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 47, SEATON (2) 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 325-6560029. 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 32, VICTORIA (6) Update: Meetings are held at Grapevine Cafe, 110 Medical Drive, Suite 102 in Victoria.
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 Meetings: Held the second Thursday of every other month - January, March, May, July, September, and November at Grapevine Cafe, 110 Medical Drive, Suite 102, Victoria at 6:30 p.m. For information, contact Secretary Linda Mozisek 361-220-7725.
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 35, ELK (3) 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 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 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 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 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: 361-793-4742. 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 936-5563248 or Assistant Youth Leader Krystle Bender 832-7921194.
VĚSTNÍK
Monday, May 23, 2022
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 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 830-964-5135.
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 254-773-2363.
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 88, HOUSTON (5) Standing Events: Bingo every Thursday ● Beer Garden every Friday Ladies Night the first Thursday of each month Guys Night third Thursday of each month Visit www.lodge88.org/special-event for updates. 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, 8:30 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 281-745-1697. 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 817-6241361. 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, June 13; Monday, September 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Grapevine Restaurant. Lodge Meetings: Held on Mondays on the following dates: 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 214906-3385 or email jvrla@cebridge.net.
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 979-922-1553. 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 713-5605377. 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 979-618-1890. 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 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 817-731-2580. 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 325234-5879. 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 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 979-251-4150; or Lenora Bliznak 979-277-8845. LODGE 172, PASADENA (5) Meeting Update: Lodge Quarterly Meetings to be announced in the Vestnik. For information or questions, call Jerry Dressler 512-551-9009. 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: The lodge meets quarterly. Date and 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 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 254749-5732. 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: 682-8003485. 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 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 361-7723876 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 979-7778215. 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: 979-567-4264. 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 979-5670637. 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.
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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: 281373-9482; 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 713-5152835. 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 254-913-0273. 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 830281-8246. 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 940855-0882. 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—
Dear SPJST Members,
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