Lodge Section

SPJST Lodge Section

The deadline for all Vestnik items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Send your news and photos directly to:

SPJST Vestnik 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 members participate in Walk Across Texas

Dear Members,

Lodge 4, Hallettsville met Sunday, June 12, 2022, at the Chamber Meeting Room at 3 p.m.

Vice President Annie Vahalik, in the absence of President Joe Siptak, called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Resolution Chair Gayenell Chudej read resolutions of sympathy for Alvin E. Mikush and James Bucek. A moment of silence was observed for our deceased members.

Guests present were District Six Regional General Agent (RGA) Carolina Covarrubia, Chloe Hernandez, Barbara Steffek, Phillip Hadash, and Richard Zabransky.

In the absence of Secretary-Treasurer Helen Zabransky (due to illness), Vice President Vahalik read the minutes to the last meeting and gave the financial report. Correspondence was read.

Our Lodge 4 participants in Walk Across Texas were Barbara and Ricky Steffek, Gayenell Chudej, Annie and Philip Vahalik, and Patsy Zabransky. Our team finished the walk with a total of 1,136.79 miles. Barbara logged 380.7 miles being the highest individual each week and overall, and her husband, Ricky, was in the top 20 walkers. Patsy Zabransky was in the next level logging over 150 miles. Each participant received incentive prizes. Great job, team members!

Fraternal Activities Coordinator Annie gave an interesting and informative report on the SPJST 125th anniversary celebration, camp, district meeting, and other activities.

The lodge members voted to contribute a prize to the SPJST 125th anniversary raffle.

RGA Carolina Covarrubia gave an informative talk on insurance and encouraged our lodge to get new members and also check their life insurance certificate to update address and beneficiaries, if needed.

Instead of a game, FAC Annie said with so much happening in the world, we needed a good laugh now. So she brought jokes and each member participated by taking turns reading jokes. There was a lot of laughing and lots of fun! Great idea, Annie!

Door prize winners were Jennifer Hessler, Gayenell Chudej, Marlyn Sevcik, Richard Zabransky, Alton Chudej, and Vicky Zak. Also thanks to RGA Covarrubia for donating some door prizes.

Everyone then enjoyed a delicious lunch and visiting.

Next Meeting—August 14

Our next meeting will be Sunday, August 14 at the Chamber Meeting Room at 3 p.m. Lunch will be served, and door prizes will be given. Fraternally, Patsy Zabransky, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 8, Weimar honors deceased members

Lodge 8, Weimar members met Monday, May 23, 2022, at 12 noon at Oakridge Smokehouse in Schulenburg, Texas, for their meeting and meal. President Henrietta Veselka called the meeting to order at 12 noon. Marilyn Yates led the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for our departed members.

In attendance were eight members and guests. All officers were present, except Vice President Becky Jares.

Minutes of the February 28 meeting were in the April 11 Vestnik. Earlene Lorfing made a motion, seconded by Arlene Marshall, to accept the minutes as printed in the Vestnik. The motion passed. Melvin Tobola made a motion, seconded by Earlene Lorfing, to accept the treasurer’s report as presented.

Correspondence was read from the Home Office. A report on terminations/lapses was received from the Home Office. A thank you note was received from the Czech Heritage Museum thanking us for the memorial sent for Anton Machacek. A thank you was received from Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, Incorporated in La Grange thanking us for the memorial sent to them in memory of Erline Janik. A thank you was received from The Boys and Girls Club of Champion Valley, Weimar, for the civic donation recently given to them.

Henrietta Veselka, Arlene Marshall, and Carolyn Tobola went to The Boys and Girls Club of Champion Valley in Weimar on Monday, May 2 and presented them with a civic donation. It was reported Rosie Shumbera is still in Regency Nursing Center in Schulenburg in the 500 Hall. No one from Lodge 8, Weimar attended the District Six Annual Meeting held at Taiton Community Center on Sunday, April 10.

The Corpus Christi Getaway will not be held this year. Please watch the Vestnik for any upcoming events.

A memorial service was led by Henrietta Veselka, Carolyn Tobola, and Earlene Lorfing. The service honored departed members in the last year: Anton Machacek - September 2, 1939 to August 25, 2021; Annie Schilhab - February 23, 1933 to January 7, 2021; and Erline Janik - September 14, 1930 to December 16, 2021.

Birthdays since our last meeting are Melvin Tobola on March 9 and R.E. Yates on March 14.

Earlene Lorfing led a prayer before everyone enjoyed a buffet meal.

Next Meeting—August 22

The next meeting will take place on Monday, August 22 at 12 noon at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant in Schulenburg.

Carolyn M. Tobola Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—

Lodge 4, Hallettsville shares June meeting scenes

Sunday, June 12, 2022 • Chamber Meeting Room • Submitted by Patsy Zabransky, Reporter

LEFT PHOTO: Regional General Agent Carolina Covarrubia, right, and granddaughter Chloe Hernandez are pictured visiting with Lodge 4, Hallettsville Vice President Annie Vahalik.

RIGHT PHOTO: Guests enjoying lunch are, left to right, Phillip Hadash, Vice President Annie, Richard Zabransky, Barbara Steffek, and Ricky Steffek.

Lodge 9, Snook sponsors SPJST, community events

The Wednesday, July 6, 2022, SPJST meeting of Lodge 9, Snook was called to order by President Donnie Hejl at 6 p.m. Marie Shelfer led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll of officers was called. Minutes from the June meeting were approved. Hall manager, fraternal, treasurer, and statewide reports were presented.

The youth club had its meeting earlier in the month. District One Youth Achievement Day (YAD) is July 10, and camp starts July 14. The youth club will host a kolache demonstration on Saturday, August 27 at Snook school.

Motions were passed to sponsor the kolache bake show at the Kolache Festival, sponsor two holes for disc golf at Cars & Guitars at Camp Kubena on October 29, and donate $100 for gift cards for the 125th anniversary celebration in La Grange.

July birthday includes Josef Orsak on the 10th.

The meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m.

Next Meeting—August 3

The next meeting is Wednesday, August 3 at 7 p.m. Fraternally, Hannah Kovar, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 24, Cyclone to host Vrazels’ tribute dance

Lodge 24, Cyclone President Daniel Wilde called the meeting to order on Monday, July 11, 2022. He led the Pledge of Allegiance and had a silent prayer for Ukraine and for our freedom. The minutes were dispensed with, and Linda gave the treasurer’s report.

Cathy Bruggman gave the fraternal report. State YAD is on Saturday, July 30 at Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple. SPJST is 125 years old this year, and on October 15, a celebration will be held at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange. The Home Office is asking for gift cards or prizes valued at $50 to be used for a raffle. Cars & Guitars car show and music festival is on Saturday, October 29 at Camp Kubena. Disc golf will be included.

Brenda Maddux gave the bar and hall reports.

The air conditioners were discussed at length.

The upcoming Vrazels’ tribute dance was discussed in detail. There will be meals available starting when the hall opens at noon. Dance is from 2 to 6 p.m. Our cooks Cathy Bruggman and Kim Campbell will have the lunch ready including fried cabbage.

Lodge 6, Cottonwood hosts Successful Annual Picnic

Lodge 6, Cottonwood hosted a successful picnic on Sunday, July 17, 2022. Thanks to the many volunteers. We truly appreciate all your help in preparing for this event. The hall was packed with everyone enjoying the fried chicken/sausage meal with all the trimmings and dessert.

—Submitted by Patti Rosales, Reporter

ABOVE LEFT PHOTO: Mary Beth Dulock and daughter Anna prepare for the auction. PHOTO 2: Auction helpers have a good time: Henry Blahuta, Bobby Dobecka, Jimmy Uptmor, and Kevin Berger. PHOTO 3: Dorothy Kucera sells tickets for the delicious meal. ABOVE RIGHT PHOTO and BELOW PHOTOS: SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood picnic was a big success! Members and guests enjoyed the afternoon.

Cathy said a fundraiser will be held in the spring.

The price of rentals was also discussed.

For the Lodge, Bobby Hoelscher —SPJST— Next Meeting—August 10

The next meeting will be Wednesday, August 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Fraternally submitted, Linda Pospisil Secretary-Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 29, Taylor sets Sept. 23, 24 barbecue cook-off

On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, Jesse Pospisil called the meeting of Lodge 29, Taylor to order. He led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence for departed members and for our military who are serving for a peaceful nation. Officer roll call showed Ronnie Rieger absent. The June minutes were read and approved. Tammy Cannon gave the treasurer’s report for May and June.

Linda Pospisil read a thank you from Leonard Kaderka. For the SPJST 125th Anniversary Celebration, it has been suggested that each lodge donate to the raffle. Albin Machu made a motion to give $125, and Frankie Pustejovsky seconded. The motion passed.

The Taylor International Barbecue Cook-off will be held on August 20. Adolph Grieger made a motion for Lodge 29 to make a donation to have our name on a trophy. Frankie seconded, and the motion passed. Roger Kaderka informed us of the Taylor 4-H/FFA Booster fundraiser that will be held on August 6. Adolph made a motion for Lodge 29 to purchase a ticket, and Kevin Carr seconded. The motion passed. SPJST Lodge 48, Beyersville is holding its annual auction fundraiser on August 20. Jesse made a motion for Lodge 29 to purchase a ticket, and Albin seconded. The motion passed.

Dessert, Silent Auction Donations Needed

Jesse discussed the upcoming barbecue cook-off on September 23 and 24, and he asked members to think about sponsors. The appreciation dinner for barbecue sponsors will be held in August. We would appreciate if members can bring desserts for the meal. Members were also informed that items will be needed for the silent auction at the cook-off, and the items will be deeply appreciated. Baked items always do well.

Welcome, Olivia Sawyer!

Albin Machu signed up new member Olivia Kathryn Sawyer. Adolph Grieger made a motion to accept the new member, and Charlie Campbell seconded. The motion passed.

Members celebrating birthdays in July include Joyce Patschke, Linda Pospisil, Kara Kaderka, Evelyn Simcik, Pierce Miller, Hayden Dewbre, Emma Dewbre, Taylor Buzan, and Melanie Pasemann.

Door prizes were furnished by Ronnie and Lyn Rieger. Gary Johle volunteered to bring them in August.

The meeting was adjourned.

Lodge 49, Rowena hosts August 6 dance with Jody Nix

SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena will host a dance on Saturday, August 6, 2022, featuring Jody Nix. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the dance starting at 8 p.m. until 12 midnight. Bring your own booze. Setups will be available.

We look forward to seeing you there! Beverly Teplicek —SPJST—

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi celebrates members in june

LEFT PHOTO: Gerilyn Donnell celebrated her birthday on June 26, 2022. Happy birthday, Gerilyn! PHOTO 2: Virginia Rebecek celebrated her birthday on July 21. Happy Birthday, Virginia! PHOTO 3: Happy anniversary to Stephen and Laura Rebecek - 15 years on June 30. RIGHT PHOTO: Congratulations to Michael and Becky Urbanovsky for 31 years of marriage on June 29. Michael also won a gift card in a special drawing for Father’s Day. —Submitted by Virginia Rebecek, Secretary

Lodge 66, Waco Father of the Year

Congratulations to Lodge 66, Waco Father of the Year Michael Galler, center. He is pictured with District Three Director John Engelke, left, and Lodge 66 President Douglas Galler.

—Submitted by Dana McAdams, Reporter

Lodge 66, Waco honors fathers at June meeting

The June meeting of Lodge 66, Waco was called to order by President Brother Douglas Galler at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 13, 2022, at St., Paul’s Church in Bellmead. There were seven members and four visitors present. All officers were present.

The minutes from the last meeting were read by Sister Dana McAdams and approved as read. Sister Dana then read a thank you card from Sister Dorothy Veselka. Brother Douglas gave the fraternal report. Treasurer Sister Diana Engelke then gave the treasurer’s report.

Under old business, Brother John Engelke (District Three Director/Chair of the Board of Directors) gave a report on happenings at the Home Office.

Under new business, we mentioned giving our monthly donation to Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry. We also received our April donation back from Man of Works which has dissolved. Brother John made a motion to send our June donation to Shepherd’s Heart and to send our April donation to Ronald McDonald House. The motion, sec-

onded by Brother Ronald Neumann, passed.

The lodge then honored the fathers by having a drawing for a Father’s Day card. Brother Michael Galler won the drawing.

The door prize was won by Brother Michael, and the 100 percent pot was won by Brother John Engelke.

The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

Next Meeting—July 25

The next meeting will be at St. Paul's Church in Bellmead on Monday, July 25, at 5:30 p.m. Respectfully reported by your Secretary/Reporter, Dana McAdams —SPJST—

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi reports on July meeting

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi held its meeting on Sunday, July 10, 2022. Fajitas and sides were served for the meal. At 2:10 p.m., the meeting was called to order by President Mark Rebecek who also led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers were present except for Assistant Youth Leader Christina Rew. Sixteen members were present. On the sick list was member Randy Sijansky recovering from surgery. We wish him well.

Secretary Virginia Rebecek read the May meeting minutes, and they were approved. Treasurer Larry Elzner gave the financial reports for May and June, and they were approved.

Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Jerry Sijansky gave his report.

Under new business, President Rebecek stated until the air conditioning is repaired, our meetings will be held on the second Sunday. If you are not sure each month, you can call me at 361-816-3128.

Youth Leader Marcia Rew gave her report. She had four members in attendance. The youth made bracelets and key chains out of beads. The youth also went to Peter Piper Pizza in June and had a good time. President Rebecek presented Youth Leader Marcia Rew money from the split-the-pot from the district meeting.

Birthdays for June and July were Gerilyn Donnell on June 26 and Virginia Rebecek on July 21. Happy birthday, members!

Wedding anniversaries for June were Michael and Becky Urbanovsky on the 29th - 31 years and Stephen and Laura Rebecek on the 30th - 15 years. Happy wedding anniversary!

Door prize winners of $25 were Laura Rebecek and Jill Sijansky. Michael Urbanovsky won the special Father’s Day drawing.

Jill Sijansky made a motion to adjourn our meeting, seconded by Gerilyn Donnell. The meeting was adjourned at 2:40 p.m.

Next Meeting—August 14

The next meeting will be Sunday, August 14 with fried chicken. Members are asked to bring a side dish. Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston presents Member of the Month Kolache Award

Congratulations to Lea Kiefer who was selected as the Lodge 88, Houston Member of the Month and Kolache Award recipient! Lea coordinates the Blue Room events and serves on numerous committees at Lodge 88. She is also chair of the new Member Engagement Committee. Presenting the award is Lodge 88 President Aaron Rigamonti.

Lodge 81, Needville hosts successful District Five YAD

The July 2022 meeting of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville was held Sunday, the 17th. At 12 noon, a prayer of thanks was given by President Vincent Newman, and everyone enjoyed a meal of chicken spaghetti provided by the lodge and picked up by Clarence and Shirley Myers. Side dishes and desserts were provided by members.

President Vincent Newman called the business meeting to order at 1 p.m. Willie Mae Kuykendall led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers answered the roll call except Special Funds Chair Marion Morales. Added to the sick list were Martha Polasek and Dan Pavlas. We wish you both a speedy recovery. We want to wish Winnie Susan a happy 99th birthday!

Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall read her report, and it was approved as read. Bradley Stavinoha read the treasurer’s report, and it was approved as read. Special Funds Chair Marion Morales will read his report at our August meeting.

Under old business, it was announced that half of the lodge’s air conditioning unit was not working. It was made into a motion and passed to get Sean Swanson A/C repair to give us an estimate for repairs.

Under new business, Krystle Bender gave a report for the youth. She told everyone about District Five Youth Achievement Day (YAD) and how everything went smoothly. Congratula-

lodge 92, fort worth ladies circle Shares July lunch/picnic scenes

Tuesday, July 12, 2022 • Submitted by Lisa Ellsworth

On July 12, 2022, Lodge 92, Fort Worth Ladies’ Circle celebrated the Fourth of July with a lunch/picnic. LEFT PHOTO: Hostesses for the month were Cathy Simmank, Lisa Juran, Lucy Martinez, and Delores York. Not pictured were Betty Loyd, Lynn Cummings, and Betty Krenek. CENTER PHOTO: Birthdays celebrated were Sandi Celusniak, Cathy Simmank, Margaret Laymance, Stanley Krenek, and Jeanette Tesar. RIGHT PHOTO: We welcomed guests Lee Williams and Leila Puckett to the lunch/picnic.

tions to Tripp Hargraves for receiving the District Five Junior of the Year merit award.

Under other business, Bradley Stavinoha filled us in on the other District Five lodges.

Door prize winners were Leon Anhaiser, Vincent Newman, Calvin Lamensky, and Betty Anhaiser. Congratulations to our lucky winners!

Next Meeting—August 21

The next meeting will be Sunday, August 21, and it was decided to have barbecue plates from the Needville Fire Department fundraiser. Bradley will pick up the plates. Members, please bring a dessert. See you at the next meeting! Fraternally, Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—

Happy Anniversary,Edward and Sharon LaGrange!

Lodge 202, Jourdanton members Edward and Sharon LaGrange will celebrate their 40th anniversary on August 7, 2022. Best wishes to the couple for many more happy anniversaries! Sharon serves as vice president of Lodge 202. —Submitted by Bettie House, Secretary

Lodge 92, Fort Worth welcomes Vice President Charlie Saladin

Lodge 84, Dallas meets August 21

A new officer was installed at the SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth monthly meeting was Sunday, July 10, 2022. Lodge 92 welcomed Charlie Saladin as vice president. He was installed by Secretary Mary Ann Krivanek. —Submitted by Lisa Ellsworth

Lodge 84, Dallas members to travel to SPJST 125th Celebration

Dear Readers,

Due to the extreme heat and dry conditions, Lodge 84, Dallas’ annual lakeside picnic meeting had to be postponed and will be rescheduled for another date. Watch for notice in the Vestnik!

In lieu of this, members of Lodge 84 met on Sunday, July 17 at the home of Charles and Kathy Nemec. The meeting was brought to order at 2:35 p.m. by President Vicki Sims. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Flag Bearer Charles Nemec with a moment of silence observed for our troops serving our country. Brother Jim Liska requested to give his treasurer’s report early because he and Sister Theresa Liska were going to the hospital to visit their new grandson Bennett James Chappel, who was born on July 16. Congratulations to new parents Matt and Jennifer Chappel.

Secretary Cherri Petr then gave her report which was approved by all present.

Old business discussed included Lodge 84 sponsoring a bus to take members to the SPJST 125th Anniversary Celebration in La Grange on Saturday, October 15. There are limited seats still available so if you are interested in details for riding on the bus, please contact Vicki Sims at 214-7630341 as soon as possible. Seating is limited to first come, first served.

Sunshine Lady Cherri reported that get well cards were sent to Sister Jennifer Ruzicka, Brother John David Becan, and Sister Mary Dees. We hope you are all on the mend soon!

Vice President Lynda Novak gave her reports on Fraternal Council and Czech Culture. She said to save the date of October 9 for the Heritage Day Celebration at Sokol Dallas. Details are still in the works so keep watching for information in the Vestnik as the details become available.

Youth Leader Lynda Novak reported that the youth continue to meet and are very busy with preparing for State Youth Achievement Day on Saturday, July 30 in Temple.

President Vicki Sims thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and reminded everyone that our next meeting will be Sunday, August 21 at the home of Charles and Kathy Nemec. Motion was then made, seconded, and approved by all to adjourn so that we could enjoy our afternoon svacina. Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—

Dear Readers,

Lodge 84, Dallas members will meet Sunday, August 21, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. for their monthly meeting. Please make plans to join us at the home of Charles and Kathy Nemec, 10707 Webster Terrace in Dallas, Texas 75229. Call 214351-4214 for directions. If planning to attend, please bring a dessert to share for our afternoon svacina. Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 155, Austin members gather for july meeting

Lodge 155, Austin members pictured at the July 16, 2022, meeting at Poke-Jo’s are, left to right, Ginny Thomas, Mariana Wood, Clara Klinkovsky, Albert Klinkovsky, and Robert, Dean, Amy, and Joy Eskew.