Lodge Section

from Vestnik 2022.10.24

Youth 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 meets November 13

Dear Members,

SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville will meet Sunday, November 13, 2022, at the chamber meeting room at 3 p.m.

Officers will be elected, and final plans made for our Christmas party on Sunday, December 11. We will also select meeting dates for 2023. Door prizes will be awarded, and lunch will be served as usual. We hope to see you there!

Fraternally, Patsy Zabransky, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 8, Weimar plans Nov. 28 holiday meal

Lodge 8, Weimar met on Monday, August 22, 2022, at 12 noon at Oakridge Smokehouse in Schulenburg, Texas, for the meeting and meal. President Henrietta Veselka called the meeting to order at 12 p.m. Arlene Marshall led the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for our departed members.

Present were nine members and guests, which included District Six Director Annie Vahalik. All officers were present. Minutes of our May 23 meeting were in the July 25 Vestnik. Earlene Lorfing made a motion, seconded by Becky Jares, to accept the minutes as printed in the Vestnik. The motion carried. Becky Jares made a motion, seconded by Arlene

Lodge 8, Weimar members celebrate special days

Lodge 8, Weimar members were recognized for special occasions at the August 2022 meeting. LEFT PHOTO: Happy July birthdays to, front, Carolyn Tobola, left, on the 14th and Henrietta Veselka on the 19th. In back are Becky Jares on July 30 and District Six Director Annie Vahalik on July 24. RIGHT PHOTO: Happy 63rd wedding anniversary to Melvin and Carolyn Tobola! They celebrated their special day on June 20. Marshall seconded to accept the treasurer’s report as presented. Motion carried.

Correspondence from the Home Office was read. A report on termination/ lapses was received from the Home Office.

Annie reported on activities in District Six. SPJST 125th Anniversary celebration will be held on Saturday, October 15 at 10 a.m. at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange. The District Six outing will be held at the 125th Anniversary Celebration. This will also be held at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center. Annie reported on this year’s camp, Youth Achievement Day, and a number of other things she was involved with. Please be sure to check your Vestnik for any other information regarding District Six.

Melvin Tobola made a motion, seconded by Becky Jares, to donate $50 for the raffle prize for “125 Prizes for 125 Years.” The donation will be mailed to Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny.

On the sick list is Melissa Veselka. Rosie Shumbera is still in the Regency Nursing Center in Schulenburg in the 500 Hall.

Arlene Marshall made a motion, seconded by Earlene Lorfing, to donate $25 to the activity fund at Parkview Manor Nursing Center in Weimar. Motion carried. Please remember to bring your pull tabs to our next meeting in November.

Birthdays in July were Carolyn Tobola on the 14th, Henrietta Veselka on the 19th, Becky Jares on the 30th, and Annie Vahalik on the 24th. Melvin and Carolyn Tobola celebrated their 63rd anniversary on June 20.

Becky made a motion, seconded by Melvin, to adjourn the meeting. Becky led us in prayer before everybody enjoyed a buffet meal.

Happy 95th Birthday to Viola Doskocil of Lodge 24, Cyclone! Still AWESOME at 95!

“Sweet 16” Viola will celebrate her 95th birthday on

November 4, 2022. Bests wishes!

Holiday Meal—November 28

Our holiday meal and meeting will be Monday, November 28 at 12 noon at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant in Schulenburg at which time the election of officers will take place. Carolyn M. Tobola Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—

Lodge 24, Cyclone invites all to Oct. 30 barbecue chicken dinner

Dear Members and Friends,

Lodge 24, Cyclone Flag Hall will host its Halloween barbecue chicken dinner on Sunday, October 30, 2022. The meal includes barbecue chicken, beans, noodles, and cole slaw and will be available by dining in or taking out. Serving begins at 11 a.m. Plates are $12 each.

Flag Hall is located at 411 FM 964, Burlington, Texas.

Come on out and enjoy a delicious chicken dinner. We are happy to be able to open up the hall for inside dining this year. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, October 30! Fraternally, Linda Wilde, Treasurer —SPJST—

Lodge 24, Cyclone prepares for Oct. 30 barbecue dinner fundraiser

Lodge 24, Cyclone met on Monday, October 10, 2022, at Flag Hall in the kitchen amid dry conditions. The meeting was called to order by President Daniel Wilde as he had a silent payer for the good of all people and the people of Ukraine.

Secretary Brenda Maddux read the minutes from the last meeting, and they were approved. Cathy Bruggman gave the fraternal report. SPJST will celebrate

Scenes from Czech and Slovak Heritage Day at Sokol Dallas

Czech and Slovak Heritage Day was held Sunday, October 9, 2022, at Sokol Dallas. Festivities included Czech music and food, vendors, silent auction, jump house, raffle, and a music jam session. Attendees enjoyed a fun-filled day. LEFT PHOTO: Visiting and selling kolaches, left to right, are Lynda Novak of Lodge 84, Dallas, Betty Macalik and Rita Holland, both of Lodge 25, Ennis. ABOVE CENTER PHOTO: Mary Steinman, Lesli Milan, and Appa Burcie, all of Lodge 154, Fort Worth. ABOVE RIGHT PHOTO: Three generations. Andrey Patselov, Jamie Novak, Lynda Novak, Alina Mae Patselov, and Jim Novak, all of Lodge 84, Dallas.

ABOVE LEFT PHOTO: Taking food orders, SPJST State Fraternal Director Frank Horak and Sarah Martin. PHOTO 2: Bottom left, clockwise, Talia Milan, Tal Milan, Laura Parma, Henrietta Milan, Mary Steinman, Lesli Milan, Cody Brooks, Sophie Milan, and Stephen Zapata Jr. PHOTO 3: District Three Director John Engelke and wife Diane. PHOTO 4: Lynda Novak with happy kolache customer.

its 125th anniversary in La Grange. Camp Kubena will host Cars & Guitars on October 29. The Christmas ornament contest for the youth will be held at the District Two Fall Fun Day at Lodge 47, Seaton on October 23. Officer elections will be in November. Linda Wilde gave the treasurer’s report. The insurance is being a high item.

The balance of the meeting was about our chicken barbecue on Sunday, October 30. A total of 800 chicken halves will be made along with all the trimmings. Steve Bruggman will go to Gause and fetch three cords of wood. The fire will be going at 5 a.m. The pits will be burned off several days before Sunday, the 30th. Jason Hoelscher will make the beans. Several people will do the slaw. A pre-meeting will be held on October 27.

Linda Wilde will accept reservations beginning December 1 for the New Year’s Eve dance with Jerry Haisler and for the February 5, 2023, dance with Ted Lange featuring Mollie B.

Birthday is for Bobby Hoelscher who turned 85 years old. Anton Vrazel was 95 last week. Sick list includes Nancy Hubnik and Harold Schneider. Sadly, we lost Carol Chervenka, a past president of our lodge. Mark and Brenda Maddux will be married 24 years on October 24. Kim and Derek Campbell will be married 23 years on October 22.

The lodge needs a large turnout for our Sunday, October 30 meal. You can dine in or pick up plates to go for $12. For the lodge, Bobby Hoelscher, Reporter —SPJST—

good times at district five fall fun day at lodge 88, houston

George Mendel, left, of Houston, SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek, and Sales Agent Mary Bird talk about all things SPJST at the District Five Fun Day/Lodge 88, Houston Czechfest held Saturday, October 8, 2022.

Lodge 29, Taylor to elect officers at Nov. 9 meeting

SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor met Wednesday, October 12, 2022, for the regular monthly meeting. President Ronnie Rieger called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for the military serving our country. Tammy Cannon was absent.

The September minutes were read and approved. Ronnie gave the treasurer’s report. Lyn Rieger reported the District Two Fall Fun Day at Lodge 47, Seaton will be Sunday, October 23. Lyn made a motion for Lodge 29 to donate $100 to buy goodies for the trunk-or-treat activity for the youth. Jesse Pospisil seconded, and the motion passed.

Jesse Pospisil thanked everyone who worked at the barbecue cook-off. Ronnie made a motion to buy a gift card for Larry Safarik for allowing the use of his field for parking. Leonard Kaderka seconded, and the motion passed. Jesse made a motion to sponsor a trophy for the Hare Barbecue Cook-Off coming up. Frankie Pustejovsky seconded, and the motion passed.

Ronnie informed us that next month we will have officer elections. Adolph Grieger and Frankie Pustejovsky’s terms on the property committee are up for reelection. We also need someone to accept the role of fraternal activities coordinator.

Next month, we will discuss our December meeting/Christmas party.

Members celebrating birthdays in October include Ronnie Rieger, Mary Jane Pustejovsky, Adolph Grieger, Terry Skrhak, Collin Whatley, Adam Jezisek, Wyatt Leschber, and Loretta Tate.

Mary Jane Pustejovsky furnished door prizes. Scott Kaderka volunteered to bring door prizes next month.

The meeting then adjourned.

Next Meeting—November 9

The next meeting will be Wednesday, November 9 at 6:30 p.m. Fraternally submitted, Linda Pospisil Secretary-Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 32, Victoria meets Nov. 10

The next meeting of Lodge 32, Victoria is Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. at the Grapevine Café, 110 Medical Drive, Suite 102, in Victoria. This will be our last business meeting for the year.

Christmas Party—December 6

On Tuesday, December 6, we will have a Christmas party at the Sky Restaurant at 6 p.m. It is not a business meeting – just getting a start to celebrating the Christmas season before everything gets hectic and we forget what the real meaning of Christmas is. Fraternally, Kathy Ahlstrom, Reporter/FAC —SPJST—

Lodge 49, Rowena: site of oktoberfest fundraiser

Lodge 49, Rowena was the site for Oktoberfest which was a fun evening for the entire family on Saturday, October 1, 2022. Der Klein Steins provided live German music. Other activities included dancing, kid and adult games, photo booth, German food served by Rowena Bar and Grill Filling Station, and a stein holding contest. The event was sponsored by and benefitted Texas Southwest Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Lodge 66, Waco gives to support school book vending machine

The meeting of Lodge 66, Waco was called to order by President Douglas Galler at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 26, 2022, at St. Paul’s Church in Bellmead. All officers were present. Six members and three guests were present.

A moment of silence was held for our departed members Louie Veselka and Patti Niemi, and for Susan Chandler who served as the administrator at the Czech Heritage Museum in Temple.

The minutes from the August meeting were read by Sister Dana McAdams. Brother John Engelke made a motion to accept the minutes as read, and Brother Michael Galler seconded. The minutes were approved.

In correspondence, Sister Diana Engelke received a thank you from TriCities Ministry and from Caritas for the donations that we had sent.

Sister Dana read the insurance report. We had two additional members who passed away, Roseann Washburn and Steve Narovec.

Brother Douglas gave the fraternal report.

The cheer and condolence committee sent a sympathy card to the family of Patti Niemi, the Veselka family, and the Narovec family. A get well card was sent to Dorothy Gerlich.

Sister Diana then read two resolutions of sympathy for Brother Louie Veselka and Sister Patti Niemi.

Next Meeting—October 24

Under new business, we discussed our next meeting which is Monday, October 24 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Bellmead.

In our local donation discussion, Brother Douglas mentioned a book vending machine at the campus of LaVega Elementary School. Sister Diana made a motion to donate to the LaVega Elementary book vending machine that is part of the LaVega Pirate Education Foundation. Brother John seconded, and the motion was approved.

The meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m. Respectfully, Dana McAdams Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 81, Needville reports on October meeting

The October 2022 meeting of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville was held on Sunday, the 16th. At 12 noon, a prayer of thanks was given by the youth, and everyone enjoyed a meal of potluck provided by the members. Everything was delicious.

President Vincent Newman called the business meeting to order at 1:15 p.m. The youth members led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers answered the roll except Special Funds Chair Marion Morales.

Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall read her report, and it was approved as read. Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha read his report, and it was approved as read.

Under old business, the youth decorated for Halloween and the S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Center in Needville. The youth gave us a report on the 125th anniversary.

Under new business, the youth group is planning to do some items for Make a Difference Day, and they are planning to decorate the S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living for Christmas.

Happy Birthday from Lodge 66, Waco!

Happy September birthdays to Sister Diana Engelke and guest Hannah Galler! They were honored at the September meeting of Lodge 66, Waco. —Submitted by Dana McAdams Secretary/Reporter

Lodge 92, Fort Worth Ladies Circle October Scenes

Tuesday, October 11, 2022 • SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth National Hall • Submitted by Lisa Ellsworth

Lodge 92, Fort Worth Ladies Circle Members of Lodge 92, Fort Worth Ladies Circle brought items for a silent auction which was held at the October 11, 2022, meeting. There was a pumpkin decorating contest, and the winners were 1st - Nancy Davis, 2nd Lee Williams, and 3rd - Bessie Ellsworth. Madison Parker was the only guest. She was on her fall break from school. Members celebrating October birthdays were Leila Puckett and Nancy Davis. Hostesses for October were JaDawn Potter, Nancy Davis, Judy Ackerman, and Margaret Laymance.

Door prize winners were Ruby Jones, Calvin Lamensky, Kristen Jones, and Karen Hargraves. Congratulations to our lucky winners!

Next Meeting—November 20

The next meeting will be Sunday, November 20. Bradley Stavinoha said he will smoke a turkey breast for us, and Willie Mae Kuykendall said she will plan to make dressing. Members, please remember to bring a side dish and dessert.

See you at the next meeting! Fraternally, Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 84, Dallas to partner with KJT, KJZT, BetterLife for Dec. 4 Christmas party

Dear Readers,

I apologize that I have no pictures to share from the Czech Heritage Day Celebration held on Sunday, October 9, 2022, at Sokol - Dallas. There were lots taken and many shared, but my computer was not cooperating to do the transfer. However, I heard a good time was had by all, and it is a must to attend. I will be trying my best to do so next year.

With that said, I have a special announcement . . . SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas will join with KJT Society 111, KJZT Society 108, and WFLA Lodge 401 (BetterLife) on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at Sokol Dallas, 7448 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75231 for their annual Christmas party! Mark your calendars, and be watching for my letters. I have lots of information to be sharing in the next Vestnik.

Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 84, Dallas meets November 13

Dear Readers,

Members of Lodge 84, Dallas will meet Sunday, November 13, 2022, at:

The Gaylord Texan Address: 1501 Gaylord Trail Grapevine, Texas 76051

Reservations are required, and all members must RSVP to Vicki Petr Sims at 214-763-0341 by Sunday, November 6.

Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston sets November 13 annual meeting

A couple of substantive updates from the Sunday, October 9, 2022, member meeting:

2023 Budget Approved

The 2023 budget was unanimously approved. Legacy dues will be $25, annual standard dues will be $155 for the year. Expect invoices to come out in January via email.

Annual Meeting—November 13

The November meeting (Sunday, November 13 at 2 p.m.) is the annual meeting. At that meeting, we will have the annual reports by each officer and elect our officers and trustees for 2023. At the meeting held Sunday, October 9, the nominating committee shared their nominations for each of the elected positions

Scenes from Lodge 47, Seaton Outdoor Extravaganza

Saturday, September 17, 2022 • Seaton Star Hall

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 47, Seaton members Shannon White, left, and EJ and Sharla Pechal welcome Pete Flores to the Outdoor Extravaganza fundraiser on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Star Hall in Seaton. CENTER PHOTO: SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek, left, and Lodge 47 President Edwin Pechal. RIGHT PHOTO: Star Hall was filled with attendees of all ages enjoying the evening activities.

LEFT PHOTO: From left are Representative Dr. Brad Buckley, Carolyn and Jimmie Coufal, both of Lodge 47, Seaton, and Pete Flores. CENTER PHOTO: Lodge 47 Youth Leader Amber Bartek and Bell County Sheriff Eddy Lange lead the duck call activity. RIGHT PHOTO: Pictured, left to right are, Becky Vajdak, Pete Flores, Representative Dr. Brad Buckley, Susan Buckley, SPJST Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny, David Nauert, SPJST Controller Roy Vajdak, and SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek.

Scenes from Lodge 88, Houston Annual Czechfest ✦ Saturday, October 8, 2022

District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha and Lodge 88 Czech Princess Megan Pflughaupt. SPJST Lodge 88, Houston hosted Czechfest on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at its hall/grounds at 1435 Beall Street in Houston. The annual family-friendly event included Czech dancers, Czech music, authentic Czech food, Czech heritage, fun games for all ages, raffle, and fair-themed games. It was a fun time for all!

District Five Director Stavinoha with Lodge 88, Houston President Aaron Rigamonti.

Red Ravens Lodge 88, Houston Czech Orchestra

(all other positions are appointed by the president and vice president by rule). Their nominations are below. As a reminder, the nominations below are just that: nominations. As we elect each position, we will state the committee nomination and ask if there are any other nominations from the floor. If not, the nominee is elected by acclamation. If there is one or more other nominees from the floor that accept the nomination, we will allow each candidate to briefly address membership then vote for the office.

The Nominees: * indicates officers that are also trustees President* - Aaron Rigamonti First Vice President - Fraternal

Activities Coordinator* Lea Kiefer Second Vice President - Bingo Chair Ana Latigo Third Vice President - Swim Club Chair*

Ron Cardwell Recording Secretary - Sarah Itz Treasurer - Robins Varghese Youth Leader - Sarah Itz Guide/Sergeant-at-Arms -

Aaron DeNasaquo Entertainment Co-Chairs -

Mary Hoffman and Ryan Gum Blue Room Co-Chair - Heather Andrews (the other co-chair is the bar manager who is appointed by the board) At-Large Trustees (6) - Patrick Stewart, Dorothy Pflughaupt, Ryan Epps, Daniel Maxian, Elizabeth Robinson, Alex D’Ambrosio

Czechfest Wraps Up

Czechfest was just a wild success. We had more than 900 tickets sold and, this is probably even more impressive, the number of member volunteers that participated to make it happen was just incredible!

In the last four years, attendance has been 417, 0 (Covid), 554, and now 900plus. Frankly, we were a little concerned whether we would ever recover from Covid for this event. We now have a really solid foundation from which to continue to grow, and it literally took hundreds of member hours to plan and execute this great event.

Thanks to all of you for volunteering, especially Angela Curley whose leadership of the special events committee has been unspeakably valuable to our lodge in the last few years. For that effort and service, Angela is this month’s Pokrok Prize winner. Fraternally, Aaron Rigamonti, President —SPJST—

A CAR AND A GUITAR YOU COULD WIN A CAR AND A GUITAR AT CARS & GUITARS AT CARS & GUITARS ON OCTOBER 29

Visit the SPJST booth at Camp Kubena, 2001 Waldeck Road in Ledbetter, on Saturday, October 29 at Cars & Guitars. Get your name in the drawing to win this special Cars & Guitars prize! It’s a 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Open Convertible 1:18 model from The Platinum Collection and a Fender acoustic guitar and starter pack (with three months of online lessons). See complete event details on page 9 of this Vestnik or visit campkubena.com. See you October 29 at Camp Kubena!

Lodge 81, Needville appreciates organizers of grandparents day activity

Sunday, September 25, 2022, was a fun day celebrating the members and the grandparents at SPJST Lodge 81, Needville! Thank you Kristen Jones and Krystle Peterson and your families for all you did to make it happen. —From Lodge 81, Needville

Lodge 107, Floresville sets Nov. 13 clean-up day

SPJST Lodge 107, Floresville held its monthly meeting on Sunday, October 9, 2022. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was observed for deceased members and military members and veterans.

Roll call of officers revealed Fraternal Activities Coordinator Bayer, Reporter Bayer, and Youth Leader Lynn absent.

Secretary Pruski read the minutes from the September meeting, and they were approved as read. Treasurer Korus gave his report, and it was approved as read.

Hall Manager Bertrand reported that the faucet had been fixed, and a new heating element for the oven has been purchased and installed after the meeting.

Under new business, we will have a clean-up day at our next meeting which will be Sunday, November 13 at 10 a.m. The lodge will provide lunch.

October anniversary is Bob and Polly Bayer - 62 years on October 22.

Next Meeting—November 13

Our next meeting will be Sunday, November 13 at a special time of 10 a.m. Lunch of pizza and salad will be provided. It’s recommended to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves for those who will be working outside. Fraternally, Trey Bielefeld, President —SPJST—

Lodge 160, San Angelo plans Nov. 20 annual meeting

Dear Lodge 160 Members,

The annual meeting for Lodge 160, San Angelo will be held Sunday, November 20, 2022, at Wall Brethren Church Hall. A delicious lunch will be served beginning at 12 noon. Door prizes will be given to each family in attendance. You will also be given the opportunity to enter your name into a drawing for several other prizes to be given away during the meeting.

We will be drawing for the winners of our Lodge 160 scholarship at the meeting. There will be six scholarships awarded. If you are enrolled in college or a technical school and a member of Lodge 160, please complete the application prior to the meeting and send to Betty Schwartz. The application will arrive in the mail soon with your newsletter.

Come join us for a fun-filled time of fellowship and food! We look forward to seeing you on November 20! Sandra Jansa, President —SPJST—

Lodge 172, Pasadena meets November 16

Members of Lodge 172, Pasadena are invited to our quarterly meeting on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 6 p.m. at Peppers Steak and Seafood, located at 3604 Fairmont Parkway in Pasadena. For more information about our dinner meeting, contact Jerry Dressler at 512551-9009. Fraternally, Jerry Dressler, President —SPJST—

Ennis Sewing Circle

Ennis Sewing Circle continues to meet despite the low attendance due to Covid-19 during the past year and a half. Our projects have included monthly hand quilting: a member’s quilt, a Christmas quilt which is raffled off to the members at the December meeting, and a quilt sewn for the Junior Sokol group who sell raffle tickets to provide for traveling expenses to their yearly Slets. Several members also continue to sew baby quilts at home. Each month the club has at least 10 or more baby quilts to donate to Hope Health, a pregnancy clinic which in turn gives out the quilts to parents for their newborns.

During 2022, our membership has increased due to the addition of new members as well as the return of several old members. One of our special projects this year was our participation in Ellis County Quilter’s Guild Quilt Show held at Sokol Hall in Ennis on July 15 and 16. Our members volunteered to set up a quilting frame, and they demonstrated hand quilting for those attending the quilt show. We are also very proud that one of our members - Dorothy Kudrna - won a first place ribbon for her tee-shirt quilt at the show.

We are very happy to return to our normal schedule and wish to invite anyone interested in joining the Ennis Sewing Circle. We meet every second Thursday of the month. Visitors are welcome to check us out.

Ennis Sewing Circle member Irene Prachyl has been giving lessons which include choosing a quilt pattern, cutting out the pattern pieces, determining the amount of fabric needed for the quilt, and different methods for sewing together the cut pieces by machine. Any of the members are happy to show how to hand stitch once the quilt is stretched out on the frame. In addition to quilting, a potluck meal is served followed by our monthly meeting. Come join us! Dolores Vrana, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 229, Abilene hosts membership drive, activity day

Lodge 229, Abilene hosted a membership drive on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Festival Gardens at Grover Nelson Park in Abilene. The day included games for adults and children and a complimentary meal of hamburgers and/or hot dogs, chips, and drinks.

Lodge 142, Houston member Emil Kutra celebrates 100th birthday!

Emil (PeeWee) Kutra celebrated his 100th birthday! He is a member of Lodge 142, Houston. He has served many years on various committees for the lodge. Emil, we miss you at our lodge meetings. We love you, and we wish you many more wonderful years! ~ Pat Schleider, FAC

RIGHT PHOTO: Pat Schleider and Keith Kieschnick visit with Emil.

Fort Worth Friendship Club

President Lola Taylor opened the Wednesday, September 7, 2022, Fort Worth Friendship Club meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the “Our Father” for members, their families, and our blessed country.

Our theme was Mexican fiesta. Lola Taylor and Sharron Connelly provided the beautiful decorations, and Sharron highlighted the wonderful traditions of our neighbor, Mexico.

Ted and Mary Ann Martinez were selected as our Mexican fiesta king and queen; and we thanked Ted for picking up the chicken.

Treasurer Margaret Sears reported on our finances, and we are so grateful for the many things she does for the Club, and for her help with preparing and helping with the meetings.

Betty Krenek and Lola Taylor won the dollar games; winners had big smiles on their faces.

We sang “Happy Birthday” to Libbie Vrla and Mary Ann Krivanek.

Volunteers for December are Anna Marie, Betty Carte, and Mary Gonzalez.

It was wonderful seeing all of the happy faces, and we look forward to seeing you next month. In the meantime, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Sharron Connelly Lodge 154, Fort Worth —SPJST—

Memorials and Survivor Benefits

What are you entitled to after a veteran passes away? by Sabrina N. Young, CFSP SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Member and Owner of Young’s Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center

While May holds as a significant holiday to remember our veterans, it also brings awareness to the survivors to carry on their legacy, estate, and benefits.

Sabrina N. Young is two-time Veteran of OIF wartime stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. Currently serving as the VFW Post 1820 Service Officer, she assists

with survivor benefits and ensuring the memorialized veteran has received all of their benefits. Looking back, you should have received presidential certificates, the American flag (and a case), burial reimbursement or FEMA reimbursement if died from COVID-19, military honors, headstone/footstone or medallion for the headstone, service organization correspondence/gifts, changed over your DEERS card, a lump sum payment from Social Security of $255, have the children enrolled for college under veteran’s education bills, maybe a survivor’s pension, or taken claim to the military insurance from when they were enlisted, and back pay on a claim they have submitted before they had passed away. If you have not received any of these, please contact me to schedule an appointment to ensure you have received these items.

Some other ways to consider carrying on their legacy is by registering for the Patriot Way Brick Walk hosted through the Belton Chamber of Commerce for your veteran/soldier. The ceremony will take place on Veterans Day across from the Belton Chamber of Commerce. Each personalized brick is $50.

Join us in January of every year at VFW Post 1820 in Temple for the Presidential Certificate Ceremony welcoming all families who have not received their certificates to be formally presented during the ceremony.

Would you like a free “Bell Ringing Ceremony” scheduled at any Bell County Cemetery to honor your loved one? Please call 254-401-1302 to schedule. This is hosted throughout the year.

Rucks on Main will be held in downtown Temple on November 5. Individuals will walk with 40 pounds of canned goods in ruck to remember our loved ones on Memorial Day. Please sign up on Facebook events page to be a walker, sponsor, volunteer. etc.

The Veterans Land Board has a memorial site in which you can upload the story and picture of your loved one free of charge on their website as long as they are buried in a state/national/federally approved cemetery.

A Legacy Tree Planting at Young’s Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center is available for $175. A tree with a memorial plaque will rest along the property to honor your veteran. This fund helps a local Veteran-owned funeral home supporting families through offering the free Veteran-assisted services listed above.

—SPJST—

We’re Crazy for Cranberry —and Here is Why!

Submitted by Dorothy Stuchly Lodge 47, Seaton

Before the cough, sniffle, sneeze, pass the cranberry please! Cranberry supports the immune response in the upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract—perfect for the fall and winter season. • Cranberry supports healthful graceful aging. • The perfect post-Thanksgiving supplement—cranberry supports healthy insulin function and blood sugar balance. • Cranberry has been shown to slow the rate of carbohydrate breakdown and absorption in the intestine. • The OPCs in cranberry help support a healthy bacterial balance in the stomach, intestine, and urinary tract. • Cranberry has been shown to enhance the growth of a very special probiotic bacteria which helps to support a healthy gut barrier, modulate inflammation, and support insulin function. • Cranberry supports the production of IgA antibodies in the intestine which are crucial for immune function and removal of toxins. • Cranberry supports the health of the urinary tract by supporting a healthy bacterial balance. • Cranberry isn’t just for women— support kidney health and prostate health with cranberry supplements. • Are your teeth sick of all the sweets? Cranberry chews, drops, concentrate, or gun—modulate inflammation in the mouth and support a healthy bacterial balance in the mouth and throat. • Cranberry supports the immune system so that it is not over or under active. • Holidays can be stressful, both on the mind and the cardiovascular system. Support healthy blood pressure with cranberry. • Berries are rich in antioxidants that support cellular health and prevent unwanted sugars from binding to cells and disrupting normal cellular function. —Source unknown —SPJST—

Lodge 246, Morgan’s point supports moffat volunteer fire department

Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point Treasurer David Nauert, third from left, presents a $200 donation to Moffat Volunteer Fire Department Chief BJ Scheible, second from left. Looking on are members of the Moffat Volunteer Fire Department. Moffat VFD is a non-profit corporation solely run by volunteers from the Moffat Community and surrounding areas.

October meeting scenes from fort worth friendship club

LEFT PHOTO: Ted and Mary Ann Martinez were selected as our Mexican Fiesta king and queen. They look happy with their gifts and snuggling up to Pedro our Mexican mascot. CENTER PHOTO: Margaret Sears, Anna Marie Moncrief, and Sharron Connelly pose with Pedro before enjoying a Mexican dinner prepared by the ladies. RIGHT PHOTO: Anna Marie Moncrief shares her beautiful Mexican dress with delightful designs.