9 minute read
Czech Culture
from Vestnik 2022.10.24
by SPJST
Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas
Česká Část
ROČNÍK 110 ČISLO 20 24.říjen.2022 Podpora ★ Lidskost ★ Bratrstvi´
BENEVOLENCE HUMANITY BROTHERHOOD
Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897
Czech Heritage Museum changes hours of operation
The Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, located at 119 West French Street in Temple, is updating its hours of operation. The Museum will be opened from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday or by appointment.
Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for those 60 or older, and $2 for kids 12 and under. Through November, Czech films are held the second Tuesday of the month at the Beltonian Theatre, 219 East Central Avenue in Belton. Matinee is at 3 p.m., and the evening show is at 6 p.m. Admission is free of charge. Donations are accepted online or through a donation box at the concession window. Imported Czech beer and wine are available.
The Museum hosts tarok parties every first and third Tuesday evenings. All ages and anyone interested are welcome. No admission or fee is charged. Jimmie and Carolyn Coufal are awardwinning tournament champions who not only teach beginners, but also help experienced players increase their skill.
For Museum information, tours, happenings, and activities, call CHMGC 254-899-2935 (can leave a message). Kenny Lange, Curator —SPJST—
CCMH presents Apollo Chamber Players on Oct. 27
Czech Center Museum Houston is proud to present the renowned Apollo Chamber Players in their annual musical celebration of Czech Heritage Month on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at 7 p.m.
The program includes the American premiere of solo piano works by contemporary Czech composer Katarina Pinosova, along with music by Josef Suk, and Dvorak’s folk-infused Piano Quintet in A Major.
University of Houston Moores School of Music professor Tali Morgulis joins Apollo for this festive jubilee of Czech music both past and present.
The event is open to all ages, and admission is free of charge. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Concert begins at 7 p.m.
Free parking is available onsite. Astros game score updates will be provided as appropriate. —SPJST—
A Home in the Heartland: Czechs in Chicago to air Nov. 6
A Home in the Heartland: Czechs in Chicago film will air on Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 4 p.m. CST on WTTW Channel 11, Chicago PBS.
This is the story of the Czech immigrant experience in Chicagoland, past and present. And here’s what our latest reviewer has to say: spire and entertain you with its historical insights if you are not. Beautifully produced, this documentary weaves archival photographs, artwork, and newsreel footage with articulate contemporary commentators who tell the story of the immigrant movement that coalesced in Chicago to loom large in the American melting pot. From free-thinking intellectuals to pioneering labor activists, feminists, artists, and athletes, from Chicago’s first and only immigrant Mayor, to astronauts, literateurs and entertainers (actress Kim Novak’s interview is among the many highlights), the Czechs made their mark in Chicago, in America, and in the Czech-Bohemian heritage. As the film makes clear, their continuing legacy is well worth celebrating!” —Patrick McGilligan
Film Commentator, Biographer
Young Orson: Luck & Genius on the Path to Citizen Kane
For those who are not in the Chicagoland viewing area, the Chicago PBS airings are the first step in our distribution process. We will announce further airings, streaming, and screenings in other locations as they are arranged. ~Manifest Films —SPJST—
Temple Symphony Orchestra features music of Antonin Dvorak
As part of its concert season, Temple Symphony Orchestra will feature the music of Beethoven, Dvorak, and Shostakovich lead by Benjamin Loeb of Plano on Saturday, November 12, 2022. The evening’s program begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center at Temple College, 1500 South 5th Street in Temple.
For tickets, email templesymphony@gmail.com; call 254-778-6683; or visit templesymphony.org Judy Hutka Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—
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Czech Culture Calendar
UPDATE - Hours of Operation Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center (CHMGC), 119 West French Avenue, Temple. Hours: Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for those 60 or older, and $2 for kids 12 and under. Czech Films: Held 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—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 Museum information: tours, happenings, and activities, call CHMGC 254-899-2935 (can leave a message); email czechheritagemuseum@gmail.com; find them on Facebook; or visit the website https://czechheritagemuseum.org.
Monday through Saturday Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto Street in Houston, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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. Beginner Czech Lessons: Monday evenings, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Conversational Czech hour Saturdays, 1 to 2 p.m. Bring a friend or neighbor and come practice your Czech! Not a member? Join today for early access to concerts, movie nights, lectures, and events at CCMH as well as free Czech language lessons and monthly membership socials. For information, call 713-528-2060; or visit czechcenter.org. —SPJST—
Texas Czech Genealogical Society announces its 2022 Christmas campaign
by Nancy Machu • Lodge 29, Taylor
With the 2022 Christmas season quickly approaching, Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS) wishes to introduce its collection of new and favorite ornaments for this giving season. This will be the 10th year that we have offered ornaments associated with a legend, a tradition, or a symbol. These ornaments have become wonderful keepsakes in many homes as they are often given as gifts to family and friends.
Orders may be placed for shipment by contacting Nancy Machu nbmachu@gmail.com or by calling 512-9714284. Please leave a short message for a call back. Shipping charges will apply based on quantity ordered.
Ornaments as well as a large selection of Czech gifts - including crystal, jewelry, gorgeous candle holders from the Czech Republic, handmade wooden ornaments, toys, and textiles such as pillows and table runners - may be purchased in our gift shop located in the lower level of the SPJST Home Office, 520 North Main Street, Temple, Texas.
From December 5 to December 9 and December 12 to December 16, our gift shop will be open daily for your shopping convenience. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To visit our gift shop before December 5, please call 512-9714284 to make an appointment. We accept cash, check, or charge cards including Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.
The ornaments that we wish to spotlight this week are: The Symbol of the Seashell No. OR-226 - $10 The seashell played an important part in the religious symbolism of the early inhabitants of Mexico, where it symbolized birth and life itself. Some baptismal fonts are carved in marble in imitation of a giant shell, symbolizing Christian rebirth. Its use as a trumpet since time immemorial also symbolizes power and authority. This pink and white seashell ornament was created by dusting a real conch shell with prismatic glitter accents. It will be a gorgeous addition to one’s CHRISTmas tree now and in years to come.
The Symbol of Candles with Holly No. OR-205 - $22 Holly is a symbol of life in the bleak and cold months of winter. The bright reds and green colors of the berries and leaves were symbols of rebirth and life. When the deep red berries appeared on the holly plant, the season of feasting and merriment began. In early years, Father Christmas decorated his hood with holly, which represented the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when He was crucified, and the red berries represented the blood He shed for our sins. Candles represent Christ, the Light of the World. “I am the light of the world. No follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life.” (John 8:12) Candles also remind us that we are to be light to others, to show them the way to Christ, and when hopelessness sets in, to remember that the darkness cannot overcome Christ’s light. The Symbol of the Piano No. OR-224 - $21
The upright piano came to market in 1805 and had become widespread in Western society by the end of the 18th century and is still widely played today. The piano was a symbol of social status. [5] There seemed to be a special connection during this period between pianos and the female gender; piano study was apparently more common for girls than boys. [4] Despite this, women were discouraged from playing the piano professionally and were encouraged not to take their musical aspirations too seriously. Professional piano players were mostly men. Nevertheless, women were considered more attractive and desirable if they could play the piano. The piano has gone through many changes over the years, yet it survives to this day in many 21st-century homes. It represents stability and brings a lifetime of memories as one remembers watching family members practice and become proficient at a number of tunes. Many parents still feel today that piano lessons teach their children concentration and self-discipline, and can open many doors. Certain songs from the past bring wonderful remembrances of time gone by. Piano music is truly the whipped cream and the cherry that garnishes life and adds happiness and joy for years to come.
The Tradition of the Pickle Ornament No. OR-225 - $9
According to German tradition, the pickle ornament brings good luck. After all the other ornaments were hung on the tree, the pickle ornament was hidden somewhere within the branches. On CHRISTmas morning, the first child to find the gherkin was rewarded with an additional small present left by St. Nicholas. The pickle tradition encourages youngsters to enjoy the many ornaments on the tree before checking to see what St. Nick has brought them. This tradition is carried on by many nationalities all over the world.
The Legend of Silent Night No. OR-221 - $15
The CHRISTmas Carol - Silent Night - was first sung on CHRISTmas Eve in 1818. Legend goes that in 1818, the Saint Nicholas Church in the little town of Oberndorf, Austria, was experiencing problems with an organ that was broken and could not be used. To those parishioners, it was expected that CHRISTmas Eve would be a very silent night. Two men, Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber, worked together to write a song that would change the world forever. That song was Silent Night, and it was sung at the CHRISTmas Eve service by the parishioners without the use of the organ. This keepsake ornament features the Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf, Austria, the site where the song was first sung, along with sheet music from Silent Night, with the names of the composers listed. This special ornament will be treasured for years to come! —SPJST—
= = = = = = = = = = Entire Christmas Ornament Collection Offered by TCGS for 2022 = = = = = = = =