Lodge 25, Ennis Welcomes New Members at February Meeting

your cans of soup to the next lodge meeting. There has been a change with the Vestnik Projects which are now Caring Challenges for each month in 2023.

Jesse Pospisil reported we had tree limbs trimmed from the ice storm. Air conditioners were repaired, and internet service was down. There will be a Super Bowl party on Sunday.

Lyn Rieger announced there will be no spring meeting for District Two until further notice. (The annual meeting/fun day will be August 6 at Lodge 48, Beyersville.)

Ronnie read the names of our 50- and 75-year members.

Members celebrating birthdays in February include Lyn Rieger, Bobby Eulenfeld, Albin Machu, Joseph Kaderka, Layla Miller, Charles Campbell, Jessica

West High Junior Historian Dancers perform for family, friends

Konikowski, and Wanda Grieger. Adolph and Wanda Grieger will celebrate their wedding anniversary February 28.

Mary Jane donated door prizes. Next month, Lyn Rieger volunteered to bring them.

Next Meeting—March 8

The next meeting will be Wednesday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. Fraternally submitted, Linda Pospisil

Secretary/Reporter/FAC

Lodge 35, Elk welcomes new member

President Randy Pavelka called the SPJST Lodge 35, Elk and Elk Hall Incorporated meetings to order on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 7:08 p.m. Present were 15 members and one guest. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by officers, members, and guests. A moment of silence was held in honor of departed members, Gloria Pavelka and Wanda Faye Sebik.

his report as well.

Under new business, we welcome new member Emerson Kubitza. Also, under new business, Dude Mann will be getting some bids on replacing some of the siding on the building. We received a rebate from TXU for $214.50.

Gene Pavelka made a motion to have a fish fry on February 18 at 6 p.m. Dude Mann second the motion, and it carried. With no other business, the meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.

Fraternally yours,

Janie Brewer, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 39, Bryan meets March 15

Dear Readers, Lodge 39, Bryan will meet Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Carter’s Burger in Bryan, Texas, at 1 p.m. We hope to see you there.^

Binnie Matejka Roesler Reporter —SPJST—

West High Junior Historian Dancers perform for parents, grandparents, and guests in West High School Gym in West, Texas, on January 15, 2023. Participating in the performance are Lodge 54, West members Riley Kaluza, left photo directly above, and Kera Kaluza, right photo directly above. Riley and Kera are the granddaughters of Freddie and Janice Kaluza, both of Lodge 54,

We had two of our hard-working members on the sick list–Bobby Kubitza and Billy Kubitza. They are both doing well after having surgery.

Secretary Carla Price read the minutes from the January meeting, and with no corrections, they were approved as read. Treasurer Cari Hammer read her reports from January, and she has reported that we are doing very well as a lodge.

Floor Chair Gene Pavelka gave his report, and Bar Chair Randy Pavelka gave

Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje elects 2023 officers

Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje met on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the SPJST Hall in Hillje. The meeting was called to order by President Cathy Garcia. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a prayer and moment of silence was observed.

Officers present were President Cathy Garcia, Treasurer/FAC Felix T. Garcia, Assistance Youth Leader Felicia Garcia, and Vice President Kate Manrriquez. Officer absent was Secretary Cynthia Garcia due to a medical reason. Members presents were Vlasta Bartos, Ardis Bacak, Georgia Henderson, Mary Ann Cerny, Jo Daynette Watson, Linda Henderson, Jennifer Rubesh (Higgins), Patsy Reck, Bennie Reck, Taylor Manrriquez, Mario (Mo) Manrriquez, Trianna Manzano, Carol Garcia, Sky Garcia, and Alicia Gutierrez. Guests were District Six Director Annie Vahalik, Philip Vahalik, SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek, Joseph Higgins, and Joshua Higgins.

Minutes from the August 14, 2022, meeting were read and accepted.

The treasurer’s report was presented. A motion was made by Trianna, seconded by Taylor, to accept the report. Motion passed. Cathy read the debt that is still owed to members and vendors. But, we will wait to get those paid until the next allocation is received. Cathy received an email that the lodge was in compliance and will receive allocation funds from the Home Office but not sure of the amount.

Correspondence received was the bank statements, direct energy bills, and letters from the Home Office on membership reports, Christmas card from Louise ISD, and a thank you letter from Ronald McDonald House.

No cemetery report was given, per Vlasta, as the next meeting is January 29 in Hallettsville.

Cathy reported the youth have been meeting monthly and assisted SVDP.

Cathy then reported abandonment roads were completed. The survey will need to be completed. She received guidelines on the sale of the building process by email from the Home Office. She will review the information, and the lodge will need to move forward in that process. Brian will email the policy of the building insurance that the Home Office is paying for. Cathy and Felix

Lodge 84, Dallas

only mowed the back of the building for safety purposes. Cathy asked if there was anyone that wanted to donate a mow. Taylor Manrriquez, who just turned 18, volunteered to donate a mow.

New member was Kooper Walker Vasquez.

Old Business

Cathy asked Brian if anything was found on the last audit of the bingo business in the boxes located at the Home Office. Brian stated that the boxes were located. Linda volunteered to go to Temple and look through the boxes for the last audit at her available time.

New Business

Kooper Walker Vasquez was accepted as a new member upon a motion by Felix, seconded by Georgia. The motion passed.

Elections

Nomination Chair Cynthia Garcia submitted a slate of officers: Cathy Garcia - President/Youth Leader, Kate Manrriquez - Vice President, Felix Garcia - Treasurer/FAC, Carol Garcia - Secretary, and Felicia Garcia - Assistant Youth Leader. Before ballots were handed out, Cathy asked Brian if the position of fraternal activities coordinator (FAC) can be combined. He stated yes. Therefore, FAC will be part of the duties of the vice president. Cathy asked if the assistant youth leader’s position needed to be elected, and Brian stated no. So no election would be held for assistant youth leader; it will be noted by the elected youth leader to name as assistant. Election ballots were handed out.

From the floor, Vlasta nominated Linda for president. Nominations then ceased, and members then casted a paper ballot vote for Cathy or Linda for president. Ballots were counted by Brian and Annie. Results were announced as Cathy with 9 votes and Linda with 8 votes. Cathy was elected as president for 2023.

Election for vice president/FAC was called with no other nominations from the floor. Kate Manrriquez was elected by acclamation, after a motion by Trianna, seconded by Taylor. The motion passed.

Election for treasurer was called with no other nominations from the floor. Felix was elected by acclamation after a motion by Mario, seconded by Trianna. The motion passed.

Lodge 84, Dallas raves about Czech rosettes

February 19, 2023

• Submitted by Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter

Election for secretary was called with no other nominations from the floor. Carol was elected by acclamation after a motion by Trianna, seconded by Felicia. The motion passed.

Election for youth leader was called with no other nominations from the floor. Cathy was elected by acclamation after a motion by Felicia, seconded by Trianna. The motion passed.

Annie asked that a picture of the newly elected officers be taken after the meeting concludes. Annie will submit it to the Vestnik for the lodge. Cathy announced that Felicia will be the assistant youth leader.

Brian announced that Territory Manager Kerry Harrington will be attending the lodge meeting at least once a year to report to the lodge with an insurance update. We still have insurance agents in our area. Cathy is hopeful that we will have a booth at the Wharton County Fair this year. We are not sure about Prairie Day but will update the lodge.

Guest Reports

District Six Director Annie Vahalik reported that the District Six Annual Meeting is not scheduled yet. Scholarship applications for graduating seniors are due January 31, 2023. She thanked all who participated in the El Campo Christmas Parade. She announced that Mary Ann Cerny won fourth place in the State 42 Domino Tournament held at the Home Office in Temple. Other tournaments will be announced in the Vestnik. Annie will be traveling to Temple for the Executive Committee meeting. She also mentioned that two projects were announced in the Vestnik: Valentine project and canned soup drive. Kate asked about camp. Annie stated that registration will open in February, and there will be one camp opportunity for the youth. In addition, no District YADs will be held in 2023—only State Youth Showcase. She said to look in the Vestnik for additional information. Brian said that we will know how we did in 2022 in about two months, and the information will be posted in the Vestnik. He also discussed the sale of other lodge halls with the membership.

Cathy announced that the FAC report has been submitted online, and she will submit the 990 form online. She will also send the minutes and election results to the Vestnik, will update the calendar in the Vestnik, and will confirm with Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny if the January 15,

2023, meeting will be counted for the 2022 year or the 2023 year.

Cathy announced that the lodge meets quarterly. Usually it has been in March, June, September, and December—usually on the third Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. But with discussion with the prior officers, it was suggested to move the meeting to 12 p.m. instead of 1 p.m. Cathy took a consensus of those present, and the consensus was that 12 p.m. was a better time.

Next Meeting—March 19

The next meeting will be Sunday,

March 19, at 12 p.m., tentatively. Cathy advised everyone to look at the Vestnik for any changes to the next meeting as this is the time frame for spring break and might not be a good meeting date. Other meetings will be posted as new officers discuss the sale of the building process, and they will be posted in the Vestnik.

The meeting adjourned at 1:09 p.m. Submitted by, Cathy Garcia, President for Cynthia Garcia, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston names Ashley Victorick 2022 Fraternalist of the Year

At our February member meeting, we were able to bring back (yet another) tradition to Lodge 88, Houston. Over the course of the 2022 year, 11 members were selected as the winner of the Pokrok Prize as fraternalist of the month. They represent our generous and dedicated membership that help make the Lodge the active and welcoming place that it is today.

January - Robins Varghese

February - Ashley Victorick

March - Ana Latigo and the Bingo Committee

April - Aaron DeNosaquo

May - Janna Oswald

June - Lea Keifer

July - Dorothy Pflughaupt

August - Michael Berry

September - Angela Curley

October - Katie McCafferty

November - Rachel Ballengee

Membership then voted on our Fraternalist of the Year among those 11 candidates. It is really very fitting that the 2022 Fraternalist of the Year for Lodge 88 is Ashley Victorick. Ashley was one of the very first people that many of us met when we joined the Lodge. He was a bridge from the Lodge’s past to its future. Over his years at Lodge 88, he served in various roles such as board chairman, treasurer, bar manager, and many others. It’s an understatement to say that he was critical to the revitalization of Lodge 88 and the community that we all now enjoy.

Sadly, we lost Ashley last February, almost exactly a year from the day that his family accepted Fraternalist of the Year on his behalf. We would like to thank his family (father Donnie of Snook, sister Melissa of Pearland, and aunt Janice and uncle Wallace of Pearland) for joining us to accept the award on his behalf.

Ashley was an inspiration to giving his time and talent back to his fellow members and Lodge 88. We are happy to say that his legacy will carry on.

Fraternally, Aaron Rigamonti, President —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston President Aaron Rigamonti, second from left, presents the 2022 Fraternalist of the Year Award to Ashley’s family. Left to right are sister Melissa VictorickBrown of Lodge 88; father Donnie Victorick of Lodge 9, Snook; and aunt Janice and uncle Wallace Jahns, both of Lodge 88.

Lodge 47, Seaton to organize committee for annual picnic

The February 2023 meeting of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton was held on Sunday, the 5th at 2 p.m., beginning with the presentation of flags by youth club members Everhett Bartek and Andrew Ordogne. Lodge President Brandon Bartek led the Pledge of Allegiance. Previous lodge meeting minutes were read by Youth Leader Amber Bartek, which were approved as read. Lodge members were thanked for helping with replacing the rope lights surrounding the interior of the hall.

President Brandon informed members that the Backroads Band would be playing at the hall on Saturday, February 11 for the Valentine’s dance. He also communicated that the youth club would be selling hamburgers from the kitchen and needed volunteers to run the door to collect tickets. Brandon informed the lodge that repairs were completed to the men’s bathroom. The drain was fixed without any demolition, and pipe for the trough was replaced at a minimum cost.

Emily Ordogne gave the treasurer’s report. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Rick Beck informed lodge members that there was a really good turnout for the state 42 and tarok tournaments. He proceeded to update members on registration for the state progressive straight domino tournament on March 4. Members can register in person or online for $30. He also passed on information about the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund and that the Souper Bowl is still ongoing.

Amber conveyed to the lodge that there are three upcoming bookings for the lodge. Rick Beck made a motion to explore utilizing internet banking for lodge accounting, motion carried. Brandon communicated to lodge members that firewood is available to those who need it. He also conveyed that a committee is needed for the picnic in June. Amber will reach out for members willing to volunteer. Lastly, Brandon mentioned about the need to draw more people to the hall and gain new members. The lodge will attempt to facilitate a dance once a quarter to spread the SPJST word. February birthdays and anniversaries were recognized. Two youth club members retired the flags, and the meeting adjourned.

Fraternally, Chris Ordogne, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton plans April 22 tarok tourney, Czech dance

Dear Readers, Save the date: Saturday, April 22, 2023! Lodge 47, Seaton will begin the day with a tarok tournament. Six rounds of play will begin at 9 a.m. The $30 registration fee includes lunch and awards. To register or for more information, call 254-760-7819.

The Czechaholics will play for a dance from 7 to 11 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m. The event is family friendly, and the kitchen will be open serving delicious food. Admission is $10 per person, and kids under age 12 are admitted free of charge. For more information, call 254624-4119.

Fraternally, Brandon Bartek, President —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton barbecue cook-off set for Sept. 22-23

Dear Readers, Lodge 47, Seaton will host its 31st annual barbecue cook-off on Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23, 2023. Save the dates! More details will be coming later.

EJ Pechal Barbecue Cook-Off Chair —SPJST—

Lodge 48, Beyersville gives to SPJST Memorial Scholarship Fund

Members of Lodge 48, Beyersville met on Monday, February 13, 2023, at the hall. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. The secretary’s and financial reports were read and accepted.

The youth leader reported that valentines prepared by the youth had been delivered to the Home Office for distribution. A canned food drive is in progress through March 23, and the youth will be manning Shepherd’s Heart

Food Pantry on April 1.

The fraternal activities coordinator reported the upcoming state domino tournaments and the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive through March 31.

New business discussion was the District Two annual meeting that we will host on Sunday, August 6.

Motions were made and approved for Lodge 48 to donate $100 to the SPJST Memorial Scholarship Fund in loving memory of Albert Koslovsky and $100 to the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive.

Lodge 48 welcomes new member Casin Finn and transfer member Jennifer Urbanek Miksch.

Next Meeting—March 13

The next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 13 at the hall.

Thanks, Alice Bracewell Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 49, Rowena sets March 25

Cornhole Tournament

Dear Readers, Lodge 49, Rowena will host a cornhole tournament on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the lodge hall, located at 609 South FM 2133 in Rowena, Texas. Registration starts at 9 a.m., and games begin at 10 a.m.