CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

Lodge 92, Fort Worth hosts Valentine Dance

On Sunday, February 12, 2023, SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth hosted a Valentine Polka Dance with the Alpen Musikanten band. All had a great time!

All ages are welcome to play, and the tournament is open to 40 teams. The tournament is double elimination, unless otherwise announced prior to the start of the tournament.

Entry fee is $50 per team and includes lunch for participants. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place teams. Bags and boards will be provided. No outside bags are allowed. For more information, call 325-6560489.

Please plan to come to Rowena in and enjoy a day of cornhole play! We’d love to have you participate.

Fraternally,

Beverly Teplicek —SPJST—

Lodge 80, Holland meets March 14

Lodge 80, Holland will meet Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. for its bimonthly meeting. The meeting will be held at The Hall, located at 12141 East FM 2268 in Holland. Agenda will include regular business items, reports, scholarships information, other donations, and future events. There will be door prizes and a social time following the meeting. Hope to see you then!

Rita Spinn, President —SPJST—

Lodge 81, Needville gives to 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive

The February 2023 meeting of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville was held on Sunday, the 19th. At 12 noon, a prayer of thanks was given by President Vincent Newman, and everyone enjoyed a meal of gumbo and pizza picked up by Bradley Stavinoha and provided by the lodge. Desserts were provided by members. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the kitchen committee for getting everything ready for us.

President Newman called the business meeting to order at 1 p.m. The youth led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers answered the roll call except Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha and Special Funds Chair Marion Morales. Added to our sick list were Willie Mae Kuykendall, Dorothy Kuban, and Jeanette Newman.

Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall read her report, and it was approved as read. She then read the treasurer’s report, and it was also approved as read. Willie Mae also read the special funds report from Marion Morales, and it was approved as read, after a minor correction.

Since we didn’t have any old business, we moved straight to new business. Under new business, Vice President Jeanette Newman mentioned that our lodge always donates to the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive. A motion was made and seconded to make a donation again this year.

Under other business, it was brought to our attention that people do not have enough parking space when there is an event at our lodge. We reminded members that they are welcome to park on the grassy area. It is solid enough to park on. It was suggested to have a sign made that informs people to park there. We also talked about the barbecue area, the covered seating area, and a future playground – just for everyone to start thinking about these areas.

Door prize winners were Karen Hargraves, Glenn McDonald, Zoey Jones, and Tripp Hargraves. Congratulations to our winners!

Next Meeting—March 19

For the next meeting on Sunday, March 19, Bradley Stavinoha said he will purchase chicken fried steak plates from the American Legion fundraiser. Members, please bring a dessert. See you at the next meeting!

Fraternally, Jeanette

Newman, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 81, Needville seeks scholarship applicants

Any college or technical school bound senior, who has been a member of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville for at least one year, can apply for the local lodge scholarship. Please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to SPJST Lodge 81, 9939 Peterson Road, Needville, Texas 77461 on or before March 15, 2023, to receive an application.^

Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 92, Fort Worth Ladies Circle shares meeting scenes

Submitted by Lisa Ellsworth sure to let her know how many children will be attending so she can let the Easter Bunny know!

President Vicki then asked if members wanted to reschedule our March meeting in lieu of the party falling on our meeting day, and a motion was made to postpone our meeting until April.

The meeting was then adjourned and we all enjoyed an afternoon of making authentic Czech rosettes.

Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston: save the date - March 25 Crawfish Boil

Lodge 84, Dallas members enjoy making Czech rosettes

Dear Readers, Members of Lodge 84, Dallas met on Sunday, February 19, 2023, for their monthly meeting. The meeting was brought to order by President Vicki Petr Sims at 2:50 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Flag Bearer Charles Nemec with a moment of silence held for departed members, Brother Donald Petr and Brother Marvin Marek, the earthquake victims, the victims of the shooting in Michigan, and any others who may be needing special thoughts sent their way. Secretary Cherri Petr read the minutes from the last meeting which were approved by all present. Youth Leader Lynda Novak read her youth report. She welcomed the youth in attendance and thanked them for bringing donations of canned soup for the SPJST Souper Bowl canned soup drive for local food banks. She said there would soon be a new link online to be able to record service hours, that a training workshop will be held online for those wishing to learn more about the service hours, and that camp registration is online for those wanting to attend. Sister Lynda then gave her reports on Fraternal Council and Czech Culture Society.

New business included the announcing of the total amount of ounces collected at today’s meeting. A total of 2,707.2 ounces of canned soup will be donated to The North Dallas Shared Food Ministries - Food Distribution Center. Thank you to Brother Charlie and Sister Kathy Nemec who generously volunteered to deliver it.

President Vicki then read the treasurer’s report in the absence of Brother Jim Liska.

Easter Celebration Day of Fun— March 19 at Sokol Dallas

It was then announced that SPJST Lodge 84 had been invited to join with KJT Society 111 and KJZT Society 108 for an Easter Celebration Day of Fun! The event will be held on Sunday, March 19 at Sokol Dallas, 7448 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75231. The schedule of events include a Catholic mass at 11 a.m., a visit from the Easter Bunny, and an Easter egg hunt. Children should bring their Easter baskets! There will be a musical “jam” session so all musicians should bring their instrument to join in the tuneful fun!

Please call or text your RSVP to Dorothy Prasifka 214-500-2338 and be

If you missed last year’s Second Annual Crawfish Boil, don’t worry . . . we’re coming back bigger and better in 2023! This event is sponsored by the Men’s Club with more details and online orders coming soon, but here’s a little teaser:

Saturday, March 25 Backyard will open at 11 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Members and guests welcome! No entry fee.

Crawfish with corn, potato and sausage Pizza Beer - Bar will be open. Music

There is no doubt that the yard will be rocking, and you don’t want to miss out! Do you have any boil gear that you may be able to offer up, or are you interested in cooking or volunteering? If so, please send an email to ryandgum@gmail.com.

Fraternally, Aaron Rigamonti, President —SPJST—

Lodge 91, San Jacinto meets March 12

Lodge 91, San Jacinto first quarterly meeting of 2023 will be Sunday, March 12 at 2 p.m. at Crosby Dairy Queen on FM 2100. We hope to see you there.

Vonda Smesny, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 97, Placedo meets March 13

Lodge 97, Placedo will meet Monday, March 13, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at Grapevine Cafe, 110 Medical Drive in Victoria, Texas 77904. We hope to see all there. For further information, call Judy Bellanger 361-935-2935.^

Fraternally, Judy Bellanger

Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 107, Floresville

to use her space. Larry and Roxy also replaced some old leaking PCV valves with new brass valves in the kitchen. Under old business, a discussion was held about lighting the hall sign and adding reflective tape to the legs.

February birthdays are Robert Lynn on the 2nd, Oscar Korus on the 18th, and Brandon Korus on the 24th.

Next Meeting—March 12

The next meeting will be Sunday, March 12 at 3 p.m. at the lodge hall. Fraternally, Trey Bielefeld, Reporter —SPJST—

Members of Lodge 107, Floresville collected cans of soup for the SPJST Souper Bowl canned food drive. The collection of soups will be donated to the local food pantry, St. Vincent de Paul Society. Pictured are, left to right, Roxy Bertrand, Trey Bielefeld, Wendy Pruski, Polly Bayer, Larry Bertrand, and Oscar Korus.

Lodge 107, Floresville reports on February meeting

SPJST Lodge 107, Floresville held its monthly meeting on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at 3 p.m. President Bielefeld called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was observed for deceased members, military members, and veterans.

Roll call of officers showed all present. Secretary Pruski read the January meeting minutes, and Treasurer Korus gave January’s financial report. Both were approved as read.

Hall Manager Bertrand reported the months of May, June, and July are almost completely booked with rentals. She also suggested we move our April meeting date due to hall rentals. A discussion was held - we will keep the date and time, but just move location. Our April meeting will still be on Sunday, April 2, but the location will be at the Floresville Flower Shop - 1100 Hospital Boulevard. A big thank you to Polly Bayer for allowing us

Lodge 142, Houston Honors Deceased Members

We honor our brothers and sisters who we lost from 2021 through 2023:

Delores Baranowski • David Triska • Roger Liles

Deborah Crandall • Thomas Chupik • Elsie Hermis

Mo Dunn • Holland Dunn • Mary Wunderlich • Brenda Wren

Lodge 151, Wharton to collect canned soup at March 13 meeting

SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton will hold its quarterly meeting on Monday, March 13, 2023, at the Wharton Depot Museum, located at 100 Sunset Street in Wharton.

RSVP by March 9

A light meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP by Thursday, March 9 to Carolyn Bucek at 979-532-1910 or me at 979-532-5884 if you plan to attend.

Since SPJST’s first quarter challenge is the Souper Bowl canned soup drive from January 1 through March 31, 2023, members are encouraged to

RIGHT

PHOTO: Serving cake, left to right, are Margaret Norris Guerrero, Barbara Linney Gonzales, and Jean Herrington. RIGHT PHOTO: Brent and Wyatt Muzny enjoy cake.

ABOVE LEFT PHOTO: Lighting a memorial candle are Margaret Norris Guerrero and President Dennis Hermis. RIGHT PHOTO: “We Remember” cake.

For a second, you were flying like you always wanted to, now you’ll fly forever in skies of azure blue; We’ll see your smile in every ray of sunshine after rain, and hear the echo of your laughter over all the pain; The world’s a little quieter nowthe colors have lost their hue, the birds are singing softly, and our hearts are missing you; Each time we see a little cloud or a rainbow soaring high, we’ll think of you and gently wipe a tear from our eye.

~ William Morecomb

brings cans of soup to the meeting. They will be donated to Share in Wharton.

Members with birthdays in January, February, and March will be honored. We hope you can attend.^

Fraternally,

Janie Bucek Secretary/FAC —SPJST—

Lodge 172, Pasadena meets March 15

Members of Lodge 172, Pasadena are invited to the quarterly meeting on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Peppers Steak and Seafood, located at 3604 Fairmont Parkway in Pasadena. Make your plans to attend our dinner meeting by contacting Jerry Dressler at 512-551-9009.

Fraternally, Jerry Dressler, President —SPJST—

Lodge 186, Caldwell meets March 12

Lodge 186, Caldwell will meet on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Caldwell Civic Center. Please bring your favorite dish as we will enjoy a potluck meal prior to the meeting.

All meetings in 2023 will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Caldwell Civic Center. Please plan to attend. We look forward to seeing you.

Fraternally, Victor Mendez, President —SPJST—

Lodge 189 Bryan-College Station meets March 23

Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Rudy’s Barbecue on Harvey Road in College Station. Dinner is not provided by the lodge. RSVP is not required, but encouraged to prepare the meeting area. All members are welcome and encouraged to participate in the lodge meetings.

Henry Mayo, President hpmayo@gmail.com

979-777-1426 cell/text —SPJST—

Lodge 196, Houston-West plans April 1 Easter egg hunt

The annual Easter egg hunt at Lodge 196, Houston-West will be Saturday, April 1, 2023. No, it is not a joke or a misprint . . . it is the date for our exciting Easter egg hunt!

Lodge 142, Houston!

As always, there will be lots of egg to find, prizes, cookies, and other things to do. The word is that the Easter Bunny will make his normal appearance so bring your children to have a great time (ages 12 and under will hunt eggs). The fun starts at 2 p.m., and the event ends at 4 p.m. Get your baskets ready to gather those eggs, and come have a fun time!

If you would like to help with this event, please contact the lodge at 281373-9482 or me at 832-651-5388. We look forward to another fun time.^

Don Fruin Event Coordinator —SPJST—

Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point meets March 13

Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point invites members to a luncheon at Bella Blue Café, located at 1323 South 57th Street in Temple, on Monday, March 13, 2023, at 11:15 a.m.

Members are asked to bring their collections for the SPJST Souper Bowl canned soup drive. The lodge will donate the soup to Feed My Sheep in Temple. We look forward to seeing our Lodge 246 members, and we extend a special invitation to members of Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy, too.

Fraternally, David Nauert Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—

Lodge 258, Seguin hosts March 12 spring get-together

SPJST Lodge 258, Seguin invites all to a spring get-together on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Rocket Wings Restaurant, located at 380 North Highway 123 Bypass in Seguin, Texas. Come learn about SPJST and the planned activities for 2023 in the Seguin area. We will also enjoy a meal together (Dutch treat). Please RSVP by March 6 to Chester 210-413-3053 or Carrie 210415-8744. ^

Fraternally, Chester Jenke, President —SPJST—

Lodge 142, Houston hosts first domino tournament

Sunday, February 19, 2023

Submitted by Pat Schleider, FAC

Domino Teams

How to Behave at a Memorial Service

Practicing Your Funeral/ Memorial Etiquette

Structuring a Space for Everyone

Preparing for a Solemn Occasion

When to Arrive

by Sabrina N. Young, CFSP SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Member and Owner of Young’s

Daughters

Funeral Home and Bereavement Center

Memorial services can be very different from and more informal than funerals. As such, it is vital to know about how to plan for and attend these services in a tasteful manner.

Memorial services are often open to the public or may have a larger attendance than a funeral. We at Young's Daughters have many families who come from a variety of cultural and religious backgrounds, and it is important to ensure we have a welcoming space in which they can grieve and reflect comfortably. We are a variety of staff who train on the communities rites, cultures, and customs.

For this reason, many may decide to have a memorial service in an open space—such as outdoors. We have hosted in-home services and destination services.

Although memorials may be more informal than a funeral, they still present a somber or an enlightened atmosphere where individuals reflect on the deceased in a meaningful manner. As such, all guests—especially children—should be prepared to enter this environment with a respectful, open mindset. Funeral rites and customs are not always the same and should come with the understanding of how they wanted to be remembered or celebrated. It is a written order they have typically thought out in their pre-planning.

Unlike a visitation that offers a “come and go” atmosphere or a designated time for a testimony/rosary, memorial services tend to follow a schedule, and guests should be prepared to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before it begins. Arriving early allows individuals to get comfortable, speak with others, and prepare to focus on the life of the departed. When you arrive at Young’s Daughters you will be greeted with a purple tablet to capture your address, email, and phone number so the family can issue you a thank you card, adding your information to the guest register to call when they need something in the future. Our automatic

Lodge 186, Caldwell Members and Friends Appreciation Dinner Scenes

February

Lodge 186, Caldwell hosted a members and appreciation dinner on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at Caldwell Civic Center. A delicious beef and dinner was served. SPJST shared updates with notification will send an email to you reminding you of dates, and sentimental dates to follow up with the family. When you are returning you will simply enter your email only. The parking lot is structured with signage around the building for where guests are to park according to their position in the service.

Speaking to Family Members

Family members are generally present at memorial services and typically seated at the front in the reserved areas. A minister or officiant offers guests a chance to share condolences, stories, or readings during the memorial service of during testimony time - which is at the visitation. Offering support in a brief and respectful manner is appropriate; however, if family hosts appear overwhelmed, it is important to provide them the space they need.

Showing Respect

To maintain politeness, guests should avoid bringing outside distractions— such as cell phones, live streaming from their seats, food and drinks—into the service. Those who wish to offer a warm gesture to the deceased and the family are encouraged to bring or buy flowers, sentiment cards, bereavement gift cards for the classes, bereavement meals, etc. Typically, our website is equipped with such tokens and delivered to the service or the families home after the services. If you are not able to make it, call us and we can help make your absence meaningful by signing the register book on your behalf, reading a note or poem on your behalf, or even present a plaque of

Lodge 184, Moulton supports johnny meisetschleager scholarship

Lodge 184, Moulton Secretary Terry Stevenson presents a $400 contribution for the Johnny Meisetschleager Memorial Scholarship Fund to Larissa Tesch, daughter of Mr. Meisetschleager.

—Submitted by Ann Koncaba a tree planted in their honor. Call us today 254-401-1302 or email youngsdaughtersfuneralhome@gmail.com for further insight, and we will be glad to assist you. Find us online at www.YoungsDaughters.com.

—SPJST—

Free Thought

by d.knape

October 2, 1944 - March 14, 2022 printed In his memory

I make no trouble I don’t bother anyone I just spend my time thinking and I think it’s important we share our thoughts because that’s called conversation Free thought used to be common you could find it everywhere but free thought now gets you in trouble

If you have an unauthorized thought they will come after you and get you fired or imprisoned Free-thought is dead it died several years back we were all there for the funeral

Free thought used to be a right it was guaranteed now it’s censored blocked or cancelled but give it a try anyway it won’t hurt and may inspire someone to have more thoughts overwhelm the system with so many thoughts it collapses see what happens give it a thought.

—SPJST—

The Treadmill

by d.knape

October 2, 1944 - March 14, 2022 printed In his memory

There’s another one sitting so lonely by the curb another Treadmill deserted gone the way of broken promises with no one wanting it or using it another resolution cancelled good intentions gone awry it was supposed to be the answer the way to exercise and health but after a while the routine grew old the excuses came and the treadmill fell into disuse it became a fixture a spare piece of furniture to hang clothes on the treadmill cost a fortune but it looked so easy we would be revitalized and become heart strong and healthy but along the way little by little things slacked off then we got off and never got back on the treadmill became unwanted we closed the door and forgot it being back there in the closed-off room out of sight out of mind treadmills are us running as fast as we can to keep up yet our promise unfilled we show people the shiny treadmill and feel better about ourselves yet we never get anywhere we just run in place.

—SPJST—

Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station

Hosts annual christmas party

Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station held its annual Christmas party on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at the new C&J Barbeque location in Bryan. A moment of silence was held for the members who passed away in 2022 as well as Ashley Victorick of Lodge 88, Houston and Czech Heritage Museum Administrator Susan Chandler, who both attended as guests at last year’s Christmas party. A barbecue buffet was served, and desserts were provided by the members. SPJST Territory Manager Chris Liebum attended and spoke about new agents and other exciting changes happening in the insurance department. The current officers were all re-elected for 2023. Regrettably, both President Henry Mayo and District One Director Donnie Victorick were absent due to separate funerals they were attending. Vice President James Polasek conducted the business meeting, and Geri Polasek did a great job decorating, organizing bingo games, and door prize drawings.

—Submitted by Henry Mayo, President

Snow Day

by d.knape

October 2, 1944 - March 14, 2022 in loving memory

Snow covers all the tall grass along the side of the road looks like little animals with white tufts puffed up the dead trees are covered with white icing and the houses take on a fairy tale look as snow builds on their roofs it is a magical time when snow falls the ground snaps the roads slip the car windows fog up but people still go out to purchase goods but mainly just to see the snow and how it transformed an average day into a day of beauty.

—SPJST—