The Origin and Evolution of the Kolache!

A Spirited Open House Celebration in Temple’s Historic District Czech Heritage Museum • 119 West French Avenue Thursday, May 11 • 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

COME ONE, COME ALL! IT’S Free!

If you’re passionate about kolaches, our next Night at the Museum is the place to be! Kolaches are now super trendy. You can find them across the state and even in some place where they’re called “kolaches” but have strayed from their sweet origins in the Czech lands generations ago. Come on out for an insightful presentation that covers the kolache from its inception to its evolution. Special guest presenters include Carol White, kolache baker extraordinaire and proprietor of Temple’s Kolache Kitchen, and Steven Beseda, CEO of the amazing Waco Pivovar. Presentation starts at 6:30 p.m.

Thanks to OUR WONDERFUL May Sponsors

Mikeska Distributing

Waco Pivovar • Woods Flowers

KOLACHE KITCHEN • THE SPJST FOUNDATION

If your business, civic or cultural organization, church or school group is working to make a positive difference in Temple or the surrounding area, this is your opportunity to spread the good word while you mix and mingle with friends old and new. Night at the Museum is part of a spring and summer series to establish the museum as a community meeting and networking place with regularly scheduled activities including performances and outdoor activities. Night at the Museum networking socials are scheduled for April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13 and August 10. For more information, including sponsorships and to ensure that your organization is represented, please contact organizer Brian Vanicek at vanicek@spjst.com.

District One Annual Meeting

Sunday April 16, 2023

Lodge 9, Snook Hall

On Sunday, April 16, 2023, District One held its annual meeting at Lodge 9, Snook. A delicious noon meal was served followed by the business meeting, and officers were elected. During the meeting, District One youth from Lodges 17, New Tabor and 9, Snook went to Snook City Park and decorated rocks, played games, and enjoyed the beautiful afternoon. Thank you to Lodge 9, Snook for hosting an afternoon of fun and fellowship.

~ Holly Narro, Assistant District One Youth Counselor

District Three presents annual meeting minutes

The District Three Annual Meeting was called to order at Lodge 6, Cottonwood by District Three President Lori Pace (154) at 1:33 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2023. 2022-2023 District Three King Preston Sullivan (25) and Queen Madison Holland (25) gave an opening prayer. District Three Flag Bearers Morgan Oliver (25) and Madison Holland (25) led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and the youth motto.

President Pace (154) then introduced outgoing District Three King Preston Sullivan (25) and Madison Holland (25).

Lodge 6, Cottonwood President Don Urbanovsky (6) welcomed the members of District Three. District Three Vice President CarrieAnn Jones (154) recognized guests from the Home Office –Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny (246) and State Fraternal Director Frank Horak (80).

The youth members then recognized departed members in a memorial service by taking turns reading a poem. Vice President Jones (154) then recognized any Milestone Members who were present. The kitchen staff of Lodge 6, Cottonwood was recognized for their hard work preparing the meal. Following this, President Pace (154) recognized the nominating committee – Candice Oliver (66) and the audit committee –Cheryl Petr (84), Michael Galler (66), and Diana Engelke (66). The next order of business was to recognize today’s contest judges – Joan Shelton (47), a guest from District Two; Lisa Sullivan (25); Patti Rosales (6); and Jane Galler (66).

District Three Secretary Dana McAdams (66) then asked that we accept the minutes as printed in the Vestnik. Mary Steinman (154) made a motion to accept the minutes, and Lynda Novak (84) seconded the motion. The motion passed.

District Three Treasurer Mary Steinman (154) did not have a treasurer’s report.

District Three Director John Engelke (66) made a motion to have the audit completed at another date. The motion was seconded by Michael Galler (66), and it passed. Michael Galler (66) than spoke about the Governance Committee and asked the membership to submit any ideas to the committee. He also mentioned the upcoming online meeting for delegates from the last Convention. FAC Vicki Sims (84) was recognized next. The next speaker was Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny (246). She mentioned that commercials are being produced that focus on the products and annuities that are available with SPJST. She also mentioned that the Camp Kubena event center will soon have a new name. It will now be called Round Top Meadows. They are hoping that this name change will help to facilitate the use as a wedding venue or for other group functions. Melanie mentioned that the Night at the Museum event was a success, and they are going to continue having the event once a month. Scholarship winners will be announced soon. The SPJST Gives, Cares, Shares campaign was also mentioned.

State Fraternal Director Frank Horak (80) spoke about summer camp and the youth showcase. He will meet with youth leaders after the meeting with up- dates and to answer questions. Director John Engelke (66) spoke next. He mentioned that 2024 is a convention year. The State Convention will be in Temple on June 7 to 9, 2024. He spoke about several updates at camp. He then recognized Rita Holland (25) and the youth from Lodge 25, Ennis, who raised more than $3,000 at a garage sale to pay for camp and other youth expenses this year. Director Engelke (66) also spoke about annuities and the new JT-21 life product for youth. There will also be the regular Home Office audit by Texas Department of Insurance this year.

President Pace (154) then turned over the meeting to the youth. District Youth Counselor (DYC) Mary Steinman (154) spoke about upcoming events and practicing for the youth showcase. The practice will be at Lodge 92, Fort Worth on Sunday, June 11. Next, the youth elected officers. They are President Miles Jones (154), Vice President Madison Holland (25), Secretary Morgan Oliver (25), and Reporter Layne Oliver (25). There were questions from the floor about the youth showcase and the district practice. Gentry Burcie (154) made a motion to turn the meeting back over to the adults. The motion was seconded by Aubrianna Dobecka (6) and then passed.

In new business, Sunday, October 8 was discussed as the District Three Fall Fun Day as that is Heritage Day at Dallas Sokol.

The food collected at the district meeting will go to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West. There were 50 people registered – 33 adults and 17 youth. A total of 304 cans were collected.

DYC Steinman (154) then announced the youth winners of the decorated rock contest:

9th to 12th Grade

1st - Quinlan Dobecka (6)

2nd - Miles Jones (154)

3rd - Holly Jones (154)

6th to 8th Grade

1st - Morgan Oliver (25)

2nd - Aubrianna Dobecka (6)

3rd to 5th Grade

1st - Layne Oliver (25)

2nd - Victoria Oliver (25)

Kindergarten to 2nd Grade

1st - Gentry Burcie (154)

2nd - Paige Oliver (25)

FAC Sims (84) announced the adult winners of the decorated rock contest:

1st - Barbara Hykel (6)

2nd - Vicki Sims (84)

3rd - Patti Rosales (6)

The next order of business was the election of District Three officers. Candice Oliver (66) recommended that the officers remain the same with the exception of FAC Vicki Sims (84) who would be replaced by Jodie McAdams, Sr. (66). Director Engelke (66) made a motion to accept the nominations, seconded by Jodie McAdams, Sr. (66). The motion was passed. The 2023 officers are:

President Lori Pace (154)

Vice President CarrieAnn Jones (154)

FAC Jodie McAdams, Sr. (66)

Secretary Dana McAdams (66) Treasurer/DYC Mary Steinman (154)

Treasurer Steinman (154) then announced that Lodge 6, Cottonwood would receive a check for $1,000 from the district for hosting the meeting.

Door prizes were won by 12 members at the meeting today. The next order of business was to install the new youth and adult officers.

The next District Three Annual Meeting will be hosted by Lodge 25, Ennis.

A motion was made by Jodie McAdams, Sr. (66) to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Vicki Sims (84). The meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m.

Dana McAdams (66)

District Three, Secretary —SPJST—

District Three Annual Meeting Scenes

Sunday, April 23, 2023 • SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood Hall • West, Texas