CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

Family, friends, and the public are all invited, too. The event is Friday, May 26 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 27 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

We will be available to review your coverage, update your beneficiaries, and ensure your life insurance certificate information is still correct. Lost your policy? We can help!

Check out our annuities and credited rates:

1-Year Annuity 4.80%

2-Year Annuity 4.00%

3-Year Annuity 4.25%

5-Year Annuity 4.25%

Traditional and Roth IRAs 4.25%

Enjoy cookies, coffee, and other refreshments!

For more information, contact District Four Director Bobby Davis at 325-4503748 (call/text).

Lodge 49, Rowena hosts May 26-27 open house, membership drive

SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena will host an open house and membership drive with a free insurance review weekend on Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27, 2023, at the lodge hall, located at 609 South FM 2133 in Rowena.

Irene Bucanek brings elvis to Taylor Food dudes fundraiser

Lodge 63, Sweet Home members to enjoy meal after May 18 meeting

Lodge 63, Sweet Home will meet Thursday, May 18, 2023, our usual third Thursday of the quarter, at 7 p.m. at Green-Dickson Park in Shiner. Lodge business will be discussed, especially the new changes in reporting fraternal activities. A report will be given from those that recently attended the district meeting in Victoria. Food will be furnished by the lodge. Hope to see you there!

Fraternally, Elaine Berkovsky, FAC

—SPJST—

Lodge 66, Waco members vote to start youth club

The Lodge 66, Waco meeting was called to order by President Douglas Galler at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 24, 2023. We met at St. Paul’s Church in Bellmead. Nine members and four visitors were present. All officers were present. A moment of silence was ob- served for our departed sister, Dorothy Dvorak.

Sister Dana McAdams, lodge secretary, read the minutes from the last meeting. Brother John Engelke made a motion that we accept the minutes as read, and Sister Diana Engelke seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Sister Dana received a thank you card from Acts Storehouse for the canned goods and donation that were given in March. Sister Diana received a thank you card from Shepherd’s Heart for the donation we gave them.

Then Sister Diana gave the treasurer’s report.

Paws for a Cause

Brother Douglas gave the fraternal report. He read an interesting article about gardens. April is National Volunteer Month. During the April through June quarter, we will collect for Paws for a Cause and volunteer at local animal shelters. Camp Kubena registration is also open.

Sister Diana gave the cheer and condolence report. She sent a get well card to Sister Dorothy Veselka who is at the West Nursing Home for rehabilitation. In old business, we decided to send today’s painted rocks to Camp Kubena. There was discussion about door prizes for the members’ luncheon.

in Taylor, Texas. Irene’s bakery was like walking into an Elvis museum.

In support of the Souper Bowl quarterly community service project, Lodge 66, Waco presented a $250 donation to The Shepherd’s Heart in Waco, whose mission is to feed, clothe, empower, and advocate for families in need. Pictured are, left to right, Douglas Galler, Ron Neumann, Michael Galler, Joan Shelton, John and Diana Engelke, Dana and Jodie McAdams, Sr., and Jane Galler. —Dana McAdams, Secretary/Reporter

In new business, Sister Dana made a motion to restart the Lodge 66 Youth Club. Brother Michael Galler seconded. Discussion followed about possible members, where they would meet, and about funding for them. Brother Douglas called for a vote, and the motion passed unanimously. Sister Diana then made a recommendation to give the new youth club $500 for start-up funds. Brother John made that suggestion into a motion. After discussion, Sister Dana suggested that we hold off on funds until we have established the group, and we have the tax information to set up a bank account. Brother John also mentioned that there may be funds available at the state level that can be used for new youth clubs.

Next, Brother John presented a list of upcoming state, district, and local SPJST events. The Advisory Council meeting for delegates will be Saturday, May 6 at 10 a.m. (online). National Polka Festival in Ennis - May 26 to 28, SPJST camp - June 21 to 25, Fourth of July Parade in Belton, State Youth Showcase - July 28 and 29, WestfestSeptember 1 to 3, and Westfest ParadeSeptember 2 are all events that Brother John mentioned.

Brother Ronald Neumann had received a list of supplies needed by the Waco Humane Society. We will be collecting puppy food, food bowls, leashes, and collars to donate. Members will meet at the shelter on Wednesday, May 31 at 11 a.m. to spend time and deliver goods. Brother Ronald made a motion to give this month’s $100 donation to Waco Humane Society. The motion, seconded by Sister Diana, passed.

Sister Dana started a discussion about helping youth attend camp this year. She made a motion to pay for five campers to attend camp. Brother John seconded, and the motion passed.

Five members participated in the rock painting challenge this month –Michael, Jodie, Sr., John, Dana, and Diana.

Our visitor Fiona Galler was the only May birthday celebrant.

The door prize was won by Brother Thomas Galler, and Brother Jodie McAdams, Sr. won the 100 percent pot of $5.

Sister Diana made a motion that we adjourn, and Brother Ron seconded. The meeting was dismissed at 7:45 p.m.

Next Meeting—May 22

The next meeting will be Monday, May 22 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Bellmead. Mothers will be honored, and Brother John volunteered to cook hamburgers.

Respectfully submitted by your Lodge Secretary/Reporter, Dana McAdams —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton - Star Hall ★ Tarok Tournament

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, Lodge 47, Seaton hosted a tarok tournament at Seaton Star Hall. We had 40 players participate in the six-round event, with winners for high round from each round. Players were provided snacks and a delicious meal prepared by members of the lodge.

High round winners were:

Round 1 - Danny Tajchman (185 points)

Round 2 - Joe Cernoch (181 points)

Round 3 - Danny Stepan (181 points)

Round 4 - Danny Stefek, Jr. (183 points)

Round 5 - Jerry Brezina (188 points)

Round 6 - Larry Svehlak (212 points)

Plaque and money winners were:

1st - Victor Marek (784 total points)

2nd - David Kucera (738 total points)

3rd - Jay Zrubek (732 total points)

4th - Mark Brezina (730 total points)

Thank you to the tournament players who attended the 2023 Seaton Tarok Tournament. Special thanks to Jimmie Coufal of Lodge 47 for helping Danny Stepan with set up prior to the tournament and to Jvonne Lalla of Lodge 20, Granger for keeping scores during the tournament. Finally, thank you to all who helped and made the tournament successful. Fraternally, Tammy

Martinez,

Board

Member

—SPJST—

Tournament organizer Danny Stepan, far left, presents plaques and money to winners left to right, 1st place - Victor Marek (784 total points); 2nd - David Kucera (738 total points); 3rd - Jay Zrubek (732 total points); and 4th - Mark Brezina (730 total points). Congratulations!

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi elects new vice president

Lodge 79 Corpus Christi celebrated a belated Easter on Sunday, April 16, 2023, with a meal of fried chicken and sides.

President Mark Rebecek called the meeting to order at 2:10 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers were present. We had 23 members and guests in attendance.

On the sick list was Sales Agent Carlos Benevidez who is recovering from heart surgery. It was nice to see him at the meeting.

President Rebecek introduced guests District Seven Director Regina House, Territory Manager Ralph Juarez, and Sales Agent Carlos Benevidez. Each presented an interesting talk.

Secretary Virginia Rebecek read the March minutes, and Treasurer Larry Elzner gave the financial report for March. Both reports were approved.

Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky asked all members to keep track of their fraternal acts. Jerry also announced he will be stepping down from his position as vice president/fraternal activities coordinator, effective immediately. President Rebecek stated that we will be electing a new vice president/fraternal activities coordinator at the end of the meeting.

Youth Leader Marcia Rew gave her report. They had seven members and guests in attendance. The youth decorated Easter cookies.

Birthdays for April were Marcia Rew on the 23rd, Eva Garcia on the 27th, and Michael Urbanovsky on the 28th. Happy birthday, members!

Door prizes in the amount of $25 were won by Luke Garcia and Eva Garcia. Before the meeting was adjourned, the lodge held an election for the vice president/FAC position. Michael Urbanovsky was elected by the membership to fill this position. He was installed by District Seven Director House. Congratulations, Michael, and thank you for accepting this position.

Michael Urbanovsky made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Christina Rew. The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Next Meeting—May 21

The next meeting will be Sunday, May 21 with pot roast as the main meal, and members are asked to bring a side dish. We will be celebrating Mother’s Day.

Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek, Secretary

Lodge 81, Needville member

Valentine Kusy Achieves Grand Age of 96

SPJST congratulates Brother Valentine Kusy of Lodge 81, Needville who celebrated his 96th birthday on March 25, 2023. As a Grand Age of 96 member, Brother Kusy now receives all SPJST benefits with no further dues or assessments.

Valentine was born in Moravia, Texas, on March 25, 1927, to Eduard and Bessie (Socha) Kusy. His siblings include Edward E. Kusy, Jr., Oscar Kusy, Marcella Kusy Pelzel, and Annie (infant) - all deceased; and Zdenka Kusy Swaim and Jarolyn Kusy - living.

Valentine’s parents knew each other in Czechoslovakia. His father Eduard immigrated from Czechoslovakia in 1911; and his mother Bessie came in 1919.

Valentine married Bernice (Kossa) in Ammansville on June 19, 1951. Bernice passed away in 2014.

Valentine and Bernice were blessed with children Marilyn Kusy Cudny (Robert), Kevin Kusy (Ivy), Gloria Kusy Dockery (Calvin), and Kenneth; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 25 great-great-grandchildren.

Growing up, Valentine recalls attending school barefooted, as did a lot of the children. Shoes were 42 cents a pair. When he was five or six years old, Valentine had a cotton sack about four feet long that he used to pull and pick cotton.

Potatoes and cabbage were raised on the farm. Making sauerkraut - that was Valentine’s job; he was the stomper! He washed his feet and had to walk in the crock and stomp it. Water was drawn from a well. “When the well water was not sufficient to dip in, Daddy would tie a stick of wood on one end drop me down in the well to clean it out, and the water would be good again,” Valentine recalls.

Valentine’s family belonged to a meat club. They would get meat on Sunday, and the neighbors would get together and go swimming in the creek.

Valentine had a Czech teacher when he started going to Komensky School at age six. She lived to be 102!

Valentine would go to the neighbors to help pick cotton and earn money for clothes. During corn harvest season, he didn’t attend the first two or three weeks of school. The work was tough, and it sort of set him behind in school. Later, Valentine was needed on the farm so he quit school after eighth grade.

When World War II broke out, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served 18 months in Hawaii, Japan, and Guam. “This is a story I enjoy in my life,” he said.

Valentine remembers when he joined SPJST: “In 1944, Daddy was president of Rad Cislo No. 3, Novohrad and said,

‘Valentine, buy at least some insurance’ - so that was my first SPJST policy.”

Valentine was a machinist for W-KM for 35 years and also farmed.

He enjoyed building and dancing. Valentine built his first home in a cow pasture, and 18 years later, he says, it was destroyed when a Houston garbage dump was constructed by his place.

Valentine is proud that he built his first home and sold real estate. He also built garages on his place in Needville, where he has been living for the past 48 years.

He recalls that his father always said SPJST was a Czech organization and was for Czechs only . . . “how it has changed,” he remarked.

Again, we congratulate Brother Valentine Kusy on attaining the Grand Age of 96. Thank you, Brother Kusy for your membership in SPJST. Best wishes for good health and happiness.

Editor’s Note: Some information included in Brother Kusy’s article was gleaned from his interview by Fort Bend County Historical Commission’s Oral History Committee in 2011. The complete interview can be accessed online at www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/county-services/h istorical-commission.

—SPJST—

Lodge 80, Holland next meeting, catered meal is May 9

Lodge 80, Holland will meet on Tuesday, May 9, 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, and future events. There will be a catered meal beginning at 6:30 p.m., with the meeting following. Please RSVP to Rita Spinn at 254-760-6427 or email rita@hot.rr.com. We will also honor all mothers during our social time. Hope everyone can come and enjoy the good food and fellowship.^

Rita Spinn, President —SPJST—

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi shares April meeting scenes

Lodge 84, Dallas collects toiletry items at May 21 meeting

Dear Readers, Just a reminder that Lodge 84, Dallas will host its next monthly meeting on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. at the home of Charles and Kathy Nemec, 10707 Webster Terrace, Dallas, Texas 75229. Call 214-351-4214 for directions.

Lodge 80, Holland Announces scholarship recipients

gina House and Lodge 79, Corpus Christi President Mark Rebecek, right, congratulate newly-elected Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Michael Urbanovsky.

At this meeting, we will be collecting travel-size toiletry items for our Join Hands Day project so please be generous and bring some if you plan to attend. Also, don’t forget to bring a dessert item for our svacina after the meeting. Please mark your calendars to join us. We look forward to seeing you!

Fraternally, Anne

Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 142, Houston members enjoy games after meeting

Dear Readers, SPJST Lodge 142, Houston members met on Sunday April 16, 2023, in the dining area at Lodge 88, Houston. Our social and a lunch of fried chicken, potato salad, green beans, and dessert was at served at 1 p.m. Dennis led the prayer.

At 2 p.m., President Dennis Hermis called the meeting to order. Flag Bearer Zac Coleman led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Pflughaupt reminded all about the District Five Annual Meeting on Sunday, April 30 at Lodge 88. Houston Lodges are asked to bring desserts and door prizes and to wear your Houston Astros attire.

Senior Living Center Chair J.R. Coleman indicated all was going well in the S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Center Community.

Secretary Elizabeth Hermis read the March meeting minutes. J.R. Coleman moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Mary Bird. All approved.

Financial Secretary/Treasurer Keith Kieschnick gave his report. J.R. Coleman made a motion to accept the report, and Barbara Linney Gonzalez seconded the motion. All were in favor.

SPJST Lodge 80, Holland recently presented Holland ISD with a check for $600 for its scholarship fund. Presenting the check to Counselor Melany Cearley, pictured far right, is Lodge 80 President Rita Spinn, pictured second from right. Assisting with the presentation is Lodge 80 Treasurer Joyce Martinets, far left. Congratulations to scholarship recipients Jerry Chavez, second from left, and Colton Cargill who will graduate in May. They are both members of Lodge 80, Holland.

Roll call of officers showed all present except Vice President Kerry Herrington, Youth Leader Amanda Muzny, and Assistant Youth Leader Kyle Herrington. Present was Sales Agent Mary E. Bird. We had 18 members and one guest, District Five President Dorothy Pflughaupt.

Sales Agent Mary E. Bird spoke on updates of four territories and to keep updated on beneficiaries.

District Five President Dorothy

Fraternal Activities Coordinator Pat Schleider spoke briefly on the new incentive award program for lodges. Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny and State Fraternal Director Frank Horak will be attending our District Five Spring Social to discuss more on the qualifications. She reminded all of this quarter’s community service project – Paws for a Cause. Please bring your donations to the next lodge meeting.

Sick committee reported Rosie Malota was not feeling well.

Audit committee met on April 4 with all books in very good order.

New member is Stacy Lynette McGarth (Sales Agent Kerry Herrington). Keith made a motion to accept the new member, seconded by Mary Bird. Motion carried.

Under new business, the lodge will donate 10 - $10 door prizes to the Dis-

trict Five Spring Social.

Motion was made, seconded, and passed to change the June meeting to the second Sunday, June 11, instead of June 18, in observance of Father’s Day.

Birthday celebrants were Zac Coleman on the 28th, Mary Jane Hue on the 4th, and Bob Schleider on the 29th. Happy birthday!

Anniversary was Pat and Bob Schleider - 44 years on April 21. Congratulations!

The quarterly capsule drawing was decided on was $10 awarded to all 18 members present at the meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m. Door prizes were then awarded. We all played bingo after the meeting. Winners were 1st - Steve Roznovsky, 2nd - Dorothy Pflughaupt, and 3rd - Jack Manchack. It was decided to play bingo at the May meeting, too.

Next Meeting—May 21

The next meeting will be Sunday, May 21 at 2 p.m. with a meal at 1 p.m. in the dining area at Lodge 88, Houston. Fraternally, Elizabeth Hermis, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 151, Wharton meets June 12

SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton will hold its quarterly meeting and social on Monday, June 12, 2023, at Wharton Depot Museum, located at 100 Sunset Street in Wharton.

A light meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP by Thursday, June 8 to Carolyn Bucek at 979-532-1910 or Janie Bucek at 979-532-5884 if you plan to attend.

SPJST’s second quarter challenge is Paws for a Cause, which is an animal shelter drive. Friends of Wharton, Texas, Animal Control (FOWAC) is always in need of dry dog and cat food. Members are encouraged to bring dry dog and cat food to the meeting that will be donated to FOWAC. Any help you can give this organization will be greatly appreciated.

In addition, Tria Svatek will give a talk on “Medicaid Eligibility for Nursing Homes.” Tria is the admissions director for Southbrooke Manor and Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Edna and the Port Lavaca Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Port Lavaca. She is also a member of Lodge 151. Members with birthdays in April, May, and June will be honored. We hope you can attend.

Fraternally, Janie

Bucek Secretary/FAC —SPJST—

Lodge 160, San Angelo meets May 18

Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 160, San Angelo will hold its quarterly meeting on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 5 p.m. The meeting will take place at Los Panchito’s Restaurant, located at 34 West Avenue D in San

Lodge 187, Round Rock Members assist at Break the Silence event

For Child Abuse Awareness Month in April, Lodge 187, Round Rock members assisted at the first Break the Silence event held in Taylor with the CAC (Child Advocacy Center). Members helped with Child ID fingerprints.

—Jennifer McCarthy, Youth Coordinator/ Reporter/Financial Secretary

Angelo. We hope you will be able to join us!^

Fraternally, Sandra Jansa, President —SPJST—

Lodge 183, Arlington meeting to address sale of property

Dear Members of Lodge 183, Arlington, Please make plans to attend a special called meeting of SPJST Lodge 183, Arlington on Monday, June 5, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the lodge building, located at 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane in Arlington. The purpose of this meeting will be to communicate the April 17 decision of the SPJST Board of Directors to sell the lodge building on the basis of financial concerns associated with the property. All adult members are encouraged to attend. This will also be an opportune time to discuss ideas for the post-sale future of Lodge 183, Arlington.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you are invited to share your thoughts with us through email at info@spjst.org. Thank you for your kind attention and for your input.

Fraternally, Brian

Vanicek SPJST President/CEO

—SPJST—

Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point sets May 22 lunch social

Dear Members,

Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point will host a lunch social on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Bella Blue Café, 1323 South 57th Street in Temple, at 11:15 a.m. For the quarterly Paws for a Cause community service project, members are encouraged to bring food and supplies which will be donated to Tiny Hooves Rescue and Petting Zoo.

We look forward to seeing you on May 22 to enjoy lunch and plan more community projects and fun activities for the summer and fall of 2023.

Fraternally,

David Nauert, Secretary —SPJST—

★ ★ Reunions ★ ★

Reunion notices are published at no charge and as a benefit to SPJST members. First-run announcements may be edited to fit the space. Thereafter, until the week prior to the reunion date - as space permits - notices will be run in an abbreviated form. Please include your SPJST lodge number/lodge name, and your contact phone number. Thank you.

Kelner family

Descendants of Anton and Alouise Jancak Kelner will have their 36th family reunion on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at American Legion Hall in East Bernard.

Kick-off is at 12 noon with grace, and the meal will be served at 1 p.m. Auction and meeting are at 2 p.m. Socializing and games will follow.

Come one, come all to enjoy family and socializing. Please contact family members. Bring pictures to share. Barbecue meat will be prepared, but please

S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living - Taylor Residents Enjoy Easter Celebration

S.P.J.S.T. nursing home residents celebrated Easter on Thursday, April 6, 2023 with an indoor Easter egg hunt followed with happy hour. Residents had a blast hunting Easter eggs and were even more excited that they got butterfly nets to help pick up eggs off the ground. We then took pictures in front of the Easter backdrop with the beautiful Easter Cross that residents made.

bring a side dish and dessert. Left over barbecue meat will be auctioned. Utensils, condiments, and drinks will be provided. BYOB and coverage $3 for persons over age 10.

Contacts for the reunion are President William Kelner 979-533-1950; Vice President Donnie Kelner 979-310-3245; Secretary Helen Kelner 830-490-0664; Treasurer Joey Pitman 281-236-7652. Please donate items for the auction. Bring games.

Helen Kelner Lodge 28, East Bernard

~ Melissa Mesecke, Activity Director

Vajdak family

The Vajdak family will meet Sunday, June 12, 2022, at SPJST Lodge 9, Snook. A potluck meal will be served at noon. Please bring a dish to share. There will also be a silent auction and a plant exchange.

For more information, call Carla at 979-229-3630.

Carla Welch Lodge 9, Snook —SPJST—

More Scenes from Lodge 155, Austin Souper Bowl Event

S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living facilities in Taylor welcomes new admin

Fernando Castro fernando.castro@taylorpress.net

Taylor Press • Taylor, Texas August 17, 2022

Some of the area’s oldest residents have a new watchful eye looking after for them.

Larry Beltran was recently named as the new administrator at S.P.J.S.T. Assisted Living and S.P.J.S.T. Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation. He succeeds Woody Richards as admin.

“Woody Richards was here for a long time,” said Beltran, “and he ran a good, tight ship and had a good reputation in the area.”

SPJST

Hyde Park items

Association

Hope Food Pantry to host an Easter Bunny parade on Saturday, April 8, 2023. A total of $1,350 was raised, and many non-perishable

SPJST, a fraternal benefit society, established its first nursing community in Taylor in 1957. SPJST’s board of directors for its communities of care is committed to providing the highest quality care for their guests. High quality of care for the aged was their original mission. This continues to be their focus as they move forward in planning for the future health care needs of the aging population in Texas. The staff in these communities consists of many local residents who have strong ties to the local area.

Beltran continues that reputation since his wife’s family is from the area.

His parents-inlaw own Marx Service, a local air conditioning, heating and appliance repair company.

“My family being from here, (Richards) had recently left and so I called up here and got a contact name of somebody from the board whose was taking applications,” said Beltran, “so I sent my resume to him.”

Beltran was born in west Texas but has worked through the state. He most recently came from The Woodlands.

“I’ve been working with seniors, nursing homes and assisted living for almost 30 years,” he said.

As administrator, he will oversee both the assisted living and nursing facilities.

“I kind of run back and forth and making sure that everybody’s being well taken care of and try to visit with the residents and see what we can do to make things better for them and try to make their lives as good as possible,” said Beltran. “We try to do what we can do as a group.”

Making sure that group shares his passion for their residents is paramount. “No. 1 job is to hire good people who care,” said Beltran. “You can teach anybody to do a job, but you can’t teach them to care.”

So, the new man in charge is impressed with what’s around him.

“It’s a great facility and it’s wonderful people here. It’s a great staff,” said Beltran. “The community has always had a great reputation in the healthcare market.”

Outside of the buildings, Beltran has appreciated the friendly community. He’s now trying to get involved with local organizations like the Rotary, Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce and other opportunities to contribute while also seeking volunteers.

“I like Taylor a lot,” said Beltran. “It’s got a nice pace. It’s slower. I know it’s growing with Samsung coming in, but I mean it’s still a small town.”

—SPJST—