Enjoy Social Luncheon

bring their own donations for the shelter, they would be welcome. Cars & Guitars is scheduled for Saturday, November 4 at Camp Kubena. Activities include classic cars, music, food, arts/crafts vendors, kids’ activities, and lots of family fun.

Jesse Pospisil reported the SPJST sign has been installed in front of the building. Jesse and Adolph have volunteered to clean fish at the SPJST Senior Living Center on Friday, May 19 for their annual fish fry for the residents. The open house at the Night at the Museum on Thursday, May 11 will feature the origin and evolution of the kolache. This event is from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Members of Lodge 29 discussed changing our monthly meetings to bimonthly. Frankie Pustejovsky made a motion to submit a request to the SPJST Executive Committee to be considered to begin meeting bi-monthly, and Tammy Cannon seconded. Ronnie called for a show of hands in favor of making the change, and the majority ruled. We will send a letter to the Executive Committee for this request to be placed on the agenda and discussed in their July meeting. If approved, Lodge 29 will meet on even numbered months.

Cristy Girod, Lyn Rieger, and Adolph Grieger made up the Audit Committee. They met and audited the books, and everything looked fine.

Members celebrating May birthdays are Kathryn Adamek, Angie Malicoat, Tammy Miller, Bradyn Teat, and Brady and Sarah Pasemann. Wedding anniver- saries are celebrated by Ronnie and Lyn Rieger (16 years on May 19) and Frankie and Mary Jane Pustejovsky (53 years on May 9).

Scott Kaderka brought door prizes. Cristy Girod volunteered to bring door prizes next month.

The meeting then adjourned.

Next Meeting—June 14

The next meeting will be Wednesday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Fraternally submitted, Linda Pospisil Secretary/Reporter/FAC

—SPJST—

Lodge 39, Bryan invites members to attend special called meeting on Wednesday, May 24

Dear Members, Greetings!

On behalf of the officers of Lodge 39, Bryan, I invite you to attend a meeting at which lodge members will be voting to sell the lodge building and enabling the lodge to capitalize on the equity that exists in the property.

In accordance with SPJST operating procedures, a special called meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 1 p.m. to discuss, consider, and vote on the proposed sale. The meeting will take place at Carter’s Burger, located at 3105 South Texas Avenue 700 in Bryan. All adult members are encouraged to attend and to weigh in on the discussion.

SPJST District One Director Donnie Victorick and SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek will be in attendance.

In the event that members decide to sell, this will be a good opportunity for us to discuss our future going forward as a lodge. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you are invited to share your thoughts with us through email at binnieroesler@gmail.com; however, please note, in order to vote on the proposed transaction, it will be necessary for you to be in attendance at the meeting on May 24.

Thank you for your attention.^

Fraternally, Omer Everett, President —SPJST—

Lodge 39, Bryan encourages members to attend May 24 meeting

Dear Readers, Reminder: Lodge 39, Bryan will be holding a special meeting regarding the sale of its property on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Carter’s Burger, located at 3105 South Texas Avenue 700 in Bryan. The meeting will start at 1 p.m. Please note: You will need to pay for your own food and drink. Hope to see you there.^

Sincerely,

Binnie Matejka Roesler Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis honors 2023 graduate Preston Sullivan

On Thursday, May 11, 2023, Lodge 25, Ennis honored Preston Sullivan and his parents, Bill and Lisa Sullivan. Preston is graduating from Ennis High School and will attend Culinary Arts School in San Antonio. He received the Edward L. Marek scholarship from SPJST in the amount of $1,000 as well as the $500 local SPJST Lodge 25 scholarship. Preston gave a presentation pertaining to his involvement with the youth club. In keeping the traditionwith mother Lisa, sister Paige, and brother Pierce who all grew up in the youth programPreston has been an active youth club member his entire life. We are so proud of him and his accomplishments and have invited him to come back anytime to give us samples of foods he will be making and to help out Betty!

—Margaret Krajca, Reporter

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.

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).^

—SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton invites all to June 4 picnic; seeks bake sale items

nated items. Thank you in advance for your donation. All proceeds will benefit the financial functions of the hall.

Come enjoy the polka jam beginning at 12 noon to 3 p.m. under the pavilion. The live auction follows.

We hope to see everyone at the picnic for a day of fun, food, and fellowship with friends!

Fraternally, Joyce Skrabanek —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis welcomes new member

Lodge 25, Ennis and Sales Agent Margaret Krajca welcome new member Benjamin Allen Slovak.

Benjamin was born September 5, 2022, to proud parents Jason and Lauren (Zhanel) Slovak. Happy to welcome Benjamin to the family is his big brother, Arlie Joe.

All from Ennis are his maternal grandparents, Eddie and Debbie Zhanel, and his grandpa David E. Slovak who sponsored little Benjamin as a member.

High school graduate and youth club member Preston Sullivan receives recognition from Youth Leader Rita Holland.

The annual Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall Picnic will be Sunday, June 4, 2023. Fried chicken and sausage with all the trimmings will be served for $12 per plate. Serving of plates will begin at 11 a.m. and will be available for dine-in or drive-thru until sold out.

The bake sale booth is seeking donations from members and friends of the hall. Donations like kolaches, cheese braids, strudels, cinnamon rolls, cobblers, homemade breads, pies, cakes, cookies, candies, and home canned pickles and jellies, etc. will be greatly appreciated. On the day of the picnic, beginning at 9 a.m., someone will be at the bake sale booth inside the hall to accept your do-

Welcome to SPJST Lodge 25, Benjamin! —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis welcomes new member

Lodge 25, Ennis welcomes new member William Ray Walker, son of Raychel and Austin Walker. William was born April 12, 2022, weighing in at 8 pounds, 4 ounces and was 21 inches long. He recently celebrated his first birthday and is getting so big! You can find him always trying to keep up with his big brother, Henry!

Maternal grandparents are Nana Marlene (Krajca) and the late Stephen Clark; maternal greatgrandparents are Margaret and the late Johnnie I. Krajca; paternal grandparents are Pat and Sandy Walker; and great-grandparents are Peter and Judith Slot and John H. Walker and the late Mary Jo Walker.

William comes from a long line of SPJST heritage. His great-greatgreat-grandmother, Francis Holub, was a charter member of SPJST. His great-great-grandparents Annie and Joe Martinek were faithful and active members of Lodge 25. His greatpopo Krajca was an SPJST sales agent for many years. William’s mother Raychel (Clark) reigned as 2006-2007 SPJST State Queen and is looking forward to William’s participation in SPJST activities. —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton honors Milestone Members

The May 2023 meeting of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton was held on Sunday, the 7th at 2:06 p.m., beginning with the presentation of the flags. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Officers and board members answered roll call. There were two officers and three board members not present with four visitors present. The previous board minutes were read and approved.

President Brandon Bartek informed members that the tarok tournament was a success. He also talked about how there were 85 people attending the Czechaholics dance.

Vice President Danny Stepan mentioned that 40 people registered and played in the tarok tournament, and everyone had a great time. He personally thanked the lodge for letting us host it.

Brandon Bartek then gave the treasurer’s report.

Rick Beck recognized all of the mothers present, and door prizes would be drawn for these special women. He informed the lodge that the state youth camp registration has ended and that the Czech holiday tour is coming up. He mentioned to read the Vestnik for more details. He also talked about Night at the Museum on Thursday, May 11 at the Czech Museum in Temple. He informed the Lodge that Cars & Guitars is coming back to Camp Kubena in November. Lastly, Rick asked the members to please help with attending all meetings because we need help and support.

Amber Bartek reminded the lodge that Paws for the Cause is still happening with food and supplies being collected for the animal shelter. She reported that 10 youth members made dog toys out of old t-shirts at the youth meeting in order to donate. She also made the lodge aware that the youth club is slowly dying, and if you know anyone interested in joining, please let us know. For anyone who has not been attending activities, we would all love to have them return.

The bar report was briefed. A birthday, Rogers Prom, Wild Turkey event, tarok tournament, and dance totaled up to a profit of $1,685.

Picnic Help Needed

Under old business, picnic raffle tickets are still available to take and sale. Flyers are also available if anyone can help hang them around town. Chicken

Lodge 38, Kovar Supports Smithville FFA/4-H Stock Show participant

SPJST Lodge 38, Kovar was delighted to donate $300 towards the buyer group of fourth grader Bentley Swinney. Bentley showed rabbits on April 15, 2023, at Riverbend Park Show Barn in Smithville. In attendance were Lodge 38 officers Vice President Edwin Zimmerhanzel and Treasurer Donna Zimmerhanzel. The lodge received a very appreciative thank you from Miss Swinney: “Dear SPJST, Thank you so much for your generous donation towards my rabbits in this year’s stock show. Your donation will help me save for college and next year’s project. Thank you again for supporting me in the livestock auction.”

—Dana Bunte

will be cooked that Sunday morning, and volunteers are needed. Sausage making will be at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 3 with James Skrabanek. Coleslaw making will be Sunday, May 28 at 1 p.m.

Under new business, Milestone Members (50- and 75-year) will be recognized after the meeting. SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek shared about the Night at the Museum event. It will be hosted every second Thursday of the month from 5 to 7:30 p.m. May’s night will be the Origin and Evolution of the Kolache. Czech Republic trip will be 12 days and 11 nights in Czech Republic. It is also during the Christmas Market days.

Under other business, May birthdays and anniversaries were recognized.

Door prizes were donated by SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek and District Two Director Jesse Pospisil and handed out to all ladies present. Congratulations to our winners!

The flags were retired, and the meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m.

Next Meeting—June 5

The next meeting will be Monday, June 5 at Seaton Star Hall at 6:30 p.m. Fraternally,

Christopher Michael Ordogne Reporter

Lodge 54, West welcomes new members

The meeting of SPJST Lodge 54, West was held at St. Joseph Hall on Friday, March 3, 2023. The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by President Freddie Kaluza. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Freddie followed by a moment of silence in memory of departed members Naomi Ruth Scott, Jerry Kadlubar, Albina Matusek, Frankie Marek, and Johnnie Soukup who had passed away since our last meeting. All officers and sales agents were present for this meeting except sales agent Jean Martin. In attendance were 12 members and two guests. We welcomed guests SPJST District Three Director John Engelke and wife Diana.

Minutes of the last meeting were read by Janice Kaluza. Mary Lou Mynar made a motion to accept the minutes, and Marcela Vaculik seconded the motion. Motion passed. The FAC report was given by Linda Kaluza. She said it was National Good Samaritan Day on Monday, March 13 and some of the ideas were to call your mom, pick up the tab for a stranger, make cookies for someone, offer to pay for someone’s meal in a drive-through at a fast food place, etc. The District Three Annual Meeting is Sunday, April 23 at Lodge 6,

Cottonwood. The 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive will continue through March 31, and there is a March Caring Challenge with making a design using 100 pennies or a dollar bill to be donating to the SPJST Scholarship Fund. You can submit your photo online of your creative design. Registration is now open for Camp Kubena in Ledbetter with the session from Wednesday, June 21 to Sunday, June 25. The cost is $335 which includes a non-refundable registration fee. If you need any further information, call SPJST Home Office for details. Janice Kaluza made a motion to accept the FAC Report, and Marvin Cepak seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Mary Lou Mynar gave the treasurer’s report. Wilburn Willis made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, and Linda Kaluza seconded the motion. Motion passed.

We welcomed new members Zachary Thomas Kaluza, Pierson Lynn Vrana, and Beckham Zahirniak, sold by agent Janice Kaluza, and Steve Burt, sold by agent Jean Nicole Martin. We also had Bernard and Lucy Pustejovsky transfer from Lodge 66 to Lodge 54. Their new product purchase was sold by agent Freddie Kaluza. Mary Lou Mynar made a motion to accept our new members, and Herman Matus seconded the motion. Motion passed.

In old business, President Freddie Kaluza reported we had a good turnout for the 2022 Christmas party with a meal count of 273 plates. He said it was a great success, and the Junior Historian dancers did a great job. A plaque was presented to the family of Jan Vaculik for his 50 years of dedicated service to the lodge as Czech reporter. Marcela Vaculik thanked everyone for this great honor and gave a report on the health of her husband. She would like for all to keep him in prayers.

Milestone Members

In new business, we will be honoring Lodge 54’s Age 96 members — Raymond Matus and Marguerite Kasik. We will also honor our 75-year and 50-year members with a meal prepared by Still Smokin BBQ and a pin presentation at our next meeting on Friday, June 2 for all who have faithfully remained a member throughout the years. President Freddie Kaluza also reported he had sent out 17 letters to students eligible to apply for a scholarship which will be awarded in May. Secretary Janice Kaluza read a letter of thanks from the Jun-