SPJST YOUTH SECTION

The deadline for Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month.

Send your news and photos to:

SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny

P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503

Email: vestnik@spjst.org

Online: spjst.org/news/submitarticle-photo

Questions? Call 800-727-7578

District Five youth paint rocks, make and fly kites at annual spring fling

Dear Readers,

District Five youth had an amazing turn out for the Spring Fling (District Five Annual Meeting) held outside and in the back area of Lodge 88, Houston on Sunday, April 30, 2023. We had 11 youth members and several guests present. The day started with the youth getting the opportunity to participate in the April Caring Challenge by decorating rocks for Camp Kubena.

When finished, they started their work on the first ever STEM challenge. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM is a common type of project that happens in schools to use the engineering process to create a product (built by the child or group of children). STEM puts learning into the process of creating toward a goal. The STEM challenge presented this year was a kite building contest.

Since District Five has so many younger youth, we decided to make this a family event. The families learned about the forces that will act on their kite, the different types of kites they could build, and the steps to fly a kite. The design was totally up to the family. The district provided the supplies, news- paper, plastic bags, sticks for the frame, and scissors. The only stipulations placed on the groups were that they all received the same amount of string to fly their kite. The youth continued to work while the parents attended the annual meeting.

The kites were flown after the meeting and timed by the youth leaders and their assistants that were available. The families had a great time flying their kites and seeing their hard work pay off.

The Munzy family of Lodge 142, Houston placed first; the Pflughaupt family of Lodge 88, Houston placed second; and the Lepicousky family (guests of Lodge 88) placed third. I look forward to presenting a new STEM challenge in the fall.

Kristen Jones District Five Youth Counselor —SPJST—

Lodge 30, Taiton youth enjoys day and activities at annual meeting

Dear Vestnik Readers,

On Sunday April 16, 2023, I attended the District Six Annual Meeting held in Victoria. We brought a decorated rock for Camp Kubena. We had a catered meal and enjoyed food, friends, and fellowship! Our youth club did a short story about spring flowers. Overall, it was a great day to see my fellow SPJST members.

Sincerely,

Bethany Baker, age 16 —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton youth to celebrate 8th birthday

Dear Vestnik Readers,

It is finally May! Yay! This month is my birthday! It is also map testing. I will have to take three tests. But I already took one. But . . . it is the last month of school! I went on a field trip to the Dr. Pepper Museum. I made a soda and got Dr. Pepper there. I got to go on the field trip with my friend. It is also Mother’s Day this month. I will give my mom a gift for Mother’s Day.

I get to go to a baseball game this weekend! Hopefully, the team I’m cheering for wins! I am going to wear my baseball hat. Also, hopefully it doesn’t rain. The weather does not look good.

Okay . . . back to my birthday. I am going to be 8! I hope I get a basketball goal for my birthday. Next year, I will be in third grade. I am excited about the third grade.

Well, goodbye guys!

Andrew Ordogne, age 7 —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton youth ready for summertime fun

Dear Vestnik Readers,

It is almost the end of the year. I have already taken my last STAAR test. I am so glad it is over. Yesterday, the gifted and talented group went on a field trip to the Dr. Pepper Museum. We got to tour the museum and make a soda. I enjoyed it. I have another field trip next week for my class. We are going to Ralph Wilson Youth Club. It will be fun.

Summer will be fun. I don’t have to go to school anymore, and I get to go swimming in the pool. I can’t wait!

Last week, I had my orchestra concert. It was fun, and I really enjoyed the

May meeting Scenes

from lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club

Sunday, May 7, 2023

Submitted by Kirby Lange, Assistant Youth Leader music I played.

On Friday, we get to see the Round Rock Express play a game. I can’t wait, and I think I will really enjoy it.

See you again in the summertime.

Fraternally, Travis Ordogne, age 11 —SPJST—

Lodge 81, Needville presents summertime Family Trivia Nights

Tease your brain, have good family fun, and win cash prizes this summer at SPJST Lodge 81, Needville Hall! Lodge 81 presents Family Trivia Nights on Wednesday, May 24; Wednesday, June 28; and Wednesday, July 26.

Grab dinner at the food truck. Eat inside while you play or watch. Drinks and snacks will be on sale inside the hall. Cost is $25 per team - six players max - school-age children count (preK and under are free of charge).

Come on out for a fun, family time!

Fraternally, Kristen Jones —SPJST—

Lodge 202, Jourdanton Youth Club invites all to lend a helping hand at Atascosa animal shelter

SPJST Lodge 202, Jourdanton Youth Club is inviting all members, young and old, to join the youth at Atascosa Animal Control Shelter, located at 292 TX-162 Spur in Jourdanton, Texas, for an afternoon of fun helping at the shelter on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 2 p.m. We will be walking and playing with the dogs and cats as well as other shelter duties.

If you are unable to join us at the shelter, but would like to donate items, please call Regina House at 830-5702046 to arrange a time to pick up items. Requested items for the shelter include Adams flea spray (can be purchased at Walmart), liquid laundry detergent, bleach, Dawn dish soap, cleaning supplies in general, and towels. We’re looking forward to helping our animals at the shelter!

Regina House, Youth Leader —SPJST—

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club celebrates St. John’s Catholic Church Senior Graduates

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club members collected and donated various pet care items for the Paws for a Cause charity project. They are pictured presenting their donations to Heather Bacak to be used for various animal rescue missions in the community.

—Kirby Lange, Assistant Youth Leader

Lodge 202, Jourdanton Youth Club visit argent court assisted living

Lodge 202, Jourdanton Youth Club members enjoyed an afternoon at Argent Court Assisted Living Facility in Jourdanton on Friday, March 17, 2023, playing bingo with the residents!

~ Regina House Youth Leader

Lodge 185, New Braunfels Youth visits Texas A&M

Lodge 202, Jourdanton Youth Club Enjoys Pleasanton Park outing

Lodge 202, Jourdanton Youth Club gathered at Pleasanton Park on Thursday, April 20, 2023, for the monthly meeting, rock painting, and after school snacks.

~ Regina House, Youth Leader

Dear Vestnik Readers, I had a great time during a college visit to Texas A&M in College Station, Texas. The experience was even more memorable and fun when I saw my mom’s dorm when she attended

A&M, and when I got to watch my cousin pitch for the Texas A&M Baseball team.

Sincerely, Megan Ohnheiser, age 16 —SPJST—

Tentative SPJST Youth Showcase Schedule

open

Creative arts showcase - open all day

9 a.m. Opening ceremony

Beseda

Talent competitions

12 p.m. Country store

Royalty competitions

Recognition of past royalty Awards ceremony

Hotels in Temple for SPJST Youth Showcase

1 Best Western Inn and Suites

602 N General Bruce Dr • Temple, TX 76504 • 254-742-1122

15 Double Queen Rooms Reserved until July 14 $99.99 + tax

Check-in: 3 p.m.

Reservations may be canceled no later than 4 p.m. of the arrival date.

2 Holiday Inn Temple-Belton

5247 S General Bruce Dr • Temple, TX 76502 • 254-778-5511

15 Double Queen Rooms Reserved until July 14

$124.00 + tax + service fee ($4.99)

Group Code: WAD

Midway Bar & Grill onsite open for dinner 5 - 9 p.m. and breakfast from 7 - 10 a.m. (kids 11 and under eat free for both)

Reservations may be canceled no later than 6 p.m. the day before arrival to avoid a penalty of night room and tax.

3 Hampton Inn Temple

3816 S General Bruce Dr • Temple, TX 76502 • 254-770-5400

20 Double Queen Rooms Reserved until July 14 $89.00 + tax

Free hot breakfast daily. Free high-speed wireless internet. Reservations may be canceled no later than 6 p.m. 24 hours in advance of arrival date to avoid a fee of one night’s room and tax.

4 Residence Inn/Marriott

4301 S General Bruce Dr • Temple, TX 76502 • 254-773-8400

20 Double Queen Rooms Reserved until July 7

$109.00 + tax + parking fee ($2.31 daily)

Check out – July 30

Check-in: 3 p.m. or later

Reservations may be canceled up to 48 hours prior to arrival without penalty.