SPJST LODGE SECTION

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SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny

P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503

Email: vestnik@spjst.org

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Questions? Call 800-727-7578

Lodge 6, Cottonwood hosts 125th annual picnic on July 16

Lodge 6, Cottonwood President Don Urbanovsky opened the Sunday, June 4, 2023, meeting with 19 people in attendance—15 adult members, three youth,

Lodge 1, Fayetteville bids farewell to Vice President Jeanie Havis

and one guest. All officers were present. Brother Don led the group with the Pledge of Allegiance and the SPJST Pledge recited by Sister Peggy Dobecka. Minutes of the last meeting were read by Sister Barbara Hykel. One correction to the minutes was made by Brother Don. The minutes were then approved. Sister Peggy Dobecka provided the treasurer’s report, and it was approved as presented.

The fraternal report was given by Sister Jeanette Beseda. Paws for a Cause is this quarter’s focus for donations to be given to a local animal shelter. Charitable projects for future months and other SPJST activities and dates were provided.

Sunshine committee coordinator Sister Barbara reported sympathy cards were sent Dean Snider, Deana Coan, Herb Brem, Bobby Svrcek, and Cyril Svrcek. Sister Barbara also read thank you cards received from the West Fire Department and the family of Eddie Hykel. Hall Manager Sister Peggy provided information on the lodge bookings for June and July. See the last pages of this Vestnik to review the upcoming events.

Lodge 6, Cottonwood members celebrate june birthdays

Happy birthday to Lodge 6, Cottonwood members Don Urbanovsky and Dorothy Kucera. They are both celebrating their birthdays in June and were recognized at the lodge meeting.

—Patti Rosales Reporter

be held shortly after the meal service inside the hall. Stick around for the auction–it is always very entertaining. This fundraiser is a big part of how the lodge is able to donate to local charities. Volunteers are a vital part of the success the lodge has had in the past. Please volunteer — your gift of time is very appreciated. Prize drawing tickets, listing 25 prizes, were distributed at the June meeting. Tickets can be purchased for $1 each or 6 tickets for $5. Thank you, in advance, for supporting Lodge 6, Cottonwood.

Hall work projects were discussed. Designated persons will get bids and report back to hall leadership. A new cooker/deep fryer that was needed for the cook shed has been purchased and will be ready for use at the lodge picnic.

June birthdays were Sister Dorothy Kucera, Brother Don Urbanovsky, and Sister Courtney McGuire.

Lodge 9, Snook welcomes new members

It is with a sad heart to see dedicated Vice President Eugenia (Jeanie) Havis has left our community and lodge to move closer to her children. We greatly appreciate your work at Lodge 1, Fayette, and oh, how you will be missed! May your new adventure bring you much joy and laughter in your new surroundings. Thanks again for your service and all that you did to promote SPJST and our small town. Come see us sometime! Hugs, Jeanie!

Youth Leader Sister Peggy provided an update on youth activities. Donations for Paws for a Cause were collected and will be given to the Waco Humane Society. A cash donation was received for a designated gift of dog food.

Annual Picnic—July 16

Cottonwood hall business was discussed. The 125th annual Lodge 6, Cottonwood picnic will be Sunday, July 16. Meal will consist of fried chicken and sausage, potato salad, sauerkraut, green beans, bread, dessert, and tea. Meals will be available inside the lodge hall as well as to-go plates served from the food booth behind the hall. Live auction will

For the progressive door prize, the name of Nancy Hlavaty was drawn, and she was not present. Attendance door prizes were awarded to Sister Irene, Sister Courtney, and Brother Bobby Dobecka.

Next Meeting—July 2

Don announced that our next lodge meeting will be Sunday, July 2 at 2 p.m. There will be a trustee meeting on Friday, June 9 at 7 p.m. with an evening meal at 6 p.m. and a work project for the picnic.

Respectfully,

Patti Rosales, Reporter —SPJST—

The Sunday, June 4, 2023, meeting of SPJST Lodge 9, Snook was called to order by President Donnie Hejl at 1:06 p.m. Hannah Kovar led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was held for departed member Dorothy Hinson. Roll of officers was called. Minutes from the May meeting were approved. Hall manager, communications, youth club, treasurer, and statewide reports were given. Motion was passed to accept new members Harper Pickett, Hallie Choate, Hayes Hejl, Colby Clift, and Sable Clift.

We will have a reception to honor our 50- and 75-year pin recipients following the meeting at 2 p.m. Afterwards, we will join the youth club in cleaning Snook Cemetery.

Motions were passed to donate $250 to Snook Youth Track Program and sponsor the youth division of the Kolache Bake Show for the Kolache Festival.

The meeting adjourned at 1:50 p.m.

Next Meeting—July 5

The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5.

Fraternally, Hannah Kovar, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 18, Elgin updates meeting schedule; next meeting is June 20

Lodge 18, Elgin has updated its meeting dates to every other month (even months - February, April, June, August, October, December) on the third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall. The next meeting is Tuesday, June 20 at 7 p.m. We encourage members to attend.

Fraternally, FL Meyer, Trustee —SPJST—

Lodge 32, Victoria seeks names of past presidents

Dear Readers, Lodge 32, Victoria recently contributed $25,000 to Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange. The Center will be posting a plaque of appreciation at its facility. We would like to list all of the past presidents of Lodge 32 on the plaque as a tribute to the leaders of our lodge. We need the names of past lodge presidents from 1900 to 1979.

SPJST is offering an exclusive VIP, fully guided, three-day unforgettable trip as we celebrate together at the

If you can help us with any of these presidents’ names and the years they served, please contact me as soon as possible at 361-212-1143 or mwlester@protonmail.com.

Thank you for your help!

Fraternally, Mark Lester, President —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton hosts successful annual picnic

The June 2023 meeting of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton was held on Monday, the 5th at 6:35 p.m., beginning with the presentation of the flags. Flag bearers were youth club members Seth and KalEl Martinez. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Officers and board members answered roll call. All officers and board members answered with Stephanie Ranly and the Hoelschers present as visitors.

President Brandon Bartek made an announcement that Patsy Koslovsky has resigned as hall secretary and reporter. Chris Ordogne will take over this role until November. The previous lodge minutes were read by Chris Ordogne and approved. There was one correction needed on the previous minutes. The Night at the Museum is held on Thursdays and not Tuesdays. Members voted to transfer Douglas and Karen Hutchins into Lodge 47. The May unofficial board minutes were read by Chris Ordogne.

SPJST Tour to the Texas Rose Festival

Tyler, Texas

Tyler, Texas

October 19-21, 2023

Thursday to Saturday

October 19-21, 2023

HIGHLIGHTS

• On the Road to Tyler: A Stop at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas*

• Palette of Rose Competition, Art Show, and Sale

• Guided Tour of Tyler Municipal Rose Garden

• Coronation Ceremony for the Rose Queen

• Queen’s Tea

• Welcome Dinner with Entertainment

• Rose Festival Arts and Crafts Fair

• Tyler’s Old Rose Open House

The Historic Goodman/Le Grand House

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day One - Travel Day

Travel to Tyler with a stop for lunch and sightseeing at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.* Check into hotel. Welcome dinner with entertainment and a special guest.

Day Two - Texas Rose Festival

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Explore the Municipal Rose Garden, tour of the Rose Museum and Rose Garden displays. Buffet lunch (on your own) at hotel. Return to hotel for rest and to freshen up. Dress up a bit before attending the Texas Rose Festival Coronation of the Rose Queen.

Day Three - Queen’s Tea

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Travel to Rose Festival Arts and Crafts Fair. Tyler city tour. Lunch at Potpourri. Queen’s Tea and an opportunity to see the Rose Queen and her Court in their full coronation costumes. It is traditionally hosted by the queen’s family and the Texas Rose Festival. Return home.

Pricing includes round trip transportation from either Temple or Houston; two nights accommodations; two breakfasts; one lunch; one dinner; admissions to all events; entrance and guide fees per itinerary including taxes and gratuities. Ground transportation is provided from SPJST Home Office in Temple or SPJST Lodge 88 in Houston. The Houston group will not travel to the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.

* The group traveling from Houston will not attend the events at the State Fair of Texas.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE. RESERVE TODAY!

SPJST.ORG/TOURS

Picnic Thanks

President Brandon Bartek thanked James for heading up sausage-making and many non-members who showed up to help. He also thanked Judy for organizing the coleslaw and all other pre-picnic preparations. He also mentioned the Extravaganza and that we will need help from members. He informed the lodge that if you know any members who want to help, have them contact him directly.

Vice President Danny Stepan also thanked everyone who came out to help during the picnic.

FAC/Parliamentarian Rick Beck reminded the lodge about the Night at the Museum this Thursday, June 8 titled, Stars and Stripes. There will be sausage and sauerkraut available. He also reiterated the need for members to volunteer to help out during events. He was extremely thankful to those who showed up to help.

Youth Leader Amber Bartek mentioned things changing for the youth club meeting this month. They would instead gather for a youth club social after the adult meeting tonight.

Board Chair Chris Ordogne thanked everyone in attendance for their help at the picnic, and encouraged the members to continue volunteering.

Entertainment informed the lodge there will be a Sweet 16 on the 10th of this month, along with the Ocker Brethren Church Father’s Day lunch fund- raiser on June 18 and a reunion on the 25th.

Treasurer Emily Ordogne gave the treasurer’s report. There were no ordinary transactions for the month of May, and she reported the numbers from the picnic.

Under new business, the electric bill increased a little bit from the previous month. Rick Beck suggested we possibly explore other electrical companies. Brandon Bartek said we will discuss it during the upcoming board meeting.

Brandon Bartek then mentioned the Outdoor Extravaganza. He asked if the lodge still wanted to do it, and the members said yes. Lastly, he reminded everyone about the barbecue cook-off coming up. They are looking for those who want to enter and for judges. Get in touch directly with EJ Pechal.

Birthdays and anniversaries in the month of June were recognized. Father’s Day door prizes were won by Brandon Bartek, James Skrabanek, and Edwin Pechal.

The colors were retired, and the meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.

Next Meeting—July 2

The next meeting will be Sunday, July 2 at 2 p.m.

Fraternally, Christopher Michael Ordogne Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—

DYLAN KALMUS Congratulations 2023 graduate!

Dylan is a member of Lodge 4, Hallettsville and a graduate of Ridge Point High School. He is the son of Troy and Jackie Kalmus, and the grandson of Shirley Kalmus.

Dylan’s honors/activities include All State Academic Honorable Mention; All District Academic; Honorable Mention All District; and Magna Cum Laude. Dylan will attend Hendrix College in Arkansas, where he will study business management and play baseball.

“Congrats on the hard work the past 4 years in high school. Best wishes on the next chapter in your life.”

~ Love, Granny

Lodge 49, Rowena to host flag disposal ceremony on June 14

SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena is teaming up with American Legion Post 8 Ballinger to sponsor a flag disposal ceremony on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 6 p.m. on the SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena Hall grounds, 609 S FM 2133 in Rowena, weather permitting. If you have a flag that needs to be disposed of properly, please contact Ricky Strube, Robert Virden, Bobby Davis, Brad Teplicek, or Laura Pospichal. Make plans to attend this patriotic ceremony.

Beverly Teplicek —SPJST—

Lodge 66, Waco to collect school supplies at luncheon

The May 22, 2023 meeting of SPJST Lodge 66, Waco, was called to order at 5:34 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and youth club motto.

President Douglas Galler asked for a moment of silence for our departed member, Jamie Yates. We continued with a social meal. Thank you, Brother

John Engelke, who grilled hamburgers for everyone. Brother Michael Galler read the roll call of officers, and all officers were present except Sister Dana McAdams. (I would like to give a big thank you to Sister Diana Engelke for taking the meeting notes for me while my family was on vacation.) Eight members and five visitors were present.

Brother Douglas asked for the reading of the minutes of the last meeting. Brother John made a motion to accept the minutes as printed in the Vestnik. Sister Diana seconded, and the motion passed. Correspondence was read by Sister Diana. She had received a thank you card from Sister Dorothy Veselka. Next, Brother Douglas gave the fraternal report, and Sister Diana gave the youth club report.

In old business, Brother John mentioned adding something to our luncheon flyer. He is asking for school supplies to be brought by members to our luncheon. There was a discussion and verification to meet on May 31 at 11 a.m. to donate to the Humane Society.

In new business, Sister Diana asked for Brother Michael and Joan Shelton to please audit her books from 2020 to 2022. Brother Douglas then asked about donations. The April donation is going to the Humane Society along with the donated supplies brought by members. The May donation is going to Fuzzy Friends as made in a motion by Sister

Caleb See awarded Donnie And janice victorick spjst scholarship; john william see iv receives ashley victorick spjst scholarship

LEFT PHOTO: Congratulations to Caleb See of Lodge 9, Snook who received the Donnie and Janice Victorick SPJST Scholarship. He is pictured with District One Director Donnie Victorick. CENTER PHOTO: Pictured are, from left, Lodge 9, Snook Assistant Youth Leader Laura Sebesta, Director Victorick, Caleb See, John William See IV, and SPJST

Margaret Narovec, seconded by Brother John, and passed by the membership. Sister Diana mentioned that we will have a guest speaker in June from Shepherd Heart—Mr. Bob Gager.

The door prize was won by Sister Jane Galler, and the 100 percent prize was won by Brother Ronald Neumann. A drawing was held for Mother of the Year, and Sister Margaret won.

Brother John made a motion to adjourn, and Brother Ron seconded. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

Next Meeting—June 26

The next meeting will be Monday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Bellmead. The meal will be sausage, cheese, crackers, dessert, and tea.

Respectfully submitted,

Dana McAdams

Secretary/Reporter

—SPJST—

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi members celebrate Mother’s Day

On Sunday, May 21, 2023, Lodge 79, Corpus Christi celebrated a belated Mother’s Day with a meal of pot roast and sides. At 2:05 p.m., President Mark Rebecek called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers. A total of 21 members and guests were in attendance.

President Rebecek introduced guests

District Seven Director Regina House husband James House and Sales Agent Carlos Benavidez.

Regina stated our lodge needed to appoint an audit committee. Chosen were Regina House, Jerry Sijansky, and Lela Mae Hayek. They will meet on June 18 at 11 a.m.

Sales Agent Carlos Benavidez stated he wanted all to check their policies and see if they needed updating on beneficiaries.

Secretary Virginia Rebecek read the April minutes, and they were approved.

President/CEO Brian Vanicek. The scholarships were presented on May 16, 2023, during the awards program at Snook ISD. RIGHT PHOTO: Congratulations to John William See IV who received the Ashley Victorick SPJST Scholarship. He is pictured with Director Victorick. Best wishes to both John William and Caleb on their future endeavors.

Treasurer Larry Elzner gave the financial report, and it was approved.

Vice President/FAC Michael Urbanovsky stated he will work on his paperwork since he was just elected. He asked all to keep track of their hours.

Youth Leader Marcia Rew gave the youth report. Six members and guests were in attendance. The youth colored and discussed what they were going to do in the summer.

Door prizes of $25 were won by Regina House (she donated it to the youth

Lodge 17, New Tabor; 186, Caldwell teens receive SPJST Scholarships

club) and Luke Garcia. Thank you, Regina!

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

Next Meeting—June 18

The next meeting will be Sunday, June 18. We will be celebrating Father’s Day since the meeting falls on that day. Our meal will be chopped sirloin, and members are asked to bring a side dish. Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 81, Needville honors Age 96 member, graduate

The May 2023 meeting of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville was held on Sunday, the 21st. At 12 noon, a prayer of thanks was given by Vincent Newman, and everyone enjoyed a meal of barbecue chicken prepared by the American Legion fundraiser. Side dishes and desserts were provided by members.

Congratulations to Caldwell High School seniors, second from left to right, Carson Parker and Ashlyn Kellum, both of Lodge 17, New Tabor, and Keith Ramon of Lodge 186, Caldwell, who all received SPJST scholarships at awards night on May 8, 2023! The scholarships were proudly presented by Assistant District One Youth Counselor Holly Narro, pictured far left.

President Vincent 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 Special Funds Chair Marion Morales. I would also like to thank Willie Mae Kuykendall for getting everything ready for us in the kitchen.

Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall read her report, and it was approved as read. Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha read his report, and it was approved as read. Special Funds Chair Marion Morales will read his report at next month’s meeting.

Since we didn’t have any old business, we moved straight to new business. Under new business, member Valentine Kusy showed us a certificate from the SPJST Home Office honoring him on his 96th birthday. He has been a member of SPJST since 1944. Congratulations, Valentine! We also had the pleasure of honoring Elizabeth Dostal. She is a senior and will be graduating soon. She will also be leaving for basic training on Memorial Day. Thank you for your service.

Family Trivia Nights

Under other business, Kristen Jones announced that our lodge will host Family Trivia Nights on May 24, June 28, and July 27. Come on out and have some fun. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the game starts at 6:30 p.m. There will be a food truck outside. The cost is $25 per team with up to six players on a team.

Door prize winners were Joyce Lamensky, Clarence Myers, Shirley Myers, and Bettye Anheiser. Additional door prize winners for leftover barbecue chicken were Vincent Newman, Jeanette Newman, Kristen Jones, Willie Mae Kuykendall, and Calvin Lamensky.

Congratulations to our winners!

Our next meeting will be on Sunday, June 11 since Father’s Day would fall on our regular meeting day. Bradley Stavinoha said that he will bring chicken/sausage with rice jambalaya. Members, please bring a side dish and/or dessert. See you at the next meeting!

Fraternally, Jeanette Newman, Reporter —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, 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 41, Port Lavaca Honors Mothers