Bryant Hunter ❤ Desna Cramer exchange vows

Bryant Hunter and Desna Cramer rang in the New Year with their wedding date celebration on New Year’s Eve 2022. They married at the Telico Gin in the quaint village of Telico, near the Texas town of Ennis. The venue was previously a working cotton gin in the early 1800s and was refurbished to its current grandeur. Exposed primitive industrial machinery used in the ginning process are visible throughout the venue. The machinery compliments their years of farming in the 1800 era.

The couple’s vows were exchanged in the onsite cotton seed barn amongst beautiful fresh white roses, baby’s breath and festive winter greenery. The candlelit ceremony was formally officiated by Josh Tay, cousin of the groom. Josh and the groom grew up together, attended school and college together, and continue to be the very best of friends.

The maid of honor was the bride’s older sister, Audrey, and the groom’s best man was his younger brother, Jordan.

The bride wore a stunning gown from the Morilee Sinead collection. The designer of the gown was Madeline Gardner, and the style was a satin mermaid silhouette with train. The satin and lace gown was embellished with moonstones, crystals, and pearls with a sweetheart neckline and beaded straps. Her veil was a two-tiered net and rhinestone creation lovingly assembled by the groom’s grandmother, Janie. The bride wore white and rhinestone western boots to compliment her beautiful gown. Her wedding bouquet was a creation of fresh white roses, winter greenery, and eucalyptus.

The groom had a custom-made sagecolored suit and Lucchese cowboy boots complete with a Stetson cowboy hat.

Appetizers included fluffy pigs-in-ablanket and creamy macaroni and cheese along with beverages of your choice. A traditional Czechoslovakian barbecue complete with green beans and parsley potatoes were served. Homemade pecan pies and spritz cookies prepared by the groom’s grandmother and mother were en- joyed. Wedding cakes were Italian cream and German chocolate.

At midnight, traditional homemade black-eyed peas and buttered cornbread muffins were served with the hope for good luck in the coming New Year 2023.

Dancing the traditional Czech wedding grand march added to the festivities. A highlight of the evening included the groom and guests playing their acoustic guitars and singing classic hits from Johnny Cash and Chris Stapleton.

A spectacular fireworks display for the wedding celebration on New Year’s Eve set the night off as the bride and groom made their getaway in the groom’s late grandfather’s refurbished antique 1953 Ford pickup truck. Grandfather Hunter took pride in his total refurbishment of this 1953 Ford that has been in the family since he acquired it. Their honeymoon was enjoyed in the Dominican Republic resort area. The couple met in Stephenville while attending college there in 2012. Their relationship continued to grow as well as their educational degrees. Desna has a double bachelor’s degree with one in biomedical science and the other in nursing. She is currently an ICU registered nurse in the San Antonio area.

Bryant worked at HEB throughout his high school and college years, acquired his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration with a minor in supply chain management. He is currently at the HEB San Antonio downtown headquarters.

The couple resides in their San Antonio home.

Bryant was active in SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis throughout his school years. He is the son of David and Jenna Hunter. He is the grandson of Jerry and Janie Marusak, and Jean and the late David Joel Hunter, all from the Ennis area.

Desna is the daughter of Carl and the late Patricia Cramer of Weatherford and the granddaughter of the late Audrey and Fred Bennett also of Weatherford. —SPJST—

Lodge 81, Needville to join hands with groups to prepare lunch for seniors

Lodge 81, Needville will join hands with Catholic Life Insurance, Woodmen of the World, KJZT, KJZT Juniors, St. Michael’s Altar Society, Girl Scouts, and Knights of Columbus on Friday, June 30, 2023, to prepare and serve a hamburger lunch to seniors at Senior Site at Immanuel Church in Needville, Texas. All seniors are invited to attend. Come early to play dominoes and bingo.^

Bradley Stavinoha, Treasurer

Lodge 84, Dallas reports on May meeting

Dear Readers,

Members of Lodge 84, Dallas met on Sunday, May 21, 2023, for their monthly meeting. President Vicki Sims brought the meeting to order at 2:40 p.m. Flag Bearer Charles Nemec led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence for our departed members, troops serving our country, and those members needing special intentions.

After a quick taking of photos of members with the donated toiletry items for Join Hands Day, President Vicki handed around incentive paperwork from the Home Office and described how these activities would promote

Ian Ranly of

earnings for the lodge. It included attendance, community service projects, and other activities we can participate in.

Treasurer Jim Liska gave his report before excusing himself to attend to a family activity. Secretary Cherri Petr then read the minutes from the previous month which were approved by all present. She also read correspondence from the Home Office which included termination and surrenders and a report on the 50- and 75-year membership pin recipients. Sunshine committee reported that sympathy cards were sent to the families of Carol Rejcek, Wesley Hubek, and Mildred Schaerdel; may your loved ones rest in peace. Get well cards were sent to Sister Lyn Olds, Sister Dorothy Schroeder, and Brother Jerry Manak; we hope you are all doing well.

Vice President Lynda Novak gave her reports on Fraternal Council and Czech Culture. She announced that Heritage Day will be Sunday, October 8 and that plans are still in progress but will be forthcoming as they are confirmed.

Youth Leader Lynda then reported that the youth continue to meet on a regular basis. At the last meeting, she reminded them about continuing to submit their Vestnik projects (monthly caring challenges) and the Paws for a Cause (second quarter charity project). The third quarter project will be collecting school supplies – Back to School Supply Drive. She also mentioned that camp registration closed on May 15 for those planning to attend camp. The deadline to enter the State Youth Showcase is Friday, June 30 with the actual event to be held July 28 and 29 in Temple. There will be no district youth

47,

receives SPJST Scholarship

Congratulations to Ian Ranly of Lodge 47, Seaton who received an SPJST Scholarship. The scholarship was presented by Lodge 47 President Brandon Bartek during an awards ceremony at Rogers ISD. Ian, who was an active youth club member, is a 2023 graduate of Rogers High School. He was also the salutatorian.

Lodge 47, Seaton honors Milestone Members

Lodge 47, Seaton - Star Hall honored its Milestone Members on Sunday, May 7, 2023. Congratulations to 50-year members Debbie Alexander and Kenneth Heese and 75-year members Marilyn Herring and Edwin Marek. Thank you to Lodge 47 President Brandon Bartek for presenting the pins; to SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek for the cool facts from 50 and 75 years ago; and to District Two Director Jesse Pospisil for joining us. —Amber Bartek, Youth Leader achievement day (YAD); instead, all craft entries are to be submitted on Friday, July 28 to be judged while the youth are attending a Home Officehosted event at Summer Fun Water Park in Belton. Individual and group talent and royalty competitions will be held on Saturday, July 29. All winners will be announced on July 29 at the conclusion of the contests.

Lodge 47, Seaton Milestone Members. Front, left to right, 75-year member Marilyn Herring, 50-year member Debbie Alexander, 75-year member Edwin Marek, and 50-year member Kenneth Heese. Back, left to right, District Two Director Jesse Pospisil, Lodge 47 President Brandon Bartek, and SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek.

President Vicki thanked everyone for attending the meeting. She announced that in lieu of our next meeting date, which falls on Father’s Day, the June meeting would be re-scheduled to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 11 at Tupinamba Cafe located at 9665 North Central Expressway (cross street Walnut Hill Lane) 75231, phone - 972-991-8148.

A motion was then made to adjourn the meeting so that we could enjoy our svacina!

Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston: Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out!

Please join us on Father’s Day weekend for barbecue and fun on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 1 to 5 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston. We will serve smoked pork, ribs, sausage, chicken (hot dogs for the kids) along with tasty sides! The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for kids. First come, first serve. Do us a favor: Please buy your tickets early so we know how much to cook. Visit lodge88.org to buy tickets.

Aaron Rigamonti, President —SPJST—