PAWS P CAUSE

: Lodge 66, Waco

Lodge 66, Waco members visited the Humane Society of Central Texas in Waco on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Lodge members collected and delivered supplies, toured the facility, and visited with the animals. The Humane Society of Central Texas provides adoption, rescue, and foster opportunities for the homeless animals at the Waco Animal Shelter. Their goal is to build a community that promotes animal welfare through compassionate services to animals and people.

—Dana McAdams Secretary/Reporter

Lodge 92, Fort Worth features Randy Tatarevich Band every first Sunday

Lodge 92, Fort Worth - National Hall presents Randy Tatarevich Band every first Sunday of the month, unless otherwise noted. Doors open at 1 p.m.; music starts at 2 p.m. Admission is $10. Barbecue dinner is available for $10. Full bar is available as well.

You don’t want to miss good country/western music and the best dance floor in Texas. Come on out for a great time!

—SPJST—

Lodge 142, Houston reports on May meeting, activities

Lodge 142, Houston met on Sunday, May 21, 2023, in the dining area at Lodge 88, Houston. Lunch consisted of tacos and dessert. Thank you to Dorothy Pflughaupt for preparing such a delicious lunch. Dennis led the prayer.

President Dennis Hermis called the meeting to order at 2 p.m., and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. A moment of silence was held for all military men and women who died serving our country.

Roll call of officers showed all present except Secretary Elizabeth Hermis, Assistant Youth Leader Kyle Herrington, Flag Bearer Zac Coleman, and Guide Karole Coleman. Sales Agents

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi presents door prizes

Winners of the $25 door prize winners at the Lodge 79, Corpus Christi meeting in May were Regina House, left, and Luke Garcia. Regina donated her winnings to the Lodge 79 Youth Club. She is pictured presenting the funds to Youth Leader Marcia Rew. Thank you, Regina!

—Virginia Rebecek Secretary

Lodge 81, Needville member Valentine kusy achieves grand age 96

Congratulations to Valentine Kusy of Lodge 81, Needville! He achieved the Grand Age of 96 and was recognized by President Vincent Newman and the members at the lodge meeting on May 21, 2023.

present were Kerry Herrington, Mary Bird, and Margaret Norris Guerrero. We had 22 members present and two visitors—District Five President Dorothy Pflughaupt and State Fraternal Director Frank Horak.

State Fraternal Director Horak was recognized, and he spoke about the new lodge incentive program and shared examples of what counts as fraternal hours and community service hours as set by the American Fraternal Alliance. Frank answered a lot a questions and provided a broader view of the new program. Thank you, Frank, for attending the meeting.

No minutes were read due to the absence of Elizabeth Hermis who was absent due to illness. She was excused by the membership.

Financial Secretary/Treasurer Keith Kieschnick gave his report, and it was accepted by members.

Youth Leader Amanda Muzny gave her report. She spoke about the upcoming state camp to be held in June and the State Youth Showcase on Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29 at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple. Amanda said she was trying

Lodge 81, Needville members earns scholarship

Lodge 81, Needville Hall Manager Marion Morales, left, and SPJST District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha present an SPJST scholarship to Skyler Bromonsky, who is a graduate of Needville High School. Skyler is a member of Lodge 185, New Braunfels.

her best to get more youth involved in our youth club.

Fraternal Activities Coordinator Pat Schleider asked all moms to stand in observance of Mother’s Day. This is a day we observe that special person who always gives us unconditional love.

Territory Manager Kerry Herrington stated District Five is in great shape in regards to new applicants, etc. Kerry also spoke about the upcoming Tyler Rose Festival VIP Tour coming up in

Lodge 80, Holland Member performs at Class Act Productions in The Woodlands

October. Should be a lot of fun . . . watch the Vestnik for details.

Sales Agent Mary Bird mentioned that she has several new applicants in the works.

Announced were new member Na-

’Kyia A’Mira Broussard (sales agent Kerry Herrington), one transfer (Patrick J. Kokes) to Lodge 88, and one termination. Keith Kieschnick made a motion to accept the new member, seconded by Barbara Linney Gonzales.

Under old business, the District Five Annual Meeting was applauded as a great day with everyone having fun. Special recognition to Braelyn Muzny for coming in first place for her kite project.

Kerry Herrington reported he was working on setting up a dinner with our new members and telling them about all the programs to help encourage them to attend our meetings.

Under new business, we discussed getting caps/shirts for our members when they go out promoting SPJST. A motion was made by Barbara LinneyGonzales and seconded by Mary Bird. Mary Bird will check into this and will bring information to the next meeting. The renumerations committee met

Lodge 80, Holland Hosts mother’s day dance at the hall on 2268

SPJST Lodge 80, Holland hosted a Mother’s Day dance on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at The Hall on 2268. All women received free admission to the event where more than 100 danced the night away. TOP LEFT PHOTO: Frank Pajestka, Jr. and Rita Spinn are pictured at the ticket booth. TOP RIGHT PHOTO and BELOW LEFT: Dancers enjoy a good time. BELOW RIGHT: Celebrity Lee Roy Eichler (bus driver and transportation manager for George Strait and former drummer for The Moods) is pictured with Lodge 80 President Rita Spinn, center, and The Hall on 2268 owner Lorianne Bland. —Joyce Martinets

On May 27, 2023, Lodge 80, Holland Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Pajestka and wife Risa, also of Lodge 80, attended a terrific theatrical performance of The Drowsy Chaperone at Class Act Productions in The Woodlands, Texas. Lodge 80 member Cyril Pajestka was outstanding in the lead role. His lovely wife, Angela, had an important and charming role, too, and she gave a stellar performance. If anyone happens to be in the Conroe/Woodlands area, I highly recommend attending a show produced by Class Act! Check them out on Facebook. Class Act Productions is located at 25275 Budde Road in The Woodlands, Texas 77380. Pictured here after the show are Cyril Pajestka, Shaun Danney, Angela Danney Pajestka, Mark Danney, Risa Pajestka, and Frank Pajestka.

—Risa Pajestka and approved to raise the salary of the fraternal activities coordinator from $25 to $50 a month due to increased responsibilities.

Dorothy Pfllughaupt reported this year’s Larry W. Pflughaupt Scholarship was awarded to her great-nephew.

Kenneth Malota spoke about attending a special ceremony honoring our member Emil Kutra. Emil is the last of the original 65 World War II veterans from Frydek, Texas. He was honored at a ceremony on April 30 at Frydek’s Grotto Celebration at St. Mary’s Catho- lic Church. Thank you for your service, Emil!

Birthday celebrants were Jack Manchack on May 24 and Margaret Norris Guerrero also on May 24.

The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. Door prizes were awarded. We all played bingo after the meeting. Winners were first place - Debra Ngo, secondJean Herrington, and third and a fourway tie - Barbara Linney-Gonzales, Jack Dowling, Braelyn Muzny, and Jack Manchack. It was decided to have another social after the June meeting.

Lodge 81, Needville hosts Family Friendly Trivia Night

Hello, Readers!

SPJST Lodge 81, Needville hosted our very first Family Friendly Trivia Night fundraiser on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. In an effort to bring this family-centered community together, we hired Code 49 Food Truck (disguised as a SaurKraut Food Truck) to be parked outside our lodge, and we invited everyone in to eat and participate in our family friendly trivia! We had a wonderful turnout with seven teams participating.

Don’t be fooled! Even though it was family friendly, some of these questions were real brain benders!

We are looking forward to our next two trivia nights—Wednesday, June 28 and Wednesday, July 26! The food truck has even committed already since we had such a great turnout! Come by and get dinner as early as 5:30 p.m. and stay for the trivia that starts at 6:30ish.

Can’t wait to see you all there soon! Fraternally, Karen Hargraves

P.S. Visit SPJST Lodge 81 Facebook page. If you share our event on social media, we will give you one free item from the snack bar!

Reminder: our June meeting has been changed to the second Sunday, June 11 with a meal at 1 p.m. in the dining area at Lodge 88, Houston.

Fraternally Pat Schleider (filling in for Elizabeth Hermis) —SPJST—

Lodge 155, Austin meets June 25

Lodge 155, Austin will meet Sunday, June 25, 2023, at Pok-E-Jo’s, 2121 Parmer Lane, Austin, Texas 78727 at 2 p.m. Members are invited and encouraged to attend.

Fraternally, Albert Klinkovsky, President —SPJST—

Lodge 172, Pasadena meets June 14

Members of Lodge 172, Pasadena are invited to the quarterly meeting on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Peppers Steak and Seafood, located at 3604 Fairmont Parkway in Pasadena. Make plans to attend our dinner meeting by contacting Jerry Dressler at 512551-9009.^

Fraternally, Jerry Dressler, President —SPJST—

Lodge 177, Academy hosts Jerry Haisler dance on June 24

Lodge 177, Academy invites all to a dance on Saturday, June 24, 2023, with Jerry Haisler and The Melody 5. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the band plays from 7 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. Kids ages 12 and under will be admitted free of charge.

Academy SPJST 177 is located at 711 East Rio Poco in Academy, Texas.

Come on out for a fun evening of dancing and great country and variety dance music!^

Penny Rowe, FAC/Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 185, New Braunfels assists youth with camp registration fees

Hill Country Lodge 185 gathered on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Peace Lutheran Church to enjoy a wonderful evening and dinner sponsored by the youth club. Each year, the youth club provides a meal as a way of saying thank you to the lodge for all it does for the youth club. This year, the lodge is happy that it is able to help each youth from our lodge who is attending summer camp with $100 toward their registration fee. A lodge meeting preceded the event. Thank you, youth club members, and have fun at camp!

Theresa Haag Secretary/FAC/Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 81,

Eliza- graduated from and was honored with cake and a gift at the Lodge 81 meeting on Sunday, May 21, 2023. Elizabeth was an active youth club member. She enlisted to serve in the United States Army and was scheduled to leave for basic training on Memorial Day. Best wishes to Elizabeth!

Lodge 191, Lufkin presents January meeting minutes

SPJST Lodge 191, Lufkin met on Monday, January 9, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at Catfish King Restaurant in Lufkin, Texas. The meeting was called to order by President George Scogin. Members present were Helen Boyd, Pat Scogin, George Scogin, Ruth Welch, Linda Mount, and Carolyn Hughes. The Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were led by George Scogin.

Minutes from the October 10, 2022, meeting were read by Ruth Welch. The minutes of last meeting did not say who made the motion that the financial report be approved as written. It should have stated that Helen Boyd had made the recommendation to accept as written, and Ruth Welch seconded the motion.

Financial report dated October 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, was presented by Treasurer Pat Scogin. Helen Boyd made a motion to accept the report as presented. Ruth Welch seconded the motion.

Under old business, Pat Scogin reminded everyone that all dues are to be paid on or before March 31. Only two had paid their dues as of today. George Scogin will announce at the upcoming dance.

Under new business, Linda Murphy and Cheryl Poff applied for social membership. These applicants were presented earlier and voted to admit by an earlier meeting. All present voted in agreement.

Lodge 84, Dallas Members Enjoy Czech Dinner, Brass Band Performance

Lodge 84, Dallas members enjoyed a traditional Czech dinner on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at Sokol Dallas. After dinner, they also enjoyed listening and dancing to the music of the Czech

The rules and regulations were updated by committee members which were George Scogin, Ruth Welch, Helen Boyd, and Alma Breazeale. The major change in the rules and regulations was necessary because of the sale of the lodge, reduction in membership, meeting place, and schedule of business meetings. The timing, date, and place of meetings have changed from monthly the 7 p.m. meeting on the Monday before the dance at the lodge hall. Currently, the meetings are being held quarterly at Catfish King Restaurant in Lufkin on the Monday before the second Friday night dance.

Ruth Welch submitted questions of the lodge’s failure to convene an audit committee in November 2022. This failure is due to a lack of available and current members who can or will complete this audit. She suggested hiring a competent financial person to complete this task.

Communication from the Home Office: Welch read two notices of new insurance/annuities, two member deathsMarlon Ray Register and Stephen J. Duyka. The committee suggested filing these notices in a miscellaneous folder.

Business meetings—The next business meeting will be Monday, April 10, 2023. The place of the meeting will be announced by President Scogin at a later date.

Respectfully submitted, Ruth Welch, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 84, Dallas joins hands with Better Life for St. Joseph’s Residence

★ ★ 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.

Bartek family

Get ready to come out to Ratibor Country Bar and Grill for the 60th annual Bartek family reunion on Saturday, July 8, 2023. We are looking forward to seeing everyone and having the opportunity to visit with all those we have not seen in a while.

Registration begins at 11 a.m. at Ratibor Country Grill, 10226 FM-2086, Temple, Texas 76501.

What to bring . . . Please bring dessert, auction items (proceeds keep the reunion alive), yourself and family, good memories, and old pictures to share. Please bring your family! The more the merrier ! Everything else is furnished

Questions? Contact Amy Pagel Devereaux. 254-316-2878 or Paula Pagel Faris 512-818-0259

Paula Pagel Faris Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—

Nostalgia: For Those Who Graduated From High School in the 1950s and 1960s

Editor’s Note: Thanks to Mark Rebecek, president of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi, for sharing this article of albeit sweet memories for many of our Vestnik readers.

It took three to five minutes for the TV to warm up.

Nobody owned a purebred dog.

When a quarter was a decent allowance, and made with real silver!

You’d reach into a muddy gutter for a penny. Made with real copper! Looking to see if it was a 1943 copper penny!

You got your windshield cleaned, oil checked, and gas pumped, without asking, all for free, every time.

And you didn’t pay for air. And, you got trading stamps to boot.

Laundry detergent had free glasses, dishes, or towels hidden inside the box.

Not to mention Cracker Jacks!

It was considered a great privilege to be taken out to dinner at a real restaurant with your parents.

They threatened to keep kids back a grade if they failed . . . and they did it!

When a ‘57 Chevy was everyone’s dream car . . . to cruise, peel out, lay rubber, or watch submarine races, and people went steady.

Emil Kutra is the last of the original 65 World Ware II veterans from Frydek, Texas. Emil was honored on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Frydek’s Grotto Celebration at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Thank you to Kenneth Malota for providing us with these pictures. Emil was a very active lodge member for many years. All of us at Lodge 142, Houston are honored to know him. Emil reached the Grand Age of 100 in September 2022

The monument with all 65 names!

No one ever asked where the car keys were because they were always in the car, in the ignition, and the doors were never locked.

Lying on your back in the grass with your friends and saying things like, “That cloud looks like a . . . ”

Playing baseball with no adults to help kids with the rules of the game.

Stuff from the store came without safety caps and hermetic seals because no one had yet tried to poison a perfect stranger.

And with all our progress, don’t you just wish, just once, you could slip back in time and savor the slower pace, and share it with the children of today.

When being sent to the principal’s office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited the student at home.

Basically, we were in fear for our lives, but it wasn’t because of drive-by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc. Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat! But we survived because their love was greater than the threat.

As well as summers filled with bike rides, hula hoops, and visits to the pool,