ˇ ´ VESTNIK SPJST HERALD
Benevolence ★ Humanity ★ Brotherhood
Volume 111 Number 20
October 23, 2023
ISSN —07458800
5K Run raises 8K Dollars for the Czech Heritage Museum
Czechfest in Houston
The Czech Heritage 5K and Fun Run began and ended at Bold Republic Brewing Company in Temple on Saturday, October 7. LEFT PHOTO: RVOS Officer Jamie Smith presents an $8,000 check to Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Curator Kenny Lange at the Night at the Museum event on October 12. RIGHT PHOTO: Nicholas Vahalik of Lodge 4, Hallettsville high fives Enzo Vallo as they both run across the finish line. The successful 5K run attracted 144 runners. More on page 35.
2023 Little Mr. SPJST Tripp Hargraves of Lodge 81, Needville and Lodge 88, Houston Princess Megan Pflughaupt are pictured at Czechfest on Saturday, October 14 at Lodge 88.
czech president petr pavel addresses un assembly
All are invited to the second annual Cars & Guitars Car Show and Music Festival held on Saturday, November 4 at Camp Kubena! More at campkubena.com.
His Excellency Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, was in New York recently where on September 19 he addressed Heads of State and Government officials gathered for the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting addressed and debated issues ranging from human rights, international law, and cooperation in economic, social, cultural, educational, and health fields. The schedule culminated with a gala celebrating the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Czech and Slovak Republics at the Czech National Building in New York. Afterwards, SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek had the honor to meet and visit with President Pavel along with Czech and Slovak compatriots. “It was a great evening and a great feeling knowing that the Czech Republic and the United States cooperate closely in supporting human rights, open government and democracy around the world,” says President/CEO Vanicek.
Y 7 Z 7 Y 7 Z Readers Write ......................................3 Interest Rates.......................................3 Important Dates ...................................3 Executive Committee Minutes ...........4 Lodge Section......................................6 Member Engagement News................8
Inside This Week’s Vestnik
Youth Section ....................................26 In Memoriam ......................................30 Czech Culture ....................................31 Czech Heritage Month Activity.........31 Advertisements .................................37 Lodge Calendar .................................38
Y 7 Z 7 Y 7 Z
Page 10
SPJST youth participate in Kolache Festival
Lodge 29 Taylor hosts barbecue cook-off
Lodge 6 Cottonwood Cares Pages 23-25
Page 27
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Monday, October 23, 2023
VĚSTNÍK
ˇ ´ VESTNIK SPJST
SPJST HOME OFFICE PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 800-727-7578 • 254-773-1575 www.spjst.org VĚSTNÍK EDITOR: MELANIE ZAVODNY, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 122) Mobile/Text: 254-534-0807 vestnik@spjst.org melaniez@spjst.com melaniez@usa.com EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER BRIAN VANICEK, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 139) Mobile: 254-534-2902 vanicek@spjst.com VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING DELISLE DOHERTY 254-773-1575 (ext. 240) Mobile: 832-232-2049 delisled@spjst.com VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS MELANIE ZAVODNY 254-773-1575 (ext. 122) Mobile: 254-534-0807 melaniez@spjst.com CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER LEONARD D. MIKESKA, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 149) Mobile: 254-721-4739 leonardm@spjst.com
HERALD
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE District One - Bill Orsak, Vice Chair PO Box 252, Snook, TX 77878-0252 979-272-1243 • billorsak@gmail.com District Two - Edwin Pechal 10660 State Highway 53, Temple, TX 76501-7446 254-721-2887 • edwinpechal@yahoo.com District Three - Michael Galler 1312 Fawn Lily Dr, Temple, TX 76502-7808 254-744-8973 • mlgaller54@gmail.com District Four - Brad Teplicek PO Box 372, Rowena, TX 76875-4006 325-442-2001 • bptep@aol.com District Five - Dorothy Pflughaupt, Chair 1243 Clovis Rd, Houston, TX 77008-6232 713-859-8976 • dotpflugh@yahoo.com District Six - Lisa Bubela, Secretary 1405 Divide St, El Campo, TX 77437-6152 979-543-7120 • lisa_bubela@yahoo.com District Seven - Oscar Korus 2565 Bruce Rd, Poteet, TX 78065-5013 830-391-4169 • oscarkorus@gmail.com STATE FRATERNAL DIRECTOR FRANK HORAK Office: 254-773-1575 (ext. 177) • Mobile: 254-534-0681 frankh@spjst.com
CONTROLLER ROY VAJDAK 254-773-1575 (ext. 142) royv@spjst.com
TERRITORY MANAGERS EAST TERRITORY KERRY HERRINGTON 281-704-5737 • kerryh@spjst.com
DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR/VICE CHAIR DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CFFM PO Box 85, Snook, TX 77878-0085 Home: 979-272-3265 • Mobile: 979-224-3125 dv.aggie71@gmail.com
NORTH TERRITORY CHRIS LIEBUM, LUTCF®, NSSA® 346-261-2100 • chrisl@spjst.com
DISTRICT TWO DIRECTOR JESSE POSPISIL 4710 FM 1331, Taylor, TX 76574-2164 512-826-7371 jlpospisil@yahoo.com
WEST TERRITORY RALPH JUAREZ, FIC, FICF 361-537-5506 • ralphj@spjst.com
DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR/CHAIR JOHN ENGELKE 6475 Gholson Rd, Waco, TX 76705-5330 254-717-7534 john.engelke@hotmail.com DISTRICT FOUR DIRECTOR BOBBY DAVIS, FICF, CFFM 1886 Pecos St, Ste 3, San Angelo, TX 76901-3268 Mobile: 325-450-3748 • Fax: 325-657-2003 bgdsr2428@aol.com DISTRICT FIVE DIRECTOR BRADLEY STAVINOHA, FIC 10522 Will Lehmann Rd, Needville, TX 77461-9164 Mobile: 979-739-2386 • Office: 979-793-7411 spjst@earthlink.net
DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS Hannah Kovar (District One) 979-220-7904 • ladyjays@tamu.edu Mary Steinman (District Three) 817-731-2580 • appamary@sbcglobal.net Kristen Bender Jones (District Five) 936-556-3248 • joneskb06@hotmail.com Lisa Bubela (District Six) 979-543-7120 • lisa_bubela@yahoo.com April Haag-Adkins (District Seven) 830-624-9242 • aprhoward@gmail.com
DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR ANNIE VAHALIK 413 Beechwood Dr, Victoria, TX 77901-4516 361-649-4888 amvahalik@gmail.com
CAMP KUBENA • 2001 Waldeck Rd • Ledbetter, TX Rob Clift, Executive Director 979-249-5674 • robc@spjst.com
DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR REGINA HOUSE 176 County Road 343, Charlotte, TX 78011-3663 830-570-2046 spjst202youth@gmail.com
CZECH HERITAGE MUSEUM AND GENEALOGY CENTER • 119 W French Avenue, Temple, TX Kenny Lange, Curator 254-899-2935 • klange@spjst.com
Editor’s Note
Nurturing Kindness and Compassion in Youth employees were moved to tears. The resilI n a world that often seems to be mov- ience and empathy shown by these young ing at an ever-increasing pace, stories of kindness, empathy, and community involvement are like refreshing oases in the desert of daily life. In the October 9 Vestnik issue, we included a feature showcasing Lodge 81, Needville Youth Club, as they embarked on a mission to bring smiles to their community on September 17. Under the guidance of Youth Leader Kristen Jones, the young members of Lodge 81 spent their day penning heartfelt cards, attaching them to cheerful sunflowers, and then personally delivering these tokens of goodwill to local workers and fellow citizens. It’s a heartwarming initiative that truly deserves recognition. Great work! This week, we highlight the lodge report from Lodge 66, Waco Youth Leader Dana McAdams, again illustrating the power of youth in our communities to make a positive impact. The youth club, under the guidance of Sister Dana, embarked on a mission to spread joy and gratitude in a way that reminds us of the beauty of simple, genuine gestures. On September 10, they gathered at Richland Mall in Waco, proving that it’s not the scale of the act, but the sincerity behind it that matters most. The report paints a vivid picture of the day’s events. The youth club spent over two hours crafting heartfelt gifts for Grandparents Day, crafting thank you cards for September’s “acts of kindness” Caring Challenge, and creating “I am thankful for . . . ” chain slips. Yet, their mission went beyond these activities. They ventured out, breaking into groups, and distributed their cards to random mall employees, sharing their warmth and appreciation. The response was overwhelming and deeply touching, as many
individuals in response to emotional moments are truly commendable. The youth club’s actions extended beyond this single act of kindness. They have decided to visit the Gholson Volunteer Fire Department, demonstrating that their spirit of generosity knows no bounds. Each youth member will contribute by baking or helping to create a treat for the firefighters, acknowledging the invaluable service these brave individuals provide to our community. In times when the world can appear divided and detached, the actions of these young members shine as beacons of hope. They teach us that small acts of kindness can create ripples of goodwill that extend far beyond what we can initially see. We commend the youth leaders, youth members, and adult volunteers across the state for their inspiring dedication to making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. These stories remind us that compassion, empathy, and community involvement are qualities that can and should be nurtured in the hearts of our youth. In doing so, we lay the foundation for a brighter, more connected, and more caring world.
Vestnik Dates and Deadlines November 13 Vestnik >Early deadline alert.< deadline is Fri., Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. November 27 Vestnik >Early deadline alert.< deadline is Fri., Nov. 17 at 12 noon December 11 Vestnik deadline is Mon., Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. December 25 Vestnik >Early deadline alert.< deadline is Fri., Dec. 15 at 12 noon
VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published on the second and fourth Mondays of each month by SPJST, PO Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100. Subscription rates are $25 per year for non-members. Members’ fees are paid as part of the insurance fee collected by SPJST, 520 North Main, Temple, TX 76501. Second-class postage paid at Temple, TX and additional mailing offices. The exchange of opinions, ideas and information is a vital aspect of our fraternal Society and enables us to make more informed decisions. The views expressed by writers in the Věstník do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor or SPJST management. Please sign all correspondence intended for publication. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VĚSTNÍK c/o Controller Roy Vajdak, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.
VĚSTNÍK
Monday, October 23, 2023
SPJST FAMILY FUN
&
IMPORTANT
DATES
(Number in parentheses denotes SPJST district location.)
October 28 October 28 Nov. 2 Nov. 4 Nov. 4 Nov. 9-11 Nov. 11 Nov. 12 Nov. 12 Nov. 12 Nov. 14 Dec. 2 Dec. 3 Dec. 3 Dec. 4 Dec. 5 Dec. 8 Dec. 9 Dec. 10 Dec. 10 Dec. 10 Dec. 10 Dec. 17 Dec. 31
Lodge 88, Houston Blue Room Halloween Party (5) Lodge 196, Houston-West Halloween Dance: The Lonely Road Band (5) Lodge 1, Fayetteville Drive-Thru Plate Fundraiser (1) Cars & Guitars • Camp Kubena, Ledbetter Lodge 88, Houston Annual Campout (5) Lodge 92, Fort Worth hosts Western Swing Festival (3) Lodge 20, Granger Tarok Tournament (2) Lodge 107, Floresville Fall Hall Clean-Up (7) Lodge 187, Round Rock Thanksgiving Meal (2) Lodge 196, Houston-West Thanksgiving Dinner (5) Lodge 80, Holland Annual Business Meeting (2) Lodge 97, Placedo Christmas Brunch Golden Corral, Victoria (6) Lodge 17, New Tabor Christmas Social (1) Lodge 84, Dallas Christmas Party • Sokol Dallas (3) Lodge 23, Moravia Christmas Social (6) Lodge 32, Victoria Christmas Party • The Sky (6) Lodge 39, Bryan Christmas Caroling Event Lampstand Nursing Home (1) Lodge 142, Houston Youth Club Visit to SPJST Senior Living Center, Needville (5) Lodge 9, Snook Christmas Program/Memorial Service (1) Lodge 4, Hallettsville Christmas Party Vsetin Educational Building (6) Lodge 18, Elgin Christmas Dance: Red Ravens (2) Lodge 28, East Bernard Christmas Social Wharton County Library Meeting Room (6) Lodge 258, Seguin Christmas Party (7) Lodge 18, Elgin New Year’s Eve Dance:
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SPJST INTEREST RATES 08/01/2023 - 10/31/2023 Universal Life Family Value Universal Life 2.00% Guaranteed Rate Credited Rate: 3.00%
Annuities 1-Year Annuity** Credited Rate: 5.25% 2-Year Annuity** Credited Rate: 4.75% 3-Year Annuity** Credited Rate: 4.50% 5-Year Annuity** Credited Rate: 4.25%
Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity Non-IRA* 1.85% Guaranteed Rate Credited Rate: 4.25%
Traditional and Roth IRAs* 1.85% Guaranteed Rate Credited Rate: 4.25%
*$1,000 minimum deposit **$10,000 minimum deposit
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Seaton Brethren Church hosts Nov. 4 bake sale The Seaton Brethren Church Christian Sisters will host their annual bake sale fundraiser on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 12561 State Highway 53, Temple (Seaton). Kolaches, cakes, pies, cookies, jellies, pecans, homemade canned goods and chicken dressing will be available for sale. Sandwiches and homemade soup will be available for sale. A resale shop of gently used items will be open. A handmade quilt and gift cards will be given away for a love donation of $1 per ticket or six tickets for $5. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used for the projects of the church and community. Cash and checks only. Admission to the fundraiser is free of charge and open to the public. Helen Haisler Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—
BEEA Rummage Sale set for Nov. 3, 4 in Seaton Dear Readers, Bell Extension Education Association’s (BEEA) annual fundraiser benefiting Bell County 4-H Scholarships and BEEA activities will be a rummage sale. The multi-family event is set for Friday, November 3 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Saturday, November 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Seaton Community Center, 12287 Highway 53, Temple, Texas 76501, eight miles east of Temple. This sale offers a wide variety of first-time offered items, including gently used household goods, tools, clothes, accessories, handmade crafts, baked
goods, books, and much more. Tickets for a handmade queen size quilt will also be available. Call 254-742-5431 for additional information. Gayle Pomykal Lodge 24, Cyclone —SPJST—
KC Hall, West hosts Pre-Thanksgiving Dance: Czech and Then Some, Jason Roberts Band Hello, Dancers and Lovers of Good Music! The Knights of Columbus Hall in West, Texas, will host a big pre-Thanksgiving dance on Sunday, November 19, 2023. Sharing the stage for the first time together will be two of Texas’s top dance bands as Czech and Then Some teams up with the Jason Roberts Band from 2 to 7 p.m. featuring polkas, 2steps, waltzes, western swing, boogiewoogie, and more! Tickets are $15 per person, general admission, and will only be sold at the door. The Knights of Columbus Hall will have its kitchen open selling those tasty hamburgers. The bar will also be open so no outside coolers or drinks, please. We’ll see you at the Knights of Columbus Hall in West, 2547 Jerry Mashek Drive, on Sunday, November 19 for a pre-Thanksgiving swingin’ polka dance with music by Czech and Then Some and the Jason Roberts Band. See advertisement on page 37 of this week’s Vestnik. Michael Morris Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—
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Monday, October 23, 2023
VĚSTNÍK
From The SPJST Executive Committee July 18 and 19, 2023, Minutes of the Regular Meeting of SPJST Executive Committee held at the SPJST Home Office Temple, Texas PRESIDING The meeting was called to order by Chair of the Board of Directors John Engelke on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 8:15 a.m. ATTENDING Board of Directors—Donnie Victorick - District One/Vice Chair of the Board of Directors; Jesse Pospisil - District Two; John Engelke - District Three/Chair of the Board of Directors; Bobby Davis - District Four; Bradley Stavinoha - District Five; Annie Vahalik - District Six; Regina House - District Seven. Executive Officers—Brian Vanicek, President/CEO; Delisle Doherty, Vice President of Sales and Marketing; Melanie Zavodny, Vice President of Communications; Leonard Mikeska, Chief Financial Officer; Roy Vajdak, Controller. Recording Secretary—Linda Hill, Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer. Home Office Staff—Brett Wheeler, Senior Accountant. OPENING OF MEETING The meeting was opened by Chair of the Board of Directors Engelke with a welcome to all. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was observed in respect for our departed members. Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty led the Executive Committee in an opening prayer. ANNOUNCEMENTS President/CEO Vanicek announced the visitors who would be joining the meeting on Tuesday, July 18: an online conference with the president of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje at 9:30 a.m.; and on Wednesday, July 19: Larry White and Stephen Gonzalez of AQS Asset Management at 11 a.m. and Rob Clift, executive director of Camp Kubena, at 1 p.m. APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES The April 17 and 18, 2023, minutes of the regular meeting of the Executive Committee were reviewed. Director Pospisil moved to accept the minutes as presented. Director House seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.
MANAGEMENT TEAM MEETING NOTES The management team meeting notes were reviewed. Director House moved to accept the team meeting notes as written. Director Vahalik seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.
DIRECTORS’ REPORTS All directors’ reports were accepted as presented. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board of Directors entered executive session from 2:40 to 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18. Recess was from 2:50 to 3 p.m.
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING NOTES The special called meeting notes were reviewed. Director Vahalik moved to acknowledge the meeting notes as written. Director House seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.
SPJST SUMMER CAMP Vice President of Communications Zavodny introduced and recognized State Fraternal Director Frank Horak, Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez, and Communications Specialist/Graphic Designer Brooke Hoelscher for their extra effort and care at SPJST Summer Camp.
RECOGNITION OF HOME OFFICE EMPLOYEES Brett Wheeler was recognized as a new employee in Controller Vajdak’s department.
NEW BUSINESS The executive officers each presented a report on their new business.
CONVENTION IN 2024 President/CEO Vanicek, stated we are looking to have at least 102 lodges represented at the 2024 Convention and are hoping to have a one-day event.
ACTION CONCERNING LODGE 29, TAYLOR Director House made a motion for Lodge 29, Taylor to change its meeting dates from monthly to bimonthly. The motion, seconded by Director Vahalik, carried unanimously.
SALE OF LODGE PROPERTY/HALL It was reemphasized that all funds from the sale of a lodge property/hall/building should be deposited into the Lodge Management Account at the Home Office. The funds existing prior to the sale of the property should be used for lodge activities. District directors will be paying more attention to the transactions. SPJST ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER A motion was made by Director Victorick, seconded by Director House, to extend an invitation to James (Jim) Therrell to attend the strategic planning meeting in October. Motion carried unanimously. 2023 HOLIDAY TOUR OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC The holiday tour of the Czech Republic is at capacity at this time. LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE Cathy Garcia, president of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje, joined the meeting via online conference. On August 9, 2023, Lodge 40 members will meet at 6:30 p.m. to vote on whether to sell the lodge hall. Recess was from 10:15 to 10:30 a.m. OLD BUSINESS President/CEO Vanicek, Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty, Controller Vajdak, Vice President of Communications Zavodny, and Chief Financial Officer Mikeska each presented a report on their old business. Each officer’s report was accepted as presented. Recess for lunch was from 12 to 1:10 p.m.
SCHOLARSHIP QUALIFICATIONS The Executive Committee entertained a request from an SPJST Scholarship recipient who will be attending a trade school. Motion was made by Director House, seconded by Director Pospisil, that with the Board of Directors’ approval, scholarships can be awarded to students attending trade schools. The motion carried unanimously. SCHOLARSHIP FUND A motion was made by Director Victorick, seconded by Director Pospisil, to increase the scholarship fund by $12,500 and $25,000 so that scholarships endow each year and every other year from the general scholarship fund. Motion carried unanimously. LODGE OPERATIONS MANUAL A motion was made by Director Victorick, seconded by Director Vahalik, to approve the wording in the Lodge Operations Manual concerning withdrawals from Lodge Management Funds: “Withdrawal will require two non-related officers’ signatures, preferably the lodge president and treasurer (for lodge accounts); district president and district treasurer (for district accounts); district youth counselor and a district officer (for district youth accounts); the youth leader and an adult lodge officer (for youth group accounts).” MEETING DATES August 28 - Online Conference October 2 and 3 - Strategic Planning Meeting October 16 and 17 - Executive Committee Meeting INVESTMENT REPORT Chief Financial Officer Mikeska presented his report of first quarter investments. Motion was made by Di-
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rector House, seconded by Director Vahalik, to ratify the investments for the period beginning April 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023. The motion carried unanimously.
the book yield increase from 4.37 percent to 5.32 percent since January 1, 2021.
LODGE LOAN POLICY REVIEW A motion was made by Director Victorick, seconded by Director House, to approve and update the rates on lodge loan interest rates. The motion carried unanimously. $10,000 to $25,000 4.5% $25,001 to $100,000 5.0% $100,001 and up 5.5%
CAMP KUBENA Camp Kubena Executive Director Rob Clift presented a comprehensive report on camp operations.
INTEREST RATES Changes to interest paid out on annuities were presented. With a motion by Director Victorick, seconded by Director House, the changes were unanimously approved. The Annuities 2 to A6 have been increased to 3.75 percent. Motion carried unanimously. With a motion by Director Stavinoha, seconded by Director Davis, the changes were unanimously approved. The 2-Year Annuity has been increased to 4.75 percent. The 3-Year Annuity is increased to 4.50 percent. The 1-Year Annuity is increased to 5.25 percent. The 5-Year Annuity will remain with no change at 4.25 percent. Director Pospisil moved, seconded by Director House, to leave interest payout rates on all other certificates unchanged. The motion carried unanimously. UNIVERSAL LIFE PRODUCT Director Stavinoha moved, seconded by Director Pospisil, to leave interest payouts rates on universal life certificates unchanged. The motion carried unanimously. Recess for the day was at 5:25 p.m. Chair of the Board of Directors Engelke reconvened the meeting at 9:05 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19. Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty led an opening prayer with a special prayer for the family of Ronnie Rieger who passed away on Tuesday evening, July 18. Brother Rieger of Lodge 29, Taylor served as chair of the By-Law Committee for many years. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED Director House presented the Audit Committee report. A motion was made by Director Stavinoha, seconded by Director Davis, to make a donation of $1,000 to the SPJST Scholarship Fund in honor of Judge Charles H. Chernosky. Motion carried unanimously. Recess was from 10 to 11 a.m. AQS INVESTMENT REPORT Larry White and Stephen Gonzalez of AQS Asset Management presented a report on SPJST investment performance. He also informed the Committee about
Recess for lunch was from 12:20 to 1:45 p.m.
DIRECTORS’ REPORTS All directors’ reports were accepted as presented. Directors expressed how successful the meeting was and thanked everyone for a great meeting. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, Director Davis moved for adjournment. Director Vahalik seconded the motion, and the motion to adjourn carried unanimously. Chair of the Board of Directors Engelke adjourned the meeting at 4 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Executive Committee will begin at 8 a.m. on October 16, 2023. Fraternally submitted by, Linda R. Hill, Recording Secretary Leonard Mikeska, CFO —SPJST—
DISTRICT DIRECTORS’ REPORTS District One Director Donnie Victorick Activity Report May—Meeting with Lodge 94, Wheelock members; Lodge 9, Snook meeting; Lodge 38, Kovar meeting; scholarship presentations to Caleb See and John William See IV, both of Lodge 9, Snook, at Snook High School; scholarship presentation to Kerrigan Hooker of Lodge 38, Kovar at Thrall High School; Lodge 39, Bryan meeting. June—Reception at Lodge 9, Snook honoring Milestone Members; cooked burgers for SPJST campers on their first night at summer camp; traveled with President/CEO Vanicek and Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty to Lodge 88, Houston bingo; traveled with President/CEO Vanicek and Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty to Lodge 80, Holland bingo. July—Lodge 9, Snook meeting; Lodge 17, New Tabor adult and youth club meetings; Camp Kubena Advisory Committee meeting at SPJST Home Office
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in Temple; Audit Committee meeting and Executive Committee meeting at SPJST Home Office in Temple. Fraternally, Donnie Victorick District One Director •••
District Two Director Jesse Pospisil Activity Report April—Virtual CE class (Understanding Underwriting); Lodge 29, Taylor meeting; Night at the Museum in Temple; Executive Committee meeting at SPJST Home Office in Temple; Home Office Staff Development Day at Camp Kubena; AQS Symposium in Fort Worth. May—Advisory Council meeting (virtual); Lodge 47, Seaton meeting; Lodge 48, Beyersville meeting; Lodge 80, Holland meeting; Lodge 29, Taylor meeting; Night at the Museum in Temple; fishing tournament at S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Center in Taylor. June—Helped prepare sausage for Lodge 47, Seaton picnic; met Camp Kubena Executive Director Rob Clift in Hutto to deliver documents; help kitchen staff with lunch plates at Lodge 47, Seaton picnic; SPJST Executive Committee meeting (virtual); helped prepare and serve hamburgers to SPJST campers at Camp Kubena; provided and helped serve ice cream floats at SPJST Camp at Camp Kubena; Lodge 155, Austin meeting. Fraternally, Jesse Pospisil District Two Director •••
District Three Director John Engelke Activity Report April—Home Office Staff Enrichment Day at Camp Kubena; Lodge 66, Waco meeting; AQS Symposium in Fort Worth; Lodge 66, Waco Youth Club meeting. May—S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers Board Meeting in Taylor; Advisory Council meeting (virtual); Night at the Museum in Temple; scholarship presentation to Quinlan Dobecka of Lodge 6, Cottonwood in West; Lodge 66, Waco meeting; National Polka Festival Parade in Ennis; Paws for a Cause event to Humane Society of Waco and Fuzzy Friends of Waco. June—Lodge 54, West meeting and Milestone Members presentation; meeting with Lodge 183, Arlington regarding sale of building; Executive Committee meeting (virtual); Night at the Museum (Temple); cooked hamburgers for SPJST campers at Camp Kubena; Lodge 66, Waco meeting with Shepherd’s Heart.
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July—Camp Kubena Advisory Council meeting in Temple; S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers Board meeting in Austin; Night at the Museum in Temple; potato peeling party at Lodge 6, Cottonwood; worked Lodge 6, Cottonwood picnic, raffle, and auction; Audit Committee meeting and Executive Committee meeting at SPJST Home Office in Temple. Fraternally, District Three Director John Engelke •••
District Four Director Bobby Davis Activity Report April—Executive Committee meeting at SPJST Home Office in Temple; Home Office Staff Enrichment Day at Camp Kubena; AQS Symposium in Fort Worth; meeting with Boy Scouts; Lodge 230, Midland meeting. May—Lodge 49, Rowena meeting and cornhole tournament; Lodge 49, Rowena meeting; Advisory Council meeting (virtual); Lodge 49, Rowena planning meeting for cornhole tournament; cornhole tournament at Lodge 49, Rowena; Lodge 160, San Angelo meeting; meeting with Territory Manager Ralph Juarez and sales agents; travel to SPJST Home Office in Temple to pick up supplies and cornhole boards; Lodge 49, Rowena membership drive. June—Executive Committee meeting (virtual); Night at the Museum in Temple; Lodge 229, Abilene meeting and Paws for a Cause event in Hawley; Flag Day planning meeting with Beverly Teplicek of Lodge 49, Rowena; Flag Day ceremony at Lodge 49, Rowena hall with Lodge 49 and American Legion; meeting in Goldthwaite with Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty. July—Fourth of July parade in Wall with Lodge 160, San Angelo adults and youth members. Fraternally, Bobby Davis District Four Director •••
District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha Activity Report April—Home Office Staff Enrichment Day at Camp Kubena; AQS Symposium in Fort Worth; District Five Spring Fling at Lodge 88, Houston. May—Advisory Council meeting (virtual); scholarship presentation in Needville; District Five youth outing at baseball game in Sugar Land; Lodge 81, Needville meeting; met with Terry Mansfield, coordinator of the SPJST tour to the Texas Rose Festival, of Lodge 196, Houston-West; picnics at Shiner and Hallettsville; Memorial Day presentation at West Columbia.
VĚSTNÍK June—Lodge 139, Danbury meeting; Lodge 81, Needville meeting; Lodge 91, San Jacinto meeting; Lodge 172, Pasadena meeting; Lodge 191, Lufkin meeting; SPJST Czech Dance Hall Preservation in Fulshear; church picnic in Ammannsville (worked beer pavilion); Kolache Fest in East Bernard. July—Lodge 88, Houston meeting. Commentary I was elated to see the second quarter report and profit SPJST made for 2023 so far. My favorite part of being a director is getting out to see the lodges and hearing about the great things they do in the community. Lodge 88, Houston has a big football game trip to Kyle Field planned for this upcoming season. October 14 is District Five Fall Fun Day at Lodge 88, Houston in conjunction with their Czechfest. I am also excited to see new plans for a true Czech beer garden at Lodge 88. I wanted to leave you this about how the mafia was so successful in business. What to take from them and apply to your lodge, SPJST life insurance sales, or your personal business. Do you see it now? What if I told you that there’s virtually no difference between a successful entrepreneur and a big mafia boss except for one single thing? It might sound like the start of a wild movie pitch, but bear with me for a moment. You see, I believe the ONLY difference between a Pablo Escobar and an Elon Musk is this: One broke the law while the other played by the book. Don’t believe me? Here are some lessons we can all take from mafia bosses: Trust is Gold. Mafia families are all about trust. If you can’t trust your crew, who can you trust? Same goes in the business world. Let’s keep the trust and loyalty game strong with our team.
Know Your Leverage. A great mafia boss is good at figuring out what makes people tick. If you know what your clients or partners value, you’ve got the upper hand. Weigh the Risks. Sure, the mafia’s version of ‘risk’ is a bit different from ours, but they’ve got assessing pros and cons down to an art. Reputation Counts. Each mafia family has its style . . . some are scary, some play fair. Let’s make sure your brand is on point. After breaking it all down, do you see what I meant by mafia bosses and entrepreneurs having more in common than you first thought? We can’t deny that mafia bosses possess certain skills and strategies that can help us. It’s not about crime families, but it’s all about family-like networks of go-getters, strategists, and visionaries. If you’ve ever wondered how entrepreneurial giants operate, almost like mafia bosses in their territory . . . Fraternally, Bradley Stavinoha District Five Director •••
District Six Director Annie Vahalik
Roll with the Punches. Mafia bosses know how to pivot. When stuff hits the fan, they change course. Adaptability is the name of the game.
Activity Report April—Executive Committee meeting in Temple; Staff Enrichment Day at Camp Kubena. May—Czech Heritage Museum Advisory Committee meeting (virtual); Advisory Council meeting (virtual); Lodge 32, Victoria meeting and social; Lodge 41, Port Lavaca meeting and social; scholarship presentation to Tanner Konvicka at Weimar High School; Lodge 63, Sweet Home meeting and social; Lodge 8, Weimar meeting and social; Lavaca County Walk Across Texas awards ceremony honoring Lodge 4, Hallettsville walkers who came in first place for total team miles; Czech Heritage Museum Advisory Committee meeting (virtual). June—Lodge 28, East Bernard meeting and social; Executive Committee meeting (virtual); Night at the Museum; Lodge 4, Hallettsville meeting and social; Czech Heritage Museum Advisory Committee meeting (virtual); hamburger cookout at Camp Kubena for SPJST campers.
Team is Everything. Mafia bosses have their crew’s back. If you support your people, they’ll move mountains for you.
Commentary It was another good meeting with many discussions and decisions. Thank you to all the staff, chaperones, and kids for a fantastic SPJST state camp this
It’s Who You Know. Mafia bosses are networking kings. A handshake here, a favor there . . . Connections can change the game. Stay Sharp, Act Fast. Mafia bosses don’t dilly-dally. They see a problem, they tackle it. We could use some of that decisive energy, right?
VĚSTNÍK
Monday, October 23, 2023
year. Lunch with the staff and TCGS was very informative. Congratulations to Tamara for 14 years of service with SPJST as well as Frank with 16 years; Donnie with 25 years; Jesse with 11 years; Brooke with 9 years; Linda with 12; Virginia with 8; Delisle with 13; Marissa with 17; and Brian with 31 years. Truly appreciate all of you and your contributions to the success of SPJST. The annual audit went smoothly. Positive reports from AQS on investments and Rob Clift with Camp Kubena were presented. I am looking forward to the Youth Showcase next weekend and meeting with the lodges to get the fraternal program input up to date. Fraternally, Annie Vahalik District Six Director •••
District Seven Director Regina House Activity Report April—Executive Committee meeting in Temple; Home Office Staff Enrichment Day at Camp Kubena; Lodge 185, New Braunfels; AQS Symposium in Fort Worth. May—Czech Heritage Museum Advisory Committee meeting (virtual); Advisory Council meeting (virtual); Lodge 79, Corpus Christi meeting. June—Lodge 117, Robstown meeting; Lodge 202, Jourdanton meeting; Executive Committee meeting (virtual); Czech Heritage Museum Advisory Committee meeting (virtual); assisted at Night at the Museum in Temple; Lodge 258, Seguin meeting; Lodge 79, Corpus Christi meeting; Czech Heritage Museum Advisory Committee meeting (virtual); SPJST Summer Camp. July—Lodge 107, Floresville meeting; assisted at Night at the Museum in Temple; Audit Committee meeting in Temple. Commentary Another great meeting is in the books. Thank you to the officers and staff for a successful meeting, with a special thanks to Melanie, Frank, Tammy, and Brooke for all the extra time to ensure that summer camp this year was so great! Congratulations also to all the Home Office staff for their many years of service and dedication to SPJST, and a special congratulations to District Two Director Jesse Pospisil for his 11 years of service on the Board of Directors. I am looking forward to the State Youth Showcase and seeing all the projects and talent that the youth have been working on. Good luck to all participants! Fraternally, Regina House District Seven Director —SPJST—
August 28, 2023, Minutes of the Special Meeting of SPJST Executive Committee held Virtually (online conference) PRESIDING The meeting was called to order by Chair of the Board of Directors John Engelke on Monday, August 28, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. PARTICIPATING Board of Directors—Donnie Victorick - District One/Vice Chair of the Board of Directors; Jesse Pospisil - District Two; John Engelke - District Three/Chair of the Board of Directors; Bobby Davis - District Four Director; Bradley Stavinoha - District Five; Annie Vahalik - District Six; Regina House District Seven. Executive Officers—Brian Vanicek, President/CEO; Delisle Doherty, Vice President of Sales and Marketing; Melanie Zavodny, Vice President of Communications; Leonard Mikeska, Chief Financial Officer; Roy Vajdak, Controller. Recording Secretary—Linda Hill, Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer. OPENING OF MEETING The meeting was opened by Chair of the Board of Directors Engelke with a welcome to all. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. President/CEO Vanicek announced the meeting was primarily an informative session to bring the Board of Directors up to date on various matters. SPJST LODGE 154, FORT WORTH SPJST Lodge 154, Fort Worth members are planning to vote on the transfer of SPJST property to Sokol Fort Worth at a special called meeting on August 30. The concern is that there is no documentation in the files to support this transfer. A loan was made by SPJST Lodge 154, Fort Worth in 1975 to build a lodge hall. The lodge received the discounted rate of 5 percent interest – a savings of 3 percent – to construct the building on land which had previously been owned by Sokol but transferred to the ownership of SPJST Lodge 154, Fort Worth. David Milan will present paperwork to complete the transfer. MERGER OF LODGE 246 AND LODGE 200 Members of SPJST Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point and Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy met at the SPJST Home Office on Sunday, August 20, 2023, to discuss and to vote on the merger of their two lodges. Per SPJST ByLaws, a quorum of Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point members were present, and the vote was unanimous to merge with Lodge 200, Bruceville Eddy. Only three members of Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy were in at-
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tendance; however, those in attendance voted unanimously to have their lodge merged into Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point. While a quorum was not present for Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy, the By-Law passage – as it relates to mergers – states as follows: “The merger can become effective only if a majority of the members present of each merging lodge vote in favor of the merger.” While a quorum was not in attendance, a “majority of the members present” did in fact vote to approve the merger. President Vanicek conveyed to the assembly that before he would declare the merger valid, it would necessitate that he bring this matter to the attention of the Board of Directors for its consideration and ratification. A motion was made by Director Victorick, seconded by Director Stavinoha, to authorize the merger. Motion carried unanimously. AMERICAN FRATERNAL ALLIANCE EXECUTIVE SUMMIT President/CEO Vanicek and Director Victorick will attend the summit on September 12 to 14, 2023, in Oak Brook, Illinois. STRATEGIC PLANNING The strategic planning meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 2 and Tuesday, October 3 at the SPJST Home Office. The meeting begins on Monday at 12:30 p.m. OFFICERS’ UPDATES Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty discussed a program that identifies the status of UL policies. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska reviewed our financial projections. Controller Vajdak discussed updates in his department. Vice President of Communications Zavodny announced that the State Youth Showcase was a success. She also discussed the upcoming Convention, and the delegate count would soon be sent to lodges by Controller Vajdak. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m., with a motion by Director Davis, seconded by Director House. Motion carried. Fraternally submitted by, Linda R. Hill, Recording Secretary Leonard Mikeska, CFO —SPJST—
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Monday, October 23, 2023
VĚSTNÍK
October 2 and 3, 2023, Minutes of the Strategic Planning Meeting of SPJST Executive Committee held at the SPJST Home Office, Temple, Texas
Third Street and French Avenue in Temple will be listed for sale. TCGS has decided not to purchase the building.
PRESIDING The meeting was called to order by Chair of the Board of Directors John Engelke on Monday, October 2, 2023, at 12 p.m.
OFFICERS UPDATES Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty discussed a program that identifies the status of UL policies.
PARTICIPATING Board of Directors—Donnie Victorick - District One/Vice Chair of the Board of Directors; Jesse Pospisil - District Two; John Engelke - District Three/Chair of the Board of Directors; Bobby Davis - District Four Director; Bradley Stavinoha - District Five; Regina House - District Seven.
Chief Financial Officer Mikeska reviewed our financial projections.
Executive Officers—Brian Vanicek, President/CEO; Delisle Doherty, Vice President of Sales and Marketing; Melanie Zavodny, Vice President of Communications; Leonard Mikeska, Chief Financial Officer; Roy Vajdak, Controller. Advisory Director—Jim Therrell. Recording Secretary—Linda Hill, Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer. Home Office Staff—Brett Wheeler, Senior Accountant. OPENING OF MEETING The meeting was opened by Chair of the Board of Directors Engelke with a welcome to all followed by a blessing of the lunch meal by Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty. Director Vahalik was unable to attend meeting due to a death in her family. President/CEO Vanicek announced the meeting was primarily an informative session to bring the Board of Directors up to date on various matters. After lunch, the meeting began at 12:48 p.m. SPJST ADVISORY BOARD Jim Therrell, one of the founders of JRBT Certified Public Accountants, was welcomed to the meeting as an SPJST Advisory Board member. PARKING LOT NOTES 1. Have a class on how to read Senior Accountant Brett Wheeler’s quarterly reports. 2. Reassign members in inactive lodges or merge inactive lodges. 3. Discuss Camp Kubena. CZECH HERITAGE MUSEUM The SPJST-owned building located on the corner of
LODGE MERGERS OR REASSIGNMENTS Each Director discussed inactive lodges in their district that will either be merged with active lodges or members will be reassigned to active lodges.
Controller Vajdak introduced Rosy Rodriguez, staff accountant. He also discussed updates on his department and the budget review. Vice President of Communications Zavodny reviewed various communication and member engagement initiatives from 2023. She also presented a schedule and ideas for the upcoming Convention. State Fraternal Director Frank Horak was welcomed to the meeting. He presented information on the district, lodge, and youth program revitalization efforts.
Member Engagement news
from state fraternal director frank horak
State Fraternal Director shares November updates In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we want to reflect on the gratitude we can express towards those involved in our lives and our lodges. Did you know that November is National Gratitude Month? Gratitude is an active process of acknowledging goodness and recognizing its source. Gratitude can enhance our moods, decrease stress, and drastically improve our overall levels of health and well being. As we move into November, we are also thinking about the end of 2023 and beginning a new year.
Recess for the day was at 5:45 p.m. President/CEO Vanicek reconvened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3. Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty led an opening prayer. The Home Office staff members were welcomed to the meeting and joined the Executive Committee for breakfast tacos. QUARTERLY REPORT Senior Staff Accountant Brett Wheeler handed out and discussed the second quarterly report for review. AQS INVESTMENT REPORT Larry White and Stephen Gonzalez of AQS presented a report on SPJST investment performance. They also informed the Committee about the book yield increase from 4.37 percent to 5.37 percent since January 1, 2021. CONVENTION A motion was made by Director Pospisil, seconded by Director House, to approve a per diem of $150 for each delegate who attends the 2024 SPJST Convention. The Home Office will also cover a delegate’s hotel room (if needed) at Hilton Garden Inn in Temple, meals served at the convention, and mileage to/from Temple. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. Fraternally submitted by, Linda R. Hill, Recording Secretary Leonard Mikeska, CFO —SPJST—
Annual Calendar Does your lodge put together a yearly calendar of events for your lodge? Creating a strategic planned calendar for your lodge at the beginning of the year can help save you time, stress, and also ensure all of your events run smoothly. It will help you set realistic deadlines and help with organizing events. We will be sending our 2024 downloadable SPJST calendar to lodge officers so they can plan for the year ahead. Lodge Officer Elections Lodges will elect officers at meetings to be held in November and December. To receive the 2023 lodge incentive, your officer listing must be submitted online at spjst.org/gives by January 15, 2024. Please add this task to your lodge meeting agenda under new business. 2023 Incentives Program October marks the beginning of the fourth and final quarter of the 2023 SPJST incentive program for lodges and youth clubs. Please familiarize yourself with the guidelines necessary to qualify for the 2023 incentive. Any activity, such as meetings, outings, social events, or fundraisers must be submitted by uploading the event sign-in form, photos of the activity, and fraternal hours through the spjst.org/gives webpage. There are two informative videos available on the spjst.org/gives webpage that explain the reporting process. I highly recommend watching them. If you have further questions after viewing the videos, please contact me. I am here to help you.
VĚSTNÍK 2024 State Tournaments Scheduled All 2024 SPJST State Tournaments will be held in Temple at the SPJST Home Office for 2023. Registration fee is $30. A meal and snacks will be provided. Tournaments are: Progressive “42” Dominoes Saturday, January 13 Tarok Tournament Saturday, February 3 Straight Dominoes Saturday, March 2 Regular “42” Dominoes Saturday, April 6 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive The 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive kicked off on October 1. Donations of any amount will be accepted and added to the scholarship fund that is maintained by the Home Office. The drive will end March 31, 2024. Donations can be made online at https://spjst.org/scholarships/ or mail to SPJST 100 Pennies, PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. Youth Club Attendance Youth clubs no longer use quarterly reports for meeting attendance. Attendance is now collected by visiting spjst.org/gives webpage. Using the Youth Group Community Service Form, youth leaders should fill in the text boxes, upload photos of the event sign-in form(s), and include photos of the youth group at the meeting, outing, or social gathering. This information will be used to track youth attendance for summer camp, scholarships, and other youth programs. Additionally, it will benefit your youth club’s fraternal hours each year. All youth clubs are expected to hold face-to-face meetings. Online meetings where all members are using video conferencing tools like FaceTime or Zoom are not accepted for meeting attendance. Exceptions include situations where a member is unwell or when a member lives more than 50 miles from the meeting location. 2024 SPJST Youth Activities Currently, we are in the process of compiling information to keep leaders and parents informed about the 2024 youth program. Watch for updates coming soon. Please make note of a couple of important dates for your calendar:
Monday, October 23, 2023 Summer Camp Wednesday, June 19 to Sunday, June 23 Youth Showcase in Temple Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27 The Youth Showcase will remain largely unchanged with minor adjustments in some of the categories.
campkubena.com to register a vehicle for the show or to sign up as a vendor. We hope to see you there. We are also seeking sponsorships for the event. If your lodge would like to help sponsor the event, please give me a call. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to see you on November 4 at Camp
October to December State Project: Socks For Seniors For October through December, we have our fourth quarter state charity project: Socks for Seniors. This drive is called “Socks for Seniors,” however, actual socks do not have to be collected. We ask that you partner with a senior home, organization, or local shut-ins. Contact them for specific needs. Note that needs may range from socks, warm clothing, blankets, toiletry items, gifts, etc. This initiative continues through December 31. SPJST lodges, youth clubs, and members are invited to participate. Photograph your donations with the donors. Submit your photo and information at spjst.org/gives and share on social media using #spjstgives. Please be aware that some homes/facilities may not permit visitors for various reasons. If this is the case, take your group photo outside by the facility’s sign or by the front door. Monthly Caring Challenges The November Monthly Caring Challenge is making a thankfulness paper chain. SPJST youth clubs, lodges, and members are invited to participate by taking slips of paper and writing down something you are thankful for on each slip of paper. Make as many as you can! Connect the papers together to make a chain by using glue, tape, or staples. See how long your chain of thankfulness is! Take photos of your completed chain and submit them at spjst.org/gives in the online form Monthly Caring Challenges. Share them on social media, too, using #spjstgives. Cars & Guitars is November 4 at Camp Kubena Cars & Guitars is coming up on Saturday, November 4 at Camp Kubena, located at 2001 Waldeck Road in Ledbetter. The event will feature classic cars, music, food, arts/crafts vendors, kids’ activities, and family fun. Visit
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Kubena. It’s a great opportunity to check out this beautiful facility if you have never visited, too! Fraternally, Frank Horak State Fraternal Director —SPJST—
From the Desk of Delisle L. Doherty SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing
It’s Your Life
Good Advice Taken from Daily Insights with Zig Ziglar
O
ur immediate and natural instinct is to trust what we can see, touch, and feel and to rely on our ability to figure out solutions to any problem. When the chips are down, we “lean” on our ability to analyze situations and figure out what to do next. In fact, many of us become obsessed with figuring out what to do when times are tough. We call it “worry.” We can’t concentrate on the job in front of us because we’re still thinking about the problem, situation, or comment that absorbs our minds. We can’t sleep because we revisit our fears and our plans over and over again. We create scenarios and weigh options. We try to imagine others’ responses, and our fears compound. Leaning on our own understanding may not seem like a bad thing (after all, God gave us our minds), but hours, days, and weeks of endless analysis, confusion, and self-doubt can dominate our lives.
Our instinct, though, is flawed and limited. Another source of wisdom is far superior to our ability to figure things out. We are connected with the God of the universe. The One who knows all, sees all, and is powerfully able to accomplish anything He desires. The more we grasp this fundamental fact of Christian faith, the more we learn to overcome our instincts and trust in an unseen but allseeing God. Think of your experience and see the difference between leaning on your own or understanding and trusting in God. “I find the doing of the will of God leaves me no time for disputing about His plans.” —George McDonald My door is always open; figuratively and literally. Stay blessed, Delisle L. Doherty Vice President of Sales and Marketing 832-232-2049 —SPJST—
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Monday, October 23, 2023
SPJST LODGE SECTION
VĚSTNÍK 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
Lodge 1, Fayetteville invites all to Nov. 2 turkey, dressing drive-thru plate fundraiser Dear Members and Friends, Fall is in the air! Cooler temps just in time for turkey and dressing. Lodge 1, Fayetteville is ready to serve you! Czech it out! SPJST Lodge 1, Fayetteville invites you to a turkey and dressing and all the trimmings to go dinner on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the SPJST Hall in Fayetteville. The drive-thru only meal is catered by Peters’ BBQ. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $15 per plate. Tickets are available at Fayetteville Bank, Fayetteville Store, Circle C General Store, Peters’ BBQ (Ellinger), Orsak’s Cafe,
Industry State Bank in Industry or call 979-966-3515. Fraternally, Sharon Fritsch President —SPJST—
Lodge 4, Hallettsville meets November 12 Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville will meet Sunday, November 12, 2023, at the Chamber Meeting Room at 3 p.m. Officers and a delegate to the state convention will be elected. Dates for next year’s meetings will also be discussed. The fourth quarter state project is Socks for Seniors. Members are encour-
Lodge 6, Cottonwood Cares: Members pay a visit to longstanding member
Lodge 6, Cottonwood member Mary Neckar, center, was the recipient of our act of kindness. Jeanette Beseda, left, and Patti Rosales stopped in to visit with her, bringing her a pretty ivy plant and cupcakes. Mary is a longtime Lodge 6 member, volunteering many hours for hall rentals and lodge events. We wish Mary good health and happiness.
aged to bring a donation to the meeting. Final plans will be made for our Christmas party on Sunday, December 10. FAC Annie Vahalik will have an activity for us, and door prizes will be given. Lunch will be served as usual. We hope to see you there!^ Fraternally, Patsy Zabransky, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 6, Cottonwood to elect officers at Nov. 5 meeting President Don Urbanovsky called the October meeting of Lodge 6, Cottonwood to order at 7 p.m. on Friday evening, September 29, 2023. All officers were present except Vice President James Nemec. All attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the SPJST Pledge, followed by a moment of silence for departed members. Flag Bearer Sister Irene Peterson reported 16 members and one guest in attendance. The minutes of the last meeting were read by Secretary Sister Barbara Hykel, and minutes were approved by membership. Treasurer Sister Peggy Dobecka provided the treasurer’s report, and it was approved as given. Sister Jeanette Beseda provided the fraternal report. Currently, our lodge’s focus will be performing acts of kindness. October is Czech Heritage Month in Texas, and lodge members discussed the various celebrations that will be held. Sister Jeanette reported that Cars & Guitars is planned for Saturday, November 4 at Camp Kubena. A brief discussion was held regarding Socks for Seniors as our charitable focus for December. Correspondence Secretary Sister Barbara reported that a get well card was mailed to Terry Hykel. Sister Barbara received notification of a new adult Lodge 6 membership issued to Kerry Max Horton. Members present welcomed him to Lodge 6 membership by unanimous vote of approval. Hall Manager Sister Peggy provided information on the lodge bookings for October. See the last section of this Vestnik to review the upcoming events. Youth Leader Sister Peggy informed membership the youth club will have a drawing at the Lodge 6 Christmas party
to benefit the West Kiwanis Toy Drive. Under old business, Brother Don provided an updated report on Lodge 6’s participation in Westfest. The project of leveling the lodge flooring is still in the works. Under new business, members discussed the upcoming meeting in November which will include election of Lodge 6 officers. All members are encouraged to attend. Hall Manager Sister Peggy reported a change in dumpster rental/trash disposal with a contract from New Frontier disposal services. Sister Patti Rosales and her husband Ray were congratulated on their 44th wedding anniversary. Attendance door prizes were awarded to Brother Bobby Dobecka, Sister Pam Urbanovsky, and Sister Courtney McGuire. Next Meeting—November 5 The next Lodge 6 meeting will be held on Sunday, November 5 at 2 p.m. A lunch prepared by Sister Jeanette and Sister Patti will be served at 12:30 p.m.
Lodge 17, New Tabor welcomes Lydia Skrabanek Lodge 17, New Tabor welcomed new member Miss Lydia Rae Skrabanek to her first SPJST meeting. Lydia is the daughter of Kyle and Mikaela Skrabanek and the granddaughter of Gary and Susan Skrabanek and Carl and Rae Pyron of Tuscola. Lydia is a sixth generation Lodge 17 member (PJ Trcalek, BK Trcalek, Willie Trcalek, Susan Trcalek Skrabanek, Kyle Skrabanek, Lydia Skrabanek). She is pictured with her proud grandmother, Susan, and her father, Kyle.
VĚSTNÍK A trustees meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m., just prior to the lodge meeting. We hope to see you all at Cottonwood Hall! Respectfully, Patti Rosales, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 8, Weimar meets November 27 SPJST Weimar, Lodge 8 will have its next meeting and lunch on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 12 noon at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant in Schulenburg. At this meeting, it will be time to elect officers and our delegate to the convention in Temple next year. Please remember our charity project, which is socks for seniors. These socks will go to area nursing facilities. This can be any kind of socks—ankle, calf, quarter, etc. Looking forward to seeing you at this meeting. Have a very blessed Thanks-
Executive Committee hosts 2024 Strategic Planning Meeting
SPJST Senior Accountant Brett Wheeler explains a statement of operations analysis summary to the Executive Committee during its 2024 strategic planning session held October 2 and 3, 2023, at the SPJST Home Office in Temple.
Monday, October 23, 2023 giving. We pray this finds everybody okay. Take care, God Bless, be safe. Carolyn M. Tobola Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—
Lodge 9, Snook greets community during National Night Out
Heritage Month in Texas, and the youth will be giving cookies to the local law enforcement and the six schools attended by our youth members. Under old business, we discussed District One Fall Fun Day which will be held at our lodge hall on Sunday, October 22 at 3 p.m. The event will include a trunk-or-treat for kids with other
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events for adults. We will provide a meal. We also discussed the parking lot and the lodge sign to be put up. Susan reported that the lodge purchased a project at the Burleson County Fair from youth member Abigail Lopez. She was also able to bid on numerous projects at the fair. Under new business, we discussed
The October 3, 2023, meeting of SPJST Lodge 9, Snook was held at Snook City Park during National Night Out. We greeted the community and discussed the many opportunities that SPJST has to offer. Donnie Victorick gave an explanation of SPJST on stage for all to hear and enjoy. It was a great night visiting with the community. Next Meeting—November 1 The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1 at the hall. Fraternally, Hannah Kovar, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 17, New Tabor plans Dec. 3 Christmas social, memorial service The Lodge 17, New Tabor meeting was held on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 2 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Randy Gaas. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Madelynn Bammel, 2023 Little Miss SPJST. Lodge Secretary Betty Suehs read the minutes from the September meeting. Minutes were approved as read. Treasurer Susan Skrabanek gave her report. Correspondence included a thank you card from Zara Langwell thanking us for the donation for the Kolache Festival bake show. Zara is from Milano and was the Grand Champion in the youth division at the 2023 Kolache Festival. Susan Skrabanek gave the hall report and stated the hall is rented every weekend in October and December. Youth Leader/FAC Holly Narro gave her reports. Our youth had a great time on the SPJST Float at the fair parade, and grandparents day/youth banquet was well attended. The youth danced at the Kolache Festival. October is Czech
The City of Temple proclaimed October 2023 as Czech Heritage Month at its October 5 City Council meeting. Mayor Timothy A. Davis presented a proclamation to SPJST Controller Roy Vajdak.
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Monday, October 23, 2023
the annual Christmas social and memorial service which will be held on Sunday, December 3. Susan will contact the caterer and get us on his schedule. We welcomed new member Miss Lydia Rae Skrabanek to her first SPJST meeting. Lydia is the daughter of Kyle and Mikaela Skrabanek and the granddaughter of Gary and Susan Skrabanek and Carl and Rae Pyron of Tuscola. Lydia is a sixth generation Lodge 17 SPJST member (PJ Trcalek, BK Trcalek, Willie Trcalek, Susan Trcalek Skrabanek, Kyle Skrabanek, Lydia Skrabanek). Fraternally, Kyle Skrabanek, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 20, Granger sets Nov. 11 tarok tournament Join us at SPJST Lodge 20, Granger for a tarok tournament on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Cost is $30 per player with lunch and snacks provided. Registration is from 8 to 8:45 a.m. Play begins at 9 a.m. Six one-hour rounds will be played. Top four will receive a payout. For more information, contact Jvonne Elwood at 512-753-9119 or email jvonne.lalla@gmail.com. Jvonne Elwood, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 29, Taylor elects 2024 officers, convention delegates Lodge 29, Taylor met on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, for its first bi-monthly meeting. Jesse Pospisil called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for the military serving our country. All officers were present. The August minutes were read and approved. Tammy gave the treasurer’s report. Linda read a thank you note from Lyn Rieger. She also read a thank you from Thrall Elementary School for our donation. On November 4, Cars and Guitars will be held at Camp Kubena. Jesse Pospisil discussed the barbecue
VĚSTNÍK appreciation dinner for sponsors held in August. There were 83 in attendance. He thanked all the people involved in preparing the meal. The barbecue cookoff on September 30 was a success. We had 66 cookers. Jesse thanked everyone who worked at the barbecue cook-off. On October 28, there will be a medical benefit for Wayne Ging. Gary Johle made a motion to donate $500 to the benefit, and Kevin Carr seconded. The motion passed. There will be a meal, silent auction, and live auction. Tickets are available for sale at Lodge 29. Any donations for the auctions are appreciated. Craig Zimmerhanzel requested to be transferred to Lodge 29. Gary Johle made a motion to approve his transfer, and Leonard Kaderka seconded the motion. The motion passed. Albin Machu signed up new member, Laura Belle
Gheer, the granddaughter of Wayne and Connie Voigt. Tammy Cannon made a motion to accept the new member, and Frankie Pustejovsky seconded. The motion passed. Officers for the 2024 year were elected. They are: President Adolph Grieger Secretary/Reporter/FAC Linda Pospisil Treasurer Tammy Cannon Scott Kaderka and Mike Girod were reelected to the Property Committee for the years 2024 to 2026. Convention delegates were also elected. They are Jesse Pospisil, Linda Pospisil, Tammy Cannon, Adolph Grieger, and Frankie Pustejovsky. Cristy Girod is an alternate. Members celebrating birthdays in September are Paul, Daniel, and Mat-
SPJST WELCOMES NEW SALES AGENT BOB HOPPER SPJST is pleased to introduce Bob Hopper, who has recently joined our team as a sales agent. Bob is a member of SPJST Lodge 177, Academy. Bob Hopper is a native Texan and has served in the financial services industry for more than 40 years. Bob has worked in various leadership capacities among the public, private, and education sectors, including University of Texas, Edward Jones, Equitable, and Central Texas Christian School as its chief financial officer. While Bob is currently enjoying semi-retirement, he remains passionate about assisting families in planning for their financial future. Beyond his professional commitments, he is an active member of Western Hills Church of Christ, actively contributing to the community efforts of the church. Additionally, he serves as a mentor through the Temple ISD program, where he continues to make a positive impact on the lives of local students. Bob enjoys traveling Texas with Lina, his bride of 42 years.
BOB HOPPER 512-966-0205 bhopp2000@yahoo.com The couple has grown twins and enjoys spending time with their wonderful grandson, Bennett. SPJST warmly welcomes Bob Hopper to our team and eagerly anticipates the contributions he will make to our organization. We are thrilled to have him on board as a valued member of our dedicated team. —SPJST—
thew Pasemann. Members celebrating birthdays in October include Mary Jane Pustejovsky, Adolph Grieger, Terry Skrhak, Collin Whatley, Adam Jezisek, Wyatt Leschber, Betty Carpenter, and Loretta Tate. Wedding anniversaries celebrated in September are Mike and Cristy Girod and Albin and Elaine Machu. Scott and Sarah Kaderka furnished door prizes. Jesse and Linda volunteered to bring door prizes next month. The meeting was then adjourned. Next Meeting—December 13 The next meeting will be on Wednesday, December 13 at 6:30 p.m. Fraternally submitted, Linda Pospisil Secretary/Reporter/FAC —SPJST—
Lodge 32, Victoria meets November 9 The next meeting will be Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at Grapevine Café, 6404 Nursery Drive in Victoria. We are collecting socks of all sizes – male and female for our project. Tuesday, December 5 at 6 p.m. is our Christmas party at the Sky Restaurant at the airport. We will need a head count by November 28. Lodge 32 has made a $200 donation to Affectionate Arms. This is a senior day care, and they are so appreciative of everything they receive. We have also donated a $15,000 endowment to Victoria College. I love this cool weather – too many three-digit temps for too many days! We’ve had some rain, but certainly not enough. We hope to see you on November 9. Fraternally, Kathy Ahlstrom Reporter/FAC
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Monday, October 23, 2023 —SPJST—
Lodge 39, Bryan plans Dec. 8 Christmas caroling event Lodge 39, Bryan members met Wednesday, September 20, 2023. We had a great meal before the meeting. The meeting was called to order at 1 p.m. by President Omer Everett. All reports were given and approved. Old business was the sale of the property, the smooth transaction, and quick sale. Thanks to all on the sales committee for coming to the special called meeting in June to approve the sale. We all will miss the small lodge. We have so many great memories there with family and friends where we held our meetings for so many years. Under new business, lodge secretary Shirley Vytopil resigned from her duties. She did such a great job for so many years. We wish her good luck, and we will see you at our regular meetings. We voted, and it was approved that Mynde
Matejka Kessler will be lodge new secretary starting at this meeting. Welcome, Mynde. Oh, she is also the Lodge 39 Sales Agent. Please give her a call if you need insurance or annuities or to make changes to your policies. We discussed our upcoming December meeting. We are hoping to meet at Lampstand Nursing Home in Bryan off 29th Street for Christmas caroling. Binnie Roesler will call to make the arrangements. After no other business, the meeting was adjourned. Thanks to all for attending. Update Everything is set for our December nursing home visit. We will meet at 5 p.m. and start singing at 5:30 p.m. Please come join the lodge on Friday, December 8 at 5 p.m. at Lampstand Nursing Home off 29th Street. Sincerely, Binnie Matejka Roesler Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje hires realtor to handle sale of hall SPJST Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje met on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at the lodge hall at 12 noon. We would like to thank all members and guests who attended this very important meeting. President Cathy Garcia called the meeting to order. She led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. A prayer was said in memory of our departed and sick SPJST members. President Cathy discussed the sale of El Campo-Hillje SPJST Hall. We would like to thank hall committee members – Linda Henderson, Cathy Garcia, Rose Pikert, Kate Manrriquez, Jennifer Rubesch Higgins, Bennie Rek, Sky Garcia, Debbie Sczech, and District Six Director Annie Vahalik. These committee members worked very hard in choosing the realtor who will put the sale of the hall and property on the market. Thank
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you all for your hard work! President Garcia announced the new members who joined our SPJST Lodge 40. A motion was made to accept these new members, with a second. All of the members present voted to accept the new members into our lodge. President Cathy also announced that two members transferred to our lodge. A member made a motion, with a second, to accept the transferred members into our lodge. All of the members raised their hands to accept these two transferred members into our lodge as members. Old business and new business was discussed. We want to thank everyone who brought school supplies for the back-to-school supply drive. It is so much appreciated by our lodge. The school supplies will be delivered and given to a local school in El Campo Myatt Elementary. Next Meeting—December 3 The next meeting of SPJST Lodge, 40, El Campo-Hillje will be Sunday, December 3 at 1:30 p.m. at Mikeska’s BBQ
LODGE 18, ELGIN SITE OF ELGIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ARABIAN NIGHT AWARDS BANQUET SPJST Lodge 18, Elgin was the site of Elgin Chamber of Commerce Arabian Night Awards Banquet on Saturday, September 23, 2023. During the event, awards were presented in several categories, highlighting the best businesses and professionals of the year.
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Monday, October 23, 2023
off Highway 59 in El Campo. We are urging all members to please attend this very, very important meeting because we will be having election of officers for the 2024 year. Please mark this very important meeting date on your calendar. We would love to see all of you at Mikeska’s BBQ banquet room off Highway 59 in El Campo. We would like to thank the special guests who attended our meeting – Director Vahalik and husband Philip, and District One Director/Board Vice Chair Donnie Victorick for traveling a long distance to attend our meeting. We would like to thank all of the members and guests who attended our meeting. President Cathy Garcia adjourned the meeting. Ardis Bacak —SPJST—
Lodge 54, West reports on September meeting The meeting of SPJST Lodge 54, West was held at St. Joseph Hall on Friday, September 8, 2023. The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by President Freddie Kaluza. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Kaluza followed by a moment of silence in memory of all departed members from our lodge who have passed away since our last meeting, especially Frankye Mae Mikeska and Alfred “Freddie” Pavlas and for our sick members Jan Vaculik and JayDean Willis. All of officers and sales agents were present, and we had nine members and guests in attendance for the meeting.
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Lodge 28, East Bernard and East Bernard 4-H Join Forces to Display 90 US Flags on Highway 90
East Bernard 4-H had a project to display 90 United States flags on Highway 90 in East Bernard for various patriotic events/holidays. The community businesses and individuals contributed enough money to buy 90 Unites States flags and flag holders. Pictured above, SPJST Lodge 28, East Bernard President Glenn Kaminsky, center, presents a check to 4-H President Madelyn Corder and members of the 4-H Club to help buy the 90 flags for East Bernard. Lodge 28 is proud to support the youth in East Bernard and surrounding communities.
Since we deferred the reading of the minutes and treasurer’s report for the March 3 meeting at the June 2 meeting to honor our 50-year and 75-year members, both reports were given at this meeting. The minutes of the March 3 meeting were read by Janice Kaluza. Marcela Vaculik made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Terry Sefcik, and the motion passed. The minutes of the June 1 meeting were read by Janice Kaluza. Jon Vaculik made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Linda Kaluza, and the motion passed.
FAC Linda Kaluza gave a report to let everyone know that scholarship applications will soon be available at spjst.org through January 2024, and the deadline to apply for an SPJST Scholarship is February 1. The guidelines to apply for this scholarship is for high school graduates and undergraduates, and you have to be a member of SPJST to receive a scholarship. Linda let everyone know of upcoming events including the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive, Camp Kubena in 2024, and the Czech holiday tour from November 29
to December 11. Linda also let the members know that more is required in the paperwork of getting volunteer hours in for the incentive and all need to be vigilant in keeping up with the reports every quarter. Janice Kaluza made a motion to accept the FAC report, and Mary Lou seconded the motion. Motion passed. The treasurer’s report was presented by Mary Lou Mynar. Janice made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report for the June 2 meeting, and Terry Sefcik seconded the motion. Motion passed. Terry Sefcik made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report for the September 8 meeting, and Janice Kaluza seconded the motion. Motion passed. Vice President Wilburn Willis wanted to recognize member Jerry Kadlubar’s niece, Allie Kadlubar with KWTX, who promotes West on her station quite often. He also wanted all the members to keep his wife and our member, JayDean Willis, in our prayers as she will be getting some test results back on Monday pertaining to her cancer and future treatments. In new business, we received two surrenders and a death claim for Jimmy Chupik. Our upcoming Christmas party will be on Sunday, December 3 at Tours Hall starting at 3 p.m. The lodge was organized on December 4, 1904, so this will be our 119th anniversary. The Home Office will be printing our invitations and sending them out for us. The Junior Historians will dance at 3:30 p.m. followed by a fried chicken dinner catered by Eddie Ray’s for all the guests starting at 4:30 p.m. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elf are expected to arrive at 5:30 p.m. to visit with all the children, hand out
Lodge 28, East Bernard honors milestone members
Sunday, September 10, 2028 • Wharton County Library Meeting Room • Submitted by Mary Jo Salinas, Sales Agent
On Sunday, September 10, 2023, Lodge 28, East Bernard recognized its Milestone Members (50- and 75-years). They were presented with a lovely cake in their honor. LEFT PHOTO: Pictured are the Lodge 28 officers along with the special guests. From left are Lodge 28 President Glenn Kaminsky, 75-year Milestone Member Gene Hruzek, Treasurer
Anton Kelner, guest Judy Hruzek, Secretary/FAC/Reporter Helen Kelner, and Vice President Jeanette Kaminsky. RIGHT PHOTO: Enjoying the social visit and a delicious chicken fried steak meal with dessert are, left to right, Johnnie Jochec, Anton Salinas, and SPJST Sales Agent Mary Jo Salinas.
VĚSTNÍK goody bags, and take pictures with them. Before all guests leave, there will be several cash prize drawings with $800 total given out for adults and $200 total for the children. Marvin Cepak will play the accordion for our afternoon entertainment. Janice Kaluza made a motion to withdraw $5,000 from the Lodge Management Account to help in covering the expenses of the Christmas party and for the year 2024. Marcela Vaculik seconded the motion. Motion passed. A letter was read from Marcela Vaculik in helping with gas and food expenses for travel so she could visit her husband Jan in a long term care facility. Freddie and Janice Kaluza also requested they receive some postage in helping to send out letters to many of the orphan members to make updates to their policies and see if any further insurance is needed. The audit committee was reminded about auditing the books before the next meeting. We will also be having our election of new officers at the next meeting held in November and vote on all of our annual donations to the community. Janice Kaluza made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Terry Sefcik. Motion passed. Door prizes were given away by the lodge to Jon Vaculik and Marcela Vaculik each receiving $20. A cake was brought for our birthdays since the last meeting. Our birthday honorees were Marcela Vaculik and Janice Kaluza. Janice Kaluza led a prayer in English, and Marcela Vaculik led a beautiful prayer in Czech. All then enjoyed food and fellowship. Next Meeting—November 3 The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 3 at St. Joseph Hall
Monday, October 23, 2023
Lodge 32, Victoria gives $15,000 endowment to victoria college foundation SPJST Lodge 32, Victoria contributed a $15,000 endowment to Victoria College Foundation. Development Director Advancement Susan Prukop is pictured accepting the endowment check from Lodge 32 President Mark Lester. —Kathy Ahlstrom FAC/Reporter
where we will elect officers for 2024. We hope to see more of our members in attendance. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. –1 John 4:16 Fraternally, Janice Kaluza, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 63, Sweet Home meets Nov. 12 Lodge 63, Sweet Home will hold its quarterly meeting and social on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Tobola’s Party House beginning at 11 a.m. A short business meeting will be followed with an appreciation dinner of fried chicken and trimmings. Anyone wishing to bring
Lodge 32, Victoria supports adult day heath care SPJST Lodge 32, Victoria President Mark Lester presents a $200 donation to Affectionate Arms Adult Day Health Care Center in Victoria. Accepting the check is Facility Director Mary Garcia. —Kathy Ahlstrom FAC/Reporter
something for dessert is encouraged to do so. This will be our last meeting of the year so officers will be elected, and committees will be assigned. Tobola’s Party House is located on FM 531 going into Sweet Home, close to the US Highway 77A intersection. Come out to meet with family and friends, and enjoy a free meal! Fraternally, Elaine Berkovsky, FAC —SPJST—
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Brother Ronald had taken last month’s donation out to the World Hunger Relief Farm. Brother Douglas gave a member’s report. State Fraternal Director Frank Horak wanted to thank all of the DYCs, parents, lodge members, and youth for a wonderful State Youth Showcase. There is a State Youth Showcase webpage if you would like to see the results. Brother John Engelke mentioned that the next Night at the Museum will be October 12. Saturday, October 21 is a special event at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange. There was a discussion about the dissolution of some of the inactive lodges around the state. Sister Dana then gave a youth club report. The youth met at 2 p.m. on September 10 at Richland Mall in Waco. Eight youth members, one youth visitor, and four adults were present. All officers were present. The youth spent over two hours creating gifts for Grandparents Day, making thank you cards for the acts of kindness activity, and making “I am thankful for” chain slips. Then the youth split up into groups and distributed their thank you cards to random mall employees. The thank you cards overwhelmed
Lodge 66, Waco members hear about youth club’s generous activities The September meeting of Lodge 66, Waco, was called to order by President Douglas Galler at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 25, 2023, at St. Paul’s Church in Bellmead. All officers, nine members, and five guests were present. Sister Diana Engelke made a motion to accept the minutes from the last meeting as printed in the Vestnik. The motion, seconded by Brother Michael Galler, passed. In correspondence, Sister Dana McAdams had received two requests for transfers into our lodge. Sister Diana made a motion that we accept both transfers, and the motion was seconded by Brother Ronald Neumann. The motion was passed. Our two new members are Richard H. Bartosh, a transfer from Lodge 167, Penelope, and Rita Annette Mozee from Lodge 182, Falls County. Welcome, new members! Sister Diana had received a thank you note from TriCities Ministry, and
Lodge 38, Kovar member celebrates birthday Allen Lastovica celebrated his 40th birthday with family and friends recently. Allen is pictured in front with his mom, Rose Lastovica. In back, left to right, are Dorothy Lastovica Ethan, Matt, and Sheri Holder, and John Lastovica. They are all members of SPJST Lodge 38, Kovar.
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Monday, October 23, 2023
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beverly teplicek of Lodge 49, Rowena recognized with award for preservation of runnels county history Lodge 80, Holland hosts Nov. 14 holiday meeting
The annual award dinner of the Runnels County Historical Commission was held recently at Ballinger’s Acapulco Restaurant. Beverly welcomed the attendees and initiated introductions, followed by a prayer led by Dale Duggan. Randall Conner then led the flag pledges, and after a delicious meal, Linda Duggan had the honor of presenting Beverly Teplicek with the “Annual Award for the Outstanding Preservation of Runnels County History.” Beverly is a member of SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena.
many of the mall workers. Several of the workers became emotional, and the youth handled the situations very well. I am extremely proud of all of them and especially the few who are extremely shy and anxious around strangers. The youth voted to visit the Gholson Volunteer Fire Department as another random act of kindness. Each youth will bake or help to create a treat for the firefighters. The youth then voted to go to Six Flags on Sunday, September 17. The youth will meet at the main gate at noon. Levi McAdams was the only September birthday celebrant, and the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Everyone then enjoyed pizza at Peter Piper Pizza in Waco. Sister Dana passed around a hand colored Psalm verse for the grandparents to choose from in honor of Grandparents Day, which was September 10. Sister Diana then gave a treasurer’s report. In old/previous business, there was discussion about what to do with our “I am thankful for” chain garland. Sister Diana said that she will ask the St. Paul’s Youth if we can hang it in their youth room. In new business, there was discussion about election of officers and delegates at the November meeting. Suggestions for the September donation were Good Fellows and St. Paul’s Fall Festival. Brother Ronald made a motion to give to St. Paul’s for their Fall Festival on November 5. The motion was seconded by Brother John and passed. The next meeting will be October 23
at 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Bellmead. There were two September birthdays at today’s meeting – Diana Engelke and Hannah Galler. Today’s door prize was won by Brother Michael Galler and the 100 percent pot of $5 was won by Brother Jodie McAdams, Sr. Brother Ronald made a motion to adjourn which was seconded by Brother Jodie, Sr. The meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Dana McAdams Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 67, Schulenburg shares meeting details, Christmas party plans Members of Lodge 67, Schulenburg held their quarterly meeting at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant on Friday, October 13, 2023. A buffet lunch was enjoyed by all in attendance. The main agenda item was planning for the annual Christmas party. It was decided to hold the Christmas party at Oakridge Restaurant on Thursday, December 7. Members in attendance were Ernest and Mary Ann Kutac, Elmer and Arline Ulrich, and Adrienne Kobza. Adrienne Kobza, FAC —SPJST—
Lodge 80, Holland will meet on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. for its annual business and holiday meeting. The event will be held at The Hall, located at 12141 east FM 2268 in Holland. Officers will be elected and installed. Come enjoy the meal of chicken fried steak catered by Oscar Store. Please send your reservations to Rita Spinn at rita@hot.rr.com or call/text 254-760-6427. Hope to see you in November! Rita Spinn, President —SPJST—
Lodge 81, Needville reports on October meeting Lodge 81, Needville met at 12 noon on Sunday, October 15, 2023. After a prayer of thanks by President Vincent Newman, everyone enjoyed a meal of sausage and sauerkraut picked up by Bradley Stavinoha and provided by the lodge. I would like to thank Willie Mae Kuykendall for getting everything ready for us. The members provided other side dishes and desserts. At 1 p.m., President Vincent Newman called the meeting to order. Bradley Stavinoha led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers answered the roll call except Special Funds Chair Marion Morales. Continued on our sick list is Shirley Pavlock. Our wishes go out to her for a speedy recovery. Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall read her report. It was approved as read. Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha read his report, and it was approved as read. Since Special Funds Chair Marion Morales wasn’t present, his report will have to be read at the November meeting. Under old business, Karen Hargraves mentioned that the youth participated in Czechfest at Lodge 88, Houston. The
youth are doing a great job of being present at special events such as this. Under new business, we were reminded that next month, we will elect officers. Also under new business, Bradley Stavinoha asked permission to take over Marion Morales’ special funds account since Marion isn’t able to attend our meetings. Marion Morales will still remain the hall manager. Under other business, Karen Hargraves mentioned doing the trivia night in Sugar Land. It will be held on October 20 at Meadows Place. Also under other business, Shirley Myers, representing the Czech Heritage Society, asked if SPJST Lodge 81 would be willing to donate a gift card for the Czech heritage organization. It was made into a motion and passed. Next Meeting—November 19 For the meal at the next meeting on November 19, we decided to have honey-baked ham that will be provided by the lodge. Door prizes were won by Calvin Lamensky, Pam LaBay, Clarence Myers, and Karen Hargraves. Congratulations to our lucky winners! See you at the next meeting. Fraternally, Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 66, Waco honors September birthdays Happy birthday to Hannah Galler, left, and Diana Engelke. They were recognized at the September meeting of Lodge 66, Waco. —Dana McAdams Secretary/Reporter
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Monday, October 23, 2023
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september meeting Scenes from lodge 54, west
Friday, September 8, 2023 • Submitted byJanice Kaluza, Secretary
Lodge 84, Dallas meets November 12 Dear Members, As the time for our November meeting approaches, we’d like to thank our Lodge 84, Dallas members for their ongoing support. We hope you can attend this monthly meeting and celebration, which is scheduled for Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 4 p.m. Please contact President Vicki Petr Sims no later than Thursday, November 1 at 214-7630341 for further information. Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston announces upcoming dates, events
Fab 5—December 1 Fab 5 will play on Friday, December 1 from 8 to 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door. Children’s tickets should be purchased at the door. Mark Halata and Texavia— New Year’s Eve Mark Halata and Texavia will play on New Year’s Eve - Sunday, December 31 from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tickets are $35 online and $40 at the door and include party favors, photo ops, champagne toast, and breakfast. Fraternally, Aaron Rigamonti President —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston scholarship applications available now through February 28 The scholarship application for seniors graduating in 2024 is now available on the Lodge 88, Houston website lodge88.org. The scholarship is open to any lodge member going to a university, college, or trade school. Please encourage your senior to apply. Applications are due February 28, 2024.^ Carol Havemann Scholarship Committee —SPJST—
Lodge 67, schulenburg members plan december 7 christmas party
Lodge Campout—November 4 The annual Lodge Campout is Saturday, November 4. Want more details? There aren’t many really. Come out. Bring your tent, snacks, whatever. The bar will be open until a reasonable hour. No charge or RSVP. Yep, you can bring some guests. Music, Music, Music Add these dates to your calendars and plan to join us at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, 1435 Beall Street in Houston. Red Ravens—November 11 Red Ravens will play on Saturday, November 11 from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $10 online and $15 at the door. Children’s tickets should be purchased at the door. Past and active military should bring their ID for discounts.
Members of Lodge 67, Schulenburg met at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant on Friday, October 13, 2023. A buffet lunch was enjoyed by all. The lodge is planning its Christmas party for December 7 at Oakridge Restaurant. Pictured are Ernest and Mary Ann Kutac, Elmer and Arline Ulrich, and Adrienne Kobza.
Lodge 91, San Jacinto reports on September meeting Lodge 91, San Jacinto held its third quarterly meeting on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Crosby Dairy Queen. All officers and three members were present. Also present were Sales Agent Tommy Ganaway and District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha. The meeting was called to order by President Kathleen Munsch. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a short moment of silence was held for the victims of 9/11. Minutes were read by Secretary Vonda Smesny, and the treasurer’s report was given by Treasurer Marie Stasney. A motion was made by Kathleen Munsch and seconded by Frankie Brewer to approve the minutes and treasurer’s report. Motion carried. Director Stavinoha shared information about the upcoming Czech Fest at Lodge 88, Houston on October 14, and Tommy Ganaway give some information regarding sales. Marie Stasney read a thank you letter for the $100 gift donated to Gigi’s Playhouse, a Down’s syndrome organization. The fourth quarterly meeting will be held on December 9. Location and time will be posted in the Vestnik. A motion was made by Kathleen Munsch, seconded by Frankie Brewer, to adjourn the meeting at 12 p.m. Motion carried. Everyone enjoyed a short social. Malba Smesny, FAC —SPJST—
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Monday, October 23, 2023
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Lodge 80, Holland honors Czech Heritage Month at October 12 Bingo
On Thursday, October 12, 2023, Czech heritage was recognized and celebrated during bingo hosted by SPJST Lodge 80, Holland at The Hall on 2268. Charming Czech polkas were played over the speaker system before the games began. All the patrons were treated to delicious pastries since Czechs are known for excellent gustatory delights! After all the pa-
Lodge 92, Fort Worth’s National Hall: site of Cowtown Birthplace of Western Swing Festival November 9 to 11 From birthplaceofwesternswing.com
Emil Kutra of Lodge 142 celebrates 101st birthday
In support of September’s Caring Challenge . . . Mary Jane Hue attended the breakfast and birthday party for our friend and Lodge 142, Houston member Emil Kutra on his 101st birthday. Happy birthday, Emil! —Pat Schleider, FAC
SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth was organized on September 4, 1910, in the Fort Worth home of Frank Paprskar. At the time the lodge was organized, all the business was conducted in the Czech language. With the establishment of Armour and Company and Swift and Company packing plants in 1903, a large number of Czech families migrated to the north side of Fort Worth in search of employment. During a Czech social gathering at the home of John Krivanek, Mr. Frank Paprskar presented the idea to organize a local SPJST lodge. With the help of John Krivanek, he explained all he knew about SPJST (Slovanska Podporudici Jednota Statu Texas - Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas) and asked those interested to sign up as charter members. The first to sign was Bohumil Carboch followed by Josef Juran, Rudolf Koci, Vaclav Cihacek, Vaclav Becan, Frank Zacek, Arnost Valka, Anna Paprskar, and Anna Becan. The necessary paperwork was sent to the Home Office in Fayetteville, Texas, and Lodge 84, Dallas assisted in the dedication of the new Lodge 92, Fort Worth. After the initiation, the following officers were elected: President Josef Juran, Vice President Bohumil Carboch,
trons received numbered tickets, several lucky patrons won a Slovacek sausage! Pictured here are the winners with Lodge 80 President Rita Spinn. One lovely lady was visiting with her family all the way from South Africa! Happy Czech Heritage Month from SPJST Lodge 80, Holland! —Risa Pajestka
Recording Secretary Rudolf Koci, Financial Secretary Vavlav Cihacek, Treasurer Vaclav Becan, Guard Josef Becan, Inside Guard Frank Zacek, and Outside Guard Arnost Valka. They named the lodge Svaz Cechoslovanu (Alliance of Czechoslovaks) No. 92. After the meeting, there was a social dance held in President Juran’s home, where all of the charter members discussed and greatly anticipated many future Czech meetings and social polka
Vestnik Archival Continues
Thanks to Jerry Haisler of Lodge 47, Seaton for donating two historic Vestnik issues from 1936 and 1940. These will be placed in our permanent archives. They are also available for viewing at spjst.org under “News.”
music dance gatherings in Fort Worth. The meetings were held the second Sunday of the month in different members homes, and in 1917, they moved into their first building in the 2600 block of Houston Street near Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards. In 1938, a new significantly larger hall was built on three acres of land at the current address of 3316 Roberts Cut-Off Road, where meetings are still held on the second Sunday of the month, and where Czech polka and waltz dances are still celebrated to this day. The early pioneering bands of Western Swing - the Light Crust Doughboys, Derwood Brown and his Musical Brownies, Cliff Bruner and his Texas Wanderers, Buster Coward and his Tune Wranglers, Adolph Hofner and his Czech Texans, and the King of Western Swing himself - Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys have all performed at Historic National Hall during the late 1930s all the way through the 1960s. 3rd Annual Cowtown Birthplace of Western Swing Festival We are thrilled to announce that the Third Annual Cowtown Birthplace of Western Swing Festival will be held at Fort Worth’s Historic National Hall on Thursday, November 9 to Saturday, November 11, 2023. We gather at historic National Hall to celebrate the 92nd anniversary of this beloved dance music - a fusion of frontier fiddle, jazz, blues, polka, waltz, and pop, that was created in 1931 at Fort Worth’s legendary Crystal Springs dancehall by “Father” Milton Bown, “King” Bob Wills, and the famed Light
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Monday, October 23, 2023
Crust Doughboys. Featuring 13 bands over three days, we will also be screening our landmark documentary film The Birth & History of Western Swing—a tribute to the contagious music that swept across the Southwest during the 1930s and 1940s, starring the early pioneers, legendary musicians, and their lasting influence. Check out the preliminary lineup: Thursday, November 9 11 a.m. - Doors Officially Open 12 p.m. - Chuck Cusimano 2:30 p.m. - Robert Huston and Western Swing RULES 5:30 p.m. - Steve Markwardt and his A-Lis Swing Band 8:30 p.m. - Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys Friday, November 10 10 a.m. - Stockyards Tour Bus Pickup 10:30 a.m. - Shopping and HERD Cattle Drive 12 p.m. - Lake Travis Fiddlers - 2nd Rodeo 3 p.m. - The Western Flyers 5 p.m. - Veterans Day Honor Guard 5:30 p.m. - Kelly Spinks and Miles of Texas 8:30 p.m. - Jake Hooker and the Outsiders Special Guest Tommy Hooker
Saturday, November 11 10:30 a.m. - BHWS Award-Winning Film 1 p.m. - Mariachi Espuelas de Plata 1:30 p.m. - J.D. Barham’s CowJazz Band 4 p.m. - Billy Mata’s Texas Tradition Special Guest Floyd Domino 7 p.m. - Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys Special Guest Katie Shore 10 p.m. - Drake Milligan For complete information and to purchase tickets, visit birthplaceofwesternswing.com.^ —SPJST—
giance, followed by a moment of silence, dedicated to honor our dearly departed members, as well as our brave military personnel and veterans. A roll call of our dedicated officers confirmed their full attendance, setting a positive tone for the day. Secretary Pruski eloquently presented the minutes from the August and September meetings, which were received with unani-
SPJST Lodge 107, Floresville convened for its monthly gathering on Sunday, October 8, 2023, within the welcoming embrace of the lodge hall at 3 p.m. President Bielefeld presided over the proceedings, ushering in a momentous meeting. In an expression of our unwavering loyalty, the assembly commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Alle-
Lodge 92, Fort Worth Ladies Circle shares October meeting scenes
SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth Ladies Circle met Tuesday, October 10, 2023. ABOVE PHOTOS: There was a speaker on Women’s Heart Health and a CPR class by Bobby Sewell and Leslie Shiflet from Tarrant County College NE, Health Sciences Department. BELOW PHOTOS, LEFT TO RIGHT: Guest Victor Martin. October birthday celebrants Leila Puckett and Nancy Davis. October hostesses - Lucy Martinez, Delores York, Leila Puckett, Lisa Juran, and Lee Williams. Halloween pumpkin fun. —Lisa Ellsworth
mous approval, mirroring the efficiency and cohesion of our lodge. Treasurer Korus then delivered a comprehensive financial report for the months of August and September, both of which were met with unanimous approval, reflecting our lodge’s steadfast financial stewardship. Under the banner of correspondence, our lodge chose to embark on a noble
Lodge 88, Houston BBQ and Kitchen Committees express appreciation
Lodge 107, Floresville plans Nov. 12 Fall Hall Clean Up Day Every big celebration has people behind the scenes preparing the food. This year, we cooked all the food on premises. The BBQ Committee exercised their skills and talents smoking 20 pork butts and tons of sausage. Cooking began early on Friday, October 13, 2023 and continued through late evening “pulling the pork.” Then we were up early Saturday morning to grill the many pounds and flavors of sausage. Thank you to District One Director Donnie Victorick for the logistics of ordering and delivery of the sausage. All the sides were made by the kitchen committee and volunteers on Friday - coleslaw, butter onion parsley potatoes, sauerkraut, and mac and cheese. The volunteers were awesome donating time, energy, and skills to make sure the Czech Festival had food for all to enjoy! —The BBQ and Kitchen Committees
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charitable endeavor from October 1 to December 31: “Socks for Seniors,” an initiative that embodies the spirit of giving. FAC Bielefeld shared encouraging news, confirming the submission of all essential forms to the Home Office, ensuring our lodge remains in compliance with the higher governing body. Youth Leader Lynn offered exciting news about upcoming events, unveiling the dates for next year’s camp and State Youth Showcase. The enchanting camp experience will be June 19 to June 23, 2024, while the State Youth Showcase will dazzle on July 26 and July 27, 2024. The diligent Hall Manager Bertrand reported an ongoing influx of rental bookings. With the onset of cooler weather, a decision was reached to organize a Fall Hall Clean Up day during our next meeting, scheduled for November 12 at 10 a.m. An appetizing lunch featuring fried chicken and delectable trimmings will be generously provided. In the realm of old business, the persistent matter of roof and wall repairs resurfaced. Although engaging discourse prevailed, a definitive course of action remained elusive. Turning our attention to new business, the impending Christmas party
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Joicey Parrott of Lodge 88, Houston achieves Grand Age of 96 SPJST congratulates Sister Joicey L. (Williamson) Parrott of Lodge 88, Houston who celebrated her 96th birthday on August 27, 2023. As such, Sister Parrott now receives all SPJST benefits with no further dues or assessments. Joicey was born August 27, 1927, in Greenfield, Tennessee, to Robert L. and Nanie P. (Caville) Williamson. Her only sister Melba Flowers is deceased. Joicey married Russell Parrott on June 6, 1944, in Corinth, Mississippi. They were later divorced. The couple was blessed with sons Robert L. Parrott, deceased, (Deborah) and Randal J. Parrott (Marsha); five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Joicey is proud to have been a real estate saleslady/broker, secretary to a loan officer, and secretary to a savings and loan company. She kept up her new home for 25 years then sold it. Prior to her marriage, she worked for an uncle in his grocery store; in a canning factory, unloading cartons of berries to be washed; and at a meatpacking company. Again, we congratulate Sister Joicey Parrott on achieving the Grand Age of 96. Thank you, Sister Parrott, for your longtime devotion to SPJST. Best wishes to you and your family. —SPJST—
was a topic of spirited discussion. A conclusive decision on this festive affair shall be reached at our next gathering.
Hall Clean Up day. A delightful repast, featuring scrumptious fried chicken and accompaniments, will be served promptly at 12 p.m. In the spirit of fraternity, Trey Bielefeld Reporter —SPJST—
Next Meeting—November 12 Mark your calendars for our next rendezvous, which is slated for Sunday, November 12 at the lodge hall, beginning at 10 a.m. as we embark on our Fall
OCTOBER HAPPENINGS AT LODGE 142, HOUSTON
Lodge 160, San Angelo annual meeting Nov. 19 Dear Lodge 160 Members, The annual meeting for Lodge 160, San Angelo will be Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Wall Brethren Church Hall. A delicious lunch will be served beginning at 12 noon. Door prizes will be given to each family in attendance. You will also be given the opportunity to enter your name into a drawing for several other prizes to be given away during the meeting. We will be drawing for the winners of our Lodge 160 scholarship at the meeting. There will be six scholarships awarded. If you are enrolled in college or a technical school and a member of Lodge 160, please complete the application prior to the meeting and send to Betty Schwartz. The application will arrive with your newsletter in a couple weeks. Come join us for a fun-filled time of fellowship and food! We look forward to seeing you on November 19! Sandra Jansa President —SPJST—
Sunday, October 15, 2023 • Lodge 88, Houston Hall • Submitted by Pat Schleider, FAC FAR LEFT PHOTO: We spent time on two of the October Caring Challenges – Vestnik Czech Heritage Month activities. LEFT PHOTO: Our bingo caller – Mary Bird. RIGHT PHOTO: We collected Socks for Seniors for our fourth quarter charity project. Thank you to, left to right, Barbara Linney Gonzales, Elizabeth and Dennis Hermis, Jo Dein and Steve Roznovsky, and Bob and Pat Schleider. LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 142, Houston members Elizabeth and Dennis Hermis, right, enjoy the District Five Fall Fun Day Czechfest at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston on October 14. Pictured with them are Dorothy Pflughaupt, Megan Pflughaupt, and Lee Pflughaupt. RIGHT PHOTO: Elizabeth and Dennis, right, also caught up with from left, Lynn Pflughaupt, Carole Pflughaupt Globke, and District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha. They reported a big turnout with beautiful weather!
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Lodge 187, Round Rock reports on September meeting Hello and good day to you. Sorry, I am a little behind. This is our September meeting. We had a nice meeting and discussed the minor landscaping and other repairs. Everything is looking good now. We had a wonderful potluck, and we got to play bingo with our new bingo ball which was donated by Greg and Jennifer McCarthy. September birthdays were Rubie Volek, Johnnie Haak, Cody Winfrey, Gerry Tucker, Richard Toungate, Chantz Stevens, Peggy Seelig, Diane Sansom, Amy Rohlack, Shirley Rinn, Tucker Pierce, Stephanie Schmidt, Jenna Thornton, Marshall Oman, Mark Oman, John Noles, Cashiana Noak, Susan McLaughlin, Clifford McDonald, Ronald Madsen, Carlye Mabry-Cantu, Frank Cantu, Rosalba Lopez, Lauren Ischy, Kimberly Lamb, Shannon Kasper, Patrick Johnson, Shane Langlasis (who turned 18!), Madysn Long, Ciara Meyer, Belinda Jirasek, Charlotte Huggett, Carolyn Hardin, Rose Franzen, Gary Priem, and Amanda Chaudoin. Blessings to all of you. L&R (Love & Respect) Jennifer McCarthy Financial Secretary/Reporter/ Youth Coordinator —SPJST—
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Happy 94th Birthday to Rosie Malota of Lodge 142, Houston Happy 94th birthday to SPJST Lodge 142, Houston member Rosie Malota. Rosie was born October 9, 1929, in Fayetteville, Texas, where this year she celebrated at her favorite eatery - Orsak’s Cafe - with son Kenneth and granddaughters Jacqueline Reynolds and Brianna Malota. Rosie also
Lodge 187, Round Rock to host Nov. 12 Thanksgiving meal
War II, and she turns 100 this month and would like 100 birthday cards sent to her. So the youth and I got busy, and we sent 12 to her.
Hello and hope all is well with you. Our October meeting started with the discussing of improvements made to the lodge after a damaging hail storm. Rubie Volek was on top of it all. Thank you! Then we planned for our upcoming Thanksgiving dinner. Thank you, Virgina Hrachovy, for the door prizes and the mouth-watering potluck. It was wonderful, and I should have made myself a bigger plate to take home! Our youth had a fun time painting their own pumpkins, but most of them had an exciting time writing birthday cards. Mrs Ethelyn Bell served in World
Next Gathering—November 12 The next gathering will be on Sunday, November 12, and we will have a thanksgiving dinner. If coming to visit with us, please contact Deborah Rohlack to get on the potluck list. October birthday celebrants are Janie Barron, Xavier Beste, Joan Boydston, Chelsea Brewster, Genevieve Bujnoch, Scott Burkland, Dawn Orsek, Vanessa Cox, Heather Delancey, Lexie Faris, Donald Franzen, Kelly Fuessel, Allison Heintze, Pauline Hoehn, Daniel Huggett, Xavier Salinas, Karter Meyer, Janiece Nelson, Charles Parker, Besse Simons, Mason Stifflemire, and Barbara
celebrated high above Houston in the Chase Tower with a downtown Houston tour. Rosie finished her birthday week by celebrating with son Kenneth and Lodge 142 members at the October meeting and winning bingo with her son. God bless you, Rosie, with many more birthdays to come!
Toungate. Many blessing to all, L&R (Love & Respect) Jennifer McCarthy Financial Secretary/Reporter/ Youth Coordinator —SPJST—
Lodge 196, Houston-West Halloween dance October 28 Lodge 196, Houston-West is hosting a public Halloween dance on Saturday, October 28, 2023, starting at 7 p.m. The Lonely Road band will be playing a wide variety of music. The cost is $15 per person at the door. This is a BYOB bring your own booze) event; however, all set-ups (sodas, bottled water, etc.) will be sold at the bar for $2 cash. In addition, no outside foods, sodas, water, or ice is allowed as those items may be purchased at the hall. This is a family-friendly event so come an enjoy a night of dancing and fun. Please wear your favorite Halloween costume, but no bladed items or other dangerous items, please. Remember, there will be children at the event so please keep it PG-rated. The best costume will receive a cash prize.^ Don Fruin Event Coordinator —SPJST—
Lodge 196, Houston-West meets November 12 The November meeting for Lodge 196, Houston-West has been changed to the 12th, starting with lunch at 1 p.m. This is our annual Thanksgiving dinner and will include turkey and the trimmings we all enjoy. If you are planning to attend, please bring your favorite traditional Thanksgiving side dish with eight to 10 servings so everyone may enjoy some of it. The dinner is always a way to share the fellowship of your lodge family and to enjoy some really good foods. Please plan to attend and get to know the lodge again.^ Don Fruin Event Coordinator —SPJST—
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★ ★ 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. October 28 Descendants of Josef Miculka/Michulka family—at Riverside Hall, 14643 Buls Road Ste 90A, East Bernard 77435. For information, contact any of the following for information: President Stanley Michulka 979335-4081; Vice President Lena White 409-937-5560; Treasurer Joey Pittman 281-236-7652; or Secretary Amanda White 409-502-9050. Submitted by Helen Kelner, Lodge 28, East Bernard. —SPJST—
How will you memorialize a Legacy during this Halloween? by Sabrina N. Young, CFSP owner of Young’s Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Member Thank you for reading my stories. This particular season has me thinking of my father, Ronald Portugal, who passed away in 2012. Since then I have found unique ways to help keep his legacy going especially during the fall season with our family.
VĚSTNÍK Do What They Did My father would take our family to an apple cider orchard, and we always ate fresh hot doughnuts with warm apple cider. I now keep the legacy going by enriching my children with the experience he gave me. Robinson Family Farm is a place we go to share stories of “Puppa Ron.” I set out his picture during this holiday, and we share memories.
Lodge 229, Abilene hosts bake sale, concessions at Lodge 49, Rowena Cornhole tournament
Create Their Favorite Food or Recipe We attempt to recreate his favorite foods and replicate his chili recipe — only to always say, “I wish Puppa Ron was here to make it” since it never comes out the same! Traditional Halloween Activity A traditional halloween activity was to carve pumpkins and have a winner with all my siblings. Now that I am a mother of five daughters, we buy pumpkins and vote for the best pumpkins in our group. Not to mention putting the seeds in the oven with salt! Host a Party My father always knew how to have a party! Decorating the basement with black trash bags, having loads of candy stations while we trick-or-treat around our backyard. We had bobbing for apples, punch, and spooky foods to eat. At Young’s Daughters, we invite our families to the gathering at the funeral home to trick-or-treat and celebrate just as we did as a family. In Honor Of Finding these traditions in your own way helps heal and bring everyone together. Look for our events on our Facebook page, Youtube channel, and website. If you are looking for ways to volunteer, please call us at 254-4011302. —SPJST—
Lodge 229, Abilene hosted a bake sale and worked the concession stand at the cornhole tournament held at Lodge 49, Rowena on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
Prague Myths and Legends The Golem of Prague In the 16th Century, during the reign of Rudolf II, an old Jewish man named Rabbi Judah Loew lived in Prague. During that time, the Jewish people of Prague were being attacked and lived their lives in fear. Rabbi Loew decided to protect the Jews by creating the Golem, a giant who according to the Cabala could be made of clay from the banks of the Vltava. Following the prescribed rituals, the Rabbi built the Golem and made him come to life by recit-
Lodge 187, Round Rock Sends cards to honor veteran’s 100th birthday
LEFT PHOTO: Pictured is Lodge 187, Round Rock’s collection of 12 birthday cards they created for Veteran Mrs. Ethelyn Bell. CENTER PHOTO: Three-year-old Loren Lambert paints her pumpkin! RIGHT PHOTO:
Luke McCarthy, Mathieu McCarthy, and Kadnce Meyer write up cards for a Veteran’s 100th birthday. INSET: Youth also painted pumpkins. —Jennifer McCarthy, Youth Coordinator/Reporter
ing a special incantation in Hebrew. The word “emet”, meaning “truth”, was placed on the Golem’s forehead. The Golem would obey the Rabbi’s every Rabbi Judah Loew order and would and the giant help and protect Golem - protector the people of the of the Jewish Jewish Ghetto. people of Prague, who were being atHowever, as he tacked and lived grew bigger, he their lives in fear. also became more violent and started killing people and spreading fear. Rabbi Loew was promised that the violence against the Jews would stop if the Golem was destroyed. The Rabbi agreed. By removing the first letter from the word “emet”, thus changing it to “met” (meaning “death”), life was taken out of the Golem. According to legend, the Golem was brought back to life by Rabbi Loew’s son, and may still be protecting Prague today. —SPJST—
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22nd Annual SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Barbecue Cook-Off
Saturday, September 30, 2023 • Lodge 29, Taylor Hall • 5025 FM 619, Taylor, Texas
Master Cooks
Best Rig
SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor held its 22nd Annual Barbecue Cook-off on Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30, 2023, with great weather both days. A free dance featuring The Other Band kicked off Friday night, and delicious, old-fashioned hamburgers were available. Saturday was the cook-off, turn-in, judging, and awards. A silent auction was also held
BBQ Legend Award - In Memory of Clay Raesz
with great items and lucky high-bid winners. Thank you to the barbecue cookers, judges, volunteers, and spectators that came to our cook-off! We had a great turn-out with 66 cookers. Awards and pictures are posted on our website www.taylorspjst.com. Thank you all for your support. Mark your calendar for September 27 and 28, 2024, and see you all next year!
2023 SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Barbecue Cook-Off Results Master Cook
1st - Rockin’ A Grilling Supplies
Chuck Aleksines 2nd - Nazarene BBQ Norm Ebeling 3rd - Ring of Fire Frank Rubac Best Rig Serious Smoke Syrissa Dominguez
Brisket 1st - Your Boring Friends Norman Frey 2nd - Ring of Fire Frank Rubac 3rd - Smoking Bohemians #1
Randy Skrhak 4th - Twisted L#2 Cassie Leschber 5th - Twisted L#1 Sean Leschber
6th - Smoking Bohemians #2
Jeff Stork 7th - Boon Docks #2 Dillon Kreidel
8th - CTBA Outlaws Charlie Shirley 9th - Czexicans Terry Skrhak 10th - Sugs BBQ Gilbert Garza Pork Ribs 1st - Rockin’ A Grilling Supplies
Chuck Aleksines 2nd - Nazarene BBQ Norm Ebeling 3rd - Hywind Yella Catters Jeffery Loeve 4th - Hawg Knuckle BBQ Thomas Martinez 5th - Money Pit Steven Vrabel 6th - Bar-B-Q Bandits Leo Makovy 7th - Post Oak Cookers Jamie Beran 8th - Your Boring Friends Norman Frey
9th - Czexicans Terry Skrhak 10th - Bearded Brothers BBQ Ryan McDade Chicken
1st - Rockin’ A Grilling Supplies
Chuck Aleksines 2nd - Serious Smoke Syrissa Dominguez 3rd - Nazarene BBQ Norm Ebeling 4th - Killa Gorilla Albert Arzola 5th - Money Pit Steven Vrabel 6th - Ring of Fire Frank Rubac 7th - Post Oak Cookers Jamie Beran 8th - Michna Tribe Ronnie Michna 9th - CTBA Outlaws Charlie Shirley 10th - S&V Cookers Steve McCarty
Jackpot Beans 1st - Bear’s Straight Up Barbecue 2nd - Bar-B-Q Bandits Leo Makovy 3rd - Bearded Brothers BBQ Ryan McDade 4th - Bear’s Straight Up Barbecue 5th - Hawg Knuckle BBQ Thomas Martinez 6th - Boon Docks #1 Matthew Kreidel 7th - High I Que #2 Kyle Leeper 8th - Kovar Kookers Kyler Kovar 9th - Twisted L#1 Sean Leschber 10th - Uncle Buck’s BBQ Kurt Taylor
Jackpot Cook's Choice 1st - Nazarene BBQ Norm Ebeling 2nd - Serious Smoke Syrissa Dominguez 3rd - Stokin It Up James Stokes 4th - Under New Management Alvin Roznovak 5th - Czexicans Terry Skrhak 6th - Under the Influence Hank Smith 7th - Snake Snatchers Adam Jezisek 8th - Resurrection Aviation Rat Patnode 9th - Twisted L#1 Sean Leschber 10th - Twisted L#2 Cassie Leschber
Jackpot Pork Butt 1st - Your Boring Friends Norman Frey 2nd - Twisted L#1 Sean Leschber 3rd - Post Oak Cookers Jamie Beran 4th - Ring of Fire Frank Rubac 5th - Twisted L#2 Cassie Leschber 6th - Show Us Your Pits Mark Paulsen 7th - Serious Smoke Syrissa Dominguez 8th - Under the Influence Hank Smith 9th - Money Pit Steven Vrabel 10th - Resurrection Aviation Rat Patnode
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22nd Annual SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Barbecue Cook-Off
Saturday, September 30, 2023 • Lodge 29, Taylor Hall • 5025 FM 619, Taylor, Texas
Brisket Winners
Pork Ribs Winners
Chicken Winners
Jackpot Beans Winners
Jackpot Cook’s Choice Winners
Jackpot Pork Butt Winners
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Monday, October 23, 2023
2023 SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Barbecue Cook-Off Scenes
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SPJST YOUT H SECT ION
VĚSTNÍK 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
Little Mr. SPJST’s Notebook Hi! I am so excited. This past weekend at Lodge 88 Czechfest, I got to represent SPJST and wear my Little Mr. SPJST sash! Donnie Victorick and Bradley Stavinoha said they were lucky and got to take a photo with me. Haha! I got a lot of compliments and people asking me how I got the sash. I was a little shy talking to them, but I powered through it! I did not know how much attention this was going to bring me, LOL! I got to wear traditional Czech clothing, eat kolaches and hear fun music while playing with my youth club friends. Megan Pflughaupt was selected as the Lodge 88 Princess and her dress was so pretty! I am so glad that I get to be a part of SPJST and share my stories and experiences. Till next time! Fraternally, Little Mr. SPJST Tripp Hargraves III Lodge 81, Needville —SPJST—
Lodge 20, Granger invites youth to Oct. 28 trick-or treat Trick-or-treat! SPJST Lodge 20, Granger invites all the spooky ghosts and goblins to come get candy on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the SPJST hall, 112 West Davilla in Granger, Texas 76530. Happy Halloween from Lodge 20, Granger! Fraternally, Jvonne Lalla, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 30, Taiton youth assists at fall festival Dear SPJST Members, On Sunday, October 1, 2023, I attended the Taiton Fall Festival in Taiton, Texas. I brought a cake for the cake wheel game. I played the game, but never had the good luck to win one. Even though I didn’t win one, I had a lot of fun. I also played bingo and won. I helped outside with selling raffle tickets as the cars drove up to buy a turkey dinner plate. I had fun. Brooke Bacak, age 16 —SPJST—
One youth from Lodges 17, Lodges 9, Snook District New Tabor and 9, Snook Youth Clubs and 17, New Tabor participated in the Burleson County Fair Parade on Saturday, September Youth Clubs 23, 2023, to kick off the Burleson Fair. The SPJST float entry enjoy float and County won first place in the youth division! fair festivities ~ Holly Narro, Youth Leader
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Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club donates to Ronald McDonald House • Bryan, Texas
Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club showed a huge act of kindness in September by donating to the Ronald McDonald House in Bryan. More than 300 snack items were donated to the Happy Wheels Cart. Youth club members also
collected soda tabs throughout the year, and over 35 pounds were donated! New Tabor Youth Club was able to bless many families and their children with this act of kindness. LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club members with
items collected. CENTER PHOTO: Hospital Programs Manager of Ronald McDonald House Charities with donation. RIGHT PHOTO: Items collected by youth club members for donations! ~ Holly Narro, Youth Leader
Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club performs beseda
Kolache Fest - Caldwell, Texas ● Saturday, September 9, 2023
On Saturday, September 9, 2023, Lodge 17, New Tabor Beseda dancers performed at the 38th Annual Kolache Festival in Caldwell. They are always a crowd favorite! In addition, District and State Royalty were recognized. Macy Narro of Lodge 17 New Tabor was crowned Miss Kolache Festival 2023. LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 17, New Tabor Beseda dancers left to right: Rylie Lloyd, Lila Supak, Jaycee Parker, Brylee Chmelar, Bailen Kocurek, Marley Kocurek, Millison Dowell, and Maylee Dowell. PHOTO 2: Enjoying the Kolache Festival, left to right, are 2023 Miss SPJST
Bailee Beckendorf of Lodge 47, Seaton; Junior Miss SPJST Tynlee Beckendorf of Lodge 47, Seaton; Little Miss SPJST Madelynn Bammel of Lodge 17, New Tabor; District One Little Mr. SPJST Kamden Plachy of Lodge 17, New Tabor; District One Junior Miss SPJST Jaycee Parker of Lodge 17, New Tabor; and District One Junior Mr. SPJST Bailen Kocurek. RIGHT PHOTO: 2023 Miss Kolache Festival Macy Narro of Lodge 17, New Tabor. BELOW PHOTOS: Lodge 17, New Tabor youth entertain under the pavillion.
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Lodge 30, Taiton youth helps at fall festival
Lodge 30, Taiton youth: fun time at Lost Lagoon
Lodge 30, Taiton youth enjoys Lost Lagoon outing
On Sunday, October 1, 2023, I helped outside tearing apart raffle tickets to be put in the ticket barrel for Taiton Fall Festival raffle drawing. It was a lot of fun tearing those tickets apart. I really did enjoy eating the turkey and dressing plate. The food was delicious. I enjoyed playing the cake wheel and bingo. I brought a cake to the festival for the cake wheel. I had a good time at the festival with my SPJST friends. Brett Bacak, age 12 —SPJST—
Dear Readers, On Sunday, September 17, 2023, we ended our SPJST summer with a lodge outing at the Lost Lagoon in El Campo. I enjoyed the beautiful swimming pool, slides, lazy river, and the rope swings. The lazy river was the best. I hope we can go back there next year. I had fun there with all of my SPJST youth club friends. Brooke Bacak, age 16 —SPJST—
Dear Readers, On Sunday, September 17, 2023, we ended our Lodge 30 SPJST summer with an outing to Lost Lagoon in El Campo, Texas. It was so much fun! I enjoyed the swimming pool, rope swings, slides, and the lazy river. I thought the lazy river was the best! I hope we can do this next year. I enjoyed being with my SPJST Lodge 30 members and friends. We all had a great time there. Brett Bacak, age 12 —SPJST—
Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club celebrates grandparents, honors achievers
New Tabor Youth Club hosted an Achievement/Grandparent’s Day Banquet on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at New Tabor Hall. A delicious meal was served, and youth club members were recognized for their accomplishments and attendance throughout the year. A Grandparent's Day program was held and grandparents were honored and recognized with a special gift. “Brave Miss Muffet” junior group talent performed for the audience. It was a nice evening of food and fellowship. ~ Holly Narro, Youth Leader
We love our grandparents!
Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club members were recognized for accomplishments and attendance for the year at the Achievement Banquet held on September 10, 2023. Youth Leader Holly Narro presents perfect attendance awards and special gifts to, left to right, Carson Parker;
Kamden Plachy; Cooper Stuart; Lilynn Mansfield; Madelynn Bammel; Kyren Plachy; and below, left to right, Londyn Castaneda; Jaycee Parker; and Bailen Kocurek. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Junior group talent performs “Brave Little Miss Muffet.”
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Lodge 47, Seaton youth ready for trick-or-treating Dear Vestnik Readers, It is October. Halloween is coming, and I cannot wait. As I have said before, I am out of candy so I need new candy. Trick-or-treating will be just the way to get more candy. I also got hurt. I hurt my ankle probably because I run too much playing soccer. It hurts a lot. My mom ordered me an ankle brace from Amazon, and I got it y e s t e r d a y. Today, I went to the doctor, and the doctor told me I have to wear a boot. It stinks because I do not get to play soccer anymore. We haven’t even won a game yet this year. But we did tie today. But I also get to be excused from PE for like two weeks. I cannot wait to be out of PE. PE is boring. Someone could just snap their fingers, and the teacher gets mad. They make us do the star six-pack and you have to stretch like a million times. And, the games are boring. So getting to be excused from PE . . . that is cool. So right now, I am just going to say bye. And I guess I can show you a picture of my boot, so bye. Fraternally, Andrew Ordogne, age 8 P.S. My dog Lily also wanted to be in the picture! —SPJST—
Monday, October 23, 2023
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Lodge 25, Ennis youth club attends dallas czech slovak heritage day Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club met on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the Sokol Dallas Czech Slovak Heritage Day celebration. Everyone had a wonderful time socializing and doing the Vestnik puzzles. I gave youth a calendar of events that we have planned November 2023
through December 2024. We will now start collecting new socks and blankets to be given to seniors at Christmas. If anyone would like to participate in this charity, let me know. Thanks to everyone who donated school supplies.
Lodge 25 youth members enjoy the Czech Slovak Heritage Day. Left to right are June and Clark, Luke,
Lodge 47, Seaton youth looks forward to Christmas Dear Vestnik Readers, It has finally cooled down. I am very happy that it has started to feel like fall. I am looking forward to the months ahead. I am mostly looking forward to Christmas. Halloween is coming up, but I am probably not going trick-or-treating. I cannot eat most candy because I have braces so I will just stay at home and watch movies and hand out candy with my dad. School has been going fine. There is a lot more work that I must do as a middle schooler. I do enjoy middle school though. This weekend was fun. I went to a friend’s house to celebrate his birthday. We tried to make pop rocks, but it didn’t work so well. I enjoyed having fun with my buddies. I was elected reporter at our October youth meeting, Now I will have to submit two letters to the Vestnik. I am excited that I have been elected reporter. I cannot wait to start reporting youth meetings to all of you readers. Have a good month. Fraternally, Travis Ordogne, age 11 —SPJST—
Next Meeting—November 5 Our next meeting will be on Sunday, November 5 at our lodge. Fraternally yours, Rita Holland Youth Leader —SPJST—
and Winnie and Beau. RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 25 youth proudly display school supplies they collected.
Lodge 66, Waco Youth Club meets Oct. 28 at Six Flags The next Lodge 66, Waco Youth Club meeting and social will be Saturday, October 28, 2023. We will meet at Six Flags for a day in the park. Please contact Dana McAdams 254-715-6765 for additional information. Dana McAdams, Youth Leader —SPJST—
Lodge 84, Dallas youth give to Restored Hope Ministries
Lodge 84, Dallas youth showed their acts of kindness to Restore Hope Ministry and provided t-shirts, leggings, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, for the girls who are under their care. The Restored Hope Ministries’ 18- to 24-month program consists of housing, food, and most basic necessities required for their protection and security.
The program is divided into two phases: restoration and empowerment. Lodge 84, Dallas members were honored to attend their gala on September 16 to help raise funds for their projects for the future to help more women. —Lynda Novak, Youth Leader —SPJST—
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Monday, October 23, 2023
VĚSTNÍK
In Memoriam In Memory of Neal Adamcik Neal Eugene Adamcik was born April 18, 1947, in Houston, Texas. Growing up in the Heights, Neal attended St. Thomas high school where he proudly played on the 1964 state championship football team. He then enrolled in the University of Houston where he received a degree in business. He still cheered for the Cougars in every game they played. Neal Adamcik The day after he graduated, he received his draft notice from the army. Neal was stationed in Florida then Vietnam. Upon returning to the United States, he enrolled in Sam Houston State University where he received his MBA. While living in Huntsville, he met Carol, the love of his life. Neal and Carol were married December 15, 1973, and would have celebrated their golden anniversary this year. Neal and Carol really enjoyed life together. They took many trips across the continental United States, and to Hawaii, Canada, and Europe. Locally, they enjoyed plays and concerts. Neal was thrilled to see his favorite rock band, the Rolling Stones, when they performed in Houston. On May 30, 1986, his son, Brett, was born. Neal could not have been more thrilled. He spent most of his free time with Brett and his friends taking them to places they would enjoy. Neal was very proud of his Czech heritage and spent time researching his genealogy. He was a member of Fort Bend Czech Heritage Society, where he served as both president and vice president. He also was a member of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston and was the recipient of a state TOCA award. Neal loved attending his Thursday morning men’s Bible study group at Sugar Land Methodist Church. Since the class began at 6:30 a.m., Neal always made sure the alarm was set so he wouldn’t miss it.
He will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, father, and friend. He had a quick wit which sometimes took a few minutes for his friends to “get,” then you’d hear them laughing at his unique humor. Neal is survived by his wife, Carol; son Brett and wife Alli; brother Albert; and many other nieces and nephews. —SPJST—
In Memory of Carolyn Rokyta Carolyn Jean Melnar Rokyta, age 78, of Port Lavaca, Texas, passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023. She was born on September 14, 1945, in Hallettsville. Carolyn was a very loving and kind-hearted person who cherished her family deeply. She took great pride in her grandchildren and their Carolyn Rokyta accomplishments. Services held to honor Carolyn’s life was visitation on Thursday, September 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home in Port Lavaca. Funeral service was Friday, September 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Six Mile Presbyterian Church with Pastor Bruce Goodlock officiating. Interment followed in Six Mile Cemetery. Carolyn attended Bila Hora Community School for her primary education and graduated from Hallettsville High School Class of 1963. She furthered her education at Baldwin Business College, graduating in 1964. After completing her education, Carolyn began her career at an office in Houston. However, after marrying the love of her life on October 14, 1967, she went to work for Rexco in Port Lavaca until the birth of her daughter in 1973. In 1989, she went back to work for TSI Laboratories at Formosa Plastics and then later in Victoria. She then proceeded to work for Norwest Bank which turned into Wells Fargo Dealer Finance
until the age of 65. Carolyn had a passion for watching the world-champion Houston Astros, solving crossword puzzles, and keeping up with her family on Facebook. She found joy in these hobbies, and they brought her much happiness throughout her life. Carolyn was a member of Six Mile Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she found solace and strength in her religious community. She was an active member of SPJST Lodge 41, Port Lavaca. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Viola Krizak Melnar, and her brother, Larry Melnar. Carolyn is survived by her beloved
husband of 57 years, Larry Rokyta; daughter Darlene Baker (Jack); and son Brian Rokyta (Stephanie). She was also a cherished grandmother to Laura Ventling, Braxton Rokyta, Brinklee Rokyta, Slayde Rokyta, and Stone Rokyta. Pallbearers were Jim Melnar, Vince Melnar, Shannon Buller, Dae Como, Perry Geryk, and Frank Stellma. The family kindly requests that donations be made to Six Mile Presbyterian Church and Six Mile Cemetery Association in Carolyn’s memory. Carolyn Jean Rokyta will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched. —SPJST—
Czech Cultural Calendar Hours of Operation Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center (CHMGC), 119 West French Avenue, Temple. Hours: Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for those 60 or older, and $2 for kids, 12 and under. Every First and Third Tuesday Evenings at 7 p.m.: Tarok Parties—All ages and anyone interested are welcome. No admission or fee. Award-winning tournament champions Jimmie and Carolyn Coufal not only teach beginners, but also help experienced players increase their skill. For Museum information: tours, happenings, and activities, call: CHMGC 254-899-2935 (can leave a message); email czechheritagemuseum@gmail.com; find them on Facebook; or visit the Center’s website https://czechheritagemuseum.org. Monday through Saturday Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto Street in Houston, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exhibits. Experience the culture, art, music, and stories of many Czechs, Slovaks, and people of all cultures who left their country to seek liberty and democracy in America. Beginner Czech Lessons: Monday evenings, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Conversational Czech hour - Saturdays, 1 to 2 p.m. Bring a friend or neighbor and come practice your Czech! Not a member? Join today for early access to concerts, movie nights, lectures, and events at CCMH as well as free Czech language lessons and monthly membership socials. Monthly Movie Night: CCMH has
reinstated monthly movie nights. CCMH, 4920 San Jacinto Street in Houston. For information, call 713-528-2060; or visit czechcenter.org
Through December 18 100 Years of Czech Radio Exhibit—at Czech Center Museum Houston (CCMHouston), 4920 San Jacinto Street, Houston. Exhibit includes unique archival photographs, authentic historical recordings, development of broadcasting and transmission technology and presents Czech Radio not only as an institution with a century-old tradition, but also as a modern public service medium. Exhibit was created by Czech Centres in collaboration with Radio Prague International and made possible through the generous support of donors. For information, call 713-528-2060; or visit czechcenter.org. November 4 Cars & Guitars—at Camp Kubena, 2001 Waldeck Road, Ledbetter. Activities include classic cars, music, food, arts/crafts vendors, kids’ activities, and family fun. Seeking vendors / sponsors for the event. Please contact Rob 979249-5674 at Camp Kubena or Melanie melaniez@spjst.com for details.
January 5, 2024 TCGS Business Meeting: Officers, Standing Committees, Chairpersons, Special Project Members, Members— at TCGS Office/Museum at SPJST Home Office - downstairs gallery, 520 Main Street, Temple - at 10 a.m.
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Monday, October 23, 2023
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October is Czech Heritage Month in Texas! Celebrate the rich, cultural heritage of American Czechs and the many contributions they have made to America during Czech Heritage Month. The Vestnik invites you to participate in its Czech Heritage Month activities. Czech-themed items will be awarded in a drawing from all entries received.
Note the Czech words - Customs / Things found in the Czech Republic and their English translations. Find the English words in the word search.
Hrad - CASTLE Most - BRIDGE Fotbal - SOCCER Vino - WINE Les - FOREST Reka - RIVER Koralky - BEADS Rezivo - LUMBER Uhli - COAL Kraslice - DECORATED EGG Vcelar - BEEKEEPER Krystal - CRYSTAL Hory - MOUNTAINS Pivovar - BREWERY Hokej - HOCKEY Pivo - BEER Staromesty Orloj - OLD TOWN CLOCK Houba - MUSHROOM Slunecnice - SUNFLOWERS Kroj - COSTUME Sokol - FALCON Loutka - MARIONETTE Chleb - BREAD Jizda Kralu - RIDE OF KINGS Dozinky - HARVEST FESTIVAL Vetrný Mlyn - WINDMILL Sochy - STATUES Reynik - BUTCHER Uzene Maso - SMOKED MEAT Pekar - BAKER
https://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com
Entry deadline: Friday, November 3, 2023, at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced in the November 13 Vestnik. Mail your entry to: SPJST Vestnik ◆ PO Box 100 ◆ Temple, Texas 76503 ◆ Email to: info@spjst.org Name _______________________________________________
Phone No. ( ______ )___________________________________
Address _____________________________________________
Email _______________________________________________
City/State/Zip _________________________________________
Lodge Name/No. ______________________________________
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Monday, October 23, 2023
Southern Foodways Alliance (SFA) oral history program documents life stories from the American South. Collecting these stories, we honor the people whose labor defines the region. “The Keepers of Kolaches” oral history project seeks to explore some of the evolutions of baking techniques and recipes that are used to create kolaches.
The Keepers of Kolaches:
The Evolutions of Texas-Czech Baking Between the 1840s and 1910s, thousands of Czechs followed the promise of cheap land and a fresh start to Central Texas’s black land prairie. Here, they settled and built communities like West, Hallettsville, Schulenburg, and La Grange. In these small towns, the descendants of those settlers continue to worship in painted churches and host polka dances over meals of klobasa, sauerkraut, and pivo. Among the many links that bond these “Czech Belt” towns to the old country, few have proven as enduring as the kolache. A soft, pillowy pastry with yeasty dough and an open fruit or cheese-filled center, the kolache’s roots can be traced to Moravia. A well-made kolache has long stood as a symbol of Czech pride. Yet, it has also weathered many transformations in the Lone Star state and has developed an identity of its own. This oral history collection seeks to explore some of the kolache’s evolutions through conversations with bakers who are living, working, and making kolaches today. All represent a diverse spectrum of backgrounds, and their perspectives help inform questions regarding this pastry’s future. Home baker and blogger Dawn Orsak has dedicated years to the study of Texas-Czech foodways. This Houston-born Austin resident traces her roots to Moravia and passionately believes that food is a thread that connects to and informs her heritage. She especially feels this when preparing Christmas Eve dinner, or as it’s called in Czech, Š tě drý Več er. “I think about my grandmother having made the same dishes, my great grandmother having made the same dishes,” she says. “It just sort of encapsulates those things like history and tradition and being Czech that make me who I am.”
VĚSTNÍK Prague-born chef Denise Mazal says, “Kolaches actually come from a word, kulatý , which means rounds.” She also argues empathically that, “A kolach should be definitely round, not square; dense, not soft like a pillow; and golden brown, not a blonde color like Danish pastry.” Mazal’s ideal kolach differs from most of what is found in Texas today, as baker Lydia Mae Faust posits that a perfect kolach should “melt in your mouth.” The founder of the Caldwell Kolache Festival, Ms. Faust is revered as one of the “Grand Dames” of Texas-Czech baking and worked for decades as the owner of her hometown’s Snook Baking Company. Nearing 90, she has made it a personal mission to share her knowledge with others as she believes the practice of scratch baking has become “a dying art.” Echoing this sentiment is Lawrence Faldyn who has risen at midnight for nearly fifty years to single handedly prepare daily pastries at La Grange’s historic Lukas Bakery. Now in his seventies, he has his eyes set on retirement, but is holding out hope he can train an apprentice willing to run his bakery. Yet commercial bakeries are thriving and have greatly impacted the public’s perception of kolaches. Rest stops like Hruska’s in Ellinger have made them beloved road snacks for highway commuters, while non Czech-owned chains like Shipley’s Donuts are credited with renaming meat filled klobasnikys or savory pastries as kolaches. While many express mixed feelings regarding this arguable co-option of the term kolache, one who defends this usage is Venezuela-born, Austin-based pitmaster Amelis Paz-Kerlin. “New York style pizza is still pizza,” she exclaims. Vatsana Souvannavong reveals how artisan bakers from non-Czech backgrounds are discovering and experimenting with their own interpretations of kolaches. The owner of Koala Kolache in the Houston suburb of Cypress, Souvannavong never initially considered pursuing baking. Yet, she gushes that when she first tasted kolaches in 2018, “I fell in love.” While all narrators express different beliefs about what kolaches are and how to perfect them, all united in their passion for kolaches and the opportunity they provide for expressing ideas, history, and identity through the creation of fillings and dough. https://www.southernfoodways.org/oral-history/the-keepers-ofkolaches-the-evolutions-of-texas-czech-baking/
—SPJST—
Interview: May 19, 2023 Interviewer: Evan Stern Photographer: Matthew Busch
Dawn Orsak
Date of interview: May 25, 2023 Interviewer: Evan Stern Photographer: Callaghan O'Hare
Lydia Faust
SPJST Lodge 187, Round Rock
SPJST Lodge 9, Snook
According to the US 2020 Census, roughly 200,000 Czech descendants call Texas home, making its ethnic population the largest of any American state. Among these citizens, few in recent memory have devoted more time, energy, and resources to the study and preservation of Czech-Texan culinary history than Dawn Orsak. A fifth-generation Texan, she traces her ancestry to Moravia, and her great-grandparents first set foot on Lone Star soil in the 1870s. She first began documenting the state’s Eastern European foodways in 1994 when she was sent “into the field” to conduct a series of interviews on surviving Czech dishes in preparation for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Since then, Dawn has guided Czech focused food tours of Central Texas, directed culinary festivals, curated exhibits on Texas Czech traditions, launched a kolache delivery service from her kitchen, and has shepherded her food centered Svacina Project blog since 2010. “Baking kolaches and promoting their traditional way of being made is about identity,” she told Saveur Magazine in 2017. “It connects me with my ancestors and a community that my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents grew up with.”
Born in 1933, Lydia Mae Faust grew up milking cows, bailing hay, and picking cotton on her family farm outside of Snook, Texas. A second-generation American, her lineage can be traced directly to Moravia. Having baked her first cake under her mother’s instruction at age five, Lydia opened the Snook Baking Company in 1968 where she kneaded thousands of kolaches each week for nearly 30 years. Regarded today as one of the Grand Dames of Texas-Czech baking, in 1983 she and a group of women started hosting the Caldwell Kolache Festival. Now in its 40th year, she took home the Grand Champion Prize in 2021, and boasts a wall that is heavy with awards and recognitions. Committed to preserving the art of homebaking, she has taught classes over the years and is honored to have shared her traditional recipes for plum, apricot, cream cheese, streusel, and poppyseed kolaches in Southern Living. Though Czech was her first language, she confesses that it is harder for her to remember without practice. Yet one phrase she returns to often is: Bez práce nejsou koláče - Without work, there are no kolaches.
“Czechs… and even Texas Czechs, would have a bigger meal on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. My parents cooked Štědrý večer, which we sort of changed into the word Štědra . . . So my parents learned to make it from my grandmother, who learned to make it from her family. Then, once my mom passed away, I started to make it for my children. And it’s this just thread -when I sit down to eat it, I think about my grandmother having made the same dishes, my great grandmother having made the same dishes. And it just sort of encapsulates those things like history and tradition and being Czech that make me who I am.” ~ Dawn Orsak
“Every weekend...that was a necessity, to always have what we call 'svačina,' which was a brunch, a lunch, like, that we served them, that was always to have kolaches and coffee or tea or whatever. And afternoon, say, around 3, or 4 p.m., you always had a svačina. Usually I helped mother with either the bakin’ part or the filling part or just observed how she did it. And it just became something that I wanted to do on my own . . . ” ~ Lydia Faust
VĚSTNÍK Date of interview: May 31, 2023 Interviewer: Evan Stern Photographer: Callaghan O'Hare
Lawrence Faldyn
Monday, October 23, 2023 Date of interview: June 2, 2023 Interviewer: Evan Stern Photographer: Callaghan O'Hare
Date of interview: June 2, 2023 Interviewer: Evan Stern Photographer: Matthew Busch
Teresa James
Amelis Paz-Kerlin
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Date of interview: May 5, 2023 Interviewer: Evan Stern Photographer: Matthew Busch
Denise Mazal
Owner of Lukas Bakery La Grange, Texas
Hruska’s Bakery and Store Ellinger, Texas
Owner of Kerlaches Thicket Food Park, Austin, Texas
Former Owner of Little Gretel Boerne, Texas
Born and raised on a farm in Fayette County, Lawrence Faldyn has been the force behind La Grange’s historic Lukas bakery since picking up the reins from his fatherin-law, Raymond Lukas, in 1972. One of the few remaining small town “scratch bakeries” in the state, the elder Lukas took over this charming space on La Grange’s courthouse square and re-christened it in his name in 1947. Eventually, he took Larry on as an apprentice after Larry started courting his daughter, Carol. Larry’s father-in-law left it in his and Carol’s hands after his death. More than fifty years later, when asked if he thinks he’d be baking today if not for Carol, Larry bluntly says with a smile, “No.” Carol died in 2020, and while his stepson and daughter have stepped in to provide needed help, baking duties have fallen squarely on Larry’s shoulders. He starts his workday each morning at 12 a.m., generally works until 11 a.m., goes home for a nap, then returns to the bakery to prep for a few hours around 3 p.m. before retiring to bed and starting over again. This is a routine Faldyn has maintained for decades, but having reached his seventies, is eager to sell the building and retire. For now, he’s holding on and still rising early in the hope he can train an apprentice willing to continue the business as a scratch bakery and carry on the traditions created here for the past 76 years.
Opened by her great-grandparents in 1912, Teresa James is the third-generation owner of the rest stop Hruska’s Bakery and Store, which has become an institution along Highway 71. One of Teresa’s first jobs at age 11 was helping local Agnes Polasek bake and prepare kolaches that were sold in the store. When state law forbade off-site bakeries like Ms. Polasek’s, for a few years kolaches were unavailable at Hruska’s. Then after stepping into a management role in 1995, Teresa made it her mission to bring them back by building an in-house bakery of their own. Years later, kolaches are integral to Hruska’s brand, and the place is a treasured stop for travelers driving between Houston and Austin. While hesitant to share her sales numbers, Teresa has overseen Hruska’s growth amid multiple expansions. When asked about her hopes for the business’s future, she says, “Bigger!” Despite now employing more than 50 people, her commitment to quality still dictates she starts her workday each morning at 1 a.m. to prep dough.
Raised in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, Amelis Paz-Kerlin grew up cooking traditional specialties like arepas with her grandmother, who impressed upon her the importance of never wasting anything. Decades later, she would find herself putting these principles to work after she and her husband Bill Kerlin opened the Austin-based food trailer Kerlin BBQ. Armed with an abundance of leftovers, she began experimenting at home by turning brisket into empanadas and even lasagna before discovering meat-filled kolaches at a Texas donut shop. Recognizing their potential, she developed a recipe and began selling them as specials that consistently sold out. Having received praise from numerous publications, their popularity grew so strong they began calling them “Kerlaches,” eventually opened two dedicated food trucks, and have since closed the BBQ trailer to focus exclusively on kolaches, wholesale, and catering.
The daughter of an accomplished chef, Denise Mazal was born in Prague in the 1950s, and despite living abroad for over forty years remains a proud ambassador of Czech culture. While cooking runs in her blood, she didn’t pursue it professionally until following her defection when work necessities pushed her to seek alternative sources of income. She soon found herself apprenticing in fine kitchens in Paris and Munich until the promise of a job in Colorado, made possible through the help of actor Steve Martin, brought her to the United States. Having met her husband in Boulder, they sought a warmer climate in the Texas Hill Country town of Boerne, where she opened an acclaimed restaurant called Little Gretel that came to include a shop specializing in authentic Czech kolaches. “Kolach is a symbol,” she told writer Jeff Siegel in 2014. “Kolach is a small pastry, but to every Czech, it represents family.”
“So when a traveling person from the city comes in, they ask for a kolache; their kolache is a meat kolache, where we call it klobasnikis or pigs. You know, they'll come and they'll say, 'Can I have a kolache?' And we already know to say, 'Are you talking about a fruit-filled, or are you talking about a pig, with meat in it?' And we have to tell them…But we call them, you know, pigs.” ~ Teresa James
“We are not making Czechoslovakian (kolaches); they are Texasstyle kolaches. It’s different. People have to like get out of that little hole, and expand your imagination. That’s why, I guess, we changed it into kerlaches, to make it. 'Okay, this is not kolaches, you haters. This is kerlaches . . . because it’s a little bit different.” ~ Amelis Paz-Kerlin
“Well, I come I in usually at midnight. I do my work. And usually it’s around 10:30 a.m., 11, I try to - I finish up. I usually go get a bite to eat. We close up at 1 p.m. And then I usually go take about an hour and a half, two-hour nap, and then I come back down here, and you know, look at my orders, weigh off — pre-weigh my bread and stuff, what I need to do, check my cookies, what all I need to make the next day so I can kind of cut my time down; you know, I know what I need to do. Then I usually go back home. And I raise sheep so I feed them and all that. And then I usually go back to bed.” ~ Lawrence Faldyn
“I’ve been always proud of every single kolache I ever made…You basically have to become that kolach…You just have to indulge. You have to bring that soul into them… It’s almost like knitting a blanket for somebody who goes through some illness, and in every stitch, you put that wish that person will get better. It was same with for me making wedding kolaches. When I was pressing those rounds and filling them up, just wishing - sending the wishes to the newlyweds, the best wishes.” ~ Denise Mazal
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Monday, October 23, 2023
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Date of interview: May 23, 2023 Interviewer: Evan Stern Photographer: Callaghan O'Hare
Vatsana Souvannavong Owner of Koala Kolache Cypress, Texas
Born in Laos, Vatsana Souvannavong immigrated to Houston with her mother at age four. As their means were limited, the foods she grew up eating were simple staples. Though she now rises at 2 a.m. to mix and prove dough, she confesses baking was something she never thought of until her first encounter with a kolache, which she remembers as “Love at first bite.” As she tells it, this taste ignited an obsession that inspired her to open a bakery of her own, and in 2017 launched Koala Kolache. Nearly six years later, she’s selling at least 1,000 kolaches a day. She has experimented with flavors both traditional and unorthodox like passion fruit, crawfish etoufee, and bulgogi and kimchi. While the work is all-consuming, Vatsana says she constantly draws energy from the joy her kolaches bring to others. Her kolaches, she mentions, “are designed to fill bellies and hearts.” “You have to be a morning person to be in this business. If you're not, stay home. Don’t try to tempt it. Because it is a morning kind of job. And also, I think it’s so important that when you do get in this industry, that you love the morning. Because a lot of these people come here—you're the first person they see. You can literally break or make their day. And I tell my staff that all the time. If you're not a morning person, don’t volunteer to open. I only want those who are a morning person. Our goal is to serve them, with joy, give them our joy, and have them walk out of here with joy. ” ~ Vatsana Souvannavong
Czech Phrases, Words
Winter Clothing
Czech Proverbs
Rukavice Mitten
Co můžeš udělat dnes, neodkládej na zítřek. Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
Šál Scarf
Dobrá rada nad zlato. Good advice is better than gold.
Čiapka Cap Větrovka Windbreaker Topánky Boots Otěplovačky Warmers Svetr Sweater
Host do domů, hůl do ruky. If a guest comes to your home, grab a stick. Kdo hledá, najde. He who looks, finds.
Czech Tongue Twisters Naše lomenice je mezi lomenicemi ta nejlomenicovatější. Our gable is the best gable of all gables. Pan kaplan v kapli plakal. The chaplain cried in the chapel. Strč prst skrz krk. Stick your finger through your throat. Třistatřiatřicet stříbrných křepelek přeletělo přes třistatřiatřicet stříbrných střech. Three hundred and thirty three silver quails flew over three hundred and thirty three silver roofs.
VĚSTNÍK
Monday, October 23, 2023
Czech Yeah 5K and Fun Run Saturday, October 7, 2023 • Bold Republic Brewing • Temple, Texas In the spirit of community and heritage, the Czech Heritage 5K run held on October 7 at Bold Republic Brewing in Temple was an astounding success. A heartfelt thank you goes out to RVOS for their impeccable organization and coordination of this event. Their dedication made it all possible. We also extend our warmest gratitude to the generous sponsors whose support made a significant impact. The event raised an impressive $8,000, all of which will go directly to the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center. This achievement not only showcases the strength of our community but also reinforces our commitment to preserving our rich cultural legacy. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this wonderful cause.
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Monday, October 23, 2023
Texas Czech Genealogical Society offers 2023 Christmas legend ornaments By Nancy Machu Lodge 29, Taylor Here is the second installment of our 2023 ornament collection featuring six additional items in the Legend, Symbol, and Traditional series. The ornaments will be shipped to your home with story cards included, which makes gift giving meaningful and easy. Please contact Nancy Machu via email nbmachu@gmail.com; or call 512-971-4284 to place your order or to ask questions. Payment may be made by credit card or check. Shipping charges will be added to the price of the ornaments, depending on the number purchased. Orders for our entire collection will be accepted from now through November 14. When calling, please leave a short message for a return telephone call as anonymous calls without messages will not be answered or returned. The Christmas Star T-206 - $18 According to the Bible, Matthew 2:1-11, a bright star guided the wise men as they traveled to find Baby Jesus. The star stopped over the manger where Jesus lay. The wise men were so happy to find the baby; they worshipped Him and then opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
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VĚSTNÍK Tradition of the Pretzel T-224 - $11 Pretzels had their beginning in the 6th Century at an Italian monastery. A young monk was preparing unleavened bread for Lent and creatively twisted scraps of bread dough to resemble arms folded in prayer. He named his creation “Pretiola”, a Latin word meaning “little reward”, and gave it as a treat to children who recited their prayers. The pretzel is often served during Lent to remind Christians of their faith. The Candy Cane T-706 - $8 The candy cane symbolizes the life of Jesus Christ. The hardness of the candy reminds us that Jesus is our rock. The cane’s shape reminds us of a shepherd’s staff and the shepherds that came to worship Jesus. The upside down candy cane forms the letter “J”, reminding us of the name of Jesus, which means “God saves”. The peppermint flavor reminds us of the gift of spices that the Wise Men brought to Baby Jesus. The white part of the cane stands for purity and holiness, recalling the virgin birth of Christ, His sinless life and the holy life that Jesus wants His people to live. The red color reminds us that Jesus became a real person and spilled His blood to save His people from their sins. The stripes remind us of the lashes Jesus received when He suffered for us and bore our sins that we might be saved. This simple, yet beautiful glass candy cane ornament was made in the Czech Republic.
Infant of Prague T-836 - $21 This unique Infant of Prague ornament, mouth blown and hand painted in the Czech Republic, depicts Jesus as a young child. Regally dressed in a white tunic, accented with gold trim, the ornament is filled with symbolism. Jesus holds a miniature globe in his left hand, signifying His world-wide reign. His right hand is extended in blessing with His fingers and thumb positioned to represent the Hold Trinity. This ornament reminds us that God holds us in the palm of His hand.
The Legend of the Panda CW-1121 - $10 This popular legend describes how the panda got its black markings: Pandas were originally as white as snow. A group of panda cubs became friends with four female shepherds who watched their flocks in the mountains near the village. One day, as the girls were playing with a panda cub, a leopard appeared and tried to attack the cub. The young girls threw themselves between the leopard and the panda to save it, but they were all killed by the leopard. The pandas in the area were saddened by their deaths and held a service to honor them. The pandas spread black ashes on their arms in mourning. As they wept, they wiped
Entire Christmas ornament collection offered by TCGS
their eyes with their paws and covered their ears to block out the sound of the crying as they hugged each other. As they did these things, the black ash blackened their fur. They did not wash it off and today pandas are covered with black markings. The Legend of the Christmas Stocking CW-1021 - $18 Perhaps one of the best-known renditions relating to the legend of the CHRISTmas stocking is the one surrounding Saint Nicholas of Bari who was born a nobleman in 280 A.D. in Turkey. Nicholas lost his parents at an early age, and it is reported that he used his inheritance to help the poor and sick. As the story goes, a poor widower living in the 4th century A.D. had three unwed daughters. The family had lost all of their money and the old man feared that his daughters would not be able to marry without dowries. Residents of his village shared his story with St. Nicholas. Knowing the man would not take charity; Nicholas snuck into the house using the chimney and filled the girls’ stockings drying by the fire with gold coins. The next morning, the family was ecstatic to find the gold in the stockings! The father now had dowries so his girls could marry well and he would not be alone and poor in his old age. This folk tale has a very wonderful message: Be kind to those less fortunate.
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VĚSTNÍK
Monday, October 23, 2023 Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas
Česká
Část
ROČNÍK 111 ČISLO 20
23.říjen.2023
Podpora ★ Lidskost ★ Bratrstvi´ BENEVOLENCE HUMANITY BROTHERHOOD
Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897
Kufová presents Keston Lecture on War and Music in Czechoslovakia Michaela Kufová presents the 2023 Keston Fall Lecture, “War, Music, and Dissonance: A Czechoslovak Case Study,” on T h u r s d a y, November 2,
Texas Czech Genealogical Society Website: txczgs.org Promoting the study of the genealogy of the particular group of people known as “Texas Czechs.” For membership: Marie Dulak 979-324-7871
2023, at 3:30 p.m. at the Armstrong Browning Library and Museum on the campus of Baylor University. Light refreshments and conversation follow the lecture, and livestream of the event via Zoom Webinar will be available. Using Czech history as a backdrop, Kufová’s lecture will explore the relationships and impact of music on war and war on music with universal implications. As she notes, “Even in wartime chaos and the fight for freedom, music became a steadfast symbol of strength for those who dreamt of a better world.” Kufová's musical pursuit dates back to age five when she began singing with one of the premier children’s choirs in the Czech Republic at Ondrášek Nový
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Jičín Arts School where she now teaches and conducts. Her strong foundation in vocal performance compelled her to earn a master’s degree in music and English education from Masaryk University in Brno. Her interest in researching the intersection of music with war and the struggle for freedom arises from the experiences of her parents and grandparents in Czechoslovakia. Kathy Hillman, director of Baylor’s Keston Center for Religion, Politics, and Society, notes that “music possesses the power to inspire, empower and embolden individuals, crowds and countries. Its influence becomes especially evident in the struggle for liberty as artists have often been among the first dissidents through musical resistance and the dissonance between official and outlawed compositions and concerts.” In 2018, Kufova spent a semester
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studying at McLennan Community College in Waco. During this return visit to Texas, she will deliver the Keston lecture, speak at McLennan Community College, present in several local schools and sing in a church choir. The Keston Center for Religion, Politics, and Society receives, maintains, preserves, expands and makes available to scholars the world’s most comprehensive collection of materials on religious persecution under communist and other totalitarian regimes. Annually, the Center hosts lectures featuring speakers and panelists who engage and illuminate its mission and collections. For more information visit library.web.baylor.edu/kestonlecture or contact Kathy Hillman, director of the Keston Center for Religion, Politics, and Society, at 254-710-6684. —SPJST—
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Monday, October 23, 2023
VĚSTNÍK
SPJST Fraternal Activities and Entertainment Post your lodge’s upcoming SPJST fraternal activities, entertainment dates, and information here. These listings are free. The deadline for submitting information for the Fraternal Activities and Entertainment Guide is the first and third Mondays of each month at 5 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Send updates to: VĚSTNÍK, c/o Editor Melanie Zavodny, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. Email to: vestnik@spjst.org. Advertising rates are $2 per column inch for lodge ads; $4 per column inch for non-profit organization ads; and $6 per column inch for commercial ads. For advertising information, please call the Editor at 800-727-7578 or email vestnik@spjst.org. LODGE 1, FAYETTEVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 507 East Main Street, Fayetteville. Hall Rental Information: 979-966-3795. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the first Monday of March, June, September, and December at 6 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 979-966-3515. LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Sunday — November 12 at 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, 1614 North Texana Street, Hallettsville. For information/updates, call President Joe Siptak 979-4790056. LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3) Lodge Hall: 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. Hall Rental Information: Peggy Dobecka 254-717-0383 or Jeanette Beseda 254-717-7840. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month at the lodge hall at 2 p.m. For information, call 254-227-8759. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at the hall at 1:30 p.m. For information, contact Youth Leader Peggy Dobecka 254717-0383; or dataped@sbcglobal.net. Sunday, November 5—Lodge meeting, 2 p.m. LODGE 8, WEIMAR (6) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the fourth Monday of February, May, August, and November at 12 p.m. at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant, Schulenburg. For information, call 979-247-4168. LODGE 9, SNOOK (1) Lodge Hall: 457 CR 269, Snook. Hall Rentals/Information: 979-272-3732. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 979-272-3732. Youth Club Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, call Youth Leader Loree Lewis 979-220-4733. LODGE 13, DIME BOX (1) Lodge Meetings: Held the first Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November at Diamond I Venue (former SPJST Lodge 13 Hall), 1081 County Road 425, Dime Box at 7 p.m. For information, contact Ricky Ford 979-884-1451. LODGE 15, BUCKHOLTS (2) Lodge Hall: 600 State Hwy 190/Hwy 36, Buckholts (historic hexagon-shaped building with a stone entrance.) Hall Rental Information: 254-217-2863. Lodge Meetings: For information, call 254-217-2863. LODGE 17, NEW TABOR (1) Lodge Hall: 2674 CR 225, Caldwell. Hall Rental Information: 979-272-3440. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month at the hall at 2 p.m. For information, call 979-272-3440. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall. For information, call Youth Leader Holly Narro 979-218-4931.
LODGE 18, ELGIN (2) Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a non-smoking facility. Polka and country band bookings: FL Meyer 512-940-7970. Hall phone: 512-285-3100. Dances: 3 to 7 p.m.; cover $10 per person - unless otherwise noted. Lodge Meetings: Held every other month (even months) on the third Tuesday. Call FL Meyer 512-940-7970 for information. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/elginSPJSTlodge18 and on Twitter @SPJSTelgin18. Sunday, November 5—Glen Collins Sunday, December 10—Christmas Dance: Red Ravens, 3 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, December 31—New Year’s Eve: Glen Collins
Friday, October 27—Old Friends (from Temple area) Friday, November 3—Sterling Country Friday, November 10—Gabriel River Band Friday, November 17—Second Hand Rose November 23 and 24—Closed for Thanksgiving holidays LODGE 30, TAITON (6) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. For information, call President Yvonne Marcaurele 979543-8146. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. For youth club information, call Youth Leader Lisa Bubela 979-543-7120. LODGE 32, VICTORIA (6) Lodge Meetings: Held bi-monthly on the second Thursday in January, March, May, July, September, and November at 6:30 p.m. at Grapevine Cafe, 6404 Nursery Drive, Victoria. For information, call 361-676-7561. LODGE 35, ELK - ELK HALL (3) Lodge Hall: 9508 Elk Road, Axtell. Hall Rental Information: Gene Pavelka 254-749-3326. Hall Phone: 254-863-9320. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 254-722-1454. Sales Agent: James (Dude) Mann 254715-0275; mrdudemann@yahoo.com. Saturday, October 28—Justin Hewitt Band Saturday, November 11—Gordon Collier Band Saturday, November 18—Nolan Pick Band Saturday, December 2—Joe Parker Band Saturday, December 9—Steve Dansby Band Saturday, December 16—Nolan Pick Band
LODGE 20, GRANGER (2) Lodge Hall: 114 West Davilla, Granger. Hall Rental Information: Brenna Bohac 512-859-2584. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month at the hall at 6:30 p.m. A light meal is served before each meeting. All members are invited. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. Call Youth Leader Brita Goodman for information 254-541-5344.
LODGE 38, KOVAR (1) Lodge Hall: 278 Zimmerhanzel Road, Flatonia. Hall Rental Information: 512-237-9099/Donna; or 512-5812672/Dana. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 512332-6758/Alfred.
LODGE 23, MORAVIA (6) Lodge Hall: FM 957 North, Schulenburg (located 12 miles south of Schulenburg, in Moravia). Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on Tuesday in March, June, September, and December at the hall at 6:30 p.m. For information, call 979-562-2124.
LODGE 39, BRYAN (1) For information, call President Omer Everett, Jr. 979693-5287; or FAC Ronnie Roesler 979-406-0158.
LODGE 24, CYCLONE - FLAG HALL (2) Lodge Hall: 411 FM 964, Cyclone. Hall Rental Information: Mark Maddux 254-721-1774 or Brenda Maddux 254-721-1682. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month at the hall at 7 p.m. For information, call 254-721-1682. LODGE 25, ENNIS (3) Lodge Hall: 1901 East Ennis Avenue, Ennis, TX 75119. Hall Rental Information: 972-875-8381. Email: SPJSTennis@yahoo.com. Game Room: Open every Wednesday, 5 p.m. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the lodge dining room with supper at 6:30 p.m. followed by a complimentary social in the game room. For information, call 214-837-9490. Youth Club Meetings: For date, time, place, and more information, call Youth Leader Rita Holland 469-3372284. LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD (6) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 12 noon at Wharton County Library - East Bernard Branch, 746 Clubside Drive in East Bernard. Call 832-595-4231 for information. LODGE 29, TAYLOR (2) ● All Friday night dances 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Free admission • Hamburgers served at 6 p.m. Lodge Hall: 5025 FM 619, Taylor. Hall Rental Information/Hall Phone: 512-352-9139. Regular business hours: Hall is open Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 10 p.m. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at the hall at 6:30 p.m. For information, call 512-415-7225.
LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE (6) Update: Lodge meetings held quarterly. Next meeting is Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. at Mikeska's BBQ off Highway 59 in El Campo. Youth club meetings held monthly. For information, call 979-332-1614. Lodge Hall: 30420 Loop 524 US Hwy 59, Hillje. Hall Rental Information: Cathy Garcia 979-332-1614; Hall Phone: 979-648-2317. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the third Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 12 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 979-332-1614. Youth Club Meetings: For meeting date, time, location, call Youth Leader Cathy Garcia 979-3321614. LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA (6) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the third Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6:30 p.m. at Six Mile Volunteer Fire Department Meeting Room, Royal Road, Port Lavaca. For information, call 361649-4736; or email danmarysitka@yahoo.com. LODGE 47, SEATON - STAR HALL (2) Lodge Hall: 10842 State Hwy 53, Temple. Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Amber Bartek 254-931-0295; Hall Phone: 254-985-2548. Visit www.seatonstarhall.com. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 254-624-4119. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Call Youth Leader Amber Bartek for information 254-931-0295.
LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE (2) Lodge Hall: 10450 FM 619, Taylor. Hall Bookings/Rentals: Call Lisa Jonse 512-739-9324 or email SPJST48@gmail.com. Lodge Meetings: Held the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 512-635-3021. Youth Club Meetings: Held at Taylor Animal Shelter on Saturday morning. For date/time and information, contact Youth Leader Michelle Newsom 512-913-0226; mrn81978@gmail.com. LODGE 49, ROWENA (4) New Activity: Tuesday nights - Cornhole Game Night, 7 to 9 p.m. at the hall, 609 S FM 2133, Rowena. Boards will be furnished. Bring your own bags, if you so chose. All ages welcome! For information, call Tony 325-977-0453; or Brad 325-6560489. Lodge Hall: 609 S FM 2133, Rowena. Hall rental Information: Beverly Teplicek 325-442-4841. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly - first Wednesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at the hall. Call Laura Pospichal for information 325-365-6485. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. at the hall. Call Youth Leader Becky Wood for information 325-656-0029. LODGE 54, WEST (3) Lodge Meetings: First Friday in March, June, and November, and the second Friday in September at St. Joseph Hall, 303 South Harrison Street in West, 7 p.m. For information, call Freddie Kaluza 254-709-2303. LODGE 63, SWEET HOME (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of February, May, August, and November at 7 p.m. For meeting location and information, call Ann Moseley 361-781-2644. LODGE 66, WACO (3) Lodge Meetings: The fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 1301 Hogan Lane in Bellmead. For information, call 254-717-7534. LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG (1) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly in March, June, September, and December at Kountry Bakery, Hwy 77 in Schulenburg at 2 p.m. For information, call 979-7430310. LODGE 79, CORPUS CHRISTI (7) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Meal served; meeting follows. Visitors welcome. For info, call 361-816-2328. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Call Youth Leader Marcia Rew for information 361-563-6779. LODGE 80, HOLLAND (2) Lodge Meetings: Held bi-monthly on the second Tuesday in January, March, May, July, September, and November at “The Hall on 2268” (formerly SPJST Lodge 80 Hall), 12141 East FM 2268 in Holland at 6:30 p.m. For information, call 254-760-6427. Watch the Věstník for changes in dates or times. For information, call 254760-6427. Bingo has returned! LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5) Lodge Hall: 13609 Violet Street in Needville. Hall Manager/Bookings/Rentals: Marion Morales 281-650-4466. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month at the hall at 1 p.m.; meal at 12 noon. For information, call 281-781-3156. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. at the hall. For information, email Youth Leader Kristen Jones joneskb06@hotmail.com. LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. Meeting location will be posted in the Věstník. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. unless otherwise announced in the Věstník. Contact Youth Leader Lynda Novak 972-948-4456. LODGE 87, TEMPLE (2) Lodge Hall: 320 North 50th Street in Temple. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the third Sunday of January, April, July and October at 2 p.m. For information, contact Dan Kacir 254-899-2332.
VĚSTNÍK
Monday, October 23, 2023
LODGE 88, HOUSTON (5) Standing Events: ● Bingo every Thursday evening ● Beer Garden every Friday ● Ladies Night - first Thursday of each month ● Guys Night - third Thursday of each month Visit www.lodge88.org/special-event for updates
LODGE 141, SEALY (1) Lodge Meetings: Held bi-monthly on the second Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October, and December at 6 p.m. at Gordon Memorial Library, 917 North Circle Drive, Sealy. December meeting is held at Tony’s Restaurant; complimentary meal for members. For information, call 979-885-4900.
Saturday, November 11—Red Ravens, 7 to 11 Friday, December 1—the Fab 5 will take us back to the 60’s during their performance from 8 to 11:30 p.m. Sunday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Mark Halata and Texavia will waltz and polka us into the new year from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
LODGE 142, HOUSTON (5) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month except in December, meeting is on the second Sunday at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted; lunch served at 1 p.m. Meetings are held at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, 1435 Beall Street at West 15th (the Heights) in Houston in the annex building - unless otherwise noted. For information, contact Lodge142 President Dennis Hermis 713-826-2981; or Secretary Elizabeth Hermis 281-787-8717. Youth Club Meetings: Held the same date, time, location as adult lodge meetings - unless otherwise noted. For information, call Youth Leader Amanda Muzny 713-560-5377.
Lodge Hall: 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Hall Phone/Rental Information: Call 713-8695767; or visit www.lodge88.org. Dances are held 8 to 11:30 p.m. - unless otherwise noted. For information, call 713-869-5767, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beer, set-ups, soda, and ice sold at bar. Please do not bring from outside. *Dress Code dances: evening attire for ladies and gentlemen. *Introductory pricing. Bingo: Every Thursday evening; games start at 7 p.m. License No. 17407503501. Lodge Meetings: Held the first Sunday, 2 p.m. at the hall; lunch served at 1 p.m. For information, call 713-869-5767. Youth Club Meetings: Held second Sunday of each month at the hall at 1 p.m. (one hour prior to adult lodge meeting). For youth club information, contact Youth Leader Sarah Itz 713-303-8845. LODGE 91, SAN JACINTO (5) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Saturday of March, June, September, and December at 12 p.m. at a local restaurant. For information, call 832-694-8762. LODGE 92, FORT WORTH - NATIONAL HALL (3) ● Randy Tatarevich Band, country/western: Every first Sunday of the month unless otherwise noted. Doors open at 1 p.m.; music starts at 2 p.m. Admission - $10. Barbecue dinner - $10. Full bar available. Best dance floor in Texas. Come on out for a great time! Lodge Hall: 3316 Roberts Cut Off Road, Fort Worth 76114. Hall Event/Rental Information: Call National Hall Events Manager Jon Durham 817-624-1361. Visit Lodge 92 website www.nationalhallfwtx.com. Ladies Circle: Meets the second Tuesday of each month. Randy and the 92nd Road House Band plays every first Sunday. Dressy casual. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall - unless otherwise noted. For information, call 817-688-9958. LODGE 97, PLACEDO (6) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the following second Mondays: March 13; June 12; and September 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Grapevine Cafe, 110 Medical Drive, Suite 102, Victoria 77904. For information, call Secretary Judy Bellanger 361-576-2935. LODGE 107, FLORESVILLE (7) Lodge Hall: 1156 FM 1303, Floresville. Hall Rental Information: 830-393-2600/Roxy. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 210-535-4916. Youth Club Meetings: For meeting date/time/location, contact Youth Leader Lian Lynn 830-480-2737. LODGE 117, ROBSTOWN (7) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the first Saturday of March, June, September, and December at 1:30 p.m. at Hilltop Community Center, 11425 Leopard in Corpus Christi. For information, call 361-695-8280.
LODGE 151, WHARTON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of March, June, September, and December at 6:30 p.m. at Wharton Depot Museum, 100 South Sunset Street in Wharton. For information, call 979-532-5884 or email jbucek2001@yahoo.com. LODGE 154, FORT WORTH (3) Lodge Hall: 6500 Boat Club Road, Fort Worth. Hall Phone: 817-237-5181. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the third Sunday of February, May, August, and November at the hall at 3 p.m. For information, call 817-7312580. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. For meeting location, contact Youth Leaders CarrieAnn Jones 817-371-1727, carrieannjones@att.net or Appa Burcie 817-614-2967, abburcie2015@gmail.com for information. LODGE 155, AUSTIN (2) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly in March, June, September, and December. For dates/time/location, call 512657-7783. LODGE 157, LUBBOCK (4) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the last Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 2 p.m. at 2512 Mesa Road in Lubbock. For information, contact Secretary Cynthia Kristinek 806-763-7245; cyndynjerome@gmail.com. LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of February, May, and August; the November meeting is held the third Sunday. Watch the Věstník for meeting time/location. For information, contact Sandra Jansa 325-651-8045; or sandra.jansa@hotmail.com. Youth Club Meetings: For date, time, location, call Youth Leader Ryan Jansa 325234-5879. LODGE 172, PASADENA (5) Lodge Meetings: Quarterly meetings to be announced in the Vestnik. For information or questions, call Jerry Dressler 512-551-9009. LODGE 177, ACADEMY (2) Lodge Hall: 711 East Rio Poco, Little River-Academy. Hall Phone: 254-982-4434. Please leave a message with questions. Board of Trustees/Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November - Board Meeting, 6:15 p.m. Regular lodge meeting, 6:30 p.m. Bingo: Every Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Kitchen is open. LODGE 179, WARRENTON (1) Lodge Meetings: The lodge meets quarterly. Date and location will be announced in the Věstník prior to the meeting each month. For information, contact Ricky Weyand 979-966-7138.
LODGE 133, SAN ANTONIO (7) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly in March, June, September, and December at 1 p.m. For meeting location/date/information, call 210-861-4985.
LODGE 180, BURLESON (3) Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Please call for meeting location 817-905-2097 or 972268-0022.
LODGE 139, DANBURY (5) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 12 noon at Main Street Steakhouse, 1802 Main Street in Danbury. Meeting; luncheon follows. For information, call Lonnie 979-922-1553.
LODGE 183, ARLINGTON (3) Lodge Hall: 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane, Arlington. Hall Rental Information/Hall Phone: 682-800-3485. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly - the third Sunday of February, May, August, and November at 2 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 817-896-5277.
LODGE 184, MOULTON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November, 7 p.m. at Moulton VFD meeting room. For information, contact Secretary Terry Stevenson 361-772-0046; terrywstevenson@gmail.com. LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS (7) Lodge Meetings: Bi-monthly in the months of February, April, June, August, October, and December on the fourth Sunday (except for June and December). Contact Theresa Haag 830-832-3664; theresa.haag686@gmail.com for meeting information. Youth Club Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month. For meeting time/location, contact Youth Leader Jessica McCoy 979-777-8215; jmccoy@pta.com. LODGE 186, CALDWELL (1) Lodge Meetings: Held on the second Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Caldwell Civic Center, 103 W Highway 21 in Caldwell. Bring your favorite dish for a potluck prior to the meeting. For information, contactact President Victor Mendez 512743-8297 or vmendez@kmc.net. LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK (2) Lodge Hall: 920 Luther Peterson Place in Round Rock. Hall Rental Information: Call Rubie Volek 512-771-4948. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, beginning at 2 p.m. at the hall, followed by entertainment and potluck meal. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at the hall followed by entertainment and potluck meal. For information, call Jennifer McCarthy 512-565-9156. LODGE 189, BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION (1) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 2 p.m. at C and J Barbecue, 1010 South Texas Avenue in Bryan unless otherwise noted. For information call 979-7771426. LODGE 191, LUFKIN (5) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the Monday before the second Friday at Catfish King Restaurant. Watch for meeting announcement in the Vestnik. For information, call George Scogin 936-875-2867. LODGE 196, HOUSTON-WEST (5) Lodge Hall: 17810 Huffmeister Road in Cypress. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month. Lunch at 1 p.m.; meeting at 2 p.m. For information, contact Cadance Wager 713-515-2835.
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Saturday, October 28—Halloween Dance: The Lonely Road Band, 7 to 11 p.m. See article on page 10. LODGE 202, JOURDANTON (7) Adult Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly - the 3rd Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 1 p.m. at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. A meal will be served at each meeting. For information, call 830-570-7750. Youth Club Meetings: Youth attend quarterly adult lodge meetings and interim monthly meetings held the second Sunday of the month. Time and location TBD monthly. For information, contact Youth Leader Regina House 830-570-2046. LODGE 207, IOWA PARK (4) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the third Thursday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at 2302 FM 369 South in Iowa Park. For information, call Secretary Joyce Kotulek 940-855-0882. LODGE 215, SOUTH PLAINS (4) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month at John Witt Butane Gas Company., LLC, 631 Lockwood Street in Tahoka at 6 p.m. For information, call 806-535-8356. LODGE 219, EL PASO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at Carnitas Queretaro Mexican Restaurant, 9077 Gateway Boulevard, West in El Paso, TX. Phone: 915-633-9877. Contact information: President Aracely Quiz 915-9992062. LODGE 229, ABILENE (4) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly in January, April, June, and September at Rosa’s Cafe, 1026 North Judge Ely Boulevard. For information, call 325-669-7904. LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT (2) Lodge Meetings: Held bi-monthly - the second Monday in January, March, May, July, September, and November at 11:15 a.m. For meeting location, call President Ingrid Petrik 254-760-1831.
LODGE 258, SEGUIN (7) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly, normally the third month of each quarter. Date, time and location varies and is voted on by members at each meeting. For meeting date, location, and time, contact Chester Jenke 210-413-3053; Colleen Jenke 210-215-9494; or Carrie Origas 210-415-8744. —SPJST—
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Home Office: 520 North Main Temple, Texas 76501 800-727-7578 info@spjst.org www.spjst.org