Vol. 120, No. 5
InsIde
Three new agents complete training ➤ ➤ Pg. 5
March 2017
Cookin’ for a cause! Chili cook-off raises scholarship funds
Camp is about more than just having fun ➤ ➤ Pg. 8
Restoration of stained glass window complete ➤ ➤ Pg. 12
hermannsonslife.org
See Pg. 4 for details!
Page 2 – Hermann Sons Life – March 2017 USPS 242200 Periodicals Postage Paid at San Antonio, Texas Published Monthly by ORDER OF THE SONS OF HERMANN
515 S. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, Texas 78205 POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to: Hermann Sons Life P.O. Box 1941 San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 HOME OFFICE:
515 S. St. Mary’s Street P.O. Box 1941 San Antonio, Texas 78297-1941 210-226-9261 or 1-800-234-4124 Fax: 210-226-3055 Hermann Sons Life-Camp 830-995-3223 GRAND LODGE OFFICERS PAST GRAND PRESIDENT
Leroy Muehlstein PAST GRAND PRESIDENT
Stephen R. Prewitt GRAND PRESIDENT/CEO
Allan W. “Buddy” Preuss GRAND VP-SECRETARY/TREASURER
Mary Beam GRAND VP-INVESTMENTS
Harry Werland GRAND VP-MARKETING
Timothy P. Kolbe GRAND VP-FRATERNAL
Kimberly A. Krueger GRAND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Wilburn Pargmann Sandra Jones Janice Kuhen Paul Heath Jack Larned RETIREMENT HOME COMMITTEE Ruth Bailey Frank Brandon Norma Bruns Jean Dueitt Calvin Lamensky GRAND PHYSICIAN Dr. Richard Hannigan YOUTH ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE Janice Fait Debbie Jordan Tammy Kelley Ed Kurtz Amanda Deicke Grand Guide Bob Jungman Grand Inner Guard Stan Steiger Grand Outer Guard LAWS COMMITTEE David Lewis Glenn Altwein James Lowak Donnie Blinka Jeanette Preuss Glenford Boehme Calvin Rueter John Bradley Howard Saathoff Agnes Dreibrodt Tim Salge Lillian Franckowiak Don Saunders Debbie Gold Andy Schellenberg Karen Harborth Irene Schwertner Robert Herridge Joe Trojacek Milton Ihlo Lee Vogel Jerry Don Klose Ronald Wiatrek Oscar Kuehner Billy Lehde
President’s Message
Joining hands to strengthen communities Join Hands Day is a national day of action sponsored by America’s fraternal benefit societies. This annual event generates awareness about what volunteerism can do in communities across the nation, while also bringing youth and adults together to build lasting friendships across generations. It is a day that brings communities together to strengthen bonds with each other as we work together to aid others. Hermann Sons was founded on the principle of mutual aid. From the very beginning when German men gathered together to support each other and their families until today when we join hands across the state in
civic awareness - members agree that our purpose for being is to strengthen communities. Hermann Sons has been a supporter of Join Hands Day for years. Although Join Hands Day is officially the first Saturday in May, many of our lodges will bring youth and adults together
Chaplain says thanks for ‘Hugs from Home’ SAN ANTONIO – At the end of 2016, “Hugs from Home” care packages were mailed to men and women serving overseas. Several of those packages were delivered to Chaplain D. Lee Kemp who is serving in Afghanistan. He recently wrote a letter to Hermann Sons that reads as follows: “Thank you so much for supporting America’s sons and daughters over the holiday season. Your care packages were a real blessing to the soldiers here at OB Fenty, and gave them a chance to feel the Christmas spirit. Thank you for your cards, snacks, gifts and items that you graciously purchased for us. “I have several shelves in the chapel office area where items from care packages are placed. Soldiers, airmen, DOD civilians and contractors are invited to come by for a cup of cofee and to receive the items you have donated. “Your care packages offer items that they can’t get in
the dining facility and remind them of some of the sweet comforts from home. Most importantly, it reminds them that there are still great Americans back home who think and pray for them often. You are making a difference by increasing morale and lifting the spirits of the men and women serving on our task force. Thank you again and may God bless you in all that you do.” The most recent donors to the “Hugs from Home” program were the Lone Oak School of Dance, Lillie Mae Dienger, Wayne and Janilla Kilborn, McGregor Lodge, Hondo Victory Lodge and Mission-Alamo Lodge. If you would like to make a donation, send it to Hermann Sons Home Office, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 782971941, Attn: Laura Adams. If you know someone serving overseas and would like them added to the list of care package recipients, send the information to the same address.
to plan, organize and implement community activities in the months preceding and following. I went to my first Join Hands Day event this weekend. Comfort Lodge sponsored a golf tournament to benefit the Hermann Sons-Camp Grief Support Session. Comfort Lodge members joined hands with Comfort ISD Athletics to sponsor this event. Members from Kerrville, Harmonia and Pershing lodges also were on hand to offer support. The event raised $2,400 - enough to sponsor five children. Over the next few months other lodges will be sponsoring charity events across the state. Many will be raising money for
our focused service cause of grief support services while others will be supporting their favorite local charities. Regardless, Hermann Sons continues to be a strong source of volunteerism and community support across Texas. If you and your family want to get involved in organized good deeds in your community or if you know of a charitable entity that needs our help, reach out to your local Hermann Sons president or community coordinator. Now is the time that our local lodges are planning their projects and they need and want your help. Fraternally, Buddy Preuss Grand President/CEO
Memorial Donations Donations to the Retirement Home in Memory of: VELMA L. REAL Donor: Kirby Lodge HARRY LEE STARK Donor: Burton Lodge MARTHA L. powiTzKY Donor: Da Costa Lodge
KENNETH HoopER MARViN T. MiTSCHKE Donor: Giddings Lodge NoLAN G. NiTSCHE Donor: Brenham Lodge MARiAN BRiCK Donor: Gulf Lodge
Donations to the Retirement Home Scholarship Fund in Memory of: DoMiNGo VALDEz Donor: Kirby Lodge DoRoTHY CATHCART Donor: Gulf Lodge
GLENN pApE JANiCE SUE JoCHEC Donor: New Braunfels Lodge
Donations to the Camp in Memory of: NOLAN G. NITSCHE Donor: Brenham Lodge THOMAS M. HALLORAN Donor: Spring Branch Lodge
JAY FIELD Donor: Deborah R. Palumbo-Saunders
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 3
Official Bulletin - Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer
Convention delegate registration now under way Lodges should have received their new member goals for the year by now. Our marketing theme for 2017 is “We Strengthen Community Through Financial Protection and Service.” It reminds us that we are members of an organization that gives to many communities and along with that we receive the best life insurance and annuity products available. Let’s offer this wonderful community of membership to others in your circle of friends and relatives. Always keep in mind new members for the Order. Recommend TODAY. CONVENTION UPDATE Registration information for the 47th Grand Lodge Convention to be held in San Marcos at the Embassy Suites Hotel May 1-3 has been mailed to all delegates. The Grand Lodge Book of Reports will be in the hands of all delegates by April 1. Delegates are asked to review the committee reports of the Grand Lodge officers and committees in this book. At the Convention, delegates will have the opportunity to select which committee meetings they would like to attend so they can ask questions and learn more about the operations of our
organization. Notice should be given immediately to the Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer’s office if an elected delegate of a local lodge should be unable to serve at the convention in San Marcos. The lodge president or financial secretary should include the name of the alternate delegate who will serve in that delegate’s place. Convention information will then be sent to the new delegate. The convention agenda includes informative general sessions, morning coffee sessions that will be informal meetings where delegates can learn more about empowering their lodge and its membership and question and answer sessions on governance, branding and community service initiatives. While deliberating on important issues for the betterment of our organization during the day, we will also have some wonderful social time in the evening where we can relax, visit and enjoy the company of our fellow fraternalists from throughout the state. MEETINGS & UPCOMING EVENTS The Retirement Home Committee held its quarterly
meeting at the Home in January. No new applications were presented at this meeting but there are currently 50 wonderful residents at our Home. The Grand Finance Committee met at the Home Office for its semi-annual audit of the books and records of the Grand Lodge for the period of July 1-Dec. 31, 2016. On Jan. 26, the Grand Committee met for its quarterly meeting. The minutes of that meeting are printed elsewhere in this issue. Hermann Sons-Camp registration information will be available to all eligible junior members in mid-March. Don’t forget to plan to visit the Camp at the Open House. Hope to see you at the Retirement Home Chili and Bean Cook-off on March 10 and 11. All proceeds benefit the Retirement Home Scholarship Fund. Each year five $1,500 scholarships are presented to graduating high school seniors who are Hermann Sons members. Fraternally, Mary Beam Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer
Events MARCH 1 – The deadline to apply for the Hermann Sons Youth
Camp-Shannon Leigh Gaffney Scholarship is today. Go to hermannsonslife.org/programs/scholarships to complete the online application.
11 – The annual Chili Cook-off benefitting the Retirement
per player or $380 per team. Lunch will follow and there will be prizes for the top teams. Mark the date. Online registration will begin soon.
1–
The deadline to apply for the Retirement Home Scholarship is today. Go to hermannsonslife.org/programs/scholarships to complete the online application.
Home Scholarship Fund will be held on the grounds of the Home in Comfort. Cost to enter is $15 for amateurs and $20 for CASI sanctioned cooks. Everyone pays $10 to enter the bean competition. The event is sanctioned by CASI but is open to amateurs as well. Call 830-995-2724 for more information. No preregistration required.
1 – Seguin Lodge will hold its Spring Flea Market at the Seguin Lodge Hall, 2918 W. Kingsbury St. from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and drinks will be for sale. To reserve an inside space for $10 or outside space for $20, call Vernelle Jones at 830-379-9943.
11 –
The 37th Annual St. Alphonso Pancake Breakfast will be held at the Dallas Lodge Hall from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. This event is sponsored by Columbia Lodge. Also this weekend, the Dallas Lodge Hall will be a part of the Deep Elm Arts Festival.
The Goodtime Polka and Waltz Dance Club will hold a dance from 7-11 p.m. at 257 E. South St., New Braunfels. The Jodie Mikula Orchestra from Ennis will provide the music. Call 830-620-6787 or 830-660-4866 for information. Guests welcome. No shorts please. Memberships available at the sign-in table.
19 –
A general meeting of the Dallas Home Association will be held at 2 p.m. at the Lodge Hall so members of both lodges can vote on the consolidation of Dallas Lodge and Columbia Lodge. All members of both lodges are encouraged to attend.
8–
22 –
The Goodtime Polka and Waltz Dance Club will hold a dance from 7-11 p.m. at 257 E. South St., New Braunfels. The Red Ravens Orchestra from El Campo will provide the music. Call 830-620-6787 or 830-660-4866 for information. Guests welcome. No shorts please. Memberships available at the sign-in table.
JUNE APRIL 10 – The annual Open House at Hermann Sons-Camp 1 – The annual Hermann Sons Youth Camp-Shannon will be held today. Open House offers campers and their Leigh Gaffney Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament will be held at Northern Hills Golf Club in San Antonio. The event begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Cost to enter is $95
parents a chance to tour the facilities and take part in Camp activities before the summer season begins. The pool will be open and lunch will be served. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
If you would like to see your lodge’s event listed here and in the Events section of the Hermann Sons Life website, call Kathie Ninneman, 210-226-9261, ext. 273, or 1-800-234-4124, ext. 273, or email kathien@hermannsonslife.org.
Editor/Communications Director Kathie Ninneman 210-226-9261, ext. 273 email: kathien@hermannsonslife.org Assistant Editor/Assistant Communications Director Elaine Soto 210-226-9261, ext. 279 email: elaines@hermannsonslife.org Fax: 1-888-443-3377 or 210-892-0252 Website: www.hermannsonslife.org All news articles and photographs should be mailed to: Editor Hermann Sons Life P.O. Box 1941 San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 or emailed to: kathien@hermannsonslife.org Deadline for each monthly issue is the 10th of the month of publication. The Hermann Sons Life newspaper is an official publication of the Order of the Sons of Hermann in the State of Texas. The management and editorial policy of the newspaper shall be in the hands of the Grand President, and the Grand President shall have the authority to appoint a member or members of Hermann Sons as editor and/or business manager thereof (Art. 38, Grand Lodge Laws).
Page 4 – Hermann Sons Life – March 2017
Dust off those pots for annual chili, bean cook-off COMFORT – It’s time to dig your favorite chili and bean recipes out of the drawer and dust off that pot . The annual Retirement Home Chili Cook-Off and Bean CookOff are just a few weeks away . The two cook-offs, scheduled this year for March 10-11, offer participants a good time for a good cause . The good cause is the Retirement Home’s Scholarship Fund . Proceeds will be used to award five $1,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who have been members of Hermann Sons for at least five
Retirement Home Chili Cook-off and Bean Cook-off March 10-11
years . Grand Vice President-Fraternal Kim Krueger encourages lodges to get a team together and head for the beautiful Hill Country for a weekend of fraternal fun . The fun begins with a cooks’
party at 6 p .m . Friday featuring music, dancing, food and beverages . The cooking portion of the weekend begins at 8 a .m . Saturday when the cooks fire up their stoves . Later in the day, the teams
will do their best to entertain visitors with their showmanship acts . Bean judging begins at 12 noon with amateur chili due in at 1 p .m . and CASI sanctioned chili judging beginning at 2 p .m . Entry fees for the competition are $20 for CASI sanctioned chili cooks and $15 for amateurs . Bean cooks pay $10 to enter . The top three bean cooks will win cash prizes . The top CASI cooks will be competing for points so they can advance to the International Championship Chili Cook-off in Terlingua .
Another aspect of the event is a drawing with lots of prizes to be won . Tickets will be for sale that day . And the residents will be selling crafts and slightly used treasures in their Home Scholarship Fund Store and the White Jalapeno Resale Shop . There is plenty of room for recreational vehicles to park on the lower level at the Home . For more information on entering a team, call the Home at 830-995-2724 . To apply for one of the scholarships, go to hermannsonslife. org/programs/scholarships .
Inside Lodge Reports Albert Kypfer . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Anton Wenzel . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Bandera County . . . . . . . . . .26 Bernardo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Boerne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Brenham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Brunhilde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Cat Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Cibolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Columbus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Coupland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Cuero Family . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 DaCosta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 El Campo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Fort Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Fredericksburg . . . . . . . . . . .18 General Bee . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Giddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Gulf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Hallettsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Harmonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Haskell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Helotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Hondo Victory . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Karnes City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Kerrville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Kirby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Laubach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Lockhart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Louise Schuetze . . . . . . . . . .23 Maxwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 McGregor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Mission-Alamo . . . . . . . . . . .17 New Bielau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 New Braunfels . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Niederwald . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Old Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Paige . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Pershing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Poth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Richland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Rosenberg-Richmond . . . .29 Round Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Rutersville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 San Marcos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Schwertner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Seguin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Shelby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Siemering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Stern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Vineta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Womack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Monthly Features 2 2 3 3 10-11 12 12-13 13
Grand President’s Message Memorial Donations Calendar of Events Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer’s Bulletin Pioneer Members In Memoriam of Our Deceased Members Medical Notes Retirement Home News
2 1&4 11 14-15 15
Chaplain acknowledges ‘Hugs from Home’ Retirement Home Chili Cook-off coming in March Restoration project complete Grand Commitee Meeting Minutes Grand Finance Committee letter
5 5 5 31
TOP Recommenders Three new agents complete training Members can help their lodges grow Listing of agents
6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 9 15 15 32
Event raises money for Grief Support Session Dance recital dates listed Deadline nears for scholarships First grief support session set for July Comfort offering camperships Gulf Lodge offering scholarship Bandera County offering campership Summer jobs available at Camp Camp gearing up for ‘Super Summer’ Why your child needs to go to Camp Camp hosts CIT Interview Camps Hondo Victory Lodge offering cash prizes Answers to puzzles on Pg . 32 Shining Stars
New This Month
Marketing News
Youth in Action
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 5
Marketing
Members can help their lodges grow in 2017 By TIM KOLBE Grand Vice President-Marketing Last month we talked about the importance of recommending new prospects to our organization. You as current members are our greatest asset, and the life blood of Hermann Sons. Without your support, we could not prosper. Every Hermann Sons certificate holder is a member of a particular lodge. Last month, all lodges were notified of their new member goal for the 2017 lodge membership growth campaign, “We Strengthen Community Through Financial Protection and Service.” Our Hermann Sons lodges indeed strengthen community through the great community service deeds performed by our lodge members. Whether it be spending time with our aged populations in nursing facilities, donating badly needed funds to volunteer fire departments or giving time and assistance helping those in
Abigail Fenner
need, our organization truly embodies the spirit of service in communities across Texas. New this year we will be selecting one recommender drawing winner for every month of the year. Those winners will be announced in the Hermann Sons Life newspaper. Each prize winner will receive a $100 gift card. Twelve months equals 12 winners for 2017! Congratulations to Lena Ging from Coupland Lodge who is our first winner of 2017. We also rolled out a new lodge membership goal incentive. If your lodge makes its 2017 membership goal, we will pay your lodge $100. If your lodge has an overall net increase in membership, we will pay the lodge an additional $50. We asked the presidents to put those funds to good use to increase membership for our organization, so please help your lodge leaders fulfill this request by
Melissa Kostelnik
Betty H. Murphy
Three new agents complete training SAN ANTONIO – Three new agents have completed training. They are Abigail Fenner, a member of Karnes City Lodge; Melissa Kostelnik, a member of Needville Lodge; and Betty M. Murphy, a member of Comfort Lodge. Abigail Fenner has been a member of Hermann Sons since 1992. She is currently employed as a school secretary and color guard sponsor. She serves as vice president of Karnes City Lodge. She was an assistant dance instructor while in high school and later became a dance instructor. She lives close to her parents
and grandmothers in a small home with her guinea pig, Paisley, and her dog, Emily. She can be reached at 830540-6982. Melissa Kostelnik is a stay-athome mom. She and husband Keith have been married for 15 years. He has been a member since he was young. They have four children, Bradley, Kaitlyn, Wesley and Zachary. They are a 100% Hermann Sons Family. She taught at Needville Elementary School for seven years before deciding to stay home with the children. Before that she was a manager for a major retailer. She can be reached at 713-
helping with an event to attract new members. We also asked lodge presidents to display the goals poster in a prominent location at your meetings, so all are reminded of the importance of bring new members into our organization. You may recommend a new member to your area agent, submit the lead on our website at www.hermannsonslife.org or call us at the Home Office at 800234-4124. Make sure we know which lodge you’re recommending for, so you may get proper credit for the effort. So you have two ways to win with multiple ways to recommend. Either way, if you help bring more members to our organization, we all win. Let everyone in your circle of family and friends know about how Hermann Sons strengthens communities through financial protection and service and let’s make this a year of growth for Hermann Sons. My thanks for all you do in our name.
304-1692. Betty H. Murphy is a resident at the Retirement Home. She previously managed a district congressional office, taught secondary at-risk students for 14 years and owned and operated a bed and breakfast. Husband Ron taught high school science for 47 years. They have four children, eight grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. She moved to the Retirement Home last year. Her husband’s great-grandfather, Andreas Sprott, lived there for 30 years. She can be reached at 830998-0860.
It’s easy to recommend a new member!
Go to hermannsonslife.org and click on Recommend a Member at the bottom of the Home page.
Eighteen recommended in January Eighteen recommenders are being recognized for the month of January 2017 as part of the “We Strengthen Community Through Financial Protection and Service” Campaign. They recommended 19 new members to Hermann Sons. Congratulations to the following January recommenders: Recommender Agent Natascha Lee Apticar, Pershing Lodge Carol Krauss Patricia F. Bushman, Houston Lodge Gary Falkenberg Verlene M. Corzine, Old Glory Lodge Diane Marie Smith Mercedes Rose Flores, Giddings Lodge Loretta Chilek Mallorie A. Fox, Nixon-Smiley Lodge Ronald Wiatrek Lena B. Ging, Coupland Lodge (*) Crystal Livingston Ashley A. Hernandez, Comfort Lodge Norma Bruns Jennifer Ann Koop, Kirby Lodge Sandra Jones Lorene Kreusel, Vineta Lodge Ruth Bailey Pamela Kay Matula, Plum Lodge Linda Mattocks Nikki Wirth Najera, Bryan Lodge Katherine Akin Caytlynn A. O’Hair, Richland Lodge Sandra Jones Abigail P. Packenius, Kirby Lodge Teresa Saathoff Gayle Lynne Pfeiffer, Albert Kypfer Lodge Shirley Huebinger Cliff W. Roeder, Shelby Lodge Gary Falkenberg Ouida J. Samford, Hondo Victory Lodge Glenford Boehme Davin Gus Vanwinkle, Brunhilde Lodge Carol Krauss William E. Wenzel, New Braunfels Lodge Shirley Huebinger (*) Recommended 2 new members
Page 6 – Hermann Sons Life – March 2017
Event raises funds for Grief Support Session
More than $1,600 was raised for the Grief Support Session at Hermann Sons-Camp during a Kendra Scott Gives Back Show held Jan. 26 at the Kendra Scott store located in the Quarry Village. Kendra Scott donated 20 percent of the proceeds from that night’s sales to the first Grief Support Session. Community Service Coordinator Laura Adams, far right, made the arrangements for the event. Those in attendance included, from left, Grand President/ CEO Buddy Preuss holding his granddaughter, Bailey Preuss, Riverside Camp Director Kristen Vineyard, Executive Camp Director Katie Klohn and Sister Adams.
2017 Dance Recital Dates School of Dance
Date
Bandera County May 13 Boerne May 21 Castroville June 3 Cibolo May 21 Comfort May 20 Corpus Christi TBA Cuero May 13 Da Costa May 6 Devine May 20 Elgin May 13 Ganado April 22 Goliad May 6 Gonzales May 6 Hill Country May 21 Hill Country May 21 Hochheim-Prairie May 6 Hondo May 27 Jourdanton April 22 Karnes City May 7 Kirby May 13 La Vernia May 6 Lee County May 13 Lone Oak May 13 Luling May 6 New Braunfels May 7 New Braunfels May 7 New Braunfels May 7 Nixon-Smiley May 21 North West Bexar Co. June 3 Poth-Floresville May 13 San Antonio June 3 Schulenburg May 21 Schulenburg May 21 Seguin June 3 Stockdale May 20 Yorktown April 22
Time
Place
2 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. TBA 5 p.m. 4 or 5 p.m. 2 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 5 p.m. 4 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 5 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 4 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 10 a.m. 2 p.m. 6 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 4 p.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. TBA 6 p.m. 4 p.m.
Bandera High School Auditorium, 474 Old San Antonio Hwy., Bandera Boerne Middle School North, 240 Johnson Rd., Boerne Medina Valley Performing Arts Center, 8365 FM 471 South, Castroville Jackson Auditorium, Texas Luthern University, 1000 W. Court St., Seguin Comfort High School Auditorium, 143 Hwy. 87 N., Comfort TBA Cuero High School Auditorium, 920 E. Broadway, Cuero Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive, Victoria Lytle High School, 18975 FM 2790, Lytle SPJST Hall, 702 Texas 95, Elgin Ganado High School Auditorium, South Seventh Street, Ganado Goliad High School, 749 N. Tiger Lane, Goliad Gonzales Junior High School, 926 St. Lawrence, Gonzales Smithson Valley High School, 14001 Hwy. 46 West, Spring Branch Smithson Valley High School, 14001 Hwy. 46 West, Spring Branch Yoakum High School, 104 Poth St., Yoakum Medina Valley Performing Arts Center, 8365 FM 471 South, Castroville Doug Williamson Auditorium, Pleasanton ISD, 900 West Adams St., Pleasanton Karnes City High School, 400 N. Hwy. 123, Karnes City Kirby Middle School, 5441 Old Seguin Road, Kirby La Vernia High School Auditorium, 225 Bluebonnet Rd., La Vernia Giddings High School Cafetorium, 2337 N. Main, Giddings La Vernia High School Auditorium, 225 Bluebonnet Rd., La Vernia Luling High School Fine Arts Building, 218 E. Travis St., Luling Smithson Valley High School, 14001 Hwy. 46 West, Spring Branch Smithson Valley High School, 14001 Hwy. 46 West, Spring Branch Smithson Valley High School, 14001 Hwy. 46 West, Spring Branch Nixon-Smiley High School Cafetorium, 800 N. Rancho Road, Nixon Edgewood Theatre of Performing Arts, 402 Lance St., San Antonio Floresville High School Auditorium, 1813 Tiger Lane, Floresville Antonian High School, 6425 West Ave., San Antonio Schulenburg Civic Center, 1107 Hillje Ave., Schulenburg Schulenburg Civic Center, 1107 Hillje Ave., Schulenburg Jackson Auditorium, Texas Lutheran University, 1000 W. Court St., Seguin Stockdale High School Auditorium, 502 S. Fourth St., Stockdale Yorktown High School Auditorium, 416 W. Fourth St., Yorktown
Address
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 7
Juniors invited to apply for scholarship Gulf Lodge offering
SAN ANTONIO – Hermann Sons members graduating from high school are invited to apply for the Retirement Home Scholarship. The deadline to apply is April 1. The five $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to one student from each of the five Grand Lodge regions. Each applicant must be a member of Hermann Sons for
a minimum of five years and have a certificate of insurance and local lodge dues paid up on the date of the filing of the application. High school grades will have no bearing on who receives these scholarships, only the student’s desire to better himself/herself. As part of the application, students must write an essay of 300 words
or less on what Hermann Sons means to them. Scholarships will be awarded to first-year college students only and may be used at any four-year university, twoyear community college or trade school of the student’s choosing. The online application can be found at hermannsonslife.org/ programs/scholarships.
First Grief Support Session set for July 5-8 COMFORT – Hermann SonsCamp will host its first Grief Support Session this summer. The session will be held July 5-8 at the Hilltop site. Application can be made for the Grief Support Session when Hermann Sons-Camp registration begins in March. Volunteers will be needed to
help staff the Grief Support Session. An application for this opportunity will be available soon on the Hermann Sons website. Volunteers will be required to go through a screening process as well as some training. If you know someone between the ages of 6-17 who would benefit from attending
this session a form is available on the Hermann Sons website (hermannsonslife.org/community-service). Applicants for the session will be accepted on a first-come basis and will go through an interview session with someone from the Children’s Bereavement Center before being accepted.
Campership Application for Summer 2017
This application is for children who need financial assistance in order to attend Hermann Sons-‐Camp. The application can be completed by a parent/guardian, but the short answer portion should be completed by the child. The Hermann Sons Comfort Lodge camperships pay half of the camper fee ($137.50 is half of the fee for the full-‐week session and $90 is half of the fee for the half-‐week session). Five camperships are awarded to Comfort Lodge members in good standing and one campership is awarded to any Hermann Sons member in good standing. The camperships being awarded to Comfort Lodge members are awarded on a first-‐requests-‐received basis and there is no application deadline. The campership awarded to any member is based on application evaluations by the Campership Committee and the application postmark deadline is May 4. Applicants will be notified as to whether or not they were selected by May 11. Campers who receive camperships from Comfort Lodge may still complete the online application but will need to mail their payment along with the check from Comfort Lodge. Camper Information: Last Name: ________________________ First Name: ____________________ Date of Birth: ___/___/______ Lodge: _____________ Mailing Address: ____________________________ City: ________________ Zip Code: _______________
Primary Parent/Guardian Information: Last Name: ________________________ First Name: ____________________ Phone Number: _________________________ Email Address: ________________________ Does the camper intend to attend a full-‐week session or the half-‐week session? ________ Short Answer Written by Child (Use a separate page, if needed) Why do you want to attend Hermann Sons-‐Camp this summer? ______________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please mail to: Hermann Sons Life-‐Comfort Attn: Jennifer Cernosek P.O. Box 1941 San Antonio, TX 78297
Questions can be directed to Jennifer Cernosek at 210-‐859-‐7966 or jenniferc@hermannsonslife.org.
$1,000 scholarship
Gulf Lodge is offering a $1,000 scholarship to college students who have been members of the lodge for at least one year. The deadline to apply is June 1. Interested students will need to complete an application and write an essay of 100 words or more about “What college will do for me.” Contact Sarah Spencer by email at pfeilinsurance@gmail.com or call her at at 361-550-1883 for more information and to receive an application.
Bandera County Lodge is offering a Hermann Sons-Camp scholarship for this summer. If you are interested in applying, contact Pam Biering at pbiering@yahoo.com for an application.
Summer Camp Jobs Hermann Sons-Camp is seeking highly motivated men and women for summer employment. Summer Positions Available: Counselor Food Service Worker Food Service Manager Maintenance Worker Housekeeper Also, Nurse positions for one week or more are available. Come live the adventure of camp for a rewarding summer experience! For an application or more information visit our website at
www.hermannsonslife.org (Click on the Contact Us tab and then Camp Employment)
For more information contact Katie Klohn, Executive Camp Director Hermann Sons-Camp P.O. Box 629 Comfort, TX 78013 830-995-3223 katiek@hermannsonslife.org
Page 8 – Hermann Sons Life – March 2017
Hermann Sons-Camp gearing up for a ‘Super Summer’
By Katie Klohn executive Camp Director The Hermann Sons-Camp 2017 countdown has officially begun! The first session begins on June 11 – just a little more than three months from now. Registration information Hermann Sons-Camp registration information will be mailed to the policy payors for eligible junior members in March. The brochure will contain registration information and important summer updates. Registration will be completed online via the Hermann Sons website once again this summer. During the registration process, you will be able to purchase a care package for your child that will be delivered no later than Tuesday of the week that they attend. These care packages cost $25
and they are only available during the registration process. This will be the third summer that Camp has offered free oneway emails through the website. In order to use this free service, you will need to keep your registration information so you can use your unique login information to send those one-way emails while your camper is at Camp. In addition to one-way emails, this login information will allow you to view the photo gallery for the summer. Summer theme The theme for the entire summer – all eight sessions – will be “Super Summer.” The staff will be looking for all things superhero-related. During Week 3 a full-camp dance will be held and there will be a carnival and rocket launch to celebrate the Fourth of July.
SteM exploration In the past few years there has been a growing interest in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activity at Camp. This activity will be offered at both sites - Hilltop and Riverside – this year and can be taken by any age camper. During this activity, campers will work together to put together a small solar-powered robot. In addition campers will have the opportunity to complete some STEM-based challenges with a team during the week. assistant director named Jesus Ocana has been named the assistant camp director for Hilltop. This will be Jesus’ sixth summer on staff. In the past he has worked as a counselor and senior counselor. During the past two summers he served as one of the climbing specialists.
A “Super Summer” of fun is waiting for campers planning to attend Hermann Sons-Camp this summer. Registration begins in mid-March. He will be assisting Hilltop Camp Director Hunter “Papa Bear” Miller who will be re-
turning for his 11th summer at Camp and third as the Hilltop leader.
Why your child needs to go to Hermann Sons-Camp By Katie Klohn executive Camp Director For years many individuals have believed that children come to Hermann Sons-Camp just to have fun. Fun is a big part of the experience but the benefits of Camp go much deeper. Camp IS FUN. The friends that you make, the activities you do and the experiences you have are all part of the FUN that Camp offers. It is what we think of first when we are asked about our Camp experience. If Camp wasn’t fun would we have individuals returning for another summer? However, fun is not our main mission for Camp. It just kind of happens when you spend a year planning for the summer and every detail of the experience. The Camp experience is something that I truly believe every child should have at some point in their life. It is a life experience that you cannot quite recreate anywhere else. Summer camps across the world have played a big role in positively impacting the lives of their campers. While there are many reasons for sending your child to Camp,
here are some of my reasons why it is a great choice. Campers are part of a community. While at Camp, campers are assigned a dorm for their session with other campers around their same age. The dorm is filled with diversity and is led by the dorm counselors who serve as role models to the campers. Our goal at Camp is for campers to create new friendships and to connect with others who they may have never met. Each individual plays an important role in the community during the week and it is a great model for the future. Being a part of a community is not always easy but at Camp individuals are able to see what it is like to be a part of a positive community. Camp provides campers with an opportunity to grow their people skills and learn how to build genuine relationships with individuals their age as well as adults. Campers have a chance to “unplug” and enjoy the moment. In today’s society it seems like we always have to go from place to place and are constantly in a hurry to make sure we get every-
thing accomplished in the day that we are supposed to. While at Camp, our campers and staff have the opportunity to slow life down and simply enjoy the moment. Whether it be sitting and enjoying the wildlife, star gazing at night with your dorm, or enjoying a walk in the woods, you get to take a breath and enjoy the present. Being at Camp also allows our campers and staff to “unplug” from the real world and leave technology at home. I will never forget the first summer I spent as a counselor. I had no clue what was going on in the world. It was refreshing not watching the nightly news and seeing what was happening. The opportunity to “unplug” and enjoy the moment is good for the soul and our well-being. Camp teaches campers and staff 21st century skills. I am a huge believer in teaching campers and staff members skills they need to be successful in today’s world. The experience at Camp is much bigger than the three and a half or six days spent with us. I want to help inspire and teach individuals how to be suc-
cessful in society for the rest of their lives. With tougher standards being required in the school system, educators no longer have the opportunity to dedicate specific time to teaching things like communication, critical thinking skills, collaboration, etc. on a regular basis. I know there are great educators out there who still make this a priority, but overall there is simply not enough time for it. This is why Camp is so important. Campers and staff have an opportunity to learn and develop these skills daily while they are at Camp. Campers learn acceptance. While at Camp, our campers and staff have the opportunity to be who they are. In today’s society there is so much pressure to be something we are not because that is what we are told to do. At Camp we appreciate each individual for who they are. We work hard to create a welcoming environment which starts with our cabin team meetings on Sunday and creating that culture together as a group. We appreciate each individual for who they are and what they contribute to the group. At Camp the pressures of
living up to someone else’s expectations are replaced with “being me is awesome” and “being my best me” is something to strive for. Making mistakes is totally okay. Society today has unfortunately instilled a sense of perfectionism. We constantly have to be our best and when we make a mistake it’s a bad thing. However, at Camp we teach that making mistakes is totally okay. It is important that both campers and staff understand that failure is not always a bad thing and we can learn from it. Camp provides individuals an opportunity to try a wide variety of things in a safe environment. We are firm believers at Camp that you might trip but you just have to dust yourself off and try again and I guarantee there will be a group of friends ready to cheer you on when you try again. If your child is eligible for Camp this summer I hope you will consider allowing them the opportunity to attend. Not only is there a good chance they will have fun but they will more importantly learn some skills that they will be able to use for the rest of their life.
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 9
Hermann Sons-Camp hosts Counselor-In-Training interviews COMFORT – Hermann SonsCamp hosted Counselor-In-Training Interview Camps (CITICamps) in January to select the CIT1s for the upcoming summer season. More than 120 junior members applied to be a part of the 2017 CIT Program. Candidates are selected based upon their
applications, references, group interviews, participation during sessions and leadership shown during activities. The CIT Program is an advanced camper program offering educational and leadership opportunities to past campers who are interested in being the future leaders
of Camp and their communities. CITs attend Camp for one week during the summer and follow a program that includes leadership curriculum, mentoring phases and other activities. CITs pay half of the camper fee to participate in this program. Due to the limited number of
spaces for CITs, not everyone who applied will be selected for the program. Those not selected can apply for the 2018 program. They also can choose to wait until they are 18 years of age and apply for a counselor position since counselors are not required to have gone through the CIT Program.
Past campers who will be 15 by Sept. 1, 2018, will be eligible for the 2018 CIT Program. The application will be available on the Camp portion of the Hermann Sons website in late spring. CITICamp is open only to past campers who are current Hermann Sons members. One of the activities that CIT candidates complete is a “handbook” that asks several things about their Camp experience and helps Camp staff learn a little more about each candidate. The Green Group, which included, from left, Gage Duffin, John Dury, Ryan Kinnebrew, Chance Garza, Bryan Ganis and Sean Faught, worked hard on their handbooks during their interview weekend.
CITICamp is always a great time to rekindle old friendships and create new ones. Pictured here are members of the Pink Group who attended the Riverside CIT Interview Camp in late January.
Working during the boys CITICamp Interview Weekend were, from left, Hilltop Assistant Camp Director Jesus Ocana, Hilltop Camp Director Hunter “Papa Bear” Miller, Senior Counselor Dylan Pique, Executive Camp Director Katie Klohn, Senior Counselor Cole “E-Loc” Bendele and Colby Freehauf.
During the interview weekend, candidates participate in several team-building activities. Members of the Lime Green Group are pictured playing a game of Desperation. This game requires strong communication between group members and allows them to work on leadership skills.
Serving as staff during the Riverside CIT Interview Weekend were, front, from left, Assistant Camp Director Erin “Holla” Rose, Senior Counselor Carli “POP$” Bartell, Senior Counselor Summer “Peanut” Allen, Senior Counselor Aimee “Butters” Miller, back, from left, Hilltop Assistant Camp Director Jesus Ocana, CIT Counselor Vicky “Tricky” Chavez, CIT Counselor Ashlyn “Lucky” Chambers, Riverside Camp Director Kristen “Dyno” Vineyard, Program Assistant Jessica James and Executive Camp Director Katie Klohn.
Comfort hosts Camp Preview event COMFORT – Comfort Lodge will meet Monday, March 13. A potluck meal will be served and games will be played. A Camp Preview for junior members was held as part of the February meeting. Executive Camp Director Katie Klohn gave juniors and their parents an update on what’s new for the summer of 2017 and talked about the Grief Support Session. Riley Hastings talked about her Camp experience and why she enjoys going to Camp. The lodge will present five partial camperships for the summer. The application is available online at hermannsonslife. org/lodges/comfort and can be
Junior members who attended the Valentine party and Camp Preiview hostd by Comfort Lodge were Tyler Aldrich, Jacob Behrendt, Leah Reich, Cailyn Buckaloo, Makayla Aldrich, Lawson Hastings and Riley Hastings. found on Page 17 of this issue. Leah Reich won a full campership for this upcoming summer as a door prize.
For the most up to date information check out the lodge’s Facebook page. – Kristen Vineyard
Page 10 – Hermann Sons Life – March 2017
75 Years
erwin ormond Harmonia Lodge lois scroggins Houston Lodge beatrice b. bevill La Grange Lodge
70 Years margaret l. krueger Albert Kyper Lodge grace m. schulze Bexar Lodge
Pioneers larry wayne schmidt grace h. terry New Braunfels Lodge joyce a. macon Paul Vogt Lodge verna sue fletcher virginia ann lyssy clara b. waclawczyk Poth Lodge sylvia dumenil Seguin Lodge glenn e. krebs dennis b. rudloff Shelby Lodge
herman louius grauke Gonzales Lodge
brian d. goebel Stern Lodge
joyce j. tenberg Hochheim-Prairie Lodge
leo m.j. dielmann iii phil a. skloss Harmonia Lodge
brenda ann freels trial Taylor Lodge
joseph samuel jett Houston Lodge
hattie l. fuchs Twin Sisters Lodge
molly decker roxie mae mead Jourdanton Lodge
kathryn m. squires Hondo Victory Lodge randall l. larrabee richard r. scott Houston Lodge g. wollschlaeger Karnes City Lodge robert l. mosty jr. belinda lee stanush Kerrville Lodge
glenn ray krieg Coupland Lodge
harvey e. rehfeld sewell c. smith Siemering Lodge
h.d. falkenberg Knippa Lodge
jamie b. harper Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge
60 Years
cynthia ann schultz La Grange Lodge
sue ann ferguson Fredericksburg Lodge kenneth leland evers Harmonia Lodge charles h. menn edgar j. menn Helotes Lodge glenn roy schweers Hondo Lodge peggy g. wiemers Hondo Victory Lodge erline l. braesicke Knippa Lodge kathryn e.s. matthews rudolph e. schroeder Lockhart Lodge
john r. monier iii Anton Wenzel Lodge douglas h. buck Cameron Lodge roy lee kneupper aime a. real Comfort Lodge stephen w. griffin susan sitterle DaCosta Lodge lee anthony mosty Dallas Lodge elenora geiger kurt paul weber Dunlay Lodge
patsy lea baldwin La Vernia Lodge darlene s. wrase Louise Schuetze Lodge danny r. meyers Nagel Lodge michael w. winkler New Bielau Lodge cheryl young Orange Grove Lodge richard h. bauer carolyn hoefelmeyer Poth Lodge
david b. metting rosalee marajane davis San Patricio County Lodge mary ann solomon janice n. mcewin michael e. solomon Schwertner Lodge Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge
geraldine n. johns Maxwell Lodge
patricia s. winkles El Campo Lodge
lawrence w. wolter Seguin Lodge
doris jean r. hauser McGregor Lodge
edwin donald dietz Fredericksburg Lodge
waldine c. banik emmit b. schultz jr. delton wunderlich lois v. wunderlich Shelby Lodge
jennifer jo martin paula marie massengale pauline b. stout Vineta Lodge louis o. rangnow jr. Yorktown Lodge barbara j. campbell Zuehl Lodge
50 Years
don richard connelly Anton Wenzel Lodge david michael jabour margareat a. jabour william j. jabour charlie ray marlatt Austin Lodge john keith blair Boerne Lodge darrell l. korenek Cameron Lodge teresa t. hackebeil Castroville Lodge joan m. hetherington robert wayne o’brien Comfort Lodge ralph e. plagens jr. Deanville Lodge regina l. schneider lori beth weinheimer susan g. whittington Fredericksburg Lodge clayton d. richter Gay Hill Lodge francis y. peskuric Gulf Lodge
lajuana diane osburn Karnes City Lodge marian helene bernhard dean thomas reese darlene kay weber Kerrville Lodge gary wayne lincke mark allen lincke debra lincke porter La Grange Lodge jo beth greebon Laubach Lodge edith mae barth larry dean burditt Lockhart Lodge nancy ann gibbon Louise Schuetze Lodge ruth ann espinoza kathy cruthers thomas Macdona Lodge edwina k. jecmenek Matagorda County Lodge frank j. marcie jr. robert l. mooney barbara m.m. thaxton Mission-Alamo Lodge kimbra l. culpepper New Braunfels Lodge shirley ann groves Niederwald Lodge ronald w. eckel Poth Lodge ernest r. huegele jr. sharon p. huegele woodrow h. mayer cara diane mierl lisa ann wall Pershing Lodge
sallye m. voskamp Hallettsville Lodge contnued on pg. 11
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 11
Pioneers CONTINUED FROM PG. 10 laRRy ChaRlEs bROwN jENNIFER l. GablER jENNIFER b. MOEllER GERalD w. sChROEDER Schulenburg Lodge
A worker installs Plexiglass on the outside of the stained glass window depicting Hermann the Cherusker. The Plexiglass will protect the window from future damage now that it has been restored.
ThEREsa RENaE DUval Schwertner Lodge CaRRI lyNN bEvIl PaTsy sChlIChTING-TRUETT Seguin Lodge CaRl M. CRaFT jR. Siemering Lodge DIxIE E. hOllERs MaRy lOU kNEUPPER kaThlEEN E. sNIDER Vineta Lodge
Teresa Latzel has received her 60-year membership pin. Sister Latzel lives in Midkiff and is a member of Rowena Lodge. She joined Hermann Sons on March 28, 1956.
hOwaRD lEE GORhaM wIllIaM EMMETT GORhaM CyNThIa GORhaM TEsT Waco-Robinson Lodge
Restoration project complete
CaROlyN h. COhU Zuehl Lodge
Sharon Jenke Foss has received her 70-year membership pin. Sister Foss lives in Rio Vista, Calif., and is a member of Brunhilde Lodge. She joined Hermann Sons on Dec. 17, 1946.
Alice Faye Guinn has receivd her 60-year membership pin. Sister Guinn lives in Lockhart and is a member of Lockhart Lodge. She joined Hermann Sons on Dec. 3, 1956.
Diane Haas has received her 60-year membership pin. Sister Haas lives in Lake Jackson and is a member of Brazosport Lodge. She joined Hermann Sons on Oct. 22, 1956. Lucinda R. Stahl of Luling has received her 70-year membership pin. Sister Stahl is a member of Moulton Lodge. She joined Hermann Sons on June 1, 1946.
SAN ANTONIO – The restoration of the historic stained glass window depicting Hermann the Cherusker was completed on Feb. 9. The stained glass window is located in the San Antonio Home Association Building in downtown San Antonio, next door to the Hermann Sons Home Office. In addition to restoring the window, workers installed high impact Plexiglas on the outside of the window as a protective shield. In 2016, a crowdfunding campaign was launched to raise the $10,000 needed to cover the cost of the restoration. Costs went beyond the amount raised. Additional donations can be made to the San Antonio Hermann Sons Home Association at 525 S. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78205. Helen Ferne Goolsby Slimp created the stained glass window in 1911. She was only 21 years of age at the time. The San Antonio Home Association Board of Directors and the Grand Lodge would like to once again thank all those who donated toward the cost of the restoration of this piece of Hermann Sons history.
The work to restore the stained glass window of Hermann the Cherusker was completed on Feb. 9.
Page 12 – Hermann Sons Life – March 2017
Medical Notes The brain is a complex organ responsible for controlling many different bodily functions. When working at optimal capacity, the brain is a wonder to
behold. When illness or trauma affects the brain, various parts of the body may not work as they should. One of the more devastating
things that can affect the brain is stroke. Stroke describes a sudden stoppage of blood from reaching the brain. Harvard Medical School states that if a
large number of brain cells are starved of blood supply, they can die. With their demise, a person’s memory and ability to speak and move can be compro-
mised. While many strokes come on suddenly, certain factors may
guy stanley walker Anton Wenzel Lodge Died Dec. 12, 2007 • Age 61
joann m. sturm Corpus Christi Lodge Died Oct. 8, 2016 • Age 74
evelyn a. matula Kirby Lodge Died Nov. 21, 2016 • Age 95
wilbert louis gross Plum Lodge Died Dec. 6, 2016 • Age 83
dorothy l. herfurth New Braunfels Lodge Died Dec. 25, 2016 • Age 88
ervin h. goetz Coupland Lodge Died Dec. 5, 2014 • Age 85
nancy sue whitworth Comfort Lodge Died Oct. 10, 2016 • Age 75
lillie siebold Poth Lodge Died Nov. 24, 2016 • Age 102
mattie ann woerner Kerrville Lodge Died Dec. 7, 2016 • Age 92
olen d. klumP Goliad Lodge Died Dec. 27, 2016 • Age 86
otis h. shiller DaCosta Lodge Died March 17, 2015 • Age 90
ruby lee lowery Round Top Lodge Died Oct. 15, 2016 • Age 93
leonard a. schimcek Schulenburg Lodge Died Nov. 27, 2016 • Age 73
lillian m. svoboda Vineta Lodge Died Dec. 7, 2016 • Age 86
shirley a. bomba Biry Lodge Died Dec. 28, 2016 • Age 82
jacob l. knoPP Fredericksburg Lodge Died March 24, 2015 • Age 83
destiny c. nichols Mission-Alamo Lodge Died Oct. 19, 2016 • Age 30
elda m. knutson Corpus Christi Lodge Died Nov. 27, 2016 • Age 93
evelyn r. kotzur Louise Schuetze Lodge Died Dec. 10, 2016 • Age 73
jean m. curtis Twin Sisters Lodge Died Dec. 28, 2016 • Age 94
Paul alois skarda Pershing Lodge Died Dec. 20, 2015 • Age 87
felix david rohler Pershing Lodge Died Oct. 21, 2016 • Age 70
dorothy jane wahne Vineta Lodge Died Nov. 29, 2016 • Age 89
marshalene n. kleyPas Vineta Lodge Died Dec. 11, 2016 • Age 81
wilfred a. lowak Poth Lodge Died Jan. 1, 2017 • Age 76
harry g. namken Giddings Lodge Died April 13, 2016 • Age 89
helen marie leita DaCosta Lodge Died Oct. 27, 2016 • Age 73
franklin daniel eckert Brenham Lodge Died Nov. 30, 2016 • Age 80
anna r. burket Louise Schuetze Lodge Died Dec. 11, 2016 • Age 105
josePhine e. wynn Fredericksburg Lodge Died Jan. 2, 2017 • Age 90
annie dietel Pershing Lodge Died May 13, 2016 • Age 98
roland metting Gruenau Lodge Died Oct. 31, 2016 • Age 94
dora m. hollan Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died Nov. 30, 2016 • Age 89
ruth violet thomas Brenham Lodge Died Dec. 15, 2016 • Age 88
karen keller busbee Comfort Lodge Died Jan. 4, 2017 • Age 63
wayne david wurz Harmonia Lodge Died June 20, 2016 • Age 45
john c. belohlavek Kirby Lodge Died Nov. 2, 2016 • Age 80
grace violet strackbein Comfort Lodge Died Dec. 1, 2016 • Age 97
rudolPh c. haufler Comfort Lodge Died Dec. 15, 2016 • Age 83
bobbie l. camPion Gonzales Lodge Died Jan. 8, 2017 • Age 85
Patty j. seidenberger Poth Lodge Died Aug. 15, 2016 • Age 59
genevieve thomason Vineta Lodge Died Nov. 9, 2016 • Age 91
ruth e. orr Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died Dec. 1, 2016 • Age 97
velma louise real Kirby Lodge Died Dec. 16, 2016 • Age 87
wilma j. billings Nordheim Lodge Died Jan. 10, 2017 • Age 85
diana louise rose Louise Schuetze Lodge Died Aug. 25, 2016 • Age 60
misty joyce mcnutt Piney Woods Lodge Died Nov. 12, 2016 • Age 35
viola a. niemtschk Giddings Lodge Died Dec. 3, 2016 • Age 91
kenneth c. hooPer Giddings Lodge Died Dec. 17, 2016 • Age 81
sabrina yasmin edge Brunhilde Lodge Died Jan. 11, 2017 • Age 55
m.h. schaarschmidt Lockhart Lodge Died Sept. 1, 2016 • Age 89
robert g. duncan DaCosta Lodge Died Nov. 13, 2016 • Age 83
leo leslie o’dowd Siemering Lodge Died Dec. 3, 2016 • Age 87
anna a. Peschke Plum Lodge Died Dec. 17, 2016 • Age 88
mary edna camPbell Vineta Lodge Died Jan. 14, 2017 • Age 77
earl r. monk Houston Lodge Died Sept. 29, 2016 • Age 92
mary o. kirchenwitz Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died Nov. 13, 2016 • Age 92
alfena c. dolgner Corpus Christi Lodge Died Dec. 4, 2016 • Age 85
tiffany neves Paul Vogt Lodge Died Dec. 18, 2016 • Age 28
roberta herbst orta Fredericksburg Lodge Died Jan. 16, 2017 • Age 85
james f. fields Hochheim-Prairie Lodge Died Sept. 30, 2016 • Age 76
sarah k. kruger Austin Lodge Died Nov. 16, 2016 • Age 92
doris b. denton Houston Lodge Died Dec. 4, 2016 • Age 94
barbara Pruske Pershing Lodge Died Dec. 20, 2016 • Age 83
james alton samPle San Marcos Lodge Died Oct. 3, 2016 • Age 72
clayton dwain lewis Nordheim Lodge Died Nov. 20, 2016 • Age 29
martha l. Powitzky DaCosta Lodge Died Dec. 5, 2016 • Age 89
roger schaefer Harmonia Lodge Died Dec. 20, 2016 • Age 69
See MEDICAL NOTES, Pg. 13
In Memoriam of Our Deceased Members
The names of deceased members are listed on this page only after a death claim has been filed.
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 13
Retirement Home Home reminds juniors scholarship deadline is April 1 COMFORT – ATTENTION! ATTENTION! Hermann Sons members who are high school seniors are reminded to apply for the Retirement Home Scholarship. The deadline is April 1. Applications can be mailed to Brenda Gunnink, P.O. Box 689, Comfort, TX 78013-0689 or you can apply online at hermannsonslife.org. Each scholarship is worth $1,500 and five are awarded each year. All applicants and past scholarship recipients are invited to come and visit the Home especially during the annual Chili Cook-off which is coming up on March 11. Some residents are busy getting ready for the cook-off. We are stocking our Home Scholarship Fund Store with craft items and setting up the highly requested White Jalapeno Resale Shop. Everyone is invited to attend, buy prize drawing tickets and/or
donate unwanted items for the resale shop. All proceeds benefit the scholarship fund. Any leftovers are packed up and taken to the Comfort Pass-It-On resale shop that awards scholarships to worthy recipients. Guests to the Home in January were Susan Lewis, San Antonio; Geraldine Shaw Walter, Boerne; Karrie Prece, San Antonio; John and Eileen Peters, San Antonio; Jim and Shirley Madary, Ingram; Ben and Carmin, Burnet; and Merle and Cathy Scrivner, San Antonio. The Retirement Home Committee quarterly meeting was held Jan. 23. Chapel service and Holy Communion were conducted Jan. 23 by Anglican Priest David Guthrie with resident Al Schroeder assisting with communion and Kathy Bender playing the piano. Residents who have hearing prob-
Celebrating their January birthdays at the Retirement Home were residents Sandy Fey, left, and Betty Murphy lems commented on how wonderful it is to be able to hear the presiding pastor’s service now that the sound system provided and maintained by Al Schroeder is in working order. Kudos to Al! Birthday cake and ice cream
were served at the noon meal on Jan. 25 in honor of the January birthday celebrants. Honorees were Ralph Spenrath, Sandy Fey, Betty Murphy and Lillian Wehmeyer. Lillian Wehmeyer is still recu-
Medical Notes Cont’d. from Pg. 12 indicate a person is at risk. Such factors may include prior heart attacks, genetics, high blood pressure, smoking or a prior stroke. However, in a particular type of stroke – a “silent stroke” – symptoms are far more subtle and difficult to spot. Silent cerebral infarction, often referred to as “SCI” or “silent stroke,” is a brain injury likely caused by a blood clot interrupting blood flow to the brain, offers the American Stroke Association. Silent strokes increase risk for other strokes and can be a sign of progressive brain damage. A silent stroke is typically only noticed as a side component of an MRI of the brain. Many times patients do not recall having a stroke and never felt any symptoms. Silent strokes should not be mistaken for mini-strokes. Mini-stroke is a brief but discrete and memorable event, with symptoms appearing for a few minutes or a few hours. According to a study on silent stroke titled “Functional and Cogni-
tive Consequences of Silent Stroke Discovered Using Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in an Elderly Population” and published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, silent strokes are quite common and can have serious consequences. Researchers have found that silent stroke is associated with impairments in tests of cognitive function rather than movementoriented performance tests like rising from a chair. Almost 50 percent of studied silent strokes affected frontal circuit components of the brain, such as the frontal cortex, basal ganglia and thalamus. Lesions in these brain structures compromised executive functions and were related to vascular dementia. Another study showed associations between silent stroke and visual field deficits, weakness in walking on heels, history of memory loss, migraines and lower scores in cognitive function tests. The “silent” part of a silent stroke also refers to the areas of the brain that the stroke affects. Experts at Harvard Medical School explain
that during a silent stroke, an interruption in blood flow destroys areas of cells in a part of the brain that is “silent,” meaning that it doesn’t control any vital functions. Researchers say that, over time, the damage from silent strokes can accumulate, leading to more and more problems with memory. Collectively, silent strokes become silent no longer. There are certain ways to reduce the risk of any type of stroke. These include: • managing high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels • quitting smoking • reducing the risk of diabetes and effectively treating the condition if it is present • losing weight to prevent obesity • exercising and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle • taking a low-dose aspirin or a drug that prevents blood clots. Silent strokes largely go unrecognized but can lead to significant brain injury. Getting the facts can help men and women reduce their risk for silent stroke.
Ralph Spenrath, a resident at the Retirement Home, celebrates his birthday in January. perating at Trinity Mission in Comfort. We wish her a speedy recovery and hope for her return to the Home. Residents threw a Super Bowl party on Feb. 5 with lots of food and fellowship to go around. – Helen Widner
Interested in living at the Retirement Home? To arrange a tour of the home, call
830-995-2724
To inquire about application for residency, call the Grand Lodge at
1-800-234-4124 or 210-226-9261.
Information is also available online under 'Programs' at www.hermannsonslife.org
Page 14 – Hermann Sons Life – March 2017
Grand Committee Meeting Minutes for Jan. 26, 2017 Grand President/CEO Buddy Preuss called the Grand Committee meeting to order on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at 8:35 a.m. in the Hermann Sons Home Office. Committee members present were as follows: Past Grand President Leroy Muehlstein Past Grand President Stephen R. Prewitt Grand President/CEO Allan W. “Buddy” Preuss Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer Mary Beam Grand Vice President-Investments Harry Werland Grand Vice President-Marketing Tim Kolbe Grand Vice President-Fraternal Kim Krueger Grand Finance Committee Member Wilburn Pargmann Grand Finance Committee Member Sandra Jones Grand Finance Committee Member Janice Kuhen Grand Finance Committee Member Paul Heath Grand Finance Committee Member Jack Larned Grand Finance Committee Member Jack Larned made the motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve the minutes of the Oct. 24, 2016, meeting. Grand Finance Committee Member Wilburn Pargmann seconded the motion. Motion carried. Grand President/CEO Buddy Preuss reviewed the day’s agenda and gave his report. He began with a synopsis of Grand Lodge Convention preparations. The focused service cause during the convention will be the Grief Support Session at Hermann Sons-Camp. There will be four opportunities to support the cause. A Saturday night event will give delegates and guests an opportunity to check-in to the convention hotel a day early and enjoy an afternoon and evening in historic Gruene. Cost will be $300 a couple. Delegates may make a direct donation at the convention registration desk. Individual and group photos will be taken during the convention evening events with a donation of $10 going directly to the Grief Support Session. And delegates may donate all or a portion of their convention per diem and mileage to the Grief Support Session. The next Grand Committee meeting scheduled at the convention headquarters was discussed. Grand Finance Committee Member Janice Kuhen made the motion that Grand Committee members not be compensated for the Grand Committee meeting at the convention. Grand Finance Committee Member Sandra Jones seconded the motion. Motion carried. Special committee assignments were noted. There will be a Ritual Committee of seven members. This committee will meet at the Home Office with a staff liaison before the convention is held. Five members will be appointed to the Appeals Committee and five members to the Compensation Committee. There will be two Election Committees of five members each and a Credentials Committee of five members. Delegates may choose which committee meetings they wish to attend. There will be morning coffee sessions on subjects such as lodge betterment, governance changes, branding and community service involvement. There also will be a Laws Committee informational session for all delegates during a General Session. All Executive Committee members and the Grand Finance Committee will give a report during a General Session. The Grand President’s State of the Organization address will focus on how we have grown through our bright spots, the promise of tomorrow and the greatness of our past. The election procedure for the candidates seeking a
position on the Board of Directors was explained. All candidates will be allowed a nominating speech not to exceed five minutes and will be allowed an acceptance speech not to exceed three minutes. The officer installation ceremonies next year will be similar to those in previous years but will include leadership summits. The locations, dates, times and meal details will be handled by the Home Office. Lodges will continue to host the events but lodges will be combined in areas where lodges own their own buildings. Committee appointments were discussed. There will be a form pertaining to committee appointments on the website that interested members may fill out beginning April 1. Grand President Preuss informed Committee members that he had attended his first American Fraternal Alliance board meeting in Chicago as a guest with an orientation meeting included for new board members. He announced that he would be attending an AFA Executive Conference in Chicago along with Grand Vice President-Investments Harry Werland. Engagement Director Jennifer Cernosek and Communications Director Kathie Ninneman will attend the AFA mid-year meeting in Chicago in May. Grand Vice President Werland spoke on the Enterprise Risk Management program and passed out information to committee members on potential concerns. Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer Mary Beam gave her operations report. She informed committee members that Underwriter Pat Saunier would be retiring after 26 years of service effective March 31, 2017. It was also mentioned that the Underwriting Department and the Fraternal Department switched office spaces so that Underwriting could better secure its files. Desks in the Member Services Department were rearranged to better serve members doing personal business at the Home Office. Grand Vice President Beam reported that Beth Williams has received her designation as a licensed agent. She noted that the automated phone system is continuing to work well and offers quick access for direct contact to Home Office employees. A report also was given on the number of delegates and lodges that have responded for representation at the 47th Grand Lodge Convention in May. Grand Vice President-Fraternal Kim Krueger reported that fund-raising efforts for the Grief Support Session at Hermann Sons-Camp continue. A Kendra Scott jewelry fund-raiser was scheduled for that night and a Hermann Sons Family Night event at the San Antonio Spurs game was scheduled for Feb. 4. She added that therapists from the Children’s Bereavement Center in San Antonio would be at the Grief Support Session in July. The Fraternal Alliance of Texas will hold a bowling tournament on Saturday, March 4, in New Braunfels. She also reported on repairs at the Home and Camp and discussed additional budget cuts in her area. Grand Vice President-Marketing Tim Kolbe gave endof-year totals for his department. Life and annuity business for 2016 was written by 78 percent of the agents. Three new agents are currently being trained. Continuing education workshops are being held Feb. 6-28 throughout the state. Topics include goal setting and
strategies to achieve greater production. Agents will be given three-year production statistics, along with an opportunity to pledge a production goal for 2017. A 12 application minimum will become the standard for all agents. Agents also will receive technology training on Facebook account setup. The Agents Awards Weekend is set for May 19-21 in Kerrville. A total of 21 agents have qualified to attend. A total of 33 lodges met their new member goals in 2016. The 2017 “We Strengthen Community Through Protection and Service” Campaign will have a recommender winner each month. The lodges will receive their 2017 goals in February. Grand Vice President Werland gave the financial and investment report. Interest rates were noted and bonds were discussed as to the difficulty in finding quality bonds with good interest rates in the current market. No new mortgage loans were pending or any inquiries for loans. The financial report was reviewed and included comparison figures from several years past. The meeting recessed at 12 noon for lunch. It reconvened at 12:45 p.m. Discussion followed on the proposed 2017 budget. Budget amendments were discussed by Executive Committee members that could aid the budget and help to achieve the financial goals for 2017. A detailed adjustment summary was presented by Grand Vice President Werland that could help with the projection of 2016 net income to 2017. A motion was made by Grand Vice President Werland that, based on prior year’s recommendations by the Grand Lodge consulting actuary, premium refunds on all premium paying whole-life certificates will be paid in 2017 based on the formula consistent with the year 2016. Grand Finance Committee Member Jones seconded the motion. Motion carried. A second motion was made by Grand Vice President Werland that, based on the prior year’s recommendation of the Grand Lodge consulting actuary, the SAFE Plans issued between Jan. 1, 1990, and Dec. 31, 2010, will receive a 2017 paid up addition recorded at the rate paid in 2016 (62.5 percent of the 2014 rate). These SAFE plans will be reserved to allow the refund to purchase paid up insurance which will pay the same death benefit to the beneficiary for 2015, 2016 and 2017 at the same death benefit as before (post mortem dividend). All SAFE plans issued from Jan. 1, 2011, to the current time will receive refunds on the same level as in 2016. This refund policy can be subject to change during the calendar year 2017. Grand Finance Committee Member Larned seconded the motion. Motion carried. A motion was made by Grand Finance Committee Member Kuhen to approve the proposed 2017 budget with the amendments presented subject to quarterly reports by the Executive Committee on the progress of achieving the financial goals (surplus and results of operations plus any other) as established by the Grand Committee (Board of Directors) for the year 2017. Grand Finance Committee Member Larned seconded the motion. The motion carried. Executive Committee members were thanked for their assistance in reviewing the budget and making some See GRAND COMMITTEE, Pg. 15
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 15
Grand Committee minutes Cont’d. from Pg. 14
GRAND LODGE OF THE ORDER OF THE SONS OF HERMANN IN THE STATE OF TEXAS
adjustments and for the Grand Committee for allowing the time to review their work. Grand President Preuss spoke on performance appraisals and how this can be a better system for staff merit raises. He noted that the executive team voted that effective Jan. 1, 2018, the Christmas bonus will be eliminated and included in the employee salary. Grand President Preuss spoke on the new ADP reporting system for employees to record time off, the popularity of the employee staff summits and stand up meetings. Grand Vice President Krueger reported that employees can now receive two days off a year from work duties for volunteering in the name of grief support services. The next meeting will be held Sunday, April 30, at the convention hotel headquarters in San Marcos. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:55 p.m. by motion of Grand Finance Committee Member Wilburn Pargmann with a second by all members of the Grand Finance Committee. Motion carried. Submitted by, MARY BEAM GRAND VICE PRESIDENTSECRETARY/TREASURER ATTEST: ALLAN W. PREUSS GRAND PRESIDENT/CEO
Members of Hermann Sons Hondo Victory Lodge Graduate Cash Drawing Hondo Victory Lodge will hold a drawing and award up to FIVE $200 prizes to eligible 2017 high school graduates who are female graduate members of Hondo Victory Lodge. The prize will be in the form of a check. Names will be drawn on June 1, 2017. The winners only will be notified and are encouraged to attend the June meeting to accept their check. For more information, call Verlie Nietenhoefer at 830-426-2847. To enter, the form below must be completed and received on or before May 31, 2017. Mail to: Verlie Nietenhoefer, Secretary Hondo Victory Lodge 1204 32nd St. Hondo, TX 78861 Please send a cap and gown picture for publication in the newspaper. (Photo will not be returned). The photo is not a requirement for the drawing, but will be appreciated.
Graduate Cash Drawing Entry Form Name Address Phone Number Name of High School School Address
School Phone Number
Wilburn Pargmann Sandra Jones Paul Heath Jack O. Larned Jr. Janice M. Kuhen, Chairman
We strengthen community. 515 S. St. Mary’s St. • P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 • 210-226-9261 • 800-234-4124 www.hermannsonslife.org
Answers for puzzles on Page 32 Down:
11. Limerick
1. Irish
Across:
2. Snakes
12. Pinched
3. Clover
13. Leprechaun
4. Shamrock
14. Chicago
5. Emerald
15. Rainbow
6. Tradition
16. Dublin
7. Ireland
17. Seventeenth
8. Green
18. March
9. Gold
19. Lucky
10. Celtic
20. Pot
Page 16 – Hermann Sons Life – March 2017
Kirby juniors to provide taco bar at March meeting KIRBY – Kirby Lodge will meet Monday, March 6, starting at 7 p.m. The Kirby Lodge youth and Kirby School of Dance students will provide a taco bar as a kickoff to Fiesta. Members are asked to bring desserts. Members enjoyed barbecue, sides and desserts at the February meeting. Members had a wonderful time on the Texas Vanishing River Cruise on Lake Buchanan. Youth Coordinator/Agent Angela Netherton reported that 22 members and guests went on the Eagle Cruise and enjoyed the coach bus ride to and from Lake Buchanan. Everyone enjoyed the trip and the relaxing boat cruise up the Colorado River. They got to see three juvenile American Bald Eagles, wild goats, Axis deer, waterfalls, Hill Country scenery and lots of other birds. There were many eagle experts on the cruise who provided a lot of information to the guests such as their efforts and the impor-
Twenty-two members and guests of Kirby Lodge went on the Vanishing River Cruise on Lake Buchanan recently. They enjoyed the trip along the Colorado River where they saw three juvenile American Bald Eagles and other wildlife. tance to conserve the river banks along the Colorado River to protect the bald eagles’ winter home and nesting grounds. Members enjoyed a meal of gumbo, croissant sandwiches, chips, fruit and cookies. Many expressed their desire to go back. One of the youth members was
overheard saying, “This was the best day ever.” The lodge is sponsoring a team for the 13th Annual Fraternal Alliance of Texas Bowling Tournament on March 4. The team will consist of Judy Schulmeier, Tammy Haecker, Linda Lambrecht, Angela Netherton, Jimmy
Scheibe and Margaret Osburn (alternate). In observance of Join Hands Day, Vice President Samantha Schulmeier is making arrangements for the lodge to help “Honor 22” with its 5K in April. All members are welcome to attend and help with the walk. Members who would like to help are encouraged to come to the lodge’s March meeting to learn more about this event. Henrietta Lowak and James McQuatters are planning a trip to Eagle Pass possibly in July. Look for more on this trip in future issues of the newspaper. In observance of Make a Difference Day, Community Coordinator/Agent Judy Schulmeier is coordinating the collection of items needed at the Fisher House at the San Antonio Military Medical Center. This is where the families of wounded warriors stay while their loved ones are receiving treatment. A list of items needed will be available soon. All
members who would like to help are encouraged to come to the lodge’s June and August meetings to learn more about this project. The lodge will have an ongoing drive to collect for children ranging in age from newborn to 18 years for donation to Boysville at the lodge’s Christmas party. Items needed include clothes, school items, art supplies, baby supplies, toiletry items, beauty items, books, games, etc. Two new members have been welcomed. They are Cooper Ristow and Ava Leal. Get-well wishes go to Donna Walker and Dorothy Wille. Split-the-pot winners were Candace Scheibe, Lilian Brietzke, Jimmy Scheibe and Donna Scheel. Door prize winners were Tammy Haecker, Juanita Luensmann, Carolina McQuatters, Henrietta Lowak, Bob Scheel, Jimmy Scheibe and Arthur Luensmann. – Reporter
Pershing anniversary party on March 1 Members sang “Happy Birthday” to Mary Shugart, left, and Emma Spradling during the February Austin Lodge meeting.
Austin to meet March 5 AUSTIN – Austin Lodge will meet Sunday, March 5, at 2 p.m. The lodge will furnish the fried chicken and members are asked to bring covered dishes and desserts. Mary Kathryn Livingston was welcomed as a new member at the Feb. 5 meeting. President Ed Kurtz read a note from the Home Office thanking the lodge for the $700 donation to the Grief Support Session at Hermann Sons-Camp.
Possible Join Hands Day projects were discussed. Anyone with ideas is asked to bring them to the March meeting. Vice President Billy Lindsey outlined the 2017-2018 agenda and it was approved. Howard Anderson, Mary Shugart, William Albert and Edna Groeschel won Valentine goodies. Mary Maluschka won the attendance prize and the kitty went to Fred Weber. – Reporter
SAN ANTONIO – Pershing Lodge will celebrate its 97th anniversary on Wednesday, March 1, at 7 p.m. in the San Antonio Home Association Ballroom. This will also be the night that past presidents are honored. Snoga’s will cater the meal and a cake will be decorated for the occasion. Condolences go out to Dorothy Pawlik and her family on the passing of her brother, Edward. Terri Armstrong reported that the new activity cards are ready and that the April trip to Kickapoo will be on April 20, not April 13. Pershing Lodge members approved an increase in adult dues to $10 annually. The Home Office will begin processing the change. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Loyd LeBlanc, John Opiela, Emil Lichtenberg, Morrie Nordland and Marjorie Cooper. The last three were winners of the birthday drawing. Marilyn Hoster won the $25 attendance prize. President Beth Warne won the split-the-pot drawing.
Celebrating February birthday at the Pershing Lodge meeting were, from left, Emil Lichtenberg, Loyd LeBlanc, Marjorie Cooper and Morrie Nordland.
Monnie and Morrie Nordland celebrated an anniversary in February.
John Opiela, a member of Pershing Lodge, celebrates his birthday in February.
Linzi Felan and Jerry Rumpf were not present to collect the $70 in the progressive pot.
Thanks go to all the Spaghetti Dinner volunteers. – Terri Armstrong
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 17
Juniors invited to apply for scholarship Gulf Lodge offering
SAN ANTONIO – Hermann Sons members graduating from high school are invited to apply for the Retirement Home Scholarship. The deadline to apply is April 1. The five $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to one student from each of the five Grand Lodge regions. Each applicant must be a member of Hermann Sons for
a minimum of five years and have a certificate of insurance and local lodge dues paid up on the date of the filing of the application. High school grades will have no bearing on who receives these scholarships, only the student’s desire to better himself/herself. As part of the application, students must write an essay of 300 words
or less on what Hermann Sons means to them. Scholarships will be awarded to first-year college students only and may be used at any four-year university, twoyear community college or trade school of the student’s choosing. The online application can be found at hermannsonslife.org/ programs/scholarships.
First Grief Support Session set for July 5-8 COMFORT – Hermann SonsCamp will host its first Grief Support Session this summer. The session will be held July 5-8 at the Hilltop site. Application can be made for the Grief Support Session when Hermann Sons-Camp registration begins in March. Volunteers will be needed to
help staff the Grief Support Session. An application for this opportunity will be available soon on the Hermann Sons website. Volunteers will be required to go through a screening process as well as some training. If you know someone between the ages of 6-17 who would benefit from attending
this session a form is available on the Hermann Sons website (hermannsonslife.org/community-service). Applicants for the session will be accepted on a first-come basis and will go through an interview session with someone from the Children’s Bereavement Center before being accepted.
Campership Application for Summer 2017
This application is for children who need financial assistance in order to attend Hermann Sons-‐Camp. The application can be completed by a parent/guardian, but the short answer portion should be completed by the child. The Hermann Sons Comfort Lodge camperships pay half of the camper fee ($137.50 is half of the fee for the full-‐week session and $90 is half of the fee for the half-‐week session). Five camperships are awarded to Comfort Lodge members in good standing and one campership is awarded to any Hermann Sons member in good standing. The camperships being awarded to Comfort Lodge members are awarded on a first-‐requests-‐received basis and there is no application deadline. The campership awarded to any member is based on application evaluations by the Campership Committee and the application postmark deadline is May 4. Applicants will be notified as to whether or not they were selected by May 11. Campers who receive camperships from Comfort Lodge may still complete the online application but will need to mail their payment along with the check from Comfort Lodge. Camper Information: Last Name: ________________________ First Name: ____________________ Date of Birth: ___/___/______ Lodge: _____________ Mailing Address: ____________________________ City: ________________ Zip Code: _______________
Primary Parent/Guardian Information: Last Name: ________________________ First Name: ____________________ Phone Number: _________________________ Email Address: ________________________ Does the camper intend to attend a full-‐week session or the half-‐week session? ________ Short Answer Written by Child (Use a separate page, if needed) Why do you want to attend Hermann Sons-‐Camp this summer? ______________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please mail to: Hermann Sons Life-‐Comfort Attn: Jennifer Cernosek P.O. Box 1981 San Antonio, TX 78297
Questions can be directed to Jennifer Cernosek at 210-‐859-‐7966 or jenniferc@hermannsonslife.org.
$1,000 scholarship
Gulf Lodge is offering a $1,000 scholarship to college students who have been members of the lodge for at least one year. The deadline to apply is June 1. Interested students will need to complete an application and write an essay of 100 words or more about “What college will do for me.” Contact Sarah Spencer by email at pfeilinsurance@gmail.com or call her at at 361-550-1883 for more information and to receive an application.
Bandera County Lodge is offering a Hermann Sons-Camp scholarship for this summer. If you are interested in applying, contact Pam Biering at pbiering@yahoo.com for an application.
Summer Camp Jobs Hermann Sons-Camp is seeking highly motivated men and women for summer employment. Summer Positions Available: Counselor Food Service Worker Food Service Manager Maintenance Worker Housekeeper Also, Nurse positions for one week or more are available. Come live the adventure of camp for a rewarding summer experience! For an application or more information visit our website at
www.hermannsonslife.org (Click on the Contact Us tab and then Camp Employment)
For more information contact Katie Klohn, Executive Camp Director Hermann Sons-Camp P.O. Box 629 Comfort, TX 78013 830-995-3223 katiek@hermannsonslife.org
Page 18 – Hermann Sons Life – March 2017
Fredericksburg will serve salads
Officers from Helotes Lodge attended the installation ceremony held Jan. 28 at the San Antonio Home Association Building where they proudly accepted the lodge’s Certificate of Achievement for meeting its new member goal in 2016. Pictured are, from left, E.J. Menn, Letty Fragoso, Carl Gass, Grand President/CEO Buddy Preuss, Al and Susie Michalczak, Shirley Jonas and Rebecca Henley.
Helotes Lodge to meet March 14 at Cha Chas HELOTES – Helotes Lodge will meet Tuesday, March 14, at 7 p.m. at Cha Chas Mexican Cuisine, 5616 Bandera Road, San Antonio. The lodge will pay the cost of the meal for lodge members. Guests are welcome but must pay for their own meal. Please RSVP by March 10 to Rebecca Henley at 210-723-8939. The newly installed 2017 officers are Carl Gass, president; Al Michalczak, vice president; Susie Michalczak, financial secre-
tary; Rebecca Henley, recording secretary; Mary Sloan, Shirley Jonas and Letty Fragoso, financial trustees; and E.J. Menn, membership coordinator. The lodge’s delegates to the Grand Lodge Convention to be held in San Marcos May 1-3 are Rebecca Henley, E.J. Menn and Letty Fragoso. The rest of the schedule for the year includes meetings on June 13, Sept. 12 and Dec. 12. All meetings start at 7 p.m. – Reporter
FREDERICKSBURG – Fredericksburg Lodge will meet Tuesday, March 7. A business meeting will follow the social and salad supper. Members and guests are asked to bring a salad (either meat, vegetable or fruit) along with a plate and utensils. Contact Hans Enderlin at 830995-2176 or Windy Duecker at 830-997-2938 for more information. A sandwich meal was served at the Feb. 7 meeting. Welcomed as new junior members were Haden Parker, Luke Oestreich and Zane Oestreich. It was reported that Vernell Doebbler was hospitalized again and is now at her home. Margaret Priess reported that she presented the lodge’s donation to the American Cancer Society. Fredericksburg Lodge had 100 percent participation at the officer installation ceremony held in Comfort on Jan. 15. The lodge received a Certificate of Achievement for meeting its new member goal in 2016. The Retirement Home Chili Cook-off will be held March 1011 in Comfort. President Hans Enderlin encouraged Margaret
Celebrating February birthdays from Fredericksburg Lodge were, from left, Edgar Priess, Lola Enderlin and Dennis Henke Steven and Marissa Weinheimer are members of Fredericksburg Lodge who celebrated a wedding anniversary in February. and Edgar Priess, who prepared the chili in February, to enter the cook-off with the lodge covering their expenses.
Attendance prizes were awarded to Lou Awalt and Elgin Tatsch. – Reporter
Bernardo summer social set for June 10 BERNARDO – Bernardo Lodge met Jan. 18 in the Bernardo Volunteer Fire Department meeting room. President Terrel Maertz thanked all the members who attended the installation ceremony hosted by the lodge on Jan. 15. Members noted they heard lots of compliments about the well-organized event and the meal that was
Schwertner officers attend installation Schwertner Lodge officers attended the installation ceremony for Districts 15 and 16 hosted by New Bern Lodge at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Taylor. The lodge received a Certificate of Achievement for reaching its new member goal in 2016. Those attending from Schwertner Lodge were Cynthia and Charles Gersbach, Michael and Diana Hovatter, Margaret and Gayle Jones, Tommy Krueger, Darrell and April Marek, David and Rene Marek, Mona Rieger, Clarence Schuetze, Barbara Hale and Irene and Randall Schwertner.
served. President Maertz, who also serves as the lodge’s agent, noted that he would be attending a workshop in February. Beatrice Hill reported that sympathy cards were sent to the Greg Venghaus family and the Ruth Gross family. Memorials will be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church and the Bernardo Volunteer Fire Department
in their memory. A check will be sent to the fire department for the use of the meeting room for the last six months. The date for the summer social was set. It will be held June 10 at the Bernardo Fire Station. Attendance prizes went to Anita Zaskoda and Robin Maertz, – Reporter
New Bielau Lodge to meet on March 27 WEIMAR – New Bielau Lodge will meet March 27. Fried chicken will be served and members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Members made plans for Join Hands Day when they met
Jan. 23. They will visit Parkview Manor and play games with the residents. President Dorothy Chevalier installed officers who had missed installation. Agent Mary K. Seifert was in
attendance. Discussion was held on the Grand Lodge Convention in May. She reported that 118 dancers participated in the dance recital held in December. – Harlene Novak
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 19
Siemering Lodge off to great start in the new year SAN ANTONIO – The year has gotten off to a great start for Siemering Lodge. The new and returning officers have been installed, the events calendar has been planned and the members celebrated Valentine’s Day at the Feb. 14 meeting. The 2017 officers are president, Ana Vasquez; vice president, Sally Hertzberg; financial secretary, Paul Hess; and corresponding secretary, Sharon Hertzberg Fite. At the installation of officers, the lodge received a Certificate of Achievement for reaching its new member goal in 2016. The next meeting will be held Tuesday, March 14. Members are encouraged to wear green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Past presidents will be honored. Dinner will be pizza, salad and dessert. An art appreciation event is planned for the April 11 meeting. Members will create the
Bill Ramzinski, center, was honored at the February Siemering Lodge meeting for his years of service as secretary. President Ana Vasquez, left, and Vice President Sally Hertzberg presented him a certificate.
Melrose Bendele, right, celebrates her birthday in February. She received a gift from Siemering Lodge presented by President Ana Vasquez.
same piece of art using crayons, markers or colored pencils. Supplies will be provided. The lodge will celebrate its anniversary on May 9 at La Focaccia Italian Grill, located at 800 S. Alamo and Presa Street.
Day, the lodge is collecting travel-size personal care items (e.g. toothbrush/toothpaste, soap, shampoo). These will be delivered to the Catholic Workers House in May. And the lodge is still collect-
Reservations will need to be made no later than April 15. The lodge will pay the cost of the meal for members. Nonmembers are asked to pay for their own meal. In observance of Join Hands
ing can tabs of all kinds for “Can Tabs for Zack” which benefits a Ronald McDonald House where one of the lodge’s junior members stays when he goes away for treatment. – Augusta Fite
Giddings Lodge hosts January installation of officers GIDDINGS – Giddings Lodge members are reminded that meetings are held the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. At the Jan. 12 meeting, members finalized plans for the installation of officers that it hosted on Jan. 22. Ruby and Raymond Lehmann celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in January. Loretta Chilek, Randal Ebner and Cecelia Martinez celebrated birthdays in January. A donation was made to the Retirement Home in memory of Kenneth Hooper and Marvin Mitschke. Three junior members of Giddings Lodge, Belle DeLaRosa, Julian DeLaRosa and Sebastian Flores, helped out during the installation service by selling door prize tickets.
A get-well card was sent to Walden Ebner who recently underwent surgery. The installation was a great success. Officers in attendance represented Bryan, Deanville and Paige lodges. Everyone enjoyed a meal of chicken and beef fajitas with all the trimmings, desserts and a cake made by member Cecelia Martinez and decorated with the logo. Thanks go to all who attended and especially the three junior members, Belle DeLaRosa, Julian DeLaRosa and Sebastian Flores, who sold door prize tickets and handed out the prizes. – Reporter
Everyone who attended the installation of officers hosted by Giddings Lodge gathered for a group photo.
Burton Lodge officers attend installation Burton Lodge officers were installed during the installation ceremony hosted by Gay Hill Lodge. Pictured are, from left, Arlin Naegeli, vice president; E.J. Muehlbrad, treasurer; Dale Schwartz, president; Sue Schwartz, secretary; and Nina Dallmeyer, Don Kessler and Denise Brode, Finance Committee members.
Page 20 – Hermann Sons Life – March 2017
Anton Wenzel Lodge to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day SAN ANTONIO – Anton Wenzel Lodge will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the March meeting. Come dressed in green so you won’t get pinched! The lodge will provide fish and members are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert. On March 18, the lodge will host a rummage sale at El Jacalito Restaurant, 146 N. W.W. White Road, San Antonio. If you would like to donate items to be sold, call the lodge office so arrangements can be made to have the items picked up. Anyone who would like to volunteer is asked to be at the restaurant at 8 a.m. Thanks go to Grand President/ CEO Buddy Preuss for attending the February meeting. He talked about the name change to Hermann Sons Life and what to expect during the Grand Lodge Convention coming up in May. The lodge welcomed a new junior member, Emmitt Dane Kreusel.
Celebrating February birthdays at the Anton Wenzel Lodge meeting were Elizabeth Dorrell, Diane Jaramillo and Mike O’Dowd.
Crystal L. Byrom’s name was drawn for the membership prize but she was not in attendance so her name went back in the
barrel. Everyone enjoyed a hamburger dinner. – Reporter
Round Top welcomes three new members ROUND TOP – Round Top Lodge welcomed three new members when it met Jan. 26 at the American Legion Hall. Guests for the evening were Special Representative Gary and Doris Falkenberg and Kay Robbins. Brother Falkenberg talked about the upcoming Grand Lodge Convention and the importance of recommending new members. A donation will be sent to the Round Top-Carmine Athletic Fund in memory of Marie Nelius. A donation also was sent to the Round Top-Carmine Foundation. Cards will be sent to Ted Stardig and Florence Schulze. A meal of chicken fried pork steaks, sausage, mashed potatoes and gravy, various slaws, corn, beans, peach cobbler, pecan pie and cookies was served. Before the regular meeting, the executive board met to plan the year’s events including Join Hands Day, a family picnic, a fund-raiser and Make a Difference Day. Scholarship applications will be mailed as well. – Reporter
Lorene Kreusel presents Edward Reed with his split-the-pot winnings during the February meeting of Anton Wenzel Lodge.
Grand President Buddy Preuss, right, was a guest at the February meeting of Anton Wenzel Lodge. He is pictured with President Edward Elizondo.
Prize winners at the January Round Top Lodge meeting were, from left, Leonard Meinkowsky, Orville Glaesmann, Floyd Braun, Jeanette Schoenst, Mary Rauch, Virgie Hall, Linda Mattocks, Jim Mattocks and Kay Robbins.
Barton Garlin celebrated his birthday in January. He is a member of Round Top Lodge.
Poth Lodge will sponsor Easter egg hunt for dancers POTH – Poth Lodge will sponsor an Easter egg hunt for the students in the Floresville-Poth School of Dance. At the March meeting, members will decorate and fill plastic eggs for the event. The Easter egg hunt will be held before class one day. At the February meeting, Lawrence Maha gave a report on the rolling chair/table storage unit that is being built by the Ag Department at Poth High School. The students will start making the unit at the beginning of March. The lodge will pay for the materials and make a donation to the department. The lodge has approved a change to the requirements for the lodge’s scholarship. In the future, the applicant and his/her parent or guardian must attend at least three meetings prior to submission of the application. The other requirements remain – that the applicant be a member in
Chris Kotara celebrated his 85th birthday in February. He is a member of Poth Lodge. good standing for the past five years and a graduating high school senior. The lodge received a note from the dance students thanking the lodge for their Christmas gift. Every dancer signed it. – Reporter
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 21
Shelby Lodge will meet on March 12
Coupland Lodge presents donations Coupland Lodge recently presented donations totaling $1,515 to the Coupland Volunteer Fire Department. The lodge raised its share of the money during a bake sale held in conjunction with Make a Difference Day. The Grand Lodge contributed matching funds. The donations were presented at the lodge’s Christmas party held Dec. 4. Kiefer Ging, son of Janice Ging, presented the donations to the firemen. John Roulston-Bates, CVFD firefighter and secretary, said, “We give a huge thank you to Hermann Sons Life, Coupland Lodge 113, for their generous donation - money that will help us pay for the cost of training our firefighters.”
DaCosta Lodge to meet March 21 The next meeting of DaCosta Lodge will be held March 21 at 6 p.m. Earlier this year officers attended the installation ceremony hosted by Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge. President Geraldine Venglar accepted the lodge’s Certificate of Achievement for meeting its 2016 new member goal. The DaCosta School of Dance is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The recital will be held May 6 at the Victoria Fine Arts Center. Pictured are the dancers and other children who attended the lodge’s annual youth Christmas party held Dec. 10. And graduating high school seniors are reminded that the deadline to apply for the lodge’s scholarships is May 1. Call LaVerne Hajek at 361-575-1712 for more information.
El Campo Lodge will meet at Golden Phoenix April 7 EL CAMPO – El Campo Lodge will meet April 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Golden Phoenix meeting room. Members are asked to make note of the change in location. Membership pins will be presented during the meeting. The Feb. 3 meeting was held at the Best Seafood & Steak-
house in El Campo. Vice President Donald Wigginton celebrated his 84th birthday on Feb. 11. The group sang “Happy Birthday” to him. Door prize winners were Landen Witcher, Butch Witcher, Jim Sipos and Dennis Wigginton. – Cindy Witcher
Playing dominoes at the Shelby Lodge February meeting are Dennis Rudloff, Weldon Klaus, Robert Klingsporn and Myron Bruening.
Grilling the pork steaks for the February Shelby Lodge meeting are Oscar Voelkel and Roy Pieper.
SHELBY – Shelby Lodge has chosen to make the Shelby American Legion Post and Auxiliary its Join Hands Day project for 2017. The American Legion will be holding a stew and bake sale on Saturday, March 11. Welcomed as new members at the February meeting were the twin grandsons of David and Glenda Luedeker. Happy Birthday wishes go to Ken Mathis who was the only birthday celebrant at the February meeting. Dennis Rudloff, Lollie Dittmar, Anna Rose Brandt, Joylene Mathis and Doris Voelkel won door prizes. Roger Schneider’s name was drawn for the progressive door prize but he was not in attendance. A special Valentine drawing for Blue Bell gift certificates was held. The winners were Kenny Mueller and Weldon Klaus. Social hosts for the evening serving grilled pork steaks were Roy and Judy Pieper, Oscar and Marie Voelkel, Don and Betty Huebner and Lollie Dittmar. The next meeting will be held Sunday, March 12, followed by a hamburger social. – Reporter
Brunhilde Lodge has new secretary
The 2017 officers for Brunhilde Lodge will be, from left, Barbara Pass, reporter; Maria Pieske, secretary; Else Gottschalk, vice president; and Sharon Solanik, president.
Carol Krauss, left, and Ruth Lampman visit during the January Brunhilde Lodge meeting.
SAN ANTONIO – Brunhilde Lodge met Jan. 16 in the Rathskeller of the San Antonio Home Association Building. Annemarie Schaffer-Lopez asked to resign as secretary and Maria Pieske accepted the job. Maria Pieske and Annemarie Schaffer-Lopez gave the Home Association report. President Else Gottschalk reported that Rose Marie Rosenberg broke both wrists. Pattie Shaw sent flowers following the passing of a good friend, Sabrina, who was a member. Members were asked to pray for Jackie Platts who is getting corrective post cancer surgery. Morrie Nordland won splitthe-pot. Four tickets to the Pershing Lodge Spaghetti Dinner were given away. – Reporter
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New Braunfels announces scholarship opportunity NEW BRAUNFELS – New Braunfels Lodge will meet Sunday, March 5, at 3 p.m. The lodge will provide the meat and members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. The lodge will again offer a scholarship to a junior member graduating from high school. Applicants must be a member of the lodge and attend one lodge meeting between March and May. At the Feb. 5 meeting, seven new junior members were welcomed into the lodge. Lillie Rene Griffin has transferred from Gonzales Lodge. A letter from the Home Office was read thanking the lodge for its donation to “Hugs from Home.” Stephanie Ludlow and Shirley Huebinger are wished speedy recoveries. “Happy Birthday” was sung to January celebrant Rennie Guenther and February celebrants
New Braunfels Lodge President Karen Harborth presents a 70-year membership pin to Gilbert Arlitt during the Feb. 5 meeting. Brother Arlitt has been a member since April 7, 1946.
New Braunfels Lodge birthday celebrants recognized at the February meeting were, seated, from left, Sharon Suchy, Dennis Schwab, Mary Jane Schwab, standing, from left, Jerome Vetter, Bill Wenzel, Leola Stolte, Jo Heideman and Rennie Guenther.
Mary Jane Schwab, Jerome Vetter, Bill Wenzel, Leola Stolte, Sharon Suchy, Dennis Schwab and Jo Heideman. Attendance-prize winners were Dennis Schwab, Sandra
Winners of table decorations were James Stolte, Martha Stahl, Leola Stolte, Violet Tanneberger, Sharon Suchy, Marlene Churchman, Ethan Colbert, Virginia Vetter and Leila Arlitt.
Womack Lodge schedules meetings, events for 2017 WOMACK – Womack Lodge will meet March 5 beginning at 2 p.m. at the lodge hall. Members are asked to note the change in the starting time. There was good attendance for the first meeting of the year held Feb. 5. President Joe Crawson installed Eleanora Zuehlke as a member of the Cheer Committee. She was unable to attend the district installation.
Plans for meetings and events for the coming year were discussed and adopted. John Rueter went home with the attendance prize and Nadine Rueter won the 50/50 drawing. David and Dorothy Conrad hosted the afternoon meeting. Everyone enjoyed visiting, playing games and refreshments during the social hour. – Nadine Rueter
Columbus officers installed COLUMBUS – Columbus Lodge officers were installed Jan. 15 in Mentz with Bernardo Lodge serving as the host. Terrel Maertz, agent and Bernardo Lodge president, and Grand Vice President-Marketing Tim Kolbe installed the officers. Other lodges participating included Bellville, Cat Spring, Nagel, New Bielau, Sealy and Shelby. Columbus Lodge officers in-
stalled were president, Douglas Lilie; vice president, Elsie Kahlden; secretary/treasurer, Elena Holub; and appointed officers, Virginia Lilie, Adrian Fritsch and Virginia Fritsch. Before the meeting, the group enjoyed a meal of roast beef, mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy, black-eyed peas, salad, rolls, peach cobbler, chocolate cake and tea. – Reporter
Guenther, Karen Harborth, Bill Wenzel, Shirley Huebinger, Michael Huebinger, Mary Jane Schwab, Jo Heideman, Leila Arlitt, Alfred Stremmel, Harvey Heideman and Jerome Vetter.
Members and guests enjoyed a meatloaf meal and the side dishes provided by the members. Dorella Colbert hosted the meal. – Reporter
Stern pioneers earn membership pins SEGUIN – All Stern Lodge members are invited to attend the next meeting scheduled for Sunday, March 5, at noon at the Seguin American Legion Hall. The first meeting of 2017 was held Feb. 5 at the Seguin American Legion Hall. Members enjoyed a barbecue lunch and dessert. Welcomed as new members were Meyer Boeder, Jonah and Ava Rogers, Jackson Reed and
Conner Reed. Also welcomed were recent transfer members Lorrie Rangel, Katherine Reed and Monica Rogers. Membership pin recipients for 2017 include Carolyn Davis and Gayle Younger, 50 years; Brian Goebel and Miles Engelke, 60 years; and Larry Engelke and Ruby Engelke, 70 years. The lodge recognized 50year member Kim Morawietz Thompson who celebrates her birthday in February. She has
been a member since Feb. 17, 1966. President Donald Morawietz installed officers unable to attend the installation. That includes Paul Altherr, Harmony Stahl, Liz Witten and Rickey Engelke. Attendance prize winners were Kirsten Bode, Liz Witten and Gloria Reininger. Barbecue plate winners were Harmony Stahl and Kim Thompson. – Barbara Morawietz
Old Glory Lodge will meet on March 5 OLD GLORY – Old Glory Lodge will meet Sunday, March 5, at 4 p.m. The lodge will furnish the hamburgers. Members are asked to bring desserts. A moment of silence was observed at the Feb. 5 meeting as members mourned the passing of Herbert Vahlenkamp. Brother Vahlenkamp was a long-time member who had done a lot to keep the Lodge going and served in all positions of leadership. He loved to
play dominos with anyone at all gatherings. President Doug Vahlenkamp showed members the Certificate of Achievement the lodge received for reaching its new member goal in 2016. The lodge welcomed Bryson Thomas Bly of White Oak as a new member. He is the greatgreat-grandson of Verlene Corzine. Members agreed to purchase padding for all of the air condi-
tioners at the lodge hall. This work will be done before summer. Anita Dozier reported on the rental of the hall. Reported on the sick list were Dale Letz, Don and Pat Pyron and Helen Lehrmann. Clara Richards won the door prize. Following the meeting the group enjoyed games and a meal of chili and desserts. – Reporter
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 23
Cat Spring presents award, membership pins CAT SPRING – Cat Spring Lodge celebrated Christmas and honored pin recipients on Dec. 8 at the Agricultural Hall. Following happy hour, a turkey and dressing dinner was served. Members provided side dishes and desserts. Grand Vice President-Fraternal Kim Krueger helped with the presentation of three pins. Carol Stayton received her 70-year pin. She has been a member since June 21, 1946. Special Representative Al Stryk assisted with the presentation. Melinda Brod, a member since Nov. 1, 1956, received her 60-year pin. Nathan Zanek, a member since May 6, 1966, received his 50-year pin. Brother Zanek fondly recalled the Christmas parties he attended as a child and the mugs and candy. Sister Brod recalled attending summer camp with Jo Ann Andreas Nelson (deceased) and Nancy Reichardt Hartman. Also receiving 60-year pins but unable to attend were Sandra Haney, a member since Jan. 1, 1956, and Alan Tomlinson, a member since April 1, 1956. The Humanitarian Award was presented to Loyce Pacher. Sister Pacher volunteers for Meals on Wheels and the Sealy Pregnancy Resource Center.
Melinda Brod, left, received her 60-year membership pin at the Cat Spring Lodge Christmas party. Making the presentation was Grand Vice President-Fraternal Kim Krueger and lodge President Randall Tipp.
Loyce Pacher is the recipient of the Cat Spring Lodge Humanitarian Award for 2016. She received the award at the lodge’s Christmas party from Pat Klotz. A $50 donation was made to the resource center in her honor and members made donations in lieu of a gift exchange. John Klotz will be the lodge’s delegate to the Grand Lodge Convention in May. Pat Klotz is the alternate. Celebrating December birthdays were Delores Dittert, Marge Michaelis, Janis Class and Bobby Froebel. Celebrating December anniversaries were Janis and John-
ny Class, 50 years; and Pat and John Klotz, 43 years. Joyce Chandler would have won the attendance prize but she was not present. On Jan. 15, members attended the installation of officers at St. Roch’s hosted by Bernardo Lodge. The next meeting will be held Thursday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m. Soup and sandwiches are on the menu. – Reporter
Carol Stayton, right, received her 70-year membership pin at the Cat Spring Lodge Christmas party. Making the presentation were, from left, Grand Vice President-Fraternal Kim Krueger, lodge President Randall Tipp and Special Representative Al Stryk, a longtime friend.
Richland Lodge makes holiday donations RICHLAND – Richland Lodge ended 2016 with the completion of its Make A Difference Day project. The lodge delivered 88 rolls of toilet paper, $100 in Wal-Mart gift cards and two sleeping bags to the Pflugerville “Christmas Mall” benefiting Pflugerville Independent School District children. The 2017 officers were installed in January. At the February meeting members planned the 2017 activities. Those attending enjoyed chili and beans prepared by Mike Kelley along with birthday cake baked in honor of Mike and Kayse Kelley.
Other members celebrating birthdays in January were Tim Heine, Annabelle Paladino and M.J. Kelley. Jeanette Graw celebrates her special day in February. Members signed a get-well card for Emma Gene Weiss Congratulations go to Marvin Graw and Ruth Pfennig for winning the attendance prizes. The lodge’s next meeting will be held March 5. Members are asked to wear green (for St. Patrick›s Day), bring a side or dessert and join other members for chili dogs (provided by the lodge) at Richland Hall. – Reporter
Kayse and Tammy Kelley, right, deliver toilet paper, gift cards and sleeping bags to “Elf Gail” at the Christmas Mall. Richland Lodge made the donations in observance of Make a Difference Day.
Louise Schuetze to serve stew SAN ANTONIO – Louise Schuetze Lodge members are asked to wear green to the March meeting in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. The lodge will provide homemade stew. Members are asked to bring side dishes and desserts. The installation of officers was held Jan. 28. Louise Schuetze Lodge received a Certificate of Achievement for reaching its new member goal in 2016. – Reporter
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Cibolo will host speakers at upcoming meetings CIBOLO – Cibolo Lodge will welcome guest speakers to its next two meetings. On March 2 Joy Brown will talk about tax returns and on April 6 Hans Boas from the University of Texas at Austin will be speaking on the importance of recording native German speakers to ensure the language is not lost. He also will be collecting the names of people to interview later in the year. Everyone is welcome to come and hear these speakers. Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran
Church, 1129 Pat Booker Rd., Universal City. The lodge will be celebrating the “Wearing O’ the Green” in honor of St. Patrick’s Day at the March meeting so bring your favorite green food to go with the build-your-own sub sandwiches that will be provided. Homemade sausage is on the menu for April. The lodge’s request to increase dues was approved by the Home Office. Adult dues will be $1 per month and junior member dues will be 50 cents per month. Members voted to accept the 2017 calendar of events. The cal-
endar includes the food for each month. The game prize has been increased. A few trips may be planned later this year so keep reading for more details as they become available. Mary Ann Gray’s mac and cheese was named the best side dish to go with the fried chicken. Tracy Campos’ strawberry cheesecake was voted the best dessert. Dena Warneke and Sherry Rakowitz won the adult cash awards and Barrett Kuhlman won the junior cash award. The special drawing winner would have been
William G. Courtney but he was not present. The drawing will be worth $40 in March. Dorothy Schneider announced that Friedens Church near Geronimo holds a fish fry the third Friday of each month starting at 5 p.m. And you can play dominoes and cards on the fourth Tuesday. All are welcome. If you have a guest speaker you would like to hear or you are a speaker and would like to speak at a meeting, plan to come to a meeting so arrangements can be made. – Reporter
Jonny Brown celebrates his birthday in February. He is a member of Cibolo Lodge.
Houston Family Day set for April 9
Houston Lodge officers installed in January include, from left, Darrel Muske, trustee; Gary Falkenberg, president; Doris Falkenberg, secretary; Jackie Bushman, trustee; Rebeka Dunsmore, communications director; James Ellison, trustee; Pat Bushman, vice president and community coordinator; and Lavina Patterson, treasurer.
HOUSTON – Houston Lodge met Sunday, Jan. 8, following the installation of officers that the lodge had hosted. The schedule of events for 2017 remains much the same as it was for 2016. Any changes will be announced in the Hermann Sons Life newspaper or on the hermannsonslife.org website. If you use the website, click on PROGRAMS and then LODGES. From there click on HOUSTON. There is a calendar of events that will list future meetings and events.
Members are being asked to volunteer at the Houston Food Bank in May. A date is still to be determined depending on the need at the food bank. The annual Family/Pioneer Day is set for Sunday, April 9. This year the meal time has changed with burgers and hot dogs being served starting at 1 p.m. The lodge is still looking for a volunteer to take the membership coordinator position. If you are interested, contact President Gary Falkenberg.
Jackie Bushman, Milton Fuchs, Kiera Thomason, Doris Falkenberg and Darlene Ellison won the annual attendance prizes. Jack Manchack, Kiera Thomason, Milton Fuchs, Jackie Bushman and Doris Falkenberg won the monthly attendance prizes. Members are encouraged to recommend new members. Contact President Gary Falkenberg with the names of prospective new members or bring them to a meeting. – Reporter
Cuero Family Lodge to meet March 7 Kerrville Lodge discusses CUERO – The next meeting for Cuero Family Lodge is scheduled for March 7. At the Tuesday, Feb. 7, meeting, the lodge welcomed four transfer members from Jackson County Lodge. They are Carroll Blank, Vicky Blank, Margie Blank and Sandra Blank Chandler. The lodge hosted the District 9 installation of officers on Sunday, Jan. 15, at the American Legion Hall. Four of the six lodges in the district were represented. Honored guest was Grand President/CEO Buddy Preuss. President Laura Tiffin and husband Wayne, Jerry and Janet Tietz and Allison Tiffin were thanked for setting up
and getting the cake. Members enjoyed a meal of turkey and dressing served by Santi’s. Sister Tiffin reported the school of dance is doing well. She also said scholarship applications will be taken to the high school soon. She also noted due to work schedules some changes will be made in the delegates being sent to the Grand Lodge Convention in May in San Marcos. Mary Cook has earned her 50year membership pin. She has been a member since Feb. 10, 1967. President Tiffin reviewed the budget for the year with the members and it was approved unanimously.
The Cheer Committee reported sending a sympathy card to Iris Hotz and family following the loss of her brother. Birthday celebrants recognized were Sue Trammel, Louise Buchhorn, Gary Hotz and Joyce Hotz. The meeting ended with a prize drawing and the winners were Jerry Tietz, Karlyne Tiffin, Marvin Bade, Gary Hotz and Allison Tiffin. Members enjoyed a meal of either chicken fried steak or hamburger steak, French fries or baked potato, salad, a roll and tea. Joyce Hotz and Gloria Suggs provided cupcakes and cookies for dessert. – June Guenther
upcoming events for 2017
KERRVILLE – Kerrville Lodge will meet April 5 in the Wells Fargo Bank Community Room. The bank is located at 301 Junction Highway in Kerrville. The Feb. 1 meeting also was held at the bank. A potluck meal of tamales, chili, beans and sides was served. Members discussed upcoming events and activities for the year. Some members were interested in playing in the golf tournament being hosted by Comfort Lodge to benefit the Grief Support Session at Hermann Sons-Camp while others were interested in enter-
ing the Retirement Home Chili Cook-off. Possible Join Hands Day projects were discussed. Final plans will be made at the April meeting. Members also discussed having a social event in the future where games of dominoes and cards would be played. This would be a great pizza night! Other meetings this year will be held June 7, Aug. 2 and Oct. 4. The Christmas party is scheduled for Dec. 1. All meetings are held at the bank unless otherwise announced. – Juanice Grona
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 25
San Marcos collecting shelter donations in March SAN MARCOS – San Marcos Lodge will meet Monday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m. at a restaurant. Members will be notified by email about the location. Members are reminded to bring items for donation to the animal shelter to the meeting. The lodge met Feb. 6 at La Vista Club House. Grand President/ CEO Buddy Preuss and wife Elizabeth were in attendance along with Carli Bartell, representing the Texas State Social Group, and visiting family members who were there for the memorial service honoring members who passed away in 2016. Billy and Mary Lou Preuss prepared the pork steaks and drum sticks. Other members provided the side dishes and desserts. The Cheer Committee reported cards had been sent to Dean Gourley, Ken and Lillian Cargil, Charlotte Trapp and Joey Preuss. President Dreibrodt announced the Feb. 3 passing of the Rev. Nell Linebarger, a member of the lodge. A moment of silence was observed. Carli Bartell proposed a joint project with the Texas State Social Group. The project is to prepare care packages for those attending the Grief Support Session this summer at Hermann SonsCamp in Comfort. The members agreed to the project. The care packages will be prepared during the April meeting. Grand President/CEO Preuss asked the lodge to serve as the host lodge for the 47th Grand
Members of San Marcos Lodge who attended the installation ceremony in January in Maxwell were, front, from left, Evelyn Moreau, Peggy Meiners, Mary Lou Preuss, Agnes Dreibrodt, Shirley Faske, back, from left, Bruce Moreau, Larry Moreau, Billy Preuss, Freddie Dreibrodt and Janet Magin.
The families of deceased members remembered during the memorial service held as part of the February San Marcos Lodge meeting gathered for a photo. Pictured are Kery and Kathy Noble, Larry and Barbara Noble, Irene and George Bierstedt, Lisa McClellan and daughters Ashley and Amanda McClellan and grandchildren Jordan and Camille Juarez, Janet and Howard Magin, Floyd and Jamie Braune and Lillian and Ken Cargil.
Celebrating wedding anniversaries at the February San Marcos Lodge meeting were, from left, Irene and George Bierstedt and Floyd and Jamie Braune.
Celebrating February birthdays at the San Marcos Lodge meeting were, from left, Irene Bierstedt, Jordan Juarez and Larry Moreau.
Florence McQuaig receives her 50-year membership pin from her nephew, Grand President/ CEO Buddy Preuss, during the February San Marcos Lodge meeting.
Lodge Convention in May. He then presented a 50-year membership pin to his aunt, Florence McQuaig. She has been a member since Oct. 1, 1967. President Dreibrodt thanked everyone for attending the January installation service and
met its 2017 goal. Twelve married couples in attendance were honored for Valentine’s Day. Janice Kuhen and Peggy Meiners conducted a memorial service honoring the members who passed away in 2016. Those
honored were Charlene Jennings, Wilburn “Willie” Krause, James A Sample, Burnice Noble and William Braune. In closing the group read the 23rd Psalm. Camille Juarez and Kery Noble won attendance prizes. – Reporter
noted the Certificate of Achievement posted on the bulletin board that was presented to the lodge for meeting its new member goal in 2016. She suggested members give the names of prospective members to Agent Janice Kuhen so that the lodge can
Dallas to vote on consolidation March 19
McGregor will meet March 1
DALLAS – Dallas Lodge will hold its next business meeting March 19 at 1 p.m. Members will vote whether or not they want to consolidate (form a new lodge) with Columbia Lodge. Columbia Lodge members will vote on this date as well. Officers ask that all members of the lodge attend this important meeting. Dallas Lodge hosted the installation of officers at the hall on Jan. 14. Officers from Columbia, Dallas and Fort Worth lodges were in attendance. Grand Fi-
McGREGOR – McGregor Lodge will meet March 1 at 6 p.m. in the Charlie Griffin Center at Marblecrest Housing. The lodge met Feb. 1. President Doris Mooney thanked everyone who attended the installation ceremony including Grand Vice President-Fraternal Kim Krueger and husband Dustin. Get-well cards were sent to Janet Schmalriede, Nelda Hoover and Milton Schmalriede.
nance Committee Member Sandra Jones from Fort Worth served as the installing officer. Special thanks go to the Dallas installation team of Clint and Terri Holmes, Margaret (Schatzie) Owens and Linda and Steve Schellenberg. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship and barbecue luncheon served after the event. At the Jan. 22 business meeting members welcomed Eva A. Opiela by way of transfer. President Andy Schellenberg installed Eva Day as a financial
trustee and community coordinator. He appointed Schatzie Owens to her position as historian. Carolyn A. McKay of Richmond and Waldeen R. Wunderlich of Fredericksburg are now 60-year members. They both joined on Jan. 16, 1957. Steve Schellenberg won the attendance prize. Members enjoyed the chicken dinner and fellowship after the meeting. – Reporter
President Mooney reminded members of the Valentine’s Day party at Westview Manor. Congratulations go to Earl Luedeker on his 60 years of membership. He became a member on Feb. 27, 1957. Door prize winners were Carol Wiethorn and Kerry Arseneaux. Taking home barbecue sandwiches were Betty Johnson, El Nora Lawton, Hermine Wolf and Charles McAnelly. – Reporter
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Gulf to hold 125th anniversary celebration March 26 LA MAQUE – Gulf Lodge will celebrate its 125th anniversary on March 26 at the Moody Gardens Hotel in Galveston. Invitations have been mailed to all members of the lodge. Reservations must be made by March 15. Call Sarah Spencer at 361550-1883 for more information. The lodge met Jan. 29 at Kelley’s Restaurant in La Marque. The 2017 officers are president, Al Stryk; vice president, Gracie Gonzales; secretary and treasurer, Sarah Spencer; and trustees, Gary Scales, Charles Head and Bill Graefe. The appointed officers are communications coordinator, Ruby Wulf; youth coordinator, Stella Head; membership coordinators, Jerre Massa and Betty Mathison; and community coordinators, Theresa Sanders Smith and Eva Scales. Brother Stryk and Sister Spencer attended the installation ceremony in Houston on Jan. 8. Brother Stryk accepted the lodge’s Certificate of Achieve-
Celebrating recent birthdays from Gulf Lodge were, from left, Henry Bennison, Gracie Gonzales, Ruby Wulf and Alvin Albert. ment for reaching its new member goal in 2016. Transferring into the lodge were Robert Spencer and sons Clayton and Nicholas Spencer. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Dorothy Cathcart who passed away Jan. 24 after a lengthy battle with cancer. A get-well card was sent to
Ruby Wulf, left, the 2016 Gulf Lodge Humanitarian Award recipient, received a check from the lodge, which she donated to Libbie’s Place in Galveston. Libbie’s Place is a non-profit senior day program that benefits people with memory loss, stroke and early stages of Alzheimer’s or other dementia, general frailty or social isolation. Accepting the donation is Alice Williams, director of Libbie’s Place. Alvin Albert. Henry Bennison celebrating his in December. Door prizes went to Gracie Gonzales, Amber Betts, Henry Bennison, Deklen Coyne, Ray-
mond Moody and Charles Head. Members enjoyed a meal after the meeting. – Reporter
Bandera County to host Senior Fun Day
Brenda Schrank was elected to serve on the Seguin Lodge Finance Committee following the retirement of Lorene Schraub. She is pictured with Grand Vice PresidentMarketing Tim Kolbe.
Seguin welcomes new junior SEGUIN – Seguin Lodge welcomed a new junior member at the January meeting. He is Emery Brynn Bertling. Welcomed by way of transfer was Kristine Moeller Edwards. A Scholarship Committee was appointed to review applications by high school seniors who are junior members of the lodge. Applications will be mailed soon to these members. Diane Terp and Paul Gescheidle won door prizes. The
member Bill Graefe who is recovering from a broken hip. The lodge will send donations to the Home Office in memory of Dorothy Cathcart and Marion Brick. A $200 donation will be made to Turning Point. Celebrating January birthdays were Ruby Wulf and Bill Graefe, Gracie Gonzales, Joel Stryk and
Progressive Pot winner of $50 would have been Linda Crowell but she was not present. The prize increases to $55 for the next meeting. The Seguin Lodge Hall was the site of the installation ceremony hosted by Laubach Lodge in January. Grand Vice President-Marketing Tim Kolbe, a member of Seguin Lodge, served as the installing officer. Reporter
LAKEHILLS – Bandera County Lodge met Feb. 12 at the home of Gary and Kathleen Reile in Lakehills. Despite the unseasonably warm February weather, members enjoyed soups, salads and baked potatoes along with a multitude of desserts. The 2017 calendar was discussed and several activities were planned. The lodge will be participating in the Retirement Home Chili and Bean Cook-off on March 11. The lodge’s team will use a Rock ‘n Roll theme for showmanship.
On April 1, the lodge will host its annual Senior Fun Day at the Retirement Home. All members of the lodge are welcome to come and enjoy an afternoon of music and the ice cream social. The annual dance recital will be held May 13 at 2 p.m. at Bandera High School. The public is invited. The lodge will observe Join Hands Day on May 20 at the Cedar Creek Nursing facility in Bandera. Members will provide refreshments and the lodge’s ukulele players will entertain. The lodge will meet Nov. 5
(place to be announced) to plan the Christmas party, select a Humanitarian Award recipient and elect next year’s officers. The Christmas party will be held Dec. 3 at the newly built Lakehills Methodist Church Hall. Volunteers are always needed to set up and take down tables and chairs. The lodge’s newest members are Diana J. Ortiz, Riel B. Estrada and Casen E Reile. Leona Field won the attendance prize. – Susan Hillje
General Bee Lodge pioneers receive pins BEEVILLE – General Bee Lodge has several members who have received membership pins. Patricia Crutchfield was presented with her 70-year pin. She has been a member since Nov. 12, 1946. Elvira Dieringer and Delia Lohse both received their 75year membership pins. Sister Dieringer has been a member
since Sept. 7, 1941. Sister Lohse has been a member since March 21, 1941. Bettina Jostes Stridde has now been a member for 80 years. Sister Stridde has been a member since Jan. 16, 1937. She served as secretary/treasurer of the lodge from 19791993 and as vice president for 19 years from 1994-2013. She
also served as reporter for many years. The lodge would also like to recognize H.H. Laechelin Jr. for his 57 years of service as a local lodge agent. He became a member in February 1950 and served as secretary/treasurer from 1960-1978. He retired as agent at the end of 2016. – Reporter
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 27
Brenham Lodge hears Bartay’s report on Boys State BRENHAM – Brenham Lodge members heard a report from Jackson Bartay during the January meeting. The lodge sponsored Jackson when he attended American Legion Boys State. He was accompanied by his grandparents, Travis and Shirley Boeker. Jackson shared what he learned about government and thanked the lodge for its support. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Nina Little, Franklin Eckert and Ruth Thomas. The Cheer Committee mailed get-well cards to Ruth Loesch, Clarence Muegge and El Gene Schulle. Sympathy cards were mailed to the family of Nina Little; the family of Franklin Eckert – his son, Roger Eckert and sister and brother-in-law, Richard and Pearlie Hanath; to Milton and Evelyn Haack following the death of her brother, Edward Studhalter; to Herbert Beerwinkel following the death of his wife, Barbara; to the family of Willie Brinkmeyer – his daughter and son-inlaw, Glenwood and Willie Mae Hertel and grandchildren, Todd and Darlene Hertel; to the family of Ruth Thomas; to Robert Wellman following the death of his wife, Selma; and to Angela Bernshausen, Brett Grimm and Brian Grimm following
Brenham Lodge sponsored Jackson Bartay to the American Legion Boys State. Jackson, pictured with President Jeanette Preuss, attended the January meeting and shared his experience. the death of their father, Billy Grimm. Thank-you notes were read from the Texas German Society for the use of the hall for its meetings; the Washington County Living Association for the $200 donation; from the Volunteer Service Council-BSS for the $100 donation; from the Retirement Home for the $100 donation; from the family of Franklin Eckert for the memorial donations made to the Retirement Home and Camp; and from Evelyn and Milton Haack for the sympathy card. Members voted on hall rental
fee changes. Cost for members will be $250 with a $200 deposit and for non-members the cost will be $450 with a $200 deposit. President Jeanette Preuss is looking into repairs for the lodge hall’s dance floor and roof. Arnold and Magdalene Knuppel were thanked for providing the drinks before the meal in honor of Arnold’s 88th birthday. Nina Runge and Shirley Ganske were thanked for preparing the chili for the meal, Delores Meyer for providing the beans, Jeanette Preuss the rice and Betty Schramm the corn-
Paige Lodge will meet March 12 PAIGE – Paige Lodge will meet March 12 with a Mexican food potluck menu and a St. Patrick’s Day theme. Members are encouraged to dress in green. Games will be played after the meeting. A potluck meal was enjoyed at the Jan. 8 meeting. Bernice Basward reported sending a getwell card to Martin Albrecht and a sympathy card to Carl and Cindy Botkin following the loss of her mother. Christmas cards were sent to Cornell and Ethel Kunkel, Ofelia Saegert, Jim and Rosie Millner, Sadie Raschke, Leroy Wolrus and Harry and Gertrude Eschberger. A sympathy card was sent to the
Olfelia Saegert family. President RaChelle Dube read a note from Owen Thomas thanking the lodge for paying his 2016 Camp fee. The 2017-2018 schedule was approved. Meeting dates for the remainder of the year include April 9, May 21, June 11, July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10. In 2018, the year will begin with meetings on Jan. 14 and Feb. 11. Meetings are held at the Paige Lodge Hall with a meal at noon followed by the meeting. For more details, watch the Hermann Sons Life newspaper or call RaChelle Dube, president/agent,
at 512-740-3518. Calendars and appointment books, large and small, donated by Ronnie and Debbie Harmon, were handed out to members and guests. Troy Kunkel won the attendance prize and Halle Dube won the dollar pot. Members and guests attended the installation of officers hosted by Giddings Lodge on Sunday, Jan. 22. Appreciation is extended to Grand Finance Committee Member Janice Kuhen for bringing a great message from the Home Office and to Giddings Lodge for the hospitality. – Sandy Botkin
Birthday celebrants recognized at the Brenham Lodge meeting were, from left, Hilbert Goessler, Janice McClendon, Travis Pilchiek, Rosalie Renner, Allyne Sullivan, Shirley Ganske, Arnold Knuppel and Pearlie Hanath.
Celebrating anniversaries from Brenham Lodge in January were, from left, Marvin and Joyce Marburger, 58 years, and Hilbert and Lena Mae Goessler, 60 years. bread muffins. Allyne Sullivan and Gloria Zwahr served the tea. Guests for the evening were James Hyvl and his grandchil-
dren, Amber and Garrett from Bryan Lodge. They are transferring to Brenham Lodge. – Lena Mae Goessler
Maxwell members asked to wear green on March 5 MAXWELL – Maxwell Lodge will meet Sunday, March 5. Members are asked to wear green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Sandwiches and chips will be served. New President Catherine Blackard led the Feb. 5 meeting. Members wore red in honor of Heart Health Month and Valentine’s Day. Plans were discussed for future meetings. An Easter bonnet contest will be held as part of the April 2 meeting. So put on your thinking caps and come up with fancy or even silly bonnets.
At the May 7 meeting, the lodge will honor mothers. At the Oct. 1 meeting, 50-, 60and 70-year membership pins will be presented. Agent Charles Croley was scheduled to attend agent training on Feb. 6 and Agent Darlene Bohmfalk on Feb. 28. Laura Bohmfalk and Elsie Croley were the door prize winners. Darlene Bohmfalk made chicken spaghetti and members provided a variety of mixed salads and a lemon cake. – Reporter
Page 28 – Hermann Sons Life – March 2017
Boerne Lodge to meet March 3 at Kronkosky Place BOERNE – Boerne Lodge will meet Friday, March 3, at 12 noon at Kronkosky Place. Lunch reservations must be made in advance by calling the Rainbow Senior Center at 830-249-2114 before 9 a.m. the day of the meeting. Members are encouraged to wear green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Other meeting dates in 2017 are April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1. If you are a member of the lodge and haven’t been attending meetings you have a standing invitation and are welcome and encouraged to attend. Comfort Lodge was the host
lodge for the installation of officers on Jan. 15. It was held at the Hilltop Dining Hall at Hermann Sons-Camp. A catered lunch was served. Comfort Lodge President Connie Spenrath welcomed officers from Boerne, Comfort, Fredericksburg, Highland Lakes, Kerrville and Paul Vogt lodges. The installing officer was Grand Vice President-Investments Harry Werland After the installation, discussion was held about engaging new members by hosting a potluck picnic and pool party on Aug. 12 at Hilltop Camp. The six lodges would host the event together.
Jennifer Maurin and Charles and Teresa Voight were welcomed as new members at the February meeting. Alice Quinn was presented with a gift certificate and a card thanking her for her leadership as lodge president. Marilyn Vogt is in the process of determining which members are eligible for the lodge’s scholarship this year. Celebrating January birthdays were Barbara D’Spain, Kay Caldwell, Jack Faecher and Lucille Dixie Pfeiffer. Bobby Caldwell celebrated his birthday in February. They received birthday cards and meal tickets. In celebration of Valentine’s
Officers from Boerne Lodge who attended the installation ceremony hosted by Comfort Lodge in January were, from left, Ester and Jack Faecher, Marilyn Vogt and Barbara and Don D’Spain. Day, members enjoyed cupcakes and candy. Jack Faecher won the Valentine’s Day word
search game and received a prize. – Reporter
Fort Worth Lodge earns certificate
Niederwald officers attend installation Niederwald Lodge officers are pictured at the installation of officers hosted by the lodge on Jan. 22. Maxwell, Lockhart, San Marcos and Niederwald lodges were represented at the event held at the Maxwell Social Club. Everyone enjoyed a barbecue meal catered by Chisholm Trail. The lodge met Feb. 14 at the Sirloin Stockade.
Hallettsville donates to fire department Hallettsville Lodge recently made a donation to the Hallettsville Volunteer Fire Department. Lodge President Mary Schroeder presented the donation to Assistant Fire Chief Ronnie Drozd. The lodge Christmas party was held Dec. 3 and was well attended. After the Christmas meal, members enjoyed an entertaining gift exchange game.
FORT WORTH – Fort Worth Lodge will meet Sunday, March 5, at 3 p.m. at Westcreek Lanes. Members are encouraged to attend and help make plans for 2017. Plans will be made for the lodge’s Join Hands Day project. If you have any ideas, contact Nancy Kelly. She is working on several projects, but would like to hear any suggestions from members. The lodge received a Certificate of Achievement for meeting its new member goal in 2016. The
award was presented to Red Kelly during the Dallas installation ceremony. And the lodge is on its way to meeting its 2017 goal with the addition of Garrett Martin and Scott Wagner. Hope to see them and their families at meetings and social events. Several members have been under the weather including Red Kelly, Linda Balmos and Darlene Jones. Junior members are reminded to send a card or letter to Ronnie Jones telling him why they want
to go to Hermann Sons-Camp. The Youth Committee will select two members to receive a camp scholarship. Send the card and letters to Ronnie Jones, 11704 Frazier Land, Crowley, TX 76036. Happy Anniversary wishes go to Linda and Robert Balmos, 39 years; and Sam and Sandra Jones, 51 years. Happy Birthday wishes go to Kim Burns, Patricia Burns, Karen Burns-Lane, Kylie Leblanc, Alicia Putman and Nicole Seise. – Reporter
Columbia Lodge will meet March 19 DALLAS – Spring greetings from Columbia Lodge. Things are always happening and Columbia Lodge is planning a year of adventure and benevolence. Bobby Wilbanks won first prize at the lodge’s chili cook-off. That means he will represent the lodge at the Retirement Home Chili Cook-off in March. Glenn Marvin took home second prize and as a consolation prize, he and Debra Hundley will be going on an all-expenses paid trip to Algiers, La., for a funfilled week replete with Cajun food, Mardi Gras parades, oysters and a wedding. Congratulations Debra and Glenn. The lodge will meet again Sunday, March 5, at 3 p.m. All mem-
bers are encouraged to attend. A general meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 19, at 2 p.m. This is an important meeting and concerns all members of Hermann Sons in Dallas and Columbia lodges. Both lodges will vote on a consolidation of the lodges. Also at the general meeting there are several bylaws changes that will be voted on. Two of the bylaw amendment changes are as follows: Article 2 11. Board directors may not hold positions, paid or unpaid, in Sons of Hermann Home Association business operations. 12. With the exception of the treasurer, board directors are
unpaid. Article 3 President 5. The President shall not hold any appointed positions. These changes will be voted on if there is a quorum at the general meeting. A free lunch will be served after the meeting. The 37th Annual St. Alphonso Pancake Breakfast will be held Saturday, April 8, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. That same weekend the Sons of Hermann Hall will host the Deep Elm Arts Festival. Come for breakfast and stay for the pulled pork that will be served later in the day. – Dave Moynihan
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 29
Rosenberg-Richmond adopts schedule for 2017 ROSENBERG – RosenbergRichmond Lodge will meet Monday, April 10, at the Rosenberg Civic Center. The lodge will provide the fried chicken. Members are asked to bring a vegetable, salad or dessert. Stew was served at the Feb. 3 meeting. Members provided the desserts. Fred and Margaret Maynard and Calvin and Joyce Lamensky were in charge of the meal. Margie Krenek gave the blessing. A memorial service was held to honor all members who passed away in 2016. Rosalie Byrd reported that get-well cards had been sent to Michael Kassey, Doris Boyd, Marjorie Engelhardt and Theresa Lamensky. Sympathy cards were sent to Anthony and Kristi Novosad and Elroy and Helen Hupe. The schedule for the year was accepted. Hamburgers will be
Celebrating January and February anniversaries from RosenbergRichmond Lodge were, from left, Bill and Doris (not pictured) Boyd, Steve and Ella Brown and LaVonne and Albert Stavinoha.
Celebrating January and February birthdays from RosenbergRichmond Lodge were, from left, Bill Boyd, Madelyn Morton, Steve Brown, Margie Orsak, Margie Krenek, Dylan Lamensky, C.J. Overgoner, Elaine Krause, Malcolm Krause, Doris Jezebel and W. Lee Hedt.
served at the June 12 meeting with members providing the desserts. An ice cream social will be part of the Aug. 14 meeting and it will be game night. Sausage and sauerkraut and a side dish will be served at the Oct. 9 meet-
chicken fried steak and dessert. It will be game night. Members are asked to bring donations for Helping Hands. Joyce Lamensky announced that she is retiring as an agent. Melvin and Gaynell Blahuta and
ing. Members are asked to bring desserts. Turkey and dressing will be served at the Nov. 13 meeting. Members are asked to bring desserts. The Christmas party will be held Dec. 11. The meal will include chicken fried chicken and
Margie Krenek donated the door prizes. Winners of attendance prizes were Marjorie Engelhardt, Edna Loesch, Wayne Schmidt, Lavonne Stavinoha and Kevin Engelhardt. – Loyce Anderson
For March 9 meeting
Harmonia plans annual memorial
Dorothea Monroe receives her 60-year membership pin from Haskell Lodge President Jerry Don Klose. Sister Monroe has been a member since March 20, 1956.
Haskell will meet March 5
HASKELL – Haskell Lodge will meet Sunday, March 5, at the Monroe home unless members are notified otherwise. Members met Feb. 5 at the home of Dorothea Monroe. They were anxious to watch the Super Bowl but also were interested in taking care of lodge business. Discussion concerned upcoming activities that will benefit the lodge and encourage new membership. Ideas were shared and comments were made about
people, places and performances. Harry Koehler drew the winning name for the door prize. The winner was President Jerry Don Klose. Members are encouraged to attend meetings and tell other members about the importance of attending. Fellowship is enjoyed following the business meeting and usually there is a shared meal. – Reporter
SAN ANTONIO – Harmonia Lodge will meet March 9. The meeting will include the annual memorial service. The lodge will provide corned beef and members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Games will be played after the meeting. The annual steak dinner was enjoyed by members and their guests prior to the Feb. 9 meeting. The steaks were prepared by Past Grand President Steve Prewitt, Lodge President Mike Beam, Finance Committee Member Albert Ranzau and Grand Lodge Maintenance Director Terry Haecker. Grand Vice President-Investments Harry Werland was in charge of the baked potatoes. The lodge is inviting all of its newest members to the April meeting. The lodge will provide the fajita tacos for the event. Members mourned the passing of Charles C. Neal, age 70, in November. He had been a member since 1955. William Moore Bennett, age 91, also passed away in
November. He had been a member since 1949. Roger Schaefer, age 68, passed away in December. He had been a member since 1974. Edwin H. Schlinger, age 98, passed away in January. He had been a member since 1952 The lodge’s representatives to the Home Association reported that the cost for parking has increased, the stained glass window at the front of the building is being repaired and that volunteers would soon be needed for Fiesta parking. Past Grand President Steve Prewitt celebrates his birthday in February. Bill and Ginger Bernhard and Jim and Ann McNeel celebrate wedding anniversaries in February. Winners of attendance prizes were Robert Peters and John Hoog and Brad Dietrich won the split-the-pot cash. President Mike Beam announced that longtime Harmonia Lodge member Wilford Gold suffered a fall recently and a card was passed around for members
to sign. The lodge’s January meeting began with a new twist. Four lodge officers each prepared a pot of chili and a randomly chosen panel judged them. The winner was Brad Dietrich followed by Mike Beam, Albert Ranzau and Bill Richard. Members mourned the passing of two members in December. Wayne J. Wolff, age 79, had been a member since 1956, and David J. Montague, age 84, had been a member since 1951. Bill Bernhard celebrates a birthday in January and Steve Prewitt and Brad Dietrich celebrate wedding anniversaries. The lodge bought five tickets to the Pershing Lodge Spaghetti Dinner and gave them away as door prizes to Ron Roberts, Mike Beam, Steve Prewitt, Charles Kretzschmar and John Hoog. Jim McNeel and John Hoog won the attendance prizes and Alan Cobb won the split-the-pot cash. – Reporter
Page 30 – Hermann Sons Life – March 2017
Albert Kypfer serving up fried fish CLEAR SPRINGS – Albert Kypfer Lodge will meet March 3. The lodge will provide the fried fish and members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Turkey and dressing was served before the Feb. 3 meeting. It was noted that Tammy and Charlie Seiter are doing a wonderful job taking care of the hall. Nelrose Koepp reported that
David Schumann had passed away and she sent a sympathy card to the family. Members observed a moment of silence in his memory. Molly Koepp was on the get well list but was able to attend the meeting. Lillian Soechting has not been feeling well. There was a second reading of a proposed name change to Kypfer-Salge Lodge. This is
being done in memory of Raymond Salge in honor of his years of service to the lodge. Winners of attendance prizes were Nelrose Koepp, Noland Koepp, Barbara Pizel, John Turner and Walter Mueller. If you know someone who does not drive please offer to pick them up for the March meeting. – Darline Preiss
Molly and Dennis Koepp celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary in February. They are members of Albert Kypfer Lodge.
Oran and Nelrose Koepp celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in February. They are members of Albert Kypfer Lodge.
Charlie Seiter and Nelrose Koepp celebrated their February birthdays at the Albert Kypfer Lodge meeting.
Hondo Victory recognizes birthday girls Verlie Fay Nietenhoefer, left, and Grace Schmidt celebrated birthdays at the January meeting of Hondo Victory Lodge. The lodge welcomed new members Kimberly Kay Brewer and Jamie Lin Wilson. A thank-you note was read from Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer Mary Beam. Get-well cards were sent to Ellen Tonne, Aurline Tschirhart and Pat Saunier. Sympathy cards were sent to the families of Isabel McGuffin, Martin DeLeon and Elizabeth Duman. Hostesses Pye Haass and Helen Boehme served a variety of cookies, punch and coffee. The evening concluded with several games of Pitch.
Rutersville Lodge will meet on March 8
Karnes City donates to ‘Toys for Tots’ Karnes City Lodge members and the Karnes City School of Dance students collected toys for the “Toys for Tots” campaign during the holiday season. Pictured are some of the youngsters of the Parents’ Club officers who attended the Christmas party and donated toys.
Laubach to meet at Red Barn SEGUIN – Laubach Lodge will meet March 12 at 1 p.m. at the Red Barn Pecan Museum. The Christmas party was held Dec. 11 at Dixie Grill. Karen Harborth, a member of the Grand Lodge Laws Committee, was a special guest. June Herzog was elected delegate to the Grand Lodge Convention.
Deanne Engelke is the alternate. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Dorothy Constable and Deanne Engelke. Both celebrated birthdays in November. The lodge hosted the installation of officers at the Seguin Lodge Hall Jan. 14. Next Door Catering provided the meal. – Reporter
RUTERSVILLE – The next meeting of Rutersville Lodge has been changed to March 8 due to Ash Wednesday falling on March 1. The lodge will furnish Sloppy Joes and members are asked to bring side dishes and desserts. Members enjoyed a meal of chili and grilled hot dogs prepared by Brian Mueller and crew at the Feb. 1 meeting. Sherry Noak will be the delegate to the Grand Lodge Convention in May. Delores Bayer is the alternate. The Family Fun Night will be held July 8 beginning at 6 p.m. The meal will feature fried fish and membership pins will be presented.
Sylvester (Bob) Schmitt, from left, celebrated a birthday in February and Dorothy and Kirby Keilers celebrated an anniversary. The Rutersville Lodge members were recognized at the February meeting. Attendance-prize winners were Leon Heintschel, Kyle Hartmann, Sylvester (Bob)
Schmitt, Dorothy Keilers and Kirby Keilers. – Reporter
Lockhart will honor graduating seniors LOCKHART – Lockhart Lodge will meet Sunday, March 5, at 6 p.m. in the Chisholm Trail Barbecue Room. The meeting follows the meal. Plans will be discussed for the annual party held to honor the
lodge’s graduating high school seniors. Letters have been mailed to the students informing them of the opportunity to apply for scholarships from Hermann Sons. All members are urged to at-
tend the meeting and bring prospective members. Lockhart Lodge officers attended the installation ceremony held Jan. 22 at the Maxwell Social Club. – Lil Pfefferkorn
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 31
Agents Directory (alphabetized by area) Abilene Diane Marie Smith 325-665-2253 Adkins Alayna Menzer 210-413-0001 Roxy Pruski 210-667-1995 Austin Shirley Kuhen Faske 512-789-3975 Crystal Livingston 512-466-2433 Bandera Stephanie Brown 210-621-3891 Paul Heath, FIC 210-392-0760 Bellville Robert Herridge 979-865-3702 Bernardo/Columbus Terrel Maertz 979-732-1727 Boerne/Fair Oaks Carl Behrendt 210-422-1159 Pam Poulk 210-753-2626 Boerne Lisa Rozacky 210-838-3306 Bryan Katherine Akin, FIC 979-823-8625 Caldwell Donnie Blinka 979-596-1309 Canyon Lake Sandra Duncan 830-905-3233 Castroville/La Coste Roger Bippert 210-737-4070 Castroville Glenford Boehme, FIC 210-219-9792 Cibolo/Schertz Judith Schulmeier, FIC 210-667-1938 Comfort Norma Bruns, FIC 830-995-3980 Jean Merchant 830-995-3396 Betty H. Murphy 830-998-0860
Corpus Christi Frank Brandon 361-241-5593
Gonzales Bobbie Polasek 830-672-6317
Maxwell Darlene Bohmfalk 512-558-2773
Marketing Department Staff
210-527-9113 • 877-437-6266 • 888-839-7667
Grand Vice President-Marketing Tim Kolbe timk@hermannsonslife.org Markering Analyst Ana Vasquez, FLMI, AIRC, FIC anav@hermannsonslife.org Administrative Assistant Gladys Rowley gladysr@hermannsonslife.org Special Representatives: Dan Boenig - 210-705-1815 danb@texashermannsonslife.org Gary Falkenberg, FICF - 713-466-6069 • 713-899-4138 gfalken908@aol.com Alfred Stryk, FICF, LUTCF - 281-485-4095 alstryk@sbcglobal.net Teresa Saathoff - 210-276-0361 • 210-422-6996 tasaathoff@satx.rr.com Marilyn Vogt, FICF - 210-630-9874 marilynv@hermannsonslife.org Eulla May Krueger - 210-863-0546 • 830-985-3643 eullak@hermannsonslife.org
Pearl Hunt 361-241-0940
Greg Polasek 830-540-4812
Charles Croley 512-357-6638
Troylyn Sisneros-Gonzalez 361-232-7413
Graham/Wichita Falls David Wolf 940-550-5202
McQueeney Stephen Weniger 830-743-2045
Hondo Stacy Saathoff 830-444-9160
Needville Melissa Kostelnik 713-304-1692
Dallas Helen Tyson Brown 214-796-0668
Houston Anna Larie Keith 281-259-6337
Chris Stoeltje 979-559-6127
Del Rio Pat Fritz, FIC 432-292-4483
Sarah Spencer 361-550-1883
New Braunfels Cecilia “CC” Gagliardi 830-620-1060
Gerald Ziemnicki 713-622-9001
Shirley Huebinger 830-822-1942
Jourdanton Valerie C. Craig 830-769-3128
Rhonda Muehlstein, FIC 830-980-3162
San Antonio Philip A. Abell 210-771-1213
Sealy Joanie Griffin 979-398-0706
Tim Salge 830-625-4816
Maria Elisa Ashati 210-863-2217
Nixon-Smiley Blake Janicek 830-582-1581
Ruth Bailey 210-602-5147
Seguin/San Antonio Carol Krauss, FIC 210-725-4106
Cuero Laura Tiffin Wayne Tiffin 361-275-8421
Devine Cynthia Sultenfuss 210-219-6409 Dee Stricker 210-414-0293 Edna/Jackson County Sam Matlock 361-782-3206 El Campo Dennis Wigginton 832-278-9636
Valerie M. Vick 210-748-5598 Katrina Wiatrek 210-326-9505 Lillian Wiede, FIC 830-769-3481
Floresville/Poth Beth Cutsinger 210-325-6667
Karnes City Abigail Fenner 830-534-6982
Floresville Lynn Wiede 830-393-4660
Russell Swize 830-780-4053
Fort Worth Sandra Jones, FIC 817-295-2666 Fredericksburg Todd Bierschwale 830-997-2130
Karnes City/Seguin Diane Terp 830-305-3564 Kerrville Mary Muehlstein 830-896-5750
Dennis Henke 830-997-5290
Kirby Angela Netherton 210-831-1293
George West Tracy Caron 361-449-0348
La Coste Tanya Crisp 830-985-9230
Georgetown Brad Klein, FIC 512-497-0678
La Vernia Sharon Tanneberger, FIC 210-827-0526
Giddings Loretta Chilek, FIC 979-542-2806
Marlin Tanneberger, FIC 210-827-7229
Linda Kieschnick, FIC 979-542-5224 Richard Symons 979-451-0988
Lubbock April Behnke 806-797-3585 Marion Lorene Bielke, FIC 830-420-2380
Orange Grove Paula Gebert 361-384-2375 Paige RaChelle Dube 512-740-3518 Pflugerville Julius Dubcak 512-272-8393 Port Lavaca Nancy Annette Walraven 361-552-9403 Priddy Ruth Witzsche, FIC 325-966-3757 Richmond Tanya Witcher 281-652-6606 Rockdale Judy Marie York 512-446-5914 Rosenberg Joyce Lamensky 281-342-5174 Round Top/Rutersville Linda Mattocks 512-736-9988 Rowena Kay F. Halfmann 325-442-4731
John Hoog 210-226-8801 Darlene Irwin 210-392-2649 Rayna Sue Irwin 210-710-7038 Clif Klabunde, FIC 830-980-4020 Valentin Lucero, FIC 210-725-6535 Jim McNeel 210-601-2097 Emma Moya 210-344-3935 Doug Saathoff 210-276-0361 Greg Sterner 210-363-0373
Seguin Yolanda Gonzales 830-305-7445 Susan Perkovich 830-303-3496 Annette D. Roecker 830-832-0724 Tina B. Ynfante 210-859-1973 Smiley Diana P. Moreno 830-379-2244 Spring Branch Gloria Gass 830-885-4405 Lisa Lanphere 830-221-8128 Stockdale Ronald Wiatrek 830-996-3005
Veronica Trejo 210-710-0932
Victoria Jason Hybner 361-652-6924
San Marcos Janice Kuhen 512-393-1431
Victoria/Yoakum Laura Thigpen 361-676-8307
Schulenburg/Weimar Mary K. Seifert 979-743-0312
Yoakum Mary Koenig 361-293-1743
Schwertner Irene Schwertner 254-527-4470
Yorktown Judy Wolf 361-564-2452
A list of agents also is available online at www.hermannsonslife.org
Page 32 – Hermann Sons Life – March 2017
Shining Stars
BRENLEY BIERSTEDT is a member of Cibolo Lodge. She is in kindergarten. Her favorite food is strawberries and her favorite TV show is “PJ Masks.” Brenley has a pet pig, Bacon, dogs, Ditto and Bo, and chickens. Her activities include dancing, singing and reading. ZACHARY ALEXANDER NICOLL is a member of Austin Lodge. He is in sixth grade. His favorite food is fish sticks and his favorite TV show is “NCIS.” Zachary has a pet dog, Marbles. His activities include video games and riding his bike.
EMILY GRACE DENECAMP is a member of Pershing Lodge. Her favorite foods are mac and cheese, pork chops and broccoli. Her favorite TV show is “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.” Emily has pet cats, Cheeto and Elsa. Her activities include dancing and attending Sunday school.
Gardening
March
Robin
Baseball
Green
May
Showers
Blossoms
Growing
Nesting
Sunshine
Buds
Kite
Puddles
Winds
Flowers
Marbles
Rain
Name: Birthday: Home Phone: Daytime Phone: Address: Zip:
E-mail Address: Grade in school: Favorite Food: Pets: Favorite TV Show: Activities: It is OK with my parents that I am featured as a “Shining Star” in the Hermann Sons Life newspaper, website and any other advertising publications. Parent’s Signature: I am a member of
AUDREY LYNN WHITE is a member of Austin Lodge. Her favorite food is pancakes and her favorite TV shows are “Paw Patrol” and “Shimmer and Shine.” Audrey has a pet dog, Igloo. Her activities include swimming and dancing.
Spring Word Search April
You can be a Shining Star too! Just send us a photo of yourself (that we can keep) and fill out this form and send to: Laura Adams, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297. The form is also available online, www.hermannsons.org. Shining Stars are also featured online.
City:
JADYN KENNETH WHITE is a member of Austin Lodge. He is in second grade. His favorite food is pancakes and his favorite show is “Oggy.” Tadyn has a pet dog, Igloo. His activities include playing video games, playing with Legos, swimming and soccer.
Lodge No.
Certificate No.______________________________________________________
St. Patrick’s Day Crossword DOWN: 1. The official language of Ireland (along with English) 2. What St. Patrick banished from Ireland 3. Symbol of good luck 4. Three-leaved green supposedly eaten to freshen breath in the 1600’s 5. The ___________ Isle 6. A custom or belief passed down through the generations 7. Country where St. Patrick’s Day started 8. Color associated most with St. Patrick’s Day 9. Color of coins 10. Language group that includes Irish and Scottish 11. Humorous verse consisting of three long lines and two short lines ACROSS: 12. What happens if you don’t wear green; you get __________ 13. Small, mischievous spirit 14. Major U.S. city that dyes river green for St. Patrick’s Day 15. What you follow to get the pot of gold 16. Capital of Ireland 17. Day of the month that St. Patrick’s Day falls on 18. Month that St. Patrick’s Day is in 19. Having good luck 20. What you find at the end of the rain bow; _______ of gold Answers to both puzzles on Pg. 15