Counselors share experiences

August 2022 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 13 Counselors from overseas share Camp experience

By ELAINE HERNANDEZ SOTO Communications Director

Editor’s Note: Only camp nicknames of the counselors were used for security purposes.

COMFORT – “Bugs, the heat and everything is massive!” That’s some of the things Hermann Sons Life Camp counselors from overseas said about Texas. And even though “Shankly” of Liverpool says she liked the heat, they could all agree on one thing – they said everyone is so kind here and they loved everything about Camp.

Executive Camp Director Ian Brassett hired 21 counselors, 11 kitchen staff employees and four maintenance staff employees from overseas this summer. They came from England, Hungary, Germany, Mexico, Columbia, Wales and Brazil.

“It has been wonderful! These guys are great – I have no complaints,” Ian said. “I couldn’t be happier and hope to have them return.”

Ian originally came to the United States in 1988 as a soccer and tennis counselor from Kings Lynn, England, and spent four summers working seasonally. In 1992 he emigrated to the United States.

“I was in their shoes,” Ian said about the counselors.

He said it’s not only a wonderful experience for the counselors but for the campers as well.

“A lot of these campers have never been out of Texas – it’s good for the kids to be exposed to the different cultures, languages, accents and different perspectives on life,” he said.

He explained the benefits are twofold. The hiring of the counselors is not only beneficial to the counselors and campers, but it helped fill staff vacancies. He said, like everywhere else in the state, he was struggling to find employees.

“I went from not enough staff to now too many!” he said, adding it was a nice problem to have.

Ian began his search in September and the counselors arrived in May for training. The counselors said they learned about the Camp openings online and said they were specifically looking to experience employment abroad.

“Shankly,” who is 23 years old, said she had never attended camp before but fell in love with all the activities, especially the climbing wall and surprisingly the heat.

“Where I’m from it’s so gloomy, but not here,” she said. “I love the atmosphere here and meeting all the new people.”

The counselors agreed the most rewarding part of the experience was getting to know the campers.

“Tuuune,” 21, said her favorite part was having the kids build trust in her. “That’s pretty cool, realizing they love me!” she said.

An emotional “Shrek,” 19, of Scotland, said the experience that meant the most to him was having a camper tell him he did not have a lot of friends, but he considered him his best friend.

“You feel like they are all your best friends,” “Shankly” added.

“Everyone has been so nice here,” “Waste,” 21, of Hungary said. “They were so accepting, showed us around and just took good care of us.”

The counselors said they have also built strong friendships with each other and do plan to stay in touch. They have enjoyed sightseeing and different activities during their free time. Since their visas don’t expire for a while, they said a group of them plan to travel together to see more of the U.S. before going home.

A few more things the counselors pointed out about Texas – everything has sugar, everyone knows the pledge of allegiance, you can turn right on a red light, bug bites and of course the heat can be overwhelming at times.

“And everyone is so nice,” Shrek said. The counselors all agreed and explained that Americans aren’t always portrayed as nice and kind, but they found that not to be true here.

“No one is as kind as the people are here,” Shrek said. “They have all been so nice and well-mannered.”

The counselors said the experience of living and working abroad and away from their families has been a good experience for their journey into adulthood.

“I’ve actually enjoyed having to learn to be responsible for myself,” Shrek said. “Like doing my own laundry!”

Working daily from 7:30 a.m. until about 10 p.m. has been a good lesson in discipline, they said.

Given the opportunity, the five counselors interviewed, said they would all love to return next year.

Five of the 11 counselors from overseas working at Camp this summer recently shared their experiences. They included, from left, Duke Tassels, 19, Shankly, 23, and Shrek, 19, all of England, Waste, 19, of Hungary and Tuuunes , 21, of Scotland.

The 2022 Hermann Sons Life Family Fun Day was held in June at Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels. More than 200 Shining Stars and their families, members, Home Office staff, agents and officers enjoyed a lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs and a day of water fun. Family Fun Day is held annually. Registered Shining Stars are admitted free of charge and receive a free drink cup. Members are offered discounted tickets. Juniors can sign up to be Shining Stars by using the form on the back page of the newspaper or on our website. hermannsonslife.org

Agent Annette Roecker joined the Fun Day activities.

Home Office Administrative Assistant Beth Williams is all smiles. Pictured on right is Seguin Lodge member Cory Hawkins, grandson of Agent Annette Roecker and his friend Coulter Gage. Member and Agent Vicki Hinojosa, right, is pictured with her family.

Home Office Member Benefits Representative Jacqueline Klein is pictured with sons Jack, left, and Colt. Julianna and Memphis Zyrowski were ready to hit the waves. Members Sir Johnson, front, and Donteyvin Adams, grandsons of Home Office Facility Administrative Assistant LaWanda Gibbons enjoy the water.

Aria Gruver, daughter of Home Office Assistant Communications Director Hannah Ruiz-Gruver enjoys the water fun. Home Office Senior Programmer Analyst Rebecca Henley, left, is pictured with her family, Ashley and Torey Deike and their sons Alexander, left, and Ashton, all members of Helotes Lodge. Home Office Facility Administrative Assistant LaWanda Gibbons enjoys lunch.

Yorktown Lodge celebrates July Fourth

Yorktown Lodge celebrated July Fourth at the hall on Sunday, July 3, with a free dance, hamburgers and hot dogs. Everyone danced the night away to music by Stephanie Ross and the Southern Drive Band. The lodge held a free dance July 8 with music provided by the band Verdigo which consists of local high school musicians.

Yorktown Lodge hosted a domino tournament on June 18. The winners were Robert Jaramillo, Jimmy Jaeger and Jerry Jaeger.

Louise Schuetze Lodge will meet Aug. 8

Louise Schuetze Lodge met at Paloma Blanca Mexican Restaurant in July for the annual dinner out. Members enjoyed a meal and margaritas. Members celebrated the birthdays of Mary Theresa Trujillo, Carol Grill and Susan Rabel. Susan is a new member. Longtime member Alice Naughton celebrated her 108th birthday. The lodge will meet on Aug. 8 in the Rathskeller. Members are asked to bring their favorite salad to share.

Harmonia Lodge celebrates anniversary

SAN ANTONIO – Harmonia Lodge will meet Aug. 11. The lodge will provide fried chicken and members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert.

The lodge celebrated its 161st anniversary at the July meeting. Next Door Catering Service served a meal of pork steak and sides. There were approximately 25 members and guests present.

The lodge welcomed new member Kolten Anthony Luman, age 13. He was signed by Agent John Pacini.

The lodge mourns the loss of members Howard G. Smith Jr., age 89, who died on April 23, 2022, and was a member since 2003, and Jimmie E. Boeck, age 93, who died on May 6, 2022, and was a member since 1954.

Jake White reported the Harmonia Cemetery fence was severely damaged. Repairs and costs will be discussed at the officers’ meeting on Aug. 4.

Mike Gumpp proposed honoring some previous members as “Harmonia Legends.” Mike Beam suggested a council be formed to make selections.

Celebrating birthdays in July were Matt Kraus, Alan Cobb, Karen Steiger and Angelina Kretzschmar, wives of Stan Steiger and Charles Kretzschmar respectively. Charles and Angelina celebrated an anniversary in July.

The attendance-prize winners were Albert Ranzau and John Hoog, and the split-the-pot winner was Jennifer DeWinnie. – Reporter

The Harmonia Lodge attendance prize winners in July pictured with President Rene Kraus, center, were John Hoog, left, and Albert Ranzau. Jennifer DeWinne won the splitthe-pot prize at the July meeting of Harmonia Lodge. She is pictured with President Rene Kraus.

Seguin Lodge awards prizes

Page 16 – Hermann Sons Life – August 2022 Round Top Lodge observes Flag Day in June

ROUND TOP – Round Top Lodge observed Flag Day at the June meeting. Members wore red, white and blue and a special poem written by Howard Schnauber entitled, “I Am the Flag,” was read by Jeanette Schoenst. At the close of the meeting, Jeanette read the lyrics to “Ragged Old Flag” by Johnny Cash.

The lodge welcomed transfer member Ray Ullrich.

Agent Linda Mattocks reported dance class registration was in progress and camp registration was still open.

It was announced the lodge will sponsor a country store at the Ledbetter Fire Department feast event in October.

A moment of silent prayer was observed for the passing of Delvin Zingelmann who died on June 13, 2022, at the age of 94.

A get-well prayer was said for Jo Ann Schlabach.

Community Coordinator Melanie Rauch said she had sent out get-well cards. She also read the poem “That Once Was Us,” as a fun way to look way back.

Happy Birthday was sung for Sedalia Ullrich and Sophie Rauch who turned 18.

Celebrating anniversaries were Ted and Margie Stardig, 62 years; Mert and Leonard Meinkowsky, 58 years; Jo Ann and Ray Ullrich, 49 years; and Carol and Doug Fewell, 44 years.

Door prize winners were Betty Porter and Leonard Meinkowsky.

Attendance-prize winners were Jeanette Schoenst, Sedalia Ullrich, Lynette Hamilton, Pearlie Wagner and Sophie Rauch.

The next meeting was scheduled for July 28.

The new Serving Committee for the next three months includes Mary and Melanie Rauch, Bob and Betty Porter, Jeff and Cathy Gau.

Thank you to Ted and Margie Stardig, Barton and Lila Garlin and Pearlie and Wayne Wagner for serving the past three months.

Members enjoyed chili dogs with potato salad, green salad, veggies and fruit plus lots of desserts provided by members. – Reporter

Round Top Lodge recognized birthday celebrants Sedalia Ullrich, from left, and Sophie Rauch at the June meeting. Anniversary celebrants recognized at the June meeting of Round Top Lodge were, Ted and Margie Stardig , Carol and Doug Fewell, Jo Ann and Ray Ullrich and Mert and Leonard Meinkowsky.

Ellinger Lodge earns certificate of achievement

Ellinger Lodge observed Flag Day in June. The lodge received a certificate of achievement for reaching its goal in the 2021 new member campaign. Members pictured with the flag and the certificate are, from left, Gerald Schulmeier, Irvin Schulmeier, Donnie Koehl, Dennis Niesner, Jerry Krenek, Elaine Koehl, Diane Marusik, Omega Wied and Norman Wied.

Flatonia Lodge awards scholarships

FLATONIA – Flatonia Lodge meets quarterly the second Wednesday of the month.

At the last meeting, thank-you letters were read from Ali Janecka, Annie Charanza, Katharine Bruns, Analyn Kozelski, Karli Siptak and Trista Alvarado for the scholarships they received from the lodge.

A discussion on future meetings was planned for the next meeting at Darling’s Diner.

Birthday celebrants included Cassidy Bean, Mariana Jackson, Zev Carl, Leighton Jackson, Renee Pavlica, Meredith Bean, Coleen B. Carl and Judy Pate.

Celebrating anniversaries were Renee and Kenny Pavlica and Hank and Karen Novak.

The door prize winner was Gretchen Zapalac. – Helen Steinhauser

Vineta plans celebration

SAN ANTONIO – Vineta Lodge is making plans for its anniversary celebration on Sept 1. A catered meal will be served. Call 210-602-5147 by Aug. 24 for reservations. Past presidents will be honored, and pins will be presented to pioneer members.

Members who have been notified by letter of their membership pin are invited to attend to be recognized. Please RSVP.

At the July meeting, the lodge welcomed new junior member Amelia Bennett Wood.

Thanks go to Debbie Jordan for preparing the meal.

Attendance-prize winners were Mary Ann Pintaric, Debbie Jordan, Ruth Bailey and Paisley Jordon. The split-the-pot winner was Mary Ann Pintaric. – Reporter

Vineta Lodge member Paisley Jordan, right, celebrated a birthday in July. President Debbie Jordan and Paisley’s grandmother presented her a gift from the lodge. Paisley is a seventhgeneration member of Hermann Sons Life.

Kerrville will hold social Aug. 3

KERRVILLE – Kerrville Lodge will meet on Aug. 3 for a social at the Acapulco Restaurant in Kerrville at 6:30 p.m. The lodge will cover the cost of the meal. Please call 830-864-4095 to RSVP.

At the June 1 meeting held at The Hill Country Veterans Center, members agreed to purchase two flags for K’Star in honor of Flag Day. K’Star is an emergency shelter for displaced children and provides youth and family counseling services. On Flag Day, June 14, President Tony Straube, Vice President Scott Shoemaker and Secretary-Treasurer Juanice Grona met at the K’Star Counseling Center to present the flags. Also attending were Sergio, Menella and Haley Salazar and two counselors from K’Star. Tony was asked to show them the proper way to fold the flag and to handle the retirement of the old flag. Later that day, Sergio returned to the shelter to hold a flag ceremony with the children.

Going forward, meetings will be held at the Hill Country Veterans Center, 411 Meadowview Lane, unless otherwise noted. For any questions or concerns, call Juanice Grona at 830-8644095. The tentative meeting schedule is Oct. 5 and Dec. 2.

Members enjoyed a meal of sandwiches and cookies. – Juanice Grona Kerrville Lodge donated two flags to the K’Star children’s shelter in observance of Flag Day. Sergio Mennella helps Tony Straube retire the old flag that flew over K’Star.

Paul Vogt Lodge member graduates

Paul Vogt Lodge member Delaney Poulk recently graduated from Marion High School and was in the top 15 of her class. She will attend Mays Business School at Texas A&M at College Station.

Houston meets for social

HOUSTON – Houston Lodge met June 13 at Tia Maria’s for a social hour and dinner and welcomed transfer member Jeff Korahe.

Darlene Ellison reported Judy Muske’s mother, Hiro Watanabe, passed away on May 20, 2022.

Delegate Patricia Bushman reported on the Convention Assembly held in May. Patricia served on the Appeals Committee. She reported Kimberly Krueger was elected to the Board of Directors and elected to serve as chair of the board. Discussion included the Retirement Home and renovations at the annex.

Since meetings are being held at restaurants from now on, Vice President Patrica Bushman will see if she can get an estimate on the lodge’s property at Sokol Hall.

Happy Birthday was sang to Samantha Thomason.

Call or text Catherine Manchack at 832-443-0469 for details on the next meeting. – Catherine Manchack

MARION - Marion Lodge will meet Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Marion Community Library at 7 p.m.

Members recently gathered to celebrate summer with a bowling night. Members enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken strips and drinks.

The lodge awarded scholarships to graduating seniors Kaylie Cerda and Morgan Moltz. Kaylie will attend the Mays Business School at Texas A & M University.

The lodge has met its new membership goal and recently welcomed eight new members.

The oldest member present was Thelma Zwicke and the youngest was her great-grandson, Hank Grimm.

Door prizes were awarded. – Reporter

Marion Lodge will meet Sept. 15

Marion Lodge scholarship recipient Kaylie Cerda is pictured with President Morris Vader. Oldest member present at the last meeting of Marion Lodge was Thelma Zwicke pictured with her great-grandson, Hank Grimm, the youngest member present.

Boerne Lodge welcomes new junior in July

BOERNE – Boerne Lodge will meet at noon on Friday, Aug. 5, at Kronkosky Place. Please call by 9 a.m. to make a lunch reservation.

The lodge welcomed new junior member, Eden Leeann Giusti in July. The parents of baby Eden are Cameron and Kendall Giusti of Boerne.

Viva Mae Schwarz was a guest at the July 1 meeting.

Barbara D’Spain read correspondence and thanked Jean Carr, speaker at the May meeting on the Family History Place.

Sam Franklin celebrated a birthday in July.

Viva Mae Schwarz won the July Fourth bingo game. – Reporter

Page 18 – Hermann Sons Life – August 2022 Fort Worth Lodge will hold Zoom meeting Sept. 11

FORT WORTH – Fort Worth Lodge will meet Sept. 11 via a Zoom meeting at 3 p.m. so members can stay at home and out of the heat.

Members who have any suggestions for a Make a Difference Day project are asked to contact Shannon Jones.

The weather continues to keep most inside and out of the heat, but don’t let that keep you from recommending a new member. Call your friends and talk to them about Hermann Sons Life and ask them to join. Let’s meet and beat the new member goal this year. Also, by recommending a new member, you have a chance to win a $50 gift card.

Parents of campers are reminded to email camp pictures to sandraj1966@yahoo. com and any camp stories your camper would like to share.

Sympathy was extended to the family of Cecil McLaughlin. Cecil joined the lodge on May 6, 1962. He served on the Home Association. There was never a lodge dance that you did not see him and his wife Jackie out on the dance floor. He was also an avid bowler.

Chad Woyewodzic will receive his 50-year membership pin. He has been a member since Aug. 29, 1972. He lives in Vancouver, Canada.

In June, two lodge members traveled to Addison, Ill. and joined with two other Hermann Sons Life members to bowl in the USBC nationals. Members from Fort Worth were Cathy Simmank and Sandra Jones. They had bowled doubles together 49 years ago and teamed up again after years of bowling on different teams. They placed fifth place in doubles for their division. They met up with Beverly Kubala, a member of Schulenburg Lodge and Sherry Wardlaw from Comfort Lodge, who now lives in Georgia.

Happy anniversary to Karen and Bill Lane who celebrate 25 years on Aug. 9.

Happy Birthday wishes are extended to Otto Brauer, Mickenzee Brown, Jo Ann Bullock, Donnie Burns, Ronne Burns, Ronnie Burns-Lane, Robert Creed, Krystal Emshoff, Cole Gibson, Ronnie Jones, Devon Kassler, Leela Minter and John Stephenson. – Reporter Hermann Sons Life members participating in the USBC Women’s National Bowling Tournament in Addison, Ill. this summer included, from left, Beverly Kubala of Schulenburg Lodge, Sandra Jones and Cathy Simmank, both of Fort Worth Lodge and Sherry Wardlaw of Comfort Lodge who resides in Georgia. They placed fifth in doubles in their division.

Rutersville Lodge anniversary celebrants in July were Roy and Susie Weyand.

Rutersville plans next meeting for Aug. 3

RUTESVILLE – Rutersville Lodge will meet Aug. 3 and chili dogs will be served. Members are asked to bring a side or dessert.

The Family Fun Night was scheduled for July 23. The event included a meal of fried fish with trimmings. Members provided snacks, chips and desserts and items for a silent auction.

Agent Linda Mattocks attended the July meeting. She was congratulated by the members and Director David Noak for being named the top producing agent for 2021. She was honored during the Agent’s Award Banquet held in June.

Jo Ann Mueller of the Cheer Committee reported sending sympathy cards to the Alan Kuntschik family, the Nolan Meinardus family and Ingeborg Altwein. Congratulations went out to Trent and Kourtney Schielack on the arrival of a newborn daughter, Stella Rae.

Roy and Susie Weyand celebrated an anniversary in July.

Attendance-prize winners were Susie Weyand, Cheryl Kuhn, Margie Svrcek, C. D. Jenkins and Sherry Noak.

A meal of beef and chicken fajitas was prepared by Brian Mueller and helpers Ricky Kuhn and Larry Shimek. Members brought various sides and desserts.

Poth welcomes new members

POTH – Poth Lodge welcomed three new members and three transfer members at the July meeting.

The new members are Bo Edward Pawelek, Piper Emery Parsons and Carter Smith. Transfer members are Gladys Elaine Rowley, Gylon J. Oehlke and Catherine E. Okhlke. All members are invited and urged to attend meetings held the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m.

The lodge scholarship was awarded to Kali Cutsinger. She will attend Texas Lutheran University.

James Lowak was elected to fill the vacant vice president position.

Correspondence received from the Home Office included acknowledgement of a $25 donation in the name of Lucille Novak to the Retirement Home and the $25 Join Hands Day donation to the Greater San Marcos Youth Council.

Since there was no meeting last month, the delegates reported on the Convention Assembly held in May.

It was reported the hall would be painted including the storage building. Members selected colors.

Celebrating birthdays in June and July were Pamela Cutsinger, Elizabeth Cutsinger and Cloe Bostick.

The door prize winners were Virginia Maha and Chris Kotara. The names of Ryann Boening, Heidi Lynn Rotter and Lidia Joy Pantuso were drawn for the kitty prize, but they were not in attendance, so the prize increases. – Reporter

Poth Lodge birthday celebrants recognized were Pamela Cutsinger, Elizabeth Cutsinger and Cloe Bostick.

New Bielau to meet Oct. 3

WIEMAR – New Bielau Lodge will meet Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. at the Weimar Subway.

At the July meeting, Agent Mary Kay Seifert gave a Camp update and reported dance registration has opened.

Celebrating birthdays in July were Dorothy Chevalier and Mariette Bellamy.

Members enjoyed cake, ice cream, snacks and drinks.

– Reporter

Dunlay holds June meeting

DUNLAY – Dunlay Lodge held its monthly meeting on June 21.

A moment of silence was held in memory of departed member Marvin Kriewald. Marvin was born April 30, 1934, in San Antonio. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and later farmed and ranched in the Medina County area. He was an active member of the lodge since Aug. 18, 1964.

Both of Marvin’s sons, Ronnie and David, are also members of the lodge.

The next meeting was scheduled for July 19.

August 2022 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 19 Pershing Lodge donates to New Braunfels Food Bank

SAN ANTONIO – Pershing Lodge will meet Aug. 3. Members are asked to bring salads, wrapped sandwiches or desserts to the meeting.

A memorial service will be held at the Sept. 7 meeting for members who have passed away in the last year. A meal of chicken tenders with sides will be served. Members must RSVP for this meeting for an accurate food count. Call the office at 210-227-3085.

At the July meeting, Chaplain Tony Valek reported the passing of Michael A. Coffey, Pamela C. Herridge and Alan Coleman Weston.

Members Ron and Pat Plouch, President Beth Warne and Janilla Kilborn went to the New Braunfels Food Bank on June 25 and presented a donation of $290. A friend of Beth’s, Marilyn Leonard, also joined them. Ron and Pat Plouch, celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in July.

Tony Valek won the $35 attendance prize, and Betty Opiela won the split-the-pot drawing.

Gay Hill will meet Oct. 6 at Smitty’s

GAY HILL – The next meeting of Gay Hill Lodge is at Smitty’s Café on Thursday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m.

Birthday celebrants recognized at the July meeting were Paige Fischer, Charlie Schroeder, Stanley Klekar, Bobby Lehde and Billy Lehde.

Celebrating anniversaries this quarter were Lance and Holly Lehde and Bobby and Barbara Lehde.

Agent Donnie Blinka was in attendance.

Sympathy cards were sent to the families of Alton Seilheimer and Gernell Jasinski.

Members voted to make donations to the Brenham Gamechangers that buys school supplies for unprivileged children and to the Washington County Fair Champion Drive that provides for special needs children to show fair animals in the livestock show.

– Reporter Pershing Lodge donated $290 to the New Braunfels Food Bank in June. Pictured at the presentation were Ron and Pat Plouch, President Beth Warne, Janilla Kilborn and Marilyn Leonard. Pershing Lodge members Pat and Ron Plouch celebrated a wedding anniversary in July.

Gay Hill Lodge President Stanley Klekar accepts a plaque from Paige Fischer, Washington County Fair representative, presented in appreciation of the lodge’s donation to the Washington County Fair Champion Drive. – Dorothy Pawlik

Anton Wenzel celebrates anniversaries

Anton Wenzel Lodge celebrated the anniversaries of, pictured below, Paula and Edward Reid, 14 years, and Geraldine and Gene Kellner, above, 62 years, at the July meeting. President Elizabeth Dorrell was the split-thepot winner. Happy birthday wishes were extended to Edward Elizondo. Members are reminded that meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month. Lasagna will be served at the August meeting and members are asked to bring a covered dish.

Page 20 – Hermann Sons Life – August 2022 San Marcos Lodge holds annual family picnic

SAN MARCOS – San Marcos Lodge will meet Sept. 12. The location information will be emailed to members.

At the family picnic on July 9, Vice President of Finance and CFO Mary Pruitt gave an informative speech and encouraged everyone to recommend a new member. She presented a 70year membership pin to Yvonne Reimers Robbins.

The picnic was held at Zorn Bowling Club in Zorn. Members enjoyed bowling and playing games for gold or silver. The children also enjoyed games and prizes were awarded. Everyone enjoyed a sausage supper plus sides brought by members.

Happy Birthday wishes were sung for the July and August birthday celebrants in attendance. They were Bob Stoffel, Braydon Schermerhorn, Laura Ramirez, Bruce Moreau, Joy Schultz, Shirley Faske and Janet Magin. Celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in August are Shirley and Benhard Faske.

Guessing-game winners were Bruce Moreau, popcorn; Laura Ramirez, teabags; Betty Rust, red, white and blue M&Ms; Beverly Stoffel, tootsie rolls; and Bruce Moreau, taffy candy.

Food items were collected from members and delivered to the Hays County Food Bank. – Janice Kuhen San Marcos Lodge President Agnes Dreibrodt, from left, and Vice President of Finance and CFO Mary Pruitt presented a 70-year membership pin to Yvonne Reimers Robbins during the family picnic held in July.

San Marcos Lodge members collected items for the Hays County Food Bank during the annual family picnic held in July.

Giddings Lodge will meet on Sept. 8

GIDDINGS – Giddings Lodge will not hold a meeting in August. The next meeting is scheduled for the second Thursday, Sept. 8.

The lodge presented a $300 camp scholarship to the Trail Life Troop of Giddings. Younger boys attended camp in Texas and the older boys attended camp in Colorado.

Birthday cards were sent to Cataleya DeLaRosa, Lillyann Williams, Brynlee Smith and Mercedes Flores.

A memorial has been sent to the Retirement Home in honor of Linda Tate who has passed away. She and her husband worked many years for the lodge. Giddings Lodge donated a $300 camp scholarship to the Trail Life Troop of Giddings. The boys attended camp in Texas and Colorado. San Marcos Lodge junior members enjoyed playing games during the family picnic in July. Pictured are Peyton Trapp, Kayla, James and Braydon Schermerhorn with grandmother and aunts Laura Ramirez, Lillian Cargil and Janet Magin.

Guessing how many candies and popcorn are in the containers at the San Marcos Lodge family picnic are Dennis Krackau, Brenda Butler, Mary Jane and Marshall Smith.

August 2022 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 21 Prinz Solms Lodge will meet Aug. 14 in Bulverde

BULVERDE – Prinz Solms Lodge will meet Sunday, Aug. 14, at 5 p.m. at the Bulverde Community Center.

President Cliff Klabunde reminded members dance registration has started. If anyone knows a child between the ages of 3–17, let them know about the Hermann Sons Life Schools of Dance and have them contact an agent.

The lodge assisted the Bulverde Community Center with its Annual Chicken Dinner held in April in observance of Join Hands Day. The lodge hosted the cake booth. Members donated pies and cakes for the booth and made $800 in sales. Members also assisted with cooking and serving. Entertainment included members of the Hill Country School of Dance students. Proceeds will go toward the center’s operation costs.

Youth Coordinator Audrey Klabunde announced the lodge scholarship was awarded to Adeline Pfeiffer.

Teresa Saathoff gave a report on the Hermann Sons Life Convention Assembly held in May. Four delegates represented the lodge. A new Board of Directors was elected.

Juniors reported having a great time at Camp, and said they enjoyed the selection of activities.

Members enjoyed bingo games and the opportunity to visit with friends.

Prinz Solms Lodge members celebrating July birthdays were, from left, Jackie Oldfield, Russell Boss, Charles George and Travis Gourley.

Anniversary celebrants Cliff and Audrey Klabunde were recognized at the July meeting. Audrey also celebrated a recent birthday.

– Reporter

Helotes Lodge recognizes graduate

Helotes Lodge member Rebecca Nail graduated from Canyon High School. She plans to join the military. Rebecca is the daughter of Ashley Rothman Deike and stepfather Torey Deike and is big sister to Annabella, Alexander and Ashton. She is the granddaughter of lodge member Rebecca Henley, senior programmer analyst at the Home Office. Helotes Lodge will meet Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. A hot meal will be provided, and a drawing for cash door prizes will be held.

Dallas Lodge awards senior scholarship

DALLAS - Dallas Lodge will meet Sept. 25 at the hall at 1 p.m. There will not be an August meeting.

The 2022 lodge scholarship recipient is Joseph Hess. He received $500 to help him with college expenses. Joseph, a graduate of Cistercian Preparatory High School in Irving, has enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin for the fall semester. His goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. He says his passion is to preserve the environment. In high school he was a member of the math and tutoring clubs. He resides in Coppell with his parents Paul and Claire, sister Lillian and brother Paul. Members wish him success with his educational goals.

Congratulations to Sallie J. Beeson who has received her 50-year membership pin. She has been a member since July 14, 1972, and resides in Plano. Members extended sympathy to the family of Carolyn M. Vella who passed away May 16, 2022. She was 74 years old and resided in Blandon, Pa. A donation will be made to the Retirement Home in her memory.

– Reporter Joseph Hess was the recipient of the Dallas Lodge scholarship.

Corpus Christi to attend Hooks game Aug. 5

CORPUS CHRISTI – Corpus Christi Lodge will meet Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. at Whataburger Field for a Hooks game. A meal will be provided, and fireworks will follow the game. Cheryl Garcia has tickets.

Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek and her husband David attended the July meeting held at Land & Sea.

Prize winners were Kerry Ginn, Rick Roberson, Debbie Mazur, Ray Garcia, Betty Ballard and Goldie Beal. Prize winners at the July meeting of Corpus Christi Lodge are pictured with Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek, far left. Winners included Kerry Ginn, Rick Roberson, Debbie Mazur, Ray Garcia, Betty Ballard and Goldie Beal.

Page 22 – Hermann Sons Life – August 2022 Deanville will hold benefit dinner for hospice

DEANVILLE – Deanville Lodge will hold a drive-through Pork Dinner Fund-raiser on Sept. 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to benefit the Brazos Valley Hospice program.

The next meeting was scheduled for July 31.

The Annual Fourth of July celebration was a success. A barbecued meal, bingo, a silent and live auction, a raffle, and a dance with music by the Ed Kopecky Band made for an enjoyable day. Thank you to everyone who supported this 109-year-old tradition.

Officers and members met the morning of June 14 in observance of Flag Day.

Following the raising of the flag and the pledge of allegiance, members enjoyed food and fellowship.

Roger Coble was honored at the June meeting. Roger, a very active member of the lodge, is starting a new adventure and will be moving from the Deanville community. Members wished him the best of luck.

Condolences were extended to the family of Rudolph Zalobny. Rudolph passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2022. A celebration of his life was held on Friday, June 3, at the Strickland Funeral Home Chapel. – Reporter

Deanville Lodge held the annual Fourth of July Celebration that included a barbcue, bingo, a silent and live auction, a raffle and a dance.

Deanville Lodge members are pictured enjoying a meal and fellowship at the June meeting.

Deanville Lodge held a Flag Day ceremony on June 14 followed by fellowship and refreshments.

Hochheim-Prairie observes Flag Day

Hochheim-Prairie Lodge observed Flag Day at the June meeting. Laura Tiffin, president of Cuero Lodge and newly elected director, presented the Flag Day program. The next meeting is Aug. 14, at Turner Hall. All members are welcome.

Converse Lodge holds picnic

Converse Lodge held a picnic June 12 at the Kirby Lodge Hall. Members enjoyed an afternoon of socializing and playing bingo. The quest speaker was Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek. In observance of Flag Day, members recited the pledge of allegiance. Dan Boenig gave the blessing before a meal of barbecued brisket and beans made by Travis Viator and potato salad made by Maxine Sullivan. Everyone enjoyed desserts provided by the members.