February 2023

Hermann Sons Life annuity rates increase

SAN ANTONIO – Hermann Sons Life has raised annuity interest rates for the Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity product.

“Your Home Office staff is working hard to find better ways to serve you,” President and CEO Robin Czarnek said. ”We want to ensure you have quality, competitive products to be able to plan for your retirement and take care of your family.”

Robin said with the volatility of the stock market, many members have expressed their concerns about losing money and CDs offering poor rates of return and are looking for products to help save for retirement .

“With this in mind, we are excited to share that we were able to raise annuity interest rates for our Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity product,” she said. “Hermann Sons Life has many annuity certified agents ready to help you get started with a fixed annuity. Our agents can help you decide if an annu-

ity product is right for you.”

In 2022, Hermann Sons Life added Medicare to its line of products.

Hermann Sons Life has Medicare certified agents writing Medicare products with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Humana and United Healthcare. Plans available include Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, Special Needs and Hospital Indemnity.

“Many members were frustrated over the complexities of Medicare. We felt this was one way to help serve our legacy members.”

When you’re ready to talk about annuities, life insurance or Medicare, give our sales team a call at 210-527-9113 or 877437-6266.

Please note that we do not offer every Medicare plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we offer in your area. You can go to Medicare.gov or call 1-800-Medicare to get information on all your options.

For more information, call 210-527-9113 or 877-437-6266

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• Minimum initial year deposit of $2,500

• Maximum initial deposit of $300,000

• Deposit

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Czarnek interviewed for television segment

KENS TV’s Clarke Finney, left, interviewed Hermann Sons Life President/CEO Robin Czarnek the morning of Jan. 18 at the Home Office for a segment of “Great Day SA.” It aired Tuesday, Jan. 24, on Channel 5 (San Antonio). It is now featured on KENS TV’s website and on Hermann Sons Life social media pages. The TV interview is part of the on-going Hermann Sons Life advertising campaign. Robin shared what sets Hermann Sons Life apart from other insurance companies.

USPS 242200

Periodicals Postage Paid at San Antonio, Texas

Published Monthly by

HERMANN SONS LIFE

515 S. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, Texas 78205

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes to:

Hermann Sons Life, P.O. Box 1941w San Antonio, TX 78297-1941

DIRECTORS

Kimberly

David R. Noak Stan Steiger

"The Dash"

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend

He referred to the dates on the tombstone

From the beginning…to the end

He noted that first came the date of birth

And spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time

That they spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved them Know what that little line is worth

For it matters not, how much we own, The cars…the house…the cash. What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard. Are there things you’d like to change?

For you never know how much time is left That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough To consider what’s true and real And always try to understand

The way other people feel. And be less quick to anger And show appreciation more And love the people in our lives

Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect And more often wear a smile, Remembering this special dash

In this one life, make the dash count

With February being the month to share your love, I found myself thinking about our HSL community and our motto of Friendship, Love and Loyalty. I felt this overwhelmingly as I attended the services of Robert Jungman and Barbara Carr.

In these days of social media, texting and Covid, people have felt lonelier than ever, despite more ways to stay in touch than ever before. What a blessing it is to be able to be a part of a community as special as HSL.

We are so fortunate to have such amazing people as Bob Jungman and Barbara Carr as a part of the HSL legacy along with so many others! While I knew both Bob and Barbara were true fraternalists, during their services I learned so much more about their giving spirits and service to their communities.

LAWS COMMITTEE

Stephen Prewitt

Edward J. Muehlbrad Agnes Dreibrodt Elizabeth Byron Mary Beam Sherry Rakowitz

Tammy Jones

Todd Marquardt

Pat Bushman

Steven Schellenberg

Harry Schriber

Ronald Wiatrek

Annette Roecker

Arthur R. Pfefferkorn

Barbara Anderle

MEMBER BENEFITS COMMITTEE

Eulla Krueger

Shirley Faske

Cheryl Garcia

Bradley Klein

Angela Netherton Robin Maertz

Joyce Kneupper

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Judith Schulmeier

Gilbert Shelby

Marsha Kocurek

Pat Klotz

Tommy Daum

Robert Prewitt

Sherrie Stoddard

BUSINESS OPERATIONS COMMITTEE

Kerry Ginn

Anna Larie Keith

Charles Knibbe

Pat Spradling

Gary Falkenberg

David Lewis

Lori Todd

Might only last a little while So, when your eulogy is being read With your life’s actions to rehash… Would you be proud of the things they say About how you spent YOUR dash?

– By Linda Ellis

Mr. Jungman served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 20 years, as an agent and Special Rep for Hermann Sons Life for 23 years, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Barbara Carr served as a teacher for many years, taught CCD for her church, brought friends to church, started the Altar Server program in Devine and even

created “Pacini City” to help kids understand the value of money. Barbara’s Hermann Sons Life legacy lives on in her son, John, who has served our members as an agent and now as a Regional Sales Manager.

Robin Czarnek President/CEO

No doubt Bob and Barbara are celebrating in heaven having fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Leroy Muehlstein when talking about true fraternalists. Mr. Muehlstein was ever-present in fraternal activities with Hermann Sons Life and beyond and left big shoes to fill. As a reminder, please be sure to submit your nomination for the Leroy Muehlstein Memorial Award for the Agent Fraternalist of the Year by March 15. Please see Page 5 for details. Hearing the legacies of these amazing people has me really focused on how my time on earth is best used to serve as a Christian, wife, mother, daughter, friend and

good steward and ambassador for Hermann Sons Life. I am presently reading a book by Lance Witt titled “Your One Life” which is a great blueprint on aligning our choices with God’s purpose and “The Dash Poem” by Linda Ellis is another beautiful reminder that our time is limited and how we spend it matters. I hope that you’ll join me in focusing on how you “spend your dash”.

I am feeling especially grateful to be able to serve alongside so many wonderful people and to be able serve our community in so many meaningful ways. When you’re considering your insurance protection, remember that not only does Hermann Sons Life provide financial security for you and your family with our products, but you’re giving back to your community. Whether it be our summer camps, grief camps, retirement home, dance groups or lodges (not to mention our community service projects and donations) every dollar helps continue the good work being done in our community.

Thank you for making Hermann Sons Life such a special place to be and being an ambassador to help us spread the word!

Chili & Pinto Bean Cook-off set for March 11 in Comfort

COMFORT – The Retirement Home Chili and Pinto Bean Cook-off will be held Saturday, March 11, on the grounds of the Retirement Home in Comfort. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out and try their favorite recipes. Proceeds from the event are used for four scholarships presented to eligible junior member graduates in the amount of $1,500 each.

The event is sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI). Those cooks compete to earn points that will qualify them for the international cook-off in Terlingua, Texas.

Non-CASI or amateur cooks have their own division.

There is also a separate showmanship competition for CASI and amateurs.

No pre-registration is required.

Cooks will register Saturday morning. The cost to enter chili is $20 for CASI cooks and $15 for amateurs. Everyone pays $10 to enter the pinto bean competition. Cash prizes are awarded for the top three bean entries. Winners are announced later in the day.

A raffle will also be held to help raise additional money for the Scholarship Fund.

Former special representative remembered

YOAKUM – Robert “Bob” Jungman, 76, former agent and special representative for Hermann Sons Life, passed away Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at age 76. A member of Hochheim-Prairie Lodge, he was a member since Sept. 11, 1969.

He was born Nov. 26, 1946, in San Antonio to Alex and Ellen (Tschirhart) Jungman. Bob married Carol Kroeger on Jan. 7, 1967, in San Antonio.  In 1979 they moved their family to Yoakum.

He was a veteran having served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 20 years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a life member of Knights of Columbus. Bob was a salesman for Eddy Packing Company for 11 years and then continued his sales work with Hermann Sons Life and retired after 23 years in 2016.

Bob was an award-winning

“Bob” Jungman

sales agent making President’s Club 19 times, Executive Club two times and Million Dollar Club, once. In 2007, he was recognized for Most New Annuities.

In his spare time, Bob loved to fish and hunt while enjoying the outdoors. Family time and gatherings were a very important part of his life. He enjoyed

Events

EVERY THURSDAY – It’s Game Night every Thursday night at Hochheim-Prairie Lodge-Turner Hall in Yoakum. Games start at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 361-293-557.

EVERY THURSDAY – It’s Game Night every Thursday night at Brenham Lodge. Doors open at 5 p.m. Games start at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

EVERY FRIDAY – Free live trivia at the Rathskeller! Get you a team together or come solo. Prizes awarded to the teams with the brains! 7 p.m.

EVERY SUNDAY – Foxtrot Ronde Rounds lessons are taught each Sunday at 2 p.m. in the San Antonio Home Association Ballroom, 525 S. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio.

hobbies like building birdhouses, reloading shells and mounting deer horns.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Robert E. Jungman Jr.; sister Joan M. Underbrink and husband Gary.

Survivors are his wife of 56 years, Carol (Kroeger) Jungman of Yoakum; two daughters, Nancy Jurena and husband Bernard of Yoakum and Annette R. Acosta and husband Rafael Jr. of Cuero; granddaughter, Kayleen Jurena; brother, Curtis J. Jungman and wife Susan of San Antonio and numerous family members and friends.

A funeral Mass was held Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church followed with committal at St. Joseph Catholic Mausoleum.

Memorials may be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 210 Schrimscher St., Yoakum, TX 77995, or donor’s choice.

The event kicks off with a cooks’ party on Friday evening for those arriving early. RVs are welcomed!

Make plans now to visit the

beautiful Hill Country and enjoy a day of friendly competition, fellowship and fun.

For more information, call the Home at 830-995-2724.

Family Fun Day moves to Fiesta Texas

SAN ANTONIO – The annual Hermann Sons Life Family Fun Day will be held at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in 2023! The event has been scheduled for June 24 and all members are invited.

As always, Future Club-Shining Stars that are registered by April 2023 will be admitted free of charge. The registration form is available monthly in the Her-

mann Sons Life newspaper and on our website, hermannsonslife.org – Member Benefits.

Discounted tickets will be available to all other members. Tickets include parking, admission and lunch. A picnic area will be reserved. Tickets sales will open in April.

Stay tuned for more details to come!

Editor/Communications Director

Elaine Hernandez Soto

JANUARY

27 – Swing dance in the ballroom at the San Antonio Home Association. Live band: Waller Creek Vipers. Doors open at 7 p.m. for lessons and the dance and live music start at 8 p.m. 28 – 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. San Antonio Premier Sports Cards and Collectibles Show. Come buy, sell and trade your collectibles including sports cards, Pokemon, WWE, racing, figurines and much more. 25+ vendors. New and modern cards available. $3 admission. Bar is open during the show.

FEBRUARY

11 - Da Costa Lodge will hold a Valentine’s Day dance featuring Triple Threat on Feb. 11 from 8 p.m. to midnight.

If you would like to see your lodge’s event listed here and in the Events section of the Hermann Sons Life website, call Elaine Hernandez Soto, 210-226-9261, ext. 279 or 1-800-234-4124, ext. 279 or email to elaines@hermannsonslife.org.

210-226-9261, ext. 279 email: elaines@hermannsonslife.org Assistant Editor/Assistant Communications Director Hannah Ruiz-Gruver 210-226-9261, ext. 102 email: hannahrg@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: elaines@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 Hermann Sons Life. The management and editorial policy of the newspaper shall be in the hands of the President and CEO, and the President and CEO shall have the authority to appoint a member or members of Hermann Sons Life as editor and/or business manager thereof.

Robert

'Shower Your Lodge with Membership' new theme

By TERESA SAATHOFF Vice President of Sales

The new campaign theme for lodges in 2023 is “Shower Your Lodge with Membership.” We are excited that 27 of our lodges met or went above their growth goal in 2022, but we need more lodges to exceed their goals in 2023. Every lodge will receive their lodge goals next month.

Lodge membership is available by purchasing a life insurance policy, an annuity or Medicare from a Hermann Sons Life agent. We know your time is valuable so if you do not have time to meet with an agent, our life insurance policies can be done electronically but if you prefer, an agent will still meet with you in person.

I have learned that all our lodges want to increase membership, but also want and need members to get involved. I recently attended a lodge meeting in Dallas, and it was obvious to me how much Hermann Sons Life means to the members. Two of the members had fond memories of attending meetings with

their parents and racing each other to the top of the double staircase. Years later when they received a letter to attend their 50-year pin presentation, they both decided for old time’s sake, to attend the presentation. After the meeting, they both decided to start attending meetings regularly and to get involved in the lodge that clearly meant so much to their parents.

Perhaps everyone reading this paper has fond memories of attending their local lodge meetings – maybe it’s time to drop by a meeting again. Lodge meetings are a great place to reconnect with old friends, enjoy fellowship, a good meal and sometimes games. Please call the Home Office if you need your lodge’s meeting details or help finding a lodge closest to you.

Insure Your Love

Hermann Sons Life is a proud supporter of the Life Happens Insure Your Love campaign observed during the month of February. Life Happens created and coordinates the Insure Your

Love campaign each year because the basic motivation behind the purchase of life insurance is love.

We hope you shower the people you love with the gift of life insurance!

When my children were in elementary school there was a lot of thought, time and effort put into decorating a shoebox for the school Valentine’s Day party as well as what Valentine’s Day cards to buy and pass out to classmates.

As an adult, the Valentine’s Day tradition continues and it is a wonderful time to shower your

Agents recognized for fourth quarter sales

Several Hermann Sons Life agents were recognized for fourth quarter 2022 premium income generated through their sales.

Gary Falkenberg, Region 2, came in first in premium income

generated with a total of $10,891. He earned a $300 bonus.

Jerry Ziemnicki, Region 2, came in second in with a total of $9,583. He earned a $200 bonus.

Wayne Tiffin, Region 1, placed third with a total of $8,867 and

earned a $200 bonus. Judith Schulmeier was fourth with $7,768 and earned a $200 bonus and Angela Netherton, Region 1, was fifth with $6,368 in generated premium income and earned a $200 bonus.

Brehm, Witcher receive recommender gift cards

The Sales Department is recognizing six more recommenders for the month of December.

This brings the total to 266 members recommending and a total of 316 new members to Hermann Sons Life in 2022.

The winners of the $50 gift cards for December are Malford E. Brehm Jr. of Cibolo Lodge and Wendel R. Witcher of El Campo Lodge. Recommender

Malford Brehm Jr, Cibolo Dan Boenig

Cassius Herrmann, Hondo Jacqulynn Herrmann

Camie Robles, Shiner Laurie Steele

Linda Schulze, Bexar (2) Lisa Rozacky

Wendel Witcher, El Campo (2) Dennis Wiggington

significant other with cards, flowers, chocolates and maybe a special dinner. But have you thought about what would happen if you were not here next Valentine’s Day and how your family would benefit from the gift of life insurance?

Valentine’s Day will never be the same again, but by having life insurance in place you will remove your loved one’s financial burden. Life insurance can

help with the mortgage payment, electric bills and car payments. If you do not have life insurance in place, please think about how the people you love will survive financially without you.

Call Hermann Sons Life today at 210-527-9113 or 877-4376266 to get an affordable quote for life insurance protection that will be the greatest gift you can give to your loved ones.

Nominations for Leroy Muehlstein Memorial Award opens

Nominations are now being accepted for the Leroy Muehlstein Memorial Award for the Agent Fraternalist of the Year.

President/CEO Robin Czarnek established the new award in August 2022.

“We are rolling out a new award, the Leroy Muehlstein Fraternalist of the Year award with the blessing of the Muehlstein family. We will be recognizing an agent each year that exhibits what it means to be not only a Hermann Sons Life member, but a humanitarian,” Robin said.

Nominations from members for this award will be accepted through March 15, 2023. A fillable nomination form is avail-

able online at hermannsonslife. org - Contact Us - Sales Agents. Email to Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff at teresas@hermannsonslife.org

Nominations can also be mailed to Teresa’s attention at P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, Texas 78297.

The nomination form is provided below.

“Mr. Muehlstein exemplified the true spirit of fraternalism, and it’s our blessing to be able to carry on his good works through our agents,” Robin said. “Mr. Muehstein was the ultimate fraternalist who lived life every day by the Hermann Sons Life motto of “Friendship, Love and Loyalty.”

Leroy began his Hermann Sons Life journey in 1955 as a member of Harmonia Lodge and served in numerous capacities throughout his life from president of his lodge to being elected Grand President. He served from 1989 to 2009, longer than any other Grand President.

He never missed an opportunity to help the community and was quick to volunteer for projects such as Join Hands Day. His reach extended far beyond Hermann Sons Life as he worked as a volunteer in many ways, from making repairs at a local elementary school to serving in several organizations like the Optimist Club and Boysville.

Leroy Muehlstein Memorial Award for the Agent Fraternalist of the Year

Sales Department, Hermann Sons Life Home Office, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941, Attn: VP of Sales Teresa Saathoff Deadline to submit: March 15, 2023

Donations

WILFRED BLOME WELDON A. NEUENDORFF

Donor: Brenham Lodge

EDNA M. STAPPENBECK

Donor: Pershing Lodge

CLARENCE PIETSCH

FRANCES COX

Donors: Sam and Sandra Jones

CYNTHIA A. GERSBACH RAYMOND MITCHELLE CLARENCE K. SCHUETZE

Donor: Schwertner Lodge

JERRY W. GOEBEL

Donor: Cat Spring Lodge

GILBERT ARLITT CHERYL KNIGHT

MICHAEL SCHWAB

Donors: New Braunfels Lodge

FRANKIE W. KOPECKY

LEON HEINTSCHEL JR.

Donors: Rutersville Lodge

JAMES L. BERTRAM

Donor: Jackson County Lodge

Leroy Muehlstein served as Grand President of Hermann Sons from 1989 to 2009. The Leroy Muehlstein Memorial Award will be awarded to an agent who exemplifies the spirit of fraternalism.

Agents Directory

Alice

Eddie Ramon • 361-701-0480

Atascosa

Eulla Krueger • 210-863-0546

Austin

Shirley Kuhen Faske • 512-789-3975

Brad Klein, FIC • 512-497-0678

Beeville

Elsa Del Bosque • 361-319-5214

Bernardo/Columbus

Terrel Maertz • -979-732-1727

Boerne/San Antonio

Pamela Poulk • 210-753-2626

Brenham

Gary Falkenberg, FICF • 713-466-6069

Bulverde

Debbie Allen • 210-326-9753

Clif Klabunde, FIC • 210-219-6142

Caldwell

Donnie Blinka • 979-596-1309

Castroville

Glenford Boehme, FIC • 210-219-9792

Michael Franke • 830-444-4877 or 361-290-3577

Jacqulynn Herrmann • 210-275-0429

Reagan Haby Rogiers • 210-695-5588

Laurie Steele • 210-414-4755

Cibolo/Schertz

Tracy Campos • 210-388-2779

Judith Schulmeier, FIC • 210-667-1938

Clifton

Sterling Goolsby • 254-709-5764

Comfort

Dennis Wigginton • 832-278-9636

Converse

Dan Boenig • 210-705-1815

Coupland

Brad Klein, FIC • 512-497-0678

Corpus Christi

Elsa Del Bosque • 361-319-5214

Crockett

Pat Fritz, FIC • 832-454-4483

Cuero

Wayne Tiffin • 361-564-8144

Dallas

Mark Mundy • 214-202-8442

Gilbert Shelby • 214-289-1815

Devine

Laurie Steele • 210-414-4755

Cynthia Sultenfuss • 210-219-6409

Robin Sultenfuss • 210-854-4443

Dustie Valdez • 210-620-6466

El Campo

Dennis Wigginton • 832-278-9636

Floresville/Poth

Beth Cutsinger • 210-325-6667

Floresville

Gladys Rowley • 210-219-6964

Lynn Wiede • 210-289-1378

Fort Worth

Sandra Jones, FIC • 817-781-7155

Fredericksburg

Todd Bierschwale • 830-997-2130

Georgetown

Brad Klein, FIC • 512-497-0678

Giddings

Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988

Gonzales

Bobbie Polasek • 830-672-6317

Helotes

Reagan Haby Rogiers • 210-695-5588 Rayna Sue Irwin • 210-710-7038

Hondo

Jacqulynn Herrmann • 210-275-0429

Laurie Steele • 210-414-4755

Margie Zinsmeyer • 830-426-0960

Houston

Gary Falkenberg, FICF • 713-466-6069 or 713-899-4138

Jennifer Stryk Garner • 832-596-942

Terrel Maertz • 979-732-1727

Gerald Ziemnicki • 713-622-9001

Jourdanton

Laurie Steele • 210-414-4755

Valerie M. Vick • 210-748-5598

Karnes City

Elsa Del Bosque • 361-319-5214

Katy

Terrel Maertz • 979-732-1727

Robert Muniz • 281-986-0357

Kilgore

(alphabetized by area)

Alexander Ramsey • 903-522-2285

Kirby

Angela Netherton • 210-831-1293

La Grange

Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988

La Vernia

Vicki Hinojosa • 210-338-5002 Marlin Tanneberger, FIC • 210-827-7229 Pauline Young • 210-338-5118

Lockhart

Janice Kuhen • 512-393-1431

Lubbock

Garrett Czarnek • 210-315-8152

Marion

Lorene Bielke, FIC • 830-420-2380 830-305-6900 (cell)

Moulton

Judith Schulmeier, FIC • 210-667-1938

Needville /Rosenberg

Chris Stoeltje • 979-559-6127

New Braunfels

Becki Lucas Carley • 361-550-9358 Britney Cross • 281-450-6291 Brenda Heulitt • 830-832-1674

Shirley Huebinger • 830-629-1196 Clif Klabunde, FIC • 210-219-6142 Celeste Salge • 830-620-8515

Nixon-Smiley

Diana P. Moreno • 830-379-2244 (office) 830-534-4989 (cell)

Orange Grove

Paula Gebert • 361-701-7527

Pflugerville

Julius Dubcak • 512-791-7822

Port Lavaca

Nancy Annette Walraven • 361-237-1757

Refugio

Misty Skrobarcek • 210-215-3453

Round Top/Rutersville

Linda Mattocks • 512-736-998

Sales Department

210-527-9113 • 877-437-6266 888-839-7667

Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff 210-422-6996

teresas@hermannsonslife.org

Compliance Director

Ana Vasquez, FLMI, AIRC, FIC anav@hermannsonslife.org

Kathryn Mutchler

Administrative Assistant kathrynm@hermannsonslife.org

Regional Sales Manager

John Pacini 210-844-7182 johnp@hermannsonslife.org

Regional Sales Manager Curtis Dishman 281-414-8395 curtisd@hermannsonslife.org

San Antonio

Debbie Allen • 210-326-9753

David P. Applewhite • 210-547-6963

Ruth Bailey • 210-707-3652

Rayna Sue Irwin • 210-710-7038

Clif Klabunde, FIC • 210-219-6142

Chris Naughton • 210-365-2009

Gladys Rowley • 210-219-6964

Sylvia Zapata • 210-426-4481

San Marcos

Shirley Kuhen Faske • 512-789-3975

Janice Kuhen • 512-393-1431

Schulenburg/Weimar

Mary K. Seifert • 979-743-0312

Seguin

Annette D. Roecker • 830-832-0724

Spring Branch

Debbie Allen • 210-326-9753

John E. Moore Jr. • 210-621-7842

Stockdale

Ronald Wiatrek • 210-771-4354

Victoria Elsa Del Bosque • 361-319-5214

Jason Hybner • 361-652-6924

Misty Skrobarcek • 210-215-3453

Waxahachie Mark Mundy • 214-202-8442

Yorktown Judy Wolf • 361-564-2452

80 Years

GRACE C. SCHMIDT

Hondo Victory Lodge

LUCILLE J. BARROW

CATHERINE F. REPKA Poth Lodge

75 Years

STANLEY PHILLIPS Bandera County Lodge

JEANETTE H. YOUNG Boerne Lodge

RONALD H. TEICHMAN Fort Worth Lodge

JOYCE M. BROZ

KENNETH D. EHRIG Gonzales Lodge

CARY L. FELDBUSH JESSE D. RICHARDSON Harmonia Lodge

CYNTHIA A. MITCHELL

POLLYDALE REINEN Louise Schuetze Lodge

MARY HICKOK

KENNETH E. SCHULZ Karnes City Lodge

SHIRLEY A. VOLEK New Bern Lodge

RHONDA K. MECHLER Old Glory Lodge

ROSALIE M. HOLLEMAN Orange Grove Lodge

GARY E. GORBET

MAUREEN SIEGEL Pershing Lodge

HELEN M. FLECK

Rutersville Lodge

70 Years

KATHLEEN A. REILE

Bandera County Lodge

MARIAN J. PETERS Brunhilde Lodge

MARILYN K. VILLASANA Bryan Lodge

JULIUS J. ZBRANEK Cat Spring Lodge

RANDOLPH A. BOHNERT RODNEY P. FLACH Comfort Lodge

DONNA B. GRINNAN Converse Lodge

SHARON ALLPHIN Corpus Christi Lodge

JUDY L. POLZIN Coupland Lodge

RICHARD F. PEEBLES Cuero Lodge

TERRIE E.L. DELANEY GARY R. SCHAEPER Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge

EDWARD W. POLOCEK El Paso Lodge

JO ANN REITZ Gruenau Lodge

KEVIN W. GRILLO EDWARD L. KRAHN Harmonia Lodge

GEORGIANNE M. BROWNING DIANA B. GIDDINGS MARGUERITE T. HARRIS CAROL D. KRAWCZYNSKI CYNTHIA L. PAGE Louise Schuetze Lodge

MARK W. WITTE Karnes City Lodge

RICHARD C. BALZEN JR. K. FRANK EDE Knippa Lodge

ANNIE M. COLDEWEY La Vernia Lodge

F.C. SCHNEIDER Lockhart Lodge

NANCY J. BARTOSH

LINDA C.L. KALINOWSKI Needville Lodge

Pioneers

DELDA M. MORGAN GLENN C. STROH New Braunfels Lodge

GARY L. ENDER Old Glory Lodge

MICHAEL W. POTH PATRICK A. POTH Poth Lodge

VERNELL L. MERTZ WELTON E. MERTZ Round Top Lodge

CLARENCE J. SCHULTE LAWRENCE A. SCHULTE San Marcos Lodge

BARBARA A. BARR ALMA J. DOUGLAS Vineta Lodge

ROBERT J. BAKER LINDA S. BURNEY ROSE L. HOLLE Waco-Robinson Lodge

60 Years

JEROME R. BENTLEY RICHARD J. GENTRY GLENN JEMEYSON MARY E. WHITAKER Anton Wenzel Lodge

GREGORY L. TROJACEK Bernardo Lodge

EVELYN L. HALLIDAY Brunhilde Lodge

KAREN K. ALBERT YEOLA J. FELTY KENTON D. LILIE WENDY K. PAGE HENRY J. SMAHLIK Columbus Lodge

JAY A. PIETSCH Cuero Family Lodge

SUZANA M. KOEHN DOUGLAS W. WARZECHA GLENN C. WARZECHA Da Costa Lodge

ROSEMARY CLEMENTS WANDA J. GRAMS JEFFEREY A. KALTWASSER MARGARET KLODGINSKI Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge

ANNIE H. MUELLER Ellinger Lodge

PEGGY L.W. BISHOP TRACIE A. MCCRARY KATHLEEN V. SEBERA Fredericksburg Lodge

AUBREY G. HACKEMACK Gay Hill Lodge

JACK M. DUBOSE JR. Gonzales Lodge

LISA A. THURMOND JACQUELINE WHITAKER Gulf Lodge

SAMMY L. BEST BENJAMIN E. LASKOWSKI Harmonia Lodge

GEORGIA G. PICHOT Hondo Victory Lodge

MORRIS A. PEARSON Lockhart Lodge

DENISE A. GOLD

LINDA K.J. MCCLOSKEY

CAROLYN S.J. RATLIFF LORI M. WILLIAMS Louise Schuetze Lodge

ALAN W. KOEHN New Bielau Lodge

CAROLYN GUENTHER ROBERT D. GUENTHER SHERIAL J. HERFURTH KAY LYNN NEUSE BRUCE A. SCHWARZ New Braunfels Lodge

MICHAEL L. WISIAN Niederwald Lodge

JOHN M. CROSSER LEONARD G. CROSSER WESLEY C. SAATHOFF Pershing Lodge

NORMA M. HAND Rio Grande Valley Lodge

MARY E. KAHLICH Rowena Lodge

GENE A. CITZLER Rutersville Lodge

JACK R. ROTHER Schulenburg Lodge

VERNON R. REED Schwertner Lodge

BRIAN F. VOELKEL Shelby Lodge

LAURIE A. CHENEY-LUCE Siemering Lodge

GLEN E. BRAUNE Washington Lodge

MOLLY L. GROFF Vineta Lodge

50 Years

JIMMIE D. DREYER Brenham Lodge

TIMOTHY G. SCHNEIDER Cibolo Lodge

DAVID E. HOGLE Columbia Lodge

JEFFERY J. HURTA LISA R. SCHLEY Cuero Family Lodge

GARY A. BAKER Harmonia Lodge

JAMIE L. KNUTH Houston Lodge

THOMAS C. SPEIER Mission-Alamo Lodge

CRAIG A. BARTA Moulton Lodge

FLOYD B. DIETZMANN KEITH A. HARTMAN BARBARA A. MCMURTREY KATHARYN A. SPAETH Pershing Lodge

DAWN R. SCHWERTNER Schwertner Lodge

JAMES L. AKERS RICHARD M. LAXTON Siemering Lodge

KIMBERLY A. KRUEGER Stockdale Lodge

JUDY BUTCHER PATRICIA A. TELLE Vineta Lodge

Howie's Happenings

By ROBIN CZARNEK President/CEO

Howie has had some excitement the last few weeks! He was able to run and play nonstop with his buddies Tig and Krypto over the holidays. He has been eating like a horse (probably to make up for lost time while recovering from his surgery) and is approaching 50 pounds. He has still has not grown into his paws, so he is going to be a big boy!

Dave and I have been working to train Howie with a wonderful trainer from Arfordable Dog Training, Sierra. Howie loves her and has really learned a lot (and so have we!) during our time with Sierra. She recommended he attended doggie day care to learn to socialize with other pups and to learn not to grab them by the neck. He was able to and had a blast. They even have a ball pit for him to play in. He came home and passed out as he was exhausted from

so much playing with his new friends.

We would like to introduce you to one of Howie’s friends, April. April was originally adopted from HOTK-9 as a puppy. HOTK-9 pulled her and two siblings from a code red city shelter. Unfortunately, the family who adopted her as an emotional support dog for their special needs daughter had an unforeseen change of circumstances and through absolutely no fault of her own, April found herself back in the shelter this year. She is about three years old and 65 pounds. She is a hound mix and is the absolute sweetest

Employee Spotlight

Swan works in Member Services

Carol Swan has worked at the Home Office since May 2006. She works in the Member Services Department where she answers phones, handles certificate loans, collections, payment posting, bank drafts and returns, backup death claims and reinstatements.

Before coming to Hermann Sons Life, Carol’s work experience included insurance, working for an air conditioning company, a machinery company, a funeral home and worked in retail.

life-long member. She is 17 and a senior at East Central High School.

girl! She is ready to find her true forever home where she can receive the endless belly rubs she loves so much! You can become one of Howie’s Heroes by sharing April’s story and helping her find her forever home.

You can schedule a meet and greet with April at hotk9rescue@ yahoo.com. To see more adoptable pets at: www.heartoftexasspca.com or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ hotk9rescue/.

Carol is a member of MissionAlamo Lodge. She has been a member since 1949, 73 years. She is active in her lodge and has served as president, vice president and is currently serving as financial secretary/treasurer.

Residents of San Antonio, Carol and husband Terry have been married for 56 years. Their family includes two children, Shannon, a Hermann Sons Life member for 54 years and Kevin, 52 years, daughter-in-law Amy and granddaughter Kaylee, a

In Memoriam of Our Deceased Members

MYRTLE H. GRUCHALLA

Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge

Died Jan. 25, 2012 • Age 90

JUSTINE J. JIRAL

Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died July 27, 2019 • Age 96

DALE H. DEVINEY

Siemering Lodge

Died Feb. 13, 2022 • Age 66

FRANKLIN W. ROEDER

Da Costa Lodge

Died May 13, 2022 • Age 79

EDMUND D. PERRY

Deanville Lodge

Died July 11, 2022 • Age 88

FLORENCE H. SKRUHAK

Louise Schuetze Lodge

Died July 20, 2022 • Age 101

GEORGE C. MILLER JR.

Rockport Lodge

Died Aug. 5, 2022 • Age 64

FLORENCE M. MECHLER

Castroville Lodge Died Aug. 8, 2022 • Age 93

ALIENE M. FINKE

Round Top Lodge Died Aug. 20, 2022 • Age 86

ARLENE R. SCHRAEDER

Castroville Lodge

Died Aug. 27, 2022 • Age 84

JAMES R. KITTLEY

Old Glory Lodge

Died Sept. 13, 2022 • Age 73

KATHY L. EASTERLING

Cat Spring Lodge

Died Sept. 13, 2022 • Age 71

CAROL I. KILGORE

Corpus Christi Lodge

Died Sept. 21, 2022 • Age 98

LAURA E. EWALD Kirby Lodge Died Sept. 24, 2022 • Age 88

GEORGE O. GREENE

Harmonia Lodge

Died Oct. 3, 2022 • Age 97

JEAROLD L. KELLY Lubbock Lodge

Died Oct. 22, 2022 • Age 77

EDWIN H. BUCH JR.

Fredericksburg Lodge

Died Oct. 23, 2022 • Age 84

EVELYN M. BIELKE

Kirby Lodge

Died Oct. 25, 2022 • Age 91

EDNA M. STAPPENBECK

Pershing Lodge

Died Nov. 1, 2022 • Age 93

OTTO L. HENKE JR.

Karnes City Lodge

Died Nov. 2, 2022 • Age 84

MARY J. LACKEY

Old Gory Lodge Died Nov. 3, 2022 • Age 87

BARBARA A. MCGOWEN

Da Costa Lodge Died Nov. 10, 2022 • Age 88

EDNA F. MILUTIN

Gulf Lodge

Died Nov. 14, 2022 • Age 87

JULIA A. RIHN

Hondo Victory Lodge

Died Nov. 15, 2022 • Age 81

The names of deceased members are listed on this page only after a death claim has been filed.

Carol has been a San Antonio Livestock Exposition volunteer for more than 30 years. She is a member of the Daughters of the Republic, Daughters of the American Revolution and the San Antonio Conservation Society.

She enjoys collecting snowmen, bowling, traveling for bowling and going to casinos. She loves her fur babies.

As an employee of Hermann Sons Life, Carol said she likes helping members and their families understand their policies and benefits.

PATRICIA M. KOCUREK

Moulton Lodge

Died Nov. 18, 2022 • Age 65

JOEL P. ROCHELLE

Siemering Lodge

Died Nov. 22, 2022 • Age 80

LAURA J. BEAVERS

Lone Oak Lodge

Died Nov. 23, 2022 • Age 79

HENRIETTA J. SCHWAB

Spring Branch Lodge Died Nov. 25, 2022 • Age 86

WELDON W. JONAS

Twin Sisters Lodge

Died Dec. 2, 2022 • Age 90

THOMAS R. HOWARD

Fredericksburg Lodge

Died Dec. 3, 2022 • Age 81

Howie has been in training and is learning how to socialize with other pups.

Howie’s friend April, a threeyear-old hound mix, is in need of a forever home. See details below.

Howie

Carol Swan

Home Office hosts Christmas party

SAN ANTONIO – The Home Office hosted a Christmas party the afternoon of Dec. 22 .

Officers, board directors, employees and Standing Committee members gathered in the upstairs ballroom and enjoyed drinks, a meal and fellowship.

The meal included turkey and ham with all the trimmings.

President and CEO Robin Czarnek and Chair of the Board Kim Krueger welcomed guests and shared holiday greetings.

Guests were gifted a Hermann Sons Life cup.

Member Benefits Committee member Shirley Faske, from left, her guest Janice Kuhen and Laws Committee member Agnes Dreibrodt are pictured.

Wayne, from left, and Director Laura Tiffin, Karen and Director Stan Steiger are pictured during the social hour.

President and CEO Robin Czarnek, left, visits with Chair of the Board Kim Krueger and her husband Dustin.

Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff, center, visits with Member Benefits Committee member Eulla Krueger and her husband Vic.

President and CEO Robin Czarnek, left, presents the door prize to winner Agnes Dreibrodt, Laws Committee member.

Business Operations Committee member Kerry Ginn, back, visits with Member Benefits Committee member Cheryl Garcia and her husband Ray.

Cindy Ledwig, HR/Payroll Specialist, and husband Joe enjoy the festivities.

Home Office presents service awards

Hermann Sons Life Home Office Employee Service Awards were presented during the staff Christmas party in December. Communications Director Elaine Soto, right, is pictured with Retired Communications Director Kathie Ninneman. Kathie presented Elaine her certificate for 20 years of service.

Retirement Home

Home’s residents thank staff with a pizza party

Hermann Sons Life Retirement Home Resident James Halsell and other residents couldn’t let 2022 end without showing their appreciation to all the staff members at the Home. They decided to hold a pizza party in their honor. The meal included pizza with salad and a huge apple pie specially made by Janet Wenzel who also delivered all the fixings from Boerne. Everyone had a great time thanking the staff for all they do. Staff members pictured at the steam table, from left, are Manager Brenda Gunnink, Deddi Castro, Barbara and John Kisselberg.

Girls on the Run inspires through physical activity

Editor’s Note: Each month the newspaper will highlight a community service organization. To recommend an organization, email elaines@hermannsonslife.org or call 210-226-9261, ext. 279.

“Girls on the Run® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to enhance participants’ social, emotional and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences. Our fun, interactive lessons meet the unique needs of participants of all abilities and backgrounds.

“We focus on the whole girl. Meeting in small teams or connecting virtually, trained volunteer coaches inspire girls to build confidence and other important life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and physical activity.

“Girls on the Run reaches girls grades 3-8 at a critical stage, strengthening their confidence at a time when society begins to tell them they can’t.

Girls on the Run – Grades 3-5

“Girls on the Run inspires girls of

all abilities to recognize their individual strengths, while building a sense of connection in a team setting. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development to enable girls to adapt to whatever comes their way.

Heart & Sole – Grades 6-8

“Our Heart & Sole middle school program meets the unique needs of girls of all abilities in 6th-8th grade. The program considers the whole person – body, brain, heart, spirit and social connection. Heart & Sole offers an inclusive place of belonging, where girls feel supported and inspired to explore their emotions, cultivate empathy

and strengthen their physical and emotional health.

“Girls on the Run Bexar County is a council of Girls on the Run International, proudly serving Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, and Kendall Counties.

“Founded in 2010, Girls on the Run Bexar County has been dedicated to making an impact on girls lives in our community.”

Girls on the Run Bexar County stats:

• Over 5,000 girls served since 2011

• More than 300 volunteers and 160 coaches annually

• Average of 65% of participants receive scholarships annually

• Locations in schools, parks, YMCAs, churches, and community centers

• Two seasons per year

Financial assistance is available to participants. Coaching opportunities are also available.

To learn more about the Girls on the Run or to donate, visit girlsontherun.org or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ GOTRBC

Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff, left, presented a 15-year service award to Compliance Director Ana Vasquez during the Home Office Christmas party held in December.

Camp News

Counselor-in-training enrollment opens in February

By  IAN BRASSETT Executive Camp Director

Enrollment for the CIT program begins in February.

The CIT Program I inherited at Hermann Sons Life was excellent. Most camps in the United States cannot boast that 98 percent of its American staff come via its CIT program. This program is the envy of most camp directors I speak to. We cannot do it without you!

I have interviewed more than 60 CIT-1 candidates over the past few months. All of them excited to continue their Hermann Sons Life Camp story. These candidates have had the opportunity to reserve their week during the summer.

At Hermann Sons Life Camp, we really do believe it is very important to grow our own staff and we’d like to invite you to join our program. There is nothing better than to have a camper move up through the ranks to become a counselor or even a future camp director.

This program will emphasize leadership and give Hermann Sons Life junior members the opportunity to demonstrate those skills. We will be teaching you about camper behaviors and group management skills. We will discuss the importance of “being there” for a homesick camper and giving you some tips and tricks to help a camper get the most out of their stay.

We will also be showing you what it means to be a staff member. As a CIT camper, and as a potential staff member, you will be peeking behind the scenes of what makes our Camp tick.

You will be helping in the Dining Hall, you will help set up, break down and run evening activities. You will be observing and participating in daily activities and you might even help in

the kitchen.

There are still spaces left and if interested in joining the team at Hermann Sons Life Camp, the directions are listed below.

HOW TO BECOME A CIT-1

The  FIRST STEP on the road to becoming a CIT-1 is to complete the application. The application is for past Hermann Sons Life campers ages 15 (as of Sept. 1, 2023) who wish to be considered for the first level of the CIT Program. https://www. hermannsonslife.org/counselor-training-application (Check the CIT-1 box.)

The  SECOND STEP will be an interview with the Executive Camp Director. Once we have received your application, the Executive Camp Director will email you to schedule an online interview.

Be sure to request an interview time slot as soon as possible since so many interviews must be coordinated to occur in a short amount of time. For your convenience, the interviews will be scheduled predominantly via WhatsApp, FaceTime or Google Meet.

https://calendly.com/ianbrassett/hermann-sons-life-interview

The  THIRD STEP is to get three (not family members) references. This can be teachers, coaches, clergy, etc. They can simply go to the following link, https://www.hermannsonslife. org/Camp-Staff-Applicant-Reference. The deadline for references is March 1, 2023. Please make sure they list you as the applicant! Letters of recommendation can also be mailed to Camp. Please do not send the same reference in multiple ways. If mailed to Camp, please send to: Hermann Sons Life Camp - CIT Program Admissions, P.O. Box 629, Comfort, TX 78013.

In the FOURTH STEP, success-

ful applicants will be invited to enroll in the CIT Program midFebruary.

Spaces for successful CIT-1s will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The cost of the CIT program is $200 per week.

THE WEEKS ALLOCATED FOR CIT-1s IN 2023 ARE:  Week 4: July 9 – 15 Week 5: July 16 – 22 Week 6: July 23 – 29

FACILITY UPDATE

Construction has begun on a shade structure at the Hilltop Camp pool area. This structure will provide a wonderful space for our campers to escape the beating sun while at the pool.

We will also utilize this wonderful, shaded area during group rentals.

Over the next few years as funds become available, we’ll add picnic benches for the campers.

CALLING ALL NURSES

We’re looking for one or two nurses to complete the team here in the beautiful Hill Country. If you are an RN and or a CPN please reach out to me, Ian Brassett at 909-362-9058.

Cat Spring Lodge President Randall Tipp, right, presented the Humanitarian of the Year Award to Malcolm Dittert during the lodge’s Christmas party.

Cat Spring Lodge presents award,

pins Cat Spring Lodge pioneers received their 70-year

pins at the Christmas party in December. Board Director David Noak, center, presented the pins to Nila Klaus, Lola Landua, Robert Hartman and Lewellen Gross.

Moulton Lodge presents award, donations at party

Moulton Lodge President Barbara Anderle, left, presented the Humanitarian of the Year Award to Joyce Pavlicek during the Christmas party held in December.

At the Moulton Lodge Christmas party, President Barbara Anderle presented a donation check to Tim Koncaba of the Moulton Volunteer Fire Department.

Moulton Lodge presented a donation to the Moulton Jr. Livestock Show during the Christmas party. Pictured is Brenda Kram, left, accepting the check from President Barbara Anderle. Members enjoyed stew with homemade bread and lots of desserts. They also went home with a prize.

Special guests at the Moulton Lodge Christmas party were, from left, Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier Kelley, her husband Jonathan and her parents Judy and Irvin Schulmeier. Judy is an agent and serves on the Community Engagement Committee.

Twin Sisters Lodge will meet Feb. 5 Kirby plans lasagna meal

TWIN SISTERS – Twin Sisters Lodge will meet Feb. 5. The meal will include tamales, chili, beans, rice, chips, dips and dessert.

At the last meeting, Board Director Stan Steiger shared Hermann Sons Life news. He announced that after the first of the new year, members can rent rooms at the Retirement Home in Comfort.

The slate of officers for 2023 was presented. Officers will remain the same except for Herman Weber replacing John Hartmann as a Finance Committee member. The officers are president, Marcus Ethridge; vice president, Marilyn Weidman; secretary/treasurer, Karen Steiger; trustees, Steve Hartmann, Jerry Gass and Kent Weber; Finance Committee, Herman We-

ber, Will Weber and Alvin Knoll.

Serving on the Cheer Committee is Gertrude Hartmann; youth coordinator, Jennifer Ethridge; and membership coordinator, Deborah Knoll.

Vice President Marilyn Weidman presented the 2022 Humanitarian of the Year Award to Deborah Knoll.

Members approved a donation to the Blanco County Youth Council.

The lodge received a Blue Level Certificate of Achievement from the Home Office for its Join Hands Day Project in 2022.

A moment of silence was observed for Mary Huser who passed away on Aug. 24, 2022.

Celebrating birthdays in De-

cember and January were Georgia Hartmann, Guy Hartmann, Gertrude Hartmann, Kent Weber and Laurie Hartmann. Jan and Jerry Gass celebrated 50 years of marriage in January.

Door prize winners were selected by Kadan and Ethan Morash. The winners were Stan Steiger and Myron Ethridge (not present). Kent Weber won the year-end door prize.

Everyone enjoyed a meal and bingo. Appreciation was extended to Stan for providing the ham, to members for bringing sides and desserts, to Travis Tomlinson for serving as the bingo caller and to everyone who provided bingo prizes.

KIRBY – Kirby Lodge will meet Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. Lasagna will be served, and members are asked to bring a side or a dessert.

The next meeting will be held March 6 at 7 p.m. Sausage will be provided as the main dish, and members are asked to bring a side or dessert.

The lodge welcomes new members Kevin Reidel and Harrison James Roy Osburn.

Anyone interested in an annuity paying 4 percent, should contact Judy Schulmeier or Angela Netherton, Hermann Sons Life agents.

Lodge scholarship applications are available through

July 1, 2023. Contact one of the lodge officers for more information.

The lodge received a thank you from the Fischer House for the recent donation. Thank you to Judy for organizing the event.

Condolences go out to the family of Evelyn Bielke.

Happy birthday wishes went out to January celebrants, Tommy Wiesner, Gabriela McQuatters and Tammy Haecker.

James McQuatters won the $30 attendance prize. Door prize winners were Jimmy Scheibe, Bob Scheel and Tammy Haecker.

Paul Vogt Lodge celebrates Christmas with party

Niederwald Lodge installs officers serving in 2023

Paul Vogt Lodge juniors visited with Santa during the Christmas party. Prizes were awarded including Hermann Sons Life merchandise provided by Board Director David Wolf. Members also donated items for a raffle to raise funds for building repairs.

Board Director David Wolf presented membership pins during the Paul Vogt Lodge Christmas party. Pictured are, from left, David and recipients Glenn Marquardt, Barbara Marquardt, Duane Zoeller, Mary Lou Zoeller and Betty Friar. Members enjoyed a meal of chili, beans, rice, cornbread and desserts.

Niederwald Lodge has installed officers for 2023 and they are are Betty Duesterhest, Adeline Schubert, Nancy Smith, Joyace Dailey, Joe Hennig, Connie Schriber, Harry Schriber and Don Dailey. The lodge donated $300 to Gather-N-Give Connection. A memorial service was held in honor of Rodney D. Germer, Billie Dean Owens, Charles Edgar Croley and Myrtle S. Heideman who all passed in 2022.

Door prize winners at Niederwald Lodge were Catherine Blackard and William Schulle.

Birthday celebrants recognized at Niedwerald Lodge were, from left, Joe Hennig and Don Dailey.

Houston Lodge will meet Feb. 13

HOUSTON - Houston Lodge will meet Monday, Feb. 13, at Don Jose’s Restaurant, 5305 Antoine Drive. A memorial service will be held. The following meeting will be held Monday, March 13, also at Don Jose’s.

President Jack Manchack welcomed members and guests at the December Christmas dinner held at Logan’s Roadhouse.

Members were honored to have Board Director Gerald Ziemnicki in attendance.

Everyone sang Christmas carols before dinner was served.

Those in attendance celebrating December birthdays were Jeff Krahn, Jackie Bushman and Reuben Heldberg. December anniversary celebrants were Darrell and Judy Muske, 47 years and Jeff Krahn.

Members received a Christmas gift.

– Reporter

Dallas meets on March 19

DALLAS – Dallas Lodge will meet Sunday, March 19, at 1 p.m. at the hall. Members and guests are invited to attend. Food and drinks will be provided. A meeting was not scheduled for February.

The Christmas luncheon was held on Dec. 18. Vice President Andy Schellenberg welcomed guests Linda Schellenberg, wife of Steve Schellenberg from Georgetown and Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff and husband Doug from San Antonio.

President and CEO Robin Czarnek appointed Teresa as vice president of sales in 2022. Teresa is licensed in life and health insurance and was an award-winning agent for 16 years. She has been a member since 2004, and she and Doug

are members of Prinz Solms Lodge in Bulverde. Teresa has served as vice president of the lodge for 12 years. Teresa updated the lodge on insurance and annuities and answered questions. Andy gave them a tour of the 1913 historic hall. He told them it has a Dallas city historical marker and a Texas state historical marker.

Sympathy was extended to Terri and Fred Holmes for the passing of their son Eric, 44. Appreciation was extended to Eva Day and Brigitte Robinson for the food and to Andy for the tea and pies.

Happy Birthday wishes went out to Eva Day and happy anniversary wishes to Linda and Steve who celebrated 57 years.  – Reporter

Ellinger Lodge presents award, donation

Deanville Lodge presents award

The Deanville Lodge 2022 Humanitarian of the Year Award recipient was Lonnie Supak, left, accepting the award from President Donnie Blinka. Lonnie is a life-long and active member of the lodge and is willing to help when needed. He is a member of the Deanville Volunteer Fire Department and currently serving as president.

Houston Lodge President Jack Manchack, left, is pictured with special guest at the Christmas party, Board Director Gerald Ziemnicki.

Houston Lodge December birthday celebrants recognized were Jeffrey Krahn, Jacqueline Bushman and Reuben Heldberg.

Houston Lodge December anniversary celebrants were Judy and Darrell Muske.

Ellinger Lodge presented the Humanitarian of the Year Award for 2022 to Joe Lamer, left, during the December Christmas party. Presenting the award are Vice President Diane Murusik, President Elaine Koehl and Secretary Jerry Krenek.

Ellinger Lodge presented a donation to the Ellinger Volunteer Fire Department during its Christmas party. Pictured are, from left, Fire Chief Bruce Kubena, Vice President Diane Murusik, President Elaine Koehl and Secretary Jerry Krenek.

Deanville Lodge held a brief meeting in December followed by food and fellowship. Pictured are three of the lodge’s members who are more than 90 years old, Henrietta Cunningham, Antone Schroeder and Mildred McLemore. The 2023 lodge officers were scheduled to be installed at the January meeting.

Bernardo Lodge holds annual Christmas party

On left, Bernardo Lodge juniors Blair Maertz, Briley Zapalac, Grayson Anderson and Quinn Maertz, grandchildren of Terrel and Robin Maertz, are pictured at the laying of the Wreaths of America held on Saturday, Dec. 17. On right, Past military members laid wreaths in memory of fallen soldiers. The lodge donated toward the purchase of wreaths for the cemetery in Columbus at the veteran’s hall.

Bernardo Lodge held its annual Christmas party on Dec 14. Special guests were Board Director David Noak, seated, and his friend Theresa Garlin. Also pictured is President Terrel Maertz, standing.

Rutersville to meet Feb. 1

RUTERSVILLE - Rutersville Lodge will meet Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. Chili will be provided, and members are asked to bring sides or desserts.

At the January meeting, Agent Linda Mattocks invited those interested in their children going to Camp this summer to attend the Round Top Lodge meeting on Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Executive Camp Director Ian Bassett will

present a Camp program. For more information, contact Linda at 512-736-9988.

The lodge provided a meal of chicken noodle soup prepared by Sherry Noak. Members provided sides and desserts.

Door-prize winners were C. D. Jenkins, JoAnn Mueller, David Noak, Theresa Garlin and Cheryl Kuhn.

Bernardo Lodge members enjoyed a meal of turkey and dressing provided by the lodge at the annual Christmas party. Members provided side dishes. Seated at the end is the lodge’s oldest member, Ruby Belle Henneke.

Cibolo Lodge welcomes new member

CIBOLO – Cibolo Lodge will meet Feb. 2, 2023. The main dish will be fried chicken and members are asked to bring a side dish. The first officers’ meeting was held Jan. 22.

At the January meeting, the lodge welcomed new member Berkley Blake Beck of Boerne.

Quilts of Valor sent a thank-you letter for the Matching Funds donation of $1,500 presented at the Christmas Party. It included a note from a service member who had received a quilt sharing how much it has helped.

Cibolo Lodge recognized birthday celebrant Joy Brown at the January meeting.

Quilts of Valor donated a quilt to the lodge and there will be a drawing for it at the next meeting among veteran members regularly in attendance.

President John Gray read a thank-you note from the daughters of the late Lareta (Rita) Ennis for the flowers the lodge sent.

Members enjoyed chili, tamales, sides and desserts. Joy Brown’s beans were voted the best side dish and Gail Gray’s brownies were voted as the best dessert.

Joy Brown was recognized as the only January birthday celebrant.

Games of bingo were played that ended with a blackout game.

John Gray and Kaitlyn Thompkins were the adult attendanceprize winners and Jameson Rakowitz was the junior winner.

– Reporter

Corpus Christi Lodge installs officers

CORPUS CHRISTI – Corpus Christi Lodge installed new officers on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at Nolan’s Restaurant.

The officers are President Cheryl Garcia, Vice President Kerry Ginn and Financial Treasurer/Recording Secretary Deb-

ra Mazur. Financial Trustees are Megan Hunt, Dewayne Hunt and Shelly Hunt.

Get-Well wishes go out to Pearl Hunt who is currently in the hospital.

The lodge voted to donate the 50/50 money for 2022

which came out to $304 to Pearl to help with her medical expenses.

Robert Gonzales, Allison Rosas and Keaaron Dowty were the door prize winners.

– Debra Mazur

November birthday celebrants at Rutersville Lodge were Sherry Noak and JoAnn Mueller, and the December birthday celebrants were Ricky Kuhn and Carol Jenkins.

Kypfer-Salge meets Feb. 3

CLEAR SPRINGS – Kypfer-Salge Lodge will meet Friday, Feb. 3. The lodge will provide hamburger meat and buns and members are asked to bring condiments, chips, dips and desserts.

President Dennis Koepp installed officers at the Jan. 6 meeting.

In the Cheer Committee report, Nelrose Koepp said get-well cards were sent to Kathy Nobel and Nancy Brinkkoeter. Condolences will be sent to the family of Vera Mae Dean who passed away Dec. 4, 2022.

It was reported Danny Eikels is replacing rotten wood and painting the outside of the lodge building. Electrical work will be done soon.

Members voted to cancel the February Valentine Bunco party due to Super Bowl Sunday.

Attendance-prize winners were Dennis Koepp, Chester Jenke, Tammy Seiter, Dorothy Schneider and Art Brinkkoeter.

The Christmas party was held Dec. 11 and included a catered meal and a visit from Santa. He handed out goody bags and candy canes. The candy jar-guessing games winners were David Wolf and Kathy Noble.

Prinz Solms has scholarship apps available

BULVERDE – Prinz Solms Lodge will meet Sunday, Feb. 19, at 5 p.m. at the Bulverde Community Center. The meeting date was changed due to a schedule conflict.

At the January meeting, President Cliff Klabunde installed officers for 2023. They are President Cliff Klabunde, Vice President Teresa Saathoff and Secretary Treasurer Tom Pardue. The trustees are Russell Boss, Nolan Wehe and Warren Scholz. Coordinators are community, Jackie Oldfiel; youth, Audrey Klabunde; membership, Doug Klabunde; and communications, Tom Pardue.

Jackie announced the next STAGE production will be “The Trip to Bountiful” open on week-

ends in February.

Youth Coordinator Audrey Klabunde is accepting scholarship applications for graduating high school seniors who are members of the lodge. Contact Audrey at 210-912-4207 for an application.

Doug and Teresa Saathoff spoke about their recent trip to Ghana, Africa to visit their daughter Emily. Emily is studying for her master’s degree in public health at the University of Ghana. They enjoyed the trip and adventures in the wildlife parks.

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

Celebrating birthdays in December and January at Prinz Solms Lodge were, from left, Doug Saathoff, Ella Schmidt, Diane Schmidt and Doug Klabunde.

Square Dance Club offering lessons in SA

SAN ANTONIO – The Hermann Sons Square Dance Club started lessons on Jan. 20.

Classes are held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the San Antonio Home Association building, 525 N. S. St. Mary’s St. in the third- floor ballroom.

If you were not at the first class, come on down anyway. Anyone from 10 to 99 years of age can take lessons.

For further information, contact Beth Warne at 210623-3566.

– Reporter

Florence Schumann received her 70-year membership pin and her daughter Robin Fiebrich, right, received her 60-year pin. Presenting the pins at the Kypfer-Salge Lodge December Christmas party were President Dennis Koepp, left, and Board Director David Wolf.

Kypfer-Salge Lodge honored Darline Preiss for serving 21 years as correspondence secretary. She is pictured with Board Director David Wolf, from left, Vice President Kery Noble and President Dennis Koepp at the December Christmas party.

Colleen Jenke received her 50-year membership pin from KypferSalge Lodge President Dennis Koepp, from left, and Board Director David Wolf during the December Christmas party.

Chester Jenke Sr., right, received his 50-year membership pin from Kypfer-Salge Lodge President Dennis Koepp, from left, and Board Director David Wolf during the December Christmas party.

Name and

LODGES AND MEMBERSHIP IN GOOD STANDING

AS OF DEC. 31, 2022

NOTE: All Brother Lodges are indicated with (B), Sister Lodges with (S), and all remaining lodges are Family Lodges.

Members in good standing are those members whose insurance premiums are not being paid by Automatic Premium Loans.

Number of Lodge Location

Certificate Holders

Adults Juniors Total

Abilene Abilene 57 2 59

Anton Wenzel San Antonio 713 57 770

Austin Austin 695 117 812

Bandera County Bandera 245 111 356

Beaumont Beaumont 37 9 46

Bellville Bellville 109 11 120

Bernardo Bernardo 164 39 203

Bexar San Antonio 337 96 433

Biry Biry 309 262 571

Boerne Boerne 547 149 696

Brazosport Lake Jackson 32 3 35

Brenham Brenham 705 52 757

Brunhilde San Antonio 244 36 280

Bryan Bryan 224 10 234

Burton Burton 113 14 127

Cameron Cameron 182 8 190

Castroville Castroville 923 358 1,281

Cat Spring Cat Spring 206 20 226

Cibolo Cibolo 618 276 894

Columbia Columbia 360 24 384

Columbus Columbus 77 2 79

Comfort Comfort 1,424 257 1,681

Converse Converse 108 22 130

Corpus Christi Corpus Christi 739 223 962

Coupland Coupland 215 26 241

Cuero Family Cuero 831 174 1,005

D’Hanis D’Hanis 133 34 167

Da Costa Da Costa 1,563 192 1,755

Dallas Dallas 282 23 305

Deanville Deanville 245 5 250

Del Rio Del Rio 43 10 53

Dogwood Trail Rusk 39 0 39

Dunlay Dunlay 232 25 257

Edelweiss-Magnolia Houston 936 34 970

El Campo El Campo 352 47 399

El Paso El Paso 35 1 36

Ellinger Ellinger 264 16 280

Flatonia Flatonia 188 41 229

Fort Worth Fort Worth 384 51 435

Fredericksburg Fredericksburg 1,459 147 1,606

Gay Hill Gay Hill 242 18 260

General Bee Tynan 129 8 137

Giddings Giddings 631 131 762

Goliad Goliad 296 127 423

Gonzales Gonzales 936 223 1,159

Gruenau Gruenau 150 8 158

Gulf Galveston 287 69 356

Harmonia San Antonio 1,605 74 1,679

Haskell Haskell 205 8 213

Helotes Helotes 734 180 914

Hochheim-Prairie Hochheim 944 210 1,154

Hondo Hondo 430 94 524

Hondo Victory Hondo 565 225 790

Houston Houston 377 49 426

Jackson County Edna 303 97 400

Jourdanton Jourdanton 643 182 825

Karnes City Karnes City 764 184 948

Katy-Bear Creek Katy 64 1 65

Kirby Kirby 794 159 953

Knippa Knippa 78 1 79

Kypfer-Salge Clear Springs 472 139 611

La Coste La Coste 196 34 230

La Grange La Grange 147 21 168

La Vernia La Vernia 1,137 427 1,564

Name and

Certificate Holders

Number of Lodge Location Adults Juniors Total

Lampasas

Laubach

Lampasas

75 4 79

Seguin 243 4 247

Live Oak County Three Rivers 167 17 184

Lockhart Lockhart 625 74 699

Lone Oak Adkins 269 119 388

Louise Schuetze San Antonio 1,473 67 1,540

Lubbock Lubbock 61 10 71

Macdona Macdona 166 104 270

Manchaca Manchaca 124 58 182 Marion Marion 310 162 472

Matagorda County Bay City 28 2 30

McGregor McGregor 114 6 120

Mission-Alamo San Antonio 823 283 1,106

Moulton Moulton 209 46 255

Needville Needville 156 24 180

New Bern New Bern 97 6 103

New Bielau Weimar 139 33 172

New Braunfels New Braunfels 2,184 876 3,060

Niederwald Niederwald 364 44 408

Nixon -Smiley Nixon-Smiley 142 54 196

Nordheim Nordheim 186 21 207 Odessa Odessa 42 2 44

Old Glory Old Glory 373 34 407

Orange Grove Orange Grove 98 10 108

Paige Paige 152 24 176

Paul Vogt Van Raub 504 62 566

Pershing San Antonio 1,826 219 2,045

Piney Woods Nacogdoches 44 5 49

Plum Plum 277 25 302

Poth Poth 672 192 864 Priddy Priddy 78 4 82

Prinz Solms Bulverde 868 578 1,446 Richland Richland 274 28 302

Rio Grande Valley Harlingen 62 1 63

Rockport Rockport 76 2 78 Roscoe Roscoe 68 2 70

Rosenberg-Richmond Rosenberg 327 25 352

Round Rock Round Rock 64 3 67

Round Top Round Top 322 63 385

Rowena Rowena 256 17 273

Rutersville Rutersville 283 26 309

San Marcos San Marcos 336 60 396

San Patricio County Sinton 54 0 54

Schulenburg Schulenburg 942 270 1,212

Schwertner Schwertner 420 42 462

Sealy Sealy 94 12 106

Seguin Seguin 1,459 303 1,762

Shelby Shelby 334 28 362 Shiner Shiner 569 86 655

Siemering San Antonio 1,197 156 1,353

Spring Branch Spring Branch 664 246 910

Stern Seguin 187 34 221

Stockdale Stockdale 134 75 209

Taylor Taylor 156 6 162

Twin Sisters Twin Sisters 339 39 378

Vineta San Antonio 1,036 104 1,140

Waco-Robinson Waco 279 4 283

Washington Washington 90 3 93

Weesatche Weesatche 134 34 168

Wichita Falls Wichita Falls 46 19 65

Womack Clifton 270 17 287 Yorktown Yorktown 724 138 862 52,583

Pershing welcomes two new members

SAN ANTONIO – Pershing Lodge will meet on Feb. 1. Members are asked to bring wrapped sandwiches, salads or desserts.

The lodge welcomes new members James Alexander Napier and Joe Napier.

Chaplain Tony Valek reported on the passing of John F. Alblinger, Sr., Neva Jean Ellis and Edna M. Stappenbeck. Two members recently lost a family members. Carrie Burnett’s brother, Lou Boening and Dale Wenzel’s father, Weldon Wenzel, have passed away.

Celebrating January birthdays were Tony Valek, Alice Golla and Ron Plouch. They received

Vineta plans breakfast meal

SAN ANTONIO – Vineta Lodge will meet on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. with breakfast on the menu. President Debbie Jordan will make pancakes and members are asked to bring breakfast dishes such as casseroles, sweet rolls, etc.

At the January meeting, the calendar was set for 2023 and will be available at the February meeting. Thank you to Debbie for preparing the chili and get-

ting the tamales for the meal.

Attendance-award winners were Carol Bielke, Emily Roberts, Ruth Bailey and Janelle Harshaw. Split-the-pot winner was Emily Roberts.

Members mourn the passing of Chloris Sczech, a member for 61 years, Christine Arnett, a member for 64 years and Lucille Hager, a member for 76 years. May they rest in peace.

– Reporter

Austin installs new officers

AUSTIN – Austin Lodge will meet Sunday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m.

Members are asked to bring finger foods and desserts to celebrate Super Bowl.

President Ed Kurtz installed officers at the Jan. 8 meeting.

The lodge welcomes new member Keeton B. Livingston.

President Kurtz reminded members Join Hands Day is in May and asked them to bring

project ideas to the next meeting.

Happy Birthday wishes were sung to Harvey Koerner. Happy anniversary wishes went to Jim and Rose Reed, 67 years and Ed and Betty Kurtz, 51 years.

Everyone enjoyed soups, stews, chicken and dumplings, cornbread and desserts furnished by the members.

– Reporter

Laubach meets on March 23

SEGUIN – Laubach Lodge will meet on Sunday, March 23.

The Christmas party was held Sunday, Dec. 11, at Dixie Grill/ Rocket Wings in Seguin.

Members enjoyed a meal and welcomed transfer members Darlene Bohmfalk and Laura Bohmfalk.

Helotes to meet on March 14

Celebrating birthdays at the Pershing Lodge January meeting were, from left, Ron Plouch, Alice Golla and Tony Valek.

birthday prizes. Bonnie Tullgren was not present to claim the $35 attendance

prize. Carrie Burnett won the split-the-pot drawing.

– Dorothy Pawlik

Marion Lodge presents pioneer pins during party

Membership pins were presented during the Marion Lodge Christmas party. The 60-year pin recipients pictured with Chair of the Board Kim Krueger, left, are Laurie Leach, Thelma Zwicke, Morris Vader and Glen Wohlfahrt.

Marion Lodge held its Christmas party Dec. 9. A catered ham meal prepared by Next Door Catering was served. A $200 donation was presented to the Marion Community Library.  Officers were re-elected to their current positions for 2023. Bingo was played and door prizes were given out.

Giddings plans barbecue meal

Birthday celebrants recognized were Randy Herzog, Dorothy Constable and Deanne Engelke.

Guessing games were played and the winners were Dorothy, Fran Heinemery and June Herzog.

– Reporter

HELOTES – Helotes Lodge will hold the first meeting of 2023 on March 14 at 7 p.m. at Braun Hall.

A meal will be served and members will have a chance to win a cash door prize.

GIDDINGS – Giddings Lodge will meet Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Silos Hall, 1031 County Road 223, by the water tower on Route 77. A barbecue meal is on the menu.

It is scholarship time. Applications will be sent out Feb. 1 and they must be returned by April 1. If your student does not receive an application, contact Pat Abell,

Hermann Sons Life #54, P.O. Box 931, Giddings, Texas 78942. Memorials were presented to the Retirement Home for Kenneth Bettin, Theodore Droemer and Herbert Roeber. Sympathy is extended to their families. Everyone enjoyed black forest ham sandwiches, chips and desserts at the January meeting.

Vineta Lodge President Debbie Jordan, left, presents a gift to Genny Kraus, January birthday celebrant.

Da Costa Lodge will host Valentine’s Day dance

DA COSTA – Da Costa Lodge announces a Valentine’s Day public dance will be held Feb. 11 featuring Triple Threat from 8 p.m. to midnight. Watch Facebook at DaCosta Hall and/or DaCosta Lodge pages for a link to order special treats.

The next lodge meeting is March 14 at 6 p.m. at the hall.

The lodge is selling flags for Warriors Weekend through March 13. Use this link to purc hase:showSignUp/10c0948a9a a23a0ffc43-flag

Discussion on upcoming

events and annual calendar planning was held at the January meeting.

The Annual Easter Spring Fling will be held April 1. Mark your calendars for this free event open to the public. It will include an Easter egg hunt, cake/toy walk, activities for the kids and the Easter Bunny will be there. There will be a Planning Committee meeting Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 6 p.m.

Anyone who would like to help is invited or call Sayra Boop at 361-676-6947 or

email  sayra@dacostahall. com with ideas. Cake, toy, candy or monetary donations are needed. If any organizations need community service hours, contact the lodge.

Barbara Hybner is the new community coordinator. Members who know of any organizations needing volunteers or who have any ideas should contact her at 361-550-2509.

Attention graduating seniors! DaCosta Lodge Scholarship applications will be available soon. Contact Sayra for infor-

mation. The deadline for entries is April 15, 2023.

Sixty-four pounds of food was collected at the Christmas social and taken to the Victoria Christian Assistance Ministry (VCAM). Thank you to everyone who contributed.

DaCosta Lodge Cookbooks are still available. The price has been reduced to $15. They make great keepsakes or gifts. Contact any lodge officer or Diane Stastny at 361-579-8512 to purchase. Cookbooks can be mailed for an additional $6.

Report member deaths, births or illness to Pam Elkins at 361578-5556 so the lodge can send cards. Leave a message on the answering machine or email to sayra@dacostahall.com . Call the hall at 361-578-2039, email  info@dacostahall.com or President Sayra Boop at 361676-6947 or sayra@dacostahall. com for any lodge questions. Anyone wanting member or policy information should contact Nancy Walraven at 361237-1757.

– Reporter

Mary

Macdona Lodge will meet on March 10

ATASCOSA – Macdona Lodge will meet March 10 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church Hall, Classroom No. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

The Christmas party held in December included fellowship, drinks, snacks and a meal ca-

tered by Acadiana Restaurant. Members provided desserts.

There were 56 members in attendance. Everyone enjoyed the Polar Express and the table-top electric train, snowballs and hot chocolate. Santa brought gifts

for the children and a drawing was held.

Winners of $50 each were Derek Reininger, Frank Koehler, Kathy Flores, Matthew Krueger and Adrianne Wells.

All dressed up for the holidays are, from left, Lisa Robalin and Chris and Lori Naughton at the Louise Schuetze Lodge December meeting. Members enjoyed a “crazy” Christmas present game and hors d’oeuvres.

Louise Schuetze Lodge holds Christmas party

T. Trujillo is pictured with her Christmas gift during the Louise Schuetze Lodge Christmas meeting. Mary and Mike Beam celebrated a wedding anniversary in December, and Mary won the $25 attendance prize. Janet Abell won the split-the-pot prize.

Agent Judy Schulmeier is pictured at the Louise Schuetze Lodge Christmas meeting held in December. The installation of officers was scheduled for the Jan. 9 meeting.

Harmonia Lodge split-the-pot winner Stan Steiger, left, receives his winnings from President Rene Kraus at the January meeting.

Harmonia Lodge Finance Committee member Brad Dietrich, left, presents a prize to Vice President Albert Ranzau, winner of the lodge’s January chili cook-off.

Harmonia Lodge President Rene Kraus, center, presents attendance prizes to winners Bill Richard, left, and Jake White at the January meeting.

Mike Beam, left, won second place in Harmonia Lodge’s chili cook-off. He accepts his prize from Finance Committee member Brad Dietrich at the January meeting.

Harmonia Lodge holds cook-off

Celebrating January birthdays at Anton Wenzel Lodge were, from left, Larry Burns, Merlinda Elizondo and Larry Raute. Officers for 2023 were installed. The lodge will meet Feb. 7. A memorial service will be held, and fried fish will be served. Members are asked to bring side dishes. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

Fort Worth to meet at Italian bistro

FORT WORTH – Fort Worth Lodge will meet March 5 at 3 p.m. at Sammy’s Italian Bistro located at 225 Exchange St. in Burleson.

The June picnic and plans for Make a Difference Day will be discussed. If unable to attend, contact Sandra Jones for details from the meeting.

Letters to all camp age members will be going out soon. Return information to Ronnie Jones. Address and other information will be included in the letter.

Camp registration will open

in March, so any juniors who have siblings, cousins or friends who would like to attend Camp should contact Sandra Jones at 817-781-7155 or call the Home Office.

Get-well wishes go out to Sam Jones who will have hip replacement in February. He is wished a speedy recovery. Congratulations to Ronald Teichman who earns his 75-year membership pin on Feb. 4.

Happy 45th anniversary to Robert and Linda Balmos who will be celebrating on Valentine’s Day. Sam and Sandra

Jones will celebrate 57 years of marriage on Feb. 19.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Wade Adams, Kimberly Burns, Patricia Burns, Karen BurnsLane, Cheyenne Davis, Harrison Emshoff, Jimmy Kassler, Kylie LeBlanc, Daryl Miller, Michael Murphy, Natalie Pulliam, Alica Putman and Nicole Seise.

The holidays came and went and now for the new year let’s talk up Hermann Sons Life and exceed lodge membership goals. There is the challenge –now let’s see who will accept it.

– Reporter

Anniversary celebrants Jean and Roy Duett were recognized at the Burton Lodge January meeting. They recently celebrated 71 years of marriage.

Anniversary celebrants Arlen and Carol Naegeli were recognized at the Burton Lodge January meeting. They recently celebrated 57 years of marriage.

Anniversary celebrants Nina Herbert Dallmeyer were recognized at the Burton Lodge January meeting. They recently celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Burton honors anniversary celebrants

BURTON – Burton Lodge met Thursday, Jan. 4, and honored three couples with milestone anniversaries.

Roy and Jean Duett celebrated 71 years of marriage. They both have been very active in Hermann Sons Life especially

in bowling tournaments and conventions. Arlen and Carol Naegeli celebrated 57 years and Nina and Herbert Dallmeyer celebrated 50 years. The lodge meets the first Thursday of March, May, July and September. In November,

Poth president installs officers in January

POTH – Poth Lodge President Pamela Cutsinger installed officers during the January meeting.

Vice President James Lowak was absent and will be inducted at the next meeting.

Scholarship information has been provided to two junior members who will graduate high school this year. They are Cloe Bostick and Tanner Thomas.

Plans were made to have the hall floor stripped and waxed in April.

Door prize winners were Virginia Maha and Patricia Lowak.  The kitty prize winner was Elizabeth Cutsinger.

Members and guests enjoyed bingo games followed by a meal of turkey salad sandwiches and pecan pie.

– Reporter

the lodge recognizes membership pin recipients and announces the Humanitarian of the Year Award recipient. This meeting is determined by members and community events.

Paige

meets

on Feb. 12

PAIGE – Paige Lodge will hold a pizza luncheon at the noon meeting on Feb. 12.

At the January meeting, members met at Meyers Sausage Co. in Elgin for lunch. After the meal, a brief discussion was held on activities for the year.  Plans included a possible Easter egg hunt in April. Other events will be discussed at the February meeting.

Anton Wenzel Lodge split-the-pot winner was Veronica Gallaway pictured accepting her prize from President Ed Elizondo.

December birthday celebrant at Anton Wenzel Lodge was junior member Mia Murray, left, pictured accepting a gift from President Liz Dorrell.

Anton Wenzel Lodge will meet Feb. 7

Brenham Lodge plans fund-raiser for March 17

BRENHAM – Brenham Lodge will meet Friday, Feb. 10. Chili will be served, and members are asked to bring desserts.

Two fund-raiser events are scheduled for 2023. A steak and sausage meal will be held on March 17 and on April 21. Check the Hermann Sons Life news or the lodge’s page at hermannsonslife.org for updates.

President James Hyvl installed officers for 2023 at the January meeting.

Secretary Lena Mae Goessler reported she had received thank-you letters from the Salem, Washington, Meyersville and Prairie Hill-Rocky Hill volunteer fire departments for the lodge’s donations.

Shirley Rowen has taken over the duties of lodge hall rentals. She can be reached at 979-421-3332 or call the lodge hall at 979-836-2053 and leave a message. The lodge thanks Willie Brown for his many years of service handling hall rentals. The lodge recognized Decem-

ber birthday celebrants Melissa Ulrich, Robin Mann, James Hyvl, Shirley Ganske and Janice McClendon and January celebrants Judy Baichtal and Pearlie Hanath.

Agent Gary Falkenberg reported Hermann Sons Life annuities are paying 4 percent interest effective Jan. 1,

2023. The guaranteed rate is 1.5 percent. The maximum first year deposit is $300,000 with $50,000 being the maximum in subsequent years. There are no fees to open a Hermann Sons Life annuity. Gary can be reached at 713-466-6069 for information on insurance or annuities.

The lodge holds bingo games every Thursday night. Cards go on sale at 6:15 p.m. and games start at 7 p.m. and are usually over at 9:30 p.m. Games are open to the public and members are encouraged to bring friends. The bar is open during the games.

The attendance-prize winner

was Kevin Ulrich.

The lodge has scheduled the 2023 Christmas party for Saturday, Dec. 2. Allison Crowson and her band will play.   Everyone enjoyed a meal of homemade stew and desserts provided by the members prior to the meeting.

New Braunfels to hold memorial service Feb. 5

NEW BRAUNFELS – New Braunfels Lodge will hold a memorial service at the Feb. 5 meeting. A memorial service for members who passed in 2022 will be held. Rennie and Sandra Guenther will host a meal of

pulled pork. Members are asked to bring salads or desserts.

President Tommy Daum installed officers for 2023 at the January meeting.  The new officers are Violet Tanneberger, president; Karen Harborth, vice

president; Connie Krause, trustee; Debbie Vetter and Jolene Meuret, communications. All other positions remained the same.

Rennie Guenther and Phillip Neff celebrated birthdays in Jan-

uary. Phillip and Janice Neff celebrated their 56th anniversary.

Attendance-prize winners were Jolene Meuret, Dorothy Schneider, Karen Harborth, Dennis Schwab, Janice and Phillip Neff, Debbie, Jerome and Virginia

Vetter, Rennie and Sandra Guenther and Delbert Tanneberger.  Everyone enjoyed a chicken tender supper hosted by Tommy Daum served after games and refreshments.

Brenham Lodge members celebrating birthdays in December were Melissa Ulrich, Robin Mann, James Hyvl, Shirley Ganske and Janice McClendon.

Brenham Lodge members celebrating birthdays in January were Judy Baichtal and Pearlie Hanath.

New Braunfels Lodge President Tommy Daum installed officers for 2023 at the January meeting. Pictured are Violet Tanneberger, president; Karen Harborth, vice president; Connie Krause, new trustee; Debbie Vetter and Jolene Meuret, communications; Sandy Guenther, secretary/treasurer; Dilbert Tanneberger, trustee; Dennis Schwab, trustee; and Leola Stolte, Finance Committee.

New Braunfels Lodge members

Rennie Guenther and Phillip Neff celebrated birthdays in January.

New Braunfels Lodge recognized anniversary celebrants Janice and Phillip Neff, 56 years, at the January meeting.

Jourdanton presents awards, pin, donations

JOURDANTON – Jourdanton Lodge presented Humanitarian of the Year awards, a membership pin and a donation during the Christmas party on Dec. 8. President and CEO Robin Czarnek was in attendance. Robin, along with President Valerie Craig, presented a 60-year membership pin to Ira Niemann. Also honored were Linda Harper and Wendy Hilburn. Each received a Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Linda is the Wesley Nurse in Pleasanton. A Wesley Nurse is a faith-based community nurse. She has been with Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) since May 2014 and has been a nurse for 35 years. She assists with Bountiful Blessings that provides food to senior citizens and various health education events. Linda is vice chair for the Atascosa Interagency Council and has been instrumental in reigniting the Ministerial Alliance. She also cares for individual patients through education and ministry.

Wendy is the Wesley Nurse in Poteet and has been with MHM since August 2015. She has been a nurse for 24 years. She teaches health education at Las Fresas, health fairs, back-to-school events and food distributions.

Wendy also assists families with diaper assistance through the Texas Diaper Bank program. She

is part of an advisory committee for creating a wellness center in Poteet. She also cares for patients in her office.

Jay Fojtik, fire chief for the Jourdanton Volunteer Fire Department, was in attendance to accept a $760 donation for the lodge.

– Reporter

Columbus Lodge will meet on Feb. 13

COLUMBUS –   Columbus Lodge will meet Monday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. at Schobel’s Restaurant.

The lodge held its Christmas party at Schobel’s Restaurant on Dec. 12 with special guest Board Director David R. Noak in attendance.

David presented 70-year membership pins to Kenneth Wienken and Douglas Lilie.

Members who were not present but have earned their 60year pins are Dwight Mazac, Karen Nixon, Carolyn Poenitzsch and Gladys Stolle.

Officers serving in 2023 are President John Holub, Vice President Ellen Brendle, Secretary/ Treasurer Elena Holub; trustees, John, Elena and Douglas Lilie; Finance Committee, Elen Brendle, Elsie Kahlden and Virginia Fritsch; Cheer Committee, Elsie Kahlden and Reporter Virginia Fritsch.

Board Director David Noak, center, presented 70-year membership pins to Kenneth Wienken, left, and Douglas Lilie, right, during the Columbus Lodge Christmas social in December.

aged everyone to recommend new members. He also brought prizes for a – Reporter

drawing.

Jourdanton Lodge member Ira Niemann received a 60-year membership pin during the Jourdanton Lodge Christmas party. Pictured are, from left, President Valerie Craig, Linda Niemann, Ira and President/ CEO Robin Czarnek.

Jourdanton Lodge presented two Humanitarian Awards during the Christmas party. Pictured are, from left, President Valerie Craig, recipients Linda Harper and Wendy Hilburn and a Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) representative. Linda and Wendy are both Wesley Nurses with MHM.

Jay Fojtik, fire chief for the Jourdanton Volunteer Fire Department, accepts a $760 donation from Jourdanton Lodge President Valerie Craig during the lodge’s Christmas party.

Richland Lodge hosted the annual Christmas party on Dec. 4. President Tammy Kelley, left, and Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly, right, presented Ruth J. Pfennig her 80-year membership pin. She has been a member since Sept. 13, 1942, and resides in Fort Worth. In observance of Make a Difference Day, the lodge collected donations for Gather-N-Give to help families in need. Accepting the donations were President Gail Wilhelm along with Bill Crisp.

Richland Lodge pioneer receives 80-year pin

AVERY ELIASON is a member of PrinzSolms Lodge and is in kindergarten.

Her favorite food is watermelon and her favorite TV show is “Encanto.”

Avery enjoys reading, swinging, gymnastics, camping and arts and crafts.

She has one dog named Bridger.

Shining Stars

Valentine’s Day Crossword

CALLIOPE EMMA ROSE MOLINA is a member of Seguin Lodge.

Her favorite foods are raspberries and scrambled eggs. Her favorite TV show is “Gabby’s Dollhouse.”

Calliope’s favorite activities are coloring, playing with her three big brothers and playing outside.

GIDGET MCCORKLE is a member of Comfort Lodge and is in third grade.

Her favorite foods are steak, asparagus and mashed potatoes, and her favorite TV show is “Big City Greens.”

Gidget’s activities include gymnastics, dance, tennis, art, piano, playing with friends and climbing trees. She has chickens, a sheep, a horse, a donkey, cats and dogs.

ACROSS 2. Shoots arrows at people 4. Favorite Valentine’s Day color. 5. Favorite Flower for Valentine’s Day. 8. Cupid Shoot this and people fall in love 9. Many people send one to a friend on Valentine’s Day.

10. The name of this holiday is 11. Expression Often said on Valentine’s Day “Be ____.”

DOWN

1. Heart shaped candy with words 2. “Kisses” is one of this type of candy.

3. The month of Valentine’s Day.

6. Kids love Valentine’s Day because they want to eat a lot of 7. Valentine’s Day is the day of _____.

Valentine’s Day Word Search