Vol. 126, No. 5
INSIDE A message from President and CEO ➤ Pg. 2
Grief Support Camp held for Uvalde children ➤ Pg. 3
New sales agents ➤ Pg. 5
hermannsonslife.org
May 2023
Family Fun Day moves to Six Flags Fiesta Texas SAN ANTONIO – Get ready for some summer fun! All Hermann Sons Life members are invited to attend the Shining Star Family Fun Day on June 24 at a new venue, Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio. Invitations have been mailed to registered Shining Stars. Each Shining Star will receive one complimentary ticket. Shining Stars must have been registered by April 1, 2023, for free admission and be current on all premiums and dues. One chaperone ticket purchase is required for Shining Stars and that ticket is $60. All additional tickets for all ages are $65 each. Ticket purchase includes free parking, park admission with free access to the water park, a barbecue lunch with dessert and all-day access to all the park amenities. This is more
than a $100 value. Members will meet at the Picnic Pavilion at 11:30 a.m. and lunch will be served through 1 p.m. (Unfortunately, if season passes are used, lunch cannot be provided). Purchase tickets on the online website Store at hermannsonslife.org. Deadline to purchase tickets is midnight on June 11. For questions, contact the Member Benefits Department at 800-234-4124. If your junior member, up to 17 years of age, is not registered as a Shining Star, be sure to register for next year’s event. Shining Stars are featured in the newspaper and on the website. A registration form is provided on the Shining Star’s newspaper page or register online at hermannsonslife.org/shining-stars. Once registered, the junior will receive a fun packet in the mail.
Camp Open House is June 10 Hermann Sons Life to honor graduates SAN ANTONIO – We are proud of our member graduates! Hermann Sons Life will honor members graduating high school or college in 2023 by featuring them on social media and in the newspaper. The graduates will appear in the July issue of the Hermann Sons Life Newspaper and will also be posted on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin. Entries should include a contact phone number, student’s name,
which lodge they belong to, high school or university they are graduating from, future plans, parent(s) names and any school achievements and activities you wish to include. Photos should be of good quality or cannot be used. Email photos and information to elaines@hermannsonslife.org. The deadline to submit is June 10. For questions, call 800-2344124, ext. 279.
COMFORT – Everyone is invited to the Hermann Sons Life Camp Open House on Saturday, June 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Riverside and Hilltop sites. Juniors not yet old enough to attend Camp are especially encouraged to attend so they can begin learning all about the Camp experience. They are welcome to bring friends along. Participants will be able to tour the facilities, talk with Camp staff members, have lunch and take part in activities. The swimming pools will be open as well as the Challenge Course (sneakers required). Lunch will be available at both sites from approximately 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at no cost. Registration is not required and participants may come and go. While RSVPs are not required, they are helpful for meal planning. Emails can be sent to Executive Camp Director Ian Brassett at ianb@hermannsonslife.org. See more Camp news on Pg. 11
Page 2 – Hermann Sons Life – May 2023
President's Message HERMANN SONS LIFE 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 Krueger, Chair David Wolf, Vice Chair David R. Noak Stan Steiger Laura Tiffin Gerald Ziemnicki OFFICERS President and CEO Robin Czarnek Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier Kelley Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff 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
By ROBIN CZARNEK President and CEO While hosting leadership and team development trainer Jeremy Stone at the Home Office recently, we made time to take him on a tour of our amazing facilities in Comfort . Mr . Stone shared with me how special he thought it was that Hermann Sons Life honors our past by continuing the fraternal work of our founding fathers while still developing and nurturing future leaders through the Camp and Dance programs for an even brighter future . Hearing this from someone new to HSL made me realize what a special blessing we have and forged a newfound determination in me to continue to press forward in finding more and better ways to serve our members in our everchanging world of technology and innovation . With every dollar that you spend at HSL, a portion of your money goes right back into our community…your community . We recently had the privilege of hosting a special spring Grief Support Camp Session at our Hilltop Camp site . While
Robin Czarnek President and CEO we have held grief camps for several years now, this one was different . We were able to host a Grief Support Camp specifically for the children of Uvalde who hold a special place in so many of our hearts . With so much exploitation and negativity surrounding the tragedy at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, it was truly special to be able to take the children away from all the ugliness surrounding their situation and give them an opportunity to just be children again – to laugh and enjoy themselves .
Gary Falkenberg David Lewis Lori Todd
Not only did you help strengthen your community with this Camp, but you also proved once again that despite the evil that exists in our world, evil did not win . These horrific tragedies will always bring out the best in so many, especially within our HSL community . In addition to the lives positively impacted in Uvalde, our Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly, recently shared incredible numbers with me . In just the last decade, HSL has hosted nearly 17,000 campers at our Camp . Since the 1970s, HSL has provided an opportunity for nearly 125,000 of our junior members to attend Dance classes and take part in recitals . These are round numbers with duplications for repeat attendees, but what impressive statistics . You make this happen! Isn’t it incredible to know you’re making such a difference?! These children will not only learn, but put into practice the faith, friendship, love, loyalty and patriotism that are such an important part of HSL . These programs can and do make a positive impact in the
Lodge Reports
Pershing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
New This Month
Bexar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Mission-Alamo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
New Braunfels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Cibolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Columbus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 DaCosta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Monthly Features
Old Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
McGregor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Cat Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Niederwald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Poth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Richland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
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President's Message Calendar of Events Employee Spotlight Community Spotlight Howie's Happenings In Memoriam Memorial Donations Pioneers Grief Support Camp held in March
Sales News
San Marcos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4 4 5 6
Helotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Seguin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Youth News
Hochheim-Prairie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Shelby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Spring Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Deanville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Fort Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
community we serve as these amazing young people go and make their mark in the world and share the values that were reinforced at Camp and in Dance class . So many unforgettable memories and lifetime friendships are forged at HSL Camp and Dance, and more than one family began as a friendship at Camp or Dance . Some even choose to host their celebrations at Camp . I can’t think of a better place where such fond memories are made and wholesome values are practiced . You are more than HSL members and ambassadors, you represent the best part of HSL and make the world a better place . I hope that as you carry on in your daily lives, you will continue to share the friendship, love and loyalty that abound at HSL with your community and beyond . You can be proud of the impact you’re making . You can and do make a difference . My commitment to you is to work hard to find ways to grow and make progress so that we can be around to serve our community for generations to come .
2 3 8 8 10 12 12 13
Anton Wenzel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Dunlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
BUSINESS OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Kerry Ginn Anna Larie Keith Charles Knibbe Pat Spradling
Your investment benefits your community
Rosenberg-Richmond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Rutersville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Kirby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Twin Sisters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Louise Schuetze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Vineta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
1 9 11 24
Junior policy offers lifelong protection Recommenders listed Three new agents join sales team Agent Listings Family Fun Day Dance recital dates listed Camp news Shining Stars
May 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 3
Hermann Sons Life holds Grief Support Camp for Uvalde children By CECILY KELLY Vice President of Member Benefits After the tragedy in Uvalde, I had members and lodges asking me, “What are we going to do for Uvalde?” I wanted to do my research to make sure that our members’ investment was going to something meaningful and impactful. I also knew at that time that I wanted to reimagine how our Grief Camp was running. We had a wonderful relationship with the Children’s Bereavement Center, but it was time for a change. I found the Bluebonnet Advocacy Center on Facebook and started following what they were providing in the Uvalde area after the tragic shooting. I sent an email to their executive director to set up a phone call to see what they needed in ways of donations. After some back and forth, I was contacted by their new Executive Director Edward Gentry. We discussed the grief counseling the center was providing to the children of Uvalde and their families, and the needs of the organization to continue to provide support. That is when I floated the idea of having these children and counselors attend our Camp. He was excited about the opportunity but wanted to speak to his staff to get their feedback. Within a week, I received another call from Edward requesting a
On May 24, 2022, a mass shooting occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde where 18-year-old Salvador Ramos fatally shot nineteen students and two teachers, while seventeen others were injured but survived. During spring break in March, Hermann Sons Life provided a Grief Camp Session for children from Uvalde. tour and a meeting with him, his staff, Executive Camp Director Ian Brassett and myself. I happily agreed and after that meeting, we agreed to try it out! They were ready to go back and see how many families would be interested. After weeks of working and planning, Hermann Sons Life Camp hosted 13 campers and a grief counselor during spring break in March. For the safety of the children and due to the ongoing exploitation by the press, we did not advertise anything about this special camp session and photos were not allowed. I was able to attend one day to see for myself how impactful this was for these kids. The smiles on their faces were enough for my heart to know that we were do-
ing something special. I asked a few people what their first-hand experience was. Mike Hayes, EMT on duty during the grief session said, “It was an honor to be there and serve these amazing and resilient kids. Since the tragic day last year, Texans from all over were quick to support the Uvalde community. I was blessed to see this firsthand, but more importantly I witnessed not just an acute response that ended in a few days, weeks or months. Thankfully, the heart and passion of Texans serving the Uvalde community remains strong today. The Hermann Sons Life organization and staff did much more than provide a week of fun and fellowship for these kids and families. This week was filled with
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.
JUNE-AUGUST A full summer of Hermann Sons Life Camp is planned. For registration details visit hermannsonslife.org and check the newspaper for Camp news.
EVERY THURSDAY – Bingo is held every Thursday night at Brenham Lodge. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., cards go on sale at 6:15 p.m. Games start at 7 p.m. and are usually over at 9:30 p.m. Open to public. EVERY FRIDAY – Free live trivia at the San Antonio Home Association Rathskeller at 7 p.m. Get a team together or come solo. Prizes awarded.
JUNE 10 - Camp Open House, 9:30-1:30 p.m. in Comfort. 14 - Flag Day is observed. Lodges are encouraged to honor the flag at a special ceremony or at the June lodge meeting. 24 - Family Fun Day will be held at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. See Pg. 1.
MAY 6 - Join Hands Day will be observed. This is one of two days during the year when Hermann Sons Life lodges come together to do great things in their communities.
JULY 29-30 - The Hermann Sons Life Statewide Bowling Tournament will be held the last weekend in July at Bandera Bowling Center in San Antonio. See Pgs. 7-8.
Send lodge events to Elaine Hernandez Soto, at elaines@hermannsonslife.org.
smiles and laughs that many of these kids hadn’t experienced in quite some time. The support and care surrounding them by HSL staff was immeasurable. I was truly honored to serve these kids and their families and to have a small part in sharing a smile or laugh with them. Truth be told, these kids brought a significant amount of joy to my heart in interacting with them at camp this week. Thank you and Ian for the opportunity!” Edward wrote, “It’s difficult to put into words what a difference, an impact, that the generosity of Hermann Sons Life did by offering the camping experience to the children we work with. Your organization should take pride in acting as a server. You saw and met the practical needs of the children, allowed them to be free and accomplish their goals, while investing the time and energy of your organization to ensure the children’s success. The definition of compassion is ‘investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurt of others’ and for the Bluebonnet
Children’s Center, on behalf of the children we work with, Hermann Sons Life is a true model of compassion. We can’t thank you and your team enough for this amazing opportunity.” Jennifer Haby, counselor for BCAC said, “First, a huge thank you to everyone who was involved in the camp for our clients from Bluebonnet CAC. I am a therapist from Bluebonnet and was able to attend with our clients this week. I wanted to say that everyone at Hermann Sons Life gave the kids a place to feel free enough to laugh loud, smile big and create new friendships, and it was wonderful to be a part of it. Thank you all so very much!!” Hermann Sons Life looks forward to assisting the children of Uvalde in the future. If you or your lodge would like to donate to the Grief Camp, please contact call 210-226-9261, ext. 238, or email at leonnia@hermannsonslife.org. Or you can mail a check to Hermann Sons Life, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX. 78297, Attn: Grief Camp.
Editor/Communications Director Elaine Hernandez Soto 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.
Page 4 – Hermann Sons Life – May 2023
Sales
Junior life insurance policy offers a lifetime of protection By TERESA SAATHOFF Vice President of Sales Spring is in the air and summer is right around the corner. Many parents of our junior members are signing their children up for Hermann Sons Life Camp, and we are happy they are also sending referrals our way. When we get a camp referral, many say they have never heard of Hermann Sons Life, and we explain we are a full service not-for-profit fraternal life insurance company and our affordable camp for junior members is one of our member benefits. Only members can attend Camp and the only way a child can be a member is by having a life insurance policy with us. We need and want our members to spread the word about Hermann Sons Life. We need our members to understand, that not only do we offer wonderful member benefits, but we are a full-service life insurance company. We want to be the company you think of when you need an insurance quote due to life events that may cause you to need more protection like marriage or a new baby. Not only can Hermann Sons Life provide
whole life and/or term insurance to give a family peace of mind and protection, but our annuities can also help you start saving for retirement. That initial conversation with parents usually involves questions about Camp like availability for a particular week or if their child can be in the cabin with their friend. What I hope every parent also thinks about is that not only is their child going to have a great time at Camp, but they are purchasing a life insurance policy that will provide a lifetime of protection for their child. Since insurance is based on age and health, the younger you are, the cheaper the premium will be. The policies build cash value and can eventually be paid off. I bought Hermann Sons Life insurance policies for my four children when they were babies and their policies have built cash value. Their death benefits are now higher than what I purchased for them in the first place. Because of my decision to purchase policies when my children were babies, I was able to lock in premium rates at the age they were when the policies
were purchased. None of their premiums have ever increased and never again will my children be able to purchase whole life insurance for themselves at the premium price we locked in. While my children were not aware of the value of the life insurance we purchased for them then, as adults they now appreciate and understand its value. Compared to other camps, Hermann Sons Life Camp is a great value and my family definitely benefited. All four of my children attended Camp for five summers and my twin daughters went on to participate in the counselor-in-training program and then became camp counselors and worked for several summers. The counselor-in-training program even counted towards community service hours during high school, and it also looked great on their college applications. I am very proud of the fact that I made the decision to invest in life insurance for my children and that we are a 100 Percent Hermann Sons Life family. Taking advantage of the affordable camp experience for my children while having life insurance
in place for everyone in the family has been priceless. I probably should not admit it, but I loved and looked forward to the week they attended camp every summer. In fact, I was probably counting the days until they left. I also know for a fact that they also looked forward to the week away from home. It was always a peaceful week in my house without my children arguing, picking on each other or telling me how bored they were. As much as I could not wait to drop them off, I also could not wait to pick them up. I would check the mailbox each day with hopes of receiving a
letter from one of them, especially since I put addressed and stamped envelopes in their suitcases each year. I usually got a letter from my girls, but my boys were apparently too busy and having too much having fun to write a letter to their Mom. They all made great memories and some lifelong friends. As a mom who made dinner every night for my kids, it got on my nerves a little bit when they would go on and on about how good the food was at Camp and apparently the Rice Krispie treats were to die for, which at the end of the day doesn’t say much about my cooking.
100 Percent Families Hermann Sons Life welcomes three new 100 Percent Families. The Bierstedt, Kuhlman and Rakowitz families were all written by Agent Tracy Campos, a member of Cibolo Lodge. The Bierstedt family, Dawn, Brenley and Maezey are mem-
bers of Cibolo Lodge. The Kuhlman family, Tiffany, Cheyanne, Barrett and Amelia are members of Cibolo Lodge. The Rakowitz family, Sheri, Emmaline and Jameson are members of Cibolo Lodge. Congratulations to these families.
Castroville Lodge member wins recommender gift card The Sales Department is recognizing 27 more recommenders for the month of March. This brings the total to 83 members recommending and a total of 108 new members to Hermann Sons Life in 2023. The winner of a $50 gift card for March is Addison King of Castroville Lodge. Congratulations to the following March Recommenders: Recommender Agent Recommender Agent Keigan Patek, Stern Annette Roecker Denise Kellner, Siemering Marlin Tanneberger Rudy Benavides II, Corpus Christi Paula Gebert Addison King, Castroville Reagan Rogiers Micah Billingsley, Fort Worth Sandra Jones Katrina Kosub, La Vernia Marlin Tanneberger Avery Blalock, Paul Vogt Pamela Poulk Aleksandra Lally, Boerne Reagan Rogiers Klaire Bradshaw, Castroville Reagan Rogiers Mark Lee, Siemering Christopher Naughton Kendra Castaneda, Goliad Wayne Tiffin Isaac Lozano, Comfort (2) Angela Netherton John Dierksen, New Braunfels Bradley Klein Vivian Malish, New Braunfels Angela Netherton Jaxen Feland, New Braunfels Britney Cross Joyce Miller, La Vernia Marlin Tanneberger Mikaela Gaenzel, Taylor Reagan Rogiers Gracie Mitchell, Austin Shirley Faske Mikinley Gaenzel, Taylor Reagan Rogiers Kenley Nichols, Marion Lorene Bielke Lena Goessler, Brenham Gary Falkenberg Trax Nichols, Marion Lorene Bielke Macey Hahn, Yorktown Wayne Tiffin Maria Perez-Moryl, Vineta Angela Netherton Bryce Harvey, La Vernia Marlin Tanneberger Anistyn Pieper, New Bielau (2) Mary K. Seifert Audrey Haverkorn, Helotes (3) John Pacini Kasia Richardson, La Vernia Marlin Tanneberger Layla Hierholzer, Karnes City John Pacini Deena Vasbinder, Helotes Reagan Rogiers Jolie Hoberer, New Braunfels Shirley Huebinger "Shower Your Lodge Brian West, Spring Branch Deborah Allen Lucinda Hutcherson, New Braunfels (2) Shirley Huebinger with Membership!" Kathryn Jurica, Columbus Mary K. Seifert Jakob Willmann, Spring Branch (2) Reagan Rogiers
Sales Three new agents join Sales Team SAN ANTONIO – Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff announced three new agents, Allen Caldwell, Jenny Chumchal Popp and Jillian Leigh McDonald, have joined the Hermann Sons Life Sales Team. Allen Caldwell’s coverage area is Hays County. He has a background in education and enjoys helping people learn about options for planning their future. He is a father of four and said their activities keep him pretty
busy. Jenny Chumchal Popp’s coverage area is Shiner. She has been a Hermann Sons Life member since October 1990 and belongs to Shiner Lodge. She was a teacher for five years and an insurance agent for eight years. Jenny and husband Nick have been married for 15 years and have two sons, Brody, 13, Hudson, 11, and daughter, Bayler Claire, 5. Jillian Leigh McDonald’s cover-
age area is Lavaca County. She has been an insurance agent for six years and was a teacher for ten years. She attended Texas State University in San Marcos. Jillian has been married to husband Thomas for 13 years. They have three children, Maxwell, 11; Hadlee, 9, and Hazel, 5. “I am excited to welcome Allen, Jenny and Lillian to our team to help us grow Hermann Sons Life,” Teresa said.
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May 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 5
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Page 6 – Hermann Sons Life – May 2023
Agents Directory (alphabetized by area)
Alice Eddie Ramon • 361-701-0480 Paula Gebert • 361-701-7527 Atascosa Eulla Krueger • 210-863-0546 Austin Shannon Caldwell • 830-837-4535 Shirley Kuhen Faske • 512-789-3975 Brad Klein, FIC • 512-497-0678 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 Corpus Christi Paula Gebert • 361-701-7527 Coupland Brad Klein, FIC • 512-497-0678 Crockett Pat Fritz, FIC • 832-454-4483 Cuero Wayne Tiffin • 361-564-8144 Laura Tiffin • 361-564-8141 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 Fayetteville Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988 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 Jennifer Stryk Garner • 832-596-942 Terrel Maertz • 979-732-1727 Joseph Pugh • 281-844-8931 Gerald Ziemnicki • 713-622-9001 Jourdanton Laurie Steele • 210-414-4755 Katy Terrel Maertz • 979-732-1727 Robert Muniz • 281-986-0357 Kilgore 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 League City Joseph Pugh • 281-844-8931 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 • 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 Krystal Wilson • 623-698-8348 Nixon-Smiley Diana P. Moreno • 830-379-2244 (office) 830-534-4989 (cell) Orange Grove Paula Gebert • 361-701-7527 Paige Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988 Port Lavaca Nancy Annette Walraven • 361-237-1757 Round Top/Rutersville Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988 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 Angela Netherton • 210-831-1293
Sales Department 210-527-9113 • 877-437-6266 888-839-7667 Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff 210-892-0292 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 Marcos Allen Caldwell • 830-237-3217 Shirley Kuhen Faske • 512-789-3975 Janice Kuhen • 512-393-1431 Krystal Wilson • 623-698-8348 Shannon Caldwell • 830-837-4535 Schulenburg/Weimar Mary K. Seifert • 979-743-0312 Seguin Annette D. Roecker • 830-832-0724 Shiner Lillian Leigh McDonald • 361-594-2500 Jenny Chumchal Popp • 361-293-1329 Spring Branch Debbie Allen • 210-326-9753 John E. Moore Jr. • 210-621-7842 Stockdale Ronald Wiatrek • 210-771-4354 Victoria Jason Hybner • 361-652-6924 Waxahachie Mark Mundy • 214-202-8442 Wimberley Shannon Caldwell • 830-837-4535 Allen Caldwell • 830-237-3217 Yorktown Judy Wolf • 361-564-2452
May 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 7
Statewide bowling tourney July 29-30 in San Antonio SAN ANTONIO – The Hermann Sons Life Statewide Bowling Tournament will be held July 2930 at the Bandera Bowling Center in San Antonio, 6700 Huebner Road Leon Valley. • 90% Handicap • USBC Certified Tournament • Prize fund to be returned 100% • Entry fees: Team - $20 / Singles - $20 / Doubles - $20 / All Events (optional) - $5 Each fee consists of $10.25 for prize fund, $6.75 for lineage and $3 for expenses. The rules of the tournament are listed below. Use the form to the right to enter a team. For more information, call Sandra Jones at 210-523-1716. 1. At least two members of the team must be a member of Hermann Sons Life as of July 29, 2023. Two non-members per team is allowed. 2. Non USBC bowlers may pay an affiliate membership fee of $20, which will provide high score recognition. 3. Handicap is 90% from 220 for each bowler per event. 4. IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY: It shall be each bowler’s responsibility to determine that the submitted average is correct. Failure to use the correct average shall disqualify the score if submitted average is lower than correct average thereby resulting in a lower classification or more handicap. Prize winnings shall be based on the submitted average if it is higher than the correct average. However, corrections in averages may be permitted up to the completion of the first game of a series. Every entry blank must have each bowler’s highest USBC Certified 2021-2022 book average based on 21 games or more at the time of participation in the tournament. Bowlers not having a 2021-2022 average must use highest 2022-2023 book average based on 21 games. Bowlers not having 2021-2022 or 20222023 book average must use 2023 Summer average of nine games or more in one league at time of participation. See BOWLING, Pg. 8
58th Hermann Sons Life State Bowling Tournament JULY 29-30, 2023
6700 Huebner Road Leon Valley • San Antonio
ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED BY JULY 1, 2023 Event Date & Time Singles/Doubles Date & Time Team
1st Choice
2nd Choice
Remittance To Cover Team x $80 = Singles x $20 = Doubles x $40 = Non-Member Fee x $20 = All Events x $5 = Total Entry Fees
Official Use Only Entry #
Class Men/Women
Amount Enclosed
Amount Due
Confirmed Day/Time Singles/Doubles
Date Received
Confirmed Day/Time Team
Team Name: ______________________________________ City or Town Represented: _______________________ List bowlers' names in order of bowling - Lineup will not be rearranged! USBC No.
Lodge No. Team Lineup - Bowler's Name Complete Mailing Address
High Avg. All Rule #4 Events
1. 2. 3. 4.
If any of the above are delegates, please place an "*" beside his/her name. USBC No.
Lodge No. Singles/Doubles Bowler's Name 1. 2. 1. 2.
High Avg. Rule #4
Prize fund to be returned 100% Make all checks payable to: Hermann Sons State Bowling Tournament Mail entries to: Sandra Jones, Tournament Secretary 516 Janie Lane, Burleson, TX 76028 Phone: 817-781-7155 Any returned checks will carry a $20 returned check fee and must be paid prior to participation.
I, as Team Captain, have personally verified the above averages. Members are in good standing and agree to forfeit all claims for prize money in case of misrepresentation. No prize money will be paid until averages have been checked. Captain's signature __________________________________________________ Home Phone ______________ Work Phone _______________ Address ___________________________________ City, State, Zip __________________________ Team Captain please fill in below Association Manager's Name _______________________ Phone ______________ Address _______________________ City, State, Zip ______________________ (Please include attachment if more than one City Secretary needs to be contacted.)
Page 8 – Hermann Sons Life – May 2023
Community Spotlight
Boerne organization supports survivors BOERNE – The Transformation House is a non-profit organization located in Boerne that supports survivors of domestic violence. It provides transitional housing for families who have experienced abuse and who need a safe space and time to rebuild their lives. Services also include case management, therapy and mentoring. Families in the residential program stay for an average of eighteen months while they work to heal and rebuild their lives. Financial independence, while Date: not the only goal for residents, is an essential piece of a self -sufficient family. Therefore, each of the families is working and sav-
ing, or training for a future position that will allow them to earn a living wage. All the residents, children and adults, work with a licensed therapist to find healing. Therapy is also offered to the general public on a limited basis. A case management team works with clients to identify their goals. Once long-term
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goals have been identified, an individual plan is created for each family. The case management team provides referrals, resources and support to the clients. Each family is unique and therefore each plan is unique, but frequent needs include parenting classes, financial literacy training and basic computer skills. Donations sustain programming and go toward monthly expenses and also relies on volunteers for mentoring, event planning and serving on committees. For more details on donations and volunteering, visit info@ transformation-house.org.
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Employee Spotlight
Payne an officer of Hondo Victory Lodge SAN ANTONIO – Underwriting Support Specialist Debbie Payne has been employed at the Hermann Sons Life Home Office since January 2014. Debbie handles life insurance applications from beginning to end. She enters application data and takes the application through the various steps of the underwriting process to issuing policies and printing them. She also processes all returned mail and maintains customer mailing addresses. Debbie has been a Hermann Sons Life member since 2010. She belongs to Hondo Victory Lodge where she serves as a financial trustee and vice president. Debbie, who attended college for a couple of years, spent 16 years driving a truck all over the country. She made it into 47 states, Mexico and Canada. “I enjoy the work I do,” Debbie said. “There are good people here that I enjoy working
Debbie Payne with. I like knowing that Hermann Sons Life does all the wonderful things they do for communities.” “I have one son, Sean, who keeps me young and at the same time makes me feel so old,” she said. “I enjoy time with family, helping my mother and visiting with my brother. My favorite hobby is working on family genealogy. It is fascinating what information you can find about the people in your past.”
Bowling tournament entry form deadline is July 1 DOWN
e of writing that expresses emotions using 1. An intense feeling of deep affection. that rhyme. 3. Woman who gives birth or who has the eze someone tightly in one's arms, to responsibility of care for children. Cont’d from Pg. 7 2023. ss affection. 5. Another word for a present. 7. Any appeal or protest must e it easier for Mom to do something. 6. The quality of being friendly, generous, and xpressionBowlers of gratitude. be made prior to the payment of not having any of considerate. of the week we celebrate Mother's Day. 7. Touch the lips as#329. a sign of love. USBC Rule the above averages, but who prizes.with ing after those unable to care for Mothercheck payable to HERbowled 9 games in the 2022 8. Mom's 8. Make selves. 9. The seed-bearing of a plant. MANN SONS part STATE BOWLING tournament use Mom a surprise and domay this for her the this aver12. The fifth month of the year. ning.
after being received. 12. Entry fee is $20 per event. All Events is $5 optional. Non-members will pay an additional $20. 13. 100% of the prize money will be returned to bowlers. If bowler does not cash check withage for those 9 games in the TOURNAMENT. py Mother's 2023______. tournament. 9. All entries must be sent to in six months, prize winnings will USBC Rule 319(A-2) is waived the Tournament Manager no be forfeited. 14. All winners’ averages will (10 or more pins increase in av- later than July 1, 2023. All entries MOTHER HELP KISS postmarked the first post office be verified before distribution of erage). A:MAY2021-2022 yearbookFLOWER GRANDMA SUNDAY KINDNESS average. B: 2022-2023 yearbookHUG business day following the entry prize fund. 15. Prize ratio will be at least be accepted. average. C:BREAKFAST Summer 2023 aver-DAY closing date shallLOVE Tournament director reserves the one for every five entries in team, age (9 games or more in one sanctioned league right to accept applications up to singles and doubles. le Crossword www.AllFreePrintable.com 16. Prize ratio for All Events will the beginning of bowling as long at time of participation). be one prize for every 20 entries. 5. All bowlers must check in as lanes are available. 17. Plaques will be awarded to 30 minutes before scheduled to 10. NO ENTRIES WILL BE REbowl and should present their CORDED UNTIL MONEY IS RE- each event’s first place winners. CEIVED. 18. Multiple participation will current USBC Certified card. 6. Entry closing date is July 1, 11. No entry fee will be returned not be allowed, except in cases of
emergency where a bowler who has not participated already can not be found. At least three officers of the Executive Board must approve the substitute. This can only occur in the Team Event and Doubles Event. The decision of the Executive Board shall be final unless an appeal is made in accordance with Rule #329. 19. Two separate tournaments with two separate prize lists: one for USBC female members only and one for USBC male members only. 20. Average Adjustment USBC Rule #319E will apply. 21. No previous prize winnings need be reported. 22. USBC Rules will prevail in all instances not herein covered.
23. SQUAD TIMES (TEAM CAPTAIN WILL BE NOTIFIED OF DATE TO BOWL): – Opening ceremony will be held on July 29, 2023, at 10:45 a.m. – Singles/Doubles - Saturday, July 29 at 11 a.m. – Team - Sunday, July 30 at 10 a.m. Additional squads may be added during the course of the tournament, however no squad may be added after the final squad on July 30, 2023, at 10 a.m. 24. Two free team entries for 2023 Tournament (one male and one female) will be drawn for at the Annual Meeting on July 30, 2023. 25. Lanes will be dressed after each squad.
May 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 9
New website form available for newspaper reports SAN ANTONIO – A fillable Newspaper Lodge Report Form has been added to the Hermann Sons Life website, hermannsonslife.org. Go to Member Benefits – Lodge – Officer Forms, select Lodge Newspaper Reports. Lodge meeting details can be typed directly into the form and submitted online along with photos. Emailed reports and photos will still be accepted. The online form is an alternative method that is convenient and helps ensure all needed details are included in reports. News reports and photos can also be mailed.
Articles and photos submitted by cell phone text will no longer be accepted. For assistance on filling out the online form or to submit by email, contact Communications Director Elaine Hernandez Soto. Newspaper lodge reports should always include the lodge name, the reporter’s name and contact information in case of questions. In addition to news from the previous meeting and upcoming activities, reports should include upcoming meeting details including date, time and location. Information for photos should include a brief de-
scription/explanation and every person in the photo must be identified by first and last name, preferably from left to right. Photos should be of good quality and size or cannot be published. Please note, due to a new directive from the U.S. Postal regulations unit, any fund-raising events mentioned in news reports needs to include information on how the proceeds will be used. All lodge reports for the Hermann Sons Life Newspaper are due by the 10th of each month. While every effort will be made to include reports submitted after the deadline, there is no
Dance Recitals Castroville June 17 • 1-4 p.m. Medina Valley High School Performing Arts Center 8365 FM 471 S., Castroville
La Vernia/San Antonio/Lone Oak May 20 • 1 p.m. St. Phillips College 1801 Martin Luther King Dr., San Antonio
Cibolo May 7 • 45p.m. TLU Jackson Auditorium 1000 W. Court St., Seguin
New Braunfels May 21 • 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The Brauntex Performing Art Theatre 290 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels
Comfort May 13 • 1 p.m. Comfort High School 143 US-87 North, Comfort
NW Bexar June 3 • 6 p.m. Marion Sweat Auditorium 8000 Lobo Lane, San Antonio
Da Costa-Ganado May 20 • 6 p.m. Da Costa Hall 15736 FM 1686, Victoria
Poth May 13 • 1-2 p.m. Performing Arts Center EC High School 7173 FM 1628, San Antonio
Devine May 20 • 1-3 p.m. Devine Student Activity Center 605 W. Hondo St., Devine
Schulenburg May 13 • 3 p.m. Schulenburg Elementary Cafetorium 300 Bucek St., Schulenburg
Goliad May 6 • 6 p.m. Goliad High School Auditorium 746 N. Tiger Dr., Goliad
Seguin May 21 • 2:30 p.m. TLU Jackson Auditorium 1000 W. Court St., Seguin
Hill Country May 4 • 4:30 p.m. Smithson Valley High School 14001 Hwy. 46, Spring Branch
Stockdale May 13 • 4 p.m. Stockdale Junior High Gym 600 West West St., Stockdale
These are the recital dates that were available at press time.
Yorktown April 29 • 4 p.m. Yorktown ISD Auditorium 338 W. Main St., Yorktown
guarantee there will be room for it once the production process has begun. It is important to remember the newspaper runs ahead of schedule, for example, the January edition deadline is Dec. 10. The January edition is mailed out by the last week of December. Keep this in mind when promoting upcoming meetings and events. The newspaper is mailed monthly to subscribed members. Lodges are encouraged to share its news and photos as well as events for the monthly calendar in the newspaper and on the website. We welcome story ideas! If you have or know of a member with
an interesting story to share, please contact us. The Hermann Sons Life Newspaper is also emailed monthly to members who have requested a digital version option and have provided an email address to the Home Office. Members who would like to receive the newspaper by email or would like to be added to the post office mailing list should contact debbiep@hermannsonslife.org. The newspaper is also available on the website and is featured monthly on Hermann Sons Life’s social media pages. For any questions, call 210-2269261, ext. 279, or email elaines@ hermannsonslife.org.
Retirement Home
Bille DeSalme raises funds as “Bag Lady” “Comfort Bag Lady Mabelene Marie McGillicuddy,” aka Billie DeSalme, made her way around the Retirement Home Chili and Bean Cook-off selling her goods. Along with helpers Dennis Wigginton and McKenzie Gunnink, she sold peanut/pecan brittle, spicy crackers, jewelry, crochet kitchen towels and more at the cook-off held in March. The annual mascot extends her appreciation to everyone who purchased items to raise money for the Retirement Home Scholarship Fund. “Everyone was so generous, not only buying our items, but making donations too,” Billie said.
Page 10 – Hermann Sons Life –May 2023
Howie’s Happenings
Howie welcomes little brother to the family By ROBIN CZARNEK President and CEO This month’s Howie’s Happenings practically writes itself! Howie had a six-week long visit from our daughter, Haley’s dog, Tig. Haley was travelling a lot for work, and we were thrilled to take care of our granddog. He loved having a playmate and enjoyed his time with Tig so much. After Tig went home, Howie was in a funk and moped around. He managed to shred several things in his boredom, including insulation on our outside pipes, so thank goodness the cold weather is past for the time being. We decided that it would be best to get Howie a playmate. Howie went with us and helped us choose his little brother, Beau. Howie and Beau are two peas in a pod. They roll around and play together all day and get plenty of naps in between. With Howie’s help, Beau has settled in well and has easily learned the doggie door. We are still getting through the typical puppy chewing and Dave must regularly bring a load
of toys in from the yard, but they keep each other company well. While we are thrilled that Howie now has a little brother who keeps him occupied, we are finding that Beau might be the instigator. He’s a little more adventurous than Howie and he is all too happy to find Howie things to play with and chew on. Beau has brought a toad upstairs for us and bounced up the stairs with the trim to our deck. Not sure what we were thinking bringing home puppy #2 but he sure is adorable. He loves water and he (literally) will jump in his water bowl to splash around, so we are going to have to get these boys a kiddie pool! Dave really wanted Beau because he had the biggest paws. Needless to say, it looks like we’ll have two very large dogs on our hands and probably a new deck before too long. Howie and Beau wanted to share their friend, Tatum, with you. Tatum is a very sweet girl and ready for her forever home. If you’re interested in meeting
Tatum or any one of the other amazing dogs at HOTK9 or for more information, please email: hotk9rescue@yahoo.com to schedule a time to meet them. For more information and to view all of the amazing dogs available for adoption, please check out Heart of Texas SPCA / HOTK9 Rescue on Facebook or at www.heartoftexasspca.com. Keep in mind that Heart of Texas SPCA/HOT K9 Rescue is a volunteer run organization, so email is best.
Beau is Howie’s new little brother and partner in crime.
Tatum is looking for her forever home. Visit heartoftexsasspca. com for adoption information.
Hermann Sons Life Comfort Campership Application for Summer 2023 This application is for children who need financial assistance in order to attend Hermann Sons Life Camp. The application can be completed by a parent/guardian, but the short answer portion should be completed by the child. The Hermann Sons Life Comfort camperships pay half of the camper fee ($162.50 is half of the fee for a full week, $87.50 is half of the fee for the mini-camp session). Five camperships are awarded to Comfort Lodge members in good standing and one campership is awarded to any Hermann Sons Life member in good standing. The camperships being awarded to Comfort Lodge members are awarded on a first-requests-received basis and there is no application deadline. The campership awarded to any member is based on application evaluations by the Campership Committee and the application postmark deadline is May 12th. Applicants will be notified as to whether or not they were selected by May 15th. Campers who receive camperships from Comfort Lodge MUST still complete the online application and pay in full, but Comfort lodge will send a check for half of the camper fee to the address listed on the receipt for payment once attendance is confirmed for their selected week through the Home Office. Checks will be mailed on Monday of the week your camper attends Camp. Camper Information: Last Name: ________________________ First Name: ____________________ Date of Birth: ___/___/______ Lodge: _____________ Mailing Address: ____________________________ City: ________________
Zip Code: _______________
Primary Parent/Guardian Information: Last Name: ________________________ First Name: ____________________
Howie, right, and Beau enjoy napping together after a day of exhausting shenanigans. Below - Howie loves being included in family outings.
Phone Number: _________________________ Email Address: ________________________ Does the camper intend to attend a full-week session or the mini-camp session? ________ Short Answer Written by Child (Use a separate page, if needed) Why do you want to attend Hermann Sons Life Camp this summer? ___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please mail to (or scan to the email below): Hermann Sons Life Comfort Attn: Katie Miller 118 Braeburn Boerne, Texas 78015 Questions can be directed to Katie Miller at 830-456-9430 or katiemiller318@gmail.com
Camp News
May 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 11
Summer Camp is almost here and we’re excited! By IAN BRASSETT Executive Camp Director Whether it is your child’s first summer camp experience or they are returning for their fifth summer, it is very normal for the camper to experience a little nervousness with their excitement. Many times, in equal parts! It is critically important for parents to be supportive. One of the best parts of Camp is the experience of homesickness. Bear with me. Children are rarely allowed the luxury of being separated from their parents or family for an extended time. Camp allows children the opportunity to experience separation from family in a safe, caring environment. Camp is not just a place for children to have fun, it is a place for them to expand their circle of friends, try new activities and rely on a new dynamic. Be independent! One of the best outcomes we get at Camp is when a child experiences homesickness and confronts their feelings. Their counselors help guide them through their emotions and encourages the camper to make friends (the best cure for homesickness) and help them try new activities. Over 90 percent of the time, campers, without the close and immediate rescue of their parents, get through the week with a big smile on their face, new friends and great camp stories to tell. They leave camp with much more self-confidence in their ability to problem solve for themselves. I never promise that every day at Camp is better than the day before. How can I? In each dorm there’s a multitude of different personalities – campers and staff. Camp is a melting pot where children learn and grow. The culmination of these interactions is a child that knows they can simply be themselves to be liked. Camp has a way of showing children the best of themselves. One of the key factors in all
of this is the counselors in the dorm. Most of our American staff, 98 percent, were former campers and CITs before they became counselors. They have walked in your child’s shoes. They have experienced what it is like to be away from home. They have experienced what it is like to walk into a cabin without knowing anyone in there! It can be a little scary, I know this! Our counselors from their first interaction will be encouraging and fostering friendship within the dorm by playing games, leading discussions and supporting each camper. In addition to our counselors, we have a strong network of support staff for our campers (and counselors) – experienced staff that will help foster a caring environment. It is important that you, as parents play your part. Encourage your child to be strong. If there is any nervousness, make sure they understand that it is normal and to be expected. Tell them you believe in them and you know they will have a great time. Make sure you reinforce the great time they will have by discussing their favorite activities we offer. They control their summer. We want our campers to have the best summer camp experience. Encourage them to talk to their counselors if something (or someone) is irritating or bothering them. If they do not get the activities of their choice, make sure they speak to their counselors and senior staff. They can absolutely speak to me also. It’s why we are there. Sometimes, it’s the unknown that scares us a little. What will the cabin look like? What if I get lost? These are normal fears. Fortunately, we give tours on arrival day, the camps are relatively small and the kiddos are always supervised. Still nervous? I recommend you visit the camp if possible. The best time to visit is during the Open House. Open house will be held Saturday, June 10!
The Hermann Sons Life Camp Riverside and Hilltop sites will be hosting visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to this event to tour the facilities, talk with Camp staff members, have lunch and take part in some of the activities. Swimming will be one of the activities offered. The Challenge Course also will be open to interested individuals wearing sneakers. Open House is entertaining for the entire family. Many children like to bring their friends. Campers not yet old enough to attend Camp are especially encouraged to attend Open House so they can begin exploring and learning about Camp. Lunch will be available at both sites from approximately 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. There is nocharge for lunch. Even if you have attended Open House before, you’re welcome to come again. There is no need to RSVP – participants come and go as they please, however it would be nice to have a ball-park number. Please email ianb@hermannsonslife. org. Camp is often hardest for the parents. Your child has new friends, new activities, great counselors working with them and little down time. Parents have an empty room, possibly some down time and a quieter house. Things you think will be pluses, but for the first time or two, may be difficult. Please make sure you sign up for the Hermann Sons Life App. During the summer, we post photos almost daily where you can see your child participating and enjoying their summer Camp experience. You can also email your child daily (one-way). Be positive in your emails. Don’t focus on your doubts and fears, focus on your child. “I saw you playing soccer, you looked like you were having fun.” “I’m very proud of you”, and so on. Don’t discuss things like your dog misses you, the house is so empty without you, or I
Volunteers gathered at the Hermann Sons Life Camp for a workday on April 22. Among them were Doug Saathoff, Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff, Dave Czarnek and President and CEO Robin Czarnek, Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly and John Kelly. The workers helped get the Camp ready for summer.
can’t wait for Saturday, etc. These statements may well be true, but they may put a negative spin and guilt onto a child having fun. Campers may begin to think that their parents are suffering separation anxiety and feel guilty about having a good time while being away from their parents who need them so much. We’ve begun the process of staff training. I’ve already met with the directors of both camps, the CIT Director and the Program Director.
Plans are taking shape for our Leadership Training weekend in May. This is our two-week skill and staff development for counselors so we can provide your most precious possession with the best trained staff and care possible. And purchases are being made to provide the best equipment. Enrollment is plugging along a tick ahead of last year’s numbers – which is what we want. Sessions three and four are filling up the fastest at both Camps. Don’t delay, enroll today!
Page 12 – Hermann Sons Life – May 2023
In Memoriam of Our Deceased Members
CLIFFORD H. ATER Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died Sep. 8, 2018 • Age 96
EDWARD CARR JR. Harmonia Lodge Died Sep. 13, 2022 • Age 99
CLAUDE A. MERTZ La Grange Lodge Died Dec. 21, 2022 • Age 96
SUSAN Y. MCCORMICK Goliad Lodge Died Jan. 26, 2023 • Age 70
GLORIA PREUSSER New Braunfels Lodge Died Feb. 14, 2023 • Age 83
NELROSE ENKE Weesatche Lodge Died March 21, 2020 • Age 93
GLEN W. FISHER Rowena Lodge Died Oct. 11, 2022 • Age 65
CHARLES F. DLABAY Bryan Lodge Died Dec. 27, 2022 • Age 84
VERNELL E. NOAK Round Top Lodge Died Jan. 27, 2023 • Age 88
JULIUS J. DUBCAK Austin Lodge Died Feb. 15, 2023 • Age 83
NORDHAUSEN J. STOEVER Schulenburg Lodge Died April 13, 2020 • Age 94
VERNA M. LYON Poth Lodge Died Oct. 26, 2022 • Age 94
ROY F. DILLARD Anton Wenzel Lodge Died Jan. 2, 2023 • Age 80
LYNN A. MOORE Harmonia Lodge Died Jan. 30, 2023 • Age 89
CHARLES H. MIKOLAJCZYK Harmonia Lodge Died Feb. 15, 2023 • Age 85
LEROY SCHMIDT Prinz Solms Lodge Died Oct. 11, 2020 • Age 98
KENNETH W. BETTIN Giddings Lodge Died Nov. 20, 2022 • Age 77
CHARLEEN G. PETSCH Louise Schuetze Lodge Died Jan. 4, 2023 • Age 87
CLARENCE J. HOELSCHER Houston Lodge Died Jan. 30, 2023 • Age 90
PAULINE O. JONES New Bielau Lodge Died Feb. 16, 2023 • Age 86
GLENDA S. CRESSWELL Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died March 1, 2021 • Age 76
THOMAS F. KEMPER Austin Lodge Died Dec. 2, 2022 • Age 86
ROBERT M. MILLER JR. Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died Jan. 7, 2023 • Age 89
CLIFTON D. STUESSEL Cat Spring Lodge Died Feb. 4, 2023 • Age 91
KENNETH E. NORWOOD Cibolo Lodge Died Feb. 19, 2023 • Age 79
JOYCE B. ANDERSON Louise Schuetze Lodge Died Jan. 30, 2022 • Age 89
WALLY FABELA Schwertner Lodge Died Dec. 4, 2022 • Age 60
ROBERT E. JUNGMAN Hochheim-Prairie Lodge Died Jan. 7, 2023 • Age 76
LESLIE L. BETTIS Pershing Lodge Died Feb. 7, 2023 • Age 79
JUDY A. BROWN Seguin Lodge Died Feb. 19, 2023 • Age 75
LINDA M. MUEHLSTEIN Louise Schuetze Lodge Died Feb. 18, 2022 • Age 83
DELVIN L. REUTER Rosenberg Richmond Lodge Died Dec. 7, 2022 • Age 90
LINDA J. HART Castroville Lodge Died Jan. 17, 2023 • Age 66
MELROSE J. BENDELE Siemering Lodge Died Feb. 8, 2023 • Age 91
JIMMIE E. WARNKE Siemering Lodge Died Feb. 21, 2023 • Age 96
ALIENE M. FINKE Round Top Lodge Died Aug. 20, 2022 • Age 86
CHARLES B. CLARK Old Glory Lodge Died Dec. 12, 2022 • Age 90
EUGENE W. NESVADBA Rosenberg Richmond Lodge Died Jan. 17, 2023 • Age 91
GENEVA BOSCO Spring Branch Lodge Died Feb. 12, 2023 • Age 87
RUBY TIELSCH La Grange Lodge Died Feb. 25, 2023 • Age 95
IRENE FLETCHER Marion Lodge Died Jan. 21, 2023 • Age 85
LESTER F. LUDWIG Harmonia Lodge Died Feb. 13, 2023 • Age 94
ELIZABETH GOTTSCHALK Siemering Lodge Died Feb. 26, 2023 • Age 80
CLAUDIA WOTIPKA Louise Schuetze Lodge Died Jan. 26, 2023 • Age 92
BETTY J. NICHOLS La Vernia Lodge Died Feb. 13, 2023 • Age 89
LOIS M. RIEMENSCHNEIDER Yorktown Lodge Died Feb. 27, 2023 • Age 74
Donations Donations to the Home Fund in Memory of: ROBERT L. BARON ELIZABETH MACHA RUDOLPH ZALOBNY CHARLES KNESEK DARRELL G. SUPAK R.J. SMITH JR. ROY HAVEMANN MARVIN LAFFERE DORIS STRAUSS DELETHA D. RYAN EDMUND D. PERRY EDGAR J. SCHIGUT Donor: Deanville Lodge
MINOR L. THACH Donor: Dallas Lodge
The names of deceased members are listed on this page only after a death claim has been filed.
Pioneers
MARGUERITE E. MICHAELIS CLIFTON D. STUESSEL Donor: Cat Spring Lodge LESLIE L. BETTIS RONALD W. SCHAEFER Donor: Pershing Lodge
SHERRY L. MCGLOTHLIN Donor: Roscoe Lodge
Donations to the Home Scholarship Fund in Memory of: JOHN DUPLISSEY Donors: Sam and Sandra Jones
Donations to the Camp Fund in Memory of: BOBBY W. KOYM Donor: New Bielau Lodge
LORETTA M. BRUGGER Donor: Rutersville Lodge
Patricia Spaw received her 75year membership pin. She had been a member since Aug. 5, 1948. A resident of Midland, she was a member of Old Glory Lodge. Her daughter said she was excited when she received her pin. Sadly, Patricia passed away on Feb. 28, 2023.
Hermann Sons Life Chair of the Board Kimberly Krueger, center, recently received her 50-year membership pin. Presenting her pin at the Home Office were President and CEO Robin Czarnek, left, and Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly. Kimberly has been a member since Feb. 27 ,1973. She is a member of Stockdale Lodge.
75 Years W.W. BEUHLER JR. Anton Wenzel Lodge
Pioneers DIANA L. JONES Gonzales Lodge CURTIS L. NICKEL Helotes Lodge
SUZANNE B. ELLIS ROBERT L. PARGMANN Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Hochheim-Prairie Lodge R.G. ALLEN JR. El Campo Lodge
ELIZABETH BLAIR ROY W. KAASE JR. Houston Lodge
PATRICIA P. BOERNER MARGARET A. CONDITT CAROLYN C. DOYLE Fort Worth Lodge
BARBARA A. DOLAN SANDRA K. LAMANSKI JOAN M. STEINBACH Louise Schuetze Lodge
VERNELL J. DOHMANN JUNELLE E. LINCKE VERDA M. STYRA Gruenau Lodge CHARLES E. DYER WILLIAM H. RICHARD Harmonia Lodge
MAY ROWELL STEWART R. ROWELL JAMES A. WINKLER Cibolo Lodge
PATRICIA A. STOEVER Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge
K.K. CLINGINGSMITH Seguin Lodge
CYNTHIA R. SCHULZ Gulf Lodge
JAMES R. MORRIS Fort Worth Lodge
THOMAS G. ISBELL Siemering Lodge
MARK D. ZIMMERMAN Harmonia Lodge
LISA G. CRENWELGE MICHACL D. HOWARD SHARON HOWARD Fredericksburg Lodge
ROBIN A. CLOBERDANTS Vineta Lodge
JUDY L. LEIST Hochheim-Prairie Lodge
SHARON BENDER Gay Hill Lodge
EUGENE L. MEUTH ALICE L. MILLER Plum Lodge
ANGELA S. HENDERSHOT JOHN S. HENDERSHOT Gonzales Lodge
JUDY K. MOGONYE GEORGIA A. NORMAN Austin Lodge
FRANCES E. CHERRY Poth Lodge
DEBRA N. HOWELL Brenham Lodge
PHYLLIS D. BEHREND Richland Lodge
MARILYN D. MILLS La Vernia Lodge
JAMES R. WOLFF Round Top Lodge
MARK A. GRAFF Hondo Lodge
LARRY J. KLITSCH Schulenburg Lodge
JANET R. GRAFF SHAUNA G. MOLDENHAUER Hondo Victory Lodge
RUSSELL W. HAWKES
JANIE R. ELKIN Womack Lodge
70 Years CHARLES W. VOIGT Comfort Lodge GLENNDALE KIEL MARGARET A. POLANSKY Deanville Lodge
50 Years
DEBORAH CABAZA Brunhilde Lodge CARROLL T. KELLER SCARLETT A. KELLER Castroville Lodge KAREN J. PARTAIN Columbia Lodge SHANNON F. NEILL Comfort Lodge
CAROL A. ARTHUR Kirby Lodge
JULIE A. DAHLMANN MATTIE L. HUNT
HAROLD E. KAMINSKI Converse Lodge
SUSAN J. EHLINGER Louise Schuetze Lodge
PHILIP N. ESCHBERGER Coupland Lodge
60 Years
JUDY M. VOIGT New Bern Lodge
SYLVIA A. HODGES STEVEN L. ZEPLIN Da Costa Lodge
JANET A. CHALUPA VIRGINIA WENTRCEK Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge Abilene Lodge AGNES E. BEHRENS Vineta Lodge
TAMI D. POSTON Waco-Robinson Lodge
JUNE D. PIERCE Niederwald Lodge
CAROLYN S. RICHARDSON Siemering Lodge McGregor Lodge
THOMAS D. BLACKWELL III STEPHEN A. HEJL VINCENT J. HEJL ALEXANDER B. SOLANIK Austin Lodge JAMES S. WORD Biry Lodge MICHAEL W. GOSS ROCHELE A. MOHR Brenham Lodge
CURTIS D. DOSS Giddings Lodge
CAROL F. MENGER Plum Lodge
MARY E. BLACK CURTIS W. PERKINS Corpus Christi Lodge
BOBBY W. BARTELS Kypfer-Salge Lodge
PAUL TRAEGER JR. Poth Lodge
MARGARET S. BRAUN FRANCIS G. HOOKS DAVID C. SCHWARTZ JUDY L. TABBERER Pershing Lodge
GAYLE A. R. FOSTER LILLIAN H. HAVEL VIVIAN K. HAVEL LARRY J. MERCER STEVE J. RAINEY Gonzales Lodge
JAMES F. DENSON JR. ROBERT C. RAIFORD KENNETH J. STOVALL WENDEL G. VOIGT JIMMIE W. ZIGMOND Harmonia Lodge
BARBARA C. SAMSEL Louise Schuetze Lodge
May 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 13
NANCY O. RITCHEY LINDA M. WAGNER New Bielau Lodge RICHARD L. BEST MARK V. COLLINS New Braunfels Lodge V.L. VAHLENKAMP JR. Old Glory Lodge ETHELEE N. MCCLURE Paul Vogt Lodge
GERALD W. JONES Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge DONTEE A. KIEHN El Campo Lodge ROY G. MUELLER Ellinger Lodge MARVIN W. FREYTAG Flatonia Lodge DONNA A. BRUNS DAMON P. CLEATON Fredericksburg Lodge DONALD R. SMITH Gay Hill Lodge
WADE A. FINGER Hondo Lodge DIANNE H. BROWN Hondo Victory Lodge RALPH P. SCOTT Jourdanton Lodge JENNIFER S. JOHNSON Karnes City Lodge KAREN A. MURPHY Kirby Lodge CALVIN E. DIECKOW WILLIE J. WALPOLE La Vernia Lodge CRISTIN E. FULLER Louise Schuetze Lodge BEATRICE M. SCHMIDT Old Glory Lodge DANA W. GEORGE Poth Lodge JANICE M. BLISARD Richland Lodge BARRY A. JUREK Rowena Lodge JASON C. HAJEK San Marcos Lodge WILLIAM E. BUCEK Schulenburg Lodge TERRY L.M. RUCKMAN FREDRICK SEWARD III Seguin Lodge JO ANN MUEHLSTEIN Shiner Lodge SANDRA M. ZAMORA Siemering Lodge DAVID L. BIESENBACH Spring Branch Lodge JAMES R. JOHNSON JR. Waco-Robinson Lodge
Page 14 – Hermann Sons Life – May 2023
Spring Branch Lodge to meet May 21 BULVERDE – Spring Branch Lodge will meet May 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the Bulverde Community Center. The lodge is planning a Join Hands Day project and will select a charity at the May meeting. Cheerperson Alverne Halloran reported condolence cards were sent to the families of Sandra Lee McDonald, Henrietta (Jo) Schwab, Ruby Jo Farris, Melba Kraft and Geneva (Neva) Bosco. Correspondence from the Home Office included information about the Shannon Gaffney Scholarship Golf Tournament scheduled for April 8. The lodge donated a gift card to the Spring Chicken Fest raffle. The event was scheduled for April 30 at the Bulverde Community Center. Birthday celebrants were Ed and Kay Gefken. They also celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary.
Cameron Lodge will meet June 20 Vice President Darrell Woody, from left, presents birthday gifts to Kay and Ed Gefken at the March meeting. The Gefkens also celebrated an anniversary. Attendance-prize winners were Jane Wanke, Darrell Woody, Carl Wanke, Karen Woody, Kay Gefken, Mary Woody, Sandra
Cameron Lodge recognized birthday celebrants Susan and David Ehler at the March meeting held at Dairy Queen in Cameron. President Ehler installed the 2023 officers. A schedule of 2023 meeting dates was distributed. Door-prize winners were Susan Ehler, Shirlynn Buck and Douglas Buck. The next meeting is on Tuesday, June 20.
Duncan and Timmie Bosco. The Woody family provided food. – Jane Wanke
Hochheim-Prairie Lodge to assist with church event YOAKUM – Hochheim-Prairie Lodge will meet Sunday, May 7, at 5 p.m. In observance of Join Hands Day, members will assist St. Ann’s Catholic Church with its fund-raiser on May 7. There will be several organizations participating and helping wherever needed.
President Janet Zabransky will present a senior scholarship from the lodge in May. Happy birthday to Joyce Word who celebrated her 89th birthday on April 2. Roberta Wenzel was the April attendance-prize winner. – Reporter
Hochheim Prairie Lodge member Joyce Word celebrated her 89th birthday on April 2.
Corpus Christi Lodge to meet at Miller’s BBQ Corpus Christi Lodge members, from left, Debbie Mazur, Cheryl Garcia and Kerry Ginn were the door-prize winners at the April social/ potluck held at the Hilltop Community Center. Bingo was played. The next business meeting is May 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Miller’s BBQ located at Leopard and McKenzie.
Seguin Lodge awards prizes The lucky door-prize winners at the Seguin Lodge March Meeting were, from left, Hattie Gerdes, Annette Roecker, Allen Gescheidle, Dottie and Jeff Kallies, Howard Huebner and Ernst Hartman Jr. The first reading to increase lodge dues was held. The next meeting is Wednesday, May 17, at the hall at 7 p.m.
Kamberlie Bainbridge was the 50/50 winner at the Corpus Christi Lodge April social. She also was a junior bingo winner.
May 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 15
Cat Spring to meet June 8
Pershing will celebrate Mother’s Day
CAT SPRING – Cat Spring Lodge will meet June 8 in Cat Spring at 6:30 p.m. The lodge will provide fried chicken and ice cream. Members are asked to bring sides.
SAN ANTONIO – Pershing Lodge will meet May 3 at 7 p.m. Fried chicken with sides and a cake will be served for Mother’s Day. Call 210-227-3085 to RSVP for the meal. In observance of Join Hands Day in May, members are asked to bring bottled water, hydration drinks and snacks for a donation to the Bexar County ESD 12 Fire and Rescue Department. It serves the rural area on the east side of Bexar County. The lodge welcomes new member Waylon James Tate. Dorothy A. Averitte has transferred to Castroville Lodge. Members mourn the loss of Leslie Lee Bettis and Ronald W. Schaefer. Celebrating birthdays in April were Andrew Janowski and Sharon Mainz. Both went home with a prize.
In April’s report, the anniversary celebrants were Lewellyn and Alice Gross, not Lucille. My apologies for the error. – Pat Klotz
Helotes will award prizes HELOTES – Helotes Lodge will meet June 13 at 7 p.m. A hot meal will be provided
and cash door prizes will be awarded. – Reporter
Louise Schuetze meets May 8 SAN ANTONIO – Louise Schuetze Lodge will meet May 8 in the Rathskeller at 6:30 pm. Mother’s Day and Join Hands Day will be cel-
ebrated. Dinner will be provided. Call Secretary Janet Abell for questions at 210-363-4022. – Reporter
Richland will clean cemetery PLUGERVILLE – Richland Lodge will meet Sunday, June 6, at Richland Hall. At the April meeting, members sorted and bagged flowers and flags for the Join Hands Day cemetery project. Appreciation is extended to all who helped. All lodge members are encouraged to be at St. John
Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery (Richland Community) on Sunday, May 7, at 1:30 p.m. to participate in this year’s Join Hands Day project. Members of the Cele 4-H will join lodge members at 2 p.m. For questions, contact Tammy Kelley, Darryl Hodde or Harvey Hodde. – Reporter
Columbus to meet at Schoebel’s
COLUMBUS – Columbus Lodge will meet June 12 at 6 p.m. at Schoebel’s Restaurant. The lodge welcomes new junior member Abigale Grace Jurica. President John Holub installed Kelsie Kahlden as Membership Coordinator for 2023 at the April meeting.
Agent Terrel Maertz spoke about summer Camp and said registration is underway. He also reported annuities are still paying 4 percent interest. Elsie reported sending getwell cards to Gladys Stolle, Virginia Fritsch and Helen Hammack. – Virginia Fritsch
McGregor Lodge has new junior MCGREGOR – McGregor Lodge will meet May 2 at 5 p.m. at George’s in Hewitt. The lodge welcomes new member Elizabeth Sneed. Elizabeth is excited to attend camp and has lots of cousins who attend, and some are camp counselors. Members look forward to hearing a report on her experience. Congratulations to Darren Wiethorn on his 50 years of membership. He has been a member since April 10, 1973. Sympathy is extended to
Bobby Earl Luedeker and his family on the loss of his brother, LeRoy Luedeker and brother-in-law, Marvin Reich. Get-well wishes went out to Bobby Earl Luedeker, Jerome Weinstrom and Diane Weinstrom. Happy anniversary to John and Teresa Sneed who celebrated 48 years on April 26. Birthday celebrant Doris Mooney was recognized. Door-prize winners were John and Teresa Sneed. – Doris Mooney
Celebrating April birthdays at the Pershing Lodge were member Andrew Janowski and Sharon Mainz. James Lay won the $35 attendance prize, and Loyd LeBlanc
won the split-the-pot drawing. – Dorothy Pawlik
Houston will volunteer at food bank HOUSTON – Houston Lodge will meet Monday, May 8, at Don Jose’s Restaurant for a social hour at 6 p.m. Members will work at the Houston Food Bank for Join Hands Day, Saturday, May 6, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The lodge welcomes new junior member, Kiki Van Brussel. At the April meeting, correspondence from the Home Office included information on Camp registration, the schedule and fees. Agent Gary Falkenberg report-
ed sales are up in life and annuity policies. Members were happy to see Gary after being on the sick list. Samantha Thomason received the lodge’s schedule cards from the Home Office and passed them out to members. The rest of the 2023 meetings in July, August, September and October will be held at Don Jose’s. In June, the picnic will be held at Hickory Hollow. The Thanksgiving meeting on Nov. 6 will be held at Ethelene Marshall’s residence, and the Dec. 9 meeting will be held
at Logan’s Roadhouse. It was reported that Ronnie, who took care of Sokol Hall, has passed away. Happy Birthday was sung to March celebrants Addison Sewell, Gary and James Ellison Winners in the monthly-attendance drawing were Gary, Samantha Thomason, Peggy Haas, Duane Haas and Rueben Heldberg. If you have any questions about Houston Lodge, call Catherine Manchack at 832-443-0469. – Reporter
Fort Worth welcomes new member FORT WORTH – Fort Worth Lodge will meet at Spring Creek Barbecue in Burleson on May 28 at 3 p.m. Membership pins will be presented as well as Join Hands Day donations. The lodge is happy to welcome new member Olenna Hatcher. The lodge is one more member closer to the 2023 goal of nine new members. Keep those referrals coming in and the goal will be met. Thanks to all who have recommended members. Patricia Boerner, Margaret Conditt and Carolyn Doyle have
reached 75 years of membership. They have been members since May 5, 1948. James Morris, a member since May 14, 1963, will receive a 60-year membership pin. Congratulations to these pioneers. They are invited to the May pin presentation meeting. Parents there is still time to order Camp T-shirts for juniors. Send a note with size to Ronnie Jones at 11704 Frazier Lane, Crowley, TX 76036. This T-shirt request also enters them in the drawing to win funds toward
their Camp registration fee. Sympathy is extended to the family of Linda Cole. Linda joined the lodge in 1972. Sympathy is also extended to Kecia Andries on the loss of her father and to Vince Wos on the loss of his brother. Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers. Happy Birthday wishes to Rylee Carter-Clanton, Virginia Crawford, Jarad Hanna, Makenzie Hazelwood, Tristan Hilbig, Valton LeWallen, Dale Potter and Bradly Whitley. – Reporter
Page 16 – Hermann Sons Life – May 2023
San Marcos Lodge will hold game night June 5 SAN MARCOS – San Marcos Lodge will meet Monday, June 5. A game night is planned, and fried chicken is on the menu with Yvonne Reimers as host. At the April meeting, lodge members and Navarro 4-H and FFA Club members gathered in the garage of President Agnes Dreibrodt. In observance of Join Hands Day, they signed “Happy Easter” greeting cards for residents at the senior assisted living facility in San Marcos and for senior lodge members who have not been able to attend monthly meetings. The Family Picnic was discussed. It will be held Saturday, July 8, beginning at 2 p.m. at Zorn Bowling Lanes. John and Betty Schawe and Betty Rust will be hosts. Cheer Committee member Mary Lou Preuss gave an update on the visit she and her husband Billy had with Esther Schmidt and
After preparing Easter cards for seniors, San Marcos Lodge members were ready to share a meal at the April meeting. The greeting card project was held in observance of Join Hands Day. Marshall McQuaig. She reported a sympathy card was sent to the family of Elizabeth BeeCroft who resided in Corpus Christi. A head count was taken for the visit to the Painted Churches on May 1. Members will meet at the Zorn Bowling Lanes parking lot
Busy signing Easter cards at the April meeting of San Marcos Lodge are Lillian Cargil, Janet Magin, Peyton Trapp, Katie and Ava Clark, Betty Rust, Janice Kuhen and Mary Jane Smith.
and leave at 8:45 a.m. The visit cost is $18 per person and the tour guide for four churches is $50. Attendance-prize winners were Benhard Faske and Mary Lou Preuss. – Reporter
New Braunfels Lodge to meet May 7 NEW BRAUNFELS – New Braunfels Lodge will meet May 7. Meat will be furnished, and members are asked to bring sides and or desserts. Delbert and Violet Tanneberger will serve as hosts. The hall and tables were decorated for Easter and 12 new members were welcomed at the April meeting. Tommy Daum reported local schools were contacted with information on the lodge’s scholarships for graduating seniors who are members. It was reported the city is planning a “Field of Graves Memorial” to be built to honor early settlers who are buried in unmarked graves.
San Marcos Lodge members, from left, Mary Lou Preuss, Billy Preuss, Yvonne Reimers, Janet Magin, Agnes Dreibrodt and Janet Boehringer sign Easter cards for residents and the Sage Senior Facility and for lodge seniors who are unable to attend meetings. The project was held in observance of Join Hands Day.
Dallas plans July gathering Anniversary celebrants Leroy and Hannalore Brotze were recognized at the April meeting of New Braunfels Lodge.
New Braunfels Lodge birthday celebrants Debbie Vetter and Janice Neff were recognized at the April meeting.
Attendance-prize winners were Connie Krause, Shirley and Michael Huebinger, Jerome and Virgina Vetter, Tommy Daum, Sandra Guenther, Phillip and Janice Neff, Dorothy Moose,
Lenora Mueller and Karen Harborth. A barbecue supper, hosted by Jolene Meuret, was served after games and refreshments. – Reporter
Old Glory to hold pin presentations in May OLD GLORY – Old Glory Lodge will meet May 7. Pin presentations are planned, and hamburgers will be served. Members are asked to bring desserts. At the April meeting, Justine Corzine informed members the
new chairs and tables were in, and the storage container was ordered. Lou Corzine has purchased the crock pots and microwave. It was also reported the April dance was a success. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Johnny
E. Pittcock and Tommy Dale Cook. The lodge recognized birthday celebrant Betty Weise. On the sick list were Diane Smith, Deb Vahlenkamp, Betty Weise and Gladys Vahlenkamp. – Reporter
DALLAS – Dallas Lodge will meet Sunday, July 23, at 1 p.m. at the hall. Members are encouraged to attend and support the lodge. Complimentary food and drinks will available. At the March meeting, President Andy Schellenberg reported the Scholarship Committee has sent out applications to three high school seniors. He also reported Camp registration had opened. Camp is open to juniors 9-14, and a MiniCamp is available for juniors 8 to 9 years of age. Correspondence included a letter from Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff. The lodge’s new membership goal for 2023 is four new members. Lodges will earn $50 for meeting their goal and ad-
ditional $25 if the goal is exceeded. Cards for prospective members were handed out and members were reminded Medicare is available now. Eva Day reported the Join Hands Day project is pending. She also reported the “Dallas Morning News” featured a story about the oldest Dallas bars. Sons of Hermann Hall, founded in 1910, was the oldest. Congratulations to the following membership pin recipients, Michele D. McClure received her 60-year pin and resides in Nacogdoches. Thomas E. Blew received his 50-year pin and resides in Houston. Steve Schellenberg won the attendance prize. – Reporter
May 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 17
Da Costa hosts more than 70 children at Easter party DA COSTA – Da Costa Lodge will meet May 9 at the lodge hall at 6 p.m. The Da Costa/Ganado Schools of Dance recital is Saturday, May 20, at 3 p.m. at the hall. Everyone is welcome to this free event. At the March meeting, Elizabeth Vasquez was voted in as treasurer and Sayra Boop as new hall manager. The lodge held its annual Easter party on Saturday, April 1. There were 70 children who participated in the Easter egg hunt. The children also enjoyed egg races, musical chairs, coloring and more. The Easter Bunny enjoyed hunting eggs with the children and lots of pictures were taken. Thank you to everyone who donated candy, money, toys, baked goods and their time to help make this another successful event. That night the Chris Zuber Band played
Children enjoyed an egg hunt, races, musical chairs, coloring and more at the annual Da Costa Lodge Easter celebration held in April.
Volunteers at the Da Costa Lodge Easter party held in April are pictured with the Easter bunny.
some great country music. Thanks to everyone for their continued support and help in keeping the dance hall going. Spread the word by mouth or on social media. Upcoming dances
from 8 p.m. to midnight. Children 12 and under are free. Mark those calendars for the DaCosta Volunteer Fire Department’s 39th Annual Fund-raiser on June 10. Barbecue plates will be
Winners of the Easter candy-guessing games are pictured at the annual Da Costa Lodge Easter celebration.
include the Rick Evans Band on May 13; a luau on June 17 with Tommy Reed and the Texas Express Band; and on July 8 the Red Ravens will perform. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the music is played
Pictured at the Da Costa Lodge Easter celebration are, from left, President and Hall Manager Sayra Boop, Treasurer Elizabeth Vasquez, the Easter Bunny, Home Association Vice President Sarah Pribyl and Vice President Barbara Hybner.
Niederwald Lodge will meet May 2 Door-prize winners at the Niederwald Lodge April meeting were Adline Schubert and Catherine Blackard. Janice Kuhen and Lyndon Homann were on the sick list. The lodge will meet May 2 at 11 a.m. at the Senior Citizen Activity Center.
served starting at 4 p.m. The event also includes a live and silent auction, raffle and Wheel of Treats. The live auction starts at 5:30 p.m. – Sayra Boop
Musical chair winners at the Da Costa Lodge Easter celebration are pictured with the Easter bunny.
Deanville Lodge hosts egg hunt Deanville Lodge had an early visit from the Easter Bunny at the March meeting. Children from the community enjoyed an egg hunt and snacks. Plans for the annual Fourth of July celebration were discussed. Members are encouraged to attend lodge meetings held on the last Sunday of each month.
Page 18 – Hermann Sons Life – May 2023
Twin Sisters to help clean cemetery TWIN SISTERS – Twin Sisters Lodge members will observe Join Hands Day by holding a clean-up day at Blanco Cemetery on Saturday, May 6, from 8-11 a.m. The lodge will join with the Cemetery Association in inviting the Blanco community to participate. Pin presentations will be held at the June 4 meeting. A fish fry
is planned along with sides and desserts. The lodge sponsored a hole for the Shannon Leigh Gaffney Scholarship Fund Annual Golf Tournament held April 8. Also approved, was a donation to this summer’s Grief Support Camp Session. Celebrating April birthdays were Stephen Hartmann and
Maverick Ethridge. Kent and Sherry Weber will celebrate their anniversary on May 29. Myron Ethridge helped draw names for door prizes. The names of Kaden Morash and Ethan Morash were drawn but they were not in attendance. Members enjoyed a barbecue dinner following the meeting. – Reporter
Cibolo Lodge will meet on May 4 Vineta Lodge to celebrate Mother’s Day Vineta Lodge member Beth Byron, left, is pictured with employees from the St. PJ’s Children’s Home. Members prepared Easter baskets for the children at the home for Join Hands Day. The lodge will celebrate Mother’s Day on May 4 with a meal from Little Italy restaurant. Call Ruth Bailey at 210-707-3652 to RSVP.
CIBOLO – Cibolo Lodge will meet Thursday, May 4, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Universal City. The main dish will be lasagna and the men are responsible for desserts in honor of Mother’s Day. An email will be sent out to remind everyone. Those who would like to be added to the email list should send an email to tracycam-
pos78108@gmail.com. The April meeting was held at Golden Corral with 19 adult members, two junior members and one guest in attendance. Members enjoyed the variety of food and hope to make the outing an annual event. The Scholarship Committee reported it has received one scholarship application. A report
is planned for the May meeting. Members approved combining the January meeting with the January officers’ meeting in the future. The adult attendance-prize winners were Dena Warneke and Sherry Rakowitz and the junior winner was Emma Rakowitz. – Tracy Campos
Bexar announces upcoming events
Vineta Lodge members, from left, Genny Kraus, Janelle Harshaw, Beth Byron, Ruth Bailey and Irene Kace prepared Easter Baskets for St. PJ’s Children’s Home of San Antonio in observance of Join Hands Day. Thank you to Beth for donating the baskets, grass and other items and to Irene Kace who donated stickers and other items. The lodge provided the candy.
SAN ANTONIO – Bexar Lodge will meet May 7 from 1-3 p.m. at the Westfall Library, 6111 Rosedale Ct., in San Antonio. The first reading to raise lodge dues will be held. As summer draws near, the lodge reminds members of some upcoming events. On May 20, a park clean-up will be held. Location to be deter-
mined. Check the Bexar Lodge website, hermannsonslifebexar. com, for updates. On June 10, a beach clean-up will be held at the Padre Island National Seashore from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. While members are responsible for their own transportation, the lodge will provide light snacks and supplies for all volunteers.
On July 15, the lodge will hold its annual Summer Splash Party at the Northview Splash Pad, 100 Randolph Plaza Dr. in Universal City from 3-7 p.m. For additional information or to register for any of these events, visit the website. These events are open to all Hermann Sons Life members. – Reporter
Anton Wenzel plans visit to nursing home Birthday celebrant Cynthia Barbosa was recognized at the April meeting of Anton Wenzel Lodge. She received her gift from President Edward Elizondo. Members will play bingo with patients at St. Frances nursing home on May 7. Volunteers are needed to help with the games and to serve ice cream and cake. At the April meeting, everyone enjoyed crispy tacos, rice and beans. Sandwiches and covered dishes will be served at the May meeting.
Mission-Alamo Lodge members gathered at La Fonda restaurant for the March meeting. Birthday celebrant Denise Wright, left, received her gift from President Diane Cline. The split-the-pot winner was Carol Swan. Mallory Strunk’s name was drawn for the attendance prize but she was not in attendance to win.
Mission-Alamo Lodge to meet May 21 at 2 p.m. Mission-Alamo Lodge members dawning St. Patrick’s Day green at the March meeting were Carol Swan, Shannon Swan, Denise Wright, Dorothy Breezee, Joyce Kneupper, Erline Packham, Kathy Wilson, J.R. Kneupper, Diane Cline and Dianne Larned. A motion to hold future meetings on the fourth Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. has passed. The lodge will meet May 21 at 2 p.m. and on June 25 at 2 p.m.
May 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 19
Kirby Senior Bingo set for June 4
Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge meets June 12 Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge members celebrating birthdays in March and April were, from left, LaVerne Tiemann, Raymond Schmidt, Lloyd Engelhardt, Anne Juergens and Michael Kassey. The next meeting is June 12 with chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken on the menu. Members are asked to bring desserts. Door-prize winners at the April meeting were Margie Orsak, Bill and Barbara Benton. Attendance-prize winners were Eppie Kostak, Evelyn Schmidt, Lloyd Engelhardt, Margie Krenek and Kevin Engelhardt.
Rutersville Lodge to serve fajitas May 3 April birthday celebrants at Rutersville Lodge were Cheryl Kuhn and Glenn Altwein (not pictured). The lodge will meet May 3 at 7 p.m. A meal of fajitas will be provided, and members are asked to bring sides or desserts. The April door prize winners were Carol Jenkins, Rickey Kuhn, Brian Mueller, Kathy Fisher and Delores Bayer. Everyone enjoyed a meal of potato pancakes, sausage, sides and desserts.
KIRBY – Kirby Lodge will meet May 1 at 7 p.m. The men will prepare sausage in observance of Mother’s Day. Members are asked to bring sides and desserts. The ladies will provide the main dish in observance of Father’s Day at the June 5 meeting at 7 p.m. Members are asked to bring sides and desserts. Everyone age 55 and older are invited to the annual Senior Bingo on Sunday, June 4, at 1 p.m. At the April meeting, Agent Judy Schulmeier reported annuities are paying 4 percent. For questions, contact Judy or Agent Angela Netherton. Remind graduating members that lodge scholarship applications are available and due by July 1, 2023. Contact a lodge officer for more information. Camp registration has begun. Visit the website for information and to register. Sign up soon as spots fill up quickly. The lodge will donate to the Kirby Senior Citizen Center for
Anniversary celebrants Ron and Laura Bitterly were recognized at the Kirby Lodge April meeting.
Celebrating April birthdays were Kirby Lodge members Lillian Brietzke, left, and Judy Schulemier.
its Matching Funds Event. The Senior Citizen Center will hold a 30th anniversary celebration on Saturday, May 13. In observance of Join Hands Day, the lodge will have a booth at the event, and members will give out information on Hermann Sons Life and assist in other areas such as setup and clean-up. Volunteers will be needed. Contact James McQuatters for more details. There was also discussion on joining with the Kirby Beautification members to help clean out and plant a flower bed in Kirby at Old Seguin Road and FM 78 for Join Hands Day. A de-
cision will be made at the May meeting. Members sent get-well wishes to Janie Leonhardt and hope to see her back at meetings soon. Birthday wishes went out to April celebrants Lillian Brietzke and Judy Schulmeier. Congratulations to anniversary celebrants, Ron and Laura Bitterly, 50 years and Judy and Irvin Schulmeier, 42 years. Carolina McQuatters won the $30 attendance prize. Splitthe-pot winners were Donna Scheel, Ron Bitterly, who won twice and Carroll Gloor. – Andra Fore
Poth Lodge meeting set for May 7 POTH – Poth Lodge will meet Sunday, May 7, at 2 p.m. at the lodge hall. At the April 2 meeting, a moment of silence was observed for deceased member, David Haverlah. Members discussed looking into air conditioning maintenance since the facility is being rented out more frequently and enclosing the outbuilding.
Lawrence Maha, building maintenance supervisor, will report progress at the next meeting. President Pamela Cutsinger reminded members scholarship packets were due by April 15. She also reported gifts would be presented to the dance class as well as a monetary gift for the program. Birthday celebrant last month
was Virginia Maha. Door-prize winners were Beth Cutsinger and Pamela Cutsinger. Names drawn for the kitty prize but not in attendance were Charles Hamamek, Elaine Rose Wiatrek and Cole D. Reed, so the prize increases for next time. Members enjoyed turkey salad and bingo. – Reporter
Shelby donates to two organizations
Dunlay Lodge names officers Pictured are the 2023 officers for Dunlay Lodge. They are Vice President Stanley Meyer, Secretary/Treasurer Dolly Meyer, Trustee Morris Baxter, President Ronnie Kriewald and Trustee Curtis Tondre.
FAYETTEVILLE – Shelby Lodge will meet Sunday, Aug. 13, at Harmonie Hall. The social is from 4:30-5 p.m. followed by the meeting at 6 p.m. At the April meeting, a $300 donation to the Austin County Meals on Wheels program was approved. Several members are volunteers. A donation to Reach Unlimited that provides housing for the disabled was also approved.
The lodge will make a $50 donation to the Grief Support Camp Session in remembrance of deceased member Linda Reuther. The lodge’s Join Hands Day project was helping the Shelby American Legion Post and the Ladies Auxiliary with the annual turkey stew held on March 11. Both were a great success. It does take a lot of extra hands to make it all happen since Shelby is such a small community.
Agent Linda Maddox was in attendance and provided helpful information regarding annuities. Door-prize winners were Betty Huebner and Anna Rose Brandt. Attendance-prize winners were Warren and Carolyn Meischen. After the meeting, members enjoyed a meal of ham, sides and desserts. – Reporter
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Page 20 – Hermann Sons Life – May 2023
COOPER RISTOW is a member of Kirby Lodge and is in second grade. His favorite foods are pizza and spaghetti. Cooper likes to watch YouTube Kids. Cooper likes baseball, soccer and showing animals. He has a guinea pig, a rabbit, two dogs, show goats and show steers.
Date:
Shining Stars Mothers Day Word Search
SAVANNAH RISTOW is a member of Lone Oak Lodge and is in eighth grade. Her favorite foods are chicken strips, hamburgers and watermelon. Savannah enjoys dance and showing animals. She has a guinea pig, a rabbit, two dogs, show goats and show steers.
Registration Form
Become a Shining Star! Send us a photo of your Hermann Sons Life junior member, fill out this form and mail to: Member Benefits, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297. More information and this fillable form are also available online at hermannsonslife.org. Shining Stars are featured in our newspaper and on our website. Name:
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