VESTNI Official Organ Of The Slavonic Benevolent Order Of The State Of Texas, Founded 1897 BENEVOLENCE
HUMANITY
BROTHERHOOD
Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SUPREME LODGE, SPJST, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76501 VOLUME 63, NUMBER 13 MARCH 26, 1975 Sunday, March 16th we left early in the a.m. from West to attend the District V meeting at Lodge No. 81, Needville, which was hosting the spring meeting. The morning was rather chilly and somewhat cloudy in Central Texas so that we had to turn the car heater on when leaving. However, as we approached Cameron and progressed further south and the morning wore on, the sky cleared and the sun came out rather bright and warm. Another thing that was noticable, the trees and foliage became greener and greener as we proceeded in the southerly direction; also the crops had, to a great extent been planted and much of the maize and some corn were already becoming "green ribbons" in the fields. Here in the West area only a few of the crops had been planted. While these lines are being written the sun has been out for a few days and, of course, the farmers are busy in the fields. In Central Texas, and, indeed, nearly everywhere, March 1975 has been somewhat peculiar in contrast to other years at this same time! Naturally, spring is gradually making its presence felt and will assert itself and life will be pleas ant. One can almost sense the eagerness with which the y and old, sportsmen, fishermen, athletes, fans, etc., await those warmer days when the lakes, swimming areas and all will be hustling with activity!
HAPPY EASTER! When we arrived at Lodge 81, the parking lot was nearly completely filled and the new lodge building was also well filled. The morning session had been rather brief with a recess for lunch which was very delicious and filling. The cooks and all who had anything to do with the meeting and arrangements are certainly to be complimented. The Lodge 81, Needville, membership who were the hosts, certainly were wonderful and it was appreciated by the visitors. The meeting was well conducted and every matter of business was expeditiously taken care of. District
V President Victor Peter and all district officers took care of their respective share of business in orderly fashion. We will leave the reporting on the meeting to competent District V Secretary Tillie Helmcamp in her minutes. Honorary Past SL President Edward L. Marek held a very nice memorial service, and SL President Nick A. Morris and SL Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska reported on the workshop held in Hallettsville the day before, Saturday, March 15, and also brought reports from the Supreme Lodge. We regretted to hear that District V Director Ernest Hanka and Alternate Director Alfred Hilsher were both still in hospitals. We wish them much health! When the meeting adjourned the floor was cleared, as if by magic, and a dance was begun at 5 p.m. with Clarence Baca and his 'band providing the music. Having over 220 miles to travel to West, we turned our direction northward and toward home, arriving here at 11 p.m. We were very happy to have had the opportunity to see so many of our longtime friends and having had the privilege to see Lodge 81's new home, especially since we were unable to attend the dedication., KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, LODGE 81 ! In the Czech section Professor Halama of the University of Houston has a letter and enclosed four letters from his 1st year Czech stu-