"CHANGING TO MEET THE C NGING NEEiIrS OF F 7 : tNALISTS"
1ST Herald "Joining Hands To Touch Lives-Fraternalism for the Family and Our Nation"
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. 0. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 ISSN-07458800 August 4, 1993
VOLUME 81 NUMBER 30
Fraternalsim with a Texas taste ..
Food and music attract crowds to Lodge 47, Seaton If you love baranniversary dance, becue and good the lodge hosted a music, SPJST special country and Lodge No. 47, western dance on Seaton was the Friday night and its place to be last regularly scheduled weekend. On FriSaturday evening da y and Saturday, dance. July 23 and 24, St::`Our memberHall hosted its first ship put everything ever barbecue cookthey had into it. off, attracting 23 They came throug teams from various in a big way," he parts of the state. said. The next day, the According to population of the President Jez, all of Seaton community the cookers who Jessica Strmiska, age five, accompaswelled by more nies grandad, Alfred Vrazel, in a participated in the than 1,200 people, well-received rendition of the contest left "feeling as the lodge hosted "Krasna (Beautiful) America" waltz. good" about Lodge the Vrazels Polka 47's first cook-off. Band 40th Anniversary celebration. "We received a lot of positive comments. "We had a full weekend, that's for They liked the overall set-up all the sure," said Lodge 47 President Wallace trees, the judging and the facilities. Jez. In addition to the cook-off and Many of the teams said they're ready to
come back and do it again in the near future." The Vrazel's 40th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday produced a record crowd at Lodge 47. Alfred Vrazel, band leader was overwhelmed by the turnout. "We are very appreciative and honored and want to thank everyone who came out," Vrazel said. He also expressed his thanks and appreciation to all of the musicians who came out to Star Hall to perform and show their support for the band.
In addition to the Vrazels performing for the audience, afternoon activities included several testimonials and presentations to band members, including a personal appearance and a message of appreciation from State Representative Diane White Delisi. Of the busy weekend, President Jez summed it up this way, "We hope to plan more events like this in the future. We want to encourage our members and the community to get involved ." —SPJST--
Local team makes good—the "Bullshooters" cooking team from Seaton, Texas, received the judges trophy for "Best Pit." Pictured, in front of their winning entry, are, from left: Donald Pechal, David Simek, Don Motl, Leonard Marek, and Stanley Motl. More winning teams pictured on page six.
SPJST honors member of Lodge 122, Wallis
Frances Kahanek achieves "Grand Age of 96" It is fascinating to look at old photos. Faces creased by the sun, wind and rain chronicle exciting tales of courage and achievement. Many of our own SPJST members can relate to the stories of times when living conditions were much different than they are in 1993. We call these people "old-timers"—those who were born before the turn of the century. Frances Kahanek, a member of SPJST Lodge No. 122, Wallis, could be considered an "old-timer." She was born in Sunnyside, Texas in Waller County on July 2, 1896 and celebrates her 97th birthday this year. When Frances was born, the SPJST was still a grand idea waiting to to happen. But, oh, what an exciting time it was, with the advent of electricity, horseless carriages and diesel engines. It's not surprising that many people at that time considered themselves to be living in very "modern" times! Sister Frances' parents, Annie and
Paul Jecmenek, were from Moravia. Her parents were among many other immigrants looking for a new life when they came to America. Frances's family _ included a brother and three sisters who are now all deceased. On July 7, 1912, Frances married Joseph J. Kahanek, (deceased August 25, 1955), and they were blessed over the course of their union with nine children. Joseph Kahanek started his career as a blacksmith. He worked for a time as a grist miller, and then, finally, he worked for 34 years as a cotton ginner in Wallis, Texas. Frances worked along side of her husband as bookkeeper at the cotton gin. Not only did she have a career as a bookkeeper, she also as a busy housewife, bringing up their nine children, gardening and tending cattle. Frances also sewed and quilted, as well as educating her children. The children of Frances and Joseph Kahanek are as follows: Julia Kahanek
of Sheridan, Texas; Anne Webb and husband, G.P. Webb, of Sheridan, Texas; Alice Magee (husband deceased) of Sheridan, Texas; Bessie Lee (husband deceased) of Pensacola, Fla., Lillian Boryla and husband, John Boryla, of Sheridan, Texas; Frances Bartay and husband, Edward Bartay, of Sheridan, Texas; and Joseph Kahanek and wife, Margaret, of Sealy, Texas. Son Robert Kahanek died in 1957, and son Henry Kahanek died in 1986. Frances in now nearly blind and has trouble walking because of arthritis. She resides in Sheridan where she lives with her daughter Julia Kahanek. The SPJST would like to convey our congratulations to Frances for surpassing the Grand Age of 96, and extend our best wishes to her. In accordance with the bylaws of the SPJST Society, Sister Frances will remain as a member of the SPJST with no further dues or assessments required.
Frances Kahanek
—Compiled and submitted by the S.L. President's Office SPJST--