Vestnik 1997 07 23

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Changing to meet the needs of fraternalists.

VESTNiK SPJST Herald

40oir

"Joining Hands To Touch Lives-Fraternalism for the Family and Our Nation'

Official Publication Of The Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas, Founded 1897 HUMANITY

BENEVOLENCE

BROTHERHOOD

Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SPJST Home Office, P. 0. Box 100; Temple, Texas 76503 ISSN-07458800 VOLUME 85 NUMBER 29

July 23, 1997

SPIST celebrates 100th anniversary

Bestfest crowd samples old traditions and new activities Something

old; something new; something borrowed; something blue . .. It's an old saying that typically refers to the lucky elements that a new bride looks for on her wedding day. In the case of SPJST's Bestfest, the saying takes on new meaning. Something old: Lots of Czech tradition, including music, dance, costumes and an extraordinary cultural program courtesy of the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences. Something new: A golf tournament, a barbecue cookoff, and a visit from the new Czech Ambassador to the United States Alexandr Vondra. Something borrowed: Vendors showcasing their wares, displays and demonstrations of various old-time traditions, including rope-making, sauerkraut canning, corn-shelling and the fine art of Czech Easter egg painting. Something blue: It all took place on July 12 and 13 under sunny blue skies at the Bell County Expo Center in Belton, Texas.

Pictured above, enjoying Bestfest festivities, from left, are SPJST Supreme Lodge Vice President Leonard Mikeska, Supreme Lodge Chairman and District Six Director Matt Vanek and Czech Ambassador to the United States Alexandr Vondra.

A Grand Celebration Based on official registration figures and outdoor and evening estimates, approximately 3,500 people paricipated

in the SPJST Bestfest. SPJST Home Office personnel, field personnel, officers and directors acted as hosts. According to Kathy Fritz, who oversaw registration,

Czech Ambassador Joins in Celebration

significant number of those in attendance were non-members, attracted by the farreaching schedule of events. One such attendee was Juraj Slavic of Washington

D.C. "We had a very exhilarating and joyful experience ," said Mr. Slavik, who worked 35 years in the U.S .government's cultural exchange program with Czechoslovakia. He was initially attracted to the Bestfest by the Annual Meeting of the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences (SVU), held in conjunction with the SPJST event. "The professional meetings were fully packed and left only a little time for the many celebrations of the 100th Anniversary of the SPJST — all of which proved quite exhausting," he said. "Hindsight is so wonderful and I ended up wishing that I had allowed myself more time!" Mr. Slavic said. More than 40 presenters participated in the two-day SVU conference, addressing a range of topics related to Czech culture, history and current affairs. Afternoon entertainment commenced at 12 p.m. with dance music by Jerry Haisler and the Melody Five. The "official" grand opening took place at 2 p.m. Saturday on the main stage. Participants included Texas State Comptroller John Sharp, Czech Ambassador to the United States Alexandr Vondra, Temple Mayor J.W. Perry, Texas State Representative (Continued on page 4.)

Birthday Greetings The SPJST celebrated its 100th anniversary in grand style on July 12 and 13 at the Bell County Expo Center jr Belton , Texas. An estimated crowd of 2,700 participated in the two-day festival. In conjunction with the event, Texas Governor George Bush sent his greetings and best wishes for the continued success of the SPJST. Proclamations were also issued by District 55 State Representative Dianne White Delisi and Temple Mayor J.W. Perry. (See page 3.)

STATE OF TEXAS OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Greetings to:

The Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas Congratulations on your 100th anniversary. The events that you have planned this year to celebrate this milestone provide opportunities to reflect upon your achievements and contributions to Texas during the past ten decades. Texans are proud of our diverse culture that embraces so many nationalities, I commend you for your efforts to preserve Czech culture and pass down to your children an appreciation of their history. Thank you for dedicating your time and energy to serving others. Your support of our youth through organizeions and scholarships improve the Quality of life for young Texans, and is an important investment in our future. Best wishes for your continued success. Sincerely, George W. Bush

Lookin' and Cookin' Good A total of 95 teams participated in SPJST's first-ever statewide Barbecue Cook-Off . Pictured in front of their red, white and blue cooking compound are members of the "Same Ole Bunch" cooking team, representing Lodge 88, Houston.


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