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Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SPJST Home Office, P. 0. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 ISSN-07458800
March 12, 2003
Lodge 48 fraternalist leads by example Plain
and simple: Leona Stalmach is an inspiration to all who know and love her. Leona is a member of Lodge 48, Beyersville and the SPJST's Fraternalist of the Year for 2002. The announcement was made on Saturday, February 22 at the Lodge Recognition and Incentive Banquet held at Lodge 47, Seaton. The presentation was made by Supreme Lodge President Howard Leshikar and Supreme Lodge Chairman and District Seven Director Bob Bayer. You Can Count on Leona As President of Lodge 48, Beyersville for the past 15 years, Leona leads by example. Whether it's a monthly lodge meeting, a tarok tournament or domino competition, you can count on Leona to be there — either at the front door greeting you when you come in or back in the kitchen, fixing something good to eat. She's a real "people person" who knows what it takes to make good things happen. Last fall, she promoted and spearheaded the fund raiser that is enabling Lodge 48 to renovate its meeting hall to better serve the community. An engaging conversationalist, Leona is also a good listener. She knows that if you listen to people first, when it is your turn to talk, they will be more likely to listen to you. A native of Taylor, Sister Stalmach — the former Leona Maresh — married Burgess "B.C." Stalmach of Taylor in 1942 while he was in the Air Force and stationed in California. After completing his stint in the service, the Stalmachs returned to Texas in 1946. In 1963, B.C. and Leona opened Stalmach's Automotive in Taylor. Leona and B.C. raised two sons, John and Bruce, who blessed them with three beautiful granddaughters. B.C. passed away in 1988. A Tireless Volunteer Since her retirement from full time employment in 1997, Leona has devoted much of her time to serving the local nursing community. To date, she has logged more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service to the residents of S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 1 in Taylor where she helps with bingo once a week, glamour shots of the
residents, all parties and picnics and sets up special displays for Czech Heritage Week. "Leona is an inspiration to all who know and love her," says Diane Volek of S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 1 in Taylor. "She tirelessly gives of herself without expecting anything in return. Her true reward is the satisfaction of a job well done and knowing that she has contributed to someone's life in a positive way." Leona was part of a group of volunteers from the S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home that was recognized last year as the top volunteer group in the State of Texas by the "Adopt-a-Nursing Home" organization. Ima Jean Weise, Activity Director of the S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home in Taylor considers Leona an "integral part" of the successful activity program at this home. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Leona is a charter member of the Taylor Czech Chorus founded in 1968 to promote and preserve Czech music and tradition. She is the song leader and contact for the group which has presented special singing programs at the State Capitol, the State Fair of Texas, Austin Aqua Festival and numerous other venues. Strong in her faith, Leona belongs to Taylor Brethren Church where she sings in the choir, teaches the adult Sunday school class, assists with vacation Bible school and is a member of the Christian Sisters. She is the group study leader and leader of the ministry that serves residents of the S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home. On a monthly basis, the Christian Sisters also sing for the residents. The Christian Sisters also host bake sales several times each year to raise money for charitable causes. It's at these times that Leona shares her baking skills, taking the time to instruct others in the time-honored art of kolache baking. Looking Out for the Young In addition to working with the senior members of the community, Leona takes joy in seeing young people succeed. For the past seven years, the former SPJST youth leader has been assisting as a student mentor at T.H. Johnson and Pasemann Elementary Schools in Taylor, helping children develop their reading comprehension skills. Leona also
SPJST's Fraternalist of the Year Congratulations to Sister Leona Stalmach of Lodge 48, Beyersville who was recently honored as the SPJST Statewide Fraternalist of the Year at the Society's Lodge Recognition and Incentive Banquet held February 23 at Lodge 47, Seaton. Pictured above, joining Sister Stalmach during a recent visit to the SPJST Home Office are Supreme Lodge President Howard Leshikar, center, and Supreme Lodge Chairman Bob Bayer. participates in programs at local schools, sharing her Czech heritage, through dress, cooking and music. On occasion, she has also demonstrated for the students how much fun it can be to participate in a Czech wedding grand march. "Leona spends a large number of
hours of her life giving to others and for others," says Lodge 48 Reporter Dennise Wuenche. "We can only hope that this spirit of giving, humanity, kindness and benevolence leads us to be an example to the children who are the future of the SPJST." (Continued on page three.)
Honorable Mention Statewide Fraternalists
James Bacak Lodge 40 El Campo-Hillje
Jerry Cabla, Jr. Lodge 24 Cyclone
Margaret Krajca Lodge 25 Ennis
Susan Skrabanek Lodge 17 New Tabor