ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T
Volume 93 Number 20
Benevolence
H E R A L D
★
Humanity
★
Brotherhood
May 18, 2005
ISSN —07458800
Inside Lodge 8 Members Join Hands Page 6
SPJST Float in Granger and Weimar Parades Page 7 Lodge 84 Members jparticipate in ethnic festival Page 9 Scenes from Youth Leaders Workshop Page 10
Interest Rates ................2 Family Fun Dates ..........3 Lodge Secretaries.........4 Financial Statement ......6 Lodge Letters ................6 Reunions......................15 Death Claims Paid.......16 In Memoriam................17 Youth ............................18 Czech Culture..............20 Activities Calendar......22
Vanecek family experiences Czech life through exchange student One can visit the Czech Republic for a taste of its heritage and culture, but the Tim and Donna Vanecek Family of Lodge 29, Taylor decided to bring a little Czech culture right into their home. Beginning in August, 2004, the Vaneceks welcomed Josef Burian, age 19, an exchange student from Prague, Czech Republic. Donna and her children, Kyle, Connor, Collin, and Kacie, along with Josef, visited the SPJST Home Office and toured the SPJST Library, Archives, and Museum on Monday, May 2, 2005. “It is good to see that Czech people in Texas are promoting their culture and heritage through things like the museum,” remarked Josef while viewing some of the museum’s displays. Likewise, Josef has taught the Vanecek family much about Czech customs and
Pictured, left to right, visiting the SPJST Library, Archives and Museum are Connor, Collin (in front), Kyle, Josef, LAM Curator Dorothy Pechal, Donna, and Kacie.
culture, Donna stated. Although the English language is now taught more frequently in the Czech Republic, Josef said the Czech language is very much still spoken. Learning English is one of the reasons Josef became an exchange student—not to mention that he likes to travel.
Josef attends Taylor High School and is in the 11th grade. He added that in the Czech Republic, students attend school through the 13th grade. A muscular young man, Josef has enjoyed playing football and power-lifting while at Taylor High School. Back home, Josef enjoys lift-
ing weights with his older brother. A common thread between America and the Czech Republic, is prom and the internet. Indeed, prom, ples, is held where students dress up in formal wear and gather for an evening of socializing, Josef explained. And on a daily basis, he corresponds with his family and friends via the internet, just like people in America keep in touch with their families through email. Czech rock music is also popular among the younger generation. Josef added, “It’s good, too!” Assuredly, Josef said that what he likes best about Texas is the food and school. Although Josef has enjoyed his stay here in the United States, he said that he will be glad to see his family and friends when he returns to Prague on June 1. We wish him well. Na shledanou! —SPJST—
2005 SPJST Scholarship and Leadership Grant Winners Pages 11 - 14
In Honor of Gladys Yates Lodge 66, Waco will host the Gladys Yates Memorial Endowment Scholarship Fund Raiser on Sunday, June 12 at Linden Hall in Elm Mott (SPJST Lodge 66, Waco). Pictured are two of the fund raiser’s coordinators Cory Pruitt, seated, and George Pauling. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. on June 12 and the fund raiser will include a barbecue brisket and sausage meal, an auction, and a dance. For more information, see page 8.
Mother’s Day Service at Lodge 24, Cyclone Lodge 24, Cyclone served more than 800 barbecue chicken plates on Sunday, May 8—Mother’s Day. Pictured, from left, are Lodge 24 members Margaret Mikeska, Martha Zavodny, Willie Mae Vanicek, Linda Wilde, Barbara Macek, Doris Vanicek, and Rosie Craft. More pictures on page 15.