Volume 94 Number 39
ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence
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H E R A L D
Humanity
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Brotherhood
October 4, 2006
ISSN —07458800
Lodge 88, Houston member Mildred Holeman asks: “Will you help in establishing your SPJST Library, Archives and Museum?” Mildred Holeman of Lodge 88, Houston feels that the Czech people deserve a monument and a tribute to their heritage. That’s why she has pledged $25,000 to the SPJST Library, Archives and Museum. “We can serve those who come after us in a very special way with the SPJST LAM,” Sister Holeman states. “I am not Czech by birth, but Czech runs through my blood and bones, as surely as if I were.” Sister Holeman says she would not be where she is
~ Inside ~ Five generations of SPJST members Page 9
Mildred Holeman
today if it were not for L.A. Kucera, a prominent Czech lawyer who hired her many years ago. According to Sister Holeman, Mr. Kucera had 11 siblings who all graduated from college—with the financial assistance of each
other. As each sibling graduated, they helped the others. “I then realized that the Czech people were special,” Sister Holeman says. “After more than 38 years as Mr. Kucera’s secretary and a life full of beautiful Czech people, my loyalty is to the Czech people and their heritage.” Sister Holeman adds that she is thankful that the Czech people in Houston and Texas have accepted her as one of their own. The SPJST LAM is currently housed in the basement of the SPJST Home Office building in Temple, Texas. Through artifacts, photos and texts, the SPJST LAM provides a close look into the family life of Texans of Czech descent in the last century.
Sister Holeman describes the Czechs as self-sufficient, energetic, and frugal. “The traits of the Czechs could be summed up with two words: hard work,” she says. “Having settled in some 250 Czech communities in Texas, the Czechs have left an indelible mark with their work ethics, food, music, dancing, and theatrical talent.” The SPJST LAM will receive a $200,000 challenge grant — provided that it is able to raise $400,000
through its own efforts before December 31, 2006. “We have a long way to go, and we need all the help we can get,” Museum Administrator Sandi Wicker says. “Mildred Holeman is an inspiration to all of us. She is always a supporter of the LAM. She is generous with her own funds and is also a tremendous fund-raiser.” Sister Holeman has challenged members from Please see LAM on page 6.
Celebrate Czech Heritage Month!
Lodge 258 picnic Page 13
Lodge 17 youth club activities Page 17
Win one of many Czech prizes from the Vestnik!
Lodge 202 youth club presents check Page 19
Interest Rates .....................3 Family Fun Dates ...............3 District Activities................3 Lodge Letters .....................7 Reunions...........................14 In Memoriam.....................15 Youth .................................16 Vestnik Project .................18 Youth Quarterly Report ...21 Czech Culture...................25 Vestnik Fun.......................29 Activities Calendar...........30
Artist’s rendering of the future SPJST LAM building.
Parade Proud in Moody
Representing SPJST in the Moody Cotton Festival Parade on Saturday, September 23 are 2006-2007 District Two Queen Amber Penn of Lodge 24, Cyclone and District Two King Kyle Vanecek of Lodge 29, Taylor. They are pictured with Congressman Chet Edwards.
All of the items pictured above are from the Czech Republic, and they will be awarded to winners in this year’s Vestnik Czech Heritage Month activities that appear in each Vestnik during the month of October. This week’s activities can be found on pages 15 and 29. The only way to win one of these prizes is to send your entry in by October 25, 2006, to the Vestnik office. All winners will be announced in the November 1 issue. Enter today, and good luck!