Vestnik 2007 12 05

Volume 95 Number 48

ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence

H

H E R A L D

Humanity

H

Brotherhood

December 5, 2007

ISSN —07458800

October Top Producers Congratulations, State Top Career Agent Applications Written Insurance Written

Ngwa Denis Muforsi

Lodge 264, Plano District Three

Congratulations, State Top Associate Agents Applications Written

Insurance Written

Baltazar Nunez, FIC

Julia Ann Schmidt

Lodge 219, El Paso District Four

Lodge 66, Waco District Three

District Top Producers Bradley Bacak, FIC Edith Barrera Juan Castaneda Pedro Espinoza Maria Teresa Gomez Johnnie Janak Naomi Jauregui Albin Machu Roy Medina

Ngwa Denis Muforsi Baltazar Nunez, FIC Silvia Perry Judy Peter Jesus Rodriguez Julia Ann Schmidt Ana Maria Sepulveda Jimmy Slatton Bradley Stavinoha

ATTENTION, SALES AGENTS! We want to recognize you when you are a top producer.

Please mail or email a current photo to the Vestnik office: SPJST Vestnik Attn: Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 melaniez@vvm.com

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ˇ ´ VESTNIK

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

SPJST HERALD

SPJST HOME OFFICE PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 (800) 727-7578 • (254) 773-1575 Fax: (254) 774-7447 www.spjst.com VESTNIK EDITOR AND DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION MELANIE ZAVODNY, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 534-0807

email: m e l a n i e z @ v v m . c o m PRESIDENT BRIAN VANICEK, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Home: (254) 985-0007 Mobile: (254) 534-2902 email: vanicek@spjst.com VICE PRESIDENT GENE McBRIDE, FICF, CFFM Office: (254) 773-1575 Home: (254) 771-3837 Mobile: (254) 534-1450 email: genemc@spjst.com SECRETARY-TREASURER LANITA ANGLIN, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Home: (254) 985-2334 email: lanitaa@spjst.com FINANCIAL SECRETARY JERRY MIKULAS Office: (254) 773-1575 Home: (254) 773-2950 email: jerrymik@spjst.com LEGAL ADVISOR DREW POPELKA P.O. Box 1706, Temple, TX 76503 Office: (254) 742-0724 email: spjst-legal@sbcglobal.net DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CHAIRMAN P.O. Box 85, Snook, Texas 77878 Home: (979) 272-3265 • Mobile: (979) 224-3125 email: dv.aggie@verizon.net DISTRICT TWO DIRECTOR BOBBY WUENSCHE 2451 CR 405, Taylor, Texas 76574-5421 Home: (512) 365-3013 DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR JOHNNIE R. KRIZAN 11500 Heritage Pkway, West, Texas 76691 Home: (254) 826-5882 DISTRICT FOUR DIRECTOR BILLY ROLLWITZ, FIC P.O. Box 195, Rowena, Texas 76875 Home: (325) 442-3141 • Mobile: (325) 277-5362 Office: (325) 442-3038 email: brollwitz@verizon.net DISTRICT FIVE DIRECTOR LARRY W. PFLUGHAUPT, FIC 1243 Clovis Road, Houston, Texas 77008 Home: (713) 864-2163 DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR MICHAEL K. AHLSTROM, FIC, VICE CHAIRMAN 407 Taos Street, Victoria, Texas 77904 Home: (361) 578-3279 • Mobile: (361) 676-3279 email: ahlstrom@suddenlink.net DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR BOB J. BAYER, FIC 1100 Hospital Blvd., Floresville, Texas 78114 Home: (830) 393-9073 BY-LAW COMMITTEE District One - Richard Ford, 2392 CR 424, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - (979) 884-1451 District Two - Ronnie Rieger, 350 Rieger Road, Coupland, Texas 78615 - (512) 365-2000 District Three - Al Kercho, 2444 Stonegate Dr. North, Bedford, Texas 76021 - (817) 282-5065 District Four - Beverly Teplicek, 817 FM 381, Rowena, Texas 76875 - (325) 442-4841 District Five - Mildred Holeman, 1006 Chantilly Lane, Houston, Texas 77018 - (713) 683-0018 District Six - Joe Siptak, 2312 Norvell, Bay City, Texas 77414 - (979) 244-4415 District Seven - Bettie House, 1721 Continental Drive, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - (830) 281-8246 FINANCE COMMITTEE District One - Stanley Mrnustik, 202 N. Shaw St., Caldwell, Texas 77836 - (979) 567-4386 District Two - Edwin Pechal, 10660 State Hwy. 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - (254) 985-2282 District Three - Michael Galler, 526 Karen, Waco, Texas 76706 - (254) 662-4934 District Four - Herman D. Weise, 6006 FM Hwy. 765, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - (325) 651-8550

District Five - Marceil Malak, 7444 Meiners Road, Ledbetter, Texas 78946-5118 - (979) 249-5940 District Six - Rita Vanek, P.O. Box 901, El Campo, Texas 77437 - (979) 543-6220 District Seven - Roy Haag, 1334 Rivercrest Drive, New Braunfels, Texas 78130-3438 - (830) 625-8262 INSURANCE COMMITTEE District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 F.M. 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - (979) 272-3440 District Two - Dolores Skrabanek, 13107 State Hwy. 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - (254) 985-2344 District Three - Daniel Roznovsky, 2513 Custer Court, Irving, Texas 75062 - (972) 252-6763 District Four - Leonard Jansa, 6617 Plainview Dr., San Angelo, Texas 76905 - (325) 234-8117 District Five - Helen Hegwood, 6702 Lindy Ann Lane, Houston, Texas 77008 - (713) 864-0489 District Six - Jerome Hlavaty, P.O. Box 174 Lolita, Texas 77971 - (512) 874-4461 District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 578 FM 1347, Stockdale, Texas 78160 - (830) 745-2702 PUBLICATION COMMITTEE District One - Floyd Kostelka, 1914 CR 403, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - (979) 884-0112 District Two - Tammy Whatley, P.O. Box 367, Weir, Texas 78674 - (512) 864-9183 District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside, Dallas, Texas 75206 - (214) 826-3557 District Four - Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Dr., San Angelo, Texas 76903 - (325) 651-5884 District Five - Lorenda Baldwin, 219 CR 47, Angleton, Texas 77515 - (979) 922-1279 District Six - Helen Kelner, 911 Ave. K, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 - (281) 342-2624 District Seven - Jarolyn Popp, 447 Shady Hollow, New Braunfels, Texas 78132 - (830) 964-5135 FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER PHILIP McBEE, FICF, CFFM (325) 784-9800 • Mobile: (325) 647-1949 email: pnm@hyperhog.net STATE TRAINING COORDINATOR JIM WIEST, FIC, CFFM Mobile: (254) 541-5555 email: spjst@hotmail.com STATE FIELD REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT ONE - Bill Orsak, CFFM Mobile: (979) 324-0056 Home: (979) 272-8902 • Fax: (979) 272-8902 DISTRICT TWO - Hiram Dixon, FICF, LUTCF Mobile: (254) 231-7722 DISTRICT THREE - Johnny Wiseman, III, FICF (866) 703-9182 • Mobile: (817) 475-5448 email: johnwwiseman3@yahoo.com DISTRICT FOUR - Position currently vacant.

Contact Philip McBee for assistance.

(325) 784-9800 • Mobile: (325) 647-1949 DISTRICT FIVE - Ricky Peralta, FICF Mobile: (832) 515-8558 DISTRICT SIX - Karen Kaspar, FIC, CFFM Mobile: (979) 332-1616 • Home: (979) 543-2532 email: k-kaspar@hotmail.com DISTRICT SEVEN - Hector Garcia, FIC, CFFM Mobile: (361) 548-5702 • Home: (361) 749-1032

Editor’s Note

Capture the season’s magic

T

he expansion of the SPJST Home Office is set to open any day . . . I think! Through my office window, I saw that furniture arrived last week, and the final touches are being completed. The 11,084-square feet expansion features a new lobby/receptionist area, 11 offices, large meeting/training room, staff meeting room, conference room, break room, six restrooms, 10 closet/storage areas, one entrance, and three exits. See pictures on page 14 of the interior of the expansion.

Grandma’s Cures Here’s a few more of Grandma’s cures from Lodge 154, Fort Worth member Mary Steinman. Mary says, “No guarantees that these work, but they are interesting!”

Did you know that drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately—without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional “pain relievers.”

Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.

Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix one tablespoon of horseradish in one cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day.

The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Honey remedy for skin blemishes . . . Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it.

Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing.

Works overnight.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus. Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

Watch the Vestnik for more “cures” coming soon!

P P P No Vestnik will be published P P P December 26, 2007.

Please make a note. Thank you!

SPJST INTEREST RATES SPJST Mortgage Interest Rates Mortgage rates are subject to change without notice. Call the SPJST Home Office (800) 727-7578.

Commercial Property

6.75% for 1 to 10 years 7.00% for 11 to 15 years

STATE FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR CHESTER JENKE, SR., FICF Home: (830) 303-4316 (210) 413-3053 email: cejenke@wmconnect.com

Universal Life Home or Farm Mortgages Universal Life I 75% Owner 5.75% for Annualized*

STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR JOHN HOELSCHER Office: (254) 773-1575 • Mobile: (254) 534-0681 email: johnh@spjst.com

5.25% for 1 to 15 years 5.75% for 16 to 20 years 6.25% for 21 to 30 years

DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - (979) 272-3440 District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S. St. Joseph Road, Burlington, Texas 76519 (254) 985-2396 District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside, Dallas, Texas 75206 - (214) 826-3557 District Four - Janice Stevens, P.O. Box 613, Hawley, Texas 79525 (325) 537-9224 District Five - Barbara Linney-Gonzales - 6043 Pineway Blvd., Houston, Texas 77023 - (713) 649-6138 District Six - Marcy Dorotik, 2500 Old Farm Road, Apt. 833, Houston, Texas 77063 - (713) 907-1630 District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 578 FM 1347, Stockdale, Texas 78160 - (830) 745-2702 - email: wap6564@felpsis.net

Farm Property

CZECH HERITAGE MUSEUM (Formerly SPJST LAM) Executive Director Sandi Wicker (254) 899-2935 email: ssandiwicker@aol.com

VĚSTNÍK

Annuity III 4.75% for Annualized* Annuity IV 4.75% for Annualized* * Rates effective 11/01/07 through 1/31/08.

Residence Property

Universal Life II 5.75% for Annualized* Annuities

5.75% for 1 to 10 years 6.25% for 11 to 20 years 85% Owner Residence Property

7.25% for 1 to 30 years

Annuity I 5.00% for Annualized* Annuity II 4.75% for Annualized*

Five-Year Annuity When purchased, current interest rates are guaranteed for 5 years.

Band 1—$10,000 to $24,999 Current Rate: 3.95% Band 2—$25,000 to $49,999 Current Rate: 4.10% Band 3—$50,000 and up Current Rate: 4.20%

VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published weekly except the last week of August and the last week of December by VĚSTNÍK, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100. Subscription rates are $25 per year, beginning August 1, 2005, for non-members. Members’ fees are paid as part of the insurance fee collected by the Supreme Lodge SPJST, 520 North Main, Temple, TX 76501.

Second-class postage paid at Temple, TX and additional mailing offices. The exchange of opinions, ideas and information is a vital aspect of our fraternal Society and enables us to make more informed decisions. The views expressed by writers in the Vestnik do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor or SPJST management. Please sign all correspondence intended for publication. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VESTNIK c/o Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

VĚSTNÍK

Family Fun and Important Dates December 5 December 6 December 7 December 7 December 7 December 7 December 8 December 8 December 8 December 9 December 9 December 9 December 9 December 9 December 9 December 9 December 9 December 9 December 10 December 10 December 11 December 14 December 15 December 15 December 15 December 16 December 18 December 24 December 25 December 26 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31

Lodge 32, Victoria Christmas Dinner/Social (6) SPJST Float • El Campo Christmas Parade (6) Lodge 8, Weimar Christmas Party Schulenburg Community Center (6) Lodge 48, Beyersville Christmas Party/Meeting (2) Lodge 49, Rowena Christmas Meal (4) Lodge 51, Ellinger Christmas Stew Meal (1) SPJST Float • Arlington Christmas Parade (3) SPJST Float • Killeen Christmas Parade (2) Lodge 204, Stephenville Christmas Party Koffee Kup Restaurant (3) Lodge 4, Hallettsville Christmas Party American Legion Hall, Hallettsville (6) Lodge 18, Elgin Christmas Dance (2) Lodge 29, Taylor Christmas Party/Meeting (2) Lodge 30, Taiton Christmas Party (6) Lodge 39, Bryan Christmas Party (1) Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Christmas Party (6) Lodge 84, Dallas Christmas Party (3) Lodge 202, Jourdanton Christmas Party (7) Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point Christmas Party Cotton Patch Cafe, Temple Mall (2) Lodge 24, Cyclone Christmas Party/Potluck Dinner (2) Lodgr 151, Wharton Christmas Social/Meeting Hinze’s Barbecue (6) Lodge 141, Sealy Christmas Meeting Nancy’s Steakhouse (1) Lodge 80, Holland Christmas Party (2) SPJST Float • Franklin Christmas Parade (1) Lodge 191, Lufkin Christmas Dance (5) Lodge 80, Holland Youth Club Christmas Social Mazzio’s Pizza, Temple (2) Lodge 172, Pasadena Christmas Party/Dinner (5) Lodge 271, Laredo Chartering Ceremony Sirloin Stockade, Laredo (7) Christmas Eve • SPJST Home Office, Temple Closed Christmas Day • SPJST Home Office, Temple Closed No Vestnik Published New Year’s Eve Lodge 18, Elgin New Year’s Eve Dance: Fritz Hodde Lodge 24, Cyclone New Year’s Eve Dance: Shiloh/Terry Taylor (2) Lodge 25, Ennis New Year’s Eve Dance: Jak Se Do and Ennis Czech Boys Bands Lodge 29, Taylor New Year’s Eve Dance: Debonaires (2) Lodge 35, Elk New Year’s Eve Dance: Cherokee Rose Lodge 88, Houston New Year’s Eve Dance: Vrazels Lodge 92, Fort Worth New Year’s Eve Dance: Charlie Patteson Lodge 172, Pasadena New Year’s Eve Dance: The Cool Water Band (5) Lodge 191, Lufkin New Year’s Eve Dance: Buffalo Nickel (5)

From the SL President

3

SPJST to officially charter Lodge 271, Laredo December 18 Dear SPJST Members and Friends, You are cordially invited to attend and celebrate the chartering of SPJST Lodge 271, Laredo on Tuesday, December 18, 2007. The lodge chartering will take place at Sirloin Stockade, located at 5301 San Dario Avenue in Laredo, Texas. Doors will open at 6 p.m. followed by the charter-

ing at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will follow.

In the event that you plan to attend, please call us at (800) 727-7578 by December 11 to RSVP and ask to speak to Sandra Dubcak.

Fraternally, Brian Vanicek Supreme Lodge President —SPJST—

Closeout!

Get Yours Today!

SPJST Clapboard Picture Frame SPJST Action Clapboard Picture Frame Magnetic Frame holds 5” x 7” picture. White/black.

Size: 10 1/2”H x 7 1/2” W Special Price: $2.00 each (includes postage)

I would like to order ____ Clapboard Picture Frames @ $2.00 each Total: $__________ GRAND TOTAL: $__________ (Make checks/money orders payable to SPJST.) Mail To: Name: _____________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________ City ______________________State_______Zip___________ Phone (______) _____________ Email___________________

Return order form to: The SPJST Store P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 (800) 727-7578

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

4

Rhythm ’07

FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

October Membership Program Progress Report

SPJST Monthly Insurance Report Through October 31, 2007

MONTH-TO-DATE TOTALS FOR INSURANCE WRITTEN AND ISSUED

Dist.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9

Apps.

12 47 107 107 58 53 195 0

Written $ 1,555,000.00 2,428,731.00 4,854,436.00 7,336,402.00 3,764,920.00 2,113,275.00 7,900,388.00 0

Issued $ 1,450,000.00 2,184,323.00 3,555,598.00 4,063,148.00 1,900,665.00 1,749,804.00 4,650,675.00 0

Totals

579

$ 29,953,152.00

$ 19,554,213.00

YEAR-TO-DATE TOTALS FOR INSURANCE WRITTEN AND ISSUED

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9

142 275 919 1058 336 443 1673 19

$ 13,497,348.00 13,073,739.00 41,558,046.00 59,878,657.00 19,835,310.00 20,851,372.00 72,252,279.00 637,621.00

$ 9,494,414.00 9,386,191.00 30,461,881.00 41,938,327.00 11,183,963.00 14,816,772.00 45,075,766.00 612,621.00

Totals

4,865

$ 241,584,372.00

$ 162,969,935.00

Fraternally, Gene McBride, FICF Supreme Lodge Vice President —SPJST—

SPJST records 4,865 applications written in Rhythm ’07 campaign The goal of the Rhythm ’07 membership drive of 2,777 has been met.

However, the campaign continues until December 2007.

In conjunction with SPJST’s Rhythm ’07 program, local lodges were assigned application goals for the year. Each lodge goal was based largely on past performance and perceived potential.

The last column, “Youth Club Lodge No.

1 9 13 17 38 39 51 57 67 94

Lodge Name

Fayetteville Snook Dime Box New Tabor Kovar Bryan Ellinger Gonzales Schulenburg Wheelock

Application Count,” applies to those lodges with youth clubs and reflects applications written for members between the ages of 0 and 17 through June. “Youth Club” totals are applied toward the lodge’s total goal. The second column, “Lodge Incentive Count,” reflects the number of new certificates issued for the Lodge Recognition and Incentive Program.

DISTRICT ONE Lodge Application Goal

15 25 10 15 10 10 10 10 10 10

Lodge Incentive Youth Application Youth Application Count Goal Count

13 25 0 8 5 -1 1 0 0 4

10 10 5 10 * * * * * *

10 15 0 7 * * * * * *

106 141 169 171 179 186 188 189 201 234 •260 Lodge No.

15 18 20 24 29 47 48 74 80 87 89 155 174 177 182 187 200 •237 246 •268 •270

Lodge No.

5 6 25 35 54 66 84 92 130 135 154 178 180 183 204 205 206 •211 •216 •224 •226 •244 •253 •264 •267

Lodge No.

49 73 76 157 160 207 •209 215 219

LaGrange Sealy Brenham Lockhart Warrenton Caldwell Centerville Bryan-College Station Bleiblerville-Nelsonville Luling Bastrop Lodge Name

Buckholts Elgin Granger Cyclone Taylor Seaton Beyersville Crockett Holland Temple Rosebud Austin Rockdale Academy Falls County Round Rock Bruceville-Eddy West Austin Morgan’s Point Salado Marble Falls

Lodge Name

Pilot Point-Tioga Cottonwood Ennis Elk West Waco Dallas Fort Worth Dallas Ennis Fort Worth Longview Burleson Arlington Stephenville Terrell Mexia Palestine Tyler Waxahachie Corsicana Clarksville Mineral Wells Plano DFW

Lodge Name

Rowena Seymour Wichita Falls Lubbock San Angelo Iowa Park Brownwood South Plains El Paso

10 10 10 10 10 25 10 10 10 20 10

1 2 0 18 8 1 13 7 1 11 0

DISTRICT T WO Lodge Application Goal

10 20 10 30 30 50 10 10 45 25 10 10 10 25 10 15 10 10 25 10 10

15 50 20 10 25 60 25 20 10 10 10 10 10 60 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

5 8 2 17 48 24 6 0 30 12 5 4 0 8 13 4 0 43 30 0 1

40 10 15 10 80 10 10 30 60

* 10 5 10 10 20 10 * 15 * 5 * * * * * * * 10 * *

* 8 1 13 19 12 3 * 18 * 2 * * * * * * * 10 * *

Lodge Incentive Youth Application Youth Application Count Goal Count

17 41 8 6 50 75 23 5 8 2 7 0 5 12 3 3 10 0 0 10 6 0 0 136 9

DISTRICT FOUR Lodge Application Goal

* * * * * 1 * * * * *

Lodge Incentive Youth Application Youth Application Count Goal Count

DISTRICT THREE Lodge Application Goal

* * * * * 10 * * * * *

VĚSTNÍK

* 10 10 * 10 * 15 10 * * 10 * * 15 * * * * * * * * * * *

* 7 4 * 21 * 13 2 * * 5 * * 30 * * * * * * * * * * *

Lodge Incentive Youth Application Youth Application Count Goal Count

13 4 71 2 57 0 14 20 199

* * 5 * * * * 10 10

* * 21 * * * * 9 49

VĚSTNÍK •222 229 230 •235 •238 •242 •256 •265 •272

Lodge No.

65 81 88 91 139 142 149 156 162 172 175 191 196 •227 •228 •231 •232 255 •262 •274

Lodge No.

4 8 10 23 28 30 32 40 41 63 97 125 143 148 151 153 184 223 240 •261

Lodge No.

26 79 93 107 117 133 164 185 202 •213 •217 239 247 250 251 258 •263 •271

Vernon Abilene Midland Junction Goldthwaite Amarillo Denver City Odessa Del Rio

Lodge Name

Crosby Needville Houston Crosby Danbury Houston Alvin Baytown Iowa Colony Pasadena Rosenberg Lufkin Houston-West Onalaska Cleveland Angleton Mid-Houston Katy Galveston Nacogdoches

Lodge Name

Hallettsville Weimar Shiner Moravia East Bernard Taiton Victoria El Campo-Hillje Port Lavaca Sweet Home Placedo Westhoff Inez El Maton Wharton LaSalle Moulton Palacios Bay City Goliad

Lodge Name

Skidmore Corpus Christi Hobson Floresville Robstown San Antonio Rio Hondo New Braunfels Jourdanton Fredericksburg Alice Hondo San Marcos Harlingen Pearsall Seguin Kingsville Laredo

10 40 40 10 10 10 10 10 10

0 -4 16 5 8 37 32 11 40

DISTRICT FIVE Lodge Application Goal

10 15 100 10 10 10 10 10 10 25 15 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

10 10 10 10 10 30 70 55 10 10 20 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 15 10

1 8 58 1 5 2 0 0 1 2 -3 2 43 0 0 0 0 116 0 1

10 30 10 25 10 30 10 10 50 10 10 200 100 50 50 25 10 10

• Denotes that lodge has not been chartered

* * 15 * * 10 * * 5 * * * * * * * * * * *

* * 17 * * 2 * * 1 * * * * * * * * * * *

Lodge Incentive Youth Application Youth Application Count Goal Count

2 1 3 2 8 19 64 60 10 3 13 2 10 4 7 0 1 11 -2 -3

DISTRICT SEVEN Lodge Application Goal

* * * * * * * * *

Lodge Incentive Youth Application Youth Application Count Goal Count

DISTRICT SIX Lodge Application Goal

* * * * * * * * *

5 * * * * 15 20 15 * * 15 * * * * * * * * *

2 * * * * 22 20 30 * * 9 * * * * * * * * *

Lodge Incentive Youth Application Youth Application Count Goal Count

3 58 2 23 0 25 0 2 5 0 221 61 -28 2 -15 5 -1 675

* * * 10 * * * 10 15 * * * * * * 5 * *

* * * 8 * * * 1 2 * * * * * * 4 * *

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

5

SPJST records 1,307 referrals in Rhythm ’07 program for October

Through the end of October, the following members made referrals during the Rhythm ’07 Membership Drive. Green denotes youth.

Lodge

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 6 6 6 6 6 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 15 15 15 15 17 18 18 18 24 24 24 24 24 24 25 25 28 28 29 29

Membe r’s Name

Referrals

Mira Bralic Sherry Busby Gary Eiben Marcel Enriquez Tamara Friar Deby Lanen Juana Lopez Jeanette Meyer Emily Ochoa David Ortega R.B. Salinas Lewis Shields Gregory Sheppard Rachel Vargas Lupe Ybarra Bowyn Bauer Mary Guthmann Brandon Lovell Debby Pflughaupt Irene Polansky James Rhode Holly Scott Whitney Dobecka Anna Dulock Terry Hykel Dorothy Kucera Milton Peterson Leo Jares McKenzie Allen Riley Allen Shelby Allen Taylor Allen Cody Dever Landon Eldridge Ann Schoeneman James Schoeneman Bradley Shelfer Zachary Shelfer Kimberly Wheeler Sandie Fischer Margaret Street Dorothy Tomascik Doug Williams Tabor Dowell E.J. Anderson Mikhaila Nelson Irene Vrabel Cole Campbell Margaret Campbell Peggy Sue Chastain Lori Coots Macey Malcik Ty Stock Adell Rejcek Jerrod Ryan A.J. Kelner Helen Kelner Chandee Bachmeyer Bobby Eulenfeld

1 12 3 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 2 2 1 2 2 15 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 6 1 1 4 7 9 2 2 1 1 1 3 14 1 4 41 33 15 1 1 1 1 7 1 2 1

29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 30 30 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 39 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47

Laverne Eulenfeld Brandon Girod Larry Haag Albin Machu Elaine Machu Michael Machu Lee McKinnerney Jesse Pospisil Linda Pospisil Lyn Rieger Ruby Schroeder Francis Tallas Kaitlyn Whatley Shelly Wiegand Kenna Bubela Wanda Dorotik Daniel Chavarria Evelyn Horelka Tiffany Limas Mary Raska Norma Rendon Natalie Rendon Modesta Villarreal Dana Kilgo Jim Azzarello Allen Bacak Crystal Bacak Vlasta Bartos Karen Bennett Delia Floyd Robert Gardner Jerry Gensler Karen Holub Mike Kacal Penny Kimec Carmen Kocurek Anthony Martinez Judy O’Canas Theresa Payne Betty Sanders Tony Salinas Kris Svatek Doris Tietz Ralph Timm Lorriane Vajdos Brady Alexander Chase Alexander Debbie Dohnalik Sandra Dubcak Zoe Edwards Abigale Fulton Amanda Greger Ruth Hanusch Brandon Hoelscher Brooke Hoelscher John Hoelscher Kyle Hoelscher Matthew Hoelscher Cynthia Hutka Debbie Klinkovsky Crystal Morris Jerry Pechal Tammy Pechal Colton Posvar Colton Regan

1 7 1 1 13 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 13 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 2 4 1 1 4 1 6 21 2 1 43 3 7 1 2 6 7 2 1 1 4 1 15 13 2 1 1 19 1 2 15 6 5 24 30 1 1 2 1 5

6

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Rhythm ’07 Continued from page 5.

47 47 47 47 47 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 49 49 51 54 54 54 54 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 79 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 81 88 88 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 92 92 107 107 107 107 107 107 107 142 141 154 154 154 154

Calvin Skrabanek 1 Katherine Morris Smith16 Dorothy Stuchly 15 Doris Tyroch 4 Donica Zabcik 28 Ethan Muston 1 Mary Leshikar 1 Cade Talley 3 Madison Talley 1 Amy Wuensche 1 Brett Wuensche 2 Kayla Wuensche 1 Joan Halfman 2 Beverly Teplicek 2 Bernita Hlinsky 1 Lisa Darnell 1 Mary Lou Mynar 3 Jana Vaculik 1 Mona Zahirniak 1 Vlasta Jurica 1 Roger Berry 18 Linda Buck 4 Elaine Hollister 1 Beth Hurd 3 Helen Ingram 3 Adlene Salter 1 Gerilyn Donnell 3 Laurie Cook 13 2 Alexis Festa Nicole Festa 6 Frank Horak 20 Cyril Pajestka 1 Helen Pajestka 7 Victoria Pajestka 4 Doni Powell 15 Andrea Schlickeisen 2 1 Barbara Taisler Ann Weir 1 Carol Wolf 17 Curtis Wolf 2 1 Vince Newman Henry Beseda 2 Pat Bruce 1 Barbara Gonzalez 1 Abigail Hegwood 1 3 Brent Hegwood Betty Theiss 4 Jimmy Baker 3 Mandy Baker 3 Lisa Kirby 28 Tammy Martinez 18 Holly Hubenak 8 Kenneth Krivanek 1 Larry Bertrand 1 1 Roxy Bertrand Doug Henke 1 Natalie Henke 1 1 Ryan Henke Glen Pruski 1 Lian Pruski 5 Zoe Saxton 1 Bernice Stolarski 1 Taylor Cornell 1 3 Emily Humphreys Jerry Milan 1 Mary Steinman 1

VĚSTNÍK

154 157 160 160 160 162 177 177 177 178 182 182 183 183 185 191 200 200 202 202 202 202 202 204 223 229 229 229 237 239 239 239 239 246 246 246 246 246 246 246 246 246 246 246 246 246 246 246 246 246 246 246 246 247 247 247 247 247 247 258 272

Rose Steinman Philip Capps Carl Broz Greg Garivay Sandra Jansa Avery Moyle Janie Coakley Kathy Fritz Linda Johnson Raymond Walsh Daniel Beckendorf Donald Beckendorf Emma Chapman Ann Pustejovsky Leah McDonald Wanda Briley Peggy Brewer Margaret Santana Vanessa Gonzales Lloyd House Clarissa Rodriguez Devin Vasquez Raven Vasquez Gracie Kneschk Ricardo Lopez Mark Aldrete Shelby Hill Mark Stevens Gregory Magallanez Lakeisha Botello Kentrell Palomo Megan Palomo Kadejha Rodriguez Rudy Constancio Alissa Flores Karen Franklin Ginger Greger Lisa Greger Bobby Hagen, Jr. Bob Hagen, Sr. Gene Hagen Terri Hagen Faith Koliha Nicole Kyler Sierra Layne Sue Moore Natalie Morales Ann Paruzinski Margaret Rivera Marissa Salinas Susan Shofner Jo Sinner Taylor Sinner Carlos Eureste Hector Garcia Patricia Garcia Aaron Garza Art Lopez, Sr. Mark Magallanez Chester Jenke Jerry Araujo —SPJST—

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From the Supreme Lodge President

SPJST Encourages Students to Apply for Scholarships

Dear Members, One of the many benefits SPJST offers to its members is the Scholarship Program. In 2007, 43 General Scholarships (27 general freshman, 13 general undergraduate scholarships, and three technical scholarships) and 12 Leadership Grants were awarded. In addition, at the 2007 State Youth Achievement Day, six District Merit Grants, one State Merit Grant, and two SPJST Royalty Grants were awarded for a total of 64 scholarships and grants presented for the year.

General Scholarships are funded through SPJST’s annual allocation, through voluntary contributions received from our 100 Pennies Drive, and memorial donations received throughout the year. The amount of scholarships given each year depends on how much we receive in donations. Donations are tax deductible.

Applications for scholarships are sent out September through January The Fraternal upon request.

Department must receive the completed application and all required information by February 1.

Recipients are announced in April.

Scholarships available are:

• Applicants must have an active SPJST life insurance certificate in force for at least one year.

• Hold an active SPJST life insurance certificate for the duration of the scholarship.

• Be a high school graduate or equivalent.

Recipients may receive only one General Scholarship or one Leadership Grant.

Fraternally, Brian Vanicek Supreme Lodge President —SPJST—

General Scholarship for all SPJST members.

Leadership Grant for active youth club members.

Applicants may only apply in their senior year of high school.

Also, please note that District Six has established an endowed scholarship specifically aimed at the youth in that district. Lodge 189, BryanCollege Station has also established an endowed scholarship to perpetuate the memory of Ernest Wentrcek, Sr. and to provide scholarship assistance locally. Likewise, the SPJST continues to accept donations to the endowed scholarship in memory of past SPJST State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Gladys Yates. If you would like to specifically direct your gifts to any of these three funds, please indicate on your check or correspondence. Also, if you would like information on how to establish an endowed SPJST scholarship, please give me a call at (800) 727.7578 and I will be glad to visit with you.

All interested members must meet the following criteria:

SPJST Scholarship Applications— Call Today!

Graduating high school seniors and college undergraduates who have been SPJST members for one or more years are encouraged to apply for an SPJST Scholarship.

Established in 1982, the SPJST Scholarship Program is funded by an allocation of the SPJST Supreme Lodge and through community contributions by SPJST members. Accordingly, the more funds available, the more scholarships awarded. In 2007, the SPJST awarded a total of 64 scholarships for $64,500 through its scholarship program.

For an SPJST General Scholarship Application and complete guidelines, call the SPJST Home Office at (800) 727-7578 or (254) 773-1575 or visit www.spjst.com.

VĚSTNÍK

From the President’s Department State FAC: getting ready for 2008 activities

Dear Members, 2008 SPJST Awards Banquet Please know that the 2008 SPJST Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2008, at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple.

In addition to recognizing the lodges, fraternalists, and sales agents, this year’s event will also include an informational workshop for the lodge officers. The workshop will start at 10 a.m. and will continue through the noon hour, followed by a light luncheon and registration for the awards banquet. Please mark your calendars for March 15 and watch for additional registration information in your January mailing.

Progressive 42 Domino Tournament Please make plans to be in Temple on Saturday, January 12 for a day of fun and fraternalism, as the SPJST Home Office will host a State Progressive 42 Tournament. For an entry form and additional details, please contact your lodge FAC or the Home Office. All participants are encouraged to pre register so we will have some idea as to how many players plan to participate.

Officer Elections Another very productive and successful year is rapidly coming to a close. If you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete the paperwork sent to each lodge and return to Secretary-Treasurer Lanita Anglin’s office the names and addresses of the officers for the coming year. In addition, Jerry Mikulas’ office mailed information for electing delegates. This also must be returned with your delegate(s) name(s) listed by the end of the year. Remember, this counts as one of your lodge’s fraternal acts for the year if all paperwork is submitted on time.

SPJST Fraternalist of the Year Your lodge nominees for SPJST Fraternalist of the Year are due January 11. Receiving this award is certainly a great honor and each lodge is urged to submit the name of their candidate. Each lodge is eligible to send in one candidate per year. Lodge FACs have received details, description, procedures, and nomination forms.

Each year, the SPJST Fraternalist of the Year winner is forwarded to the National Fraternal Congress of America to be considered for the National Fraternalist of the Year. The SPJST Fraternalist of the Year award is meant to honor an individual adult member for his or her accomplishments and involvements during the past year (2007). The award is not based on a candidate’s involvement or contributions that occurred many years ago. For that, the Home Office also provides lodges with Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Outgoing Officers Remember to honor your officers who have given their time and dedication to your lodge. Honor your outgoing leaders by giving them an outgoing officer plaque. Any officer who does not seek re-election or is not elected in 2008 is eligible. The recipient must be a current SPJST member and must be active at the time of selection. The plaques should be awarded at your local lodge meetings.

All requests should be in the State Fraternal Activities Coordinators office by February 22.

100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive This year’s goal is to raise $20,000.

This is in addition to the allocation, which the Supreme Lodge had made.

Through your generous donations, SPJST has been able to continue to provide scholarships to members who wish to further their education. Since

Wednesday, December 5, 2007 its inception in 1982, the Scholarship Program has presented SPJST scholars with near 1,700 scholarships valued at more than $1 million. That is a lot of pennies! Donations of any amount will be accepted and added to the general scholarship fund that is maintained by the Home Office. No amount is too small or too large. The 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive continues through March 31.

Deer Antler Contest This contest is for SPJST members and only Texas white tail deer entries are eligible. This popular contest began November 1 and will run through January 31. The rules and categories will be the same as last year. Again, this year there will be two categories: free-range deer and high fenced deer. Free range is selfexplanatory, which means deer that have free range to travel without any restrictions. High fenced deer is one that has been raised primarily in an enclosure. High fenced deer are usually raised in an area enclosed by an eight-foot fence (or higher) and come in a variety of acreage sizes. For entry forms, please contact Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez at the Home Office.

Tarok Tournament The SPJST State Tarok Tournament will be held on February 2.

Lodge 47, Seaton, will host this event.

Watch the Vestnik for more information. All participants are encouraged to pre-register so we will have some idea as to how many players plan to participate.

Fraternal Bowling Tournament Coming on February 16 will be the Fourth Annual Bowl for the Cure to

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benefit Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Tournaments in the past years have been filled with lots of fraternal fun and some good, clean competition. It is not too early to get your teams and cheering sections lined up for this fun-filled day.

If you do not have a team, do not worry! We will place you on a team with other members who were unable to fill a team. If you will recall, this event involves members of SPJST, Sons of Hermann, Catholic Life, KJT, and KJZT to benefit a worthy cause.

More details will be available later, but do make your plans now to join us in Austin, Texas on February 16.

Deadlines Outgoing Officer Plaque Requests, Fraternalist of the Year Nominations, Year-End Fraternal Incentive Reports, Lifetime Achiever Award Plaque Requests and Year-End Fraternal/Community Service Reports are all due soon. Again, as I mentioned earlier, if all these reports are submitted on time, your lodge will be able to use item number two on the Year-End Fraternal Incentive Report as one of your fraternal acts.

If your lodge has not addressed these items, please make sure to do so in the month of December. These programs benefit your lodge as well as your members.

As always, if any of you need assistance, please feel free to call me at (210) 413-3053; email cejenke@wmconnect.com; or Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez (800) 727-7578 or (254) 773-1575. Your District FACs are also available to assist you. They are as follows: District One—Linda Gaas (979) 596-2606 District Two—Ruth Hanusch (254) 771-0193 District Three—George Pauling (254) 754-7633 District Four—Sylvia Rollwitz (325) 442-3141 District Five—Patricia Bruce (281) 890-4933 District Six—Helen Zabransky (361) 798-3347 District Seven—Glen Pruski (956) 235-8014 Everyone at SPJST wishes all our members a merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.

Fraternally submitted, Chester Jenke, FICF State FAC —SPJST—

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

District News

District Five presents Fall Family Fun Day minutes The District Five Family Fun Day was hosted by Lodge 88, Houston Pokrok on Saturday, September 22, 2007. District Five President Carolyn F. Beseda called the meeting to order at 1:15 p.m.

The youth led the Pledge of Allegiance to both the American and Texas flags. District Five King Doug Coleman read a poem, and the other youth made a flag.

Helen Hegwood and Fred Buri led everyone in singing the National Anthem, and Reverend Henry Beseda led everyone in singing the Czech National Anthem.

Lodge 88, Houston President Patricia Bruce welcomed everyone and stated Lodge 88 was happy to host the Family Fun Day. She thanked everyone for bringing food and for those helping in the kitchen. She thanked the SPJST Home Office for bringing the games.

President Beseda responded and thanked Lodge 88 for hosting the event. She also thanked the food committee and the members for the food.

She said that everyone is looking forward to a great day.

Supreme Lodge guests welcomed were Secretary-Treasurer Mrs. Lanita Anglin and husband; Legal Advisor Drew Popelka; State Youth Director John Hoelscher and assistant Douglas Galler; and State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Chester Jenke, Sr. and wife Colleen.

Mrs. Anglin reminded the lodges that the 30th SPJST Convention will be held June 9, 10, and 11, 2008, at the Killeen Convention Center.

Secretaries of lodges will have information on blocked rooms by October 1. She invited everyone to come to see the addition to the SPJST Home Office after the furniture arrives in November. She reminded members that the SPJST makes mortgage loans and remember to update your insurance beneficiaries.

Secretary Catherine Manchack called the roll of lodges with seven lodges represented.

Treasurer Lorenda Baldwin gave a report of the finances.

Marceil Malak of the Finance Committee announced increases in business and an increase in the amount of funds for camp. There have been no loan foreclosures.

District Five Youth Counselor Barbara Gonzales thanked SYD John and Doug for bringing Core Challenge

and Director Larry W. Pflughaupt for the water slide. After the Core Challenge, the youth were to come in for a drawing with Mary Granberry before the water slide.

The awards for the Christmas ornaments were: Youngest Category First Place—Keith Wockenfuss Lodge 88, Houston Ages 6 to 8 First Place—Alyssa Moyle Lodge 162, Iowa Colony Second Place—Jessica Shane Lodge 88, Houston Third Place—Koby Rosier Lodge 162, Iowa Colony Third Place—Sean Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston Ages 9 to 11 First Place—Avery Moyle Lodge 162, Iowa Colony Second Place—Allison Wockenfuss Lodge 88, Houston Ages 12 to 14 First Place—Ashley Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston The cake contest winners were: First Place—Lorenda Baldwin Lodge 139, Danbury Second Place—Margie Anders Lodge 88, Houston Third Place—Dorothy Pflughaupt Lodge 88, Houston JoAnn Buri and Mary Granberry held the drawing for the door prizes, and Director Pflughaupt held the pastry auction.

The youth participated in the SPJST Core Challenge and enjoyed the water slide. Adults played games and visited.

The 110th anniversary cake was cut and enjoyed by members and guests.

The District Five Spring Meeting will be held at Lodge 172, Pasadena on Saturday, April 5, 2008, and the next Fall Fun Day will be held at Lodge 196, Cypress on Saturday, September 20.

The meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Catherine Manchack District Five Secretary —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

SPJST Lo dge Se c t ion

The deadline for all Vestnik items is 5 p.m. the Wednesday before the publication date. Send your news and photos directly to:

SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: (254) 774-7447

Email: melaniez@vvm.com Questions?

Call (800) 727-7578

Lodge 4 Hallettsville Christmas party December 9 Dear Members, Our meeting/Christmas party will be Sunday, December 9 at the Legion Hall beginning at 11:30 a.m. A noon meal of fried chicken and sausage will be served with the members bringing the side dishes and desserts.

A short meeting will be held.

We hope to see you December 9.

Fraternally, Patsy Zabransky, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 10, Shiner Christmas party postponed Members, Families, and Friends, The SPJST Lodge 10, Shiner Christmas party scheduled for Sunday, December 16, 2007, has been postponed.

—SPJST—

Lodge 18, Elgin reports on November meeting President Ray Nelson opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent prayer for members and our United States Armed Forces. Roll call had all officers present.

Shirlene Matetzschk read the minutes. They were approved as read.

Teresa Anderson gave the treasurer’s report. Having no questions, the report was approved as read.

Irene Vrabel gave the FAC report.

District Two State Field Representative Hiram Dixon had a prior commitment so we did not have

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . .

Over the past week, electricians lined the roof of the SPJST Home Office with lights to signify the Christmas season.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

VĚSTNÍK a booth at the Elgin Business Expo.

Irene asked everyone to be thinking about a Fraternalist of the Year. Our nominee needs to be submitted in early January, 2008; therefore, we will need to select someone at the December meeting.

Joyce Nelson gave the youth report. The youth had a garage sale and will have another one in the spring. The youth are making Christmas ornaments to be given to the Golden Years Nursing Home.

Gladys Mogonye gave the ticket report, and Irene Helgren gave the house report.

Mrs. Alice Kasper donated the ornament on the chandelier in the hall. It is beautiful and adds a lot to the hall decor. Irene stated that it is time to decorate for the holidays. We will decorate Tuesday, December 4 starting at 3 p.m. Anyone wanting to

help can join us as soon as possible.

Johnny Vrabel gave the trustees’ report. We are working with Lynn and Cindy Harris to get the motorcycle classes going.

Charles Wilson gave the bar report. He thanked Irene Helgren for getting the rental schedule to him so that it could be given to Mr. and Mrs. Harris.

Evelyn Gustafson sent get well cards to Johnny Vrabel, Dolores Greinert, and Marvin Wieruscheske.

Election of Officers November is election time, and officers elected are: President Charles Wilson Vice President Ray Nelson Secretary Shirlene Matetzschk Treasurer Glenward Matetzschk FAC/Reporter Irene Vrabel

Trustees Sam Morgan, Ray Nelson and Glenward Matetzschk Delegates for the 2008 SPJST Convention are Johnny and Irene Vrabel and Glenward and Shirlene Matetzschk. Alternates are Artie Monson, Evelyn Gustafson, Charles Wilson, and Sam Morgan.

At the December meeting, we will install the officers. We will also have dinner for the members attending the meeting.

In life, the old believe in everything, the middle-aged suspect everything, and the young know everything.

Irene Vrabel, Reporter —SPJST—

Scenes from District Four Fall Fun Day

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Lodge 30, Taiton Christmas party December 9 Dear Vestnik Readers, The Lodge 30, Taiton Christmas party is Sunday, December 9, 2007.

The youth will need to be at the hall at 10 a.m. to set up and decorate. The youth club meeting will follow at 11 a.m. The social time is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m., and the meal will be served at 12:15 p.m. with the adult meeting to follow around 1 p.m.

All are asked to bring a toy for a needy child and/or canned goods for a needy family. The youth are also asked to bring a table centerpiece to be given away as a door prize during the adult meeting. The entree will be catered, but please remember that you

Sunday, November 18, 2007 • Abilene, Texas

State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Chester Jenke, far right, presents awards to the horseshoe tournament winners. LEFT PHOTO: First place - Butch and Becky Wood. CENTER PHOTO: Second place -

Walmar and Sharon Hohmann. RIGHT PHOTO: Third place Dayshaun Colen and Chevante Bell. Thanks to all horseshoe tournament participants, and congratulations to the winners!

LEFT PHOTO: District Four Director Billy Rollwitz presents a donation to District Four Treasurer Sharon Hohmann for the Czech Heritage Museum.

CENTER PHOTO: The beautiful anniversary cake baked by Debbie Stevens of Lodge 229, Abilene. RIGHT PHOTO: Director Rollwitz, left, and SL President Vanicek.

LEFT PHOTO: Enjoying a friendly game of dominoes in the beautiful afternoon weather are, left to right, SL President Brian Vanicek, Colleen Jenke, Willie Mae Vanicek, and District Four Director Billy

Rollwitz. CENTER PHOTO: Nancy Schwertner, Beverly Teplicek, Sylvia Rollwitz, Lula Marachek, and Laura Pospichal play dominoes.

RIGHT PHOTO: Members play bingo.

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

are asked to bring a side dish or a dessert for the meal.

Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 35, Elk elects officers, delegates The lodge meeting was called to order by President Randy Pavelka on Sunday, November 11, 2007, at 3 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the members. There were 30 members and guests present.

Secretary Carla Pavelka read the minutes of the October meeting.

They were approved as read.

Treasurer Barbara Pavelka gave the treasurer’s report.

The chairpersons gave their reports and thanked everyone who helped.

We elected officers for 2008:

VĚSTNÍK President Randy Pavelka Vice President Freddie Kubitza Second Vice President Gene Edward Pavelka Secretary Carla Pavelka Treasurer Barbara Pavelka Reporter Dorothy Banik Delegates for the SPJST Convention in June 2008 will be Randy Pavelka, Gene Pavelka, and Barbara Pavelka. The alternate will be Carla Pavelka.

We had a fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings.

Next Meeting—December 9 Our next meeting will be December 9 at 3 p.m. We hope to see all of you there.

Fraternally, Dorothy Banik, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 39, Bryan Christmas party December 9 Lodge 39, Bryan will hold its lodge Christmas party on our regular second Sunday meeting date,

December 9, 2007. Each member is asked to please bring a white elephant gift. You need not bring any food. FAC Dianna Everett and Youth Leader Binnie Roesler will plan the rest of the Christmas program.

On Friday, December 7 at 5 p.m., we will meet for a visit to Sherwood Health Center to sing, wish good cheer, and give stuffed animals to the patients. After that, we will all go out to eat dinner.

Lillie M. O’Shields Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 48 Beyersville Christmas party December 7 Lodge 48, Beyersville invites all members of the SPJST family and the community to join us at our annual Christmas party. This will be held on December 7 at the lodge hall. Come out and join us for dominoes and cards starting at 6 p.m. We will eat shortly thereafter and have the children’s program around 7:15 or 7:30 p.m. The youth club will dress in

Scenes from District Four Fall Fun Day

Christmas costumes. If you want to join them, I am sure that they won’t mind. We will also sing Christmas carols, so be sure to drink your lemon juice and tune up before heading out.

We will be serving baked potatoes, chili, and hot dogs. We ask that if you are able, to please bring a dessert.

Our lodge meeting will be held the evening of the Christmas party. We will have an abbreviated meeting, but it is still important to attend as we will elect a new property committee member. Contact Bobby Wuensche (512) 365-3013 if you can serve in this capacity.

Fraternally, Denisse L. Wuensche Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 49, Rowena Christmas meal December 7 SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena will host its annual Christmas meal and game social on December 7, 2007, at the lodge hall. Registration will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the serving of the meal at 7 p.m. All members are

Sunday, November 18, 2007 • Abilene, Texas

CENTER, RIGHT PHOTOS: Members enjoy playing bingo.

LEFT PHOTO: Sylvia Rollwitz and Field Operations Manager Phil McBee visit at the District Four Fall Fun Day.

LEFT PHOTO: District Four Youth Counselor Janice Stevens prepares her plate. PHOTO 2: Sylvia Rollwitz dances with Lodge 229, Abilene

youth Chevante Bell. PHOTO 3: Beverly Teplicek pitches a horseshoe.

RIGHT PHOTO: Becky Wood shows off a prize.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

VĚSTNÍK urged to attend and bring a guest.

The members voted to bring little story books for the Runnels County Head Start again this year. Please bring a story book to help this Christmas project, and come for an evening of fun, food, and fraternal fellowship.

You do not have to be a member of SPJST to attend. All ages are welcome!

—SPJST—

Lodge 51, Ellinger: Christmas stew dinner December 6 Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 51, Ellinger has changed the date of its Christmas social. It will be held on Thursday, December 6 instead of Friday, December 7. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Ellinger Fire Station.

The lodge will furnish the stew.

Members are asked to bring desserts if desired. For information, call FAC Burdine Divin (979) 249-5554.

—SPJST—

Lodge 84, Dallas Christmas party December 9 Dear Members, The minutes of the last meeting as well as all committee reports were postponed until our December meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Our lodge was saddened. Four members are no longer with us— Sisters Elsie Mahdak, Helen Honza, Wanda Kopecky, and Wanda Petr. In the past, these sisters were dedicated members of Lodge 84 and until her death, Sister Wanda Petr served as flag bearer and sunshine lady. A moment of silence was observed for the four deceased members. To the surviving families, we extend our sympathy. May your loved one rest in peace. They will be missed.

The delegates to the 2008 convention are as follows—President Justine Yeager, Vice President Ben Jarma, Secretary Cheri Petr, Financial Secretary Jim Liska, Youth Leader Bessie Petr, and Assistant Youth Leader Lynda Novak. Two alternates were also elected.

We were happy to see Brother Billy and Sister Clauda Kettrey at our meeting. Sister Kettrey suggested

and gave many ideas of how to make our rentals more successful which was very interesting. It was suggested due to the meeting being cut short, we asked her to bear with us for more discussion.

Our Christmas party is Sunday, December 9. Please come and bring a dessert or side dish to go with ham, cheese, etc. that the lodge will furnish.

Lodge 66, Waco member crowned homecoming queen Congratulations to Shannon Spivey, a senior at China Spring, Texas, High School and a lifetime member of SPJST Lodge 66, Waco. She was crowned homecoming queen at a recent Friday night football game.

Shannon is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steve and Teresa Spivey of China Spring. She is the granddaughter of Joe and Ethel Provazek of China Spring, Roy and Betty Spivey of Lorena, Texas, and the late Bertha Banes of Waco.

Shannon is the manager of the Electric Blues dance team. They have won a lot of trophies with their presentations. It’s a very colorful dance team. “Go, Shannon, go!”

After graduation, Shannon plans to attend college and study nursing.

—SPJST—

Shannon Spivey

Remember, Santa will make an appearance; so kids, have your lists ready.

See you December 9. Doors open at 5 p.m. followed by social hour until 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. followed by the youth program.

For more information, contact Justine Yeager (214) 827-0920.

Fraternally, Rose Scott, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 87, Temple Christmas party December 11 The meeting of SPJST Lodge 87, Temple was called to order by Vice President Diane Troy on Tuesday, November 13, 2007. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was observed for departed members.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read. The treasurer’s report and correspondence were read by Daryl Entrop.

Guest speaker was Wayne Tyroch.

He presented us with facts and figures about the differences between leaving our property under crop-land and converting it to grassland.

Under old business, Joe Camp reported on the process of converting our 30 acres of crop-land into a permanent grass cover. Joe has applied with the USDA-NRCS office in Belton, on our behalf, for the EQUIP program. This program cost shares at a flat rate of $50 per acre to plant coastal Bermuda grass. The cost to the lodge will be from $1,500 to $2,250. If approved for the program, our lodge will be relieved of its obligation to the federal government after the grass is established which is one year and a few months. We have sufficient funds in our treasury to pay our expenses.

John Troy, Diane Troy, Joe Camp, and Gay Camp were elected as delegates to the 30th SPJST Convention in 2008 in Killeen.

Under new business, we held elections for officers for fiscal year 2008.

Joe Camp nominated the slate of John Troy for President; Bertha Capps for Vice President; Diane Troy for Secretary/Reporter; and Daryl Entrop for treasurer. Willie Capps seconded. There being no other nominations for officers, this slate was elected by acclamation.

Vice President Diane Troy made the motion to donate $40 for food baskets for local needy families. It was seconded by Willie Capps, and the motion carried.

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Next Meeting—December 11 Our next meeting will be on December 11, and this will be our Christmas party. Daryl Entrop will provide the turkey and dressing.

Members are asked to bring side dishes and a gift not to exceed $20 for the white elephant gift exchange.

The members are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the local food banks.

Bertha Capps Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston presents change to rules and regulations An Application for Miscellaneous Property Tax Exemption has been filed for Lodge 88, Houston in an effort to reduce our taxes.

Lodge 88 Rules and Regulations were amended by adding Section 5 to Article X. As required by Article X, Section 4, this change is being printed in the Vestnik.

ARTICLE X – MISCELLANEOUS Section 5. If Lodge No. 88 should be dissolved, the assets will be divided equally and transferred to the Czech Heritage Museum located in Temple, Texas; the SPJST Education and Nature Center located in Temple, Texas; and the S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home in Needville, Texas.

Marceil Malak, Secretary Patricia Bruce, President —SPJST—

Lodge 107 Floresville Christmas party December 9 SPJST Lodge 107, Floresville’s annual Christmas party is this Sunday, December 9, 2007.

The youth meeting begins at 1 p.m. with a gift exchange. The adult meeting will immediately follow the youth meeting.

Turkey and drinks will be provided. Members are asked to please bring the following: Youth members bring a dessert.

Adult members bring a side dish.

Adult members are asked to bring

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Merry Christmas from Lodge 154, Fort Worth!

Lodge 154, Fort Worth youth and adult members rode the SPJST Float in the Fort Worth Parade of Lights on Friday, November 23, 2007. An estimated two to four million people viewed the parade which featured 116 lighted entries. LEFT PHOTO: Rosie Steinman

a gift valued at $15 for a white elephant gift exchange.

Call Natalie Henke (830) 2164442 or email nhenke72@aol.com with your side dish and dessert so we do not have too many of the same thing!

There will be fun, food, and plenty of games. Please join us!

Fraternally, Natalie Henke, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 142 Houston celebrates Thanksgiving President Keith Kieschnick called our regular meeting to order on November 11, 2007, at Lodge 88, Houston at 2 p.m. following our catered noon Thanksgiving meal which included turkey and all the trimmings.

The minutes were read and accepted. All committee and officer reports were read. Roll call of officers was given by Secretary Alice Jochen. All were present except Vice President Sidon Tumis and Flag Bearer Gabriel Hernandez.

The Audit Committee had no report. There was no one on the sick list.

President Keith recognized visitors.

We were happy to see and meet Mr. and Mrs. Chester Jenke. Brother Jenke is the State Fraternal Activities Coordinator. He said he covers our whole state—and it is a big state.

Brother Jenke spoke to us and informed us of these events—SPJST Home Office Holiday Open House following the Temple Christmas parade - December 3; Progressive Domino Tournament - January 12; Susan G. Komen Bowl for the Cure February 16; and Join Hands Day at TCHCC- May 3; new Lodge 255, Katy was chartered, and they have 150 new members.

District Five FAC Pat said we are recognizing Veterans Day today. We appreciate all who are here; many are not. We were happy to have Mrs. Alene Kieschnick with us.

We drew for the capsule prize which was $100 this month. The first name drawn was Garrett Owens who was the winner. Congratulations.

Next month, the capsule prize reverts to $10. Birthdays for November were Grace Owens, Mary Ann Kieschnick, and Alene Kieschnick.

Celebrating anniversaries were Jack and Catherine Manchack - 32 years; and Nelson and Alice Jochen - 57 years.

Youth club report was given by Youth Leader Catherine Manchack.

New member welcomed was Georgia Conway.

The meeting adjourned.

Next Meeting—December 9 The next meeting is our annual meeting at Lodge 88 Annex Building at 2 p.m. with Christmas lunch at 1 p.m.

Alice Jochen, Secretary —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

gets ready to board the float. CENTER PHOTO: Lodge 154 members stand in front of the float. RIGHT PHOTO: Santa Claus visits Emily Humphreys before the 25th anniversary of the Sundance Square Parade of Lights.

Lodge 151, Wharton Lodge 189 Christmas social Bryan-College December 10 Station Christmas Lodge 151, Wharton will hold its party December 9 quarterly meeting and Christmas social on December 10, 2007, at Hinze’s Barbecue meeting room.

Registration will be held from 6 to 6:30 p.m. followed by a catered meal of turkey and dressing.

Members, please notify Carolyn Bucek if you plan to attend so she will know how much food to order. Her number is (979) 532-1910.

Members are asked to please bring desserts. Members are also asked to bring personal items that could be used at the nursing home for door prizes and bingo prizes.

We will be giving items to the Crisis Center again this year. If you wish to participate, please bring unwrapped personal items for women or children. Examples are toys, socks, hygiene items, kitchen items, undergarments, etc.

Fifty-year pins will be awarded to Annie K. Navratil, Charles Edward Bollom, Edward Ray Orsak, and Bobby Wayne Peter.

The election of officers for 2008 and the election of delegates to the 2008 SPJST Convention will be held.

Please volunteer to accept a position for a year or two.

Birthday honorees for October, November, and December will be recognized.

Fraternally, Rita J. Vanek Secretary —SPJST—

To All Members: You and your family are invited to attend our annual Christmas dinner, on Sunday, December 9, 2007, at the Brazos Center, located at 3232 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan.

Doors open at 12 noon for registration and fellowship. A catered meal will be served about 12:30 p.m. As in the past, each family is asked to bring a favorite dessert to share with the other attendees.

This year, we will make an offering to be applied to the Ernest Wentrcek Scholarship Fund which is administered by the SPJST Home Office. We currently have received $6,970 towards the $10,000 needed to begin offering the scholarship, and we are hopeful that we will have reached that goal by the end of the year. If you do not plan to attend this meeting, perhaps you may want to send a check to add to this fund. If so, you may mail it to: Charles Munday, Secretary Lodge 189 P.O. Box 211 Bryan, Texas 77806 Checks should be made to the SPJST Scholarship Fund with a notation that it is for the Ernest Wentrcek fund. Such contributions are tax deductible.

Please call (RSVP) Charles Munday (979) 775-7070 as soon as

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

VĚSTNÍK you know the number of you who will be attending. We need to get a head count to the caterer by Thursday, December 6. If Charles is out of the office, please leave a message on his answering machine with your name and the number of people who will be attending.

Door prizes will be awarded at the end of this dinner meeting. We hope to have entertainment provided by a group from Lodge 9, Snook. We would like to see all of our members there. We hope you can attend.

Albert R. Scasta, President —SPJST—

Lodge 191, Lufkin plans December dances December Dances December 7 is the Lufkin Dance Club Christmas dinner. Tickets are $15 in advance. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The dance is at 7:30 p.m. with Glenn Lenderman provid-

ing the music. For tickets, call Bernard Hyland (936) 632-4878.

December 15 is the SPJST Lodge Christmas dance. The dance starts at 8 p.m. Music will be provided by Glenn Lenderman. Dress up in your favorite Christmas outfit and come join the fun. Please bring finger foods for the food table. We need hosts, so if any of you would be willing to help host, please call Wanda Briley (936) 635-5560.

December 31 is the New Year’s Eve dance starting at 8 p.m. with finger foods and a meal at midnight.

Get all dressed up in your sparkly outfit and come join the fun, and bring a friend. Please bring finger foods for the food table. Party favors will be furnished. Music will be provided by Buffalo Nickel. Officers will host. Tickets are $15 per person.

Please make your reservations in advance by calling Marilyn Page (936) 632-1124.

missed a great dance. And, I might add, the food was excellent. As always, thanks to Glenn Lenderman for providing the music. Thanks to Jack and Peggy Gartner, Charlotte Roland, and Donna Oliver for helping me clean up the lodge after the dance. Thanks to Emily Oliver for working the concession. Great job, Emily. And, thanks to Marilyn Page for taking care of the reservations.

Get Well Soon, Helen Our thoughts and prayers are with Helen Boyd during her recent surgery, and we wish her a speedy recovery.

Fraternally, Wanda Briley, Secretary —SPJST—

News The President’s Ball was a blast.

Everyone had a great time eating, dancing, and visiting with friends.

We hope you were there; if not, you

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Lodge 202 Jourdanton Christmas party December 9 The Lodge 202, Jourdanton Christmas party will be Sunday, December 9, 2007, at 1 p.m. at the Jourdanton Community Center. Ham and drinks will be furnished. Bring an adequate amount of food for four people, and toys and/or nonperishable food for ACCEPT. Adults, please bring a wrapped gift for the Chinese gift exchange.

Fraternally, Bettie House, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 187, Round Rock Members Volunteer at Activities

LEFT PHOTOS: Andrew, Ashley, Greg and Jennifer McCarthy attended the Texas Car Show at Rudy’s in Austin. The show benefitted the Make-A-Wish

Foundation and was held September 15. RIGHT PHOTO: Greg McCarthy stands by the SPJST mascot, Orel, at Czech Feszt in Temple on November 3.

LEFT PHOTO: Jennifer McCarthy is pictured in front of the SPJST Float at Czech Feszt in Temple. PHOTO 2: Pictured are, left to right, Miss Texas Czech Marianne Beran, Jennifer McCarthy, 20062007 Miss Czech-Slovak USA Sarah Middlebrook, Kathy Podsednik, Maggie Grmela, and Rosie Steinman of Lodge 154, Fort Worth. The McCarthy family volunteered for several hours at

Czech Feszt. Jennifer reports, “We had a great time and ate plenty of kolaches!” PHOTO 3 and RIGHT PHOTO: The family also attended the Veterans Day parade in Austin on Sunday, November 11. The McCarthys are members of the Mustang Owners of Austin (MOCA) which sponsored the Daughters of the Revolution in the parade.

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Lodge 246 Morgan’s Point Christmas party December 9 Dear Members, You are cordially invited to the SPJST Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point Christmas dinner party on Sunday, December 9, 2007, at 5 p.m. at Cotton Patch Cafe, located inside Temple Mall.

Dinner will be served, and door prizes will be awarded. We will enjoy a Christmas ornament gift exchange.

Please bring a wrapped $5 ornament to participate. We will also have a toy drive, and any new, unwrapped toy donation will be appreciated.

Please RSVP by calling David (254) 534-0809 no later than Wednesday, December 5.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, December 9!

Fraternally yours, Lodge 246 Officers —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 255, Katy meets December 8 Lodge 255, Katy will meet Saturday, December 8, 2007, at 4 p.m. at the Bridgewater Clubhouse, located at 3023 North Mason Road in Katy, Texas. All members are encouraged to attend.

For directions or more information, please call Lynn Johnsen (832) 8755204.

—SPJST—

Birthday Club Sisters of Lodge 88, Houston The November 14, 2007, meeting started at 11 a.m. by President Zajicek with Ernest Anders leading the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer

by Helen Hegwood.

Secretary Bette Hurta read the roll

call with 12 members.

Secretary Bette Hurta read the minutes from the October meeting.

There were no changes so the minutes stayed as read.

Ladies, you are responsible for your dish.

The ladies who will bake a cake in December are Margie Anders, Flo Orsak, Almeida Bravenec, Bette Hurta, Edna Wehring, Willie Mae Pechacek, and myself—Evelyn Zajicek.

Ticket Chairman Bessie Dewer said the tables always look nice. I agree with it. In December, we really want the tables to look nice so bring nice things for that meeting.

Treasurer Lowrina Lindemann gave her report.

Sick members—Edna Wehring is on the mend. She was at the meeting; Ora Nell Hassebrock is on the mend, too.

Flo was at the meeting.

Alemeida Bravenec is ill. All of you get well. Pray for all of them.

Under old business, a motion was made to give $15 for the Buri family to the scholarship fund.

SPJST Home Office Expansion Update

Under new business, we will have a turkey and dressing dinner at the December meeting. The board of Lodge 88 is invited, and it would be helpful if you are coming to call Lowrina Lindemann or Bette Hurta.

Calcutta was won by Helen Hegwood, Margie Anders, and Margie Anders. Celebrating a birthday in November is Alice Bily.

We sang “Happy Birthday.” Helen said our meal prayer, and we ate.

Thanks for the chicken. It was provided by the Buri family.

Evelyn Zajicek, President —SPJST—

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

VĚSTNÍK

Traditional Czech Christmas Tree Decoration Contest

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In the 19th Century, a Christmas tree appeared for the first time in the Czech Lands. Traditional Czech Christmas trees were decorated using unique ideas, shapes, and materials. Many of the decorations had symbolism.

Decorate the tree below using the decoration/symbolism guide. Winning entries will be featured in a future Vestnik and will receive a prize. Deadline for entries is 5 p.m. on Friday, December 14.

Traditional Czech Tree Decorations and Symbolism Guide

Star tree top — Guiding star that led the Wise Men to Bethlehem White dove near tree top — Peace

Popcorn garland — Rope on Joseph’s donkey

Walnuts wrapped in silver — Gifts the Wise Men brought

Religious pictures — Honoring Mother Mary and Baby Jesus Oranges and apples — Hopes for a prosperous year Ribbon candy — Hopes for a prosperous year

Candy Santa Clauses — Honoring Svaty Mikulas, the Czech Santa White cloth around base — Faith and purity

Bowl of fruit at base— Prosperity and good health Coins in fruit bowl at base — Good luck

Enter today for a chance to win great prizes!

Entries must be received by December 14, 2007 at 5 p.m.

Mail your entry to: SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Circle Your Age Category: 6 to 8 • 9 to 11 • 12 to 14 15 to 17 • Adults 18 and Up

________________________________ Name

________________________________ Address

________________________________ City/State/Zip

________________________________ Phone No.

________________________________ Email Address

________________________________ Lodge Name/No.

Silver and gold garlands were added to the tree as they became available.

Gingerbread cookies, cut in the shapes of Wise Men, stars, bells and fish, were decorated with colored icing.

In the days of no electricity, clipon candle holders held candles that were small, round, and the thickness of a pencil. Candles were placed from the top to about halfway down the tree so small children could not reach them. The candles were lit with a match for a short time, usually at night, by the parents who watched so a fire would not start and burn the house down. As the candles burned on the tree, the nighttime prayers were said. Christmas carols were sung when guests visited.

—SPJST—

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

VĚSTNÍK

Congratulations, Top District Career Agents

Edith Barrera

Ngwa Denis Muforsi Maria Teresa Gomez

Apps/Insurance Written Apps/Insurance Written

Lodge 237 West Austin District Two

Lodge 264 Plano District Three

Applications Written

Lodge 272 Del Rio District Four

Roy Medina

Applications Written

Lodge 240 Bay City District Six

Jimmy Slatton

Insurance Written

Lodge 265 Odessa District Four

Silvia Perry

Insurance Written

Lodge 32 Victoria District Six

Naomi Jauregui

Apps/Insurance Written

Lodge 196 Houston-West District Five

Pedro Espinoza

Juan Castaneda

Lodge 217 Alice District Seven

Lodge 271 Laredo District Seven

Applications Written

Insurance Written

Bravo . . . Bravo . . . Bravo State Lodge of the Month

Lodge 271 Laredo

Home Office Staff Member of the Month

State Field Representative of the Month

State Recruiter of the Month

District Seven

88 Applications Issued District Lodges of the Month Lodge 38, Kovar (2 apps) Lodge 171, Lockhart (2 apps) Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point (5 apps) Lodge 264, Plano (30 apps) Lodge 219, El Paso (33 apps) Lodge 196, Houston-West (16 apps) Lodge 30, Taiton (13 apps) Lodge 271, Laredo (88 apps)

James Azzarello

13 recruits

Lodge 40 El CampoHillje

Hector Garcia FIC, CFFM

District Seven

Lisa Kirby District Seven Production 195 Applications Written $7,900,388 Insurance Written

Assistant Data Manager Lodge 89, Rosebud

4 Recruits

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

VĚSTNÍK

17

Congratulations, Top District Associate Agents

Johnnie Janak

Apps/Insurance Written

Lodge 38 Kovar District One

Albin Machu

Applications Written

Lodge 29 Taylor District Two

Ana Maria Sepulveda Julia Ann Schmidt Baltazar Nunez, FIC Insurance Written

Lodge 237 West Austin District Two

Bradley Stavinoha

Apps/Insurance Written

Lodge 81 Needville District Five

October SPJST Idols

Based on Combined Earned Premium, Insurance Issued, and Applications Written SPJST Top 10 ~ Associate Agents ~

1. Baltazar Nunez, FIC Lodge 219, El Paso (4)

2. Albin Machu Lodge 29, Taylor (2)

3. Jesus Rodriguez Lodge 271, Laredo (7)

4. Kenneth Schawe 5.

6.

Lodge 171, Lockhart (1) Sheldon Holub, FIC Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) Curtis Collins, FIC Lodge 66, Waco (3)

7. Julia Schmidt Lodge 66, Waco (3)

8. Jose H. Flores Lodge 271, Laredo (7)

9. Martha Broz, FIC Lodge 160, San Angelo (4)

10. Boyd Maxwell Lodge 234, Luling (1)

Apps/Insurance Written Apps/Insurance Written

Lodge 66 Waco District Three

Lodge 219 El Paso District Four

Judy Peter

Bradley Bacak, FIC

Lodge 30 Taiton District Six

Lodge 40 El Campo-Hillje District Six

Applications Written

Lodge 160, San Angelo (4)

2. Pedro Espinoza Lodge 217, Alice (7)

State Youth Club of the Month

3. Lydia Talamantez

5. Silvia Perry Lodge 32, Victoria (6)

6. Oscar Longoria Lodge 217, Alice (7)

7. Ricardo Oropeza Lodge 271, Laredo (7)

8. Ngwa Denis Muforsi Lodge 264, Plano (3)

9. Leo Longoria Lodge 217, Alice (7)

10. Claudia Castenada Lodge 271, Laredo (7)

( ) is district number.

Lodge 271 Laredo District Seven

Youth Recruiters of the Month

Landon Eldridge

Lodge 160, San Angelo (4)

4. Juan Castenada Lodge 271, Laredo (7)

Jesus Rodriguez

Apps/Insurance Written

Youth in Motion

SPJST Top 10 ~ Career Agents ~

1. Sylvia Garivay

Insurance Written

Lodge 219 El Paso Youth Club District Four Youth Leader Ana Ahumada 30 Applications

Lodge 9, Snook

Cole Campbell

Lodge 24, Cyclone

Nicole Kyler Taylor Sinner Lodge 246 Morgan’s Point

2 Recruits Each

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Thank You, Sales Agents for a Magnificent Job in 2007.

VĚSTNÍK

5,239 apps written ... and counting. Way to go!

Congratulations, October 2007 SPJST Consistency Club District Two: Patsy Koslovsky (2) Lodge 47, Seaton; Frank Pajestka, Jr. (9) - Lodge 80, Holland. District Three: Carol Reed (5) - Lodge 54, West; Brenda Busby (8) Lodge 66, Waco; Milan Dujka, Jr., FIC, CFFM (2) - Lodge 66, Waco.

Denise Patterson (6) - Lodge 66, Waco; Julia Ann Schmidt Lodge 66, Waco; Bessie Petr Lodge 84, Dallas; Lawrence Chapman (9) - Lodge 183, Arlington; Ruthie Judie (7) Lodge 264, Plano.

Ngwa Denis Muforsi (6) Lodge 264, Plano; Tiny Payne (2) - Lodge 264, Plano. District Four: Larry Capps (9) - Lodge 157, Lubbock; Sylvia Garivay (9) Lodge 160, San Angelo; Maria Pena - Lodge 160, San Angelo.

Lydia Talamantez (9) - Lodge 160, San Angelo; Ana Ahumada Lodge 219, El Paso; Marisela Alvarado - Lodge 219, El Paso; Hilda Escajeda - Lodge 219, El Paso; Rosa Morales Lodge 219, El Paso.

Baltazar Nunez, FIC (6) - Lodge 219, El Paso; Bertha Rodriguez (2) - Lodge 219, El Paso; Modena Fowler (3) - Lodge 230, Midland; Maria Teresa Gomez (5) - Lodge 272, Del Rio. District Five: Helen Hegwood, FIC (2) Lodge 88, Houston.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

VĚSTNÍK

Congratulations, SPJST Consistency Club October 2007 Naomi Jauregui - Lodge 196, Houston-West; Carl Clark - Lodge 255, Katy; Barbara WilliamsRash (5) - Lodge 255, Katy.

District Six: Judy Peter - Lodge 30, Taiton; Silvia Perry (9) Lodge 32, Victoria; Minerva Garcia - Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje; Sheldon Holub, FIC (9) - Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje; James Kocurek (9) - Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje; Alfred Pena, LUTC, CFFM (2) - Lodge 223, Palacios.

District Seven: Martin Davila (2) Lodge 79, Corpus Christi.

Juanita Gonzalez (2) - Lodge 79, Corpus Christi; Richard Salinas (3) - Lodge 133, San Antonio; Ignacia Castillo (2) - Lodge 217, Alice; Pedro Espinoza (9) - Lodge 217, Alice; Leo Longoria (9) Lodge 217, Alice.

Oscar Longoria, LUTCF (9) Lodge 217, Alice; Maria Ortega (2) - Lodge 239, Hondo; Carlos Eureste - Lodge 247, San Marcos; Angel Canales (2) - Lodge 271, Laredo; Juan Castaneda (7) Lodge 271, Laredo.

Mirna Castanon - Lodge 271, Laredo; San Juanita Cepeda (2) Lodge 271, Laredo; Jose Noe Flores (5) - Lodge 271, Laredo; Ramon Garcia (3) - Lodge 271, Laredo; Guillermo Llanos - Lodge 271, Laredo.

Sharon Macias (4) - Lodge 271, Laredo; Ricardo Oropeza (9) Lodge 271, Laredo; Jesus Rodriguez (9) - Lodge 271, Laredo; Margarita Trevino (9) Lodge 271, Laredo; Hector Vitela (9) - Lodge 271, Laredo.

19

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Czech Christmas!

VĚSTNÍK

How to Celebrate a

Some Traditions Have Changed While Others Have Stayed the Same

A Traditional Czech Christmas

C

zechs begin preparing for Christmas early — usually, by the middle of November. It’s at that time that the shops begin luring people in with their window displays.

Mailbox flyers and commercials on all the television stations help to further the pre-Christmas madness.

Not only are the shops full of people buying gifts for their relatives, but also people buying ingredients for making sweets at home . . . but more about that later. Let’s begin by taking a step back in time and look at what it means to celebrate a traditional Czech Christmas.

It was once the custom for Czechs to fast for the whole day on Christmas Eve, for only those who did not eat until Christmas Eve dinner would be able to see the golden pig — a symbol of prosperity — on the wall that evening. That morning the Christmas tree would have been decorated - mostly with red apples, walnuts, gingerbread, and other sweets, and on the tip of the tree, the star of Bethlehem was set.

It was also customary for the tree to be mostly decorated by the children, because the mother had too many other things to do. Also, candles were fastened to the tree branches, to be lit in the evening and give Christmas Eve an even greater sense of magic.

The whole family would be finishing up their final preparations before the Christmas feasts, which were just beginning on Christmas Eve at nightfall.

Holiday Customs and Traditions

u

No lights should be lit in the house before the first star comes

u u

u

u u

u u

u u

u

u

out. After it does, dinner is served.

The table should be set for an even number of guests. An odd number brings bad luck or death.

An extra plate can be used to even out the number of guests.

An extra plate should also be prepared in case an unexpected guest or a person in need comes by the house at dinner time.

The legs of the table can be tied with a rope to protect the house from thieves and burglars in the coming year.

No one should sit with their back to the door.

Christmas dinner should consist of nine courses including soup, bread with honey, carp, potato salad, fruit (dried, fresh or canned), dessert (apple strudel or vanocka - Christmas bread), and other foods.

No alcohol should be served on Christmas Eve. No one should ever get up from the Christmas table before dinner is finished. Doing so brings bad luck and death in the family.

Everyone should finish their dinner and leave nothing on the plate.

The first person to leave the table after dinner will be the first one to die in the coming year. That is why everyone should get up from the table at the same time.

Any leftovers from dinner (crumbs, fish bones, etc.) should be buried around the trees to ensure they will bear lots of fruit.

All household animals should be fed after dinner so that no one goes hungry on Christmas Eve.

The Power of Foods and Plants

Certain plants, spices and foods are said to have special qualities and have been an important part of Czech Christmas celebrations throughout history. Here are some of them: Garlic An essential part of Christmas

that should not be missing at any Christmas dinner. It is believed to provide strength and protection. A bowl of garlic can be placed under the dinner table.

Honey Honey is believed to guard against evil. A pot of honey can be placed on the dinner table.

Mushrooms Mushrooms give health and strength. A traditional meal called kuba, prepared from dried mushrooms, barley, garlic, onions, and spices, used to be served as the main meal in the past. Mushroom soup can be served before dinner.

Sheaf of Grain A bundle of grain dipped in holy water can be used to sprinkle the house to prevent it from burning down in the next year.

Poppyseed, Peas, Wheat, Barley If given to the hens on Christmas Eve, lots of eggs will be laid in the coming year.

Vanocka (Christmas Bread) Feeding a piece of vanocka to the cows on Christmas Eve will ensure that there will be lots of milk all year.

Putting a few vanocka crumbs in front of the bee hive will make sure that the bees will produce enough honey next year. Throwing a piece of vanocka into the well will ensure good quality of the water.

Apple If the goats are given apples on Christmas Eve, their milk will be sweet.

Foretelling the Future

The foretelling of the future and predicting the well-being of the family in the coming year is connected with many popular Christmas customs some of which are still practiced today.

The Floating of Walnut Shells Little boats are made out of empty walnut shells, and each family

member places a little burning candle into a shell. Everyone's shells are then floated on a bowl of water. If the shell makes it across the bowl, its owner will live a long and healthy life. A shell that sinks brings bad luck to its owner.

The Cutting of the Apple After Christmas dinner, every person present at the table cuts an apple in half (crosswise, from the stem down). Both halves are shown to everyone around the table. If the core is shaped as a star, it means that everyone will get together next year in happiness and health. A fourpointed cross is a bad omen and means that someone at the table will fall ill or die within a year.

Foretelling Marriage

There are lots of Christmas customs that help young girls in the family find out if they will get married in the year to come.

Cherry Tree Twigs (Barborky) On December 4, St. Barbora’s Day, an unmarried girl is supposed to cut a twig off of a cherry tree and put it in water. If the twig blooms by Christmas Eve, the girl will marry within a year.

The Throwing of the Shoe An unmarried girl is supposed to throw a shoe over her shoulder and towards the door. If the shoe lands with the toe pointing towards the door, the girl will marry within a year.

The Shaking of the Elder Tree An unmarried girl is supposed to shake an elder tree and if a dog barks, she will marry a man who lives in the direction from which the dog bark came.

Money and Wealth

Although Czech Christmas has traditionally been focused on spirituality and family rather than on material possessions, there are a few customs relating to money and wealth.

VĚSTNÍK

Fish Scales Fish scales should be placed under Christmas dinner plates or under the tablecloth to bring wealth to the house. Carrying a fish scale in a wallet all year will ensure that money will not run out.

Midnight Mass

Christmas Eve ended with Midnight Mass, which was held in every church. In some regions, Christmas plays were also part of the Mass, which was followed in any case with carolling. On Christmas Eve and God's Feast — December 25 — people wouldn’t play cards, go to the pub, or visit relatives. This had to wait until St. Stephen’s Day, December 26, when the dancing parties and the period of merry-making and carolling began.

Carols and Carolling

Carolling is an old Czech custom, where carolers go from house to house in a group, singing songs and collecting presents in each house.

The main period of carolling runs from Christmas Eve to the Day of the Three Kings, thus from December 24 to January 6. Most often, people went carolling on Christmas Eve, St. Stephen’s Day (December 26), and on New Year’s. Another period of carolling was during the Easter holidays.

Through their carols the people wished for prosperity in the future, and this wish for success in agriculture and in their personal life (love and health) had a deeper meaning than the later New Year's good wishes. For this reason, carolers were warmly welcomed into homes and their carols were of good tidings and delivered with a merry feeling. carolers would often go dressed in costumes and carolling would take on a racier nature.

The medieval Church frowned on carolers for the spectacle that they would sometimes make of themselves, including masquerading themselves as animals!

Consequently, the Church ended up forbidding people’s carolling and began introducing priests to the carolling trips. Through this, the Church hoped to replace the old carolling, and so in the 14th century, popular carolling was replaced by Church Christmas songs about the birth of Christ, first in Latin, later in the national tongues.

The best known of the Czech

carols today are “Narodil se Kristus Pan” - “Christ the Lord” was Born from the 15th century, “Nesem Vam Noviny” - “Bringing Good News to You” from the end of the 19th century or “Ticha Noc” - “Silent Night.”

Though Austrian by origin, this last song was soon adopted here.

Czech Christmas Today

Preparations for the Christmas holidays mostly get underway for Czechs with a good house-cleaning.

The whole house is cleaned from top to bottom: the carpets are washed, the furniture polished, and everywhere vacuumed, even under the beds and cupboards. In recent times, Czechs have begun placing other objects that symbolize Christmas in these nice, clean windows — lit Christmas stars bought in the shops or artificial wreaths.

After cleaning their homes completely, people begin slowly bringing in supplies and gifts for Christmas.

They hide them in their cupboards and other hiding-places, so their family members don’t accidently find them and ruin the surprise on Christmas Eve. This is when parents ask their children to write a letter to Jezisek (Baby Jesus), to tell him everything they want to find under the tree on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Sweets

From the beginning of December, the attractive aromas of Christmas confectionery begin emanating from Czech kitchens. Even if more and more Czechs lack the courage to bake a vanocka Christmas loaf, baking Christmas sweets at home remains a Czech speciality.

The more types of sweets on the table during Christmas, the better.

The custom was that the children would help their mothers. The custom was also that the children, along with their fathers, would steal the sweets before Christmas from the box where their mothers had put them for safe-keeping. Another rule was also that housewives and grandmothers would bake even more kinds of sweets to get a head start on them. The results of all these actions can be seen in extra weight around the middle after the holidays . . .

Towards the end of November, Christmas markets begin to appear in the squares in towns, filling them with smells of pine, from all the large

Christmas trees, constantly reminding passers-by that Christmas is near.

Shopping

Wednesday, December 5, 2007 During the holiday season, Czechs think of all their friends and relatives and send their Christmas greetings to them.

The design of these Christmas cards varies every year, but among them are always cards featuring the Czech artist Josef Lada.

The image at right is a Lada image.

the Neither house-cleaning nor the cooking compares with the suffering endured in all the lines in the department stores and other shops. People from the countryside come into larger cities or Prague, along with people from the larger cities and towns. The most common spot for Christmas shopping is still the Prague department stores Kotva, Bila Labut, and Tesco.

Mikulas

In the midst of these holiday preparations, the parents of small children have the holiday of Mikulas (St. Nicholas Day) to look forward to.

It’s celebrated on the eve of the day in his honor, thus on the fifth of December, and one of the only one of the old Czech advent holidays that is still being celebrated. Every year on this night, the streets are filled with devils rattling chains, St. Nicholases with white cotton beards, long white robes and bishop’s staves, and angels with paper wings, coming to see small children to give them a scare before giving them sweets, and then drinking a toast with their parents.

Advent also brings with it advent concerts, which are often connected with collections for a charitable cause.

Christmas Wishes

During the holiday season, Czechs think of all their friends and relatives and send their Christmas greetings to them. The design of these Christmas cards varies every year, but among them are always cards featuring the Czech artist Josef Lada.

These are typical Czech Christmas greetings and people send plenty of them, even with the Czech Post continually raising its prices.

The Czech Post does think of its customers, however, and tries to soften the blow by issuing brand new postage stamps every year at Christmas with holiday motifs.

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Image from Radio Praha

The Christmas Tree

The closer Christmas gets, the more everyone realizes what they still haven’t gotten done: Mailing Christmas cards, buying that gift for Auntie, making those special rum balls and picking out the Christmas tree.

Christmas trees can be bought in most town squares and other open spaces, and every year they get more expensive. The most expensive are fir trees, followed by pine and then spruce trees. The newest trend is the artificial Christmas tree. Most Czech families keep their trees out on the balcony, where it remains until Christmas Eve.

The Christmas Carp and Other Preparations

Once the house is clean, the sweets all baked, the gifts bought, the Christmas cards sent out, and the Christmas tree out on the balcony, it’s time to arrange Christmas visits with friends and relatives, to organize the Christmas decorations, to prepare for the Christmas party at work, to get all the right ingredients for the potato salad, and buy the Christmas carp. Carp is only a recent addition to the Czech table, and according to studies, is part of Christmas Eve dinner in three quarters of Czech households, while the remainder prefer fried fish or filets.

The carp-sellers are a common sight on the streets in the wintry weather prior to Christmas, pulling carp out of the tanks of icy water, and even killing and gutting them there if the customer desires. Some people take them home, however, and put them in the bathtub. There are two things to remember concerning the keeping of the Christmas carp in the bathtub: 1) Don’t feed it! (so it doesn't have full intestines when Dad guts it after killing it), and

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

2) Don’t give it a name under any circumstances! This is so that the kids or their parents won’t feel sorry for it and run out on Christmas Eve to return it to the Vltava River!

Then comes the last day of work before the Christmas holidays! And, of course, this can only mean office parties to celebrate the upcoming escape from work. If you manage to get through this Christmas tradition unscathed, you can jump out of bed on the morning of Christmas Eve and begin to savor the atmosphere of the holidays with those near and dear. The most important day of the Czech Christmas celebration, the 24th of December is naturally as

VĚSTNÍK idyllic for adults as it is for children, who have a day full of traditional Christmas fare to enjoy.

The Christmas television schedule is more or less the same every year. Fairy tales - old ones such as Pysna princezna (The Proud Princess), Princezna se zlatou hvezdou na cele (The Princess with the Golden Star on her Brow), Obusku z pytle ven (Take the Club from the Sack), and then the newer ones like Silene smutna princezna (The Terribly Sad Princess), or Tri orisky pro Popelku (Three Nuts for Cinderella). There’s also no shortage of old Czech and foreign comedies, such as the film Babicka (Grandmother) or the musicals “My

Fair Lady” and “Mary Poppins.”

One Christmas hit is missing from the schedule, however, the Soviet fairy tale, Mrazik (Frost), which will be engraved in the hearts of the children of the 1970s and 80s and their parents forever.

In the afternoon, the Christmas tree is decorated, with whatever ornaments are in fashion at the moment. Recently the preferred decorations have become natural ornaments — red apples, walnuts, gingerbread, straw or wooden figures and classical candles.

national holiday. Everyone gets to sleep in! It is also customary at this time of the year to publicly forgive those you have quarreled with during the year. Traditionally, the main meal at noon on Christmas Day would be: a giblet soup with homemade noodles, a roast goose with bread dumplings and sauerkraut.

After this huge meal, they eat fresh kolaches, fruits, nuts and drink coffee.

The information presented in this SPJST Christmas feature compiled from Radio Praha (www.radio.cz/en/) and www.myczechrepublic.com —SPJST—

Christmas Day

In the Czech Republic, just as here, December 25 is an official

2008 SPJST Camp Tee-Shirt Design Contest Official Entry Form 2008 Theme: “SPJST Best in the State Celebrate '08” Entry Deadline: January 31, 2008 Draw your original design in the space blocked at left using a black pen or black marker. See contest rules for complete details.

Name __________________________ Lodge __________________________ Age___ Date of Birth ____________ Address ________________________ City ____________________________ Zip ____________________________ Phone (_____) ___________________ This is my original artwork -- not traced or copied. I understand that it becomes the property of SPJST and will not be returned. ________________________________ Youth Member’s Signature

________________________________ Parent’s Signature

________________________________ Date

Mail entry by January 31, 2008 to: SPJST Camp Tee-Shirt Design Contest c/o SPJST Home Office P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503

SPJST Youth

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

VĚSTNÍK

The deadline for all Vestnik items is 5 p.m. the Wednesday before the publication date. Send your news and photos directly to:

Section State Youth Director announces 2008 youth theme Dear Youth Leaders, The year is coming to a close. I hope everything is going well for you and your youth club. Looking back on 2007, I am happy to report that it was a great year for the youth program. Any time that we are able to make a positive difference in the life of an individual, family, or on a community, it’s a great thing. We did that this year. It’s great to be part of an organization that takes its responsibility to its young people as serious as the SPJST. Let’s keep up the good work in the weeks and months to come and get off to a running start in 2008!

November 10—DYC Meeting District Youth Counselors and I met in Seabrook on November 10 to review the various aspects of the youth program for 2008. All aspects of the program, including youth achievement says, summer camp, and the various seasonal youth contests were discussed. One of the biggest changes is with the new merit point system, which will be discussed at the youth leaders retreat. The new merit point system is much easier to keep up with and will eliminate a lot of the paperwork that you currently have to work with.

It was a productive meeting and gave all of us a chance to get a good jump start on the year ahead.

Youth Leaders Retreat Plans are for the retreat to start on Saturday, March 29, 2008, at 10 a.m., stay overnight, and leave Sunday, March 30 by noon. The youth leaders retreat meeting session will be held in the new meeting room in Temple at the SPJST Home Office.

SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: (254) 774-7447

Email: melaniez@vvm.com Questions?

Call (800) 727-7578

2008 Youth Program Theme: “SPJST Best in the State Celebrate ’08” Our youth year theme is “SPJST Best in the State Celebrate ’08.” This coincides nicely with the SPJST 2008 incentive program theme.

2007 SPJST Camp Tee-Shirt Design Contest The camp tee-shirt theme is “SPJST Best in the State Celebrate ’08.” Youth leaders have been supplied with complete information and an official entry form. All youth club members are encouraged to enter.

The grand prize is a shopping spree at Wal-Mart.

Contest deadline is January 31, 2008. All participants receive 20 merit points and a participation certificate.

SPJST Scholarships and Leadership Grants All members who are high school seniors or college undergraduates are

encouraged to apply for both the SPJST General Scholarship and Leadership Grant. For more information or for an application, please call Sandra Dubcak (800) 727-7578.

Completed scholarship applications and related application materials must be postmarked on or before February 1.

100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive Thanks to all of the young people and youth clubs who have contributed to this wonderful project. All young people who donate at least $2 will receive 20 merit points. All young people who donate at least $5 will also receive a certificate.

2008 Leaders-in-Training Retreat June 6 to 8 This year, we have a special LIT retreat lined up for our youth. Our retreat will be held at Forest Glen close to Huntsville. This is a great camp in which to teach the LITs about their responsibilities as LITs. If you would like to check out Forest Glen on the Web, go to http://forestglen.gospelcom.net/html/retreats.html and check out the lakeside retreat. There are pictures of the cabins and the surrounding area.

Best wishes to you and yours for a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Fraternally, John Hoelscher State Youth Director —SPJST—

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Lodge 25, Ennis youth: thankful for family, friends Dear Readers, Happy Thanksgiving! I ate a lot of turkey and played with my cousins. I am thankful for my family and friends. I am moving to Frisco next week, but I will still come to Ennis for the youth club meetings. My cousin—King Blake—and I will be in the Ennis Christmas parade. It will be fun.

Fraternally yours, Austen Holland —SPJST—

Lodge 80, Holland Youth Club reports on November meeting Dear Vestnik, These are the notes for the Lodge 80, Holland Youth Club meeting held on Saturday, November 3, 2007, held at the lodge. Alysse called the meeting to order at 2:35 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance and SPJST motto. Afterward, we had a moment of silence.

JoAnn read the minutes from the last meting, and they were approved.

Youth Leader Kristi Davis read the balance for Treasurer Kelsey.

Present for the September meeting

Lodge 107, Floresville Youth: Day After Thanksgiving Fishing My family and I decided to go hunting and fishing instead of shopping the day after Thanksgiving.

After cleaning the deer blinds, we wanted something to do until it was time to sit in the blind and wait for the deer. Dad said we could go fishing.

Little did we know what was in store for us!

After we caught the freshwater catfish, Mom and Dad asked us if we were ready to go hunting. We decided we wanted to go home, clean the fish, and eat them. Dinner was awesome!

—SPJST—

Lodge 107, Floresville Youth Club member Ryan Henke with his sister Brooke Henke are pictured during their Thanksgiving break.

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

were Alysse Luna, Ryan Festa, Clayton Tschoerner, JoAnn Mazoch, Garrett Festa, Nichole Festa, Kirsten White, Heather Tschoerner, Alexis Festa, and Samantha White.

We welcomed two new members—Clayton Tschoerner and Heather Tschoerner. We are so happy you joined our youth club!

We discussed some old business.

Youth Leader Kristi Davis announced that the social with Lodge 29, Taylor Youth Club had been cancelled due to Chaparrel Ice not being open to the public on Sundays. Kristi announced that she would be leaving the youth club effective immediately after the meeting. She brought the camera, carrying case, and batteries.

She also brought the October and November Vestnik projects, and all the members were given these to complete after the meeting.

VĚSTNÍK We discussed some new business.

Youth Leader Davis stated that she had received a note from Jacqui Wiest asking to be excused from the meeting as Jacqui was in Victoria on SPJST business. The youth club voted to excuse the absence.

Door prizes were awarded.

Alysse adjourned the meeting at 2:55 p.m. Members completed their Vestnik projects and turned them into Kristi Davis.

Kirsten White, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 154 Fort Worth Youth Club announces officers Dear Vestnik Readers, I’d like to report Lodge 154, Fort Worth Youth Club’s current officers.

They are: President Emily Humphreys Vice President Klair Stoeppleman Secretary Allyssa Carmin Treasurer Brianna Carmin Reporter Talia Milan Flag Bearer Gage Cornell

During the youth meeting, we talked a lot about the possible new camp site. After the meeting, we held a Core Challenge. We competed in seven events that were really fun!

Thanks to John and Douglas for setting it up.

Our youth club’s upcoming events will be participating in the Downtown Fort Worth Parade of Lights, and we will be having our annual Christmas party.

I hope you have the happiest holidays ever!

Talia Milan —SPJST—

Our lodge hosted the District Three Fall Meeting. There were so many cool Christmas ornaments.

SPJST Cross Training (December Vestnik Project) - Christmas Tree Safety This project earns a maximum 40 points in the SPJST Youth Clubs Merit Points System. Mail completed project no later than January 10, 2008 to: SPJST Youth Program c/o SPJST Home Office • P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503

Name__________________________________________________________________ Age______________ Lodge______________

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

For many, decorating the Christmas tree is a favorite part of the holiday. The National Safety Council offers some safety tips to make sure a mishap doesn’t spoil your holiday season.

Christmas Trees

• A real tree can add to the spirit of Christmas by filling your home with beauty and the scent of pine. A real tree can also pose a fire hazard. Each year, more than 400 residential fires involve Christmas trees and, tragically, nearly 40 deaths and 100 injuries result from those fires.

• Try to select a fresh tree by looking for one that is green. The needles of pines and spruces should bend and not break and should be hard to pull off the branches. On fir species, a needle pulled from a fresh tree will snap when bent, much like a fresh carrot. Also, look for a trunk sticky with sap.

• Cut off about two inches of the trunk and put the tree in a sturdy, waterholding stand. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly.

• Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources.

Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways.

• If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.

Tree Lights

• Only use indoor lights indoors (and outdoor lights only outdoors). Look for the UL label. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets.

• Also, use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord.

Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run cords under rugs.

• Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. source:http://www.nsc.org/library/facts/xmastree.htm

Tree Ornaments

• Always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places.

• Read labels before you use materials that come in jars, cans, and spray cans.

• Never place lighted candles on a tree or near any flammable materials.

• Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.

• Do not hang popcorn chains and candy canes on the tree when small children are present. They may think that other tree ornaments are also edible.

Doug is getting ready to decorate the Christmas tree here at the Home Office.

Please help Doug learn to be safe by answering the questions below.

1. How many residential fires involve Christmas trees each year?

(Circle One)

A. 200

B. 300

C. 405

D. 400

2. Name two characteristics to select when looking for a fresh Christmas tree._________________________________________ _____________________________________________________

3. How many inches of the trunk need to be cut off of the Christmas tree before it is put into a sturdy water-holding stand? _________

4. What type of lights should be used indoors, and how do you tell? _____________________________________________________ 5. How many strands of lights can you connect to one extension cord? _____________________________________________________

VĚSTNÍK

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Lodge 107, Floresville Youth Participate in Core Challenge Dear Readers, On Saturday, November 17, 2007, Lodge 107, Floresville hosted the Core Challenge for the District Seven youth. We were divided into groups by age and went from one activity to the next. There was an agility course, sled pull, sprint race, bent arm soldier hang, log throw, and Hercules challenge. We were timed on each event, and the fastest three girls and fastest three boys in each age group received ribbons.

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Lodge 202, Jourdanton and Lodge 185, New Braunfels joined us for an afternoon of fun. There were also plenty of adult volunteers and a concession stand.

We finished just in time before it started to rain. A lock-in was held at the Lodge 107 hall for the youth after the Core Challenge with pizza and games. It was a fun day!

Fraternally, Eric Carpenter, Reporter —SPJST—

LEFT PHOTO: Shelby Carpenter hangs around during the bent arm soldier hang. RIGHT PHOTO: SPJST State Youth Director John

Hoelscher and Assistant Doug Galler explain the Core Challenge rules to the volunteers.

LEFT PHOTO: Hope Bayer carries a sandbag in the Hercules challenge. CENTER PHOTO: Participants prepare for the log toss. RIGHT

PHOTO: Ryan Henke readies for his turn for the log toss with help from his dad, Doug Henke.

LEFT PHOTO: Brandon Korus smiles his way through the agility course. CENTER PHOTO: Brooke Henke conquers the agility course.

RIGHT PHOTO: Scott Carpenter times Eric Carpenter in the Hercules challenge.

LEFT PHOTO: Zachary Bayer tackles the agility course. CENTER PHOTO: Travis Tieken muscles through the Hercules challenge.

RIGHT PHOTO: District Seven participants and volunteers gather for a group photo.

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

In Memoriam

Resolution of Sympathy

The officers and members of Lodge 15, Buckholts wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of our departed brother, JOE FRANK ZAJICEK. Joe Frank Zajicek, 99, of Temple, Texas, and formerly of Buckholts died November 3, 2007; just 22 days short of his 100th birthday.

Funeral services were held at Marek-BurnsLaywell Funeral Home in Cameron on Joe Zajicek November 6.

He was born on a farm one and one-half miles west of Buckholts to Joe and Caroline (Ermis) Zajicek.

Their children were Joe, Amon, Thomas, Marie, Anne, Sylvia, and Caroline. Joe was the last surviving member of his family.

At the age of 14, Joe started working as a mechanic at the Walchak Garage in Buckholts. He also worked at his uncle Albert Zajicek’s store. Later, he went to Houston to work for Kadlacek Garage, but returned to Buckholts and bought the Kadlacek Garage in Buckholts.

Joe married Lillie Roesler of Ben Arnold on September 19, 1936. They started in the gas and oil business, which was called Service Oil Company. They bought land and farmed and went into the chicken and hog business. Joe also worked at Montgomery Ward Tire Store for eight years and later managed the Farmers Gin in Buckholts.

Joe loved to dance, especially the waltz and polka. He and Lillie were members of the Cameron Dance Club and the Crawford Dance Club.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife Lillie of Temple; sons Joe Dean Zajicek and wife Berniece of Waco, Walter Anton Zajicek and wife Bennie Marie of Bryan, and Jackie Louis Zajicek and wife Suszanne of Copperas Cove; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Joe had many friends and will be greatly missed by all.

SPJST Lodge 15, Buckholts lost a longtime, faithful, and dedicated member, Mr. Joe Zajicek, on November 3. He had been an SPJST

member for over 75 years. He would have celebrated his 100th birthday on November 25th. A large celebration was planned for the occasion at our lodge. He and all his family and many friends were really looking forward to the event.

He and his wife, Lillie, have done so much through the years to support our lodge to keep it active. He will really be missed.

Resolution Committee Virginia Williams Glenn Fischer Frank Tomascik —SPJST—

In Memory of Lawrence Vavra Funeral services for Lawrence A. Vavra were held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, in the New Tabor Brethren Church.

Burial followed in New Tabor Cemetery.

Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 23, 2007, at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell.

Mr. Vavra died Sunday, October 21, 2007.

He was born on July 8, 1924, in the New Tabor community, the son of Frank J. Lawrence Vavra and Johanna (Englemann) Vavra. He was baptized as an infant in the New Tabor Brethren Church and later confirmed in the same church in 1939.

He served in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946.

He married Patricia Fowler on September 22, 1954, in Caldwell.

He was a rancher and owned and operated a Gulf Service Station from 1951 to 1981. He was also employed by the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier from 1982 to 1985.

Lawrence was a member of SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include wife Patricia Vavra of Caldwell; daughters and son-in-law Connie L. Bowers of College Station, Shirley Vavra of Silsbee, and Carolyn Doonan and husband Charles of Caldwell; sisters and brothers-in-law Viola Skrabanek,

VĚSTNÍK Martha Hoffmann, Dorothy and Marvin Ondrasek, and Virginia and James “Buddy” Barnett; three grandchildren; godson Michael Marvin Ondrasek; and numerous other relatives.

Pallbearers who served were Gary Skrabanek, Pat Hoffman, John Hoffman, David Ondrasek, Michael Ondrasek, and James “Bo” Barnett.

Honorary pallbearers were Edward Homeyer, T.L. Calvin, Bernard Rychlik, Joe Rychlik, Bill Barnett, Edwin Hlavaty, and Stanley Mrnustik.

Memorials may be made to New Tabor Brethren Church, P.O. Box 262, Caldwell, Texas 77836.

Funeral arrangements were by Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell.

—SPJST—

Expression of Sympathy We, the members of the Resolution Committee of Lodge No. 17, Novy Tabor, Caldwell, Texas, on behalf of our membership, wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of our departed brother, JOHN EDWARD STEFKA, JR. Services for Mr. Stefka, a lifelong resident of the New Tabor community, were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 28, 2007, at New Tabor Brethren Church with Reverend David Johnson officiating. Burial followed in the New Tabor Church Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, August 27 at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell. Pallbearers were Steven Orsag, Barney Homeyer, R. Herrmann, Fred Surovik, Dale Schwartz, and Kenwood Kiel.

Mr. Stefka died Friday, August 24 at St. Joseph Regional Health Center.

He was born August 2, 1930, the son of John E. Stefka, Sr., and Lydia Sefcik Stefka, and was a graduate of Caldwell High School. He attended Texas A&M University.

He was married to Shirley Kiel on July 21, 1956.

He lived in the New Tabor community and operated a dairy farm with his father and brother Daniel.

After his father’s retirement, he and his brother operated the farm until 1981. Daniel and John continued to ranch together. After Daniel died, John ranched with his two sons until 2005.

John was a member of SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor, and New

Tabor Mutual Aid Society. He was an active member of the New Tabor Brethren Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He was an elder and a member of Men’s Brotherhood, a member of the choir, and a Sunday school teacher. He also helped organize the church cemetery. His devotion and service to the community extended to serving on many boards and committees.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother Daniel Stefka.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Shirley Stefka of New Tabor; daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Scott Smith of Caldwell; sons and daughter-in-law John Stefka and Mark and Stacy Stefka, all of Caldwell; sisters and brother-in-law Lillie Chafin of Caldwell and Betty and John Orsag of Friendswood; two grandsons; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Respectfully submitted by, Resolution Committee Stanley F. Mrnustik Ben Franklin Trcalek, Jr. Susan Skrabanek —SPJST—

Expression of Sympathy We, the Resolution Committee of Lodge 9, Snook, on behalf of our membership, wish to express our deepest and sincerest sympathy to the family of EMMAGENE SEBESTA. Funeral services for Emmagene Sebesta, age 93, were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 20, 2007, at Lone Oak Baptist Church in Snook with Brother Henry Stovall officiating. Burial followed in the Snook Cemetery.

Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, November 19 at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell.

Mrs. Sebesta died Saturday, November 17 in Burleson St. Joseph Manor in Caldwell.

She was born November 14, 1914, the daughter of Sam and Ora Hogan Woodburn. Her sisters and brothers were Leona Schoppe, Rosy Lee Ward, Mary Albright, George Woodburn, Billy Mac Woodburn, and Sammie Woodburn.

She married Adolph C. Sebesta on January 28, 1933. They had sons Clint Sebesta and Herbert Sebesta.

She loved to cook and sew and will be long remembered for her wonderful corn bread dressing, but-

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

VĚSTNÍK termilk pies, and homemade rolls.

She and her husband Adolph spent many hours together farming and raising cattle.

She was a member of SPJST Lodge 9, Snook and the Lone Oak Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by husband Adolph; sons Clint and Herbert; daughter-in-law Anita Jakubik Sebesta; and grandsons Bradley Frank and Gregory Alan Sebesta.

Survivors include daughter-in-law Doris Sebesta of Snook; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Lone Oak Baptist Church in Snook, Texas.

Funeral arrangements were with Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell.

May our departed sister rest in eternal peace.

Resolution Committee Maude Jakubik Ann Schoeneman —SPJST—

Expression of Sympathy We, the undersigned Resolution Committee of Lodge Karel Havlicek, No. 4, Hallettsville, Texas, on behalf of our entire membership wish to express our sincerest and deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of our departed lodge brother, STACEY EDWARD RABEL, age 47, who passed away on Tuesday, October 23, 2007. He was born on March 8, 1960, in Houston to Marvin and Lillian Cernoch Rabel. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville, KJT No. 6 of New Dubina, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Stacey attended St. Charles Borromes Catholic School, then Sam Houston High and graduated in the class of 1978. He worked several small jobs, but then decided to follow his dad’s footsteps and went to school to be a certified fabricator pipe fitter.

He worked for Boccard, Inc. until he became ill.

Stacey is survived by parents Marvin and Lillian Cernoch Rabel of Hallettsville; girlfriend Rita Pineda and daughter Star; daughter Ashley Lores and husband Rick of LaPorte; and brother Glenn Rabel of Hallettsville.

Stacey was preceded in death by grandparents Joe and Mary Rabel, and Albert and Victoria Cernoch.

Visitation began at 2 p.m., Thursday, October 25 at Kubena

Funeral Home with the family receiving visitors from 5 to 7 p.m.

Rosary was recited at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 26 at Sacred Heart Church. Reverend John Peters officiated. Services were held at 10 a.m., Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial followed in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of South Texas; Sacred Heart Catholic Church; or charity of one’s choice.

May our departed brother rest in eternal peace.

Resolution Committee Gaynell Chudej Victoria Zak —SPJST—

Resolution of Sympathy We, the members of the Resolution Committee of Lodge Hvezda Texasu, No. 47, Seaton, Texas, on behalf of our membership, wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of our departed sister, LEOLA KRUSE. Graveside services for Leola Kruse, age 90 of Temple were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, in Ocker Brethren Church Cemetery near Temple with the Reverend Eric Hammer officiating.

Mrs. Kruse died Thursday, November 8 in a Temple nursing home.

She was born in Cyclone to Michael Fischer and Lena Haring Fischer. She married Bennie Kruse on October 30, 1932, in Temple.

Mrs. Kruse worked for 21 years as a housekeeper.

She was preceded in death by her husband.

She is survived by son Joe Kruse of Temple.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lighthouse Hospice, 2913 Williams Drive, Suite 320, Georgetown, Texas.

Heartfield Funeral Home in Belton was in charge of arrangements.

Resolution Committee Adeline Kohutek Joyce Skrabanek LaVerne Vanicek —SPJST—

Expression of Sympathy

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Harden and Patricia Kegerreis; 19 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.

We will miss Alex’s smiling face and a happy greeting to everyone he saw. May he rest in peace.

Grievance Committee Shirley McCrea Helen Bland And all Friends of Lodge 177, Academy —SPJST—

We, the members of Lodge 177, Academy, wish to extend our condolences to the family of ALEJANDRO GARCIA, SR. Alex passed away October 9, 2007, at a Temple hospital. A mass of Christian burial was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial was in Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

Alex was born in Temple to Martin and Felicitas Garcia. He served in the military during World War II. He was awarded numerous awards in the service to his country.

He was a member of Lodge 177, Academy, VFW, and American Legion. He was also a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include wife Martha of Temple; sons Alejandro, Timothy, and Christopher; daughters Dianna

Closeout!

Get Yours Today!

100th Anniversary Lapel Pin SPJST 100th Anniversary commemorative pin—1897-1997.

Beautiful with faux crystal stones. Wear with pride.

Size: 1 1/4” x 1” Special Price: $1.50 each (includes postage) I would like to order ____ 100th Anniversary pins @ $1.50 each Total: $__________ GRAND TOTAL: $__________ (Make checks/money orders payable to SPJST.) Mail To: Name: _____________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________ City ______________________State_______Zip___________ Phone (______) _____________ Email___________________

Return order form to: The SPJST Store P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 (800) 727-7578

28

Podpora Wednesday, December 5, 2007

BENEVOLENCE

ROCNIK 95 CISLO 48

Slavic holiday, Svaty Mikulas celebration December 6 at CCM Houston The Czech Center Museum of Houston, located at 4920 San Jacinto Street, in the Museum District wishes you all the blessings of the Christmas season!

In keeping with its 12-year tradition of celebrating the Christmas season, together with friends and their families, invites you to a Slavic holiday get together on Saint Nicholas Day, Thursday, December 6, 2007, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Brno Gallery-Prague Hall.

Come celebrate with a dinner repast of delicious foods, a seasonal punch, and a cash bar of wines and beers. Come hear music and join in singing of Czech, Polish, Croatian, and Ukrainian Christmas carols and visit the intrepid Svaty Mikulas, perhaps his sidekicks, the sweet angel (andel) and incorrigible devil (cert).

H

Lidskost

Česká

HUMANITY

H

Část

Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas

Bratrstvi

VĚSTNÍK

Uředni orgán SPJST H Založené rok 1897

Don your holiday finery. Come enjoy this evening at the Czech Center Museum Houston decorated in Moravian stars and twinkling lights of the magnificent Bohemian chandeliers.

Admission is $35 per person and children under 10 years are admitted free of charge. RSVP for guests attending by December 2 to (713) 528-2060 or email czech@czechcenter.org.

—SPJST—

SPJST Lodge 18 Elgin Christmas Dance 702 Highway 95 North • Elgin

Sunday, December 9, 2007 Dujka Brothers (polka/waltz/mix) 3 to 7 p.m. • $7 per person Snacks served during second intermission.

New Year’s Eve Dance • December 31 Fritz Hodde and the Fabulous Six Polka/Waltz/Mix Music • 8 p.m. to 12 midnight $10 per person • No Reservations

Czech Name Days From http://www.myczechrepublic.com/ czech_culture/czech_name_days/ index.html Discover over 365 Czech names that are part of the Czech calendar!

In the Czech Republic, every day of the year is someone’s name day— svátek or jmeniny in Czech—the latter is more formal. It is a reason to

BROTHERHOOD

5.prosinec.2007

celebrate, wish the person a Happy Name Day, and buy a little present like flowers and a box of chocolates.

Remember, never give anyone an even number of flowers such as two, four, or six. Such bouquets are used at funerals. The number should be odd—one, three, five, etc.

Find out if your name has an equivalent in Czech and what its diminutive version would be. Learn on which days your friends’ or family members’ names fall and how to wish them a Happy Name Day in

Czec h Cultural Calendar

Each Tuesday Evening Czech Language Class (extemporaneous)—at S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home, No. 1, Taylor, 500 East Lake Drive in Taylor, 6:30 to approximately 8:30 p.m. Informal gathering for the purpose of listening to Czech, and reading and speaking Czech.

December 8 CESAT Czech Christmas Concert—at TCHCC Fair Pavilion, 250 West Fairground Road, La Grange. 2 to 3 p.m. Performance by St. Mary’s Choir from Hallettsville and surrounding area, under the direction of Thadious Polasek.

Guaranteed to bring happy Christmas memories. For information, call (888) 785-4500; or visit www.czechtexas.org.

December 8 TCHCC Annual Czech Christmas Open House—at the Kalich House on TCHCC grounds, 250 West Fairground Road, La Grange: refreshments, entertainment, 3 to 6 p.m. For information, call (888) 7854500; or visit www.czechtexas.org.

December 8 CESAT Christmas Concert—at TCHCC, La Grange, 2 p.m.

Christmas hymns sung in Czech by St. Mary’s Choir.

Good King Wenceslas will be sung in English. A membership meeting will be held in the pavilion prior to the meeting. For information, contact CESAT President Thadious Polasek email polasek29@hotmail.com.

December 8 Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum (Hoelscher Haus) - Annual Christmas Open House—at 250 West Fairgrounds Road (TCHC Center), La Grange, Texas, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be music entertainment, popcorn, refreshments and candy bags for the children. For information, call (512) 695-7324 or email JWBohuslav@aol.com.

December 14 Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum (Hoelscher Haus)—participant in the Holiday Open House sponsored by the La Grange Chamber of Commerce. The Museum, located at 250 West Fairgrounds Road (TCHC Center), La Grange, will be open from noon to 6 p.m. For information, call the chamber office (979) 968-5756.

December 15 Christmas Under the Stars—at TCHCC Sanford Schmid Amphitheater, 250 West Fairground Road, La Grange. 6 to 7 p.m.; refreshments 7 to 8 p.m. $3 per adult/children under 12 free. For information, call (888) 785-4500; or visit www.czechtexas.org.

January 26, 2008 TCGS hosts “Casting a Vision Outside the Box”—at Caldwell Civic/Visitor Center, Caldwell, Texas.

Annual Membership Meeting/ Luncheon. For information, contact TCGS President Charlene Hurta (979) 849-0348; or email fhurta@brazosport.edu.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

VĚSTNÍK

Vrazels’ Polka Band extends season’s greetings

Czech!

Wish your friends a Happy Name Day in Czech: Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

All the best for your name day!

Srdečné přání k jmeninám!

Cordial wishes for your name day.

December—Prosinec

1. Iva 2. Blanka 3. Svatoslav 4. Barbora 5. Jitka 6. Mikuláš 7. Ambrož 8. Květoslava 9. Vratislav 10. Julie 11. Dana 12. Simona 13. Lucie 14. Lýdie 15. Radana 16. Albína 17. Daniel 18. Miloslav 19. Ester 20. Dagmar 21. Natálie 22. Šimon 23. Vlasta 24. Štědrý den (Christmas Eve) Adam a Eva 25. 1. svátek vánoční (1st Christmas Holiday) Boží hod vánoční (Christmas Day) 26. 2. svátek vánoční (2nd Christmas Holiday) Štěpán 27. Žaneta 28. Bohumila 29. Judita 30. David 31. Silvestr —SPJST—

CUBA & CUBA, P.L.C.

Attorneys & Counselors at Law

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(254) 778-1824

29

Well, it seems that the dates on our 2007 dance schedule are almost all gone, and another year is just around the corner.

It is when we sit down to look at our next year’s schedule, that we have a chance to reflect on the places we have visited this past year. But moreso to reflect on the many wonderful people we have had the privilege of seeing at our dance performances.

For it is our great audiences that gives us the motivation to continue playing the music that our ancestors brought to this country. The best part of our profession is getting to visit with you, the most warm and friendly audience who always has a smile and a hand shake ready to greet us when we visit your area.

We have recently released two new CDs containing some of your favorite songs, so that you can enjoy our music in your home or as you travel.

One of the CDs contains eight new arrangements performed by our band and 12 of your favorites from our past recordings. The second CD contains 25 of your favorite two-stepping country sounds from our past recordings. So if you are looking for a Christmas gift for a friend or relative, give us a call, and we will be happy to review our list of recordings with you.

And, don’t forget to check out our discography and dance schedule on our web site at www.vrazelspolkaband.com. Also, see our advertise below.

We wish each of you and your family a happy and healthy Christmas season from our entire band . . . The Anton Vrazel family, The Alfred Vrazel family, The Thomas Strmiska family, The Albert Haselmeyer family, The David Trojacek family, and The Patrick Strmiska family.

Vesele Vanoce a Stastny Novy Rok! We look forward to seeing each of you when we come to your area.

Anton and Alfred Vrazel are lifetime members of Lodge 15, Buckholts.

—SPJST—

Texas Notary Public New or Renewal Notary Commissions

Service Available to Agents and Non-Agents!

Mary Granberry at MEG Insurance Services

(713) 972-0800

mgranberry@sbcglobal.net

Two New CDs Available!

May your house and home be filled with love, joy and peace this CHRISTmas Season.

The Texas Czech Genealogical Society

Order From: 6710 North FM 1915 • Buckholts, Texas 76518-2540 (254) 593-2044 • www.vrazelspolkaband.com CDs $15 each, plus $3 S/H per order (any quantity)

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Fraternal Activities and Entertainment

30

Post your upcoming fraternal activities and entertainment dates and information here.

These listings are free. The deadline for submitting information for the Fraternal Activities and Entertainment Guide is one week prior to the publication date of issue.

Send your updates directly to: VESTNIK, c/o Editor Melanie Zavodny, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. FAX listings to: (254) 774-7447. Email listings to: melaniez@vvm.com. Advertising rates are $3 per column inch for lodge ads and $10 per column inch for commercial ads. For advertising information, please call the Editor at (800) 727-7578 or email melaniez@vvm.com.

LODGE 1, FAYETTEVILLE Lodge meetings are the second Monday of February, April, June, August, and October at 7 p.m. followed by a potluck meal. The Christmas party is on the first Sunday of December. The youth club meets on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. For hall rental information, call (979) 9663795.

LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE Sunday, December 9—Christmas party: 12 noon at American Legion Hall, Hallettsville. Call (979) 244-4415 for information.

Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m.

LODGE 5, PILOT POINT-TIOGA Lodge meetings are held the first Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. at the PointBank Community Center, 739 E. Liberty Street, Pilot Point, Texas 76258. The Community Center is on the same parking lot as PointBank. For directions or information about meetings, Ms. Angie Heitzman (940) 437-5561; or Jack and Dean Carender (903) 5647359.

LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD Friday, December 7—Social night Saturday, December 8—Kocian/Curry Wedding Sunday, December 9—Straten family Christmas party Saturday, December 15—Private Christmas party Friday, December 21—Social night Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. For information regarding scheduling events at Lodge 6, call George Straten (254) 8265863.

LODGE 8, WEIMAR Lodge meetings are the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Hall in Weimar.

LODGE 9, SNOOK Local lodge meetings are the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Youth club meetings are at 6:30 p.m.

LODGE 13, DIME BOX Lodge 13, Dime Box adult meetings are the second Sunday of the month at 5 p.m. Youth club meetings are the second Sunday of each month at 1 p.m.

LODGE 15, BUCKHOLTS Lodge meetings are the second Monday of each month at 5 p.m. Refreshments served after meeting. Club dances are the second Sunday of each month. For hall rental information, call (254) 5932222.

LODGE 17, NEW TABOR Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Youth meetings are also on the first Sunday of each month at 3 p.m.

LODGE 18, ELGIN Sunday, December 9—Christmas Dance: The Dujka Brothers, polka/waltz/mix music. 3 to 7 p.m. $7 per person. Snacks will be served during second intermission.

Monday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Fritz Hodde and the Fabulous Six, polka/waltz/mix music. 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. $10 per person. Blackeyed peas, corn bread, sausage and coffee will be served after the dance. No reservations.

Lodge hall is located at 702 Highway 95 North, Elgin. Adult lodge meetings are the third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m.; youth club meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. unless otherwise stated. For all Lodge 18, Elgin hall rentals, please call Irene Helgren (512) 281-4534.

For band bookings, call Artie Monson (512) 2813711. Lodge 18 is a non-smoking facility.

LODGE 20, GRANGER Meetings are the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall. A light meal is served before each meeting. All members are invited.

LODGE 21, ENGLE Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 2 p.m.

LODGE 23, MORAVIA Lodge meetings are the Tuesday after the second Sunday of March, June, and September at 7:30 p.m. and the first Sunday of December at 2 p.m.

LODGE 24, CYCLONE Monday, December 10—Annual Christmas party, potluck dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 29—Private wedding Monday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Shilo Country (with Terry Taylor) Adult lodge meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m.; dinner/social begins at 6:30 p.m. Youth club meetings are the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Flag Hall is located 10 miles east of Temple, off Highway 53. For more information regarding hall bookings/rentals, please call Hall Manager Wilbert Mikeska (254) 985-2484. For more information, visit www.spjstflaghall.com.

LODGE 25, ENNIS Saturday, December 8—Dining room rental Sunday, December 9—Dining room rental Thursday, December 13—Lodge monthly meeting Sunday, December 16—Martinek Christmas party Friday, December 21—STRUDEL BAKE SALE Saturday, December 22—Dining room rental Monday, December 24—Dining room rental Tuesday, December 25—Dining room rental Saturday, December 29—rental Monday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Jak Se Do Band and Ennis Czech Boys Band Lodge meetings are the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Game room open every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. For rentals, reservations, or more information, call the hall (972) 875-8381 and leave a message.

LODGE 26, SKIDMORE Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of March, June, September, and December.

LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD Meetings are held at the Wharton County Library, 746 Clubside Drive in East Bernard.

LODGE 29, TAYLOR Friday, December 7—C outry Express Wednesday, December 12—Bobby Jay Five Band Friday, December 14—Texas Pioneers Friday, December 21—The Lawmen Saturday, December 22—Denny Hamilton and the Memories Friday, December 28—Edward Kopecky’s Czech Band Monday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Debonaires. $20 per person.

ADULT MEETINGS - second Wednesday of the month, 6:30; YOUTH MEETINGS - second Sunday of the month, 3 p.m. Yout Leader Cristy Girod (512)

VĚSTNÍK 281-4719. MUSIC - second and fourth Wednesday of the month/music by Bobby Jay Five Band; MUSIC - Fridays 7:30 to 11 p.m., old-fashioned hamburgers by Thrall 4-H; SENIOR CITIZENS’ DOMINOES - first Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. followed by covered dish meal; BUNCO every third Thursday of the month—men and women invited—6:30 p.m. light meal, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

- Bunco, games; HALL RENTAL INFO: (512) 3529139; HALL LOCATION: 5025 FM 619, Taylor, Texas.

LODGE 30, TAITON Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m.

LODGE 32, VICTORIA Lodge meetings are held at on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Note: The youth club will meet now the second Thursday of each month before the adult meeting; the youth are encouraged and invited to stay for the adult meeting. For the November meeting, the youth club will meet the same day as the adult lodge from 4:30 -6:30 p.m. For youth club information, call Youth Leader Henrietta Yates (361) 578-5543.

LODGE 35, ELK Saturday, December 8—Cherokee Rose Friday, December 15—Smokin Gun Monday, December 31—New Year’s Cherokee Rose

Eve:

Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m., unless otherwise noted. To hall: From Interstate 35 in Waco, take the Highway 84 East exit. Stay on Highway 84 East through Bellmead and go approximately 8 miles. On the right side of Highway 84 will be a sign saying “Elk”.

Take the Elk Road. Turn right on Elk Road and go approximately one mile and the road will dead end.

Take a right at the dead end and go approximately 1/2 mile. Lodge 35 is on the left side of the road.

The hall is open for rent every day of the week. For rental information, call (254) 875-2156.

LODGE 38, KOVAR Lodge meetings are the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m.

LODGE 39, BRYAN Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month starting at 1 p.m. Lunch is served at 12:30 p.m. followed by the adult and youth club meetings at 1 p.m. Meat, drinks, and serving items are provided by the lodge. Please bring a dessert or side dish. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Visitors are always welcome. For information, call President Wade O’Shields (979) 7781450. For information on lodge activities, call FAC Dianna Everett (979) 693-5287. Any questions or assistance with insurance certificates, call Secretary Lillie Matejka O’Shields (979) 778-1450.

For youth club information, call Youth Leader Binnie Roesler (979) 272-1216.

LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE Sunday, December 9—Christmas party/officer installation: Catered meal, 12 noon; members are asked to bring desserts.

Monday, December 24—No bingo Monday, December 31—No bingo Sunday, January 13, 2008—Meeting, 2 p.m.

Lunch follows meeting. *Members are asked to bring desserts for catered noon meal. **Members are asked to bring a meat dish or casserole for potluck meal. The lodge will furnish desserts.

Lodge meetings are held the second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. Youth club meets the same day at 1:15 p.m. at the lodge hall, located just off US 59 South in Hillje. Members and guests are welcome.

Bingo is played on Monday nights at 7 p.m. We have $100 nights every week and a $650 jackpot also every week. License #17600539641. For hall bookings, please call Rental Chairman Lillian Bartek (979) 543-9028; or (979) 648-2317/lodge hall.

LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA Lodge meetings are held quarterly on the fourth Monday of January, April, July, and October at the Six Mile Presbyterian Church on Royal Road, 7 p.m.

LODGE 47, SEATON Saturday, December 8—Albert and Gelinda Pechal’s Anniversary, music by Vrazel’s Polka Band Saturday, December 15—Private Saturday, December 22—Open Saturday, December 29—Open

Seaton Star Hall is located five miles east of Temple on Highway 53. Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Saturday night dance time is from 7 to 11 p.m. Hall opens at 6 p.m.

Hall phone (254) 985-2548. For rentals, please contact Edwin Pechal (254) 985-2282; or (254) 984-2255. Star Hall is a non-smoking facility.

LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. Lodge 48, Beyersville holds ladies Bunco night on the second Tuesday of each month.

A light meal is served at 6:30 p.m. followed by Bunco games then wrapping up with the distribution of prizes, and eating desserts. Hall is located at 10450 FM 619 - four miles southeast of Taylor. For hall rentals, please call Bonnie Wolf (512) 3653733.

LODGE 49, ROWENA Lodge meetings are on the first Wednesday of February, May, August, and November, 7 p.m.

LODGE 51, ELLINGER Lodge meetings are the third Thursday of March, June, September, and December, 6:30 p.m. at the Ellinger Fire Department.

LODGE 54, WEST Lodge meetings are the first Friday in March, June, and November and the second Friday in September at 7 p.m. Please note: Youth club meetings are held at Lone Star Hall every second Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. For information regarding hall rentals for weddings anniversaries, birthdays or reunions call (254) 826-5990 (night); or (254) 826-5343 (day).

LODGE 63, SWEET HOME Lodge meetings are the third Sunday of each month at 2 p.m.

LODGE 65, CROSBY Lodge meetings are the second Sunday in March, June, September, and December at 1 p.m.

LODGE 66, WACO Lodge meetings are the third Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. Youth club meetings at 2 p.m.

LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG Lodge meetings are the fourth Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 3 p.m.

LODGE 73, SEYMOUR Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of each month at 12 p.m.

LODGE 76, WICHITA FALLS Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of March and June; and on the second Sunday of September, and December at 1 p.m.

LODGE 79, CORPUS CHRISTI SPJST lodge meetings are the third Sunday of each month, unless otherwise notified. Meal served at 1 p.m. and the meeting follows. Visitors welcome.

Hall location: 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi.

Hall phone (361) 854-8423.

LODGE 80, HOLLAND Lodge meetings are the first Saturday of each month at 4 p.m. Youth club meetings are the first Saturday of the month at 3 p.m. Board of directors meetings are the first Saturday of the month at 3:30 p.m. Bingo every Thursday at 7 p.m. Permit No. SP12371416574; AL17460607355.

For hall rentals, call Linda Hill (254) 657-9595; or the lodge hall (254) 657-2485.

LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE Lodge meetings are the third Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. Luncheon served at noon, and the meeting follows.

LODGE 84, DALLAS Please Note: There will be no Fellowship Day in November or December.

Lodge meetings are the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the hall - 2625 Floyd Street, Dallas. For band bookings, call Cherri Petr (214) 352-4397; or Ben Jarma (214) 348-1514. For rentals, call Bessie Petr (214) 826-3557.

LODGE 87, TEMPLE Lodge meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. For rental information, call Bertha Capps (254) 778-4371/shop; or (254) 7736164/home.

LODGE 88, HOUSTON Saturday, December 8—Mark Halata and Texavia, polka/variety. $7 per person.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

VĚSTNÍK Saturday, December 15—Ed Gerlach, big band music, polka/variety. Dress Code*. $12 per person.

Saturday, December 22—Czech Melody Masters, Texas Czech and new western swing. $7 per person Saturday, December 29—No dance Monday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Vrazel’s Polka Band, polka/variety. 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Lodge hall: 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston, Texas (the Heights). For reservations, call (713) 869-5767. Lodge meetings are the second Monday at 7:30 p.m. Youth club meets on the third Sunday of each month at 2 p.m., unless otherwise notified. All dances are 8:30 p.m. to midnight, unless otherwise noted. *Dress code dances: evening attire, ladies, and gentlemen. Bingo every Thursday evening; early bird special starts at 7:15 p.m. Regular games start at 7:45 p.m. License No. 3-00-621-2077-41001.

LODGE 130, DALLAS For monthly meeting time and location, please contact lodge secretary Stanley Vrla (214) 826-2670; or lodge president John Vrla (214) 906-3385; or email jvrla@cebridge.net.

LODGE 133, SAN ANTONIO Lodge meetings are the third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Activity Center, 1630 Goliad Road in San Antonio.

LODGE 135, ENNIS Lodge meetings are the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.

LODGE 139, DANBURY Lodge meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Danbury Community Center. For information, call (979) 922-1279 or (979) 922-1553.

LODGE 89, ROSEBUD Lodge meetings are the third Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. Youth meetings are also on the third Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. unless otherwise announced.

LODGE 141, SEALY Tuesday, December 11—Christmas meeting, 7 p.m. at Nancy’s Steak House, 2536 Highway 71 South in Columbus. For information, contact Bernice (979) 885-6786.

LODGE 91, CROSBY Lodge meetings are quarterly. March and June meetings will be on the second Saturday of the month at the Crosby Community Center at 11 a.m. or as otherwise specified.

September and December meetings will be held at a restaurant.

LODGE 142, HOUSTON Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Meetings are held at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, 1435 Beall Street at W 15th, Houston, Texas. For information, contact Lodge 142, Houston President Keith Kieschnick (713) 868-19810; or Secretary Alice Jochen (979) 743-3613.

LODGE 92, FORT WORTH Please note: Country/western and polka dances are now four hours.

Wednesday, December 5—Country/Western music: Admission is a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Free food. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 9—Free admission to youth Christmas party. Come watch our youth perform Youth and adults are welcome to sing Christmas carols on stage. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Sunday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Charlie Patteson. For reservations/details, call Joyce (817) 624-1361.

Sunday, January 6, 2008—Randy and the 92nd Road House Bandm 3 to 7 p.m.

LODGE 143, INEZ Lodge meetings are the third Friday of March, June, September, and December at 6 p.m.

LODGE 148, EL MATON Monthly lodge meeting is the last Sunday of the month at the Blessing Volunteer Fire Department.

Meeting starts at 2 p.m.

LODGE 151, WHARTON The quarterly lodge meetings will be held on the second Monday of March, June, September, and December, 7 p.m., in the meeting room of Hinze’s Bar-B-Que Catering, Highway 59, Wharton, Texas.

Lodge 92 membership meetings are the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m., or as otherwise specified. The youth club meets on the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Family Night—first and third Tuesdays. Ladies Circle meets the second Tuesday of each month. Country/western dances on the first Sunday and polka/waltz dancing as announced. Big band sound ballroom dancing on Friday nights 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Dress code required for ballroom dances. Listen to KNON 89.3 FM on Sunday at 2 p.m. for up-to-date announcements. Tune in to KAAM 770 AM for some easy listening music. To reserve for large parties celebrating weddings, anniversaries, or other special events, call early (817) 624-1361/ Joyce. SPJST Lodge 92/National Hall is located at 3316 Roberts Cutoff Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76114. Visit www.nationalhallspjst92.org.

LODGE 153, LA SALLE Lodge meetings are held quarterly in March, June, September, and December at 6 p.m.

LODGE 93, HOBSON Lodge meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at Polak’s between Karnes City and Kenedy. Contact E.R. Prasek for information (830) 780-2191.

LODGE 157, LUBBOCK Lodge meetings are held on the second Sunday of every other month at 1 p.m.

LODGE 94, WHEELOCK Lodge meetings are the first Sunday of March, June, September, and December, 1 p.m.

LODGE 97, PLACEDO Adult lodge meetings are held in March, June, September, and December. Youth club meetings are the first Sunday of every month at Casa Ole in Victoria Mall at 3 p.m., excluding months where they are quarterly adult lodge meetings. To verify the meeting, call Youth Leader Donna Vanek (361) 573-6771.

LODGE 106, LA GRANGE Lodge meetings are the first Tuesday of each month at the Subway Sandwich Shop at 109 South Jefferson Street (south of the red light at the 71 and 77 cross road) in La Grange, 7:30 p.m.

LODGE 107, FLORESVILLE Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the lodge hall, unless otherwise noted.

LODGE 125, WESTHOFF Lodge meetings are the second Sunday in March, June, September, and December at 2 p.m.

LODGE 154, FORT WORTH Lodge meetings are the third Sunday of each month at 3:30 p.m., unless otherwise stated. Youth club meetings are the third Sunday at 5 p.m.

LODGE 155, AUSTIN Lodge meetings are held quarterly on Sundays.

Contact Secretary Ginny Prasatik (512) 472-1721 for meeting location, date, and time.

LODGE 156, BAYTOWN Lodge meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. For more information, call (281) 422-9611; or (281) 573-1612.

LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO Lodge meetings are the second Sunday in April, July, October, and January at 2 p.m.

LODGE 164, RIO HONDO Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 2:30 p.m.

LODGE 169, BRENHAM Lodge meetings are held the fourth Thursday in February, April, June, August, and October at 7 p.m.

The first Sunday of December will be the Christmas dinner and officer elections. The meetings will be held at Bilski’s Camphouse, 2577 Old Chappell Hill Road, Brenham, Texas. For information, contact President Annette Bilski (979) 830-3930; Vice President/FAC Stephen Bliznak (979) 836-9875; Secretary/Treasurer Glenda Weyand (979) 4513231; or Reporter Leroy Kamas (979) 836-8179.

LODGE 172, PASADENA Monday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Cool Water Band Lodge hall is located at 3609 Preston Road in Pasadena. Executive board and trustees meet on the first Monday of each month at 12 noon. Regular lodge meeting is held on the fourth Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. The hall is

31

available for rentals for your special event. For information, call Vicki (281) 542-1774. Dances are held on the first Saturday of each month, unless otherwise notified. Dancing hours are from 8 p.m. until midnight. Admission is $6 per adult and children 12 years and under are free. For inquiries or reservations, call lodge phone (281) 487-3297. We need your name, your phone number, and how many will be in your party. Lodge 172 is a nonsmoking facility. BYOB is back.

Highway 290 West at Skinner. The hall is available to rent for meetings, weddings, retirements, reunions, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, or any other event. Call Alma Schulz (281) 351-1045 or (281) 373-9482 for information, rentals, or reservations.

LODGE 177, ACADEMY Lodge meetings will start at 7 p.m., and trustees’ meetings will start at 6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Bingo every Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. Permit No. 1-74-1808390-7.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the kitchen is open.

LODGE 201 BLEIBLERVILLE-NELSONVILLE Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. For hall rentals, contact James Balke (979) 830-0796; or (979) 830-0118.

LODGE 179, WARRENTON Lodge meetings are the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Lions Club Building in Carmine, 201 Centennial Street.

LODGE 180, BURLESON Lodge hall is located on I-35W, 1.5 miles south of Renfro Street in Burleson. Lodge meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

For hall rentals, call (972) 435-2286; (817) 5582400; or (817) 295-3483.

LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY Lodge meetings are held the third Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. Call President Donald Beckendorf (254) 803-2987 for lodge meeting location.

LODGE 183, ARLINGTON Lodge meetings are the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Game nights are every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. and every Sunday, 1:30 p.m.

Permit No. 17516910506. For information regarding hall rentals—weddings, anniversaries, birthdays—call (817) 465-8538; or (972) 263-9031.

LODGE 184, MOULTON Note: Lodge monthly meetings are the second Wednesday of each month at the lodge hall.

Beginning November 2007, meetings will begin at 7 p.m.

LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS Adult lodge meetings are held every other month— February, April, June, August, October, and For locations/times/, call Lodge December.

President Joan Jaroszewski (830) 303-9998. The youth club meets every month. Call Youth Club Leader Theresa Haag (830) 625-8262.

LODGE 186, CALDWELL Youth club meetings are on the first Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at the lodge hall unless otherwise announced. Lodge meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Social games are at 7:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Kitchen and bar open. License Permit No. 1-74-20733095-41002 LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK Lodge meeting and program are the second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. followed by a covered dish meal. Board meeting, 2 p.m.; entertainment, 2:30 p.m. Domino players meet the second Tuesday of each month 1 to 4 p.m. For information regarding building rentals, call (512) 255-1554 or (512) 771-4948.

LODGE 189 BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION Lodge meetings will be held on the second Sunday in March, June, September, and December, 2 p.m.

Unless otherwise notified, lodge meetings are held in Charles Munday’s office, 2403 Cavitt, Bryan, Texas (behind the Bryan Kroger’s).

LODGE 191, LUFKIN Business meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m., at the lodge hall located at 197 Hughes Road. Regular dances are on the third Saturday night of each month from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

For lodge rentals, call Helen Boyd (936) 632-2849.

For dance reservations, call Marilynn Page (936) 632-1124.

LODGE 195, CLEBURNE Lodge meetings are the first Thursday of March, June, September, and December, 7 p.m.

LODGE 196, HOUSTON-WEST Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month and begin with a potluck meal served at 2 p.m. Lodge provides the meat. Youth club meetings are held at 1 p.m. on the second Sunday.

Activities are planned for ages kindergarten through high school senior.

Hall address: 17810 Huffmeister Road, Cypress, Texas, 77429 — off

LODGE 200, BRUCEVILLE-EDDY Lodge meetings are the first Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m.

LODGE 202, JOURDANTON Lodge 202, Jourdanton meetings are the first Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m., at the Jourdanton Community Center except the meal/meetings in March, June, September, December which will be at 1 p.m. The youth club meets the same day.

LODGE 204, STEPHENVILLE Lodge meetings are the third Sunday of the month, 3 p.m. at the Koffee Kup Restaurant in Hico, Texas.

Members are urged to attend, and anyone belonging to other lodges in driving distance are welcome.

Bring a guest, and maybe we can make a member out of him/her.

LODGE 206, TRI-COUNTIES Lodge meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Lions Club in Mexia, 201 North Paris Street, Mexia, Texas.

LODGE 215, SOUTH PLAINS Meetings are held every third Saturday of January, March, May, July, and September at the Senior Citizens Building in Tahoka, 6 p.m. Youth club meets at the same time.

LODGE 223, PALACIOS Lodge meetings are held the second Monday of each month at the Palacios Eagles Lodge at 6:30 p.m.

LODGE 229, ABILENE Lodge meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. For information, contact (325) 676-5510.

LODGE 230, MIDLAND For lodge meeting information, contact Christina Freeman (432) 770-3621.

LODGE 239, HONDO Lodge meetings are held every third Friday of the month, 7 p.m. at the Community Center on 18th Street.

LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT Sunday, December 9—Lodge and youth club Christmas parties, 5 p.m. Cotton Patch, Temple Lodge and youth club meetings are the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Lone Star Banquet Hall, located at 1695 Morgan’s Point Road, Belton, Texas 76513. For information, call FAC David Nauert (254) 534-0809.

LODGE 247, SAN MARCOS Lodge meetings are held the first Sunday of each month for October, November, and December at 3 p.m. For location directions, call your agent; Art Lopez, Sr. (512) 787-3384; or Patricia Garcia (512) 787-5449.

LODGE 251, PEARSALL Lodge 251 adult and youth club meetings are the second Saturday of each month, unless otherwise posted.

LODGE 255, KATY Lodge meetings are held on the second Saturday at 4 p.m. at The Bridgewater Clubhouse, 3023 North Mason Road in Katy. For location directions, call Lynn Johnsen (832) 875-5204.

LODGE 258, SEGUIN Meetings are held the fourth Sunday of each month.

Meetings in May and November are held the third Sunday. Meetings begin at 3 p.m. with a social followed by the meeting at 4 p.m. Dinner is served after the meeting. The youth club meetings are on the same dates and begin at 3:15 p.m. Meetings are held at the Alumni Student Center, Conference Rooms A and B, on the Texas Lutheran Campus.

Meetings in May and September will be in Starke Park in Seguin. Contact President Chester Jenke, Sr.; or Treasurer Colleen Jenke for more information (830) 303-4316.

—SPJST—

October Lodge Roll of Honor Congratulations to these lodges that met their goals in October 2007.

District One

District Three

District Five

Lodge 38, Kovar Lodge 171, Lockhart

Lodge 6, Cottonwood Lodge 54, West Lodge 66, Waco Lodge 84, Dallas Lodge 135, Ennis Lodge 205, Terrell Lodge 264, Plano

Lodge 196, Houston-West Lodge 255, Katy

District Two Lodge 15, Buckholts Lodge 20, Granger Lodge 24, Cyclone Lodge 29, Taylor Lodge 48, Beyersville Lodge 89, Rosebud Lodge 182, Falls County Lodge 187, Round Rock Lodge 237, West Austin Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point

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District Four Lodge 49, Rowena Lodge 157, Lubbock Lodge 160, San Angelo Lodge 209, Brownwood Lodge 219, El Paso Lodge 242, Amarillo Lodge 265, Odessa Lodge 272, Del Rio

SPJST

District Six Lodge 28, East Bernard Lodge 30, Taiton Lodge 32, Victoria Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Lodge 41, Port Lavaca Lodge 151, Wharton Lodge 223, Palacios Lodge 240, Bay City

District Seven Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Lodge 107, Floresville Lodge 217, Alice Lodge 271, Laredo

H H H

Life Insurance and More Insuring and Enriching Lives Since 1897.

Home Office at 520 North Main, Temple, Texas 76501 • (800) 727-7578 • info@spjst.com • www.spjst.com