Volume 97 Number 21
ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T
Benevolence
H E R A L D
Humanity
ISSN —07458800
Brotherhood
May 27, 2009
American Sokol invites members to “Saddle Up!” June 23 to 28
American Sokol invites all SPJST members to “Saddle Up!” and attend the 2009 International Sport and Cultural Festival™ Tuesday, June 23 to Sunday, June 28 in Fort Worth, Texas! The American Sokol has joined forces with USA Gymnastics, Pan American Gymnastics Union Gymnaestrada, Special Needs Athletic Programs and Sports and others to create a week long extravaganza of sport, recreation, culture, and fitness. Each organization will be holding its own competitions and activities for all to
enjoy in the Fort Worth Convention Center. Sokol Slim reminds everyone that you are invited to participate in the International Sport and Cultural Festival too. “Not only can you be a spectator to any and all events, but three events that might be up your alley are the bowling tournament, celebrity golf tournament, and 5K fun run,” Sokol Slim says. “You do not want to miss any of the fun!” Visit www.slet2009.com for details of these events or see last week’s Vestnik.
Festival organizers say that already more than 1,800 room nights are booked for everyone coming to the Festival. Thirty countries have pledged to attend. In addition to bowling, golf, and fun walk/run, American Sokol Slet events will include artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, team marching and calisthenics, fitness challenge, and a demonstration of mass calisthenics.
The festival will open and close with a ceremony similar to the format of the Olympic Games. The SPJST Floats will participate in the parade in downtown Fort Worth along Main Street on Friday, June 26 at 9 a.m. With interest of individuals and groups from all over the United States as well as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Canada, Portugal, Ger-
Continued on Page 27.
Spring Break Fraternalism
2008 SPJST State Fraternalist of the Year Sandra Hoggard and children Lane, Sammy and Amanda are pictured with a happy 80-year-old New Orleans homeowner. Sandra says the lady—a Hurricane Katrina victim—had been saving money for more than a year to purchase grass for her yard. “She was ecstatic that it was laid the same day it was delivered,” Sandra says.
Katelyn Daniel Wins Egg Contest
The grand prize winner in the 2009 Kraslice Czech Easter Egg Decorating Contest is Katelyn Daniel of Lodge 183, Arlington. Her design was selected among all district winners, listed on page 21. Congratulations to all participants!
Interest Rates ......................................3 Family Fun Dates ................................3 Readers Write ......................................3 District News........................................5 Lodge Section......................................6 SPJST Graduates ................................6
For Spring Break 2009, the Hoggard family of SPJST Lodge 202, Jourdanton—mom Sandra and children Lane, Sammy and Amanda—did something a little different. “We went with members of the church family on a mission trip to New Orleans,” Sandra, 2008 SPJST State Fraternalist of the Year, says. “It was a cross generational group intent to help Hurricane Katrina victims.” Even three years after the devastating storm, there is still much to be done, the family states. The group “camped out” inside a church, worked through the days and enjoyed New Orleans food and entertainment in the evenings. “We met at the Beacon of Hope each morning to get the day’s assignment,” Sandra says. “Upon our return, the children shared their messages with our home church.” Their comments appear on page 23.
Inside This Week’s Vestnik
Youth Section.....................................20 Reunions ............................................25 In Memoriam ......................................26 Czech Culture ....................................27 Advertisements..................................29 Activities Calendar ............................30
Pages 11-14
Lodge 48 Beyersville familyʼs garden success
Page 12
Lodge 219 El Paso sales agents participate in kidsʼ day
Page 20
Lodge 6 Cottonwood Youth Club honors mothers