ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T
Volume 102 Number 40
Benevolence
H E R A L D
★ Humanity ISSN —07458800
★ Brotherhood
October 8, 2014
New District Three Director John Engelke Promotes Family Values
A lifetime of SPJST knowledge, experience, and leadership along with business, fraternal, and family values. That’s what newly appointed District Three Director John E n g e l k e brings to the board room table and the membership that he serves. A member of Lodge 66, Waco, Brother Engelke was elected alternate director at the 31st SPJST Convention in 2012. He is now filling the unexpired term of District Three Director Johnnie Krizan. Brother Krizan passed away
on July 24 due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Brother Engelke’s membership in SPJST began on July 6, 1961. As a Lodge 66 Youth Club member, he served as vice president and flag bearer. In 1963, he was the escort (or State Duke) for State Duchess Donna Gerlich with State Queen Frances Miller and escort (State King) Alan Hensel. Brother John was an active member in the youth club participating in activities until he graduated high school in May 1972. “As a youth member, I was influenced by several members at Lodge 66 such as Nick Morris, Otto Hanus, and Silas Smith,” Brother John says. “Not knowing my grandparents except for Grandma Engelke, the lodge elders filled this family need; such fami-
Kolaches
By Nathan Polly Lodge 88, Houston
District Five Duke Nathan Polly of Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club is pictured with one of his favorite foods—a kolache!
Kolaches are nice, Kolaches are yummy, I like kolaches in my tummy. I like apple. I like peach. Whatever flavor I can reach. If I could choose and have my way, we’d eat kolaches every day! —SPJST—
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Important Dates ...................................3 Interest Rates.......................................3 Czech Heritage Month Contest ..........3 District News .......................................5 Lodge Section .....................................8 In Memoriam ......................................17
District Three Director Johnnie Krizan, left, is pictured with Lodge 66, Waco President John Engelke in the early 2000s at a lodge Christmas party.
lies that come to mind are the Hanuses, Gaiduseks, Moores, Ceskas, Parmas, Mazaneces, Naroveces, Smiths, Gerlichs, and many, many more. Over the years, these families taught me many lessons as a youth club member that have benefited me into my adult life.” After his son Justin was born in 1982, Brother John returned to Lodge 66. As soon as he was old enough in 1987, Justin joined the youth club. “That’s also when my wife Diana joined Gladys Yates as a youth leader,” John adds. Brother John became active again in the lodge serving as bar chairman and on the board of direc-
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What Does SPJST Mean To You? Share Your SPJST Memories on the back page of this week’s Vestnik. Share today! The first 50 memories will receive a special SPJST/Czech surprise!
Inside This Week’s Vestnik
Youth Section ....................................19 Youth Clubs’ Quarterly Reports.......18 Vestnik Fall Sports Feature Info.......22 Czech Culture ....................................26 Advertisements ............................28-29 Lodge Calendar .................................30
tors. He also served multiple terms as president throughout the years at Lodge 66. As a leader in District Three, he stepped up and served as district president for many terms. Brother John has represented Lodge 66 as a delegate at all SPJST Conventions since 1992. He attended his first SPJST camp at Hilltop Lake Resort in the late 1960s. He also attended many sessions of SPJST camp as a youth club member and adult chaperone at Camp Val Verde/Camp Hope in McGregor. This experience led to his election at the SPJST Convention in 2000 as the director from District Three to serve on the board for SPJST Education and Nature Center. Brother John has also served as a member of the West Benevolence Fund Committee since its establishment in April 2013. John is a 1972 graduate of Reicher High School. After high school, he attended Texas State Technical Institute. He began his employment at an early age in 1968 where he worked part-time throughout high school at North Tropical Fish Store. Throughout his career, he has worked at City of Waco Park and Recreation, Connally Golf Course, and Harry Storm Air Conditioning Service. In 1974, he
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District Six shares fall family fun day scenes
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Lodge 48 Beyersville hosts annual fundraiser
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District One Youth Counselor shares activities