Vestnik 2015 12 16

Volume 103 Number 49

ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence

H E R A L D

★ Humanity

Christmas

ISSN —07458800

The winning 2015 SPJST Youth

★ Brotherhood

Greetings!

District Four Bella Schwertner Lodge 49, Rowena Tanner Wood Lodge 49, Rowena Olivia Schwertner Lodge 49, Rowena Morgann Wood Lodge 49, Rowena

Christmas Tree ornaments are located on the Christmas tree in the SPJST Home Office Lobby throughout the Christmas season. District ornament contests were held statewide in the fall to select first place winners in four age categories. Congratulations to this year’s contest winners:

District One

Wyatt Beasley Lodge 17, New Tabor Maylee Dowell Lodge 17, New Tabor Sydney Faust Lodge 9, Snook Hayden Kovar Lodge 9, Snook

District Five

Tyler Parker Lodge 88, Houston Keith Wockenfuss Lodge 88, Houston Denae Bronikowski Lodge 88, Houston

District Six

Emily Kresta Lodge 30, Taiton Kelly Taylor Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Tristan Voldan Lodge 148, El Maton Sky Garcia Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje

District Two Rebecca Federle Lodge 47, Seaton Hailey Girod Lodge 29, Taylor Zoe Talasek Lodge 47, Seaton Brady Alexander Lodge 47, Seaton

District Seven

Madeline Kitchen Lodge 185, New Braunfels Rileigh Kitchen Lodge 185, New Braunfels Katlyn Polasek Lodge 202, Jourdanton Amanda Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton

District Three

Josh Tucker Lodge 84, Dallas Kendall Tucker Lodge 84, Dallas Misty Dvorak Lodge 25, Ennis Sophie Milan Lodge 154, Fort Worth

N N N N N N N N

Important Dates ...................................3 Interest Rates ......................................3 Readers Write ......................................3 From the By-Law Committee..............4 Lodge Section......................................5 In Memoriam ......................................15

December 16, 2016

Inside Th is Week’s Vestnik

Youth Section ....................................16 Camp Tee-Shirt Design Contest ......21 Czech Christmas ..........................22-24 Czech Culture ....................................25 Advertisements ............................28-29 Lodge Calendar .................................30

Pages 12-13

Lodge 80 Holland hosts Christmas party

N N N N N N N N Page 16

Youth club members participate in Miss Texas Teen USA pageant

Pages 26-27

CEFT presents Ryba’s Christmas Mass

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Wednesday, December 16, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

ˇ ´ VESTNIK SPJST HERALD

SPJST HOME OFFICE PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 800-727-7578 • 254-773-1575 Fax: 254-774-7447 www.spjst.org VESTNIK EDITOR/ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION MELANIE ZAVODNY, FIC Office: 254-773-1575 • Mobile: 254-534-0807 VESTNIK Fax: 254-773-8087

email: m e l a n i e z @ v v m . c o m

SUPREME LODGE PRESIDENT BRIAN VANICEK, FIC Office: 254-773-1575 Mobile: 254-534-2902 • Home: 254-985-0007 email: vanicek@spjst.com VICE PRESIDENT CLIFTON COUFAL Office: 254-773-1575 Mobile: 254-931-5231 email: cliftonc@spjst.com

SECRETARY-TREASURER LEONARD D. MIKESKA, FIC Office: 254-773-1575 Mobile: 254-721-4739 • Home: 254-778-3720 email: leonardm@spjst.com

DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR/CHAIRMAN DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CFFM P.O. Box 85, Snook, Texas 77878-0085 Home: 979-272-3265 • Mobile: 979-224-3125 email: dv.aggie@verizon.net DISTRICT TWO DIRECTOR JESSE POSPISIL 4710 FM 1331, Taylor, Texas 76574-2164 Home: 512-365-1110 • Mobile: 512-826-7371 email: jlpospisil@yahoo.com

DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR JOHN ENGELKE 6475 Gholson Road • Waco, Texas 76705-5330 254-799-4247 email: john.engelke@hotmail.com DISTRICT FOUR DIRECTOR BILLY ROLLWITZ, FIC, CFFM P.O. Box 195, Rowena, Texas 76875-0195 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 Rd, Houston, Texas 77008-6232 Home: (713) 864-2163 • email: lpflugh@aol.com DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR KAREN KASPAR, FIC, CFFM 8550 N. State Highway 71 El Campo, Texas 77437-9819 Home: 979-543-2532 • Mobile: 979-332-1616 email: k-kaspar@hotmail.com

DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR BOB J. BAYER, FIC 1100 Hospital Blvd, Floresville, Texas 78114-2912 Home: 830-393-9073 email: blackbayer39@hotmail.com FRATERNAL FIELD MANAGERS DISTRICTS ONE/TWO/THREE Philip (Phil) McBee, FICF, CFFM Mobile: 325-647-1949 • Fax: 325-784-7448 email: philipmcbee@aol.com DISTRICTS FOUR/SEVEN Bobby Davis, FICF, CFFM Mobile: 325-450-3748 • Fax: 325-657-2003 email: bgdsr2428@aol.com DISTRICTS FIVE/SIX Delisle Doherty Mobile: 254-239-9616 • Mobile: 832-232-2049 email: delisled@spjst.com

FINANCIAL SECRETARY ROY VAJDAK 254-773-1575 email: royv@spjst.com

STATE FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR FRANK HORAK Office: 254-773-1575 • Mobile: 254-534-0681 email: frankh@spjst.com

Season’s Greetings from the Vestnik/ Communication Department Melanie, Katherine, Jerry, and Brooke

(pictured on the “Frozen” parade float)

STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR LYNETTE TALASEK Office: 254-773-1575 • Mobile: 254-931-0639 email: lynettet@spjst.com

DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Sharon Russell, 1292 CR 441, Dime Box, 77853 • 979-884-0807 - sharonTexas russell28@yahoo.com District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S. St. Joseph Road, Burlington, Texas 76519-3108 - 254-985-2396 patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Kay Weeks, 4203 Treehaven Ct, Arlington, Texas 76016 • 817-896-5277 - kgweeks@att.net District Four - Pam Lehmann, PO Box 637, Tahoka, Texas 79373-0637 - 806-561-5105 - plehmann@poka.com District Five - Barbara Linney-Gonzales - 6043 Pineway Blvd., Houston, Texas 77023-6510 - 713-649-6138 - district5dyc@aol.com District Six - Lisa Bubela, 1405 Divide Street, El 77437 - 979-543-7120 Campo, Texas lisa_bubela@yahoo.com District Seven - Theresa Haag, 1334 Rivercrest Drive New Braunfels, Texas 78130 - 830-625-8262 theresa.haag686@gmail.com BY-LAW COMMITTEE District One - Richard Ford, 2392 CR 424, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - 979-884-1451 - dimebox5@aol.com District Two - Ronnie Rieger, 350 Rieger Road, Coupland, Texas 78615 - 512-365-2000 - 512-848-2416/cell - RonnieR1056@yahoo.com District Three - Kay Lynn Kovar, 3303 West Lake Bardwell Drive, Ennis, Texas 75119 - 972-875-6827 District Four - Beverly J. Teplicek, 817 FM 381, Rowena, Texas 76875 - 325-442-4841 - bjtep@verizon.net District Five - Mildred Holeman, 4001 North Shepherd, Suite 112, Houston, Texas 77018 - 713-683-0018 - mmholeman@yahoo.com District Six - Joe Siptak, 2312 Norvell, Bay City, Texas 77414 - 979-244-4415; 979-479-0056 cell District Seven - Oscar Korus, 2565 Bruce Road, Poteet, Texas 78065 - 830-391-4169 - oscarkorus@gmail.com FINANCE COMMITTEE District One - Thomas Cannon, P.O. Box 372, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - 979-567-4264 - jtcannon60@hotmail.com District Two - Edwin Pechal, 10660 State Highway 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - 254-985-2282 Edwin_Pechal@yahoo.com District Three - Michael Galler, 526 Karen, Waco, Texas 76706 - 254-662-4934 - mgaller@brazoselectric.com District Four - Herman D. Weise, 6006 FM Highway 765, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - 325-651-8550 - hdweise@zipnet.us District Five - Marceil Malak, 7444 Meiners Road, Ledbetter, Texas 78946-5118 - 979-249-5940 malaktax@gmail.com District Six - Glenn Kaminsky, 902 River Oaks Court, East Bernard, Texas 77435 - 979-335-4461 - gkamink@live.com District Seven - Roy Haag, 1334 Rivercrest Drive, New Braunfels, Texas 78130-3438 - 830-625-8262 39roha@gmail.com

INSURANCE COMMITTEE District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - 979-272-3440 District Two - Dolores Skrabanek, 13107 State Highway 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - 254-985-2344 District Three District Four - Leonard Jansa, 6617 Plainview Drive, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - 325-234-8117 District Five - Helen Hegwood, 6702 Lindy Ann Lane, Houston, Texas 77008 - 713-864-0489 District Six - Charles Bucek, P.O. Box 147, East Bernard, Texas 77435 - 979-335-4118 District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 3895 CR 430, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - 210-535-4916

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE District One - Floyd Kostelka, 1914 CR 403, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - 979-540-8531 District Two - Tammy Cannon, 141 Meadow Park Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78626 - 512-948-5339 - tcannon4715@yahoo.com District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside, Dallas, Texas 75206 - 214-826-3557 District Four - Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Drive, 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 Avenue K, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 - 281-342-2624 District Seven - Jarolyn Popp, 447 Shady Hollow, New Braunfels, Texas 78132 - 830-964-5135 HUMAN RESOURCES DEBBIE KLINKOVSKY 254-773-1575 • email: debbiek@spjst.com

Faith makes all things possible, Hope makes all things work Love makes all things beautiful.

May you have all of these at Christmas and always!

Merry Christmas from Melanie and David VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published weekly except the third week of October and the fourth week of December by VĚSTNÍK, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100. Subscription rates are $25 per year for non-members. Members’fees are paid as part of the insurance fee collected by 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 VĚSTNÍK c/o Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.

Wednesday, December 16, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

Family Fun and Important Dates

Dec. 18

Dec. 20 Dec. 20 Dec. 20 Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Dec. 23 Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Dec. 27

Dec. 31

Dec. 31

Dec. 31

Dec. 31

Dec. 31

Jan. 1 Jan. 9

Lodge 182, Falls County Christmas Party The Chicken Place, Marlin (2) Lodge 18, Elgin Christmas Dance (2) Lodge 81, Needville Christmas Social/Meeting (5) Lodge 133, San Antonio Christmas Luncheon (7) Early Vestnik Deadline Lodge 25, Ennis Strudel Fundraiser Pickup (3) No Vestnik Published Christmas Eve • SPJST Home Office Closed Christmas Day • SPJST Home Office Closed Lodge 185, New Braunfels Christmas Party Walter Hoffman American Legion Post 179 (7) New Year’s Eve Dance • Lodge 18, Elgin (2) Fritz Hodde New Year’s Eve Dance • Lodge 35, Elk (3) Gordon Collier Band New Year’s Eve Dance • Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Back Roads Band New Year’s Eve Dance • Lodge 88, Houston (5) Moonglow Orchestra New Year’s Eve Dance • Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) Doc Gibbs and his Big Band New Year’s Day • SPJST Home Office Closed Finance Committee Meeting Publication Committee Meeting

• • • IMPORTANT NOTICE • • • No December 23, 2015 Vestnik will be printed.

• • •

Deadline for December 30 Vestnik is Monday, December 21 at 12 noon • • •

January 6 Vestnik will not be a regular issue.

It will be a special issue celebrating SPJST.

SPJST INTEREST RATES . . . 11/01/2015 - 01/31/2016 SPJST Farm/ Commercial Property Rates

Farm/commercial property rates are subject to change without notice. Call the SPJST Home Office 800-7277578.

Farm/Commercial Property Rates

75% Owner Farm Property 4.75% for 1 to 30 years Commercial Property 6.00% for 1 to 10 years 6.25% for 11 to 15 years

Universal Life Universal Life 3 (plans 1203-1222 with a guaranteed rate of 2.50%) Credited Rate: 3.00%

Whole Life/ Universal Life 3 (plans 1223-1232 with a guaranteed rate of 2.50%) Credited Rate: 3.50%

Annuities Annuity 5 (plans 8032-8039 with a 1.50% guaranteed rate) Credited Rate: 3.00%

Annuity New 5 Year (plans 8040-8041 with a 1.50% guaranteed rate) Credited Rate: 3.00%

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Readers Write

District Four members from Lodges 49, Rowena and 215, South Plains ride the SPJST “Merry Minions Christmas!” Float in the San Angelo Lights of Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 5.

—Submitted by Becky Wood

Member appreciates SPJST “Merry Minions Christmas” Float

Thank you so much, SPJST, for allowing us to ride on the Minions float at the San Angelo Downtown Lights Parade on Saturday, December 5, 2015. We had so much fun. It was amazing to see kids’ faces light up when they would see the Minions and Gru and also how many adults got a kick out of the float as well.

Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Club would like to thank Mr. John Hoelscher for bringing the float to San Angelo for us. It was an amazing night and by far, the best float there.

Becky Wood Lodge 49, Rowena —SPJST—

Members expresses gratitude

Dear SPJST, I am honored to have been awarded the SPJST scholarship for the 20152016 school year. Thank you for your generosity in providing this award.

Your award will be beneficial in helping me achieve my academic and personal goals. I am currently a student at the University of Texas at San Antonio. My goal is to become a mechanical engineer. I hope to one day

help others like you have helped me.

Thanks to your generous support, I feel that I am one step closer to achieving my goals. Thank you for helping a student like me achieve my dreams.

Sincerely, David Esquivel Lodge 79, Corpus Christi —SPJST—

Member shares appreciation

Thank you for awarding me with the Frank E. Klinkovsky scholarship.

It will help me pursue my engineering degree at Texas A&M University. I am honored to be the first recipient.

Thanks, Brandon Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—

Member conveys thanks

Thank you for awarding me with the SPJST Merit Grant Award. It will help me pursue my engineering degree at Texas A&M University.

Thanks, Brandon Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—

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Wednesday, December 16, 2016

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From the By-Law Committee Wednesday, April 13 By-Law Committee 60 Days Prior to Convention Deadline for recommendations readies for for changes to the By-Laws.

2016 Convention Recommendations must be signed

Dear Members, The 2016 Convention is right around the corner and begins on Monday, June 13 at Killeen Civic and Conference Center.

The By-Law Committee will begin its deliberations and preparations with a meeting on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at the SPJST Home Office in Temple, beginning at 9 a.m.

According to the By-Laws of SPJST from the 2012 Convention, under “Convention” on page 6, “anyone seeking a Supreme Lodge office must announce candidacy at least 120 days prior to convention.”

Under “Supreme Lodge” on page 4, a screening process will be established “for the purpose of reviewing all qualifications of submitted candidates for Supreme Lodge Officers, Editor/Director of Communication, and seven directors. The screening committee has the right to gather additional background information, submit the slate of qualified candidates to the delegates 90 days prior to convention, and shall have the discretion to consult with personnel with legal and human resource expertise to assure compliance with current labor laws. The By-Law Committee will be the screening committee.”

Saturday, February 13 120 Days Prior to Convention Candidacy for Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Vestnik Editor/ Director of Communication, and seven district director positions must be announced.

Sunday, March 13 90 Days Prior to Convention By-Law Committee submits slate of qualified candidates to delegates through the Vestnik.

Insurance Committee Meets at SPJST Home Office

and submitted to any member of the By-Law Committee.

By-Law Committee members are listed on page 2 of each Vestnik. They are: District One - Richard Ford 2392 CR 424 Dime Box, Texas 77853 979-884-1451 dimebox5@aol.com

District Two - Ronnie Rieger 350 Rieger Road Coupland, Texas 78615 512-365-2000 • 512-848-2416/cell RonnieR1056@yahoo.com

District Three - Kay Lynn Kovar 3303 West Lake Bardwell Drive Ennis, Texas 75119 972-875-6827

District Four - Beverly J. Teplicek 817 FM 381 Rowena, Texas 76875 325-442-4841 bjtep@verizon.net District Five - Mildred Holeman 4001 North Shepherd, Suite 112 Houston, Texas 77018 713-683-0018 mmholeman@yahoo.com

District Six - Joe Siptak 2312 Norvell Bay City, Texas 77414 979-244-4415 • 979-479-0056/cell District Seven - Oscar Korus 2565 Bruce Road Poteet, Texas 78065 830-391-4169 oscarkorus@gmail.com

Fraternally, Ronnie Rieger, Chairman By-Law Committee —SPJST—

Insurance Committee members met Tuesday, December 8, 2015, at the SPJST Home Office in Temple. Committee members discussed plans and programs for 2016 and the upcoming Convention. Pictured are, left to right, Insurance Operations Manager Cynthia Hutka; Dolores Skrabanek of Lodge 47, Seaton; Chairman Susan Skrabanek of Lodge 17, New Tabor; Wendy Pruski of Lodge 107, Floresville; Supreme Lodge Vice President Clifton Coufal; and Charles Bucek of Lodge 151, Wharton. Not pictured is Helen Hegwood of Lodge 88, Houston.

State Tournament is open to the public, ages 16 and State Progressive ment above. Registration fee is $10 per 42 Tournament player which includes snacks and lunch. Prizes will be awarded. set for Jan. 9 Please register by Monday, January The 2016 SPJST State Progressive 42 Domino Tournament is Saturday, January 9 at the SPJST Home Office, located at 520 North Main Street in Temple, Texas.

Check-in is from 8 to 8:45 a.m. with play beginning at 9 a.m. The tourna-

4 by calling 800-727-7578 or 254-7731575 or sending an email to tammym@spjst.com For more information, contact State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak at 254-534-0681.

—SPJST—

From the Districts the September 9, 2015, Vestnik. Bring District Three any questions and concerns to the delegates meeting so we can discuss them.

Lodge 183, Arlington has volunto meet Jan. 19 teered to host the second delegates’ Attention: District Three Delegates Tuesday, January 19, 2016, will be the first District Three delegates’ meeting at Lodge 25, Ennis starting at 6:30 p.m.

Please read, study, and review your by-laws and the SPJST Special Structure Committee’s proposed by-law recommendations that were printed in

meeting in February. The date is yet to be announced. Lodge 6, Cottonwood has volunteered for the third meeting in March.

Fraternally, Kay Lynn Kovar By-Law Committee District Three Representative —SPJST—

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SPJST Lodge Se ct ion

Lodge 25, Ennis: order your apple strudel

Dear Readers, It’s time for our apple strudel bake fundraiser that benefits the Lodge 25 Improvement Fund. Strudels are $15 each. Place your orders to be picked up at the SPJST Lodge 25 dining room on Tuesday, December 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. Please call Margaret at

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: 254-773-8087

Email: melaniez@vvm.com

Questions?

Call 800-727-7578

972-878-6149 or Betty at 972-8787719.

Fraternally yours, Margaret Krajca Reporter —SPJST—

Bertha G. Rozacky Sefcak Achieves Grand Age of 96

SPJST proudly congratulates Sister Bertha G. Rozacky Sefcak of Lodge 29, Taylor, who celebrates her 96th birthday on December 21, 2015. Sister Bertha receives all SPJST benefits with no further dues or assessments.

Sister Bertha was born to Henry and Rose Machu Rozacky in Williamson County, Texas, between Hoxie and Friendship, Texas. Bertha had four brothers, John Edwin Rozacky (deceased), Henry Charles Rozacky, Jr. (deceased), Clifton Joe Rozacky (deceased), and Lawrence Roman Rozacky. She had two sisters, Loretta Lee Rozacky Buzan (deceased) and Claudette Helen Rozacky Stasny.

Bertha married Roland Hugo Sefcak on September 28, 1940, in Granger, Texas. They were blessed with three children - Nancy Lanette Sefcak Kunze, spouse Donald W. Kunze (deceased), Dixie Fern Sefcak Rhoades, spouse - Franklin (Bill) Rhoades of Taylor, Texas, and infant son Kenneth John Sefcak, who died in 1949.

Bertha was a homemaker and worked as a daycare employee.

Roland was a sign painter/artist.

Bertha has great memories of being involved in the Grange Club at Friendship, Texas. She was 16 years old

when she traveled with other young Grange members to Dallas to the 1936 Texas Centennial Celebration. They traveled to Grange competitions in San Antonio as well, staying in a hotel which was a huge thing for young farm kids.

Her favorite movie is Gone With the Wind. She loved listening to stories told to her in Czech by her mother especially those about The Hasterman!

She enjoyed family celebrations at her Uncle Joe and Aunt Tracy Machu’s home near Moravia school. She recalls learning cooking skills from her mother, fried chicken, kolaches, angel food cake (from scratch) and zasmaska soup.

Some of Bertha’s accomplishments were volunteering at the SPJST Rest Home in Taylor for 10 years and St. Vincent De Paul thrift store in Taylor for 20 years. She was also a Brownie leader in the 1950s. She loved sewing, cooking, nurturing children, creating Apple-Head Dolls with her husband and dancing.

Congratulations again to Bertha G. Rozacky Sefcak on attaining the Grand Age of 96. Thank you, Bertha, for being a devoted member of SPJST for all these years.

—SPJST—

Wednesday, December 16, 2016

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Lodge Karel Jonáš, Lodge 47, Seaton reports on No. 28, East Bernard reports on December meeting November meeting Dear Vestnik Readers, Dear Members, With two major officers having to be somewhere else the second Sunday, the scheduled meeting day, the 13th of December, Lodge Karel Jonáš No. 28, East Bernard has moved up its meeting date to the 6th at 12 noon in the Community Room of the East Bernard Branch Library, 746 Clubside Drive.

The agenda will be open to business that needs most immediate attention.

As to the fare for the fraternal hour luncheon, it will be turkey, dressing, and the trimmings from Ben’s Chuck Wagon.

We wish to thank District Six Director/Supreme Lodge Vice Chairman Karen Kaspar for visiting with us along with bringing some door prizes.

A quorum-plus was present at the meeting. All reports were accepted as given. Several donations were made, and they were to S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 2, Needville; S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home, Hillje; Boy Scouts of America - East Bernard Troop; Child Protective Services Wharton and Matagorda Counties; SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm; and Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Society in Temple.

All officers who served in 2015 were re-elected. They are: President Glenn Kaminsky Vice President Joseph D. Nezval Secretary/FAC Helen A. Kelner Treasurer A.J. “Tony” Kelner

All officers were sworn in by Director Kaspar.

There was one omission in the October report. It was that Helen A. Kelner was named Fraternalist of the Year for the lodge.

It was reported that Rudy Vrana just came home from the hospital. Get well, Rudy. We miss you.

To the faithful: Plan to attend the meeting on the 6th, and this writer remains . . .

Ze bratrským pozdravů Joseph D. Nezval, FIC Vice President —SPJST—

The monthly meeting of Lodge 47, Seaton was called to order at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2015—a beautiful, warm day for this time of the year. President Edwin Pechal called the meeting to order. Flags were presented by Parliamentarian James Skrabanek and Vice President Brandon Bartek. Twenty-one members and one visitor, Tom Williams, were present for today’s meeting. Thank you to all who attended. Lodge members to be remembered in our prayers for illness are Darren White, Beth Rabroker, Hunter Bartek, Clarence Pechal, and Albert Simcik.

Lodge 25, Ennis welcomes new member

Lodge 25, Ennis is proud to announce new member Winnie Margaret Henson, daughter of Grant and Miranda Clark Henson. Winnie was born October 5, 2014, at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas.

Welcoming her into this world is big brother Beau, along with her grandma Marlene (Krajca) Clark, and Roger and Kathy Henson.

Great-grandparents are Margaret (Martinek) and Johnnie I. Krajca of Ennis.

Winnie is a fifth generation SPJST member through the Martinek family. Her great-greatgreat-grandparents Francis and Hynek Zissa (Johnnie’s grandparents) of Shiner, Texas, were charter members of SPJST. —SPJST—

Winnie Margaret Henson

Wednesday, December 16, 2016

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All lodge officers, board members, and active sales agents were present for the meeting except board member Leroy Dana. Leroy, we missed you and pray for your health to continue getting better each day. Youth Leaders Joyce Kraatz, Amber Bartek, and Sharla Pechal were counted present as they were having their youth meeting and Christmas party this afternoon at Rati-

bor.

Four new members were accepted for lodge membership. Deanna Culp Burt (former youth member and now a sales agent) wrote certificates for Kerri Patterson and Dawsen Carter; Dolores Skrabanek wrote a certificate for Lillian Grace Kellhofer; and Patsy Koslovsky wrote a policy for James Daniel Lesikar, II. Welcome to all our

new members, and we hope to see you at Star Hall.

Secretary Patsy Koslovsky read the November minutes which were approved as read. She also read the unofficial November board minutes.

Correspondence included a beautiful Christmas card from Alfred and Bernice Vrazel. A thank you note was read from the family of Tommy Pope for the

VĚSTNÍK

donation to the lodge scholarship fund.

President Pechal thanked the youth for decorating the hall for Christmas. It looks very nice. What a nice gesture for the youth to take charge and keep us older ones off the ladders. We appreciate you all very much. I am sure Santa was watching!

The Christmas party was discussed, and all seems to be in order. Thank you

SPJST Home Office Staff Participate in Christmas Door Decorating Contest

Season’s Greetings!

Decorate a Door for Christmas Contest!

H D

T A W

Don’t have a door?

The Home Office hosted a Christmas Door Decorating Contest for staff to participate in.

Thanks to all who decorated a door and added Christmas beauty at the Home Office during the season. Winners of the contest were, doors left to right, Debbie Dohnalik, Mary Carrillo and Sharla Pechal, and Brooke Hoelscher and Jerry Pechal.

Congratulations!

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Lodge 38, Kovar members attend luncheon

Dorothy Lastovica, left, is pictured with granddaughter Elizabeth Holder at her Thanksgiving lunch held at school recently.

to those of you who brought the turkeys. We will be honored and excited to have “Brighter Vision” - Joe and Cristi Emmerson and Tammy Pechal - bringing Christmas joy with their beautiful music to our party. District Two Director Jesse Pospisil will install the 2016 officers and board members during the Christmas party.

FAC Tammy Martinez reminded everyone about the domino tournament at the Home Office on January 9; the state tarok tournament on February 6; and the tarok tournament at Seaton on February 27 in memory of Frank Klinkovsky. All proceeds from this tournament will go towards the state scholarship fund in Frankie’s name.

Around $8,000 is still needed to reach the goal of $20,000 for the scholarship

to be given each year. Donations will be accepted this day or at any time through the Home Office. I can still see Frankie getting so excited to play taroks, one of many games he loved.

How we all miss Frankie and his enthusiasm. Please contact Tammy Martinez at the Home Office if you would like to make a donation.

Bar Manager Danny Stepan, Entertainment Manager Michelle Porubsky, and Ticket Chairman Ruth Kohutek gave their reports. We thank all three of these fine members who volunteered to continue these responsibilities for 2016.

David Pechal spoke of having a fundraiser in the spring. A committee was chosen to work on suggestions and details. Those volunteering for the committee are David Pechal who will serve as chairman, Edwin Pechal, Brandon Bartek, James Skrabanek, Roy Ringwald, Danny Stepan, Edwin Vasicek, EJ Pechal, and Elden Zavodny.

Celebrating December birthdays are EJ Pechal, Jr., Leroy Dana, Melanie Regan, Elden Zavodny, Chris Zavodny, Julia Zavodny, Dan Maresh, and Nichole Festa-Dellamarco. We wish each of you a happy birthday with many more years of good health, fun, and happiness.

Lodge door prizes were won by Mary Soudelier, Earl Soudelier, and Ginger Ringwald. Congratulations, winners!

Next Meeting—January 3 The next meeting will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2016, at 2 p.m. We hope to see you!

SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton officers and members wish every Vestnik reader Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 48, Beyersville supports Thrall Volunteer Fire Department

Lodge 48, Beyersville President Albert Filla, left, presents a donation from the lodge to Thrall Volunteer Firemen Wyatt Dunn and Dylan Kanarsky.

Wednesday, December 16, 2016

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SPJST Supports Czech Heritage Museum

District Four Director Billy Rollwitz presents a $500 check from his discretionary funds to Czech Heritage Museum Executive Director Susan Chandler, center, and CHM Vice President Nancy Weise. The check was presented at the Lodge 160, San Angelo annual meeting on November 22, 2015.

Lodge 79 Corpus Christi honors Veterans

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi celebrated Thanksgiving and Veterans Day on November 15, 2015, with a catered meal of turkey and all the trimmings.

The meeting was called to order by President Mark Rebecek who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. We had a moment of silence for deceased members Delfina Marez, Paul R. Stastney, Sandra Sykora, and Marcela B. Alegria and also for all Veterans who are no longer with us.

On the sick list is Margaret Majek who is recovering at a rehab facility after having surgery for a broken femur. Our lodge welcomed back Dorothy McCoy and Susan Sacky who had been on our sick list. (I am writing with a heavy heart. Between the meeting and this letter, our dear friend and member Susan Sacky passed away).

We had 30 members and guests present. President Rebecek read a letter about veterans for Veterans Day. All officers were present except for Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky and Youth Leader Gerilyn Donnell.

Secretary Virginia Rebecek read the

SPJST assists Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry with donation

District Two Director Jesse Pospisil presents a check from his discretionary fund to Lodge 48, Beyersville Second Vice President Janet Filla for Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry in Taylor.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2016

October minutes, and they were approved.

Treasurer Frank Sacky gave the financial report, and it was approved.

We voted on several transfers from Lodge 164, Rio Hondo. Secretary Virginia Rebecek read the names of members who are eligible to be delegates at the June 2016 Convention. All were asked to consider being a delegate. We will vote on them and have elections of officers at our December meeting.

President Rebecek read a letter about the 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive.

There was no unfinished business.

Under new business, Treasurer Frank Sacky made a motion that our monthly donation go to The CallerTimes Christmas Appeal. Motion was approved.

Birthdays for November were Brandon Rew on the 2nd; Rebecca Urbanovsky on the 8th; and Leona Grant

on the 27th. “Happy Birthday” was sung to these members.

Wedding anniversaries were Mark and Virginia Rebecek - 50 years on November 27. Congratulations!

Twenty-five dollar door prizes were won by Mark Rebecek and Sarah Urbanovsky. We had a special $100 drawing, and it was won by Larry Elzner.

President Rebecek introduced Veterans who attended the meeting, and they were Frank Sacky - Army, Mark Rebecek - Army, and Larry Elzner -

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Retired Navy. All were presented with a key chain with their branch of service. Thank you all for serving!

Next Meeting—December 20 Our next meeting will be Sunday, December 20. We were planning a catered roast beef meal, but that fell through, so it will be a surprise. Members are asked to bring a dessert.

Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 49, Rowena Members Enjoy Christmas Party

SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena held its annual Christmas party and membership drive on Sunday, December 6, 2015, with a good crowd in attendance. Special guests included District Four Director Billy Rollwitz and District Four Youth Counselor Pam

Lehmann.

President Brad Teplicek gave the welcome to all in attendance with Lee Lehmann leading the prayer.

The youth club sang several Christmas songs with Hunter Wood playing the guitar which everyone enjoyed.

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Club members sing Christmas songs for everyone. CENTER PHOTO: Lula Marecek enjoys the party. RIGHT

People of all ages visited, and several different games were played.

A delicious meal was served by Jackie Pospichal, Laura Pospichal, Sylvia Rollwitz, Diana Rozman, Nancy Schwertner, Beverly Teplicek, and Becky Wood.

Special “candy trains” were given to all youth. Names were drawn for door prizes with youth club members helping to hand out the prizes.

Respectfully, Beverly Teplicek —SPJST—

PHOTO: District Four Youth Counselor Pam Lehmann and Assistant District Four Youth Counselor Laura Pospichal hand out Christmas bags to the youth.

FAR LEFT PHOTO: Youth play a game.

LEFT PHOTO: Having fun!

RIGHT PHOTO: Visiting at the party!

—Photos submitted by Becky Wood, Youth Leader

Wednesday, December 16, 2016

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Lodge 88, Houston New Year’s Eve: Moonglow Orchestra

On Thursday, December 31, ring in the new year in the Chandelier Ballroom at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston!

Moonglow Orchestra will place from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

The new 2016 year will be welcomed with a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. Party favors will be provided.

Breakfast will be served at 12:30 a.m. and include scrambled eggs, Slovacek sausage, biscuits and gravy, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and coffee.

The evening is open to the public.

Admission is $35 per person. Call 713-869-5767 for reservations.

SPJST Lodge 88 is located in the Heights at 1435 Beall Street in Houston, Texas. Visit lodge88.org for more information.

See advertisement on page 28 of this week’s Vestnik.

Fraternally, Pat Bruce, President —SPJST—

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Lodge 51, Ellinger Members Celebrate Christmas

Lodge 51, Ellinger members gathered for a Christmas party on Friday, December 4, 2015.

Lodge 91 San Jacinto reports on quarterly meeting

Lodge 91, San Jacinto held its fourth quarterly meeting combined with Christmas party on December 5, 2015, at China Ko in Crosby. All officers were present with the exception of Vice President Chris Vojacek.

President Locke called the meeting to order, and the minutes and treasurer’s report were given and approved.

FAC Malba Smesny spoke briefly about upcoming events such as the SPJST $1,000 scholarship offered by the Home Office and Paws Across Texas set for December 19 at Wal-

P P P Presenting 2016 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 51, Ellinger

The 2016 officers of Lodge 51, Ellinger were installed on December 4, 2015, by District One Director Donnie Victorick, far left. Officers are, second from left to right, First Vice President Bradley Divin, Secretary Jo Ann Divin, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Burdine Divin, and President Calvin Hlinsky.

Mart in Crosby. She mentioned the incentive awards banquet and encouraged members to notify her of any community and fraternal events participated in so that Lodge 91 can get credit for this involvement. District Six Fraternal Field Manager Delisle Doherty stated that the awards received are based on community and fraternal involvement, increase in membership, and active versus paidup certificates.

Under new business, Lodge 91 delegates to the 2016 convention to be held June 13-15 were chosen. Mary Stasney and Malba Smesny expressed their interest in attending the convention. A motion was made and seconded to accept these two members as the Lodge 91 delegates.

Fraternal Field Manager Doherty spoke briefly about the fees associated

with an annuity when one begins drawing on their retirement. He stated that rolling your 401k over into a life insurance policy saves you the fees associated with an annuity once you begin drawing on your retirement, saving you money.

The election of Lodge 91, San Jacinto’s 2016 officers was last on the agenda. A motion was made and seconded to vote Carlos SanMiguel as the new vice president. It was stated that Chris Vojacek was no longer able to hold the position. Mr. SanMiguel accepted, and a vote was taken and passed.

2016 Officers Chester Stasney made the motion to accept all other officers by acclamation. Tim Siroka seconded the motion, and motion carried. Officers are:

P P P Presenting 2016 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 63, Sweet Home

The 2016 officers of Lodge 63, Sweet Home are, left to right, Reporter/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Elaine Berkovsky, Secretary Ann Marie Moseley, President Diane Ward, Treasurer Earline Zabransky, and Flag Bearer Dillon Ward. They were installed by District Six Director Karen Kaspar, not pictured. Also not pictured is Vice President Preston Koncaba.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2016

President Will Locke Vice President Carlos SanMiguel Secretary Vonda Smesny Treasurer Marie Stasney FAC Malba Smesny

Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal.

Thank you to all who attended.

Fraternally, Vonda Smesny, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 92 Fort Worth invites all to upcoming activities

Dear Members and Friends, We invite you to mark these December dates on your calendars. Please come on out for a great time!

Friday, December 18 Al Nelson Concert Tribute to the music of the 50s, 60s and 70s. $12 includes admission and barbecue dinner with coffee or tea. Enjoy dinner from 6 to 8 p.m., and the concert is from 8 to 10 p.m. Table reservations are accepted with paid admissions on a first come, first served basis. Call Jon at 817-624-1361.

Friday, December 25 Merry Christmas from Lodge 92, Fort Worth!

Thursday, December 31 Come ring in 2016 at National Hall’s New Year’s Eve Dance with Doc Gibbs and his orchestra from 8 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. Ballroom dancing.

Evening attire. Cornbread and blackeyed peas will be served. Reservations are now being accepted. $25 per person or $30 at the door. Call Jon Durham at 817-624-1361 for reservations.

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P P P Presenting 2016 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 80, Holland

Saturday, January 10 Lodge 92 meeting at 2 p.m.

Hall Rentals For information regarding hall rentals and upcoming events information, please call Events Manager Jon Durham at 817-624-1361 or check the hall’s website: www.nationalhallfortworth.com.

Happy Holidays!

Angela Paprskar Casteel President —SPJST—

The 2016 officers of Lodge 80, Holland were installed on December 6, 2015, by State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak, far left. Officers are, second from left to right, Youth Leader Connie Horak, Treasurer/FAC Frank Pajestka, Jr., Vice President Joe Liles, President Rita Spinn, and Secretary Linda Hill.

Lodge 92 Fort Worth New Year’s Eve: Doc Gibbs

to move your feet! People love Doc’s “feel-good” music whether it is the rumba, tango, swing, waltz, or mambo. Doc has provided music for popular shows including Joan Rivers, the Drifters, and Percy Sledge.

This multi-talented entertainer and showman is ready to play us into the New Year. Dance is from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

See advertisement on page 29 of this week’s Vestnik.

—SPJST—

Tuesday, December 22 Game night at 7 p.m.

Bring in the New Year on Thursday, December 31 enjoying big band ballroom dance sound of Doc Gibbs at SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth National Hall, located at 3316 Robert’s Cut-Off Road in Fort Worth, Texas.

Doc Gibbs plays the music you can dance to. As a former dance instructor, having taught country, pop, ballroom, and line dancing, Doc knows the beat

The 2016 officers of Lodge 91, San Jacinto are, left to right, Treasurer Marie Stasney, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Malba Smesny Secretary Vonda Smesny, President William Locke, and Vice President Carlos San Miguel.

The 2016 officers of Lodge 141, Sealy are, left to right, Treasurer Freda Jemela, Secretary Bernice Stolarski, Second Vice President Bennie Stolarski, Vice President John Simpson, and President Rick Martinez. They were installed by District One Director Donnie Victorick, far right.

Sunday, December 20 Metro Dance. Open to the public.

P P P Presenting 2016 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 91, San Jacinto

P P P Presenting 2016 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 141, Sealy

Wednesday, December 16, 2016

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Lodge 133 San Antonio Christmas luncheon Sunday, Dec. 20

Lodge 66, Waco Members Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary

SPJST Lodge 133, San Antonio will hold its Christmas luncheon on Sunday, December 20, 2015, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Activity Center, located at 1630 Goliad Road.

Registration will begin at 12 noon.

A ham lunch will be served as well as dessert.

After lunch, members will enjoy a games party and celebrate the coming holiday.

Please join us for some good food, fellowship, and fun.

Jarolyn Popp President —SPJST—

Lodge 182 Falls County Christmas party Friday, Dec. 18

Lodge 182, Falls County invites you to a Christmas party on Friday, December 18, 2015, at 6 p.m. at The Chicken Place, located at 504 Bridge Street in Marlin. We hope to see you there!

Fraternally, Becky Beckendorf Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—

Jerryline and James Holacka

Lodge 169, Brenham Hosts Christmas Party

State Youth Director Lynette Talasek assists Kade Jackson with an ornament craft at the Lodge 169, Brenham Christmas party held December 3, 2015, at The Cannery Kitchen in Brenham.

Happy 50th wedding anniversary to James and Jerryline Holacka of Lodge 66, Waco. Mrs. Holacka is the former Jerryline Gajdosik. They were married at St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in West, Texas, on October 30, 1965, by Father Jerry Smith.

They celebrated their anniversary with family and friends at a reception and dinner at St. Martin’s Parish Hall in Tours, Texas. Music was provided for everyone’s listening and dancing pleasure by Jerry Haisler and the Melody Five.

James is retired from Parkland Hospital, and Jerryline is employed by Dallas Metrocare Services, formerly Dallas County Mental Health and Mental Retardation. They reside in Dallas, Texas.

Special guest was Evelyn Gajdosik, mother of Jerryline.

The late Jerry Gajdosik and Jim and Regina Holacka of West are parents of James and Jerryline.

—SPJST—

Lodge 185 New Braunfels Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 27

Lodge 185, New Braunfels will host its Christmas party on Sunday, December 27, 2015, at Walter Hoffman American Legion Hall Post 179, located at 410 West Coll Street, from 4 to 8 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend and need to RSVP by December 23 to Donnie Howard at 830-358-2262.

Thank you, Cindy Schmidtzinsky Secretary —SPJST—

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Lodge 229, Abilene elects 2016 officers

Our November 10, 2015, meeting was a big success. We had 19 members present. President Janice Stevens led the lodge in a prayer and a moment of silence for our deceased members.

Also, the lodge thanked our Veterans present and all our Veterans and active military who have served our country.

We voted in officers for 2016. They will be: President Janice Stevens Vice President Susie Hudson Secretary Jerry Macek Reporter Christine Brooks

Jerry Macek was welcomed as our lodge’s newest member.

The Christmas party was discussed, and December 11 was chosen for the date at 6 p.m. The location will be chosen at a later date.

By unanimous consent, the lodge nominated Janice Stevens to be Fraternalist of the Year. She really works hard for this lodge. Thank you, Janice!

The lodge congratulated graduating seniors Chelsy Stevens from Idalou and Mark Aldret from Merkel. Each received a graduation gift from the lodge.

We discussed the SPJST Scholarship Fund and the upcoming 42 tour-

Happy Birthday, Joy Elizabeth!

Joy Elizabeth Eskew of Lodge 155, Austin celebrated her first birthday on December 13, 2015. She enjoyed a Sesame Street-themed party with her family which included all of her grandparents and great-grandparents.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2016

nament to be held at the SPJST Home Office in January 2016.

Thanks everyone for attending our meeting. See you soon at the Christmas party.

Jerry Macek 2016 Secretary —SPJST—

Ennis Sewing Circle

Ennis Sewing Circle met on December 3, 2015 at the Sokol Club Room for our Christmas party. Members started arriving at 9 a.m. and by 10 a.m., we had a room full of members who were happy. Everyone looked really nice, and all were dressed for the party.

Everyone was visiting and around 11 a.m., we played bingo. Lucky winners were Dorothy Kudrna, Geraldine

Valek, Ginny Svehlak, and Dolores Vrana. The money collected for playing was divided equally.

As we knew, some were going to have to leave early so we had the raffle drawing. I am happy to say President Irene won the quilt, and Ginny won the tie quilt. They both were very happy. We had other smaller items to raffle. Winners were Barbara Phipps, Dorothy Prachyl, Georgia Holy, Ann Clagett, Bessie Laznovsky, Pat Fowler, and Irene again. Irene was really lucky that day. She was also the 50-50 dollar winner. I am happy for her. She does so much for the Circle.

President Irene made pretty bookmarkers with Biblical sayings. Everyone had one at their seating place, which was very nice.

We were happy to see Bessie Laznovsky. Christy Laznovsky, the wife of Bessie’s grandson, brought her - wheelchair and all. Thank you so much, Christy, for bringing Bessie.

For show and tell, Dorothy Kudrna

brought a beautiful quilt top made from embroidered scarves; it was really pretty. I am anxious to see it when quilted.

After playing bingo and having the raffle, we took a group picture. President Irene said grace, and we enjoyed a delicious lunch. Ham was baked by Dorothy Kudrna and was very good.

We had many wonderful, pretty dishes and desserts. Thank you, all, for the food, and thank you to the set up and clean up crew - especially Joe. As always, he washed dishes and took out the trash.

After lunch, President Irene called the meeting to order. We had 22 members and three guests - Christy Laznovsky, Joe Kostak, and Leslie Mach, Kay Lynn Kovar’s father. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all, and a moment of silence was held for Robert Gadberry, friend to a member. The “Our Father” was recited for all our sick members.

Ginny Svehlak read the minutes of

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the last meeting written by Dolores Vrana. One correction was made. Dolores Vrana read the treasurer’s report for Dorothy Bobalek who was absent.

Ginny also read a thank you note from Victoria Vlk and a funny, but sweet article about the tumbleweed, which was enjoyed by all.

Sunshine Lady Ann announced December birthday celebrants - Geraldine Zhanel, Irene Prachyl, Vickie Kohn, Cathy Vanden Eykel, Agnes Dujka, Dolores Vrana, Pat Fowler, and Karen Haskovec. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Irene P. and Karen Haskovec.

Ann was thanked for the beautiful Christmas decorations. We all enjoyed the Sokol Club Room’s Christmas tree and lights all around the room.

President Irene asked if anyone had any address or phone number changes to please let her know. She will be bringing the yellow booklet up to date.

A motion was made by Libbie Vrla to install our officers for the 2016 year.

Scenes from Lodge 80, Holland Christmas Party

Sunday, December 6, 2015 • SPJST Lodge 80, Holland • Submitted by Risa Pajestka

Lodge 80, Holland held its Christmas party in conjunction with American Legion Post 526 after the lodge meeting on December 6, 2015. A sumptuous array of delicious food was available for the guests. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the

wonderful meal. A “special guest” made a quick visit to the delight of the young and young-at-heart.

A special display of toy antique tractors was presented by David Posey who has collected these treasures for many years. He gave excellent infor-

mation about the history behind the tractors the collectible toys represent.

Partygoers were very pleased to win the great door prizes at the party.

—SPJST—

LEFT PHOTO: Preparing for the Christmas party. Many folks helped before and after the party to make it a huge success. Pictured here are Cyril Pajestka, left, Risa Pajestka, and Curtis Wolf cutting up some excellent

sausage for the party. CENTER PHOTO: State FAC Frank Horak congratulates the new officers. RIGHT PHOTO: Carol Wolf, Connie Horak, Cyril Pajestka, and Frank Pajestka, Jr. put finishing touches on the tables.

LEFT PHOTO: Helen Pajestka flanked by grandson Cyril Pajestka and Curtis Janke have a great time! CENTER PHOTO: Regina Peevey and

granddaughter Victoria Pajestka enjoy the party. RIGHT PHOTO: Yum yum!

Wednesday, December 16, 2016

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Dorothy Prachyl installed the officers.

Most officers agreed to serve another year, but one: President Irene Prachyl, Vice President Ginny Svehlak, Secretary Ann Clagett, and Treasurer Dolores Vrana. Thank you, all, for serving.

President Irene asked for a volunteer for the kitchen committee. One of our dear members Dorothy Kudrna raised her hand. Thanks, Dorothy.

Irene also asked for volunteers to deliver Christmas sacks to our shut-in members. Volunteers were Marie Vrla, Dorothy Prachyl, Karen Haskovec, Irene Prachyl, and Georgie Morales. I delivered my sack to Frances Vinkler.

It was good to see her. She looked great, and we enjoyed visiting for a long while. Frances used to be one of our best quilters. I remember she used to make such little stitches, and they were all the same size. We miss you, Frances.

President Irene announced January is soup and sandwich month. Again, we had volunteers for the soup - Ann Dolores, and new member Lorane Marusak. Everyone else was asked to bring sandwiches and desserts. We will also quilt for Victoria Vlk in Jan-

SPJST contributes to Little River-Academy Fire Department

District Two Director Jesse Pospisil, right, presents a check to Lodge 177, Academy President Otis Beck from the director’s discretionary fund for Little River-Academy Fire Department.

uary. President Irene also announced that she will start her class on how to start making a quilt top and continue her tee-shirt quilt-making.

Irene will start a quilt top for our Circle. Cut the squares, and I think members will take home to sew and bring back. Lil Kosarek volunteered to sew all squares together.

Libbie Vrla made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Dorothy Prachyl.

President Irene thanked all for coming, for the food, gifts, set up, and clean-up. She reminded us the next meeting is Thursday, January 14, 2016. We will quilt for Victoria, have a soup and sandwich lunch, and 50-50

13

dollar game. We’re also collecting dues for 2016.

Other News Congratulations to Geraldine Valek.

She has a new great-grandnephew Wyatt Arnold, who is her nephew Richard Hornik’s daughter Christi Arnold’s son. they are all very proud.

Before I sign off, I want to wish some of my special readers a very Happy Holiday Season and Happy Healthy New Year. If I forget someone, please forgive me, but I wish you also the best - Georgia Winkett, Helen Skrasek, thanks for the pen, Jimmy Strunc, Wilma and Frankie Vrla, Jene Macalik in Arkansas, and Betty Macalik’s daughter in California Amy Gurley.

Stay well, and we hope to see everyone on Thursday, January 14.

Georgia Morales, Reporter —SPJST—

Scenes from Lodge 80, Holland Christmas Party

Sunday, December 6, 2015 • SPJST Lodge 80, Holland • Submitted by Risa Pajestka

LEFT PHOTO: Enjoying the sumptuous selections. CENTER PHOTO: Happy party guests. RIGHT PHOTO: Joyce and Clifton Martinets, Mary

and Billy Pavlat, Teresa Hajda and Jerry David have a good time at Lodge 80’s Christmas party.

LEFT PHOTO: David Posey with his collection of toy antique tractors.

PHOTO 2: Santa and his helper Jacob Horak enjoy a good visit with a sweet girl. PHOTO 3: Our “special guest” asks some very important ques-

tions to some very sweet children. PHOTO 4: Victoria Pajestka, Clay Tschoerner, Cyril Pajestka, and Brad Zajicek share a laugh. RIGHT PHOTO: Helen Pajestka, center, with Teresa Hajda and Jerry David have fun.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2016

Talking About The Weather

Most folks talk about the weather

I think of him but in a different light

our common denominator is not race color or creed

the other guy is the one who always gets into trouble

the weather is what binds us in common tongue

we’ve all been to the window we’ve all looked toward the sky we all know the rain, the snow, the changing winds and so we bond not in status or ethnicity but in the weather

everything bad that happens is always his fault

I don’t know how he can be everywhere at all times but he is he’s behind everything

we learn about him from an early age when our moms threatened we always said it was the other guy

when we hesitate to think of a starting point the weather begins a conversation

when we got caught in anything at all we threw his name out there he had a bad reputation

will it rain we ask don’t think so yet maybe tomorrow

and so we acknowledge our kinship our shared experience

I did not know the other guy personally so I don’t know

understanding we are all brothers under one skin of sky

—SPJST—

My wife always thinks of the other guy

Joining Hands at S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 2, Needville

I have mixed feelings

in simple terms when there is nothing else to say

when we don’t know what else to say the weather comes to mind.

The Other Guy

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Lodge 81, Needville participated in Join Hands Day earlier in 2015. Pictured are, left to right, Bradley Stavinoha of SPJST Lodge 81; Tim Novak of KJT; Tim Mund of Needville Community Church; and Robert Zacek of KJT. The gentlemen cooked hamburgers for residents at S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home in Needville.

if he was just dumb or accident prone or what but I still use his name to this very day.

—SPJST—

~d.knape

Ennis Sewing Circle Shares Christmas Party Scenes ~ d.knape

Ennis Sewing Circle gathered for its Christmas party and meeting on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at the Sokol Club Room in Ennis. Attendees held a short meeting. Then the fun began. They played bingo, had a delicious lunch of ham and a great array of sides and desserts, exchanged gifts, and held a quilt raffle drawing. LEFT PHOTO: Front, left to right, Libbie Vrla, Irene Prachyl, Georgie Morales, Dorothy Prachyl, Kay Lynn Kovar, Bessie Laznovsky, Lil Kosarek, Ann Zabojnik, Ginny Svehlak, and Victoria Vlk. Back, Ann Clagett, Margaret Martinek, Dolores

Vrana, Georgia Holy, Karen Haskovec, Dorothy Booth, Barbara Phipps, Marie Vrla, Lorene Marusak, Geraldine Kubin, Geraldine Valek, Mary Zabojnik, Dorothy Kudrna, and Joe Kostak. RIGHT PHOTO: Quilt Winners. At its Christmas party, Ennis Sewing Circle had two lucky winners, each receiving a beautiful quilt made with loving hands and many stitching hours. Ginny Svehlak, left, won the tie quilt. Irene Prachyl was awarded the Ennis Sewing Circle quilt.

Congratulations, ladies!

—Submitted by Georgie Morales

Wednesday, December 16, 2016

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Miracle of Christmas

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By Annette Sebesta Lodge 9, Snook

An angel from the realms of glory Was sent to tell the wondrous story To shepherds watching on a Judean hill on a star lit night so dark and still.

Fear not! I bring glad tidings of joy To every man and woman, girl and boy.

The host of heaven praised God above Revealing the message of God’s great love.

Unto you is born in Bethlehem The Savior who will save from sin.

Wrapped in swaddling clothes on a manger bed.

Is where the Christ child layed his head.

They found Him there, no room in the Inn Mary and Joseph taking are of Him. The cattle were gathered and the sheep nearby As the Bethlehem Star shone in the sky.

God sent His Son to earth that night To save us from our sinful plight.

The miracle of Christmas came and the world would never be the same! a.h.s.

For God so love the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 —SPJST—

SPJST supports Taylor Senior Citizens Center

District Two Director Jesse Pospisil and Lodge 187, Round Rock member Janie Barron, left, present a check from the director’s discretionary fund to Taylor Senior Citizens Center.

Expression of Sympathy

We, the Resolution Committee of Karel Jonas Lodge No. 28, East Bernard, Texas wish to express our sincerest and heartfelt sympathy to the family of our departed member, BEVERLY ANN REPKA FRY. Beverly Ann Repka Fry, age 67, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2015.

Beverly was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, on November 12, 1947, the second daughter to Eugene and Mildred Mikus Repka.

She peacefully went to her heavenly home at her earthly home on October 6 surrounded by her loving family following an extended illness.

Shortly after her birth, the young Repka family moved to East Bernard where Beverly attended eight years of Catholic School at Holy Cross. She then attended East Bernard High School and graduated with the class of 1965 followed by a year of study at Wharton County Junior College.

After college, she moved to the big city of Houston and took a job as a secretary for the City of Houston where she worked for 16 years. During this time, she met the love of her life, Frank Fry, a City of Houston policeman, at a donut shop! Their love grew, and they married at Holy Cross in 1974.

Together, they built their home in Sugarland and also started their family with a son, Jason, on November 1, 1983, then Stephanie on January 14, 1987. Beverly enjoyed her flowers, doing crafts, being a mom and a homemaker, and attending Jason’s baseball and Stephanie’s softball

games - she probably never missed a game! She and Frank traveled extensively seeing Rome, touring Italy and the Czech Republic along with other places with the final trip being in January 2015 to View the Northern Lights - a trip Beverly had always wanted to take. She and Frank were also known to do some fishing now and then.

One of her last wishes was to celebrate Christmas with two of her favorite little people - grandchildren Rylee and Logan! So this past Sunday, the tree got decorated, dinner was served, presents were bought and wrapped, and Grandma Bev got her wish to celebrate Christmas with her family - all came to make it a special time for her - husband, son, daughter, nieces, nephew, brother, sisters, and all the in-laws! What a day for such a wonderful loving lady.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Mildred Repka.

Beverly is survived by husband Frank Fry; son Jason Fry and wife Ashley; daughter Stephanie Davis and husband Daniel; grandchildren Rylee Davis and Logan Fry; sisters Rose Repka, Eugenia Kulhanek and husband Dennis, and Donna Sears and husband Craig; brother Eugene “Bo” Repka and wife Mary; grandchildren Logan and Rylee; nieces Courtney and Leann Repka, Caitlan Sears, and Lauren Kulhanek; and nephew Matthew Kulhanek.

Sweet, quiet, gentle Bev - wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt go with the angels and help prepare a place for us. You will be missed but never forgotten.

May she rest in peace.

Helen Kelner, Secretary —SPJST—

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Wednesday, December 16, 2016

SPJST Youth

Section

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: 254-773-8087

Email: melaniez@vvm.com

Questions?

Call 800-727-7578

This section is dedicated to the youth of SPJST. As part of its membership benefits, SPJST offers a statewide youth program. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about opportunities offered to young members of SPJST, please contact your local lodge, District Youth Counselor, State Youth Director at 800-727-7578, or visit www.spjst.org.

Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Leader reports on December meeting

Dear Věstník Readers, SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club held its regular monthly meeting on Sunday, December 6, 2015, at 1 p.m. at Ratibor Country Grill. In attendance were 43 youth club members.

President Hunter Bartek called the meeting to order then asked Chase Alexander to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and youth club motto.

The minutes from the November meeting were read by Secretary Brady Alexander. There were no corrections, and the minutes were approved as read. There was no correspondence.

Chase Alexander gave the treasurer’s report for both checking accounts.

Old Business The District Two Lock-in at Wilson Recreation Center was held on November 13 and 14. A great time was had by all.

November 28 - We decorated our lodge hall, made decorations for the VA Hospice in Temple, ate pizza then went to the VA to decorate in the cold and rain. Judging was held December 3.

New Business December 7 - The Temple Christmas Parade was at 6:30 p.m. After the parade was the SPJST Christmas Open House at the Home Office.

Snacks like cookies, kolaches, meats, and cheeses were available. The Tem-

ple High School Polyfoniks sang, and there was face-painting. Malinky the Clown made balloon creations. Other activities were Christmas cookie decorating, meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus and pictures with them, and music and dancing. The Czech Heritage Museum and the Texas Czech Genealogical Society’s Czech Veterans Military Museum were open, and guests could visit the Czech Veterans’ Wall of Honor. What a great evening — thanks to all the hard working employees who made the event entertaining.

December 13 - Annual Christmas party at Seaton Star Hall. Memorial service to honor the deceased members will begin at 3 p.m. followed by a program by the youth club. There will be singing. If the children are good, Santa Claus will visit. Happy hour and a wonderful meal follow.

We will be delivering the canned goods we collected for Make a Difference Day to a shelter.

December 22 - Tuesday: We will meet at Temple Living Center West to hand out Christmas cards and sing Christmas carols. Everyone is invited to come out and help us bring a smile to the residents of that nursing home.

December 31 - This will be our New Year’s Eve dance. Music will be provided by the Back Roads band. The youth club will run the kitchen so please sign up and enjoy a great dance to bring in the new year!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Fraternally, Joyce Kraatz, Youth Leader —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton youth report on activities

Killeen Christmas Parade I will be participating in the Killeen Christmas Parade with my school marching band and SPJST float will be in the parade so I will have more association with the parade because of SPJST. Angelina Ringwald, age 14 •••

Christmas Lights I love going to BLORA to see all the Christmas lights.

Josh Mitchan, age 8 •••

SPJST Youth Club Members Participate in Miss Texas Teen USA Pageant Julia Zavodny, left, of Lodge 47, Seaton and Amanda Hoggard of Lodge 202, Jourdanton participated in the Miss Texas Teen USA Pageant in Houston on November 28 and 29, 2015.

Julia was in the Top 15.

Congratulations to both young ladies on a great job!

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BLORA Lights I like going to BLORA to see the lights. I like seeing Santa there also.

Bella Mitchan, age 6 •••

Happy Birthday, Brayden!

Today is my birthday. I am seven today and so excited about my birthday party.

Brayden Gilliam, age 7 •••

Ratibor Grill We had a blast having our Christmas party. It was so fun, and it was at Ratibor Grill.

Morgan Porubsky, age 11 •••

Christmas Party We had a blast at our Christmas party. It was a Ratibor Grill.

Madison Roantes, age 8 •••

Ellinger Christmas Party On December 4, I went to SPJST Lodge 51, Ellinger Christmas party.

We talked to all the people who don’t even know each other, but still got into the Christmas spirit.

Zoe Talasek, age 15 •••

Taylor Christmas Parade I got to ride a float at the Taylor Christmas Parade.

Seth Martinez, age 9 •••

Decorating the Hall and VA I had a fun time decorating the hall and the VA. It was super cold, but I am happy we did it.

I am looking forward to the Temple Christmas parade. We get to ride in it.

Kyndall Carroll, age 13 •••

Youth Club Fun I have fun in the youth club. We are having the Christmas party today. It’s lots of fun. Everyone is so nice. Food is so good. God bless us.

Rebecca Federle, age 5 •••

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Christmas is Family Time I can’t wait for Christmas because I get to spend time with my family.

Hunter Bartek, age 16 •••

PS4 for Christmas I want a PS4 for Christmas from Santa.

Garrett Festa, age 13 •••

SPJST is Fun I like SPJST. It is fun. I love everybody there.

Ariana Federle, age 10 •••

Dear Santa . . .

Dear Santa, I want a PS4 for Christmas.

Ryan Festa, age 15 •••

Lock-in Fun I hope the parade is going to be fun and awesome. I had fun at the lock-in.

It was awesome!

Kasen Carroll, age 10 •••

Pretty Floats I love to go to the Temple Christmas Parade with SPJST and see the floats. They are always so pretty.

Brinley Belson, age 9 •••

New Friends Thanks to everyone! This is so much fun! I love SPJST and making new friends.

Lydia Federle, age 7 —SPJST—

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Lodge 49, Rowena youth share news and updates

Doing Good in School Dear SPJST, I’ve been doing good in school. We do lots of projects and read a lot. The best part of school is PE because it’s bigger than our old school.

Colt Schwertner •••

Ready for Birthday Dear SPJST, Next week is my birthday. My birthday is on a Wednesday. This may be my best birthday ever. I’m going to invite all my cousins to go bowling.

Hunter Wood •••

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Fun on Minions Float Dear SPJST, On December 5, we went to the Parade of Lights in San Angelo, and we rode on the SPJST “Merry Minions Christmas!” Float. It was freezing cold, but we had lots of fun!

Morgann Wood •••

Awesome Poems Dear SPJST, School is fun because we get to write these awesome poems. I am writing about animals because animals are my favorite. We have to do a big poem project. My mom did the same thing and showed me her book from long, long time ago. It was cool.

Tanner Wood •••

SPJST State Duchess: A Busy Week

Hello, Readers!

It’s your State Duchess Makayla Newsom Czeching in! I have had a busy week with all these Christmas parades and even a lodge Christmas party.

I started off in Salado and got to ride the float with Elsa. It was cold that day. Then on Saturday was my hometown Taylor parade where Seth and I rode in the Corvette . . . thank goodness. We almost had to walk, but Melanie found me a car to ride in.

Thank you, Jesse, for driving us.

Then Sunday was our Lodge 48, Beyersville

Christmas party. Kacie and I had to check people in and give them their door prize tickets, and I had to hand out papers for the kids to write Santa Claus a letter. We ate chili and did our Grinch program which was fun. Then I helped pull out the tickets for the kids’ door prizes. And, Kacie did the adults’ door prizes.

On Monday, we had the Temple parade. We got to eat pizza when we got there and then dressed for the parade. I got to ride on a blue Corvette, and Melanie’s friend drove us. When we got back to the

TOP LEFT PHOTO: On the SPJST “A Frozen Christmas” Float in the Salado Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 3. Left to right are State Queen Kacie, State King Brady, State Duchess Makayla, and State Duke Seth. TOP CENTER PHOTO: Taylor Christmas Parade with State King Seth and State Duchess Makayla.

TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 48, Beyersville Christmas party.

LEFT PHOTO: Makayla and Santa at Lodge 48, Beyersville’s Christmas party on Sunday, December 6. RIGHT PHOTO: SPJST Home Office Christmas Open House on Monday, December 7 in Temple.

Home Office, we got hot chocolate and cookies and kolaches. We got our group photo with Santa Claus and helped decorate cookies (which were good, by the way), and Lynette was pouring green sprinkles in my mouth!

I have had a lot of fun. I will be in Killeen this weekend so I hope to see you all there.

Your Duchess, Makayla Newsom Lodge 48, Beyersville —SPJST—

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Godzilla the Goat Dear SPJST, Next week, I get to show my goat, whose name is Godzilla. He really is funny. He only follows me around, and I lead him. I hope he wins the show.

Tracy Schwertner •••

Onion Rings for Breakfast Dear SPJST, My cousin Tracy and I had a sleepover. We stayed up really late and ate onion rings for breakfast. My mom is awesome because she let us stay up so late.

Grace Schwertner •••

Goat Named Marshmellow Dear SPJST, We have all the baby goats at our house. One goat is funny because he jumps on a log. His name is Marsh-

mellow. The goats jump around all day.

Bella Schwertner •••

Minions Float Dear SPJST, The Parade of Lights in San Angelo was so much fun. Everybody was yelling at our float because they love the Minions. I hope we get to be in the parade next year.

Olivia Schwertner —SPJST—

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Lodge 88, Houston youth reports on Christmas party, December meeting

The Lodge 88, Houston Christmas party was Saturday, December 5, 2015. The Christmas tree was decorated, and there was music, singing, and a visit from Santa.

After the party, we had our December meeting and played the white elephant game. Everyone received a

Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club Shares Christmas Activities

Dear Readers, On Sunday, December 6, 2015, our youth met at Ennis Care Center to sing Christmas carols and give the residents handmade Christmas cards. Resident Mary Hollis enjoyed singing Narodil Se Kristus Pan with us at the nursing home. We then had a meeting

at the hall as well as our annual Christmas party.

Everyone enjoyed playing games, eating pizza, and talking about their favorite Christmas memory. We also collected bears and blankets for a local charity.

Next month, the Slovak family will sponsor a Czech heritage project. Allis and Kim are planning LEFT PHOTO: Youth sing carols at Ennis Care Center.

RIGHT PHOTO: Bears and Blankets charity project.

BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Hula girls and Christmas tree.

BELOW CENTER PHOTO: Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their elves.

BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Rudolph and his reindeer.

FAR LEFT PHOTO: Mary Hollis enjoys singing Narodil Se Kristus Pan with the youth. LEFT PHOTO: Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. RIGHT PHOTO: Chad and Hayley win the door prize. FAR RIGHT PHOTO: Team Lane wins the balloon game.

an outing for the youth for January. More information to come.

Veselé Vánoce a Stasny Nov´y Rok! Fraternally yours, Rita Holland, Youth Leader —SPJST—

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different game or toy.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

Fraternally, Nathan G. Polly, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston youth receives present from Santa

Lodge 88, Houston youth visits Santa

Dear Members, We had our Christmas party and youth club meeting last Saturday, December 5, 2015. It was a lot of fun, especially seeing Santa. My mom took my picture with my sister with Santa, too.

Wednesday, December 16, 2016

At our youth club meeting, we played a white elephant game with our gifts, and that was a lot of fun, too!

We are going ice skating in January for our next meeting and social. It’s going to be a lot of fun, too!

Fraternally, Keith Wockenfuss President —SPJST—

Everyone came out for the Christmas party at Lodge 88, Houston on Saturday, December 5, 2015. Family and friends enjoyed Christmas carols, lunch, and a visit from Santa who had presents for everyone – including me!

The youth collected canned goods for the food bank and brought desserts for all to enjoy.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

Fraternally, Jered J. Polly Youth Publicity Committee —SPJST—

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Lodge 25, Ennis youth bags 125-pound wild hog

Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club member Mackenzie Nelson shares this photo and writes, “My first kill - a 125-pound wild hog with an AR-15 at Whiterock Trophy Ranch in Italy, Texas.”

Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club Gathers for Christmas Party

Sunday, December 6, 2015 • Ratibor Country Grill • Submitted by Joyce Kraatz, Youth Leader

SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club held its regular monthly meeting on Sunday, December 6, 2015, at Ratibor Country Grill. In attendance were 43 youth club members. The youth also enjoyed a Christmas party with games, food, and fun.

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inch rounds. Refrigerate the dough up to three days, or freeze up to one month.

Gingerbread People

For a whimsical presentation, arrange these cookies in a lunch box lined with colorful packing paper. Use a variety of cookie cutter sizes to create "families." If you don't want to cut the dough into shapes, roll it into two logs, cover, chill, and slice into 1/8-

Cookies 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (about 10 ounces) 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup molasses 1 large egg

Decorations 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons 2% milk 1/4 cup colored sugar sprinkles

Preparation To prepare cookies, lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 7

ingredients (through cloves) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk.

Place granulated sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth and well blended. Add molasses and egg; beat until well blended. Stir flour mixture into sugar mixture until well blended.

Divide dough in half; shape each dough portion into a flat disk.

Wrap dough portions separately in plastic wrap; chill 1 hour or until firm.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove 1 dough portion from refrigerator; remove plastic wrap. Roll dough to a 1/8inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut with a 3-inch boy or girl cookie cutter. Place cookies 1/2 inch apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Repeat procedure with remaining dough portion. Bake at 350° for 11 minutes or until edges of cookies are lightly browned. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks.

To prepare decorations, combine

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powdered sugar and milk, stirring until smooth. Spoon mixture into a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag. Snip a tiny hole in 1 corner of bag. Pipe onto cookies. Decorate as desired with sugar sprinkles.

—Charity Ferreira, Cooking Light November 2006 —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Participate in Christmas Parade, SPJST Open House Monday, December 7, 2015 • SPJST Home Office, Temple • Submitted by Joyce Kraatz, Youth Leader

Wednesday, December 16, 2016

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2016 SPJST Camp Tee-Shirt Design Contest Official Entry Form

2016 Theme: “2016 - Seeking the Treasures of SPJST” Entry Deadline: January 31, 2016 Draw your original design in the space blocked at left. See 2015 - 2016 SPJST Youth Club Handbook for 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, 2016 to: SPJST Camp Tee-Shirt Design Contest c/o SPJST Home Office P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503

Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Participate at Christmas Party Lodge 48, Beyersville youth put on a program presenting “The Grinch who Stole Christmas.” They even had a solo performance from young youth member Sarah Bosley who played Cindy Lou. Even our State Queen Kacie Vanacek and State Duchess Makayla Newsom assisted in the evening activities.

Michelle Newsom Assistant Youth Leader —SPJST—

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Czech Christmas!

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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

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

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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.

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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 that passers-by Christmas is near.

Shopping

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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.

Neither the 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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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

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.

Christmas Day

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

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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—

Scenes from Ryba’s Christmas Mass in Temple

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 • Temple Brethren Church, Temple, Texas • Hosted by Czech Heritage Museum L

Podpora

VĚSTNÍK

BENEVOLENCE

ROČNÍK 103 CISLO 49

• Mucha Museum v Praze •

By Ivo Marek Choceň, Czech Republic

Alphonse Maria Mucha (*July 24,1860 Ivančice in Moravia; + July 14, 1939 Praha) was a Czech Art Nouveau painter and decorative artist. He studied at the Prague Academy of Fine Arts in Munich and in France.

A chance helped Mucha for his glory: Mucha’s friend worked as a proofs corrector at the printer Lemercier in Paris. At that time, the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt asked print-works for the placard of her role Gismonda in the Thêatre de la Renais-

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Lidskost

Česká

HUMANITY

Bratrství Wednesday, December 16, 2016

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Část

Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas

Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897

sance. Because all p r i n t e r ’s artists at that time were on vacation, M u c h a painted a placard for Sarah and so he became famous. The long narrow shape, the subtle pastel colours and the hallo effect round the subject’s head were outlasting character of Mucha’s placards throughout his life. ‘Le Style Mucha’ was launched with Gismonda.

Mucha was established as the preeminent exponent of Parisian Art Nouveau.

As Mucha became well known as a designer, he found himself in producing of designs for jewellery, cutlery

TCHCC hosts Annual Gala

Henrietta Vanek and Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek are pictured at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center at their fundraiser held Saturday, December 5, 2015, in La Grange. Henrietta is the wife of Honorary District Six Director Matt Vanek. The fundraiser was held in conjunction with an open house celebration held on the property. The evening gala was held at the Pavilion Hall.

The gala honored Texas Czech bands, including the Leo Majek, Sr. Orchestra and Alfred Vrazel, 2014 Pioneer Award honoree.

and tableware, fabrics etc. Mucha’s Decorative Encyclopedia of the stylization process from real things names Documents Décoratifs, issued in 1902.

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BROTHERHOOD

16.prosinec.2015

Idea for a project to paint an all Slav epic came to mind in 1900. He painted these pictures until end of his life.

Mucha found a sponsor for this project in Charles Crane, an American millionaire. Mucha lived and was active in the United States of America also.

Mucha returned to Bohemia in 1910.

Czech Cultural Calendar

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

Second Sunday each Month Czech Language Class—at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 West Fairgrounds Road on US Highway 77, La Grange, Texas, 1 to 4 p.m. Informal understanding of basic Czech terms, alphabet/conversational Czech, children’s literature, Czech song lyrics. Fee is $10 per person per class. Call or email to verify classes.

Pre-registration is suggested, but not required. Call toll free 888-785-4500; 979-968-9399; or email info@czechtexas.org

First/Third Tuesdays each Month Tarok Lessons with Tarok Champion Jimmie Coufal—at Czech Heritage Museum, 119 West French Avenue, Temple, 7 p.m.: Designed for all skill levels, beginners to proficient. Come enjoy some inexpensive entertainment; it’s a great social game. Get off your Xbox and join us. Free and open to everyone. For information, call 254899-2935.

Through January 9, 2016 Multi-media exhibition Texas Czechs: Rooted in Tradition on display at the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center in Temple. This unique exhibition features contemporary Texas Czech cultural traditions in photos, text, objects, and film. For Museum hours, call 254-899-2935. More info at polkaworks.org or call 512-448-4536.

Submitted by Dawn Orsak, Lodge 187, Round Rock.

January 2016 Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Summer Study Program 2016 Sign-up Deadline—Tour dates June 28 - July 18: Housing, tours of Czech historic places, Czech language instruction, and traditional Czech food. For information contact Thaddaus Poales 979561-7571; or email Polasek29@gmail.com. Submitted by Thaddaus T. Poales, Lodge 67, Schulenburg.

February 28 Application Deadline for Czech Heritage Society of Texas’ Victor Peter Scholarship—For scholarship submission guidelines, contact: CHS of Texas Victor Peter Memorial Scholarship, c/o Pat Parma, 3311 Carolina Way, Richmond, Texas 77406-9680.

Submitted by Pat Parma, Lodge 81, Needville.

—SPJST—

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Wednesday, December 16, 2016

The Mucha Museum and Mucha Foundation.

The Mucha Museum was founded in 1998. It is the official museum dedicated to Alphonse Mucha. All museum works are from the Mucha family collection and the Foundation supports the Museum. The museum

shows a selection of sketches and designs. Attempt of the museum is also to show and access the artist in Paris at the end of the 19th century. Mucha museum (Kaunický palác, Panská 7, 110 00 Prague 1) opened with decorative panel selections created by Mucha in Paris at the turn of the 19th century.

These series of themed groups are among Mucha’s most popular and well-known works.

These panels illustrate all typical qualities of the

Mucha placThe ard. beauty of maiden, the decorative use of blossoms and flowing hair,

VĚSTNÍK

CEFT Presents Česká mše vánoční - Christmas Mass - by Jakub Jan Ryba

Performed by University of North Texas Soloists and Choir • Submitted by Margaret Jaresh Klečka • SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas Friday, November 20, 2015 Murchison Performing Arts Center, UNT, Denton LEFT PHOTO: Left to right, Ivo Medek, Janáček Academy of Music and Performing arts, Brno, Czech Republic; Sára Medková, Janáček Academy, Brno; Thomas Sovik, Professor of Music Theory, UNT College of Music, Denton; Vít Zouhar, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Justin Lavaček, Professor College of Music, UNT, Denton. RIGHT PHOTO: Left to right, Margaret Jaresh Klečka, CEFT Director, UNT Advisory Committee; James C. Scott, Dean, College of Music, University of North Texas, Denton; Elizabeth Scott (Mrs. James C. Scott); Vít Zouhar, Palacký University, Olomouc; Ivo Medek, Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts, Brno; Sára Medková, Janáček Academy, Brno.

Saturday, November 21, 2015 • Czech Christmas Festival Banquet LEFT PHOTO: Dr. Thomas Sovik’s precious family - wife Adrian, daugh- Chandler, Executive Director, Czech Heritage Museum, Temple RIGHT ter Sabina, and son Everett. PHOTO 2: Left to right, Honorary Czech PHOTO: Christmas tree decorated with Pavla van Bibber’s traditional Consul Brian Vaníček; Joan Vaníček; Lenka Kabrhelová, US Corre- gingerbread Perníky and Vizovické Pečivo made for Margaret Klečka by spondent Czech Radio, Prague and Washington, D.C.; and Margaret Ludmila Kalivodová of Vizovice, Czech Republic, who has been making Klečka, CEFT Director, UNT Advisory Committee. PHOTO 3: Margaret the charming dough figures for well over 50 years. Guests were invited Jaresh Klečka, CEFT Director, UNT Advisory Committee, left, and Susan to take the ornaments as keepsakes.

Saturday, November 21, 2015 • Murchison Performing Arts Center, UNT, Denton LEFT PHOTO: UNT College of Music Trombone quartet dressed in period bass-baritone; Julianna Emanski, soprano; Hannah Ceniseros, alto; and costume and powdered wigs perform Moravian brass music from the Barrett Radziun, tenor. RIGHT PHOTO: Post performance jubilation followAmerican Colonies during predinner reception. CENTER PHOTO: Post per- ing splendid production of Jakub Jan Ryba’s delightful Czech Christmas formance jubilation following splendid production of Jakub Jan Ryba’s de- Mass. Left to right, Brock Johnson, bass-baritone; Margaret Jaresh Klečka, lightful Czech Christmas Mass. Soloists, left to right, Brock Johnson, CEFT Director, UNT Advisory Committee; and Barrett Radziun, tenor.

VĚSTNÍK

the subtle hues of colors – these all combining creates a compelling harmony of vision.

In 1992, Mucha descendants established the Mucha Trust to care for the heritage of Alphonse Mucha and

the Mucha foundation to preserve and extend the family collection and to promote Mucha work worldwide.

The Mucha Foundation organizes a Mucha

Wednesday, December 16, 2016

work exhibitions program worldwide.

Visit the Mucha Foundation website at www.muchafoundation.org The Mucha Museum Shop offers an exclusive selection of souvenirs with Alphonse Mucha and Art nouveau motifs designed for sale e.g. placards, postcards, stationery, calendars, glass, jewelery, handpainted silk scarves, books, mugs, lamps, glass-

ware and much more.

27

Source:http://www.mucha.cz/index.phtml?S=home& Lang=CZ

—SPJST—

CEFT Presents Česká mše vánoční - Christmas Mass - by Jakub Jan Ryba

Performed by University of North Texas Soloists and Choir • Submitted by Margaret Jaresh Klečka • SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas Sunday, November 22, 2015 Goolsby Chapel • UNT Campus Interfaith Memorial Service • 12:30 p.m.

LEFT PHOTO: The Reverend Dr. Thomas Sovik, officiant.

RIGHT PHOTO: Beautiful Czech voices raised in praise of Christ’s birth brought joy and touched the hearts of worshipers who gathered together for an Interfaith Memorial Service on Sunday, November 22 in Goolsby Chapel on the UNT Campus. The Czech Choir of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Ennis is under the direction of choirmaster Ken Janoušek. They were accompanied by Charlie Patak on the accordion.

Monday evening, November 30, 2015 • St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Ennis, Texas LEFT PHOTO: Four soloists and a five-person choir perform Jakub Jan bass; Lance Russell, bass; and Dr. Thomas Sovik on keyboard. CENRyba’s Czech Christmas Mass in the beautiful sanctuary of St. John TER PHOTO: Dr. Thomas Sovik at the organ playing all of the string and Nepomucene Catholic Church in Ennis. Left to right, Julianna Emanski, wind parts of Ryba’s Christmas Mass accompanied by Lejing Zhou on solo soprano; Amanda Jacobsen, soprano; Francesca Cacal, alto; Han- cello. RIGHT PHOTO: Left to right, Julianna Emanski, solo soprano; nah Ceniseros, solo alto; Barrett Radziun, solo tenor; Brock Johnson, Amanda Jacobsen, soprano; Francesca Cacal, alto; Hannah Ceniseros, solo bass-baritone; Santiago Gutierrez Herrera, tenor; Hastings Reeves, solo alto; Barrett Radziun, tenor soloist, seated.

Monday evening, November 30, 2015 • St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Ennis, Texas LEFT PHOTO: Left to right, Hannah Ceniseros, alto soloist; Barrett and Lejing Zhou, cello. RIGHT PHOTO: The Reverend Dr. Thomas Sovik Radziun, tenor soloist; and Brock Johnson, bass-baritone soloist. CEN- addressing the congregation at St. John’s after a superb performance of TER PHOTO: Left to right, Santiago Gutierrez Herrera, tenor; Hastings Jakub Jan Ryba’s “angelically perfect” Czech Christmas Mass. (QuotaReeves, bass; Lance Russell, bass; Dr. Thomas Sovik at the keyboard; tion taken from a work by Dr. Thomas Sovik.)

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Wednesday, December 16, 2016

Granger church to welcome Mollie B on Feb. 6

SS. Cyril and Methodius Hall in Granger, Texas, proudly welcomes Squeeze Box featuring Ted Lange and Mollie B on Saturday, February 6, 2015, from 6 to 10 p.m.

The kitchen will open at 5 p.m.

For tickets, call 512-859-2236 or email sscmhall@gmail.com.

Submitted by, John Maresh —SPJST—

CESAT meets Feb. 20 in Schulenburg

The Czech ExStudent’s Association of Texas (CESAT) will have its annual membership meeting on Saturday, February 20, 2016, at Blinn College in Schulenburg at 10 a.m.

Members who have paid their dues will have the opportunity to be a part of the meeting via the Internet.

Thadious Polasek Lodge 67, Schulenburg —SPJST—

Victor Peter Scholarship seeks applicants

The Victor Peter Memorial Scholarship is a $500 scholarship granted by The Czech Heritage Society of Texas to a graduating Texas high school senior. The money is given to the recipient upon proof of registration in a program of studies at a college or university.

The applicant must submit the following:

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254-778-1824

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1. A copy of his or her high school transcript.

2. Two letters of recommendation.

One should be from a high school teacher attesting to the student’s academic promise. The other should be from an adult attesting to the student’s interest in Czech culture.

3. A 200-word autobiography (Times New Roman font, 14 point, one inch margins on a separate sheet of paper.)

4. A 100-word statement explaining what he or she plans to study in college or university, and what he or she plans to do in terms of a career. Include the name of the college or university you plan to attend. (Times New Roman font, 14 point, one inch margins on a separate sheet of paper)

5. A list briefly explaining up to 10 ways in which he or she has had contact with Czech culture or The Czech Heritage Society of Texas organization. The list should be in order of importance, with the first item as the most important. Even seemingly small things may be included, such as learning how to make kolaches or visiting Czech festivals. (Times New Roman font, 14 point, one inch margins on a separate sheet of paper. A line should be skipped between each numbered item in the list.)

6. An original 300-word essay. Topic may be either: A Family Member Who Represents Czech Heritage or A Family Member Who Contributed to the Czech Heritage in the United States. (Times New Roman font, 14 point, one inch margins on a separate sheet of paper.)

7. A cover sheet including the stu-

dent’s name, address, phone number, and high school’s name, address and phone number.

All items must be submitted together in one envelope postmarked no later than February 28, 2016, and sent to: The Czech Heritage Society of Texas Victor Peter Memorial Scholarship

VĚSTNÍK

Pat Parma 3311 Carolina Way Richmond, Texas 77406-9680 Submitted by, Pat Parma Lodge 81, Needville —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Czechoslovak Foreign Institute announces 2016 program

The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute announces the Czech Summer Study Program. The dates are June 28 to July 18, 2016, with a departure date of June 27 to Praha, Esko Republican.

Housing—Group participants will be housed in dorms of the Agricultural School at Suckhole with double occupancy rooms sharing a bat. The dorm is situated in the northwestern part of Praha, linked to downtown by bus and subway.

Food Service—Three meals a day will be served featuring authentic Czech cuisine.

Czech Language Instruction—The class will meet five days a week for four hours before lunch and once a week for two hours of conversation after lunch. The classes are non-credit courses. Arrangements for credit must be made with your university before you depart.

Instructors—Professors will be from the Filozfická Fakulta of Charles University and a linguistic institute in Praha.

There will be tours of many historic places in the Czech Republic. The tour needs 10 participants before January 2016 to insure the tour will take place.

For detailed information, please contact Thadious Polášek by email Polasek29@gmail.com or call 979561-7571.

Submitted by, Thadious Polášek Lodge 67, Schulenburg —SPJST—

CZECH REPUBLIC & VIENNA Tour

Texas Czech Genealogical Society Website: txczgs.org

Promoting the study of the genealogy of the particular group of people known as “Texas Czechs.”

For membership: Merlene Bravenec 254-778-7285

★★★★★ 15 Days in the Beautiful, Historic Lands.

Prague, Ceske Budejovice, Brno, Frenstat & Vienna! u June 16th-July 2nd, 2016 u Castles, Crystal, & Cuisine! u Moravian Waltzes & Wine! u The Best 4 & 5 Star Hotels! u Friendly Czech Guides and English-Czech Interpreter on Bus u $3795/ppdo depart DFW/IAH Contact: Tim Orsak Ph: 940-889-8466 email: tim@orsakadventures.com

SS. Cyril & Methodius Hall • Granger, Texas • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ proudly welcomes ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Squeeze Box Ted Lange and Mollie B featuring

Saturday, February 6, 2016 6 to 10 p.m.

Kitchen opens at 5 p.m.

For tickets, call 512-859-2236 or email sscmhall@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2016

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Ring in the new year at

National Hall

SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth 3316 Roberts Cut Off Road Fort Worth, Texas 76114

New Year Eve’s Dance Thursday December 31, 2015 Doors open at 7 p.m.

Music 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Enjoy the Big Band Ballroom Dance Sound of

Doc Gibbs and his Orchestra

Doc Gibbs plays the music you can dance to.

As a former dance instructor, having taught country, pop, ballroom, and line dancing, Doc knows the beat to move your feet!

People love Doc’s “feel-good” music — whether it is the rumba, tango, swing, waltz, or mambo. Doc has provided music for popular shows including Joan Rivers, the Drifters, and Percy Sledge.

This multi-talented entertainer and showman is ready to play us into the New Year.

Evening Attire • Cornbread and Black-Eyed Peas Served Tickets: $25 per person in advance • $30 at the door Call Jon Durham at 817-624-1361 for reservations.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2016

SPJST Fraternal Activities and Entertainment

Post your lodge’s upcoming SPJST 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 Wednesday at 5 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Send updates directly to: VESTNIK, c/o Editor Melanie Zavodny, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. FAX to: 254-773-8087. Email to: melaniez@vvm.com. Advertising rates are $2 per column inch for lodge ads; $4 per column inch for non-profit organization ads; and $6 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 (1) Lodge Hall: 507 East Main Street, Fayetteville. Directions: Directions: Lodge building is located on Highway 159 East, three blocks from the town square. Hall Rental Information: (979) 966-3795. Lodge Meetings: First Monday of even-numbered months February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6 p.m. at the lodge hall. Potluck served after meeting.

Youth Club Meetings: First Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the lodge hall. For information, contact Youth Leader Ronnie Pflughaupt 979-249-6702; rpflughaupt@hotmail.com.

LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6) Note: Lodge meetings are held at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, 1614 North Texana Street, Hallettsville, the second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m.

Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, 1614 North Texana Street, Hallettsville.

LODGE 5, PILOT POINT-TIOGA (3) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 2 p.m. at PointBank Community Center, 739 East Liberty Street, Pilot Point. For directions/meeting information, contact Brian Heitzman 940-686-4429; or Dean Carender 903-564-7359.

LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3) Friday, December 18—No social Saturday, December 19—Brennan family Christmas Sunday, January 3, 2016—Lodge 6 meeting Saturday, January 9—Birthday party Friday, January 15—Social

Lodge Hall: 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. Directions: From Interstate 35, take the West exit and stop at the blinking light. Go east at the blinking light and stay on Oak Street through downtown West. Take Farm Road 2114 East for 3 miles. Turn right on Czech Hall Road. Lodge hall is on the right about 1/2 mile down the road. Hall Rental Information: 254-7998550; Hall Phone: 254-227-8759. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall.

Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, contact Youth Leader Peggy Dobecka 254-799-8550; or dataped@sbcglobal.net

LODGE 8, WEIMAR (6) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Monday of each month, 6 p.m. at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant, Schulenburg.

LODGE 9, SNOOK (1) Lodge Hall: 457 CR 269, Snook. Directions: From Snook, turn on FM 2155 to downtown. At Snook School, stay right on Spur 2155. At “T”, turn right on CR 269. Go 3/10 mile; hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: 979-272-3732. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the lodge hall.

Youth Club Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 13, DIME BOX (1) Lodge Hall: 1081 County Road 425, Dime Box. Directions: In Dime Box, turn left from FM 141 on CR 424. Go east on CR 425 for 3/10 mile; hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: 979-884-1451; Hall Phone: 979-884-1451. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 5:30 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 15, BUCKHOLTS (2) Lodge Hall: 600 State Hwy 36, Buckholts. Directions: Hall is located on Highway 36, east of Buckholts. Hall

Rental Information: 254-593-2222. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 5 p.m. at the hall. Refreshments served after meeting, and door prizes awarded.

LODGE 17, NEW TABOR (1) Lodge Hall: 2674 CR 225, Caldwell. Directions: From Caldwell, turn from Highway 36 east onto FM 166. Proceed 2.1 miles; turn left on CR 225. Go one mile, veering to the right. Lodge building is on the right.

Hall Rental Information: 979-272-3440. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall.

Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 18, ELGIN (2) Note: Until further notice, youth club meetings will be held with the adult meetings, which are on the third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall.

Sunday, December 20—Christmas Dance: Glen Collins Band, country and western, 3 to 7 p.m. $8/person Thursday, December 31—New Year’s Eve Dance: Fritz Hodde, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. $10/person. Black-eyed peas, cornbread, sausage, and coffee served after the dance. No reservations.

Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information/Country/Western Band Bookings: David Meyer 512-2170162; Polka Band Bookings: Artie Monson 512-281-3711; Hall phone: 512-285-3100. Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Until further notice, youth club meetings will be held with the adult meetings, which are held on the third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. For information, call Youth Leader David Meyer 512-217-0162.

LODGE 20, GRANGER (2) Lodge Hall: 114 West Davilla, Granger. Hall Rental Information: Rita Marburger 512-859-2584. Lodge Meetings: First Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall - unless it’s a holiday then the meeting will be held on the second Monday. A light meal is served before each meeting. All members are invited. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 23, MORAVIA (6) Lodge Hall: FM 957 North, Schulenburg. Directions: Located 12 miles south of Schulenburg, in Moravia.

From Highway 77 between Hallettsville and Schulenburg, take FM 532 West four miles to Moravia. Turn right on FM 957 North. Go one mile; hall is on the right.

Lodge Meetings: Tuesday after the second Sunday in March, June, and September, 7:30 p.m.; and the first Sunday of December, 3 p.m.

LODGE 24, CYCLONE (2) Lodge Hall: 411 FM 964, Burlington. Directions: Hall is 12 miles east of Temple, past Zabcikville. Exit at blinking light on Hwy 53 to FM 485; go one mile to FM 964. Hall Rental Information: Mark or Brenda Maddux 254-985-0002; Hall phone: 254-985-2393. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 25, ENNIS (3) Saturday, December 19—rental Tuesday, December 22—Strudel order pickup at SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis dining room, 2 to 6 p.m.Apple Strudel Bake Sale benefiting SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis Improvement Fund. $15 each. Call Margaret 972-8786149; or Betty 972-878-7719.

Thursday, December 24—rental Saturday, January 2, 2016—Benefit for Phil Vavra.

Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10. Live and silent auctions and prize drawing. (Food sold separately).

Music by Pontiacs.

Sunday, January 3—Youth club meeting Thursday, January 14—Monthly meeting, 7 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 1901 East Highway 34, Ennis. Directions: From IH-35 East at Waxahachie, take Hwy 287 East exit. Stay on Hwy 287 East until you come to Ennis. Go straight through downtown Ennis and go under the overpass at Interstate 45. Go approx. 3/4 mile on Hwy 34. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 972-875-8381; Hall Phone: 972-875-8381.

Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. Game Room: Open every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.

LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 12 noon at Wharton County Library - East Bernard Branch, 746 Clubside Drive, East Bernard. For information, contact Secretary Helen Kelner 281-342-2624.

LODGE 29, TAYLOR (2) • All Wednesday and Friday night dances are free admission.

• Old-fashioned hamburgers served every Friday beginning at 6 p.m.

For the Christmas holiday, Lodge 29, Taylor hall will be closed Thursday and Friday, December 24 and 25. The hall will be reopen for business on Saturday, December 26 at 3 p.m.

Wednesday, December 16—Sam and Bobby Band with guest musician Fritz Hodde, 7 to 10 p.m.

Friday, December 18—Night Skies, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 5025 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: In Taylor, at intersection of State Hwy 95 and US 79 Business (4th Street), turn east on Hwy 79. Proceed to FM 619, turn north (left) and go about .8 mile to the hall.

Hall Rental Information: 512-352-9139; Hall Phone: 512-352-9139. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. For information, call Youth Leader Cristy Girod 512-468-1347.

Music: First and third Wednesday each month, music

by Bobby Jay Five Band, 7 to 10 p.m.; Friday evening, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

LODGE 30, TAITON (6) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo.

LODGE 32, VICTORIA (6) Lodge Hall: 3502 North Laurent, Victoria.Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 35, ELK (3) Saturday, December 19—Brett Hendrix Band Thursday, December 31—New Year’s Eve: Gordon Collier Band

Lodge Hall: 9508 Elk Road, Axtell. Directions: From IH-35 in Waco, take Hwy 84 East exit. Stay on Hwy. 84 East through Bellmead; go approx. 8 miles. On the right side of Hwy. 84 will be a sign saying “Elk.” Turn right onto Elk Road; go approx. 1 mile; road will dead end - turn right; go approx. 1/2 mile. Hall is on the left.

Hall Rental Information: Gene Pavelka 254-7493326; Hall Phone: 254-863-9320. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the hall. Sales Agents: James (Dude) Mann 254-715-0275 and Gene E. Pavelka 254-749-3326.

LODGE 38, KOVAR (1) Lodge Hall: 278 Zimmerhanzel Road, Flatonia. Hall Rental Information: 512-237-9099/day; 830-8394353/night. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 39, BRYAN (1) Lodge Hall: Cherry Bend Circle, Lot 12, Bryan. Directions: From Hwy 6, turn west on OSR; go 2 miles to Mumford Road and turn left. Go 1.1 mile and turn left on Magnolia. Take the first right turn on Cherry Bend Circle. The lodge hall is at the bend of the road (white building). Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Lunch at 12:30 p.m.

Meat, drinks, and serving items provided by the lodge.

Please bring a dessert or side dish. For information, call President Wade O’Shields 979-218-3527; FAC Ronnie Roesler 979-406-0158.

LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE (6) Lodge Hall: 30420 Loop 524 US Hwy 59, Hillje. Directions: Hall is just off US 59 in Hillje. Hall Rental Information: Cathy Garcia 979-332-1614; Hall Phone:

VĚSTNÍK

979-648-2317. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 11:30 a.m. at the hall.

LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at Six Mile Presbyterian Church, Royal Road, Port Lavaca.

LODGE 47, SEATON (2) Lodge Hall: 10842 State Highway 53, Temple. Directions: Seaton Star Hall is five miles east of Temple on Highway 53 (Adams Avenue). Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Michelle Porubsky 254-493-8020; Hall Phone: 254-985-2548. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Visit www.seatonstarhall.com.

LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE (2) Lodge Hall: 10450 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: From Taylor, take the South Loop. Turn right on FM 112. Go about 1/2 mile. Turn right on FM 619. Go about three miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 512-450-8310. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.; except for the following months, the meeting time will be at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 11; Monday, June 15; Monday, July 13; and Monday, August 10 at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the lodge hall.

LODGE 49, ROWENA (4) Lodge Hall: 706 FM 2133, Rowena. Hall Rental Information: 325-442-4841. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of February, May, August, and November, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. at the lodge hall.

LODGE 51, ELLINGER (1) Lodge Meetings: Third Friday of March, June, September, and December, 6:30 p.m. at Ellinger Fire Department, West Main Street in Ellinger.

LODGE 54, WEST (3) Lodge Meetings: First Friday in March, June, and November; the second Friday in September at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Hall, 303 South Harrison Street in West.

LODGE 63, SWEET HOME (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of the month, 7 p.m.

For meeting location, call 361-594-8429

LODGE 66, WACO (3) Lodge Meetings: Location, date, and time to be announced in the lodge’s monthly meeting minutes that appear in the Věstník. Call 254-799-4247 for more information.

LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG Lodge Meetings: Third or fourth Sunday of March, June, September, and December (Christmas) at Frank’s Restaurant in Schulenburg at 2 p.m. Call Ernest Kutac to confirm meeting date 979-561-7190.

LODGE 73, SEYMOUR (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 12 p.m.

For meeting location, call 940-256-2263.

LODGE 76, WICHITA FALLS (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday in March and June at 1 p.m. at Luby’s Cafeteria, 1801 Ninth Street in Wichita Falls; second Sunday in September and December at 1 p.m. at Luby’s Cafeteria, 1801 Ninth Street in Wichita Falls.

LODGE 79, CORPUS CHRISTI (7) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi.

Meal served at 1 p.m.; meeting follows. Visitors welcome. Hall Phone: 361-854-8423. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi.

LODGE 80, HOLLAND (2) Lodge Hall: 12141 East FM 2268, Holland. Directions: On Hwy 95, south of Holland, turn east onto FM 2268; go 1/2 mile to hall on the right. Hall Phone: 254657-2485. Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 4 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Youth Leader Connie Horak’s home; call 254-541-9165 for address. Board of Directors’ Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 3:30 p.m. Bingo: Every Thursday at 7 p.m.

Permit No. SP12371416574; AL17460607355.

LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5) Lodge Hall: 13609 Highway 36, Needville. Directions: Lodge building is located at the corner of Highway 36 and FM 361. Hall Rental Information: 979-793-4313; email td_stavinoha@yahoo.com. Hall Phone: 361-793-4742. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Contact Youth Leader Bradley Stavinoha 979-739-2386.

VĚSTNÍK

LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) Lodge Hall: 2625 Floyd Street, Dallas. Directions: From IH-35 East in Dallas, take IH-20 East. From IH20 East, take the IH-45 exit toward downtown Dallas.

IH-45 runs into Hwy 75. From Hwy 75, take a right at Bryan Street exit. From Bryan Street, turn right on Cantreal Street and go until you come to Floyd Street; take a right on Floyd Street. Hall is the second building on the right. Hall Rental Information: 469-951-7396.

Hall Phone: 214-823-0072. Band Bookings: Cherri Petr 214-352-4397. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 87, TEMPLE (2) Lodge Hall: 320 North 50th Street, Temple. Directions: From East Adams Avenue, turn north onto 50th Street; go 2/10 mile. Hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: Karin Bryant 254-947-3100 or Judith Little 254-913-8568. Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall.

LODGE 88, HOUSTON (5) Saturday, December 19—Private party rental Saturday, December 26—Private party rental Thursday, December 31—New Year’s Eve: The Moonglow Orchestra, big band. 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. *Dress Code. $35/person.

Saturday, January 2—Private party Saturday, January 9—Charlie Prause Band, big band music. *Dress Code. $15/person Saturday, January 16—Lost Cause, polka/variety. $10/person

All dances are held from 8 to 11:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Reservations suggested, but not required, unless otherwise noted. Reservations held only 30 minutes past start of dance. For reservations, call 713-869-5767, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beer, set-ups, soda, and ice sold at bar. Please do not bring from outside. *Dress Code dances: evening attire for ladies and gentlemen. Lodge Hall: 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Directions: Highway 290—Take Mangum Dacoma exit; stay on frontage road. At third traffic light, turn left onto 18th Street. Go under freeway at third traffic light, turn on Beall Street. Hall Rental Information: Lodge Hall: 713-869-5767; or visit www.lodge88.org. Lodge Meetings: Third Monday, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Bingo: Every Thursday evening; early bird special starts at 7 p.m. Regular games start at 7:30 p.m.

License No. 17407503501.

LODGE 91, SAN JACINTO (5) Lodge Meetings: quarterly meetings—TBA in the Věstník. Contact Secretary Vonda Smesny 713-8707114.

LODGE 92, FORT WORTH (3) Friday, December 18—Al Nelson Concert Tribute to the music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. $12 includes admission and barbecue dinner with coffee or tea. Enjoy dinner 6 to 8 p.m. Call Jon 817-624-1361.

Sunday, December 20—Metro Dance. Open to the public.

Tuesday December 22—Game night at Lodge 92 7 p.m.

Friday, December 25—Merry Christmas from lodge 92!

Thursday, December 31—Come ring in 2016 at National Hall's New Year's Eve Dance: Doc Gibbs and his orchestra. Ballroom dancing. Evening attire. Cornbread and black-eyed peas will be served. Reservations now being accepted. $25 per person; or $30 at the door. Call Jon Durham 817-624-1361 for reservations.

Sunday, January 3, 2016—Randy and the 92nd Road House Band, classic country/western Sunday, January 10—Lodge meeting, 2 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 3316 Roberts Cutoff Road, Fort Worth.

Directions: From Interstate 35 West in Fort Worth, take Interstate 30 West to the Henderson exit. Take Henderson North, and it becomes Jacksboro Highway (TX199). Stay on this road north until Roberts Cutoff which is a right off of Jacksboro Highway. The lodge also known as National Hall is on the right about 2 or 3 blocks down the road. (A Great Western Inn Motel is on the corner.) Hall Event/Rental Information: For hall rentals and upcoming events information, call Naitonal Hall Events Manager Jon Durham 817-6241361. Also visit Lodge 92 website www.nationalhallfortworth.com. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall.

Game Nights: Second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Ladies Circle meets the second Tuesday of each month. Randy and the 92nd Road House Band plays every first Sunday. Dressy casual. 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

LODGE 97, PLACEDO (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Friday in March, June, September, and December, 6 p.m. For meeting location, call Secretary Diana Redd 361-649-4388.

LODGE 107, FLORESVILLE (7) Lodge Hall: 1156 FM 1303, Floresville. Directions: From Floresville, take FM 536 West three miles to FM 1303; turn right and go two miles. Hall is on the right.

Hall Rental Information: 830-393-7796. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 117, ROBSTOWN (7) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of March, June, September, and December, 1:30 p.m. at Hilltop Community Center, 11425 Leopard, Corpus Christi.

LODGE 130, DALLAS (3) Lodge Meetings: For monthly meeting date/time/location, contact President/Sales Agent John Vrla 214906-3385; or via email jvrla@cebridge.net.

LODGE 133, SAN ANTONIO (7) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Activity Center, 1630 Goliad Road, San Antonio.

LODGE 135, ENNIS (3) Lodge Hall: 2622 East Highway 34, Ennis. Directions: From IH-35 East at Waxahachie, take Hwy. 287 East exit. Stay Hwy. 287 on until you come to Ennis.

Go straight through downtown Ennis and under the overpass at IH-45. Then go approximately 1 3/4 miles on Hwy. 34. Hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: Larry Valek 214-794-7674. Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of January, April, July, and October, 7 p.m. at the Sokol hall.

LODGE 139, DANBURY (5) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. at The Smith Group Building, 1718 Main Street, Danbury. For information, call 979-922-1279; or 979-922-1553.

LODGE 141, SEALY (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Gordon Memorial Library, 917 North Circle Drive, Sealy.

LODGE 142, HOUSTON (5) Lodge Meetings: Second or third Sunday of each month - whichever is noted, at 2 p.m., meal served at 1 p.m.; held at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston dining room or annex building - whichever is noted, at 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Youth Club Meetings: Same time/location as adult lodge meetings. For information, contact Lodge 142, Houston President Keith Kieschnick 832-627-2842; or Secretary Alice Jochen 979-743-3613.

LODGE 148, EL MATON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. at Frank Hahn’s Camphouse in El Maton. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month following the adult lodge meeting at Frank Hahn’s Camphouse in El Maton.

LODGE 151, WHARTON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of March, June, September, and December, 6:30 p.m. at Wharton Depot Museum, 100 South Sunset Street, Wharton.

LODGE 154, FORT WORTH (3) Lodge Hall: 6500 Boat Club Road, Fort Worth. Directions: From IH-35 West in Fort Worth, take IH-20 West exit. Stay on IH-20 West until you come to 820; stay on 820 until you come to Jacksboro Highway and Azle Street exit. Take Azle Street exit; go to the traffic light. Turn left at the traffic light. Go to the second traffic light, then turn right onto Boat Club Road. Go approx. 2 1/2 miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: Hall Phone: 817-237-5181. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 3:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 155, AUSTIN (2) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of March, June, September, and December. Call Secretary Ginny Prasatik 512-472-1721 for meeting time/location.

LODGE 157, LUBBOCK (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of every other month, 1 p.m. Contact Secretary Cynthia Kristinek 806-763-7245; cjkristinek@yahoo.com for meeting location.

LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of January, April, July, and October, 12 noon at Wall Volunteer Fire Department, Wall.

Wednesday, December 16, 2016

LODGE 162, IOWA COLONY (5) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center, 12003 CR 65, Iowa Colony. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center, 12003 CR 65, Iowa Colony.

LODGE 169, BRENHAM (1) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Thursday in February, April, June, August, October at 6:30 p.m. at Texas Seafood and Steakhouse, 2209 South Market Street, Brenham.

(December meeting/social information will be announced at a later date.) For information, contact Nello and Dorothy Strickland 979-836-2609.

LODGE 172, PASADENA (5) Lodge Hall: 3609 Preston Road, Pasadena. Reservations/Hall Rental Information: Jo 713-993-6878; Hall Phone: 713-487-3297. Country/western dances held the first Saturday of each month, 7 to 11 p.m., except when noted. Variety dances are held the fourth Saturday of each month, 7 to 10 p.m., except when noted. Beer, soft drinks, and ice are available at the bar. (Do not bring them inside the hall.) Regular Lodge/Covered Dish Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month, meal at 1 p.m. followed by meeting at 2 p.m. with the exception of November and December, as noted. Lodge Executive Board Meetings/Trustee Meetings and Workdays: Second Monday of each month, (unless the second Monday is a holiday) at 2 p.m. Dances: Held the first Saturday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Variety Dances: Fourth Saturday of the month, unless noted.

LODGE 177, ACADEMY (2) Lodge Hall: 711 Rio Poco, Little River. Directions: Hall is on the south side of Academy, just off Hwy 95, on the right. Hall Rental Information: 254-982-4530.

Hall Phone: 254-982-4434. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at the hall; Board of trustees meet at 6 p.m.; lodge meeting follows at 6:30 p.m. Bingo: Every Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; kitchen is open.

LODGE 179, WARRENTON (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at Carmine Lions Club Building, 201 Centennial Street, Carmine.

LODGE 180, BURLESON (3) Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. Due to the holiday season approaching, some of the times may be changed. Check Věstník for times or call one of the following: 817-295-6497; 817-371-0255; 972-268-0022; or 817-905-2097.

LODGE 181, CONROE (5) Please Note: Lodge 181, Conroe will now hold lodge meetings on a quarterly basis starting in 2016. There will be no more meetings for Lodge 181 in 2015. Meetings for Lodge 181 in 2016 are now scheduled at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26; Tuesday, April 26; Tuesday, July 26; and Tuesday, October 25, and unless otherwise announced in the Vestnik, meetings will be held at Montgomery County Main Library Branch in Conroe. For further information contact President Barbara WilliamsRash 936-295-7778; email b.d.willrash@att.net; Vice President Chuck Toney 281-362-9062; email cdtiii@toney.us; or Treasurer Patsy McClelland 936-788-788-5714; or email pmcclelland@consolidated.

LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY (2) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin.

Youth Club Meetings: Same time and place as adult lodge meeting.

LODGE 183, ARLINGTON (3) Lodge Hall: 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane, Arlington. Directions: Take IH-35 West to Fort Worth. Take IH-20 East exit and proceed on IH-20 East until you come to Cooper Street exit. Take Cooper Street exit to the North and stay on Cooper Street until you come to Mayfield Street. Take a right on Mayfield; go down and take a left on Pleasant Valley Lane. Hall Rental Information: Hall Phone: 817-465-8538; 214-876-9029.

Lodge Meetings: Third Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Last Friday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Game nights are every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. and every Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Permit No. 17516910506.

LODGE 184, MOULTON (6) Lodge Hall: FM 532 West, Moulton. Directions: From Texas 95 in Moulton, take FM 532 West four miles.

Lodge hall is located on the right. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS (7) Lodge Meetings: Every other month - February, April, June, August, October, and December. Call for meeting date, time, and location. Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader Theresa Haag 830-625-8262 for meeting date/time/location.

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LODGE 186, CALDWELL (1) Lodge Hall: 937 State Hwy. 36, Caldwell. Directions: Lodge building is just off Hwy. 36 on the south side of Caldwell, next to Burleson County Fairgrounds. Hall Rental Information: 979-567-4264. Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall.

Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at the hall. Social games: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Kitchen and bar open. License Permit No. 1-74-20733095-41002.

LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK (2) Lodge Hall: 920 Luther Peterson Place, Round Rock.

Hall Rental Information: 512-255-1554; 512-7714948. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 to 3 p.m. at the hall followed by entertainment and potluck meal.

LODGE 189, BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of March, June, September, and December, 2 p.m. at (unless otherwise noted) C and J Barbecue, 1010 South Texas Avenue in Bryan.

LODGE 191, LUFKIN (5) Lodge Hall: 197 Hughes Road, Lufkin. Hall Rental Information/Dance Reservations: George Scogin 936875-2867. Lodge Meetings: Monday night before the third Friday night of the month, 7 p.m. at the lodge hall.

Regular Dances: Third Friday night of each month, 7 to 10 p.m. Please continue to bring finger foods for the snack table.

LODGE 196, HOUSTON-WEST (5) Lodge Hall: 17810 Huffmeister Road, Cypress. Directions: Off Hwy 290 West at Skinner. Hall Rental Information: 281-351-1045; Hall Phone: 281-3739482. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, at 1 p.m. at the hall. Covered dish meal will be served.

LODGE 200, BRUCEVILLE-EDDY (2) Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at Bruceville-Eddy City Hall.

LODGE 201 BLEIBLERVILLE-NELSONVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 3948 FM 2502, Bleiblerville. Directions: Hall is across the street from the post office in Bleiblerville. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 202, JOURDANTON (7) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m.

(March, June, September, and December at 1 p.m.) at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 1:15 p.m. (March, June, September, and December at 1 p.m.) at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton.

LODGE 204, STEPHENVILLE (3) Lodge Meetings: For meeting date/time/location, call Norman Kneschk 254-386-3222; or email normkneschk@gmail.com.

LODGE 207, IOWA PARK (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. Call Secretary Mary Hatter 940-322-8503; or any sales agent for meeting location.

LODGE 215, SOUTH PLAINS (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Saturday of January, March, May, July, and September at 6:30 p.m. at Tahoka Housing Authority (small room - 1400 Ave K).

For any questions, call Secretary Pam Lehmann 806535-8356. Youth Club Meetings: For location/time, contact Youth Leader Janeece Williams 806-990-3351.

LODGE 219, EL PASO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 9 a.m. Call Secretary Edna Rivas 915-727-2048 for meeting location.

LODGE 229, ABILENE (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. Call Secretary Tammy Copeland 325-333-4089 for meeting location.

LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT (2) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at SPJST Home Office, 520 North Main Street, Temple, 12 noon. For information, contact President James L. Lee, III 254-289-6816.

LODGE 258, SEGUIN (7) Lodge Meetings: For meeting date, location, and time, contact President Chester Jenke 210-413-3053 or Treasurer Colleen Jenke 210-215-949 —SPJST—

Merry Christmas SPJST Float: “A Frozen Christmas”

SPJST Float: “Merry Minions Christmas!”