Vestnik 2016 04 13

ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence

Volume 104 Number 15

H E R A L D

★ Humanity ISSN —07458800

★ Brotherhood

Seeking the Treasures of SPJST - March Top Agents 1st - Certificates Issued 1st - Annualized Premium $500 Award

Gilberto Aldaz

Lodge 219, El Paso District Four

2nd - Certificates Issued 2nd - Annualized Premium 5th - Annualized Premium 5th - Certificates Issued $100 Award $100 Award

Charles Thomas, Jr.

Lodge 91, San Jacinto District Five

Via Randolph

Lodge 219, El Paso District Four

Lodge 66, Waco District Three

3rd - Annualized Premium $50 Award

4th - Certificates Issued $50 Award

4th - Annualized Premium $50 Award

Kerry Herrington

Rosa Flores

Julian Guedea

Lodge 142, Houston District Five

Lodge 219, El Paso District Four

N N N N N N N N

Important Dates ...................................3 Interest Rates ......................................3 Seeking Treasures Updates ...............5 From the Districts................................6 ENC Updates .......................................9 Lodge Section....................................10

Fort Hood Memorial Dedicated

3rd - Certificates Issued $50 Award

Arnie Rivera, FIC

April 13, 2016

Lodge 219, El Paso District Four

Inside Th is Week’s Vestnik

In Memoriam ......................................21 Youth Section ....................................23 Czech Culture ....................................33 Lodge Calendar ............................35-36 Advertisements ............................37-38 SPJST Car Show Info........................39

Page 11

Lodge 4 Hallettsville donates beans, rice for state food drive

Lodge 154, Fort Worth members Jerry and Henrietta Milan, left, and Libbie Vrla, right, comfort Ashlee Nemelka, Kevin Harmer, and Andrew and Tena Nemelka, family members of Pfc. Aaron T. Nemelka at the November 5, 2009 Fort Hood Memorial that was dedicated on March 11, 2016. The memorial is located at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center. More on pages 16 to 20.

N N N N N N N N Page 13

Lodge 180 Burleson remembers Carole Slavik

Pages 30-32

Remembering West, Texas April 17, 2013

2

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Editor’s Note

ˇ ´ VESTNIK

Old and New Prom Photos Wanted!

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@gmail.com

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 4188 FM 1303, Floresville, Texas 78114-6092 Home: 830-393-2872 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 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 - Lian Pruski, 418 West Hunt Street Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - 830-480-2737 lianpruski@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 marceil@cvctx.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, 305 Bluehaw Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628-6367 - 512-948-5339 - tcannon4715@yahoo.com District Three - Lynda Novak, 7153 Cornelia Ln, Dallas, Texas 75214 - 972-948-4456 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

VĚSTNÍK

W

e asked for something different in last week’s Vestnik - prom photos. Thanks to those who got in touch with us and asked if “old” prom photos can be submitted. The answer - “Absolutely!”

“Patsy” Patricia J. Elizabeth Tymrak-Daughtrey of Lodge 202, Jourdanton says, “Prom night is one of those activities that binds the generations together,” and she is correct. If you attended prom 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 50 years ago . . .

I encourage you to search for your photo and send it to us. Text photos to 254-534-0807 or email to melaniez@vvm.com. Include the names of those pictured in the photo, SPJST lodge number of the members pictured, and which school’s prom the subjects attended.

At least one person should be an SPJST member in couple photos, and the majority of people should be SPJST members in group photos.

We look forward to seeing your prom pictures!

Still to Come . . .

Please stay tuned for these features in an upcoming Vestnik:

• Memorial tribute to former District Three Youth Counselor Bessie Petr

• Scenes from District Four Spring Meeting

• Scenes from District Seven Spring Meeting

• Lodge 47, Seaton honors longtime members

We will also announce one of the winners of the Design-an-SPJST Float Contest that was held last fall.

One of the parade floats has been redesigned — thanks to an entry that was submitted in the contest.

And, graduation is getting closer.

If you know an SPJST member who is graduating this year, encourage him/her to watch the Vestnik. We will be asking for graduate photos and information soon to recognize their accomplishments.

And, please note that the May 11 issue will be a special pre-convention Vestnik. It will not be a regular issue. Instead, this issue will include information about the upcoming Convention and reports from the Supreme Lodge, officers, and standing committees. The By-Law Committee will present its recommendations that will be discussed in the convention, too. I anticipate that this will be a rather large Vestnik.

There are so many fun and exciting activities going on in our lodges and youth clubs . . . especially with summer coming which is always a great time at our youth camps. And, speaking of camp, please see the information from SPJST Education and Nature Center on page 9.

Thanks to District Four for stepping up and helping with the “ENC Springs Forward” with Annual Work Projects. An update also appears on page 9.

Sincere Sympathy We send heartfelt sympathy to the family of Honorary District Six Director Matt S. Vanek. Brother Vanek passed away on March 26.

His funeral service was March 30 at Ascension of Our Lord Moravia Catholic Church. Brother Vanek served as District Six Director from 1977 to 2000 and as Supreme Lodge Chairman from 1996 to 2000. His obituary appeared in last week’s Vestnik.

—SPJST—

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, April 13, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

3

Family Fun and Important Dates

April 13 April 13 April 16

Deadline for By-Law Recommendations Deadline for Finance Committee Recommendations District Five Spring Meeting Lodge 88, Houston (5) April 16 District Seven Youth Development Workshop The Racquet Club of Camino Real, San Antonio (7) April 16 Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club Garage Sale (3) April 16 Lodge 81, Needville hosts SPJST Float: Needville Youth Fair Parade (5) April 17 Lodge 38, Kovar Dinner and Country Auction (1) April 17 Lodge 84, Dallas Honors Longtime Members (3) April 17 Lodge 133, San Antonio Anniversary Celebration (7) April 19-21 Supreme Lodge Meeting • Temple April 23-24 District Three Youth Development Workshop and Lock-In • Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) April 24 District Three Spring Meeting Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) April 27 Administrative Professionals Day April 28 Deadline for Pre-Convention Vestnik May 7 Join Hands Day May 7 SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall May 8 Lodge 24, Cyclone Mother’s Day Barbecue (2) May 11 Pre-Convention Vestnik May 14 Lodge 88, Houston Free Public Dance (5) May 15 Lodge 28, East Bernard Honors Longtime Members (6) June 9-11 Leader-In-Training Retreat SPJST Education and Nature Center, Ledbetter

VESTNIK

Want to receive your Vestnik on Tuesday morning?

Subscribe to receive the Vestnik by email.

Visit www.spjst.org to sign up for an email subscription.

SPJST INTEREST RATES . . . 02/01/2016 - 04/30/2016

SPJST Farm/Residential/ Universal Life Commercial Property Universal Life 3 Information (plans 1203-1222 with a Call the SPJST Home Office guaranteed rate of 2.50%) 800-727-7578 for information.

Credited Rate: 3.00% 75% Residential/Farm Whole Life/ Loans for 5 to 30 Years Universal Life 3 Commercial Property (plans 1223-1232 with a Loans for 1 to 10 Years guaranteed rate of 2.50%) and 11 to 15 Years 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%

Praha Bros. to perform May 7 at SPJST Car Show on May 7 in Seaton

Save the date - Saturday, May 7! Praha Bros. will play from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration on Saturday, May 7 at Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall. The band includes Billy Havlik, far left, who is a member of Lodge 47, Seaton. See more car show information on page 39.

Readers Write

Prom Night Binds Generations Together

Dear Melanie, Just received my Vestnik today and read your column headed “Send Us Your Prom Photos.” That sounds like a wonderful idea to involve the youth.

I realize you are aiming for the participation of youngsters, but what if you also asked for prom photos from members of the elder age group. It might be fun for the youngsters to compare their dresses with the older generation and the older generation might be wistful for other days and everyone might have an enjoyable trip down memory lane.

To me, prom night is one of those activities that binds the generations together.

Just thinking . . .

“Patsy” Patricia J. Elizabeth Tymrak-Daughtrey Lodge 202, Jourdanton —SPJST—

Lodge 142, Houston sales agent shares story

Melanie, My name is Kerry Herrington. I am an agent in District Five. I don’t nor-

mally write about anything, but I feel this one needs to be told. Delisle Doherty is my Fraternal Field Manager.

He has worked with many agents to advance our careers. I always thought of that as him doing his job, even though we are independent agents, and it’s not his responsibility.

What he did the other day is way above and beyond his duties. We had an elderly agent who had to have knee replacement surgery. The agent did not have any family to get him to the hospital. Delisle got up at 3 a.m., drove an hour to his place, took the agent to the hospital for his 5:30 a.m. check-in. Delisle stayed until the agent went into surgery.

While the agent was in surgery, Delisle met with some agents to catch up on pipeline activity. After our meeting, Delisle went back to the hospital and took the agent his glasses and some books. Delisle met with another agent before going home.

Most of us would not volunteer for a 3 a.m. event. Delisle did not hesitate.

He works with a lot of charities, including a local girls shelter. He would probably prefer me not to mention this. This is the true definition of fraternalism.

Kerry Herrington —SPJST—

4

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

From the Supreme Lodge Chairman

Addressing Concerns

It is with sadness and grief that I am writing this letter addressing some issues which should never be a part of this great organization. As I stated in my letter dated March 9, 2016, there are a lot of misconceptions and misinformation which are being stated regarding the proposed changes to our existing set of by-laws. Now there seems to be some misinformation circulating among our members in regards to qualifications of our unprecedented list of candidates for the Vice President’s position.

As you know, the By-Law Committee did a screening of the minimal qualifications for an officer’s or director’s position. As stated, these qualifications are minimal and really do not preclude anyone who is a member from seeking an officer’s or director’s position. This is the democratic process at work and is the foundation of our country.

However, when someone blatantly makes comments regarding opponents, an ethical principle has been broken.

The most alarming thing is that it also places a question mark as to the integrity of our current Supreme Lodge.

When this is at stake, I cannot refrain from responding because our Supreme Lodge has done an excellent job of having to deal with many issues which SPJST has faced over the past several years. Most of these are stated in the March 30 issue of the Vestnik and presented by the officers and editor/director of communication regarding the meeting with the standing committees on February 27.

The Supreme Lodge has also been involved in selecting a candidate to fill the position of Vice President beginning in the latter part of 2014. After several months of taking applications, Supreme Lodge members reviewed all of the applications and selected a pool of candidates that we felt had the greatest potential and possessed the credentials and qualifications to fill the position. An interview process was conducted, and through much deliberation and consideration, a decision was made. A majority of the Supreme Lodge members felt our current Vice President possessed these qualifications. Therefore, a decision was made to offer the position to this individual. During the process, it was discovered that the individual had let his Group I insurance license expire while he was out of state and had no need to keep a Texas license. We made the offer contingent on the reinstatement of this license which was done in a couple of days. Upon completion of

the reinstatement, an offer was extended and his acceptance followed. As a majority of the Supreme Lodge members felt comfortable with the decision, we moved forward and have seen new ideas and changes emerge in the Insurance Department.

Today, SPJST is making a diligent effort to reach out to our members and contact them to make sure their insurance needs are met. We are doing our best to obtain current addresses for more than 3,000 members whose addresses we do not have, which is unacceptable.

The Insurance Department is taking the initiative to contact members who do not have agents assigned to them because the agent is no longer with us. We have an individual in the Home Office who spends each day calling members and updating their certificate information. We tried this process through our existing sales force, but we were unsuccessful. We are now making progress. We are also sending birthday cards to our members each month seeking information and letting them know who their agent is. When you have more than 40,000 members, it takes awhile . . . but we are making progress.

We have reduced our lapse rate because of writing quality — not quantity — business to an all-time low of just over 2 percent. Several years ago, that number was exceeding 12 percent which is unheard of. The normal rate for fraternals is around 4 percent or less.

We have exceeded the benchmark!

Our sales continue to increase, but we are not where we want to be. SPJST is facing the same problems as most of our sister fraternals with a declining membership, decreasing insurance and annuity sales, and an ever-escalating increase in expenses. We must address these issues now and not wait because the future of our organization is what we are here to preserve.

Therefore, I ask all of you to take an active role and seek out the qualifications of all of the candidates by calling them and asking them what their qualifications are and how they plan to address the challenges facing our organization. I know and trust that you, as SPJST members, will make the best decision and choose the most qualified individual for the important position of Vice President.

Fraternally, Donnie Victorick Supreme Lodge Chairman District One Director —SPJST—

CONVENTION O R N E R

June 13 to 15, 2016 Killeen Civic and Conference Center 3601 South W.S. Young Drive Killeen, Texas 76542

32nd SPJST Convention

Deadline to submit recommendations to By-Law and Finance Committees is 60 days before the convention — April 13.

District Delegate Meetings

District Three By-Law Committee representative shares updates

Three District Three delegates’ meetings have been held on January 19 - hosted by Lodge 25, Ennis with 17 in attendance; February 20 - hosted

by Lodge 183, Arlington with 16 in attendance; and April 2 - hosted by Lodge 6, Cottonwood with 20 in attendance.

I want to thank these lodges for hosting these meetings and for the de-

licious food and refreshments that were provided before and after each meeting. I also want to thank each and every delegate who took the time to attend these very important meetings.

Reminder: The deadline to get any change and/or recommendation to the By-Law Committee for consideration is Wednesday, April 13.

I hope to see you at the District Three Spring Meeting.

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

2016 Important Convention Dates to Remember

Wednesday, April 13 60 Days Prior to Convention Deadline for recommendations for changes to the By-Laws. Recommendations must be signed and submitted to any member of the By-Law Committee.

Deadline for donation/financial assistance requests that require Finance Committee review must be submitted to the Finance Committee.

Thursday, April 28 Deadline for Pre-Convention Vestnik

Wednesday, May 11 Pre-Convention Vestnik published containing By-Law and Finance Committee recommendations, pre-convention reports, and other convention information.

Sunday, June 12 32nd SPJST Convention Registration/Howdy Party Killeen Civic and Conference Center

Monday, June 13 32nd SPJST Convention Convenes • Killeen Civic and Conference Center

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

5

Seeking the Treasures of SPJST Statewide Goal: 1,200 Certificates Issued Through March: 250 Certificates Issued

Membership Program Update SPJST Mission Statement Insuring and Enriching Lives.

SPJST Vision Statement

Our vision is to provide a wholesome family environment; to encourage cherished Czech traditions; and to provide high quality, competitive life insurance for our members.

Lodge Incentive Guidelines

The 2016 Lodge Incentive Guidelines will include membership program incentives and be based upon premium income generated by the lodges. The formula for calculating the Enhanced Premium Refund is:

1. $1.00 for each paid-up certificate; and 2. 2.80% of the lodge’s annual earned premium.

To receive the Enhanced Premium Refund, lodges must meet the following three-point criteria:

1. Hold regular lodge meetings in accordance with Article 50 of the SPJST By-Laws and offer a wellrounded fraternal program.

2. Return all requested paperwork on time by the due date.

3. Submit regular letters/photos to the Vestnik.

For lodge incentive updates, please contact the Financial Secretary’s Department.

—SPJST—

SPJST Monthly Insurance Report Through March

MONTH-TO-DATE TOTALS FOR INSURANCE WRITTEN, ISSUED, AND ANNUALIZED PREMIUM

Dist.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 Totals

Apps.

10 10 20 44 19 13 6 0 122

Written $405,000.00 425,000.00 1,110,884.00 2,705,002.00 1,795,000.00 910,000.00 325,000.00 0 $7,675,886.00

Certs.

Issued Annualized Prem.

9 $858,560.00 $5,579.50 9 274,330.00 4,998.96 16 1,305,884.00 6,447.24 33 1,576,283.00 23,275.96 24 2,366,036.00 12,486.10 6 235,000.00 4,317.80 3 75,000.00 1,664.36 0 0 0 100 $6,691,093.00 $58,769.92

Dist.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 Totals

Apps.

Written 26 $3,605,000.00 44 1,083,000.00 46 2,439,897.00 99 7,465,216.00 48 4,830,416.00 25 1,790,000.00 18 577,010.00 0 0 306 $21,790,539.00

Certs.

Issued Annualized Prem.

21 $3,373,560.00 $12,298.22 38 642,330.00 27,744.22 37 1,581,897.00 16,186.87 78 4,981,471.00 48,728.78 42 3,926,452.00 22,475.00 18 1,133,106.00 9,342.40 16 397,316.00 9,988.88 0 0 0 250 $16,036,132.00 $146,764.37

YEAR-TO-DATE TOTALS FOR INSURANCE WRITTEN, ISSUED, AND ANNUALIZED PREMIUM

Member Referral Incentive

All referral cards received during a given month go into a drawing for three $25 Walmart gift cards. All referral cards received during the year will go into a drawing for five $100 Walmart gift cards to be awarded at the 2017 SPJST Awards Banquet.

Amber Bartek

Lodge 47, Seaton • District Two

Emma Regan

Lodge 47, Seaton • District Two

Emil Martinek

Lodge 25, Ennis • District Three

SPJST Records 94 Referrals

Through the end of March 2016, the following individuals contributed 94 referrals during Seeking the Treasures of SPJST Membership Drive.

Lodge

0 0 9 24 24 25 29 47 47 47 47

Member’s Name

Dana Boyd Holly Knecht Riley Breanne Green Margaret Campbell Lisa Kirby Emil Martinek Connie Voigt Amber Bartek Joyce Pechal Sharla Pechal Emma Regan

Referrals 1 3 6 1 1 1 2 11 2 2 5

47 47 47 54 80 80 87 162 177 182 182 182 182 200 246 246 246

Lori Slack Dorothy Stuchly Donica Zabcik Kerri Kaluza Linda Hill Carol Wolf Billye Westlake Zachary Collins Janie Coakley Bailee Beckendorf Becky Beckendorf Paetyn Beckendorf Tynlee Beckendorf Kayln Robicheaux Tamara Gettys Ann Paruzinski Marissa Salinas

2 1 7 1 4 3 8 1 1 6 1 6 6 1 3 2 10

SPJST Youth Clubs’ Update

DISTRICT ONE YOUTH CLUBS

DISTRICT FOUR YOUTH CLUBS

DISTRICT TWO YOUTH CLUBS

Lodge No.

Lodge No.

9 17 186

Lodge No.

20 24 29 47 48 80

Youth Club Name

Snook Youth Club New Tabor Youth Club Caldwell Youth Club

Youth Club Name

Granger Youth Club Cyclone Youth Club Taylor Youth Club Seaton Youth Club Beyersville Youth Club Holland Youth Club

Certs. Issued

0 0 2

Certs. Issued

0 0 2 9 0 0

DISTRICT THREE YOUTH CLUBS

Lodge No.

6 25 84 154 183

Youth Club Name

Cottonwood Youth Club Ennis Youth Club Dallas Youth Club Fort Worth Youth Club Arlington Youth Club

Certs. Issued

3 1 1 0 2

Lodge No.

49

Youth Club Name

Rowena Youth Club

Certs. Issued

0

DISTRICT FIVE YOUTH CLUBS 81 88

Youth Club Name

Needville Youth Club Houston Youth Club

Certs. Issued

DISTRICT SIX YOUTH CLUBS

Lodge No.

30 40 148

Youth Club Name

0 1

Certs. Issued

Taiton Youth Club El Campo-Hillje Youth Club El Maton Youth Club

0 2 0

DISTRICT SEVEN YOUTH CLUBS Lodge No.

185 202

Youth Club Name

Certs. Issued

New Braunfels Youth Club Jourdanton Youth Club

0 0

Listing reflects youth clubs whose quarterly reports were received by March 31, 2016, and youth clubs that are active.

—SPJST—

6

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

From the Districts District Three Spring Meeting Agenda Sunday, April 24, 2016 Hosted by Lodge 154, Fort Worth Complimentary Pastries, Juices, Milk, and Coffee provided by Lodge 154, Fort Worth 10 to 10:30 a.m.

Youth and Adult Contest entries registration

10:15 to 11 a.m.

Audit Committee: Tom Weeks, Karen Sonnenberg, Michael Galler

11 a.m.

Call to Order President ....................................................................Selby Holder Pledge of Allegiance and Youth Motto .................................................................

Flag Bearer/District Three Duke Preston Sullivan Welcome.......................................................................President 154 Jerry Milan Response and Recognition of Visitors...............First Vice President Lesli Milan Names of Departed Members ..........................Second Vice President John Vrla and Memorial Service Dismissal of Youth ...........................................................President Selby Holder Recognition of Age 96, 75- and 50-Year..........Second Vice President John Vrla Members and Fraternalist Nominees Introduction of Nominating and Auditing Committees...President Selby Holder Introduction of Contest Judges ........................................President Selby Holder Approval of Minutes and Correspondence...............Secretary Patricia Dieterich Treasurer’s Report........................................................Treasurer Mary Steinman Committee Reports—Please limit time to three minutes per report.

Insurance .....................................................................................Philip McBee Finance ......................................................................................Michael Galler By-Law...................................................................................Kay Lynn Kovar FAC .................................................................................................Vicki Sims Publication ..................................................................................Lynda Novak Audit......................................................................................Audit Committee Home Office Report........................Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek

Introduction of Royalty....................................................President Selby Holder Lunch Prayer...............................Royalty Melinda McClellan and Pierce Tignor Lunch Break Donation of six canned goods per person entitles member to a meal at no charge; otherwise $7 per plate. No expired canned goods, please.

Meeting Resumes Lifetime Achiever Awards..................................First Vice President Lesli Milan Adult Contest Winners ................................................................FAC Vicki Sims Old Business New Business Announcement of Number of Members in Attendance and number of canned goods .........................................................Host Lodge Presentations.................................................................Treasurer Mary Steinman Youth Report/Contest Winners..................................................DYC Kay Weeks Election of Officers Coming Events *District Youth Achievement Day—June 25, 2016 *Fall Meeting—October 23, 2016 *Spring Meeting—April 23, 2017 *District YAD—June 25, 2017 *Fall Meeting—October 22, 2017 * Host lodge is needed for upcoming events.

Please contact President Selby Holder or District Three Director John Engelke, if interested.

Door Prizes Installation of Officers Adjournment of Meeting

—SPJST—

District Five Spring Meeting Agenda

Saturday, April 16, 2016 • Lodge 88, Houston Registration—10:30 a.m. to 12 noon

Youth Thank You Card Design Contest Registration—10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

See SPJST Youth Club Handbook for contest information.

Dessert Contest Registration—10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Lunch—Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Serving: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Adults: $2 • Children: Free (ages 12 and under and youth club members)

1 p.m.

Call Meeting to Order ................................................................Ashley Victorick Pledge of Allegiance ...............................................................District Five Youth Welcome by Lodge 88, Houston President ......................................Janice Jahns Roll Call of Officers...........................................................Mary Ann Kieschnick Roll Call of Lodges............................................................Mary Ann Kieschnick Recognition of Special Guests...........................................................Janice Jahns Reading of Minutes............................................................Mary Ann Kieschnick Treasurer’s Report......................................................................Lorenda Baldwin FAC Report .....................................................................................Patricia Bruce Memorial Service Youth excused for District Youth Club Election of Officers and Meeting (assigned area) Supreme Lodge Report.......................................Supreme Lodge Representative District Director’s Report .....................................................Larry W. Pflughaupt Fraternal Field Representative .....................................................Delisle Doherty District Youth Counselor’s Report ..............................Barbara Linney-Gonzales Old Business New Business Audit Committee Report Recess for 501(c)(3) Directors’ Reports Education and Nature Center ..................................Barbara Linney-Gonzales Election: ENC Director Czech Heritage Museum......................................................Mildred Holeman Election: CHM Director Senior Living Centers................................................................Lonnie Lostak Election: S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers’ Director Reconvene Meeting....................................................................Ashley Victorick Election of District Officers for 2016 Announcement of District Youth Club Officers ............District Youth President Announcement of Thank You Card Design Winners .......................................................Barbara Linney-Gonzales Announcement of Dessert Contest Winners................Barbara Linney-Gonzales Presentation Information on the Fall Fun Day September 10, 2016 at Lodge 196, Houston-West Selection of Place, Time, and Dates for 2017 Spring Meeting and Fall Fun Day General Announcements Installation of District and Youth Officers ...........................Larry W. Pflughaupt Adjournment —SPJST—

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

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7

Scenes from SPJST State 42 Domino Tournament Saturday, April 2, 2016 • SPJST Home Office, Temple, Texas

Congratulations to the winners of the 2016 SPJST State 42 Tournament!

They are, seated, left to right, 1st - Lee Roy Hanusch and Ronnie Culp, both of Lodge 47, Seaton; 2nd - Jeannie Schneider and Raymond Raesz of Lodge 29, Taylor; back, second from left, 3rd - John Hosch and James Hosch of Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy; and 4th - Jerry Turek and Jimmy Turek, both of Lodge 48, Beyersville. Also pictured are State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak, far left, and Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez.

The SPJST State 42 Domino Tournament was held at the SPJST Home Office in Temple, Texas, on Saturday, April 2, 2016. There were 19 members and seven non-members who registered to play in the tournament. All players were served doughnuts, cookies, and coffee during the first seven rounds of dominoes. We broke for lunch at 12 noon, and Edwin Pechal with Ratibor Country Grill served grilled chicken, loaded potatoes, green beans, tea and dessert.

Players returned to their tables and played six

more rounds and completed the last round at 2:30 p.m. Door prizes were drawn while results were being tabulated. Door prize winners were Lee Hanusch, Danny Stepan, Charles Jurcik, Author Toth, James Hosch, and Margie Faltesek. First through fourth place winners received a trophy and money.

Winners of the tournament were: 1st - Lee Hanusch of Lodge 47, Seaton Ronnie Culp of Lodge 47, Seaton

2nd - Jeannie Schneider (non-member) Raymond Raesz of Lodge 29, Taylor 3rd - James Hosch of Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy John Hosch (non-member) 4th - Jerry Turek of Lodge 48, Beyersville Jimmy Turek of Lodge 48, Beyersville Fraternally, Frank Horak State Fraternal Activities Coordinator —SPJST—

8

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Donors’ List Thanks to the SPJST members

and friends who supported the 20152016 SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive. In sending in your donation, please be sure to include donor’s name(s) for that proper acknowledgement may be published in the Vestnik.

Donations are tax- deductible, and 100 percent of the amount that you contribute is used for scholarships to SPJST members. Mail your contribution to: SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503

There have been 302 donations made to the 2015-2016 SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive. Donations to date are $5,698.12. SPJST Memorial donations to date are $2,880.

Thank you for your generous donations to the SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund. Because of your generosity, many young SPJST members will be able to attend or continue with college.

Thank you for your kind support.

For more information or printed donation solicitation forms, please contact the Fraternal Department at 800-7277578.

Guidelines for Giving 1. Donations made by lodges out of lodge funds will be listed as a lodge donation.

2. Collected donations from a lodge meeting will be listed individually by member’s last name in alphabetical order. Individuals submitting a donation will also be listed by member’s last name alphabetically.

3. Gifts of $50 or more will be printed in bold.

4. Families or groups, which desire names, listed under a particular last name or group name should indicate this on the donation form or letter, otherwise, the names will be listed as individual donations by last name in alphabetical order.

5. 100 Pennies donations made as a memorial will be listed under memorial donations in a separate listing.

Note: Please print donor’s name(s) clearly.

Lodge District

30 177 17 17 47 191 154 29 139 47 92 66

25 177 154 154 154 154 154 154 154 29

23 191 229 229 154 154 17 17 154 154 154 48 162 162 25 154 17 81 88 17 47 49 24 17 15 88 215

32

6 2 1 1 2 5 3 2 5 2 3 3

3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2

6 5 4 4 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 2 5 5 3 3 1 5 5 1 2 4 2 1 2 5 4

6

4

6

6 15 117

3 2 7

66 154 66

3 3 3

Name

Aulds, Jerry D. Bartek, Karen Beasley, Weston Beasley, Wyatt Bilbrey, Tyson Breazeale, Alma Burcie, McKenzie Chovanec, Frank L. Collins, Dixie Dohnalik, Debbie Ellsworth, Garland Engelke, John and Diana Ennis Sewing Circle Franzen, Rose and Don Humphreys, Rachael Jones, Clark Jones, Holly Jones, Macy Jones, Miles Jones, Reid Kearney, Dylan Krenek, Frank and G. Ann and Family Krupala, George Leary, Wanda N. Macek, Jerry W. Macek, Jerry W. Mason, Case Mason, Jazmine McCuller, Cobey McCuller, Macey Milan, Athens Milan, Sophie Milan, Sydney Mokry, Linda Moyle, Alyssa Moyle, Avery Novy, Pauline A. Pace, Angel Parker, Carson Pavlas, Dan Phillips, Terry Powell, Brandon Ranly, Elisa Renn, Elizabeth Schiller, Garland Sebesta, Chandler Smith, Birdie Smith, K. SPJST Lodge 215 South Plains SPJST Lodge 32 Victoria SPJST Lodge 4 Hallettsville SPJST Lodge 66, Waco Stoeppleman, Madi Veselka, Dorothy and Louie Williams, Brynn M. Williams, Virginia L. Williams, Vivian Mrazek —SPJST—

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P P P Presenting 2016 Officers P P P SPJST District Two

The 2016 District Two officers are, left to right, President Gene McBride of Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy; Vice President Ruth Hanush of Lodge 47, Seaton; Secretary Linda Johnson of Lodge 187, Round Rock; Treasurer Lyn Rieger of Lodge 29, Taylor; District Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky of Lodge 47, Seaton; Assistant DYC Cristy Girod of Lodge 29, Taylor; and Amber Bartek of Lodge 47, Seaton. In front are Flag Bearers Tyson Bilbrey of Lodge 47, Seaton and James Teague of Lodge 20, Granger.

SPJS ST FOUN NDATION N A Tax Exempt Non-Proffit 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization on

“Cllean Ouutt YYooouur ur BBa Bar arn rn” rn” Statew ewidddee AAuuc uctcttion tiiioion on on CENTR AL A TEXAS XA AS S AU AU UC UCTION CTION C TION T O ON N SE S SERVICES ER ERVICES RV VIIC VICES V CES ES E S Trey Galla awa way A wa Auctioneer uctiio u on o neer e , Liicccen er nsse n se N No o 12798 o.

SA ATURDAY, SE SEPTEMBER EPTEMBER PTEMBER P TE EMB EM MBE M BER BE ER 17,, 2016

2001 Ledbetter tter Road oa ad d Ledbetter, Texa ass a Auction on st star tarts arrts a at 9 9:30 :30 30 a.m.

30 a 100% of all tax-deductible ctible proceeds eeds benefit ne SPJST Education E and Nature e Center ter and Czech Heritage tage Museum and Genealogy enealogy Center

WANTED: • • • • • • • • • • •

Farm Eq quipment and Implements Tractors, Dozers and Graders Mowers and Shredders Stock, Flatbed and W Water ater Trailers Diesel and Water Water Storage Tanks Firearms, Antiq ques and Collectibles Trucks and Cars Boats and Watercraf Watercraffts Tra avel Trailers and RVs Four Wheelers and UTVs Building and Fencing Materials ** Real Estate can also be donated, including: Farms, Ranches, Acreage, Buildings and Homes

For infformation, ormation, please contact James Lee, III at JamesL@spjst.com or call 800-727-7578

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From SPJST ENC

SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) is a year-round facility serving non-profit groups, churches, schools, and families through summer camp programs, retreats, team-building, high ropes courses, food service, and more. SPJST ENC is looking to fill several spots on its leadership team and staff. Please see the abbreviated job descriptions that follow this notice.

For full job descriptions, qualifications, and job application, please visit

www.spjst.org. Please submit your completed application and resume to: Lynette Talasek, Secretary ENC Board of Directors Fax: 254-774-7447 Mail: PO Box 100 Temple, TX 76503 Email: lynettet@spjst.com

For any questions or concerns, please call Lynette Talasek at 254-9310639 or 254-773-1575, ex. 234.

Attention, College Students!

Work at Summer Camp!

It’s more than a summer job . . . it’s an experience of a lifetime.

Job Position: Seasonal Summer Camp Staff - Program Assistants SPJST Education and Nature Center Where: Ledbetter, Texas • What: Seasonal

This is a full-time, seasonal position. Program Assistants will attend CPR instruction, open water lifeguarding, challenge course instruction, archery training, bb gun training, kitchen training, and all other areas of operation training during the first two weeks of employment.

Job Position: Camp Director – SPJST Education and Nature Center Where: Ledbetter, Texas What: Full-Time - Exempt

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

This is a full-time position. Applicant must be willing to relocate and reside on the camp property - family housing will be provided. The Camp Director reports to the ENC Board of Directors and is responsible for the daily operations of camp. The Camp Director will fulfill the mission through positive, caring relationships with guests and staff; manage camp facilities, human resources, and sales and marketing. The Director will oversee coordination and delivery of all aspects of camp operations, and interact with guest and staff to provide a positive overall experience at the camp.

For complete job description and application, please visit www.spjst.org.

—SPJST—

Job Position: Administrative Assistant SPJST Education and Nature Center Where: Ledbetter, Texas What: Part-Time - Non-Exempt

This is a part-time position that provides clerical and administrative support to camp management. Applicant must be computer literate, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, be organized, present a professional image, be a self-starter, take initiative, and be dependable.

For full job description and application, please visit www.spjst.org.

—SPJST—

RD A W R FO O F S G IN R P S ENC WITH ANN UAL WOORK PROO J ECTS The SPJST Education and Naturre Center in Ledbetter is busy preparing fo or the upcoming pcoming summer youth camps by scheduling seven spring work projects.. Each project will be led by an ENC District Board Memberr,, and the completed eted projects will help to maintain and improve SPJST JST camp facilities.W We will be working on these projects during the week of Saturdaay, Maayy 14 through gh Sundaayy, Maayy 22.. If you or your lodge would like to participate in any of these ENC spring work projeccts,, please contact your respective district’s ENC board member listed below.

In addition,, to defraayy the cost of these ENC spring work projects,, SPJST lodges and d members maay sponsor one of these projects by donating cash or materials to the SPJST Foundation. n.. If you or your lodge are interested in donating to one of these work projects or would like additional onal informa o tion,, please contact SPJST Foundation Director of Development James Lee, III at JamesL@ @spjst.com or 800-727-7578.

DISTRICT 1 Clearing Natur ature Trails – Need 8 volunteers to work on cuttingg trees and brush and 2 flatbed trailers to haul cuttings to the back of the ENC property Contact: Randy Gaas, as, Img@woodsonlumberr.com, .com, (979) 596-2606

DISTRICT 2 Building a Gaga Pit and Human Foosball Course – Need 4 volunteers unteers Contact: Lynette Talasek, Talasek, a Secretary, lynettet@spjst.com, (254) 773-1575 3-1575 e ext. xt. 234

DISTRICT 3 Repair Fishing ing Dock – Need 2 carpenter volunteers

• A Program Assistant’s primary responsibility is to assure safety of the campers.

• Program Assistants are to set a good example at all times, to show an enthusiastic attitude about learning and the outdoor environment. It will be your responsibility to ensure that campers have an enjoyable camp.

• Program Assistants will be in charge of all campers they are working with at the time, and Program Assistants will be under the direction of the Camp Director.

• Program Assistants will be responsible for running the programs they are

assigned to do and any other duties as needed.

• Program Assistants will be responsible for providing a safe, fun, and pleasant atmosphere for campers.

• Program Assistants will be at camp at all times, unless scheduled to be off, or with permission to leave by Camp Director.

• Duration of work: Program Assistants will be at camp from June 8, 2016 to August 15, 2016.

For full job description and application, please visit www.spjst.org.

—SPJST—

9

and $1,500 ffor or lumber and materials Contact: John Engelk l e, john.engelke@hotmail.com, (254) 799-4247 7

DISTRICT 4 Purchase and n Install 4 Electric Hand Dryers Contact: Bradley Bradley T Teplicek, e eplicek, bptep@aol.com, (325) 442-2001

DISTRICT 5 to be announced unced Contact: Barbarra Gonzales, District5dyc@aol.com, (713) 649-6138 8

DISTRICT 6 Stain the Housing ousing Porches – Need 8 painting volunteers and 50 gallons of stain to coat the porches,, est.. cost $1,200 Contact: Lisa Bubela, a, Vice-President, lisa_bubela@yahoo.com, (979) 79) 543-7120

DISTRICT 7 Repair and Repaint Barns – Need 45 gallons of metal paint,, est.t.. cost $1,800 Add Sand to o the Volleyball Pit – Need 5 cubic yards of sand Contact: Donnie Howar o d, President, donnie.occ@gmail.com, (830)) 358-2262 Also,, other items that are needed at the he ENC include:

• 4 automatic flush commercial gr grade ade toilets ts • A 25 cubic ffeet eet refrrigerator for for the kitchenn • A large capacity microwave

F F F F F ENC SPRINGS FORWARD - ANNUAL WORK PROJECTS UPDATE F F F F F

SPJST Education and Nature Center greatly appreciates the donation of $750 by District Four towards the purchase and installation of four electric hand dryers. District Four has notified ENC that they will be providing additional funds to complete the purchase and installation by May 20 so that the hand dryers will be ready for summer camp.

10

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

SPJST Lodge Se ct ion

Lodge 6 Cottonwood reports on April meeting

President Milton Peterson called the meeting of SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood to order on Sunday, April 13, 2016.

Sister Evelyn Stuckly led the Pledge of Allegiance and SPJST motto. A moment of silence was observed for the deceased of the lodge.

Sister Georgie Soukup reported 13 members present. Sister Peggy Dobecka and Brother Ray Perez were absent.

Sister Barbara Hykel read the minutes from the last meeting and gave the treasurer’s report. A thank you note was read from Robinson Fire Department.

There was no FAC report.

The youth delivered Easter baskets to the rest home on March 20.

Brother Jerry Kucera had no report.

April birthday celebrant was Sister Irene Peterson.

Progressive door prize winner for $8 was absent. Attendance door prize winners were Dorothy Kucera, Jerry Kucera, and Evelyn Stuckly.

Dates to remember: Friday, April 15 - trustee meeting; Sunday, May 8 Mother’s Day. Sister Barbara Hykel and Karen Hykel prepared a delicious meal for members present.

Dorothy Kucera, Reporter —SPJST—

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

Lodge 6 Cottonwood trustees to meet April 15

SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood will hold a trustee meeting on Friday, April 15, 2016. Social starts at 6 p.m., followed by a meal then the trustee meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m.

Save the Date!

Please mark Friday, April 15 on your calendar - social, meal, and trustee meeting.

Milton Peterson President —SPJST—

Lodge 17 New Tabor mourns the loss of treasurer

The Lodge 17, New Tabor meeting was held Sunday, April 3, 2016, at 2 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Kyle Skrabanek, and a moment of silence was observed for Treasurer Mrs. Evelyn Henry.

Secretary Ben Trcalek read the minutes of the March meeting, and they were approved as read. There was no treasurer’s report. Secretary Ben read correspondence from one of the Supreme Lodge Vice President candidates.

District One Director Donnie Victorick and wife Janice were present and spoke about the upcoming convention.

Fraternal Activities Coordinator Holly Narro gave her report and spoke about the upcoming SPJST Car Show, District One Spring Meeting, and Join Hands Day. Youth Leader Holly Narro gave the youth report and informed everyone of the statewide charity. Our youth collected more than 160 pounds of rice and beans.

Assistant Hall Manager Susan Skrabanek gave her report.

Under old business, the 50-year pin presentation was brought up, and a

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committee was put together consisting of Betty Suehs and Susan Skrabanek to get all of the food and refreshments.

Under new business, the spring meeting meal was discussed and decided on what will be served.

A motion was made and seconded that we get a flower arrangement for our treasurer Mrs. Evelyn Henry who passed away on April 2. Mrs. Lillian Beasley was nominated to be the interim treasurer until the November officer elections.

Next Meeting—May 1 The meeting was adjourned at 3 p.m. until our next meeting on Sunday, May 1.

Best regards, Kyle Skrabanek, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis recognizes longtime treasurer

Dear Readers, Lodge 25, Ennis met Thursday, March 10, 2016. The meal was prepared by Betty which consisted of corn hashed beef, cabbage, and the trimmings. Thank you, Betty!

The meeting began with the Pledge

District Six Delegates Discuss Upcoming Convention

SPJST District Six held its delegates’ meeting on Tuesday evening, March 30, 2016, at Taiton Community Center. TOP PHOTOS: Candidates for Supreme Lodge Vice President speak to the delegates. Left to right, Cynthia Vrazel Strmiska of Lodge 15, Buckholts;

Delisle Doherty of Lodge 196, Houston-West; and Hiram Dixon of Lodge 183, Arlington. BELOW: Thank you to all who attended and to District Six President/By-Law Committee Representative Joe Siptak for presiding over the meeting and all areas of discussion.

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of Allegiance and moment of silence held for Duaril Lamb, Frank Zabojnik, Ed Mensik, and Bessie Petr. On the sick list were Janie Marusak, Al Svehlak, and Ann Juricek. All officer reports were accepted as given. Pat read thank you correspondence from the Pereyda family and from Ann Juricek.

Joann and Brad thanked everyone for all the ticket sales which led to a very successful fundraiser. Betty announced that the lodge audit was complete, and everything was found to be in order. New members voted on were Georgia Fitzhugh; sales agent is Hiram Dixon.

Rita encouraged everyone to bring their garage sale items to the hall each Wednesday night. The sale will be held on Saturday, April 16.

Birthdays celebrated this month are Luke, April, Beau, James, Joe Ben, Michael, Ellie, Will, Sharon, and Hayley. Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to Leslie Mach who celebrated his 93rd birthday! Congratulations to all.

Tony presented Cathy Livar with a plaque in appreciation for 18 years of faithful service as lodge treasurer.

Thank you, Cathy, for all you have done for the lodge throughout the years.

Next Meeting—April 14 The next meeting is Thursday, April 14. See you then!

Fraternally yours, Margaret Krajca, Reporter —SPJST—

P P P Presenting 2016 Officers P P P SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville

The 2016 officers of Lodge 4, Hallettsville are, left to right, SecretaryTreasurer Helen Zabransky; President Joe Siptak; Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Annie Vahalik; and Reporter Patsy Zabransky.

Lodge 32, Victoria meets April 14

Dear Members, Everyone is reminded of our April meeting – Thursday, April 14, 2016, at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 7 is Join Hands Day, and Lodge 32, Victoria will be volunteering at the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent. We will be joined by Catholic Life as well as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. I’d love to see several of you at the Food Bank – even if it’s for a short time. We will meet at 9 a.m. and finish at 12 noon with pizza in the break room.

So remember April 14 and May 7 . . . mark your calendars!

Fraternally, Kathy Ahlstrom FAC/Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 35, Elk members enjoy fish fry

On Saturday, March 19, 2016, President Randy Pavelka called the SPJST Lodge 35, Elk meeting to order at 7:18 p.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by members and guests.

No one was on the sick list.

Secretary Carla Pavelka read the minutes of the February meeting, and with no corrections, they were approved as read.

We will be putting a half page advertisement in the convention book with members’ picture in it.

Treasurer Barbara Pavelka read her report, and it was approved as read.

Floor Chairman Gene Pavelka gave his report and turn-in.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

11

There was some discussion on Join Hands Day. Nothing was decided.

Under new business, the lodge presented Jack Levy and Wanda Sebik with a card and gift card in appreciation for all of the hard work that they have done for the lodge in the past years. Thank you so much for all you have done, and it is greatly appreciated. Enjoy the card and your retirement. We wish you all the best.

Elk Hall, Inc. The Elk Hall Inc. meeting was called to order by President Randy Pavelka.

Secretary Carla Pavelka read the minutes of the February meeting.

They were approved as read.

Treasurer Barbara Pavelka read her report, and it was approved as read, too.

Floor Chairman Gene Pavelka gave a really good report on a great month.

Bar Chairman Randy Pavelka gave his report on a great month, too.

Thank you to all of you who came to help with getting all of the chairs put back in the hall after a wedding rental.

Under new business, it was approved to give the groundskeeper a raise in pay for his work. Thank you also for the new cooks in the kitchen.

They are doing a fantastic job.

After the meeting, we all enjoyed a fish fry with all the trimmings. Thank you to all of the cooks. It is so nice to have fellowship and good food after our meetings.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m.

We had 16 members present. Our guests were Diana Kubitza, Charles Andrews, Martha Moss, Johnny Price, Anna Pavelka, Karen Kubitza, Angel Breton, Lily Breton, Heather Kubitza, and Jack Levy.

Lodge 4, Hallettsville Members Collect Beans, Rice for State Youth Food Drive

Lodge 4, Hallettsville members participated in the SPJST State Youth Food Drive and collected 85 pounds of beans and rice. Patsy Zabransky

and Gayenell Chudej delivered the food items to the Manna Food Pantry in Hallettsville.

12

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Birthdays were Carla Pavelka on March 6 and Jack Levy on March 18.

Happy birthday to you, and we wish you many more.

Next Meeting—April 13 Our next meeting will be Wednesday, April 13 after hall clean-up. See you then.

Fraternally yours, Janie Brewer, Reporter —SPJST—

plies last.

An auction will follow at 12:30 p.m. Other activities include a cake wheel and door prizes during the auction.

Proceeds will go towards a new floor for the hall. Come on out to Lodge 38, Kovar for a delicious meal and an afternoon of fun!

Fraternally, Donna Zimmerhanzel Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton battle dance this Sunday Lodge 38, Kovar chicken dinner, country auction this Sunday

Lodge 38, Kovar invites everyone to a dinner and country auction on Sunday, April 17, 2016, at the lodge hall, located at 278 Zimmerhanzel Lane in Flatonia, Texas 78941 (Highway 95 South of Smithville at Stolle Lane).

Dinner will be served at 11:30 a.m.

Plates will be $9 for adults, and $6 for children, ages 12 years and under.

The cafeteria-style meal will include fried chicken, stew, and all the trimmings. Plates-to-go will also be available. Food will be sold while sup-

We invite everyone to a battle dance with the Majek’s Orchestra and Fritz Hodde and the Fabulous Six at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall this Sunday, April 17. Doors open at 1 p.m., and the dance starts at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. Children ages 12 and under will be admitted free of charge. Hamburgers will be available in the kitchen by the SPJST Seaton Youth Club.

We hope to see you all there.

Fraternally, Joyce Kraatz, Youth Leader —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis Honors Cathy Livar for 18 Years of Service

Lodge 25, Ennis President Tony Vitovsky presents Cathy Livar a plaque in appreciation for 18 years of faithful service as lodge treasurer.

Thank you, Cathy, for all you have done for the lodge throughout the years.

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Lodge 32, Victoria Receives Gold Star Award

At the District Six delegates’ meeting on March 29, 2016, Director Karen Kaspar presented Lodge 32, Victoria with their Gold Star Award plaque for 2015 from the state awards banquet. Left to right are Director Kaspar, Lodge 32 President Mike Ahlstrom, FAC/Reporter Kathy Ahlstrom, Patricia Haisler, and Al Haisler, Jr.

Lodge 79 Corpus Christi members celebrate Easter

On March 20, 2016, Lodge 79, Corpus Christi enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Bill Miller’s Barbecue celebrating Easter and the awards luncheon of 50-years members. The tables were decorated beautifully by member Dorothy McCoy in an Easter theme.

The meeting was called to order by President Mark Rebecek. The Pledge

of Allegiance was led by youth guest Braedan LaCour. We had a moment of silence for deceased members Augustine Armijo, Anna M. Quezada, Gus A. Dziadek Jr., Guadalupe Almendarez, Guadalupe G. Saenez, and Velma Lee Leubert. We also observed a moment of silence for Charles Frietsch of Lodge 67, Schulenburg who is the husband of Mark and Virginia Rebecek’s sister-in-law Mary Jo and Jerry and Jill Sijansky’s brother-in-law Wesley Platts.

On our sick list is Sue Majek, daughter-in-law of member Judy Majek, who is still in the hospital, and member Leona Grant who is having

Lodge 29, Taylor Welcomes New Sales Agent

District Two Fraternal Field Manager Philip McBee reviews sales agent paperwork with Cristy Girod of Lodge 29, Taylor. Cristy is now a new sales agent and can be reached at 512-468-1347 or girodranch@ yahoo.com.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

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surgery. I’m also still in rehab following knee replacement surgery and doing fairly well.

All officers were present, and we had 34 members and guests present.

President Rebecek introduced District Seven Director Bob Bayer and wife Polly. Bob gave a great presentation, and it’s always a pleasure having Bob and Polly attend our meetings.

Secretary Virginia Rebecek read the February minutes and after two corrections, the minutes were approved.

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

Under correspondence, Secretary Virginia Rebecek read a letter from Vice President Clifton Coufal about our new sales agent Viola Thrasher. A letter was also received from District Seven Secretary Bettie House on the district spring meeting to be held in Jourdanton on April 3. Our lodge then voted in Carlos Benevidez who requested to be transferred from Lodge 117, Robstown to Lodge 79.

FAC report was given by Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky. He stated the sales agents need referrals. Also the scholarship fund drive is still underway. He mentioned other events were going on and to check your Vestnik for more information. Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky then presented a plaque to outgoing Youth Leader Gerilyn Donnell for six years of service as youth leader for Lodge 79. Thank you, Gerilyn, for a job well done!

Under old business, President Rebecek reminded all that at our next meeting, we will have a guest speaker from The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center. This should be very interesting and informative.

Lodge 180, Burleson Pays Tribute to Carole Slavik

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Rebecek on the 1st and Braedan LaCour on the 21st. “Happy Birthday” was sung to these members.

Twenty-five dollar door prizes were won by David (Dallas) Marek and Jill Sijansky. We also gave away several gift cards and other prizes.

Next Meeting—April 17 Our next meeting will be Sunday, April 17 with a catered meal, and members are asked to bring a dessert.

The meeting then adjourned, Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek Secretary —SPJST—

Members of Lodge 180, Burleson met on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at Sammy’s Italian Bistro for their regular lodge meeting and to present a $2,000 check to the Czech Heritage Museum in Temple, Texas. The check was presented in loving memory of Sister Carole Slavik, wife of President Bill Slavik, who passed away on March 9. Joining in the presentation were, from left, Lodge 180 Treasurer Rhonda Hurtik, Lodge 180 President Bill Slavik, SPJST President Brian Vanicek — who accepted the gift on behalf of the museum — and Secretary/Reporter Nancy Kelly.

Considerable discussion was devoted to laying the groundwork for the revitalization of Lodge 180 in the coming weeks and months ahead, including the importance of drafting a mission statement that clearly defines the role that the lodge aims to play in the community. Director of Development for the SPJST Foundation James Lee, III was on hand to articulate the vision, mission, and core values of the SPJST Foundation and its efforts on behalf of the Czech Heritage Museum and SPJST Education and Nature Center. State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak was also in attendance and expressed his appreciation to lodge members for their ongoing fraternal commitment.

Under new business, Treasurer Frank Sacky made a motion that our monthly donation go towards The Good Samaritan Rescue Mission, motion was approved.

Youth Leader Marcia Rew gave her report. We had nine members and guests present. They discussed food

nutrition, portion sizes, calories, and food groups. The youth played games, and each were given Easter goodies.

They collected more than 30 pounds of beans and rice which will be donated to a food pantry. On May 7, they plan to participate in Join Hands Day. Birthdays for March were Jacob

Lodge 81 Needville: last call for scholarship applications

Any college or technical school bound senior, who has been a member of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville for at least one year, can apply for the local lodge scholarship. Please send a selfaddressed, stamped envelope to SPJST Lodge 81, Needville, 9939 Peterson Road, Needville, Texas 77461 on or before April 15, 2016, to receive an application.

Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Shares March Meeting Scenes

LEFT PHOTO: Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky, left, chats with District Seven Director Bob Bayer and wife Polly before Lodge 79, Corpus Christi’s meeting on March 20. PHOTO 2: Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky presents a plaque to outgoing youth leader Gerilyn Donnell for her

six years of service to Lodge 79. PHOTO 3: Members enjoying the March 20 meeting. RIGHT PHOTO: Happy March birthday to Jacob Rebecek on March 1 and Braedan LaCour on March 21.

—Submitted by Virginia Rebecek, Secretary

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Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Lodge 84, Dallas to celebrate longtime members this Sunday

Dear Readers, Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 17! This is the date of the annual initiation of new members and presentation of 50- and 75-year membership pins at Lodge 84, Dallas. Doors will open at 1 p.m. with a half-price social hour from 1 to 2 p.m. After the initiation and distribution of pins, a delicious spaghetti dinner will be served.

Desserts are welcome, and monetary donations will be accepted. This is always a fun time to visit and enjoy the company of fellow members. I hope you will make plans to attend.

Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 180, Burleson Welcomes Guests to Meeting

Lodge 133 San Antonio anniversary this Sunday

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SPJST Lodge 133, San Antonio will host a luncheon for its anniversary celebration on Sunday, April 17, 2016.

Please save the date, and join us at 12:30 p.m. for a catered barbecue meal. If you have any questions, you may call me at 830-214-5228.

Submitted by, Jarolyn Popp, President —SPJST—

Lodge 180, Burleson welcomed Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, standing, right; SPJST Foundation Director of Development James Lee, III, standing, left, and State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak, seated, far back, to the meeting held Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at Sammy’s Italian Bistro.

Lodge 92 Fort Worth invites all to April activities

Dear Members and Friends, We invite you to mark these April activities on your calendar and plan to come on out to Lodge 92, Fort Worth.

You will have a great time!

Wednesday, April 13 Sportsmen’s Club meets from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monthly meeting of hunting and fishing enthusiasts with speakers and prize drawings. Open to the public. Free admission.

Sunday, April 24 District Three Spring Meeting at Sokol Hall - Lodge 154, Fort Worth.

Tuesday, April 26 Game night at Lodge 92, Fort Worth - National Hall at 7 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.

Fraternally, Angela Paprskar Casteel President —SPJST—

Lodge 179 Warrenton meets April 14

Lodge 179, Warrenton will meet Thursday, April 14, 2016, at Carmine Lions Club building. Social will start at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting will start at 7 p.m. Chicken spaghetti will be served. All members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert! We hope to see you there!

Ricky Weyand Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 80, Holland Hosts Will O’Bell Retirement Center Residents

Lodge 80, Holland was pleased to host some special guests at bingo on Thursday, March 31, 2016. The special guests were some of the residents and caretakers from Will O’ Bell Retirement Center. They seemed to have had a great time visiting us and playing bingo with Lodge 80. We enjoyed

having them visit us and hope to see them again. LEFT PHOTO: Bingo is fun! CENTER PHOTO: Caregivers help the residents. RIGHT PHOTO: Residents enjoy the evening at Lodge 80.

—Submitted by Risa Pajestka

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Lodge 180 Burleson remembers Carole Slavik with donation

Lodge 180, Burleson held its monthly meeting at Sammy’s Italian Bistro in Burleson on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Alliance followed by a prayer for our all of our loved ones.

All officers were present for the meeting, and we were honored to have SPJST Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek; SPJST Foundation Director of Development James Lee, III; and State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak from the Home Office.

Rhonda Hurtik accepted the position of treasurer while Nancy Kelly added the position of secretary to her reporter duties. These changes became necessary due to the loss of Carole Slavik.

A check was presented to President Brian Vanicek for the Czech Heritage Museum in the amount of $2,000 in memory of Carole Slavik.

President Vanicek presented us with some very informative information along with other beneficial information from James and Frank.

Next Meeting—May 3 Our next meeting will be held at Spring Creek on Tuesday, May 3, and the June meting will be held at Sammy’s Italian Bistro on June 7.

Both of these are located in Burleson and will start at 6 p.m. Please save the dates as we look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.

Fraternally, Nancy Kelly Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 191, Lufkin sets April 15 “Cruise the Seas” dance

I hope everyone had a great Easter, and now spring is upon us. The weather has been gorgeous the past few weeks; if only it could stay like this. So much for wishful thinking!

Everyone please remember Bill Weber’s birthday party on April 14, 2016, at 7 p.m. at Banita Creek Hall in Nacogdoches. Bring a cake, and admission is $5 to be donated for the purchase of books for students. The food is free, so come join Bill and friends for a great party and for a good cause.

Glenn Lenderman and Friends did a great job as usual for the March dance.

Thanks, Glenn, for a job well done.

You have been playing at the lodge for a long time, and we hope you continue playing for as long as we are all able to put one foot in front of the other.

The food was great as were the St. Patrick’s Day decorations. Thanks to Ruth Welch, Sarah Oliver, Kathy Riley and Ruth’s grandson Sam. It was a great party. Hosts for the dance were Roy Luce, Ruth Welch, and Connie Nikkel. A special thanks to AC and Kathy Riley for always staying to help clean up after dances. We could not make it without them.

The 50-50 drawing was won by Charlie Cummings which was $53. He graciously donated $25 back to the lodge. Thanks, Charlie. Free tickets to any dance but New Year’s Eve were won by Jo Davis and Bailey Linton.

Remember, the deadline for 2016 dues was March 31. You can still mail your dues to: SPJST Lodge 191, PO Box 3113, Lufkin, Texas 75903, and Sarah Oliver can fix you right up.

Regular members pay $12 per year, and social members pay $15 per year.

You can save $9 per year by becoming a social member instead of a guest.

Thanks to those of you who save the ring tabs on cans. They are used to give cancer treatments to children at Texas Children’s Hospital. Let’s see how many we can collect.

Friday, April 15 Dance Friday, April 15 will be the regular third Friday night dance. Linda Kaye and the Kool Katz will be playing the music for great dancing. They are a very good band so come out and enjoy food, friends, and dancing. The theme for this dance is “Cruise the Seas.” Ad-

mission is $6 for members and $8 for guests. The time is 7 to 10 p.m.

Also, do not forget that SPJST Lodge 191 and Lufkin Dance Club are giving dance lessons every Tuesday night this month. If you or someone you know would like to learn to dance or just take a refresher class, you still have time. They are the four Tuesday nights in April; the cost is $6 per lesson. The time is 6:30 to 7 p.m. for registration, and lessons are from 7 to 9 p.m. April 7 was the first lesson, and the turn-out was very good. Bernard and Catherine Hylands are the dance instructors. The dances are waltz, polka, two-step, east coast swing, cha cha, and line dances.

Pat Scogin Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 202 Jourdanton seeks scholarship applicants

Attention Lodge 202, Jourdanton High School Seniors: Lodge 202, Jourdanton is offering scholarships to its graduating seniors.

If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, please email Youth Leader Regina House at spjst202youth@gmail.com or call 830-570-2046. Scholarship applications are due May 31, 2016.

—SPJST—

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

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★ ★ Reunions ★ ★

Reunion notices are published at no charge and as a benefit to our SPJST members. First-run announcements may be edited to fit the space. Thereafter, until the week prior to the reunion date - as space permits notices will be run in an abbreviated form. Please include your SPJST lodge number/name, and your contact phone number. Thank you.

April 16 Rural School Reunion—at SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood Hall in West.

Schools: Alligator, Cottonwood, Denton Hill, Leroy, Leggott, Ross, Tokio, Tours, Closner, Snake Creek, Liberty Hill, Gerald, or any school overlooked. For information call Milton and Irene Peterson 254-533-2372; Al and Georgie Soukup 254-6620839; or Charlie and Irene Barber 254-622-2998. Note: The road to the hall has been closed due to the bridge out so when you leave West on FM 2114 proceed approximately five miles to Adair Road then turn immediately right on to Marek Road then turn right on South Czech Hall Road. Submitted by Milton and Irene Peterson, Lodge 6, Cottonwood.

April 23 Descendants of Cernosek and Amalia Cernosek Peter families—at Holy Rosary Parish Hall, Hostyn.

Contact Frank or Wanda 210-6908237; or 210-262-2839. Submitted

by Willie and Joyce Bohuslav, Lodge 88, Houston.

—SPJST—

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Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Remembering w ‘ hat we lost’. . .

Nov. 5, 2009, Fort Hood Memorial dedicated in Killeen

By Jacob Brooks Killeen Daily Herald March 12, 2016

KILLEEN — Three small boys, all children or grandchildren of those killed on November 5, 2009, approached the stage as about 800 people quietly watched.

They placed their hands over their hearts and began to speak in unison: “I pledge allegiance to the flag . . .”

The audience quickly joined in, creating a resounding, unifying “Pledge of Allegiance” inside the Killeen Civic and Conference Center on Friday, March 11, 2016.

It was one of the many emotional, yet also patriotic, moments that marked the long-awaited dedication ceremony of the November 5, 2009, Memorial, which honors the 12 soldiers and one civilian who were killed and dozens wounded in the mass shooting that day.

“The memorial itself will always be a sobering reminder of what we lost,” said Maj. Gen. John Uberti, deputy commander for III Corps and Fort Hood.

He was one of several speakers at the nearly three-hour event, which ended with the families of the fallen, the wounded and others visiting the memorial adjacent to the conference center.

The $400,000 memorial — which was paid for through donations and inkind services — includes a gazebo, 13 statues symbolizing those killed, and a flag pole in the center.

Wording on the memorial also lists the names of those wounded, including Sgt. 1st Class Paul Martin.

Still a full-time soldier in the active

Guard and Reserves, Martin traveled from his duty station in New York to attend the ceremony in Killeen and see the memorial for the first time.

“It blew my mind,” Martin said of the memorial. It also “tells you the story” of what happened on November 5, 2009, and will allow future generations to understand what happened on that day, he said.

Dignitaries, which included Texas Governor Greg Abbott and other guests at the ceremony seemed equally impressed.

“It’ll last for a thousand years,” said U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock.

“It’s gorgeous.”

Uberti said those who died “made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our nation,” and the strength their families have shown is an inspiration to all.

“This memorial is the torch that keeps them alive in all us,” said the two-star general.

Texas Purple Hearts — the state equivalent of the federal Purple Heart Medal — were also awarded to the soldiers who were wounded or killed.

For the those who died in the attack, family members accepted the award.

As the governor presented the medals, Abbott spoke to each soldier and family individually for about a minute as the audience quietly watched on.

“He asked some very thoughtful questions about how me and my family have been doing,” said Sgt. 1st Class Joy Clark, a medic who was shot

by Nidal Hasan, the former Army major and psychiatrist who was convicted in the attack.

Hasan was found guilty in August 2013 on 13 counts of premeditated murder, and was sentenced to death.

He is currently on death row at Fort Leavenwoth, Kansas, awaiting appeals.

The March 11 ceremony marked another chapter in the lives of the dozens of families and soldiers who were impacted the most on November 5, 2009, when Hasan, armed with a pair of handguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, opened fire in a medical processing station for de-

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ploying troops.

The fallen and wounded soldiers, many of whom are no longer in the Army, were awarded the federal Purple Heart medal last April at Fort Hood, after a lengthy battle with the Department of Defense, which originally classified the shooting as workplace violence. An act by Congress reclassified the shooting as a terror attack, paving the way for the Purple Hearts, awarded to soldiers who are killed or wounded in combat. The Texas Purple Heart is similar, but doesn’t carry the benefits of the federal version.

The families and wounded also came back to the Fort Hood area in 2013 for Hasan’s court-martial, and in the years before that for pre-trial hearings.

With no more looming events or hearings at Fort Hood, it’s uncertain when the families and veterans will unite again.

“I hope this isn’t the last time we get together,” said former Staff Sgt. Alonzo Lunsford, who was shot multiple times by Hasan.

The memorial, however, may be a reason for them to return.

“It’s hard coming back here,” said former Staff Sgt. Shawn Manning, who was also shot several times by Hasan.

But he said he wants to return in the future — to show his family members the memorial.

There’s also talk of a reunion in 2018 in Wisconsin, where several of those who died and wounded were from.

In any event, “we will be there for each other,” said Joleen Cahill, the widow of Michael Cahill, the only

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civilian to die in the shooting.

Michael Cahill, a retired chief warrant officer 2, was working as a physician’s assistant at the processing center when Hasan began firing his weapons at unarmed soldiers. Witnesses said Cahill stormed the shooter that day, attempting to stop him with a chair before he was gunned down.

In May 2011, Cahill was posthumously awarded the Secretary of the Army Award for Valor for his actions on November 5, 2009, and on March 11, his family was presented with gubernatorial recognition from the Texas governor.

His grandson, Brody, was on the stage to help lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the ceremony.

Those who died were “heroes, guides and peacemakers,” Joleen Cahill said. They leave behind “seeds of hope and joy, honor, and laughter.”

The families, she said, “continue to push through . . . There are new days ahead.”

Editor’s Note: Thanks to Killeen Daily Herald for permission to reprint this article.

—SPJST—

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

SPJST President Vanicek addresses assembly at dedication of Fort Hood November 5, 2009 Memorial On behalf of the more than 42,000 SPJST members statewide: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, esteemed and honored guests.

A most sincere thank you to everyone who supported the idea of the November 5, 2009 Fort Hood Memorial.

The mustard seed has become a tree where we may gather to remember and to pay dutiful respect to those who gave their all.

On the afternoon of November 5, 2009, 13 Americans were sacrificed for their country — not on the distant soils of Iraq or Afghanistan — but here — on American soil — in Fort Hood, Texas.

The victims, including the 31 wounded were mainly men and women who were preparing to deploy to battle zones or who had recently returned from them. Thanks to the heroic intervention of two Fort Hood police officers — Kimberly Munley and Mark Todd — the rampage was brought to an end.

In the aftermath of the tragic November 5th shooting, memorial services were held to pay tribute to those who had died and to remember who had been injured. From that initial outpouring of emotion and out of the desire to honor and remember the victims of that tragic event came the concept of establishing a permanent public and living memorial.

The idea to build a memorial to honor the lives of those who were taken and those who were forever changed was conceived by former Harker Heights resident and SPJST Fraternal Life Insurance employee Hiram Dixon.

Hiram served in the U.S. Army from 1969 until 1972, during which time he completed a tour of duty in Vietnam.

Hiram’s original idea for the memorial was for a simple gazebo and garden encircled by 13 trees to honor the victims ...

The memorial would be:

A place to remember . . .

And a place to deliver a message for the generations to come . . .

That we must remain ever vigilant in fighting terrorism.

Mr. Dixon is with us today; please, Hiram, stand and be recognized . . .

As an aside: The American flag which flies today in front of the Killeen Civic and Conference Center was provided by Hiram’s sister, Ellen Krepper, who was a civilian contractor in Afghanistan. The flag was flown aboard a Black Hawk helicopter on July 4, 2010, in a combat mission over northern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

This flag has seen the face of the enemy and bears witness to the capture, detention, and interrogation of terrorist forces threatening the freedom of the United States of America and the world. This flag now flies in remembrance of the soldiers and civilian contractor who lost their lives at Fort Hood, Texas, on November 5, 2009.

It was in the early stages of planning the memorial — following an SPJST press conference hosted on this site — that Salado artist and sculptor Troy Kelly stepped forward to enhance our plan for a simple gazebo and garden with his incredibly personal and moving concept for the memorial. A Vietnam veteran, himself, Troy’s design was a work of art.

Working as partners with the City of Killeen, Killeen Civic and Conference Center Special Events Committee and Killeen Volunteers, Inc., SPJST was honored to spearhead efforts in the public and private sector to build the memorial.

Throughout the spring and summer months of 2010, considerable efforts were made by a committee designated by then Mayor Tim Hancock to determine the exact name, location, design and budget for the project. The Killeen City Council authorized the development of the Fort Hood November 5th, 2009 Memorial at a meeting on June 8, 2010.

Working alongside Mr. Kelley, Killeen area homebuilder Don Farek

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provided project oversight taking the project from artist’s conception and working with engineers to develop completed structural plans. Architect Marty Wall, of First Draft, Inc. and engineer Dennis Dyke, of Abacus Engineering, Inc. were responsible for rendering the building plans for the project. Cloud Construction of Temple, Texas, would later come on to serve as project manager.

An unveiling ceremony of the project design was held on November 5, 2010, for the community and for the families of those who lost loved ones . . .

For the next five years, the Fort Hood Memorial Committee toiled to get the project built . . .

SPJST, its lodges, and its members were honored to support a project of such stature.

Even so, a monumental project such as this carries with it monumental costs and this is where the Fort Hood Memorial Committee under the devoted leadership of Tim Hancock and Fred Latham — and with the support of the local media — really came through rallying the support of the community and of the contractors in order to get the project completed. Joleen, too, you were such an inspirational and instrumental part of that core group that succeeded in its mission. And I must mention Connie Kuehl — Connie and the Killeen Civic and Conference Center have been at the core of this project since Day One. Thank you, too, to the media that helped to convey the message and the vision of the memorial.

Special thanks to KCEN television — NBC’s Central Texas affiliate station — and the Killeen Daily Herald for their longstanding support.

Groundbreaking for the memorial took place July 22, 2014. Esteemed guests at the event included survivors of the shooting, families of the lost, and first responders.

And now the work is done . . . The memorial now stands a place of remembrance and beauty and one that pays dutiful respect to those who gave their all.

May God bless you all and may God bless The United States of America.

—SPJST—

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Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Remembering Our Fallen Remarks Presented by Joleen Cahill wife of Michael G. Cahill

Mike “Doc,” a retired CW2 officer, looked like Santa Clause, spoke life CSpan, laughed like Winston Churchill, and cared for his soldiers, his patients, with tenacity and fearlessness.

Eduardo, a Mexican immigrant who became a respected psychologist, was known for his happiness, his smile, and always ready with a shoulder to lean on.

Justin was a peacemaker and leader who was one of the soldiers who made everyone smile because he was just so charming. He focused on the commonalities rather than the differences.

John, a lifelong San Diego Padres fan, a nurse, and former Navy man, came out of retirement to re-enlist to help his fellow soldiers. He had an affinity for working with the mentally ill.

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Fred never had a harsh word to say about anyone and was one of the best battle buddies one could have. An incredible strength for all those close to him, his bravery affected many.

Jason, JD, who wasn’t into sports, smoking, or partying, was looking forward to starting a family. He was very funny, very quiet, and a very caring, kind, loving person.

Amy, a vivacious person that had a smile that lit up the room, was a true healer. She believed it was her call to help those in need of guidance through her studies in psychology.

Aaron lived life to the fullest, from snowboarding to music to his first love.

He packed all he could into his 19 years on this Earth.

Michael was a huge Lego fan and guitar player. He was a loyal friend and a dedicated musician who spoke through his music, playing at night in the barracks for his buddies.

Russell, a gentle giant who loved learning, joined the Reserves at age 47 and worked closely with PTSD at the

VA as a nurse practitioner. He was working on his PHD in education.

Francheska was dedicated to her education, friends, and country. She loved life, poetry, dancing, and laughter. She was returning home to have her baby.

She was an inspiration to many.

Juanita was a great leader and friend who couldn’t wait to be back in the field with her unit as a nurse practitioner. She specialized in PTSD and TBI. She was a proud, loving grandmother.

Kham, son of Vietnamese refugees, was a joyful spirit who believed in a good laugh and a great joke and he used both to bring people together. His family had a history of military service.

They had a love of family and country and they valued teamwork, unity, humor, kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others. They were the oak trees in their forests, and although we miss their shade, I hope we will all tend to the seeds that they have left us with.

Memorial Bronzes CW2 (Retired) Michael G. Cahill Mike’s favorite books, among many, were Pepys Diary, Calvin and Hobbes, and Ursula LeGuin novels. He was an avid reader of non-fiction, history, politics, the Irish, science fiction, and keeping up with current events. His love for medicine since childhood brought him to a successful career as a Physician’s Assistant for 24 years. A coffee cup was like his third hand, and for each break, there was a cigarette in one of the others.

MAJ Eduardo Caraveo He loved soccer, playing all the time and was on the university team during college. His son John Paul is following in his footsteps. The shoe print, a size 13, is for his love to run, which he did everyday. The bible signifies his strong Christian beliefs, and he was passionate about medicine.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

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SSG Justin M. DeCrow Justin’s computer was a part of him.

An avid video gamer, especially World of Warcraft, he was on his computer after work everyday playing video games. That day he did not have the computer with him. The computer was buried with him.

CPT John Gaffaney The bronze is the Soldier’s Medal, which was awarded for his heroic efforts in his attempt to stop the shooter that day of November 5th. His actions allowed others time to escape the building to safety. He came out of retirement from the Navy to join the Army Reserve.

SPC Frederick Greene Frederick was an avid reader and challenged his soldiers to read. His favorite series included: The Dark Tower, Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The War Hammer. He also loved his tattered Metallica cap, which he wore all of the time.

SPC Jason (JD) Hunt Jason’s grandmother raised greyhounds. He asked if he could adopt one that would not run, and he was given Rex. Jason would take him to the park and watch him chase cats. He told his grandma that she had made a mistake because Rex could run and would probably win any race. Rex could scale a 5-foot fence without touching it.

treasure he shared with his brothers and sister. Everyday a song reminds his family of him. His greatest treasure was love for his family. Once when he was a little boy, he came into the house holding something. When he opened his hands to show his mother his treasured little frog, he told his mother “I’m a frog, I’m a frog.” To his mother, “He was my little frog.”

PFC Aaron Nemelka Aaron’s Treason Box. He loved sports and played most of them and he was really good at everything he tried.

His love of music was also a great

CPT Russell Seager He collected Crayola items and had a collection of them. He required his medic students to use Crayolas to color the human anatomy illustrations for class. The cross belonged to his mother.

SSG Amy Krueger Amy was a vivacious person that had a smile that would light up the room. She loved practicing psychology because she believed it was her calling to help those in need of guidance. The hands that are embracing the open heart show “Amy’s ability to embrace and envelope everyone with her love and lack of judgement.”

PFC Michael Pearson You always saw Michael with his Fender cap on, and he always wore it backwards. You would see him skateboarding down the street with his Fender cap and Fender hoodie on. He also wore it while playing the guitar (he spoke through his music) and playing hackie sack.

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He spent a lifetime as an educator and working in the medical field.

PFC Francheska Velez Francheska loved her soft Scooby Doo. It brought her comfort and strength as she was anticipating becoming a new mother. The baby Scooby Doo was created to represent her unborn baby.

LTCOL Juanita Warman She bought the silver Mercedes convertible sports car while stationed in Germany, and she and friends zipped all over Europe in it. She was really fun and loved having that little car. Her husband still has the car. TJ Max stores and Grand Marnier drinks were also her favorites.

PFC Kham Xiong The vehicle was the first car Kham owned. He had really wanted a sports car, but bought a family 4-door car instead, for he had a wife and three young children.

—SPJST—

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Wednesday, April 13, 2016

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Artist Troy Kelley’’s ’ Concept and Symbolism

After serving in Vietnam and as a retired veteran, I have very strong feelings about what had occurred at Fort Hood, and I have a great affection for all service members. I wanted future generations to know the history of what had taken place on November 5, 2009, but most of all, I wanted to honor the victims that through no fault of their own gave their life on that horrible day.

The centerpiece is the United States flag, which represents unity.

The roof is open to the sky, reaching upward. The United States flag is a symbol of victory and self-assertion and according to George Washington, the flag shows the stars of heaven, the red of mother Earth, and the color white of independence and purity.

On top of the flagpole is the American eagle, which signifies the strength of the nation. When portrayed holding an olive branch in it’s right talon, it symbolizes peaceful intention. The bundle of 13 arrows represents the 13 original states of the Union and signifies Americans’ readiness for war when a defense against aggression becomes necessary, and it is my belief that defense is necessary.

The four large lights will light the flag at night, shining straight up past the flag height. Light traditionally is equated with the spirit, immediately recognizable by its luminous intensity. Light is also the manifestation of morality and intellect. The number of four lights symbolizes north, south, east, and west, the four directions of America.

Around the base of the flagpole, the pavement is in the shape of a circle, which is a perfect shape, containing the whole universe, spirit, mind, and matter. The circle signifies unity that has neither a beginning nor end.

On the top of the columns is a favorite or special object of that person. Each column represents a life, a family, a hometown, and a country.

That person gave their life for all of those things, so they deserve to be remembered and honored not by just Americans, but by all the people of the world.

There is a brick from Building 42003 in the concrete at the two entrances to the memorial.

Hiram Dixon

Pictured are, left to right, Jerry Milan of SPJST Lodge 154, Fort Worth, SPJST Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, and artist Troy Kelley.

TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Amya Rodriguez of Lodge 24, Cyclone sings “God Bless America.” RIGHT PHOTO: State Representative District 55 Molly White of Lodge 47, Seaton. BELOW: Governor Greg Abbott presents Texas Purple Hearts to victims and family members.

The November 5, 2009 Memorial will be a lasting tribute to those who were wounded and to those whose lives were lost. It will stand forever as a place of reflection and remembrance as we remember and honor those who were wounded and those who lost their life in defense of our Nation. It will be a place of healing and closure where not only family members can come but anyone whose heart was touched by such a senseless and tragic event.

To see the November 5, 2009 Memorial become what it is today is awe-inspiring. From the thought of a memorial and doodling on a napkin to the grand masterpiece that was erected in Killeen was a process that SPJST members can and should be proud of. SPJST spearheaded the work and development of the memorial and raised thousands of dollars through fundraising events and donations through our lodge systems. The combined effort of all those involved to complete such a lasting tribute is a true testament to the spirit of fraternalism and SPJST. An idea was conceived because of a heavy heart, a vision by artist and sculptor Troy Kelley was formed, and the ability and willingness to work to see it completed was done by so many people. It could not have been completed without the efforts of Mayor Hancock, Connie Kuehl, Killeen City Council, KCEN-TV, and SPJST President Brian Vanicek as well as all the companies that donated in-kind materials, work, and the countless volunteers. I believe the memorial will be visited for generations to come, and they will see the resolve of a community, and a nation to honor and remember the wounded and fallen and to appreciate the spirit of fraternalism and SPJST.

VĚSTNÍK

Expression of Sympathy

We, the members of SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family of ORA LEE BATLA PLENGEMEYER. Ora Lee Batla Plengemeyer, 84, of Bernardo, Texas, passed away on April 4, 2016, in Katy.

She was born on June 30, 1931, to John and Ora Mae (Kveton) Batla in Altair. On June 21, 1951, she married Howard Jack Plengemeyer in Wharton. Ora Lee worked as an LVN and was a homemaker.

She was a former member of Wharton American Legion Auxil- O. Plengemeyer iary and a member of Bernardo Hermann Sons and SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton.

Ora Lee was a strong, determined woman who lived a life loving her family in a special way. She was a devoted wife taking care of her aging husband for many years. Loving life in the country, she truly enjoyed gardening, growing a wide variety of flowers and plants, raising a number of cats, dogs, various foul birds, feeding deer, bird watching, reading countless books, and watching game shows.

Ora Lee is survived by daughters Debbie Plengemeyer Hubenak of Rosenberg, Donna Plengemeyer Kennedy of Cat Spring, and Diana Plengemeyer O’Teter of Midlothian; sister Bobbie Jean Boatright and husband Dennis of Friendswood; grandchildren Justin Hal Kennedy and wife Jennifer, Blake Avin Hubenak, William Bo Kennedy and wife Valerie, Bart Matthew Hubenak, Steven Patrick O’Teter, and Christopher Ryan O’Teter; and great-grandchildren Jackson Dell Kennedy, Aiden Luke Kennedy, Lindy Anne Kylan, William Colt Kennedy, and Addison June Kennedy.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Howard Jack Plengemeyer; father John J. Batla; mother Ora Mae Batla; brother Johnny Alvy Batla; sister-in-law Jean Batla; and son-in-law Patrick Steven

O’Teter.

Visitation was held Friday, April 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus and at St. Roch Catholic Church in Mentz on Saturday, April 9 from 1 to 2 p.m.

A parish prayer service and rosary was Friday, April 8 at 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home.

Funeral service was Saturday, April 9 at 2 p.m. at St. Roch Catholic Church in Mentz with Monsignor Daniel Scheel officiating.

Burial was in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Ellinger.

Pallbearers were Justin Hal Kennedy, Blake Avin Hubenak, William Bo Kennedy, Bart Matthew Hubenak, Steven Patrick O’Teter, Christopher Ryan O’Teter, John Batla, David Boatright, Sidney Chaka, and Mark Pasqua.

Memorials are suggested to St. Roch Catholic Church, 1600 Frelsburg Road, Alleyton, Texas 78935.

Fraternally, Janie Bucek Secretary/FAC —SPJST—

Expression of Sympathy

We, the members of SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family of MELISSA “EARLINE” MACHA. Earline Macha, 94, of Nederland, Texas, died Sunday, February 21, 2016. She was born on February 13, 1922, in Denton, to Mary Etta Seeyle Garrett and Earl George Garrett. Earline retired from Nederland Independent School District after working 12 years Earline Macha in the school’s cafeteria. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Nederland and was very artistic.

Survivors include son Danny Macha and wife Brenda of Nederland; grandchildren Jeremy, Jordan, and Lyndsie Macha, Tammy Dawson, Russell Hebert, and Kent Romero;

seven great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and nieces Doreen Borel, Jeannette Luce, and Roberta Garrett.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 22 years, Daniel Macha; daughter Joetta Romero; and brother Robert Garrett.

A gathering of Mrs. Macha’s family and friends was from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23 at Broussard’s in Nederland. Her funeral service was at 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 24 at Broussard’s with interment following at Memory Gardens of Jefferson County in Nederland. Complete and updated information may be found at broussards1889.com.

Fraternally, Janie Bucek Secretary/FAC —SPJST—

In Memory of David Zajicek/ Zychek

Every life has a story, but David Zajicek’s life is a melody with guitar accompaniment.

David Bruce Zajicek/Zychek left this world peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, March 31, 2016. He has joined a celestial choir of sweet voices and walks with his Lord Jesus Christ.

Funeral service was held at 10 a.m.

Saturday, April 2, 2016, at Wilkerson-HatchBailey Funeral David Zajicek Home in Waco, Texas. Family members attended David’s private burial service at Corinth Cemetery. Reverend Bruce Copeland officiated.

Born September 17, 1951, in Biloxi, Mississippi, David’s parents A.W. and Lamerle Zajicek brought their firstborn to his beloved Texas as soon as they could, raising their growing family in Buckholts, where David excelled in football at Buckholts High School and graduated in 1970.

Even before graduation, David’s music career had already started as his innate talent as a guitarist was fueled by the emerging rock music industry in Austin, Texas. His entire life was dedicated to performance, arrange-

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

21

ment, production, and engineering all facets in the rock music industry.

David was extremely proud of his two sons, Nathan and Zack Zajicek, who have followed their father in loving and creating music, while Nathan has also excelled in the medical profession, a tradition in the Zajicek family for decades.

David was a member of SPJST Lodge 15, Buckholts.

David is survived by his parents A.W. and Lamerle Zajicek of Buckholts; son Nathan Zajicek of Temple; son Zack Zajicek of McGregor; sister Jennifer Mascorro and husband Sam of Waco; sister Jana Connolly and husband Craig of Temple; brother Scott Zajicek and wife Lisa of Lubbock; six beloved nieces and six nephews.

Pallbearers were San Davis, Gary Pavlica, Ronny Griffin, David Prater, Beau Hill, Tony Calhoun, Bruce Byars, Ted Nugent, and Calvin Ross.

Family and invited friends gathered in celebration of David’s life after burial at Prospect Hall in Riesel.

Memorials may be made to Providence Hospice, 6700 Sanger Avenue, Waco, Texas, 76710.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in the “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.

egf

The Time of His Life: The Music of David Zajicek

David’s unparalleled musicianship transcends a time span of nearly 50 years from his first plastic guitar to his newest Gibson Les Paul added to his collection only recently. His career as lead guitarist began as a teenager with the Austin band Helix, but in 1968 David stepped up as one of the frontrunners in rock music with the original band Texas with Kyle Pilgrim, Ray Ramsey, and Clif Breitweg. With the 1970s bringing David closer to his Central Texas roots, he met lifetime friend and guitarist San Davis and formed tZiah, along with Neil Gunn, Mack Ward, and former Texas keyboardist Clif Breitweg. Opportunity rocked in on professional musicians and hired Texas rockers Morpheus Fargo, David’s newly formed band with tZiah’s San Davis and Mack Ward, plus brothers Mark and Dan Kerr. While the band tested sound gear and was showcased in the Altec Lansing Audio Products Catalog, Morpheus Fargo reveled in the LA music

22

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scene and was featured in Altec Lansing’s promotional ads in Guitar Player magazine.

Not quite ready to return to Texas, David’s next career move was to Denver, Colorado, to join a regional touring group Head First, a band that featured David’s guitarist’s dexterities, gaining him the attention of Keith Olsen, noted producer of such bands as Fleetwood Mac, Foreigner, and Heart. Olsen’s nod resulted in the formation of a band called Airborne, headed up by Dallas native Beau Hill, a seasoned studio musician whose production work had been noticed by Olsen. David and Beau, along with new band mates Larry Stewart, Mike Baird, and John Pierce, were signed to Columbia Records and Irving Azoff’s (Eagles) Frontline Management.

David’s entrance into the recording industry in 1979 as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter provided the education of studio engineering and producingskills he would bring back to Texas in the future.

And bring it on home, he did.

David could never stay gone from Texas for long stretches of time. His family, friends, and his deep-rooted Texas rock style kept him in touch with his beloved Lone Star State.

Christmas was one magical time to bring out all of his guitar playing expertise and gift it to fans, friends, and, of course, family at the legendary Tom Sefcik Hall, in the tiny community of Seaton, a few miles east of Temple.

Together with his loyal, hard-thumping bassist San Davis and the boom of drummer Gary Pavlica on his massive set of drums, David created the hardrockin’, blues bustin’ sound of the Groove Kings, possibly the one constant dynamic in his music career. This group of three was once described as formidable, probably due to their tough and often strenuous efforts in making a trio sound like a roomful of guitars and rhythms pulsating with a beat that dares all not to dance.

The Groove Kings dominated the Central Texas music scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s playing their trademark bluesy rock and roll in local clubs, outdoor venues, and always, always at Sefcik Hall each and every Christmas. In 1982, the Groove Kings toured the state, headlining shows and backing up the legendary Bo Didley, who had heard about the three rockers and hired them as his band for his Texas Tour.

Before slipping out of Texas once again to pursue his interests in Los Angeles, David produced two albums,

Cause An Effect and Behind the 8 Ball with the talents of San and Gary although a plethora of studio recordings remain to be released one day.

During the mid-80s, David picked up on the studio scene once again as a session guitarist in Los Angeles. Soon he was back in his element playing with members of the Steve Miller Band, among others. Never one to gather moss under his feet, David was eager to travel and play live once more. Ken Hensley, keyboardist for the acclaimed U.K.’s Uriah Heep, formed his own band, The Ken Hensley Project, and hand-picked David to be his guitarist on tour.

In between these projects, David would return to Texas, pick up several players such as Paul Brown on sax, Ronny Griffin on drums, and re-enlist bassist San Davis and simply offer to play his heart out as The Zychek Band.

In 1993, David teamed up with another Texas musician and music producer David Prater, who had produced albums for Dream Theater and Firehouse with great success. Prater asked David to help him out on a project for Nightranger, entitled Feeding Off the Mojo for Drive Entertainment. While mainly contributing to song arrangement and supplying backing guitar, keyboard, and bass, the band was impressed enough to offer David a place in the band for a year-long tour in support of their record. It was at this time that band member Jack Blades was on hiatus with the Damn Yankees so David accepted the offer and traveled the world doing what he loved most.

Well into the 1990s, David Zajicek/Zychek continued to collaborate with David Prater on projects around the state, honing his skills in producing, recording, and engineering. In 1998, David was given the opportunity to start his own studio with partner-drummer Ronny Griffin out in the peaceful setting of the China Spring area near Waco. Largemouth Recording Studio, named for Ronny’s favorite fish to catch in area tournaments, became David’s oyster.

With the dawn of a new millennium, David released his own 11-song album entitled New Blood under the band name Dead Heart Beating, produced at Largemouth. Along with David’s powerful guitar, San Davis provided extra guitar and backup vocals, Ronny Griffin on drums kept the heart beating, along with Johnny Big on his six string bass and singing backup vocals as well. Largemouth Recording Studio continues to serve

bands, local and statewide, seeking out David’s expertise in meticulously producing the sounds unique for the many styles of Texas music today.

Time marched on for David Zychek and his instincts carried him along as he stepped up to tour the world with various artists, even in the country music genre. He collaborated with British singer/songwriter Deborah Joan Jones of the band Stealing Wishes, providing guitars along with drummer and Largemouth owner Ronny Griffin, where their debut album was recorded.

Rock hero Ted Nugent also called on David to collaborate on his projects since Nugent had moved his family to the Central Texas area.

Perhaps the most fun of all the bands for which David Zajicek/Zychek has supplied stinging guitar and screaming vocals, the Mojo Assassins might just be it. Taking their cues from the rich culture of bassist and lead vocals of Tony Calhoun, who has jammed with Prince, Blondie, Parliament Funkadelic, Buddy Guy, Sam and Dave and even more artists, how can this trio be anything but pure funk and fun? Ronny Griffin brings in his own attitude with his love of the New Orleans Jazz Festivals, which ignited the spark and the sparkle of the band.

Add the spice of David Zychek who always stirs things up with his guitar

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work and the Mojo Assassins bring on the smiles. Their debut album Mojo Assassins was created nowhere else but Largemouth Recording Studio, and their second album is in the works.

The history of David Bruce Zajicek’s music and recording career is in itself a grand production. Not every detail can possibly be known as David’s fans, friends, and family know—David always had something up his sleeve or under his hat. His works will continue to grow, his voice and guitar will never be silenced. His two most grand productions are his sons Nathan and Zack Zajicek who have been central in David’s career.

How else can it be explained why David kept a beeline in and out of Central Texas? Sure, it was the music but it was more for the love of his sons, his family, his friends, band mates, and fans.

Through us all and our love of his antics on stage, his loud, raw solos— up and down the neck of his guitar forever, and his smiling Texas drawl saying, “Ain’t nuthin’ but a thang,” David will never leave us, will never be forgotten. He may have ruined our hearing but that’s the price we gladly pay for the love and the music from our own Texas Guitarist Extraordinaire.

—SPJST—

We Will

Remember West, Texas

April 17, 2013

VĚSTNÍK

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.

District Three Youth Development Workshop, lock-in set for April 23-24

You’re invited! Bring a friend!

SPJST District Three Youth Development Workshop and Lock-in is Saturday, April 23, 2016, at 6 p.m. through 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 24. The workshop and lock-in will be held at SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth National Hall, located at 3316 Roberts Cut-Off Road in Fort Worth, Texas. We will then go to Lodge 154, Fort Worth for the District Three Spring Meeting.

The will be an interactive and informative workshop and lock-in. Sessions include crafts, public speaking, talents, team building, meeting protocol, socials, games, etc.

We hope that you will plan to attend and be a part of this fun and educational workshop and lock-in. Please RSVP by Monday, April 18 to District Three Youth Counselor Kay Weeks 817-896-5277.

Fraternally, Kay Weeks District Three Youth Counselor —SPJST—

District Seven Youth Development Workshop this Saturday

SPJST District Seven Youth Development Workshop is this Saturday, April 16, 2016, at The Racquet Club of Camino Real, located at 5 Courtside Circle in San Antonio, Texas 78216 from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m.

The District Seven Youth Development Workshop will be an informative afternoon of fun and information.

Lunch and registration will be from 12 noon to 12:30 p.m. We are very happy to SPJST Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny to be one of our presenters this year. She will focus on photography, Vestnik submissions, and photography careers.

You will need to bring a camera or your iPhone. We are looking forward to some great photography entries at YAD this year.

Other topics will include “What is the President’s Volunteer Service Award and How Does it Affect Me?” and “What is a Merit Point and How Can I Earn Merit Points?” There will be door prizes, games, and a special informative session for parents.

District Seven Spring Outing The District Seven Spring Outing is Saturday, April 16 at San Antonio Botanical Gardens from 3 to 5 p.m.

Please inform your youth leader no later than Wednesday, April 13 if you will be attending the youth development training, the outing at the botanical gardens, or both. If you do not have a lodge youth leader, please notify District Seven Youth Counselor Lian Pruski by emailing lian-

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

pruski@gmail.com or calling 830480-2737.

Don’t forget the camera!

—SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Leader shares upcoming activities

Dear Věstník Readers, We had our District Two Spring Meeting on Sunday, March 13, 2016, at Lodge 48, Beyersville. Registration started at 1 p.m. for the thank you card contest, and the meeting began at 2 p.m.

Election of district youth club officers was held. Tyson Bilbrey will be one of the District Two Flag Bearers.

Following the meeting, we had a silent auction, rice and beans collecting, Easter egg hunt with a visit from the Easter bunny, and a meal.

Youth who placed in the card contest were: Ages 6 to 8, first place Camden Bartek; second place - Tyson Bilbrey; Ages 9 to 11, third place Emma Regan; Ages 12 to 14, first place - Dannikka Bartek; third place -

State Duchess Makayla Newsom Makes Kolaches for Easter

State Duchess Makayla Newsom of Lodge 48, Beyersville makes kolaches on Good Friday and Saturday, March 25 and 26 for her family and friends for Easter.

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Chase Alexander; Ages 15 to 17, third place - Hunter Bartek.

March 19 - State Youth Leaders’ Retreat: We had a meeting at the SPJST Home Office. We talked about membership drives, changes to the rule book, and YAD projects. We rotated through different groups and got a lot of new ideas then we all met at Spare Time for dinner and service awards. Allocation checks were handed out then we all had fun bowling.

April 3 - We had our monthly meeting starting at 1 p.m. President Hunter Bartek called the meeting to order and asked Kasen Carroll to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, SPJST club motto, and a moment of silence. We had 34 members present. April birthdays are Kasen Carroll, Rebecca Federle, and Tammy Martinez.

Thanks to everyone who sold tickets for the raffle to support the Frank Klinkovsky Scholarship Fund. The drawing was held after the meeting.

The mother lodge meeting began at 2 p.m. Then we honored 75-year member Betty Lou Marek, and 50-year members Patricia Pechal, Dale Pechal, Lucy Mihatsch, Charles Wigginton, Brian Kosel, and Barbara Brenek.

Supreme Lodge President Brian Van-

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Lodge 24, Cyclone Youth Promotes SPJST at Egg Hunt

Lodge 24, Cyclone Youth Club promoted SPJST at the Rogers community Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 26, 2016. Special thanks to Zoe Talasek of Lodge

icek spoke about the events of 1966.

Then we had a very nice lunch.

Thanks to everyone who brought food and to the members who prepared the meat.

New Business Saturday, April 9 at Star Hall, we will make potato salad for the beseda fundraiser for April 10. Then a youth development workshop for District Two members will be held at noon with a meeting. We will eat hot dogs.

47, Seaton for arranging the Easter Bunny’s appearance at the event. Youth enjoyed visiting with the bunny and learning about the SPJST Youth Program.

Then we will all meet at Buc-cee’s and travel to Waco to Cameron Park Zoo. Sunday, April 10 - District Two Beseda Fundraiser and prize drawing at Seaton Star Hall starts at 11 a.m.

Barbecue chicken plates - $8.

Friday, April 15 - District Two Youth Leaders Training will be in Salado.

Sunday, April 17 - We will have a battle dance with the Majek’s and Fritz Hodde at Seaton Star Hall. Doors open at 1 p.m.; dance starts at 2 p.m. The

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club Celebrates Leader’s Birthday

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club met on Sunday, March 20, 2016, at Taiton Community Center for its April meeting.

LEFT PHOTO: Youth help celebrate Leader Ms. Lisa

Bubela celebrate her birthday. BELOW PHOTOS: Youth are pictured during the meeting.

—Submitted by Kirby Bubela, Assistant Youth Leader

youth club will run the kitchen. If you can help, please contact Amber. We would appreciate it.

Saturday, May 7 - SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration at Seaton Star Hall, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission. Registration for the car show is 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. If you are interested in having a booth for arts and crafts, service or auto-related items, contact Lynette Talasek 254931-0639 no later than April 27.

There will be music by the Praha Brothers from 11 to 2 p.m., kolacheeating contest, kids’ zone, silent auction, and living history demonstrations. Our youth club will have the kitchen selling barbecue-onbun, Slovacek sausage, turkey legs, hot dogs, and chips.

Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Club will have breakfast this year starting at 7 a.m. till they sell out. Please help our two youth clubs and enjoy some good food.

At the April 3 lodge meeting, we had guest speaker Jeff with Kids Against Hunger. On May 14, we will pack food for our Join Hands Day project. Their facilities are located at 4501 South General Bruce Drive in Temple so we will need to raise $575 to feed 2,200 kids at the car show and for our yearly donation to SPJST Education and Nature Center and Czech Heritage Museum so please respond to Amber’s email to sign up to work on this busy day.

Flag Day Essay Contest and camp online registration are both due by May 31. The theme for this year’s Flag Day Contest is “My American Freedom” Younger members can color a flag. Details at the next meeting. All winners will be announced at the SPJST Flag Day Ceremony on June 14.

Continued on page 27.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

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2015 - 2016 Youth Club Member Update - Merit Points and Meeting Attendance

Third Quarter Merit Points and Meeting Attendance The totals below in the column labeled “Pts” are merit points earned in the June 2015 to February 2016 youth year. This is total merit points for the 2015-2016 youth year thusfar. Please see “What is the Merit Point System?” for complete information about the contest.

The number in the column labeled “Mtgs” is the number of meetings each youth club member has attended from June 2015 to February 2016 youth year. Please see “What is an Active Youth Member?” below to determine number of meetings needed to participate in youth activities.

What is the Merit Point System?

Youth club members earn merit points for participating in SPJST lodge, district and state activities. At the end of the youth year, points are totaled and the youth with the highest points in the youth club receive cash awards.

Contest Dates June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016

Merit Point Contest Age Divisions Junior—Entering Kindergarten to Age 12 Teen—Age 13 to High School Senior

Rules The youth leader or assistant youth leader is responsible for keeping track of the merit points for each active member of the youth club. The points are to be sent to the State Youth Director on the Quarterly and Merit Point Reports each quarter. Youth club members are also encouraged to keep up with their points and turn them in to the youth leader on a quarterly basis. This system helps both the youth leader and the youth member keep better records of youth participation.

Current, official Quarterly and Merit Point Reports, available from the State Youth Director may only be used in the Merit Point Contest.

The Quarterly and Merit Point Reports sent to the State Youth Director by the youth leader will be kept on file for at least six months following the conclusion of the contest.

Merit points are earned for only those activities listed under Youth Point Values. An activity can only earn points in one category on the point sheet.

When in doubt about any activity earning points, contact the State Youth Director prior to the contest conclusion.

Everyone will be subject to the same rules in every contest. Failure to comply with any rule shall mean immediate withdrawal.

Merit Point Awards First through fifth place awards are presented in the junior and teen divisions of each youth club. The amount of points that top winners receive in both divisions will determine where the point rankings of the first through fifth winning categories begin. First place winners will be those equal to and 20 points below the top place winner in their age division. Second Place will be 21 to 40 points below the top winner in their age division. Third place will be 41 to 60 points below the top winner in their age division. Fourth place will be 61 to 80 points below the top winner in their age division. Fifth place will be 81 to 100 points below the top winner in their age division.

Awards are presented on the lodge, district, and state levels in the junior and teen merit point contests. At each District YAD, the Home Office presents first through fifth place awards to qualifying junior and teen youth club members. The junior and teen with the most points in each district also receive recognition. In the event of a tie, all who tied for first place will receive the award.* Junior and Teen Point Awards First Place $30 Second Place - $25 Third Place - $20 Fourth Place - $15 Fifth Place $10

What is an Active Youth Member?

A youngster with a current SPJST insurance certificate may enter the youth program the youth year that he/she will be entering kindergarten.

To be considered active, youth club member must attend a majority (seven) of the monthly meetings during the year. The youth must attend the majority of these meetings at his/her home youth club. In those instances where a lodge does not have a youth club, the youngster may attend adult lodge meetings or the meetings of another youth club. The youngster will be eligible for camp and Youth Achievement Day (YAD) after the completion of his/her kindergarten year. Active youth members must be single and not be pregnant or a parent. The age of the youth on June 1 of the current youth year will be the recognized age in the SPJST Youth Program (camp, YAD, contests, etc.).

The youth year begins June 1 and ends May 31. Youth club eligibility ends when the youth graduates from high school.

Dist Ldg Name Pts Mtgs

Dist Ldg

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17

District Number Lodge Number Youth club member Merit points earned June to November 2015 Youth club meetings attended June to Nov.

Name

Pts Mtgs

Alexis Macik 29 Allison Wilkerson 54 Braxton Faust 74 Brayden Macik 23 Caleb See 96 Carlee See 85 Colby See 96 Colton Alpha 26 Colton Orsak 107 Dakota Kienow 73 Grace Lewis 118 Hagan Sebesta 83 J. Beaux Hruska, II 84 Jade Lauderdale 45 Jake Green 5 Jaxson Brisco 38 Jaycie Brisco 53 Joey Sosa, Jr. 12 Joshua Green 73 Kade Junek 30 Kamree Walker 104 Kaylea Walker 69 Kirk J. Macik 28 Kohl Junek 13 Konnor Eldridge 47 Kyleigh Hruska 105 Layla Sims 61 Madelyn Rodriguez 103 Makenzie Williams 49 Malorie Vacha 66 Marissa Villarreal 12 Morgan Sebesta 85 Natalee See 92 Natalie Vacha 66 Payton Williams 38 Riley Green 66 Ryder Becka 21 Sierra Sebesta 83 Sydney Faust 91 Tatiana Tates 110 Taylor Groce 11 Wesley See 80 William See, IV 93 William Sims, Jr. 74 Abigail (Abby) Lopez 28 Addison Holcomb 21 Alexia Perkkio 5 Ashlyn Kellum 107 Brandon Powell 64 Carson Parker 54 Chandler Sebesta 109 Cobey McCuller 81 Cullen Stone 6 Dillon Narro 134 Emma Loehr 27 Jada Parks 67 Kadie Hartman 16 Kellie Ihlenfeldt 36 Kent Prescott 5 Macey McCuller 80 Macy Narro 128

4 6 6 4 9 8 8 2 9 5 8 8 6 5 0 5 7 2 6 1 9 8 4 1 7 9 7 9 6 8 2 8 7 8 6 6 2 7 7 9 0 7 9 5 3 2 0 8 7 6 7 7 1 9 3 4 1 4 1 7 9

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

17 17 17 17 17 17 17 186 186 186 186 186 186 186 186 186 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 47 47

Madison Kellum 100 Maylee Dowell 100 Mitchell Parks 35 Rylie Lloyd 27 Tabor Dowell 108 Weston Beasley 82 Wyatt Beasley 92 Ciara Coker 96 Elias Rose 82 Faith Vann 49 J.T. Enrique, III 93 Jessica Enrique 93 Keith Ramon 61 Kyle Brinkman 85 Marina Brinkman 90 Patsy Pineda 53 Ella Washam 56 Gabriel Dalton 22 James Cavan Vestal 5 James Teague, Jr. 84 Journie Gaines 74 Kegan Vestal 6 Kenna Braden 18 Matthew Cavanaugh 5 Ramsey Washam 51 Sebastian Goodman 41 Sterling Marshall 61 Trey Cavanaugh 5 Abigail Bruggman 33 Abigail Hoelscher 38 Allison Evatt 18 Cade Campbell 35 Cole Campbell 34 Emily Evatt 23 Emma Hoelscher 38 Jennifer Hoelscher 50 Jonathan Maddux 18 Luke Ray 28 Macey Malcik 67 Madison Malcik 26 Meghan Malcik 62 Michael Hoelscher 33 Nash Campbell 35 Seth Ray 28 Shelby Bruggman 34 Ty Stock 38 Tyler Evatt 18 Aaron Kaderka 89 Amanda Kaderka 80 Ayden Bean 12 Bailey Sumner 61 Brandon Girod 66 Christian Moore 21 Cody Voigt 59 Collin Whatley 37 Colten Voigt 77 Emily Sumner 66 Hailey Girod 106 Cheyenne Voigt 59 Joseph Kaderka 65 Kaden Kaderka 13 Kaitlyn Whatley 46 Kara Kaderka 100 Kelsey Moore 31 Kylee Halbrook 79 Lauren Jirasek 46 McKensie Falk 46 Timothy John Hajda 67 Abigale Mitchan 16 Angelina Ringwald 96

25 8 8 1 3 9 5 7 9 7 5 9 9 7 9 9 7 6 3 1 8 8 1 3 1 6 7 7 1 4 1 3 5 4 3 1 4 2 3 6 5 6 1 5 3 5 4 3 7 9 2 7 9 1 6 5 6 7 9 5 8 3 5 9 3 7 8 6 8 1 7

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

26 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 80 80

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2015 - 2016 Youth Club Member Update - Merit Points and Meeting Attendance

Ariana Federle Bayley Mitchan Bella Mitchan Brady Alexander Brayden Gilliam Brienna Correll Brinley Belson Bryson Correll Camdon Bartek Carson Erskine Carson Hinojosa Nash Belson Chase Alexander Colby Marinik Colton Regan Dannikka Bartek David Hejl Dawsen Carter Elisa Ranly Emma Ranly Emma Regan Erin Perry Garrett Festa Hunter Bartek Ian Ranly Jackson Erskine James Bostick Jaysen Carter Josh Mitchan Julia Zavodny Justin Kraatz Kal-El Martinez Kasen Carroll Katelyn Erskine Kimora Davis Koby Stone Kyler Skrabanek Kyndall Carroll Logan Erskine Lydia Federle Madison Roantes Mason Hinojosa Mason Roantes Morgan Porubsky Payton Porubsky Peyton Malina Rebecca Federle Ryan Festa Seth Martinez Tamryn Stock Tara Sires Tyson Bilbrey Zoe Talasek Alyssa Nira Brooke Newsom Emily Filla Hannah Stefek Hayden Johns Hayden Stefek Kacie Vanecek Kayla Wuensche Laney Martinez Makayla Newsom Mason Bosley Sarah Bosley Trent Wuencshe Trevor Wuensche William Bosley Alex Barton Allison Janke

69 16 30 122 89 34 90 29 92 74 48 76 116 5 55 86 2 29 42 43 96 22 93 859 46 66 89 35 30 73 132 112 65 76 100 44 33 63 75 69 47 41 41 66 28 18 69 96 122 31 6 106 121 52 80 39 43 5 43 76 99 22 88 31 43 98 94 59 61 37

6 1 3 9 8 4 7 4 8 7 5 6 8 0 4 9 0 3 6 6 7 2 9

6 7 8 4 3 7 9 8 5 7 8 6 5 5 7 6 5 4 5 6 2 2 6 8 9 4 1 8 8 7 8 3 5 1 5 8 9 4 8 5 9 9 8 7 9 5

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 182 182 187 187 187 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 84 84 84 84 84 84 154 154 154 154 154 154 154 154 154 154 154 154 154 154 154 154 183 183 183

Blazley Wooley 9 Brooke Tubbs 53 Clayton Taisler 59 Cole Vaughan 35 Hannah Ward 21 Jacob Horak 107 Mackenzie Barton 55 Molley Taisler 43 Shelby Horak 98 Bailee Beckendorf 66 Paetyn Beckendorf 66 Alexandria Johnson 66 Alexis Meyer 15 Luke McCarthy 68 Aubrianna Dobecka 38 Carter Charanza 75 Dakota Holder 113 John Peterson 17 Payton Ferguson 57 Quinlan Dobecka 112 Rendon Dobecka 110 Amanda Droste 44 April Dvorak 112 Aubrey Roberts 32 Austen Holland 68 Brandon Droste 43 Chad Jurik 43 Cody Nelson 113 Devin Krajca 71 Erica Clark 1 Hanna Slovak 68 Hayley Slovak 82 Lane Slovak 78 Lundyn Hovis 58 Madeline Clark 3 Madison Holland 68 Makenzie Nelson 115 Misty Dvorak 113 Olivia Zmolik 64 Paige Tignor 93 Payton Arciba 7 Pierce Tignor 112 Preston Sullivan 103 Samuel Zmolik 70 Zoe Hovis 66 Jason Sims 100 Josh Tucker 100 Kendall Tucker 89 Megan Ruzicka 83 Melinda McClellan 93 Ryan Ruzicka 85 Angel Pace 61 Athens Milan 61 Case Mason 54 Clark Jones 101 Dylan Kearney 71 Holly Jones 114 Jazmine Mason 54 Macy Jones 112 Madalyn Stoeppleman 60 McKenzie Burcie 88 Miles Jones 108 Rachael Humphreys 57 Randall Gage Cornell 6 Reid Jones 108 Sophie Milan 110 Sydney Milan 64 Brittney Higgins 69 Cassidy Higgins 64 Colby Pustejovsky 5

1 6 7 5 3 9 7 7 9 6 6 8 3 8 5 9 9 3 8 9 9 5 8 4 4 5 6 9 6 0 5 7 7 3 0 4 8 9 6 7 0 9 9 7 5 9 9 9 8 8 8 7 9 7 7 9 9 7 9 8 9 9 8 1 9 9 9 5 5 1

3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

183 183 183 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 215 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 142 142 142 142 142 142 142 162 162 162 162 162 162 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30

Destiney Higgins Mira Bralic Sara Stiborek Brody Schwertner Grace Schwertner Olivia Schwertner Colt Schwertner Bella Schwertner Hunter Wood Sutton Schwertner Morgann Wood Tanner Wood Tracy Schwertner Addee Williams Anna Gadway Baley Stavinoha Brady Dostal Brennan Vacek Brianna Nesvadba Bryce Nesvadba Brylie Nesvadba Elizabeth Dostal Evan Stavinoha Madeline Gadway Madison Schultz Maxx Stavinoha Samantha Dostal Sierrah Sivils Addison Shaffner Anahi Guerrero Brooke Siblik Catherine Casey Cheyenne Parker Claire Casey Daden Chmiel Emma Shaffner Jade Caffey Jered Polly Juan Guerrero Denae Bronikowski Keith Wockenfuss Megan Pflughaupt Nathan Polly Reagan Siblik Sean Moncrief Sergio Guerrero Tyler Parker Grace Owens Grant Slaid Gunnar Owens Karley Kieschnick Kaylee Kieschnick Sage House Zoe Saxton Alyssa Moyle Avery Moyle Delaney Bourque Jaci Malovets MacKenzie Collins Zachary Collins Andrew Kresta Bethany Baker Brittany Baker Brooke Bacak Chelsea Korenek Emily Kresta Faith Korenek Grant Bubela Jacob Supak Lauren Kresta

56 10 13 103 111 108 89 109 122 113 103 121 89 66 63 60 42 10 54 49 44 42 63 66 52 64 47 6 18 75 10 19 59 5 18 18 47 128 71 79 126 38 128 10 38 38 62 25 10 5 77 41 5 74 97 79 37 45 69 64 69 112 117 115 46 102 44 115 30 102

4 2 2 8 8 8 7 8 9 8 7 9 7 9 6 6 4 2 5 5 4 4 6 6 5 6 4 0 3 8 1 1 5 1 3 3 6 9 8 5 9 6 9 4 3 7 5 4 2 1 8 5 1 8 8 9 5 7 8 7 7 8 9 9 5 9 5 9 3 9

6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

30 30 30 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 148 148 148 148 148 148 148 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202

Luc Marcaurele 105 Shelby Krpec 62 Simone Riha 111 Adryanna Manzano 106 Aiyana Gonzalez 80 Angelica Manzano 103 Itzel Gonzalez 79 Kelly Taylor 106 Kierra Taylor 106 Maysen Manrriquez 58 Sky Garcia 109 Taylor Manrriquez 56 Trianna Manzano 91 Blake Zielonka 61 Brooke Anne Bexley 61 Camdan Zielonka 81 Chloe Zielonka 81 Myranda Zielonka 61 Taylor Thurmond 51 Tristan Voldan 81 Abigail Schmidt 82 Briana Woodall 34 Caiden Haag 5 Cameron Woodall 39 Catherine White 35 Elizabeth Hancock 60 Elizabeth White 46 Emily Hancock 60 Ethan Hilbig 91 Gatlin Mills 83 Gillian Lewis 18 Hannah Hancock 48 Jacob Jurica 63 Jody Jurica 80 Jordan Woodall 104 Katherine Haag 76 Kendall Lewis 20 Keriann Kallus 36 Leah McDonald 78 Madeline Kitchen 62 Mallory Velasquez 96 Mary O'Gorman 84 Megan Ohnheiser 6 Noah Schmidt 57 Payton Mills 81 Regan Lewis 47 Rileigh Kitchen 99 Ross Jaroszewski 81 Tate Smith 25 Tyler Hilbig 96 Zack Howard 79 Adeline Mares 34 Amanda Hoggard 113 Ciara Popham 79 Diego Valdez 73 Frederick Lopez 66 Geneva Lopez 41 Isabella Wiederhold 44 Joshua Spence 77 Katlyn Polasek 97 Kelly House 100 Kylie Bosquez 18 Madisynn De La Garza 5 Maecee De La Garza 33 Samara Valdez 68 —SPJST—

8 8 9 8 6 7 4 8 8 7 8 6 5 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 8 5 1 5 5 7 6 7 9 8 1 6 6 6 9 8 2 5 7 7 9 9 1 7 8 6 7 7 4 9 7 4 9 7 8 7 3 5 6 9 9 1 0 4 7

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

Youth Letters

Continued from Page 24.

Thursday, June 9 to Sunday, June 11 - Leaders-in-Training Camp at SPJST Education and Nature Center.

You must have registered by May 15 online. Make sure you have a copy of your shot records.

Please let Amber know your teeshirt sizes so we can order your camp shirts and our new youth club teeshirts.

Next Meeting—May 1 The next meeting will be on May 1 at 1 p.m.

Our annual picnic will be on June 5. Watch for details in the Věstník.

Fraternally, Joyce Kraatz, Youth Leader —SPJST—

27

Lodge 47, Seaton Leaders Participate in Workshop

SPJST President Brian Vanicek shares ideas and displays an antique cream separator from the Czech Heritage Museum at the Youth Leaders Workshop on Saturday, March

19, 2016. RIGHT PHOTO: State Youth Director Lynette Talasek, left, and Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez, both of Lodge 47, Seaton, lead the workshop.

District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky, in back, and Assistant Youth Counselor Amber Bartek, both of Lodge 47, Seaton present ideas in a workshop session. RIGHT PHOTO: Taking a bowling break are

Sharla Pechal of Lodge 47, Seaton; Cristy Girod of Lodge 29, Taylor; and David Nauert of Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy.

—Submitted by Joyce Kraatz, Youth Leader

Lodge 47, Seaton youth attends district meeting

On March 13, I went to Beyersville for the District Two Spring Meeting.

There was an Easter egg hunt. I got flag bearer. I also got second place in the thank you card contest.

Tyson Bilbrey, age 8 —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton youth loves SPJST!

I love SPJST. It is the best. I like how we do a lot of fun stuff. If I wasn’t in this youth club, I don’t know what I would do.

Kasen Carroll —SPJST—

Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Club shares news A Giant Rat

Dear SPJST, Yesterday, Butch found a giant rat.

My cousin Tanner caught it.

Colt Schwertner •••

First Place in Card Contest

Dear SPJST, Yesterday I won first place in the card contest at my district spring meeting.

Traay Schwertner •••

Sheep Named Andy

Dear SPJST, We have a sheep. His name is Andy.

He will nibble everywhere.

Bella Schwertner •••

Trip to Abilene

Dear SPJST, On Saturday, we went to Abilene for SPJST. After we were done, we went shopping. We had so much fun.

Olivia Schwertner •••

Helping With Animals

Dear SPJST, My family and I rescued a little lamb named Andy. He has to be bottle fed because his mom didn’t claim him.

We have had him for about three days.

I love helping out with the animals.

Grace Schwertner •••

Driving Around

Dear SPJST, Last night, we went driving around the field. We had a bunch of cars. We were chasing each other.

Hunter Wood •••

Go-Carts and Hunting

On Saturday night, my cousins and I went driving around on go-carts and rangers. After that, we went rabbit hunting until 1:30 in the morning. We killed about seven or eight rabbits, and we had a great time laughing and just having fun!

Morgann Wood •••

Mom Freaked Out!

Yesterday, my dad found a giant rat.

Colt and I caught it. We kept it to scare my mom. She freaked out! We will keep it until it dies. That was the biggest rat I have ever found.

Tanner Wood •••

Chasing Each Other

We were riding the ranger, and we were talking and driving around my field with the Jeep. We were chasing each other. I won the race.

Brody Schwertner —SPJST—

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Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club meets May 1

I attended the Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club meeting on Sunday, April 3, 2016. We discussed upcoming activities including the District Five Spring Meeting, a District Five outing, District Five YAD, camp, and other important dates.

Next Meeting—May 1 Our next meeting will be held on Sunday, May 1 at 2 p.m.

Fraternally, Nathan G. Polly, Reporter —SPJST—

Happy 11th Birthday, Kasen!

Lodge 88, Houston youth reports on April meeting

On Sunday, April 3, 2016, the Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club held its monthly meeting at 2 p.m. We discussed future youth club events, a District Five Youth Club outing and the District Five Spring Meeting.

After the meeting, I played football with my friends.

Fraternally, Jered J. Polly Publicity Committee —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston youth to visit Czech museum

Dear Members, We had our April meeting last Sunday, April 3, 2016, and talked about the Easter party we had and socials.

We took a picture for the advertisement that will be in the convention book and also for the beans and rice.

We are going to the Czech museum in Houston on Saturday, April 23 and have a picnic lunch at the park. We are supposed to bring our lunch, and our youth leader will bring drinks, chips, and cookies. I hope it doesn’t rain so we can have fun after lunch at the park.

Fraternally, Keith Wockenfuss, President —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

O SPJST Youth Statewide Food Drive O SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club Collects 134 Pounds

In the SPJST State Youth Food Drive, Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club collected 134 pounds of beans and rice . . . and still counting! We would like to thank our members of District Five for their continued support in helping us reach this goal.

—Submitted by Denae Bronikowski

Lodge 155, Austin Youth Club sets April 17 fun day

Dear Members, Welcome to District Two’s new youth leader Ashley Tullos of Lodge 155, Austin. I am really excited for Ashley to be a part of our District Two family. Her enthusiasm about the youth is unbelievable.

We welcome all youth in the Austin, Liberty Hill, and surrounding area to a membership drive on Sun-

day, April 17, 2016, from 3 to 5 p.m. This fun event will be held at Courage, Cheer and Dance, located at 134 Jonathan Drive in Liberty Hill which is located across the street from the junior high school.

The facility offers an indoor trampoline, rope climbing, spring boards, and

Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club to join hands to end hunger Happy, happy 11th birthday to our little Kasen Blake of Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club! We love you, and we are so proud of the wonderful young man that you have become.

You keep us on our toes and make us laugh and smile. We could not have asked for a better son than you to fill our days and nights with.

We love you so very much and hope that you have a wonderfully blessed birthday!

With all of our love, Mom, Pops, Kyndall, Lexie and Harley —SPJST—

Kids Against Hunger Director Jeff Pedigo explains the program to Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club members and adults on Sunday, April 3, 2016. Kids Against Hunger is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to end hunger. Kids Against Hunger packages and ships highly nutritious, life-saving meals to starving and mal-

nourished children in developing countries and the United States. The youth club will pack food for its Join Hands Day project on May 14. Kids Against Hunger’s facility is located at 4501 South General Bruce Drive in Temple.

—Submitted by Joyce Kraatz, Youth Leader

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

much more. Other activities will also be provided.

Information on the SPJST Youth Program will be discussed, addressing all the opportunities for members.

Door prizes will be given. Pizza, drinks, and goodies will be served.

Members, if you know any youth or have any family members, kindergarten through high school seniors, please invite them to join us. Of course, we ask parents to come be present.

If you have any questions please contact Ashley by email at a.tullos@yahoo.com.

Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor —SPJST—

29

Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Participate in District Meeting

TOP LEFT PHOTO: District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky of Lodge 47 is pictured with the Easter Bunny and James Teague and Tyson Bilbrey of Lodge 47. TOP CENTER PHOTO: State King Brady Alexander of Lodge 47, Seaton assists at the District Two Spring Meeting on Sunday, March 13, 2016. He is pictured with State Duchess Makayla Newsom and State Queen

Kacie Vanecek, both of Lodge 48, Beyersville. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Tyson Bilbrey looks through his Easter eggs as mom Chelsea looks on. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Youth line up for the Easter egg hunt. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 47 youth at district spring meeting.

—Submitted by Joyce Kraatz Youth Leader

2015-2016 SPJST Youth Clubs’ Third Quarterly Report District One

December • January • February

(Includes Reports Received by April 4, 2016)

Total Lodge Name Attendance Disbursement 9 Snook 87 $174 17 New Tabor 52 $104 186 Caldwell 24 $ 48 District One Average Attendance - 54 20 29 47 48 80 187

6 25 84 154 183

Granger Taylor Seaton Beyersville Holland Round Rock

District Two 23 47 116 38 21 9

$ 46 $ 94 $232 $ 76 $ 42 $ 0*

District Two Average Attendance - 86

District Three

Cottonwood 18 $ 36 Ennis 52 $104 Dallas 15 $ 30 Fort Worth 38 $ 76 Arlington 15 $ 30 District Three Average Attendance - 46

Average Attendance 29 17 8 8 16 39 13 7 3 6 17 5 13 5

49 215

81 88 142 162 40 148 185 202

District Four

Rowena 25 $ 50 South Plains 3 $ 0* District Four Average Attendance - 9

District Five

Needville 17 $ 34 Houston 41 $ 82 Houston 8 $ 0* lowa Colony 13 $ 0* District Five Average Attendance - 27

District Six

El Campo-Hillje 19 $ 38 El Maton 21 $ 42 District Six Average Attendance - 13

District Seven

New Braunfels 72 $144 Jourdanton 31 $ 62 District Seven Average Attendance - 34

State Third Quarter Average Attendance - 269

8 1 6 14 3 4 6 7 24 10

* Youth clubs with an average of less than five active members do not receive any funds during the quarter.

30

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Governor, Czech Ambassador on hand for opening of rebuilt Sokol West Gymnasium

By Stephanie Butts Waco Tribune-Herald November 21, 2016

International dignitaries, along with Governor Greg Abbott, spoke on the friendships built through the construction of the new Sokol West Gymnasium during its ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, November 20, 2015.

In a ceremony held in the new facility on North Davis Street in West, a group of more than 200 people listened as Ambassador of the Czech Republic Petr Gandalovic, among others, praised West residents for their resilience after the West Fertilizer Co. explosion on April 17, 2013, that killed 15 people and leveled portions of the town, including the old Sokol West Gymnasium.

“Something intangible has emerged between the Czech Republic and West, Texas,” Gandalovic said.

“Something that’s been between us, a bond that we might not have been thinking of as strong, has re-emerged . . . This is the result of the tragedy that struck West that night.”

Sokol West, the local branch of a national organization that focuses on physical and moral education for the community, was forced to demolish the former gym and Lone Star Hall

after the blast, Sokol West secretary Mary Beth Dulock said.

The new building is 12,500 square feet, 4,000 square feet larger than the building it is replacing, and has offices and a new upstairs viewing area for parents.

The building took about a year to build and cost about $1.2 million, paid for with insurance money and donations. The gym is scheduled to open in January after the new equipment arrives.

Parents with children enrolled in Sokol’s gymnastics program said they love the new building and thought the ceremony did the facility justice.

West resident Kathy Sembera said she’s a lifetime resident of West and participated in the local Sokol’s programs when she was a girl. Her son now takes gymnastics through Sokol, and she’s pleased with the new building, she said.

“It’s nice. It’s wonderful,” Sembera said.

West resident Jennifer Ashley has both of her daughters enrolled in Sokol’s gymnastics.

“At the old one, they used to have dances and weddings,” Ashley said.

“So hopefully they’ll do it here, too.”

—SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

VĚSTNÍK

Sokol West and AFoCR Dedicate New Gymnasium

From American Friends of the Czech Republic Newsletter Fall 2015 Volume XXI, Number 2

Friday, November 20, 2015, marked a major milestone in the recovery of West, Texas. The Sokol West Gymnasium, for which ground was broken exactly one year before, was dedicated in a joyous celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony. The Sokol gym, along with a significant portion of the town, was destroyed in the April 17, 2013, explosion of the West Fertilizer Plant. Shortly after this tragedy, American Friends of the Czech Republic (AFoCR) Chairman Fred Malek went to West to assess the damage. Mr. Malek saw the need and committed AFoCR to help with West’s recovery. AFoCR returned along with Ambassador Gandalovič to help with the planning, and rebuilding the Sokol gymnasium has been a major project of AFoCR over the past two years.

AFoCR cosponsored the visit of young Czech Sokol members to the Czech Republic, which ultimately led to the sister city partnership now in place between West and the Czech town of Kunovice. AFoCR Director Fritz Duda, a Dallas real estate developer, actively assisted in the design and planning, and AFoCR lead the fundraising effort, which was kicked off with a $200,000 grant from the government of the Czech Republic.

Mr. Duda, Mr. Malek, and Czech entrepreneur Zdeněk Bakala each made gifts of $100,000. Finally, individual AFoCR donors collectively contributed almost $100,000.

Construction of the project began in November 2014 with a groundbreaking attended by Czech Prime Minister

Sobotka and Texas Governor Rick Perry. Mr. Malek spoke about his appreciation of the importance of Sokol while growing up in Berwyn, a suburb of Chicago with strong Czech traditions, and the importance the Sokol facility was to the community in West.

He noted that helping Czech communities with recovery when tragedy strikes is a key AFoCR priority. Special guests at the dedication included Czech Ambassador Petr Gandalovič, current Texas Governor Greg Abbott, AFoCR directors, and leaders of the American Sokol Organization. Governor Abbott and Mary Beth Dulock, Secretary of Sokol West, cut the symbolic red ribbon to open the new gym, alongside Ambassador Gandalovič and Mr. Malek. In his remarks, Mr. Malek congratulated the city of West on its enormously successful recovery and expressed his sense of privilege that AFoCR could play a key role in the creation of the new facility. At the close of the ceremony AFoCR directors Robert Doubek and Phil Kasik unveiled a plaque acknowledging the major contributors to the project. The master of ceremonies for the dedication was Bob Podhrasky, First Vice President of American Sokol and President of Sokol Southern District.

Jean Hruby, President of American Sokol, spoke about the importance of this new beginning as American Sokol celebrates its 150th anniversary year.

After the ceremony, the West High School Junior Historians demonstrated Czech traditional dances and children displayed their gymnastic skills.

On the gym’s outside wall at the entryway is a marble tablet engraved the words, “Byli jsme a budem! We were and we will be!” Indeed they will.

—SPJST—

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

31

32

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Sokol West History

VĚSTNÍK

Sokol means “falcon” in Czech, a bird who by his swiftness and energy symbolizes the active, vigorous, strenuous, real Spartan Life. On January 6, 1980, the unit was named Sokol Gymnastics Association of West and received its charter to the American Sokol Organization in February 1980. Arrangements were made with West ISD to utilize the M.O. Robinson Gymnasium (the former St. Mary’s Gym) for the unit’s gymnastics activities. With many contributors such as Westfest Inc., local banks, area businesses, and individuals, Sokol was able to purchase needed gymnastics equipment. In 1988, Sokol West purchased land from SPJST Lodge 54, West at 1203 North Davis in West. Construction then began on the new facility and was completed in March 1989 and named Sokol West Gymnasium.

In 1913, Lone Star Hall was established by SPJST. In 1979, Sokol became part owner of the hall with SPJST in order to work side by side for a friendlier community. SPJST voted to lease premises to Sokol West for 25 years. Then in 2011, Sokol purchased the other half of Lone Star Hall from SPJST Lodge 54.

The hall was destroyed on the evening of April 17, 2013, when a fertilizer plant exploded in West.

Remembering W ‘ est, Texas . . .

April 17, 2013

We pause in remembrance of those lost three years ago in the West, Texas plant explosion.

President of American Sokol Jean Hruby, left, and City of West Mayor Tommy Muska.

Morris Bridges, Jr., 41, a fire sprinkler technician for Action Fire Pro in Waxahachie and a member of West Volunteer Fire Department.

Perry Calvin, 37, a student at Hill College Fire Academy and a member of Mertens and Navarro Mills volunteer fire departments.

Governor Greg Abbott, left, and Chairman of American Friends of the Czech Republic Fred Malek.

Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, at podium. RIGHT PHOTO: District Three Director John Engelke, left, and President of Sokol Southern District President Bob Podhrasky.

Jerry Chapman, 26, a member of Abbott Volunteer Fire Department and in training to become an emergency medical technician.

Cody Dragoo, 50, a foreman at West Fertilizer Co. and a member of West Volunteer Fire Department.

Kenneth “Luckey” Harris, Jr., 52, a Dallas Fire-Rescue captain and owner of Harris Home Inspections and Construction.

Adolph Lander, 96, a resident of West Rest Haven Nursing Home who died the day after the explosion. His death is attributed to trauma from the blast.

Jimmy Matus, 52, owner of Westex Welding. West Honorary Firefighter.

Sokol West Secretary Mary Beth Dulock, left. RIGHT: SPJST President Brian Vanicek, center, with Jaydean and Wilburn Willis.

Judith Monroe, 65, a native of Sinton, Texas, moved to West in 2001. She was in the apartment complex adjacent to the West Fertilizer Co. plant when it exploded.

Joey Pustejovsky Jr., 29, secretary for the city of West and a volunteer firefighter. His parents and son have spearheaded a project to rebuild the town park complete with a memorial to those lost in the blast.

Cyrus Reed, 29, a member of Abbott Volunteer Fire Department. He was completing his last night of EMT basic training when he went to assist at the plant fire.

Mariano C. Saldivar, 57, a native of Mexico, lived in an apartment complex adjacent to the fertilizer plant. Saldivar retired to West after working for years in the warehousing industry in California.

Kevin Sanders, 33, a member of Bruceville-Eddy Volunteer Fire Department, was taking an EMT class when he went to assist at the plant fire.

Doug Snokhous, 50, a Central Texas Iron Works employee and a member of West Volunteer Fire Department.

Robert Snokhous, 48, a Central Texas Iron Works employee and a member of West Volunteer Fire Department.

William “Buck” Uptmor, Jr., 45, owner of fence-building company Uptmor Welding and Construction.

West Honorary Firefighter.

Source: www.wacotrib.com —SPJST—

Podpora

VĚSTNÍK

BENEVOLENCE

ROČNÍK 104 CISLO 15

“Czech That Film” coming to Dallas and Austin

The annual Czech film festival — “Czech That Film” — is coming to Dallas (April 11 to 13) and Austin (April 19 to 21)! “Czech That Film” will be appearing in 18 cities throughout the United States and Canada in 2016.

First organized in 2012, the event was established to accommodate increased interest in Czech cinema and culture in the United States.

Angelika Film Center is located at 5321 East Mockingbird Lane in Dallas, Texas 75206. The Texas Theatre is located at 231 West Jefferson Boulevard in Dallas, Texas 75208. Violet Crown Cinema is located at 434 West Second Street in Austin, Texas 78701.

Home Care Domácí péče, 2015, 93 min.

Director: Slávek Horák Cast: Alena Mihulová, Bolek Polívka, Tatiana Vilhelmová, Zuzana Kronerová Producer: Slávek Horák Director of photography: Jan Šťastný Screenplay: Slávek Horák Monday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Dallas - Angelika Film Center

Tuesday, April 19 at 7 p.m.

Austin - Violet Crown Cinema

Dedicated home care nurse Vlasta attends her whimsical patients in the Czech wine country. She lives for her husband and daughter. One day, things change and she is forced to step outside of her comfort zone. Drama and gentle humor intertwin as Vlasta realizes that she might need some care, too.

Please note that both the Dallas and Austin showings of the film “Home Care” will include question and answer sessions with director Slávek Horák.

★

Lidskost

Česká

HUMANITY

Bratrství Wednesday, April 13, 2016

★

Část

Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas

Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897

Invention for Destruction Vynález zkázy, 1958, 81 min.

Director: Karel Zeman Cast: Arnošt Navrátil, Lubor Tokoš, František Šlégr, Miloslav Holub Producer: Zdeněk Novák Director of photography: Jiří Tarantík Screenplay: Karel Zeman, František Hrubín, Jiří Brdečka, Milan Vácha Tuesday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Dallas - Texas Theatre

Wednesday, April 20 at 7 p.m.

Austin - Violet Crown Cinema

Undersea fantasy chronicler Jules Verne provides the subject material for what is not only Zeman’s most popular film, but the most successful Czech film of all time. The film screened simultaneously in 96 theaters in New York City upon release and received the Grant Prix at Expo ‘58. Visually jaw-dropping, poetic and bubbling with imagination, this film restoration is an incredible experience!

Gangster Ka Gangster Ka, 2015, 100 min.

Director: Jan Pachl Cast: Hynek Čermák, Predrag Bjelac, Vlastina Svátková, Filip Čapka Producer: Adam Dvořák Director of photography: Marek Janda Screenplay: Jan Pachl Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Dallas - Angelika Film Center Thursday, April 21 at 7 p.m.

Austin - Violet Crown Cinema

Based on the book Padrino Krejčíř

by Jaroslav Kmenta, the film follows a Mafioso who gets rich through tax fraud in transactions of petroleum products. Gangster Radim Kraviec, nicknamed Káčko, transforms into a murdering monster when his father is abducted and killed by a rival mafia gang.

All films are with English subtitles.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.czechthatfilm.com.

—SPJST—

Travis-Williamson Counties CHS meets April 20

The Travis-Williamson Counties Czech Heritage Society will meet Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at Pflugerville Recreation Center at 400 Immanuel Road in Pflugerville starting at 7 p.m.

After a brief meeting, we will enjoy some delicious desserts, followed by the plant exchange where members will share information about the plants including the Czech name of their plant. Join us for an informative and interesting evening. Guests are always welcomed.

For additional information, contact Eileen Rosipal at ERosipal@aol.com or 512-452-3292.

Submitted by, Edwin Gerick —SPJST—

Czech Center Museum Houston mourns loss of Julie Halek Kloess

Editor’s Note: The Czech Center Museum Houston shared this information regarding the recent passing of one of their beloved benefactors, Julie Halek Kloess.

Ms. Kloess was a great inspiration to those who knew and loved her. Julie Halek Kloess Julie’s Life Story — which was written by Lodge 232, Houston Midtown member Effie Rosene in 2006 — spans the width of Ms. Kloess’s trying and colorful life.

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BROTHERHOOD

13.duben.2016

Her interment will be in her beloved Czech Republic.

egf

“There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

“We do not inherit the earth from our parents, we borrow it from our children.”

—Native American proverb

egf

On Monday March 7, 2016, at 12:30 a.m. in San Antonio, Texas, Julie Halek Kloess, ended her life’s journey at Fort Sam Houston, going, her close friend Dee Wright stated, to join her husband, Dr. Edward Kloess.

A real cornerstone of our foundation, Julie will always be a part of us. Her name sake third floor’s Kloess Pilsen Hall, numerous beveled glass windows and doors, the Grand Chandelier, the Baby Grand Petrof Piano, and if you sit in our lovely cranberry chairs at a table of elegant white and black linen, you sat at our lovely Julie’s table.

The Czech Center Museum Houston pays tribute to Julie Halek Kloess celebrating her life and gifts to the Czech Center she supported so graciously and proudly. We will so miss our Julie, but still much of Julie remains with us to inspire us that we must carry on in her place. Although a memorial service was held at Fort Sam Houston on Wednesday, March 9, her formal resting place, as she wished it will be in the land of her birth, the Czech Republic.

Contributions in her honor may be offered to CCMH for various upcoming and ongoing projects, i.e. the outdoor sculpture garden, landscape beautification, or endowment for perpetuity. May she rest in peace!

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Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Effie Rosene, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and W.G. Bill Rosene, Vice President Administration will especially miss her presence!

Julie’s Life Story Julie Halek Kloess was born September 9, 1921, to Vaclav and Anna Tobermanova Halek on a small farm in Mecholupy northeast of Klatovy and southwest of Prague, Czechoslovakia. Julie epitomizes the quotes above as she is a living example. At age six, the family moved to Pilsen where her father was employed in the paper mill. She resided there 18 and one-half years finishing school, studying drama and participating in Sokol theatre productions which required traveling from town to town performing. In March 1938 prior to World War II, Germany occupied the Czech lands. The occupiers decreed that all born from the year of her birth - 1921 - were to be sent to Germany for slave labor in factory, farm, or hotel work.

Julie was sent to Hotel Platerhof in Bavaria close to Bertchesgarten (today it is the American-owned Hotel Walker). She worked 16-hour days, no pay, very little to eat of poor food.

From the windows, she saw the high Nazi officials even Eva Braun, Hitler’s partner. She and her close village friend, Vlasta Vysteinova, were then sent to Berlin to work in the hotels throughout the air raids. They lived in barracks and when everything was destroyed by the incessant bombing, they were sent to Pilsen and then again sent back to Berlin. Her father was dying of cancer and she was allowed to go home three days; her brother in Munich was not allowed so he escaped and upon seeing their father, the father then died within hours.

Her brother remained hidden by the underground and was never discovered by the Nazis.

She was detailed to work Dresden hotels on February 13, 1943, and at 8 p.m. came the announcement that American and British planes were coming to bomb. Dresden was full of refugees and prisoners of war. Julie and friend stayed in basement tunnels to survive the fire bombs as the city burned, going from house to house underground as the streets literally melted and fire entered. A second wave of air raids occurred with the B17s again dropping thousands of firebombs. About 90,000 people died that night. A man, her “Angel,” stepped through a hole into a church basement leading some 200 people to

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the river water to keep from burning.

When the air raid had ceased in the incredible confusion, they found a train leaving and they lay hidden in the coal car to escape, arriving eventually in France. In 1945, Julie and her friend worked in a camp for German prisoners manned by Polish guards. She met an American Colonel, Dr. Godil, who helped her get work in the American hospital there. Julie says they had a choice of working with Americans or Russians. They were fearful, but chose the Americans though all they knew about Americans were the Chicago gangsters from the movies.

All of their belongings and documents were destroyed; they needed to get back to Munich where she met American Dr. Edward Kloess and his associate Roger Saunders. In time Dr. Kloess asked her to marry him; she felt there was too much age difference – 20 something years. She instead married his best friend, Roger Saunders, and Dr. Kloess was their “best man,” who eventually married her girlfriend. Roger went from Army to Air Force in Titan missile work, and

they moved to the United States first to Arkansas, then Kansas and eventually to Denver, Colorado, with the Strategic Air Command. Her husband traveled to Japan, and after eight days there, he died of a heart attack at the age of 45.

Julie, meanwhile, had been caring for his parents, who subsequently died. She took a job as a surgical secretary in the intensive care unit of Denver General Hospital where she worked 24 and one-half years buying a home, alone in a new country and needing to be self-sufficient.

In 1985, Dr. Kloess called after her girlfriend, his wife, had died asking to visit her. He said, “40 years ago you didn’t want me, but marry me now.”

She did in 1986. They moved to Bellville, Illinois, his home. Retired, he had served 32 years as an Air Force physician, living there until 1992 after which they moved to San Antonio where he had many retired Air Force friends. Ten months later, he died. In retrospect, Julie was age 28 when she married her first husband. Upon his death, after 14 and one-half years, she

remained single and on her own for 26 years in a very different adopted country. Her second husband died after seven and one-half years of marriage in 1992.

Today, Julie is a vivacious, robust, beautiful lady still filled with great spirit – of the right stuff of what counts! She has been often begged to live in the country of her birth – the Czech Republic. One of three children, her sister died at age 72, her brother at age 69. There are nieces and nephews. Julie says while she has enjoyed her Julie Halek Kloess return trips to the land of her birth, America is her home. Besides, the Czechs don’t even speak pure Czech anymore as she knew it! A busy lady, in February 2003, she was the winner of a bake off in her hometown. Her entry was the exquisite traditional Czech Christmas cookies. In March 2003, Julie won the cookoff with her Czech green pea soup! She won’t take your telephone call, so don’t. She is too busy with friends, Bridge, reading, and dinners out.

—SPJST—

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

Second/Fourth Tuesdays each Month Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center “Svacina Time!”—at 119 West French Avenue, Temple: Bi-monthly Czech language social hour, 2 to 3 p.m. Social hour will follow a structured format that changes every 15 minutes. This is not a class - no homework. Betty Marek and Janet Young will coordinate the logistics.

For information, call 254-899-2935; or email czechheritagemuseum@gmail.com. Submitted by Susan Chandler, Museum Administrator, CHMGC.

Orsak 512-825-2249/cell; via email dawnorsak@gmail.com; on Twitter @svacinaproject; and read her blog www.svacinaproject.blogspot.com. Submitted by Dawn Orsak, Lodge 187, Round Rock

Czech Cultural Calendar

Second Sunday each Month Czech Language Class—at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 West Fairgrounds Road on US Highway 77, La Grange, 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. Preregistration 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 254-8992935.

Mondays during Spring Semester Brazos Valley CHS Czech Language Class—at St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Activity Center, 600 East 26th Street, Bryan: for all levels; 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost of class $35. Instructor is Jan Benes, Czech Education Foundation of Texas Fellow Hlavinka Fellow-selected student from the Czech Republic. For information, contact Jo Ann 979-846-2035; or Lynette 979-4501820/email lurbanovsky@gmail.com. Submitted by JoAnn Zaeske, Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station.

April 16 CHS Spring State Meeting and 14th Annual CHS Miss Texas Czech Slovak Queen Pageant—at Taiton Hall/Community Center in New Taiton. 8:30 a.m. - registration; 9:30 a.m. - queen pageant; noon meal; business meeting; vendor booths; displays; silent auction; and genealogy library Fee and open to the public. For meal cost, contact Rita Vanek at 979-543-6220 or email rjv123@sbcglobal.net. For more information, visit the Facebook page www.face-book.com/czechheritagesocietyoftexas. Event is hosted b by Wharton County CHS. Submitted by Jana Vaculik Riley, State Reporter.

April 17 Polkaworks hosts Varied and Vibrant Sources of the Czech Song in Texas—in the Capitol Extension Auditorium in the State Capito, Austin, 2 p.m.: a talk and demonstration given by accordionists and music scholars Dr. John Novak and Frances Barton on Texas Czech folk music in support of their forthcoming book. Event is free and is offered in conjunction with the multi-media exhibition Texas Czechs: Rooted in Tradition on display at the State Capitol Visitors Center (CVC) through June 12. Find more info at polkaworks.org; or call 512-448-4536. For CVC hours, call 512305-8400. You may also contact Dawn

April 28 to May 1 Mollie B Polka Party taping—at Sokol Hall: Enjoy more than 20 bands from multiple states playing polkas in a variety of styles.

For ticket information, go to http://store.rfdtv.com/category-s/100.htm or call 402-991-6290 during the day.

May 13 Movie Night—at Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto Houston, Texas 77004: Zelary (2003) - A nurse and her surgeon-lover are part of a resistance movement in 1940s Czechoslovakia. When they are discovered, her lover flees, and she must find a place to hide. A patient whose life she saved, a man from a remote mountain village agrees to hide her as his wife.

Free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; movie begins at 7 p.m. For information, contact CCMH 713-528-2060; or via email: events@czechcenter.org. Free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; movie begins at 7 p.m. For information, contact CCMH 713-528-2060; or via email: events@czechcenter.org.

May 15 Slavnost - May Fest and Tribute to Czech Immigrants—at TCHCC, 250 Fairgrounds Road, La Grange: 10 a.m. - tribute to immigrants 1916 to 1920; 11 a.m. - lunch served; Czech music 12:30 to 5 p.m. Czech village/museum tours, pastry shop, classic car show, door prizes, gift shop, give-a-way drawing, country store, food and drinks available all day. For cost/information, call (888) 785-4500; email info@czechtexas.org; or visit www.czechtexas.org.

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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) Note: The bridge on the road to the hall is out; but good news; there is a detour to the hall. Directions: Take Farm Road 2114 East for 5 miles. Turn right on Adair Road and immediately veer right onto Marek Road. Marek Road runs into Czech Hall Road. Turn right onto Czech Hall Road. The hall is on the left about 1/2 mile.

Friday, April 15—Social begins at 6:30 with a meal following. Trustee meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 16—Rural school reunion Saturday, April 30—Knapek reunion Sunday, May 1—Lodge meeting, 2 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. Note: The bridge on the road to the hall is out; but there is a detour to the hall. Directions: Take Farm Road 2114 East for 5 miles. Turn right on Adair Road and immediately veer right onto Marek Road. Marek Road runs into Czech Hall Road. Turn right onto Czech Hall Road. Hall on the left about 1/2 mile down. Hall Rental Information: 254-799-8550; Hall Phone: 254-2278759. 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 254799-8550; 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, May 15—Ennis Czech Boys, polka/waltz, 3 to 7 p.m. $8/person Sunday, May 22—Glen Collins Band, country western. 3 to 7 p.m. $8/person

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.

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) Sunday, May 15—Lodge meeting

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 free admission • Old-fashioned hamburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches sold every Friday beginning at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, April 13—SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor members will hold their monthly meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Covered dish meal follows the meeting.

Friday, April 15—Old Friends Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 20—Sam and Bobby Band. Guest musician Fritz Hodde, 7 to 10 p.m.

Friday, April 22—Night Skies, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Friday, April 29—Glen Collins Band, 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. All Wednesday and Friday night dances are free admission. Old-fashioned hamburgers served every Friday beginning at 6 p.m.; fish burgers also sold during Lent.

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, April 23—Lost Heart Highway Saturday, May 14—Steve Dansby and the Tailgate Philosophers

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 24, CYCLONE (2) Sunday, May 8—Mother’s Day Barbecue: Watch the Vestnik for details.

LODGE 38, KOVAR (1) Sunday, April 17—Dinner and Country Auction: 11:30 - Dinner: fried chicken, stew and all the trimmings, caferia style, plates to go, adults $9, children 12 years and under $6, food sold while supplies last; 12:30 p.m.

- auction. Cake wheel, door prizes during auction. Proceeds benefit a new floor for the hall.

LODGE 25, ENNIS (3) Thursday, April 14—Lodge meeting, 7 p.m.; member meal served at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 16—Youth club garage sale Sunday, May 1—Youth club meeting; dining room rental Lodge Hall: 1901 East Highway 34, Ennis. Directions: From IH-35 East at Waxahachie, take Hwy 287

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 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 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.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

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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: 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) Sunday, April 17—Battle Dance, 2 p.m.: Music by Fritz Hodde and the Fabulous Six, and Leo Majek Orchestra. Doors open at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10; kids 12 and under free. Burgers sold in the kitchen by SPJST Seaton Youth Club.

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.

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Wednesday, April 13, 2016

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.

LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) Note: Youth club meetings are held one hour before the adult lodge meeting at the lodge hall unless otherwise noted.

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: Contact Kelly Tucker 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. Youth Club Meetings: Held one hour before the adult lodge meeting at the lodge hall unless otherwise noted. Contact Youth Leader Lynda Novak 972-9484456.

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) 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) Wednesday, April 13—Sportsmen's Club, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Monthly meeting of hunting and fishing enthusiasts with speakers and prize drawings. Open to the public. Free admission Sunday, April 24—District Three Spring Meeting at Sokol Hall, Lodge 154, Fort Worth Tuesday, April 26—Game night at Lodge 92, National Hall, 7 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 National Hall Events Manager Jon Durham 817-6241361.

Also visit Lodge 92 website www.nationalhallfort-worth.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.

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.

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 p.m.

Check Věstník for times or call one of the following: 972-268-0022 or 817-905-2097.

LODGE 181, CONROE (5) Note: Watch the Vestnik for lodge meeting location/time to be announced.

Lodge Meetings: Lodge meeting location/time will be announced in the Vestnik. For further information, contact President Barbara Williams-Rash 936-295-7778; email b.d.willrash@att.net; Vice President Chuck Toney 281-362-9062; email cdtiii@toney.us; or Treasurer Patsy McClelland 936-788-5714; 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) Note: Lodge monthly meetings and family night are held together - the third Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. at the lodge hall.

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 and Family Night: Third Sunday of each month at 4 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.

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.

VĚSTNÍK

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) Friday, April 15—Cruise the Seas: Linda Kaye and the Kool Kats Friday, May 20—Covered Wagon Chow Down: Glenn Lenderman and Friends

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 210-215-9494.

—SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

TCGS Gift Shop offers unique Mother’s Day gifts

With Easter behind us, all thoughts turn to the next day of celebration: Mother’s Day! Who in the world deserves our love and special attention more than the person who brought us into the world – who took care of our every need and who was our greatest supporter and promoter throughout the first 18 years of our lives? Who was our nurse, our teacher, our chauffeur, our special chef, who delighted in serving dishes that she knew we loved? And who was never too tired to listen and advise us on our most pressing social concerns? Who else? It was MOM! This year, why not give Mom something that will remind her of your love for years to come?

The Texas Czech Genealogical Society’s Gift Shop, located in the downstairs gallery of the SPJST Home Office at 520 North Main Street in Temple, holds a large variety of items that would be perfect for Mom. Crystal vases, baskets, dishes, and jewelry are

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

things that all moms love. In addition, we have beautiful rosaries and whimsical gifts of all kinds.

The items displayed herein are just a small example of the available selection of gifts you can be proud to give your mom, grandmother, or Godmother on this special day. To visit our showroom, to ask questions about our gift items, or to place an order, please contact Nancy Machu at 512218-1559 or email nbmachu@aol.com.

Nancy will be happy to help you choose the perfect gift this year . . . a gift that will keep on giving for years to come. Your purchase can be shipped to you eliminating the need to shop elsewhere.

Our gift items will be displayed and for sale on Saturday, April 16 at the TCGS Czech Family Research Building Blocks Conference in Brenham at the Blinn College Student Center. We

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

37

invite you to visit us to shop for that special lady in your life.

Nancy Machu Lodge 29, Taylor —SPJST—

CUBA & CUBA, P.L.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law

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254-778-1824

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When sending your order by mail, please include a photograph and check or money order made payable to: JNDA Cameos 1006 Top Hill Drive, Brenham, TX 77833 First Name: _______________________ Last Name: _______________________ Address: _________________________ ________________________ City/St/Zip: ________________________ ________________________ Phone: ___________________________ Email: ____________________________

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A new kind of personal memory originally designed and beautifully crafted by hand, your picture of love and remembrance will be a keepsake to wear proudly that all will admire.“ Put Me in remembrance.” —Isaiah 42:26a (KJV) All cameos come mounted in a sterling silver Our cameos are high quality ceramic holder, 18” stainless steel chain and includes bisque, carved and glazed in Italy. all U.S. shipping and tax. Any pictured submitEach one is digitally printed with ted will be returned with the mounted cameo.

Please allow 30 to 60 days for delivery. a photo of your choice and guaranteed not If your cameo requires more time, to fade! The bisque is returned to us where a staff member will contact you personally. we mount it with care, each one by hand, into a sterling silver mount of your choice.

Contact us to discuss your unique photo Special Offer: before mailing your order. $10 discount with this ad A percentage of all sales will be sent to missionaries.

979-836-2609 JNDACameos@yahoo.com

Color Black & White Keep background as is Replace background with appropriate solid color

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38

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

g n i n e p O e t a D d e Project ay 2016 M

VĚSTNÍK

S.P.J.S.T.

Senior Living Community

Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitaion

Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitaion Assisted Living 1810 Old Granger Road • Taylor, Texas 505 East Lake Drive • Taylor, Texas 512-352-6337 512-352-6940 www.spjstresthomes.com

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

39

SPJST to host 11th Annual Car Show, Czech Heritage Celebration in Seaton

Saturday, May 7 will be filled with classic cars, arts/crafts, food, music, Czech heritage, kids’ activities, kolache eating, and fun at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall for the 11th Annual SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration. Star Hall is located at 10842 State Highway 53, seven miles east of Temple in the community of Seaton. The event opens to the public at 9 a.m.

Car show registration begins at 8 a.m. The show is organized into 40 classes. Vehicles will be independently judged, and more than 100 trophies will be awarded. Trophies will also be presented to the top three people’s choice entries. Other special awards include SPJST King’s and SPJST Queen’s choice, club participation, distance, best engine, best paint, best graphics, and best interior. A special SPJST Award will be presented to an SPJST member. Car show entry fee is $20 per vehicle ($15 for SPJST members) on or before April 27. After April 27 and day of show registration is $30 ($25 for SPJST members).

The day will also include a silent auction and will benefit the SPJST Foundation which supports the Czech Heritage Museum and Ge-

nealogy Center, located at 119 West French Avenue in Temple, and SPJST Education and Nature Center, located in Ledbetter, Texas.

Museum volunteers will have special displays like sauerkraut-making, noodle-making, lace-making, and rope-making and accordion music. SPJST ENC will feature several kids’ activities.

The day will also be filled with music, and the Praha Bros. polka band will play from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. SPJST District Two Beseda Dancers will perform at 1 p.m. The silent auction featuring many unique items closes at 2 p.m. Adults and youth are encouraged to enter the kolache eating contest. Registration closes at 2:15 p.m., and the contest begins at 2:30 p.m. Car show awards will be presented at 3 p.m.

Arts/crafts, service, and auto-related vendors are welcome. A 10’ by 10’ inside space is $35; outside is $25. One of the vendors will be Texas Czech Genealogical Society displaying various Czech wares and memorabilia.

Event admission is free of charge. Bever-

SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall 10842 State Highway 53 • Temple, Texas 7 miles east of Temple in the community of Seaton

Registration opens at 8 a.m.

Registration closes at 10:30 a.m.

Judging begins at 11 a.m. • Awards at 3 p.m.

Many Trophies!

First, second, and third place awards in 40 independently judged classes.

Other awards include: People’ss Choice • SPJST King’ss and Queen’ss Choice Club Participation • Distance • Best of Show Best Paint • Best Graphics • Best Interior • Best Engine

Door Prizes • Music/Entertainment • Food • Silent Auction Vendor Booths • Kolache Eating Contest • Kids Fun Zone Benefits Czech Heritage Museum and SPJST Education and Nature Center

C AR SHOW CL ASSE S A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M.

T-Bucket Pre-1948 Street Rod - Open Street Rod - Closed 55-57 Chevy Chevrolet Camaro (1967-1981) Chevrolet Camaro (1982-2002) Chevrolet Camaro (2010-newer) Chevrolet Chevelle Corvette C1/C2/C3 (1953-1982) Corvette C4 (1984-1996) Corvette C5 (1997-2004) Corvette C6 (2005-2013)

N. O. P. Q. R. S. T. U. V. W. X. Y. Z.

Corvette C7 (2014-newer) Other Chevrolet GM (not Chevrolet) Ford Mustang (1964-1978) Ford Mustang (1979-2004) Ford Mustang (2005-newer) Ford Thunderbird Other Ford Classic Mopars Modern Mopars (2006-newer) Pontiac El Camino Foreign/Exotics

AA. Imports/Compacts BB. Chevy Truck CC. Ford Truck DD. Dodge Truck EE. 4 x 4 FF. Truck (2000-newer) GG. Open Class - Cars HH. Open Class - Trucks II. Special Interest (race cars, police, etc.)

JJ. Motorcycles KK. Tractors LL. Under Construction MM. Unrestored (vehicles 25 years and older) NN. Youth (ages 21 and under)

SPJST Car Show Ent r y Fo r m

circle size

Name_________________________________________ Class______________ T-Shirt: S M L XL 2X 3X Address_____________________________________ City__________________ State______ Zip____________ Email Address ____________________________________________ Phone (_____) ______________________ Year_________ Make of Car___________________ Model___________________ Color__________________ Club Affiliation_____________________________________ Club Location_____________________________ Ì SPJST Member - Lodge No. ______

Vehicles judged on interior, exterior, engine, and wheels/tires.

In consideration of the acceptance of the right to participate, registrants and accompanying persons, by execution of this form, release and discharge SPJST, SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton, Czech Heritage Museum, SPJST Education and Nature Center, SPJST Foundation, and affiliates including officers, directors, members, agents, representatives, and anyone else connected with management or presentation of this event of and from any and all known or unknown damages, injuries, losses, judgments, and/or claims from any causes whatsoever that may be suffered by any registrant, or his accompanying person or persons, to his/her person or property. Tee-shirts/goodie bags to first 150 entries.

Early Registration received by April 27 — $20 • After April 27 and Day of Show — $30 • SPJST Members Receive $5 Discount

Enter and pay online at www.spjst.org. Or, mail form and payment to: SPJST Car Show • P.O. Box 100 • Temple, TX 76503 Questions? Call David (254) 534-0809 or Melanie (254) 534-0807 or email melaniez@vvm.com • Visit www.spjst.org

Car Show Rules No outside food/drinks.

No animals.

No weapons.

ages will be available from Lodge 47, Seaton both inside and outside Star Hall. Various food items including sausage wraps and turkey legs will be available inside the hall from Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club. Breakfast tacos will also be available from 7 to 9 a.m. from Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Club.

Visit spjst.org for more information or to register online!

Visit www.spjst.org for complete event information or to register for the car show online.

Contact David Nauert 254-534-0809/email davidn@vvm.com or Melanie Zavodny 254-534-0807/email melaniez@vvm.com for car show information. For vendor booths, contact Lynette Talasek 254-931-0639/email lynettet@spjst.com. For kolache eating contest information, contact Frank Horak 254534-0681/email frankh@spjst.com.

To donate an item for the silent auction, contact James Lee, III 254-7731575/jamesL@spjst.com or Susan Shofner 254-773-1575/susans@spjst.com.

—SPJST—

Vendors Wanted!

Saturday, May 7

at the 11th Annual SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration

Visit www.spjst.org for event details!

Visit www.spjst.org for forms and more information.

SPJST Car Show - Saturday, May 7

Event benefits SPJST Foundation

Saturday, May 7, 2016 SPJST Lodge 47 Seaton Star Hall

10842 State Highway 53 • Temple, Texas (7 miles east of Temple in the community of Seaton)

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Seeking Arts/Crafts, Service and Auto-Related Vendors

$35 for a space with two tables - inside Star Hall $25 for a space with two tables - outside Star Hall Set-up Times: Friday, May 6 between 3 and 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 7 between 7 and 9 a.m.

SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration Vendor Form

Vendor __________________________________________________ Phone (_____)________________________ Contact Name(s)_______________________________________________________________________________

Street Address_______________________________________ Email Address______________________________ City________________________________________________ State___________ Zip______________________

Booth Type/Products to be Offered ________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Number of Inside Spaces: _____ x $35 per space = $_______ Number of Outside Spaces: _____ x $25 per space = $_______ Check/Money Order Enclosed - Payable to SPJST Foundation Credit Card __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ exp. __/__ CSC _____ billing zip code ________ All products/services must be suitable for a family audience. Vendors must be registered and paid no later than April 27.

Register and pay online at www.spjst.org or mail check/money order/credit card info and form to: SPJST Car Show • PO Box 100 • Temple, TX 76503-0100 For more information or questions, contact Lynette Talasek at (254) 931-0639 or email lynettet@spjst.com.

Life Insurance and More Home Office: 520 North Main Temple, Texas 76501 800-727-7578

info@spjst.org www.spjst.org

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