ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T
Volume 108 Number 11
Benevolence
H E R A L D
★ Humanity
★ Brotherhood
June 8, 2020
ISSN —07458800
Lodge 180, Burleson contributes $1,000 to Vestnik in memory of Estelle Hurtik
1970 LEFT: Rudy Sefcik was the original host of American Czech Hour. He is shown in a broadcast booth at radio station KHBR in Hillsboro, Texas. The photo was a promotional shot taken during one of the first broadcasts of the show in 1970. The photo was found in the
2020 archives of the Hillsboro Reporter newspaper. RIGHT: David Kolar is the current host of the American Czech Hour. This recent photo was taken in one of the recording studios at KHBR.
In memory of Estelle “Grandma” Hurtik, Lodge 180, Burleson is donating $1,000 to the Věstník. “Estelle was a devoted supporter and reader of the paper, and she read it as long as her eyesight held out,” Lodge 180 President Nancy Kelly said. “The paper was her lifeline for continuance to the lodge and for maintaining a lasting friendship with other people that she knew in lodges around the state.” Sister Estelle passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2020, at the age of 100. “What a fantastic life this great lady had,” Sister Kelly added. “Estelle and husband Joseph, better known as Joe Sr., were the lifelines of Lodge 180. I
American Czech Hour Celebrates 50 Years In today’s world, the radio airwaves produce a bountiful array of country, pop, hip-hop, talk, and other popular genres. Unfortunately, polkas have for many years taken a backseat in radio. But there are still several outlets that can satisfy that “oompah” craving. One such outlet is the American Czech Hour on KHBR Radio in Hillsboro, Texas. In fact, Father’s Day 2020 will mark 50 years of offerings from this polka outlet. During this half century of programming, the show has been broadcasting polkas and waltzes every Sunday afternoon for an hour and
personally consider these two folks as the matriarch and patriarch of our lodge. I have no recollection of any folks who put in as many hours in working to help maintain and continue the flow of Lodge 180 and its activities.” “Lodge 180 is proud to make this donation to the Věstník in Estelle’s name because SPJST was a huge part of her life, and she had so many great, great friends and joyful memories from the organization,” son Joe and daughter-in-law Rhonda Hurtik said. “She enjoyed reading it until her
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LONG AWAITED HUGS Zephyr Marek’s children knew she was missing her hugs so her daughter Carol Faulder and grandson Jeremy made her a hugging curtain by cutting four slits in a shower curtain. They then taped long, plastic bags to the slits. “One person is on one side of the curtain, and another person is on the other side,” Zephyr said. “It felt so good to get hugs since not having any since March. I hope you can get your children or grandchildren to make you a hugging curtain for your hugs!” Zephyr is pictured getting a hug from granddaughter Andella Kovar. They are both members of Lodge 48, Beyersville. More on page 10.
a half. The program leans heavily on Texas Czech style polkas and waltzes with occasional selections from the Czech Republic. You may also hear a little German, Alpine, Mexican, and other flavors. Domestically, you will hear some Nebraska, Chicago, Cleveland styles, and more. The show is currently hosted by David Kolar. Joining the team in 1971, Kolar has been part of the show for 49 of its 50 years. According to Kolar, the Continued on Page 11.
( ( ( ( ( Inside This Week’s Věstník ( ( ( ( ( Readers Write ......................................3 Important Dates ...................................3 Interest Rates ......................................3 SPJST T-Shirt Order Form..................4 Lodge Section......................................8 In Memoriam ......................................13
Youth Section ....................................16 SPJST Youth Showcase ...................16 Youth Merit Points.............................18 Czech Culture ....................................20 Advertisements .................................21 Lodge Calendar .................................26
Lodge 24 Cyclone recognizes scholarship winners Page 8
Sylvia Vavra: 104 years young Page 11
Ceremony of a Balloon Release for the late Effie Rosene Page 22
