Vestnik 2022.02.14

ˇ ´ VESTNIK SPJST HERALD

Benevolence ★ Humanity ★ Brotherhood

Volume 110 Number 3

February 14, 2022

ISSN —07458800

An Evening With Earl

Happy Valentines Day!

LIFE CONNECTIONS

Photographer and Author Earl Nottingham, left, is pictured with Camp Kubena Director Rob Clift and Program Manager Katie Redinger at a meet-and-greet held January 27 at SPJST Home Office in Temple.

More photos on page 9.

Come see us at the

Vestnik Valentines appear on pages 24 to 30

SPJST Car Show at the TABA Home & Garden Show

February 25, 26, and 27 • Bell County Expo Center • Belton, Texas

January Top SPJST Sales Agents: Certificates Issued and Annualized Premium 1st - Annualized Premium 2nd - Certificates Issued $500 Award

Maria Garcia Lodge 133 San Antonio District Seven

1st - Certificates Issued 3rd- Annualized Premium $100 Award

Kattia Lange Lodge 92 Fort Worth District Three

2nd- Annualized Premium 4th - Certificates Issued $100 Award

Mary Jova Salinas Lodge 28 East Bernard District Six

3rd - Certificates Issued 500 Award

Janice Jahns Lodge 88 Houston District Five

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

Socorro Salas Lodge 219 El Paso District Four

4th - Annualized Premium $50 Award

Ray Esparza Lodge 76 Wichita Falls District Four

Darwin Machu of Lodge 20, Granger holds his April 6, 1953, copy of LIFE Magazine. The issue covers the daring escape of Czech Pilot Miroslav Slovak, and Helmut and Hana Čermák along with three others from Communist-held Czechoslovakia. Darwin’s visit to the SPJST Home Office was in response to the January 24 Věstník article he read about former SPJST President Nick A. Morris, whose CIA involvement and interrogation of Mira Slovak caught Darwin’s immediate attention . . . in a very personal way. The full article begins on page 22.

; / ; / ; / ; / ; Inside This Week’s Vestnik ; / ; / ; / ; / ; Readers Write ......................................3 Interest Rates.......................................3 Important Dates ...................................3 Insurance Department Updates .........5 Job Postings........................................6 Lodge Section......................................8

Vestnik Valentines........................24-30 Youth Section ....................................31 In Memoriam ......................................33 Czech Culture ....................................34 Advertisements .................................37 Lodge Calendar .................................38

Gary McKee shares story of Lodge 88 Houston Orchestra

State 42 tournament held at SPJST Home Office Page 10

Page 19

Lodge 185 New Braunfels youth enjoys ski trip Page 32

2

Monday, February 14, 2022

VĚSTNÍK

ˇ ´ VESTNIK SPJST

SPJST HOME OFFICE PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 800-727-7578 • 254-773-1575 Fax: 254-774-7447 www.spjst.org VĚSTNÍK EDITOR: MELANIE ZAVODNY, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 122) • Mobile: 254-534-0807 VĚSTNÍK Fax: 254-773-8087 vestnik@spjst.org melaniez@spjst.com melaniez@usa.com EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER BRIAN VANICEK, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 139) Mobile: 254-534-2902 vanicek@spjst.com VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING DELISLE DOHERTY 254-773-1575 (ext. 240) Mobile: 832-232-2049 delisled@spjst.com VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS MELANIE ZAVODNY 254-773-1575 (ext. 122) Mobile: 254-534-0807 melaniez@spjst.com CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER LEONARD D. MIKESKA, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 149) Mobile: 254-721-4739 leonardm@spjst.com CONTROLLER ROY VAJDAK 254-773-1575 (ext. 142) royv@spjst.com DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR/VICE CHAIR DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CFFM PO Box 85, Snook, TX 77878-0085 Home: 979-272-3265 • Mobile: 979-224-3125 dv.aggie71@gmail.com DISTRICT TWO DIRECTOR JESSE POSPISIL 4710 FM 1331, Taylor, TX 76574-2164 Home: 512-365-1110 • Mobile: 512-826-7371 jlpospisil@yahoo.com DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR/CHAIR JOHN ENGELKE 6475 Gholson Rd, Waco, TX 76705-5330 254-799-4247 john.engelke@hotmail.com DISTRICT FOUR DIRECTOR BOBBY DAVIS, FICF, CFFM 1886 Pecos St, Ste 3, San Angelo, TX 76901-3268 Mobile: 325-450-3748 • Fax: 325-657-2003 bgdsr2428@aol.com DISTRICT FIVE DIRECTOR BRADLEY STAVINOHA, FIC 10522 Will Lehmann Rd, Needville, TX 77461-9164 Mobile: 979-739-2386 • Office: 979-793-7411 spjst@earthlink.net DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR ANNIE VAHALIK 2508 N Levi St, Victoria, TX 77901-4059 361-649-4888 amvahalik@gmail.com DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR REGINA HOUSE 176 County Road 343, Charlotte, TX 78011-3663 830-570-2046 spjst202youth@gmail.com

Editor’s Note

HERALD

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE District One - Bill Orsak, Vice Chair PO Box 252, Snook, TX 77878-0252 979-272-1243 • billorsak@gmail.com District Two - Edwin Pechal 10660 State Highway 53, Temple, TX 76501-7446 254-721-2887 • edwinpechal@yahoo.com District Three - Michael Galler 1312 Fawn Lily Dr, Temple, TX 76502-7808 254-744-8973 • mlgaller54@gmail.com District Four - Brad Teplicek PO Box 372, Rowena, TX 76875-4006 325-442-2001 • bptep@aol.com District Five - Dorothy Pflughaupt, Chair 1243 Clovis Rd, Houston, TX 77008-6232 713-859-8976 • dotpflugh@yahoo.com District Six - Lisa Bubela, Secretary 1405 Divide St, El Campo, TX 77437-6152 979-543-7120 • lisa_bubela@yahoo.com District Seven - Oscar Korus 2565 Bruce Rd, Poteet, TX 78065-5013 830-391-4169 • oscarkorus@gmail.com REGIONAL GENERAL AGENTS DISTRICT ONE - Jim Schroeder, LUTCF 936-661-2294 • jeschroeder.insurance@gmail.com DISTRICT TWO - Jim Schroeder, LUTCF 936-661-2294 • jeschroeder.insurance@gmail.com DISTRICT THREE - Sabino Garcia 817-909-8899 • garciasabi@att.net DISTRICT FOUR - Lydia Talamantez 325-262-9743 • lillyg636@yahoo.com DISTRICT FOUR - EL PASO AREA - Arnulfo Rivera 915-630-8074 • arnulfok5@yahoo.com DISTRICT FIVE - Kerry Herrington 281-704-5737 • kerryherrington@yahoo.com DISTRICT SIX - Carolina Covarrubia 281-779-9956 • covarrubia.carolina@yahoo.com DISTRICT SEVEN - Ralph Juarez 361-537-5506 • juarez2112@aol.com

S

ave the date . . . Saturday, April 2, 2022 . . . and make plans to travel to Ledbetter, Texas, to Camp Kubena!

SPJST and Camp Kubena will present “Cars & Guitars” - a daylong fun, family event featuring a car show and a variety of musical entertainment. The day will also include a disc golf tournament, kids’ activities, vendor booths, food, prize drawings, and lots more. It’s also a great opportunity to check out the most beautiful, picturesque place in Texas — Camp Kubena! Stay tuned to the Vestnik and campkubena.com and spjst.org for all the details.

Congratulations, 75-Year Member Christine M. Ventrcek!

The January 24 Vestnik included a listing of 50- and 75-year members.

STATE FRATERNAL DIRECTOR FRANK HORAK Office: 254-773-1575 (ext. 177) • Mobile: 254-534-0681 frankh@spjst.com DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Hannah Kovar PO Box 28, Snook, TX 77878-0028 979-220-7904 • ladyjays@tamu.edu District Two - Patsy Koslovsky 764 S St Joseph Rd, Burlington, TX 76519-3108 254-718-1606 • patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Mary Steinman 1136 Westgrove Dr, Saginaw, TX 76179-3463 817-731-2580 • appamary@sbcglobal.net District Four - Ryan Jansa 10377 Penny Lane, San Angelo, TX 76905-7616 325-234-5879 • rjansa1@gmail.com District Five - Melissa Victorick-Brown 2324 Lakeway Dr, Friendswood, TX 77546-6196 832-274-7369 • district5dyc@gmail.com District Six - Lisa Bubela 1405 Divide St, El Campo, TX 77437-6152 979-543-7120 • lisa_bubela@yahoo.com District Seven - April Howard 814 Madison Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130-3918 830-624-9242 • aprhoward@gmail.com CAMP KUBENA • 2001 Waldeck Rd • Ledbetter, TX Rob Clift, Executive Director 979-249-5674 • robc@spjst.com

We love our Věstník Readers!

We inadvertently omitted one of our members from the 75-year member column. Our apologies to Christine M. Ventrcek of Lodge 202, Jourdanton.

Congratulations to Christine and to all of our longtime members! Thanks to Lodge 202, Jourdanton Secretary Bettie House for calling this to our attention.

Vestnik Dates and Deadlines February 28 Vestnik deadline is Mon., Feb. 21 at 5 p.m.

March 14 Vestnik deadline is Mon., March 7 at 5 p.m.

March 28 Vestnik deadline is Mon., March 21 at 5 p.m.

April 11 Vestnik deadline is Mon., April 4 at 5 p.m.

April 25 Vestnik deadline is Mon., April 18 at 5 p.m.

May 9 Vestnik deadline is Mon., May 2 at 5 p.m.

—SPJST—

“Living is the art of loving.

Loving is the art of caring.

Caring is the art of sharing.

Sharing is the art of living.

If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”

— Booker T. Washington

VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published on the second and fourth Mondays of each month by SPJST, PO 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 Věstník 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 Controller Roy Vajdak, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, February 14, 2022

SPJST Family Fun • • • • • and • • • • • Important Dates (Number in parentheses denotes SPJST district.)

Feb. 20 Feb. 20 Feb. 20 Feb. 20 Feb. 21 Feb. 25-27

Feb. 26 March 5

March 13 March 13 March 15 April 2 April 3 April 10 April 15 April 19-20 April 22-23 April 24 May 7 June 18

District Two Youth Skating Party • Wheels, Temple (2) Lodge 6, Cottonwood Volunteers’ Appreciation Dinner (3) Lodge 9, Snook hosts Community Reception (1) Lodge 18, Elgin Dance: Glen Collins (2) SPJST Home Office Closed • Presidents’ Day Holiday SPJST Car Show at Temple Area Home Builders (TABA) Home & Garden Show Bell County Expo Center, Belton (2) Lodge 49, Rowena Dance: Jody Nix (4) State Straight Domino Tournament SPJST Home Office, Temple • register spjst.org District Seven Annual Meeting Lodge 79, Corpus Christi (7) Lodge 17, New Tabor Workday (1) Lodge 81, Needville Scholarship Deadline (5) SPJST and Camp Kubena present “Cars & Guitars” Camp Kubena, Ledbetter Lodge 84, Dallas Easter Celebration • Dallas Sokol (3) District One Annual Meeting • Lodge 9, Snook (1) SPJST Home Office Closes at Noon • Good Friday SPJST Executive Committee Meeting Home Office, Temple Youth Leaders’ Appreciation Banquet and Workshop Camp Kubena District Three Annual Meeting • Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) Delegates’ Advisory Council Virtual Meeting Lodge 24, Cyclone Dance: All Around Czechs (2)

SPJST INTEREST RATES 11/01/2021 - 04/30/2022 Universal Life Universal Life 3

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

Readers Write Seaton church sets Feb. 19 sausage supper at Lodge 47, Seaton Dear Readers, The Seaton Brethren Church annual sausage supper fundraiser will be held Saturday, February 19, 2022, beginning at 3 p.m. until the sausage is gone. The menu consists of homemade pork sausage, sauerkraut, new potatoes, seasoned green beans, bread, homemade desserts, and tea or coffee. Dine in or drive-through plates will be available.

The location of the supper is at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall, 10842 State Highway 53, Temple (Seaton).

Bake Sale, Silent Auction There will be a bake sale consisting of kolaches, pies, cakes, strudels, other baked goods and jellies; silent auction, and basket prize drawing.

Proceeds benefit the ministry of the

church, community, and other projects.

The public is invited.

Submitted by, Helen Haisler Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—

Seaton Cemetery Association meets Feb. 27 Seaton Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Seaton Brethren Church Fellowship Building, 12561 State Highway 53, Temple (Seaton). If you have questions or concerns, please call President Calvin Skrabanek 254-721-8587 to be put on the agenda.

Submitted by, Janet Young, Secretary Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—

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3

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, April 2, 2022 AT CAMP KUBENA located 7 miles from the famous Round Top, Texas

Car Show • Music • Food • Family Fun

4

Monday, February 14, 2022

VĚSTNÍK

Hope You’re Doing Well

by Brian Vanicek SPJST President/Chief Executive Officer

Dear Brothers and Sisters, “Hope you’re doing well!”

Chances are you’ve received that greeting – or something similar – many times — in emails, phone calls, and even in casual conversations. In today’s pandemic-conscious environment “Hope you’re doing well” takes on a special meaning. I know that I say it a lot. Really, I just want my fraternal brothers and sisters to be healthy!

Health and wellness is one of the areas that we at SPJST want to focus on in the year ahead – and perhaps well beyond that. In that we are in the life insurance business, it certainly complements the “fiscal fitness” aspect of SPJST. The ultimate goal is to support, motivate, and encourage the physical and emotional wellbeing of our SPJST members and employees.

The topic of our first SPJST Fraternal Focus webcast on January 24 was all about putting health and wellness on your 2022 calendar. It was a good one in which we addressed America’s growing Whole Health movement. Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and enables each of us as individuals to take charge of our health and well-being and live our lives to the fullest. If you missed the show, please don’t fret. It’s available online! In fact, all past Fraternal Focus webcasts are available on the spjst.org website. They appear under the “Events” pull down menu. I encourage you to give it a look!

Our guest presenter for that episode

was Joan Vanicek, who is the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention program manager at Central Texas Veterans Health Care System in Temple. “The whole health approach emphasizes living our best lives in alignment with what matters most to us,” Joan explained. “It includes conventional treatment, but also focuses on empowerment and taking personal initiative to reduce the risk of chronic illness and optimize health and well-being.”

Whole health isn’t just about eating less and exercising more. It’s about exploring the connections between important aspects of your life and your health and well-being. Improving one area can benefit other areas and influence your overall physical, emotional, and mental health.

During her presentation, Joan, who is also a Registered Dietitian, walked Melanie and me through a simple process of reflecting on what matters to us. Simply stated, she had us identify our personal motivations for wanting to be healthy.

“Some common areas,” Joan explained, “are family, career, and just ‘feeling good’ to live our life fully as we age.”

Afterwards, she guided us in establishing a few SMART goals that would help us to achieve our personal health objectives. And by “SMART,” I mean, we were able to set objectives that were Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, and Time-bound.

None of Joan’s focus was on us making drastic changes in our lifestyles. The emphasis was on taking small steps to incorporate healthy habits and behaviors

into our lifestyle. Even if you should fall short of achieving your goals, don’t be too hard on yourself,” Joan reassured.

“Think of it as a learning experience.

Ask yourself what happened and what could you do differently to meet the goal or does the goal need to be revised to better fit your lifestyle?”

The whole health concept prompts us to look at the big picture - the physical, mental, and emotional factors that impact our well-being.

This can be everything from financial health and work life to family, access to care, and our support networks. Simply stated, it’s about taking a mindful approach to daily living -- considering your strengths and challenges, taking realistic steps to improve areas as you desire, and always keeping in mind what matters to you in your life to motivate you along the way.

Moving on, one of the items that we introduced during the webcast was the fact that Gallagher – the nationwide health and risk management company that handles SPJST’s Home Office insurance coverage – is making available to SPJST and its members a wealth of health and wellbeing information that we will be able to share in the Vestnik and online.

I’ll conclude this week’s “Fraternal Focus” with some tips from Gallagher on the benefits of leading a more active lifestyle. Definitely worth considering!

Creating an Active Lifestyle Living an active lifestyle is one of the most powerful predictors of good health. As little as 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week has been shown to reduce the risk of developing chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and stroke.

If your health goals include creating a more active lifestyle, here are some tips that may help:

Begin where you are. Honor where you are right now and advance your activity levels slowly. Before making any big changes to your normal routines, consult with your primary care provider, especially if you are managing a preexisting medical condition.

Choose your metrics. Choose metrics to track your fitness progress. For example, you could monitor minutes, steps, distance, or the number of days per week you exercise. Metrics offer concrete information that you can use to determine if and when adjustments are needed.

Schedule it.

To be more consistent with exercise, try blocking time on your calendar several days each week to serve as a visual reminder. Focus on activities you love. Focus on the exercises you enjoy most. Whether it be yoga, running, swimming, or team sports, you will be more likely to follow through with your workouts when you look forward to them.

Make movement part of your daily life. Integrate physical movement into your daily life by scheduling walking meetings, taking the stairs, or riding your bike when you can leave the car behind.

The goal of an active lifestyle is for exercise to become who you are rather than just something you do. To get started, assess your current habits, and look for creative ways to weave more physical activity into your daily life.

“Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.”

—Thomas Jefferson Fraternally, Brian Vanicek SPJST President/CEO —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, February 14, 2022

5

From the Insurance Department SPJST Insurance Update through January From the Desk of Delisle L. Doherty SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing

It’s Your Life

If You Can, You Should In my last newsletter, I mentioned it is time to forget resolutions and start creating good habits. Many times, we get into habits without realizing it. Whether it is a good habit or bad habit, it starts with repetition. If we focus on good habits, many good things will come out of it. Good habits are good for our mental health, our physical health, and most importantly, for the health of others. One of the best habits to get into is helping others. If you take on the attitude “If I can, I should,” you will be surprised on how much your life can change. So “If you can, you should.”

The best way is to start small. Every little deed can make a big difference in someone’s life. If you are at the grocery store and you see a senior with a lot of groceries, take a minute and help them load it in the car. Once I was at a grocery store. I was fourth in line, but I noticed the lady paying had two children and was struggling with her money. Then I noticed she had one of those $5 rotisserie chickens she was giving back to the clerk. You don’t buy one of those unless you plan on eating it that night. I had extra money with me, so I walked around those in front of me and asked if she was putting it back. I told the clerk that I would pay for it. She hugged me and started crying. She said that was for her and the children’s meal that night. She asked for my number and promised to repay me. I told her that she already did by accepting my offer. Letting her see that people do care left me feeling good inside.

It doesn’t have to cost you anything.

If someone tells you they are not feeling well, or if they have an ill relative, offer to put them on your prayer list. Don’t be afraid to ask if you can pray for them

right there. That may change their whole day. You may have taken a huge load off their mind just with that kind gesture.

What about letting someone in front of you who was trying to turn out of a parking lot. Or, help your neighbor pull weeds or with their groceries. Watch a neighbor’s pet, pick up mail for them, help a mother who is struggling with her children. Entertaining a child for two minutes is free and can make a huge difference to someone. There are a million little things that can make someone’s life better—even if it is for a little bit.

The great thing about helping people—after a while, you start to see all the little things you can do to help others.

You start helping more, and it becomes a habit. Your habit becomes contagious.

You may have changed someone’s life with that little gesture. A bad day becomes a good day because of you. A bad attitude may become a good attitude because of you. Then you start realizing how much better you feel. For that short period, you forgot about your problems and all your stress disappeared. That is a good feeling. Now you started living a life of “If you can, you should.”

Watch for the next habit: “Healthy Mind Healthy Body.”

My door is always open; figuratively and literally.

Stay blessed, Delisle L. Doherty Vice President of Sales and Marketing 832-232-2049 “Do something wonderful, people may imitate it.”

—Albert Schweitzer —SPJST—

84 Certificates IssueD MONTH-TO-DATE TOTALS FOR INSURANCE WRITTEN, ISSUED, AND ANNUALIZED PREMIUM Dist.

Apps.

Written Certs.

Issued Annualized Prem.

1 7 $455,000.00 5 $305,000.00 $4,136.00 2 4 220,100.00 3 120,100.00 1,357.20 3 7 233,781.00 10 263,781.00 3,533.28 4 29 1,829,218.00 21 894,218.00 8,822.40 5 7 725,000.00 5 1,225,000.00 4,182.20 6 13 615,000.00 9 555,000.00 4,107.74 7 0 896,627.00 12 796,627.00 4,703.56 9 0 0.00 0 0 0 Ann 19 0.00 19 0 0

Totals

94

$4,974,726.00

84

$4,159,726 .00

$30,089.02

YEAR-TO-DATE TOTALS INSURANCE WRITTEN, ISSUED, AND ANNUALIZED PREMIUM Dist. Apps.

Written Certs.

Issued Annualized Prem.

1 7 $455,000.00 5 $305,000.00 $4,136.00 2 4 220,100.00 3 120,100.00 1,357.20 3 7 233,781.00 10 263,781.00 3,533.28 4 29 1,829,218.00 21 894,218.00 8,822.40 5 7 725,000.00 5 1,225,000.00 3,428.84 6 8 615,000.00 9 555,000.00 4,107.74 7 13 896,627.00 12 796,627.00 4,703.56 9 0 0.00 0 0 0 Ann 19 0.00 19 0 0

Totals

94

$4,974,726.00

84

$4,156,726.00

$30,842.38

SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive Donors’ List SPJST members and friends are encouraged to support the 2021-2022 SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive. In sending your donation, please be sure to include donor’s name(s) so that proper acknowledgment may be published in the Věstník.

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. Thank you for your kind support. For more information or printed donation solicitation forms, please contact the Fraternal Department at 800727-7578.

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.

There have been 174 donations made to the 2021-2022 SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive. Donations to date are $3,070.80. SPJST Memorial donations and Endowment donations to date are $27,655.

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. The 2021-2022 SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive goal is $35,000. Thank you!

Monday, February 14, 2022

6 Lodge 25 20 9 9 na na na 9 9 9 9 185 9 84 84 49 49 49 49 49 9 9 15 15 15 15 155

District 3 2 1 1 na na na 1 1 1 1 7 1 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 2 2 2 2 2

Name Ennis Sewing Circle Gerick, James A. Gill, Caiden Green, Josh Howell, Larry Howell, Larry Howell, Larry Kienow, Dakota Kienow, Shane Lauderdale, Jade Lauderdale, Zane Ohnheiser, Megan Paul, Charolette Ruzicka, Megan Ruzicka, Ryan Schwertner, Bella Schwertner, Colt Schwertner, Grace Schwertner, Olivia Schwertner, Tracy Sebesta, Hagen See, Caleb Smith, Birdie Smith, Birdie Smith, Birdie Smith, Birdie SPJST Lodge 155, Austin

VĚSTNÍK 180 3 24

2

28

6

29

2

29

2

84

3

84

3

9

1

84 84 84 9 9 49 49 49

3 3 3 1 1 4 4 4

SPJST Lodge 180, Burleson SPJST Lodge 24, Cyclone SPJST Lodge 28, East Bernard SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Members SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club SPJST Lodge 9, Snook Youth Club Tucker, Josh Tucker, Kalyne Tucker, Kendall Weaver, Jensen Weaver, Kallen Wood, Cotton Wood, Hunter Wood, Tanner —SPJST—

SPJST Memorial Scholarship Fund Donations September 2021 To Present In Memory of Amelia Vera Sablatura from SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton In Memory of Brenda Joyce Humberson from SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton In Memory of Carolyn Ann King from SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton In Memory of Edward Martinka, Sr. from SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton In Memory of Emma Mladenka from SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton In Memory of Gary Louis Chumchal from SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton In Memory of Gene McBride from SPJST Lodge 24, Cyclone In Memory of Gene McBride from SPJST Lodge 80, Holland In Memory of Georgene Chumchal from SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton In Memory of Helen Fusig and King B. Hegwood from Insperity (matched Vincent Hegwood’s donation) In Memory of Helen Fusig and King B. Hegwood from Vincent Hegwood In Memory of Janice Victorick from Janice and Wallace Jahns In Memory of Janice Victorick from Patsy and James Langham In Memory of Janice Victorick from SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Bingo In Memory of Janice Victorick from SPJST Lodge 9, Snook In Memory of Janice Victorick from SPJST Lodge 9, Snook Youth Club In Memory of Janice Victorick from Tom and Bernice Junik In Memory of John Henry Kubosh from SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton In Memory of Larry W. Pflughaupt from Bradley Stavinoha In Memory of Larry W. Pflughaupt from Carol Stayton In Memory of Larry W. Pflughaupt from Dorothy Pflughaupt In Memory of Larry W. Pflughaupt from SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Bingo In Memory of Mary Louise Matula from SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton In Memory of Paul Jerry Kopecky from SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton In Memory of Rita Janak from SPJST Lodge 38, Kovar —SPJST—

CAMP KUBENA JOB POSTINGS

Kitchen Staff

Top, Grill, Tilt Skillet, Proofer, Dishwasher

Apply: campkubena.com/jobs

Qualifications Desire to work in the food service area.

Knowledge of food preparation and serving, storage of food, and dishwashing procedures is preferred.

Classification Seasonal (May 16 to August 5, 2022) Paid with Room and Board Reports to: Hospitality Manager Position Purpose To assist the Hospitality Manager in preparing and serving nutritious meals and in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen and dishwashing area.

Essential Job Functions Assist in the daily operations of the camp food service.

Assist in the preparation of food as the menu indicates including washing and peeling.

Set up food, supplies, and utensils for dining hall distribution.

Store food and leftovers at proper temperature.

Assist in routine sanitation of the kitchen and related equipment.

Clean and maintain all food preparation and storage areas.

Wash all dishes, serving and preparation equipment, and utensils according to regulated washing methods and temperatures.

Reduce waste, reuse items, and recycle as indicated through the camp’s procedures.

Assist in the preparation and packaging of food for use outside the camp dining hall.

Work with cooks and other staff in reviewing pack out requests to ensure adequate and accurate amounts and variety.

Prepare and store pack out food according to camp and health code procedures.

Advise staff on equipment or preparation materials needed for identified menu choices.

Other Job Duties Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.

Assist in housekeeping of cabin facilities in addition to kitchen upkeep.

Assist in the planning of any special events in dining hall or other camp areas.

Equipment Used Stove, Convection Oven, Oven, Flat

Physical Aspects of the Job Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds including unloading food, carrying trays of dishes, lifting supplies and equipment as needed.

Visual ability to identify and respond to environmental hazards.

Physical ability to operate kitchen equipment according to safe recommended methods.

Physical mobility and endurance to perform tasks while standing for long periods of time (60 minutes or more).

Determine cleanliness of dishes, food surfaces, and kitchen area.

—SPJST—

Lead Cook Apply Before: May 1, 2022 to campkubena.com/jobs Classification Seasonal (May 16 to August 5, 2022) Paid with Room and Board Reports to: Hospitality Manager Position Purpose To assist the Hospitality Manager in leading the kitchen staff, preparing and serving nutritious meals, and in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen and dishwashing area.

Essential Job Functions Assist in the daily operations of the camp food service.

Assist in the preparation of food as the menu indicates including washing and peeling.

Set up food, supplies, and utensils for dining hall distribution.

Store food and leftovers at proper temperature.

Assist in routine sanitation of the kitchen and related equipment.

Clean and maintain all food-preparation and storage areas.

Wash all dishes, serving and preparation equipment, and utensils according to

VĚSTNÍK regulated washing methods and temperatures.

Reduce waste, reuse items, and recycle as indicated through the camp’s procedures.

Assist in the preparation and packaging of food for use outside the camp dining hall.

Work with cooks and other staff in reviewing pack out requests to ensure adequate and accurate amounts and variety.

Prepare and store pack out food according to camp and health code procedures.

Advise staff on equipment or preparation materials needed for identified menu choices.

Assist the Hospitality Manager with leadership in the kitchen.

Other Job Duties Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.

Assist in housekeeping of cabin facilities in addition to kitchen upkeep.

Assist in the planning of any special events in dining hall or other camp areas.

Equipment Used Stove, Convection Oven, Oven, Flat Top, Grill, Tilt Skillet, Proofer, Dish Washer Qualifications Experience with summer camp food service environment.

Desire to work in the food service area.

Knowledge of food preparation and serving, storage of food and dishwashing procedures is preferred.

Physical Aspects of the Job Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds including unloading food, carry trays of dishes, lifting supplies and equipment as needed.

Visual ability to identify and respond to environmental hazards.

Physical ability to operate kitchen equipment according to safe recommended methods.

Physical mobility and endurance to perform tasks while standing for long periods of time (60 minutes or more).

Determine cleanliness of dishes, food surfaces, and kitchen area.

—SPJST—

Monday, February 14, 2022

Summer Ranger Staff Apply: campkubena.com/jobs Classification Seasonal (May 16 to August 5, 2022) Paid with Room and Board Reports to: Maintenance Manager Position Purpose Rangers are responsible for all aspects of routine maintenance and housekeeping for the entire camp.

Essential Job Functions Upkeep the sanitation and hygiene of the entire camp.

Elimination and upkeep of trash around camp.

Deep cleaning and sanitization of cabins after camping groups have left camp.

Daily cleaning and sanitization of all bathroom facilities.

Maintain toilet paper and paper towels campuswide.

Assist permanent maintenance staff in duties.

Assist in the implementation of maintenance projects as they arise.

Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in all program areas.

Work with camp staff to address concerns from daily checks of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.

Assist in minor maintenance repairs.

Ability to assist permanent maintenance staff in plumbing repairs.

Ability to assist permanent maintenance staff in construction and or repairs.

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Ability to assist in routine maintenance and cleaning of pool and pool chemicals.

Other Job Duties Maintain clear and positive written and verbal communication with all camp staff.

Ability to self-manage and complete a list of tasks.

Works with hospitality manager for daily housekeeping duties.

Qualifications High school education, limited background in minor household repairs, and housekeeping skills.

Ability to be on call for emergency maintenance situations as they arise.

Ability to read a measuring tape.

Have basic knowledge of tools and function of tools.

Ability to take direction and learn new skillset.

Looking for a summer job?

Want to make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime?

Physical Aspects of the Position Ability to communicate and work with permanent maintenance staff and hospitality staff to do assigned tasks.

Must be able to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds periodically.

Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying weather conditions.

—SPJST—

Pack your bags!

Learn how you can join us this summer.

Summer Program Staff

HEY, YOUNG ADULTS!

(AGES 18 AND UP)

Apply: campkubena.com/jobs Summer employment dates are May 16 to August 5, 2022 Housing and meals provided All staff will be professionally trained and certified in high ropes, first aid/CPR, lifeguarding, camp programs, and more.

Applications are available at campkubena.com/jobs For more information, contact Katie at katied@spjst.com or 979-249-5674

APPLY TO BE A CAMP KUBENA SUMMER STAFF MEMBER campkubena.com/jobs Camp Kubena is located on 160 acres in the heart of Texas farm country, between Austin and Houston, off Highway 290 • 2001 Waldeck Road, Ledbetter, Texas 78946

Classification Seasonal (May 16 to August 5, 2022) Paid with Room and Board Reports to: Program Manager Position Purpose Program staff are responsible for facilitating and carrying out all activities that Camp Kubena offers.

Essential Job Functions Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.

Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement, and empowerment of youth.

Assure campers are properly supervised at all times.

Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.

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Monday, February 14, 2022

Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.

Responsible for leading and assisting with the teaching of activities.

Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.

Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.

Assist in program areas such as waterfront, nature, all camp activities, and arts and crafts as directed.

Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.

Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems, and discuss with camp health manager and/or resident camp director when appropriate.

Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to camp director.

Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.

Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.

Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.

Other Job Duties Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.

Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.

Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, and other allcamp activities and camp functions.

Assist in the planning of any special events on or near the waterfront.

Qualifications Must be 18 years of age or high school graduate.

Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR. Must submit health history record and examination form prior to first day of work.

Ability to interact with all age levels.

VĚSTNÍK Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Understand the development needs of youth.

Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.

Demonstrate knowledge and skill in program areas designated camp program areas.

Physical Aspects of the Job Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.

Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.

Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.

Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.

Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.

Physical Requirements Endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds; willing to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities; and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc.

—SPJST—

SPJST Lodge Section

The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month.

Send your news and photos directly to: SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087 Email: vestnik@spjst.org Online: spjst.org/news/submitarticle-photo Questions? Call 800-727-7578

Lodge 6, Cottonwood plans Feb. 20 appreciation dinner Our monthly lodge meeting was called to order by President Milton Peterson. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present, and the SPJST pledge was recited by Peggy Dobecka, followed by a moment of silence to honor the deceased members. Irene Peterson reported 12 members and one guest present.

Minutes from the January meeting were read by Secretary Barbara Hykel.

Treasurer’s report was presented by Peggy Dobecka. Both minutes were approved by the membership.

SPJST Home Office news was reported by Fraternal Activities Coordinator Jeanette Beseda. Youth club report was presented by Peggy Dobecka. Sister Barbara received correspondence from the SPJST Home Office regarding literature about SPJST that is now available in Spanish. Those pamphlets will remain in the hall and will be easily accessible. Sister Barbara announced those Lodge 6 members who will receive their 50-year membership pins this year. It was decided that the pins will be mailed to each member by the Home Office. Those receiving pins will be invited/recognized at the Lodge 6 Easter meeting/party on Sunday, April 3.

An appreciation dinner for all volunteer workers is scheduled for Sunday, February 20 at 12:30 p.m. at Lodge 6, Cottonwood Hall. This event is for all who worked at the Lodge 6 annual picnic in July and the Westfest activities over Labor Day weekend. This will be a catered meal, and the lodge officers want to thank all those who volunteer.

District Three Director John Engelke

provided an SPJST report from the Home Office. He also announced that the District Three Annual Meeting will be Sunday, April 24 at Lodge 92, Fort Worth.

Mary Neckar and James Nemec were recognized for February birthdays. Attendance door prize winners were Mary Neckar, James Nemec, and Milton Peterson.

Next Meeting—March 6 The next lodge meeting will be Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m. A trustee meeting will be held at 1 p.m. prior to the monthly meeting.

Patti Rosales, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 8, Weimar meets Feb. 28 Lodge 8, Weimar will meet on Monday, February 28, 2022, at Oakridge Smokehouse in Schulenburg.

Please note, the time has been changed. We will meet at 12 p.m. for the meeting. Lunch will be enjoyed after the meeting.

Members and their families are cordially invited to attend.

Pray the New Year has been good for everyone.

Carolyn M. Tobola Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, February 14, 2022

Lodge 9, Snook readies for Feb. 20 community reception The February 2, 2022, meeting of SPJST Lodge 9, Snook was called to order by President Donnie Hejl at 6:57 p.m. David Kovar led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll of officers was called. Minutes from the January meeting were approved. Hall manager, fraternal, treasurer, and statewide reports were presented.

The youth club discussed handbook changes and Youth Achievement Day (YAD).

Motions were passed to accept two new members and sponsor Snook Softball.

Bill Elsik spoke to us about some of

the Snook memorabilia items he will be bringing for the reception on Sunday, February 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the SPJST Lodge 9, Snook Hall. We are very excited about this event. The community is invited, and refreshments will be served.

Next Meeting—March 2 The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 2 at 7 p.m.

Fraternally, Hannah Kovar, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 17, New Tabor schedules March 13 hall work day The Lodge 17, New Tabor monthly meeting was held on Sunday, February 6, 2022. The meeting was called to order at 2 p.m. by President Randy Gaas. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Holly Narro.

A resolution of sympathy was read for our departed lodge sister, Lillian Williams.

Minutes of the January meeting were read and approved. Under correspondence, the 50- and 75-year member paperwork came in. Five new members were accepted into the lodge.

Susan Skrabanek gave the treasurer’s report. She also gave the hall concession

report and reported that she already has 10 bookings for the upcoming months.

She stated that we will be donating the hall rent to the Caldwell Education Foundation for its annual Bright Star Breakfast in May. This event honors 12 outstanding graduating seniors at Caldwell High School and a staff member that the students wish to honor.

Fraternal Activities Coordinator/ Youth Leader Holly Narro gave her reports. She informed us that the youth made valentine cards for the local nursing homes and will be including them in the bags from the lodge. She also reported that the youth will be having a valentine’s party after their meeting. She stated that there is an upcoming canoe trip on the Colorado River, and their February youth charity is donating to the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive.

Scenes From an Evening with Photographer and Author Earl Nottingham Thursday, January 27, 2022 • SPJST Home Office • Temple, Texas

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Monday, February 14, 2022

Holly reported that the yearly FAC report has been submitted to the Home Office, and our lodge should be commended for the outstanding job we do.

She announced that the District One Annual Meeting will be Sunday, April 10 at Lodge 9, Snook.

Under old business, the valentine bags will be put together on Thursday, February 10 after the CSA meeting.

They will be delivered on Friday, February 11.

Under new business, Susan Skrabanek made a motion that we deposit money into our lodge management fund account. The motion passed. We will be having a hall work day after the next meeting in March. We also discussed changing our propane provider to someone else. This motion was passed. The March meeting will be on the second Sunday, the 13th, due to several officers not being able to attend on our regularly scheduled meeting date.

Next Meeting—March 13 The meeting was adjourned until our next meeting on Sunday, March 13 at 2 p.m.

Fraternally submitted, Kyle Skrabanek, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 18, Elgin meets Feb. 15; hosts Glen Collins on Feb. 20 It’s hard to believe that one month of 2022 is gone. This Covid is really affecting everything, or is it? Some of us take precautions while others don’t worry no mask, no vaccine. I don’t know how long the hall will survive.

The January dance was not well attended at all. If this keeps up, there will be no dances. The hall rentals are also down. Let’s hope that there will be relief soon.

The next dance is February 13. The Dujka Brothers play for our valentine dance. We will have a television going for the football fans.

Glen Collins is playing on Sunday, February 20.

We have no dance scheduled for March.

Our meetings are very short - not much to discuss. I hope everyone stays healthy.

VĚSTNÍK Happy anniversary to Johnny and Irene Vrabel on January 24. It was number 63, and we are hoping for a few more.

Next Meeting—February 15 The next meeting is Tuesday, February 15 at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall.

“Bitterness: anger that forgot where it came from.”

—Alain Botton Irene Vrabel, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 24, Cyclone welcomes large crowd for Mollie B performance If you were not at Flag Hall in Cyclone on Sunday, February 6, 2022, you missed out on an outstanding performance that will not be repeated until Mollie B visits again. The large crowd packed in nearly all seats were in awe of the smooth music and favorite polkas, waltzes, and two-steps that were rendered. Seldom do we get the pleasures of such performances. “The Tennessee Waltz” was one of this writer’s favorites.

The lodge appreciates the people who attended and are indebted to Linda and Daniel Wilde for running the project.

Save the Date—June 18 The lodge will have a public dance on June 18 with music by All Around Czechs. We will also host Kenny Orts in August. Stay tuned . . .

For the Lodge, Bobby Hoelscher, Reporter —SPJST—

SPJST hosts State Progressive 42 Domino Tournament The start of a new year is a time to celebrate! Saturday, January 8, 2022, turned out to be a day of excitement for 16 players in the SPJST State Progressive 42 Domino Tournament. Why, you ask? Because after two years of Covid restrictions, we finally hosted the SPJST state tournament for our members and players from around Texas. With covid cases still on the rise, our numbers were down from 2019. Nevertheless, we all had a good time competing, seeing one another, missing those that could not be there, and getting caught up on life after two years of not seeing one another.

The players participating in the 14-round tournament all said they had a great time.

Throughout the day, I pulled five names to see who would win a $2 scratch-off ticket. We

had one winner of $25. Congratulations, Jimmie Coufal!

As in past years, we had the winner of the box of Lucky Charms cereal and $5 scratchoff ticket. This year, we had many players saying they wanted to play for that! To win the prize, all you need to do is have the lowest score. This year’s winner was Arno Frosch from the Waco area. Arno has been coming to our tournaments for years. Arno is 92 years young, and he enjoys coming to our tournaments. We are very thankful he attends.

Individually bagged hot meals from Chick-fil-A were served to the players.

Fraternally, Frank Horak State Fraternal Director —SPJST—

Congratulations to, front, left to right, first place winner Danny Stepan of Lodge 47, Seaton; second - Willie Cervenka of Granger; third - Daylon Crye, pictured in back, second from left, of Robinson; and fourth - George Holman of Waco. They are pictured with State Fraternal Director Frank Horak and Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez.

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, February 14, 2022

Lodge 30, Taiton members gather for holiday meeting

Happy birthday, lodge 6, cottonwood members!

Dear Vestnik Readers, The SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton November/December meeting was called to order on November 22, 2021, at Lone Star Cafe by President Yvonne Marcaurele. The Pledge of Allegiance was led

by Lauren Kresta, and a moment of silence was observed for any sick or departed members.

The reading of the minutes for the October meeting was waived due to our location. Five officers, 10 adult members, 14 youth members, and four guests were in attendance.

Treasurer Lisa Bubela reported on the financial standing of our lodge.

Fraternal Activities Coordinator Patsy Baker informed the members of upcoming events around the state.

President Yvonne Marcaurele then presented Karen Kaspar and Debbie Krpec with plaques for their past service

Lodge 6, Cottonwood members James Nemec and Mary Neckar were recognized for celebrating February birthdays.

Happy birthday!

—Submitted by Patti Rosales Reporter

as lodge officers.

Under new business, the membership discussed the possibility of celebrating Grandparents’ Day in January due to the need to cancel it this past September.

The new date of January 16, 2022, was decided on. We will serve our customary breakfast after the 8:30 a.m. mass at St. John’s Catholic Church.

Officers for 2022 were then elected.

The nominating committee of Stephanie Jannsen made her nominations of all previous officers to continue to hold their offices. Motion was seconded by Kirby Lange, and it carried.

Happy birthday was wished to Grant Bubela. Happy anniversary was wished to Debbie and Raymond Krpec for 46

11

years of wedded bliss. We wish them many more years to come.

Everyone then enjoyed a meal of fajitas and trimmings to celebrate Christmas.

The next meeting was scheduled for January 16, 2022, at St. John’s Parish Center after the 8:30 a.m. mass to celebrate Grandparents’ Day. Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 30, Taiton reports on January meeting Dear Vestnik Readers, The SPJST Lodge 30 January meeting was called to order on Sunday, January 16, 2022, by President Yvonne Marcaurele. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Lauren Kresta, and a moment of silence was observed for sick

District Six Cemetery Association Hosts 2022 Annual Meeting The SPJST District Six Cemetery Association met Sunday, January 30, 2022, for its annual meeting in Hallettsville at the Chamber of Commerce office meeting room. In attendance were President David Bucek of Lodge 151, Wharton; Vice President Vlasta Bartos of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje; Secretary-Treasurer Johnny Hoffman of Lodge 184, Moulton; Janie Bucek of Lodge 151, Wharton; Karen Kaspar of Lodge 30, Taiton; and Annie and Philip

Vahalik and Patsy Zabransky, all of Lodge 4, Hallettsville.

After the business meeting, everyone enjoyed visiting and refreshments brought by everyone.

The cemetery association was formed in 2000 and has made a tremendous impact on the preservation and upkeep of the Moravia, Shiner, and Velehrad cemeteries. In the spring of 2021, the Moravia and Shiner Cemeteries were deeded to the Diocese of

District Six Cemetery Association officers for 2022 are, left to right, Secretary-Treasurer Johnny Hoffman of Lodge 184, Moulton; Vice President Vlasta Bartos of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje; and President David Bucek of Lodge 151, Wharton. CENTER PHOTO: Pictured with the officers are Janie Bucek, back, right, caretaker of the cemeteries, and Monsignor John Peters, back, center, pastor of Ascension Church in Moravia, who was in-

Victoria to become part of the Moravia and Shiner Catholic cemeteries. The diocese will maintain perpetual care for the cemeteries and their historical markers. Each cemetery is located by the current church cemetery which made this a good decision for both of us.

Special thanks to Janie and David Bucek and Kathleen Guenther for all of their help in getting the information together for me to get to the Diocese of

Victoria to make this transfer. Their record keeping and prompt attention to any questions or paperwork I needed to facilitate this transfer was greatly appreciated. The Velehrad cemetery will remain under the care of the District Six Cemetery Association.

Fraternally, Annie Vahalik District Six Director —SPJST—

strumental in transferring the cemeteries to the Diocese of Victoria. RIGHT PHOTO: Pictured are the current committee members who were present to complete the transaction at the annual meeting on Sunday, March 21, 2021, held at SPJST Lodge 23, Moravia hall. Seated, left to right, are Vlasta Bartos, David Bucek, and Johnny Hoffman. Back: Monsignor John Peters, Kathy Guenther, Annie Vahalik, Karen Kaspar, and Philip Vahalik.

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Monday, February 14, 2022

and departed members.

Minutes for the November/December meeting were then read and approved. In attendance were five officers, 11 adult members, 15 youth members, and all of the grandparents who were our special guests.

Treasurer Lisa Bubela reported on the financial standing of the lodge.

There were no outstanding bills at this time.

Fraternal Activities Coordinator Patsy Baker informed members of the upcoming events around the state. She reminded members that the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive was continuing and the Cars & Guitars event will be held on Saturday, April 2 at Camp Kubena.

Karen Kaspar and Debbie Krpec then shared their heartfelt thanks for the plaques that they had received at the last meeting. Secretary Marjorie Treumer then shared that she received new brochures in the mail from the Home Office. President Yvonne Marcaurele shared that she also received new brochures. It was then decided that they would be handed out at the upcoming Taiton Altar Society Chicken Dinner event in March.

Youth Leader Lisa Bubela informed members of the upcoming important dates. She will be attending the online youth leaders’ meeting. A youth leaders’ workshop will be held at Camp Kubena on April 22 and 23. District Six YAD will be discussed. If numbers are not increased, then we will only have State YAD. Youth Leader Lisa then shared that we may have a fun day to bring new families in so that we can share our wonderful organization with them.

Under old business, President Yvonne discussed the Christmas parade in December. She said that it was well attended and that they even got to celebrate David’s birthday.

Under new business, we will review our by-laws at the next meeting. We will run the cake walk for the Altar Society Chicken Dinner again this year. Marjorie Treumer made a motion to donate $200 to the Adopt a Grandparent organization. The motion was seconded by Karen Kaspar, and it carried.

The District Six Annual Meeting was then discussed. We need to follow up with District Six Director Annie Vahalik to find out who will be hosting the meeting and when it will be scheduled.

Happy anniversary was wished to Megan and Toby Riha for 14 years,

VĚSTNÍK

More Scenes from Lodge 6, Cottonwood Christmas Party

Sarah and Keith Kresta for 24 years, and Karen and Leroy Kaspar for 46 years.

We wish them many more years of wedded bliss.

The next meeting will be February 6 at the St. John’s Parish Center with the adult meeting at 9:45 a.m., and the youth meeting to follow.

Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 35, Elk appreciates supportive members President Randy Pavelka called the Wednesday, January 12, 2022, meetings of Lodge 35, Elk and Elk Hall, Incorporated to order at 7:05 p.m. Fourteen members and four guests were present.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by officers, members, and guests. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Eldon Pavelka whom recently passed away. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends.

Minutes of the December 19, 2021, meeting were read by Secretary Carla

Price. They were approved as read.

Treasurer Cari Hammer gave her report and with no corrections, the report was approved as read.

Floor Chair Gene Pavelka and Bar Chair Randy Pavelka both reported a great month.

A great big thank you to the members that step in and help when we have a dance with a very large crowd. It is wonderful to have such a supportive group of people working well together.

“Great Job!” District Three Director John Engelke complimented us on doing well at our functions. He also said that the big signs on our building look great. We thank SPJST for providing us with the signs.

Director Engelke then installed the officers for the new year.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 pm.

We enjoyed a delicious meal of chicken fried steaks and sides that was provided by Trading House Bar and Grill. We thank them for such a great meal. Social time followed.

Fraternally yours, Janie Brewer, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 49, Rowena dance on Feb. 26 features Jody Nix SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena will host a dance on Saturday, February 26, 2022, featuring Jody Nix. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the dance is from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Join us for great music and a fun time!

Beverly Teplicek —SPJST—

Lodge 66, Waco to sponsor April 2 Cars & Guitars event at Camp Kubena The Monday, January 24, 2022, meeting of Lodge 66, Waco was called to order by President Douglas Galler at 6 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bellmead. All officers were present along with eight members and four visitors. A moment of silence was observed for departed sister Evelyn Stuckly.

Secretary Dana McAdams read the

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, February 14, 2022

minutes from the November meeting, and they were approved as read.

In correspondence, Sister Dana received copies of the four new sales brochures that are printed in Spanish from Vice President of Sales and Marketing Delisle L. Doherty at the Home Office.

Sister Dana also received a copy of this year’s SPJST Home Office calendar that features the 2021-2022 State Royalty.

The last piece of correspondence that Sister Dana received was a list of this year’s 50- and 75-year members for Lodge 66. There are 39 members who are eligible to receive a 50-year pin and no 75 members this year. Brother John Engelke made a motion that we have the Home Office mail the pins to the members this year. The motion was seconded by Sister Diana Engelke and passed.

The next order of business was Brother Douglas presenting the fraternal

report. He mentioned that Sister Dorothy Veselka is eligible for an outgoing/retiring officer plaque for her many years of service as a lodge officer for Lodge 66.

Thank you, Sister Dorothy, for all that you have done for Lodge 66!

Brother Douglas also mentioned that scholarship applications are available for high school seniors and adults who have not received a previous scholarship from SPJST. The deadline to apply was February 1.

In cheer and condolence news, Sister Dorothy sent a sympathy card to the family of Sister Evelyn Stuckly.

Sister Diana presented the treasurer’s report.

In new business, Brother John mentioned many upcoming SPJST events.

Brother John also requested that, on behalf of Lodge 66, we consider sponsoring the Cars & Guitars event which will be held at Camp Kubena on Saturday,

Snook Historical Memories Event

April 2. Sister Diana made a motion that we contribute $500 for a sponsorship.

The motion, seconded by Brother Michael Galler, passed.

Carter Blood Care was mentioned by Brother Douglas for January’s donation.

Brother John made that a motion, and Sister Diana seconded the motion. The motion passed.

This year’s lodge refund check was also discussed.

The door prize was won by Sister Jane Galler. The 100 percent pot of $4 was won by Sister Dana.

The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

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Lodge 79 Corpus Christi members celebrate new year Lodge 79, Corpus Christi met on Sunday, January 16, 2022, celebrating New Year’s with fried chicken and sides. President Mark Rebecek called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers were present with 19 members and guests in attendance.

On the sick list was Becky Urbanovsky who was under the weather. We wish her well.

Secretary Virginia Rebecek read the December minutes, and they were approved. Treasurer Larry Elzner gave the financial report, and it was approved.

Under new business, members dis-

Next Meeting—February 28 The next meeting of Lodge 66 will be on Monday, February 28 at 6 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bellmead.

Respectfully, Dana McAdams, Secretary —SPJST—

Home & Garden SPJS T Car Show Held in conjunction with the 2022 Temple Area Builders Association Home & Garden Show which attracts more than 5,000 attendees annually!

at

Bell County Expo Center

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2022 2 - 4 p.m.

SNOOK SPJST HALL 457 CR 269 • SNOOK, TX 77878

301 W Loop 121 • Belton, TX

Several Special Awards

Friday, Saturday, Sunday February 25, 26, and 27, 2022 Move In Friday 1-5 p.m.

$30/Car Pre-Registration by Feb. 23 Register early!

Space is limited to 75 cars.

$40/Car at Show Come and see some of the implements our ancestors used to start the community of Snook and tame the land.

Pictures of the settling families will be available for free on a first come first serve basis.

24-hour On-Site Security!

For more info: 254-534-0807 254-534-0809 melaniez@spjst.com

Move Out Sunday 4 p.m.

No exceptions

Top 15 Peopleʼs Choice Awards

Registration fee includes a car show tee-shirt, goodie bag, and 2 tickets good for 3 days at the Home & Garden Show!

Home & Garden SPJS T Car Show Entry Form Name: __________________________ Email: __________________________ T-Shirt Size: (circle) S M L XL 2X 3X

Items displayed by Mr. Bill Elsik Refreshments provided by Snook Brethren Church Feel free to bring your own antiques for show.

A ‘corral’ will be set up out front for visitors to view, but not touch.

SPJST Lodge 9 Snook Membership Drive event!

Address: __________________________ City: ______________ State: ___ Zip: _______ Phone: (

) ___________

Year of Car: _________ Make: ___________________ Model: ___________________ Color: ___________________ LIABILITY: In consideration of the acceptance of the right to participate, entrants, participants, and spectators by execution of this form release and discharge the Temple Area Builders Association, SPJST, the Bell County Expo Center, the City of Belton, the State of Texas, agents, representatives, and anyone else connected with the management or presentation of the Home & Garden SPJST Car Show 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 entrants to his person or property. Further, each entrant expressly agrees to indemnity all of the foregoing entitles, forms, persons, bodies of and from any and all liability occasioned or resulting from the conduct of entrants or any participants assisting or cooperating with the entrant and under the direction of the entrant.

FIRE MARSHAL REQUIREMENTS: All filler caps to gas tanks must be taped closed and all battery cables must be disconnected.

Gas tanks are required to be drained to 1/4 of the tank or less.

Signature of Entrant: __________________________ Legal Guardian (if under 18): __________________________

Mail Entry Form to: SPJST c/o Home & Garden Car Show • P.O. Box 100 • Temple, TX 76503 Email Entry Form to: melaniez@spjst.org • Enter Online: spjst.org/car-show • Call: 254-534-0807 for credit card payment

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Monday, February 14, 2022

cussed the District Seven Annual Meeting in Corpus Christi to be held on Sunday, March 13.

The fraternal report was presented by Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky. He asked all to keep reporting fraternal acts.

The youth report was presented by Youth Leader Marcia Rew. Seven members and guests were in attendance.

The youth colored crosses and will do a valentine theme at the February meeting. Marcia Rew presented winnings to Slade and Sloan Craig for entering crafts at Youth Achievement Day (YAD).

Twenty-five dollar door prizes were won by Michael Urbanovsky and Sloan Craig.

Christina Rew made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Gerilyn Donnell.

The meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Next Meeting—February 20 The next meeting will be Sunday, February 20 with catered chicken fried steak. Members are asked to bring a side dish.

Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek, Secretary —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 81, Needville invites 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 self-addressed, stamped envelope to SPJST Lodge 81, Needville, 9939 Peterson Road, Needville, Texas 77461 on or before March 15, 2022, to receive an application. ^ —SPJST—

Lodge 84, Dallas meets Feb. 20 Dear Readers, Just a reminder that Lodge 84, Dallas will be holding its next meeting on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. at Back Country BBQ, which is located at 6940 Greenville Avenue in Dallas,

Joe and Donna Rychlik Celebrate 50 Years of Marriage Joe and Donna Rychlik celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, February 12, 2022.

Joe and Donna were married on February 12, 1972, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Frenstat with Father Lonnie Urban officiating.

Joe and Donna are members of St. Mary Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Caldwell where they serve as music ministers.

They are both active volunteers with many organizations, Burleson County Czech Heritage, TCGS, and KJT. Donna is a member of SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor. Joe and Donna also help individuals in the community by driving them to

doctor’s appointments as well as helping in other ways as needed.

Joe is retired from the United States Postal Service, and Donna is a retired teacher.

Donna’s hobbies include quilting, cross stitch, and reading. Joe’s hobbies are working in the yard, visiting with friends, and listening to polka music.

They both enjoy going to dances with their favorite polka bands and the Pack! They also enjoy traveling and have visited Europe, the UK, Russia, the Caribbean, and all 50 states.

Joe and Donna are thankful for the years God has given them together.

—SPJST—

Texas 75231. The phone number is 214696-6940.

Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 84, Dallas invites members to April 3 Easter celebration Lodge 84, Dallas will join with KJT, KJZT, and WFLA/Better Life on Sunday, April 3, 2022, for an Easter celebration at Sokol Dallas.

Details so far include mass at 11 a.m.

A social will follow at 12 noon. A fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings and Easter dessert bar will follow. There will be a fellowship afterwards.

More details will be forthcoming as they get confirmed, but I heard that the Easter Bunny is supposed to make an appearance!

SPJST Lodge 84 youth, please contact Lynda Novak at magiclady_46@hotmail.com or 972948-4456 by March 27 to let her know you are coming so she can let the Easter Bunny know you will be there.

Keep reading the Vestnik as plans come together. Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 3 to come and enjoy fun, food, and fellowship!^ Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 142, Houston reports on January meeting The monthly meeting of Lodge 142, Houston was held Sunday, January 16, 2022, in the dining area of Lodge 88, Houston. A social and delicious lunch of Cane’s Chicken and sides was served at 1 p.m. Prayer was given by Dennis Hermis.

President Dennis Hermis called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Flag Bearer Zac Coleman.

Roll call of officers showed all present except Vice President Kerry Herrington, Youth Leader Amanda Muzny, and Assistant Youth Leader Kyle Herrington. A motion was made by Barbara Linney-Gonzales to excuse these officers as well as members Jean Herrington and Mary Jane Hue. Also absent were Sales Agents Connie Carter and Alexis Scott. Present were 27 members and guest Adele Johnson.

Secretary Elizabeth Hermis read the December annual meeting minutes.

Keith Kieschnick moved to accept the minutes, seconded by Mike Schleider.

The motion passed.

Financial Secretary/Treasurer Keith Kieschnick gave the financials report.

All approved.

Fraternal Activities Coordinator Pat Schleider reported on the state domino tournament, and she stated we will have a memorial service for our departed members in 2021.

Sick Committee reported Amanda Muzny gave birth to a baby boy on December 23. He was 8 pounds, 13 ounces and was 21 inches long. Ms. Mary Jane Hue fell and broke her hip. She is recu-

Happy birthday to sheri of lodge 38, kovar Sheri Holder celebrated her birthday with her children Matt, Elizabeth, and Ethan. Also pictured are mom Dorothy Lastovica and brother Allen Lastovica. All are members of Lodge 38, Kovar.

Happy birthday, Sheri!

—Submitted by Dorothy Lastovica

VĚSTNÍK perating in rehab at this time. Ms. Jean Herrington was in the hospital and is now resting at home.

Correspondence included scholarship applicants Karlee Kieschnick and Autumn Ngo. The auditing committee audited the youth club books, and all were in good order.

Old business discussed was the lodge will pay for shipping boxes for the youth club project.

New business discussion included meeting dates were set for the year.

Birthday celebrants were Catherine Manchack on the 1st; Mary Wunderlich on the 11th; Caleb Ngo on the 5th; and Jo Dien Roznovsky on the 25th.

The meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Monday, February 14, 2022

Lodge 160, San Angelo meets Feb. 17

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lodge 18, elgin couple celebrates anniversary

Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 160, San Angelo will hold its quarterly meeting on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at 5 p.m. The meeting will take place at Los Panchitos Restaurant, located at 34 West Avenue D in San Angelo. Please RSVP to Sandra at 325-234-1339 if you plan to attend. We hope you will be able to join us!^ Fraternally, Sandra Jansa, President —SPJST—

Next Meeting—February 20 The next meeting will be Sunday, February 20 at 2 p.m. with a meal and social at 1 p.m. in the dining area at Lodge 88, Houston.

Fraternally, Elizabeth Hermis, Secretary —SPJST—

Johnny and Irene Vrabel celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Lodge 18, Elgin’s dance. Czech Melody Masters provided the music. “It’s sad that our family couldn’t attend due to covid,” Irene says. “However, Ginny and Frank Matula, Loretta and Melvin Remmert, Sid and Joan Krhovjak, and Sharon and Norman Blackman attended. The music was great; too bad the attendance was so small. Thanks to our niece for taking this picture and coming to our celebration.”

Scenes from Lodge 30, Taiton’s “Merry Little SPJST Christmas Party”

Lodge 30, Taiton hosted a “Merry Little SPJST Christmas Party” on Monday, November 22, 2021, at Lone Star Cafe in El Campo. TOP PHOTOS: Adult and youth members enjoy visiting during the party. BELOW

LEFT: Debbie Krpec, left, and Karen Kaspar were honored for their many years of dedicated service. BELOW RIGHT: Pictured, left to right, are Yvonne Marcaurele, Karen Kaspar, Wanda Dorotik, and Lisa Bubela.

More Fun Ways to Get 30 Minutes of Physical Activity t Trampolining Jumping on a trampoline can be a great way to relax, have some fun and do moderately strenuous activity at the same time. If you don’t have a trampoline in the yard, you can head to a trampoline center to have fun on Olympic-sized trampolines, long tumbling runs, and even trampolines that run up the wall. t Fair games fun Egg and spoon races, two-legged races, sack races, wheelbarrow races – there’s nothing like a silly race to get people competitive! If it’s been awhile since you balanced an egg while running or tied your leg to someone else’s, it might be time to hold your own backyard fair. t Active games night Games night doesn’t have to mean you’ll be sitting around a board game all night. Work some active games into your fun, like Twister, charades or salad bowl, or play an active video or VR game.

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Monday, February 14, 2022

t Stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking If you're confident around water and know how to be water-safe, stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking can be really fun ways to get some exercise.

Paddling with a friend or a group can be safer and even more fun. Some people enjoy yoga on their paddle boards, but many of us have a hard enough time just standing on them! Paddle boards and kayaks can be rented at some water-side locations.

VĚSTNÍK

Valentine’s Day Word Find

t Bike riding Bikes are some of the best active fun you can have outside, and kids know it.

What kid isn’t thrilled with a new set of wheels for their birthday?

If you haven’t ridden a bike since childhood, don’t worry, it’s pretty much like, well, riding a bike! Start off slow on an easy bike path, and as you grow your confidence you can graduate to heart rate raising hills or even off-road trails. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/30-ways-toget-active-exercise-fun

—SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton business owner offers grief support groups and activities Young’s Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center is based not only on a commitment of compassionate and personalized service to the families who trust us with their loved ones at the time of passing but also entrust us to ful-

Texas land commissioner visits central texas Becky Vajdak of Lodge 88, Houston is pictured with Texas Land Commission George P. Bush at a recent meeting of the Central Texas Republican Women in Belton, Texas.

fill our commitment to continue to serve all of the grieving family and friends for as long as it takes for them to gain their equilibrium after the shock of the death.

Grieving and the sense of loss is different for every person and how they deal with and function in their daily life will be very different.

The four major types of loss that we grieve are:

Lodge 202, Jourdanton sponsors soccer team

Loss of identity – who are we without our deceased loved one Loss of safety – who will take care of us whether it be due to a financial shift or a fear of living without the loved one Loss of autonomy – how will we manage our own life and affairs without the deceased loved one Loss of dreams or expectations – what happens to all the plans that were made together These fears can be crippling for some individuals while others are able to return to their daily lives with a minimum of disruption. Whether a person is able to function well or not does not limit their need to travel the journey of loss.

According to bereavement theorists, the stages of grief include shock and denial, pain and guilt, anger and bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance and

Lodge 202, Jourdanton sponsored a soccer team with players wearing “SPJST” jerseys. The SPJST logo as well as other sponsors were displayed on three large banners that were placed on the field. More than 600 players from three counties participated. Pictured is Luke House, son of Eric and Katie House and great-grandson of Lloyd and Bettie House.

VĚSTNÍK hope. Of course, not everyone progresses through all of these stages or in the same order or even requires the same length of time for healing. For example, the death of a child as opposed to a senior parent who has lived a long and full life usually results in a shorter journey to acceptance. But each person needs to make the journey, and we want to do all we can to assist our families and friends through this. Therefore, we have begun our bereavement commitment with Grief Support groups including both our Compassionate Friends program, especially intended for those who have lost children or siblings, and our general Grief Support program which is inclusive of anyone who has suffered a loss.

We have a GriefShare group beginning shortly. GriefShare is a Christian based model which utilizes a video

Monday, February 14, 2022 seminar followed by discussion and journaling workbook to aid in the understanding and clarifying of the grieving process. Also, we have a Widow and Widower Social Club which meets monthly at a variety of settings to aid those who have lost their partners to begin making new friends. Our 365 Day GriefShare message is a free daily inspirational text that we hope will console and inspire you as you grief the loss of your loved one.

We also have events such as balloon release honoring the children we have lost in association with the national Compassionate Friends organization.

Call our office at 254-401-1302 for this year’s scheduled event. It will be held at the funeral home, and we hope you can all join us. The National Association for Compassionate Friends has an annual

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TOCA meets in La Grange SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek, center, is pictured with KJZT President/CEO Catherine Sylvester and KJT Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Kana during the Texans of Czech Ancestry (TOCA) annual meeting on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange.

convention which we believe is unbelievably healing for all families and individuals who choose to attend. The

Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point members lend helping hands to community projects

LEFT PHOTO: Susan Hutton, second from right, of Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point assists Morgan’s Point Volunteer Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary by painting snowmen for its Christmas activity. CENTER PHOTO: Ricki Dixon of Lodge 246 helped with the

Wounded Warrior dove hunt by providing food for the participants. RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 246 President Ingrid Petrik presents donations from the lodge and from District Two Director Jesse Pospisil’s discretionary fund to Feed My Sheep.

LEFT PHOTO: Melanie Zavodny of Lodge 246 presents homemade cookies and a donation from the lodge to Steven Donoso for Treasure in Heaven Ministries. CENTER PHOTO: David Nauert and Melanie

Zavodny Nauert prepare Christmas goodie bags filled with treats, socks, and games for Feed My Sheep in Temple. RIGHT PHOTO: The filled bags ready for distribution.

variety of event seminars and speakers are instrumental in beginning or continuing the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual recovery after a loss. Call our office at 254-401-1302 for this year’s schedule. We hope you will join us there.

Our Walk to Remember last December honoring all of our deceased loved ones was greatly embraced by our families. It will be held on the second Sunday of December annually. Memorial placards are made of the deceased with messages of love from the family and placed on the pathway. At sunset, we offer a prayer then begin our candlelit walk through the park honoring our deceased loved ones. If you would like to join us this year, please contact the funeral home at 254-401-1302 for more information.

Our annual President’s Memorial Certificate Banquet is held to honor our military members who have passed through a public recognition of their service and a banquet for their families.

Any military member who has not been honored with a memorial certificate signed by the President of the United States is welcome to contact our office at 254-401-1302 regardless of the years served, and they will be included in our celebration.

We have plans for many more group and individual activities and events to help our families and friends through their grief journey when our Bereavement Center is built. We are anticipating construction beginning by the end of the year if all goes according to plan. We also welcome any ideas you might have to add to our bereavement activities and programs.

Submitted by, Sabrina Young Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—

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Monday, February 14, 2022

VĚSTNÍK whack, this puts undue stress on muscles, leading to pain. Dropping your head or shoulders also can create unnecessary tension that leads to headaches. Good posture can alleviate this.

Alleviate everyday aches and pains Daily discomfort can be remedied with some relatively easy techniques.

Pain occurs for a variety of reasons.

Pain may be a byproduct of overuse of a particular part of the body, or it could signal an underlying illness or condition.

Sometimes injury is at the heart of aches and pains.

Daily aches and pains may be seen as a normal byproduct of aging, but that does not mean aging individuals should simply accept pain. In fact, daily discomfort can be remedied with some relatively easy techniques.

Get moving. Lower back pain is common among adults, and most often appears when individuals are in their mid-30s and 40s. Strength training and cardio exercises can remedy this pain because these activities increase blood flow and help build core muscles, which support the spine. Support can alleviate pressure on the discs in the back. Exercising also will build strength in other areas of the body and support joints.

Practice good posture. Sitting and standing with optimal posture can help the body feel better. The body is designed to stand in a “neutral” position that stacks the pelvis, head and torso, according to DMC Healthcare. When posture is out of

Exercise more often. Certain pains arise when exercising for the first time or performing a new activity. Allan H. Goldfarb, Ph.D., a professor and exercise physiologist at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, says when you do the same activity again and again, your muscles will start to get used to it and soreness will be reduced. Don’t give up on exercise too soon, but include off days in your routine to give your body time to become more acclimated to increased physical activity.

Get tested. Speak with your doctor if you have chronic pain in one or more areas. Such pain may be a sign of osteoarthritis, an inflammatory condition

that is associated with aging. Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions can cause aches and pains as well, leaving the joints and tendons inflamed and a body with low energy. A doctor can rule out these conditions or help you get the therapy and medications you need.

Increase stretching and movement exercises. Incorporate stretching and movement exercises like yoga or tai chi into your daily regimen. These activities slowly stretch areas of the body and can improve range of motion and flexibility over time.

These are just a few ways to address common aches and pains. Medical interventions, physical therapy, occupational therapy and ergonomics assessments, and massage therapy also may help to alleviate aches and pains. (MS) —SPJST—

INTRODUCING THE 2022 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE AND CONTEST FOR ALL LODGES. Here’s your chance to help grow your lodge and raise a little funds for the lodge, too.

It’s time to focus on bringing in new members to your lodge!

We recently introduced a new referral program.

In 2022, your lodge can earn funds for those referrals!

HOW TO EARN MONEY

Car Car Show Show and and Music Music Festival Festival

The lodge in each district that scores the most points each month will receive $125, in honor of SPJST’s 125th anniversary in 2022.

Each person who sends in a referral and the referral becomes a new member — or a current member who purchases an additional certificate — will receive a $25 thank you gift card.

HOW TO EARN POINTS Mail in a new referral card for any potential new member. Your lodge will receive 2 points if they become a member with a life or annuity product.

saturday april 2, 2022 10 A.m . - 4 p.m.

Mail in a referral card for an existing member who would like more insurance or a review.

If they purchase additional life insurance or a new annuity, your lodge will receive 1 point.

HOW TO SUBMIT REFERRALS Complete a referral card and mail it to the SPJST Home Office. Need referral cards?

Contact: SPJST Vice President Delisle Doherty • 832-232-2049 • delisled@spjst.com Submit referrals online at spjst.org/referral The referrals submitted will be assigned to one of your lodge agents or the best qualified agent to help your lodge. If the agent closes the deal, your lodge will receive the new member or certificate credit (if it is an existing member).

This is a great opportunity to get your lodge’s youth involved by, inviting friends to become members. It’s also a great opportunity to get neighbors, friends, and family involved, too!

Monthly winners will be posted in the Vestnik.

located at

Camp Kubena 2001 WALDECK RD LEDBETTER, TEXAS Camp Kubena is a retreat and camping venue located 7 miles west of Round Top

live music performances by JAKE WAYLON ANNA LARSON GIDDY UP GO MARY-CHARLOTTE YOUNG As well as Food Trucks, Vendors Disc Golf Tournament, and more

TO register for the car show visit campkubena.com

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, February 14, 2022

Lodge 88, Houston Orchestra Keeps Czech Music Tradition Alive

by Gary E. McKee • Texas Polka News

Lodge 88, Houston Czech Concert Orchestra in 1988.

It has been said, “Every Czech can play an instrument, but some shouldn’t.” Well, the percentage of Czech musicians who should play seems to be fairly large, particularly in Harris County, where the congregation of Czechs that emigrated from the music rich blackland farms of Central Texas after World War II have called home.

In 1897, immigrant Czechs founded a fraternal organization, the Slovanská Poporující Jednota Státu Texas, or SPJST, to provide financial (life insurance) assistance and a rallying point for Czech families in Texas as they established themselves in a foreign culture.

SPJST played a leading role in maintaining the Czech culture in Texas communities consisting of Germans and Anglos. In the beginning, most members were of Czech descent, and could read and speak the language. All functions along with SPJST’s newspaper, the Věstník (bulletin), were in Czech. Over the decades as Czechs began to assimilate into Texas culture, the number of practitioners of the language slowly diminished, forcing the SPJST conversion to English which reflected the community’s evolution.

To accomplish this goal, SPJST formed chapters or lodges in areas having a dense population of Czechs. They met wherever was affordable. Over time, land was purchased, and structures were constructed for lodge functions and to serve as gathering locations for private and civic events not related to SPJST. These halls, many of which were built in the early 1900s, became a beacon for musicians and the public who supported the musicians. These

halls were instrumental in keeping the culture and music alive through the transitions of cultures in the 1900s. Through multiple wars and political administrations, SPJST has evolved, and as of 2021, there are approximately 38,500 SPJST members in 102 lodges throughout Texas.

Following World War II, the Houston area experienced a building boom, and to supply the labor force for this extreme growth, Czechs and Germans that had a strong work ethic left the farms of Central Texas. They went to Houston looking for and finding good wages, benefits, and a way to support the family back home, as agricultural markets were declining. SPJST, which al-

ready had a small presence in Harris County, followed this migration and expanded its presence in Harris County to handle the growth. During the last third of the 1900s, the popularity of the lodges had declined in general forcing closures of some. One of the lodges which has survived is known as Lodge 88, Houston.

In 1910, fifteen members of the Czechoslovak Cultural Club Pokrok (progress) met and voted to organize a lodge in Houston. The first meetings were in the Clay Building on Washington and Houston Avenue. A password was required for entry before admission was granted by an outside and inside guard to enter the hall.

A search for their own property found a location in the Studewood Addition in the Heights. On June 18, 1911, the first hall of SPJST Lodge 88 was dedicated. The membership slowly grew and soon began giving back to its members and the community by providing monetary benefits to sick members (including other lodges), raising money for local charities, hosting drama plays, teaching Czech language classes, and setting up a youth club. For most events, a dance was coupled with the event.

The success of the lodge decreed that a new one be built nearby, the second home of Lodge 88 was built in 1934 at 1140 Robbie Street. The civic events increased, and fellowship dances were frequent. The Michalsky Orchestra from Crosby and the Syncopators engaged in a double dance on New Year’s Eve in 1934. The following years saw Adolph

Moody Gardens, 1996. Lodge 88, Houston Czech Concert Orchestra and Chorale performs by the beautiful sea. Pictured are members of Lodge 88, Houston Concert Orchestra and Chorale. The groups performed in Galveston at Moody Gardens Earth Fair. The Orchestra is under the leadership of Brother Jim Rohde, and the Chorale Group is directed by Sister Helen Hegwood. The large crowd attending Earth Fair truly enjoyed the performance. (Vestnik photo submitted in 1996 by Frances Bollom)

19

and the Gold Chain Bohemians, Ray Baca’s Orchestra, Baca’s New Deal Orchestra, John R. Baca Orchestra, The Knights of Dixie, and the Bill Mraz Orchestra perform throughout the 1940s and 1950s.

Lodge 88, Houston Czech Concert Orchestra officers. Standing, left to right, Assistant Band Director Larry Overacker, Equipment Logistics Tom Sellers, Director V. Kovanda, and Vice President Louis Fought. Seated, left to right, Secretary Kathy Jolly, President Jim Rohde, and Treasurer Bernice Sellers.

The second location was outgrown over the decades and with the influx of post war migration, a larger space was needed. In the early 1960s, the current and third site of SPJST Lodge 88, Pokrok Houston was built at 1435 Beall Street. On February 20, 1965, the building was dedicated. About a year later, the membership voted to build an Olympic-sized swimming pool in the back of the property. The lodge also added a children’s playground, tennis court, basketball court, and gazebo.

Lodge members not only continued their activities and contributions that they brought with them from their past lodge homes, but added other events such as ceramic classes, splash days, hosted the Heights Little League, and many more new activities and of course, weekly dances by both Texas and touring Northern polka bands along with Big Band Orchestras.

The lodge was the social center for Czech culture in Houston, where many friends and families gathered for fellowship. As stated in the opening paragraph, the large numbers of Czechs who could play music were real, and some wanted occasional gigs not in the weekly frequency like the Krenek and Baca Orchestras. In 1964, a seed was planted for the idea of a lodge orchestra when Rudy Zatopek organized a group of lodge musicians: Bob Sustala, Stanley Sebesta, Dennis Mlcak, Johnny Mlcak, Norman Barnes, J. Pokorney, and Jeff Koudelka who performed after the ground-breaking ceremony for the new hall. This idea

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Monday, February 14, 2022

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 88, Houston Czech Concert Orchestra

led to the desire in the 1970s to form their own orchestra from members, as other lodges around the state have done.

The Orchestra was intended to play only at Lodge 88 functions several times a year and possibly other events around the area, not as a weekly performing dance band, and it was to be an all-volunteer group.

In 1973, the Lodge 88 Orchestra was organized by John Mrnustik and Rudy Zatopek. Along with them were Arnold Dybala, Ladgie Pavelka, Raymond and Pat Zapatal, Arnold Baca, Jim Rohde, Carolyn Filipp, Pat Parma, Joe Nesvadba, Rueben Holtquist, Tommy Dybala, Frank Koudelka, Wilber Heinsohn, and Clarence Baca. Some of the members brought their sheet music to share, and after rehearsals, the orchestra began offering old stock Czech music like Julajda [sic] Blue Skirt, Muziky Muziky, Happy Go Lucky, Louka Zelená (Green Meadow), and Já Ráda Tancuju (I Love to Dance). This energetic group of musicians soon had more than 100 songs in their library. In 1978, Vlastimil Kovanda, a native of Czechoslovakia, joined the band and brought along some popular Czech music which quickly became added to other bands’ set lists. Two of them was Cikán, Černý Cikán (Black Cat) and Přes Dvě Věsnice (Across Two Villages). Mr. Kovanda also arranged dozens of songs that set the Lodge 88 Orchestra apart from other groups.

The difficulty of corralling one to two dozen musicians, with appropriate instruments (i.e., hmmm, we have a dozen trumpeters, three sax players of which all are altos, four tubas, one bass player, and no drummer) most of whom have day jobs, families, etc. to schedule rehearsal time and the actual perform-

ance, for no money is daunting. Did I mention they all have to read music to achieve the correct balance of sound and professionalism?

The various band organizers were able to achieve this herculean task through the late 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s to fly the Czech music flag in Texas. One of the most popular events away from Lodge 88 hall was the yearly Czech day performance at Fort Bend County Fair which drew thousands all through the 1980s. The group also traveled to the 1984 Worlds Fair in New Orleans to perform. In 1985, the Orchestra journeyed to Corpus Christi for the Czech Heritage Society Festival of which over 3,000 folks attended. SPJST invited the Orchestra to its district and state meetings where all members were invited to strengthen Czech pride.

The Orchestra suffered a loss in 1986 with the unexpected passing of Rudy Dybala who had been instrumental in keeping the orchestra afloat from the beginning. In the late 1980s, Jim Rohde, along with Kathyrn Jolly, began assuming the duties of the Orchestra which had become known as the Czech Concert Orchestra. In the summer and fall of 1988, the Orchestra performed at the Lodge 88 Czech Day, District Five Family Day, Lodge 172, Pasadena Czech Heritage Day, and some Oktoberfests. They also visited seven rest homes where a lot of dancing in wheelchairs took place. The Orchestra displayed its talents at the 1936 Art Deco Band Shell (amphitheater) at the Texas State Fair in Dallas and got favorable reviews in Dallas area papers. That season, the Orchestra members compiled over 2,600 hours of volunteer time performing.

By 1992, the band had a full slate of officers consisting of Jim Rohde, V. Kovanda, Leland Miller, Rose Sicner, Henry Schaer, and Bob Freasier. The wide area of travel had expanded to the Houston International Festival and the Polka Festival in Belton. Band members consisted of R. Ermis, G. Jolly, G. Krejci, V. Morris, L. Fought, B. Freasier, K. Jolly, J. Hurta, D. Kloman, J. Migl, G. Fought, and E. Kelly.

The Orchestra varied in size through the years, but kept bringing Czech music to varied locales such as Moody Gardens in 1996. The opportunities to perform were dropping off as Band Director Jim Rohde reported 886 volunteer hours for the year. The following year, the band size had shrunk some, but Jim Rohde, Donna Merkel, George Kink, Clem Mlcak, Clarence Baca, Estelle Kelly, Vic Morris, Bobby Villazana, Henry Schaer, Allen Fousek, Warren Hancock, Bill Little, Randy Brough, Johnny Mlcak, Bob Freasier and Jerry Hurta kept the music flowing.

Lodge 88 Orchestra kicked off the new millennium with multiple performances at the lodge’s Valentine’s Day party, Houston International Festival, Frydek church picnic, and once again at Rosenberg. For the first few years of the new century, the band delivered Czech music for the lodge and other area Czech events. In December 2006, the start of the changing of the guard began with Kenneth Mlcak directing the Orchestra for the Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club Christmas Party as Jim Rohde was on the lodge’s sick list. After Rohde’s return, he helmed the Orchestra for three more years before announcing his retirement in 2009.

Jim’s life was a life of music as he began playing in the La Grange and Fayetteville school bands. At Blinn College, he was president of the Buccaneer Band then a member of the University of Texas Longhorn Band (and alumni band). Jim and wife Rose Marie Baca Rohde had their own band for many years. Rose was John R. Baca’s daughter. You might have heard of the Baca Band. Jim was a member of Lodge 88 for 50 years and a member of the Lodge 88 Orchestra for over three decades, and he held the title of president for 20 years.

Kenneth Mlcak took the reins of Lodge 88 Orchestra after Jim’s retirement in December 2009. Kenneth had been helping the orchestra for five or six years and had substituted for Jim several times. He became a full-fledged member when Clarence Baca couldn’t make a gig. When Kenneth took over, the band consisted of Jim Rohde, Clarence Baca, Jimmy Heinsohn, Henry Mlcak, Jr., Donna Merkel, Larry Netardus, Clem Mlcak, Carl Windbigler, Leonard Kasowski, and Henry Schaer.

In the ensuing decade, Kenneth kept the band alive and growing while performing its duties at Czech events at the lodge and surrounding area.

At the present time in 2022, Lodge 88 Orchestra has 25 members on the books. These giving musicians are Kenneth Mlcak, Larry Netardus, Sonja Janysek, Carolyn Beseda, David Pavlas, Shane Coperude, Delle Carlson, Margie Moncrief, Jimmy Heinsohn, Carl Winbigler, Jose Pena, Darryl Morris, Robby Suttie, Charlie Suttie, Bob Suttie, Johnny Mlcak, Michael Gest, Tom Visentin, Victor Pozzerle, Arlyn Visentin, Henry Mlcak, Jr., Leonard Kasowski,

Lodge 88, Houston Orchestra

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, February 14, 2022

SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Czech Band, 1992. Standing, left to right, R. Ermis, L. Miller, G. Jolly, G. Krejci, H. Schaer, V. Morris, L. Fought, K. Jolly, B. Freasier, R. Sicner, J. Hurta. Seated, left to right, J. Rohde, D. Kloman, J. Migl, V. Kovanda, G. Fought, W. Heinsohn, and E. Kelly.

Eddie Kosar, and part-time members Tom Dybala and Gene Lichnovsky.

Kenneth Mclak is the leader of the Orchestra. Kenneth’s grandfathers Frank and John Mlcak had their own brass band - Mlcak Brass Band. Kenneth got in middle school band and continued through high school. He would frequently jam with other musicians so Kenneth was loosely involved with the Houston polka music scene. Jim Rohde asked him to fill in for Clarence Baca at one point and slowly moved into the Orchestra. Kenneth was the go-to guy when some recording was needed and was the sound engineer’s CDs featuring the Jim Rohde Brass Band Texas Legacy Czech Band, Lazy Farmers, and Clarence Baca Band.

Lodge 88 Orchestra keeps the fine traditions of its forefathers alive in this ever-changing world.

Now, if you have read this far and are familiar with the lodge and its Orchestra, you will notice that a part of the music of Lodge 88 has been missing. A major part of Czech heritage is the songs and the lyrics that go with the melodies that the Orchestra performs.

Lodge 88 Choral Group has been at most of the Orchestra’s performances both solo and in tandem with the Orchestra. They have not been forgotten or slighted as in the near future will receive its own story on this talented group of Czechs.

—SPJST

Neither here nor there

Killer Freeze

by d.knape

The freeze killed off the plants I had those I planted all by hand

The saying is it’s neither here nor there so if it’s not here and it’s not there where is it? it could be somewhere in between but then if it is it’s stuck between two opposites it can’t get loose so let us help move it along with a little nudge to get it to make up its mind so finally for once and for all it becomes either Here or There.

—SPJST—

by d.knape

brittle to touch the plants gave up yet still in all I am The pipes got froze so did my nose now it’s silent as a lamb bones turned stone cold freeze took its toll yet still in all I am.

—SPJST—

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Bugs Under Rocks

Free Thought

by d.knape

by d.knape

Bugs seek shelter crawl under rocks roof over head and there they flop their cozy home as temperatures drop being in a hole should not be knocked when weather warms they adjust their clocks come back to life pulse never stopped back from their basement we are dumbstruck how they survived to run amuck.

I make no trouble I don’t bother anyone I just spend my time thinking and I think it’s important we share our thoughts because that’s called conversation Free thought used to be common you could find it everywhere but free thought now gets you in trouble If you have an unauthorized thought they will come after you and get you fired or imprisoned Free-thought is dead it died several years back we were all there for the funeral Free thought used to be a right it was guaranteed now it’s censored blocked or cancelled but give it a try anyway it won’t hurt and may inspire someone to have more thoughts overwhelm the system with so many thoughts it collapses

—SPJST—

Snow Day by d.knape

Snow covers all the tall grass along the side of the road looks like little animals with white tufts puffed up the dead trees are covered with white icing and the houses take on a fairy tale look as snow builds on their roofs it is a magical time when snow falls the ground snaps the roads slip the car windows fog up but people still go out to purchase goods but mainly just to see the snow and how it transformed an average day into a day of beauty.

—SPJST—

Cat’s Company by d.knape

see what happens give it a thought.

—SPJST—

Lot for Sale by d.knape

One lot surveyed and plotted has shade and water is in gated community adjoining lot also available has view of lake and golf course inquire at cemetery office.

—SPJST—

Quiet paws and so soft hair

Daylight Dreams

a cozy throw a comfy chair

I care for it it doesn’t care.

I sleep in spurts deep sleep is rare sleep does not last often impaired, Life interrupts caught unprepared Daylight dreamsall I can share.

—SPJST—

—SPJST—

cat’s company we often share

by d.knape

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Monday, February 14, 2022

VĚSTNÍK

As the saying goes, one story leads to another. It may take almost 60 years; yet, at some point, it all comes together . . . and so it did when Darwin Machu visited the SPJST Home Office a couple of weeks ago and relayed an amazing, heartwarming story.

I met Darwin Machu and wife Nancy several years ago through Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS). After learning Nick Morris was my father, Darwin couldn’t believe it, and said that he and my father had met while both were stationed in Frankfurt,

Germany during the early 50s. I never pressed for details, nor did Darwin pass along any.

From his time in Military Service Intelligence (MIS) to almost 60 years later, Darwin did not know that it was my father Nick Morris who was the person responsible for overseeing the intelligence gathering and protection of Czech pilot and escapee Miroslav Slovak . . . until he read the January 24 Věstník article of Nick’s involvement with Miroslav Slovak. Quite unbelievable!

What a pleasure it was to learn this information; indeed, a connection that reached back several decades.

And it was all because of the one thing that ties SPJST members together, the one thing which has kept its membership on the same page, as it were, since 1912 our wonderful Věstník!

Darwin’s military article follows. God bless our wonderful military, SPJST, and Věstník. ~ Katherine Morris Lodge 47, Seaton

Military Intelligence Service: First Assignment - Protect Czech Escapees Miroslav Slovak, Helmut and Hana Čerm ák

by Darwin Machu of Lodge 20, Granger I was drafted into the United States military on September 19, 1952. During my first few days in Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, our group of new recruits was given many intelligence and physical tests.

After most of the tests were Darwin Machu over, the officer in charge asked if anyone could read or write any foreign language. I was one of the few recruits who raised their hands.

When they handed me the test paper, I could not believe what I saw: the test was written in Czech, the way it was spoken in the big city of Prague. It was not anything like what we spoke in Granger, Texas. I struggled through the test and turned it in. Little did I realize at that time that taking that test may have saved me from going to Korea where the real action was.

A big portion of the recruits that came into our first eight weeks of basic training were sent to Korea, and several of the guys that were with us in the first eight weeks were killed before I finished my second eight weeks. I was one of the few that was sent to Germany after the second eight weeks of basic training. Again, most of the Darwin in civilian others were sent to Korea. clothes.

I was extremely happy when I received my orders to report to the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) Headquarters in Camp King near Frankfurt, Germany.

I arrived at Camp King in March 1953.

The first few days were spent in processing and buying civilian clothes. I did not wear a military uniform in Europe after that. I was sent to a house in Frankfurt, Germany, in a residential area across the street from a large park with tennis courts and a recreational area. The house was within walking distance of the American Commissary. Basically, everything was within walking distance because we had no cars.

My colleague Ronald Maki and our cook Frau Burbach.

weather was agreeable, most maids laid the clean wash on the grass in the backyard to dry.

The maids and cooks as well as MIS soldiers had a lot of time to talk to each other. Sometimes only one person lived in the house, sometimes two, and sometimes three from MIS. When three men from MIS lived in a house, we were on duty 12 hours and off duty 24 hours.

There was no sleeping while on duty.

When two men from MIS lived in the

house, we were on duty 24 hours and off duty 24 hours. We could go to bed at 10, or after the DP (displaced person) was brought home from interrogation. We had to be dressed and have the DP up and ready for breakfast at 7 a.m.

At times, there was only one MIS soldier in a house when the CIA completed its interrogation so the DP was free to do whatever he pleased. During that time also, the US government was finding him a home and a job in the USA. The GI in the house was also free to come and go as he pleased; however, we had to make sure to be at the house to secure it for the night.

First Assignment: Czech Defectors Mira Slovak, Helmut and Hanna Čermák There was only one set of DPs in our house at a time. I do not know the exact protocol, but in the case of Miroslav Slovak and Helmut and Hana Čermák, they were placed in a house together because they made the journey across the Iron Curtain together.

Darwin at work.

The American Government had six or seven houses - just like the one I was sent to - in different towns around Frankfurt.

When important people escaped from countries which were under Communist control, behind the Iron Curtain and asked for political asylum, they were placed in these houses. The job of the MIS was to insure that these people were safe and secure, well fed, and taken care of. We were companions who were there to talk with them and help them spend their time while guarded.

In most cases, a maid and cook did not live at the house, but took care of cooking and cleaning duties. When the

Three of the ‘Freedom Six’ escapees from Communist-held Czechoslovakia were placed in the care of Darwin Machu as his first MIS assignment. Left to right, Helmut and Hana Čermák, and Pilot Miroslav Slovak. This was the first photo taken of the escapees, March 1953.

VĚSTNÍK

Darwin looking out the window of his house, Frankfurt.

I cannot remember what transpired the first day I arrived at the house in Frankfurt where I lived with Miroslav, Helmut, and Hana. I was in a strange land in a strange country, meeting new people every day. I also cannot recall exactly when I first met Miroslav, Helmut, and Hana.

There were never more than three DPs under my care at one time, and on several occasions, I had only one escapee placed in my house - and most were men.

There was one young lady who escaped with her boyfriend who was a border guard. One night, she dressed in one of his uniforms and went on patrol with him, and they escaped together. They were not housed together. I do not know where they placed him, but she was placed in my house along with a Czech man and his wife.

Darwin atop roof of his house, Frankfurt.

Monday, February 14, 2022 When the CIA completed its interrogations and escapees were taken away, MIS soldiers were assigned to a different house where they were joined by different MIS soldiers and different escapees.

As to how long we stayed at each house depended on how much information the CIA was acquiring from the escapees.

Some, as in the case of Miroslav and Helmut and Hana Čermák, stayed as long as four months; others stayed only a few weeks.

Because MIS soldiers were moved around so often, we got to know our buddies real well. We lived together while we were on duty. When we were off duty, we usually gathered at the Hub in Frankfurt a place w h e r e American soldiers, stationed near FrankHelmut Čermák on back furt, gathporch of our house. ered for recreation.

It had a snack bar, ping pong and pool tables, and a library. The Hub was not the only place to go for entertainment. Because Frankfurt was a place where American GIs and civilians from all over Europe came t o g e t h e r, there were a number of all-night beer halls, restaurants, Hana and Helmut Čermák and dance in the yard. halls. Most of these establishments stayed open 24/7 and served food.

Traveling back and forth to Frankfurt took a few hours. Our houses were all in residential areas and usually about 30 minutes walking distance from the nearest bus stop and train station. At different times of the day or night, we had to use all three means of transportation to make the trip because none of us had a car.

Time really did not mean too much because we had nothing else to do.

I did not always go into Frankfurt during my time off. I did a good bit of hiking and, on weekends when the weather was nice and sunny, some of the parks had

live orchestras. I used to love to go sit and listen to the music, enjoy the atmosphere, and sip on beer and wine.

Miroslav and Helmut were constantly being taken for the day by the CIA to be interrogated. When they were brought back to the house at night, we would watch a little black and white television and talk a little. I remember that Miroslav and Helmut were always happy and in a good mood.

Since my job in MIS was so secretive and confidential, I was not allowed to disclose any information about anything personal, such as family, family background, or hometowns. No pictures of the DPs were to be taken, but I managed to get a few.

I got to know Hana Čermák fairly well because she was not being interrogated. The MIS did not Čermák on back perform any Hana porch of our house. duties except to make sure that the house was secure, and that the occupants were well fed and safe so we had a lot of free time while on duty.

Hana and I talked quite often and spent a lot of time enjoying the backyard.

But for the life of me, I don’t remember what we talked about.

Miroslav loved the backyard and enjoyed learning to catch and throw a baseball. One of the men in our house was a pitcher in the minor leagues so he brought a few balls with him so he could practice his pitching. My hand still hurts when I remember how hard he threw that baseball.

As much as I can remember, there was not much of a language barrier between

Left to right, colleague Viznoski, Helmut Čermák, and Darwin in the yard.

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Miroslav, Helmut, Hana, and me. The language barrier between us was not nearly as great as it was between me and the Russians, Polaks, and Hungarians.

Russian Defector - Grisha I always like to tell the story about a Russian Lieutenant Colonel Grigori Burlutski, nicknamed Grisha, who was in my charge for a while.

Even though Nick Morris and I used to briefly chat when he came to pick up the DPs, we did not communicate much until “Grisha” - R ussian one day when Lieutenant Colonel Nick brought Grigori Burlutski Grisha back to who was assigned to the house. Nick Darwin and interrogated by Nick mentioned that Morris. An article on he did not know Burlutski appeared I spoke Russian. in LIFE Magazine on I told him that I July 5, 1954. didn’t. Grisha told Nick that he and I talked for about two hours after Grisha was returned to the house following his interrogation the night before. Nick asked Grisha how we communicated; Grisha said we spoke Russian. Nick was surprised to hear that.

I never spoke Russian, Polish, or Slovak; but I was able to communicate with the DPs from all those countries.

Nick and I spoke quite a bit more often after that. Anytime I had a little problem with one of the Czech DPs he was interrogating, I talked to Nick about it. By the time I completed my tour of duty, Nick and I had become good friends.

For years, I did not know where Nick Morris was. One day while I was reading the Věstník, I saw that he was the editor, so I called him and asked if Nancy and I could come visit him. He invited us so Nancy and I had a very nice visit with Nick Morris and his wife Dorothy in their home in West. This was many years after my return from Germany, probably about 1962. I was not involved in any of the SPJST functions so I never visited with Nick after that.

—SPJST—

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Monday, February 14, 2022

§ § § To: Florian Skubal Happy Valentine’s Day to the best mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother! We love you!

From: Melinda

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To: Julius Dubcak My life began when we met in Houston in 1967, and since then my love for you grows more each day.

I love you and hope you have a very Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Jeannie

To: Vicki Anderson Be my valentine. Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Gina Vera

To: Gamma and Grandpa Suehs Happy Valentine’s Day to you!

Thanks for being the best grandparents in the whole world, and thanks for all you do for us. We love you!

From: Dillon, Macy, and Madelynn

§§§§§§§ To: John Wuensche I love you with all my heart.

From: Carol §§§§§§§

§§§§§§§ To: Benjamin and Joseph Doherty Mama and Dada love you!

Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Mama and Dada §§§§§§§

To: Maxx David Happy Valentine’s Day! You are the greatest!

From: KenLea

To: Helen Pajestka (in loving memory) Happy Valentine’s Day, Granny!

We love you!

From: Ann, Kenny, Michelle, Scott, Kenneth, Faith, Kole, and Hayden

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§§§§§§§ To: Dillon Narro Happy Valentine’s Day to our United States Sailor.

We are so proud of you.

We miss you and love you so much!

From: Mom and Dad §§§§§§§ To: Macy Narro Happy Valentine’s Day! Keep up the good work in all of your activities. We love you so much!

From: Mom and Dad §§§§§§§ To: Granny Gladys Hejl (in loving memory) Happy Valentine’s Day, Granny!

You are so special to us. We love you!

From: Ralph, Holly, Dillon, and Macy §§§§§§§

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To: Megan Happy Valentine’s Day! You are the Queen of our Hearts! All our love . . .

From: Mom and Dad

To: Young’s Daughters ~ Kayla, Kelsea, Zaydriana, Valora, Cecilia We love you and are so proud of you all.

From: Sabrina Young

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§§§§§§§ To: Nancy Chlapek We love you and are so privileged to have you as our Godparent.

From: Kayla, Kelsea, Zaydriana, Valora, and Cecilia Young

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To: Alton and Gayenell Chudej Happy Valentine’s Day, Mom and Dad! We love you very much!

From: Charles and Janell Koehne

To: Louie Happy Valentine’s Day, Love.

You are a great husband and the best grandpa!

From: Marie G.

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To: Jeanette Beseda Happy Valentine’s Day! Love ya bunches!

From: Gina Vera

To: Linda You have been my valentine for over 56 years.

Thanks for a lifetime of memories.

From: Jesse

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To: Aunt Tootsie You’re the best!

You’re head and shoulders above the rest.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you!

From: Little ol’ me, guess who?

To: Tammy, Cristy, Kaitlyn, and Hailey I could not imagine any other valentines more important than each of you!

I love each of you the mostest!

From: Grumpy

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To: Patti Rosales Sending you hugs and kisses.

Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Gina Vera

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§§§§§§§ To: Delores Macha Lodge 81, Needville We wish you a very Happy Valentine’s Day! We love you so very much and are so proud to call you our Giggy!

You are so special to so many people.

May the good Lord continue to bless you!

Love from: Lindsay and Sarah Norman

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Monday, February 14, 2022 §§§§§§§

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To: Janie Barron Happy Valentine’s Day to my sweet sister! I love you!

From: Rubie

To: Sharon Chlapek Hohmann Dear Sharon, Happy Heart Day to our special and loving friend. Wishing you and Benjie a very Happy Valentine’s Day! Love you.

From: Cindy and Roy

§§§§§§§ To: Jeanette Beseda Flowers are sweet, candy is cheaper Glad you’re my cousin, you’re a keeper!

Love you.

From: Vicki §§§§§§§

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§§§§§ To: Caseton and Bryce My favorite Sweethearts.

Love you guys so much!

Hugs and kisses.

From: DeDe Debbie

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§ § § § § § §§ § §§§§§§§ To: Ralph Thanks for being a great husband and father. I love you so much.

Wishing you a very Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Holly §§§§§§§ To: Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club Happy Valentine’s Day to a great group of kiddos.

We love each and every one of you!

From: Mrs. Holly and Mrs. Susie §§§§§§§ To: Kyren, Kamden, and Kolter Plachy Valentine's Day is special, it’s true.

It’s a time when we say we love you.

But this year, we have more to say.

We hope you feel special every day!

Happy Valentine’s Day. Love from: Mommy and Daddy §§§§§§§ To: Janie Kollman Happy Valentine’s Day to a special friend!

With love from: Rubie §§§§§§§

To: Aunt Jerelene Lenart I am sending this poem because I want to say you’re a terrific aunt!

And I am thinking of you on this Valentine’s Day. Love you!

From: Vicki §§§§§§§ To: Patti Rosales My love is like a cabbage divided in two; the leaves I give to others, the heart I give to you.

I am terrible at poems!

I love you, Sis. From: Your little sister, Vicki

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To: Jacqueline Malota-Reynolds My little Booger Bear is now a married woman. Wishing you and Tyler a very beautiful and blessed Valentine’s Day full of the great love that our Lord provides.

You will always be very loved with all of my heart. Happy Valentine’s Day. From: Daddy §§§§§§§

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To: Alvin Linhart Happy Valentine’s Day, Great-Grandpa!

We love you!

From: Karen, Tripp, and Nathan

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To: John Stasny My special valentine - John.

All my love to you each day!

Will you be mine?

Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Dotty

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To: Ray Rosales Roses are red, violets are blue Chilis are hot, and so are you.

Love you!

From: Vicki

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To: Rosie Malota My dearest and loving mama, I wish you all of God’s beautiful blessings this day and always and need you to know how very fortunate I feel to have you as such a great mother.

Your love and drive continues to inspire me. Wishing you a loving and nice Valentine’s Day. I love you so very, very much.

From: Kenneth

To: Brianna Malota Wishing you, my luv, the most beautiful of days this day and always. Praying all continues to go well for you with many blessings showered down from above.

I love you so very much.

Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Daddy

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§§§§§§§ To: Djuana Wishing you a beautifully, blessed day full of peace and love.

Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Kenneth §§§§§§§ To: Albert Love you so much!

From: Patsy §§§§§§§ To: Betty Sister, you are so special.

Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Patsy §§§§§§§ To: Patsy Sister, you are so special. Love you!

From: Betty §§§§§§§

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Monday, February 14, 2022

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§ § § To: Asher, Charlie, George, and Thomas Happy Valentine’s Day! We love you!

From: Mimi and Grandpa

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To: Mason, Emil, and Gwenelle Happy Valentine’s Day to our adorable, precious great-grandchildren.

Each of you are our special babies.

You keep us smiling like sunshine.

We love each of you.

From: Great Nana and Great Pa

To: Ronson and Brandon Happy Valentine’s Day to my wonderful sons Ronson and Brandon.

You help so much, and I want you to know how much I love you both.

From: Mom

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§§§§§§§ To: Megan, Justin, Logan, Allison, and Grayson Our lives, our grandchildren: You are the light of our lives and the special place in our hearts.

We wish you a wonderful Valentine’s Day and love you all eternally.

From: Nana and Pa §§§§§§§ To: Kennady and Trey Keith Happy Valentine’s Day to my precious grandchildren. They light up my life!

From: Ruth Shenkir Keith

§§§§§§§ To: Rick and Debbie Keith Happy Valentine’s Day to my son and daughter-in-law.

Much love from: Ruth Shenkir Keith §§§§§§§ To: Sarah Pechal Happy Valentine’s Day to our wonderful, caring daughter-in-law.

You are a blessing to us, and we love you very much.

From: Darlene and Larry

To: Cornelius Chopin, Beth Pechal, and Makaylea Pechal Happy Valentine’s Day to our grandchildren-in-law.

We are so proud of you and thankful for being wonderful parents to our great-grandchildren.

Our love grows more each day for you.

May your day be filled with love and joy.

From: Nana and Pa §§§§§§§ To: My Three Kids and My 11 Grandkids I love you all every day and forever!

Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Memaw §§§§§§§

§§§§§§§§§ To: Grandpa Bender and Grandma Nell Happy Valentine’s Day! We love y’all very much!

Can’t wait to see you again soon!

From: The Hargraves Family

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§§§§§§§ To: Melanie Zavodny Happy Valentine’s Day to our outstanding Vice President of Communications.

The Věstník she oversees is always so informative and a pleasure to read.

From: Ruth Shenkir Keith §§§§§§§

To: Annie Happy Valentine’s Day. It’s been an unbelievable 40 years!

From: Philip

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§§§§§§§ To: Norma Shenkir Tucker Happy Valentine’s Day to my wonderful sister. Much love.

From: Ruth Shenkir Keith

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§ § § § § § To: Jonathan and Jordyn Vahalik Happy Valentine’s Day! We love you!

From: Mom, Dad, and Sunshine

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§§§§§§§ To: Vicki The love of my life for over 50 years.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Love you to the moon and back. Hugs and kisses.

From: James §§§§§§§ To: My Family Have a blessed Valentine’s Day! From: Karen Boylan §§§§§§§

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Monday, February 14, 2022

§ § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § To: Leon and Vallie Zavodny Our perfect valentines, Mom and Dad! We are thankful everyday, § § your tender smiles guide our way. You both bring happiness in ways § § § we never dreamed of. You’ve always been great parents and words can never § § explain how we feel about you. We love you both with a special love! § From: Elaine and Theresa § §

§§§§§ To: Melanie and Debbie ~ My two beautiful sisters I wish you both a Happy Valentine’s Day. Love you very much.

Feel so blessed having you in my life.

Love always from: Faye

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To: Dawn My favorite place in all the world is next to you. Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Charles

To: Mom Hi, Mom! We are both wishing you a super-special Valentine’s Day. We enjoyed celebrating your 88th birthday at our house with the family. Looking forward to another wonderful year with you.

We love you very much.

From: David and Cindy

To: Cindy My love, you are the best wife ever.

I miss you when we are not together.

I am so glad I married you.

Thank you for taking care of me and making my life so full of love and fun.

Happy Valentine’s Day today and forever.

From: David

To: Patsy and Helen Happy Valentine’s Day to my sweet sisters! Love you!

From: Annie

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To: Loren, Cindy, and Michael Hackbarth Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Annie and Philip

§§§§§§§ To: Mom Vrla Happy Valentine’s Day, Mom! We wish you a terrifically wonderful day. You are a super mom, granny, and great-granny to your family.

We all love you very much.

From: David, Darrell, and Frank

To: Jennifer Hessler Hope your Valentine’s Day is as sweet as you!

From: Annie and Philip

To: Granny Hello, Granny!

We wanted to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day, and say that we love you very much.

We hope you have a special day.

From: Bryan, Kimberly, Rebecca, Kyle, Chad, Andrew, Brad, and Sarah

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§§§ To: Morgan, Olivia, Colton, Ellison, and Julia ~ our grandchildren You are all our special valentines!

Happy Valentine’s Day. Love and hugs!

From: Grandma and Grandpa Kaspar

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§§§§§§§ To: District Six Lodges Happy Valentine’s Day. You are all very special to us!

From: Annie and Philip Vahalik §§§§§§§ To: Jenny, Jason, Jody, and Jacob Jurica Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Uncle Philip and Aunt Annie §§§§§§§

To: Philip Happy birthday!

Happy Valentine’s Day! Love you so much!

From: Annie

To: Aunt Lori, Uncle Donnie, Madi and Ashlyn Happy Valentine’s Day! We love you!

From: Carson and Jaycee

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§ § § § § § § To: George Moreno My husband, My sweetheart.

Gone, but not forgotten.

I love you.

Happy Valentine’s Day. From: Dora, your wife

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Monday, February 14, 2022

VĚSTNÍK

§ To: Hazel and River You are my bright and shining stars; you bring joy and happiness to my life.

Happy Valentine’s Day! From: MiMi

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To: Nana and Pa We love you both! Thank you for everything that you both do for all of us!

From: Wesley, Susan, Haley, and Brodie

To: Haley and Brodie Mom and I love you to the moon and back. Hope y’all have a great day!

We’re so proud of you both!

From: Mom and Dad

§§§§§§§ To: Khi Roberts Happy Valentine’s Day, Khi. Nana loves you!

From: Nana §§§§§§§ To: LaDonna and Stevie Happy Valentine’s Day! We love you both bunches!

From: Haley, Brodie, Susan, and Wesley

§§§§§§§ To: Maxlyn Hibbeler Granddaughter, Valentine’s Day is a special day to remind you what a blessing you are. Just want you to know how much you are loved.

From: Busa and Grandpa Charlie §§§§§§§ To: Abby Tardy Granddaughter, hope you know how much love will always be with you.

Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Busa and Grandpa Charlie

To: Michael Huckman Grandson, you’re a good man with a good heart . . . a true blessing to our family. Happy Valentine’s Day. With love from: Busa and Grandpa Charlie

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To: Texas Happy Valentine’s Day! We love you.

From: Carson and Jaycee

To: Drew Tice You’re such a special granddaughter, so sweet and loving, too.

Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Busa and Grandpa Charlie

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To: Kathy and Rick Uribe . . . My wonderful parents . . .

Dinner club, game night, crafting, home remodeling - I love the time we spent together. I love y’all!

From: Your daughter and new son-in-law

To: Ritley Hibbeler Happy Valentine’s Day, granddaughter!

Sending a hug and a kiss your way because you’re loved so much.

From: Busa and Grandpa Charlie

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To: Charlie Brossman A special delivery valentine for someone very special!

From: Barbara

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To: Georgia Barcak Happy Valentine’s Day to the best mom, grandma, and great-grandma anyone could ever ask for. We hope you have a great day!

From: Richard, Margie, Sean, and Holly, Jarrod, Ashley, and Kinsley

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§§§§§§§ To: Vicki I wish you the most wonderful Valentine’s Day. I know mine is better thanks to you! I love you, Sis! From: Patti §§§§§§§

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To: Jeff Uribe-Lacy To my best friend and husband I’m happy to celebrate our first Valentine’s Day as a married couple!

From: Your wife, Leora Uribe-Lacy

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§§§§§§§ To: Alexandra Tardy With love, Granddaughter May all the happiness you bring be returned to you today.

From: Busa and Grandpa Charlie §§§§§§§ To: Brian The love of my life.

We are so blessed to have another year to share our love together.

I can’t believe we are celebrating our 35th Valentine’s Day. Love from: Brenda

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To: Brenda Happy Valentine’s Day to the love of my life. We have been blessed with a great family and life.

Thanks for everything.

From: Brian

To: Mia Huckman Our granddaughter When you have a granddaughter who makes you proud, makes you laugh, and makes any day with you brighter, you know what happiness is.

With love from: Busa and Grandpa Charlie

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Monday, February 14, 2022 §§§

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To: Jackie Nauert Reid Of all the things you could have chosen to be in life, being a mom probably required the most patience, the most wisdom, the most sacrifice, the most love.

And that’s what you’ve given . . . The most and the best of everything.

Happy Valentine’s Day. Love you.

From: David §§§

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To: Diana Dvorak Sending all my love to you!

From: Danny Dvorak

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To: Aunt Kerri and Uncle Barry Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Brandon and Katie

To: Aunt Sharon and Uncle Gary Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Brandon and Katie

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To: Betty and Tommy Goodridge Married 60 years . . .

Now that’s love!

Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Vivian and Mrazek Family

To: Grandpa and Grandma Meier Happy Valentine’s Day! Hugs and kisses.

From: Brandon and Katie

To: Jeanette Glad you are my adventure buddy.

We go together like wine and any day of the week! Love you.

From: Patti

To: Patti and Vicki Happy Valentine’s Day to both of you!

My life would not be the same without you two!

This valentine message is extremely clear . . . to show the love in my heart for you is very dear.

You are the best cousins anyone could ask for!

Love from: Jeanette

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To: Brylee, Taylor and Hayden Chmelar Happy Valentine’s Day! We love y’all!

From: Carson and Jaycee

To: Holly Narro and Susie Skrabanek Happy Valentine’s Day! From: Carson and Jaycee

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To: Macy Narro Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you!

From: Carson

To: Luke and Cole Johnson Happy Valentine’s Day! We love y’all!

From: Carson and Jaycee Parker

To: Melanie There are so many things I could say to you today, like how grateful I feel to be married to you, how wonderful you are, and how comforting it is to go through life with you by my side.

But I’ll just say this: I love you. I appreciate you.

And I always will.

Happy Valentine’s Day. Love you.

From: David

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To: Brian Lantz Happy Valentine’s Day! Thanks for all you do for me and our families! I love you!

From: Vivian Lantz

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To: David Happy Valentine’s Day! Thank you for all of your support, love, care, and being my best friend.

I love you very, very much.

From: Melanie §§§§§§§ To: My Special Family Members Debbie, Faye, Carroll, Freddie Scott, Ashley, Eric, Caseton, Bryce Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you all very much!

From: Melanie §§§§§§§

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To: Mom and Papaw and Mother Y’all are close to my heart.

I love and miss Mom and Papaw.

Gone, but never forgotten I treasure all the memories.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Love always from: Wayne

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Monday, February 14, 2022

VĚSTNÍK

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To: Liška / Morris Gals - Celebrating Four Generations Top: Cecilie (Nekuža) Liška, Dorothy (Liška) Morris, Katherine Morris Liška / Morris Cousins: Virginia, Heather, Crystal, Victoria, and Sarah Love from: Your family

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To: Uncle Leon and Aunt Vallie Happy Valentine’s Day to my two special people.

Wishing you both a wonderful day and a healthy year.

I love you!

From: Melanie

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To: Nick, Sarah, Asher, and Charles Happy Valentine’s Day! Thinking of you!

Love from: Aunties

To: All of SPJST Happy Valentine’s Day special wishes!

Sending thoughts, good health, safety, and hugs!

Love from: Karen Kaspar Honorary District Six Director

To: Elizabeth and Mary Kate Happy Valentine’s Day, girls!

We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments.

You are both beautiful inside and out.

Always remember Jeremiah 29:11.

Love from: Mom, Dad, and Willow

To: John and Grace Happy Valentine’s Day! You are the best grandkids ever!

I love you very, very much.

From: MaMo

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To: Elizabeth, Jordan, George, and Thomas Happy Valentine’s Day! Thinking of you!

Love from: Aunties

To: Melanie and Staff Happy Valentine’s Day! We appreciate all you do for the Věstník!

From: Patsy and Helen

To: Our Grandchildren Mira and Jackson Who make our hearts smile every day.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Love from: MawMaw and Pi

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To: Vlasta, Ardis, and Mary Ann Happy Valentine’s Day to our special friends!

From: Patsy and Helen

To: John I love you for all that you are, all that you’ve been, and all that you are to me.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Love from: Diana

§§§§§§§ To: Luca, Avery, Leah, and Owen Happy Valentine’s Day with love to each one of you!

You bring joy and happiness to me in everything you do! My wish to you is to always stay the same and so very sweet! So dear love for you stays in my heart with every beat!

I love you all so very much!

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To: Jonathan and Jordyn Happy Valentine’s Day! Thinking of you!

Love from: Aunties

To: Annie and Philip Happy Valentine’s Day! Thinking of you!

Love from: Your sisters Patsy and Helen

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§§§§§§§ To: Kresta, Sara, and Micah Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you all very much.

You have been the joy of my life.

From: Mom

In Loving Remembrance of Our Parents Nick A. & Dorothy (Liška) Morris Married February 23, 1957 Ennis, Texas ~ and ~ Our Grandparents Stanley & Cecilie (Nekuža) Liška

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Love from: Nicholas, Katherine, Stephen, Josef, and Michael

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§§§§§§§ To: Dorothy and Louie Happy Valentine’s Day to two great people whose love is an inspiration in every way.

Love from: Diana and John

To: Lindsay and Sarah Norman My two lovely granddaughters who are now college students. Lindsay attends Sam Houston State in Huntsville and Sarah attends Texas A&M. I love both of you so much and am so proud of you two. God bless. All my love . . .

From: Giggy (Delores Macha)

To: Justin and Misha Happy Valentine’s Day We love you guys so very much and wish you a special valentines!

Love from: Mom and Dad

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Monday, February 14, 2022

n io t c e S h t u o Y T S J SP The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month.

Send your news and photos directly to:

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Lodge 25, Ennis youth create crafts at december meeting Dear Readers, The December meeting was fun. We made crafts and a gingerbread house.

Santa brought candy and fruit.

Kalynn Ryan, age 8 —SPJST—

SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087 Email: vestnik@spjst.org

LEFT PHOTO: Kalynn, left, and sister Kenley make a gingerbread house. BELOW PHOTOS: Kalynn and Kenley make crafts.

Online: spjst.org/news/submitarticle-photo 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 (listed on page 2), State Fraternal Director at 800-727-7578, or visit www.spjst.org.

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club hosts grandparents’ breakfast Dear Vestnik Readers, On Sunday, January 16, 2022, we held our annual grandparents’ breakfast.

All of the youth members attended mass following the breakfast We then enjoyed food and fellowship. I love spending time with my grandparents!

Sincerely, Bethany Baker, age 15 —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton youth ready for skating party Hello! Can you believe it snowed again in February? We got the 3rd and the 4th off from school! I had so much fun in the snow and ice.

A couple of weeks back, it was my birthday. I got a bluetooth speaker, an mp3 player, and lots of money. We made really good sausage on my birthday weekend.

Here soon, it will be Valentine’s Day. We get to have a Valentine’s Day party at school. It will also be spring break coming up in March. I can’t wait to get off from school even longer. One more

thing, on Sunday, February 20, we get to eat pizza and go to the roller skating rink. See you all next month!

Fraternally Travis Ordogne, age 10 —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club Shares February Meeting Scenes

Lodge 25, Ennis met on Sunday, February 6, 2022.

We practiced our Youth Achievement Day (YAD) group talent and celebrated Madison Holland’s 14th birthday. The next meeting will be Sunday, March 6.

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 25 youth practice their YAD group talent. RIGHT PHOTO: Everyone sings “Happy Birthday” to Madison!

—Submitted by Rita Holland, Youth Leader

Lodge 47, Seaton youth excited about February activities Dear Vestnik Readers, I had fun over the weekend. The weekend was extra long. We had two snow days.

I cannot believe that the groundhog saw his shadow. I cannot believe it because I want to play soccer again and now I will have to wait a longer time till spring.

On February 5, it was my mom’s birthday.

Tomorrow is the 100th day of school.

I cannot wait. I get to dress up like a 100-year-old guy. It will be fun. I will be doing 100 things.

I cannot wait to watch the Super Bowl. The Bengals and the Rams made it to the Super Bowl. I hope the Rams win it.

And on February 14, it is Valentine’s Day. I cannot wait till the valentine party at my school. We are going to hand out valentine cards.

Fraternally, Andrew Ordogne, age 6 —SPJST—

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Monday, February 14, 2022

Lodge 49, Rowena youth celebrates grandparents’ 50th anniversary

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 25, Ennis youth sings; enjoys ice cream at february meeting

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi youth receive YAD awards

Dear SPJST, We had my grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary at our house, and all my cousins came. We had a good time.

It was neat looking back at all the pictures.

Hunter Wood, age 16 —SPJST—

Lodge 49, Rowena youth stays in hotel with indoor pool Dear SPJST, We stayed at a hotel with an indoor pool on Saturday. It was lots of fun. The pool was cold, but they had a warm hot tub that I stayed in. We went to see my sister and my nephew.

Cotton Wood, age 11 —SPJST—

Lodge 185, New Braunfels Youth Skis in Colorado

I had a blast skiing in Durango, Colorado this year!

Steel McCoy, age 10 —SPJST—

Dear Readers, The meeting was fun, and we sang a song. We ate nachos. I ate ice cream.

Kalynn Ryan, age 8 —SPJST—

LEFT PHOTO: Celebrating Julie’s birthday. TOP RIGHT: Kalynn enjoys an ice cream sandwich. BOTTOM RIGHT: Kalynn’s sister Kenley enjoys a cookie.

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Youth Leader Marcia Rew presented awards at the January 16, 2022, lodge meeting to Slade and Sloan Craig for entering crafts at Youth Achievement Day (YAD) in 2021.

Youth encouraged to enter Color the World with Character Poster Drive Color the World with Character Poster Drive is accepting students’ poster entries regarding the character value such as caring, citizenship, and responsibility, which means the most to them – and why.

We have received 4,323 students’ character value posters from Argentina, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ghana, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Ukraine, Thailand, Turkey, Venezuela, United States, and Zambia so far. The poster deadline was extended to April 6, 2022, due to teachers’ COVID-19 related requests.

The poster drive rules may be viewed at https://thecharacterweek.com/contest-registration/ Attached is the poster drive flyer with the new deadline.

Please help us spread the word so that your country’s students may benefit from the opportunity.

Kindly, Zekeriya Yuksel www.thecharacterweek.com Committee —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, February 14, 2022

Lodge 49, Rowena youth ready to begin track season Dear SPJST, Track season is fixing to start, and I can’t wait! I really enjoy running short distances. We should start practicing after school this week.

Tanner Wood, age 17 —SPJST—

State Queen wins Voice of Democracy award

Dear Vestnik Readers, Recently, I was honored by being selected the first place winner of the 2021-2022 Voice of Democracy audioessay contest for my district. The program is sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and “America: Where Do We Go From Here?” was the theme.

I was awarded a certificate with the designation “An Outstanding Young Spokesperson of the Future,” a medal, and a scholarship of $1,000.

Megan Ohnheiser, age 15 2021-2022 SPJST State Queen —SPJST—

In Memoriam Resolution of Sympathy We, the Resolution Committee of Lodge Hvezda Texasu, No. 47, Seaton, express our sincere sympathy to the family of our departed sister, ELSIE ANNA (MARTINEK) CABLA Elsie Anna Cabla, age 101, of Temple, Texas, passed from this life on Sunday, February 6, 2022. Visitation was held Thursday, February 10 from 9 to 10 a.m. at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple. Funeral service followed at 10 a.m. at the fuElsie Cabla neral home with Pastor Jay Thomas officiating. Burial was private.

Elsie was born June 1, 1920, to Charlie and Teresa (Mikeska) Martinek in Oscar. She married Mathu John Cabla on June 1, 1938.

Elsie was a member of Seaton Brethren Church all her life. She was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Brethren church. Elsie was a member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton and former director of the Seaton Cemetery Association. She sang in the Lodge 47 Choir as well.

Elsie loved gardening and growing poppy seed for her kolaches and strudels. She and daughter Janet canned garden vegetables every summer. Elsie helped her husband farm and helped with the cattle and other farm animals.

Elsie took care of grandchildren Althea and Carlson, while Janet worked during their pre-school days and when they got off the bus after school. Her favorite past time was dancing. She and Mathu attended weekly dances at Seaton Star Hall. She loved Czech music. Her favorite foods were fried chicken, French fries, vanilla ice cream, and 7-Up. As a young girl, Elsie and her brother, Charlie, were an outdoor team tending to farm animals and riding horses. Elsie’s mother raised geese, and the winter past time was plucking the feathers to make down pillows and feather beds. She also learned embroidery and tatting, making beautiful scarfs, etc.

Elsie lived for 10 years at Temple Living Center Nursing and Rehab, where she made many friends with the staff and residents. Elsie left a legacy for her love of family, and the love of her farm where she lived since age 18 after her marriage.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers Edwin Mikeska, Charlie Martinek, and Albert Martinek; and sister Levie Adamek.

She is survived by sister Dorothy Tomasek; daughter Janet Young and husband Bill; grandchildren Althea Dwyer and husband Pat and Carlson Young; and great-grandchildren Faith Young, and Lieutenant Blake Dwyer (US Navy).

Memorials may be made to Seaton Cemetery Association, c/o Calvin Skrabanek, 13107 State Highway 53, Temple, Texas 76501.

May our departed sister rest in peace.

Resolution Committee Ruth Hanusch Joyce Skrabanek —SPJST—

In Memory of Erline Janik Funeral service for Erline Janik was held Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church in Schulenburg, Texas.

Visitation began at 9 a.m. at the church with the parish rosary recited prior to the mass at 10 a.m. InErline Janik terment was in St. Rose Catholic Cemetery in Schulenburg.

Erline was born on September 14, 1930, to parents William and Emma Meyer. She married George Janik on October 8, 1949, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg.

Erline was a very faithful member of SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar. She had held several offices including president and fraternal activities coordinator.

Survivors include son William Janik

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and wife Lori of Cypress; sisters Joyce Hermes of Hallettsville, Jean Perkins and husband Ed of Bellaire, and Mabel Beard of Garwood; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Erline was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother; husband George; sons George Wayne Janik and Michael Janik; and daughter Rose Ann Saykally.

Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

—SPJST—

In Memory of Dorothy Tumis Dorothy Tumis, age 92, of Houston, Texas, died July 1, 2021 at Serenity’s Haven surrounded by family and friends.

Dorothy Tumis was born on July 15, 1928, in El Campo. Her parents were John Veselka and Rosalie Novosad-Veselka.

Her siblings include brothers, the late Johnny, Frank, Dorothy Tumis and Jerry Veselka; and sisters, the late Marie Kallus and Annie Krejci.

On April 19, 1949, Dorothy married Frank Tumis at St. Philips Catholic Church in El Campo. After the wedding, they moved to Houston where she and Frank raised a family of three children Michael, Elizabeth, and Janet. Dorothy and Frank were married for more than 60 years.

Dorothy was a member of SPJST Lodge 142, Houston.

She is survived by son Michael and daughter-in-law Joann Tumis; daughter Elizabeth and son-in-law Dennis Hermis; daughter Janet and son-in-law Donald Jacobs; grandchildren Jason and Margaret Hermis, Amanda and Harvey Roundtree, the late Ami Tumis, and Mandy Tumis; great-grandchildren Aiden Matthew Hermis and Jonathan Preston Hermis; and great-granddaughter Abigail Taylor Freel.

Visitation service was at Earthman Resthaven on Tuesday, July 6 between 5 and 8 p.m. with rosary starting at 7 p.m.

Funeral service was at Earthman Resthaven on Wednesday July 7 at 11 a.m.

—SPJST—

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Monday, February 14, 2022

VĚSTNÍK

Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas

Česká

Část

ROČNÍK 110 ZÁŘÍ 3

14.únor.2022

Podpora ★ Lidskost ★ Bratrstvi´ BENEVOLENCE HUMANITY BROTHERHOOD

Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897

Učme se česky Let Us Study Czech

Sedm pádů The Seven Cases

3. Dative case—třetí pád This is primarily a case of direction marking end or result towards which an act proceeds. It is, therefore, used after the verbs. Giving, sending, saying, or writing, something to someone. It answers the questions komu?—to whom?; and čemu?—to what?

What is a case?

A case is the form which shows the function of a noun, adjective, or pronoun, in the sentence, and its relation to other words in the sentence.

There are seven such cases in the Czech language.

Example: Komu píšeš? Píšu domu tatínkovi.

(Tatínkovi is in the dative case). Čemu posloucháš. Poslouchám vysilácí stanici. (Stanici is in the dative case).

Lekce jedenadvacátá Lesson 21

1.Nominative, or subject case— první pád Answers the questions: kdo?— who? (is the doer of, or subjected to, some action?); co?—what? (lifeless object or event is something said about?)

Example: Kdo tam chodí? Karel tam jde.

(Karel is in the nom. case).

Co se tam deje? Schůze se tam koná. (schůze is in the nom. case).

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2. Genitive case—druhý pád This case has a function similar to the English possessive case, (my friend’s house, or the house of my friend). The genitive has acquired a wide range of meaning besides the basic sense of belonging. It answers the questions čeho?—of what?; čí?—whose?

Example: Z čeho je to výraběne. Ze železa a z litiny. Čí je to pučík? Je to pučík mého otce. (Otce is in the gen. case.)

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4. Accusative, or direct object case—čtvrtý pád It marks the receiver of the action or the thing acted upon by the subject.

It answers the questions koho?— whom?; and co?—what?

Example: Koho’s tam viděl? Vidél jsem tam mého přítele. (přítele is in the acc. case).

Co tam vidíš? Vidím moji matku. (matku is in the acc. case).

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5. Vocative case—pátý pád It is used for addressing or calling to a person or a thing.

Example: Bratře Novátku!

Otče můj!

Matko má!

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6. Locative or prepositional—šestý pád It is always used with prepositions.

It cannot stand alone. It expresses position in time or space. It answers the questions kde?—where?; o kom?—about whom?; or o čem?— about what?

Translate these proverbs. Discuss these proverbs with someone:

Example: Kde je Marie? Sedí na schodech. (na schodech is in the loc. case).

O kom mluvíš? Mluvím o tetičce.

(O tetičce is in the loc. case.)

O čem se jednalo? Jednalo se o různých bodech. (o různých bodech is in the loc. case).

2. Nejkrásnější jitro nevrátí dne předešlého. Co uplynulo, se nikdy víc nevrátí.

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7. Instrumental—sedmý pád It expresses the means, way, manner, instrument, or casual condition. It answers the questions (s) kým?—with whom?; (s) čím?—with what?

All of the following endings are in the instrumental case.: Example: Čím jel do Ameriky? Letěl letadlem. (letadlem is in the instr. case).

S kým jsi letěl? Letěl jsem se sestrou Anču. (se sestrou Anču here defines the ‘manner’ in which the flight was made). Čím si psal? Pišu tužkou. Čistím šaty kartačem. Jel jsem vlakem.

Pomáháme příkladem. Zemřel hladem. Stal se lékařem. Dům byl zničen bombou. Zde to voní růžmi.

Jděte tuto cestou.

Zvolili ho předsedou.

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3. Jen slzy radosti jsou upřímné.

—SPJST—

Travis-Williamson Counties CHS meets Feb. 16 The Travis-Williamson Counties Czech Heritage Society will meet Wednesday February 16, 2022, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Springhill Catfish Restaurant, 2505 West Pecan Street in Pflugerville, Texas 78660.

The restaurant has a buffet from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. and a special senior deal starting at 2 p.m. Eating is optional.

Please plan to come to continue to preserve our Czech heritage and ancestors.

Dues are $16 and can be paid at the meeting or by mailing to Julia Johnson, 804 Monterrey Place, Austin, Texas 78753.

For questions, please call Julia Johnson 512-836-1726 or e-mail President Dotty Davis at dottydavis@gmail.com.

Submitted by, Janie Zbranek TWCCHS Reporter —SPJST—

Exercise Construct a sentence in each of the seven cases, answering the word functions in each case. Go back to the nominative case, and write sentences answering kdo? and co?, etc., then continue.

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1. Obecenstvo je často až dětinské: tleská chvilkovému ohňostroji, a každodenního velkolepého východu slunce si ani nevšimne.

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Czech Polka Bands of Ennis plan February 19 music festival The Czech Polka Bands of Ennis invite you to the 15th Annual Ennis Czech Music Festival on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Sokol Hall, 2622 East Highway 34, Ennis, Texas, 75119 from 1 to 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 12 p.m. The

VĚSTNÍK event includes great music, dancing, food, kid zone, and much more! Featured bands - Ennis Czech Boys, Jodie Mikula Orchestra, Czech and Then Some, and The Moravians. Cost is $10 per person; ages 12 and under free. A fried catfish dinner will be served 4 to 7 p.m. for $12. For more information, call 972-878-4748, visit ennisczechmusicfestival.com or find the event on Facebook. See advertisement on page 37.^ —SPJST—

Taylor Czech Chorus offers scholarship More than 10 years ago, The Taylor Czech Chorus proudly established a $500 scholarship that is awarded to a graduating senior of Czech descent. The selected recipient will have the scholarship paid to the accredited college or university of their choice.

Requirements are: 1) Be a graduating senior in the 202122 school year.

2) Have a minimum high school GPA equivalence of 3.0 on a 4-point scale.

3) Provide documentation of Czech heritage.

4) Include a 300- to 400-word essay, typed, double-spaced defining why you feel you should be selected for this scholarship, how your Czech heritage has influenced you, and what your heritage means to you.

5) The recipient must live no farther than 25 miles from Taylor, Texas, [exception: a relative of a Taylor Czech Chorus member].

6) Recipient must be willing to attend a meeting of The Taylor Czech Chorus in Taylor, Texas, to receive the award.

7) Submit a completed application and all necessary documentation on or before Friday April 1, 2022. Late applications will not be considered.

Applications are available at local high school offices, can be downloaded from The Taylor Czech Chorus Facebook page, or by contacting Betty Zimmerhanzel at 512-352-6823.

Monica Stojanik Lodge 20, Granger —SPJST—

Monday, February 14, 2022

Miss Texas Czech-Slovak pageant seeks contestants The Czech Heritage Society Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Pageant is searching for young women who love their heritage and want to promote Czech and Slovak culture for the 15 chapters across Texas. The state deadline to enter is March 15, 2022. Please contact Kathy Podsednik, director of the CHS Texas Pageant, at kathypods@gmail.com for more information or Jana Vaculik Riley at janamriley@gmail.com.

The pageant is organized and sponsored by the Czech Heritage of Society of Texas for the purpose of our younger generations to be more involved in their Texas Czech culture and to learn about the customs and traditions to be passed down to future generations.

The past state queens of the Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Pageant state it is a life changing experience that provides them opportunities to learn more about their family history, Czech culture, and meet people throughout the United States. It also provides them many opportunities to meet dignitaries, attend other Czech organization events while earning the admiration of our younger generations. During their reign representing their Texas Czech culture, they learn many life skills such as poise, public speaking, and greeting people of all ages.

The future queen will be crowned at the 20th Annual Pageant and Spring Meeting of the CHS of Texas on Saturday, April 30 at Knights of Columbus Hall, 2547 Jerry Mashek Drive in West, Texas. The 2022 CHS Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen will advance to compete for cash, prizes, and a trip to Czech or Slovak Republics at the Miss Czech-Slovak US Pageant in Wilber, Nebraska, in August.

Contestants must be between the ages of 16 to 26, a member of Czech Heritage Society (CHS) of Texas, willing to travel to Czech events and represent us across the state of Texas. She must be of partial Czech, Moravian, Slovak, Rusyn, or Silesian descent. The queen candidate must complete the four categories of the pageant at the chapter and state level: private interview, onstage interview, talent; and kroj modeling, either Americanized or authentic.

Texas is blessed to be a large state with many Czech festivals, events, and communities. Texas Czechs have not forgotten their ancestors’ journey by ship for a better life in America. The immigrants did not speak English and sold all of their worldly possessions to purchase their passage in hopes of a better life. They quickly proved their strong work ethic, faith, extreme pride in their heritage, and musical talents. They provided for their families by raising livestock, poultry, and boasted the best crops and fertile farmland. Their excellent sausage, kolaches, and pastries are now world renowned. Our rich history invites our prideful traditions to be passed down by these contestants through our pageant so others can honor their family history and uphold our deep cultural roots.

The Czech Heritage Society of Texas’ 15 chapters include Bexar, Brazos Valley, Burleson, Concho Valley, Ellis, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Gonzales, Harris, Lavaca, McLennanHill, Travis-Williamson, Victoria, and Wharton. Please contact a representative from a local chapter or go to our website at https://www.czechheritage-texas.org for more information about membership and representing their chapter for the Miss Texas Czech-Slovak pageant.

Czech Heritage Society of Texas is a non-profit organization founded in 1982, dedicated to preservation of Texas Czech heritage: genealogy, history, music, customs, food, costumes, and language.

We are proud to share testimonials from past pageant participants. _______ Amanda Gajdosik Miss Texas Czech-Slovak 2004 McLennan-Hill County “I love sharing my experience of holding the Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen title with others, especially those who do not know much about Czech culture. It brings joy to my heart to see the fascination people have with our ancestral kroje, handmade kolaches, and polka dance. I would never have guessed that after 14 years since I held the title the impact the journey continues to make on my daily life. I make a point every year to participate with the Czech friends I have made in my hometown festival displaying our costumes, attending local chapter meetings when visiting family, and reading the monthly newsletter from our state board. I encourage every girl of Czech descent to embrace your heritage, learn all you can, and

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cherish the memories of those you meet along the way. My experience has placed so many remarkable people in my path, and I am who I am today because of their generosity and friendship.” _______ Sarah Middlebrook Armor Miss Texas Czech-Slovak 2006 2006 Miss Czech-Slovak US McLennan-Hill County “The Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Pageant provided me with opportunities I could have never imagined. Along with meeting esteemed dignitaries such as the President of the Czech Republic, Madeline Albright, Jim Lovell, and Eugene Cernan, I’ve established lifelong friendships with Czechs across the United States from Florida to Alaska. My fondest memories range from extravagant trips to places like the Czech Embassy in Washington D.C. to Czech Youth Day in La Grange, Texas.” _______ Marianne Beran Terrell Miss Texas Czech-Slovak 2007 Burleson County “I don’t think I could fit in a nutshell all that I’ve learned and grown from participating in the Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen competition. You learn how to effectively speak to individuals from all walks of life. It creates contacts and networks that have continued into my life today, I have a deeper appreciation and knowledge for my ancestral culture. My participation created a greater understanding for how and why the Czech culture has survived so strongly and is celebrated, I now know why my grandpa always told me to be proud I was Moravian, and I feel it, too. Even today, more than 10 years after I won my title, the dedication and commitment expressed during my reign still impresses people I meet in my personal and professional life.” _______ Michelle Barak McGovern Miss Texas Czech-Slovak 2009 Ellis County “The pageant initially caught my attention as an opportunity to celebrate my ancestors and the adventurous lives they led, but I quickly became aware that competing for the title of Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen was a life-changing decision. I didn’t realize how important the title was until I was centerstage. I was getting invitations to festivals and dances all over the state! There was never a shortage of opportunities to show off my kroj! I’m grateful for those invitations because I wouldn’t have known had I not been personally invited. Remembering those dances are some of my best memories. I met

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people with similar values about our shared heritage, and it strengthened my own values.

It is outstanding how supportive and friendly Czech people can be. Being a part of the Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen Pageant helped me not only celebrate and honor my ancestors in the most active and lively way, but it changed my life. I can now say that I truly know what an honor it is for me to be a Czech-American.” _______ Caitlin Orsak Miss Texas Czech-Slovak 2012 Lavaca County “Of all the activities I was involved in, one of my favorite things to do while being Queen was going to the festivals. I tried to attend as many of them as I could. Every town is filled with amazing people, and each was welcoming and offered a great time for both myself and my family. One of the most

VĚSTNÍK heart warming events I attended was the Christmas Around the World Program at Humble Elementary in Houston. The students were so interested in the Czech culture and had a blast learning about our heritage, eating kolaches, and taking pictures with myself and St. Mikuláš. Taking the time to get to know the people around me and trying new traditions allowed me to grow into a more confident and happy woman. The individuals I met while going through this adventure have become a lifelong support system.

This experience will help you embrace your Czech culture and who you are. The biggest lesson I have learned from my time as Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen is to never forget where you come from because that is the knowledge that will lead you into your future.” _______

Czech Cultural Calendar Tuesday through Saturday Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, 119 West French Avenue, Temple. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To arrange a private small group tour, contact the Museum by email czechheritagemuseum@gmail.com or leave a message at 254-899-2935.

The Museum hosts Czech Films on the second Tuesdays of the month - at Beltonian Theatre, 219 East Central Avenue, Belton: Matinee at 3 p.m.; Night 6 p.m. Free admission. Donations accepted online or through a donation box at the concession window. Imported Czech beer, wine available.

Every First and Third Tuesday Evenings Tarok Parties—at Czech Heritage Museum, Temple, 119 West French. All ages and anyone interested are welcome. No admission or fee. Jimmie and Carolyn Coufal are award-winning tournament champions who not only teach beginners, but also help experienced players increase their skill. For information, call CHMGC 254-899-2935; find them on Facebook; or on the web at https://czechheritagemuseum.org.

Monday through Saturday Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto Street in Houston, Texas 77004-5719, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit revamped exhibits. Experience the cul-

ture, art, music, and stories of many Czechs, Slovaks, and people of all cultures who left their country to seek liberty and democracy in America. For information, call 713-528-2060; or visit czechcenter.org.

February 19 15th Annual Ennis Czech Music Festival —at Sokol Hall, 2622 East Highway 34, Ennis, Texas, 75119, 1 to 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 12 p.m. Great music, dancing, food, kid zone, and more! Ennis Czech Boys, Jodie Mikula Orchestra, Czech and Then Some, and The Moravians. $10 per person; ages 12 and under free. Fried catfish dinner served 4 to 7 p.m. - $12. For more information, call 972-878-4748, visit ennisczechmusicfestival.com or find the event on facebook. See ad on page 37.

March 20 Application Deadline for BVCHS Novak - Zaeske Memorial Scholarship and BVCHS Matush Czech Heritage Scholarship. Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society (BVCHS) is offering both scholarships in 2022. Completed application/s must be mailed/postmarked by March 20, 2022. Mail to Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society Scholarship Committee, PO Box 3383, Bryan, Texas 77805. Submitted by, Cheryl Wenck, BVCHS Scholarship Chair —SPJST—

Allison Sexton Miss Texas Czech-Slovak 2015 McLennan-Hill County

I’m so excited to crown the new Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen for 2022 at our state meeting in West, Texas!”

“When I first won Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen in 2015, I was still a shy teenager trying to figure out high school. After attending a few events as queen, I learned to speak more eloquently and overcame my fear of public speaking, which has helped me immensely in college. I traveled to many different places across Texas, which also helped bring out my outgoing personality. Being involved in the Czech Heritage Society allowed me to meet more people and to establish friendships and acquaintances with those I have met. I was able to share the history of my great-great- grandparents and their journey from the Czech Republic to McLennan County. I believe that being Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen has been a rewarding experience that I will cherish forever.”

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_______ Brianna Blattman Miss Texas Czech-Slovak 2017 McLennan-Hill “I am beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to be the Miss McLennan-Hill County and Texas Czech-Slovak Queen. It has taught me to want to learn about something that is foreign to me—literally. I have found interest in immersing myself into something that is out of my comfort zone of knowledge. In the process of these pageants, it has been an amazing learning experience of studying and familiarizing myself with new information and presenting it to others.

It has truly given me a greater appreciation for my rich culture. It has also given me an immense appreciation for the people that have made it possible for me to do that and for the people who have continued those efforts.” _______ Madison Murphy Miss Texas Czech-Slovak 2021 McLennan-Hill “Being crowned as Miss Texas CzechSlovak has opened so many doors of opportunity for me. I’ve learned so much about my culture, heritage, and myself throughout my reign. I was crowned in April 2021, and since then, I’ve traveled to many states attending festivals and events. I have thoroughly enjoyed every event and festival, and I’ve loved having the opportunity to represent all Czech or Slovak descendants in the state of Texas! Reigning as Miss Texas Czech-Slovak has given me memories and experiences that I will always cherish. I’ve grown so much in this position, and I know I will use the social skills I’ve acquired as a Czech-Slovak Queen throughout my life.

Lauren Gerik 2021 Miss Czech-Slovak US McLennan-Hill “I attribute so many aspects of who I am today to the Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen Pageant. Serving in the role as Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen allowed me to travel outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow so much as a person. Because of this pageant, I am so much more confident, outgoing, and passionate toward preserving the beauty of the Czech and Slovak cultures. I have met many amazing people along the way who taught me so much about my heritage and what it truly means to be Czech. Through this process, I have also enjoyed learning about my ancestors, kroje, and Czech and Slovak traditions and history. The Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen Pageant paved the way for countless opportunities for me, and I am so thankful to have had the amazing experience to represent my culture and state in this way. It is truly a unique and unforgettable experience that left me with enough memories to last a lifetime!”

Submitted by, Kathy Podsednik State Pageant Director SPJST Lodge 54, West and Jana Vaculik —SPJST—

Longtime Czech folk singer passes Hana Horká, Czech folk singer, died January 16, 2022, in the Czech Republic.

She was 57.

Horká was a member of one of the oldest Czech folk groups still active, Asonance. She had joined the band in 1985 alongside Marta Nollová, who later left the band. Horká was Hana Horká also an actress, known for Blue Code (2017).

Horká was born on February 15, 1964, in Príbram, Czechoslovakia - now Czech Republic.

Article shared by, Wayne Walther Lodge 49, Rowena —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Mezinárodní konference krajanských knihoven Milí krajané, přátelé či budoucí přátelé, dovolte nám Vás informovat o Mezinárodní konferenci krajanských knihoven, jež se bude konat online v neděli 27.3.2022. Jedná se o novou krajanskou konferenci, organizovanou Českou asociací. Předzvěstí konference bylo již vyhlášení speciální ceny pro počin krajanských knihoven, která vznikla na základě spoluprace České asociace a spolku Krajánek ve světě s Národním pedagogickým muzeem a knihovnou J.A. Komenského. Právě ta nám také pomohla hlouběji porozumnět problematice menších knihoven.

Konference si klade za cíl poukázat na neoddiskutovatelnou důležitost krajanských knihoven jako na pojítko krajanské komunity s českou kulturou a literaturou, položit základní stavební kámen jejich vzájemné spolupráci a otevřít dialog ke společnému hledání jejich cílů a rozvoje.

Rádi bychom vás při této příležitosti chtěli požádat, o vyplnění dotazníku, který zkoumá aktuální stav krajanských knihoven a jejich potřeb, a to do 21.2.2022. https://forms.gle/avFWAmsTPo1wEauQ9 Jedná se o důležitý průzkum na poli krajanské agendy a pomůže nám všem k vytvoření reálného obrazu o tom, kde začít. Z vlastní zkušenosti a diskuze s mnohými z vás víme, že každá krajanská knihovna má svou specifickou situaci, ať již se jedná o prostory, knihovní fond nebo vybavení knihovny.

Věříme ale, že jsou si ale také v mnohém podobné a potýkají se s podobými překážkami.

Konference se bude konat online v neděli 27.3.2022 v odpoledních a večerních hodinách.K účasti na konferenci je třeba se registrovat ZDE: https://forms.gle/avFWAmsTPo1wEau

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Monday, February 14, 2022 Q9 Účast na konferenci je zdarma. Prosíme, aby se každý zájemce či zástupce organizace registrovali zvlášť. (Odkaz na konferenci bude zaslán několik dní před konferencí na email uvedený v registraci.)

O Konferenci Knihovna je tradičně vnímána jako neutrální prostor pro volnočasové aktivity a neziskovou kulturu. Podporuje kulturní rozmanitost a kreativitu, přispívá k rozvoji duchovních, emocionálních, sociálních a jazykových dovedností dětí i dospělých, pomáhá jim získat estetické cítění, posilovat zájem o literaturu, vědu a umění a stimulovat jejich kreativitu.

Jaké postavení mají ale knihovny krajanské?

Odpověď na tuto otázku budeme hledat spolu s odborníky a zástupci krajanských komunit.

Program Jednotlivé panely pak budou zaměřeny na základní oblasti týkající se každé knihovny, na společné problémy, citlivá místa a specifickou problematiku krajanských knihoven, jež vyplynou z dotazníkového šetření napříč krajanskými knihovnami. Nezapomeneme ani na příklady dobré praxe krajanských knihoven v zahraničí a školních nebo menších knihoven v ČR. Přidružené workshopy pak poskytnou praktické rady a způsoby řešení v oblasti vedení knihoven, financování jejich organizace a zajištění obnovy knihovního fondu.

Jak jsou krajanské knihovny v zahraničí provozovány, v jakých prostorách a jak funguje půjčování knih, a kdo se o ně stará? Jak mohou ustát celosvětový trend úpadku čtenářství? Je digitalizace jejich nepřítelem nebo naopak cestou k moderní knihovně, která je čtenářům blízko? Jaká je budoucnost krajanských knihoven a kroky nutné k jejich dlouhodobé udržitelnosti?

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: Marie Dulak 979-324-7871

Informace o programu budou průběžně aktualizovány na našich stránkách https://czechassociation.org/konference/ O Nás Česká asociace (Czech Association) je nezisková organizace, která si klade za cíl budovat a udržovat dobré jméno České republiky v zahraničí a seznamovat širokou veřejnost napříč světem i generacemi s krásami a kulturním bohatstvím České republiky. Zapojuje se do mezinárodních projektů a podporuje rozvoj mezinárodního kulturního a vzdělávacího dialogu.

Jedním z důležitých pilířů její činnosti je propojování krajanských komunit po světě a vytváření platformy pro společné projekty a spolupráci. Například v loňském roce jsme vytvořili u příležitosti voleb do Poslanecké sněmovny ČR projekt zaměřený na aktivní občanství, Pohád-

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kové volby. V letošním roce jsme rozjeli svou první podcastovou sérii (nejen) pro děti krajanů Pohádkový guláš.

Neméně důležitým cílem České asociace je také podpora a propagace české kultury, turismu a obchodu na lokální úrovni v Řecku a práce s místní českou krajanskou komunitou a jejími potřebami. Do svých lokálních aktivit zahrnuje také rodinné příslušníky krajanů a příznivce České republiky v Řecku.

Lenka Kanellia, President Czech Association Greece czechassociation.org —SPJST—

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VĚSTNÍK

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 12 noon, unless otherwise posted. Send updates directly to: VĚSTNÍK, c/o Editor Melanie Zavodny, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. FAX to: 254-773-8087. Email to: vestnik@spjst.org.

Advertising rates are $2 per column inch for lodge ads; $4 per column inch for nonprofit organization ads; and $6 per column inch for commercial ads. For advertising information, please call the Editor at 800-727-7578 or email vestnik@spjst.org.

LODGE 1, FAYETTEVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 507 East Main Street, Fayetteville. Directions: Lodge hall is located on Hwy 159 East, 3 blocks from the town square. Hall Rental Information: 979-9663795. Lodge Meetings: First Monday of even-numbered months - February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6) Lodge Meetings: Held every other month at 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, 1614 North Texana Street, Hallettsville. For information/updates, call 361798-3347.

LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3) Sunday, February 20—Appreciation luncheon 12:30 p.m.

Friday, February 25—Cottonwood Water Supply Annual Meeting Sunday, March 6—Lodge meeting, 2 p.m.

Saturday, April 2—Wedding Sunday, April 3—Meeting, 2 p.m.; SPJST 6 Inc Meeting, Easter party Sunday, April 17—Marek Easter party Saturday, April 23—Knapek reunion Saturday, April 30—50th wedding anniversary Sunday, May 1—Lodge meeting, 2 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. Directions: From Interstate 35, take the West exit and stop at the blinking light. Go east at the blinking light and stay on Oak Street through downtown West. Take Farm Road 2114 East for 3 miles. Turn right on Czech Hall Road.

Lodge hall is on the right about 1/2 mile down the road.

Hall Rental Information: Peggy Dobecka 254-717-0383 or Jeanette Beseda 254-717-7840. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall.

Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, contact Youth Leader Peggy Dobecka 254-717-0383; or dataped@sbcglobal.net.

LODGE 8, WEIMAR (6) Update - Meeting time change: Beginning February 2022, lodge meetings will start at 12 p.m.

Lodge Meetings: Fourth Monday of February, May, August, and November at 12 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: 979272-3732. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, call Youth Leader Loree Lewis 979-220-4733.

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: 979-8841451. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. For information, contact Youth Leader Julie Schneider 512-269-8180.

LODGE 15, BUCKHOLTS (2) Lodge Hall: 600 State Hwy 190/Hwy 36, Buckholts (historic hexagon-shaped building with a stone entrance.)

Directions: Hall is located on hHwy 36, east of Buckholts, 1/4 mile east of downtown Buckholts. Hall Rental Information: 254-217-2863. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly.

For information, call 254-721-3902.

LODGE 17, NEW TABOR (1) Lodge Hall: 2674 CR 225, Caldwell. Directions: From Caldwell, turn from Hwy 36 east onto FM 166. Proceed 2.1 miles then turn left on CR 225. Go 1 mile, veering to the right. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 979272-3440. 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. For information, call Youth Leader Holly Narro 979-218-4931.

LODGE 18, ELGIN (2) Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a nonsmoking facility. Polka and Country band bookings: FL Meyer 512-940-7970. Hall phone: 512-285-3100.

Dances: 3 to 7 p.m.; cover $10 per person - unless otherwise noted. Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/elginSPJSTlodge18 and on Twitter - @SPJSTelgin18 .

LODGE 20, GRANGER (2) Lodge Hall: 114 West Davilla, Granger. Hall Rental Information: Brenna Bohac 512-859-2584. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the hall. 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. Call Youth Leader Brita Goodman for information 254-541-5344.

LODGE 23, MORAVIA (6) Lodge Hall: FM 957 North, Schulenburg. Located 12 miles south of Schulenburg, in Moravia. Directions: From Hwy 77 between Hallettsville and Schulenburg, take FM 532 West for 4 miles to Moravia. Turn right on FM 957 North; go 1 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. at the hall.

LODGE 24, CYCLONE (2) Lodge Hall: 411 FM 964, Cyclone. Directions: Hall is 12 miles east of Temple, past Zabcikville. Exit Hwy 53 at blinking light to FM 485; go 1 mile to FM 964. Hall Rental Information: Mark Maddux 254-721-1774; or Brenda Maddux 254-721-1682. 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.

For information, call Kim Campbell 254-721-0586.

LODGE 25, ENNIS (3) Lodge Hall: 1901 East Hwy 34, Ennis. Hall Rental Information: 972-875-8381. Mail: PO Box 129, Ennis, Texas 75120. Email: SPJSTennis@yahoo.com. Game Room: Open every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the lodge dining room with supper at 6:30 p.m. followed by a complimentary social in the game room. Youth Club Meetings: For date, time, place, and more information, call Youth Leader Rita Holland 469-337-2284.

LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 12 noon at Wharton County Library - East Bernard Branch, 746 Clubside Drive, East Bernard.Call Secretary Helen Kelner 281-342-2624 for information.

LODGE 29, TAYLOR (2) Friday, February 18—Sterling Country Friday, February 25—Pure Country Regular business hours: Hall is open Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 10 p.m. All Friday dances: 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. with free admission. Hamburgers served each Friday beginning at 6 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 large, 2-story hall.

Hall Rental Information/Hall Phone: 512-352-9139.

Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall.

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 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo.

For information, call Youth Leader Lisa Bubela 979-5437120.

LODGE 32, VICTORIA (6) Lodge Meetings: Held the second Thursday of every other month - January, March, May, July, September, and November, 2019 at Victoria Mall Meeting Room, at 6:30 p.m. For information, contact Secretary Linda Mozisek 361-220-7725.

LODGE 35, ELK (3) Saturday, February 19—Justin Hewitt Saturday, March 5—Wedding Saturday, March 12—Family Tradition Saturday, March 26—Big Joe Parker Lodge Hall: 9508 Elk Road, Axtell. Directions: From Interstate 35 in Waco, take Hwy 84 East exit. Stay on Hwy 84 East through Bellmead; go approximately 8 miles. On the right side of Hwy 84 will be a sign saying “Elk.” Take the Elk Road. Turn right on Elk Road; go approximately 1 mile; the road will dead end. Turn right at the dead end; go approximately 1/2 mile. Hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: Gene Pavelka 254-749-3326. Hall Phone: 254-863-9320. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the hall. Sales Agent: James (Dude) Mann 254-715-0275; mrdudemann@yahoo.com.

LODGE 38, KOVAR (1) Lodge Hall: 278 Zimmerhanzel Road, Flatonia. Hall Rental Information: 512-237-9099/day; 830-8394353/night. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 512332-6758.

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; turn left. Go 1.1 mile and turn left on Magnolia. Take the first right turn on Cherry Bend Circle. Hall (white building) is at the bend of the road. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly - watch for date in Věstník, 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 979-2183527; or FAC Ronnie Roesler 979-406-0158.

LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE (6) Lodge Hall: 30420 Loop 524 US Hwy 59, Hillje. Directions: Hall is just off US 59 in Hillje. Hall Rental Information: Cathy Garcia 979-332-1614; Hall Phone: 979-648-2317. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: For meeting date, time, location, call Youth Leader Cathy Garcia 979-332-1614.

LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at Six Mile Volunteer Fire Department Meeting Room, Royal Road, Port Lavaca.

For information, call lodge Secretary Mary Sitka 361-5525170 or email danmarysitka@yahoo.com.

LODGE 47, SEATON (2) Lodge Hall: 10842 State Hwy 53, Temple. Directions: Seaton Star Hall is 7 miles east of Temple on Hwy 53.

Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Danny Stepan 254-760-7819; Hall Phone: 254985-2548. Visit www.seatonstarhall.com. 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.Call Youth Leader Amber Bartek for information 254-931-0295.

LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE (2) Lodge Hall: 10450 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: From Taylor, take the South Loop. Turn right on FM 112 and go about 0.8 mile. Turn right on FM 619; continue on FM 619 for approximately 4 miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Bookings/Rentals: Call Kim Ogden 512-739-9324 or email SPJST48@gmail.com. Lodge meetings: Second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the hall. Youth club meetings:

Held prior to the adult meeting at 5:15 p.m. Call Youth Leader Michelle Newsom 512-913-0226 for information.

A notification will be sent to members if meeting times need to be changed.

LODGE 49, ROWENA (4) Saturday, February 26—Dance featuring Jody Nix. Doors open at 7 p.m. Dance is from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Lodge Hall: 706 FM 2133, Rowena. Hall Rental Information: 325-442-4841 - Beverly Teplicek. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. at the hall. Call Youth Leader Becky Wood for information 325-6560029.

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. For information, call Calvin Hlinsky 979-378-2364.

LODGE 54, WEST (3) Lodge Meetings: First Friday in March, June, and November, and the second Friday in September at St. Joseph Hall, 303 South Harrison Street in West, 7 p.m. For information, call Freddie Kaluza 254-709-2303.

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

For meeting location or information, call Lodge Secretary Ann Moseley 361-781-2644.

LODGE 66, WACO (3) Lodge Meetings: Date, time, location TBA in the lodge’s monthly meeting minutes that appear in the Věstník. For information, call 254-799-4247.

LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG (1) Lodge Meetings: Third or fourth Sunday of March, June, September, and December (Christmas) at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant in Schulenburg, 2 p.m. To confirm meeting date/s, call Ernest Kutac 979-561-7190.

LODGE 73, SEYMOUR (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 12 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For meeting location, call Alice Orsak 940-889-2391.

LODGE 76, WICHITA FALLS (4) Lodge Meetings: Sunday, September 13; and Sunday, December 6. Meetings are at 12:30 p.m. at Luby’s Cafeteria, 1801 Ninth Street in Wichita Falls. For information, contact Dianna Ibarra 940-224-7383.

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

Meal served at 1 p.m.; meeting follows. Visitors welcome. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Call Youth Leader Marcia Rew for information 361-563-6779.

LODGE 80, HOLLAND (2) Lodge Meetings: Held bi-monthly on the second Tuesday of the months of January, March, May, July, September, and November at “The Hall” (formerly SPJST Lodge 80 Hall), located south of Holland at 12141 East FM 2268. Go 1/2 mile to hall which is on the right. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. Bingo Permit No. 12371416574.

Watch the Věstník for changes in dates or times for special occasions. For information, call 254-760-6427.

LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5) Lodge Hall: 13609 Hwy 36, Needville. Directions: Hall is located at the corner of Hwy 36 and FM 361, one mile from the traffic light in Needville. Hall Manager/Bookings/Rentals: Marion Morales 281-650-4466. Hall Phone: 361-793-4742. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m.; meal at 12 noon at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Contact Youth Leader Kristen Jones 936-5563248 or Assistant Youth Leader Krystle Bender 832-7921194.

LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m.

Meeting location will be posted in the Věstník. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. - unless otherwise announced in the Věstník. Contact Youth Leader Lynda Novak 972-948-4456.

VĚSTNÍK 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. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 254-773-2363.

LODGE 88, HOUSTON (5) Saturday, February 26—Moonglow, 7:30 to 11 p.m.

Friday, March 11—Fab 5, 8 to 11:30 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Directions: Hwy 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 is on the right. Hall Phone/Rental Information: Call 713-869-5767; or visit www.lodge88.org. Dances are held 8 to 11:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. For information, 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. *Introductory pricing. Bingo: Every Thursday evening; games start at 7 p.m. License No. 17407503501. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Zoom Meetings: Held second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. To join, please email spjstyouthlodge88@yahoo.com for link. For information, contact Youth Leader Vanessa Guerrero 281-745-1697.

LODGE 91, SAN JACINTO (5) Lodge Meetings: Quarterly meetings - TBA in the Věstník. For information, contact Lodge Secretary Vonda Smesny 832-694-8762.

LODGE 92, FORT WORTH (3) Lodge Hall: 3316 Roberts Cut Off Road, Fort Worth 76114. Directions: From IH-35 West in Fort Worth, take IH-30 West to the Henderson exit. Take Henderson North; it becomes Jacksboro Hwy (TX 199). Stay on this road north until Roberts Cut Off, which is a right off of Jacksboro Hwy. Hall - also known as National Hall - is on the right about 2 or 3 blocks down the road. Great Western Inn Motel is on the corner. Hall Event/Rental Information: Call National Hall Events Manager Jon Durham 817-6241361.

Visit Lodge 92 website www.nationalhallfortworth.com. Ladies Circle: Meets the second Tuesday of each month. Randy and the 92nd Road House Band plays every first Sunday. Dressy casual. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall - unless otherwise noted.

LODGE 97, PLACEDO (6) Update: Quarterly meetings for 2022 will be held on the following dates, unless otherwise noted: Monday, March 14; Monday, June 13; Monday, September 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Grapevine Restaurant.

Lodge Meetings: Held on Mondays on the following dates: March 14; June 13; and September 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Grapevine Restaurant. For information, call Secretary Judy Bellanger 361-576-2935.

LODGE 107, FLORESVILLE (7) Lodge Hall: 1156 FM 1303, Floresville. Directions: From Floresville, take FM 536 West for 3 miles to FM 1303; turn right and go 2 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. Youth Club Meetings: For meeting date/time/location, contact Youth Leader Lian Lynn 830-480-2737.

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, and location, contact President/Sales Agent John Vrla 214906-3385 or email jvrla@cebridge.net.

LODGE 133, SAN ANTONIO (7) Lodge Meetings: Quarterly meetings are held in March, July, October, and December at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Activity Center, 1630 Goliad Road, San Antonio. For information, contact President Jarolyn Popp 830-964-5135.

LODGE 135, ENNIS (3) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of January, April, July, and October, 7 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 2622 East Hwy 34, Ennis. Directions: From IH-35 East at Waxahachie, take Hwy 287 East exit. Stay Hwy 287 on until you come to

Monday, February 14, 2022 Ennis. Go straight through downtown Ennis and under the overpass at IH-45. Then go approximately 1 3/4 miles on Hwy 34. Sokol Hall is on the left.

LODGE 139, DANBURY (5) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly - the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at Main Street Steakhouse, 1802 Main Street in Danbury. Meeting at 12 noon, luncheon follows. For information, call Lonnie 979-922-1553.

LODGE 141, SEALY (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of every other month - February, April, June, August, October, and December at 6 p.m. at Gordon Memorial Library, 917 North Circle Drive, Sealy. For information, contact Secretary Bernice Stolarski 979-885-6786.

LODGE 142, HOUSTON (5) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month except in December which is the second Sunday at 2 p.m. - unless otherwise noted; meal served at 1 p.m. Meetings are held at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights) in the annex building - unless otherwise noted. For information, contact Lodge142 President Dennis Hermis 713-826-2981; or Secretary Elizabeth Hermis 281-787-8717. Youth Club Meetings: Held the same date, time, and location as the adult lodge meetings - unless otherwise noted. For information, call Youth Leader Amanda Muzny 713-5605377.

LODGE 148, EL MATON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 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. Call Youth Leader Melissa Zielonka for information 979-618-1890.

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. For information, call 979-532-5884.

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 Hwy 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 Phone: 817-237-5181. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 3:30 p.m. at the hall.

For information, call 817-731-2580. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. at the hall.

Contact Youth Leaders CarrieAnn Jones 817-371-1727, carrieannjones@att.net; or Appa Burcie 817-614-2967, abburcie2015@gmail.com for information.

LODGE 155, AUSTIN (2) Lodge Meetings: For dates time, and location of quarterly meetings, call Secretary Ginny Prasatik 512-472-1721.

LODGE 157, LUBBOCK (4) Lodge Meetings: Last Sunday of every other month of March, June, and September; then December - the first Sunday at 2:30 p.m. For meeting location, contact Secretary Cynthia Kristinek - phone 806-763-7245; or email cyndynjerome@gmail.com.

LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Wednesday of February, May, and August; and the November meeting is held the third Sunday. Watch the Věstník for meeting time/location. For information, contact President Sandra Jansa 325-651-8045; or sandra.jansa@hotmail.com. Youth Club Meetings: For date, time, location, call Youth Leader Ryan Jansa 325234-5879.

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. For information, contact President Betty Crawford 713-594-5049. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center. For information, call Youth Leader Brenda Moyle 713-303-1471.

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

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cember meeting/social information will be announced at a later date.) Lodge Information: Call Stephen Bliznak 979-251-4150; or Lenora Bliznak 979-277-8845.

LODGE 172, PASADENA (5) UPDATE - Lodge Hall: 3609 Preston Road, Pasadena. Lodge activities have shut down and the building and property are for sale. For information, call Secretary Jerry Dressler 512-551-9009.

LODGE 189, BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION (1) Quarterly business meetings are held in March, June, and September, and a social meeting in December. Location and dates will be announced in the Věstník. Contact President Henry Mayo for information 979-777-1426. 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 177, ACADEMY (2) Lodge Hall: 711 Rio Poco, Little River-Academy. Directions: Hall is on the south side of Academy, just off Hwy 95, on the right. Hall Phone: 254-982-4434. Please leave a message with questions. Bingo: Every Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Kitchen is open.

Board of Trustees/Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November - Board Meeting, 6:15 p.m. Regular lodge meeting, 6:30 p.m.

LODGE 191, LUFKIN (5) Lodge Hall: 197 Hughes Road, Lufkin. Lodge/Hall Information: George Scogin 936-875-2867. Lodge Meetings: Due to Covid-19, meetings are now held quarterly.

LODGE 179, WARRENTON (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 11 a.m. Location will be announced in the Věstník prior to the meeting each month. For information, contact Ricky Weyand 979-966-7138.

LODGE 180, BURLESON (3) Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month at the Burleson Police Department Building - Community Room, 1161 S.W. Wilshire Boulevard, Burleson at 6 p.m. For information, call 817-905-2097 or 972-268-0022.

LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY (2) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin. For information, contact Youth Leader Becky Beckendorf 254749-5732.

LODGE 183, ARLINGTON (3) Lodge Hall: 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane, Arlington. Directions: Take IH-35 West to Fort Worth. Take IH-20 East exit and proceed on IH-20 East until you come to Cooper Street exit. Take Cooper Street exit to the North. Stay on Cooper Street until you come to Mayfield Street. Turn right on Mayfield; go down and turn left on Pleasant Valley Lane. Hall Rental Information/Hall Phone: 682-8003485. Game Nights are every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. and every Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Permit No. 17516910506. Lodge Meetings/Family Nights: Third Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 184, MOULTON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November, 7 p.m. at Moulton VFD building in the meeting room. RSVP to Elmer Michna at 361-7723876 or Johnnie Hoffman at 361-772-5049. Please RSVP by Thursday of the week prior to the meeting.

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: Fourth Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. (subject to change). Call Youth Leader Jessica McCoy for information 979-7778215.

LODGE 186, CALDWELL (1) Lodge Hall: 937 State Hwy 36, Caldwell. Directions: Hall 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. Call Youth Leader Yolanda Brinkman for information 979-5670637.

LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK (2) Lodge Hall: 920 Luther Peterson Place, Round Rock. Directions: From Taylor, take Hwy 79 into Round Rock until you get to Sunrise. There will be a 7-11 store on the right.

Turn right and proceed past Hopewell School. Continue through the four-way stop. Luther Peterson Boulevard is the first street on the left. From Temple, take IH-35 South.

Just past Georgetown, exit on University Boulevard. Proceed to stop sign. Take left on University Boulevard. The third street is Sunrise. Turn right onto Sunrise. The second street to the right will be Luther Peterson Boulevard.

Hall Rental Information: 512-255-1554; or 512-771-4948.

Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, beginning at 2 p.m. at the hall, followed by entertainment and potluck meal.

LODGE 196, HOUSTON-WEST (5) Lodge Hall: 17810 Huffmeister Road, Cypress. Directions: Off Hwy 290 West at Skinner. Hall Phone: 281373-9482; email spjstlodge196@gmail.com. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month. Potluck social at 1 p.m.; meeting begins at 2 p.m. - unless otherwise noted. For information, call Cadance Wager 713-5152835.

LODGE 200, BRUCEVILLE-EDDY (2) Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month on even months - February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6:30 p.m. at Taylor Hall, 100 4th Street, Eddy. For information, contact Secretary Michael D. Hosch 254-913-0273.

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. For information, call Jenell 979-357-2181.

LODGE 202, JOURDANTON (7) Adult Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly, the first Sunday of March and June at 1 p.m.; and the second Sunday of September and December at 1 p.m. A meal will be served at each meeting. Meetings are at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton.

For information, contact Secretary Bettie House 830281-8246. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of every month at 1:15 p.m. except in September and December, meetings are held on the second Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. For information, contact Youth Leader Regina House 830-570-2046.

LODGE 207, IOWA PARK (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 6 p.m.

For meeting location, call Secretary Joyce Kotulek 940855-0882.

LODGE 215, SOUTH PLAINS (4) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 6 p.m. at 631 Lockwood Street in Tahoka. For information, contact Secretary Pam Lehmann 806-535-8356. Youth Club Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 6 p.m. at 631 Lockwood Street in Tahoka. For information, contact Youth Leader Janeece Williams 806-632-5239.

LODGE 219, EL PASO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of March, April, and May at 6 p.m. at Puerto Vallarta Grill, 1611 Montana Avenue, El Paso. For questions, call President Aracely Quiz 915-999-2062.

LODGE 229, ABILENE (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. For meeting location information, contact Secretary Tammy Copeland 325-333-4089.

LODGE 232, HOUSTON MIDTOWN (5) Lodge Meetings: Held the third Tuesday of every other month in January, March, May, July, September, and November, 6:30 p.m. at Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto, Houston. For information, contact Secretary Catherine Anderson 713-726-1928.

LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT (2) Lodge Meetings: Unless otherwise announced, second Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November, 11:30 a.m. For meeting location, call President Ingrid Petrik 254-760-1831 or Secretary David Nauert 254-534-0809.

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—

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