Czech Culture

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

Lekce jedenadvacátá Lesson 21

Sedm pádů The Seven Cases

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. 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.) 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?

Example: Komu píšeš? Píšu domu tatínkovi. (Tatínkovi is in the dative case). Čemu posloucháš. Poslouchám vysilácí stanici. (Stanici is in the dative 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! 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?

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).

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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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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.

S S S Translate these proverbs. Discuss these proverbs with someone:

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

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

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—

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

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—

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 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

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 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.”

C z e c h C u l t u r a l C a l e n d a r

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 culture, 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

“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.”

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

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 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—