ˇ ´ VESTNIK SPJST HERALD
Volume 110 Number 6
Benevolence ★ Humanity ★ Brotherhood
March 28, 2022
ISSN —07458800
Lodge 54, West endows scholarship; to honor Rudy and Maxine Sefcik SPJST announces the creation of a newly endowed scholarship that honors the life and legacy of longtime fraternalists Rudy and Maxine Sefcik. An initial donation of $20,000 from members of Lodge 54, West established the Rudy and Maxine Sefcik Benevolent Scholarship which will be awarded annually beginning in Spring 2022. “We had been kicking this idea about for the last year or two,” says Lodge 54, West President Freddie Kaluza. “Many memories come back to me about Rudy and Maxine. I remember back in 1986 when I was mowing a yard, and Rudy
stopped by to visit and asked me if I would be interested in serving as treasurer of Lodge 54. Reluctantly, I accepted, but it was a decision that I do not regret.” At the time, Rudy and Maxine were managing Lone Star Hall and from that point forward, Brother Freddie and his wife, Janice, devoted many weekends working alongside Brother Rudy and Sister Maxine hosting weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, and other functions. Keep in mind, this was in addition to Brother
Rudy carrying out the duties of Vestnik Editor and Sister Maxine serving as the Office Assistant.” “Rudy could always make me laugh,” says Brother Freddie. “He was also instrumental in encouraging me to become a sales agent for Lodge 54. Janice, who is also an agent, and I are so proud that our lodge was able to fund this endowed SPJST scholarship as a tribute to Rudy and Maxine.” In addition to serving as president of Lodge 54, West, Brother Rudy also served as president of Lodge 88, Hous-
Honorary Battlefield Cross
ton. As a member of Lodge 88, Houston, the Sefciks served as delegates to SPJST conventions from 1948 to 1960. Brother Rudy was first elected editor in 1968 and was reelected five times. Because the paper was published by Čechoslovak Publishing Company in West, a move to this Central Texas town was necessary. He retired after completing his sixth term in 1992 when current SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek was elected editor. “I remember summer days growing up on the farm, riding my bicycle to pick up the mail, and – every Wednesday – looking at the Vestnik,” says Brother Brian. “As I got older and moved to Austin, and then to Colorado, I continued to receive the newspaper. And through it all, something that always impressed me was that the editor stayed the same. Many of Continued on Page 8.
NOTICE: NEW DATE!
Lodge 29, Taylor member John Stasny and Dotty Davis contributed a Battlefield Cross to the Texas Czech Genealogical Society’s Czech Veterans Military Display located in the downstairs gallery at the SPJST Home Office in Temple. The Battlefield Cross, which is an iconic symbol of sacrifice, honor, and respect for those who have given all, is presented on a granite stone that reads, “Given in Loving Memory of Bennie Stasny and Everett Davis by John Stasny and Dotty Davis.” The granite was designed and created by Craig Zimmerhanzel of Lodge 18, Elgin. Craig is the owner of San Gabriel Monuments in Taylor. LEFT: John Stasny, back, looks on as Craig Zimmerhanzel, left, works to prepare the display with his nephew, Braeden Beran of Lodge 29, Taylor, and his son, Carson Zimmerhanzel. More on page 3.
; / ; / ; / ; / ; Inside This Week’s Vestnik ; / ; / ; / ; / ; Readers Write ......................................3 Interest Rates.......................................3 Important Dates ...................................3 Membership Drive Contest.................6 District News........................................7 Lodge Section....................................10
In Memoriam ......................................17 Youth Section ....................................18 Vestnik Project ..................................21 Czech Culture ....................................22 Advertisements .................................25 Lodge Calendar .................................26
Lodge 29 Taylor member earns baseball honor
District Seven scenes from annual meeting Page 9
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Lodge 49 Rowena youth: spring break fun Page 20
