VĚSTNÍK
Monday, May 9, 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:
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
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.
District Two youth Outdoor activities benefit kids events planned for May 22 annual meeting Modern amenities and indoor comThe District Two Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Lodge 24, Cyclone. Registration is at 1 p.m., and the meeting begins at 2 p.m. All youth and adults are asked to enter the rock decorating contest. Rules and information are online at www.spjst.org. The youth club will have its annual silent auction. Members are asked to bring an item or items and to also keep the bidding going. Baked desserts are also great bidding items! The District Two Youth Club appreciates your support! We look forward to seeing you there! Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor —SPJST—
forts have made life easier in many ways, but they’ve also helped to fashion a generation of people who spend much of their time inside. A 2018 report from the international research firm YouGov found that around 90 percent of study respondents from North America and Europe spend close to 22 hours inside every day. Children may get a little more time outdoors than adults, particularly if they participate in outdoor sports. There are distinct advantages to engaging in more outdoor activities. Here’s a look at some of them. • Improved mood and reduced risk of depression: The YouGov report notes that around
15 percent of the world’s population is affected by different levels of seasonal affective disorder, which is believed to be a direct result of lack of daylight. Symptoms go away when days are longer and individuals can enjoy more sunshine. Children who go outside and get ample exposure to sunlight may experience a more positive mood and renewed energy. • Lower risk of obesity: Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg from the American Academy of Pediatrics says outdoor play can help reduce obesity in today’s youth. Children can enjoy selfdirected physical activity that also stimulates awareness of one's surroundings. • Improved vitamin D levels: Vitamin D has been dubbed the “sunshine vitamin” because sunlight hitting the skin prompts the liver and kidneys to create vitamin D in the body. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to depression and heart failure and may compromise the immune system. Children can improve current and future health by maintaining adequate vitamin D levels through healthy exposure to sunlight. • Lower stress levels: Students of all ages are faced with stressful situations that come at them from every angle. The arrival of the global pandemic has been an added stressor that continues to affect children and adults. According to research by the University of Essex, outdoor exercise offers mental health benefits that exceed those gleaned from indoor exercise.
Kalynn is proudly pictured with her prize winnings. Congrats!
Lodge 25, Ennis youth wins 4 YAD first places Dear Readers, At District Three Youth Achievement Day, I won first place four times, and one time was second place. I will go to State YAD in July. YAD is fun! Kalynn Ryan, age 8 —SPJST— Spending time in a green space can result in improved mood and self-esteem. A 2017 study of Japanese students found those who spent time in the forest for two nights returned home with lower levels of cortisol, a hormone used as a marker of stress, than students who remained in the city. The practice of destressing outdoors is often referred to as “forest bathing” or “nature therapy.”
lodge 25, ennis youth enjoy family movie night
lodge 25, ennis youth perform “The kolache song”
Luke, far left, as the Klobasniky with Kalynn, June, Layne, and Tori.
Dear Readers, I love “The Kolache Song.” We loved going on the stage at Youth Achievement Day. We won first place. I can’t wait to go to Camp Kubena. I heard about the things we will do at camp. I can’t wait to see the camp. I hope I will have a fun time. Fraternally yours, June Holland, age 5 —SPJST—
31
Left to right are Luke, Maison, and June.
Dear Readers, My grandma, grandpa, Luke, June, and I just went to see the Sonic 2 movie. My favorite part was when he went against Knuckles. It was a really good movie overall. I recommend it for anyone. After that, we went to eat at Panda Express. I have a field trip to a museum in downtown Dallas. Upcoming also is Camp Kubena with my family, and I am stoked! Fraternally yours, Maison Holland, age 11 —SPJST—
