SPJST LODGE SECTION

Lodge 6, Cottonwood honors members for 50- and 75-year milestones

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

Send your news and photos to:

SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny

P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503

Email: vestnik@spjst.org

Online: spjst.org/news/submitarticle-photo

Questions? Call 800-727-7578 and Shanona, Keith and Kelly Hykel, Karen and Selby Holder, Lanette and James Gerik.

Lodge 6, Cottonwood will host the District Three Annual Meeting on Sunday, April 23. Look in this Vestnik for details and agenda.

Lodge 6, Cottonwood President Don Urbanovsky opened the meeting. Youth member Quinlan Dobecka led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the SPJST pledge. Sister Irene Peterson reported 29 adult members, seven youth, and eight guests in attendance. Sister Peggy Dobecka provided March meeting minutes and the treasurer’s report. Both reports were accepted by the membership.

Sister Jeanette Beseda presented the update for fraternal activities. April is National Volunteer Month. Other fraternal activities including rock painting and the current features at the Czech Heritage Museum in Temple were discussed.

Sister Dobecka reported on youth club activities. She thanked everyone for the many donations given to youth club raffle. Youth club members and leader are planning a summer trip to Port Aransas.

Sunshine Committee report shows sympathy cards were sent to Janet Hykel, Bobby and Kathy Hykel, Terry Hykel

SPJST members were recognized for their lengthy membership. Rudolf Novotny was honored for 75 years of membership. Beverly Uptmor and Kristina Lenart Fields were recognized for 50 years of membership. Dorothy Mahac accepted the recognition for her daughter, Sandra Barton, who is also a 50-year member. Lodge 6 extends heartfelt thanks to these members and all others achieving these landmarks.

Easter party with fellowship and a fried chicken meal followed the lodge meeting. See the Easter fun pictures in this Vestnik. April birthdays recognized were Irene Peterson, Jerelene Lenart, Kristi Lenart Fields, and Bobby Dobecka.

Progressive door prize winner was Michael Krizan, not present. Attendance door prizes were awarded to Adam Pechacek, Jody Krizan, and Beverly Uptmor.

SPJST Home Office raises new flag

Maintenance Manager Rudy Constancio hoists a new United States flag on Monday, April 3, 2023. With the start of the ‘patriotic season’ just around the corner, Old Glory will be ready to proudly show off her stars and stripes.

Next Meeting —May 7

Mother’s Day lunch will be at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 7 prior to the 2 p.m. meeting. All members are welcome.

Patti Rosales, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 23, Moravia collects, donates soup to Schulenburg Food Pantry

Lodge 23, Moravia met Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at the hall. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Elizabeth Olsovsky. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was held for our departed members. Roll of officers was called with all officers present.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved followed by the treasurer’s report. Members were reminded and invited to the District Six Annual Meeting in Victoria on Sunday, April 16. More information will be coming out in the Vestnik.

For the Souper Bowl project, our members generously donated 23 cans of soup which will be donated to the Schulenburg Food Pantry. Member Wanda Carpenter will deliver the donation to them.

Next Meeting—June 13

The meeting was then adjourned with a reminder that our next meeting will be Tuesday, June 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Fraternally, Kathleen Guenther, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton plans April 22 tarok tourney, Czech dance

Tarok Tournament in the Morning

Plan to join us at Seaton Star Hall on Saturday, April 22, 2023! Lodge 47, Seaton will begin the day with a tarok tournament. Six rounds of play start at 9 a.m. The $30 registration fee includes lunch and awards. To register or for more information, call 254-760-7819 or 254493-9892.

Czechaholics in the Evening

In the evening, the Czechaholics will play for a dance from 7 to 11 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m. The event is family friendly, and the kitchen will be open serving delicious food. Admission is $10

SPJST hosts State 42 Domino Tournament

On Saturday, April 1, 2023, a total of 30 individuals played in our final tournament for 2023. The SPJST State 42 Domino Tournament was held at the SPJST Home Office in Temple. Of the 30 players who participated in the 15round tournament, 11 were SPJST members. Players were from Austin, Elk, Ennis, Temple, and surrounding areas. Players were provided snacks and a delicious meal prepared by Wayne Orange of Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point and owner of Best Quality Meat and Barbecue in Temple.

At the end of the tournament, door prizes were drawn while results were being tabulated. Ken Grant and Alvin Dudik of West received special prizes for their last place finish—a box of Lucky Charms cereal and a Texas Lottery scratch-off ticket. First through fourth place winners received a plaque and money.

Winners of the tournament were:

1st - Jimmy Turek

Lodge 48, Beyersville

Randy Thweatt of Hutto

2nd - Danny Stepan

Lodge 47, Seaton

Don Wesley of Ennis

3rd - Bryan Honza

Lodge 25, Ennis

Ronnie Honza

Lodge 25, Ennis

4th - Jimmie Coufal

Lodge 47, Seaton

Allen Tschoerner of Schwertner

We look forward to seeing everyone again for the 2024 SPJST tournaments. We will announce the dates later this year.

Fraternally, Frank Horak State Fraternal Director —SPJST— per person, and kids under age 12 are admitted free of charge. For more information, call 254-624-4119.^

Fraternally, Brandon

Bartek, President

—SPJST—

Lodge 66, Waco plans August 12 members’ luncheon

The meeting of Lodge 66, Waco was called to order by President Douglas Galler at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 27, 2023, at St. Paul’s Church in Bellmead. In roll call of officers, Vice President Ronald Neumann was absent. We had seven members and five guests present. A special welcome was ex- tended to Brother Frank Horak, State Fraternal Director. There was a moment of silence for SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek’s brother, David Vanicek, who passed away last week.

Congratulations to tournament winners, front, left to right, 1st place - Jimmy Turek of Lodge 48, Beyersville and Randy Thweatt of Hutto; 2nd - Danny Stepan of Lodge 47, Seaton, and Don Wesley of Ennis. Back, second from left, 3rd - Bryan Honza and Ronnie Honza, both of Lodge 25, Ennis; and 4th - Allen Tschoerner of Schwertner and Jimmie Coufal of Lodge 47, Seaton. They are pictured with Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez and State Fraternal Director Frank Horak.

Minutes from the February meeting were read by Lodge 66 Secretary Sister Dana McAdams. Brother John Engelke made a motion to accept the minutes, and Brother Jodie McAdams, Sr. seconded. The motion passed.

Sister Dana then read correspondence from Brother Roy Vajdak, SPJST Controller, concerning two transfer requests from Lodge 66, Waco to Lodge 54, West. Then Sister Dana read another letter from Brother Vajdak referencing the lodge’s enhanced premium refund which has been deposited into the lodge account. Next, Sister Dana read correspondence from Sister Tammy Martinez, SPJST Fraternal Services Specialist at the Home Office. The letter, dated March 15, announced this year’s Milestone Members. Milestone Members are members who have reached 50 years and 75 years of membership in 2023. Each of these members have a 50-year or 75-year pin reserved in their name at the Home Office. Lodge 66 has 20 members eligible for 50-year pins and two members eligible for 75-year pins. Brother John made a motion to award the Lodge 66 pins at our lodge luncheon that is scheduled for August 12 at Lodge 6, Cottonwood in West to those who are willing and able to attend. Brother Jodie, Sr. seconded, and the motion passed. In additional correspondence, Sister Diana Engelke received thank you notes from Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and Elm Mott Fire Department for recent donations.

Brother Douglas gave a fraternal report. He referred to the monthly State Fraternal Director’s report to give us a list of upcoming Caring Challenges. In April, the members are asked to decorate a rock and place it either in your community or at Camp Kubena. In May, we will collect and donate supplies for local animal shelters. Other upcoming challenges are to write a letter to an SPJST veteran or members in the military and to collect and donate school supplies for local schools. Next, Brother Douglas mentioned the upcoming District Three Annual Meeting at Lodge 6, Cottonwood in West on April 23. In continuation, Brother Douglas mentioned that registration is open for youth who wish to attend Camp Kubena this summer. Information was also shared about the State Youth Showcase that will occur on the weekend of July 28 and 29 in Temple. Registration for this begins April 1.

The Cheer and Condolence Committee sent a sympathy card to Brother Brian Vanicek on the death of his brother.

The treasurer’s report was given by Sister Diana.

In old business, Sister Diana had diligently gathered five quotes for possible caterers for the luncheon in August. We contemplated cost proposals and menus from Eddie Ray’s, Casa Olé, Lone Star Tavern, George’s, and Joe Blanek. After substantial discussion and scrutinization, Sister Dana made a motion to go with the proposal from Eddie Ray’s. Brother Michael Galler seconded the motion, and it passed. Next in order was discussion about the menu. The decision to serve chicken fried steak, green beans, mashed potatoes, and gravy was reached. Dessert will also be served. Invitations will be mailed out by the Home Office later this year, and all members must RSVP if they plan to attend the luncheon.

Next Meeting—April 24

In new business, the next Lodge 66 meeting will be Monday, April 24 at St. Paul’s Church at 5:30 p.m. There was discussion about our March donation. Sister Diana made a motion to give our March donation to Shepherd’s Heart who operates a monthly drive-thru food bank on the St. Paul’s parking lot in Bellmead. Brother John suggested an addendum to raise the allocation from $100 to $250, which was accepted. Brother Jodie, Sr. seconded, and the motion passed.

Thereupon, Brother Horak handed out literature and spoke about the 2023 lodge incentives and procedure. He delivered valuable information about how

Lodge 66 may participate in and get credit for community and SPJST projects. In addition, he also mentioned the upcoming Night at the Museum event at the Czech Heritage Museum on Thursday, April 13 at 5 p.m. Admission is free of charge.

The March door prize was won by Brother John, and the 100 percent pot of $4 was won by Sister Dana. Brother Horak donated SPJST merchandise for door prizes, and these were won by Brother Douglas, Sister Diana, Brother Thomas Galler, Brother Jodie, Sr., and Brother Michael.

Brother John then made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Sister Diana, and the meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m. Respectfully submitted by your Lodge Secretary/ Reporter, Dana McAdams

Lodge 6, Cottonwood Hosts Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 2, 2023 • Lodge 6, Cottonwood Hall

Stormy weather did not curtail the Easter fun at Lodge 6, Cottonwood on Sunday, April 2, 2023. ABOVE PHOTOS and BELOW LEFT: Youth enjoy hunting eggs and winning prizes. BELOW PHOTO 2: Ages 0 to 5 yearsKnox Morrison found the second place egg and Presley Meadows picked up the first and third prize eggs.

—Patti Rosales, Reporter

Lodge 80, Holland meeting, meal set for May 9

Lodge 80, Holland will meet on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. for its bimonthly meeting. The meeting will be held at The Hall, located at 12141 east FM 2268 in Holland. Agenda will include regular business items, reports, and future events. There will be a catered meal beginning at 6:30 p.m., with the meeting following. Please RSVP to Rita Spinn at 254-760-6427 or email rita@hot.rr.com. We will also honor all mothers during our social time. Hope everyone can come and enjoy the good food and fellowship.

Rita Spinn, President —SPJST—

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a Mexican food meal of enchiladas and sides on Sunday, March 19, 2023. The meeting was called to order by President Mark Rebecek at 2:15 p.m. who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers were present. We had 20 members and guests in attendance.

A moment of silence was observed for deceased member Jeff Martinez.

Secretary Virginia Rebecek read the February meeting minutes, and Treasurer Larry Elzner gave the financial report. Both were approved.

On communications, Secretary Virginia Rebecek read a letter from Controller Roy Vajdak announcing the amount our lodge will be receiving on the lodge enhanced premium program.

Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky asked all to keep turning in their fraternal acts.

On new business, Secretary Virginia Rebecek talked about the District Seven meeting in Jourdanton. Members were updated on all the information that was discussed.

Youth Leader Marcia Rew gave her youth report. She had seven members and guests in attendance. The youth painted pictures and talked about St. Patrick’s Day. A motion was made by Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky that the lodge pay for any youth member who wishes to attend camp this year be paid for by the lodge, seconded by Lela Hajek. Approved.

Birthday for March was Jacob Rebecek on the 1st. Happy birthday, Jacob! Twenty-five dollar door prize winners were won by Brandon Rew and Michael Urbanovsky.

Michael Urbanovsky made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky. The motion was approved, and the meeting adjourned at 3 p.m.

Lodge 6, Cottonwood: Happy April Birthdays!

Next Meeting—April 16

The next meeting will be Sunday, April 16 with fried chicken furnished by the lodge. Members are asked to bring a side dish.

Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek, Secretary —SPJST—

Snook Basketball Glory Days Remembered By Uil

From Burleson County Tribune Roy Sanders, publisher

Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Roy Sanders of the Burleson Country Tribune for permission to reprint this article that originally appeared in the Tribune on March 23, 2023. Joe Adamek, Mike Junek, Larry Kovar, and Donnie Victorick are members of SPJST Lodge 9, Snook. Brother Victorick also serves as District One Director.

The UIL is celebrating its 100th anniversary for Texas high school boys basketball this year, and Snook High School is featured prominently in their listings of top coaches, teams, and players.

Among the greatest coaches, their list includes Jimmy Horn, who coached nine years at Snook and compiled a 369-56 record (86.9%) with state championships in 1965, 1966, and 1969.

Horn also coached two years in Slidell, going 56-33 as a basketball coach and superintendent, falling in the regional finals in 1972.

His overall record, counting Snook and Slidell, is 425-89.

Their records also showcased Jimmy’s brother Don Horn, who also coached nine years, compiling a 33365 record (83.7%) and two state titles in 1978 and 1979.

Also honored was Donnie Victorick, coaching in Snook for 12 years,

Lodge 84, Dallas meets April 16

Just a reminder that Lodge 84, Dallas will meet Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. at Back Country BBQ, located at 6940 Greenville Avenue in Dallas, Texas 75231. The restaurant’s phone is 214-696-6940.^

Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST— going 363-88 (80.5%) with five consecutive state titles – a state record –from 1980 to 1984.

All three were inducted into the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) Hall of Fame.

The overall record for the glory days of those three coaches was 1,065-209.

Also mentioned among the great coaches was Sammie Koudelka, who coached Burton, Dime Box, and Moulton for a total of 40 years, compiling a record of 1,058-331 with state titles at Moulton in 1991, 1998, and 1999.

Three of Snook’s state championship teams were mentioned among the greatest in history.

Snook’s 1965 team was 50-1 and featured players Joe Adamek (All-Tournament at the state tourney), and Calvin Gerke (First Team All-State and All-Tournament).

The 1966 team was 52-0 (a win streak that eventually stretched to 90 consecutive games). It featured Gerke again for First Team All-State and All Tournament and Larry Kovar for All Tournament.

The 1980 team was 44-1 and included Hezekiah Carter (First Team All State and All Tournament), Billy Felder (First Team All State and All Tournament), and Mike Junek (First Team All State).

Snook’s overall state championship run included an incredible seven straight titles stretching from the last two years of Don Horn’s time, 1978 and 1979, and Victorick’s five straight from 1980 to 1984. —SPJST—

Lodge 6, Cottonwood honors milestone members

Sunday, April 2, 2023

• Submitted by Patti Rosales, Reporter

Lodge 6, Cottonwood recognized its 50-year and 75-year members on Sunday, April 2, 2023. Lodge 6 President Don Urbanovsky congratulated all of the Milestone Members. LEFT PHOTO: Rudolf Novotny, seated, was recognized for his 75-year SPJST membership. Lodge 6 President Don Urbanovsky, back, left, thanked him for his achievement. Sharing in the honor were Brother Novotny’s wife Stella and his sisters, Doris

Lodge 88, Houston: Notice of April 19 Special Meeting

At our April members’ meeting on the 2nd, membership unanimously approved upgrading the annex by adding four windows and a new door with a window towards the backyard at a cost not to exceed $16,000.

We have since received a bid that is inline with our original plan to have two tempered glass overhead doors facing the backyard along with the same door replacement. The bid is still being competed, but we anticipate it would be in excess of the budget already approved by membership.

Wednesday, April 19 at 7 p.m. at Lodge 88, Houston

We will have a Special Meeting of Lodge 88, Houston on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 7 p.m. at the Lodge to share the options with membership and have a final decision. The Special Meeting is being called in lieu of waiting for the next Member Meeting to expedite completion of the project. This will be the only item on the agenda for the Special Meeting. If you should have any questions in the interim or want to have your opinion read at the meeting, please email that to members@lodge88.org. As a reminder, only those attending the meeting in person will be able to vote.

Fraternally, Aaron Rigamonti, President —SPJST—

Lodge 92, Fort Worth Ladies Circle enjoys St. Patrick’s Day-themed meeting, lunch

The Ladies Circle of Lodge 92, Fort Worth, Texas, met on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, with 30 ladies and three men attending. As usual, President Cathy Simmank started us off by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Lucy Martinez shared a couple of sweet poems and Lee Williams told a cute story about the Blarney Stone. She and Jane Novotny. PHOTO 2: Kristi Lenart Fields was recognized for 50 years of membership. Her mother, Jerelene Lenart also attended.

PHOTO then became the choir director and led the group in singing, “I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover.” Quite a change from the ordinary. I’ve been a member for more than 12 years now, and this was a first for me and a lot of fun. As always, we had our business meeting and reports. Some items of interest for those of you who weren’t able to come are listed below.

Dorothy Machac accepted the 50-year membership recognition for her daughter, Sandra Barton. RIGHT PHOTO: Beverly Uptmor was recognized for her 50-year membership. Beverly’s sister-in-law Shirley Uptmor also attended.

Updates were given on those who are having health issues and need our prayers. Stanley Krenek fell a few days ago and was in surgery this day. Marlene Bass had hip surgery and is recovering nicely. Mary Ann Krivanek is still un-

Lodge 6, Cottonwood members create fun designs for 100 pennies drive

dergoing chemo. Janet Basham was in the hospital recently and has several auto immune problems. Robyn Brownlee had a heart attack. (We received notice today, Saturday March 25, that Robyn has passed away.) Also several have had family members who have passed away very recently. It’s mind boggling that so many are having to deal with so much.

President Cathy announced that in April, the Easter Bunny will come, and we will have our annual indoor Easter egg hunt. “The Bunny,” aka President Cathy, puts in a great deal of time making sure we have interesting and fun activities. The egg hunt is a chance for us to see who gets the prize egg or eggs and who gets shut out. Ahh, those memories of beautiful baskets and lovely little frocks in our childhood.

Also happening in April, we will have a presentation on floral arranging by a representative from Azle High School Career and Technology Center. Everyone is anxious to learn a few new tips on this art form. In the future, plans are being made to have a CPR training session from the American Heart Association, and a speaker from the Salvation Army will come to tell us about the work she does.

We only celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day since Mardi Gras had already happened. We selected the smallest leprechaun we could find. While one would think there would not be anyone shorter than last year’s leprechaun, there was! One of our members who recently joined us was the shortest gnome of all.

Artemisa Massey made the cut, and she looked every bit the part with her new hat, leis, etc. Lydia Acosta came in second, and the two of them were almost the same size. Too much fun we have at our meetings!

A community announcement was shared by Leila Puckett. She along with some of our other ladies work at the polls on election day. Her group is needing one more person to work in May.

Sandi Celusniak announced that the VOA is holding balance classes for seniors in the Lake Worth area.

Hostesses were then thanked for their work in the kitchen, and Jon Durham gave the update on lodge activities and building projects scheduled. Birthday celebrants were serenaded and acknowledged. Door prizes were awarded to seven lucky ladies. Vice President Lee offered our prayer of thanksgiving for the lovely meal we were about to have.

The meeting ended, and lunch was served. Bingo followed.

Respectfully,

Joan Simek Shropshire Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 94,

Wheelock

invites members to attend special called meeting on May 2

Dear Members, Greetings! On behalf the officers of Lodge 94, Wheelock, I invite you to attend a meeting at which lodge members will be voting to sell the lodge building and enable the lodge to capitalize on the equity that exists in the property.

In accordance with SPJST operating