Cooking Up Success for the SPJST Larry W. Pflughaupt Scholarship Fund

United by a shared commitment, three cherished friends spanning three generations of Pflughaupts unite their efforts to raise funds for the SPJST Larry W. Pflughaupt Scholarship Fund. They prepare a mouthwatering array of options, from sizzling hamburgers, juicy hot dogs, and delectable sausage dogs to satisfying Frito pies. And let’s not forget the ultimate crowd-pleasers – homemade desserts that include tantalizing peach cobbler served with a dollop of Blue Bell ice cream. It’s a culinary experience that never fails to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. A special mention goes to Michelle Wockenfuss, whose dedication shines as she bakes one to two cakes for each meeting and gun show, adding a sweet touch to our cause.

Heartfelt gratitude goes out to our exceptional team whose valuable time and unwavering dedication make all the difference. We extend our thanks to those who stand by us, supporting our mission by indulging in our delectable offerings, generously contributing eggs, sausage, desserts, and making extra donations that fill our tip jar to the brim. Larry, a firm believer in nurturing the potential of the younger generation through education, continues to inspire us. Today, his spirit lives on as we proudly and humbly present two scholarships in his name, a reflection of his enduring legacy and our shared commitment to shaping brighter futures.

—SPJST—

Secretary Elizabeth Hermis read the minutes of the previous meeting. Margaret Norris-Guerrero moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Keith Kieschnick. Members approved.

Financial Secretary/Treasurer Keith Kieschnick read his report. All was approved by the membership.

The youth leader’s report was read by Debra Ngo in Amanda’s absence. Her report stated that July 28 and 29 is the SPJST Youth Showcase weekend. She spoke on Autumn Ngo’s mission trip and thanked everyone for the donations.

Fraternal Activities Coordinator Pat Schleider gave her report reminding all to donate school supplies this quarter. She handed out note cards to all members to write a small note to our Veterans serving and thanking them for their service. These will be collected at the next meeting.

Sales Agents Kerry Herrington spoke about looking into getting more sales agents, and District Five is doing very well. Mary Bird spoke on helping others with insurance and stated she is a notary. Margaret Norris-Guerrero stated she has been going to many training sessions.

Sick Committee reported Jean Herrington out due to illness.

New member/insurance welcomed was Taylor Scott. Transfers from Lodge 196, Houston-West to Lodge 142 are Stella Cliff, David Cliff, Alice Cliff, Britney Cliff, and Chloe Doherty. All were accepted by the membership.

July birthday celebrants are Dennis Hermis on the 27th, Pat Schleider on the 7th, and Kerry Herrington on the 1st. Happy birthday!

Our quarterly capsule drawing winners were Pat Schleider, Catherine Manchack, Jack Manchack, and Mary Jane Hue.

Door prizes were awarded, and the meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m.

We played bingo after our meeting as the social. The winners were first place - Debra Ngo ($30 prize); second (tie)Pat Schleider ($20 prize) and Elizabeth Hermis ($20 prize), 3rd (tie) - Kenneth Malota ($10 prize) and Margaret Norris-Guerrero ($10 prize).

Next Meeting—August 20

The next meeting is Sunday, August 20 at 2 p.m. with a meal at 1 p.m. in the dining area at Lodge 88, Houston. Reminder: Bring school supplies to the meeting.

Fraternally, Elizabeth Hermis, Secretary

Lodge 151, Wharton meets Sept. 11

SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton will hold its quarterly meeting and social on Monday, September 11, 2023, at Wharton Depot Museum located at 100 Sunset Street.

A light meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Carolyn Bucek at 979-532-1910 or Janie Bucek at 979-532-5884 before Thursday, September 7.

A memorial service will be held for deceased 2022-2023 member Allen Joseph “Big Al” Kohleffel. Family members are invited to attend the memorial service and light a candle in remembrance of their loved one.

Lodge 151 will participate in the

Back-To-School Supply Drive. Suggested items to donate are No. 2 wood pencils, good quality plastic pocket folders with brads, large boxes of tissue, glue sticks, bottles of glue, pink erasers, and boxes of 24 crayons. The school supplies will be donated to Sivells Elementary in Wharton.

Members with birthdays in July, August, and September will be honored.

We look forward to seeing you.

Fraternally, Janie

Bucek Secretary/FAC —SPJST—

Lodge 154, Fort Worth announces August 30 special-called meeting

Dear Lodge 154 Members, Greetings! On behalf of the officers of Lodge 154, Fort Worth, I invite you to attend a meeting at which lodge members will be voting to transfer deed of property to Sokol Fort Worth. Sokol Fort Worth has made loan payments, maintained the property, and paid the taxes. We have also received notice from a couple of officers that they will be resigning their positions. Therefore, we will also have elections for their replacements.

In accordance with SPJST operating procedures, a special called meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss, consider, and vote on the proposed transfer. The meeting will take place at Sokol Fort Worth, located at 6500 Boat Club Road in Fort Worth. All adult members are encouraged to attend and to weigh in on the discussion.

SPJST District Three Director John Engelke and SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek will be in attendance.

In the event that the members decide to transfer, this will be a good opportunity for us to discuss our future going forward as a lodge. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you are invited to share your thoughts with us through email at SPJST154@yahoo.com; ho-

Lodge 160, San Angelo Supports Meals for the Elderly

Lodge 160, San Angelo presented a $200 donation to Meals for the Elderly. The lodge believes this organization provides a great service for the elderly in San Angelo and the surrounding area and wanted to assist them. Pictured presenting the check to two representatives from Meals for the Elderly are Nolan Jansa, Caitlynn Jansa, Sandra Jansa, Ryan Jansa, Luke Jarisch, and Sophia Jarisch. RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 160 adults and Lodge 160 Youth Club hosted wever, please note, in order to vote on the proposed transaction, it will be necessary for you to be in attendance at the meeting on August 30.

Upcoming Meetings

Please plan to join in the future lodge activities at Sokol Fort Worth: a Join Hands Day project of purchasing and donating 40 pairs of socks for Meals for the Elderly clients. The staff at Meals for the Elderly said they really appreciated the donation. They will hand these out to the clients as a birthday gift or another special occasion. Lodge 160 members delivering the socks to Meals for the Elderly are Sophia Jarisch, Luke Jarisch, Nolan Jansa, Caitlynn Jansa, Sandra Jansa, and Ryan Jansa. —Sandra Jansa, President

August 30, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.

October 8, 2023 at 3 p.m.

January 14, 2024 at 3 p.m.

April 14, 2024 at 3 p.m.

July 14, 2024 at 3 p.m.

October 13, 2024 at 3 p.m.

Christmas

Celebration

A Christmas celebration will be held in December in conjunction with Sokol Fort Worth’s. Date to be announced later.

Easter Picnic

The Easter picnic will be on March 31, 2024. Bring your own picnic food for your family or to add to the potluck

Lodge 180, Burleson Members Enjoy July Meet and Eat at Napoli’s in Joshua

tables. There will be an Easter egg hunt for children, scavenger hunt for teens, special adult hunts, raw egg toss for various age groups, and a softball game. Bring a dozen filled plastic eggs with individually wrapped candy or a surprise and your own bat and glove for softball. Thank you for your attention.

Fraternally, Jerry Milan, President —SPJST—

Lodge 160, San Angelo meets August 17

Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 160, San Angelo will hold its quarterly meeting on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 5 p.m. The meeting will take place at Los Panchito’s Restaurant, located at 34 W. Ave. D in San Angelo. We hope you will be able to join us!

Fraternally, Sandra Jansa, President —SPJST—

Texas. LEFT

Pictured, left to right, are Dylan Bowden, Verna Mason, Juan Salas, Sandy Alemonte, Vice President Joe Hurtik, Robert Sill, and Dena Bow-

Lodge 180, Burleson members meet and eat

Members and visitors of Lodge 180, Burleson assembled for the monthly meeting held at Napoli’s Italian Restaurant on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and each member observed a silent prayer. Minutes of the previous meeting were read. New business discussed concerned giving socks and a cash donation to a needy group. All things said, the meeting was closed. Sandy Alemonte’s July birthday was recognized. Our activity was enjoying a hardy and tasteful meal at Napoli’s in Joshua.

Robert Sill

—SPJST—

Lodge 185, New Braunfels members enjoy summer picnic

Lodge 185, New Braunfels members and guests enjoyed a summer picnic and outing on June 9, 2023, at Preiss Heights Park. Both young and old enjoyed swimming in the cool waters of the Guadalupe River while others sat back and enjoyed the great company and cool evening breeze.

Vice President Jeremiah Mills grilled up some delicious hamburger patties and wieners to go with the side dishes and desserts which were brought by members.

A short business meeting was held after the meal. Treasurer April Haag Atkins reported that the lodge would have 10 youth attending SPJST Summer Camp, and each youth received $100 towards their registration fee. Lodge members were happy that we could help with the registration fees and hope that more youth club members will attend camp next year.

Next Meeting—August 27

The next meeting is Sunday, August 27 at Peace Lutheran Church. The youth club meeting starts at 3:30 p.m. followed by an adult lodge meeting starting at 4:15. Both youth and adults are asked to bring school supplies to be donated for Communities In Schools.

Theresa Haag, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodges 200, BrucevilleEddy; 246, Morgan’s Point to discuss merger

Dear Members of Lodges 200, Bruceville-Eddy and 246, Morgan’s Point,

As a valued member of SPJST, you and your family are invited to join in a special called meeting of SPJST Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy and SPJST Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point at the SPJST Home Office, located at 520 North Main Street in Temple, on Sun-

Lodge 201, Bleiblerville-Nelsonville member

Deloris Mikeska achieves Grand Age of 96

SPJST

congratulates Sister Deloris

Mikeska of Lodge 201, BleiblervilleNelsonville who celebrated her 96th birthday on July 12, 2023. As such, Sister Mikeska now receives all SPJST benefits with no further dues or assessments.

Deloris was born in Brenham to Albert and Annie Peters. Her siblings include Edna Petzolt, Doris Siptak, William Peters (all deceased) and Gladys Mondrofsky, Anna Mae Buerger, Florine Schultz, Eloise Eickenhorst, and Carolyn Kubeczka.

Deloris married Elden Mikeska on March 5, 1947, at Houston Brethren Church. Elden passed away in 2003.

The couple was blessed with children Shirley Brezina (Robert), Jenny Henske

(Donnie), Rita Parker (Kevin), Peggy Neumann, and Elden Mikeska Jr. (Tina); nine grandchildren; one step-grandchild; seven great-grandchildren; and two stepgrandchildren.

Deloris is a retired seamstress. She enjoys working puzzles and word searches.

Deloris recalls that she was born at home on the farm, the daughter of cotton farmers. She lived during the Great Depression and World War II.

Again, we congratulate Sister Deloris Mikeska on attaining the Grand Age of 96. Thank you, Sister Mikeska, for your membership in SPJST. Best wishes to you and your family.

—SPJST— day, August 20, 2023, at 4 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Door prizes will also be awarded.

Members of both lodges will meet to discuss and vote on the merger of the two lodges. For many years, many of the members of Lodge 200, BrucevilleEddy and Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point have lived in close proximity to one another. In more recent times, the topic of merging the two lodges has been discussed as a way to bring the members of the two lodges together as a stronger and more cohesive force within the community. This special called meeting addresses the necessary protocol for

Lodge 160, San Angelo supports Paws for a Cause; assists Meals for the Elderly

Lodge 160, San Angelo adults and youth club members participated in Paws for a Cause service project. Working together, the group collected 216 pounds of dog food and 10 pounds of dog treats. “The youth group bagged the dog food into one gallon bags and the treats in small bags,” reported Lodge 160 President Sandra Jansa. “We took these items to Meals for the Elderly in

San Angelo to be handed out to their clients for their pets.” The youth also stacked the bags on shelves at Meals for Elderly. “Meals for the Elderly was so appreciative of the donation and the help with stacking it in their warehouse. The children were so happy to help the elderly in this manner,” President Jansa added.

Jansa, Sophia Jarisch, Caitlynn Jansa, and Luke Jarisch. A Meals for the Elderly representative, right, instructs the youth on where to stack the food. RIGHT lodge mergers as outlined in the SPJST By-Laws.

Delivering the dog food and treats to Meals for the Elderly are, from left, Luke Jarisch, Caitlynn Jansa, Nolan Jansa, Sandra Jansa, and Ryan Jansa (holding Sophia Jarisch). Meals for the Elderly representatives are also pictured.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact District Two Director Jesse Pospisil or me. I look forward to seeing you at this meeting.

Fraternally, Brian Vanicek President/CEO —SPJST—

Lodge 202, Jourdanton hosts September 10 fun day

You’re invited to SPJST Lodge 202, Jourdanton Fun Day on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Jourdanton Community Center, located at 1101 Campbell Avenue in Jourdanton.

Join us at 1 p.m. for a fajita lunch, compliments of Lodge 202. A short business meeting will follow lunch. We will then enjoy an afternoon of socializing and fun games celebrating our grandparents and Czech heritage. Fantastic door prizes will be awarded, too!

As part of our commitment to giving back to the community, we are collecting school supplies for the SPJST Caring Challenge Back to School Supply Drive. Your contribution can make a difference!

Kindly RSVP by September 1 to Secretary Valerie Barta vbarta57@gmail.com / 830-570-8920 - text or Youth Leader Regina House spjstyouth202@gmail.com / 830-570-2046 - text.

Come and join us for a day of fun, fellowship, and making unforgettable memories. We’re excited to see you at SPJST Lodge 202, Jourdanton Fun Day!

Fraternally, Valerie

Barta, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 196, Houston-West shares Independence Day Gift

Each year, the people of the United States celebrate our independence from England with all kinds of special things. We have picnics, parades, cook-outs, and fireworks. This year, there was a very special Independence Day occurrence that involved Lee Bratina, the son of SPJST Lodge 196, Houston-West member Linda Bratina.

The morning of July 3, Lee was one of a group of people that had volunteered to become involved in donating a kidney. This chain of people giving a kidney allowed an equal number of people to receive the gift of continued life, and their “independence” from a dialysis machine. This was made even more amazing in that Lee did not know any of the people involved in the chain. He was making an altruistic donation by giving his kidney to someone he did not know and had not met (he still has no information on who received his organ) but was very willing to do so because it was “something he could do for someone in need.”

Lee has always felt that it was important for him to help others when he had something they needed, and he could meet that need. Lee is recovering well and has returned to work. This will be

★ ★ Reunions ★ ★

Reunion notices are published at no charge and as a benefit to SPJST members. First-run announcements may be edited to fit the space. Thereafter, until the week prior to the reunion date - as space permits - notices will be run in an abbreviated form. Please include your SPJST lodge number/lodge name, and your contact phone number. Thank you.

September 3

Pavelka family—at Elk Hall, 9508 Elk Road, Axtell, Texas. For information, contact Tammy Pavelka 254-7221454. Submitted by Tammy Pavelka, Lodge 35, Elk. —SPJST— an Independence Day that Lee and the recipient will never forget.

Lee was amazed to find out that many people, including medical professionals, had no idea that you could give an organ to someone that you do not know and that is not related to you. This could be a kidney, a lung, or even a portion of a liver. If more people who are healthy and have well-functioning organs were willing to give, it would greatly reduce the waiting lists for those who need an organ to save many lives. For people who are on these waiting lists, their only chance for continued life is a transplant. Mostly the transplants have been from individuals who have passed away but have healthy organs, or from family members, if they are a close enough match. By offering to donate an organ, you increase the chances for these individuals to have a chance at continuing to live and to have a better life.

Lee says that anyone can prospectively be a living donor. They don’t have to know anyone who needs an organ to be eligible to donate. The group that Lee worked with is https://donatelife.net, and they take a lot of the difficulty out of the donation process.

They only take organs from people who are healthy enough to handle the process without issues. There are a lot of tests that are run to make sure that you won’t have problems and will be a good candidate. The only way to know if you are a good candidate is to check.

Donating an organ altruistically is covered as a protected act, so no insurance company can deny or increase cov- erage costs because you donated.

The recovery process is remarkably easy going. Lee went in on Sunday, July 2, had the surgery on July 3, and was home on July 4. Other than some pain while walking and being a little tired for the first few days, Lee was mostly back to his normal life the day after he got home.

On a personal note, while I was working on this article, I came to the realization that I may know the person that received Lee’s kidney. I have learned that someone from my church received a kidney on the same morning, in the same hospital where Lee was giving his amazing gift. The similarities are amazing in the fact that they both have two daughters who are 11 and 9 years old, they both work in the computer field for major energy companies, drive all electric cars, and enjoy some of the same hobbies.

The member of my church is also recovering well and is back to more normal daily activities and very happy to be off of the machine he had to be hooked up to for two hours at a time eight times a day.

My sincere thank you goes out to Lee and all the others that are willing to do such an awesome and loving thing.

If any of you feel like you would like to see if you could be a donor, contact your doctor or visit https://donatelife.net to learn how to be tested.

Respectively submitted, Don Fruin, Reporter Lodge 196, Houston-West —SPJST—

Protecting the Future

A mutual friend with a new dog brought Stephen and Katie together. Stephen had headed to his friend’s house to meet the new furry member of the family, and when he got there, he saw Katie playing with dog in the backyard. “Katie was so outgoing,” says Stephen. “She was the nicest person you’ll ever meet.” That first meeting led to beach outings and concerts, and over time to getting married and thinking about starting a family.

It was Katie who suggested they get life insurance. Stephen admits he wasn’t too happy about the idea. They were young and healthy, so he didn’t see the point. Katie, however, convinced him to sit down with insurance professional Rose Goheen, who walked them through the process and presented them with affordable options. They both decided to get life insurance coverage.

A Growing Family

When the couple welcomed Chase, they decided to reevaluate their life insurance. Given their expanding family and responsibilities, they both bought additional life insurance.

It was during her recovery from giving birth to Reid that Katie realized something was wrong. Her doctor confirmed her suspicion that the abdominal lump she felt was something much more serious. In fact, it was an aggressive form of cancer.

Katie, with the love and support of her family, valiantly fought the disease, but just over a year later it claimed this young mom’s life. She was just 30.

No words can capture the devastation that Stephen and his boys felt at Katie’s loss. “It’s horrible to lose your soul mate and best friend,” he says. “But I have two boys to support, and I want them to know their dad can carry on.”

Life insurance has helped with that process. “Nothing can bring Katie back, but having life insurance meant we didn’t lose everything,” he says. “I don’t earn enough alone to afford living in our house. Life insurance has eased my financial worries on so many levels.”

Thinking back to that first meeting with Rose, Stephen says: “Katie was

.

Lodge 202, Jourdanton Members Celebrate August Anniversaries, Birthdays

the smarter one. She knew to plan for the future—our future—with life insurance.”

PAWS FOR A CAUSE .

Lodge 246, morgan’s point gives to Tiny Hooves

Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point collected and donated pet supplies to Tiny Hooves Rescue and Petting Zoo in Temple. Pictured here are Ricki and Cindy Dixon with several jars of horse treats. Lodge members also donated dog food, other pet supplies, and a monetary contributed in support of the Paws for a Cause service project.

Life happens in an instant. It’s random, unrelenting, and life needs protection. The entire family needs life insurance. SPJST has been insuring Texas families since 1897. For more information about life insurance and protecting your loved ones, contact an SPJST Sales Agent today or call 800727-7578 or visit spjst.org.

—SPJST—

Back to School Supply Drive: Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point gives to His hands and feet ministry

5 Fun Facts about August

Summer is in full swing in August. Come the eighth month of the calendar year, temperatures outside tend to be especially steamy, and individuals and families are doing all they can to make the most of the last full month of summer. As summer winds down, individuals can ponder these fun facts about the month of August.

1. Not unlike July, August is named after a notable individual associated with ancient Rome. Augustus Caesar, also known as Octavian and sometimes referred to as Caesar Augustus, was the first Roman emperor. Augustus’s reign was a lengthy one, beginning in 27

B.C. and lasting until his death in A.D.

14. Augustus’s maternal great-uncle was Julius Caesar, who happens to be the namesake of July.

2. August weather can make some people uncomfortable, and that has made the month part of what’s become known as “The Dog Days of Summer.” The Farmer’s Almanac indicates that the moniker is linked to the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks believed that the rising of Sirius in mid- to late-summer caused the temperatures to rise and conditions to become less comfortable. Though temperatures remain hot and conditions humid in many parts of the northern hemisphere throughout the month of August, the dog days officially end on August 11.

3. Millions of adults feel there’s no more refreshing beverage on a warm summer evening than a cold beer, and that may be even more so on the first Friday of August. That day marks International Beer Day®, which began as a local event in the western United States in 2007 but has since spread globally. More than 200 cities in 80 countries and across six continents now celebrate International Beer Day®, and celebrants can take part by enjoying a cold one and/or giving a loved one a beer. This year’s celebration took place on Friday, August 4.

4. One of the most enduring motion pictures in Hollywood history premiered in August nearly 85 years ago.

“The Wizard of Oz” starring Judy Garland premiered at the Orpheum Theatre

Czech Heritage 5K and Fun Run to benefit Czech Heritage Museum set for October 7 in Temple

Are you run-ready? Lace up, race on! The first Czech Heritage 5K and Fun Run will be Saturday, October 7, 2023, in Temple, Texas. The race will begin at Bold Republic Brewing, located at 7070 Stone Hollow Road in Temple.

Be part of this inaugural community event celebrating Czech heritage in Central Texas. All are invited to join the race and come celebrate the deep Czech heritage that has been rooted in Central Texas since the 1850s.

Come for the run, stay for the fun! The 5K begins at 8 a.m., and the children’s fun run will be held immediately after. The event will also include vendor booths, live music, silent auction, food, and beer tasting. Runners (ages 21 and over) will receive a free Czech Lager brewed just for the event!

Early packet pick-up will be available at Bold Republic Brewing, 7070 Stone Hollow in Temple on Friday October 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. Race day registration and packet pick-up will take place at the race site on race morning from 7 to 7:45 a.m. Registration will be on your phone; credit card only.

Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers, and top three male and female finishers per age group. Duplicate awards. Age groups are 0 to 11, 12 to 15, 16 to 19, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on August 10, 1939. The Hollywood premiere at the famed Grauman’s Chinese Theatre occurred just five days later.

5. August is a notable month for one of the world’s most accomplished athletes. American swimmer Michael Phelps took center stage at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing when he won a total of eight gold medals, setting a record for the most gold medals by an athlete in a single Olympic Games. Phelps won his eighth gold medal in Beijing on August 17 in the 4 x 100-meter medley relay, officially eclipsing fellow American swimmer Mark Spitz, who had won seven gold medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. (MS)

20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, and 70-plus.

Start time is 8 a.m. Price is $25 race fee plus $2.50 signup fee. The price increases to $30 after October 6, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. CDT.

Support the Czech Heritage Museum

All proceeds from this event will go to support the Czech Heritage Museum in downtown Temple. It is the Museum’s mission to foster educational, cultural, and genealogical opportunities, specifically as it pertains to the people of Czech heritage in Central Texas.

Sponsorship Opportunities

A big thanks to these sponsors: RVOS Insurance, SPJST, Bold Republic Brewing, Priority Janitorial Services, Mac Haik Automotive Group, First United, Rollo Insurance, AON Risk Solutions, First Texas Brokerage Company, Popelka Painting, Young’s Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center, Nineteen Fourteen Coffee House, and Winkler Insurance.

Various sponsorship levels are available. All sponsors will be recognized on the official race day t-shirt, on race social media and websites, and in all print media.

To Register and For More Info

Visit czechheritage5k.com to register for the run and to learn more about the event. For additional questions, send an email to mdavis@rvos.com.

—SPJST—