Vestnik 2024.02.12

January Top PJST Sales Agents

Issued and

Vestnik Valentines on pages 28-34

Lodge 155, Austin Helps Raise $4,000 for Helping Hands Home For Children

SPJST Lodge

155, Austin member

Stephen Gonzalez presents a check for $4,149 to Helping Hand Home for Children, located in Austin.

Stephen, working with Lodge 155 and other organizations and volunteers, raised the funds through an online auction.

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club Presents Valentines, Baked Goods, Snacks to Local Police

On Sunday, February 4, 2024, Lodge 30, Taiton adults and youth had their monthly meeting. During the meeting, we had a special guest - El Campo Police Chief David Marcaurelewho we presented with homemade valentine cards, various baked items, and other snacks that the members had brought. We thanked him for his service to our community and the service of all his officers and staff with whom he will share these items. Submitted

HEROES. SPJST

youth and

members gifted local first responders with

goodies, snacks, and handcrafted valentines to show thanks and support. Accepting this donation is El Campo Police Chief David Marcaurele of Lodge 30, Taiton.

VESTNIK

SPJST HOME OFFICE

PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503

800-727-7578 • 254-773-1575 www.spjst.org

VĚSTNÍK EDITOR: MELANIE ZAVODNY, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 122)

Mobile/Text: 254-534-0807 vestnik@spjst.org melaniez@spjst.com melaniez@usa.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

BRIAN VANICEK, FIC

254-773-1575 (ext. 139)

Mobile: 254-534-2902 vanicek@spjst.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING

DELISLE DOHERTY

254-773-1575 (ext. 240)

Mobile: 832-232-2049 delisled@spjst.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

MELANIE ZAVODNY, FIC

254-773-1575 (ext. 122)

Mobile: 254-534-0807 melaniez@spjst.com

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

LEONARD D. MIKESKA, FIC

254-773-1575 (ext. 149)

Mobile: 254-721-4739 leonardm@spjst.com

CONTROLLER ROY VAJDAK

254-773-1575 (ext. 142) royv@spjst.com

DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR/VICE CHAIR

DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CFFM PO Box 85, Snook, TX 77878-0085

Home: 979-272-3265 • Mobile: 979-224-3125 dv.aggie71@gmail.com

DISTRICT TWO DIRECTOR

JESSE POSPISIL 4710 FM 1331, Taylor, TX 76574-2164 512-826-7371 jlpospisil@yahoo.com

DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR/CHAIR

JOHN ENGELKE

6475 Gholson Rd, Waco, TX 76705-5330 254-717-7534 john.engelke@hotmail.com

DISTRICT FOUR DIRECTOR

BOBBY DAVIS, FICF, CFFM 1886 Pecos St, Ste 3, San Angelo, TX 76901-3268

Mobile: 325-450-3748 • Fax: 325-657-2003 bgdsr2428@aol.com

DISTRICT FIVE DIRECTOR

BRADLEY STAVINOHA, FIC

10522 Will Lehmann Rd, Needville, TX 77461-9164

Mobile: 979-739-2386 • Office: 979-793-7411 spjst@earthlink.net

DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR

ANNIE VAHALIK

413 Beechwood Dr, Victoria, TX 77901-4516 361-649-4888 amvahalik@gmail.com

DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR

REGINA HOUSE

176 County Road 343, Charlotte, TX 78011-3663 830-570-2046 spjst202youth@gmail.com

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

District One - Bill Orsak, Vice Chair PO Box 252, Snook, TX 77878-0252 979-324-0056

• billorsak@gmail.com

District Two - Edwin Pechal 10660 State Highway 53, Temple, TX 76501-7446 254-721-2887

• edwinpechal@yahoo.com

District Three - Michael Galler 1312 Fawn Lily Dr, Temple, TX 76502-7808 254-744-8973 • mlgaller54@gmail.com

District Four - Brad Teplicek PO Box 372, Rowena, TX 76875-4006 325-442-2001 • bptep@aol.com

District Five - Dorothy Pflughaupt, Chair 1243 Clovis Rd, Houston, TX 77008-6232 713-859-8976 • dotpflugh@yahoo.com

District Six - Lisa Bubela, Secretary 1405 Divide St, El Campo, TX 77437-6152 979-543-7120 • lisa_bubela@yahoo.com

District Seven - Oscar Korus 2565 Bruce Rd, Poteet, TX 78065-5013 830-391-4169 • oscarkorus@gmail.com

STATE FRATERNAL DIRECTOR

FRANK HORAK

Office: 254-773-1575 (ext. 177)

Mobile: 254-534-0681 frankh@spjst.com

TERRITORY MANAGERS

EAST TERRITORY

KERRY HERRINGTON 281-704-5737 • kerryh@spjst.com

NORTH TERRITORY

Home & Garden SPJST Car Show: A Revved-Up Affair

Rev your engines and mark your calendars because the Home & Garden SPJST Car Show is back, promising a weekend of spectacular displays and family-friendly fun. Taking place in conjunction with the 2024 Temple Area Builders Association Home & Garden Show, this event is set to attract over 5,000 attendees annually.

From February 23 to 25, 2024, the Cadence Bank Center (formerly Bell County Expo Center) in Belton, Texas, will transform into a haven for home and garden enthusiasts. Come visit our SPJST booth at the car show which will be in the Exposition Building.

Sweepstakes, which is designed to make a positive impact on our educators.

Classroom teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future. Recognizing their passion, dedication, and the financial challenges they often face, AQS is awarding a $500 Amazon gift card each month to a deserving teacher. This gift card can be spent on classroom supplies, enhancing the learning environment for students.

To apply or nominate a teacher, visit www.aqssupportsteachers.com. The process is simple – fill out the application, hit submit, and stand a chance to win. Winners will be announced mid-month, with their pictures showcased on the website and AQS’ social media channels.

We encourage you to spread the word about this wonderful initiative, as it aligns with our commitment to supporting education and those who dedicate their lives to shaping young minds.

CHRIS LIEBUM, LUTCF®, NSSA® 346-261-2100

To secure your spot in the car show, take advantage of the $30 preregistration fee by February 21. Act fast, as space is limited to 75 cars. The registration fee covers more than just entry – it includes a custom car show tee-shirt, a goodie bag, and two tickets valid for all three days of the Home & Garden Show. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your beloved vehicle and be part of this fantastic weekend!

chrisl@spjst.com

WEST TERRITORY

RALPH JUAREZ, FIC, FICF 361-537-5506 • ralphj@spjst.com

DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS

Hannah Kovar (District One) 979-220-7904 • ladyjays@tamu.edu

Mary Steinman (District Three) 817-731-2580 • appamary@sbcglobal.net

Kristen Bender Jones (District Five) 936-556-3248 • joneskb06@hotmail.com

Lisa Bubela (District Six) 979-543-7120

• lisa_bubela@yahoo.com

To enter, see page 27 or visit spjst.org/car-show. For more information, contact 254-534-0807 or 254534-0809, or send an email to melaniez@spjst.com.

AQS Supports Teachers Sweepstakes

At SPJST, we believe in supporting causes that matter, and education tops the list. We are proud to help our asset managers, AQS Asset Management promote an important program—the AQS Supports Teachers

Vestnik Dates and Deadlines

Note: new deadline time for 2024

February 26 Vestnik

deadline is Mon., Feb. 19 at 10 a.m.

March 11 Vestnik

deadline is Mon., Mar. 4 at 10 a.m.

March 25 Vestnik

deadline is Mon., Mar. 18 at 10 a.m.

April 8 Vestnik

deadline is Mon., April 1 at 10 a.m.

April 29 Vestnik

deadline is Mon., April 22 at 10 a.m.

May 13 Vestnik

deadline is Mon., May 6 at 10 a.m. —SPJST—

CAMP KUBENA

• 2001 Waldeck Rd • Ledbetter, TX

Rob Clift, Executive Director 979-249-5674

• robc@spjst.com

CZECH HERITAGE MUSEUM AND GENEALOGY

CENTER

• 119 W French Avenue, Temple, TX

Kenny Lange, Curator 254-899-2935

• klange@spjst.com

Feb.

Feb. 19

Lodge Officers’ Lunch & Learn

St. John’s Parish Hall • Taiton (6)

Home Office Closed • Presidents’ Day

Feb. 23-25 SPJST Car Show at TABA Home & Garden Show

Feb. 28

March 2

March 9

March 16

March 17

March 24

April 6

April 6

April 8

April 14

April 20

Cadence Bank Center, Belton

Lodge 88, Houston Scholarship Application Deadline (5)

State Straight Dominoes Tournament

SPJST Home Office, Temple

Lodge Officers’ Lunch & Learn

Lodge 49, Rowena (4)

Lodge 81, Needville Youth Club Craft and Bake Sale (5)

District Seven Spring Meeting (7)

New Berlin Community Center

Lodge 6, Cottonwood Easter Party/Egg Hunt (3)

State 42 Dominoes Tournament

SPJST Home Office, Temple

Lodge 47, Seaton Barbecue Cook-Off (2)

Lodge 25, Ennis Solar Eclipse Celebration Meal (3)

District Six Annual Meeting • Taiton (6)

Lodge 81, Needville hosts SPJST Float

Needville Youth Fair Parade (5)

April 21 District Five Annual Meeting • Lodge 88, Houston (5)

June 7-9 34th SPJST Convention • Temple

Frank W. Mayborn

Civic and Convention Center, Temple

June 19-23 State Camp • Camp Kubena, Ledbetter

June 30

Lodge 24, Cyclone hosts Vrazels’ Tribute Band (2)

July 26-27 State Youth Showcase • Temple

Westphalia KCs plan Friday evenings shrimp and fish fry

Feb. 16 to Mar. 22

Westphalia Knights of Columbus Council 13902 will sponsor a drive-thru shrimp and fish fry every Friday evening beginning February 16 thru March 22. Plates will be ‘to go only’ starting at 3:30 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. (or until sold out). Plates will consist of fried shrimp, fried fish, beans, slaw, and french fries. Cost will be $12 per plate. Plates can be picked up in a drive-thru lane behind Westphalia Parish Hall, 3000 State Highway 320 in Westphalia. Proceeds support the KC’s charity goals for the year.

James Kahlig —SPJST—

Westphalia KCs to host 42 domino tournament Feb. 18

The annual Westphalia Knights of Columbus Council 42 domino tournament is Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Westphalia Community Parish Hall, Highway 320 in Westphalia.

Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. continuing until 12:30 p.m. with play starting shortly after that. Each player will draw for a partner between rounds and will play four 35-minute rounds. Cost is $5 per player. Prizes will be awarded to the top players. Food and drinks will be available at a nominal cost starting at 11 a.m.

If you need information, call James Kahlig at 254-721-4443 or Don Frei at 254-985-2510. Make plans to attend and enjoy an afternoon with old friends and make new ones.

James Kahlig —SPJST—

Seaton Brethren Church to host Feb. 17 sausage supper fundraiser at Lodge 47, Seaton

The Seaton Brethren Church annual sausage supper fundraiser will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024, beginning at 3 p.m. until the sausage is gone. The menu consists of homemade pork sausage, sauerkraut, new potatoes, seasoned green beans, bread, homemade desserts, and tea or coffee. Dine in or drive-thru plates will be available. The location of the supper is at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall, 10842 State Highway 53, Temple, Texas 76501 in the Seaton community. There will be a bake sale consisting of kolaches, pies, cakes, strudels, other baked goods, and jellies; a silent auction; and a basket raffle. Proceeds benefit the ministry of the church, community, repairs on the sanctuary, and other projects. The public is invited.

Helen Haisler

Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—

Seaton Cemetery Association meets March 10

Seaton Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Seaton Church Fellowship Building.

If you have concerns, questions, etc., please contact President Dolores Skrabanek 254-721-5645 or 254-985-2344 and be placed on the agenda. There will be an election of officers and directors.

Janet Young, Secretary Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—

SPJST Convention 2024 candidates state intentions to seek election

Dear Members,

The 2024 Convention officially begins on Saturday, June 8 at Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple, Texas.

According to the By-Laws of SPJST From the 2021 Convention, under Article XII - District Directors, Section 59 on page 37, “Candidates seeking election for one of the seven elected District Director positions must state their intention to seek election and submit information to the Vestnik regarding their qualifications for a District Director position, in accordance with the procedures established and published by the Board of Directors, at least 120 days prior to the Convention. The Board of Directors shall help identify and encourage well qualified candidates from each District to seek election as a District Director and Alternate District Director. The Board of Directors shall review candidate information and may gather additional background information and shall submit the slate of candidates and qualification information to an ad-hoc Credentials Committee comprised of Convention delegates who shall review and provide the slate of candidates and information regarding qualifications to the delegates at the Convention.”

The deadline for district director candidates to state their intentions to seek election was Friday, February 9, 2024. Candidates who submitted announcements prior to Vestnik press time on Friday, February 9 are:

District One

Donnie Victorick - Lodge 9, Snook

District Two

Jesse Pospisil - Lodge 29, Taylor

District Three

John Engelke - Lodge 66, Waco

District Four

Bobby Davis - Lodge 160, San Angelo

District Five

Don Fruin - Lodge 196, Houston-West

Bradley Stavinoha - Lodge 81, Needville

District Six

Annie Vahalik - Lodge 4, Hallettsville

District Seven

Regina House - Lodge 202, Jourdanton

Two members also shared their intentions to seek election as an Alternate District Director. They are Brad Teplicek of Lodge 49, Rowena in District Four and Joe Siptak of Lodge 4, Hallettsville in District Six. Their announcements appear on pages 8 and 9 of this week’s Vestnik.

By-Law Recommendations

Under Article VI - Convention, Section 20 on pages 14 and 15, “No motion to change by-laws or amendment thereto can be presented to the Convention unless the motion or amendment thereto has been discussed and approved by a lodge or the Board of Directors and submitted to any member of the Governance Committee not later than 60 days prior to the Convention so that the Governance Committee could study such motion or amendment and deliver its opinion. Recommendations must be submitted in the English language. The Governance Committee secretary shall forward all signed by-law recommendations to the Vestnik for publication. Rejected recommendations can be presented by a delegate of the representative body in the Convention during deliberation of the respective article.”

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

60 Days Prior to Convention

Deadline for Recommendations for Changes to the By-Laws. Recommendations must be discussed and approved by a lodge or the Board of Directors and submitted to any member of the Governance Committee. Governance Committee members are:

Chair Dorothy Pflughaupt - District Five dotpflugh@yahoo.com 713-859-8976

Vice Chair Bill Orsak - District One billorsak@gmail.com 979-324-0056

Secretary Lisa Bubela - District Six lisa_bubela@yahoo.com 979-543-7120

Edwin Pechal - District Two edwinpechal@yahoo.com 254-721-2887

Michael Galler - District Three mlgaller54@gmail.com 254-744-8973

Brad Teplicek - District Four bptep@aol.com 325-442-2001

Oscar Korus - District Seven oscarkorus@gmail.com 830-391-4169

The Governance Committee shall review submitted recommendations for changes to the by-laws. The Governance Committee secretary shall forward all signed by-law recommendations to the Vestnik for publication. The Governance Committee will consider, arrange, and recommend motions for amending bylaws of the succeeding Convention; eliminate conflicts in the by-laws; codify and rearrange the by-laws; and deliberate and decide on all recommendations for amending the by-laws and, if necessary, prepare and present its own recommendations for changes to any articles. The Governance Committee will submit recommendations to the Vestnik enabling publishing 30 days prior to the Convention.

The Governance Committee will also recommend to the Convention compensation of District Directors. The Committee’s recommendations shall be published in the Vestnik 30 days prior to the Convention.

April 29, 2024

Pre-Convention Vestnik

This Vestnik will include reports from the Governance Committee, Board of Directors, and each Executive Office. The deadline for the Pre-Convention report submissions will be April 15.

May 4, 2024

Advisory Council Meeting

- 10 a.m. (online)

Convention delegates serve as members of the Advisory Council between conventions. Advisory Council members serve on a volunteer basis and meet annually each spring with the Executive Committee with the objective of keeping the Advisory Council members engaged and responsive in matters relating to the growth and development of SPJST. The 2021 Convention and 2024 Convention delegates are invited to attend.

Submit Delegates at spjst.org/2024convention

According to Article VIII - Lodge Delegate Elections, Section 35 on page 22, “The result of the election of delegates and substitutes shall be forwarded to the Chief Financial Officer within 30 days after the election. Failure to do so will nullify the lodge’s delegates.”

Lodge Secretaries and Presidents: Please complete the delegate submission form at spjst.org/2024convention within 30 days of your local lodge’s delegate election. Have the following information available to complete the form:

• delegate’s first and last name

• delegate’s email address

• delegate’s phone number

• number of meetings delegate attended in 2023

In late January, members whose names that have been submitted as delegates will receive information on reserving hotel rooms and other convention related details. Please register your delegates so they can be the first to receive this pertinent information. If you need help registering your delegates or submitting their information, please contact me at 254-5340807 (text/voice).

The 2021 By-Laws can also be found at spjst.org/2024convention where they can be viewed and/or printed.

We look forward to hosting the 34th SPJST Convention in Temple! Stay tuned to the Vestnik for the latest Convention updates.

Fraternally,

Melanie Zavodny, FIC Vice President of Communications

melaniez@spjst.com —SPJST—

Donnie Victorick Announces Candidacy for District One Director

Once again, our SPJST Convention is quickly approaching. This will be our 34th SPJST Convention and will be held at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple June 7 to 9, 2024. Delegates have already been elected to represent their lodges.

This year will be a new venture moving from Killeen to Temple, and our time spent on business will be different since the passage of our by-laws at the Convention in 2021. Our organizational structure has changed where officers are no longer elected but hired by the Board of Directors. Our delegates will only be electing the directors from their respective district along with a Governance Committee representative from each of the seven districts. By-laws and the operations manual will also be reviewed, and changes will possibly be made upon recommendations of our Governance Committee. By-law changes must be recommended to the Committee and must have been voted on and submitted by our local lodges. Individual recommendations by members – and not the lodge –will not be accepted. There will be numerous reports presented by our Executive Officers and a combined report of the District Directors celebrating the successes we have made since 2021.

As we look forward to the gathering, we are excited about the progress made by SPJST, especially in the last three years after losses in the four years of 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. We experienced a net gain from operations in 2021 and are anticipating a productive gain when we get the numbers for 2023. In 2022, we experienced a slight loss which

can be accounted for due to investing in the infrastructure of technology with a move to revamp our admin system; a new illustration software, Docusign; and the continued project of the admin system with our conversion to Equisoft. All total, we have invested approximately $2.5 million without incurring any long term debt by paying cash as we go. The results will be in efficiency and faster turnaround of service to our members.

We are also blessed to have five officers who work closely with each other and our Board of Director moving our organization toward growth, relevance, and the emphasis on making our lodges a vital part in the communities where they exist.

Our fraternal outreach has been excellent by the lodges, and we are excited about the changes to our Youth Program giving them an opportunity to compete, have fun, and experience to prepare them for the future. Our goal is to keep our youth involved after completing high school and college. We need them to stay active and be the leaders of the future. We stand firm on our mission statement of “Insuring and Enriching Lives” and our vision statement - “to provide financial security for our members, build a wholesome family environment, and encourage cherished Czech traditions.”

With this said, I am announcing my candidacy for re-election for another term as District One Director. It has been an honor to have had the opportunity to represent District One, and I ask for your continued support.

My qualifications include graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Masters of Education Administration degree, and superintendency certification. I have served on the SPJST Board of Directors since July 1998, serving as chair from 2005 to 2019, and currently serving as vice chair.

I also serve as president of SPJST Senior Living which is undertaking a construction project of adding 120 apartments for an independent living facility and a 32-apartment assisted living memory care facility on the Taylor campus.

I am a member of several Czech organizations including Czech Educational Foundation of Texas (CEFT), serving as President, Burleson County Czech Her-

itage Society, Texas Czech Genealogy Society (TCGS), and Texas Czech Heritage Cultural Center (TCHCC).

Today, it is important for officers and directors to possess formal educational training to meet the challenges organizations face in this everchanging world we live in. We must all make challenging business decisions which must be in the best interest of SPJST without letting personal feelings get in the way. One thing is for certain and that is we cannot please everyone. I meet these qualifications and ask that you re-elect me as your representative of District One and the entire SPJST. I want to do my part to continue success and growth so we can extend the life of SPJST for another 127 years and provide the needed benefits and service to our membership.

I cherish the opportunity to visit our

members across the state and especially members of my district. My visits have not been as often as I would like due to some unfortunate setbacks in my family and also to reduce expenses for SPJST.

I welcome your input and suggestions that would help me be a better director. I am always available and look forward to hearing from you and being able to visit my lodges and others across the state as opportunities present themselves. Thank you for being a member, a delegate, and being a part of a great family organization. God bless everyone.

I look forward to seeing and visiting with everyone at our Convention.

Respectfully and Fraternally, Donnie Victorick, FIC, CFFM Lodge 9, Snook —SPJST—

Jesse Pospisil Announces Candidacy for District Two Director

Dear Delegates of District Two,

It has been a great honor to serve as your representative on the SPJST Board of Directors. I hereby announce my candidacy for reelection to this prominent position. I am seeking your support and vote at the upcoming 34th Convention in June.

The past 12 years were full of financial reports, insurance statistics, and informational charts. As a member on the Board, it is impressive to see the level of details in each Executive Officer’s reports and the knowledge they share. I

have been involved in several property loan evaluations and have served on the Board’s audit committee. I am a better person because of this experience and know that I will learn even more if reelected.

It is extremely rewarding to be a part of the Executive Committee of this great organization. SPJST is almost 127 years old, and it is in a better financial situation than in 2012 when I was elected at the 31st Convention. I know it is due to the commitment and diligence of the Executive Officers, District Directors, and Home Office team.

The upcoming convention, as all conventions, will have some important decisions that must be studied prior to the convention and upon which you will vote on during the convention. Please know that I am available to help you understand the proposed changes so you can be a more informed voter.

I have been a member of SPJST Praha Lodge 29, Taylor for more than 50 years and served as vice president in the 1970s. This will be my sixth convention as a delegate from Lodge 29, Taylor. I have been on the lodge’s property committee for 20 years and have been chair for the last 16 years. I was elected to the

board of the SPJST Library, Archives, and Museum, now called the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, in 2006 and served as treasurer until it was acquired by SPJST in 2022.

I retired from Texas Department of Transportation in August 2000 with 34 years of service. I also retired as a master sergeant from the United States Army Reserve in April 1996 after serving over 28 years.

Linda, my wife of almost 57 years, and I have traveled throughout the district and the state of Texas for many functions during my tenure as director. We have made many friends and have genuinely enjoyed all the lodge meetings, youth club and camp activities, picnics, socials, fundraisers, and Corpus Christi getaway weekends that we have at-

tended. I have presented numerous college scholarships to SPJST high school graduates. I highly support the youth clubs in District Two and the other youth clubs across the state. They are our future and an especially important part of this organization. Seeing their talent and leadership skills at the State Youth Showcase impress and inspire me to be a better role model.

I have been busy as your director, but I would not trade it for anything. These activities are a vital part of my duties as your District Two Director. Again, I ask for your vote and support.

Fraternally yours, Jesse Pospisil Lodge 29, Taylor —SPJST—

Bobby Davis Announces Candidacy for District Four Director

Dear SPJST Members and Friends,

John Engelke Announces Candidacy for District Three Director

To the Members of District Three and All SPJST Members:

I would like to announce my candidacy for District Three Director for the upcoming 34th Convention in Temple, Texas, on June 7 to 9, 2024.

As a member of Lodge 66, Waco for the past 63 years, I have served in many capacities in our youth club and adult lodge as an officer and member. I have also served as a district officer multiple times and am still active with the youth program.

Serving on the Executive Committee

for the past nine and one-half years has been a great opportunity to see how we interact with members on the day-to-day operations. We as directors have faced some very challenging times, but we have worked together to keep SPJST strong and also offer our members great benefits as we grow.

As for family, my lovely Diana has stood by my side for the past 52 years and helped me to be a better person. Also our son, Justin, and his wife, Misha, live a mile down the road with their daughter, Mira, and son, Jackson. By having them close, it has been a great blessing for Diana and me.

I ask that all delegates and members keep an open mind, listen, and read all the preliminary reports that will be in the Vestnik and reviewed at the Convention.

To all the members of SPJST – both District Three and statewide – thank you for your support to all our officers - statewide and locally - of each and every lodge of SPJST.

Fraternally,

John J. Engelke Lodge 66, Waco —SPJST—

I am excited to officially announce my candidacy for reelection as your District Four Director. Over the past 30 years, I have dedicated myself to the insurance business, collaborating with commercial companies and three fraternal benefit societies. My journey led me to Royal Neighbors of America, where past SPJST State Field Manager Phil McBee served as my mentor, trainer, and friend.

During my tenure, I became involved in the camps (lodges) of San Angelo, Abilene, and Midland. Progressing to the role of regional fraternal coordinator, I worked with both youth and adult camps (lodges), spanning across Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Utah. This period marked our region’s engagement with Habitat for Humanity, where I proudly served on the board of directors with San Angelo Habitat for Humanity. Hiram Dixon (past SPJST State Field Manager/Honorary Supreme Lodge Vice President) was over the Oklahoma region at the time, and we worked to build a Habitat home in Oklahoma with the wives of six governors.

Our Royal Neighbors of America re-

gion garnered numerous awards for outstanding achievements in both sales and fraternal activities. My commitment extended to the Texas Fraternal Congress, where I served on the board and held the presidency in 2005. Through these experiences, I had the privilege of building relationships with many individuals, including the late Honorary SPJST Vice President Gene McBride and the late District Four Director Billy Rollwitz.

In 2005, I joined SPJST as a sales agent and later assumed the position of state field representative. Working closely with Billy Rollwitz, we transformed District Four into a formidable force, excelling in both sales and fraternal initiatives. As Billy’s alternate director, his mentorship propelled me to my current role on the Board of Directors since October 2018.

As your District Four Director, I am steadfast in my belief that we must preserve and enhance our fraternal spirit, making SPJST a society that members are proud to belong to. It is crucial to recognize our role as a not-for-profit society dedicated to supporting communities and members alike. Our growth hinges on membership, and I am committed to ensuring our Society thrives on both the fraternal and insurance fronts.

Allow me to share a guiding principle: “We are like a train going down the track. One track is fraternal, and the other is insurance. It takes both insurance and fraternal to move forward. If one rail is not working - either the fraternal rail or the insurance rail - we will not make it down the track.”

If you have any questions or concerns, please call my office at 325-657-8400 or my mobile 325-450-3748.

Fraternally,

Bobby Davis, FICF, CFFM Lodge 160, San Angelo —SPJST—

Annie Vahalik Announces Candidacy for District Six Director

Dear District Six Members,

It is again with great passion and careful consideration that I respectfully ask for your support to continue as your director. The past four years have been a wonderful experience filled with many new acquaintances, fraternalism, challenges, lots of learning, and pride for the work accomplished with the lodges, my fellow Directors, the Executive Officers, and staff of SPJST. Thank you to the lodges of District Six for working together to achieve many fraternal projects and charitable activities for the new incentive program.

The District Six Cemetery Committee has made many improvements to the Vehlerad Cemetery. In addition, it deeded the Moravia and Shiner cemeteries to the Diocese of Victoria to ensure perpetual care. Inactive lodges have been reassigned. I have worked closely with the Czech Heritage Museum and Camp Kubena. You have made my family and me very welcome. I enjoy working with you, and I feel that together, we achieved many goals and have kept SPJST a vibrant, strong, and visible company in your communities.

I have been an active member of SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville and District Six my entire life. My parents, the late Frank J. and Andela Zabransky, purchased my policy when I was a baby. They were active in SPJST and made sure my sisters, Patsy and Helen, and I participated in the youth program and as adults to be leaders in our lodge and district. They instilled in us great pride for our Czech heritage and the need to always be helpful and charitable to others.

I currently serve my lodge as vice president/fraternal activities coordinator (FAC) and will be representing my lodge as its delegate to the upcoming convention. This will be my 12th convention and ninth as a delegate.

I graduated in 1977 as valedictorian of Hallettsville High School. I am an honor graduate of The Victoria College with an Associate in Arts degree; Bachelor of Science degree in business with a minor in business education from University of Houston-Victoria; and a Foundations of Banking diploma from the American Institute of Banking. I was gainfully employed by Victoria Bank & Trust, Austin County State Bank, Texas Vocational Schools, Central Computers, Inc., and Norwest. I recently retired from owning a Cookies by Design franchise location in Victoria for the past 25 years. My education and work experience have proven to be very helpful in the duties of District Six Director.

My husband, Philip, and I will be married 42 years in June. Together, we have made our home in Victoria, Texas, and have raised three amazing children: Nicholas and wife Sarah live in Belton and have two children, Asher and Charlie; Elizabeth and husband Jordan live in Leander and have two sons, George and Thomas; and Jonathan and wife Jordyn live in Victoria. All three children have earned and appreciated SPJST scholarships and continue to be active in SPJST with their families.

Auxiliary in Hallettsville and work towards supporting its projects and goals.

SPJST has been a big part of my life.

Our family has had many adventures through lodge, youth club, district, and state functions. I have been fortunate to have worked closely with and learned from past District Six Directors Matt Vanek, Mike Ahlstrom, and Karen Kaspar. Continuing to work as your District Six Director would be my honor and privilege. I feel that I can take the experience and knowledge that I have gained over the years to continue working with the Board to oversee the management and progress of SPJST. I am proud to be an American and to celebrate and pro-

mote my Czech heritage with all cultures. There is more work to be done. I am willing to take the time to serve the needs of the lodges and members of District Six. I am committed to working with you and the Executive Committee to make decisions to keep SPJST strong and a provider of the best insurance, financial products, youth program, and fraternal activities in the state of Texas. I would greatly appreciate your vote of confidence and support. Dekuji!

Fraternally, Annie Vahalik

Lodge 4, Hallettsville —SPJST—

Regina House Announces Candidacy for District Seven Director

Philip and I are members of Our Lady of Victory Cathedral in Victoria and continue to work on the annual festival committees. I am an audio producer and CG operator for the Sunday morning television broadcast of our 9 a.m. mass. Philip is a member of Knights of Columbus, and I am a 45-year member of the Catholic Daughters, Court St. Ann. I have served my court as secretary and am currently serving as treasurer. I work on a kitchen bingo crew and have been honored twice as Catholic Daughter of the Year by my court.

Together, Philip and I are active in the Victoria County Czech Heritage Society. Philip is currently vice president in charge of member communication, and I am secretary. We chair the sausage and soup sales booth at our annual festival. I am also a member of American Legion

My name is Regina House, and I would like to be considered as a candidate for District Seven Director. I was born and raised in Pleasanton, Texas, and I recently moved to the town of Charlotte, just a few miles west of Pleasanton. I have been married to James House, a self-employed conservation contractor, for 37 years, and we have two daughters, Michelle House, a 2018 graduate of Texas A&M University, and Kelly House, a 2023 graduate of Texas Tech University, both of whom were very active and involved in the SPJST Youth Program. Both Michelle and Kelly represented District Seven as queens, and Kelly also represented SPJST as the 2018-2019 SPJST State Queen.

I am a longtime member of SPJST Lodge 202, Jourdanton, and I have been serving as District Seven Director for the past four years. As District Seven Direc-

tor, I truly enjoy going to the local lodge meetings and getting to know the membership on a more personal level and helping the lodges in any way that I can. I am also very active in my local lodge, currently serving as the Lodge 202 Youth Leader. I have served as the youth leader since 2004, and in the past, I also served as Assistant District Seven Youth Counselor for seven years. I enjoy working with the youth of our lodge and district, watching them grow and become strong, successful adults. I believe that the youth are our future, and I believe that SPJST is an important part of making sure our youth are prepared for the future.

I served one term as District Seven Fraternal Activities Coordinator (FAC), in which I worked closely with the other officers and members to plan and coordinate the fraternal activities in the district. I also served as an SPJST Convention Secretary for the 2008, 2012, and the 2016 SPJST State Conventions, and as lead secretary for the 2012 and 2016 Conventions.

I graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1983, and attended UTSA for a year then decided to attend the executive secretary program at Durham Business College in San Antonio. Upon completion of the program in 1985, I was hired by the college as the director’s secretary and worked at several positions at the college. It was here that I discovered my love of teaching and decided to return to UTSA in 1988 to pursue my teaching degree.

While working on my teaching degree

as a part-time student at UTSA, I worked several jobs to help pay for my education, including working five years as secretary/bookkeeper for an irrigation company in Pleasanton; bookkeeping for my father’s convenience store/truck stop business; and working various other jobs at my father’s business. I graduated with cum laude honors from UTSA with a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies in 1995. I also earned my Master of Arts degree in 2003 from Walden University in educational technology, where I studied the use of technology in the classroom. I hold a Texas Teacher Certification in K-6 Education and an ESL Teacher Certification.

I began my teaching career in 1995 at Pleasanton Elementary as a self-contained educator, teaching all subjects in fifth grade. After a few years in the selfcontained classroom, I worked as a fifth grade math teacher then a fifth grade reading teacher. In 2006, I transferred to Jourdanton Elementary. In Jourdanton, I worked as a fifth grade self-contained teacher, math teacher, and fourth grade reading/writing teacher. I am inspired by seeing kids learn and grow, and genuinely enjoy working with elementary children.

I also spent several years working as an after-school math tutor at Think Box in Pleasanton, a private tutoring service. I retired from teaching at the end of the 2019-2020 school year after teaching in the elementary school setting for 25 years. Shortly after retirement, I decided to keep myself busy by taking tax preparation classes to become certified to work part-time to prepare income taxes and data-entry bookkeeping.

I am also actively involved in my local community. I attend St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Pleasanton, where I served as a lector for the past 31 years. I also served as the past vice chairperson and chairperson of the Pastoral Council at St. Andrew’s Church. I help every year at our annual church picnic by overseeing the desserts, and by being an active buyer with my husband in the auction. I also served several years as the secretary/treasurer for the St. Andrew’s Mixed Club when the club was active in the parish. I have been president of St. Andrew’s Cemetery No. 2 Association since 2014. Most recently, I have been serving as sec-

retary of St. Andrew St. Vincent de Paul Conference, and I volunteer at the SVdP food pantry during the week. We have also become active members of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Christine, where I was added to the Lector Ministry.

In the past, I was active in Project Grad, helping to plan and work fundraising events and working the activities during the night of the Project Grad celebration for the graduating classes of 2014 and 2019. I became involved in Jourdanton FFA Booster Club while my daughters were active members of the Jourdanton FFA program, and I served as treasurer from 2011 to 2019. As treasurer and member of the booster club, I helped plan, coordinate, and work to raise funds for the youth of the ag program. Much of the funds raised is used at the county livestock show, where I helped work the consortium sheets for the Jourdanton FFA students in the livestock sale.

Brad K. Teplicek Announces Candidacy for Alternate District Four Director

My family has a strong background in SPJST, beginning with my grandmother, mother, and her sisters all being lifetime members. Many members of my husband’s family have also been lifetime SPJST members, including Pete Valchar who was a former District Seven Director and Tillie Valchar Koch, who served as an insurance field representative.

I am excited to have this opportunity to run for re-election of District Seven Director and to serve our membership. I have been able to watch my children grow into strong, confident, dependable, and outgoing adults because of the SPJST Youth Program, and I also believe very strongly in the fraternal, familyoriented ideals of this Society. I would like to continue to serve District Seven as director in order to be a part of the decisions that take this organization into the future. I believe in having an opendoor policy and being available to always discuss issues. I also believe that being retired will allow me the time needed to devote to being the District Seven Director, where I can be fully involved in District Seven, Board of Directors, and Executive Committee meetings and decision-making.

Fraternally, Regina House Lodge 202, Jourdanton —SPJST—

I would like to announce my intention to seek election as District Four Alternate Director. My bio appears below. Please contact me with any questions or concerns at 325-656-0489 or email me at bptep@aol.com.

Fraternally,

Brad K. Teplicek Lodge 49, Rowena

Brad Teplicek graduated from Ballinger High School in 1982, where he graduated in the top 10 in his class. He attended Texas A&M University and graduated in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in range science. He went to work on a master’s degree in business administration. During this time, in 1986, he was hired by the Soil Conservation Service, now the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and began his career in Iowa Park, Texas, where he continued his work at Midwestern State University towards a MBA. In 2003, Brad transferred to Eden, Texas, with the NRCS and was promoted to district con-

servationist. Then in 2010, he transferred to the NRCS Zone Office and became the Zone 2 Technology Transfer Specialist, where he is still employed today. Brad has been employed with the Natural Resources Conservation Service for 38 years.

After his normal work schedule with the NRCS, Brad also operates approximately 5,000 acres of family land where he raises cattle and goats and grows wheat, grain sorghum, and hay grazer.

In his community service, he has been a member of Wichita County Young Farmers, numerous positions and committees with the United Methodist Church in Ballinger and Iowa Park, Texas Section Society for Range Management, Texas Soil and Water Society, and Wichita Falls Crime Stoppers Board of Directors. Brad also worked with the youth in the community as he coached boys and girls baseball, softball, and basketball grades kindergarten through sixth from 1993 to 2014. Brad is currently a member of Rowena Volunteer Fire Department; serves on the board of directors at the Ballinger Country Club; serves as chairman for Runnels County Aggie Club; San Angelo Elks Lodge 1880; and volunteers and assist Rowena Water Supply and Rowena Lions Club.

With SPJST, Brad has been a lifelong member since 1963 and has served and continues to serve on numerous positions that include SPJST Education and Nature Center Board of Directors; treasurer of District Four; past president, secretary, treasurer, and current member of Lodge 49, Rowena; Lodge 49 delegate to the state conventions; and currently serve as District Four Governance Committee member.

—SPJST—

Joe Siptak Announces Candidacy for Alternate District Six Director

My name is Joe Siptak, and I am announcing my candidacy for Alternate District Six Director. I am a member of Lodge 4, Hallettsville, where I serve as president. I also serve as District Six President and represent District Six on the S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers Board of Directors. I have previously served on the By-Law Committee. I have been an SPJST member my entire life. SPJST has influenced the person I am today, and I hope to do that for other people. I see that SPJST has something special for people in any situation or any stage of their lives. I would like to see SPJST continue to enrich people’s lives, and I would love to be a part of that experience. I have enjoyed serving on many committees and in different officer positions within our local lodge and district. I feel very honored working with the people and have learned an extreme amount of knowledge. I am willing to

learn more to better our Society.

My wife, Susan, and I have been happily married for 43 wonderful years. We are blessed with four children: Adam, Joshua, Mark, and Sarah. I graduated from Bay City High School in 1973 and attended Wharton County Junior College for two years, receiving an associate’s degree in electronics. I am retired from the Bay City, Texas, HEB grocery company with 50 years of service, where I served as lead maintenance.

My community activities have included serving as secretary for Bay City Little League and secretary for Bay City Evening Lions Club. My wife and I are members of Vsetin Czech Moravian Brethren Church where I serve on the board of elders and also vice president of Vsetin Cemetery Association. We are members of CAST in Bay City, Gaslight Theatre in Shiner, and the Matagorda County Livestock Show and Rodeo, where I am currently serving on the rabbit committee.

I have achieved the following awards: Bay City Little League Volunteer of the Year, Bay City Evening Lions Club Lion of the Year, and the David Ashworth Community Service Award from the Bay City HEB, in which I won state.

I would appreciate your support for Alternate District Six Director. I can be reached at 979-479-0056 or joesiptak@yahoo.com.

Fraternally, Joe Siptak Lodge 4, Hallettsville —SPJST—

From the Desk of Delisle L. Doherty

SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing

It’s Your Life

Life Happens In An Instant –The Prequel

When we were kids, we couldn’t wait for the sequel to a good movie. Nowadays, the focus is on the prequel, the backstory that reveals how it all began. Whether it’s Willie Wonka’s early days, the origins of Star Wars, or The Hunger Games, prequels have become a storytelling trend. In a previous article, I emphasized how life can change in an instant. Death doesn’t discriminate based on age or health, underscoring the importance of life insurance for your family. But what about the everyday instances that can impact your family’s ability to benefit from your life insurance? It’s time for the prequel.

Similar to movie prequels, revisit the starting point when you purchased your life insurance. Ensure that your beneficiaries are still accurate, regardless of your insurance provider. You had a plan for your family, and it’s crucial not to let changes in your life go unnoticed, potentially affecting the intended outcome.

When life happens in an instant in your everyday life, the one area that is often overlooked is the designation of

beneficiaries. Life events such as divorce, the death of a beneficiary, marriage with a name change, the addition of more children, or remarriage can alter how your life insurance is distributed. You wouldn’t want someone else receiving the money or complications arising in the estate due to overlooked life changes.

Everyone should review their life insurance at least once a year to ensure everything is up-to-date. The beneficiaries are the most important part of your policy, but review the entire policy. Do you need more or less insurance? Is it still the right product for your needs? Is the information correct (name, address, etc.)? But most importantly, are your beneficiaries correct!

“Sometimes in life, a sudden situation, a moment in time, alters your whole life, forever changes the road ahead.”

—Ahmad Ardalan

Stay blessed always, Delisle L. Doherty

Vice President of Sales and Marketing

832-232-2049 —SPJST—

Empowering Growth in 2024: SPJST’s

Call for Fraternal Sales Agents

Dear SPJST

Lodge Leaders,

Greetings from the SPJST Home Office and Best Wishes to you and your lodge members for a Happy and Prosperous 2024. The work that you have done and continue to do for your lodge is truly a blessing.

My greatest wish for SPJST in the New Year is that SPJST continues to grow in a way that supports our fraternal mission – “Insuring and Enriching Lives.” It is through service to others and fraternal activities that SPJST conveys a sense of purpose and tradition; moreover, it is service to others that enriches our lives by creating meaningful connections with others. Truly, one of my favorite aspects of serving with the SPJST management team over the past 32 years has been the many lasting relationships that formed along the way.

sales agents earn competitive commissions, join in exciting incentive programs, and receive the training and support to be well-informed on SPJST mission, sales processes, best practices, and customer service. Classes are regularly hosted both online and onsite by the SPJST Insurance Department. SPJST takes pride in its attractive life insurance, IRA, and annuity options that can safeguard the interests of individuals as well as families.

Prospective agents are invited to contact Vice President of Sales and Marketing Delisle Doherty at 832-232-2049 or me at 254-534-2902 for more information. Our contact information also appears on page two of each Vestnik. Thank you for your kind attention and interest.

SPJST is making a determined effort in 2024 to identify and enlist as sales agents qualified men and women over the age of 21 who believe in the power of fraternalism and fraternal life insurance. In our efforts to meet this objective, your cooperation in identifying men and women as prospective sales agents will be greatly appreciated. It could be a family member, a fellow lodge member, non-member, or a friend. What’s most important is that it be someone who is passionate, someone who loves learning and someone who loves helping others. The individual may or may not currently be engaged in the sale of life insurance; however, once the commitment is made to become an SPJST agent, a necessary first step in the training process will be to secure a General Lines insurance license.

For generations, SPJST’s best agents have been fraternal-focused and have understood the idea of service to each other and to the community. SPJST

Fraternally, Brian Vanicek President/CEO —SPJST—

SPJST State Family Fun Day

Bullock Texas State History Museum and Texas State Capitol

Saturday, March 23, 2024

10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

1800 N. Congress Avenue • Austin, Texas

SCHEDULE

10 a.m. Meet at Bullock Texas State History Museum

1 p.m. Complimentary Lunch at Waterloo Park

2 p.m. Walk to the Texas State Capitol

2:30 p.m. Tour of the Capitol

3 p.m. Walk the Texas Capitol Mall

3:30 p.m. Walk to Museum Parking to Return Home

TOUR INCLUDES

Admission to the Bullock Texas State History Museum (three floors of exhibitions, IMAX Theatre, Texas Spirit Theater), lunch, admission and tour of Texas State Capitol.

SPECIAL SPJST MEMBER DISCOUNT

FRIEND (NON-MEMBER) PRICING

Youth under 18 - $14 Adults - $26

RESERVE YOUR SPOT BY FRIDAY, MARCH 15

Youth under 18 - $5 Adults - $12 SIGN UP AND PAY ONLINE SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT SPJST.ORG

PARKING - $15 PER VEHICLE

(all day parking at the museum, no re-entry)

District Six Cemetery Committee met Sunday, January

Brian Vanicek President/CEO

District News

2024 Annual District Meetings

District One - to be announced

District Two - to be announced

District Three - Sunday, April 28 at Lodge 25, Ennis

District Four - to be announced

District Five - Sunday, April 21 at Lodge 88, Houston

District Six - Sunday, April 14 at St. John’s Parish Hall in Taiton

District Seven - Sunday, March 17 at New Berlin Community Center

District Six plans April 14 annual meeting and social gathering

Dear Members, Lodge 30, Taiton invites District Six members and their families to the District Six Annual Meeting and Social Gathering on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at St. John’s Parish Hall, located at 1843 CR 469 Road in El Campo, Texas 77437.

Registration begins at 11 a.m. with a catered meal being served at 12 noon. The meal will be followed by business meeting, fundraiser, and social activities.

All lodges are asked to bring a door prize and two desserts. Desserts and refreshments will be served throughout the day.

The youth will have a rock contest, See youth handbook for details.

All District Six members and their families are encouraged to attend. More information for activities on April 14 will be published in the Vestnik once the day’s agenda is finalized.

Your attendance and support for SPJST District Six will be appreciated. Make plans to attend, and bring a friend. We look forward to seeing you there!

Fraternally, Elizabeth Holub

District Six Secretary —SPJST—

District Seven Annual Meeting Agenda

Sunday, March 17, 2024 • New Berlin Community Center 8815 FM 775 • New Berlin, Texas

SPJST District Seven Annual Meeting, hosted by Lodge 258, Seguin, will be Sunday, March 17, 2024, at New Berlin Community Center, located at 8815 FM 775 in New Berlin, Texas.

Registaration begins at 10 a.m. Refreshments will be furnished by Lodge 258. The lunch served at 12:15 p.m. will consist of pot roast and sides for $10. Members are asked to report the number of plates needed to your lodge secretary by Monday March 11.

The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m.

Members are asked to bring items for the silent auction. Lodges are asked to bring a $20 raffle prize and a $10 door prize.

Your attendance and support will be appreciated. Bring a friend. Since this will be St. Patrick’s Day, we are encouraging everyone to wear green!

Fraternally, Wendy Pruski

District Seven Secretary —SPJST—

10 a.m. - Registration Refreshments and drinks provided by Lodge 258, Seguin Activities will be available for the youth.

10:30 a.m. - General Discussion

Senior Living Centers ............................................................Director Val Barta

Meeting Convenes ..................................................District President James House

Pledge of Allegiance ..........................................................District Youth Members

Welcome .........................................................Lodge 258 President Chester Jenke

Memorial Ceremony ....................................District Seven Director Regina House

Introduction of Guests ............................................District President James House

Announce Committees ...........................................District President James House

Roll Call of Officers/Lodges.................................District Secretary Wendy Pruski

Correspondence .....................................................District Secretary Wendy Pruski

Financial Report ...........................................................District Treasurer Val Barta

District Youth Report........................................State Fraternal Director Frank Horak

Governance Committee Report ............................................................Oscar Korus

12:15 p.m. - Meal - Pot Roast and Sides - $10

Home Office Report ...........Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny

State Fraternal Director Frank Horak

District Director Report .......................................................Director Regina House

Audit Committee Report

Old Business Storage Unit

New Business

Officers’ Terms

Ideas to Improve Attendance and Events

Discuss a Fun Day

Nominating Committee Report/Election of Officers

Installation of Officers .........................................................Director Regina House

Split-the-Pot Winners Announced

Silent Auction Results

Adjournment Bingo

Fraternally, Wendy Pruski

District Seven Secretary —SPJST—

SPJST LODGE SECTION

Lodge 6, Cottonwood reports on January, February meetings

Lodge 6, Cottonwood met Sunday, January 7, 2024. All officers were present except Reporter Patti Rosales. There were 11 members and three youth in attendance. The December minutes and the treasurer’s report were presented, and both were accepted. The fraternal activities coordinator’s report was provided.

Get well cards were sent to Selby Holder, Terry Hykel, and Bobby Dobecka. Correspondence received were thank you notes from West Senior Center and West Public Library.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming lodge activities:

Sunday, February 18 - Appreciation

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

dinner for all workers/volunteers who helped with lodge activities throughout the year. Catered meal of chicken fried steak and sides will be served at 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 3 - Lodge 6 meeting at 2 p.m.

Sunday, March 24 - Lodge 6 meeting at 2 p.m. and Easter party following.

Praying for good weather so the kids can hunt for eggs outdoors at 4 p.m. Social time and meal will follow.

Celebrating a January birthday was Sister Barbara Hykel. The attendance door prize winners were Sister Lou Blahuta, Sister Dorothy Kucera, and Brother Henry Blahuta.

February

Meeting

Report

President Don Urbanovsky called the Sunday, February 4, 2024, meeting to order, and all present recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the SPJST pledge.

Lodge 6, Cottonwood members celebrate birthdays

Lodge 6, Cottonwood wishes Vice President James Nemec a very happy February birthday on Groundhog Day! Lodge 6 member Barbara Hykel celebrated a January birthday. Best wishes!

Sister Irene Peterson reported 14 adults, five youth, and two guests were present. Minutes of the January meeting were read by Secretary Jeanette Beseda, and they were approved by the membership. Treasurer Peggy Dobecka provided the her report, and it was approved as given. Fraternal Activities Coordinator (FAC) Jeanette Beseda provided SPJST Home Office news and discussed the Caring Challenges for 2024.

Hall Manager Sister Peggy provided information on the lodge bookings for February and March. See the last section of this Vestnik to review upcoming events.

Under old business, Brother Don reported he is waiting on a bid from a contractor who assessed the floor leveling work needing to be done on the lodge. Upcoming lodge activities were discussed and remained unchanged from those noted above. Please take note of the dates and times.

District Three Director John Engelke installed the 2024 Lodge 6 officers. See corresponding picture in this Vestnik. Brother John also shared some updates about the Convention which will be held this summer.

Vice President James Nemec celebrated a birthday in February. Attendance door prizes were awarded to Sister Dorothy Kucera, Sister Jeanette Beseda, and Sister Lou Blahuta.

Happy spring to all!

Patti Rosales, Reporter —SPJST—

~ Patty Rosales, Reporter

Lodge 8, Weimar meets February 26

Lodge 8, Weimar will meet for its first meeting of the new year on Monday, February 26, 2024. Our meeting will be held at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant in Schulenburg at 12 noon. Please try to attend. We would love to see you!

Take care, God bless, be safe.

Carolyn M. Tobola, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 8, Weimar members gather for November meeting

Lodge 8, Weimar met on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 12 noon at Oakridge Smokehouse in Schulenburg, Texas, for their meeting and meal. Our special guest was State Fraternal Director Frank Horak.

President Henrietta Veselka called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Carolyn Moreno led the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was held for departed member Raymond Kocian, Jr. who passed away on September 14, 2023. Roll call of officers showed all officers being in attendance.

Minutes of the August 28 meeting were read by Secretary Carolyn M. Tobola. Becky Jares made a motion, seconded by Melvin Tobola, to accept the

Presenting 2024 Officers

SPJST LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD

The 2024 officers of Lodge 6, Cottonwood are, front, left to right, Secretary/Fraternal Activities Coordinator

Jeanette Beseda, Flag Bearer Irene Peterson, and Treasurer Peggy Dobecka. BACK, second from left, Vice President James Nemec, President Don Urbanovsky, and Reporter Patti Rosales. The officers were installed by District Three Director John Engelke, back, far left.

minutes. The motion passed. Treasurer Carolyn M. Tobola gave the financial report. Becky made a motion, seconded by Earlene Lorfing, to accept the report as presented.

Correspondence

Thank you letters were received from the organizations that were presented a contribution, namely, Schulenburg Food Pantry, Boys and Girls Club of Champion Valley, and the Gardenia Jansen Animal Shelter in La Grange. All organizations were very appreciative.

Henrietta thanked the membership who brought school supplies to our August meeting for the beginning of the new school year. Becky took them to Schulenburg Elementary and presented them to new school principal Dr. Angie Westerfield.

Henrietta thanked everyone who brought Socks for Seniors for our quarterly project at the November meeting. Becky will take them to Regency Nursing Center in Schulenburg on December 6 when they have their monthly worship service.

Frank informed our membership that Honorary District Six Director Karen Kaspar recently lost her mother. We offer our sincere sympathy.

Frank also reported we met all of our incentives requirements. He mentioned that Lodge 8 has 95 members. Frank spoke briefly about the District Six Fall Meeting that was held on October 21 at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange. He said the fall meeting was a success.

Election of Officers

Officers for 2024 are:

President Becky Jares

Vice President Melvin Tobola

Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn M. Tobola

Frank informed us that the Convention next year in Temple will only be one day, or possibly one and one-half days. There was no one elected from Lodge 8, Weimar to attend the Convention.

Birthday celebrants were Luther Lorfing on October 25; Frank Horak on September 4; and Carolyn Moreno on December 22.

Anniversary - Earlene and Luther Lorfing will be married 10 years on November 30.

Earlene Lorfing made a motion, seconded by Melvin, to adjourn.

Becky led us in prayer before we enjoyed a delicious lunch.

Next Meeting—February 26

The next meeting will be Monday, February 26, 2024, at 12 noon at Oakridge Smokehouse in Schulenburg.

Carolyn M. Tobola, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 18, Elgin to host February, March spring/garden sessions

Hone your gardening skills just in time for the spring planting season!

Lodge 18, Elgin will host three Sunday afternoon sessions to help you get spring/garden-ready. The hall is located at 702 State Highway 95 North in Elgin. Dates are:

Sunday, February 18 at 3 p.m.

Elgin vegetable gardening

Sunday, February 25 at 3 p.m.

Fruit trees suitable to our area and proper pruning

Sunday, March 3 at 3 p.m.

Planting perennials suitable to our area

Sessions are open to all. Donations kindly accepted. For information, call 737-233-0767 or 512-285-3100.

Fraternally, Judith Sanders, President —SPJST—

Lodge 18, Elgin: a resurgence of community and family values in 2024

Through the years, SPJST has existed in Elgin, Texas. Sometimes its presence has been one of prominence; sometimes it could hardly be seen. However, the community has always exhibited the same basic principles of caring, helping, and giving back. Based on its desire to contribute to the family values, SPJST Lodge 18, Elgin is planning a resurgence in its activities.

Lodge 18, Elgin was among the original 25 SPJST lodges formed in Texas. Originating with Czech emigrants, the fraternal organization found strong roots in Elgin. That was in 1897. Today, SPJST includes many ethnicities who all seek those same values. Lodge 18 is home to 440plus members, aged 0 to 100.

Lodge 15, Buckholts Lunch Fundraiser Scenes

Lodge 15, Buckholts hosted a pork chop fundraiser lunch on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at its historic hexagon-shaped hall, 600 State Highway 190/Highway 36 in Buckholts. A nice crowd was in attendance to enjoy a delicious lunch and support Lodge 15. LEFT PHOTO:

Preparing pork chops, left to right, District Two Director Jesse Pospisil, Mary Helen Rodriguez, and Linda Pospisil. RIGHT PHOTO: Serving up plates in the kitchen, left to right, Debbie Rodriguez, Scott Brandon, Margaret Becker, and Anita Rodriguez.

LEFT PHOTO: Margaret Becker, Debbie Rodriguez, and Anita Rodriguez tend to kitchen duties. CENTER PHOTO: Jeanette Weber and Lodge 15 President Scott Brandon are ready to serve desserts. RIGHT PHOTO: Joann Cazares welcomes all to Lodge 15, Buckholts.

The planned resurgence promises to give those folks and many more an opportunity to be involved in events that bring fun and companionship to the older folks, the younger ones, and all the ones in between. Events such as potluck dinners, dominoes, skating, festivals, productions, and many others you can only imagine are in the plan.

Next Meeting is February 20

If you’re one of the current members – but have lost touch – or someone new who wants to be included, plan to attend the very important meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at the hall, 702 Highway 95 North in Elgin.

Officers at the Elgin SPJST are encouraging members and everyone interested in the future of the lodge property to attend the meeting. Local rules, rental rates, new programs, and much more will be on the agenda. It will be an excellent opportunity to have input.

Hall

Open Daily

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Currently, the Elgin hall is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lodge 18 exists to promote family and community values. People gathering in a casual atmosphere to share hopes for the future and perspectives on current issues is part of accomplishing SPJST values.

We’re happy to answer questions. The hall telephone is 512-285-3100; email - elginspjstlodge18@outlook.com. Suggestions are welcome.<>

Fraternally,

Judith Sanders, President —SPJST—

Lodge 24, Cyclone elects officers for 2024

Our 2023 slate of officers worked so well together that everyone at the November meeting agreed that it would be great if we could keep our same officers. The current officers agreed to stay in their positions and continue to keep the same wonderful service that we have provided to our community in the past years.

Current officers are:

President/Hall Manager

Brenda Maddux

Vice President/Secretary

Cathy Bruggman

FAC/Treasurer Linda Wilde

Reporter Bobby Hoelscher

Thank you to all for keeping the lodge active and serving our community as a family friendly place to have rentals

Presenting 2024 Officers

SPJST LODGE 24, CYCLONE

and dances.

District Two Director Jesse Pospisil renewed the oath of office at the Christmas party, and we all were ready to take on a new year of activities.

Keep watching the Vestnik for news on our upcoming activities.

Linda M. Wilde, Treasurer —SPJST—

Lodge 24, Cyclone remembers deceased members

Lodge 24, Cyclone held a meeting at cold Flag Hall on Monday, January 8, 2024, amid wheat fields that are now ventilated by 86 hours of below-freezing temperatures. The meeting was called to

order by President Brenda Maddux. Minutes from the November meeting were read by Cathy Bruggman. The treasurer’s report by Linda Wilde was given. Secretary Cathy Bruggman confirmed Jason Hoelscher made seven meetings, and that she will become a sales agent for SPJST and for our lodge. We are in debt to Cathy for her dedication.

Old business was about plumbing issues, donation to Ronald McDonald House with District Two Director Pospisil, the New Year’s Eve dance, and Convention delegates.

New business was about repairs as Steve Bruggman was there to do just that. Linda Wilde will serve in the fraternal activities coordinator/treasurer position, and Cathy Bruggman will serve as vice president/secretary. Football squares to raise money will be $20 each and available at the bar. We will host a big blowout event on Sunday,

SPJST WELCOMES

NEW SALES AGENT

TYLER BEECHEM

My name is Tyler Beechem, and I am excited to announce that I have recently joined SPJST Lodge 24, Cyclone as a licensed sales agent. At 33 years old, I am a proud father to a five-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl. Family is at the center of my life, and I devote most of my free time to crawfishing with my son and enjoying muddy puddles with my daughter. I have been happily married for six years to a wonderful woman from Zabcikville, Texas, whom I met shortly after graduating with a history degree from Texas A&M University.

For the past five years, I have been the founder and owner of Beechem Insurance Group. Throughout this time, I have been dedicated to serving my community by helping family and friends meet their insurance needs. It has been a rewarding journey, and I am now thrilled to embark on a new chapter in my career and life by joining SPJST. My goal is to better serve the needs and protect the interests of those in my community through

TYLER BEECHEM

254-721-5582

tyler.beechem@gmail.com

this exciting opportunity.

I look forward to the challenges and successes that this new venture will bring and am eager to contribute my skills and experience to the SPJST community.

Best regards

Tyler Beechem

—SPJST—

The 2024 officers of Lodge 24, Cyclone are, left to right, Vice President/ Secretary Cathy Bruggman, President Brenda Maddux, Treasurer/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Linda Wilde, and Reporter Bobby Hoelscher. They were installed by District Two Director Jesse Pospisil, not pictured.

June 30 for the Vrazels’ Tribute Dance. Tickets go on sale on April 1.

There was some reports of damage to the hall from rentals.

Kim Campbell led a memorial ceremony to remember our recently deceased members: Charlie Joe Waits, David Charles Vanicek, Viola Doskocil, James McLoud, Georgie Lee White, Kitty Stuart, and Tommy E. Cartwright. May they rest in peace.

Valentine cheer for Rogers Volunteer Fire Department as all 30 volunteer firefighters will receive a treat from our lodge.

For the Lodge, Bobby Hoelscher, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis

plans April 7, 8

Eclipse of the Sun event

Dear Readers, Lodge 25, Ennis members enjoyed a chicken spaghetti meal prepared by Betty on Thursday, January 11, 2024. Following the social, our monthly meeting was held beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for deceased member Matthew Mikula.

All reports were accepted. Sales Agent Margaret announced new member John Wesley Holland, son of

Jake and Jessica Holland. Plans are underway for the upcoming “Eclipse of the Sun” event that will be held on the weekend of Sunday, April 7 and Monday, April 8. More details to come. Delegates for the 2024 SPJST Convention were elected — Ray Ellevan, Linda Trojacek, and Rita Holland. Alternate delegates are Marlene Clark, Betty Macalik, and Arlene Honza.

Our next birthday social will be on Wednesday, January 31 at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome, and please bring a dish. The next lodge meeting will be Thursday, February 8 beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a meal that Betty will prepare. Hope to see you all at these socials! Fraternally yours, Margaret Krajca, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 30, Taiton adults, youth work together to lead meeting

SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton met at 9:47 a.m. on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at St. John’s Parish Hall in New Taiton Texas. Reese Marcaurele led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance, and a silent prayer was said for all sick and departed members with special intentions for those recovering from surgeries and illness.

Minutes from the December meeting were read and subsequently approved unanimously. Communications concerning lapses; transfer request by Ana Perez Gonzales to Lodge 28, East Bernard; terminations; and death claims were read and filed for record. Treasurer Lisa Bubela reported on the account balance and stated all December bills have been paid, but the checks have not cleared the bank just yet. There were no outstanding invoices for this month.

ductive discussions, and learn to be part of group decision making processes.

FYI: There will be an officer training here at the parish hall led by State Fraternal Director Frank Horak on Sat-

Lodge 25, Ennis welcomes new member

Luke and June Holland are proud to announce that their little brother, John Wesley, is a new member of SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis! John was born on March 2, 2023, at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Dallas. John weighed 9 pounds, 2 ounces. Today, John weighs almost 25 pounds and will be celebrating his first birthday soon.

Lodge 25, Ennis shares meeting activities

Fraternal Activities Coordinator Megan Riha reported on statewide happenings. The 2024 Caring Challenges brochure was reviewed. They are now a monthly activity, bundled in a quarterly format. There is no delineation between adult membership and youth membership involvement - our lodge always works as one unit and will continue to do so. Submission of our monthly activities is ongoing – Megan reported that the portal is not allowing for 2024 upload (still reflecting 2023 only) – she will email Frank Horak directly the report and submit the Vestnik pictures and letter later this morning. The January valentines and February goodies will be delivered to the El Campo Police Department and Emergency Services prior to the February 4 meeting.

Youth Leader Lisa Bubela then summarized the youth’s activities. She thanked everyone for their help at the December St. John games party and participation in the El Campo Christmas Parade. She reminded the seniors that the SPJST Scholarship deadline is February 1. She also reminded royalty to wear sashes and crowns at all community events and post these pictures online and submit to the Vestnik

After a lengthy discussion, Lodge 30 adult officers welcomed the youth to coofficiate/preside at meetings to ensure they garner the benefits of learning Robert’s Rules of Order, participate in pro-

John’s parents are Jake and Jessica Holland. Grandparents are Rita and Scooter Holland, Kevin Betik, Debbie Gierke-Latimer, and Jackie and Don Kraemer. Great-grandparents are Wesley and Vera Betik, and John’s great-grandma Me-Me Margaret (Martinek) Krajca is also his sales agent.

John’s great-great-great-grandparents, Francis and Hynek Zissa of Shiner, were charter members of SPJST. In addition, John is a fifth generation SPJST member through the Martinek side of the family, Annie and Joe Martinek. John is named after his Popo, Johnnie I. Krajca and also after his greatgrandpa, Wesley Betik.

Lodge 25, Ennis is also proud to announce John Wesley Holland as a new member!

—SPJST—

John Wesley Holland

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 25, Ennis members enjoy Betty’s home-cooked meal. BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO: Members recite the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Margaret Krajca, at the January 11, 2024 meeting.

Rita Holland, FAC

urday, February 17 at 10 a.m. for all lodge officers in District Six.

We reviewed the games party kitchen successes and suggestions for next year. The youth reported they enjoyed the festivities and look forward to next year!

Election of Delegates

After reading the delegate election letter from Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny, the floor was opened for nominees. Marjorie made a motion for Yvonne and Lisa to be elected as the delegates with alternate delegates to be Megan, Marjorie, and Karen. Motion, seconded by Kirby, carried unanimously.

SPJST District Six Meeting will be Sunday, April 14 at St Johns Parish Hall. The youth will participate in the Earth Seeds of Caring Challenge at this meeting.

President Yvonne Marcaurele read a letter from SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek asking all to look for opportunities to bring new agents to the SPJST sales team. Honorary District Six Director, past State Field Representative, and current sales agent Karen Kaspar was asked to provide a synopsis of duties and requirements for this position. She stated she has a couple of leads at this time and has actually been writing a few more applicants than in the past. Karen was thanked for all she continues to do for SPJST and its membership.

Lisa Bubela reported on the funeral of Helen Zbransky, sister of District Six

Lodge 25, Ennis celebrates december birthdays

Celebrating December birthdays at Lodge 25, Ennis are, left to right, David Alcala, Mark MacDonald, Evelyn Svehlak, Laure Krajca, and Marvin Martinek. —Rita Holland, Youth

Director Annie Vahalik. Annie also lost her cousin in the same week. Lisa said State Fraternal Director Frank Horak was a pallbearer and quite a few Home Officer representatives were in attendance. Continue to keep our director in your prayers.

By-laws will be reviewed at the February meeting.

January birthday celebrants are Ella Garrett - nine years old on the 19th and Avery Marcaurele - three years old on the 14th. Anniversaries are Leroy and

Lodge 38, Kovar members celebrate birthdays, band concert

LEFT PHOTO: Sheri Holder with cookie cake, celebrates her 45th birthday with brother Allen Lastovica, kneeling in front; sons Ethan and Matt; mother Dorothy Lastovica; and daughter Elizabeth. They are all members of Lodge 38, Kovar. PHOTOS 2: Happy 18th birthday to Elizabeth Holder! She recently celebrated with a cookie cake along with her family, left to right, brother Matt, Uncle Allen Lastovica, mom Sheri, and brother Ethan. PHOTO 3: Grany Dorothy Lastovica wishes granddaughter Elizabeth a wonderful birthday! RIGHT PHOTO: Smithville Middle School sixth graders held their first band concert recently. Ethan Holder

Sheri Holder.

—Dorothy Lastovica

Lodge 32, Victoria meets March 14

Lodge 32, Victoria will meet Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at Grapevine Cafe, 110 Medical Drive, Suite 102, in Victoria, Texas. Please note that this will be our meeting venue for 2024.

We look forward to seeing you at our meeting.

Fraternally,

Kathy Ahlstrom, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje meets March 10

Karen Kaspar - 48 years on the 3rd; Boomer and Sara Kresta - 26 years on the 3rd; and Megan and Toby Riha - 16 years on the 26th.

The next meeting will be Sunday, February 4 after 8:30 a.m. mass and will convene at St. John Parish Hall.

Respectfully submitted, Yvonne Marcaurele, Reporter —SPJST—

The next meeting of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje is Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Mikeska’s BBQ (freeway location), 22730 US Highway 59, El Campo, Texas 77437. For more information, contact President Linda Henderson at 281-804-5251 or email hendersonlj@hotmail.com.

Linda Henderson, President —SPJST—

Lodge 49, Rowena members welcomed American Legion Post 8 for a meal and meeting on January 25, 2024. A nice crowd of 22 members and their spouses were in attendance. Lodge 49 members who helped set up the hall were President Tonya Wales, Brad Teplicek, Terry Ray Neff, Ricky and Teresa Strube, and Beverly Teplicek. Lodge 49 has invited the American Legion Post to host its meetings at Lodge 49 hall, and they have accepted. ~Submitted by Beverly Teplicek

Leader

plays the tuba in the band. He is pictured with his mom,

They are both members of Lodge 38.

Lodge 49, Rowena welcomes American Legion Post

Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje members invited to March 10 meeting

The next Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje meeting is Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Mikeska’s BBQ off Highway 59 in El Campo. We hope to see you there!

Thank you, Sharon Borak, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 49, Rowena: site of March 1, 2 rummage sale

A rummage sale will be held at SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena on Friday, March 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, March 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The SPJST hall is located at 706 FM 2133 in Rowena.

Any donations will be accepted on Wednesday, February 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. and on Thursday, February 29 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

For more information, call Nancy Schwertner at 325-234-3889. —SPJST—

Lodge 54, West reports on November meeting

The meeting of SPJST Lodge 54, West was held at St. Joseph Hall on Friday, November 3, 2023. The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by President Freddie Kaluza. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Kaluza followed by a moment of silence for all our departed members especially David Kocian who passed away since our last meeting. We also prayed for the health of Jay Dean Willis and Jan Vaculik. All officers and sales agents were present, and we had 14 members and guests in

Scenes from Lodge 40,

attendance.

Minutes of the September meeting were read by Janice Kaluza. Beulah Zahirniak made a motion to accept the minutes, and Marcela Vaculik seconded the motion. Motion passed. FAC Linda Kaluza let the members know there are applications online for scholarships, and they are to be turned in before February 1. The guidelines to apply for this scholarship is for high school graduates and undergraduates, and you do have to be a member of SPJST to receive the award. Freddie will be sending out applications to all members who are eligible from our lodge. If anyone knows of a member that needs one and does not live in this area, let us know and we can mail them an application. Linda announced there will be a thankfulness chain going in November, and you should take a photo of this chain and turn it in to the Home Office by March 2. There will also be a state domino tournament in Temple on January 13 and the state tarok tournament on February 3. Lodge 54 President Freddie Kaluza thanked FAC Linda Kaluza for keeping the lodge in compliance and

doing a great job on reminding everyone and turning in the reports. Wilburn Willis made a motion to accept the FAC report, and Marcela Vaculik seconded the motion. Motion passed.

The treasurer’s report was presented by Mary Lou Mynar. Janice Kaluza made a motion to draw $5,000 out of our lodge management account to cover the Christmas party expenses. Marcela Vaculik seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Janice Kaluza made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, and Terry Sefcik seconded the motion. Motion passed.

In old business, our upcoming Christmas party will be at Tours Hall on Sunday, December 3, 2023, starting at 3 p.m. Marvin Cepak will play the accordion for our afternoon entertainment. The West High Junior Historians will also dance at 3:30 p.m. followed by a fried chicken dinner meal catered by Eddie Ray’s for all the guests starting at 4:30 p.m. We are waiting for the RSVP cards to come in so we can let Eddie Ray’s Catering know how many guests are attending. Santa is expected to arrive at 5:30 p.m. to visit with all the children,

December Meeting

hand out goody bags, and take pictures with them. Before all guests leave, there will be several cash prize drawings with $800 total given out for adults and $200 total for the children. We will make 75 goodie bags for the kids. The lodge will provide a keg and soda beverages for refreshments. We will be decorating the hall on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. if anyone would like to help.

In new business, Ronnie Kaluza and Marcela Vaculik did the audit and let everyone know the books are in order. Freddie will need to call Norma at the church and book St. Joseph Hall for our meetings in 2024 for March, June, September, and November.

We discussed our annual donations and voted to donate $200 to the SPJST Scholarship Fund, $100 to Santa and Mrs. Claus, $500 annual donation to St. Mary’s Catholic Church for use of the hall for meetings, $100 to Mary Lou Mynar for getting the food for the meetings, $50 to Marvin Cepak for playing the accordion, and $250 to the West High Junior Historians for their great performance every year. District Three Director John Engelke said that he would match the $250 donation for West High Junior Historians from his discretionary fund. Beulah Zahirniak made a motion to do the annual donations, and Wilburn Willis seconded the motion. Motion passed.

District Three Director John Engelke let all members know of upcoming events at the Home Office and the Temple Christmas Parade. He said we need to select our delegates for the 2024 Convention to be held on June 7 to 9, 2024,

Lodge 54, West shares November meeting scenes

At its November 2023 meeting, Lodge 54, West recognized birthday celebrants. Buelah Zahirniak, left, and Linda Kaluza are honored with a birthday cake. CENTER PHOTO: Lodge 54, West officers, left to right, are Treasurer Mary Lou Mynar, Vice President Wilburn Willis, President Freddie Kaluza, Secretary/Reporter Janice Kaluza, Audit Committee Ronnie Kaluza, and FAC Linda Kaluza. RIGHT PHOTO: Diana and District Three Director John Engelke were in attendance for the meeting.

at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple. Hotel accommodations will be provided by SPJST. We need three delegates and three substitute delegates. We are having a hard time getting delegates so Janice Kaluza and Linda Kaluza volunteered to serve, if needed. Wilburn Willis made a motion for them to represent our lodge, and Mary Lou Mynar seconded the motion. Motion passed. A welcome reception will be hosted on Friday evening. Saturday will be the general session, service project, and entertainment. Delegate meals will be covered at the Convention. All driv-

ers will receive a mileage voucher, and each delegate will receive $150. District Three Director John Engelke also let our lodge know we now have 608 members.

Vice President Wilburn Willis asked for continued prayers for his wife Jaydean Willis who is undergoing cancer treatment. Vice President Willis took over the meeting for the election of officers for 2024. Wilburn said he would like to step down as vice president because his wife has been very ill, and he needed to be with her more. Wilburn Willis made a motion to keep all officers the same by acclamation and to elect Jon Vaculik as the new vice president.

Beulah Zahirniak seconded the motion. Motion passed. The 2024 officers are:

President Freddie Kaluza

Vice President Jon Vaculik

Secretary/English Reporter

Janice Kaluza

Treasurer Mary Lou Mynar

FAC Linda Kaluza

Audit Committee

Ronnie Kaluza and Marcela Vaculik

With no further business, Beulah Zahirniak made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ronnie Kaluza. Door prizes were given, and members enjoyed food and fellowship. The prayer was led by Janice Kaluza in English and Marcela Vaculik in Czech. A cake was brought for the birthdays since the last meeting which were Linda Kaluza and Beulah Zahirniak. Door prize winners were Janice Kaluza and Mary Lou Mynar at $20 each; Beulah Zahirniak won the dominoes; Ronnie Kaluza - blue rain gauge; Freddie Kaluza - red rain gauge; Pee Wee Zahirniak - white cap; and Marcela Vaculik - black cap.

Next Meeting—March 1

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 1 at St. Joseph Hall.

Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. —1 John 4:16

Fraternally, Janice Kaluza, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 81, Needville hosts duEling piano Night

Lodge 81, Needville Hall ● 13609 SH 36, Needville

Lodge 81, Needville hosted Dueling Piano Night on Friday, February 2, 2024. The fundraiser had attendees laughing and singing throughout the evening. PHOTO 2: Youth leader table - Kristen Jones, Karen Hargraves, and Krystle Peterson. PHOTO 3: SPJST table, from left, clockwise, Sam Vanicek, Glenn and Jeanette Kaminsky, Debra Ngo and

Territory Manager Kerry Herrington, SPJST President/CEO Brian and Joan Vanicek. PHOTO 4: Lodge 162, Iowa Colony members Alyssa and Brenda Moyle enjoy the evening. RIGHT PHOTO: City of Needville Mayor Chad Nesvadba’s table.

—Bradley Stavinoha, Treasurer

Lodge 63, Sweet Home meets February 15

Lodge 63, Sweet Home will hold its quarterly meeting on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Tobola’s Party House beginning at 7 p.m. Items to be discussed are upcoming 2024 projects, lodge officers’ meeting, upcoming state convention, and audit. Various necessary forms will be completed. A meal will be provided by the lodge. Hope to see you there!

Respectfully,

Elaine Berkovsky, FAC —SPJST—

Lodge 66, Waco shares January updates

The Lodge 66, Waco meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024, at St. Paul’s Church in Bellmead. President Douglas Galler called the meeting to order as he led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the SPJST Youth Motto. All officers, nine adult members, and two youth members were present. We enjoyed pizza from our local Marcos, brownies, and lemon cake.

Sister Diana Engelke made a motion to accept the minutes from the November meeting as printed in the Vestnik. Brother Michael Galler seconded the motion, and it was passed. Then Sister Diana said that she had received a tax receipt from Tri Cities for the do-

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi January meeting scenes

LEFT PHOTO: Ldge 79, Corpus Christi recognized January birthdays at its recent meeting. Pictured are District Seven Director Regina House, left, on the 26th and Michelle Vasquez on the 1st. RIGHT PHOTO: Congratulations to door prize winners Mark Rebecek, left, and Marcus Rebecek. —Virginia Rebecek, Secretary

nation that we had given to them in August. In the absence of FAC Brother Jodie McAdams, Sr., Brother Douglas gave an FAC report. He announced that Brother Frank from the Home Office is planning to meet with each lodge during the year on upcoming events and changes. Brother Douglas then announced the new 2024 incentive projects. 2024 is a convention year. The Convention is scheduled for June 7 to 9 in Temple.

Sister Dana McAdams gave the youth club report. The December 2023 youth club meeting was on December 24 at 1 p.m. at the home of her niece, Bethany Dudik, in West. All youth officers were present. There were eight youth members, three youth visitors, and five adult members present. The

Lodge 84, Dallas January meeting, meal, and bingo

Lodge 84, Dallas members met on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Sokol Dallas, 7448 Greenville Avenue in Dallas. LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 84 officers conduct the meeting. (Photo by Lynda Novak). CENTER PHOTO: Attendees enjoyed a hamburger and desserts buffet (Photo by Lynda Novak). Bingo fun followed the meeting and meal. (Photo by Jim Liska).

youth ate together, decorated Christmas cookies with icing, painted Christmas figures, created ornaments, and played games together. There was a visit from Santa Claus and a gift exchange. Everyone had a great time and was really excited about Christmas. The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 28 at La Quinta Inn in Woodway at 2 p.m. During the meeting, the youth will create Valentine cheer notes for local heroes and distribute them at Richland Mall at the end of the meeting. They will also have an ice cream social after the handing out of the Valentine cheer notes.

Sister Diana then gave the treasurer’s report. In previous/old business, Sister Diana mentioned that she had received a $250 youth club deposit in the adult lodge account. She said that she would give Sister Dana a check to cash for the youth club fund. There was discussion about contributing some start-up funds to the youth club for their socials, etc. Brother John Engelke made a motion to give the youth a check for $250 for expenses. The motion, seconded by Brother Ron Neumann, passed. There was discussion about adding the youth club as a subaccount on the adult account at the bank, but Sister Dana thinks we should wait for a while longer before we make any decisions about a bank account. Sister Diana then mentioned that she had discovered a $100 error in the balance at the bank. It appears that a check that had already been paid earlier in the year, was repaid by the bank when it was resubmitted for deposit. There was a lot of discussion about what to do about this. Eventually, Brother Michael

Lodge 67, Schulenburg gathers for annual Christmas party

Members of Lodge 67, Schulenburg held their annual Christmas party at Oakridge Smokehouse in Schulenburg, Texas, on Thursday, December 7, 2023. The evening started with a social hour at 6 p.m. for the 15 members who attended. A full buffet dinner followed at 7 p.m. Members attending included Ernest, Mary Ann, and Vanessa Kutac; Arline and Elmer Ulrich; Linda and Delvin Dierringer; Carol, Deanna, and Thomas Urban; Debbie and Steve Harrod; Ginger Tilicek; Charlene Zimper; and Thadious Polasek.

—Adrienne Kobza Sales Agent

made a motion to let the $100 be covered by this month’s donation. The motion, seconded by Brother John, passed. There was discussion about informing the parties involved about what had occurred so that this issue would not occur again.

In new business, there was discussion about the new 2024 Caring Challenges.

Next Meeting—February 26

Brother Michael offered to bring beef stew to the next meeting which is scheduled for Monday, February 26 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Bellmead.

Brother John gave his district director’s report. The Annual District Three Meeting is Sunday, April 28 at Lodge 25, Ennis. On Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m. is an online meeting for all Convention delegates. The National Polka Festival in Ennis is May 25.

The December door prize was won by Sister Hannah Galler, and the January door prize was won by Sister Diana Engelke. The 100 percent pot of $4 was won by Brother John Engelke. Brother Ronald Neumann made a motion to adjourn, and Sister Hannah Galler seconded the motion. We adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by,

Dana McAdams Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi shares January meeting report

Happy New Year 2024 from Lodge 79, Corpus Christi! Our lodge met on Sunday, January 21, 2024, with a meal of enchiladas and sides. Before the meeting, District Seven Director Regina House installed the 2024 officers.

President Rebecek called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers were present except Treasurer Larry Elzner. We welcomed 20 members and guests. On the sick list was Treasurer Larry Elzner who is recovering in rehab after surgery.

President Rebecek introduced guests - District Seven Director Regina House and her sister, Sharon La Grange, and daughter Michelle House; Territory Manager Ralph Juarez; and Sales Agent Michelle Vasquez. Both Regina and Ralph gave informative talks. Regina also stated the annual meeting will be in Seguin on Sunday, March 17.

Secretary Virginia Rebecek read the December 2023 minutes, and they were approved.

There was no treasurer’s report due to the treasurer not attending the meeting. Vice President/FAC Michael Urbanovsky stated he will check on what projects our lodge needs to do on the

Presenting 2024 Officers

SPJST LODGE 79, CORPUS CHRISTI

following months.

Under new business, the next meeting will be Sunday, February 18 with chicken friend steak. Members are asked to bring a side dish.

Secretary Virginia Rebecek made a motion for our lodge to donate $100 to the SPJST Scholarship Fund in memory of Irene Mitchell, seconded by Jerry Sijansky. The motion was approved.

Youth Leader Marcia Rew had six members and guests in attendance. The youth made Chinese New Year’s lanterns. They are going to make cookies to be delivered to first responders.

Birthdays for January were Michelle Vasquez on the 1st and Regina House on the 26th.

Door prizes of $25 were won by Marcus and Mark Rebecek.

Jerry Sijansky made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Michael Urbanovsky. The meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 80, Holland shares January meeting highlights

Dear Members and Friends,

The monthly meeting of Lodge 80, Holland was called to order on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, by President Rita Spinn. The membership stood for the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for departed members.

President Spinn asked Lewis “Buddy” Wald to lead us in prayer for the coming year and a blessing of the catered meal. We then enjoyed enchilada casserole and trimmings, catered by the Oscar Store. Thank you, Lorianne Bland and Thomas Maddux, for serving such a delicious meal.

The printed minutes from the previous meeting by Secretary Linda Hill were approved after a motion by Monica McDougall, seconded by Jeanette Wald. She read a thank you from the Central Texas Response Team for our donation.

Treasurer Joyce Martinets’ report was also accepted by the membership. She thanked the audit committee - Shirley Liles, Mary Davis, and Jeanette Wald for going over all the financial

books of the lodge. The committee reported all were in great order.

District Two Director Jesse Pospisil and wife Linda were guests at the meeting. Brother Pospisil gave us an update from the Home Office on the Convention, other activities to come, and the need for more sales agents.

Vice President/FAC Frank Pajestka, Jr. passed the upcoming fraternal activities to State Fraternal Director Frank Horak. Brother Horak gave a report on the upcoming incentives for 2024 and the domino and tarok tournaments. Thank you, Brother Horak, for a fine report. Brother Pajestka followed with the bingo activities and financial report on bingo. He discussed other fraternal activities the lodge might look into. He made a motion to look into sponsoring a dance at The Hall on 2268 with a second by Frank Horak. The membership approved the motion.

Birthdays coming up were Risa Pajestka and Victoria Zajicek.

A motion to adjourn was made by Frank Horak, seconded by Risa Pajestka. Motion passed.

Lodge 84, Dallas welcomes new member

Lodge 84, Dallas members

Charles and Kathy Nemec welcomed their 9-pound, 7-ounce great-grandson John Paul Kelley Nemec on January 3, 2024. His proud parents are Kelley and Catie Nemec, and his proud grandparents are Daniel and Betsy Nemec. This makes four generations of Nemecs! Congratulations!

The 2024 officers of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi are, right to left, President Mark Rebecek, Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Michael Urbanovsky, Secretary Virginia Rebecek, Treasurer Larry Elzner (standing in is Jerry Sijansky), and Youth Leader Marcia Rew. Officers were installed by District Seven Director Regina House, far left.

Next Meeting—March 12

The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 12.

Fraternally, Frank Pajestka, Jr. Vice President/FAC —SPJST—

Lodge 81, Needville reports on January meeting

SPJST Lodge 81, Needville met Sunday, January 21, 2024. The youth offered the prayer for a meal of pizza and salad. Members brought an assortment of desserts. Thanks to Willie Mae Kuykendall and her kitchen committee for getting everything ready. Also thanks to Kristen Jones, Karen Hargraves, and Krystle Peterson for picking up the pizza, drinks, and supplies.

At 1 p.m., the youth led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. We send our condolences to departed member Mildred Blinka. President Vincent Newman called the roll. Treasurer/Special Funds Chair Bradley Stavinoha was absent. Pam LaBay was added to the sick list. She is recovering quite well.

Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall read the minutes from last month, and they were approved as read. She also read the treasurer’s report. It was stated

that this report needs to be a little more detailed.

Under old business, President Vincent Newman said that he and Bradley Stavinoha met at the bank in Needville and had the safe deposit box opened by a licensed locksmith. Bradley will go through the contents and inform members at the next meeting what was inside. Also under old business, Jeanette Newman had the updated officer list and updated rules and regulations manuscript. Lastly, Jeanette Newman said that she had put the information about our local lodge scholarship in the local papers and the Vestnik.

Under new business, Youth Leader Kristen Jones announced that our lodge will host a “Dueling Piano Night” on Friday, February 2 at 8 p.m. She also told us that District Five will be hosting a spring social at Houston Museum of Natural Science on February 10. The annual spring fling will be Sunday, April 21 at Lodge 88, Houston. The youth will also be participating in several worthwhile causes which are Valentine Cheer for Local Heroes, Baking up Kindness, and Words for Warriors. We are very proud of our youth and leaders for being involved in these activities.

Next Meeting—February 18

For the next meeting on Sunday, February 18, Bradley Stavinoha had previously announced that he will make

chili. Members, bring cornbread or whatever you like to eat with your chili and desserts.

See you at the next meeting!

Fraternally,

Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 81, Needville seeks scholarship applicants

Any college or technical schoolbound senior, who has been a member of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville for at least one year can apply for the local lodge scholarship. Please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to SPJST Lodge 81, 9939 Peterson Road, Needville, Texas 77461 on or before March 15, 2024, to receive an application.<>

Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—

Presenting 2024 Officers and trustees

SPJST LODGE 92, FORT WORTH

Lodge 88, Houston rings in 2024

New Year’s Eve at Lodge 88, Houston was celebrated with Mark Halata and Texavia along with 150 guests who waltzed in 2024! The guests danced the night away and were offered a champagne toast at midnight as well as breakfast of eggs, sausage, black-eyed peas, and cornbread. Members and friends greeted guests and prepared and served the food.

We look forward to 2024 and seeing everyone at our future dances which are February 24 - Moonglow; March 22 - Fab 5; April 27Czechaholics; May 4 - Jeff Woolsey and the Dancehall Kings; July 12 - Fab 5; August 24 - Mark Halata and Texavia; October 12 - Czechfest with Chris Rybak; November 8 - Fab 5; December 8 - Red Ravens; and December 31 - Moonglow.

~ Mary Hoffman Entertainment Chair

The 2024 officers of Lodge 92, Fort Worth are, left to right, President Gene Tesar, Vice President John Paprskar, Secretary Mary Ann Krivanek, Financial Treasurer Jeanette Tesar, and Financial Secretary

Lisa Ellsworth. RIGHT PHOTO: The 2024 trustees of Lodge 92 are, left to right, Gene Tesar, John Paprskar, Jon Durham, Jeanette Tesar, and James Farek. —Lisa Ellsworth

Lodge 81, Needville Youth Club to host kids’ craft and bake sale

Dear Members!

Come out to support our city’s youth on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at our first Needville Kid’s Craft Show and Bake Sale. The youth of Needville will be showing off their talents! This is in conjunction with the citywide garage sale weekend.

We are looking for youth clubs, student groups, clubs, and individuals. Reserve your table for only $10. If you are interested in getting a table, please contact Kristen Jones 936-556-3248.<>

Kristen Jones, Youth Leader —SPJST—

Lodge 84, Dallas recaps January meeting

Dear Readers, Lodge 84, Dallas members met on Sunday, January 21, 2024, for their monthly meeting. President Vicki Sims brought the meeting to order at 3:19 p.m. Flag Bearer Charles Nemec led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance with a moment of silence for departed member Sister Roberta (Bobbie) Bickle, our troops serving our country, and for anyone needing some special intentions.

Minutes from the November and December meetings were read by Secretary

Cherri Petr, which were approved by all present. Correspondence received included a thank you card from Ennis Czech Beseda Dancers for the lodge treating them for their meal at the Czech Heritage Day celebration; new and death claim notices from the Home Office; and other correspondence.

A moment was then taken to congratulate Brother Charles and Sister Kathy Nemec on the birth of their first greatgrandchild, John Paul Kelley Nemec.

Vice President Lynda Novak then gave her reports on Fraternal Council, Czech Culture, and to announce that due to less than five youth members, the youth club will be put on hold until membership increases.

FAC Vicki Sims then discussed the charity activities for the first quarter: January - Valentine Cheer For Heroes, February - Baking Up Kindness, and March - Words For Warriors. She also mentioned that an Easter celebration invitation has been extended to our lodge to join with KJT and KJZT on Sunday, March 17. More details will be coming as they are made available.

Treasurer Jim Liska then gave his report.

A motion was then approved to adjourn the meeting and enjoy an afternoon of bingo!

Next Meeting—February 18

President Vicki thanked everyone for coming to the meeting, and she hoped they were enjoying the hamburger buffet and desserts. She reminded everyone that our next meeting will be held on Sunday, February 18 at 2:30 p.m. at the home of Charles and Kathy Nemec, 10707 Webster Terrace, Dallas, Texas 75229. Call 214-351-4214 for directions.

Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 84, Dallas meets February 18

Lodge 84, Dallas’ monthly meeting will be Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at the home of Charles and Kathy Nemec, 10707 Webster Terrace, Dallas, Texas 75229. Call 214-3514214 for directions. We will be having a svacina afterwards so please bring a sweet dessert to share with everyone! See you there!

Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston scholarship applications available through Feb. 28

The scholarship application for seniors graduating in 2024 is now available on the Lodge 88, Houston websitelodge88.org. The scholarship is open to any lodge member going to a university, college, or trade school. Please encourage your senior to apply. Applications are due February 28, 2024.<>

Carol Havemann Scholarship Committee —SPJST—

Lodge 107, Floresville welcomes district director to January meeting

SPJST Lodge 107, Floresville convened its monthly meeting on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at the lodge hall, commencing at 3 p.m. The gathering, presided over by President Bielefeld, epitomized the spirit of unity and commitment.

The meeting commenced as the attendees collectively recited the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence dedicated to departed members, military personnel, and veterans, underscoring the lodge’s deep sense of reverence and gratitude.

During roll call, it was noted that Youth Leader Lynn was absent. Secretary Pruski meticulously presented the minutes from the preceding December meeting, receiving unanimous approval for their accuracy. Treasurer Korus then presented the financial report for December, which also garnered approval as presented.

The correspondence segment revealed President Bielefeld’s receipt of two pieces of postal mail from the Home Office, shedding light on crucial matters related to the 2023 federal income taxes.

The 2024 officers of Lodge 107, Floresville are, second from left to right, President/Reporter Trey Bielefeld, Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Stacy Bielefeld, Secretary Wendy Pruski, Treasurer Oscar Korus, Hall Manager Roxy Bertrand, and Flag Bearer Colt Pruski. They are pictured with District Seven Director Regina House, far left, who installed the officers.

Additionally, an email from the Member Engagement department relayed essential information including upcoming tournament dates, youth camp schedules, and the State Youth Showcase.

A noteworthy highlight of the gathering was the presence of guest, District Seven Director Regina House. Her informative update on the 2024 Caring Challenges and insights into the impending 2024 SPJST Convention in Temple enriched the proceedings.

FAC Bielefeld shared that all requisite forms had been duly submitted to the Home Office, providing a comprehensive overview of the upcoming charitable activities scheduled from January through March.

Hall Manager Bertrand reported a positive trend in rentals despite a recent price adjustment, reaffirming the lodge’s standing as one of the most affordable event venues in the vicinity.

Delving into old business, the meeting saw the finalization of meeting dates for 2024, with President Bielefeld efficiently submitting the 2024 lodge officers and Convention delegates via the internet.

Under the ambit of new business, members were encouraged to contribute two dozen cookies for the Baking Up

Kindness drive, an initiative aimed at expressing gratitude to Floresville’s emergency personnel.

Next Meeting—February 25

The meeting concluded with a forward-looking spirit as the next gathering was announced for Sunday, February 25, 2024, at the lodge hall at 3 p.m.

In the spirit of fraternalism, Trey Bielefeld, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 142, Houston members write valentines for first responders

Dear Readers,

Lodge 142, Houston met on Sunday, January 21, 2024, in the dining area at Lodge 88, Houston for lunch at 1 p.m. Lunch consisted of fried chicken, green beans, and rolls. Pat Schleider led the prayer.

Vice President Kerry Herrington called the meeting to order in the absence of President Dennis Hermis.

Roll call of officers showed all present except President Dennis Hermis,

Lodge 142, Houston shares January activities

It has been a busy year so far for Lodge 142, Houston! Members met on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Lodge 88, Houston. After a fried chicken and all the trimmings lunch, we began our first meeting of 2024. It focused around our 12 new Caring Challenges.

LEFT PHOTO: Members made valentines for first responders. CENTER: January birthdays were, left to right, Catherine Manchack on the 1st, Caleb Ngo on the 5th, and Jo Dein Roznovsky on the 25th. Happy birthday! RIGHT PHOTO: We prepared a pull tab jar for collecting tabs for Ronald McDonald House. BELOW PHOTOS: We played bunco! You would never know how exciting throwing sixes can be!

—Pat Schleider, FAC

Secretary Elizabeth Hermis, Guide Karole Coleman, and Flag Bearer Zoey Coleman. Pat Schleider filled in for Elizabeth Hermis.

Governance Committee Chair Dorothy Pflughaupt of Lodge 88, Houston gave updates on the 2024 Convention. See Vestnik for all details.

Kerry Herrington reported on new annuity rates. Mary Bird and Margaret Norris-Guerrero are available to assist.

Financial Secretary/Treasurer Keith Kieschnick gave his report. It was also mentioned that all lodge meetings will be held on the third Sunday of the month, except in December when the

meeting will be held on the second Sunday.

Correspondence was a Christmas card from Emil Kutra for thinking of him and wishing the lodge happy New Year.

Youth Leader Amanda Muzny reported a really good time decorating and singing Christmas carols at S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Center in Needville. The district is planning an event at Houston Museum of Natural Science and Butterfly Museum on February 10. Watch the Vestnik for details.

Fraternal Activities Coordinator Pat Schleider gave all members a copy of

SPJST WELCOMES NEW SALES AGENT BALEY STAVINOHA

Howdy! I’m Baley Stavinoha, your newest SPJST Life Insurance Sales Agent. I’m absolutely thrilled to embark on this exciting journey as a member of the SPJST family. I am a lifetime member of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville.

Let me tell you a bit about my background. I was born and raised in the charming town of Needville, Texas. It’s a place close to my heart, and I’m proud to call it home. In December 2022, I graduated from the best University, Texas A&M, where I pursued a degree in business.

My connection with SPJST runs deep. For several years, I was an active member of the SPJST Youth Program, a cherished experience that has enriched my life in countless ways. I also proudly held the title of SPJST District Five Queen. My summers were often spent at the SPJST Youth Camp, creating memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

I am excited to now step into the role of an SPJST Life Insurance Sales Agent. I can’t express how eager I am to help you secure your future with the best insurance policies available. It’s a role I take with great pride and responsibility, knowing that I’m serving

BALEY STAVINOHA

979-797-2110

baley@needvilleinsurance.com

my community and making a difference in people’s lives. You can find me at Needville Insurance Agency, where I’ll be working alongside my father, Bradley Stavinoha. We are committed to providing the best insurance solutions to our neighbors and friends.

I am here to assist you with your insurance needs, and I’m confident that my experience and dedication will benefit you as an SPJST Life Insurance Sales Agent.

—SPJST—

our 2024 Caring Challenges. We also wrote valentines for our first responders.

Audit Committee reports books will be audited before the February meeting.

January birthday celebrants were Catherine Manchack on the 1st, Caleb Ngo on the 5th, and Jo Dien Roznovsky on the 25th.

Bunco was played after the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

Next Meeting—February 18

The next meeting is Sunday, February 18 at 2 p.m. with lunch at 1 p.m. Bingo will be played after the meeting!

Fraternally, Pat Schneider, FAC (filling in for Elizabeth Hermis) —SPJST—

Lodge 151, Wharton meets March 11

SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton will hold its quarterly meeting on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Wharton Depot Museum, located at 100 Sunset Street in Wharton.

Please RSVP by March 9

A light meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP by Thursday, March 9 to Carolyn Bucek at 979-532-1910 or Janie Bucek at 979-532-5884 if you plan to attend.

Lodge 184, Moulton donates to volunteer fire department

SPJST Lodge 184, Moulton donates a monetary contribution for the new Moulton Fire Department sign on the new building. Presenting a check to Fire Chief Tim Koncaba, center, are Lodge 184 officers, from left, Johnnie Hoffman, Terry Stevenson, Elmer Michna, and Ann Koncaba.

—Ann Koncaba, Reporter

Members with birthdays in January, February, and March will be honored. We hope you can attend.

Fraternally, Janie Bucek, Secretary/FAC —SPJST—

Lodge 160, San Angelo meets February 15

Lodge 184, Moulton meets February 13

Lodge 184, Moulton will meet on the second Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Moulton Fire Station Meeting Room.

Thank you, Ann Koncaba, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 187, Round Rock: Christmas in January celebration

Hello!

Our January meeting started off with welcoming District Two Director Jesse and wife Linda Pospisil. We discussed the lawn and other updated repairs. We were honored to have Director Pospisil install the 2024 officers/directors.

Presenting 2024 Officers

SPJST Lodge 160, San Angelo will hold its quarterly meeting on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 5 p.m. at Los Panchito’s Restaurant, located at 1601 Pulliam in San Angelo. Please note this is a different location than where the previous meetings were held. We hope you will be able to join us!<>

SPJST LODGE 184, MOULTON

Fraternally, Sandra Jansa, President —SPJST—

We were most entertained by Evelyn Rossi as she told her adventures of the SPJST Czech Republic tour. It sounded extraordinarily fun! We all got to look at the wonderful donations that we had collected. What an awesome lodge that I belong to!

We had Christmas in January along with our gift exchange and fajita dinner.

Presenting 2024 Officers

SPJST LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK

The 2024 officers of Lodge 184, Moulton are, left to right, President Elmer Michna, Vice President/Secretary Terry Stevenson, Treasurer Johnnie Hoffman, and Reporter Ann Koncaba.

The 2024 officers of Lodge 187, Round Rock are, front, left to right, Treasurer Rubie Volek and Secretary Deborah Rohlack. BACK: President Linda Johnson, Trustee Evelyn Rossi, Vice President Virginia Hrachovy, Trustee Greg McCarthy, and Financial Secretary/Reporter/Youth Coordinator Jennifer McCarthy.

We had a wonderful time meeting and visiting with Virginia Hrachovy’s goddaughters, Sylvia and Veeda Carter.

January birthday celebrants are Andrew Smith, Melissa Oman, Kelbie Stifflemire, Kendra Stevens, Jayden Pachicano, Jackie Nichols, Douglas Nelson, Scott Ledbetter, Robert Leatherman, Rodney Lange, Morris Krueger, Peyton Johnson, Dustin Johnson, Linkyn Evans, James Johnson, Melanie Lawerence, Julie Griser, Reagan Giesenschlag, Kevin Embree, Viba Edmiston, Kay Donelson, Suzanne Collins, Clinton Calcote, Stormie Brown, Regan Beck, and Brent Acuff.

The next gathering will be Sunday, February 11. Hope to see you all.

Blessings to all,

Jennifer McCarthy

Financial Secretary/Reporter/ Youth Coordinator —SPJST—

Valentine’s Day Traditions

Valentine’s Day is a day of love nestled in the middle of February. Sweethearts use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to show the people they care about just how deep those feelings run. A 2023 survey from the National Retail Federation found consumers expected to spend $25.9 billion on Valentine’s Day, up from $23.9 billion in 2022. Forecasters suspect spending is likely to increase this year as well.

Valentine’s Day is awash in many different customs. Here’s a deep look at some of those enduring traditions and others that some may feel should be brought back into favor or adopted entirely.

Handwritten Cards

It’s a common scene each year in card retailers and pharmacies: people three-deep in the aisle trying to pick out Valentine’s Day cards in the eleventh hour. People can save themselves the hassle of fighting the crowds if they make their own handmade cards. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, sweethearts created unique cards from scratch, according to Country Living. And prior to products produced by Hallmark and other greeting card companies, people used to send one another cards customized with personalized messages.

Pampering Gentlemen

It is common in North America for Valentine’s Day celebrations to lean significantly toward favoring women, who are often on the receiving end of flowers and chocolates. However, in South Korea and Japan, it is the men who are pampered with such gifts. Women purchase chocolates for their male partners, family members and coworkers as tokens of appreciation and affection. Never fear, a month later on White Day (March 14) men reciprocate with candy, cake and flowers.

Bouquets

These days a dozen long-stemmed red roses might be the norm for Valentine’s Day gifting. However, roses weren’t always the preferred flower for the holiday. History.com reports that, in the nineteenth century, bouquets might contain all sorts of flowers, each chosen to convey certain messages. Individuals can research the meanings behind certain flowers and put together a Valentine’s Day gift this year that expresses exactly what they are feeling.

Puzzle Purses

Sweethearts in Victorian England created ‘puzzle purses,’ which were a series of love letters that could be read separately, but also fit together to create a design and message. These intricately folded sheets of paper had parts of messages or verses written on different corners and were meant to be read in a specific order.

Heart-Shaped Chocolate Boxes

British chocolatier Richard Cadbury is credited with creating the first heartshaped box for Valentine’s Day. The boxes were intended to be so beautiful they would be kept to hold trinkets or love letters. Ornate chocolate boxes are not quite as common today, although the gifting of chocolate for the holiday is still strong.

Celebrating in June?

Many Brazilians skip Valentine’s Day in February and choose to celebrate Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage and matchmaking, on June 12. Celebrating both is fine for those who prefer to shower affection on loved ones multiple times a year.

Valentine’s Day traditions are still strong and can add a little something extra to celebrations this February. —SPJST—

Fun President Facts

✦ Abraham Lincoln was the very first president to be featured on a United States coin! The penny was redesigned in 1909 to celebrate the 100th birthday of the man who steered America through the Civil War and gave us the Emancipation Proclamation.

✦ The first president ever born in a hospital was President Jimmy Carter in 1924. Carter’s mother Lillian was a nurse, and he was born right where she worked at the Wise Sanitarium in Plains, Georgia.

✦ Who was the tallest president? If you’ve seen photos of Abraham Lincoln, you won’t be surprised to learn that the 16th president was also the tallest at 6’4” tall!

✦ The first president to have a child born while he was living in the White House was President Grover Cleveland. Cleveland’s daughter Esther was born on September 9, 1893.

✦ The presidential home in Washington D.C. is known as the White House, but do you know which president gave the building its name? It was President Theodore Roosevelt in 1901.

✦ Fifteen vice presidents have gone on to become the president of the United States.

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 187, Round Rock members enjoy a gift exchange. PHOTO 2: Socks and other useful items for the “Socks for Seniors” project. RIGHT PHOTO: Falcon Ridge rehab donation for community outreach.

LEFT PHOTO: Hope Alliance donation for community outreach. PHOTO 2: Virginia Hrachovy, left, and Evelyn Rossi show some of the donations that have been collected. PHOTO 3: Visiting are Veeda and Sylvia Carter, who are goddaughters of Virginia Hrachovy, right. RIGHT PHOTO: District Two Director Jesse Pospisil, left, intalls Lodge 187 officers for 2024.

✦ Two vice presidents have held the office under two different presidents. George Clinton served as vice president under President Thomas Jefferson and President James Madison. Later John C. Calhoun served as the vice president to presidents John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson.

✦ The first president to visit all 50 states while in office was the 37th president, Richard Nixon. Since then, presidents Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Barack Obama have also done so.

✦ The president’s office is known as the Oval Office because of its unique shape. So, who was the first president to use the Oval Office? That honor went to President William Howard Taft in 1909. President John Tyler is the president who had the most children with 15.

✦ President Tyler was also the first president to ever get married while serving as president. He married his second wife, Julia Gardiner, in 1844 which was near the end of his term as the 10th American president.

✦ President James Madison was the fourth president, and he is known as the “Father of the Constitution.”

✦ President Warren G. Harding was the 29th in history and the very first to make an address on the radio in 1922.

✦ The first president to appear on television was President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) in 1939.

✦ FDR is known for being related to 11 other presidents, including his cousin President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt who served as our nation’s 26th president. FDR was related to five other presidents by blood and six due to his marriage to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

✦ President Bill Clinton was the first commander-in-chief to send an email while he was in office in 1994. The email was sent to John Glenn, a NASA astronaut who was in space at the time!

✦ Ulysses S. Grant, our 18th president, was once given a $20 speeding ticket for riding his horse and buggy too quickly in Washington D.C.

✦ Rutherford B. Hayes was the 19th president, and he was the first president to have a telephone in the White House.

✦ The president who served the shortest time in office was President William Henry Harrison who died just 31 days after his inauguration in 1841.

✦ He might not have spent much time in office, but President William Henry Harrison was there just long enough to be the first president ever photographed while in office.

✦ President John F. Kennedy was the first American president to appear on television to address the American people live without a delay or editing.

✦ Two times in history, a father and his son have both been elected president. The two father/son pairs were John Adams and son John Quincy Adams and George H.W. Bush and son George W. Bush.

✦ Congress bought President William Taft a car in 1908, making him the first president to have one while in office.

✦ The oldest-ever person to be elected president is President Joe Biden who was 78 years and 61 days old on his Inauguration Day in 2021.

✦ The youngest-ever person to be elected president was President John F. Kennedy. JFK was 43 on Inauguration Day in 1961

✦ The youngest-ever person to assume the presidency was Theodore Roosevelt, who was 42 when President William McKinley was assassinated. As the sitting vice president, Roosevelt took over the role.

The 2024 officers of Lodge 258, Seguin are, left to right, Secretary/Treasurer/Reporter Carrie Origas, Vice President Melvin Strey, and President Chester Jenke. They are pictured with District Seven Director Regina House, who installed the officers.

✦ Our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, was the first to be born outside of the 13 original colonies. Lincoln was born in the state of Kentucky.

✦ James Buchanan was the 15th president, and he was the only president who never got married.

✦ The first (and so far only) president to get married in the White House was Grover Cleveland. The 22nd president married Frances Folsom, the daughter of his former law partner, in the White House’s Blue Room back in 1886.

✦ Jimmy Carter’s retirement has been the longest in American presidential history. He has been out of office since January 1981 — that was 43 years ago.

✦ President Calvin Coolidge was our na-

Lodge 202, Jourdanton member Mandy Miller plans spring wedding

Karen Koutny-Miller of Pleasanton, Texas announces the spring wedding of her daughter Amanda (Mandy) Nicole of Dallas to Mr. Matthew Joseph Slovak of Dallas. The event will take place at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Dallas in April. Mandy and Matthew are graduates of Texas A&M College Station. Mandy is a member of Lodge 202, Jourdanton and is the daughter of the late Terry W. Miller. —SPJST—

tion’s 30th president and the first to be born on Independence Day! Coolidge was born on July 4, 1872.

✦ Three American presidents have died on our nation’s birthday including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe. Jefferson and Adams died on the date in the same year.

✦ Andrew Johnson was the 17th president and was the first president to be impeached.

✦ President James K. Polk had the shortest retirement of any president, dying three months after leaving office at age 53.

✦ Every single president has had a family pet while in office, except for three — James K. Polk, Andrew Johnson, and

Donald Trump did not have any presidential pets.

✦ John Adams was the second president, but he was the first to live in the White House.

✦ Adams may have lived in the White House before any other president, but the house best known for housing our country’s top executive didn’t get the name “the White House” until President Teddy Roosevelt made an executive order that made the name official.

✦ Fans of the famous White House Easter Egg Roll held annually at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue can thank President Rutherford B. Hayes for helping to get the ball, er, egg rolling by sponsoring the first event in 1876.

https://www.teachstarter.com/us/blog/fun-president-factsfor-kids/ —SPJST—

Matthew Slovak and Mandy Miller to wed.

To: John E.

Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you more than all the stars in the sky. Thank you for being mine. Love you always!

Love from: Diana

§

To: Jackson E. Happy Valentine’s Day!

We want to let you know how special you are in our life!

Love from: Mamaw and Pi

§

To: Mira E.

Happy Valentine’s Day! A granddaughter is a gift of love. Our world is better with you in it.

Love from: Mamaw and Pi

§

To: Justin and Misha Happy Valentine’s Day to a special son and daughter-in-law. Life wouldn’t be half as much fun without the two of you to love.

Love from: Mom and Dad

§

To: Mom / Dorothy Happy Valentine’s Day to the best Mom ever!

Love from: Diana

§

To: Margiethe best sister ever!

Love you!

From: Dorothy §

To: Rachael Lynn David

Happy Valentine’s Day, Sweetie!

From: James Nemec §

To: Mom

Have I told you lately that I love you?

Well, I do. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love from: Victoria §

To: Joshua and Jason

You are loved! Miss you.

Love from: Tweety

§

To: Gayenell and Alton Chudej

Happy Valentine’s Day, Mom and Dad!

We love you both very much!

From: Janell and Charles

§

To: Betty

Having you as a sister in my life is one of my greatest treasures. Love you so much!

From: Patsy

§

To: Mom and Dadu Majek

Happy Valentine’s Day to you both. You are amazing parents and grandparents. We love you.

From: Carlos, Christy, David and Emily §

To: Delores Macha

We love you so very much! We wish you a very happy Valentine’s Day!

May the good Lord continue to bless you!

From: Sheryl, Todd, Lindsay, and Sarah Norman §

To: Sharon Hohmann

Happy Vestnik Valentine’s Day to Sharon Joy Hohmann, with lots of love . . .

From: the Martins -

Cindy and Roy

To: Albert

I realize how lucky I am to have you in my life. Love you always.

§

From: Patsy

To: Brian

Happy Valentine’s Day to the love of my life.

From: Brenda §

To: Lewis and Nora

Happy Anniversary, Dad and Mom!

From: Brenda

To: Brooke and Thomas

Happy Valentine’s Day! Love you both!

From: Mom and Dad

To: Brenda

Happy Valentine’s Day to the love of my life.

From: Brian §

To: Dawn

You are my favorite in the whole world.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: Charles

§

To: Gavin and Natalie Schiller

Sending bunches of love always.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: Starenka

To: Margie

Happy Valentine’s Day to my sweet sister.

From: Your Big Sis §

To: Marcela Vaculik

Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: Dorothy Warren

To: Patti Rosales

Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: Gina

§

To: Jeanette Beseda

Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: Gina

§

To: Ray Rosales

Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: Gina §

To: Vicki Anderson

Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: Gina §

To: Paul, Bob, Chris, and Mike

You’re so awesome!

From: Judy

To: Lodge 18, Elgin Members

Love to the best people in the world!

From: Judith Sanders, Bob Haisler, and Paul Mogonye §

To: My Dear, Sweet Husband

Joey Sevin

Happy Valentine’s Day, 2024!

I’m very thankful to have you as my valentine!

From: Marilyn Sevin

(a wife blessed by God) §

§

To: Ralph

Thanks for being a great husband and father. I love you so much.

Wishing you a very happy Valentine’s Day!

§

From: Holly

To: Macy

Happy Valentine’s Day to my Aggie granddaughter. I love you.

From: Gamma §

To: The Rudy and Celestine Darileks

Love to all my heavenly and earthly valentines!

From: Sister Rose § § § § §

To: Raymond Faraizl, Sr.

I have enjoyed your company over these last two yearscycling, eating out, watching football, and navigating through tasks. Every day is a joy when I’m with you. Thank you for being the best Dad!

Love always from: Your #1 daughter, Renee Oberle

To: Gamma and Grandpa Suehs

Happy Valentine’s Day to you!

Thanks for being the best grandparents in the whole world, and thanks for all you do for us. We love you!

From: Dillon, Macy, and Madelynn

§

To: Dillon and Savanna

Wishing you both a

Happy Valentine’s Day! Dillon, we are so happy to have you back home and thanks for your service.

Savanna, we are so proud of your nursing career. We are excited about your wedding this year! Whoohoo!

From: Mom and Dad

§

To: Macy Narro

Happy Valentine’s Day! Keep up the fantastic work at Texas A&M. We are super proud of you! We love you so much! Gig ‘Em!

From: Mom and Dad

To: Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club

Happy Valentine’s Day to a great group of kiddos! We love you all.

From: Holly and Susie

§

To: Dillon

Happy Valentine’s Day, Grandson. So glad you are back from serving our country. Enjoy your day with Savanna. Love you!

From: Gamma

§ § § § § § §

To: Patsy Zabransky

Happy Valentine’s Day! Thankful for you. Holding Helen in our hearts. We love you!

From: Annie, Philip, and the kids

§

To: Calvin and Dolores Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: The other Diane

§

To: Peyton Malina

Happy Valentine’s Day to my son. You are such an important piece of my life, and I am so proud of you. It has been such a ride for me to continue to watch you grow into a young man. I thank our Lord every day for giving me you as my son.

I love you always.

From: Mom

To: Sharon Happy Valentine’s Day to the love of my life. I adore you, Honey. Love you always!

From: John V.

To: Kresta, Sara, and Micah

Happy Valentine’s Day. My heart has been full being your mom. I love you all so much.

From: Mom

§

To: Leslie Sims and Cheryl Petr Happy birthday, ladies! We hope you both have the best day!

Love from: CM

§

To: Kenny Malina

Happy Valentine’s Day to my husband of 25 years. You’re my friend, my hero, my Mr. Fix-it around the house, awesome cook, and devoted dad to our son. You are all that I ever need and want in a husband. Nothing makes me happier than knowing we are building a wonderful life together.

Love and hugs from: Your devoted wife, Terry Lynn

To: Texas

Happy Valentine’s Day to my family. Love you!

From: Linda, Mom, Grandma

To: Madelynn

Happy Valentine’s Day to our Little Miss SPJST. So proud of you. We are loving going with you to SPJST functions. Have a great Valentine’s Day.

From: Gamma

§

To: Grandpa and Grandma Meier

Happy Valentine’s Day and lots of hugs!

From: Brandon and Katie

§

To: My Wonderful Sweetheart Vicky

Thank you for the 50-plus years we have shared together. You have been the best wife and friend any man could ask for!

I love you with all my heart.

Love from: Willie §

§ § §

To: George Moreno

Those we love, don’t go away. They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near . . . so loved, so missed, so very dear.

I love you and miss you so much, George.

Happy Valenine’s Day.

From: Your wife, Dora

§

To: John and Grace

Happy Valentine’s Day. You both are the joys of my life. I love you to the moon and back.

From: MaMo

§

To: Darlene, Ronald, Russell, Dianne, Lawrence, Ricky, and Kisha

Happy Valentine’s Day to the best people I know.

From: Your Sister, Diane

§

To: Aunt Jerelene Lenart

Roses come in many colors - white, pink and red. You are loved by so many people with happy days ahead.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Love you!

From: Vicki

§ § § § § § §

To: Glenn

Happy Valentine’s Day! We love you.

Love from: Cynthia and Sassy

§ § § § § § §

§

To: Mama and Daddy

I appreciate everything that you do for me. Just know that you are loved very much. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love from: Cynthia

§ § § § § § §

To: Melissa

Happy Valentine’s Day! Hope you have a great day.

Love from: Cynthia

§ § § § § § §

To: Jeanette Beseda

Family is wonderful, and you are the best Have a great Valentine’s Day from my house to yours in West. Love you.

From: Vicki

§ § § § § § §

To: Gina Vera

Have a special Valentine’s Day! Sending you a hug and lots of love. Hope to see you soon.

From: Vicki

It’s been almost 3 years since you left us.

I miss you and think of you daily.

I think of all the things you have done for me and the sacrifices you made while raising me. You were a wonderful mom!

Love from: Willie

To: Texas

Happy Valentine’s Day! Love you!

From: Mom, Grandma §

To: Patti and Ray Rosales

Happy Valentine’s Day to my wonderful sister and brother-in-law. The best thing to hold onto is each other. We are blessed to have a great family.

I love you both so much!

From: Vicki

§

To: Liška / Morris Gals - Celebrating Four Generations

Top Row: Cecilie (Nekuža) Liška, Dorothy (Liška) Morris, Katherine Morris

Bottom Row: Liška / Morris Cousins: Virginia, Heather, Sarah, Victoria, and Crystal Love from: Your family

To: Abby Milacek Montemayor Happy 4th Heavenly Birthday, our sweet Milacek!

Today is 4 years since your due date; and even though we never met you on earth, we can’t wait to meet you in heaven some day. We love you!

From: Mama and Dada

To: Bonnie and Kenneth George Happy Valentine’s Day! We love y’all so much, and we’re so blessed to be your kids! May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!

From: Annaliese, Braxton, Kyper, Brandon, and Julianne

Love from:

In Loving Remembrance of Our Parents

Nick A. & Dorothy (Liška) Morris married

February 23, 1957

Ennis, Texas ~ and ~ Our Grandparents

Stanley & Cecilie (Nekuža) Liška

Nicholas, Katherine, Stephen, Josef, and Michael §

To: Aunt Kerri and Uncle Barry Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: Brandon and Katie

To: Aunt Sharon Happy Valentine’s Day and get well soon. Lots of love . . .

From: Brandon and Katie §

To: Oma and Papa Happy Valentine’s Day!

We love you very much. Thank you for everything you do for us.

From: Nolan and Caitlynn Jansa

To: Grandma and Grandpa Happy Valentine’s Day!

We love you very much. Thank you for everything you do for us.

From: Nolan and Caitlynn Jansa

§

To: Kyren, Kamden, and Kolter

Chocolate hearts are sweet, it’s true; but not as sweet as the 3 of you!

Happy Valentine’s Day to our 3 beautiful children God blessed us with. We love you more than words can say.

Love from: Dad and Mom

To: Cristy, Hailey, Tammy, and Kaitlyn

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of you being in my life. Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: Grumpy

To: Linda

Thank you for being my valentine for almost 60 years. I love every single one!

From: Jesse

§

To: Della Miksch

Happy Valentine’s Day, Della! We love you sweetheart as big as this world!

From: Mom and Dad

§

In Loving Remembrance of Mom - Toni and Papaw - Walter Toni - from Hayange, France

Walter - first class of Command Sergeant Majors; 22 years service

I love and miss y’all very much. I treasure all our memories. I keep you both close to my heart. §

To: Judy - Mother Happy Valentine’s Day! Love you. Love always from: Wayne §

To: Tatiana Poldrack

Wishing you a happy Valentine’s Day, Tati! We love you!

From: Della, Jennifer, and Cory

To: Michael Huckman

Grandson - All the things that make you you are . . . also happen to make you very, very loved.

From: Busa and Grandpa Charlie

To: Aunt Nancy Happy Valentine’s Day! You are a joy to us. We love getting to be with you and are so blessed to be an object of your love. “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:13

From: Kyper, Annaliese, Braxton, Brandon, and Julianne §

To: Alfred Meiske

Happy Valentine’s Day, Great-Grandpa! We love spending time with you! (Doesn’t everyone?) You’re so fun!

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” —1 Peter 4:8

From: Braxton, Kyper, Annaliese, Brandon, and Julianne §

To: Melanie

The love and happiness that’s in my life is because I’m married to a fantastic wife; so because today is Valentine’s Day, I’m so very happy to sayI love you my darling, today and always. Love you!

From: David

To: Vahalik Family We love you!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: Mimi and Grandpa

To: Abby Tardy Granddaughter, you’re more than loved. You’re loved, Loved, LOVED!

From: Busa and Grandpa Charlie

§

To: Mia Huckman GranddaughterWhenever life takes you today, hope you know how much love will always be with you.

From: Busa and Grandpa Charlie

§

To: Alexandra Tardy

For a special Granddaughter

Wishing you a day that’s bright and beautiful just like you.

From: Busa and Grandpa Charlie

§

To: Drew Tice

Wishing you a happy Valentine’s Day, a sweet day, a day of knowing how loved you are.

From: Busa and Grandpa Charlie

To: Brian Lantz

Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy 4th Anniversary!

So lucky to have such an amazing husband! Love you!

From:Vivian

To: Ritley Hibbeler

It’s time for hearts, time for flowers, and the perfect time to say, granddaughter, you are wonderful today and every day!

From: Busa and Grandpa Charlie

To: Maxlyn Hibbeler

You’ve brightened so many days for your family. Hope today, you know just how very much you’re loved.

From: Busa and Grandpa Charlie

To: Charlie Brossman

I’m so grateful for all the ways you make my life better, for all the times that have been brighter and happier because of your love.

From: Barbara

To: Jennifer Hessler

Happy Valentine’s Day! You are always so sweet! Love you!

From: Annie and Philip § §

To: Elizabeth and Mary Kate Happy Valentine’s Day! You are beautiful inside and out. We are so proud of you both.

Remember: Jeremiah 29:11

Love from: Mom, Dad, and Willow §

To: The 4 V’s - Vicci, Vince, and Vern Happy Valentine’s Day to my amazing siblings! Mom and Dad would be so proud of everything you’ve been doing!

From: V2. Vivian

To: Joseph LaGrone

I love sharing life with you! I love that we share a faith, that GOD has made us both stronger because we are together, and now, it is even better! Thank you for loving me! I am blessed! I appreciate you and all you do! Thank you, Jesus!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy 20th Anniversary to the love of my life.

From: Doris

Your loving wife always and forever §

To: Diana Dvorak

You make my life wonderful. I’m honored to be your man. I love you, Babe!

From: Danny Dvorak

To: Dorothy Dvorak

Hi, Grandma!

Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you eat lots of chocolate! We love you very much.

From: Robert and April Gietzen

To: Mr. SPJST (Miles)

Happy Valentine’s Day! Thank you for standing by my side. Hope you have an amazing Valentine’s.

Sincerely from: Miss SPJST (Bailee)

§

To: SPJST Youth Members

To: Frank

You are awesome! Thank you for everything you do. Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: Miss SPJST (Bailee)

To: Annie, my lovely wife

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Your smile always brightens up my day.

From: Your husband Philip §

I’ve enjoyed getting to meet all of our youth. I’m super excited to continue to meet you guys. I’m looking forward to camp this summer. Hope to see all of you there!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love from: Miss SPJST

To: Kim

My Favorite Valentine Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: Vince

§

To: Janie Kollman

Roses are red, violets are blue, I know

I’m your favorite, you know it’s true!

From: John

To: David and Melanie

You guys are amazing. Thank you for everything you guys do and for all your help! Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: Miss SPJST

§

To: Steel, Tynlee, Tripp, and Madelyn

Happy Valentine’s Day! You guys are amazing. Thank you for being here for Miles and me. It’s great getting to know y’all. I’m looking forward to our next hangout event.

Love from: Miss SPJST

§

To: Paetyn and Tynlee

Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m so happy to be getting to share my reign of royalty with you guys. Love you lots!

From: Your big sis, Miss SPJST

To: Joyce Warren !Surprise!

Happy Valentine’s Day to a very sweet lady!

You’re the best. Hugs!

From: K

To: Texas

Happy, happy Valentine’s Day, Mom. I love you very very much. Have a wonderful day.

From: Sara Kohutek

To: Amy, Lori and Jennifer

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Miss you all and love you!

From: Sara Kohutek

§

To: Kresta, Johnny, and Grace

Happy, happy Valentine’s Day. Hope you get lots of chocolate today.

Love y’all.

From: Sara Kohutek §

To: Rosie Malota

I love you so very much Mama and praying God’s best for you now and always for much love, peace and happiness.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you.

From: Kenneth

To: Jacqueline Amanda Malota-Reynolds

My little girl is a soon to be a new mama. Praying the best for you, the baby, and Tyler as well. May God bless y’all always with beautiful peace and much love and much happiness.

Happy Valentine’s Day, my baby.

From: Daddy Malota §

To: My dearest Diana

My special valentine of 52 years. I feel I have taken a deck of cards and drawn the queen of hearts. You have been so great to me for all these years and made our families’ lives so good. You have been a great supporter of SPJST and our youth club program over the past 50 years. Thank you so much for being our valentine.

Love from: John J. §

To: Brianna Leigh Malota

My baby girl is moving right along in life, and I am so very proud of all you have accomplished. May God bless you this day and always. Peace and love are always prayed for you.

Happy Valentine’s Day, my luv.

From: Daddy Malota

To: Djuana Malota

Happy Valentines Day

From: Kenneth Malota

To: Lindsay and Sarah Norman

Happy Valentine’s Day to my two special granddaughters. Lindsay has finished college at Sam Houston State, and Sarah is a senior at A&M majoring in nursing. You two girls are my life. I am so proud of you two, and I love you more than you will ever know. You are admired and adored.

Love from: Your Giggy Delores Macha §

To: Zac Sullivan

I want to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day in heaven. I know that your Grandpa (Pipe - Adolph Macha) is up there with you.

Also Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Adolph. I love you both, and you are missed very much.

All my love.

From: Grandma Delores Macha §

To: MaMo

Roses are red violets are blue. You’re the best MaMo, and we love you. Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: Kresta, Johnny, and Grace §

To: David

On this special day of love, I want to express my gratitude for the joy and warmth you bring into my life. Your love is my greatest blessing, and I cherish every moment we share together. Happy Valentine’s Day to the one who completes my heart. With all my love.

Love from: Melanie

§

To: Joshua, Jason, and Victoria

Happy Valentine’s Day!

From: Mom

§

To: Morys/Moris/Morris family in Chlebovice & Palkovice, Czech Republic

To: Mom (Jackie Reid)

On this Valentine’s Day, our hearts are filled with love and gratitude for you. Your wisdom, warmth, and enduring love bring so much joy to our lives. Distance may keep us apart, but know that you are always in our thoughts and hearts.

Wishing you a Valentine’s Day as special as you are.

Sending love across the miles. Warmest wishes.

Love from: David and Melanie

§ § § § § § §

To: Our Family

Ashley, Bryce, Carroll, Caseton, Debbie, Eric, Faye, Freddie, and Scott

On this day of love, we want to take a moment to express how truly grateful we are for each one of you.

Your love and support make life’s journey so much sweeter. Whether near or far, you all hold a special place in our hearts.

Wishing you a Valentine’s Day filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of family bonds. Thank you for being the wonderful, loving family that you are.

With all our love.

From: Melanie and David

§

To: Philip Vahalik

Thank you for being my valentine!

I love you!

From: Your valentine, Annie

Staseho valentyna

From: Texas family

§

To: Mares/Junek family in Dolni Cermna, Czech Republic

Staseho valentyna

From: Texas family

§

To: Mother

Happy Valentine’s Day to the woman who raised me to be a strong and indepent daughter. I love you, Mom.

From: Melinda

§

SPJST YOUTH SECTION

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

Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club prepares packages for troops in Egypt

Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club met on Sunday, January 7, 2024, and put together care packages for the troops in Egypt. Our next social will be held at Ennis Czech Music Festival at Sokol Ennis on Saturday, February 17 at 12 noon. See you then!

—Rita Holland Youth Leader

muscles.

Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club delivers treats to local volunteer fire department

We had a great day delivering our treats to our hometown heroes, and enjoyed a tour of the local fire department. They shared all the trucks, equipment, what they do, and hands on duties. Afterwards, we walked to the store for a drink and snack. Thank you, Rogers Volunteer Fire Department!

Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club enjoys outing at Reed Arena for Lady Aggie Basketball game

Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club had a fantastic time at their outing on Sunday, January 7, 2024, cheering on the Lady Aggie Basketball Team at Reed Arena in College Station. Youth club members and parents enjoyed the game (Aggies won . . . WHOOP!), concession stand treats, and a fun time. Gig ‘em!

—Holly Narro Youth Leader Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club members.

Boys show off their football-playing

Look at all the donations we collected for the troops!

Taking a snack break.

Watching the movie Minions. We put together 30 care packages!

Czech Cu l tural Calendar

Hours of Operation

Ennis Czech Music Festival at Sokol Hall on Feb. 17

Come join the polka bands of Ennis, Texas, at the 17th Annual Ennis Czech Music Festival - held every Saturday after Super Bowl Sunday.

Ennis Czech Music Festival is set for Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Sokol Hall, 2622 East Highway 34 in Ennis from 1 to 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 12 p.m.

The festival is a day filled with great music, dancing, food, kids zone, drinks, and much more! Dance to four fabulous polka bands including Czech and Then Some - 1 to 3 p.m.; Ennis Czech Boys - 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.; Jodie Mikula Orchestra - 6 to 8 p.m.; and The Moravians - 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Come hungry because the Sokol kitchen will be serving Czech classics all day long including klobase and sauerkraut. A full fried catfish dinner will be served from 4 to 7 p.m. The festival is also a great family event including a kid zone for the smallest of attendees.

Doors open at 12 p.m. Admission is $10; kids 12 and under are free of charge.

For those who want to enjoy the weekend full of fun, the Sokol hall also offers RV hook-ups. For details on hook-ups, call 214-236-5168.

For festival information, call 972878-4748; send an email to ennisczechmusic@yahoo.com; or visit ennisczechmusicfestival.com. See advertisement on page 37. —SPJST—

Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center (CHMGC), 119 West French Avenue, Temple. Hours: Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for those 60 or older, and $2 for kids, 12 and under. Every First and Third Tuesday Evenings at 7 p.m.: Tarok Parties—All ages and anyone interested are welcome. No admission or fee. Award-winning tournament champions Jimmie and Carolyn Coufal not only teach beginners, but also help experienced players increase their skill. For Museum information: tours, happenings, and activities, call: CHMGC 254-899-2935 (can leave a message); email czechheritagemuseum@gmail.com; find them on Facebook; or visit the Center’s website https://czechheritagemuseum.org.

Monday through Saturday

Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto Street in Houston, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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. Beginner

Czech Lessons: Monday evenings, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Conversational Czech hourSaturdays, 1 to 2 p.m. Bring a friend or neighbor and come practice your Czech!

Czech Business Delegation Visits Houston

On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Martin Kupka, the Minister of Transportation of the Czech Republic, led the largest-ever Czech business delegation, focused on smart mobility and space technology, to Houston. Houston Mayor John Whitmire welcomed Mr. Kupka, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States Miloslav Stasek, Czech Chamber of Commerce Vice President Radek Jakubsky, and the delegation to Houston at a networking reception held at

Not a member? Join today for early access to concerts, movie nights, lectures, and events at CCMH as well as free Czech language lessons and monthly membership socials. Monthly Movie Night: CCMH has reinstated monthly movie nights. CCMH, 4920 San Jacinto Street in Houston. For information, call 713-528-2060; or visit czechcenter.org.

February 17

17th Annual Ennis Czech Music Festival—at Sokol Hall, 2622 East Highway 34 in Ennis. Doors open at 12 p.m. Featured bands: The Moravians, Ennis Czech Boys, Jodie Mikula Orchestra, and Czech & Then Some. Klobase / sauerkraut available. Fried catfish dinner served 4 to 7 p.m. - $12. A day filled with great music, dancing, food, drinks, kid zone, and more. Visit ennisczechmusicfestival.com or call 972-878-4748. See advertisement on page 37.

March 9

Czech Ex-Students Association of Texas (CESAT) Annual Meeting—at Schulenburg Public Library, 700 Bohlmann Avenue in Schulenburg at 10 a.m. Members who cannot attend in person, an online option via RingCentral is available. To request a link to the meeting, email Thadious Polasek: polasek29@gmail.com. Submitted by, Thadious Polasek, CESAT President, Lodge 67, Schulenburg.

March 9

Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS) will hold an estate sale at the Ed Hlavaty home, 2034 County Road 210 in Caldwell, Texas, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Look for the banner on Texas-Highway 21 East and County Road 210. From Caldwell, go about 3 1/2 miles on Texas-Highway 21 East and turn right onto County Road 210. Go about 2 miles on County Road 210 and turn right into the Hlavaty Estate at 2034 County Road 210.

May 1

Slavnost - “May Fest” and Tribute to Czech Immigrants to Texas—at TCHCC, 250 West Fairgrounds Road, LaGrange: 10:30 a.m. - Tribute ceremony; 11:30fried chicken dinner served. Music throughout the day; Czech organitions’ booths; klolace table; activities; classic car show; cold drinks; country store; and more! For information, call 888-7854500; email info@czech texas.org; or visit czechtexas.org.

the Czech Center Museum Houston. LEFT PHOTO: Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic in Louisiana Martin P. Pospisil, left, is pictured with Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic in Texas/SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek, center, and District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha. RIGHT PHOTO: From left are District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha, Mayor of Houston John Whitmire holding an SPJST challenge coin, and SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek.

Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas

Brazos Valley CHS welcomes students to Czech language class

The Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society (BVCHS) is holding its spring Czech language class on Mondays beginning January 29 through April 22, 2024. Class is held at St. Joseph Parish Activity Center, 700 East 26th Street in Bryan, Texas, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $35. The instructor is BVCHS member Stanislav (Stan) Vitha, originally from Olsovice in the Southern Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. There is still room in the class for more students!

To register or if you have questions, call Marie Dulak at 979-324-7871 or email at mdulak52@gmail.com.

Jeannine Koll —SPJST—

TCGS schedules

March 9 estate sale at Ed Hlavaty home in Caldwell

Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS) will hold an estate sale at the Ed Hlavaty home, 2034 County Road 210 in Caldwell, Texas, from 8 a.m. to 2

Monday, February

p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Look for the banner on Texas-Highway 21 East and County Road 210. From Caldwell, go about 3 1/2 miles on TexasHighway 21 East and turn right onto County Road 210. Go about 2 miles on County Road 210 and turn right into the Hlavaty Estate at 2034 County Road 210. New TCGS Contact Info

Here’s the new contact information for Texas Czech Genealogical Society: PO Box 150772, Austin, Texas 78715. Please send all correspondence to this address including items for the Ceske Stopy. This address should be used immediately.

Students from the Czech Republic who are attending school in Central Texas recently visited the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center in Temple on Saturday, January 27, 2024. They are, left to right, Berenika Čalkovská, Tereza Mihulová, and Jitka Hjekalová. They were accompanied by John Hillman, not pictured, of Waco.

SPJST Fraternal Activities and Entertainment

Post your lodge’s upcoming SPJST fraternal activities, entertainment dates, and information here. These listings are free. The deadline for submitting information for the Fraternal Activities and Entertainment Guide is the first and third Mondays of each month at 5 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Send updates to: VĚSTNÍK, c/o Editor Melanie Zavodny, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. Email to: vestnik@spjst.org. Advertising rates are $2 per column inch for lodge ads; $4 per column inch for non-profit organization ads; and $6 per column inch for commercial ads. For advertising information, please call the Editor at 800-727-7578 or email vestnik@spjst.org.

LODGE 1, FAYETTEVILLE (1)

Lodge Hall: 507 East Main Street, Fayetteville. Hall

Rental Information: 979-966-3795. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the first Monday of March, June, September, and December at 6 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 979-966-3515.

LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Sunday – February 11, April 21, August 11, and November 10 at 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, 1614 North Texana Street, Hallettsville. For information/updates, call President Joe Siptak 979-479-0056.

LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3)

Lodge Hall: 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. Hall

Rental Information: Peggy Dobecka 254-717-0383 or Jeanette Beseda 254-717-7840. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month at the lodge hall at 2 p.m. For information, call 254-266-3810.

Sunday, February 18—Appreciation dinner

Friday, February 23—Cottonwood Water Supply meeting

Sunday, March 3—Lodge meeting, 2 p.m.

Sunday, March 24—Lodge meeting, 2 p.m.; SPJST Inc. meeting, 3 p.m.; Easter party/egg hunt

Sunday, March 31—Marek Easter party

Friday, April 26—50th wedding anniversary

Sunday, May 5—Lodge meeting, 2 p.m.

Sunday, May 26—Lander reunion

Sunday, June 2—Lodge meeting, 2. p.m

LODGE 8, WEIMAR (6)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the fourth Monday of February, May, August, and November at 12 p.m. at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant, Schulenburg. For information, call 979-247-4168.

LODGE 9, SNOOK (1)

Lodge Hall: 457 CR 269, Snook. Hall Rentals/Information: 979-272-3732. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 979-272-3732. Youth Club Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, call Youth Leader Loree Lewis 979-220-4733; loreelewis91@gmail.com.

LODGE 13, DIME BOX (1)

Lodge Meetings: Held the first Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November at Diamond I Venue (former SPJST Lodge 13 Hall), 1081 County Road 425, Dime Box at 7 p.m. For information, contact Ricky Ford 979-884-1451.

LODGE 15, BUCKHOLTS (2)

Lodge Hall: 600 State Hwy 190/Hwy 36, Buckholts (historic hexagon-shaped building with a stone entrance.) Hall Rental Information: 254-217-2863. Lodge Meetings: Held monthly at the hall. Meetings TBA. For meeting time/information, call 254-2172863/Mary Helen Rodriguez.

LODGE 17, NEW TABOR (1)

Lodge Hall: 2674 CR 225, Caldwell. Hall Rental Information: 979-272-3440. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month at the hall at 2 p.m. For information, call 979-272-3440. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall. For information, call Youth Leader Holly Narro 979-2184931.

LODGE 18, ELGIN (2)

Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a non-smoking facility. Hall phone: 512-285-3100. Email: elginspjstlodge18@outlook.com. Lodge Meetings: Held bi-monthly - February, April, June, August, October, December at 7 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 737-233-0767/Judith Sanders.

LODGE 20, GRANGER (2)

Lodge Hall: 114 West Davilla, Granger. Hall Rental Information: Brenna Bohac 512-656-3634. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month at the hall at 6:30 p.m. A light meal is served before each meeting. All members are invited. For information, call 512-753-9119/Jvonne Elwood. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. Call Youth Leader Brita Goodman for information 254-541-5344.

LODGE 23, MORAVIA (6)

Lodge Hall: FM 957 North, Schulenburg (located 12 miles south of Schulenburg, in Moravia). Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on Tuesday in March, June, September, and December at the hall at 6:30 p.m. For information, call 979-743-0369/Kathleen Guenther.

LODGE 24, CYCLONE - FLAG HALL (2)

Lodge Hall: 411 FM 964, Cyclone. Hall Rental Information: Mark Maddux 254-721-1774 or Brenda Maddux 254-721-1682. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month at the hall at 7 p.m. For information, call 254-721-1682.

LODGE 25, ENNIS (3)

Lodge Hall: 1901 East Ennis Avenue, Ennis 75119. Hall Rental Information: 972-875-8381. Email: SPJSTennis@yahoo.com. Game Room: Open every Wednesday, 5 p.m. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the lodge dining room with supper at 6:30 p.m. followed by a complimentary social in the game room. For meeting information, call 214-837-9490/JoAnn Jones. Youth Club Meetings: For date, time, place, and more information, call Youth Leader Rita Holland 469-337-2284.

LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD (6)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 12 noon at Wharton County Library - East Bernard Branch, 746 Clubside Drive in East Bernard. Call 281-779-9956/Carolina Covarrubia for information.

LODGE 29, TAYLOR (2)

● All Friday night dances 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Free admission • Hamburgers served at 6 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 5025 FM 619, Taylor. Hall Rental Information/Hall Phone: 512-352-9139. Regular business hours: Hall is open Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 10 p.m. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of February, April, June, August, October, and December at the hall at 6:30 p.m. For information, call 512-415-7225.

Friday, February 16—Dry County Friday, February 23—Keen Country Band

LODGE 30, TAITON (6)

Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, at 9:45 a.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. For information, call President Yvonne Marcaurele 979-541-6108. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. For youth club information, call Youth Leader Lisa Bubela 979-541-7450.

LODGE 32, VICTORIA (6)

Lodge Meetings: Held bi-monthly on the second Thursday in January, March, May, July, September, and November at 6:30 p.m. at Grapevine Cafe, 6404 Nursery Drive, Victoria. For information, call 361-212-1143/Mark Lester.

LODGE 35, ELK - ELK HALL (3)

Lodge Hall: 9508 Elk Road, Axtell. Hall Rentals/Bopokings: Tammy Pavelka 254-722-1454. Hall Phone: 254-863-9320. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. For meeting information, call 254-744-1426/Randy Pavelka. Sales Agent: James (Dude) Mann 254-7150275; mrdudemann@yahoo.com.

Saturday, February 24—James Hollingsworth Band

Saturday, March 2—Joe Parker Band Saturday, March 16—Joel Wood Saturday, March 30—Rosenthal Parkway Band Saturday, April 6—Steve Dansby Band Saturday, April 27—Kolten Benton and the Forsaken

LODGE 38, KOVAR (1)

Lodge Hall: 278 Zimmerhanzel Road, Flatonia. Hall

Rental Information: 512-237-9099/Donna; or 512581-2672/Dana. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 512-332-6758/Alfred Hellinger.

LODGE 39, BRYAN (1)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Sunday in March, May, September, and December at 1 p.m. at Mynde Kessler’s office, 2554 Villa Maria, in Bryan. For information, call 979-406-0158/Ronnie Roesler.

LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE (6)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Sunday in March, June, September, and December at 1:30 p.m. at Mikeska’s BBQ off Highway 59 in El Campo. For information, call President Linda Henderson 281-804-5252 / hendersonlj@hotmail.com; Vice President/Reporter Ardis Bacak 832-2476350; or Secretary/Treasurer Sharon Borak Sharon_Borak@yahoo.com. Youth Club Meetings: Youth Leader Lisa Rek 512-844-0254 or lisaannie7@hotmail.com.

Sunday, March 10—Meeting, 1 p.m. at Mikeska’s BBQ (freeway location), 22730 US Highway 59, El Campo

LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA (6)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the third Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6:30 p.m. at Six Mile Volunteer Fire Department Meeting Room, 34 Royal Road, Port Lavaca. For information, call 361-649-4736/Larry Rokyta; or email danmarysitka@yahoo.com.

LODGE

47, SEATON - STAR HALL (2)

Lodge Hall: 10842 State Hwy 53, Temple. Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Amber Bartek 254-931-0295; Hall Phone: 254-9852548. Visit www.seatonstarhall.com. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 254-624-4119/Brandon Bartek. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Call Youth Leader Amber Bartek for information 254-931-0295; abartek002@yahoo.com.

LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE (2)

Lodge Hall: 10450 FM 619, Taylor. Hall Bookings/Rentals: Call Lisa Jonse 512-739-9324 or email SPJST48@gmail.com. Lodge Meetings: Held the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 512-365-3021. Youth Club Meetings: Held at Taylor Animal Shelter on Saturday morning. For date/time and information, contact Youth Leader Michelle Newsom 512-913-0226; mrn81978@gmail.com.

LODGE 49, ROWENA (4)

Tuesday nights - Cornhole Game Night, 7 to 9 p.m. at the hall, 609 S FM 2133, Rowena. Boards will be furnished. Bring your own bags, if you so chose. All ages welcome! For information, call Tony 325-977-0453 or Brad 325-656-0489.

Lodge Hall: 609 S FM 2133, Rowena. Hall rental Information: Beverly Teplicek 325-442-4841. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly - first Wednesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 970-799-2782/Tonya Wales.

LODGE 54, WEST (3)

Lodge Meetings: First Friday in March, June, and November, and the second Friday in September at St. Joseph Hall, 303 South Harrison Street in West, at 7 p.m. For information, call Freddie Kaluza 254709-2303.

LODGE 63, SWEET HOME (6)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the third Thursday of February, May, August, and November at 7 p.m. For meeting location/information, call 361-7812644/Ann Moseley.

LODGE 66, WACO (3)

Lodge Meetings: The fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 1301 Hogan Lane in Bellmead. For information, call 254-7156765/Dana McAdams.

LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG (1)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly in March, June, September, and December at Kountry Bakery, Hwy 77 in Schulenburg at 2 p.m. For information, call 979-743-0310.

LODGE 79, CORPUS CHRISTI (7)

Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Meal served; meeting follows. Visitors welcome. For info, call 361-816-2328/Mark Rebecek. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Call Youth Leader Marcia Rew for information 361-947-8233.

LODGE 80, HOLLAND (2)

Lodge Meetings: Held bi-monthly on the second Tuesday in January, March, May, July, September, and November at 6:30 p.m. at ‘The Hall on 2268’ (formerly SPJST Lodge 80 Hall), 12141 East FM 2268 in Holland. Watch the Věstník for changes in dates or times. For information, call 254-7606427/Rita Spinn. Bingo has returned!

LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5)

Lodge Hall: 13609 Violet Street in Needville. Hall Manager/Bookings/Rentals: Marion Morales 281650-4466. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month at the hall at 1 p.m.; meal at 12 noon. For information, call 281-633-1882/Vincent Newman. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. at the hall. For information, email Youth Leader Kristen Jones 936-556-3248; joneskb06@hotmail.com.

LODGE 84, DALLAS (3)

Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. Meeting location will be posted in the Věstník For information, cal 214-763-0341/Vicki Sims. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. - unless otherwise announced in the Věstník. Contact Youth Leader Lynda Novak 972-948-4456.

LODGE 87, TEMPLE (2)

Lodge Hall: 320 North 50th Street in Temple. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the third Sunday of January, April, July and October at 2 p.m. For information, contact Dan Kacir 254-493-1307.

LODGE 88, HOUSTON (5)

Standing Events:

● Bingo every Thursday evening

● Beer Garden every Friday

● Ladies Night - first Thursday of each month

● Guys Night - third Thursday of each month

Visit www.lodge88.org/special-event for updates

Saturday, February 24—Moonglow

Friday, March 22—Fab 5

Saturday, April 27—Czechaholics

Saturday, May 4—Jeff Woolsey and the Dancehall Kings

Friday, July 12—Fab 5

Saturday, August 24–Mark Halata and Texavia

Saturday, October 12—Czechfest with Chris Rybak

Friday, November 8—Fab 5

Sunday, December 8—Red Ravens

Tuesday, December 31—New Year’s Eve: Moonglow

Lodge Hall: 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Hall Phone/Rental Information: Call 713-869-5767; or visit www.lodge88.org. Dances are held 8 to 11:30 p.m. - unless otherwise noted. For information, call 713-869-5767, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beer, set-ups, soda, and ice sold at bar. Please do not bring from outside. *Dress Code dances: evening attire for ladies and gentlemen. *Introductory pricing. Bingo: Every Thursday evening; games start at 7 p.m. License No. 17407503501. Lodge Meetings: Held the first Sunday, 2 p.m. at the hall; lunch served at 1 p.m. For information, call 713-869-5767. Youth Club Meetings: Held second Sunday of each month at the hall at 1 p.m. (one hour prior to adult lodge meeting). For youth club information, contact Youth Leader Sarah Itz 713-303-8845.

LODGE 91, SAN JACINTO (5)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Saturday of March, June, September, and December at 11 a.m. at Dairy Queen. For information, call 281798-1092/Malba Smesny

LODGE 92, FORT WORTH - NATIONAL HALL (3)

● Randy Tatarevich Band, country/western: Every first Sunday of the month unless otherwise noted. Doors open at 1 p.m.; music starts at 2 p.m. Admission - $10. Barbecue dinner - $10. Full bar available. Best dance floor in Texas. Come on out for a great time!

Lodge Hall: 3316 Roberts Cut Off Road, Fort Worth 76114. Hall Event/Rental Information: Call National Hall Events Manager Jon Durham 817-624-1361. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall - unless otherwise noted. For meeting information, call 817-624-1361. Randy and the 92nd Road House Band plays every first Sunday. Ladies Circle: Meets the second Tuesday of each month. Dressy casual. Visit Lodge 92 website www.nationalhallfwtx.com.

LODGE 97, PLACEDO (6)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Monday of March, June, September, and December. Meeting dates are: March 11; June 10; and September 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Grapevine Cafe, 110 Medical Drive, Suite 102, Victoria 77904. For information, call Secretary Judy Bellanger 361-5762935.

LODGE 107, FLORESVILLE (7)

Lodge Hall: 1156 FM 1303, Floresville. Hall Rental Information: 830-391-0919/Roxy Bertrand. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 210-5354916/Wendy Pruski. Youth Club Meetings: For meeting date/time/location, contact Youth Leader Lian Lynn 830-480-2737.

LODGE 117, ROBSTOWN (7)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the first Saturday of March, June, September, and December at 1:30 p.m. at Hilltop Community Center, 11425 Leopard Street in Corpus Christi. For information, call 361241-3754.

LODGE 133, SAN ANTONIO (7)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the first Sunday in March, June, September, and December at 2 p.m. at Bill Miller BBQ, 1418 Pleasanton Road in San Antonio. For meeting location/date/information, call 210-325-9851/Leora Uribe-Lacy.

LODGE 139, DANBURY (5)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 12 noon at Main Street Steakhouse, 1802 Main Street in Danbury. Meeting; luncheon follows. For information, call Lonnie 979-922-1553.

LODGE 141, SEALY (1)

Lodge Meetings: Held bi-monthly on the second Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October, and December at 6 p.m. at Gordon Memorial Library, 917 North Circle Drive, Sealy. December meeting is held at Tony’s Restaurant; complimentary meal for members. For information, call 979885-4900.

LODGE 142, HOUSTON (5)

Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. - except in December, meeting is held the second Sunday at 2 p.m. - unless otherwise noted; lunch served at 1 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, 1435 Beall Street at West 15th (the Heights) in Houston in the annex building - unless otherwise noted. For information, contact Lodge142 President Dennis Hermis 713-826-2981; or Secretary Elizabeth Hermis 281-787-8717. Youth Club Meetings: Held the same date, time, location as adult lodge meetings - unless otherwise noted. For information, call Youth Leader Amanda Muzny 713-560-5377; arh210@gmail.com.

LODGE 151, WHARTON (6)

Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of March, June, September, and December at 6:30 p.m. at Wharton Depot Museum, 100 South Sunset Street in Wharton. For information, call 979-532-5884/Janie Bucek; or email jbucek2001@yahoo.com.

LODGE 154, FORT WORTH (3)

Lodge Hall: 6500 Boat Club Road, Fort Worth. Hall Phone: 817-237-5181. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Sunday of February, May, August, and November at the hall at 3 p.m. For information, call 817-731-2580/Mary Steinman. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. For meeting location, contact Youth Leaders CarrieAnn Jones 817-371-1727, carrieannjones@att.net or Appa Burcie 817-614-2967, abburcie2015@gmail.com for information.

LODGE 155, AUSTIN (2)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the third Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 2 p.m. For date/location, call 512-657-7783/Albert Klinkovsky.

LODGE 157, LUBBOCK (4)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the third Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 2 p.m. at the Kristinek’s home, 2512 Mesa Road in Lubbock. For information, contact Secretary Cynthia Kristinek 806-632-2432; cyndynjerome@gmail.com.

LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO (4)

Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of February, May, August, and November at 5 p.m. For location information, contact Sandra Jansa 325-234-1339; or sandra.jansa@hotmail.com. Youth Club Meetings: For date/time/location, call Youth Leader Ryan Jansa 325-234-5879.

LODGE 172, PASADENA (5)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Wednesday in March, June, September, and November at 6 p.m. For information or questions, call Jerry Dressler 512-551-9009.

LODGE 177, ACADEMY (2)

Lodge Hall: 711 East Rio Poco, Little RiverAcademy. Hall Phone: 254-982-4434. Please leave a message with questions. Board of Trustees/Lodge Meetings: Held bi-monthly on the second Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November. Board Meeting, 6:15 p.m. Regular lodge meeting, 6:30 p.m. For information, call 254-7218717/George Tomastik. Bingo: Every Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Kitchen open.

LODGE 179, WARRENTON (1)

Lodge Meetings: The lodge meets quarterly. Date and location will be announced in the Věstník prior to the meeting each month. For information, contact Ricky Weyand 979-966-7138.

LODGE 180, BURLESON (3)

Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. Please call for meeting location 817-9052097/Nancy Kelly; or 972-268-0022/Rhonda Hurtik.

LODGE 183, ARLINGTON (3)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the third Sunday of February, May, August, and November. Please call 817-896-5277 for meeting time and location.

LODGE 184, MOULTON (6)

Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, September, and November, 7 p.m. at Moulton VFD meeting room. For information, contact Secretary Terry Stevenson 361-7720046; terrywstevenson@gmail.com.

LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS (7)

Lodge Meetings: Bi-monthly in the months of February, April, June, August, October, and December on the fourth Sunday (except for June and December). Contact Theresa Haag 830-832-3664; theresa.haag686@gmail.com for meeting information. Youth Club Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month. For meeting time/location, contact Youth Leader Jessica McCoy 979-777-8215; jmccoy@pta.com.

LODGE 186, CALDWELL (1)

Lodge Meetings: Held on the second Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Caldwell Civic Center, 103 W Highway 21 in Caldwell. Bring your favorite dish for a potluck prior to the meeting. For information, contactact President Victor Mendez 512-743-8297 or vmendez@kmc.net.

LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK (2)

Lodge Hall: 920 Luther Peterson Place in Round Rock. Meeting/Hall Rental Information: Call Rubie Volek 512-771-4948. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, beginning at 2 p.m. at the hall, followed by entertainment and potluck meal. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at the hall followed by entertainment and potluck meal. For information, call Jennifer McCarthy 512-565-9156.

LODGE 189, BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION (1)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 2 p.m. at Rudy’s BBQ, 504 Harvey Road in College Station. For information call 979-777-1426/Henry Mayo.

LODGE 191, LUFKIN (5)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the Monday before the second Friday in March, June, September, and December at 1:30 p.m. at Catfish King Restaurant, 806 Medford Drive in Lufkin. For information, call 936-4652435/George Scogin.

LODGE 196, HOUSTON-WEST (5)

Lodge Hall: 17810 Huffmeister Road in Cypress. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month. Lunch at 1 p.m.; meeting at 2 p.m. For information, call 281-373-9482.

LODGE 202, JOURDANTON (7)

Adult Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the 3rd Sunday of March and June at 1 p.m., and on the second Sunday in September and December at 1 p.m. at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. A meal will be served at each meeting. For information, call 830-570-5800. Youth Club Meetings: Youth attend quarterly adult lodge meetings and interim monthly meetings held the second Sunday of the month. Time and location TBD monthly. For information, contact Youth Leader Regina House 830-5702046.

LODGE 219, EL PASO (4)

Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at Carnitas Queretaro Mexican Restaurant, 9077 Gateway Boulevard, West in El Paso, TX. Phone: 915-6339877. Contact information: President Aracely Quiz 915-999-2062.

LODGE 229, ABILENE (4)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly in January, April, July and October at 6 p.m. at Rosa’s Cafe, 1026 North Judge Ely Boulevard. For information, call 325-3700573/Jesusita Hudson.

LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT (2)

Lodge Meetings: Held bi-monthly - the second Monday in January, March, May, July, September, and November at 11:15 a.m. For meeting location, call President Ingrid Petrik 254-760-1831.

LODGE 258, SEGUIN (7)

Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly at 1 p.m., normally the third month of each quarter. Date, time and location varies and is voted on by members at each meeting. For meeting date, location, and time, call 210-413-3053/Chester Jenke.

—SPJST—