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From the Desk of Delisle L. Doherty SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing It’s Your Life

Break Your Brain Chain

Have you considered whether your mind is open and free to explore the path that God has set for you? Or are you going through life like your brain is chained, locking in creativity and ideas? Free your mind and you will create a mental and spiritual environment for greatness. Examine yourself. Know what you believe. Know your ideas. Know what you stand for and know what has shaped your beliefs and ideas.

Consider your family upbringing and what you were taught to believe. You may need to take the chain off your brain to develop your own belief system. Your family may have prejudices or biases that you don’t hold, but if you’re walking around with the family chain on your brain, you may have restricted yourself to a narrow environment without room for people who think differently, who will position you toward destiny. Build new friendships. Think new thoughts. Who you were raised to be will always have a significant impact on your life but does not have to determine your life and certainly doesn’t have to restrict your life.

If you grew up with brothers and sisters, the dynamics of the household while you were growing up may shape each child differently. An alcoholic parent can raise identical twins. When they grow to adulthood, one becomes an alcoholic. Why? He might say, “Because I was raised by an alcoholic.” The other twin is an absolute teetotaler. Why? He, too, might say, “because I was raised by an alcoholic.”

Do you have the courage to take the chain off your brain, even when the person who put it there is someone you love and who loves you? In spite of that love, the accidentally incarcerated your creativity. But prison is prison, whether intended or not. All of what you have experienced plays a role in your destiny, even the situations and people you must choose to leave behind in order to arrive there.

With life insurance, we often have our brains chained. You may think since our parents got them a small policy, your children only need a small policy. They may have been brought up that life insurance is a waste of money, or $5,000 is all that is needed to help with the funeral. You may have been brought up that a pre-paid burial plan is all that is needed. Your brain doesn’t realize the non-guaranteed expenses that come with that funeral.

Life insurance is about lifestyle. It’s about living - not dying. It’s about children, college, retirement, family, protection, and everything about life, not death. How we were brought up may be how we think about life insurance. Children can get a lifetime worth of insurance at its lowest price and their healthiest time of life, yet we still don’t do it. We wait and let them pay higher prices when they get older and less healthy because our parents didn’t see any value, so you don’t either. Now is the time to break the brain chain, and let us show you what is truly needed.

—Parts of this article are reprinted or modified from “Destiny, Step into Your Purpose” by T.D. Jakes

My door is always open; figuratively and literally. Stay blessed, Delisle L. Doherty Vice President of Sales and Marketing 832-232-2049 —SPJST—

SPJST Lodge Section

The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Send your news and photos directly to:

SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087 Email: vestnik@spjst.org Online: spjst.org/news/submitarticle-photo Questions? Call 800-727-7578

Lodge 9, Snook members discuss Christmas activities

The Wednesday, December 1, 2021, meeting of SPJST Lodge 9, Snook was called to order by President Donnie Hejl at 6 p.m. Donnie Victorick led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll of officers was called. Minutes from the November meeting were approved. Hall manager, fraternal, treasurer, communications, and statewide reports were presented.

The youth club will present a Christmas program on Sunday, December 12 with a potluck meal starting at 4:30 p.m. The youth will make fleece throws for the nursing home.

New speakers are being installed at the hall.

A motion was passed to accept two new members.

The meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m. Next Meeting—January 5, 2022

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 5 at 7 p.m. Fraternally, Hannah Kovar, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 24, Cyclone New Year’s Eve dance: Jerry Haisler and the Melody 5

Lodge 24, Cyclone will welcome Jerry Haisler and the Melody 5 for its New Year’s Eve dance at Flag Hall on Friday, December 31, 2021. The hall’s address is 411 FM 964. Dance time is from 8:15 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. Black-eyed peas will be served at the last intermission.

Tickets are $15 each, and sales begin December 15. Call Linda Wilde at 254985-2258 for reservations.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Lodge 24, Cyclone! —SPJST—

O O O Presenting 2022 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 15, Buckholts

The 2022 SPJST Lodge 15, Buckholts are, left to right, Vice President Scott Brandon, President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Mary Helen Rodriguez, and Secretary/Treasurer Sandy Fischer.

Lodge 25, Ennis welcomes new member

Dear Readers,

Our last meeting was held Thursday, November 4, 2021. Betty prepared the meal, which consisted of corned beef hash, potatoes, sauerkraut, corn salad, and cake for dessert. Thank you, Betty! The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence was held for deceased member Alan Hroza. On the sick list are Doreen Honza, Brad Jones, and Margaret Martinek.

New member Diane Dvorak was welcomed to her first meeting.

All officers gave their reports, and the reports were accepted as presented. We discussed the 50th anniversary party that everyone was looking forward to.

Nominating committee Emil Martinek, Charlie Jurcik, and Harry Matus announced that all officers were contacted and asked if they would like to continue. A motion was made and carried for the current officers to be voted in by acclamation for another year. Fraternally yours, Margaret Krajca, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 30, Taiton reports on October meeting

Dear Vestnik Readers,

SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton’s meeting was called to order on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at Taiton Community Center. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ella Garrett. A moment of silence was observed for any sick or departed members.

The reading of the minutes for the September meeting were waived. Five officers, 10 adult members, and 11 youth members were in attendance.

Treasurer Lisa Bubela reported that the only outstanding bill at this time was the auction item donated to the Taiton Community Center Fall Festival.

Fraternal Activities Coordinator Patsy Baker informed the members that there were no updates to report at this time.

A thank you note was read from the family of Janice Victorick for our donation in her honor. There was also a thank you note read from Brad Stavinoha for a donation to support their lodge hall.

Youth Leader Lisa Bubela reported that the youth would participate in an ornament contest on October 30 during a district outing to the El Campo Bowling Center. She also reported that the youth department will be undergoing a revamp

O O O Presenting 2022 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis

The 2022 SPJST Lodge25, Ennis officers are, left to right, Reporter Margaret Krajca, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Kay Lynn Kovar, Secretary Pat Fowler, President JoAnn Martinek Jones, Vice President Arlene Honza, Treasurer Betty Macalik, Youth Leader Rita Holland.

Lodge 25, Ennis couple Wesley and Dorothy Prachyl celebrates 70th wedding anniversary

Wesley Prachyl and Dorothy Vavra were married November 20, 1951, at St. John Nepomucene Church in Ennis, Texas, where they are lifelong members. They are also both members of SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis.

Wesley is a Marine Corps Korean War Veteran. He retired from Ennis Business Forms after 32 years. Dorothy served as

youth leader for Lodge 25, Ennis for several years. She was a member of St. John’s Requiem Choir and St. John’s Czech Choir for more than 25 years. Their children are Michael Prachyl (Cheryl), Wesley and Dorothy Prachyl Cathy Prachyl Cole (Bill), and Stephen Prachyl. They have four grandchildren, one step-grandchild, and five great-grandchildren. —SPJST—

of the program.

The Christmas social was then discussed. It is scheduled for December at Taiton Community Center.

Happy anniversary was wished to Heather and John Garrett as well as to Crystal and Brad Bacak. Happy birthday was wished to Marjorie Treumer and Millie and Abigail Garrett.

The next meeting will be decided on at a later date, and the members will be informed.

The meeting was adjourned by President Yvonne Marcaurele. Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 35, Elk and Elk Hall, Inc. report on November meetings

On Wednesday November 10, 2021, Lodge 35, Elk President Randy Pavelka called the SPJST Lodge 35, Elk and Elk Hall, Incorporated meetings to order at 7:20 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. We had 17 members and two guests present.

Secretary Carla Price gave her reports on the October meetings, and with no corrections, they were approved as read.

Treasurer Cari Hammer presented her reports. They were approved as read. Floor Chair Gene Pavelka reported a good month as Bar Chair Randy Pavelka did also.

Under old business, we will be getting a new United States flag as the old one is not in good shape any more.

Under new business, it was discussed to allow Axtell School to use our building for no charge for a school function. A motion was made by Walter Kubitza and seconded by Gene Pavelka. The motion passed to let them use the hall.

Also under new business, it was decided to pay officers an incentive gift. The cleanup crew did not accept any pay. Thank you for what you all do during the year to keep our hall up and running. I know it seems to be a never-ending job.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

Next Meeting—December 19

The next meeting will be Sunday, December 19 in conjunction with the Christmas party. It will be at 4:30 p.m. We hope you might be able to attend. Fraternally yours, Janie Brewer, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis honors October, november birthday celebrants

Lodge 25, Ennis honored and recognized its birthday celebrants recently. Happy October birthdays to, left to right, Harry Matus, Margaret Martinek, Don Wesley, Jr., Alan Prachyl, Betty Macalik, Nanette Liska, and Karen Puente. RIGHT PHOTO: Happy November birthdays to, left to right, Willie Matus, Scooter Holland, Jerry Valek, Darryl McClelland, Jennifer Henderson, and Marc Clark! —Submitted by Margaret Krajca, Reporter

Lodge 35, Elk to host SPJST Pavelka Cemetery Association meeting on Dec. 19

The Annual SPJST Pavelka Cemetery Association meeting will be held on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at SPJST Lodge 35, Elk hall in Elk, Texas. The meeting will be at 4 p.m. Janie Brewer, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton New Year’s Eve dance: The Billy Holt Band

Lodge 47, Seaton invites all to ring in the New Year at a dance with Billy Holt Band on Friday, December 31, 2021, at Seaton Star Hall, located at 10842 State Highway 53, near Temple, Texas.

Hall, kitchen, and bar open at 6 p.m. The dance is from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Beer will be available in the bar. BYOB (bring your own bottle). Set-ups will be available. Cornbread and black-eyed peas will be served at midnight.

Tickets are $15 per person, and $25 per couple. Children 12 and under are free of charge. Online paid reservations of six or more can reserve tables. For tickets, search NYE Dance @ Star Hall at eventbrite.com.

Seaton Star Hall is a non-smoking facility.

Call 254-624-4119 for more information about the event.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall! Fraternally, Brandon Bartek, Vice President —SPJST—

Lodge 66, Waco elects 2022 officers

SPJST Lodge 66, Waco met on Monday, November 29, 2021, at 6 p.m. at Saint Paul’s Church in Bellmead, Texas. President Douglas Galler called the meeting to order. Roll of officers was called, and Reporter Sister Dorothy Veselka was absent. Six members and three visitors were present.

Lodge 66 Secretary Dana McAdams read the minutes from the last meeting, and they were approved with one correction.

Sister Dana then read a letter from SPJST Controller Roy Vajdak about some new members and terminations that may not have been reported in the monthly reports. Sister Dana then read a letter from Home Office Compliance Specialist Tamara Gettys about the annual election of officers for Lodge 66.

Lodge 66 Treasurer Diana Engelke gave her report.

Sister Dana then made a motion to accept three new candidates for membership in Lodge 66. The motion was seconded by Sister Diana and passed. The new members are Cody Bryan Hallman and Shane Christian Allen, whose new certificates were written by Sales Agent Randall House, and Maria D. Maciel, who was written by Sales Agent Arnolda Lerma.

In old business, there was talk about the Lodge 66 Facebook page.

In new business, Brother John Engelke made a motion to give our November and December donations to Toys for Tots. The motion was seconded by Sister Dana and passed.

Brother John then mentioned officer bonuses for the Christmas holidays. He then made a motion to continue the tradition of giving officers of Lodge 66 a Christmas gift. The motion was seconded by Sister Dana and passed.

O O O Presenting 2022 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 80, Holland

The 2022 SPJST Lodge 80, Holland officers are, left to right, President Rita Spinn, Vice President Joe W. Liles, Secretary Linda Hill, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Pajestka, Jr., and Treasurer Joyce Martinets. They are pictured with SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek, far right.

December 21 at 6 p.m. Please call or email Brother John or Sister Dana if you are planning to attend.

The January meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 24 at 6 p.m. at St. Paul’s. Brother Michael Galler will surprise us with a meal.

The next order of business was the election of lodge officers. Brother John Engelke made a motion to elect these officers by acclamation:

President/FAC Brother Douglas Galler Vice President Brother Ronald Neumann Secretary/Reporter Sister Dana McAdams Treasurer Sister Diana Engelke Guide Brother Michael Galler

The motion was seconded by Sister Diana and passed.

Door prize was won by Sister Dana and the 100 percent pot of $4 was won by Brother Ron.

The meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dana McAdams Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—

An excerpt from . . . History of Wharton County, page 269

Outstanding in the community is the Czech Catholic Home for the Aged, a large brick building built through the efforts of the Czech Catholic Women. Four years went into the planning and fundraising for this home. It was approved in 1950 by the Czech Catholic Women at their state convention as a worthy cause, and three women were appointed on a fundraising committee. They were Mrs. Mary Baca of El Campo, Mrs. Gussie Franta of Hallettsville, chairman, and Mrs. B.P. Matocha of San Antonio. A $20,000 farm offered by the Faltysek

family provided the nucleus for building the home. The main section was completed in November 1954, and the first 12 residents were admitted. Two wings have since been added to the main building. Residents of all denominations are admitted, and 52 are now living in the home, with more on the waiting list. The home is adjacent to the church. Today Hillje has a population of about 75. Update: The facility was recently acquired by S.P.J.S.T. Rest Homes, Inc., and the administrator is Rowena TablerSmith. In November 2021, there were 45 residents and more than 30 staff. S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living of El Campo is located at 248 Wisteria Lane in El Campo. Article and update were submitted by Nick Schwartzkopf of SPJST Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje, who resides in Ganado, Texas. Mary F. Baca —SPJST—

f

Czech Catholic Home for the Aged, Hillje as it appeared in 1954.

f

S.P.J.S.T Senior Living of El Campo in December 2021

Lodge 79 Corpus Christi members celebrate Thanksgiving

On Sunday, November 21, 2021, Lodge 79, Corpus Christi celebrated Thanksgiving and honored Veterans with a meal of turkey and sides.

The meeting was called to order by President Mark Rebecek at 2 p.m. who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers were present, and we had 26 members and guest in attendance.

President Rebecek recognized Regional General Agent Ralph Juarez and Sales Agent Carlos Benevidez.

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

Under communications, Secretary Virginia Rebecek read a letter requesting a transfer from Kitty Kaye Gorbet to Lodge 79 from Lodge 117, Robstown. The transfer was approved. Welcome to our lodge, Kitty!

Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Jerry Sijansky stated fraternal acts need to be turned in by December 31, 2021. Officers for 2022 will be elected at the December 19 meeting.

Under new business, Lodge 79 will host the District Seven Annual Meeting on March 13, 2022.

Youth Leader Marcia Rew gave the youth report. Five members and guests were in attendance. The youth made turkeys out of pudding cups. The youth are planning a trip to Peter Piper Pizza during the Christmas holidays. Youth Leader Marcia Rew presented Jacob Rebecek a participation ribbon for entering the rock contest.

Birthdays for November were Becky Urbanovsky on the 8th, Leona Grant on the 27th, and Jerry Sijansky on the 27th. “Happy Birthday” was sung to these members.

Wedding anniversaries for November were Jerry and Jill Sijansky - 52 years on the 22nd and Mark and Virginia Rebecek - 56 years on the 27th. Congratulations!

President Rebecek introduced Veterans, and each received a gift card. They were Larry Elzner - retired Navy, Jerry Sijansky - Army, Ralph Juarez Army, and Mark Rebecek - Army. Thank you for your service!

Door prizes of $25 were won by Carlos Benevidez and Lela Mae Hayek.

Judy Majek made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Christina Rew. Motion approved at 2:55 p.m.

Next Meeting—December 19

The next meeting will be Sunday, December 19. The lodge will furnish a ham, and members are asked to bring a side dish. We will also elect officers for 2022.

Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 29, Taylor welcomes new member

Lodge 29, Taylor welcomes new member Vera Kathryn Elanora Elam. She is the daughter of Thomas Elam and Audrie Eno. She is also pictured with her greatgrandfather Helmer Dahl, whose goal is to insure all of his great-grandchildren with SPJST. This is Helmer’s 21st great-grandchild.

Helmer was a farmer and a musician and played for a number of bands in the central Texas area, including his own band.

The SPJST agent is Albin Machu. —SPJST—

Vera Kathryn Elanora Elam with great-grandfather Helmer Dahl

Lodge 81, Needville plans Dec. 19 Christmas meeting

The November 2021 meeting of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville was held on Sunday, the 21st. At 12:05 p.m., a prayer of thanks was offered by President Vincent Newman, and everyone enjoyed homemade chicken noodle soup bought from the Catholic fundraiser and hot tamales provided by Bradley Stavinoha. The members brought side dishes and desserts.

We added John Pavlock to the sick list. We pray that you will begin healing soon.

President Vincent Newman called the business meeting to order at 1 p.m. Everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers answered roll call except Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha and Special Funds Chair Marion Morales.

Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall read the minutes, and they were approved as read. She also read Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha’s report, and it was approved as read. Special Funds Chair Marion Morales report will be read at the next meeting.

Under old business, we were told that the new stove will be delivered next month. Also under old business, a towel rack was installed in the restroom. The new 20-position advertising banner was also installed.

Under new business, we elected officers. It was made into a motion and seconded to elect all officers by acclamation. Officers are:

President Vincent Newman Vice President Jeanette Newman Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha Special Funds Chair Marion Morales

Also under new business, we voted in new member Edwin Bender.

Under other business, we discussed the Christmas meeting. A motion was made and passed that we will award 10 money door prizes. The youth will make stockings to give out to everyone, and they will deliver a case of peaches to the S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living in Needville.

Door prizes were won by Calvin Lamensky, Joyce Lamensky, Shirley Meyers, and Willie Mae Kuykendall. Congratulations to the lucky winners!

Next Meeting—December 19

For the next meeting on Sunday, December 19, Bradley Stavinoha will get a honey ham. Members, please bring a side dish and/or dessert. See you at the next meeting! Fraternally, Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Honors Veterans, Birthday/Anniversary Celebrants at November Meeting

LEFT PHOTO: Wedding anniversary celebrants were, left to right, Mark and Virginia Rebecek - 56 years on November 27, and Jerry and Jill Sijansky - 52 years on November 22. Congratulations! RIGHT PHOTO: Veterans recognized at the meeting, were, left to right, Mark Rebecek - Army, Ralph Juarez - Army, Jerry Sijansky - Army, and Larry Elzner - retired Navy. BELOW  LEFT PHOTO: Judy Majek celebrated her birthday on October 31, 2021. Happy Birthday, Judy! BELOW PHOTO 2: Jerry Sijansky celebrated his 80th birthday on November 27. Happy Birthday, Jerry! BELOW PHOTO 3: Celebrating birthdays in November were Leona Grant, left, on the 27th and Becky Urbanovsky on the 8th. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Youth Leader Marcia Rew presents a participation ribbon to Jacob Rebecek for entering the rock contest.

—Submitted by Mark and Virginia Rebecek

Leora Uribe named Outstanding Teacher of the Humanities

Humanities Texas is an organization which recognizes the achievement of teachers across the state of Texas each year. A teacher has to be nominated then must apply to be considered as a candidate for an award. Nominees need to be professional, skillful, and dedicated teachers.

Each year, the Humanities Texas organization selects 12 teachers to receive the Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award. Humanities are subjects which include English, foreign languages, art, history, and social studies.

SPJST Lodge 133, San Antonio proudly congratulates member Leora Uribe on being selected as one of the teachers to receive the Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award. Leora received a $5,000 cash award and an additional $1,000 award for her middle school to buy humanities-based materials.

Leora intends to use the cash award she won to get a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She has completed her first semester at Western Governors University.

We also wish to congratulate Leona’s parents, Rick and Kathy Uribe, who are also members of Lodge 133. —SPJST—

Lodge 92, Fort Worth Ladies Circle readies for Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching, and as we celebrate our dear Savior’s birth, we must give thanks for all he has blessed us with. Amen!

Lodge 92, Fort Worth Ladies Circle met on Tuesday, November 9, 2021. It had been a very long time since I had been to a Lodge 92, Fort Worth Ladies Circle meeting. It was exciting to get out of the house and also a little unnerving. However, I was looking forward to seeing all of those sweet ladies. I believe they started meeting again in August and have continued their gatherings each month since. The numbers have been small but steadily rising, and those attending have enjoyed their time together. President Cathy Simmank opened the meeting of approximately 30 members and guests in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Sandi Celusniak, in the absence of Vice President Janet Basham, gave a devotion entitled “Your Impact on Other People.” Very good thoughts. President Cathy then welcomed new members Sharron Smith Connelly, Rose Ann Krenek, and Lynn Cummings. Also attending after a long absence were Lola Taylor, Pauline Morbitzer, and yours truly.

Business, reports, and announcements followed.

Of special interest, we learned that Kitty Rippin who is in her 90s and a veteran would be traveling to Hawaii in December. She will be an honoree for a military celebration around the anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day.

Marlene Bass shared that Carolyn Irby has had hip surgery, and Bobby Shropshire had open-heart surgery. Both are recovering at their homes.

Jon Durham announced upcoming activities scheduled for the lodge. The next several months will include the Western Music Festival scheduled for November 12 to 14 and is sold out, western dances, New Year’s Eve celebration, Valentine’s Day dance, and a polka dance scheduled for December 12. For definite details, call the lodge.

Lodge 80, Holland members gather for meal, november meeting

Tuesday, November 16, 2021 • Oscar store, Temple, Texas

Lodge 80, Holland hosted its November meeting with a delicious dinner for members at Oscar Store. LEFT PHOTO: Linda and Danny Hill. CENTER PHOTO: Pictured left to right are Danny Hendrix, Pete Coker, and Mary Davis. RIGHT PHOTO: Jeanette and Buddy Wald.

LEFT PHOTO: Frank and Risa Pajestka with daughter Victoria Zajicek, in back. CENTER PHOTO: From left, Rita Spinn, Joyce Martinets, and Joe W. Liles. RIGHT PHOTO: Frank and Connie Horak. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are Clay, Delvin, and Silveria Tschoerner. BELOW CENTER PHOTO: David Nauert, Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny, Linda and District Two Director Jesse Pospisil. RIGHT PHOTO: SPJST President/CEO Brian and Joan Vanicek. Attendees enjoyed socializing, reminiscing, dinner, and door prizes.

New Business

Under new business, officers were elected. President Cathy was nominated to remain as president. Janet Basham was nominated to return as vice president. Secretary Joan Shropshire was nominated to continue as secretary. Claire Rooney was nominated to be treasurer. All were elected unanimously.

The Christmas party and lunch was discussed and will take place on Tuesday, December 14. We have Jon Durham to thank for providing the food for us. Please let President Cathy know if you plan to attend. Also, it was agreed that a $10 to $15 gift should be brought if the member wishes to participate in a gift exchange game. We will also bring non-perishable food items or take donations for the Tarrant Area Food Bank.

Sandi Celusniak announced that there would be a drive-through food giveaway at River Oaks Community Center on November 12 starting at 10 a.m.

To conclude, hostesses Margaret Laymance, Judy Ackerman, Lucy Martinez, and Shirley Martin were thanked for their “labor of love.” Then Marilyn DiOrio, Marlene Bass, and Karen Smith were recognized as November birthday ladies. They were serenaded and wished many more years of good health and happiness.

Twelve door prizes were awarded, and it seemed as if everyone got a pressie!

In honor of Veterans Day, we saluted Veterans Claire Rooney and Kittie Rippin. A show of hands revealed how many veteran spouses and family members we had at the meeting. Thank you to all who served in the military and have kept our country safe. We are so very thankful for you.

Before closing the meeting, Lucy Martinez asked each person in attendance to bring a friend or guest with them to the January meeting. We also take this opportunity to invite anyone who wishes to join us to please feel free to come. All are welcome!

The blessing for lunch was offered, and a delicious meal was served. Respectfully, Joan Shropshire, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 141, Sealy Christmas meeting Dec. 14

The Lodge 141, Sealy Christmas meeting/meal will be at Tony’s Restaurant on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at 6 p.m. The meal costs will be covered by the lodge. All members are invited. Bernice Stolarski, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 81, needville unveils advertising banner

Lodge 81, Needville proudly unveiled its new advertising banner which is now displayed in the hall. —Submitted by Jeanette Newman, Vice President

Lodge 84, Pokrok, Dallas President Achieves 25 Years of Service

Dear Lodge 84, Dallas Members and Readers,

It’s been my wonderful pleasure to have served as your president for more than 25 years. This year, my trusty vice president, Vicki Sims, has agreed to step up to the role of president. Vicki’s loyalty, history, and love for Lodge 84 as well as the entire SPJST organization is of the upmost example of fraternalism. She and the other great officers will show leadership and consistent following according to the codes that our organization has had for more than 100 years.

May all our SPJST families have a terrific holiday season, and I hope to see you all soon. Fraternally yours, Justine Pokladnik Yeager —SPJST—

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