VESTNIK
SPJST HOME OFFICE
PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 800-727-7578 • 254-773-1575
www.spjst.org
V
ĚSTNÍK 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 979-324-0056 • billorsak@gmail.com
District Two - Rita Spinn 254-760-6427 • rita@hot.rr.com
District Three - Michael Galler 254-744-8973 • mlgaller54@gmail.com
District Four - Brad Teplicek 325-442-2001 • bptep@aol.com
District Five - Dorothy Pflughaupt, Chair 713-859-8976 • dotpflugh@yahoo.com
District Six - Lisa Bubela, Secretary 979-543-7120 • lisa_bubela@yahoo.com
District Seven - Oscar Korus 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
CHRIS LIEBUM, LUTCF®, NSSA® 346-261-2100 • 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
Kristen Bender Jones (District Five) 936-556-3248 • joneskb06@hotmail.com
Lisa Bubela (District Six) 979-543-7120 • lisa_bubela@yahoo.com
April Haag-Adkins (District Seven) 830-624-9242 • aprhoward@gmail.com
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
Celebrating Achievements and Summertime Fun
This week’s Vestnik includes a summary of the 34th Convention along with photos capturing the highlights. Be sure to check out these pages to learn about the recent Convention actions.
State Youth Showcase on July 27 in Temple
We invite all members and friends to attend the State Youth Showcase on Saturday, July 27, at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple. The program begins at 9 a.m. with the talent competition, and the afternoon will include the royalty competition. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support our young members and witness their incredible talents and achievements.
Lodge Membership Drive Incentives
Thanks to Vice President of Sales and Marketing Delisle Doherty for sharing the June update for the membership drive incentive. Congratulations to these lodges that earned points and $100 incentive awards:
Lodge 88, Houston - 23 points
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi - 20 points
Lodge 49, Rowena - 11 points
Lodge 92, Fort Worth - 11 points
Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty also stated that over the past April to June quarter, we’d like to recognize these lodges for their incentive awards:
Lodge 88, Houston - $600
Lodge 92, Fort Worth - $200
Lodge 49, Rowena - $100
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi - $100
Lodge 160, San Angelo - $100
Lodge 219, El Paso - $100
Summertime Fun Times
As we enjoy the summer, it’s a great time for families to come together and create lasting memories. Whether you’re planning a vacation, a picnic, or just spending quality time at home or your SPJST lodge, summer offers the perfect opportunity to strengthen family bonds and enjoy each other’s company. Let’s make the most of this season and cherish the moments we share with our loved ones.
Vestnik Dates and Deadlines
July 22 Vestnik
deadline is Mon., July 15 at 10 a.m.
August 12 Vestnik
deadline is Mon., August 5 at 10 a.m.
August 26 Vestnik
deadline is Mon., August 19 at 10 a.m.
September 9 Vestnik
deadline is Mon., Sept. 2 at 10 a.m.
September 23 Vestnik
deadline is Mon., Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.
October 14 Vestnik
deadline is Mon., Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. —SPJST—
VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published on the second and fourth Mondays of each month by SPJST, PO Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100. Subscription rates are $25 per year for non-members. Members’ fees are paid as part of the insurance fee collected by SPJST, 520 North Main, Temple, TX 76501. Second-class postage paid at Temple, TX and additional mailing offices. The exchange of opinions, ideas and information is a vital aspect of our fraternal Society and enables us to make more informed decisions. The views expressed by writers in the Věstník do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor or SPJST management. Please sign all correspondence intended for publication. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VĚSTNÍK c/o Controller Roy Vajdak, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.
(Number in parentheses denotes SPJST district location.)
July 13 Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Volunteer Clean-Up Day at Hillje Hall (6)
July 13
Lodge 47, Seaton 42 Domino Tournament (2)
July 16-17 Executive Committee Meeting • Temple
July 18 Lodge 177, Academy hosts “How To Maximize Social Security Benefits” Workshop (2)
July 20 Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Game Day El Campo Library (6)
July 21 Lodge 6, Cottonwood Annual Picnic (3)
July 26-27 State Youth Showcase • Temple
July 26 State Family Fun Day
Lions Junction Water Park, Temple (2)
August 4 District Two Annual Meeting • Lodge 47, Seaton (2)
August 11 Lodge 20, Granger Special-Called Meeting (2)
August 17 Lodge 48, Beyersville Fundraiser (2)
Sept. 3 Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Teacher Tribute (6)
Sept. 8 District Seven Fun Day hosted by Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7)
Sept. 21 Lodge 47, Seaton Outdoor Extravaganza (2)
Sept. 22 District Six Fall Fun Day at Victoria County Czech Heritage Festival
Victoria Community Center (6)
October Czech Heritage Month in Texas
October 5 Czech Heritage 5K benefitting Czech Heritage Museum
Bold Republic, Temple • czechheritage5k.com
October 13 Lodge 84, Dallas co-hosts Czech Heritage Celebration
Dallas Sokol Hall (3)
Member hopes to fulfill lifelong dream
Dear SPJST,
Thank you for awarding me one of the SPJST Scholarships. Your generosity and thoughtfulness are truly appreciated. I will be attending Wharton County Junior College in the fall to pursue a business degree. Your generosity has given me the chance to fulfill my lifelong dream. Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Bethany Baker Lodge 30, Taiton —SPJST—
Member shares gratitude
Member expresses appreciation
Dear SPJST Scholarship Committee, Thank you for the $1,000 scholarship! These funds will assist me in paying for classes and living as I pursue my education at University of Mary HardinBaylor.
Thank you for your kind generosity! Noah Zajicek Lodge 177, Academy —SPJST—
Member acknowledges kindness
Dear SPJST,
Dear SPJST,
Thank you for choosing me to receive your scholarship. This will be extremely helpful to pay for my school in the fall. I can’t express how grateful I am for your generosity.
Sincerely, Allis Sharp Lodge 49, Rowena —SPJST—
Thank you so much for your generous scholarship. Your support is making my dream of studying poultry science at the University of Arkansas a reality. I am excited to start this journey at the college of agriculture and work towards becoming a poultry geneticist. Your kindness means the world to me and inspires me to give back in the future.
With heartfelt gratitude, Kelsie Lynn Myers Lodge 84, Dallas —SPJST—
Member appreciates support
SPJST Scholarship Committee, I want to thank you for selecting me for this scholarship. Receiving this will help me throughout my future endeavors. It means a lot to me, and I thank you again for the support.
Sincerely,
Rileigh Kitchen Lodge 185, New Braunfels —SPJST—
Delegates representing 53 lodges from across Texas convened in Temple on June 7 and 8, 2024, for SPJST’s 34th Convention. Activities began on Friday afternoon, June 7 with an open house held at the SPJST Home Office and at the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center. Members and friends enjoyed refreshments along with tours of both the Home Office and Museum.
Delegate registration and a welcome reception that featured music by Jerry Haisler and Friends followed at Hilton Garden Inn. Refreshments were also served.
Convention Highlights
After a breakfast served at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center, SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek of Lodge 24, Cyclone called the 34th Convention to order on Saturday, June 8. Aaron Rigamonti of Lodge 88, Houston and Ryan Jansa of Lodge 160, San Angelo posted the colors. Macy Narro of Lodge 17, New Tabor led the Convention in the National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, and the Czech National Anthem, Kde Domov Muj? Susan Skrabanek of Lodge 17, New Tabor then led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chief Financial Officer Leonard Mikeska of Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point offered a Convention prayer followed by greetings from Chair of the Board of Directors/District Three Director John Engelke of Lodge 66, Waco.
A memorial tribute was then offered by Vice President of Sales and Marketing Delisle Doherty of Lodge 196, Houston-West in memory of departed members who passed away since the 2021 Convention, including Gene McBride, who served as Supreme Lodge Vice President from 2000 to 2014; Sidney Kacir, who served as Legal Advisory from 1985 to 2004; and Robert “Bob” Bayer, who served as District Seven Director from 1976 to 1980 and 1992 to 2020.
Chair of the Board of Directors John Engelke delivered the credentials reports on behalf of the Board of Directors. He stated that a total of 118 delegates, representing 53 lodges and 27,463 votes were seated for the convention on Saturday morning, June 8. The final delegate count, by district, was:
District One .......................2,210 Votes
District Two .......................6,360 Votes
District Three.....................4,805 Votes
District Four ......................1,422 Votes
District Five .......................6,294 Votes
District Six.........................3,716 Votes
District Seven ....................2,656 Votes
Delegates elected Douglas Galler of Lodge 66, Waco as Convention Chair. Donnie Victorick of Lodge 9, Snook was elected Convention Vice Chair. Daniel Knight of Lodge 88, Houston served as parliamentarian.
Delegate Recognitions
President/CEO Vanicek recognized the delegate attending the most conventions—Elaine Berkovsky of Lodge 63, Sweet Home, attending her 14th convention. It was also noted that Chief Financial Officer Leonard Mikeska of Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point who was attending his 16th convention. The oldest delegate in attendance was Bobby Hoelscher of Lodge 24, Cyclone, and the youngest delegate in attendance was Samantha Kacir of Lodge 87, Temple.
Executive Committee Report
Executive Officers presented reports and updates since the 2021 Convention.
By-Laws Revised
Governance Committee members led deliberations on Saturday morning and afternoon. By-law changes and amendments adopted by delegates at the 34th Convention appear on pages 8 to 20 of this week’s Vestnik. The official by-laws of the SPJST will require final review and approval by the Governance Committee and will be published at a later date.
Financial Considerations
The Governance Committee also presented its recommendations for delegates’ considerations on Saturday afternoon regarding compensation for District Directors. After much discussion and with no increase since the 2016 Convention, delegates approved a 14 percent increase and incentives to be set prior to the 2028 Convention.
“Passing the Torch”
Goldsmith Executive Coach and Human Resource Consultant Tom Meier of Indiana presented a dynamic and inspirational message to Convention delegates and guests on “Passing the Torch.”
SPJST Gives Service Project
Members and guests collected snacks and monetary donations for a special “SPJST Gives” project that benefited Central Texas Veterans. During the Convention, attendees wrote personal messages in “thank you” cards and stuffed more than 700 bags filled with snacks that will be distributed to Veterans in the Central Texas area. The project was led by representatives of Daughters of the American Revolution and the 2023-2024 State Royalty.
District Caucus
The Convention recessed into district caucuses to elect District Directors, alternate District Directors, Governance Committee members, and alternate Governance Committee members.
The Convention then reconvened for district caucus result announcements and installation. The Convention adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
Evening Dinner
Delegates and guests gathered in the banquet room for an evening dinner on Saturday. Many special guests attended, including 2023-2024 SPJST State Royalty - Mr. SPJST Miles Jones of Lodge 154, Fort Worth; Miss SPJST Bailee Beckendorf of Lodge 47, Seaton; Junior Mr. SPJST Steel McCoy of Lodge 185, New Braunfels; Junior Miss SPJST Tynlee Beckendorf of Lodge 47, Seaton; Little Mr. SPJST Tripp Hargraves of Lodge 81, Needville; and Little Miss SPJST Madelynn Bammel of Lodge 17, New Tabor.
After dinner, the Royalty presented special patriotic talents and performances that entertained the audience. President/CEO Vanicek then invited all SPJST veterans to come forward and be recognized. Representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution presented small folded flags to each Veteran.
The official proceedings of the 2024 Convention will include complete reports of the Governance Committee, Executive Officers, and Board of Directors. These proceedings and updated 2024 by-laws will be published and distributed to lodges and convention delegates. They will also be available at spjst.org.
District Caucus Election Results
District One
District Director
Donnie Victorick Lodge 9, Snook
Alternate District Director
Susan Skrabanek Lodge 17, New Tabor
Governance Committee
William “Bill” Orsak Lodge 9, Snook
Alternate Governance Committee
Kyle Skrabanek Lodge 17, New Tabor
District Two
District Director
Jesse Pospisil Lodge 29, Taylor
Alternate District Director
Rita Spinn Lodge 80, Holland
Governance Committee*
Rita Spinn* Lodge 80, Holland
Alternate Governance Committee
Bridget Bohac Lodge 20, Granger
District Three
District Director
John Engelke Lodge 66, Waco
Alternate District Director
Douglas Galler Lodge 66, Waco
Governance Committee
Michael Galler Lodge 66, Waco
Alternate Governance Committee
Mary Steinman Lodge 154, Fort Worth
*District Two Governance Committee is pending and will be officially announced on July 9, 2024. See page 21 of this Vestnik for additional information.
Delegates to the 34th SPJST Convention
District One
11 Delegates • 8 Lodges
2,210 Votes
Lodge 1, Fayetteville
Sharon Fritsch
Lodge 9, Snook
Hannah Kovar
Donnie Victorick
Lodge 13, Dime Box
Richard Ford
Lodge 17, New Tabor
Randy Gaas
Kyle Skrabanek
Susan Skrabanek
Lodge 39, Bryan
Mynde Kessler
Lodge 67, Schulenburg
Adrienne Kobza
Lodge 94, Wheelock
Linda Wilson
Lodge 189
Bryan-College Station
James Polasek
District Two
27 Delegates • 13 Lodges
6,360 Votes
Lodge 15, Buckholts
Scott Brandon
Lodge 18, Elgin
David Meyer
F.L. Meyer
Lodge 20, Granger
Bridget C. Bohac
District Four
District Director
Bobby Davis
Lodge 160, San Angelo
Alternate District Director
Brad Teplicek Lodge 49, Rowena
Governance Committee
Brad Teplicek Lodge 49, Rowena
Alternate Governance Committee
Beverly Teplicek Lodge 49, Rowena
District Five
District Director
Bradley Stavinoha Lodge 81, Needville
Alternate District Director
Kerry Herrington Lodge 142, Houston
Governance Committee
Dorothy Pflughaupt Lodge 88, Houston
Alternate Governance Committee
Kristen Jones Lodge 81, Needville
Lodge 24, Cyclone
Bobby Hoelscher
Jason Hoelscher
Brenda Maddux
Lodge 29, Taylor
Tammy Cannon
Adolph Grieger
Jesse Pospisil
Linda Pospisil
Frankie Pustejovsky
Lodge 47, Seaton
Emily Ordogne
Edwin Pechal
EJ Pechal
Judy Pechal
James Skrabanek
Danny Stepan
Lodge 48, Beyersville
Cory Miksch
Lodge 80, Holland
Rita Spinn
Michelle Taylor
District Six
District Director
Annie Vahalik Lodge 4, Hallettsville
Alternate District Director
Joe Siptak Lodge 4, Hallettsville
Governance Committee
Lisa Bubela Lodge 30, Taiton
Alternate Governance Committee
Yvonne Marcaurele Lodge 30, Taiton
District Seven
District Director
Regina House Lodge 202, Jourdanton
Alternate District Director
Wendy Pruski Lodge 107, Floresville
Governance Committee
Oscar Korus Lodge 107, Floresville
Alternate Governance Committee
Trey Bielefeld, III Lodge 107, Floresville
Lodge 87, Temple
Dan Kacir
Samantha Kacir
Lodge 155, Austin
Albert Klinkovsky
Lodge 177, Academy
Bruce Tomastik
Lodge 187, Round Rock
Jennifer McCarthy
Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point
Frances McBride
District Three
20 Delegates • 8 Lodges
4,805 Votes
Lodge 6, Cottonwood
Jeanette Beseda
Peggy Dobecka
Irene Peterson
Lodge 25, Ennis
Ray Elleven
Betty Macalik
Linda Trojacek
Lodge 66, Waco
Diana Engelke
John Engelke
Douglas Galler
Dana McAdams
Lodge 84, Dallas
Jim Liska
Lynda Novak
Cherri Petr
Vicki Sims
Lodge 92, Fort Worth
Jon Durham
John Paprskar
Lodge 154, Fort Worth
Lori Pace
Mary Steinman
Lodge 180, Burleson
Rhonda Hurtik
Lodge 183, Arlington
Kay Weeks
District Four
7 Delegates • 3 Lodges 1,422 Votes
Lodge 49, Rowena
Laura Pospichal
Brad Teplicek
Lodge 160, San Angelo
Charlene Dusek
Ryan Jansa
Sandra Jansa
Betty Schwartz
Lodge 229, Abilene
Janice Stevens
District Five
28 Delegates • 5 Lodges 6,294 Votes
Lodge 81, Needville
Kristen Jones
Krystle Peterson
Bradley Stavinoha
Lodge 88, Houston
David Andrews
Heather Andrews
Carolyn F. Beseda
Alex D’Ambrosio
Ryan Epps
Hannah Eskelson
Mary Hoffman
Aaron Holt
Laura Holt
Sarah Itz
Janice Jahns
Lea Kiefer
Jennifer Kirk
Dorothy Pflughaupt
Aaron Rigamonti
Elizabeth Robinson
Patrick Stewart
Britt Thedinger
Melissa Victorick-Brown
Sara Wilson
Lodge 91, San Jacinto
Malba Smesny
Lodge 142, Houston
Dennis Hermis
Patricia Schleider
Lodge 196, Houston-West
Donald Fruin
Cindy Messina
District Six
14 Delegates • 11 Lodges 3,716 Votes
Lodge 4, Hallettsville
Annie Vahalik
Lodge 23, Moravia
Arthur Zarosky
Lodge 28, East Bernard
Jeanette Kaminsky
Lodge 30, Taiton
Lisa Bubela
Yvonne Marcaurele
Lodge 32, Victoria
Mark Lester
Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje
Cathy Garcia
Linda Henderson
Jennifer Higgins
Lodge 41, Port Lavaca
Darlene Baker
Lodge 63, Sweet Home
Elaine Berkovsky
Lodge 97, Placedo
Donna J. Vanek
Lodge 151, Wharton
Gerald Macha
Lodge 184, Moulton
Elmer Michna
District Seven
11 Delegates • 6 Lodges 2,656 Votes
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi
Gerilyn Donnell
Marcus Rebecek
Virginia Rebecek
Jerry Sijansky
Lodge 107, Floresville
Erich (Trey) Bielefeld III
Oscar Korus
Wendy Pruski
Lodge 117, Robstown
Dianne Raska
Lodge 185, New Braunfels
April Haag-Adkins
Lodge 202, Jourdanton
James House
Lodge 258, Seguin
Chester Jenke, Sr.
SPJST Gives at Convention
Members and guests collected snacks and monetary donations for a special “SPJST Gives” project that benefited Central Texas Veterans. During the Convention, attendees wrote personal messages in “thank you” cards and stuffed more than 700 bags filled with snacks that will be distributed to Veterans in the Central Texas area. Thank you to all who contributed to and assisted with this project. Special thanks to the Daughters of the American Revolution and the 2023-2024 State Royalty for leading this project. What a difference we all made!
34th SPJST Convention Resolution Committee Report
Whereas, the Resolution Committee, for and on behalf of the entire delegation, convened in Temple, Texas, on June 8, 2024, at the 34th SPJST Convention, wishes to express its appreciation to those persons responsible for making the Convention a pleasant and productive gathering.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the delegation extends its sincere thanks to:
1. The 34th Convention of the SPJST which was called to order by SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek (24) at 9:30 a.m. Ryan Jansa (160) and Aaron Rigamonti (88) posted the colors. Macy Narro (17) sang the National Anthem and the Czech National Anthem, Kde Domov Muj? Susan Skrabanek (17) led the Pledge of Allegiance. SPJST Chief Financial Officer (246) offered a convention prayer. Chair of the Board of Directors John Engelke (66) issued words of welcome to the delegation.
2. Thank you to SPJST Executive Committee, SPJST Home Office Employees, and SPJST Members who gave of their time in getting the Convention underway.
3. Thank you to Melanie Zavodny (246), Katherine Morris (47) and Brooke Hoelscher (47) for an excellent job on the 34th Convention Souvenir Program Book and thanks to the many wellwishers who purchased advertisements as well as those organizations and individuals who sent letters of commendation; likewise, thanks to the Convention Planning Committee, including Tammy Martinez, Frank Horak and Sandra Dubcak.
4. Thanks for the Welcome Reception entertainment by Jerry Haisler (47) and Friends on Friday evening, June 7 at the Hilton Garden Inn.
5. Thanks to SPJST friends and Executive Committee members who helped to underwrite expenses for the Welcome Reception and Convention breaks:
Platinum Sponsor AQS Asset Management, LLC
Gold Sponsors
United Systems and Software, Inc.
District Seven Director Regina House
District Six Director Annie Vahalik
Silver Sponsors
District Three Director John Engelke
District Two Director Jesse Pospisil
President/CEO Brian Vanicek
District One Director Donnie Victorick
Bronze Sponsors
District Four Director Bobby Davis
District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha
Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny
6. Thank you to SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek (24) for officially convening the 34th SPJST Convention.
7. Thank you to Convention Chair Douglas Galler (66); Vice Chair Donnie Victorick (9); Parliamentarian Daniel Knight (88); Secretaries Rosy Rodriguez, Linda Hill (80), Maria De La Cruz, and Nancy Miller (177); and Governance Committee Members Bill Orsak (9), Edwin Pechal (47), Michael Galler (66), Brad Teplicek (49), Dorothy Pflughaupt (88), Lisa Bubela (30) and Oscar Korus (107) for their work, participation, and guidance during the deliberations.
8. We would like to recognize the youngest delegate, Samantha Kacir (87) and the oldest delegate, Bobby Hoelscher (24). The delegate who has attended the most past conventions was Elaine Berkovsky (63) with 14 conventions. We also note that Chief Financial Officer Leonard Mikeska (246) was at-
tending his 16th convention. We recognize the first-time delegates and those who are multi-generational.
9. Thank you to 2023-2024 SPJST State Royalty for their participation in the Salute to the Red, White, and Blue program on Saturday evening. They were Mr. SPJST Miles Jones (154), Miss SPJST Bailee Beckendorf (47), Junior Mr. SPJST Steel McCoy (185), Junior Miss SPJST Tynlee Beckendorf (47), Little Mr. SPJST Trip Hargraves (81), and Little Miss SPJST Madelynn Bammel (17).
10. Thank you to Kolache Kitchen for providing buchtas at the Home Office and Czech Heritage Museum on Friday afternoon; Hilton Garden Inn for the hors d’oeuvres on Friday evening; El Puerto de Jalisco for breakfast on Saturday morning; McAlister’s Deli for lunch on Saturday during the Convention; Green’s Sausage House for the kolaches on Saturday afternoon; and to Jake’s Barbecue of Dime Box for providing dinner on Saturday night and Nothin’ Bundt Cakes for providing the desserts.
11. Thank you to Special Guest and Convention Speaker Tom Meier for presenting a dynamic and inspirational talk on “Passing the Torch.”
12. Thank you to Father Stephen Nesrsta (54) of Holy Trinity Catholic Church for being prepared to deliver the Catholic Mass on Saturday night.
13. Thank you to special guests at the Saturday dinner: Howard Leshikar (48), Honorary Supreme Lodge President; Frances McBride (246), widow of Gene McBride, Honorary Supreme Lodge Vice President; District 24 Senator Pete Flores; Catherine Sylvester, President/CEO KJZT Family Life, and Trey; Patrick Janis, President of Texas Czech Genealogical Society, and Can-
dace; David Kolar (54), President of Westfest, Inc., and Rebecca (54); Ed McGory, Chief Operations Officer of McLane Intelligent Solutions; Thadious Polasek (67) of Czech Ex-Students Association; Bob Podhrasky (130), First Vice President of American Sokol, and Diane; Jean Paul Beebe, Executive Director of National Polka Festival, and Julie; Ray Lenart, Chair of the Board of Directors of Czech Educational Foundation of Texas (CEFT), and Sara; Richard Hykel (6) with RVOS and Dorothy (6); Dr. Connie Hrncir Smith (79) and David Hrncir (79), representing their mother, Thelma Hrncir (79), Honorary District Seven Director; District 54 Representative Brad Buckley and Susan; Cash Rugely, Field Representative for District 31 Congressman John Carter; Retta Chandler (25), President of Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center and J.G. and Janis Hrncir; Billy Conway, District Director for District 55 State Representative Hugh Shine (87), and Bonnie; and Stephen Gonzalez (155), Portfolio Manager at AQS Asset Management, and Chelsea.
17. Thank you to the SPJST veterans who were recognized for their service on Saturday evening and to those who contributed to and participated in the “SPJST Gives” project to benefit Central Texas Veterans.
18. The Resolution Committee thanks the Home Office staff for their professional service leading into and during the 34th SPJST Convention.
19. Finally, thank you to the delegates for moving the SPJST to a new level of professionalism and fraternalism. —SPJST—
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Scenes from the 34th SPJST Convention in Temple, Texas ★ ★
SPJST By-Laws
as approved by delegates at the 34th Convention on June 8, 2024
ARTICLE 1 NAME
Section 1. The name of this Fraternal Benefit Society is SPJST, originally chartered as Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas (Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas {SPJST}).
ARTICLE 2 PRINCIPAL OFFICE
Section 2. The principal office (Home Office) of SPJST shall be located in Temple, Texas.
ARTICLE 3 OBJECTIVES
Section 3. The objectives of this Society, as organized by Texas pioneers of Czech descent, are:
(1) To provide and promote fraternal and social fellowship among its members.
(2) To embrace and promote the cherished traditions, customs, heritage, culture, and language of our forefathers.
(3) To encourage benevolence and humanity through the Society and to provide sound practical life insurance products for its members.
(4) To operate under the lodge system.
(5) To provide for the payment of life insurance and other benefits for its members.
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE. President/CEO Vanicek, in back, administers the tellers’ oath to Governance Committee, from left, District Seven - Oscar Korus (107), District Four - Brad Teplicek (49), District Three - Michael Galler (66), District Two - Edwin Pechal (47), District One - Bill Orsak (9), District Five - Dorothy Pflughaupt (88), and District Six - Lisa Bubela (30). RIGHT: Convention Chair Douglas Galler (66) and Vice Chair Donnie Victorick (9).
Section 5. Vision. Our vision is to provide financial security for our members; build a wholesome family environment; and encourage cherished Czech traditions.
ARTICLE 4
FRATERNAL BENEFICIARY SOCIETY
Section 6. SPJST is a 501(c)(8) non-profit corporation, formed, organized, and incorporated under the fraternal benefit society laws of the State of Texas. It is carried on solely for the mutual benefit of its members, beneficiaries, and their communities, and has a lodge system with a representative form of government. SPJST shall have all the powers granted to it by law and will strive to be a financially strong fraternal benefit society, providing high-quality, competitive life insurance and value-added benefits to its members. SPJST will conduct its affairs in a manner that ensures the Society is acknowledged as a good corporate citizen.
ARTICLE 5 MEMBERSHIP
Section 7. Application for Membership. Individuals may become members if they meet the membership requirements established by SPJST, apply for membership using a form provided by SPJST, and are accepted into membership by the SPJST Home Office. All members must be either citizens or legal residents of the United States, or they must be tax-paying non-residents possessing a valid Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Section 8. Local Lodge Membership. Individuals seeking membership in SPJST may indicate their preference for a local lodge on their application form. No one may hold membership in more than one SPJST lodge concurrently.
Section 9. Membership Classes. There shall be the following four classes of members:
(a) Adult Member.
(1) An Adult Member is a person age 18 or older who has been accepted for membership by the Home Office through the purchase of an SPJST life insurance certificate or annuity.
(2) Adult Members may participate in the affairs and activities of the local lodge in which they are members.
(3) Adult Members are eligible for election as officers of local lodges, as delegates, as committee members, and as members of the Board of Directors.
(4) Adult Members whose whole life insurance certificates have matured based on the applicable mortality table shall remain members of SPJST, with all the privileges and benefits of active members and shall not be required to pay any dues or assessments other than those for the local lodge, where applicable.
(5) An Adult Member suspended for non-payment of premiums, dues, and assessments, if any, loses the right to vote and is not eligible for election.
(6) In the event that a third party owner surrenders or lapses the insurance or annuity, the insured member’s membership privileges associated with the surrendered insurance or annuity shall be terminated immediately.
(b) Youth Member.
(1) A Youth Member is a person under the age of 18 who is insured by SPJST upon the application of an authorized adult who has an an insurable interest. At age 18, the insured youth shall become an Adult Member.
Section 4. Mission. Insuring and enriching lives.
(2) An uninsurable child whose parent or guardian is a member can participate in the youth program.
(c) Associate Member.
(1) An Associate Member is a person who holds an SPJST certificate purchased through an outside agency under contract with SPJST selling group insurance. This member will not have SPJST or local lodge privileges, benefits, or voting rights.
(d) Social Member.
(1) A Social Member is an adult who pays annual dues to belong to a lodge.
(2) A Social Member is not eligible to vote or hold office; however, a social member may, at the discretion of the local lodge, serve on an appointed committee with the right to deliberate and vote on that committee.
(3) A Social Member will receive a digital copy of the Vestnik; however, he/she must pay for the Vestnik if he/she desires to receive it by US mail.
Section 10. Membership Guidelines. All members shall guide themselves according to the charter, constitution, and by-laws of SPJST; otherwise, they are subject to penalty as defined by these by-laws and as prescribed by the Board of Directors for violation and non-observance of them. No subordinate body, nor any of its subordinate officers or members, shall have the power or authority to waive any of the provisions of the by-laws of SPJST. Such provisions shall be binding on SPJST and every member and beneficiary of a member.
Section 11. Induction of New Members. Induction of new members may be conducted at a time and date convenient to the local lodge and the new members.
ARTICLE 6 CONVENTION
Section 12. Purpose. The Supreme Governing Body of SPJST shall be known as the Convention and shall be composed of delegates elected according to the rules of these by-laws. The Convention is the sole judge of eligibility and qualifications of all delegates and substitutes. The Convention has the power to:
(a) Adopt, amend, and supplement the by-laws of SPJST.
(b) Receive and act on all reports filed by the Executive Committee and the Governance Committee, which must be published in the Vestnik 30 days before the Convention. The Board of Directors may submit one combined report if they so agree.
(c) Elect District Directors, Alternate District Directors, Governance Committee members, and Alternate Governance Committee members.
(1) Candidates seeking election as District Director, Alternate District Director, Governance Committee, or Alternate Governance Committee must declare their candidacy and provide the Vestnik with details about their qualifications for the position. This information should be submitted following the procedures established and published by the Board of Directors, at least 120 days before the Convention.
(2) The Board of Directors is responsible for identifying and encouraging well-qualified candidates from each District to run for the positions of District Director, Alternate District Director, Governance Committee, and Alternate Governance Committee. The Executive Officers will review the submitted candidate information, may collect additional background details, and will present the slate of candidates along with qualification information to the Convention delegates.
(d) Determine compensation of District Directors.
Section 13. Regular Conventions. Regular Conventions are held once every four years. The date and location of the next regular Convention shall be set by the Board of Directors and published in the Vestnik no later than January of the Convention year.
Section 14. Special Conventions. Special Conventions may be held upon a two-thirds vote of all members of the Board of Directors for an urgent matter concerning the welfare of SPJST. Such Special Conventions shall be held at such time and place as may be determined by the Board of Directors. No business may be taken up at such Special Convention except for the purpose for which called, which purpose shall be clearly and distinctly set forth in the call for the Special Convention. A call for a Special Convention shall be disseminated electronically at least 30 days prior to the convening of such Special Convention, addressed to each delegate at his/her last known email address as shown by the records of SPJST. At the Special Convention, delegates from each lodge shall have the same number of votes as at the preceding Regular Convention.
Section 15. Quorum. Two-thirds of delegates seated at any regular or Special Convention shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business.
Section 16. Ballot In Lieu of Special Convention. In lieu of calling a Special Convention, the Board of Directors may send a ballot to all delegates by mail or by email. The ballot may include one or more resolutions to be considered and adopted. The proposed resolution or resolutions must be mailed or emailed to the delegates at least 30 days before the ballots must be returned. Delegates from each lodge shall have the same number of votes as at the preceding Regular Convention. A resolution shall be deemed adopted upon receipt of signed ballots with votes equal to the number of votes required to adopt the resolution at a Special Convention at which all delegates were present.
Section 17. Order. All proceedings of the Convention will be conducted in the following order, unless decided otherwise by the Board of Directors and approved by the delegates:
(a) The President/CEO convenes the Convention.
(b) Credentials report. A list of names of elected delegates and number of votes each lodge and delegate is entitled to will be made available to delegates at the beginning of the Convention by the Board of Directors.
(c) Elect Convention officers (Chair and Vice Chair) from among the delegates.
(d) Executive Committee report.
(e) Governance Committee report.
(f) Deliberate by-laws.
(g) Miscellaneous business.
(h) District caucuses. The purpose of the seven separate district caucuses is to nominate and elect a District Director, Alternate District Director, Governance Committee member, and Alternate Governance Committee member. Each delegate will vote in accordance with Section 31 (Votes) of the by-laws. The District Director will act as temporary chair of the district caucus until delegates elect a permanent chair.
(i) Install District Directors and Governance Committee members.
(j) Adjourn Convention.
Section 18. Convention Officers. The President/CEO shall convene the Convention and shall preside until a Convention Chair is elected. The Convention Chair and Convention Vice Chair are the Convention officers.
Section 19. Proceedings. All proceedings in the Convention, unless such rules are not covered by the bylaws, are conducted in accordance with the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order.”
Section 20. Discussions. All Executive Committee members and Governance Committee members may participate in the discussions at the Convention, but they do not have the right to make motions, vote, or nominate unless they are delegates.
(a) No concern can be discussed in the Convention unless it was first presented to the Governance Committee and acted upon by that committee.
(b) 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 bylaw 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.
Section 21. Voting. The enactment, deletion, or amendment to a by-law requires a two-thirds vote by authorized votes of delegates present. Unless otherwise required by law or the laws of SPJST, all other matters are decided by a majority of authorized votes of the delegates present. Delegates shall vote by voice, show of hands, standing, roll call, or secret ballot as designated by the Convention Chair. No delegate shall vote by proxy.
Section 22. Minutes. The Convention minutes should accurately summarize what was discussed and actions taken by the Convention. The minutes should be accurate, concise, objective, and to the point, but written in such a way that they do not leave out critical information and are easily understood and usable in the future. Minutes may include brief summaries of the discussions but should reflect a record of the exact wording of motions, amendments, and resolutions as well as who made the motions, who seconded them, and the outcome of any votes taken. The minutes shall be kept and approved in the English language. A copy of the Convention minutes shall be sent to each local lodge secretary, all Convention delegates, Governance Committee members, and/or members, upon request.
ARTICLE 7 GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
Section 23. Composition. The Governance Committee shall be comprised of seven elected members (one from each of the seven districts).
Section 24. Eligibility. Executive Committee members, their spouses, and SPJST Home Office employees are not eligible for membership on the Governance Committee, but they are free to attend the Governance Committee meetings, make suggestions and recommendations, and assist the Governance Committee.
(a) Governance Committee members are expected to attend their respective annual district meetings. If two meetings are missed during a four-year period, the alternate shall complete the remainder of the term.
Section 25. Duties. The Governance Committee shall have the following duties:
(a) 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 by-laws 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. Immediately following the Convention, the Governance Committee will arrange and compile the newlyadopted by-laws with all changes and amendments.
(b) Review all compensation and financial benefits of District Directors. Gather relevant information and recommendations regarding reasonable compensation for District Directors and present a proposal to the Convention. Any increase in compensation must be approved by the delegates of the Convention.
(c) Recommend to the Convention compensation of District Directors. The Committee’s recommendations shall be published in the Vestnik 30 days prior to the Convention.
(d) Assist the President/CEO in the tabulation of votes during the election of the Convention Chair and Convention Vice Chair.
(e) Assist the Convention Chair in the tabulation of votes on matters presented to the Convention.
(f) Serve as the Grievance Committee at the Convention. Help resolve disputes at the Convention.
Section 26. Committee Chair. The Governance Committee shall convene immediately following the Convention and elect a Committee Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary from its members.
Section 27. Meetings. During the Convention year, the Governance Committee shall hold a minimum of two meetings, one at least six months and one immediately prior to the start of the Convention. The day and time shall be designated by the Governance Committee Chair after consultation with Governance Committee members. The Governance Committee Chair may call special meetings and shall call a special meeting upon written request of at least three Governance Committee members. Any meeting of SPJST at which written minutes are kept, except the Convention, may meet by telephone conference or other means of communication that allows all participants to simultaneously communicate with each other. All non-electronic meetings should be at the Home Office.
Section 28. Quorum and Voting. A majority of the Governance Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of Governance Committee business except that a smaller number may adjourn a meeting for lack of a quorum. The Committee shall act by a majority of Committee members present.
ARTICLE 8 LODGE DELEGATE ELECTIONS
Section 29. Election of Delegates. Delegates and substitute delegates shall be elected no later than January at the local lodge meeting that precedes the Convention for the term from one Convention to the next Convention.
Section 30. Number of Delegates per Lodge. Every lodge has the right to elect delegates in accordance with its membership.
(a) The number of delegates a lodge may send to the Convention shall be based on the following scale:
(1) One delegate for lodges with 20 to 200 Adult Members;
(2) One additional delegate for each additional 200 Adult Members.
(b) Changes in Lodge Membership. If a lodge obtains enough Adult Members to qualify for an additional delegate to the Convention in the time period between the annual meeting and 60 days before the Convention, then that lodge shall send the substitute delegate or delegates with the most votes. A lodge losing the required number of members between such time shall not lose the delegate or delegates.
(c) New Lodges. A lodge chartered during the Convention year may elect its delegates and its substitutes any time before the convening of the Convention. A lodge chartered, merged, or reorganized less than three years preceding the election of its delegates may elect its delegates and substitutes from among those members having attended a majority of the regular meetings from the date of its charter, merger, or reorganization.
Section 31. Votes. A lodge represented by its delegate or delegates is entitled to one vote for every adult member. Delegates from each lodge shall divide their lodge’s votes equally among themselves. In the event the votes do not divide equally among the lodge’s del-
egates, the extra votes shall be assigned proportionally to all of the lodge’s delegates. (Example, a lodge with 2 delegates and 405 votes would result in each delegate having 202.50 votes).
Section 32. Substitute Delegates. Substitute delegates shall be elected according to the procedures for election of delegates. No more than 10 substitute delegates shall be elected per lodge. A substitute delegate shall attend the Convention if one of the elected delegates cannot attend. The substitute delegate or delegates shall be chosen to fill vacancies according to which substitute delegate received the most votes at the annual lodge meeting.
Section 33. Delegate Election Requirements.
(a) Qualifies as an Adult Member.
(b) Is present during the election or is absent due to unavoidable circumstances.
(c) Attended at least 50 percent of the regular meetings of the lodge during one year preceding the Convention year. Lodges meeting monthly, 50 percent is six meetings; lodges meeting bi-monthly, 50 percent is three meetings; and lodges meeting quarterly, 50 percent is two meetings. Newly transferred members’ attendance record of the previous lodge shall be accepted.
(d) Is a citizen of the United States of America at the time of election.
(e) Is not a statewide or national officer or director of another fraternal life insurance society.
(f) Any member who desires to serve as a delegate who is an underwriter of any insurance company or an agent (underwriter) of any other fraternal life insurance society may be elected but must first disclose this information to the local lodge members prior to the election.
Section 34. Term. Delegates and substitute delegates shall serve until their successors are seated at the following Convention. The delegates and substitutes to the most recent Regular Convention shall be the delegates
and substitutes to any Special Convention or for any ballot in lieu of a Special Convention. In the event of the merger of two or more lodges following the Convention, those delegates of each lodge shall be entitled to the same number of votes they had at the preceding Convention.
Section 35. Delegate Selection Procedure.
(a) When a lodge is entitled to two or more delegates, the nomination and election of delegates is made by whatever procedure is deemed most convenient and expedient by the local lodge. If a nominating committee is used, nominations from the floor must be permitted. In the election process, a secret ballot may be used. Ballots designating more nominees than permitted are void and not counted. The nominees receiving the highest number of votes are elected.
(b) The result of the election of delegates and substitutes shall be forwarded electronically to the Vice President of Communications and the Chief Financial Officer within 30 days after the election. Failure to submit the report electronically within the 30-day period will nullify the lodge’s delegates.
(c) The Vice President of Communications provides the local lodge secretary with the electronic format and instructions to submit the results electronically. The local lodge secretary is charged with completing and submitting the report. By submitting the report, the secretary certifies that the following information is correct:
(1) A statement of the number of regular meetings held by the lodge the delegate is representing.
(2) The number of regular meetings attended by the delegate in the year preceding the Convention.
(d) Lodges failing to comply with all required lodge duties and obligations within 60 days prior to the Convention will lose their right to representation at the Convention.
(e) In the event of a delegate’s death, incapacity, or transfer to another lodge, he/she shall automatically be replaced by the first substitute of such lodge.
ARTICLE 9 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 36. Composition of Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall be composed of the seven elected District Directors (one from each of the seven districts). The Board of Directors shall have the authority to provide rules and regulations for the extension and development of SPJST and shall have all other necessary and incidental powers to carry out the objectives of SPJST and such other duties as prescribed by these by-laws.
Section 37. Composition of Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the Board of Directors (seven District Directors) and the Executive Officers (President/CEO, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Vice President of Communications, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller).
Section 38. Conflicts of Interest.
(a) No agent of any other competitive life insurance company, or any officer or director of any similar fraternal order is eligible for membership on the Executive Committee.
(b) No Executive Committee member shall receive commission for the sale of property belonging to SPJST. No Executive Committee member can buy property from SPJST. No Executive Committee member shall be personally liable to SPJST or its members for monetary damages for any act or omission in the Executive Officer’s or District Director’s capacity as an Executive Officer or District Director except in the following instances:
(1) For any breach of the Executive Officer’s or District Director’s duty of loyalty to SPJST or its members;
(2) For any act or omission not in good faith or which involves intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law;
(3) For any transaction from which the Executive Officer or District Director received a benefit deemed improper by the Board of Directors, whether or not the benefit resulted from action taken within the scope of the Executive Officer’s or District Director’s position;
(4) For any act or omission for which the liability of an Executive Officer or District Director is expressly provided for by statute or payment of a dividend.
(c) No person can be an employee of the SPJST Home Office if he/she is related to any member of the Executive Committee within the third degree, as construed under Section 573 of the Government Code of the Texas Revised Civil Statutes.
Section 39. Duties. The affairs of SPJST shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors between regular meetings of the Convention. The Board of Directors has the duty and authority to:
(a) Provide leadership for all SPJST members and others.
(b) Promote fraternalism between lodges.
(c) Promote Czech heritage and language and the history of SPJST.
(d) Employ legal counsel on an as-needed basis.
(e) Provide sufficient insurance coverage for the protection of SPJST.
(f) Collaborate with Executive Officers and conduct a strategic planning process and develop an annual business plan with clearly defined qualitative and quantitative goals.
(g) Adopt incentive programs.
(h) Adopt such additional plans and tables of insurance including annuities and universal life products, which appear to be beneficial, according to fraternal insurance laws of the State of Texas.
(i) Ratify compensation schedule for sales agents.
(j) Fill vacancies in the position of President/CEO.
(k) Employ a certified public accountant, upon recommendation of the Chief Financial Officer, to prepare a detailed report concerning the condition of SPJST.
(l) Prepare a report of its progress/accomplishments since the preceding Convention. Each Executive Officer must submit a report to be printed in the Vestnik at least 30 days prior to the Convention. The Board of Directors may submit one combined report, if they so agree.
(m) Investigate all irregularities, disorders, and incompetence in office of the President/CEO or any District Director. Following a thorough investigation, including a hearing of such charges and 20 days advance notice to the accused, the Board of Directors may discharge the accused from his/her office by a two-thirds vote.
(n) Suspend local lodges for not performing their local lodge duties and for irregularities deemed by the Board of Directors to be detrimental to SPJST. In the event of suspension, and until the suspension is lifted by the Board of Directors, one or more of the following shall be in effect:
(1) The loss of representation at Regular and Special Conventions of SPJST.
(2) All official lodge records and papers shall be relinquished to the Board of Directors for examination.
(3) The name and number of the local lodge will be dropped from the roster of the lodges.
(4) The loss of representation at district meetings and other functions of SPJST.
(5) The loss of representation at all youth activities on the district and state levels.
(6) No new applications for membership will be accepted.
(7) No transfers into the lodge will be accepted.
(8) All meetings and activities normally carried on by such lodge will cease.
(9) No local lodge dues will be collected.
(o) Suspend or discharge local lodge officers and committees for irregularities in office detrimental to SPJST on charges filed by members of the local lodge or the Board of Directors, and after 20 days notice to the accused and due hearing thereon, by a vote of two-thirds of the Board of Directors.
(p) Select and give discretionary authority to an investment manager on recommendation of the Chief Financial Officer.
(q) Ratify the operating budget of the Home Office.
(r) Assign additional duties to the President/CEO as needed.
(s) Review proposed agenda items and agenda for the Convention. The agenda will be constructed by the Executive Officers. All proposed agenda items must be submitted to the Executive Officers at least 60 days prior to the start of the Convention to be included in the Convention agenda.
(t) Review resolutions submitted for consideration of the Convention and make recommendations to the Convention regarding such resolutions. Any proposed resolution must be submitted to the Executive Officers at least 30 days prior to the start of the Convention to be considered by the Convention.
(u) Examine and pass upon the credentials of the delegates to the Convention.
(v) Review the financial standing of the Society annually and ensure that a financial report is prepared and presented to the Convention.
(w) Present a report at district meetings.
(x) Participate in lodge and district events to inform the membership on matters pertaining to SPJST.
(y) Ratify hiring and compensation of all Executive Officers.
Section 40. Chair of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall elect a chair and vice chair for a term of one year from among its seven elected District Directors. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and perform such other duties as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The vice chair will preside in the absence of the chair.
Section 41. Regular Meetings. The Board of Directors shall meet quarterly. In case of necessity, the President/CEO, in conference with the Chair of the Board of Directors, has the right to change the date of the meeting. Meetings are open to SPJST members except during executive sessions concerning personnel, disciplinary matters, litigation, or threatened litigation.
Section 42. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President/CEO or the Chair of the Board of Directors, in case of necessity. In the event that five members of the Board of Directors determine a necessity for a special meeting, and the President/CEO refuses to call such a meeting, the five members may, by written notice, call all members of the Board of Directors to such a special meeting and hold the meeting. Five members of the Board of Directors will constitute a quorum at special meetings.
Section 43. Location. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at the Home Office, unless the President/CEO or the Board of Directors designate an alternative location.
Section 44. Quorum and Voting. Five members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum. The act of a majority of the members present at a meeting at
which quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors, unless the act of a greater number is required by the Charter of Incorporation, by-laws, or applicable law.
Section 45. Electronic Communication. The Executive Committee and any committee or sub-committee of the Board of Directors, or any other meeting of SPJST at which written minutes are kept, except the Convention, may meet by telephone conference, online, or other means of communication that allows all participants to simultaneously communicate with each other.
Section 46. Action Without Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors or any committee or sub-committee of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting by written consent of all of its members then in service. A written consent under this provision shall have the same force and effect as a vote taken at a meeting.
Section 47. Minutes. The Board of Directors will designate a Home Office staff member to record minutes of all transactions at all open Board of Directors’ meetings and special meetings. The Chief Financial Officer will maintain minutes and exhibits of the Board of Directors’ meetings and Investment Committee meetings. Written consent may be given electronically.
(a) The minutes will be printed in the Vestnik within 30 days after each regular or special Board of Directors’ meeting.
(b) The minutes will include each item voted on at the meeting with a record of how each member of the Board of Directors voted on each issue. Matters concerning personnel, disciplinary matters, litigation, threatened litigation, and marketing plans will not be included.
Section 48. Committee Establishment. The Board of Directors may appoint committees to have such authority as the Board of Directors may delegate. Each committee shall consist of three or more Executive Committee members. Additional committee members may be appointed by the Board of Directors. A majority of the members of each committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all committee business.
Section 49. Audit Committee. The Audit Committee shall be responsible for the oversight of the auditors of the Society, the audit of financial statements of the Society, review of investment transactions and performance of the investment portfolio, operational procedures, and such other responsibilities designated to it from time to time.
Section 50. Communications Committee. The Communications Committee shall be responsible for determining what material proposed to be included in the Vestnik may be harmful to and against the best interests of SPJST.
Section 51. Vacancy. In the event of a vacancy by the Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Vice President of Communications, Chief Financial Officer, or Controller, such vacancy will be filled by appointment by the President/CEO with ratification by the Board of Directors.
(a) In the event of a vacancy by the President/CEO, such vacancy will be filled by the Board of Directors.
(b) In the event of a vacancy by a District Director, the position shall be filled by the Alternate District Director.
(c) In the event of a vacancy by an Alternate District Director who succeeded the District Director, the District Council Chair shall call a meeting of the delegates of the previous Regular Convention to a place centrally located for the purpose of electing a new District Director and Alternate District Director for the term to the next Convention. This election shall be carried out within 30 days. The results of the election shall be announced to the Executive Committee without delay.
Section 52. Removal of President/CEO or District Directors.
(a) The President/CEO may be removed “for cause” by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Board of Directors at a meeting called for that purpose. A District Director may be removed from the Board of Directors “for cause” by a two-thirds affirmative
vote of the Board of Directors at a meeting called for that purpose. The member of the Board of Directors whose status is at issue shall not be entitled to vote in the matter. “For cause,” for purposes of this section, shall include:
(1) Inability or failure to perform the duties and responsibilities of an Executive Committee member;
(2) Engaging in conduct unbecoming of an Executive Committee member;
(3) Absence from two Board of Directors’ meetings during the course of a calendar year, without good cause;
(4) Breaching a fiduciary duty owed to SPJST, its members, or beneficiaries;
(5) Materially violating these by-laws, the Charter of Incorporation, or any code of ethics or conflict of interest policy adopted by SPJST; or
(6) Ceasing to be a member of SPJST.
(b) For the President/CEO, a determination of cause shall be made within the reasonable discretion of the Board of Directors. For a District Director, a determination of cause shall be made within the reasonable discretion of the Board of Directors, in consultation with the District Council Chair.
(c) The President/CEO or District Director, upon termination of his/her tenure, must deliver to their successors all property belonging to SPJST.
ARTICLE 10
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Section 53. Officer Requirements. To be an Executive Officer, an individual must meet the following requirements:
(a) Be a member of SPJST for at least one year preceding the appointment. Individuals who do not
meet this one-year requirement may be hired; however, they shall not serve as an Executive Officer until they have been a member for one year.
(b) Be a citizen of the United States of America.
(c) Must have at least $50,000 of SPJST life insurance or if uninsurable, then an SPJST annuity in at least the amount of $20,000.
(d) Appreciate and promote the Czech language and culture and fluently speak the English language.
(e) Any other requirements that the Board of Directors may prescribe that take into consideration the nature of the position and magnitude of the business and affairs of SPJST.
(f) No Executive Officer can hold more than one office at a time, and no Executive Officer can receive more than one compensation at one time.
(g) No Executive Officer can receive commissions for services as a sales agent. The spouse of an Executive Officer can receive commissions for services as a sales agent at a reduced rate as determined by the commission structure for part-time agents.
(h) No Executive Officer may hold any position in the districts or lodges.
Section 54. General Duties.
(a) Submit a quarterly report to the Board of Directors of all services performed prior to each board meeting.
(b) Submit reports regularly to the Vestnik.
Section 55. President/CEO. The President/CEO shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. The President/CEO shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Society, shall have general supervision and direction of the day-to-day business and affairs of the Society, and shall perform all duties incumbent to the position and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time. The Pres-
ident/CEO is the official head of SPJST and oversees all departments. The President/CEO is an ex officio member of all appointed committees within the Board of Directors. Subject to such rules and policies as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the President/CEO shall have authority to appoint and terminate such other officers, agents, and employees and to delegate authority to them with ratification of the Board of Directors upon appointment and/or termination of an Executive Officer.
Section 56. Reasonable Compensation. Reasonable compensation of the President/CEO shall be determined by the Board of Directors. Reasonable compensation of all Executive Officers other than the President/CEO shall be recommended by the President/CEO and approved by the Board of Directors. In its determination of reasonable compensation, the Board of Directors or a committee delegated authority for officer compensation shall take into account, among others, the services rendered by the officer, the performance of the officer, the performance of the Society, market and industry standards, and compensation paid to officers of similarly situated fraternal benefit societies.
ARTICLE 11 DISTRICT DIRECTORS
Section 57. District Director Qualifications. These qualifications shall reflect the complexity and magnitude of the business and affairs of SPJST and shall therefore include expertise in corporate governance, financial accounting, and insurance, among others.
(a) District Directors are accountable to members and owe duties of loyalty and care to SPJST. District Directors’ performance should be evaluated through SPJST’s long-term performance, financial and otherwise.
(b) District Directors must have high integrity and the appropriate competence to represent the interests of all members in achieving the long-term success of SPJST. Ideally, in order to facilitate engaged and informed oversight of SPJST and the performance of management, a subset of District Directors will have professional experiences directly related to SPJST. At the same time, however, it is important to recognize that some of the best ideas, insights, and contributions can come from District Directors whose professional experiences are not directly related to SPJST.
(c) District Directors should be business savvy and member-oriented, and have a genuine passion for SPJST.
(d) District Directors should have complementary and diverse skill sets, backgrounds, and experiences.
(e) District Directors need to commit substantial time and energy to the role.
Section 58. District Director Requirements. To be a District Director, an individual must meet the following requirements:
(a) Be a citizen of the United States of America at the time of election.
(b) Be an active member for at least one year prior to the time of election.
(c) Have SPJST life insurance in force or, if uninsurable, have an SPJST annuity.
(d) Meet the lodge attendance requirements for delegates.
(e) Appreciate and promote the Czech language and culture and fluently speak the English language.
(f) Attend the Convention or have an excuse for not being present that is acceptable by two-thirds of the delegates.
(g) Be capable of assuming the responsibilities as outlined herein and as established by SPJST from time to time.
(h) Reside within the respective district.
Section 59. Term. The terms of the elected District Directors shall be for four years and commence upon the close of the Convention during which they are elected and terminate upon the close of the following Convention. No District Director can hold any position in the SPJST Home Office or district.
Section 60. General Duties. District Directors will:
(a) Oversee the management and progress of SPJST.
(b) Oversee the compliance of all by-laws and decisions of the Conventions and the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE 12 ADVISORY COUNCIL
Section 61. Convention delegates shall serve as members of the Advisory Council between Conventions. Advisory Council members shall 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.
ARTICLE 13 VĚSTNÍK – OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
Section 62. Official Publication Vestnik. SPJST shall have an official publication. The name of the official publication shall be Vestnik.
Section 63. Subscriptions. A Vestnik shall be sent to SPJST members as shown on the records of SPJST, except that if SPJST records show that two or more members have the same mailing address, an official publication mailed to one of them is deemed mailed to
all of them at the same address unless a separate copy is requested. Names and addresses of members requesting the Vestnik must be furnished to the Home Office.
ARTICLE 14 DISTRICTS
Section 64. Composition. Districts are subordinate bodies under the jurisdiction of the Board of Directors. SPJST is divided into seven districts across the state of Texas in which lodges are located. The districts are composed of the following counties:
(a) DISTRICT ONE: Austin, Bastrop (except Lodge 18), Brazos, Burleson, Caldwell, Cherokee, Fayette, Grimes, Houston, Lee, Leon, Madison, Panola, Robertson, Rusk, Trinity, Walker, and Washington.
(b) DISTRICT TWO: Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Coryell, Falls, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Lampasas, Llano, McCulloch, Mason, Menard, Milam, San Saba, Travis, Williamson, and Lodge 18, Elgin (located in Bastrop County).
(c) DISTRICT THREE: Anderson, Bosque, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Clay, Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Delta, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Fannin, Franklin, Freestone, Grayson, Gregg, Hamilton, Harrison, Henderson, Hill, Hood, Hopkins, Hunt, Jack, Johnson, Kaufman, Lamar, Limestone, McLennan (except Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy), Marion, Montague, Morris, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rains, Red River, Rockwall, Smith, Somervell, Tarrant, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt, Wise, and Wood.
(d) DISTRICT FOUR: Andrews, Archer, Armstrong, Bailey, Baylor, Borden, Brewster, Briscoe, Brown, Callahan, Carson, Castro, Childress, Cochran, Coke, Coleman, Collingsworth, Comanche, Concho, Cottle, Crane, Crockett, Crosby, Culberson, Dallam, Dawson, Deaf Smith, Dickens, Donley, Eastland, Ector, El Paso, Fisher, Floyd, Foard, Gains, Garza, Glasscock, Gray, Hale, Hall, Hansford, Hardeman, Hartley, Haskell, Hemphill, Hockley, Howard, Hudspeth, Hutchinson, Irion, Jeff Davis, Jones, Kent, Kimble, King, Knox, Lamb,
Lipscomb, Loving, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, Midland, Mills, Mitchell, Moore, Motley, Nolan, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Pecos, Presidio, Randall, Reagan, Reeves, Roberts, Runnels, Schleicher, Scurry, Shackelford, Sherman, Sterling, Stephens, Stonewall, Sutton, Swisher, Taylor, Terrell, Terry, Throckmorton, Tom Green, Upton, Val Verde, Ward, Wheeler, Wichita, Wilbarger, Winkler, Yoakum, and Young.
(e) DISTRICT FIVE: Angelina, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Tyler, and Waller.
(f) DISTRICT SIX: Aransas, Calhoun, Colorado, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, Matagorda, Refugio, Victoria, and Wharton.
(g) DISTRICT SEVEN: Atascosa, Bandera, Bee, Bexar, Brooks, Cameron, Comal, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, Frio, Guadalupe, Hays, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kinney, Kleberg, La Salle, Live Oak, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Nueces, Real, San Patricio, Starr, Uvalde, Webb, Willacy, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala.
Section 65. Annual District Meetings.
(a) Districts are obligated to convene annual meetings for consultation, information dissemination, and administrative purposes within the limits of the SPJST by-laws. These meetings serve as a forum for discussing initiatives, sharing important updates, and addressing administrative matters relevant to the district’s operation. The agenda for these meetings shall be determined by the District Council or designated leadership and should align with the goals and objectives of the SPJST organization.
(b) Additionally, the annual district meeting may be combined with social and/or youth activities to foster camaraderie, engagement, and community building among members of all age groups within the district.
(c) Every district formulates its own rules and regulations that must not conflict with the by-laws of SPJST. Any time a district desires to adopt a new activity program, which is not provided for in SPJST’s by-laws, it will present its proposal to the District Director, who in turn, will present it to the Board of Directors for approval.
(d) All deliberations and minutes must be conducted in the English language.
Section 66. District Council. The District Council shall consist of local lodge presidents and youth leaders or individuals designated by the local lodge president to serve on behalf of the lodge. The primary responsibility of the District Council shall be to coordinate and oversee the annual district meeting. Each District Council may select a chair, treasurer, and any other necessary leadership positions to facilitate the effective functioning of the group.
ARTICLE 15 LOCAL LODGES
Section 67. Charter. Lodges and youth clubs are subordinate bodies under the jurisdiction of the Board of Directors. Individual local lodges must receive their charters from the Board of Directors. Lodges are largely self-governing organizations but shall comply with these by-laws, the operations manual, the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order,” and all other requirements adopted by the Board of Directors. A local lodge may, upon adoption of a proper resolution by its membership, incorporate for fraternal, benevolent, and charitable purposes and make contracts, purchases, mortgages, lease and hold real and personal property necessary to carry out its purposes under the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act.
Section 68. Rules and Regulations. Lodges shall have the right to make and adopt rules and regulations in conformity with the Charter of Incorporation and by-laws of SPJST and not in conflict with any regulations or requirements of the Board of Directors. Such laws, alterations, or amendments are to take effect only upon the written consent of the Board of Directors.
Section 69. Charter Withdrawal. The Board of Directors may withdraw the charter of any lodge in the event the Board of Directors determines that withdrawal is in the best interest of SPJST. The Board of Directors shall provide for the disposition of property of lodges that have been suspended or dissolved in a manner consistent with the purposes of lodges.
Section 70. New Lodges. A newly established lodge is free to adopt any name with the approval of the Board of Directors. Prior to granting permission to designate a proposed lodge in an area, the Board of Directors shall review and consider the potential need for the area, and the proximity of existing lodges.
(a) The application for permission to organize a new lodge must be forwarded to the Board of Directors on an appropriate form listing the names of not less than 20 respectable persons who were not members of SPJST at the time of application but who have applied for insurance and have been accepted as members in anticipation of forming a new lodge.
(b) The Board of Directors will then send a representative to the new lodge for the purpose of organizing the lodge, electing officers, and giving basic lodge organizational instruction and general information about SPJST.
(c) After a new lodge has sufficient members, other than transfers and juveniles, it must, after one year of its organization, be formally chartered in accordance with the wishes of the members and the ritual of the Board of Directors.
(d) If 20 members cannot be secured immediately, a proposed lodge can be designated and members can be accumulated over a period of up to 365 days into the proposed lodge in process of being formed. The Board of Directors has the authority to extend this period. If a lodge is not organized within the period authorized, the Board of Directors will assign any members in the proposed lodge to another lodge of the member’s choice or to the nearest SPJST lodge.
Section 71. Mergers. Two or more lodges wishing to merge or consolidate may do so if notice is given to the membership of both lodges in the Vestnik at least twice before the meeting at which consolidation is to be considered. Each member who has attained the age of 18 years will be mailed a written notice that a merger will be voted upon at such meeting. The merger can become effective only if a majority of the members present of each merging lodge vote in favor of the merger.
Section 72. Lodge Meetings. Local lodges must conduct at least quarterly planning meetings to remain in good standing and elect delegates to the Convention. Meetings are held on the day and hour specified by the regulations of the local lodge and announced in the Vestnik.
(a) Presence of five Adult Members of a local lodge in good standing constitutes a quorum for valid transaction of all business of the local lodge, according to the by-laws and rules.
(b) Discussions of political and religious matters of any kind are not allowed in lodge meetings. The president of the lodge is required to stop such discussions.
(c) Each member has the right to attend meetings of other lodges; however, he/she does not have the right of deliberation, unless called upon by the president.
(d) Officers and committees are installed in the regular meeting following the annual meeting or at a time deemed most expedient to the lodge.
(e) All deliberations and minutes will be conducted in the English language.
(f) Failure of the lodge to meet regularly or to operate in accordance with the rules, regulations, bylaws, or fraternal spirit of the Society shall be grounds for the President/CEO, following consultation with the Board of Directors, to suspend the lodge’s charter for a period of 90 days. If the lodge fails to correct the deficiency within the suspension period, it shall be grounds for the reassignment of lodge members and/or the revocation of the lodge’s charter.
Section 73. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting is to be held in November or December, or the first meeting thereafter. The election of nominated candidates is held during the annual meeting at which time every member has the right to vote for any other candidate on his/her ballot. Whenever a lodge deems it necessary, with the consent of two-thirds of the members present, it may nominate candidates for officers, delegates, and committees in the meeting preceding the annual meeting.
Section 74. Lodge Dues. Every local lodge determines its own local dues, if any, at annual meetings. Every lodge has the right to levy special dues and assessments, if any, on its members when the regular assessments and funds of the lodge are not sufficient to cover the sick benefits and other purely lodge purposes and requirements. These assessments also apply to social members. Members who have their certificates paid up in due course, according to the terms thereof and who wish to remain active members, must pay the local lodge dues and assessments, if any, as prescribed by the lodge to which they belong, payable annually. Dues are to be paid to the treasurer before or at the end of the regular business meeting.
Section 75. Suspension of Membership. Members may be suspended from local lodge membership but will not lose their insurance benefit except for nonpayment of premiums or if it occurs within the contestable period of the benefit contract and is for material misrepresentation in the application for membership or insurance.
Section 76. Lodge Officers. The following officers will be elected: president, vice president (to serve as fraternal activities coordinator for the lodge unless the lodge elects a fraternal activities coordinator as a separate position), second vice president (optional), secretary, treasurer, fraternal activities coordinator (optional), reporter (optional), and youth leader (optional). Lodges may also elect or appoint a flag bearer, assistant youth leader(s), and parliamentarian.
(a) The office of the local lodge president may not be combined with any other office within the local lodge.
(b) Election of officers is by ballot whenever more than one candidate is nominated for the same office. A majority of votes decides. Officers are elected for one year or until their successors are elected. All officers elected take office on January 1, except lodges holding annual meetings in January, in which case such officers take office immediately following election.
(c) All outgoing local lodge officers are required to transfer all records, reference materials, booklets, and funds to their successors in good order at the conclusion of their term. Failure to comply with this requirement will disqualify the member from holding office in the future.
(d) The President/CEO shall have supervision and control over all lodge officers. He/She shall have the authority, following consultation with the Board of Directors, to remove from office any lodge officer who fails to properly perform the duties of said office or whose actions are deemed contrary to the best interest of the Society or the local lodge. In the event of a removal, another member of the lodge shall be appointed by the President/CEO of the Society to fill the vacancy in an interim capacity until the lodge can convene and fill the position through an elective process.
Section 77. Board of Trustees. In case of necessity and if the size and volume of business warrants it, a lodge may elect a board of trustees. The board of trustees may consist of as many members as the lodge deems expedient. The board of trustees is responsible for all lodge property and gives a current account of that property to the members.
Section 78. Candidate Eligibility. In nominating a candidate for local lodge office, preference shall be given to those members who attend lodge meetings and activities on a regular basis. A lodge may require in its rules and regulations that a member must have attended a majority of the meetings for the year of the election in order to be elected as an officer. An exception to the attendance requirement exists where an office has not been filled prior to the election. A member on suspension, for whatever reason, will not be elected to a position of responsibility in the lodge. Any member of the local lodge
who desires to serve as a lodge officer who is an underwriter of any insurance company or an agent (underwriter) of any other fraternal life insurance society may be elected but must first disclose this information prior to the election.
Section 79. Dissolution. In the event of dissolution of a lodge, after the payment of all legally binding debts, the remaining assets and funds of the lodge, if any, shall never inure to the benefit of any member of the lodge and no funds or property of the lodge shall be distributed among or revert to any member. Nothing herein will prevent transferring such funds or property to another duly chartered SPJST local lodge, or from one duly chartered SPJST lodge merging with another duly chartered SPJST lodge.
(a) No lodge can be dissolved as long as 20 members are still in favor of its further existence.
(b) In case a lodge is dissolved, it is the duty of the last officers to deliver all books and papers belonging to the lodge to the Home Office.
ARTICLE 16 BENEFIT CERTIFICATES
Section 80. Beneficiaries. Benefit certificates may be made payable to such person or persons, entity, or interest as may be permitted under the rules and regulations of SPJST and applicable state laws.
(a) A beneficiary shall not have or acquire any claim against SPJST whatsoever until the insured dies unless otherwise provided by law.
Section 81. Contract. The certificate of membership and insurance or annuity, together with any riders or endorsements attached to it, the application, the declaration of insurability (if any) signed by the applicant, the Charter of Incorporation, By-Laws of SPJST, and Operations Manual and all amendments to them, constitute the entire contract when it is issued. Any subsequent changes, additions, or amendments to the Charter of Incorporation or by-laws shall be binding upon the applicant member, certificate owner, beneficiaries, and other persons affected, and shall govern and control in all re-
spects, except that no changes shall destroy or diminish benefits promised in the certificate when it was issued.
Section 82. Terms. Any person upon whose life a certificate is issued prior to attaining the age of 18 years shall be bound by the terms of the application and certificate and by all the laws and rules of SPJST to the same extent as though the age of 18 years had been attained at the time of application.
Section 83. Reserves. If SPJST’s reserves for any class of SPJST’s benefit certificates becomes impaired, the Board of Directors may require the certificate holders to pay SPJST an equitable proportion of the deficiency as determined by the Board of Directors. The aggregate amount for the impaired reserves may not exceed the total amount required to comply with section 885.408 of the Texas Insurance Code. If such payment is not made, either:
(a) it shall stand as indebtedness against the certificate and draw interest not to exceed the rate specified for certificate loans; or
(b) in lieu of or in combination with, the owner may accept a proportionate reduction in benefits under the certificate.
Section 84. Certificate Loans. The policies and procedures for certificate loans shall be governed by the terms of the insurance certificate contract and laws of the State of Texas. Certificate loans are administered in accordance with policies and procedures determined by the Board of Directors and fully in compliance with the certificate contract.
Section 85. Assignments. No assignment of the certificate shall be binding upon SPJST until the original or copy is filed with SPJST at the Home Office and the Home Office shall have made written acknowledgment thereof. SPJST assumes no responsibility for the validity of any assignment and any claim hereunder by an assignee shall always be inferior to those of SPJST to secure any indebtedness against this certificate, whether such indebtedness shall be created before or after any assignment.
Section 86. Change of Beneficiary. Any member desiring to change his/her beneficiary may do so.
(a) The request for change of beneficiary must be completed by the member on a form in use by SPJST. Change of beneficiary forms must be filed with SPJST at the Home Office. A person whose designation as a beneficiary is revocable may not have or obtain a vested interest in the proceeds before the certificate pays out.
(b) No beneficiary change shall take effect unless received by the Home Office during the lifetime of the insured. When it is received, any change shall take effect as of the date the request for beneficiary change was signed, as long as the request for change was mailed or actually delivered to the Home Office while the insured was alive. Such beneficiary change shall be null and void where SPJST has made a good faith payment of the proceeds or has taken other action before receiving the change.
ARTICLE 17 ANNUITY CERTIFICATES
Section 87. The Board of Directors sets policies and procedures on Annuity Certificates.
ARTICLE 18 MORTGAGE LOANS
Section 88. The Board of Directors sets policies and procedures on Mortgage Loans.
ARTICLE 19 INDEMNIFICATION
Section 89. Indemnification. To the extent permitted by law, SPJST does hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Executive Committee serving SPJST against liability for any claims or causes of action which may be made against any of the above stated individuals, of any kind or nature, for such acts or omissions which would arise in the performance of their duties. SPJST shall agree to pay any damages on
behalf of any of the above stated individuals for which they may be held liable. SPJST shall agree to pay any and all expenses that may be incurred by any of the above stated individuals, including, but not limited to payment of reasonable attorney fees for defense of any claims or cause of action made whatsoever.
Section 90. Insurance. SPJST shall maintain insurance on each Executive Committee member against liability for acts or omissions in the performance of their duties as determined by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE 20 FUNDS AND INVESTMENTS
Section 91. There shall be established and maintained by dues and assessments collected from members and from all other income of the Society, a fund or funds for the payment of death and other benefits and for the accumulation of reserves on certificates as provided by law and/or the benefit certificates, and for the expense of management and extension of the Society.
Section 92. The Board of Directors shall have supervision over the operations of the funds of the Society. The funds shall be invested in accordance with all applicable laws and the Investment Policy Statement adopted by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE 21 INTERPRETATION OF BY-LAWS
Section 93. If any section of these by-laws should not be explicit, or in case of uncertainty or dispute as to its intent or meaning, the Board of Directors shall have the power to decide upon such situation; and its decision shall remain in force until such decision or section is duly amended.
ARTICLE 22 RULES OF PROCEDURE
Section 94. If the Charter of Incorporation or by-laws of SPJST are silent as to any procedural aspect of any action or meeting hereunder, the procedures of the latest
edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order” shall control such procedure.
ARTICLE 23 WAIVER
Section 95. No subordinate body, nor any of its subordinate officers or members, shall have the power or authority to waive any of the provisions of the by-laws of the Society. Such provisions shall be binding on the Society and every member and beneficiary of a member.
ARTICLE 24 AMENDMENTS
Section 96. Repeal/Amend. These by-laws may be repealed or amended in whole or in part by a two-thirds majority vote at any regular or special Convention.
Section 97. Between meetings of the Convention, the Board of Directors may by two-thirds vote of all members of the Board of Directors, amend these bylaws in any way necessary to clarify or give effect to Convention enactments, to remove or revise contradictions or ambiguities, or to make these bylaws conform to the laws of the State of Texas. All by-law changes shall be published in the Vestnik stating the reason for the change.
Section 98. Effective Date. Amendments to these bylaws shall take effect upon their adoption, unless another time is specified, and shall be submitted to Texas Department of Insurance. All amendments to the Charter of Incorporation or by-laws of SPJST or a synopsis thereof shall be published in the Vestnik within the time required by the laws of the State of Texas. The Chief Financial Officer shall file with Texas Department of Insurance a certified copy of each amendment not later than the 90th day after the date of enactment of the amendment. A printed copy of the by-laws, as amended, that is certified by the Chief Financial Officer is prima facie evidence that the by-laws were legally adopted.
Section 99.
Power to Correct Typographical Errors.
The Convention directs the Executive Officers to correct typographical errors that might appear in the fore-
going by-laws and to renumber the articles, sections, subsections, and/or subparagraphs in codifying the same so as to place them in proper order but without changing the context, intent, and purpose thereof. Should any article, section, or part of these by-laws be held invalid for any reason whatsoever by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the remainder or any part thereof.
ARTICLE 25 RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES
Section 100. The purpose of this article is to provide a method for fair resolution of disputes consistent with the fraternal nature of SPJST. Should a formal complaint be brought against any member(s), committee member(s), or officer(s), the provisions contained in this article shall be followed as these procedures have been structured to reflect the spirit of the disciplinary process as detailed in the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order.”
(a) Local lodges of SPJST and their officers and members, as well as members of the Executive Committee, shall guide themselves according to all applicable laws and by-laws of SPJST; otherwise, they are subject to penalty for violation and nonobservance of them. Punishments that a lodge can impose generally fall under the headings of corrective actions, censure, suspension, or expulsion. Members may be suspended from membership for the following reasons, but will not lose their insurance benefit except for nonpayment of premiums and dues:
1. Members found to be guilty of immoral acts; 2. Members convicted of felonious acts; 3. Members derelict in their responsibilities; 4. Members guilty of improper conduct and habitually failing to adhere to the by-laws, rules and regulations in the meeting; and 5. Members whose actions are considered injurious to SPJST or its purposes.
(b) Lodge grievances and charges against members initiated by other members are to be filed in writing with the local lodge president, with a copy to the SPJST President/CEO.
(c) The local lodge president shall review the grievance and/or charge and render a determination after conferring with the SPJST President/CEO to be communicated discreetly to the member within 30 days of receipt of the grievance and/or charge. The member making the charge shall also be informed of the determination rendered by the local lodge president.
(d) The local lodge president’s determination of the grievance and/or charge may be appealed in writing to the SPJST President/CEO within 30 days of the local lodge president’s determination.
(e) The President/CEO’s decision shall be final unless the member files a written appeal of the decision within 30 days to the Board of Directors. The decision of the President/CEO will stand unless and until the decision is modified by the SPJST Board of Directors.
(f) If the charge is filed against the local lodge president, the grievance shall go directly to the SPJST President/CEO who shall render a determination within 30 days of receipt of the grievance or charge.
—SPJST—
From The SPJST Executive Committee
June 17, 2024
Special Meeting Minutes of SPJST Executive Committee held by Web Conference at the SPJST Home Office Temple, Texas
PRESIDING
Chair of the Board of Directors John Engelke called the meeting to order at 12 noon.
ATTENDING
Board of Directors—Donnie VictorickDistrict One/Vice Chair of the Board of Directors; Jesse Pospisil - District Two; John Engelke - District Three/Chair of the Board of Directors; Bobby DavisDistrict Four; Bradley Stavinoha - District Five; Annie Vahalik - District Six; Regina House - District Seven.
Executive Officers—Brian Vanicek, President/CEO; Delisle Doherty, Vice President of Sales and Marketing; Melanie Zavodny, Vice President of Communications; Leonard Mikeska, Chief Financial Officer; Roy Vajdak, Controller.
Recording Secretary—Linda Hill, Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer.
PURPOSE OF MEETING
The special called meeting of the SPJST Board of Directors was called and held to address a corrective action relevant to the District Two Caucus vote for Governance Committee representative which took place during the 34th SPJST Convention on June 8 at the Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple, Texas. When the vote was tallied, tellers did not take into consideration the actual delegate count apportioned to each delegate, respective of his or her lodge.
In response, District Two Director Jesse Pospisil requested ratification from the Board of Directors, “That District Two delegates be requested to recast their
vote for District Two Governance Committee representative and that ballots be tallied in accordance with guidelines prescribed in Section 31* of the 2021 SPJST By-Laws.”
Following discussion and with deference to Section 31 of the 2021 SPJST By-Laws and Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th Edition, Article 23:6 (e) which protects the basic electoral rights of individual members, board members voted, unanimously and by roll call, to ratify the request by Director Pospisil that District Two delegates be requested to recast their vote.
*Section 31. Votes. A lodge represented by its delegate, or delegates is entitled to one vote for every adult member. Delegates from each lodge shall divide their lodge’s votes equally among themselves. In the event the votes do not divide equally among its delegates, the extra votes shall be assigned proportionally to all of the lodge’s delegates. (Example given, a lodge with 4 delegates and 405 votes would result in each delegate having 101.25 votes).
Decision was to mail a ballot to each District Two delegate, and delegates are to use the ballot to vote for District Two Governance Committee Representative. After voting, delegates are to be instructed to mail their ballot in the provided envelope to David Bigham, CPA for tabulation. The ballots must be received in the office of David Bigham, CPA no later than 5 p.m. on July 8, 2024.
The meeting was adjourned. Fraternally submitted by, Linda
R. Hill
Recording Secretary
Leonard Mikeska Chief Financial Officer
—SPJST—
Camp Kubena Executive Director shares special message
American philosopher William James once said, “The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.”
At Camp Kubena, I truly feel that we have created a lasting outdoor experience that will positively impact lives for many decades to come, and I’m proud we have accomplished this together. Although I’m excited for tomorrow, I also feel a bit sad today to say goodbye in August. The time has come for me to begin the next adventure with my life partner in the state of Oregon. Cassandra is the love of my life, and Oregon has provided us the opportunity to begin that next chapter of our lives together. I have given my notice of resignation to the SPJST Executive Committee and had the special opportunity to give this message to the adults, youth, and leaders during the SPJST Summer Camp which was recently held at Camp Kubena.
This year’s SPJST Summer Camp at Camp Kubena was especially impactful to me. As a member of SPJST, I was given the opportunity to be an SPJST Camp Leader in Cabin 8. My son, Colby, was one of the Leaders-in-Training (LITs) in that cabin. It is difficult for me to put into words the positive impacts this year’s summer camp made on me, Colby, and my daughter, Sable. I got to see my kids become leaders, socialize with fantastic campers, and disconnect
from the distractions of the “plugged-in world.”
The young boys in Cabin 8 filled my heart with joy. We sang songs, had shadow puppet contests, and the stories were bountiful. These were just a few of the many wonderful things I got to experience during camp. It really showed me the incredible impact SPJST’s youth program has on our children and their families. I also got the unique experience of seeing first hand the positive impacts of the efforts I and many others have put in at Camp Kubena. This camp and its spirit can never be replaced!
Thank you all for letting me be a part of your organization for the past five and one-half years. I am going to miss Camp Kubena, but I will not be gone forever. Colby, Sable, and I are already making plans to be a part of the 2025 SPJST Summer Camp at Camp Kubena! Someone must play the camp song! Camp Kubena makes a difference in people’s lives, and I can’t wait to watch as you continue this important work, and work doesn’t feel like work when you love what you do every day. With much heart felt love, Rob Clift, Executive Director Camp Kubena SPJST Lodge 179, Warrenton —SPJST—
Member Engagement news
from state fraternal director frank horak
State Fraternal Director shares July updates
The month of June was a busy one for SPJST and the Member Engagement Department as we prepared for the SPJST Convention and Summer Camp. It was wonderful to connect with our delegates at the Welcome Reception on Friday evening and to see everyone at the Convention on Saturday.
Our first day of camp was wet and rainy, but the youth stayed engaged with many indoor activities. The camp theme, “Going for Gold,” included friendly Olympic-style competitions that celebrated the cultures of America, Italy, Mexico, and Czechia. Campers were grouped into 10 teams, and they creatively brainstormed their own country’s name, flag, and song. Our campers are exceptionally creative and talented, and I am very proud of them. They enjoyed activities such as canoeing, blobbing, swimming, ziplining, dancing, and playing SPJST Football.
I wholeheartedly applaud and celebrate our Camp Leaders and teen Leaders-in-Training (LITs) for making summer camp a roaring success! During the final day of camp, it was clear that the camp was a success when campers enthusiastically expressed their gratitude, bid farewell until next year with beaming smiles, and prepared for the ride home with their parents.
State Youth Showcase: “Going for GoldWhere Family, Service, and Victory Unite”
We are looking forward to the State Youth Showcase to be held at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple, Texas, on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27. We are thrilled to invite you to this exciting event which will include more than 700 amazing entries.
Important dates for talent and royalty entries are:
Wednesday, July 3 - Talent and Royalty entries will receive an email with file upload instructions.
Saturday, July 13 - Talent and Royalty deadline to upload audio/video files and script/speech.
2024 Incentives Program
Second Quarter Fraternal Activities
Due July 15
We appreciate our lodge officers recording the fraternal and community hours for the incentive program during the second quarter, demonstrating their commitment to accuracy and attention to detail. We appreciate the time you take entering the data. We ask that all second quarter entries (April, May, and June) be completed on Monday, July 15 by submitting the information on the SPJST Gives app.
July 1 begins the third quarter of the 2024 lodge incentive program.
SPJST Gives App
The Member Engagement Department is happy to introduce our new app available to lodge officers. This app can be directly added to your homescreen on a smartphone, tablet, iPad, or computer. You will have access to the 2024 SPJST Lodge Community Service and Fraternal Activities, Věstníks, newsletters, forms, and calendar. The app can be downloaded at this link: https://www.jotform.com/app/spjst/gives.
SPJST District Two Annual Meeting
District Two will host its annual meeting on Sunday, August 4 at Lodge 47, Seaton. Plans are to have a pulled pork sandwich meal along with fun and games for all. The officers are asking for donations for the dessert walk, spinning wheel, and silent auction. We hope to see everyone on August 4.
2024 Lodge Membership DriveSPJST Proud!
The SPJST Insurance/Sales and Mar keting Department has created a Lodge Membership Drive program to help raise funds for your lodge. See the flyer with more information about the pro gram in previous Vestnik
2024 Caring Challenges: Adult Lodge and Youth Groups
difference in their communities and earn service hours for the incentives program. We realize that some lodges meet quarterly - you are not required to do any or all of these projects. We are hoping these ideas provide motivation and inspiration. A big thank you to the lodges, youth clubs, and members who are participating in these projects.
Our July Caring Challenge is “Supplying Success!” Reach out to neighborhood schools to discover their needs and join in collecting items to fill backpacks.
Photograph your projects and members who participated. Submit your photo along with details at spjst.org/gives and share it on social media using #spjstgives.
We are here to help! Need assistance or have questions? Please contact us. We are here to help.
Frank Horak State Fraternal Director 254-773-1575, ext. 177 frankh@spjst.com
Tammy Martinez Member Engagement Specialist 254-773-1575, ext. 164 tammym@spjst.com
Fraternally, Frank Horak State Fraternal Director —SPJST—
The third quarter (July to September) theme is “Mission Backpack,” and we encourage our lodges, youth clubs, and members to engage with their neighborhood schools to make a difference.
Note: These are ideas and sugges tions for lodges, youth clubs, and members who are wishing to make a
Photograph your contributions and members who participated. Submit photos and details at spjst.org/gives on social media using Questions? Call 254-773-1575, ext. 177 JULY MONTHLY CHALLENGE
SUPPLYING SUCCESS
Join us in collecting items to fill backpacks! Reach out to your neighborhood schools to understand their needs. Your contributions will make a significant impact on students’ journeys, ensuring they start the school year with the tools they need to succeed. Let’s come together to supply success to our future leaders.
From the Desk of Delisle L. Doherty SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing
It’s Your Life
Passing the Torch
Thank you, Tom Meier, for the inspiration.
At the Convention a few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of hearing Tom Meier speak about the importance of passing the torch. His presentation made me reflect on how often we have opportunities to pass the torch and how often we fail to do so. This reluctance stems from our unwillingness to let go. Unfortunately, by holding on too tightly, we risk tarnishing our legacy or losing it altogether.
Tale of Two Businesses
I owned my own business for years and groomed my son to take over one day. In 2010, I passed it on to him. He brought his own style to the business, and I am proud to see it grow under his leadership. I could have kept the business and had him work for me until I retired, but I realized that the longer I held on, the less likely he would stay. If he left, what would have happened to the business? Would I have to sell it upon retirement? Would it close? By passing it to my son, the business is now thriving, and I have the joy of seeing my legacy continue.
Conversely, I have a friend who owns a business he didn’t pass on to his sons. They pursued their own careers, and now that he’s ready to retire, neither is interested in taking over. He’s been trying to sell the business for the last two years without success. He may have to close it down this year. When his sons were interested, he couldn’t let go.
Our lodges are very much like these two businesses. Some lodges are willing
to let younger members take over and mentor them, ensuring continuity. Other lodges resist this change and find themselves struggling to maintain operations without anyone to take over. These lodges may eventually need to merge with another lodge or close.
SPJST is one big family. Like any family, we want to preserve our legacy. To do so, we must be willing to pass the torch. Waiting too long risks finding no one willing to take it up, and the flame will go out. When the time comes to pass the torch, don’t be afraid to start grooming your replacement and welcoming their fresh ideas. The lodge you run today is likely very different from what it was in 1940, 1960, or 1980. Embrace the opportunity to let someone build upon your work. Don’t wait too long, or you may miss the chance to enjoy your legacy’s continuation. Pass the torch, sit back, and take pride in the legacy you created, and smile as they create their own. Like the tale of two businesses, which would you rather do...pass the torch, or watch it wither? The choice is yours.
“No one among us is truly ‘self made.’ We all stand on the shoulders of the giants that have gone before us.”
– Tom Meier’s presentation, “Passing the Torch,” 2024 Convention
My door is always open, figuratively, and literally.
Stay blessed,
Delisle L. Doherty Vice President of Sales and Marketing
832-232-2049 —SPJST—
From the SPJST Insurance Department
Antonio on Monday, June 24, 2024, with special guest District Seven
Regina
in attenance.
are,
right, Javier Mora of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi; Magdalena Gonzalez of Lodge 133, San Antonio; Linda Ramey of Lodge 202, Jourdanton; Director House; Territory Manager Ralph Juarez; and Victor Ramirez of Lodge 133, San Antonio.
Director
House
Pictured
left to
District News
District Two meeting set for August 4 at Lodge 47, Seaton
The Annual District Two Meeting will be held Sunday, August 4, 2024, at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall. Registration is from 1 to 2 p.m., and the meeting begins at 2 p.m.
Activities will include a 50/50 raffle, lottery wreath, counting jar games, silent auction, spinning wheel (country store), dessert walk, and ring toss.
SPJST LODGE SECTION
invites all to July 21 annual picnic
A meal of pulled pork sandwiches, chips, pickles, onions, iced tea, and banana pudding will be available.
Members are asked to donate grocery-type items for the spinning wheel; 8x8 cakes, one-half dozen cupcakes or cookies, etc. for the dessert walk; and 2-liter, 16-ounce, 20-ounce, or Koolaid Jammers for the ring toss.
Save the date, watch for more infomation, and plan to attend this event on Sunday, August 4 at Seaton Star Hall. We look forward to seeing you there!
—SPJST—
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
Lodge 20, Granger meets August 11 to discuss sale of lodge properties
Dear Lodge 20, Granger Members,
I am writing you today to provide notice that SPJST Lodge 20, Granger is proposing to sell the properties located at 112 and 114 West Davilla Street in Granger, Texas. In accordance with SPJST Home Office operational procedures, a special meeting will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024 at 6 p.m.
Email: vestnik@spjst.org
Online: spjst.org/news/submitarticle-photo
Questions? Call 800-727-7578
Lodge 6 welcomes and appreciates any volunteer time you may be able to offer. Helping each other strengthens the ties that bind us in brotherhood.
Fraternally,
As president of SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood, I cordially invite all SPJST members, their families, and friends to our annual picnic on Sunday, July 21, 2024. A fried chicken and sausage meal with all the trimmings will be served, starting at 11 a.m. inside the hall. To-go plates will also be offered outside at our food booth at the back of the hall.
Indoor auction will begin shortly after lunch. The auction tends to be very entertaining so stay cool and enjoy a cold refreshment from the bar. Thank you to the businesses and SPJST members who have donated time and gifts for the raffle and auction. There are some great prizes on the raffle and tickets are a bargain: $1 each or six tickets for $5. Buy tickets from any lodge member. These fundraising efforts aid our lodge in helping others in our community and through charitable organizations.
Don Urbanovsky, President —SPJST—
Lodge 8, Weimar members to enjoy July 9 social lunch
The lodge voted to have a social lunch gathering in July to celebrate the July birthdays. The date is set for Tuesday, July 9 at 11 a.m. at La Vaqueros in Schulenburg. La Vaqueros is located at the corner of Highway 77 and Highway 90.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 979-2474168. We would love to see our members attend this social lunch.
Take care, God bless, be safe and have a good summer.
Carolyn M. Tobola
Secretary/Treasurer
—SPJST—
All Lodge 20 members are being notified, and their presence is being requested to vote on this matter. Operational procedures prohibit voting by proxy or mail so member attendance is of utmost importance.
This meeting will be an opportune time to discuss not only the proposed sale of lodge properties but also a time to discuss ideas on how Lodge 20, Granger can continue to serve our members and community. In the event that members vote to sell, the lodge will have additional resources to further the growth of the lodge. Let it be noted that if sales do occur, revenue would be retained by Lodge 20, Granger.
The officers of Lodge 20, Granger greatly look forward to meeting with members on this day. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jvonne Elwood through email at jvonne.lalla@gmail.com.
Fraternally, Jvonne Lalla Elwood Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 25, Ennis honors Milestone Members
Lodge 25, Ennis met on Thursday, June 13, 2024, beginning with a dinner honoring our 75- and 50-year members. Those recognized in attendance were 75-year member Patsy Zajik and 50year members David E. Slovak, Lori Mach, Barbara Montgomery, Linda Jurik, and Lisa Sullivan. Congratulations to all!
Joann announced that we had a successful polka festival. Both Joann and Betty thanked all the volunteers for their hard work citing that we couldn’t do it without all the great help. New members announced were James Clayton and Thomas Borders.
Rita announced that Ennis fraternal lodges KJT, KJZT, and Sokol are hosting a swim party at the Sokol on Friday, July 26. All members are welcome to attend. We have one camper attending SPJST Summer Camp at Camp Kubena this month, and the State Youth Showcase will be held on July 26 and 27 in Temple.
Our next event will be Wednesday Birthday Night which will be held on June 26. Please bring a covered dish.
Next Meeting—July 11
The next meeting will be July 11. Hope to see everyone soon!
Fraternally yours, Margaret Krajca, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 6, Cottonwood Delegates Attend Convention
Lodge 6, Cottonwood delegates pictured during the 34th Convention proceedings on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple are, left to right, Peggy Dobecka, Jeanette Beseda, and Irene Peterson.
Lodge 32, Victoria meets July 11 at Denny’s
Dear Members,
Lodge 32, Victoria will meet Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at Denny’s, located at 7601 North Navarro in Victoria. Please note the venue change for this month’s meeting. We hope to see you there!
Fraternally, Kathy Ahlstrom, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje: volunteering at Blessing Cup
Dear Members,
Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje members will be volunteering every Monday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Blessing Cup Storehouse. Members will help the local community receive clothes, food, and other needed items. The Blessing Cup Storehouse is located at 507 Burns Street in El Campo, Texas. We look forward to seeing you.
Fraternally, Sharon Borak, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje members to volunteer at Hillje Summer Festival
Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje will be volunteering and enjoying the fraternal spirit at Hillje Summer Festival. The Festival is on Sunday, August 18 beginning at 11 a.m. The Festival is at Hillje Parish Hall, 270 St. Andrew Street in El Campo, Texas.
See you at the Festival!
Sharon Borak, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje invites all to assist with July 13 hall clean
up day
Volunteer Day—July 13
On Saturday, July 13, Lodge 40 will be having a volunteer cleanup at Hillje hall will begin at 7:30 to 8 a.m.
Game Day Social on July 20
The next social will be a game day at El Campo Library on Saturday, July 20 beginning at 10 a.m. Snacks will be provided.
Teacher Tribute—September 3
On September 3, Lodge 40 will meet at El Campo Library at 9 a.m. to go around to schools to make a tribute to teachers or school personnel with letters, cards, or a small gift.
Lodge 18, Elgin hosts SPJST float in Western Days Parade
Next Meeting—September 8
The next meeting is Sunday, September 8 at 1 p.m. in Mikeska’s Bar-BQue Banquet Room. Members will participate in Book Bonanza. Please bring gently used books, games, puzzles, and toys to donate to Boys and Girls Club.<>
Fraternally, Sharon Borak, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton hosts 42 domino tournament on July 13
Lodge 47, Seaton will host a 42 domino tournament on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Star Hall, 10842 State Highway 53, Temple, Texas. Registration is from 8 to 9 a.m., and play begins at 10 a.m. Entry fee is $40 per team. The kitchen and bar will be open during the days. Cash prizes will
be awarded to the top four teams. Rules are no nello, no splash, no plunge, no 7s, and no forced bid. Bid follow me or doubles or trumps. To register or for more information, contact Danny at 254-760-7819 or Tammy at 254-493-9892.
Danny Stepan —SPJST—
Lodge 66, Waco contributes to Veterans’ projects at Convention
The meeting of Lodge 66, Waco was called to order by President Douglas Galler at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Bellmead, Texas, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. There were 12 adults present, two youth, and one visitor, Joan Shelton. A moment of silence was observed for departed member Dorothy Veselka. She will be greatly missed. All officers were present.
Lodge 9, Snook Member Sierra Sebesta named DNA Coordinator for Beefmasters Breeders United Beefmasters Breeders United recently announced and introduced its new DNA Coordinator as Sierra Sebesta, who is a member of SPJST Lodge 9, Snook.
Hailing from Snook, Texas, Sierra completed her bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University in animal science. She also recently completed her master’s degree in animal breeding at Texas A&M University focusing her research on the effects of prenatal transportation stress on liver gene expression in Brahman calves.
Sierra has a deep passion for the cattle industry and beef genetics.
At Texas A&M, Sierra had opportunities to intern with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. She enjoyed gaining new knowledge and making connections in the beef cattle industry.
While growing up, she aided her parents with running their commercial cattle operation, as well as raising registered Santa Gertrudis cattle.
Sierra was an active SPJST Youth Club member at Lodge 9, Snook. She was also an SPJST Scholarship recipient. She is the daughter of Richard and Laura Sebesta. Sierra’s mother, Laura, serves as assistant youth leader at Lodge 9. Congratulations to Sierra, and we wish her the best in this new position! —SPJST—
Lodge 18, Elgin hosted the SPJST Float in the Western Days Parade on Saturday, June 22, 2024. LEFT PHOTO: Riding on the float are, left to right, Lodge 18 President Judith Sanders, Bar Manager Darren Mogonye, Lisa Crawford, and Trustee Mike Mogonye. The float received the first place award in the parade. RIGHT PHOTO: Float Driver David Nauert, left, and Lodge 18 Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Paul Mogonye.
Sierra Sebesta
Lodge Secretary Dana McAdams read the minutes from the last meeting. Diana Engelke made a motion to accept the minutes as read, and John Engelke seconded the motion. The motion was passed. Then Dana read correspondence from the Home Office. We have one new member, Jameson Trickett Collins.
Jodie McAdams, Sr. then gave the fraternal report. Happy Flag Day, and please remember our Houston and Temple SPJST members who have been affected by severe storms. The 34th Convention was a great success. Summer Camp is coming soon. State Youth Showcase is July 26 and 27. There is a lodge membership drive ongoing. Please make a referral if you or someone you know needs a policy. Community events and caring challenges are going strong. If you have been collecting pop-tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, please get those turned in to Jodie or Dana McAdams. Next month’s caring challenge is to bring school supplies for a local school. There was discussion about getting teachers’ gift cards to buy school supplies.
Dana then gave a youth club report. The youth met on June 9 at La Quinta Inn and Suites in Woodway at 4 p.m. for their meeting and a social. There were 11 youth club members, one youth visitor (Elizabeth Reid), and six adults present. The youth collected pop-tabs for Ronald McDonald House in Temple,
Lodge 13, Dime Box members assist with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Bazaar
discussed camp, and the Youth Showcase. In new business, they discussed the slideshow for Showcase, having a group talent, and having a fundraiser at Peter Piper Pizza on July 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. June birthday was Morgan Oliver, and the meeting adjourned at 4:27 p.m. with a cookie cake and swimming.
Lodge Treasurer Diana Engelke then gave the treasurer’s report. The lodge had overpaid the Home Office for the youth club camp fees. So the lodge donated the extra $225 to the Veteran bags that were made at the 34th Convention. In total, 722 bags were created to be distributed to veterans while attending VA appointments in the local area.
In old business, there was discussion about the Convention and the creation of a new district council instead of district officers. In new business, there was discussion about Camp Kubena and making a donation to the cost of the
Lodge 25, Ennis Honors Milestone Members
Lodge 25, Ennis hosted a dinner on June 13, 2024, in recognition of its Milestone Members. Special honorees were, left to right, David E. Slovak (50-year member), Lori Mach (50-year member), Patsy Zajic (75-year member), Barbara Montgomery (50-year member), Linda Jurik (50-year member), and Lisa Sullivan (50-year member). Congratulations to all!
food that some of the directors would be cooking on the first night. Jodie made a motion to give our monthly donation to John for the purchase of food for camp. The motion was seconded by Michael Galler and passed.
There was a discussion about next month’s caring challenge of school supplies. One of the members will be contacting a friend at Connally ISD to ask about specific needs.
Randy House gave an insurance report. He mentioned that he has been thinking about doing a seminar on insurance policies, in combination with a meeting for anyone needing policy updates. There were questions about annuities that John addressed.
The door prize was won by Randy House. The 100 percent pot was won by Thomas Galler, and John Engelke was chosen as Father of the Year. The meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
Next Meeting—July 29
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 29 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s. We will have hot dogs and fixings.
Respectfully your Secretary, Dana McAdams —SPJST—
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi celebrates Father’s Day
On Sunday, June 16, 2024, SPJST Lodge 79, Corpus Christi celebrated Father’s Day with a meal of fried chicken and sides.
The meeting was called to order by President Mark Rebecek at 2 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
On the sick list was member James Elzner who had been in the hospital. He
is home recuperating and doing well. All officers were present except for Vice President/FAC Michael Urbanovsky and Treasurer Larry Elzner. We had 21 members and guests in attendance.
President Rebecek introduced Territory Manager Ralph Juaurez and wife
Lodge 25, Ennis welcomes new member
Lodge 25, Ennis is excited to announce the arrival of new member Thomas W. Borders, V - otherwise known as “Cinco.” Cinco was born on April 30, 2024, at 4:24 p.m. weighing in at 9.3 pounds. He was welcomed by parents Thomas (Quattro) and Reagan (Langer) Borders, IV of Kaufman; grandparents Phillip and Dana Langer of Ennis, and Thomas (Tres) and Christine Borders, III of Kaufman. We are all excited for Cinco to be a future SPJST Lodge 25 Youth Club member.
—SPJST—
Thomas W. Borders, V
—Floyd Kostelka
Susana. Ralph gave a very informative talk. Ralph also introduced new sales agent Jacob O. Naranjo. Welcome to Lodge 79, Jacob!
Secretary Virginia Rebecek read the May meeting minutes, and they were approved. The treasurer’s report was given by Secretary Virginia Rebecek in the absence of Treasurer Larry Elzner. It was approved.
In Vice President/FAC Michael Urbanovsky’s absense, President Mark Rebecek asked all to keep turning in pull tabs.
Under communications, Secretary Virginia Rebecek read the death, lapses, and new policies.
Youth Leader Marcia Rew had five members and guests in attendance. The youth made organic bird feeders.
Birthday for June was Ralph Juarez on the 29th. Happy birthday, Ralph! Wedding anniversary for June was Stephen and Laura Rebecek - 17 years on the 30th. Happy anniversary!
Door prize winners of $25 were Zachery Rew and Marcia Rew. Ralph Juarez won a gift card for the Father’s Day drawing.
Lodge 25, Ennis celebrates june birthdays
Christina Rew made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Lela Mae Hayek. The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m.
Next Meeting—July 21
The next meeting will be Sunday, July 21. We will be celebrating a belated Fourth of July with the lodge furnishing hot dogs, buns, and chili. Members are asked to bring a side.
Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 80, Holland changes bi-monthly meetings to Monday nights
—Rita Holland, FAC
Lodge 25, Ennis celebrated June birthdays on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, with a potluck supper and birthday cake. Those honored were Rita, Katie, Melissa, Carrie, June, Julia, and Garrett. Make plans to attend the July birthday celebration on Wednesday, July 31. Hope to see everyone then!
SPJST Lodge 80, Holland will meet on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. for its bi-monthly business meeting and social time. Please note the change to Monday night meetings. The event will be held at Restoration Fellowship
Lodge 39, Bryan members and friends join hands to build a ramp
Lodge 39, Bryan met the Texas Build-a-Ramp (TBR) crew in Kroger’s parking lot on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 7:30 a.m. Our Join Hands Day project included members from three lodges, family members, and three men from TBR. We unloaded lumber and tools, and measured and cut boards. We worked so well together - like clockwork - that we finished in record time. Then everything was loaded back on the trailer. We saw a huge smile and got a big thank you from one very happy lady and her daughter - for whom the ramp was built; her smile just melted all our hearts. This was a true Join Hands Day for SPJST! Lodge 39, Bryan donated all materials for this project. We then met at Sodolak’s in Bryan, where we held a short meeting, visited, cooled off, and had a great meal. Thanks to everyone for attending. It was a wonderful day!
—Binnie Matejka Roesler, Treasurer/Reporter
Church (formerly The Hall), located at 12141 East FM 2268 in Holland. Agenda will include regular business reports, Convention highlights, and District Two updates. A summer special meal will be served. Please send your reservations to Rita Spinn at rita@hot.rr.com or call/text 254-7606427. Hope to see you on July 8.<> Rita Spinn, President —SPJST—
Lodge 81, Needville discusses social membership
SPJST Lodge 81, Needville met Sunday, June 23, 2024. At 12 noon, President Vincent Newman gave a prayer of thanks. We had a meal of sandwiches provided by the lodge. I want to take this opportunity to thank Bradley Stavinoha for picking up all the supplies. Everyone helped to get everything ready.
At 1 p.m., President Vincent Newman called the meeting to order. Bradley Stavinoha led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Willie Mae Kuykendall was added to our sick list. We hope you are doing better and will be able to come to our July meeting. Everyone answered the roll call except Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall.
The secretary’s report will be given at our July meeting. Bradley Stavinoha read the treasurer’s report and the special funds report, and they were both approved as read.
Under old business, it was decided to have a social membership. Jeanette Newman will make appropriate changes in the lodge’s rules and regulations. These will be presented at the July meeting.
Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje members come together to clean out hall
Thank you, Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje members, for coming together to clean out Hillje hall for the sale of the building. Members had a great time remembering past gatherings as they cleaned. The next cleanup
Under new business, Bradley Stavinoha mentioned that our lodge will again host the dueling pianos. We had a great turnout last year.
We did not have door prizes this month, but Bradley Stavinoha announced that we will have double door prizes for our July meeting.
Next Meeting—July 21
For the next meeting on Sunday, July 21, it was decided to have pizza. Members, please bring a dessert or whatever else you like to eat with pizza.
Fraternally,
Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 49, Rowena shares
February meeting scenes
will be Saturday, July 13. Remember to come cool off in El Campo Library with our game day social on Saturday, July 20 beginning at 10 a.m. Snacks will be provided. —Sharon Borak, Secretary
Lodge 84, Dallas meets July 21
Dear Readers, Lodge 84, Dallas will have its next meeting at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the home of Dr. Jim and Lynda Novak, 12331 Creekspan Drive in Dallas, Texas 75243. Call 972-948-4456 for directions. There will be a svacina, so if planning to attend, please bring a dessert to share!
See you then!
Fraternally,
Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 49, Rowena members gathered for their February 7, 2024, and enjoyed finger foods.
—Sylvia Rollwitz, FAC
Lodge 84, Dallas: save the date - October 13 for Heritage Day 2024
Save the date — Sunday, October 13, 2024, for Heritage Day 2024 in Dallas, Texas! Plan to join us at Sokol Dallas, 7448 Greenville Avenue in Dallas from 12 noon to 6 p.m.
We are planning another successful event for your family enjoyment with dancing, foods, Czech performances, entertainment for children and adults, as well as items for sale. Sponsors are SPJST, Sokol Dallas, KJT, KJZT, Better Life, and RVOS.
So keep October 13 open to celebrate Czech heritage in Dallas! Stay tuned to the Vestnik for more information as we get closer to the date.
Lynda Novak
—SPJST—
Lodge 97, Placedo reports on June meeting
Lodge 97, Placedo held its quarterly meeting on June 17, 2024. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by District Six Director Annie Vahalik, and Judy Bellanger led the prayer.
President Gay Revel opened by welcoming Sarah Bellanger, who just graduated from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. She will be living in Victoria and teaching seventh grade English in Cuero. She has been an SPJST member since birth.
Dennis Vanek gave the treasurer’s re-
port, and Judy Bellanger read the minutes from the last meeting.
District Six Director Annie Vahalik gave us an update on upcoming events in the lodge. She asked us to find new incentives to work on.
Donna Vanek gave us a report on the Convention she attended. Incentives were discussed. Bernadette Bellanger said she would take animals for a visit at Sodalis Assisted Living for the residents to pet.
Judy Bellanger has an outlet for plastic bottle caps, and we agreed to collect those. They will go for the Round Top Library. We are working on the pull tabs already.
We should also bring school supplies for the September meeting.
Sales Agent Gay Revel talked about annuities, which have a high interest rate right now. She also mentioned insurance policies which are good to purchase while young.
Ken Revel moved we adjourn the meeting, and Darrell Tomas seconded. Fraternally, Judy Bellanger Secretary —SPJST—
Breathe New Life into Vintage Machines: Lodge 66, Waco member Butch Doss 1950 ‘Shoebox’ Ford
Lodge 107, Floresville reports on June meeting
SPJST Lodge 107, Floresville held its monthly meeting on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at the lodge hall at 3 p.m. Pres ident Bielefeld called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was re cited, followed by a moment of silence for deceased members, military person nel, and veterans.
The roll call of officers indicated that Youth Leader Lynn was absent. Secre tary Pruski read the minutes from the May meeting, which were approved as read. Treasurer Korus presented the fi nancial report for May, and it was also approved as read.
Officers who attended the SPJST Lodge Officer Lunch & Learn on Sun day, May 26 provided a report on the event. FAC Bielefeld reported the ongo ing collection of can tabs and books.
Hall Manager Bertrand announced that hall rentals for 2025 have begun. She also reported discovering a water leak in the men’s restroom, which has since been repaired by a plumber.
Can a classic car restoration ignite a lifelong passion? Join us at the Lone Star Street Rod Association’s 49th Annual State Run in Hewlett Park, Granbury, Texas, where we meet Butch Doss, a retired firefighter from Waco, and his stun ning 1950 ‘Shoebox’ Ford. Butch takes us on an enthralling journey through the meticulous restoration of his bright red classic, sharing how the original chassis, Mustang II front clip, and 5.0 Mustang engine with vintage air conditioning came together. Alongside his fellow firefighter, Butch reveals the highs and lows of breathing new life into these timeless machines and offers a glimpse into his rich history with cars and firefighting.
The segment can be heard at https://www.inwheeltimecartalk.com/breathenew-life-into-vintage-machines-butch-doss-1950-shoebox-ford/ Butch is a 40-year member of SPJST Lodge 66, Waco. —SPJST—
Reporter Bielefeld noted that last month’s report was published in the May 27 issue of the Vestnik on page 19.
Old Business
A report was given by members who Members will bring appropriate sides to accompany the meal.
After the meeting, members celebrated Father’s Day with brookies (brownie cookies) provided by Roxy.
Lodge 49, Rowena retires United States flags
Lodge 49, Rowena joined hands with the Ballinger American Legion Post 8 and the Scouting American program by hosting an official United States
retirement ceremony at the lodge hall on Friday, June 14. Post Commander Robert Virden led the program with 35 persons attending. Those in attendance were from Ballinger, Miles, Olfen, San Angelo, and Rowena. More than 100 flags were retired. This was a very moving and educational program. Thanks to all who were in attendance.
flag
— Syvia Rollwitz, FAC
Lodge 177, Academy to host July 18 workshop: “How to Maximize Social Security Benefits”
SPJST Lodge 177, Academy will host a free workshop on “How to Maximize Society Security Benefits” on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the lodge hall in Academy, Texas.
We will discuss and offer solutions to:
• When do you become eligible for Social Security?
• What to consider before choosing to delay.
• When to start collecting can be a tricky decision.
• Working while collecting Social Security.
• Timing could be everything if your ex-spouse dies.
The workshop is free of charge; however, seating is limited so reserve your spot together by contacting SPJST Agent Bob Hopper at 254-324-6099 or email bhopp2000@yahoo.com.
About Bob
Bob is now in semi-retirement, but feels a calling to help families plan for their future. A native Texan, Bob has served in the financial services industry for more than 40 years. Bob has worked in various leadership capacities among the public, private, and education sectors, including University of Texas, Edward Jones, Equitable, and Central Texas Christian School as their Chief Financial Officer. He is active at his church,Western Hills Church of Christ. Bob enjoys traveling Texas with Linda, his bride of 44 years. The two have grown twins and enjoy spending time with their wonderful grandson, Bennett. —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton Honors
Grad
Seth Martinez
Lodge 189, BryanCollege Station reports on June meeting
Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station officers and guests met at Rudy’s BBQ in College Station on Thursday, June 20, 2024, for dinner and fraternalism, followed by a business meeting.
The agenda included reports of the recent Convention, SPJST advertising, and discussion of planning more lodge activities and social events.
Territory Manager Chris Liebum supplied referral cards and explained how beneficial they are for increasing membership, and the incentives for members who submit them.
Fraternally, Henry Mayo, President —SPJST—
July 13
Tom Mrazek descendants—at RMB Fairgrounds, 1213 Terry Shamsie Boulevard in Robstown - Ballroom A. For information, contact President Leslie Runnels 361-522-4232; or email mrazekfamilyreunion@gmail.com
Submitted by, Vivian Williams - Lodge 117, Robstown.
July 13
Bartek family—at Ratibor Country Bar and Grill, 10226 FM 2086, Temple. Registration begins at 11 a.m. For information, contact Amy Pagel Deve-
Lodge 47, Seaton celebrated grads following their June meeting. Seth Martinez, 2024 graduate of Temple High School, was recognized. Seth is former SPJST State Duke and currently serves as District Two Mr. SPJST.
—Brenda Hoelscher Secretary/Reporter
St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall, 20120 FM 485, Burlington (Cyclone), Texas 76519.
A covered dish meal will be served at 12:30 p.m. Please bring a covered dish and/or dessert to share. Drinks will be provided.
Things to bring: photos, stories, recipes, games to play, and family updates. Please be sure to pass on this information to your family!
This year’s reunion committee is the Otto and Frances (Jez) Vanicek Family. For information, contact Pam Engbrock 254-541-6120; or engbrock@att.net. Pam Engbrock Lodge 87, Temple —SPJST—
reaux 254-316-2878; or Paula Pagel Faris 512-818-0259. Submitted by Paula Pagel Faris, Lodge 47, Seaton. —SPJST—
Jez family
It is time to reunite and enjoy our family - the descendants of John and Anna Sefcik Jez. John Jez was born in Vsetin, Moravia, in 1866 and came to the United States in 1891, settling in Caldwell, Texas. Anna Marie Sefcik was born in 1874 in Weimar. Her parents came to the U.S. from Czechoslovakia. John and Anna met and were married in 1893. They were farmers in Doubleheader, where they raised their familyour ancestors.
The reunion will be held Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at
2nd Annual Czech Heritage 5K set for October 5 in Temple
We are thrilled to announce that the Czech Heritage 5K is just around the corner. Save the date for Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Bold Republic Brewing Company, located in West Temple. This year’s event promises to be bigger, better, and more exciting!
Why Run?
• Support a Great Cause: Your participation directly contributes to the local Czech Heritage Museum and its yearlong activities in the community.
• Health and Fun: Enjoy a day of fitness, camaraderie, and celebration. Not
Lodge 66, Waco gives to GoodFellas
Lodge 66, Waco contributed to Waco GoodFellas recently. Treasurer Diana Engelke is pictured with the check. Waco GoodFellas is a non-profit organization located in Central Texas which strives to better the lives of families in need during the holiday season. The group helps children believe in the miracle of Christmas and the importance of giving. It all started over 20 years ago with a simple idea and a willingness to give back.
to mention free Czech lager for runners and the kick-off to Bold Republic’s Oktoberfest!
• Community Spirit: Reconnect with familiar faces and make new friends.
How to Register:
1. Visit czechheritage5k.com and click “Register Now.”
2. Choose your category and fill out the registration form.
If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please contact us at czechheritage5k@gmail.com. We can’t wait to see you at the starting line! —SPJST—
TCGS
schedules seminarFrom the Cradle to the Grave and Everything in Between
Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS) will hold a seminar on Saturday, August 10, 2024 - From the Cradle to the Grave and Everything in Between. The event will be at Caldwell Civic and Visitor Center, 103 Presidential Corridor (Highway 21) in Caldwell. Registration and get acquainted begins at 8 a.m. with kolache and coffee or juice. Event schedule is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes catered lunch, silent auction, and a sales table with new 2024 ornaments.
Speakers/presentations include Tommy Ryan, President and Patsy Simek, Board Member with the Deanville Heritage Train Riders; Dreanna Belden - The Portal to Texas History; A Powerful Tool for History and Genealogy. Explore the Portal to Texas History, one of our state’s premier resources for researching family history; Ken Wiltz
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi shares member activities
Lodge 97, Placedo collects, donates can tabs
Lodge 97, Placedo members turned in their collected can tabs to be donated to Ronald McDonald House. Left to right are District Six Director Annie Vahalik, member Joyce Tomas, Lodge 97 President Gay Revel, Secretary Judy Bellanger, and FAC Donna Vanek.
- History of the Funeral Industry and Changes to Come. Mr. Wiltz as Managing Director of Strickland Funeral Home has over 30 years experience in the funeral industry; Henry Mayo, Searching Texas Land Records, The History of Brazos and Caldwell Counties in Texas. Brazos County was formed in 1841 and named for the Brazos River which forms its western boundary. Caldwell County was formed in 1848 and named after Mathew Caldwell, a ranger captain. A surveyor by training and employment, Mr. Mayo is also considered an expert on local history.
To register, contact Susan Crutchfield, 507 West Street, Sealy, Texas 77474. For further information, contact Susan via email scrutch3@att.net. Visit TCGS website txczgs.org for registration forms and further information. Note: Early bird registration closes July 26.
We hope to see you there!
—SPJST—
Basics of pickleball
A court sport is sweeping the nation, and it isn’t tennis or basketball. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, 4.8 million people played pickleball in 2021, marking a nearly 15 percent growth in the total number of players from the year prior.
Pickleball is popular among people of all ages. As the popularity of pickleball grows, now is a great time to explore the basics of this game that’s become a go-to pastime for so many people.
What is pickleball?
Pickleball combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. That game is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes and can be played both indoors and outdoors on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. Much like tennis, pickleball can be played in a singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two) format.
How long has pickleball been played?
Despite a recent and meteoric spike
Lodge 139, Danbury welcomes new president
Lodge 139, Danbury’s newly elected president is Harold Lostak. Harold, wife Risa and daughters Amanda and Brittany have been members of SPJST for many years. Congratulations, Harold, on your new position, and welcome aboard!
LEFT PHOTO: Happy June wedding anniversary to Stephen and Laura Rebecek - celebrating 17 years on June 30! PHOTO 2: Ralph Juarez celebrated his birthday on June 29. Happy birthday, Ralph! RIGHT PHOTO: Door prize winners of $25 were Marcia and Zackery Rew.
—Virginia Rebecek, Secretary
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi delegates attended the 34th Convention on June 7 and 8, 2024, in Temple. Seated in front are Mark and Virginia Rebecek. In back are Gerilyn Donnell and Jerry Sijansky. RIGHT PHOTO: Fathers attend the Lodge 79 meeting on Father’s Day.
in popularity, pickleball has been around since 1965. The brainchild of three fathers from Bainbridge Island (which is just a brief ferry ride away from Seattle), the game was invented as a means of entertaining bored children. It has since evolved from those roots and become a wildly popular game across both the United States and Canada, and the game has even begun to spread into Europe and Asia.
How is pickleball played?
An extensive list of the rules of pickleball can be found at https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rul es/rules-summary/. A game is typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by two. Tournament games may be played to 15 or 21, and a team must win by two.
Does pickleball utilize referees?
Recreational games of pickleball can rely on the honor system much like pick-up games of other sports do. However, referees and line judges are important components of tournament play. More information about becoming a pickleball referee can be found at https://usapickleball.org/getinvolved/pickleball-officiating/.
Why should I play pickleball?
Players enjoy the game of pickleball for a multitude of reasons, including the thrill of competition, the chance to socialize, and the opportunity to exercise
Lodge 92, Fort Worth Ladies Circle June meeting scenes
The June meeting of Lodge 92, Fort Worth Ladies Circle was held on the 11th. LEFT PHOTO: Lisa Juran was dressed for summer fun days in a cute bikini-theme tee-shirt and was a hit at the Ladies Circle! PHOTOS 2, 3: There were two guests - Cindy Duncan and Mary Shastid. PHOTO 4: Birthdays for June were Garland Ellsworth, Lisa Ellsworth, and Delores Rooney. PHOTO 5: Hostesses for June were Dortha Devenport, seated in front, and standing, from left, Bernie Janecka, Marilyn DiOrio, Mary Shastid, Marlene Bass, and Joan Shropshire. —Lisa Ellsworth
outside of a gym or home fitness center. But many play the game because they find it fun.
Pickleball has experienced a notable spike in popularity in recent years. More information about the game and how to get involved is available at https://usapickleball.org. metroservice —SPJST—
Lodge 107, Floresville Celebrates Father’s Day
107,
We all scream for ice cream
Few treats are more popular on a warm day than ice cream. With its rich flavor and cooling nature, ice cream is perfect in a cone, cup, cake, or even as a sidekick to a brownie or piece of pie. Summer may be the season when ice cream is enjoyed the most - and many people have fond memories of chasing down the neighborhood ice cream truck on summer afternoons - but ice cream is a favorite all year long.
The number of ice cream flavors is only limited by the imaginations of ice cream shop owners. New small-batch offerings come out each week at privately owned shops. However, despite the infinite number of flavor combinations, certain ice cream flavors are more
popular than others. These flavors are tops in the eyes of Americans:
1. Chocolate
2. Cookies N’ Cream
3. Vanilla
4. Strawberry
5. Chocolate Chip
6. Cookie Dough
7. Butter Pecan
8. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
9. Caramel
10. Salted Caramel
Vanilla stands as the global ice cream favorite, but some key flavors also stand out in countries around the world. In Japan, Green Tea is a popular flavor, Venezuelans prefer Banana, and in Thailand, Coconut reigns supreme. (MS) —SPJST—
Lodge 139, Danbury hosts Quarterly Social
139, Danbury members are pictured enjoying their quarterly social on Sunday, June 2, 2024. —Gina Maness, Secretary
Lodge
Lodge
Floresville members are pictured celebrating Father’s Day with brookies made by Roxy. Pictured are, left to right, Roxy Bertrand, Polly Bayer, Trey Bielefeld, Oscar Korus, Stacy Bielefeld, and Wendy Pruski.
Make the most of a national park visit
Many countries feature a national park system. Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Stephen Mather, and Horace M. Albright were the founders of what would become the National Park Service of the United States. On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park in the territories of Montana and Wyoming became America’s first national park, which led to a worldwide national park movement.
National parks can be ideal spots to visit. In fact, many national parks do not even charge an entrance fee, so they can be affordable options for individuals and families who want to take in the majesty of nature and wildlife. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a repeat customer, these tips can help you make the most of a national park trip.
● Time your visit correctly. Some parks are open year-round while others are not. Learn the operating schedule to determine when to visit. Also, the timing of a trip will depend on what you hope to gain from the experience. For example, many parks are quite busy during the peak of summer. If it’s quiet and reflection you’re after, it’s probably best to visit during a less hectic time of year.
Lodge 189, Bryan-college station meets
Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station hosted its quarterly meeting on June 20, 2024, at Rudy’s Barbecue in College Station. Pictured are, left to right, Territory Manager Chris Liebum, District One Director Donnie Victorick, Lodge 189 Vice President James Polasek, Lodge 189 President Henry Mayo, and SPJST Agent Bobby Walters of Centerville.
● Consider in-park lodging. If the national park you’re visiting has a national park lodge, think about using it for your accommodations. You’ll get to maximize time spent in the park, and won’t have to travel long distances each day from a hotel or another lodging place. Also, there’s nothing like waking up to
the awe-inspiring vistas in national parks.
● Identify what you want to do. National parks can be massive and you won’t be able to see every sight in just one visit. It’s better to pick one goal and stick to it, so identify some things you feel you must do on an upcoming visit.
Lodge 142, Houston shares meeting and social activities
● Utilize the park rangers. Make visiting the ranger station your first stop in a national park. Park rangers know the park intimately and will have the insider information needed to guide your trip and keep you trucking along successfully.
● Try camping for a night. Unplug and remove yourself from the confines of indoor spaces. These parks are some of the best places to sleep under the stars. Leave no trace, and remember to be mindful of campfires, making sure they’re completely extinguished before setting off anew.
● Utilize the internet. The National Park Service (NPS) has various online resources you can use. Find A Park enables you to select from a list or search for parks by certain criteria, and there’s also online park maps. These are easily accessible resources at your disposal.
● Follow the rules. Oftentimes visitors get too close to wildlife or even feed them. Feeding or approaching wild animals can cause them to lose their natural fear of people. This endangers both the animals and park visitors. Follow the rules and regulations to ensure that national parks can be enjoyed for years to come. (MS)
—SPJST—
LEFT PHOTO: Catching up with the April, May, and June birthday celebrants. Front, left to right, are Mary Jane Hue, Zoey Coleman, and Jack Manchack. BACK: Keith Kieschnick, Elizabeth Hermis, Bob Schleider, Larry Weikel, and Kade Weikel.
BELOW PHOTOS: The meeting began with a nod to all the moms and dads that were present. We appreciate each and every one of you! And . . . what a crowd it was! The June social was playing Left, Right, Center - which was enjoyed by all!
—Pat Schleider,
FAC
Key components of a fun picnic
Dining al fresco is often associated with securing outdoor seating at a local restaurant. However, anyone can enjoy al fresco dining at home, in a park or even on the beach. A picnic in the park or on the beach can be a great way to dine outside and relax in the summer sun
Picnics make it easy to enjoy a meal in an idyllic setting. Though there are no rules governing picnics other than those posted by local park officials, the following are some essential components of a fun picnic.
Lodge 202, Jourdanton members care for feathered friends
In support of the Nurturing Nature Caring Challenge, members of Lodge 202, Jourdanton painted and created bird feeders for their “feathered friends” as a service project.
—Regina House, Youth Leader
Food
The menu for a picnic need not be elaborate, but there’s also room for foods that are a little more fancy than sandwiches. Sandwiches are still acceptable picnic fare, but those who want to expand their horizons can prepare cheeseboards, salads, fresh fruit, and other items that are easily prepared and packed in a picnic basket. It’s best to avoid hot foods, as they can be difficult to keep warm. Small grills might be allowed in certain parks, but it’s best to keep in mind that others may not want to deal with smoke from burning coals. So individuals who plan to grill during a picnic should choose a remote spot that won’t affect those around them.
Beverages
Cold beverages, including water, can ensure no one is overcome by heat. Individuals who want to bring alcohol should only do so on private property, as many local laws do not allow consumption of alcoholic beverages in public spaces like parks and beaches. A cooler with cold beverages stored in ice can be a good idea if a lot of people will be attending the picnic.
Reusable containers
Reusable containers decrease the chances of creating litter. All it takes is one stiff wind for single-use, resealable plastic bags to blow away, and it’s not always easy to track those bags down. Picnickers should aspire to take out everything that they take in, and reusable containers make that easier to accomplish.
Basket and tablecloth
A tablecloth does more than just set the scene for a picnic. Tablecloths collect crumbs and keep them off the ground, which can decrease the likelihood that uninvited guests like ants will join the festivities. Tablecloths also ensure utensils can be set out and put down without getting dirty.
Comfortable seating
Though it’s entirely possible some guests will want to sit on the ground throughout the picnic, some comfortable seating can provide the perfect respite when the hard ground begins to feel a little less accommodating. Instruct guests to bring their own foldable lounge chairs, and don’t forget to bring a picnic blanket or two so anyone who wants to nap can catch a few winks.
When hosting a beach picnic, look for blankets that dry quickly. Some are even made of fabric that filters out sand to keep it off of food.
Miscellaneous
items
Bug spray, sunscreen, a bluetooth speaker, biodegradable waste bags, some sports equipment and other items to keep adults and kids occupied, and even a portable fan to keep guests cool and repel mosquitoes are some additional must-haves for a fun picnic.
(MS)
—SPJST—
Bite into these facts about hot dogs
Hot dogs are a summertime staple that have an interesting and extensive history. Franks and burgers are a common pair at barbecues and ballparks, and rightfully so. Handheld, portable meals, they pack a convenient and flavorful punchy.
Few foods may seem as American as hot dogs. However, hot dogs are derivative of European sausages. This fact and more can shed light on the humble hot dog, which is sure to find its way to a grill near you this summer.
● Mental Floss says it’s pretentious to consume a hot dog with utensils. Hot dog etiquette experts also insist adults should not top their hot dogs with ketchup, which they suggest is a topping strictly reserved for children.
● Hot dogs are often associated with New York City. However, hot dogs gained popularity across the country in the 20th century.
● Hot dogs are often called frankfurters. This refers to Frankfurt, Germany, where pork sausages similar to hot dogs are believed to have originated.
● Hot dogs were given their name by cartoonist Tad Dorgan. He observed a vendor selling “hot dachshund sausage dogs” during a baseball game at New York City’s Polo Grounds. As legend has it, Dorgan couldn’t spell the name of the dog, instead writing
Lodge 183, Arlington delegate attends 34th SPJST Convention
Kay Gerlich Weeks takes her responsibility seriously as she makes important decisions in the District Three caucus.
Kay Gerlich Weeks pauses at the entrance to the Convention for a quick picture.
Kay Gerlich Weeks, far left, enjoys some fun, food, and productive conversations with her fellow District Three members Jeanette Krizan Beseda, Peggy Dobecka, and Irene Peterson, all of Lodge 6, Cottonwood; and Lori Pace and Mary Steinman, both of Lodge 154. Fort Worth.
only “hot dogs.” The name eventually caught on.
● Despite several jokes as well as speculation regarding what hot dogs contain, hot dogs are cured and cooked sausages that contain mainly pork, beef, chicken, and turkey. The meats come from the muscle of the animals. If a product contains organ meats, it must be declared on the packaging.
● In 1867, Charles Feltman made a cart with a stove on it, which he used to boil sausages. The cart also had compartments to keep buns fresh. Carts that sell hot dogs on the street are now seen in cities across the country.
● Hot dogs are a NASA-approved food for astronauts.
● While hot dogs are sold at many venues, data indicates that the popular convenience store chain 7-Eleven sells the most grilled hot dogs in North America, with 100 million sold annually.
Lodge 202, Jourdanton member Kayla Fair receives SPJST Scholarship
Congratulations to Kayla Fair of Lodge 202, Jourdanton! She was recently presented an SPJST Scholarship by District Seven Director Regina House, right. Kayla is a 2024 graduate of Jourdanton High School.
● Relish, sauerkraut and even ketchup are popular hot dog toppings. But mustard is by far the most popular.
● Why are there typically 10 hot dogs per pack and only eight buns per bag? When hot dogs were first introduced, they were sold at varying quantities at the butcher shop. Hot dogs were eventually standardized to packages of 10, but buns are baked in clusters of four in popular pans designed to hold eight rolls. metroservice
—SPJST—
Funny Quotes about being a Senior :
Embrace the Funny Side of Aging
● Age is just a number, and mine isn’t in the phone book.
● The older I get, the more I realize I’m not as graceful as I thought. Thank goodness for yoga pants!
● Wrinkles are just laughter lines that show the world you’ve lived a life full of joy.
● I don’t need anti-aging cream, I need anti-gravity cream!
● Growing old is like being increasingly penalized for a crime you haven’t committed.
● I used to be hot, now I’m just hotflashing.
● Life is too short to not have a little bit of fun every day, especially as you get older.
● I’m not aging, I’m just becoming a classic.
● I may be getting older, but at least my sense of humor is staying young.
● The older I get, the better I was.
● Aging gracefully is all about attitudeif you’ve got the right attitude, who cares about a few wrinkles?
● I’m not old, I’m just chronologically gifted.
● Aging is like a fine wine - it gets better with time.
● I don’t know about aging gracefully, but I’m definitely aging hilariously.
● Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.
● You know you’re getting old when you stop counting the candles on your
cake and start counting the aches and pains.
● I’m not old, I’m just well-seasoned.
● Age is just a number, but humor is timeless.
● I refuse to let my age define me - I define my age.
● I’m not getting older, I’m just getting closer to perfect.
● I may be a senior, but I still have my sense of humor - it’s just a bit slower now.
● As a senior, I have more memories than dreams - but at least I can still laugh about it!
● You know you’re a senior when your back goes out more than you do.
● I told my doctor I broke my arm in two places. He told me to quit going to those places.
● I don’t always act my age, but when I do, I prefer to do it with a sense of humor.
● As a senior, I’ve learned that laughter truly is the best medicine - especially when mixed with a daily dose of fiber!
● You know you’re a senior when your joints are more accurate than the weatherman.
● As a senior, I’m not afraid of getting older - I’m just afraid of running out of jokes to tell.
● You know you’re a senior when the party starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.
● Aging gracefully is just a polite way of saying you’re too tired to fight it anymore.
https://letslearnslang.com/funny-quotes-about-beinga-senior —SPJST—
Lodge 202, Jourdanton recognizes members
Congratulations to Kenzie Lutz, left, and Diego Valdez! They are both graduating seniors who are the recipients of scholarships awarded by Lodge 202, Jourdanton. Presenting the scholarships is Youth Leader Regina House, center.
Lodge 202, Jourdanton recently presented a monetary contribution to Jenna Fair for the 2024 Atascosa County Livestock Show. Way to go, Jenna! Lodge 202 Youth Leader Regina House is pictured presenting the check. RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 202 Youth Leader Regina House presents 2024 graduate Kayla Fair with the local lodge scholarship. Congrats, Kayla!
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
Miss SPJST attends Convention, Summer Camp
On Saturday, June 8, 2024, I attended the SPJST State Convention. I’ve never been to one; it was lots of fun. My royalty and I got to put together some goody bags for veterans. We even got to perform some talents at the end of night.
Recently, I attended SPJST Summer Camp. Camp was lots of fun this year. I had my Little Miss SPJST as one of my campers! I had lots of fun. I hope everyone else did, too. Thank you to all the SPJST Camp Leaders, Home Office Staff, and Camp Kubena Staff for all y’all did to make that week awesome for us.
I’m looking forward to the Youth Showcase in a few weeks. I’m super excited! Hope to see everyone there!
Bailee Beckendorf 2023-2024 Miss SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—
District Five shares calendar of youth events
State Youth Showcase
July 26 and 27
The State Youth Showcase is July 26 and 27 in Temple, Texas. Come out and support our youth as they participate in 12 craft and talent categories.
Fall Social - Splashway
September 28
Nursing Home Visit - Needville
December 14
In Needville, Texas, at 2 p.m. Come decorate the windows and sidewalk of the nursing home and sing carols to the residents!
Spring Social - Bounce Bounce
March 2, 2025
Missouri City, Texas, from 2 to 4 p.m. Come enjoy the trampoline park and your SPJST friends. Bring a friend for free!
Disney World - June 7 to 11, 2025
Orlando, Florida. $600 per person. Travel, room, and Disney tickets included in the price. $100 deposit for each spot. Spots are available for 10 families. We will fundraise to either lower the cost or cover any overages.
For detailed information, contact District Youth Counselor Kristen Jones - text or call 936-556-3248 or email district5dyc@gmail.com
Kristen Jones District Five Youth Counselor —SPJST—
Lodge 81, Needville Youth Club plans tat & chat at Needville senior living
SPJST Lodge 81, Needville Youth Club will visit the SPJST Senior Living Center in Needville on Sunday, July 14 at 2:30 p.m. for a Tat & Chat.
Kristen Jones Youth Leader —SPJST—
Join us in Sheridan, Texas, on Saturday, September 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come and enjoy Splashway with District Five. All policy-holiding members are $10 deposit only. Any other friends, social members, or family can attend for $20 each. Lunch will be included with cabana access.
Family Fun Day - Czechfest
October 12
At Lodge 88, Houston from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come enjoy Czech food and music. Youth club will have a fundraiser to help pay for the Disney trip.
Lodge 48, Beyersville youth collect pop tabs
Lodge 48, Beyersville youth got a head start on collecting pop tabs for the month of June. The tabs are being collected for and donated to Ronald McDonald House.
—Michelle Newsom Youth Leader
Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club members collect can tabs, attend camp
Luke, June, Garrett, and Julia collected pull tabs for Ronald McDonald House.
Camp Kubena.
Dear Readers, Summer activities for Lodge 25, Ennis youth have started off fast and furious. Luke and June are busy getting ready for their family to move to Pottsboro; the Wyatts have been following the Texas Rangers play baseball; and Madison started a new job in the Kid Zone at Life Time Fitness. Everyone made time to collect pull tabs for Ronald McDonald House, and Madison enjoyed her time at Camp Kubena.
Upcoming events are Youth Showcase the weekend of July 26 in Temple. If anyone needs a ride, please let me know. If you are unable to attend the Youth Showcase, make plans to join Ennis youth groups from KJT, KJZT, and Sokol for a swim party at Sokol pool on Friday, July 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. We hope to see you at one of these events. Stay cool!
Fraternally yours, Rita Holland Youth Leader —SPJST—
Miles of Lodge 154, Fort Worth and Madison had a great time at
Strategies to keep kids occupied on long trips
Road trips and self-driving vacations tend to produce their own unique moments and memories, but that doesn’t mean they don’t share certain characteristics. Lately, those characteristics might be high gas prices and more traffic as many vacationers drive in an effort to circumvent the escalating cost of air travel. For parents, one component of road trips to count on like clockwork is the moment when kids ask, “Are we there yet?”
A frustration moms and dads from all walks of life and across all generations can share, bored children calling out from the backseat can try any parent’s patience. Thankfully, parents can utilize the following strategies to keep kids occupied on long car trips:
1. Take out the tablet. Unlike their own parents, modern moms and dads have a reliable ally in the fight against backseat boredom. Tablets can be loaded with all sorts of entertainment, from e-books to movies to interactive activities to school
lessons. Rules governing device usage may be a part of life at home, but parents can relax those rules on the road to ensure kids stay occupied until the family arrives at its destination.
2. Encourage kids to scrapbook the trip. If a road trip involves visiting multiple destinations, parents can encourage kids to spend some time scrapbooking their experiences in the backseat. Kids can write about the previous day’s activities and paste ticket stubs and other mementos from the trip into their book.
3. Transform the backseat into a play area. Parents may prefer their vehicles remain toy-free most of the time, but transforming the backseat into a play area can ensure kids have plenty of things to do and less time to dwell on how long it’s taking to get from point A to point B. Avoid packing anything that can be turned into a projectile, especially for children who aren’t yet school-aged. But be sure to include some books, puzzles, dolls/action figures, and handheld games.
4. Time the trip well. Of course, kids don’t necessarily need to be actively engaged in an activity in order to be occu-
Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club gives to Ronald McDonald House, Peach Creek Assisted Living
pied during a road trip. If possible, depart in the wee small hours of the morning, which can pay a host of dividends. Leaving before sunrise reduces the chances of being stuck in traffic, thus
Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Club shares time with local shelter’s furry friends
Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Club members give their time to the animal shelter playing with kittens and walking dogs.
—Michelle Newsom Youth Leader
cutting back on the amount of time the family spends in the car. Leaving early also increases the chances that kids will spend a good portion of the trip sleeping in the backseat. (MetroService) —SPJST—
Explore
How does a star blow up?
A hot bright star blows up when it runs out of fuel.
Here’s why that happens: The force of gravity is always pulling the matter in the star toward the center. But in that center, small bits of matter called atoms are always fusing together, making bigger atoms and releasing huge amounts of energy. That energy pushes outward and works against the gravity during the star’s life. After many millions of years, the star runs out of small atoms. Then it has no more energy to push outward. The star collapses, and when the matter collides in the center, it explodes.
https://www.highlightskids.com/explore/science-questions/how-does-a-star-blow-up —SPJST—
At the June meeting, Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club donated more than 25 pounds of pull tabs and snacks to Ronald McDonald House in Bryan/College Station and Peach Creek Assisted Living. We made a difference! —Holly Narro, Youth Leader
SPJST Summer Camp 2024
“Going for Gold”
This year’s SPJST Summer Camp, held Wednesday, June 19 to Sunday, June 23 at Camp Kubena, was a memorable and exhilarating experience themed “Going for Gold,” inspired by the Olympic Games. The camp brought together a diverse group of campers and leaders for five days of friendly competition, cultural exploration, and endless fun.
Arrival and Welcome
The camp kicked off on Wednesday morning with the arrival of campers and camp leaders. Despite the hustle and bustle – and rainy weather, the check-in process was smooth, thanks to the wellorganized stations set up by Camp Kubena and SPJST Staff. Campers were welcomed with enthusiasm and directed through various checkpoints to submit medical forms, drop off luggage, and receive their name tags.
After settling in, everyone gathered in the dining hall for the official welcome session. SPJST Home Office Staff introduced the theme of the camp, emphasizing the spirit of the Olympics. Campers were excited to learn about the week’s activities, which promised to be filled with challenges and cultural experiences. The camp rules were presented through a skit by the State Royalty, ensuring everyone was wellprepared for the days ahead.
Team Formation and Activities
Wednesday afternoon saw the formation of teams, where campers drew colored stickers to determine their groups. Each team then got creative, designing their own country’s flag and crafting paper torches with positive messages.
Ice breaker games followed, allowing campers to get to know their teammates better. The district directors then hosted their traditional opening night hamburger supper, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The evening concluded with the “Going for Gold”
Opening Ceremony. Camper teams displayed their flags, and the Olympic Cauldron was lit with the handcrafted torches that were created earlier in the day, signaling the start of the SPJST Olympics.
Cultural Exploration and Competitions
Each day of the camp was dedicated to exploring different cultures. Thursday was Italy Day, starting with a traditional flag ceremony and a hearty breakfast. Campers participated in various programs, including dancing, painting, and STEM projects. The highlight of the day was the Italian-themed bingo and a spaghetti dinner. The evening’s “Going for Gold” competition included disk golf, archery battle tag, and laser tag, providing plenty of excitement and camaraderie.
Friday celebrated Mexican culture with a flag ceremony, pancake breakfast, and piñata-breaking. Campers engaged in craft sessions, SPJST Football, and pool activities. Special guest was Mr. Leo who entertained with puppets, marionettes, and magic. The evening carnival and movie night, complete with nachos and popcorn, were a huge hit, offering a relaxed and enjoyable end to a busy day. Leaders-in-Training (LITs) were recognized for their efforts with an offsite dinner and games at Mr. Gatti’s and ice cream at Dairy Queen.
Saturday focused on Czech culture, starting with a waffle breakfast and continuing with a variety of programs. The highlight of the day was welcoming SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek who taught the youth to pronounce several Czech words. He also brought freshly baked kolaches, which were enjoyed by all. The evening’s dance began with a Grand March that wound around the dining hall, and everyone enjoyed a photo booth to capture the memories.
Closing Ceremony and Reflections
Sunday, the final day, began with packing up and preparing for the closing ceremony. Campers reflected on their experiences, the friendships formed, and the skills learned. The closing ceremony was a heartfelt event, with awards given to standout teams. The Olympic Cauldron was extinguished, marking the end of an unforgettable week.
A Week to Remember
The “Going for Gold” theme brought a unique and engaging twist to this year’s SPJST Summer Camp. The blend of cultural exploration, competitive spirit, and team-building activities created an enriching environment for all participants. From the energetic opening ceremony to the reflective closing moments, every camper and leader left with cherished memories and a sense of accomplishment. This year’s camp truly embodied the Olympic spirit, encouraging everyone to strive for excellence, celebrate each other, and forge lasting connections.
A Heartfelt Thank You
A special thank you goes out to the Camp Leaders for volunteering their time and energy to serve with our campers. Their dedication and enthusiasm were the backbone of the camp’s success, and we deeply appreciate their commitment to creating a positive and impactful experience for all attendees.
We also extend our gratitude to the Leaders-in-Training (LITs) for stepping up and helping out wherever needed. Their efforts and willingness to take on responsibilities played a significant role in the smooth running of the camp.
Lastly, a big thank you to the Camp Kubena Staff for hosting us and providing an excellent venue for our camp. Their hard work and hospitality ensured that everyone had a safe and enjoyable time.
A Big Thank You
SPJST Members:
We all need to be proud and excited with just completing our summer youth camp at Camp Kubena. Thank you to Melanie, Frank, Tammy, and Brooke for being the ones to lead this event. However, I have a bigger THANK YOU to the unsung heroes who were the ones behind the scene to make it all come together for a second year in a row to have a camp that has been referred to as “SPJST Camp on steroids!”
The success was amazing, especially because of the weather, to revert to plan B and to be able to say, it was a tremendous success. Everyone worked together to make this possible. The kids seemed happy, and I do not recall seeing anyone who appeared to not like what was going on for the opening of camp. I wanted to include a list of all of these unsung heroes but when I received the list, it was so massive that it was not possible. All of you know who you are, and I want you to know you are tremendously appreciated.
I also want the thank our District Directors, their spouses, and others in the Insurance Department for pitching in to serve the first evening meal for our campers, that being burgers for all. It was such a great effort. This has become a tradition for several years. We want to make sure this continues. I cannot leave out Brian and Delisle who were also present to support our youth. Brian was in the Czech Republic but came home and spent Saturday evening teaching our kids some Czech. From what I hear, it was also a real success. Our organization has so much potential to continue to grow, and with everyone – all 37,000 members stepping up, we can become the leader of all fraternals. We face many challenges but with perseverance we will succeed. We must continue to look ahead, stay ahead, come together, and make this happen.
I am proud to be a part of such great organization.
Fraternally,
Donnie Victorick District One Director —SPJST—
SCENES FROM SPJST SUMMER CAMP
CAMP KUBENA • LEDBETTER, TEXAS • JUNE 19-23, 2024
SCENES FROM SPJST SUMMER CAMP
CAMP KUBENA • LEDBETTER, TEXAS • JUNE 19-23, 2024
1st Place Team - Shrekotopia
2nd Place Team - The Pink Panthers
3rd Place Team - Torchys
In Memoriam
In Memory of Patricia Bruce
Patricia Jean Wendelken Bruce, 85, of Houston, Texas, passed away on June 17, 2024.
Visitation was Saturday, June 22 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Brookside Funeral Home in Houston. Funeral and committal services followed.
She was born in Pasadena, Texas, on February 16, 1939, to parents Alfred Herman Wendelken and Imogene McCormack. Patricia graduated from Pasadena High School in 1957. She married John R. (JR) Bruce in Las Vegas on April 9, 1993. She was known to all their friends as Ms. Patty.
Patricia worked for many years in the petrochemical and oil and gas E&P industries. She loved the oil and gas industry. She ended her career in 2011 with Pennzoil/Devon Energy as their Minerals Management Services (MMS) Regulatory Compliance liaison. On April 26 2005, MMS, the federal offshore regulatory agency, presented her with their Corporate Leadership Award.
She was a longtime member of Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron for several chapters. She was a member of Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America, Amani Court No. 72 of Houston.
Patricia and JR were members of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston located in the Heights. They ran bingo night for many years. She also held several leadership positions working her way up to become the lodge president from 2003 to 2012.
She was preceded in death by her husband, JR Bruce; and sisters Sharon Wendelken Carroll and Kathy Wendelken Newell.
She is survived by sons and their wives Darrell and Alixe Reifel Knight, Russell Knight, and John and Jessica Urbani Knight; stepchildren Robert Bruce, Elizabeth Bruce Darilek, and John Bruce, Jr.; niece Merri Savage; nephew Hank Lamb; brothers Alfred Wendelken and Michael Wendelken;
grandchildren Christopher Knight, Nathaniel Knight, F. Kaitlynn Knight Henderson, Ava Knight, Elliana Knight, and Aiden Knight; great-grandchild Teddy Ezekiel (Zeke) Henderson; and many step-grandchildren and step-greatgrandchildren, all whom she loved dearly.
Serving as pallbearers were Nathaniel Knight, Christopher Knight, Zeke Henderson, Nishat Dhillon, Jeffery Springfield, and Derek Springfield.
The family requests donations be made in her name to her beloved Shriners Hospitals for Children.
—SPJST—
In Memory of Nellie Chandler
Belton, Texas - a town with familiar faces and cherished memories - mourns the loss of one of its beloved residents, Billie Nell Chandler. Affectionately known as “Nellie” by those who held her dear, she passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion that will forever resonate in the hearts of her family and friends.
Visitation was held 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 at Belton Nazarene Church. A private graveside followed with Wes Wooley officiating.
Nellie’s journey began on February 15, 1931, in Bell County, where she graced the world with her presence. Growing up under the care of Cyril “Dick” Hemphill and Willie Mae Hemphill Joiner, Nellie was instilled with values of kindness and dedication that would shape her remarkable life ahead. She attended Belton High School, where she fostered a love for learning and community.
In her professional life, Nellie shone as a registered nurse, bringing comfort and care to those in need. However, it was in the role of a homemaker that she found her true calling. Devoting herself wholeheartedly to her husband Ben
Chandler and their children, Nellie created a warm and nurturing home filled with love and laughter.
Her passion for family extended beyond her immediate kin; Nellie’s grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She delighted in sharing with them the wonder of God’s love and the teachings of Jesus, leaving an indelible impact on their lives.
Among Nellie’s fondest memories were marrying Ben on August 1, 1952, a union that stood the test of time until Ben’s passing on October 19, 2006. She reveled in the simple joys of life - from golfing on her father’s course to riding horses in the Belton rodeo during her younger days.
Nellie’s proudest accomplishment was undoubtedly the gift of longevity; living to be 93 years old, she enriched countless lives with her presence and wisdom.
Nellie was a member of SPJST Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point.
She was preceded in death by husband Ben Milton Chandler on October 19, 2006; parents Cyril “Dick” Hemphill and Willie Mae Hemphill Joiner; sister Margie Dill; nephew Jay Dill; and son-in-law Joe Jenschke.
As Belton bids farewell to a cherished member of its community, Nellie is survived by a loving family who will carry forward her spirit of love and service - daughter Jodie Woolley; sons Bill Chandler and Jack Chandler and daughters-in-law Debbie Chandler and Pam Chandler; daughters Amy Jenschke and Miki Osborn and son-in-law Billy Osborn; son Jeff Chandler and daughter-inlaw Angie Chandler; daughter Tammy Thomson and son-in-law Norman Thomson; 14 grandchildren; 27 greatgrandchildren; and two great-greatgrandchildren hold onto cherished memories shared.
Memorial donations may be made to Our Hospice House, 2608 North Main Street, Ste B, Belton, Texas 76513 or ourhospicehouse.org.
Crotty Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Belton was in charge of arrangements.
—SPJST—
In Memory of Emil Kutra, Jr.
Emil Kutra Jr., also known as “PeeWee,” passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. He had reached the age of 101 years and nine months. Visitation is Monday, July 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pat H. Foley and Company, 1200 West 34th Street, Houston, Texas 77018. Funeral service is Tuesday, July 9 at 10 a.m. at Pat H. Foley and Company. Committal service is at 1:15 p.m. at Houston National Cemetery, 10401 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.
Emil was born in Frydek on September 15, 1922. He graduated from Sealy High School in 1941. He was inducted into the Army in April 1943, and served as a radar/IFF operator in the southwest Pacific campaign. He settled in Houston after the war and attended business school where he studied bookkeeping. He worked for various companies including One’s A Meal before starting his own bookkeeping company. He continued to work into his 90s and was still happy to give business advice till the end. Emil was a member of KJT Society 29, Frydek, and SPJST Lodge 142, Houston.
He was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Filomena Kutra; brothers Frank, Willie (Adele), Alois (Gabriella), and August (Vlasta).
He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews; and great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews. —SPJST—
Pat Bruce
Emil Kutra, Jr.
Nellie Chandler
In Memory of Zdenek Nedbalek
Zdenek (Danny) Nedbalek, “Grandpa,” passed away in Houston, Texas, on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the age of 87.
Celebration of life will be Friday, July 12 at 2 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 196, HoustonWest, located at at 17810 Huffmeister Road in Cypress, Texas 77429. Service will be led by Dr. Jerry Terrill of Houston Brethren Church.
He was born on Friday, May 14, 1937, to Josef Nedbalek and Ruzena Zichova in Czechoslovakia.
Before he was everybody’s Grandpa, Zdenek grew up in a small town called Popice in Czechoslovakia. He was quite inquisitive about the world around him. Growing up as a child during World War II, you can only imagine some of the things he learned. This allowed him to excel in academics leading him to become an engineer in multiple fields. By the age of 14, he was well on his way to becoming a man, and that is when he met the love of his life, Blanka, at a neighborhood pool. Their love blossomed, and six years later on July 13, 1957, they were married at Saint Mary’s Cathedral Church and started a family of their own.
A few years later, Zdenek was drafted into the military at age 23, where he served his country for the next three years. After completing his time in the Czech Army, he started his own electrical company before deciding it was time for him, his wife, and two children to enjoy a brighter future in 1969.
After successfully making it to the United States in 1970, he and his family lived a short time in New York before settling down in Houston, Texas. With his Stetson hat, cowboy boots, and bolo necktie, he was ready to take on the world. Over the next few years, he was employed by others but still wanted more freedom to spend time with his family so he decided to start his own security company in 1980 called NZ Control Specialists.
As a servant of the Lord, he was a devout Christian throughout his life and believed himself to be an ordained messenger by God himself. He was a long-
standing member of Houston Brethren Church for more than 40 years. He was always willing and made the time to help in any way he could while spreading the word of God.
He became a member of the fraternal organization SPJST Lodge 196, Houston-West where he and his family would spend many years socializing and growing the community.
Making considerable gains financially, religiously, and socially, his family began to grow and prosper. He would eventually expand his family to include more than just blood relatives as everyone who knew him loved him and considered him their loyal friend and “Grandpa.”
He was preceded in death by his parents Josef and Ruzena; wife Blanka Novak; and son Zbynek Nedbalek. He leaves behind his son Zdenek Nedbalek (Roberta); daughter Blanka Hale-Patschke (Mike); grandchildren Cadance (Travis), Ronald (Amanda), Bradley (Irvin), Kyla (Charlie), Miranda (Chris), and Daniel; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-granddaughters.
Grandpa remained steadfast as a positive role model and stayed strong, for us all, until the end.
—SPJST—
In Memory of Ellis Nash
Ellis Gene Nash passed away in Slagle, Louisiana, on March 28, 2024, at the age of 87. He was born September 26, 1936, to Abram and Belle Nash.
Visitation was on Monday, April 1 at Castor Baptist Church from 5 to 9 p.m. Funeral service honoring the life of Ellis was held Tuesday, April 2 at Castor Baptist Church in Leesville, Louisiana, with Reverends Joe Maddox and David Woodham officiating. Burial followed in Castor Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville. Serving as pallbearers were Tim Merriman, Skyler Merriman, Trip Merriman, David Keel, Steve Keel, Danny Hamilton, and Nathan Jackson. Honorary pallbearer was Roger Twigg.
Ellis was a hard working man, and he enjoyed working in his garden and hunting. He worked for the civil service at Fort Johnson for 36 years before his retirement. He was a Master Mason for Lodge 217 out of Hineston. Ellis never met a stranger and had such a sweet, fun loving personality. He loved his church and his church family, and took great pride in his children and grandchildren.
He was a member of SPJST Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers James Byrd, Alfred, Oscar, Sidney, Floyd, Blacky, and Lincoln Nash; and sister Ruby Leoms.
He is survived by wife Bonny Jean Nash of Slagle; sons Daniel and wife Senaida Nash of Woodville, Brad and wife Angela Nash of Leesville, Brian Nash of Leesville, Nathan and wife Heather Jackson of Gonzales, and Jason and wife Ange Jackson of Michigan; grandchildren Candice, Kristina, Austin, Ethan, Jacqueline, Isabella, Nicholas, Tyler, Alex, Dade, Lexi, and Hailey; and sister Mary Barringer.
—SPJST—
In Memory of Ronnie Skala
Ronnie Glen Skala passed away in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on October 29, 2023.
the Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University. He was also a member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton; St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Temple; and the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers Rayland Skala and Henry E. Skala, Jr.
Survivors include Laura Skala, son Stephen Skala and wife Alison, and grandchildren Tommie Joseph, Matthew Lawrence, and Nora Elizabeth, all of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and sisterin-law Jan Skala, nephew Carson Skala and wife Sheyanne, all of Temple.
Memorials may be made to Dyess Grove Baptist Church, 10771 Stringtown Road, Temple, Texas 76501.
—SPJST—
In Memory of Dorothy Veselka
Dorothy Jane Trcalek Marek Veselka, age 90, of Waco, Texas, passed away Monday, May 27, 2024, at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco.
A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, at ScanioHarper Funeral Home, 3110 Airport Road in Temple, Texas, with Deacon Matt Hoelscher officiating. Visitation will be held prior to at 9 a.m.
Ronnie was born on August 22, 1959, in Temple to Henry E. Skala, Sr. and Shirley Ann Meier Skala. He graduated from Rogers High School in 1977 and from Texas A&M University in 1981 with a degree in agricultural engineering. He was employed with the USDA SCS/NRCS until his retirement in 2019. Afterwards, he worked for Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board until April 2023.
He was an active member in the Greater Temple Area A&M Club and
Mass of Christian burial, with Father Chris Smith as celebrant, was held at 10 a.m., Monday, June 3 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Waco. Interment followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery in West, with a reception immediately after at West Brethren Church. Visitation and rosary was held the evening prior to the service from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, June 2, in the Chapel at WilkirsonHatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco.
Dorothy was born August 27, 1933, in West to Frank and Ella Marek. She grew up in West, and in 1951, she graduated from West High School. On August 9, 1953, she was united in marriage to Louie John Veselka.
Dorothy was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Waco and had previously been a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellmead. Additionally, she was a member of SPJST Lodge 66, Waco.
For five years, Dorothy worked at Connally Elementary in the cafeteria in Elm Mott. She then moved to Alamo Steel in the 1960s, where she worked
Danny Nedbalek
Ellis Nash
Ronnie Skala
Dorothy Veselka
until her retirement in 1998. Dorothy found joy in dancing polkas with her husband, watching football, golfing, reading Danielle Steel novels, and solving circle word puzzles. While she had many interests and hobbies, her greatest joy was spending time with her family.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Louie John Veselka, on August 22, 2022; parents Frank and Ella Marek; sister Georgianne Allen; brother Gilbert Marek; and brothers-in-law Adolf Veselka, Gus Veselka, James Frazier, and Robert Kasik.
She is survived by daughter Diana Engelke and husband John of Waco; grandson Justin Engelke and wife Misha of Waco; and great-grandchildren Mira and Jackson Engelke; sisters Joyce Johnson and husband John of Carrollton and Jolynn Kasik of West; sisters-in-law Elleen Frazier of Hewitt and Lillian Marek of West; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made in Dorothy’s name to The SPJST Foundation, PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503.
We invite you to leave a message or memory on Dorothy’s “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.
—SPJST—
In Memory of Carol Williams
Carol Marie Rhodes Williams passed away Monday, April 8, 2024.
Visitation was held Saturday, April 20 from 10 to 11 a.m. at 10th and Avenue M Church of Christ in Temple, Texas.
She was born September 10, 1951, to Sherman and Miranda Harvey Rhodes in Smithville.
She attended Dunbar High School in Temple. She met and married Charles Williams on December 31, 1994. She worked for MHMR from 1995 to 2010.
Carol was a member of SPJST Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point and of 10th and Avenue M Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sherman and Miranda Harvey Rhodes.
Czech Ex-Students’ Association of Texas encourages study of Czech language
The Czech Ex-Students’ Association of Texas, CESAT, encourages the study of the Czech language.
Blinn College is offering three online Czech courses this fall.
counselor will need to contact Shannon Williford by sending an email to Shannon.williford@blinn.edu or calling 979-209-8218 to register the dual credit student.
Adults who want to take the class as a continuing education non-credit class will need to contact Loraine Orellana at 979-743-5237 or lorellana@blinn.edu.
—SPJST—
Czech-American TV now broadcasts on Houston channels
Survivors include husband Charles Williams of Temple; daughters Toncida Hemphill and Charlotte Marshall, both of Temple; son Dale Williams of Temple; sister Shirley Benson of Temple; brothers Sherman Rhodes, Jr. and Daryl Fitzgerald of Temple; grandchildren Maranda Johnson, Jeremy Hemphill (Whitney), Justin, Alicia, and Darrion Pickens; and a host of great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends.
—SPJST—
Beginning Czech I and Intermediate Czech I will run August 21 through December 11. Classes are Monday through Thursday with Beginning Czech from 7:45 to 8:50 a.m. and Intermediate Czech I from 8:55 to 9:40 a.m. High school students can take these classes for high school and transferable university credit. Also adults can take these classes as a continuing education class.
Advanced Czech is a non-credit course held Thursdays from 7 to 8:45 p.m. September 10 through November 5.
Textbooks are required for all three courses.
CESAT - with the help of CEFT, KJT, SPJST, and TOCA - is providing scholarships to cover the cost of tuition for the academic credit classes. No application is necessary; when registering for the Czech language class request the scholarship.
High school students seeking to earn dual credit for high school and university in the Beginning and Intermediate Czech courses will receive a scholarship to cover the tuition for the class. Also university students will receive a scholarship to cover the tuition for the Czech class.
Parents of high school students need to speak to their high school counselor and ask that their child be enrolled in the dual credit Czech class. The high school
Czech-American TV, which has aired weekly shows for more than 21 years, now broadcasts in Houston, Texas. This non-profit television program is dedicated to bringing you Czech culture, traditions, genealogy, travel, and cuisine The schedule began July 1, 2024, and for July and August is:
Monday, July 8 at 7 p.m.
Friday, July 12 at 9 p.m.
Monday, July 15 at 7 p.m.
Friday, July 19 at 9 p.m.
Monday, July 22 at 7 p.m.
Friday, July 26 at 9 p.m.
Monday, July 29 at 7 p.m.
Friday, August 2 at 9 p.m.
Monday, August 5 at 7 p.m.
Friday, August 9 at 9 p.m.
Monday, August 12 at 7 p.m.
Friday, August 16 at 9 p.m.
Monday, August 19 at 7 p.m.
Friday, August 23 at 9 p.m.
Monday, August 26 at 7 p.m.
Friday, August 30 at 9 p.m.
The show is available on HMS-TV Comcast Channel 17, AT&T -Verse Channel 99, Sudden Link Channel 99.
Carol Williams
Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897
Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas
Phonoscope Channel 96 (in the Houston City Limits). All episodes are repeated. New episodes are introduced every month.
If you do not live in Houston, you can livestream broadcasts at these scheduled times on the HMSTV website.
www.catvusa.com
You can also watch many other shows at any time, anywhere directly from the Czech-American TV website at www.catvusa.com.
Czech-American TV programs also air on cable TV in Illinois, Oregon, and Florida.
John Honner —SPJST—
President and First Lady of Czech Republic to visit La Grange, Texas
Czech Republic President Petr Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlova
President Petr Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlova will make a public appearance in La Grange on their historic visit to Texas. The President and First Lady will visit the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC) on Saturday, July 13. The public is invited to the welcoming ceremony outside, in front of the TCHCC Main Building from 9 to 11 a.m. to hear the President’s remarks and his show of dedication to the people of the Texas Czech community. The group will then receive a private tour of the TCHCC complex.
This historic visit will be the first to LaGrange of a President of the Czech Republic and the first of any head of state since President Lyndon Johnson in 1969. —SPJST—
Rare mushroom, previously thought to only grow in US, discovered in Moravia
A Czech amateur mycologist has discovered a unique truffle-like mushroom in South Moravia. It was identified by experts as Sedecula pulvinata, a rare and protected species previously thought to grow only in the mountain regions in the west of the United States.
Sedecula pulvinata is a potato-shaped mushroom that grows completely or partially underground. That’s why it is commonly referred to as the ‘false truffle.’ It has a cream-colored peel and black spores hidden inside.
The rare species was found in the Pálava protected landscape area in South Moravia, on the border with Austria back in 2011, but the discovery was only made public recently.
Miroslav Kolařík from the Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Microbiology said, “It was a big surprise for us. It was like finding an Australian platypus in the Vltava River. In the United States, it grows in dry, deciduous mountain forests, in an elevation of 2,000 meters and up. If you know the beautiful forests of Sierra Nevada, that’s the mushroom’s
original habitat. But Pálava is very different. It’s a lowland, covered by broadleaved oak forests.”
So how did the rare underground mushroom get from the United States all the way to south Moravia? According to one theory, it could have spread through spores, which are able to cover extremely long distances. But it is also possible that the species has a broader range than previously thought, says Mr. Kolařík: “The fungus was first found in 2011 and since the original discovery the fruit body was never found again. So one possibility is that the fungus has been there for a long time in very small populations.
“Another hypothesis is that the US species is endemic in the United States and the species we have here could be a very young incipient species that has emerged from the American population and has different ecological requirements. But the genetic data we have are still not sufficient to prove that.”
The mushroom was discovered by an amateur mycologist Slavomír Valda, who immediately realized he came across something unusual. However, identifying the mushroom proved to be quite a complicated process, says Mr. Kolařík: “We carried out DNA sequencing, but at the time, there were no available data about the United States population. In 2015, we compared it with newly-published data
Czech Cu l tural Calendar
Hours of Operation
Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center (CHMGC), 119 West French Avenue, Temple TX. 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 hincrease their skill. For Museum information: tours, happenings, and activities, call: CHMGC 254-899-2935 tyhjwfeo[uhb5hiu[4r4(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 (CCMH), 4920 San Jacinto Street, Houston TX. 77004. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exhibits.
from the United States, and we went ‘bingo’, it’s the same fungus!
“Ever since then, Slavomír tried to find the fungus again because we needed more fruit bodies to properly describe it. But because the search was not successful, we decided to publish our findings in an international journal.”
While new species of fungi are reported in Czech Republic on a regular basis, they are almost always microscopic species, such as moulds. Finding a new mushroom that has never been found in Europe before is therefore considered a unique achievement.
https://english.radio.cz/rare-mushroom-previouslythought-only-grow-us-discovered-moravia-8821807 —SPJST—
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 hour - Saturdays, 1 to 2 p.m. Bring a friend or neighbor and come practice your Czech! 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. For information, call 713-5282060; or visit czechcenter.org.
TCGS Contact Information
Texas Czech Genealogical Society’s new correspondence address is PO Box 150772, Austin, TX 78715. Please send all correspondence to this address, including items for Ceske Stopy. —SPJST—
Krystyna Pyszková from Czech Republic crowned Miss World 2024
Krystyna Pyszkova ́ of the Czech Republic was crowned the new Miss World at a glittering contest culminating March 9, 2024. The event took place in Mumbai, India, at the Jio World Convention Centre. The beauty competition returned to India for the first time in 28 years.
“Being crowned Miss World is a dream come true. I am deeply honored to represent my country and the values of ‘beauty with a purpose’ on a global platform,” Pyszkova said.
After the reigning Miss World, Karoline Bielawska of Poland, passed the crown to her, Pyszkova ́ waved to the large crowd at the Jio World Convention Center and hugged some of the other contestants.
The event showcased the rich tapestry of India’s culture, traditions, heritage, arts and crafts, and textiles to a massive global audience. The participants wore heavily embroidered skirts and blouses and danced to popular Bollywood songs.
The 71st Miss World beauty pageant was hosted by Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar and Miss World 2013 Megan Young from the Philippines.
—SPJST—
Miss World Krystyna Pyszková
Czech Food Classics: Pork crackling spread
Pork crackling spread, or škvarková pomazánka, is a side dish you are sure to find in nearly every Czech pub. The spread, made of ground pork cracklings, lard and finely chopped onion, is usually served on a slice of bread. While not exactly a healthy choice, it does taste rather delicious, especially when paired with a cold glass of beer.
Pork meat is the foundation of many Czech traditional dishes including roast pork knee or pork roast with dumplings and sauerkraut - vepřo knedlo zelo - is considered to be the Czech national meal.
One of the smaller delicacies made of pork lard are škvarky or cracklings, the by-product of rendering lard. What remains at the end of the process of melting pork fat are pieces of meat that have been fried until brown and crispy.
Cracklings can be eaten on their own, or salted or seasoned with spices, but most Czechs prefer to make them into a delicious spread, known as škvarková pomazánka
Although not strictly a Czech meal, pork crackling spread enjoys great popularity in the Czech Republic and is a staple item on the menus of both highend and low-end restaurants and pubs.
While some people grind the cracklings, an electric food processor can be used to cut them up just a bit. You can also season the chopped shavings with
mustard and add a chopped hard-boiled egg.
To give the spread the right consistency, mix in a little bit of the lard and some finely chopped spring onions. Season with salt because the cracklings are usually unsalted in order to stay crispy. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients.
Škvarková pomazánka comes in endless varieties. While some people mix it with mustard, others prefer to blend it with finely chopped red onion or pickles, or add spicy ingredients, such as Tabasco or chilli peppers.
What is important though, is to serve the spread on a good quality bread. Ideally, serve the spread on a slice of freshly baked bread or on toasted bread. You could also use white bread, but the classic Czech Šumava is recommended.
Sprinkle spring onions on top or garnish with a slice of hard-boiled egg.
While the process of making homemade pork cracklings is not that complicated, it is rather time-consuming. That’s why most Czechs today prefer to eat this dish in a pub, washing it down with a glass or two of pivo
https://english.radio.cz/czech-food-classics-pork-crackling-spread-8760126 —SPJST—
They established the ethnographic ensemble Formani and use their talent to the full to document and maintain the folk traditions of their region. Based on historical records, they compose music, invent choreographies and sew costumes for their performances.
The dance is complemented by other elements such as singing, clapping or stomping!
“Originally, it was a small family choir gathered around a piano in the living room, and gradually it grew to its present form, with about 20 dancers and 12 musicians; but we are still kind of a family ensemble. The basis of the ensemble is actually four families,” says the ensemble’s artistic director Stanislava Sejkorová.
and making them takes both great skill and time, with great attention paid to detail. For instance, female dancers wear several skirts during the performance. First, they don a small petticoat, which used to function as underwear then a wide petticoat, a taffeta skirt, and an embroidered apron. The width of the skirts was to highlight the tiny size of the dancer’s waist. Stanislava says the clothes reflected a person’s status and differed for formal and informal occasions.
“The costume of a married woman must have a bonnet. Once a girl got married, she was not allowed to show her hair to other men. That’s why at the wedding they used to say ‘let’s cap the bride,’ because from then on she had to wear a bonnet. The bonnets were either ceremonial, in different colors, embroidered with gold and decorated with garnets, or for work or day wear, which were pure white,” Stanislava explains.
Formani ethnographic ensemble offers more than just song and dance: preservation of regional traditions
The ethnographic ensemble Formani was established 20 years ago by local folk music enthusiasts. Based on historical records, they compose music, create their own choreographies and sew costumes, helping to preserve the folk traditions of the Pardubice region, east of Prague.
Twenty years ago, the Koutek family in Slatiňany decided they would take their love of folk music and traditions outside of the closed family circle and aside from their own enjoyment of singing and dancing would do something to preserve the region’s traditions for future generations.
The ensemble consists of musicians and dancers of all ages who are very creative in planning their costumes and performances. They find inspiration for their work in libraries, antique shops and from ethnographers.
“Being an ethnographic ensemble, we pride ourselves in the fact that we not only sing and dance, but also document the traditions and customs of our region. We try to preserve everything so that our costumes and dances really show where we come from,” Stanislava says.
The ensemble performs in exact replicas of costumes from the second half of the 19th century. Researching them
Texas Czech Genealogical Society
Website: txczgs.org
Promoting the study of the genealogy of the particular group of people known as “Texas Czechs.”
For membership: Marie Dulak 979-324-7871
The Formani ensemble appears at music festivals and at Easter and Christmas gatherings. The group cooperates with local Sokol organization as well as two schools in the region, giving the young generation some insight into the region’s culture and traditions.
https://english.radio.cz/formani-ethnographic-ensembleoffers-more-just-song-and-dance-8805328
—SPJST—
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 78940. 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 77964. For information/updates, call President Joe Siptak 979-4790056.
LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3)
Lodge Hall: 700 South Czech Hall Road, West 76691. Hall Rental Information: Peggy Dobecka 254-7170383 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.
Saturday, July 13—Hrabal reunion Sunday, July 14—Sonnenberg/Radke reunion Sunday, July 21—SPJST Lodge 6 Annual Picnic Sunday, July 28—RVOS No. 47
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, 712 N US Hwy 77, Schulenburg 78956. For information, call 979-2474168.Schulenburg. For information, call 979-247-4168.
LODGE 9, SNOOK (1) Lodge Hall: 457 CR 269, Snook 77878. 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 979220-4733; 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 77853 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 76518 (historic hexagon-shaped building with a stone entrance.) Hall Rental Information: 254-217-2863. Lodge Meetings: Held monthly at the hall. For meeting time/information, call 254-217-2863/Mary Helen Rodriguez. Agent: Scott Brandon 254-217-5118
LODGE 17, NEW TABOR (1)
Lodge Hall: 2674 CR 225, Caldwell 77836. 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 979-218-4931.
LODGE 18, ELGIN (2) ● Kitchen is open at all dances.
Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin 78621. Lodge 18 is a non-smoking facility. Hall phone: 512-285-3100.
Email: elginspjstlodge18@outlook.com. Lodge Meetings: Held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. For information, call 737-233-0767/Judith Sanders.
LODGE 20, GRANGER (2)
Lodge Hall: 114 West Davilla, Granger 76530. 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 254541-5344.
LODGE 23, MORAVIA (6)
Lodge Hall: FM 957 North, Schulenburg 78956 (located 12 miles south of Schulenburg, in Moravia). Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the second Tuesday of March, June, September, and December at the hall at 6:30 p.m. For information, call 979-7430369/Kathleen Guenther.
LODGE 24, CYCLONE - FLAG HALL (2)
Lodge Hall: 411 FM 964, Burlington 76519. 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 77435. Call 281-7799956/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.
Friday, July 12—The Other Band
Friday, July 19—Glen Collins
Friday, July 26—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 77437. 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, 110 Medical Drive - Suite 102, Victoria 77904. For information, call 361-212-1143/Mark Lester.
LODGE 35, ELK - ELK HALL (3) Lodge Hall: 9508 Elk Road, Axtell 76624. Hall Rentals/Bookings: 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. Agents: Samantha Beene 903-644-1855; sjbeene1241978@yahoo.com; Deann Beckendorf 254-275-8028; joh.becken@yahoo.com.
Saturday, July 13—Nolan Pick Band Wednesday, July 17—Lodge meeting, 7 p.m. Saturday, July 20—reunion rental Saturday, August 3—Tumble Dry Low Saturday, August 17—Rental Wednesday, August 21—Lodge meeting, 7 p.m. Saturday, August 24—Joe Parker Band
LODGE 38, KOVAR (1)
Lodge Hall: 278 Zimmerhanzel Road, Flatonia 78941. Hall Rental Information: 512-2379099/Donna; or 512-581-2672/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, Bryan 77802. For information, call 979-4060158/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, El Campo 77437. For information, contact President Linda Henderson 281-8045252; email hendersonlj@homail.com; Vice President/Reporter Ardis Bacak 832-2476350; or Secretary/Treasurer Sharon Borak Sharon_Borak@yahoo.com. Youth Club Meetings: Youth Leader Lisa Reck 512-844-0254 or lisaannie7@hotmail.com.
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 77979. 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 76501. Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Amber Bartek 254-931-0295; Hall Phone: 254-985-2548. 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 76574. 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 78675. 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 78675. 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 970-7992782/Tonya Wales.
LODGE 54, WEST (3)
Lodge Meetings: First Friday in March, June, and November, and the second Friday in September at 7 p.m. St. Joseph Hall, 303 South Harrison Street, West 76691. For information, call Freddie Kaluza 254-709-2303.
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 361781-2644/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 76705. For information, call 254-7156765/Dana McAdams. Agent: Samantha Beene 903-644-1855; sjbeene1241978@yahoo.com.
LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG (1)
Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly in March, June, September, and December at Kountry Bakery, Hwy 77 in Schulenburg 78956 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 78415. 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 Monday in January, March, May, July, September, and November at 6:30 p.m. at Restoration Fellowship Church (formerly ‘The Hall on 2268’), 12141 East FM 2268, Holland, Texas 76534. Watch the Věstník for changes in dates or times. For information, call 254-760-6427/Rita Spinn.
LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5) Lodge Hall: 13609 Violet Street in Needville 77461. Hall Manager/Bookings/Rentals: Marion Morales 281-650-4466. 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.
LODGE 87, TEMPLE (2) Lodge Hall: 320 North 50th Street, Temple 76501. 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:
● Member meetings held every second Sunday of each month. Meal at 1p.m., meeting at 2 p.m.
● 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. Lodge Hall: 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights) 77008. Hall Phone/Rental Information: Call 713-869-5767; or visit www.lodge88.org. Lodge Meetings: Held the second 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. Dances 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.
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 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, 14027 FM 2100, Crosby 77532. For information, call 281-798-1092 /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. 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 third Monday of March, June, September, and December. Remaining meeting dates are: June 17 and September 16 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 78114. 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, Corpus Christi 78410. For information, call 361-241-3754.
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,San Antonio 78221. For meeting location/date/information, call 210-325-9851/Leora Uribe-Lacy.
LODGE 139, DANBURY (5)
Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly on the first Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 12 noon at Main Street Steakhouse, 1802 Main Street, Danbury 77534. Luncheon follows meeting. For information, call Lonnie 979-864-9999.
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 77474. December meeting is held at Tony’s Restaurant; complimentary meal for members. For information, call 979-885-4900.
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) Houston 77008 - 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, Wharton 77488. For information, call 979-532-5884/Janie Bucek; or email jbucek2001@yahoo.com.
LODGE 154, FORT WORTH (3)
Meeting Location: 6500 Boat Club Road, Fort Worth, 76179. 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 carrieannjones@att.net or 817-371-1727, or Appa Burcie abburcie2015@gmail.com or 817-614-2967 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.
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, Lubbock 79043. 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 76554. 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 254-721-8717/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, 205 Cockrill Street, Moulton 77975. For information, contact Secretary Terry Stevenson terrywstevenson@gmail.com or 361-772-0046.
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 theresa.haag686@gmail.com or 830-832-3664 for meeting information. Youth Club Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month. For meeting time/location, contact Youth Leader Jessica McCoy 979-7778215; jmccoy@pta.com.
LODGE 186, CALDWELL (1)
Lodge Meetings: Held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Caldwell Civic Center, 103 W Highway 21, Caldwell, 77836. Bring your favorite dish for a potluck prior to the meeting. For information, contact President Victor Mendez 512-7438297 or vmendez@kmc.net.
LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK (2)
Lodge Hall: 920 Luther Peterson Place, Round Rock 78665. 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, College Station 77840. 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, Lufkin 75901. For information, call 936-465-2435/George Scogin.
LODGE 196, HOUSTON-WEST (5) Lodge Hall: 17810 Huffmeister Road, Cypress 77429. 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 78026. 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, El Paso 79938. Phone: 915-633-9877. 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, Abilene 79601. For information, call 325-370-0573/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—
