State Fraternal Director Frank Horak August 2019

SPJST Camps It was another amazing Summer! Our camps were structured

differently this year and many youth said they enjoyed the camps. Now it is time to start planning and improving the program for 2020. I heard from many of the LIT’s they enjoy being with the younger youth during the junior sessions. I saw many changes in our teens this year. I am very proud of all of them. They are very responsible and do commend our respect; after all, they are our future.

I know change can sometimes be challenging. Let me assure you we will not ever have back to back camps again. DYC’s, Camp Kubena Director Rob Clift and myself have all agreed to keeping some days between the two sessions in July and LIT will be at the end of June.

2020 SPJST Camp dates: LIT/Teen camp: Wednesday, June 24 —Sunday, June 28

Session One Junior camp Wednesday, July 15 — Sunday, July 19

Session Two Junior camp Wednesday, July 22 — Sunday, 26

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Save the Date!

2019 Fall Fun Days

District I Sunday, October 20, 2019

Lodge 186, Caldwell Hosting Trunk-or-Treat

District II August 18, 2019

Lodge 80, Holland Hosting

District III Sunday, October 20, 2019

Sokol Hall DallasDistrict Three Hosting

District IV Saturday, October 5, 2019

Lodge 49, Rowena Hosting

District V To be announced

District VI Held in May

District VII Sunday, September 15, 2019 Lodge 185, New Braunfels

Hosting at Eagle Hall

SPJST YOUTH P.O. Box 100 - Temple, Texas 76503 | 800.727.7578 | 254.534.0681

State Fraternal Director Frank Horak August 2019

Youth Achievement Day

State Youth Achievement Day ended an hour earlier this year. I have been thinking of ways we can change things up a bit and shave some more time off at State YAD. I will bring this up in our Fall DYC meeting in October. Best wishes go to all our youth at State Youth Achievement Day. Although I was busy. I really enjoyed viewing your crafts and watching your talent. Congratulations to all the winners and to our 2019-2020 State Royalty Court. I look forward to working with you this year. I am looking at some changes to the State Royalty program. Changes that will give you the opportunity learn and grow as a young adult, with the guidance of your DYC, President Vanicek, and myself. Check your Vestnik for these updates.

Grandparents Day Even though Grandparents Day is over a month away —Sunday,

September 8, 2019 — having this in the August newsletter might give youth clubs a chance to plan something special for the grandparents in their lodge. Remember all the wonderful grandparents who have been so special in your lives. It’s also a day for families. Everyone is somebody’s grandchild and can be involved in the observance of this day. It can be a time to discover one’s roots and even a time to learn patience, understanding and appreciation for the elderly — the perfect time to enhance communication between the generations.

WestFest This year WestFest parade and festivities will be on August 31, 2019 at the fairgrounds in West. This is also when the 2019-2020 State Royalty Court makes their first public appearance. Watch the Vestnik for more details.

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August Vestnik Project

The August Vestnik Project will be about Sky Events. September Vestnik will be about the equinox and how you can balance an egg on its end during this time.

State Fraternal Director Frank Horak August 2019

Fall District Youth Counselor Meeting The 2019 Fall District Youth Counselor (DYC) Meeting will be October 11 to 13 outside of Gruene, Texas on the Guadalupe River. During the meeting DYC’s talk about guidelines for 2020 YAD Constructed Items (Clay or Dough Molded), Dessert (Cookies), and Photography (Flowers). We also discuss camp, next year’s theme as well as any additions to the youth club rule book that may help things run a little smoother. Next year’s theme is determined by a leadership group discussion. District One will be leading that discussion group. Youth Leaders, if you have any items you would like your DYC to discuss at our meeting please submit your request in writing to your DYC. This way your voices can be heard and addressed.

SPJST Car Show Fundraiser The SPJST Foundation is giving away an incredible MZ

Magnum 48” Zero-turn Mower with 725cc Kohler Engine on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at the SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration, and you could be the winner!

If you have any questions or would like to make purchases for your lodge or organization, please give us a call at the SPJST Home Office at 254-773-1575 or 800-727-7578 and we’ll be happy to work with you! Please see attached flyer.

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August Vestnik Project

The September Vestnik Project will be about National Assisted Living Week. Ask your youth and parents to go to a local assisted living center and visit with the members. This year’s theme is “Capture the Moment.”

SPJST August Vestnik Project - Back to School SmartThis project earns a maximum 1 point in the SPJST Youth Clubs Merit Points System. Mail completed project no later than September 15, 2019 to:

SPJST Youth Program c/o SPJST Home Office • P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503

Name______________________________________________________________________ Age______________Riding in a Car

• You might have heard before that most traffic crashes occur close to home ... they do.

• Safety belts are the best form of protection passengers have in the event of a crash. They can lower your risk of injury by 45%.

• You are four times more likely to be seriously injured or killed if ejected from the vehicle in a crash.

• Everyone needs to be buckled up properly. That means older kids in seat belts, younger kids in booster seats and little kids in child safety seats.

Read the information on back to school safety andanswer the questions below.1. Riding in a car is safer than riding in a school bus. T or F

2. When entering and exiting a school bus list three safety tips that should be followed. (Write on back of page if needed.)

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________3. When walking or riding a bike to school you should mind

all __________ signals and/or the __________ guard--never cross the street against a light, even if you don’t see

any __________ coming.

4. Safety belts are the best form of protection passengers have in the event of a crash. T or F

Back to School Safety TipsRiding the BusSchool bus transportation is safe. In fact, buses are safer than cars! Even so,last year, approximately 26 students were killed and another 9,000 wereinjured in incidents involving school buses. More often than not, these deathsand injuries didn't occur in a crash, but as the pupils were entering and exitingthe bus. Remember these safety tips:

• Have a safe place to wait for your bus, away from traffic and the street.

• Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driv-er signals you to enter.

• When being dropped off, exit the bus and walk ten giant steps away from the bus. Keep a safe distance between you and the bus. Also, remember that the bus driver can see you best when you are back

away from the bus.• Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus.• Stay away from the bus until the driver gives his/her signal that it's

okay to approach.• Be aware of the street traffic around you. Drivers are required to fol

low certain rules of the road concerning school buses, however, notall do. Protect yourself and watch out!

Walking and Biking to SchoolEven if you don't ride in a motor vehicle, you still have to protect yourself.Because of minimal supervision, young pedestrians face a wide variety ofdecision making situations and dangers while walking to and from school.Here are a few basic safety tips to follow:

• Mind all traffic signals and/or the crossing guard -- never cross the street against a light, even if you don't see any traffic coming.

• Walk your bike through intersections.• Walk with a buddy.• Wear reflective material...it makes you more visible to street traffic.

Source:http://www.nsc.org/mem/youth/8_school.htm

Your Kind Support Could Win You a Bad Boy Mower!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The SPJST Foundation is giving away an incredi-ble MZ Magnum 48” Zero-turn Mower with 725cc Kohler Engine on Saturday, October 5,2019, at the SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Celebration, and you could be the winner! Thanks to the folks at Farm Equipment Service in Temple for their sponsorship.

Tickets are $20 each or six for $100. Lodges, of course, are also eligible to buy tickets.You could be the winner and – at the very least – you’ll be helping the SPJST Foundation in itsefforts to help the Czech Heritage Museum, educational programs at Camp Kubena as well as fu-ture endeavors of significant merit and in line with the Foundation’s objectives. Recent Founda-tion projects include the relocation and restoration of SPJST Lodge 19, Velehrad to the TexasCzech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange, Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, assistingTexas cities along Texas’ gulf coast, and the SPJST Founder’s Day Celebration in collaborationwith and to assist SPJST Lodge 1, Fayetteville in 2018.

Tickets are $20 eachor six for $100.Lodges, of course, are also eligible to buy tickets.

I love mowing and the satisfaction that comes from tidying up the homeplace and spend-ing time in the great outdoors. Until recently, I didn’t know much about Bad Boy mowers otherthan that they were expensive! The MZ Magnum 48” model that the Foundation will be award-ing retails for $4,500.

Rather than to give you the “company line” on the mower, I visited the website, “MowerReviews 24: Only the Best Lawn Mowers” to see their answer to the question, “What’s so spe-cial about the Bad Boy zero turn mowers?” Here’s their response:

“To answer that question, let us tell you a few facts about the brand. One of the biggestreasons they’ve become one of the most popular options today despite being a relatively youngcompany is the fact that their products are made in the USA. This alone can be enough to con-vince a lot of people to opt for a Bad Boy mower as it guarantees top-notch quality.

ProsIt’s built to last. The all-steel, fabricated deck is something you won’t easily find in residential units.It has a number of convenient features.The seat is comfortable, and it even has a cup holder!It’s easy to handle.

ConsThe price is a bit higher than some other brands’ products.It’s only recommended for clearing lots that are up to 1 acre in size.

Verdict“You’ll definitely fall in love with the MZ Magnum at first sight as it looks

like it can easily take on years of heavy use. With its easy handling and great performance,it will surely be a great pick for most homes with sizeable yards.”

So, how can you get tickets? Every SPJST director and officer has tickets. Their contactinformation is listed on page two. You can give them a call or you can contact Melanie, Frank,Tammy, or me at the SPJST Home Office, and we’ll make arrangements to get the tickets to you.Tickets will also be available at SPJST State Youth Achievement Day on Saturday, August 3 atthe Mayborn Convention Center in Temple and at the Corpus Christi Getaway weekend on Fri-day and Saturday, August 9 and 10 in Corpus Christi.

If you have any questions or if would like to make purchases for your lodge or organiza-tion, please give us a call at the SPJST Home Office at 254-773-1575 or 800-727-7578 and we’llbe happy to work with you!

Fraternally,

Brian VanicekPresident