western fraternal life xxviii national conventionwestern fraternal life home office 1900 first ave....

Vol. 118, No. 01 • Established 1897 • January 15, 2015

Photo provided by the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

Western Fraternal Life XXVIII National Convention

July 23-24, 2015 - Cedar Rapids, IA

Western Fraternal Life Home Office1900 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402Toll-free 1-877-wflains (935-2467)(319) 363-2653 Fax: (319) 363-8806 [email protected] • www.wflains.org

Mon. - Thurs., 7:45 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (CST) Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. (CST)

Board of D

irectorsM

anagement Team

Craig Van Dyke, Presidente-mail: [email protected]

Ann Day Freeman, Senior Vice President and Chief Underwritere-mail: [email protected]

Donald Nieland, Vice President of Information Technology and Secretarye-mail: [email protected]

Jack Minder, Vice President and Treasurere-mail: [email protected]

Daniel Anderegg, Manager of Sales and Marketinge-mail: [email protected]

Craig Van Dyke, President 2595 Edinburgh Pl, Marion, IA 52302 e-mail: [email protected]

District 1, Terry Hynek 2375 County Rd. Q, Wilber, NE 68465 Home: (402) 821-3167 • Business: (402) [email protected]

District 2, Brenda Osterman 18803 Ibsen Rd, Sparta, WI 54656 (608) 487-2655 • [email protected]

District 3, Donald R. Krall 2324 25th St. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 (319) 365-8873 • [email protected]

District 4, Duane J. Jirik Chairman of the Board 1006 3rd St. NE, New Prague, MN 56071 (952) 758-4885 • [email protected]

District 5, Mary Bradley 200 W. Cass St., St. Johns, MI 48879 (989) 400-1422 • [email protected]

District 6, Bonita Fillmore 1803 Lancaster Ave, Klamath Falls, OR 97601 (541) 884-2374 • [email protected]

District 7, Brad Evans 3345 East Hwy 34, Ennis, TX 75119 (972) 816-9611 • [email protected]

Official Organization of Western Fraternal Life Association.

Published monthly by the Home Office of Western Fraternal Life Association: No commercial advertising accepted. Periodical Postage Paid at Cedar Rapids, IA and additional Mailing Office. Post-Master: Send change of address to: Western Fraternal Life Association, 1900 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. Printed by Automatic Printing Co. in Omaha, NE (ISSN 0006-9256).

Lodge Director Kathryn Chadima

Youth Activities Director

Kelsey Logan

Fraternal Supervisor Linda Grove

Publication CoordinatorsDarcy Hilton • Erica Wery

FraternalHerald

FeaturesNational Scholarship Announcement ....... 2Honorary Members .................................. 2President's Annual Message ..................... 32015 Lodge Anniversaries ......................... 375 and 50-year members .......................4-6Polar Express ............................................. 7Kolin Kolache Festival ............................. 10

DepartmentsCalendar .................................................... 7Spotlight .......................................................7 Financial Planning .................................... 8Producers Page ........................................ 9Referral Update ........................................ 9Kitchen Talk ................................................10Fraternal Focus .................................. 11-26In Memoriam .....................................26-27Claims ...................................................... 27

Recognizing New Honorary MembersHonorary members are those individuals whose certificates have endowed. Congratulations to the following members:

Names Lodge City, StateCecilia Steinberg No. 82 Yuba, WIInez Olsen No. 107 Canby, MN Leonard Vopalensky No. 9 Morse Bluff, NE Gladys Bowen No. 141 Cadott, WIMadalene Fiala No. 243 Mason City, IAEmily Dodge No. 128 Rossville, KSVictor Svancara No. 234 Buhl, ID

Check out these great sponsored organizations:National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library: find out upcoming events and special exhibits: www.ncsml.org

WOES FM: The Polka Palace, a non-commercial, educational radio station broadcast from Ovid-Elsie High School, Elsie, MI. Listen to us on your smart phone app Tune In. Online at www.ovidelsie.org

Czech-American TV PO Box 100001, Cape Coral, FL 33910 (708) 813-0028 www.catvusa.com

Czech Radio Programs, Cleveland, OH Joe Kocab, WHK Radio 1220 AM, Sundays from 3:03 to 5 p.m. EST Simulcast: www.whkwradio.com (Click "Listen")

National Scholarship AnnouncementApply now for our fall 2015–2016 National Scholarships

Twenty-five National Scholarships will be awarded to eligible members for the fall 2015-16 school year. Applications can be found on our website: www.wflains.org or by calling 1-877-935-2467.

How to Apply: The following must be received by the Home Office no later than March 1: A completed scholarship application form with es-say, high school transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and acceptance letter from a college/university/vocational/technical school. If you are currently attending college, we require college transcripts in lieu of high school transcripts.

For more information check our website at: www.wflains.orgApplication and all materials are due at the

Home Office: March 1, 2015Send application and additional materials to: Western Fraternal Life

1900 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

January 2015 Enriching Today, Insuring Tomorrow 3

President Craig Van Dyke'sAnnual Message to the Members

2015 Lodge AnniversariesThe lodges who are celebrating anniversaries in 2015 are listed below. Many of those lodges plan special celebrations at some point during the year. Contact a lodge officer to find out if they are having a special celebration.

Lodge No./City/State Charter Date AnniversaryNo. 152, Farwell, NE 04/23/1905 110 yearsNo. 153, Jennings, KS 07/29/1905 110 yearsNo. 155, Montgomery, MN 08/06/1905 110 years

Lodge No./City/State Charter Date AnniversaryNo. 400, Swisher, IA 12/29/1940 75 yearsNo. 401, Dallas, TX 11/01/1940 75 years

It is hard to believe that the XXVIII National Convention is right around the corner. It seems like yesterday we gathered in Frankenmuth, MI. Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that this year’s Convention will have several new activities. Thursday and Friday, while the Convention is in session, we will be having a

Youth Conference for all the young members in attendance who are not delegates. The Youth Conference will offer young members a chance to meet and discuss the future of our fraternal. They will also participate in service projects for Cedar Rapids. The youth conference attendees will present recommendations to the delegation on Friday as well. Thursday night activities will include a trip to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library for dinner, a self guided tour, and shopping at the gift shop. Then on Friday, after the Convention has adjourned, we will be doing a Fraternal Service project. We invite all delegates, guests, and youth to help assemble packaged meals for Kids Against Hunger. The goal of this project is to package 20,000 meals. The meals are dispersed to impoverished countries cur-rently focused on those hit hardest by the Ebola virus. Ten percent of the meals will stay locally to the charity of our choice as well. Last October, I had the privilege of presenting the 2014 Fraternalist of the Year award to JoAnn Parks of Lodge 141 in Cadott, WI. An article of JoAnn’s accomplishments appeared in the November issue of the Fraternal Herald. JoAnn’s commitment to Western and her community is a perfect example of what fraternalism is all about. This past year, a lot of time and effort went into rebranding and developing ideas on how to increase the visibility of Western Fraternal Life. I believe the changes we put in place (see the October Fraternal Herald) are a great start. Going forward, we will focus on helping lodges find ways to become more visible in the communities they serve. Other changes that took place in 2014 include a redesigned website and a new Member Discount Program. You can find the list of discounts offered under member benefits on our website or visit our exclusive member discount website www.wflainsbenefits.org. Western had another successful year as measured by growth in assets, insurance in-force, and surplus. Results will be reported to you in the April Fraternal Herald. This issue of the Fraternal Herald recognizes our faithful members who will celebrate their 50th and 75th anniversaries with Western in 2015. Your continued support is greatly appreciated and acknowledged! I look forward to seeing many of you at the Convention in Cedar Rapids, IA later this year.

Fraternally,Craig Van Dyke, CFAPresident

4 Enriching Today, Insuring Tomorrow January 2015

Louis Flaschenriem .......... 2

Leonard Simanek ............. 9

Gordon Hromadko ......... 11Florence Winkles ........... 11

Virginia Carter ............... 22Vonnie Rae Werden ....... 22

Lambert Perina .............. 28Evelyn Whitaker ............ 28

James Blahnik ................ 38Ronald Kos ..................... 38Paul Oxley ...................... 38

Roger Fiala ..................... 39Edwin Fibikar ................. 39Norma Field ................... 39Alyce Foster ................... 39Patrick Halligan .............. 39Dorothy Rogers.............. 39Virginia Vanek ................ 39

Janet Olstad ................... 44Melvin Viktora ............... 44

James Hrabik ................. 45June Kucera ................... 45

Fredrick Walenta ........... 46

Desdive Milacek ............ 67

Amaryllis Policky............ 68Albin Shultz .................... 68Agnes Smaus ................. 68

Sharon Mottl ................. 73Barbara Trombley .......... 73

Arnold Capek ................. 76James Koca .................... 76Robert Kovarik ............... 76Bonita Milne .................. 76La Vern Novak ............... 76Virgene Sloan ................ 76Betty Small .................... 76

Virgie Smith ................... 76

Irene Herman ................ 80Henry Musil ................... 80

Alvin Cudley ................... 81

Marilyn Haefer .............. 82

John Lundak ................... 85

Thomas Branish ........... 100

Marilyn Herel ............... 101

Richard Banes .............. 104Jane Christensen.......... 104Emil Cufr ...................... 104Vernon Krezek ............. 104Marvin Monroe ........... 104Carlene Rairdin ............ 104

Gerald Pohanka ........... 106

Gladys Boushka ........... 108Richard Dohnal ............ 108Rosemary Heim ........... 108Mary Malach ............... 108Dorothy Nerden .......... 108Lorraine Skarivoda ....... 108

Patricia Crawford ......... 109Alfred Jech ................... 109

Dorothy Hansel ............ 121Marion Jenista ............. 121Louise Sheen ............... 121

Richard Meixner .......... 127

Ronald Buchacek ......... 144Mary Stepan ................ 144

Charlotte Bondeson .... 147

Margaret McKee .......... 162

Anton Boska ................ 168

Theodore Dobrovolny . 188

James Klesalek ............. 188Lucille Moffitt .............. 188

Rose Chan .................... 192Donald Kuzel ................ 192

Elmer Svaty .................. 203

Kenneth Kobetsky ....... 218Jerome Zak .................. 218

Annette Flatley ............ 221

Lahny Podrabsky ......... 222

Edith Aldrich ................ 225Lucille Chovanec .......... 225Norma Moulton ........... 225Patricia Rieves ............. 225Mary Wingle ................ 225

Glade McDougall ......... 234

Betty Bures .................. 236Norma Scott ................ 236

Dorothy Westwood ..... 237

Edward Havlick ............ 247Bessie Tihelka .............. 247

Mary Dawson .............. 260Jonilea Rankin .............. 260

Richard Hekl ................ 262Joyce Kaplan ................ 262John Kuba .................... 262Joseph Pelisek .............. 262Frank Svoboda ............. 262Robert Zahradnik ......... 262

Betty Diaddigo ............. 280Ernest Hargett ............. 280Frank Plecity ................ 280Bertha Tunder ............. 280

Shirlene Graft .............. 284Jerry Kasala .................. 284Marlene Short ............. 284

Burnell Svihovec .......... 284

Annie Michalsky .......... 289

Helen Siska .................. 295

Kamilla Belek ............... 296Lennea Davis ............... 296Herman Hruska ............ 296Ronald Rosberg ........... 296Thomas Vlcek .............. 296Anna Wamre................ 296

Ruth Chvosta ............... 330Vera Marschall ............. 330Carol Nepereny ........... 330Mildred Olsiewicz ........ 330Carl Vrzal ..................... 330

Mary Lorence .............. 357

Sandra Bialek ............... 360

Helen Koepke .............. 361

Jennie Zima .................. 365

Charlotte Pigula ........... 377Dolores Smith .............. 377George Vanek .............. 377

Evelyn Dvorak .............. 389Mary Zach.................... 389

Claude Mleziva ............ 391

Robert Becicka ............400Melvin Dubishar ..........400Eva Holub ....................400

Betty Hynek ................. 423Larry Spina ................... 423

Camilla Gresham ......... 431Alice Polacek ................ 431

Kenneth Klouda ........... 500Victor Naxera............... 500Fern Nost ..................... 500

Celebrating 2015's 75 and 50-year Members

Western Fraternal Life congratulates the men and women reaching this

milestone. Their belief in our motto: truth, love, and loyalty has strength-ened our society over the years.

Each of our honored members are entitled to receive a pin and may receive it by calling the Fraternal Department at 1-877-935-2467. We will

be happy to send them out. Many of the lodges will also have a special ceremony or dinner to recognize these members. Any officer in the lodge can request pins to present to these members as well. Thank you for your many years of dedicated service.

75-Year Members

50 & 75 Year MeMbers

2015

Congratulations!


Duane Jirik ....................... 2James Luskey ................... 2

Olga Kupka ...................... 3Larry Pracheil................... 3Michele Renner ............... 3Cherlene Severyn-Peirce . 3Carol Smith ...................... 3Lyn Stipek ........................ 3

Judith Cooley ................... 5Cynthia De Jong ............... 5Keith Groeling .................. 5Jo Ellen Kruse ................... 5Deborah Larson ............... 5Ione Olesen ..................... 5Marlena Welter ............... 5

Cheryl Brown ................... 7Susan Kazimour ............... 7Steven Tomas .................. 7

Ruth Bertone ................... 9Kerry Krivanek ................. 9

David Saliny ................... 10

Lucienne Ciskovsky ........ 11Scott Pashina ................. 11

Sandra Bogard ............... 14Mark Maresh ................. 14Evelyn Schaaf ................. 14Eugene Severance ......... 14

Donald Benyshek ........... 19Gary Houdek.................. 19Nancy Lohf ..................... 19Kevin Milner .................. 19

John Peterman .............. 20

Doris Beranek ................ 22Vionna Naese ................ 22

Arlene Brdicko ............... 28Sandra Claussen ............ 28John Moore ................... 28Russell Stodola .............. 28

Nancy Novy ................... 32

Barbara Seward ............. 34

Roger Blahnik ................ 38

Howard Ball ................... 39John Dopita ................... 39Denise Hutchison........... 39Terrance Palmer ............ 39Michael Sedlacek ........... 39

Denise Andersen ........... 45Cathryne Cahoy ............. 45

Ronald Cermak .............. 45Sherry Pochop ............... 45Roberta Williams ........... 45

Karrie Davis.................... 46Joyce Long ..................... 46Kelle McEwen ................ 46Ross Sestak .................... 46Valdene Sestak .............. 46Alan Zbavitel .................. 46

Christopher Fischer ....... 48Anthony Gargulak .......... 48DeAnna Helminiak ......... 48Robert Ludvik ................ 48Paul Schneider ............... 48Michael Stibor ............... 48

Susan Bussard................ 54Bonnie Filipi ................... 54Donald Javorsky ............. 54Kathleen Kinney ............. 54Patricia Marshall ............ 54Jerry Petracek ................ 54Carl Rezabek .................. 54Allen Schuerman ........... 54Larry Vilda ..................... 54

Jackie Davis .................... 67Joyce Foster ................... 67Julie Taylor ..................... 67

Dwayne Raskey .............. 68

Robert Dettmer II .......... 69Brenda Ellingboe ........... 69Craig Ellingboe ............... 69Joseph Kulhanek ............ 69Martin Marek ................ 69Douglas Vitek ................. 69

Sandra Knapp ................ 71Kathleen Popp ............... 71Cheryl Wurts ................. 71

Robert Anderle Jr. .......... 73John Cervenka ............... 73James Crozier ................. 73Randall Crozier............... 73Debra Degeneffe ........... 73Kathryn Fiedorowicz ...... 73Mary Forgette ............... 73Brenda Gustafson .......... 73Brian Havelka ................. 73Dawn Hruska ................. 73William Hruska .............. 73Alexander Jorasz Jr ........ 73Carol Linsmeier .............. 73Kathleen Martin ............ 73Ralph Mortinson ............ 73Kathleen Olson .............. 73

Mary Richter .................. 73Patrick Smejkal .............. 73Timothy Strnad .............. 73

Rochelle Bruha .............. 74Kristin Kucera ................ 74Robert Sabata ................ 74Curtis Zach ..................... 74

Richard Brunkow ........... 76Shirley Brunkow ............ 76

Debra Buchholz ............. 80Beth Davis ...................... 80Judy Gaughenbaugh ...... 80Timothy Hovorka ........... 80Todd Rauch .................... 80Rebecca Tycz ................. 80

Tracy Elizabeth Martin ... 84Kenneth Ullman ............. 84

Dixie Ganske .................. 85William Ganske .............. 85Larry Kovarik ................. 85

Myrtle Santin ................. 89William Vanlandingham . 89

Michael Bednar ........... 100James Booth ................ 100Gary Brandemuehl ...... 100Laverne Kodesh ........... 100Lawrence Richter Jr ..... 100Eugene Sigmund .......... 100Charles Votruba ........... 100Nancy Yeager ............... 100

Gregory Blecha ............ 101Kevin Krikava ............... 101

John Carlile .................. 104Nancy Downing ........... 104William Feight .............. 104Marcia Mitchell-Hoots .. 104Charles Mumm ............ 104

Larry Bina .................... 106Stuart Malafa ............... 106

Ronald Carr .................. 107Jon Cech ...................... 107Jeffrey Hemish ............. 107

Steven Bielinski ............ 108Karen Dohnal ............... 108Betty Fiori .................... 108Rebecca Frelich............ 108Lee Henchen ................ 108Barbara Hoffman ......... 108Richard Holda .............. 108Sharon Holda ............... 108Melinda Kaster ............ 108

William Kolarik ............. 108David Krutz .................. 108Thomas Rolland ........... 108Robert Rosek ............... 108Gregory Runnoe .......... 108James Schaetz ............. 108Paul Schaetz ................ 108Thomas Schaetz........... 108Diane Schleis ............... 108Myron Shimanek ......... 108Lori Wagner ................. 108Timothy Watzka .......... 108Karen Zeitler ................ 108

Donald Swanda ............ 109Helen Swanda .............. 109

Carla Crenshaw ............ 121

Joanne Bulanek ........... 126Lynn Grande ................ 126Jean Jablonski .............. 126Zygmund Jablonski ...... 126Timothyn Johnson ....... 126Randy Maki .................. 126Harold Martin .............. 126Patsy Nemec ................ 126Carlyn Pohl .................. 126Ronald Revolinski ........ 126

Kimberly Schoeberl ..... 127Timothy Simon ............ 127

Michael Moyer ............ 128

Daniel Holub ................ 141

George Kennedy .......... 142Jean Kennedy............... 142Denise Maedke ............ 142

Teresa Behnke ............. 144Marion Blahnik ............ 144Randy Teal ................... 144

Scott Raue ................... 146Scott Yuska .................. 146

Michele Howe ............. 147Deborah Trapp ............. 147Charlene Urlacher ....... 147Michael Victor ............. 147

Steven Hartzog ............ 153

Patricia Arens .............. 155Judeen Brown .............. 155Mary Gaines ................ 155Joseph Hinderscheit .... 155William Hlavac ............. 155Ronald Honza .............. 155Shirley Kajer ................. 155Gary Korbel .................. 155

50-Year Members


George Korbel ............. 155Karen Kreuser .............. 155Ronald Krocak .............. 155Harold Kukacka ............ 155David Picha .................. 155Steven Picha ................ 155Carole Schumacher ..... 155Clare Schumacher ........ 155Jerome Srnec ............... 155Richard Srnec ............... 155Mary Thielke ................ 155Dennis Vlasak .............. 155Lu cinda Wondra ......... 155

Julie Anshutz ................ 162Beverly Blunn .............. 162Cindi Pochop................ 162

Elaine Radtke-Schauf ... 181

Jared Lochthowe ......... 188Duane Lund ................. 188Scott Novak ................. 188Jordan Varberg ............ 188

Ione Gustafson ............ 192

Sherri Haglund ............. 193

Larry Gjerseth .............. 196Dorothy Havlicek ......... 196Arlene Jelinek .............. 196Robert Schnur ............. 196Earl Sheda .................... 196Lisa Woof ..................... 196

Mary Vickers ................ 201

Daniel Mende .............. 219

Wanda Kubsh ............... 221

Lynelle Easley .............. 222Suzanne Kulhan ........... 222Donn Roth ................... 222Brian Urban ................. 222

Steven Gavenda ........... 225Julie Johnson ............... 225Randy Long .................. 225David Moulton ............. 225Randy Stehlik ............... 225

Rose Butler .................. 234

Lisa Lobermeier ........... 236Helen Palmquist .......... 236Paul Pilch jr .................. 236Sarah Socha ................. 236

Sandra Long ................. 237

Nancy Corrin ................ 242Patricia Duflo ............... 242Jane Grombir ............... 242Larry Kalisek ................ 242James Kimmel .............. 242Larry Kozak .................. 242Anna Monroe .............. 242Angela Ramey .............. 242Beryl Schaar ................. 242Joseph Stasa ................ 242Candace Sulek ............. 242Robert Sumbera .......... 242Christine Ward ............. 242

Tara Nehls .................... 243

David Hasman .............. 247John Keller ................... 247James Ryznar ............... 247

Mary Cejka .................. 262Paul Curfman ............... 262Charles Dlask ............... 262David Dolezal ............... 262Patrick Dolezal ............. 262Richard Lindemann ...... 262Charlotte Longfellow ... 262John Naxera ................. 262Charles Noke ............... 262George Sundberg......... 262Dennis Svestka ............. 262Theresa Svestka ........... 262Anna Weiland .............. 262

Vera Hibler ................... 280Diane Lenart ................ 280Jill Wieden ................... 280

Joanne Chupik ............. 289Mae Justice .................. 289Stephen Luquette ........ 289Rodney Miller .............. 289Fred Wilganowski ........ 289

Dawn Dryer ................. 295Helen Huber ................ 295

Stefanie Palumbo ........ 295Diana Ribnicky ............. 295Barbara Sivek ............... 295

Lowell Coil II ................ 296David Divoky ................ 296Annette Doyle ............. 296Susan Dueling .............. 296Lawrence Fauver ......... 296Jerry Jirka..................... 296Russell Rech ................. 296Carol Seefus ................. 296Marilyn Slezak ............. 296Mark Vaughn ............... 296Michael Vaughn ........... 296

Steven Hagedorn ......... 330James Sucha Jr ............. 330John Vance .................. 330

Mary Janota ................. 332Kathleen Lane .............. 332Kathleen Patterson ...... 332Lorraine Sirinek ........... 332Janice Zmrazek ............ 332Steven Zmrazek ........... 332

Kathleen Cizek ............. 342Steven Cizek ................. 342

Deborah Kodluboy ....... 346Deborah Van Steen ...... 346

Margaret Clickner ........ 357Joseph De Lorenzo ....... 357Steven De Lorenzo ....... 357

Gary Suess ................... 360

Dina Kochevar ............. 361Patricia Makela ............ 361

Noreen Jonet ............... 365

Russell Day .................. 377Albert Holub Jr ............ 377Thomas Marshall ......... 377Nancy Tiffany .............. 377Tamara Walker ............ 377

Kathryn Mailand .......... 389Allan Zumpfe ............... 389

Thomas Suess .............. 391

Cherie Johnson ............400

James Cotten ............... 401Paula Deets .................. 401

Diana Krueger .............. 402

Cherri Hohnke ............. 408Joseph Kiwak III ........... 408Gerald Sojka ................ 408

Patsy Irons ................... 423Jerry Jensen ................. 423Michael Spina .............. 423Daniel Story ................. 423Patricia Wiedenman .... 423

Linda Bockoven ........... 426Kathryn Lloyd .............. 426Daniel Ptacek ............... 426Diane Ruhl ................... 426Joann Vilda .................. 426

Charles Cochran .......... 427Elizabeth Dahnke ......... 427Mary Eckermann ......... 427Glenn Edwards ............ 427Gary Evans ................... 427James Floerchinger ...... 427John Hennes ................ 427Raymond Hruby ........... 427Charles Kupka .............. 427Walter Portwood ......... 427Alfred Scheetz ............. 427William Stockman ........ 427Callie Tidwell ............... 427Gary Webster .............. 427

Lloyd Jochec ................ 428

Cynthia Saadeh ............ 430Wilma Schiller .............. 430Anton Vrazel ................ 430

Carol Enninga .............. 431Anthony Ficker ............ 431Patricia Pipas ............... 431Martin Prazak .............. 431Rudolph Skubal ............ 431Mary Vogltanz ............. 431

Marilyn Boarts ............. 500Joanne Frana ............... 500

If you feel you should be a 50 or 75-year member, but have never seen your name listed now or in previous years, please call the Fraternal Department. Some certificates that had been converted to an adult status may indicate that you joined the Association at age 18 and may not have included the original juvenile start date. We can check your file to determine the accurate issue date of your first certificate.

50-Year Members

Polar Express Comes to Ashley, MI! Michigan No. 225, Bannister was involved in the Village of Ashley Country Christmas in a big way. Starting the weekend before Thanksgiving and continuing for four additional weekends, the Polar Express train traveled from Owosso to Ashley for a total of 20 trips. The train was pulled by the historic Pere Marquette 1225 that served as a model for the Disney Movie Polar Express. Each trip brought 800 pas-sengers into town and many other visitors arrived by car. Tom Bradley painted the woodwork in the bakery with Czech designs shown in the photo to the left. By the end of the five weekends, the Village of Ashley (population approx. 500) welcomed and entertained over 20,000 children and adults. Working with their com-munity, nearly 50 members donated countless hours in preparation, decoration, bak-ing, and entertainment to provide the visitors to Ashley with a memorable experience.

Feb 2 — Lodge No. 500, Cedar Rapids, IA—5:30 p.m. social, 6 p.m. potluck, 7 p.m. meeting at Western's Annex, 1924 A Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA.

Feb 3 — Lodge No. 262, Cedar Rapids, IA—Mtg.; 6 p.m.; Hus Memorial Church 2808 Schaeffer Dr. SW; potluck, plan activities, elect Convention delegates.

Feb 8 — Lodge No. 193, Adams, WI—1 p.m.; Big Flats Town Hall; potluck meal followed by meeting, food pantry items accepted.

— Lodge No. 225, Bannister, MI—Mtg.; 1:30 p.m.; ZCBJ Hall; women's aid collection, contact Sally Stoll at 847-2461.

Feb 9 — Lodge No. 127, Owatonna, MN—6 p.m.; Izaak Walton Bldg.; Meeting, potluck, Valentine's Day theme.

Feb 11 — Lodge No. 400, Swisher, IA—11:30 a.m.; Pizza Ranch; Meeting.

Feb 15 — Lodge No. 408, Pittsville, WI—Noon; City Point Community Center; potluck, meeting, and Bingo.

Feb 17 — Lodge No. 296, Omaha, NE—Mtg.; 6 p.m.; DAV; bring snacks.

Feb 22 — Lodge No. 225, Bannister, MI—Mtg.; ZCBJ Hall; Mid-Winter Jamboree, potluck at noon, contact Diane Bradley 989-5378.

Mar 3 — Lodge No. 262, Cedar Rapids, IA—6 p.m.; Hus Memorial Church 2808 Schaeffer Dr. SW; Meeting, chili/soup cook-off, plan for State Meeting.

Mar 4 — Lodge No. 247, Flint, MI—Mtg.; 11:30 a.m.; Ruggero's on Corunna Rd. just west of Dye Rd. in Flint.

Mar 8 — Lodge No. 193, Adams, WI—1 p.m.; Big Flats Town Hall; Potluck meal followed by meeting, food pantry items accepted.

— Lodge No. 225, Bannister, MI—Mtg.; 1:30 p.m.; ZCBJ Hall; used clothing drive and small working appliances, contact Alice Gavenda 989-838-4458.

Mar 9 — Lodge No. 127, Owatonna, MN—Mtg.; 6 p.m.; Izaak Walton Bldg.; Julie Kriesel and Eleanor Simon serving.

Mar 11 — Lodge No. 400, Swisher, IA—Mtg., 11:30 a.m.; Pizza Ranch.

DISTRICT MEETINGS 2015Apr 12 — MN District 1, host Lodge No. 219, registration starting at

11:30 a.m., lunch at noon, and meeting to follow.

— MN District 2, host Lodge No. 107, Canby. Noon dinner followed by meeting, Heroes Sports Bar and Grill (former VFW Hall).

— NE District 5, host Lodge No. 53, Niobrara. Noon potluck following the meeting.

Apr 26 — WI District 5, host Lodge No. 144, Mosinee Town Hall, noon social followed by a 1 p.m. meeting.

May 12 — WI District 1, Grobschmidt Senior Center, noon lunch with meeting to follow.

Jun 7 — WI District 4, Ashland, WI.

STATE MEETINGS 2015Apr 19 — IA: Host Lodge No. 262, Clarion Hotel, Cedar Rapids, IA;

Registration 10 a.m., meeting at 11 a.m.Apr 25 — TX: Host Lodge No. 446, Pavilion at East Burns Run in Lake

Texoma, OK.Jun 13/14 — MN: Host Lodge No. 127, Comfort Inn, 2345 43rd St. NW,

Owatonna, MN 55060. Phone: 507-451-4613. — WI: Host Lodge No. 32, Mauston Park Oasis, Mauston, WIJun 27 — NE: Host Lodge No. 53, Niobrara, NE. Aug 23 — SD: Host lodge No. 253, Hamill, SD noon at the Iona

Community Center in Iona, SD.

NATIONAL CONVENTION INFORMATION4/15/15 Delegate/alternate forms from each lodge due at Home

Office.5/01/15 Delegate fees/travel forms due at Home Office.7/21/ 15 Pre-Convention Committee meets in Cedar Rapids, IA to

finalize bylaw changes.7/23-24/15 National Convention, Cedar Rapids, IA.

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGSMarch 6-7 Cedar Rapids, IAMay 8-9 Cedar Rapids, IAJuly 21 & 24 Convention Board Mtgs Oct 23-24 Cedar Rapids, IA

Some of the members participating in the Ashley Country Christmas pose at the 1940’s Czech and Slovak Bakery that the lodge was

asked to provide as part of the Polar Express experience.

Member Vlasta Kopta, No. 225, Bannister, MI celebrated her 98th Birthday with

her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren.

Member Helen Chadima, No. 262, Cedar Rapids, IA received a distinguished

service award from the Dance History Scholars Society at the University of IA.

Members Spencer and Lowell Kotas, No. 389, Saline Center, NE giving the gift of life together at the Red Cross Blood Drive.

SPO

TLIG

HT

CALENDAR


FINANCIAL PLANNING MATTERS

By Julie Cole, CFP®, FLMIAnnuity Product Manager

Most “Baby Boomers” (those of us born between 1946 and 1964) learned about living a very long life from our parents. Most of our parents didn’t plan on a long retirement or running out of money. We’ve experienced their aging issues right along with them or listened to our friends talk about their parent’s aging issues. We’ve seen or heard about the ravaging effects of dementia. The “Boomers” parents spent their lives saving for their retirement and in their final years we watched as they spent a significant amount of their assets on medical and nursing home expenses. Some of us worked through the process of applying for Medicaid. What have “Boomers” learned from their experiences? And more importantly, what are “Boomers” going to do to prepare for their own aging issues? Here are several suggestions of things we should do before we call it quits to the earning years.

1. Get a power of attorney executed. A power of attorney (POA) document appoints an agent (individual or institution) to act for us when we are no longer able to make the best financial decisions for ourselves. Most estate planning attorneys insist on completing power of attorney paperwork when they prepare a last will and testament. Your power of attorney agent should be savvy about finances. Send a copy of your POA to the institutions with whom you do your business. These institutions need to have the POA on file before they can act on any instructions.

2. Create and update an asset/liability inventory. Have an up-to-date inventory of your financial assets. Generally, finan-cial planners recommend that an inventory is updated at the end of every calendar year. This should include account numbers, current balances, and ownership. We provide an Estate Planning Worksheet on our website (www.wflains.org) under the heading Money Matters to assist you. This information should be shared with your POA. It’s also a good idea to introduce your POA to your financial advisors so that they can build a relationship.

3. Plan for later life living facilities. If you plan to stay in your home, make plans for accessibility needs in your home. If your home isn’t designed to accommodate needs in old age, make plans for changes now. Don’t wait until you are forced out of your home to make other living arrangements. If you determine that it is not going to be the safest and most logi-cal place to live out your final years, plan now for additional expenses of living in a senior independent or assisted living facility. The services you may need can cost a lot of money. The 2014 national median average monthly cost for a 1-bed-room assisted living apartment (and all of the extensive services they provide) is approximately $3,500 for one person and $4,800 for two people.

4. Protect yourself from fraud and elder abuse. For many aging Americans, home is where the fraud is. A new nationwide elder abuse analysis conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has led to a surprising conclusion that could cause us to think twice about trusting our money to those nearest and dearest. Ninety percent of elder finan-cial abuse is afflicted by family members and trusted care givers. Community banks with trust departments may be the answer for protecting yourself from family members using your funds for themselves. Talk with your bank trust officer about the services they provide. Generally, banks charge a 1% fee to manage your assets. That’s very fair compensation when compared to the cost of having an unqualified or abusive family member in charge of your money.

5. Credit Protection is also important to financial health. Services that monitor and alert you periodically of changes in your credit report are reasonably priced between $100 and $200 annually. That’s a small price to pay to keep predators away from your assets. They will notify you if an application for credit was made or a credit report was ordered by a lender. Western Fraternal Life offers its members a 10% discount with one of the leading identity protection agencies: LifeLock. To take advantage of this discount go to: www.wflainsbenefits.org.

Baby boomers need to think long-term when preparing for retirement. Stephen Covey, author of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People coined two very prophetic phrases, “Begin with the end in mind” and, “Your life doesn't just ‘happen’, whether you know it or not, it is carefully designed by you.” Those who have planned for their final years and communicated their wishes to their family not only have peace of mind, but give their family a sense of contentment as well.

Boomers: Planning for Aging Issues


PRODUCERS PAGE

Gertrude Bonczyk ....................WI ......... 332 ............... 1 Kathryn Chadima .....................IA .......... 262 ............... 1Katrina Evans ............................TX ......... 402 ............... 1Phyllis Holec .............................CO ........ 431 ............... 1Carmen Mackey .......................TX ......... 289 ............... 1Marcella Nekola .......................IA .......... 104 ............... 2Bette Paulzine ..........................MN ....... 192 ............... 1Helen Linda Phillips ..................CA ......... 377 ............... 1John Plotz .................................IA .......... 500............... 2Doug Ryant ...............................MN ....... 168 ............... 3

2014 Lodge Referral ProgramCongratulations to members who submitted referrals between

November 16—December 15Referrer State Lodge Referrals

REGIONAL MANAGERSIA J. David Butler, FICF, LUTCF (319) 621-9597

MI/OH Daniel J. Zeiger, FICF, LUTCF (517) 202-2362

OK Ervin Londagin, LUTCF, FICF, AMTCF (918) 482-1522

WI Randy Kolarik, FIC, LUTCF (920) 863-1443

TOP PPGATOP CAREER, AND

MOST LIFE PREMIUMWeSterN LeADerS FOr tHe MONtH OF NOveMber

Fabian Seyller, LUTCFAndrew SeyllerMichael Brown, FICF Louie Cabellero, FIC, QFPDelmont SeyllerWilliam Newhouse Jr., CWSStanley BlytheDaniel Zeiger, FICF, LUTCFDavid KurowskiCarolyn Baeten, FIC, LUTCF

Top 10 Production Leaders:

Fabian Seyller, LUTCF (IL)

TOP COMMERCIAL AND MOST CERTS PLACED

Louie Caballero, FIC, QFP (TX)

MOST NEW MEMBERSDan Zeiger, FICF, LUTCF (MI)

MOST ANNUITY PREMIUMBill Newhouse, CWS (OK)

Seyller Agency

Three ways to get information about your policy:1. Contact your Agent. Our agents are also listed with their contact information on our website: www.wflains.org. 2. Access your information through our member access program on our website: www.wflains.org.3. Call our toll free number 1-877-935-2467 and speak to a Members Service Representative. If you call during business hours

you will be able to talk directly to a person, not a recording.


KITCHEN TALK

The Best Sloppy JoesKali Gorsegner, No. 34, Hutchinson, MN

2 lb lean ground beef or turkey 1 C onion, chopped ½ C green pepper, chopped 15 oz can tomato sauce ½ C ketchup 1 tsp salt ¼ tsp ground black pepper 2 T sugar 3 T Worcestershire sauce Brown and drain beef of any grease. Rinse with hot water if you wish to remove as much grease as possible. Add onion; cook until tender. Add remaining ingredients. Stir together, cover, and simmer 20-30 minutes. Serve spooned over hamburger buns. Make ahead of time for best flavor since it reheats and freezes well.

Sunshine Cake (Pineapple Orange Cake)Kali Gorsegner, No. 34, Hutchinson, MN

Cake: 1 pkg yellow cake mix (regular size) 11 oz mandarin oranges (canned and undrained) ½ C unsweetened applesauce 4 egg whitesTopping: 20 oz can crushed pineapple 1 oz pkg sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix 8 oz reduced fat whipping cream¼ C shredded coconut, toasted (optional) In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, oranges, egg whites, and applesauce on low speed for 2 minutes. Pour into a 13x9 in baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. In a bowl, combine the pineapple and pudding mix. Fold in whipped topping just until blended. Spread over cake. Sometimes I will sprinkle toasted coconut on the top just before serving. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Store leftovers in refrigerator or freeze for later. Serves 15.

Three Ingredient CookiesDarlene Hrouda, No. 28, Clarkson, NE

1 box (18.25 oz) of any flavor cake mix 2 eggs ⅓ C vegetabal oil Preheat oven to 375°. Mix ingredients together and drop 1 inch globs onto a cookies sheet, 1 in apart. Bake 7-9 minutes or until the edges start to turn brown.

Beef and Vegetable SoupJoseph Kocab, No. 280, Cleveland, OH

4 lbs beef shank, cut up 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables 8 beef neck bones 5 qt water 1 large onion, chopped ¼ tsp marjoram ¼ tsp thyme 1 bay leaf 6 whole cloves garlic 10 peppercorns 1 dash garlic salt salt and pepper to taste ¼ med. head cabbage, cut up 6 oz can tomato paste 2 medium potatoes, pared & cubed 3 medium carrots, pared & diced 3 stalks celery, with leaves, chopped In a large kettle, combine beef, bones, and water. Bring to a boil, skimming frequently. Reduce heat; simmer, with lid cocked, for 3 hours. Add vegetables (except cabbage), herbs, spices, and tomato paste. Simmer 1 hour or until vegetables are cooked and meat is tender, adding cabbage the last 10 minutes. Serves 6-8.

Easy Lemon BarsGrace Picka, No. 2, New Prague, MN

1 box one-step angel food cake mix (dry) 1 can lemon pie filling Mix the two ingredients and spread onto a slightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 325° for 20 minutes. Allow to cool, then frost with icing or cream cheese frosting.

The 5th Annual Kolin Kolache Festival About 200 people attended the 5th Annual Kolin Kolache Festival held on October

25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kolin Lodge Hall. Many art and craft booths lined the property, along with tables full of homemade pastries to purchase. Kolache, strudels, cakes, pecan and pumpkin rolls, and crowd favorite, fresh fried pork skins, were just a few items sold. The kids enjoyed an inflatable jumper combo and we gave away a bicycle and tricycle.

A $5 lunch was sold consisting of pulled pork sandwiches and potato chips, with extra side orders of green beans or potato salad; we sold about 100 lunches. Since it was close to election time, we invited politicians from both parties to attend and host a booth or table. Six candidates booked a display booth, but other candidates came for a short time to meet with people until they went to their next event. This was a good time for those attending the festival to meet with the candidates. It also allowed the candidates to learn about Western Fraternal Life. Wally Sanson organized the event and is the driving force behind it; however, everyone participates to make it a success. Posters were made and hung up throughout town, an ad went into the local paper, invitations were sent to vendors and the politi-cians, the local TV and radio stations promoted the event, and it was on Facebook. Many members volunteer to bake for the event, as well as prepare and serve lunch. Setting up and taking down the tables, signs, and displays involved hours of work. A lot of energy goes into putting on a festival and it is exciting, energizing, and exhausting all at the same time.

We Need Your Recipes! Without your generous help, Kitchen Talk would cease to flourish. Please continue to send us your recipes! Mail to Western Fratnernal Life, 1900 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 or email them to : [email protected]


F R AT E R N A L F O C U S

ColoradoColorado No. 431, Denver, CORuby Henderson, Correspondent

Our meeting was held on November 22 after having lunch at IHOP. Acknowledgments were read from the Action Center pertaining to the Beautiful Junk Sale on October 18. All members responded favorably knowing we helped. Our secretary had no news from the Home Office, except we talked about the forms that have to be completed and sent in at certain dates. We were happy to announce that we achieved our donations of 30% for our lodge grants. We decided to go to Linda Groditski’s home for our Christmas party on December 20 to make tamales. Members wish to thank Pam Patton for joining us for this meeting. Your insights are very helpful to us and hopefully you will continue to join us. Can tabs and newspapers will be delivered. Lee Schwarz brought 35 lbs of can tabs. Donations were made to Loaves & Fishes in Canon City and the Salvation Army on Champa St. in Denver to help the homeless.

IowaCedar No. 7, Cedar Rapids, IAKelsey Logan, Correspondent

Members had a meeting November 25 at the Western Annex. We had a special guest and enjoyed a potluck of snacks. We were able to meet Ken and Kayla Thelen, the family that benefited from our rummage sale and silent auction. We raised $1,550 from the YELL! fundraiser and Community Matching Funds.

Guests Ken and Kayla Thelen, President Jason Logan, and member Jeremy Curl presenting a check for a therapy dog.

Members Kevin Clapp, Tim Williams, and Jack Minder ringing the bell for

the Salvation Army.

Members discussed activities we participated in, including the Salvation Army bell ringing and adopting a family for Thanksgiving (donating food) and Christmas (donating gifts), this year as in the past. The YELL! group asked lodge members for help in getting

more people involved in activities; a few ideas were floated around. We discussed the addition of funds from the Lodge 13 merger that was added to the ZCBJ scholarship fund. Upcoming events are the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kid’s Sake. We will be electing officers and Convention delegates at the February meeting.

Fort Dodge No. 39, Fort Dodge, IALaVonne Halligan, Correspondent

We held our 6th meeting of the year on November 9 at Willow Ridge. After the breakfast buffet, Larry McLuckie opened the meeting with a moment of silence for deceased member Donald Konvalinka.

Linda Hearn giving prescription bottles to Bob and LaVonne Halligan.

We were happy t o h a v e L i nd a

Hearn attend our meeting. She has been collecting clean prescription bottles. Her family use to do the same years ago. She brought them to the meeting and presented them to Bob and LaVonne Halligan who take them to a local Vet.

Vet Wayne Hardsiak accepting bottles from

Bob Halligan.

We made plans for 2015 at this meeting. Members were involved in the Czech/Slovak yearly dinner held at Corpus Christi Hall on November 8. Several of our members helped with registration, serving, etc. This is a wonderful way to keep our heritage alive. They serve authentic foods, including sauerkraut, dumplings, kolaches, etc. We gave several gift cards from convenient stores away as prizes. Larry McLuckie was in charge of implementing this. Several of our members attended the Fun Day Celebration in Callender. Vice President Jeff Stanek was in charge of the Bounce House and the bike giveaway. The winner of the bike was Gavin Mikesell, and he rode the bike home from the park. We hope to be involved again next year. There was an article in the July magazine about member Myron Linn. He organized the annual ABI Meeting held at the Czech/Slovak Museum in June. Myron is a 50-year member and lives in Pella. Congratulations Myron. Lodge No. 13 merged recently and seven members were transferred to our lodge. We sent them notices of our officers



and meeting times. We will keep in touch with them about our future meetings. We feel we have done many interesting projects this year and are looking forward to next year.

Iowa No. 85, Protivin, IACindy Kostohryz, Correspondent

Members met at 11 a.m. at Mabe’s Pizza in Decorah, IA. We finalized the 2014 year by going over all donations and making sure we were on track for the Level III Award. Tommy Pecinovsky went over the plans for his Eagle Scout project. We will help him when he has finalized it and has all of the materials. He will construct a new welcome sign into the town of Protivin, IA from the north. Our community service project was for each person attending the Christmas party to bring one non-perishable item. Ann Wagner took the non-perishables and canned goods to the community food pantry in the Waukon area.

Non-perishables collected for the food pantry in Waukon.

Christmas goodie bags for children 12 and under were distributed after they told the lodge what they were thankful

for. Trustee Gene Lundak entertained with his magic. All children went home with a balloon art. Bingo was also played.

Lois Zajicek with children’s Christmas

goodie bags. Pictured are Bella Stika, Alex

and Kira Ellingson, Christopher, Alison, and

Justin Wagner.

The calendar for 2015 was handed out to all members in attendance and emailed to members as needed. Members noted 469 hours of community service since their last meeting. A moment of silence was held for all deceased members. The meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m. and everyone enjoyed the pizza and chicken buffet. Our next meeting will be February 15, 2015 at Pizza Ranch in Decorah, IA at noon.

Klas No. 160, Center Point, IARamona Williams, Correspondent

Members held a meeting on October 25. We discussed the Jared Box Project. All toys and materials, plus a backpack, were purchased and will be delivered soon. Members brought canned goods and non-perishable food items to be given to a food bank. Members met on November 15 at Cooper’s Mill for brunch and our meeting. Each member brought Christmas cards to be delivered to a nursing home.

Don and Ramona reported that they delivered the Jared Box items to Mercy Hospital pediatrics department in Cedar Rapids. They also took the non-perishable items to the MCO food bank. Ramona discussed the information we received regarding the prescription drug card and new member benefits. These were passed out to the members. Our next meeting will be our Christmas party on January 17 at the Lone Star restaurant.

Cedar Rapids No. 262, Cedar Rapids, IASarah Fowler, Correspondent

Our December meeting was also the Christmas party and it was a lot of fun! We started our meeting with a social hour to talk with all of our 75 and 50-year members that were being honored. We were pleased to have our 50 and 75-members with us to celebrate and share their memories of lodge meetings and Christmas parties. Doug Hladek, a 75-year member, shared his memories of the ZCBJ Christmas parties. He stated he always remembered the Christmas parties because there would be live geese there and he would get gifts of apples, oranges, and pencils. Ann Mahurin, a 50-year member, shared how she always looked forward to attending the ZCBJ Christmas party because Santa would be there.

Congratulations to our 75 and 50-year members (l to r) Doug Hladek, Calvin Brown, Marge Nejdl, Ann Mahurin, and Barbara Jandl.

We installed our new off icers for 2015 at this meet-

ing after eating our catered Christmas meal. New officers are as follows: President Kathy Valenta, Vice President Virginia Wilts, Secretary Marge Petrzelka, and Treasurer Tom Hruska. Member Helen Chadima received a service award from the Dance History Scholars Society. See Spotlight page 7 for photo.

Member Helen Chadima (center) performing at

the U of AK.

H e l e n a l s o volunteered with the Baroque Music and Dance Workshop at the Anchorage Festival in Anchorage, AK. Kitty Chadima assisted in showing high school music and dance students various dance steps at the University of AK in the Fine Arts Theatre. Our next meeting will be held February 3, 2015 at Hus Memorial Church.



Four Hundred No. 400, Swisher, IALinda Evers, Correspondent

Members met December 10 at the Pizza Ranch. We welcomed new member Arlene Armbruster-Cowell. We read a thank-you note from MS. We voted to become an affiliate of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in 2015. President Siems delivered wreaths we donated for the Old World Christmas Market.

2015 officers: Treasurer Judy Slezak, President Mary Ann Siems, Vice President Wayne Slezak, and Secretary/Correspondent Linda Evers.

We held nominations and election of our 2015 officers as follows: President Mary Ann Siems, Vice President Wayne

Slezak, Secretary/Correspondent Linda Evers, and Treasurer Judy Slezak. We also elected delegates and alternates for the 2015 National Convention. Several members volunteered in December to help bake kolaches for the Swisher Area Widow and Widowers Club. Pill bottles were delivered for recycling. Future meetings will be 11:30 a.m. in February and March 11 at the Pizza Ranch in Cedar Rapids.

Hawkeye No. 423, Cedar Rapids, IADel Votrobek, Correspondent

The year is almost over and we’ve been busy doing some fun and fraternal community activities. We did the Trunk-or-Treat for Halloween this year and really enjoyed seeing the kids in costumes. We hope to be involved with that again next year. In November, we filled food baskets for ten needy families. December was a time for a Christmas gift exchange and dinner with the members who were able to come. Nine members and one youth helped wrap gifts for the Children’s Homeless Trust Fund on December 13 with Lodge 500. We wrapped gifts for about 25 needy families at Target.

Our group with our Toys for Tots

contribution.

We gave dona-tions to various o r g a n i z a t i o n s throughout the year and several young members walked for charities, as well as several adults. One young member decided to help some less fortunate youngsters and did a “Jeans for Teens” project. She collected around three hundred pairs from classmates and then sorted them by size and took them to the women’s shelter.

Courtney and Kay at the Christmas party.

If you would be interested in joining us for a meeting, we meet at various places

on the first Wednesday of the month. Call Larry Luther at 319-846-2834 or email him at: [email protected].

Five Hundred No. 500, Cedar Rapids, IAMarcella Stolba, Correspondent

The December meeting was called to order after a Czech supper, with a moment of silence for Dell Usher and all other deceased members. We voted in and welcomed several new members from No. 13. Welcome, Denise Warnock, Gerald McCormick, Robert Warnock, and Henry Fisher. We received additional funds to our lodge treasury from the remaining No. 13 funds and an additional amount to the ZCBJ Park fund toward the principal in our lodge scholar-ship. Each year we use the interest to provide a scholarship to a member of our lodge. Don Krall mentioned the Youth Conference to be held at the same time as the National Convention. Marge Sedlacek reported taking the Thanksgiving basket to the Olivet Mission. Emmy reported taking 12 magazines to St. Luke’s, 62 Campbell’s soup labels, 87 Box Tops for Education, and 5 labels for Education to Wright School. Sixty-six and a half volunteer hours were reported. We also collected toys for the Toys for Tots campaign and delivered a wreath for the Old World Market fundraiser. A new project will be scheduled to cut fleece scarves for the homeless. We will do it in conjunction with Mt. Mercy students on January 19 from 11-1 a.m. in the Cherry Heritage Hall building on the Mt. Mercy campus. Jim Wolfe read a letter concerning the 2015 National Convention. He noted that since it was in Cedar Rapids, there would not be any travel costs, only the $150 Convention registration fee for delegates, alternates, and guests. The $150 covered all meals. A secret ballot took place and the following individuals were elected as delegates and alternates for the National Convention. Delegates: Kae Morgan, Jim Wolfe, Marge Sedlacek, Deb Krall, Joe Konecny, Marjeanne Jungjohann, and Lee Merta. Alternates: Charlie Fisher, Madeline Trpkosh, Marrilyn Merta, Emmy Turkington, Lee Sedlacek, Betty Konecny, and Carol Hayek. Jim indicated that members should think about a 40 and under member to attend the Convention as well. An election of officers was held with the following officers elected: President Jim Wolfe, Vice President Emmy Turkington, Secretary Linda Grove, Treasurer Dennis Hrabek, and Correspondent Marcella Stolba. Director Donald Krall installed the new officers.



(l-r) Director Donald Krall installing 2015

officers: Treasurer Dennis Hrabek,

President Jim Wolfe, Secretary Linda Grove,

and Correspondent Emmy Turkington.

T h e A u d i t Committee consists of Lee Merta and Donald Krall. The Fraternal and Earth Care committee will be Marge Sedlacek and Emmy Turkington. At this point, the social Committee chair remaines vacant. We talked about moving our 50 and 75-year celebration to our May meeting date, so we can avoid the bad weather.

Morning gift wrappers for needy children.

Sixteen mem-bers met at Target on December 13 to wrap presents for children from 50 needy families

through the Children’s Homeless Trust Fund. The organiza-tion raises funds throughout the year and needy parents are given money to purchase toys and clothing for their children. We wrap the presents at the store so the children cannot see the items until Christmas. Nine members from Lodge 423 joined us for the afternoon shift to help with wrapping.

KansasNovy Tabor No. 19, Munden, KS Ella Moravek, Secretary

On December 14, we met for our annual Christmas dinner, gift exchange, and meeting. We donated food to the food bank. We are donating our electricity to the city of Munden for the street Christmas lights. Once again, Frank and Maurene Rytych played Santa Claus for the Munden and Cuba Christmas events. Several members donated memorials and food to several funerals. Three members donated blood and helped. On December 13, our member Alex Potuzak graduated with top honors from KS State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was the featured speaker for his class. We had a nice Christmas letter from members Bohman and Mary Kunc. We raised our glasses to Alice Fangmeyer in honor of her birthday.

Trocnov No. 121, Caldwell, KSVlasta Albert, Correspondent

The annual Christmas party was held at the Nostalgic Nook on December 6. We had sandwiches, plus a very nice variety of delicious covered dishes. Santa left some treats for

us to snack on during our meeting and afterwards while we visited. Three more gallons of pop-tabs were collected and donated to the Central Christian Church for the Ronald McDonald House. This year, we have had 9-10 gallons delivered. Some neat ideas were discussed for the upcoming year. The meeting was adjourned to sing Christmas carols and enjoy snacks.

Moravan No. 128, Rossville, KSMarjorie Hromada, Correspondent

We held our September meeting at the lodge hall. We shared correspondence with attending members. Members collected calendar pictures for students at the Silver Lake Elementary school to make covers for notebooks. We had the October meeting at the lodge hall. The community dance was a huge success. Members reported providing food for a family with health problems. Members also provided pens, pencils, and writing paper for residents of the Brighton Place North Convalescent Center. The November meeting was at the lodge hall. There was a report about members who were ill. Members were sad about the death of our President, William Olejnik. The Christmas party was planned. We will hold it after our December meeting.

Western View No. 246, Alton, KSMary Lou Dugan, Correspondent

Members met on December 7 at the Circle Inn Cafe. Stockings and goodies were purchased. Addison and Zane Poore, and Donavan and Dixon Holloway filled the stockings to be given away in December. The youth will also help give the stockings away. Officers were elected and stayed the same as follows: President Emery Poore, Vice President Larry Lala, Secretary Mary Lou Dugan, and Treasurer Mary Lori Struckhoff. Russell Phalen presented a wooden sign that read (Vitamevas), meaning “Welcome” in Czech. It was given to us when his wife Irene was secretary of the lodge. It will be placed in our display case in the Bull City Cafe. Members turned in their volunteer hours; all members recycle, save grocery store receipts, Box Tops for Education, Campbell points for education, used stamps for the wounded, and to the food pantry. We have fulfilled our new member and referrals for the year. The article on life insurance in the September Osborne County Farmer told of Western View Lodge serving community and promoting our lodge. Helping with the community Halloween party in Alton prompted referrals that they desire to become a member. Mary Lou reviewed our award forms and told about the new prescription cards members may use when filling prescriptions. Also, as a Western member, we have a Member Discount Program to use on some motels, car rental, Home Depot, and Life Lock (among others). Mary Lou will copy the information to give out at the next meeting. At the January meeting, we will need to choose delegates to send to the National Convention.



Lower MichiganMichigan No. 225, Bannister, MIAmy Fornusek, Correspondent

Members met on December 7 for the monthly meeting, lunch, and a Christmas program. A moment of silence was observed and the Lord’s Prayer recited in memory of Pauline Sourek and Lillian Stehlik. Members extend prayers and sympathy to their families and friends. A thank-you card was received from the family of Pauline Sourek for the floral arrangement and the funeral dinner. A thank-you was also received from Sparrow Hospital RNICU for the pumpkin hats. Happy holiday wishes were sent to us from John and Marilyn Bernath and Mary Ellen Wingle. Craig Zeese, from the Gratiot County Commission on Aging, spoke about his organization’s services and accepted a donation, which will help support the county’s senior programs. A special thank you goes to Alma High School Math teachers Ed Fornusek and Jamie Mallia, along with their students. They held a canned food drive and donated 620 canned goods to the area food bank. The lodge has also adopted two couples and two singles who will be receiving donations of food and gift certificates this holiday season. Joanne Fornusek reported on the success of the Ashley Country Christmas, where the train from the Polar Express stops. We want to express a huge thank you to the dedicated group who baked and worked every week to make this possible. Close to 50 members volunteered in different areas of the Village celebration. (See page 7 for a feature). Ruth Malek reported that the new shipment of cookbooks has arrived and some have already sold. Thank you to the decorating committee for the beautiful job in preparing the lodge for the holiday festivities. Happy birthday wishes are extended to Josie Chapin, Katherine Hucko, and Thomas Bradley. Prize winners were Katherine Hucko, Ruth Malek, and Edward F. Fornusek. All members who attended the meeting were presented beautiful poinsettias from the lodge.

Members participating in the Christmas program.

Following the meet ing , ma ny children and adults

participated in the Christmas dinner and program. The youngest children performed Christmas carols on their rhythm band instruments. The Russian singers from MI State University sang several songs in the Czech and Slovak language. Svate Mikulas (Thomas Bradley) arrived to tell the story of Christmas, accompanied by an angel and a devil (Sarah and Christy Sopocy). As the story was told through words and song, the older children came together on the stage in a live nativity scene. Mary (Mengsi Malek) and Joseph (Kristof Leonard) were joined by angels, shepherds, and kings. Then Svate Mikulas and his helpers handed out

apples to all the good children and adults and the devil had some coal just in case there were some who hadn’t been so good. Jingling bells then announced the arrival of Santa Claus (Roger Reha) and his elf (Christa Fornusek) who joined Svate to hand out gifts to all the children present.

Youth Rhythm Band at the Christmas dinner.

Our next meeting is February 8 at 1:30 p.m. Please br ing items for t h e W o m e n ’ s A id col lec t ion. February 22 is the Mid-Winter Jamboree with a noon potluck.

Nova Cechie No. 247, Flint, MIBetty Shaw, Correspondent

Members met 11:30 a.m. on November 5 at Ruggero’s in Flint. Agent Dan Zeiger was welcomed. It is interesting to note that outside the large restaurant window, members can face a large U.S. flag on a nearby building, bringing us into contact with the local community. President Kathy Svrcek-Hetfield led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence for deceased members Eric Larsen and Darwin Beito. Marge Nemecek led a prayer for members who could not attend because of illness. An election of officers was held at the November busi-ness meeting with the following results: President Kathy Svrcek-Hettfield, Vice President Ed Rozsypal, Secretary/Correspondent Betty Shaw, and Treasurer Alan Schlytter. Alan and Janice Schlytter were reelected as trustees as well. Elected as 2015 Convention Delegates were Kathy Hetfield, Betty and Bob Shaw. Another delegate and four alternates will be elected at the March meeting. The lodge is allowed four delegates and four alternates. We donated to Whaley Zonta House and to Shriner’s Hospitals. A pizza party was held at Zonta House, a part of Whaley Children’s Center. Both Zonta and our lodge were represented there for the first joint venture of the two organizations. More activities are planned and volunteers are needed. If you can help with the project, please contact Betty Shaw, 810-621-4455. Membership pins will be mailed to all 50 and 75-year members. Congratulations to all of them! The Christmas party, planned and carried out by Kathy Svrcek-Hetfield and John Barta, was held at Dom Polski on December 16. The dinner and party were preceded by a business meeting. The names of those who have been inducted into the MI Polka Music Hall of Fame (MPMHF) were read. The only living lodge member in the MPMHF is Bob Shaw, present trustee of the lodge. We shared a moment of silence to honor deceased members. Veterans of the Armed Services were asked to stand and be recognized and thanked for their service. Ed Roszypal, Retired Captain U.S. Navy, is thought to be the oldest armed services veteran in lodges



The children’s Christmas party included a visit from Santa Claus, a clown, and other activities. There was a drawing for fruit baskets with children participating in drawing adult names and delivering the fruit baskets. Families wrote mes-sages to armed forces personnel on Christmas cards. Retired Navy Captain Marty Vanden Bosch of Mason, MI (attending the party with his mother), accepted the cards, and will see that they reach the appropriate leaders for distribution. The adults enjoyed listening and dancing to the Bill Nemanis Band with our own Bob Shaw on tuba. The Shaws left with a carload of clothes for Crossover Ministries. They will also be making deliveries of toiletries to Love INC, and coffee to First Presbyterian Church for the street ministry there. Members are asked to bring items for the spring clothing drive, toiletries drive, and coffee drive to the March meeting. The next meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. on March 4, 2015 at Ruggero’s on Corunna Road just west of Dye Road in Flint.

MinnesotaLumir No. 34 Hutchinson, MN JoLen Bentz, Correspondent

A great group of members, their families, and guests gathered at the Komensky School on December 7 for the Christmas party. All ages look forward to the dice game, stealing prizes from one another, and all the excitement that goes with it! Money was raised for the MN Scholarship Fund and prizes awarded. Christmas treat bags were assembled and donated to the Meals on Wheels program and the Silver Lake Dining Site. They were accepted with appreciation. Paper goods were collected and donated to the McLeod Alliance Against Domestic Violence. A reminder went out for members about the February 17 meeting at Cedar Crest in Silver Lake, at 1401 Main St. West. There will be an election of officers, as well as delegates and alternates to attend the National Convention in Cedar Rapids, IA in July. All interested members please attend. Lumir has a unique situation with the Komensky School and the historical items housed within; without increased participation it is difficult to continue to be active in the community. Please join us February 17 or contact JoLen for other dates and activities if you cannot make it in February.

Zare Svobody No. 38, Austin, MNEllie Haeska, Correspondent

On November 15, Jerry and Beth Pestka catered a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Bonnie Sawyer discussed the discount cards for prescrip-tions and for other items and services from the Home Office. No action was taken at this time. The lodge was made aware of nominating a delegate and an alternate for the National Convention on July 23 and 24, 2015 in Cedar Rapids, IA. We will take action on the subject at our next meeting. We will also make a donation to the Home Office for the Fraternal Services Project of helping

pack food. Bonnie Sawyer will check with Duane Jirik about transportation to the National Convention. Mary Haggerty will check with the Home Office about the number of lodges in the country. Beth Pestka reported on the sale of the Mayo Clinic Christmas ornaments, the NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Walk, and the donations the lodge made. Planners were passed out to each member. We planned our meeting dates for 2015.

Members gather items for the Winter Wear Drive that will be donated to Dorothy Day Hospitality House.

Bonnie reported that the Y ELL! group will be sell-ing ornaments in Wabasha the first

weekend in December. We had a very successful dry and canned good drive at our meeting. Proceeds were donated to the Austin Salvation Army. We enjoyed a fun-filled Dirty Bingo game.

Members Joe Blahnik, Ken Haggerty, and Cathy Bly helped a

senior cut wood to heat his home this winter.

In the evening, s e ven member s enjoyed a Czech meal at the VFW put on by the Ruzeks. The proceeds were donated to the veterans.

Zare Zapadu No. 44, Hayward, MN Elise Nyenhuis, Correspondent

Members met on December 9, at the Czech Inn and Retreat for their Christmas meeting. After a delicious potluck supper, members Dan and Bonnie Belshan entertained members with Christmas music and trivia, which was enjoyed by all.

Bonnie Belshan singing Christmas Carols.

The YELL! group recently served dessert and coffee at a local nursing home. All money raised went to the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, MN. Joe and Katherine Pacovsky volun-

teered to deliver items to the Ronald McDonald house, which we collected at the December meeting. We donated 102 lbs of food to the local food shelf. We thank Frances Kycek-Swenson, who volunteered to send get-well cards to members.



The YELL! group serving desserts for the Ronald McDonald House fundraiser, (l to r) Kathy Mehus,

Tiffany Mehus, Karen Nyenhuis, and Elsie Nyenhuis.

Twenty-one Christmas plates were made by Marie Krikava, Marcella Nelson, and Gail Rayman. They will be delivered to local nursing homes and those who are unable to attend meetings. The plates consisted of two Bohemian pastries, Christmas cookies, fresh fruit, and a candy cane. The election of officers also took place this month and they are as followed: President Dan Rayman, Vice President Dan Belshan, Treasurer Dennis Rayman/Marcella Rayman, Secretary Joe Pacovsky, and Correspondent Elise Nyenhuis. Alton Krikava won the prize, which concluded the end of our meeting.

Ledec No. 192, Alexandria, MNDonald Trousil, Correspondent

Twenty-one members and two guests were present at the Thanksgiving dinner. We held a meeting after dinner. Correspondence consisted of National Convention details, and the Member Discount Program. We increased the amount of each of our annual dona-tions. A committee will pick a name from the “Angel tree” and purchase gifts for the individual. We are changing our meeting dates to the third Sunday of the month, starting in February. At the January meeting, we will pick delegates for the National Convention. We elected officers and they retained their positions as follows: President Kevin Klimek, Treasurer Dean Radil, Secretary Bernice Trousil, and Correspondent Donald Trousil.

Boleslav Jablonsky No. 219, Strathcona, MNMarvel Pesek, Secretary

We held our annual Christmas party and appreciation dinner for members on November 23 at the Daug House Restaurant in Thief River Falls. Members were treated to a buffet dinner and prizes were passed out. All our youth members received prizes and our adult winners were Rhoda Gust and Lowell Scramstad. We were happy to welcome President Cathy Erickson back after her absence. She led the meeting beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and the secretary and treasurer reports. Thank-you cards were read from the nursing home for the candy at Halloween, the Ronald McDonald House for the monetary donation, and our President Cathy for the gas card we gave her. The secretary also presented checks from the Home Office for renovations of our lodge hall and our Matching Funds award. Members were at the Warroad Nursing Home to visit, play cards, and serve cookies to members of the home. Cathy Erickson will be donating lefse (a traditional Norwegian flatbread) from our lodge to a fundraiser for Northland

Community College Music Program. Some of our members are collecting magazines to be donated to our local care center.

Members serving cookies at the Warroad Care Center.

YELL! members donating candy to the nursing home for patients to hand out at Halloween.

One of our local churches is holding a clothing drive on Santa Days;

members are collecting outerwear, caps, mittens, coats, and boots to be donated. Our YELL! members and leaders were treated to a movie at the local theater, with popcorn and pop from the lodge.

Willow River No. 346, Willow River, MNBarbara Larson, Correspondent

We had our Christmas party on December 7 at the Kettle River Township Hall. Everyone enjoyed a noon meal, and Santa came to hand out treats. After Santa’s visit, prizes were given to adults and youth. We had a short meeting and handed our yearly reports in to our secretary.

Meadowlands Jr. No. 361, Meadowlands, MNPat Mathison, Correspondent

Members participated in the Meadowlands Community Halloween party on October 25 at the Meadowlands Community Center. There was a great turnout; Margaret Larsen and Ann Taray registered between 70 and 80 youth. Western Fraternal Life treat bags were available and were gone in no time. Pat signed up the kids as we gave away two DVD’s of the movie Frozen. Winners were Linda Meek and Ward Reneau.

Winners of the Frozen DVDs.

Members pitched in to help at the Hope Lutheran Church community hayride and wiener roast. Steve Van Duker’s tractor provided the horsepower pull-ing two wagonloads of kids and adults around the countryside. One stop was the local cemetery where some hair-raising tales were told. Bonnie Van Duker, Vickie Ridge, and others served hot-



dogs provided by the lodge, along with chips, hot chocolate, and other goodies at the Community Center. Well over 50 people attended the event. A large crowd enjoyed the annual Hunter’s Supper on November 8 at the Meadowlands Community Center. Ann Taray and Helen Abramson collected money and sold tickets for the meal and prizes. This year, we offered gift cards from an area L&M store; Pat sold the tickets. Winners were Reece Ringhofer and Scott Lindholm. Several members donated desserts for the catered meal. Our November 9 meeting was at the Manor. Thank-you cards were received from Ann Bishop, Judy Miller, and Jessica Kopic. More collection items were turned in. The help given by members and non-members for our activities this past year is greatly appreciated; thank you all for doing your part! Now it is time to get the end of the year reports submitted.

NebraskaNebraska No. 3, Crete, NECheryl Retherford, Correspondent

On December 4, members met at the Wilber Care Center Assisted Living Dining Room. A moment of silence was held for member Velma Gilmore of Columbus, NE. Cheryl Retherford reported on correspondence from the Fraternal Connection, update on the State Convention in Niobrara on June 27, and lodge Lincoln’s 50-year celebration set for November 16 being cancelled due to a snow storm. Donations will be made to Crete Cares and Crete Fire and Rescue. Fruit baskets will be presented to the five recipients before Christmas. Stuffed animals for Blue Valley Resource Center, old batteries, and empty pill bottles will all be delivered to the various places. Happy Birthday was sung to Ed Patak for his upcoming 91st birthday. Volunteers Ed and Irene Patak, Evelyn Buzek, and Cheryl Retherford assisted with Bingo at Crete Manor on December 22 and 29. Members set meeting dates for 2015. Following the meeting, members enjoyed playing Bingo.

Plzen No. 9, Morse Bluff, NEGilly Racek, Correspondent

Members celebrated the holiday season with a November 20 meeting at a local café. After dinner, we had a short meeting.

Bike winners Isabelle Vosler and Bob Kavan

at the Halloween party.

We will decorate a Christmas tree at the North Bend Library, along with several other community organizations and businesses.

Youth and adult members will bake and deliver cookies to several people.

Members Keith Racek and Edwin Slavik with items donated for the

Schuyler Senior Center garage Sale.

At the next meeting, we will have an election of officers, sign Christmas cards for shut-in members, and plan the January 15 meeting.

Dennice No. 14, Ord, NEDiane Spilinek, Correspondent

Correction: Emanuel Sedlacek’s birthday was misprinted in the December issue. He turned 90 instead of 80 years old. Members met November 9 at the North Loup Café. The volunteer hours sheet was passed around. Correspondence from the Home Office was read as well. Members brought empty pill bottles and used card fronts that they collected throughout the year to be donated. Members also donated 34 lbs. of food at the October meeting for the Howard County Food Pantry. We will be participating in a community activity with an area Independent and Assisted Care Facility for Christmas in December. A preliminary awards form was passed around to view. Veterans were recognized for Veterans Day, November 11. The Ord Cross Country Team was recognized for their finish at the State Cross Country Meet; member Jasmine Maly is a member of the team. Members delivered 41 bags of school supplies to the St. Mary’s School students on October 31. We will be having a grab bag gift exchange at our December meeting; members are to bring a grab bag gift valued at $5 to exchange. Ernest Maly will show his polka videos at Grandview Independent and Assisted Living Center; members were encouraged to join him. Our next meeting is at 11 a.m. on February 8, 2015 at the North Loup Café. Dinner and socializing will immediately follow the meeting.

Zapadni Svornost No. 28, Clarkson, NEStanton Hrouda, Correspondent

Members met December 7 at the Brass Rail Restaurant in Clarkson for a noon meal and meeting. The meeting was opened by President Eldon Hrouda. The monthly report from the Home Office and newsletter were read. A thank-you note was read from the Contact Center where we donate food and volunteer time every month. Members Anna, Ashley, Holley, Stanley, and Meri-Jayn donated food and clothing to the Crossroads Center. They feed and give shelter to homeless and low-income people.



Jean and Rex Hansen volunteered at the Homeless Gospel Mission in Sioux City and Pioneer Club for Christian Youth Ministries in Wakefield. We received thank-you notes from the Clarkson Czech Queen and the Salvation Army for the monetary donations and from the Golden Living Center for the decorations we made with the Sunday school children. Jokes were read and enjoyed by all. Members reported on recycling efforts. So far, we have collected 625 lbs of newspaper and cardboard. Members sent birthday cards to our adopted grandmas Mary Hladik and Alice Cerny. We will deliver rolls from the bakery for Christmas. Each member received a large candy bar for Christmas. The afternoon concluded with Bingo and socializing.

Lipany No. 56, Lynch, NEMarita Placek, Correspondent

Members gathered at the Lynch Community Hall on November 23, and served a Harvest dinner and side dishes to the residents of the Ponca Valley Courts. A short meeting was held after the meal. A review was held of projects for the Level I Award. A monetary donation was given to the Lynch Volunteer Firemen. They will purchase candy to fill the Christmas sacks for Santa to hand out after the free movie. We invited the other lodges in District 5 for our October fest. We gave candy for the Homecoming float, and Halloween bags to the grade school children at the Lynch Public School. Members hung the lights in Lynch’s gazebo after the meeting. The lodge pondered a request to operate the shuttles for the Cattleman’s Ball, scheduled for June 5 and 6, 2015. We will discuss this later. Martha Nelson will host the next meeting on January 20, 2015 at her home.

Cecho-Moravan No. 68, Brainard, NEDorothy Schultz, Correspondent

(l-r) Darlene Rech, Jeffrey Rech, and

Dorothy Schultz attending the 2014 NE

State Meeting.

We held our annual Christmas party on December 7 at the Butler County Senior Services in David City. Members enjoyed the noon potluck Christmas meal. A gift exchange was done to the reading of Christmas with the Wright Family and card Bingo was enjoyed as well. In August, several members met with the David City High School dancers and distributed toiletries to the veterans at the hospital in Omaha. Happy birthday went to Doris Schultz.

Milligan No. 76, Milligan, NEScott Oliva, Correspondent

We had a great Christmas party at Evening With Friends Restaurant on November 30 with 57 attending; our largest crowd ever for this event. On October 25, the auditorium was used for an estate sale and a Holiday Extravaganza craft show November 1. It was furnished free of charge to the local legion club for Veteran’s Day Services on November 11. On November 15, it was used for a young woman raising money for a trip to Africa where she plans to spend her time there teaching. On December 4, the Q125 Rooster was moved out of the front room of the auditorium to a private garage to allow for more space; especially the Christmas tree we put up every year. Rooster was our old school mascot prior to our consolidation with Exeter. The 6’ tall rooster had been stored in a feed warehouse for awhile and was restored by the community Q125 committee. It must have been quite a sight to see three men (Wade Sluka, Dan Vavra, and Scott Oliva) walking a 6 foot rooster down the street. As the locals exclaimed, “only in Milligan.” On December 10, John Zelenka and Scott Oliva put up the Christmas tree in the front window of the auditorium. Scott Oliva continues to open the Underground (the auditorium basement) every Sunday with help from John Zelenka, Dan Vavra, Lorene Buzek, Leonard Sluka, Mike Kassik, and others. We are still collecting can tabs at the Underground for the Junior Auxiliary, which will then benefit the Ronald McDonald House. We are planning the 8th Annual Chilympiad (a chili cook-off) on January 25 in the Underground.

Premysl Otakar II No. 84, Table Rock, NEEvelyn Michaelis, Correspondent

Members met at the home of Lola Flider on December 11.

New members Brock Taylor Tomek and Aurora Lynn Tyler.

An election of officers was held and the new officers are as follows: President Rudy Fritch, Vice President Debbie Blecha, Correspondent Evelyn Michaelis, and Trustee Don Wagner. It was decided to have our meeting on the third Thursday of the month at the Table Rock Senior Center at 10 a.m. Lunch will follow the meeting and will be paid for by the lodge. Discussion was held in regards to meeting in 2015, possibly going to six meetings per year. Gifts were purchased for Head Start and the Table Rock Christmas drawing, as well as two bicycles will be given away.



Jan Kollar No. 101, Du Bois, NEMary Barker, Correspondent

The November 3 meeting took place at the hall. The Halloween dance was a great success with prizes awarded for the best dressed. The hayrack ride had a huge crowd of over 300 people. Guests enjoyed free snacks and $1 hotdogs as well. Over 30 people helped with this event, members and non-members alike. Two bicycles were given away and the winners were Jacob Hunzeker and Jacob Williams. On Thanksgiving Day, donations for the needy in Topeka consisted of warm clothing, which will be boxed up. Two members will be Santa and Mrs. Claus and will present the donations at the Ex-Po Center. Over 2,500 individuals will be served and a carload of toys and clothing will be distributed. A member who served three tours in Iraq is now in Austin, TX. In September, he became the father of identical twin girls, Emma Jade and Laney Rae along with wife Sami. The grandparents are Norman and Mary Barker. An election of officers is scheduled for next month. Cleaning of the hall took place after the hayrack ride on the following Monday. Next year, we will have a larger array of Halloween items donated by a group who isn’t able to participate. Members met on December 2 at the residence of Gary and Mary Droge. A lengthy discussion on the National Convention was held. The cost was the main objection and youth situation is not satisfactory. A family Thanksgiving dinner was held at the Hall. A monetary donation was made to the Du Bois community for Santa coming to town. Officers are to remain the same for one more year. Election of new officers will be held next year. On January 17, a birthday celebration and a dance will take place at the hall. February activities were discussed and planned as well. We were honored to have the State Bank of Table Rock feature our hall on their yearly calendar. Slavin No. 112, Comstock, NEKathy Bilka, Correspondent

Members met on December 4 at the Burwell Legion Club. In the spring, high school and college seniors need to send their names to the Home Office for the graduate drawing. Don’t forget to apply for the Western Fraternal Life National Scholarship. In the younger grades, several students have made the trimester honor roll, keep up the great work! Members enjoyed the Dutch treat meal, fellowship, and gift exchange. Members also signed cards for several friends. Sharon O. treated everyone with a fruit and candy tray.

Cech No. 152, Farwell, NEErica Penner, Correspondent

President Emil Kment opened the meeting on December 1 at the Farwell Fire Hall. A donation will be presented for Santa. We received a

thank-you card from the Food Pantry for our donation. Two youth and other members decorated a Christmas tree on November 20.

Zest No. 296, Omaha, NEDoris Ettlin, Correspondent

On November 18, members met at the Disabled American Veterans Hall. They enjoyed mini meat loaves and a potato dish made by Marilyn and John Slezak. Members furnished other food dishes as well and Daniel Stout served beverages. Thanks to all the cooks and to Marilyn and Martha Talmon for table set up. A moment of silence was observed for our deceased member Lillian Hospodka. A sympathy card and a scholarship memo-rial were sent to the family of the deceased. Our members extend their sympathy to the family. Welcome to new member Kevin Pearson! Please join us at our meetings and activities. A thank-you note was received from the Children’s Hospital for our donation. Correspondence was received from Siena House asking for a donation. Scholarship donations were given by Ernie Wesolowski, Frances Riha, and John Slezak. For information about our college scholarships, please call Frances Riha at 402-731-2360 or write her at 2408 Chandler Road E, Bellevue, NE 68005. Members collected toys to give to the Marines Toys for Tots drive. The coats collected by members were given to the Siena Frances House. Debra Dugan and Kim Lee talked about giving items to the kindergarten class at Spring Dale Grade School. We also discussed helping the South East Police Assembly Christmas party at South High School gym on December 21. The 2015 officers are as follows: President John Slezak, Vice President Al Divoky, Secretary Marilyn Slezak, Correspondent Doris Ettlin, Treasurer Ernie Wesolowski, Guide and Kitchen Martha Talmon, and Auditors Dorothy Mengedoht, Elsie Snowdon, and Max Snowdon. Our next meetings are April 21, May 20 (50 and 75-year member dinner), June 16 (indoor picnic), September 15, October 20 (Halloween party), November 17, and December 15 (Christmas party).

Karlin Junior No. 342, Spencer, NEDarlene Cizek, Correspondent

Members met on at 7 p.m. on November 19 at the home of Dr. Charles and Donna Zidko. We had 141 youth register for the bike giveaway at Wild Turkey Days on October 11 and 12. Our bicycle winners were Anna Flesher and John Wendt. Both bicycles went to youth from the Bristow area.We received donations for the National Cemetery from LaVerne Ludwig and Jane Sedlacek; thank you. Donations are used for the upkeep of the cemetery. The snow fence at the National Cemetery was put up by Frank, Don, and a couple of deer hunters who volunteered to help. Information concerning the Western Fraternal Life National Convention was read and discussed. Our lodge can send one delegate and an alternate to the Convention scheduled for July 23 and 24, 2015 in Cedar Rapids, IA.



Bike winner Anna Flesher.

Bike winner John Wendt.

Get-well cards were sent. Thank you notes from Dr. Charles Zidko and Jane Sedlacek were read as well. It was voted to take part in the Toys for Tots Christmas activity. LeAnne and Kenny will select and purchase the gifts. A donation to the Youth Baseball Program will be made in December.

Saline Center No. 389, Western, NEKatie Zoubek, Correspondent

Dedicated volunteers, members, and honored guests at-tended the 50 and 75-year membership recognition/volunteer appreciation supper at Saline Center. Lefty’s catering served the meal and Santa joined in on the fun and delivered goodie bags to the children.

Secretary Joan Kotas presenting a 75-year pin to Dorothy Skrivanek.

President Lumir Kotas and Secretary Joan Kotas presented the 75-year membership pin to Dorothy Skrivanek. Others not present but acknowledged, were 50-year members Ronnie

Zoubek, Vim Tesar, and Donna Kobes. The 75-year members were Milo Pesek, Ed Kresak, Evelyn Michl, and Shirley Nelson. The YELL! group distributed bike safety information for the children during the bicycle giveaway. Schyler Schwisow, age 9 of Western, won the girls bike. Jarrett Jones, age 9 of Daykin, won the boys bike. The group would also like to thank everyone who donated to their food and toy drive. The Christmas goodie plates were delivered and treats were taken to the youth daycare. Our next meeting will be February 2 at 7 p.m.

Bike winners Jarrett Jones and Schyler

Schwisow.

Lincoln No. 426, Lincoln, NEVelma Kotas, Correspondent

Members had a busy holiday season, but a happy one with lots of fraternalism and community activities. On December 3, members rang bells for the Salvation Army; we worked one hour in groups of two people. Denise Spale chaired this event and we were at Russ’s Market at 33rd and Highway 2. There were many shoppers and it was great to greet the customers. We did not have a regular meeting in December, but we did enjoy a wonderful Christmas party on December 7. Forty-five members, YELL! group, and guests enjoyed a holiday meal at the “O” Street Hy-Vee party room. After the lovely meal, our youth played “Hot Potato” with popcorn balls. We had a quiz about the Czech Republic and its customs. We also sang those old familiar Christmas carols. We thank Erma Ruhl and Velma Kotas as they chaired this event. We thank Donna Aschwege, Betty Soukup, and Erma Ruhl for baking wonderful kolaches for this event. Also, thanks to Lorrie Vasa and Lois Rood for providing us with music sheets and playing the accordion, guitar, and flute so we could sing. We thank our members and guests for bringing caps, mittens, slippers, scarves, and socks for the City Mission. Rich and Sandy Hosek delivered the gifts to the City Mission. We thank each of you for attending the Christmas party or all the meetings and events in 2014; we love seeing you. You always make the meetings, parties, or the activities fun. On December 14, Lois Rood, Lorrie Vasa, Denise Spale, Betty Soukup, and Velma Kotas caroled at the Gateway Manor and it was great to see Marvel Svoboda. People gathered in the halls to hear us. From there we went to Holmes Lake Manor. That was wonderful because we sang at the entrance, and people came from every corner of that building, they were gracious and appreciative. Then on to Mahoney Manor and that was fun because we had some children and they were most precious. Our society and people need fraternalism and caring in the community. To our membership, I do hope you will have your Calendar of Events post card by the time you read this; however, if you want to contribute to our events please call Denise Spale at 402-310-7293 or Velma Kotas at 402-489-9525. Our wish for all of you is to have caring and loving activities in your lodges because every day holds the possibility of a miracle.

North DakotaKosobud No. 106, Lankin, NDJoAnn Ryba, Correspondent

Members met at the Lankin Senior Center on December 7. A potluck meal was served with the meeting following. The check for the October bike giveaway was received. Final bills for trees and cemetery cutting were reported as paid. We discussed our cemetery bylaws and final revisions of the bylaws will be brought to our next meeting. The National Convention on July 23-34, 2015 in Cedar Rapids, IA was discussed. Several members showed interest in attending. Deadline for registration is April 15, 2015.



Members serving pies to the Grand Forks Mission on Thanksgiving.

JoAnn, Pam, and Karen reported helping serve meals at the Grand Forks Mission on Thanksgiving. Several bags of can tabs were donated to the Ronald McDonald House.

Members with items they donated to the

Michigan, ND Food Pantry.

We have three new members: Brayden Hammond, Declan Hammond, and Douglas Saari. Donations were given to the Lankin American Legion, Park River Good Samaritan, the Michigan Ambulance, Park River Ambulance, Fordville First Response, Lankin First Response, Adams First Response, Pregnancy Health Center, and the Park River Hospice program. Members brought in many items for the Michigan ND Food Pantry. The election of officers results in all officers remaining unchanged.

Cesky Zakopnik No. 147, Mandan, NDDiane Schmidt, Correspondent

Members, families, and friends gathered at A&B Pizza on December 13 for the annual Christmas luncheon; 17 people attended. Members brought Christmas goodies to share. Poinsettias were given as prizes. The members each brought a few non-perishable items to be donated to Community Blessings Thrift Shop. Diane will deliver the goods. Our next meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2015.

Hodonin No. 188, Minot, NDJoan Smatt Peterson, Correspondent

Our President, a veteran of the Korean War, was in attendance for the Veteran’s Assembly, November 11, at the Minot Auditorium. Vice President Len Korgel officiated our meeting at Badlands Restaurant where free meals for the veterans were offered. Thank-you letters were received from: The Commission on Aging, Senior Center, Souris Valley Animal Shelter, Ward County Historical Society, and Our Lady of Grace Church pantry in Minot. As we almost donated the whole treasury

to the various organizations, our other holiday donations will be made personally this year. Pat Korgel has accumulated Our Family Coupons, which she will transfer to the appropriate receiver. Available pharmacy cards were distributed by a member. Since the Salvation Army bell ringers are now inside the stores, this might be a project for us, since they seem to be in short supply here.

OklahomaJan Zizka No. 67, Yukon, OKElaine Benda, President

I am writing this article the week before our lodge Christmas party. Tornado sirens are providing a nice holiday mood! Even us Oklahomans were surprised by our strange weather! It has been a busy autumn for us. Our OK Czech Festival in October was a great success. It is always a wonderful time to see family and friends; it is a giant reunion as well as celebration of our heritage.

Members and cousins Elaine Benda, Gary Benda, Colleen Carlisle, and Marilyn Wagstaff.

Berniece Kolar riding with her great-

grandson, Aiden Hale, the reigning OK Czech-

Slovak Prince.

After the Festival, we held our annual Halloween Dance. Our lodge, along with Sokol Lodge Karel Havlicek, provided prizes. All children under age 14 received a candy sack as well. It is a tradition in our community to show off your costume at the dance. As we prepare for Christmas, there are so many events. By the time you read this, our New Year’s Eve dance will be over, and we will be well into 2015. Our Valentine Dance is February 14, and our Masopust Dance is February 21. If you don’t already know, the Masopust is the Czech Mardi Gras, and we always hold a masquerade dance with plenty of prizes and dancing to celebrate. We hope members will come and wear a costume or at least a crazy hat or mask. Please make a resolution for 2015 to do one extra thing involving your lodge. It will be one resolution you will be glad to keep, and it is super easy to do!



OregonKrasna Budoucnost No. 222, Malin, ORJulia Unruh, Correspondent

Members met at 1 p.m. on November 16 at the Malin Community Hall. We purchased a used cargo trailer to store our supplies in. The men of the lodge and social members are going to add shelving and paint the inside of the trailer. We planned our Christmas party at this meeting.

South DakotaPravda No. 80, Tyndall, SDMarcene Kniffen, Correspondent

Our meeting was held on November 11. A moment of silence was observed for the military and deceased members. Cash memorials were sent to the treasurer in memory of Enid Sejnoha and Helen Hovorka. Our next meeting will be held with our Christmas party. Members celebrated Christmas with a noon buffet at JoDean’s in Yankton,, SD on December 11. The Good Samaritan Home will notify us when they would like our help. Our next meeting will be in January of 2015.

Cechu Vitezstvi No. 253, Hamill, SDMarlene Schuiling, Correspondent

Bike winner Gracie Biggins.

TexasDallas No. 401, Dallas, TXSarah Martin, Correspondent

(l) Greg Thomisee and (r) Sarah Martin

presenting a donation to the TX Czech

Heritage and Cultural Center Museum

and Library Fund representative Retta

Chandler.

The annual Christmas party was held at Sokol Dallas on December 7. We recognized veterans and thanked them for their service since our meeting fell on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. We thanked Director Brad Evans and family for attending our party. Czech Harvesters entertained us with excellent

dance music, and Michna’s BBQ catered a wonderful meal. Thanks also to all members who worked together to make our annual party a success. A special thanks to the Sokol for a great facility to meet and have special functions. We are saddened by the death of our Vice President Emil Chmelar. He will be missed.

Texasska Libuse No. 402, Ennis, TXKatrina Evans, Correspondent

On September 7, members baked and delivered strudel to the hardworking firefighters and police officers of Ennis. We did this in recognition and appreciation for their service to our community.

Members posing with the firefighters they brought treats to in honor of 9/11.

President Stuart Hamilton (center)

presenting bikes to winners: Samantha

Maddox and Andrew Mach.

On October 26, we held our annual dinner at the Sokol Hall as a joint effort with the SPJST Lodge 135. We had a potluck dinner and later enjoyed a cake walk and 50/50 raffle. The members in attendance voted to donate the proceeds to the local SPCA. Members collected can goods that were donated to the Helping Hands of Ennis.

WashingtonSeattle No. 181, Seattle, WAPaula Hughart, Correspondent

Members with Eastside Czech Genealogy

members at the Giving Thanks potluck.

Members attended the monthly business meeting following the annual Czech/Slovak “Giving Thanks” celebration dinner gathering November 15 at the Kirkland Fire Station. A highlight of the meeting was the presentation to member Steve Soucek of the Western Fraternal Life Family Benefit



Award. He was very grateful to receive this benefit. A brief story appeared in the December magazine.

President Rosie Bodien presenting Steve Soucek with a

Family Benefit award.

Officer elections for 2015 were held, congratulations and thanks were given to our new officer volunteers: President/Correspondent Paula Hughart, Vice President Patricia Klein, Secretary Marjorie Bianco, and Treasurer Bob Vernon. Installation of new officers will occur at our January meeting. Rosie Bodien was thanked for her past service as both our lodge president and our Czech Heritage coordinator. She will continue to be our Czech community liaison. We also elected our delegate (Paula Hughart) and alternates (Bob Vernon and Patricia Klein) for the Convention, which will be held in Cedar Rapids on July 23 – 24, 2015. Marjorie Bianco attended the Western Pre-Convention Committee meeting as a District 6 representative on October 10 in Cedar Rapids. She reported on the proposed bylaw changes and the special fraternal activities planned for the Convention. We are sending a letter to the Pre-Convention Committee to ask for a donation to the Czech Center for Education and Culture. Marjorie Bianco presented information from the rebranding teleconference held on October 21, and passed out informational packets on the new discount benefits for Western members. She further reported that we will qualify for the Level I lodge award and she will prepare our submission package. We were saddened by the recent deaths of members Carole Tadlock and Mary Yonker. Sympathy cards were sent to the families. Large quantities of cancelled postage stamps, education labels, and box tops were again collected and brought to this meeting. Magazines and box tops were delivered to local community groups during September and November. In October, we had members serve as volunteer docents for Historic Seattle’s home tour fundraiser. We identified organizations that are our top cash donation priorities for 2015. Hundreds of handcrafted greeting cards were made and donated to the Northshore Theatre Guild to help with their gift boutique fundraising efforts. Our lodge recruited ten volunteers to help with ushering and concessions during four Nutcracker ballet performances in December; the Northshore Performing Arts Center Foundation, (NPACF) is a volunteer run organization and they are very grateful for our assistance throughout the year. A proposal was made and approved to become a business friend/partner with the NPACF. We will be sponsoring free theatre ticket raffles for the remaining 2014/2015 Northshore Performing Arts Center season shows and we will receive recognition at the theatre and on the NPACF website.

Wisconsin/Upper MichiganMilwaukee No. 48, Milwaukee, WIJarka Axtell, Correspondent

The December 9 meeting was held at Meyer’s Family Restaurant. Fran thanked members for their work teaching kolache baking at the Grobschmidt Senior Center on November 7. He also mentioned our work at the Holiday Folk Fair on November 19, 20, and 21 with Sokol Milwaukee. Our annual Christmas party followed with invited guests and inactive members. Our special December project was a collection of non-perishable food items for the Bay View Hunger Task Force. Our next meeting will be February 17, at the Spring Garden Restaurant.

Perun No. 73, Menominee, MIMary Gruszynski, Secretary

The December meeting was called to order by President Delores Erickson at the Tradewinds Restaurant in Marinette, WI at noon. Secretary and treasurer reports were read and approved. Volunteer hours and donation slips were turned in to the secretary. Delegates to the 28th National Convention were elected and are Delores Erickson, Evelyn Koutnik, and Walt and Mary Gruszynski. Alternates elected were Barb Trombly, Jackie Koutnik, and Mary Geniesse. A donation to the fraternal service project to be done at the 28th National Convention was made.

Bratri Novych Hradu No. 141, Cadott, WICade Sikora, Correspondent

Our election of officers was held December 3 at the Cadott Color Center in Cadott. The following officers were elected for 2015: President Randy Meyer, Vice President Lori Peterlik, Secretary Dana Carlson, Treasurer Jean Dressel, and Correspondent Cade Sikora. An email was received from the Yellowstone Art Tour committee thanking us for the use of the hall and letting us know it was a successful event. Plans are already being made for another Art Tour next September and the Bohemian Hall will be included. A report from the State Meeting was given and the Outstanding Leadership Award Certificate was presented to us. Our lodge grant was divided equally this year between the Cadott Food Pantry, Salvation Army, and the Homeless Veterans. JoAnn Parks reported on the Pre-Convention meeting she attended in Cedar Rapids. The new bylaw information changes that will be voted on at the National Convention were shared with the rest of the members present. Check us out at www.wiuplodges.com. Also online is the Bohemian Hall Amateur Theatre (BHAT). You can find them by searching “The Bohemian Hall Amateur Theatre” on Facebook. “Like” our page for pictures, videos, and updates on the BHAT! Our YELL! group also has a Facebook page to view.



Pokrocilost No. 221, Menchalville, WIBernita Schenian, Correspondent

On December 7, members held their Christmas dinner, party, and meeting at the Community Center in Kellnersville. A delicious catered dinner was served. Bingo was played and prizes were awarded. We had one guest in attendance, Jeanette Korinek, who is the mother of Vice President Gerald Korinek. Also in attendance were Ed and Lucy Wallander who celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on December 7. Northern Star No. 332, Weyerhaeuser, WIGertie Bonczyk, Correspondent

Members met at 10 a.m. to finalize the year-end events on December 8. Some of our projects could not be documented earlier because of the time of the year. On November 1, some members donated their time to the V.F.W. and helped cook the turkey dinner for their banquet. Our members brought in a slicer to slice 70 lbs of turkey breasts, and help peel the potatoes. Gertie headed all the makings of the dinner with her husband Frank. More of our members did much work throughout the day and evening. V.F.W. boys and Auxiliary ladies helped as well. We cooked for 230 people. November 22-30, members helped senior citizens gut and skin their bucks. The members of the hunters club were mentoring the youth who needed help hunting. There were five youth between 10 and 12 who were a part of the hunting crew. There were 20 deer shot giving the youth a lot of experience. Many were there for the first time and they all want to come back next year. Meat was donated to a worthy cause. Everyone wrapped and cut deer and the youth were included. December 8, some members taught the youth how to clean the horns and scrape the skull of the head to prepare the horns of the buck for mounting. On December 6, some members helped prepare a wonder-ful feast. The 150 people who attended the Buck hunters club all enjoyed themselves. On December 7, members were invited to Lodge No. 100’s Christmas party. The party was well attended. The meal was very scrumptious; we had a wonderful afternoon.

Racine No. 357, Racine, WIKatie Janette, Correspondent

Joey Janette conducting a youth seminar on Budget Planning with Boy

Scout Troop 101, Racine, WI.

Manitowoc Jr. No. 360, Manitowoc, WICathy Groelle, Correspondent

Our last meeting was November 15 at the American Legion on Jay Street in Manitowoc. We donated food and paper to the Lakeshore Humane

Society on November 2 and it was presented by Lumir and Carol Jebavy and Marvin Kliment. They were very happy we remembered them again this year. We had the honor of having Brenda Osterman as a guest at our meeting. She brought her two sons with her and gave us input and new ideas to help our lodge. After the meeting, her and her sons joined us for a meal at Perkins. We will have the election of officers at our meeting in January.

Presenting a check to the Domestic Violence Center’s new building.

(l-r) Marvin Kliment, the Manager of the

Center, Lumir Jebavy, Carol Jebavy, and

their granddaughter Samantha Raymakers.

Carol Jebavy and Cathy Groelle giving blankets they made to Project Linus worker Joan Benter.

Kewaunee No. 365, Kewaunee, WICarolyn Kinstetter, Correspondent

On December 6, our Christmas party was held at Moxie’s and was a happy occasion. Our meal was followed by an exchange of gifts, then a drawing for poinsettias. After a brisk game of Bingo, bells were ringing as Santa had arrived. All of the young guests gathered around Santa for requests and a bag of treats. Santa gave two children in the other room treat bags as well. Thanks Dave O. The December 9 meeting was at Magdalene’s home. Don Quistorff delivered the collection to Kewaunee food pantry. Bills were paid and final donations were taken care of. Donations went to Life Line, Casco Paramedics, Upper MI Scholarship, and Kewaunee Paramedics. These will be turned in on forms in January.

Pilsen No. 391, Luxemburg, WIJudy Kraynik, Correspondent

Our meeting was held at the China Buffet in Green Bay, WI on December 11, followed by a noon luncheon. Members assisted with a kolache class at Heritage Farm in Kewaunee, WI on November 5. Our annual Holiday party was held at Suster’s in Denmark, WI on November 21. We enjoyed a delicious meal and the camaraderie with each other. A good time was had by all. A fundraiser for the Montpelier EMR’s to purchase necessary equipment was held at the Aissen Tree Farm. On December 4, members helped cut vegetables for the 50-gallon kettle of Booyah. The Booyah was served at the fundraiser



on December 6-7, along with hotdogs, hamburgers, desserts, and soda. Members also helped with serving the food on those days. It was a successful fundraiser. Our lodge welcomed a new member, William Ullmer. It was noted that we reached our referral quota for the year, with three recent referrals.

City Point No. 408, City Point, WIJoan Rapp, Correspondent

Christmas for the Children started the day with a delicious potluck. After lunch, Santa came for the children and gave them all a gift. We opened our meeting and discussed the bake sale we held to raise money for a defibrillator for the Pittsville Fire Department. We plan to hold another bake sale in the future. We played Bingo after the meeting.

In MemoriamMary Yonker

No. 181, Seattle, WA

Sister Mary Yonker was born July 10, 1950 in Bellingham, WA to Adolf and Bessie (Mach) Woracek and died October 7, 2014. A Celebration of Life was held October 25. Mar y ma rr ied Kent Yonker February 16, 1968 in Lynden, WA.

She was a 50-year member. Survivors include husband, Kent Yonker of Zillah; son, Alex Yonker; daughter, Angy (Bill) Wentz; brother, Larry (Dina) Woracek; sister, Linda (George) Voracek; 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter.

Darell D. KrupickaNo. 53, Niobrara, NE

Brother Darell Krupicka was born June 29, 1948 in Niobrara, NE to Delmar and Marjorie (Frank) Krupicka and died November 20, 2014 in Yankton, SD. Funeral services were held November 25, with inter-ment at L’eau Qui Court in Niobrara, NE.

Darell was a 50-year member. He served in US Army during the Vietnam War. Survivors include brothers, Gregory (Dianne) Krupicka of Loveland, CO, Jesse (Peggy) Krupicka and Calvin (Diane) Krupicka both of Verdigre, NE, and Steven Krupicka (Dora Garcia) of Medford, OR.

Linda Wallick, Correspondent

Alvin G. FritchNo. 84, Table Rock, NE

Brother Alvin Fritch was born April 11, 1920 in Du Bois, NE to Joe and Anna (Lang) Fritch and died November 15, 2014 in Table Rock. Funeral services were held November 22, with interment at Table Rock Czech Cemetery. Alvin married Laura Schultz September 14, 1940. He was a 75-year member. Survivors include daughter, Prudy (Jon) Gorton of Syracuse, NE; 2 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Dorothy Fritch, Secretary

Violet L. KycekNo. 44, Hayward, MN

Sister Violet Kycek was born October 17, 1926 in Myrtle, MN to Joseph and Mary (Tucek) Blecha and died November 17 in Rochester, MN. Funeral services were held November 24, with interment The Bohemian National Cemetery near Myrtle. Violet married Leonard Kycek June

22, 1943 in Albany, OR. She was a 75-year member and served as Correspondent/Secretary for 35 years. Survivors include children, Ronald (Renee) Kycek and Sharon (Russ) King; 8 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 3 great great-grandchildren.

Elise Nyenhuis, Secretary

Pauline Marie SourekNo. 225, Bannister, MI

Sister Pauline Sourek was born May 16, 1927 in Toronto, OH to John and Gizela (Lucovich) Karaffa and died November 24, 2014 in Lansing, MI. Funeral services were held November 29, with interment at Ford Cemetery. Pauline married Frank Sourek October 28, 1950 in Alma, MI. She

was a 50-year member. Survivors include daughters, Annette (Neil) Schulz, Francine (Jon) Turner, and Janet Sourek Bates all of Ashley, MI; son, Frank Sourek of Ashley; brothers, Eugene (Rosemary) Karaffa of Sterling Heights, MI and Carl Karaffa of MA; sisters, Sandy Kurczewski of Sterling Heights, Josie Vondruska of Bannister, and Mildred Svercek of Corunna; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Tom Bradley, Secretary

Lily OgdenNo. 296, Omaha, NE

Sister Lily Ogden was born July 9, 1923 in Omaha, NE to Alois and Anna (Votroubek) Dvorak and died August 28, 2014 in Omaha, NE. Funeral services were held September 2, with interment at Bohemian National Cemetery in Omaha, NE. Lily married John C. Ogden June 12, 1943 in Norman, OK. She was a 75-year members and served as secretary, treasurer, and correspondent to the lodge.


I N M E M O R I A M

Lodge Became Date of Name Place of Death No. Member Death

Claims for November 2014

Beito, Darwin D Warren, MI 247 1970 10/29/14Bennett, Albion H Cedar Rapids, IA 423 1984 10/07/14Brezacek, Milan F San Antonio, TX 296 1936 09/24/14Cermak, Rose M Mandan, ND 147 1940 09/30/14Choutka, Franklin C Lincoln, NE 426 1948 10/13/14Coyle, Brenda J Clyde, KS 246 2011 10/15/14Dahlke, Elinor J Stacyville, IA 44 1935 02/04/14Dockwell, Helen J Hayward, MN 44 1930 09/29/14Gates, Sadie R Beloit, WI 357 2011 10/31/14Havlat, Louis Naperville, IL 330 1938 07/21/14Horky, Harlan D Grand Island, NE 152 1936 10/20/14Jenkins, Corrine E Green Bay, WI 73 1968 03/06/13Jiskra, Raymond Marshall, WI 355 1943 09/26/14Konvalinka, Donald G Ames, IA 39 1942 08/24/14Koss, Sheri Kay North Liberty, IA 13 1948 10/21/11Lisec, Gary G Holdrege, NE 74 1946 09/24/14Mares, Arlene M Fresno, CA 330 1951 08/31/13Mc Henry, Sherrell H Warner, OK 496 2014 05/02/14Meixner, Lavonne M Owatonna, MN 127 1963 09/06/14Ochocki, Erma L Canby, MN 107 1954 10/04/14Ott, James C Cedar Rapids, IA 500 2007 09/22/14Prachar, May L Esko, MN 346 1998 08/05/14Schminke, Lillian Cedar Rapids, IA 262 1929 06/12/14Shramek, Ray Solon, IA 400 1992 10/16/14Stastny, Linda Bismarck, ND 147 1957 10/12/14Stockman, Richard A Oxford, IA 427 1970 10/22/14Studnicka, Marvin F Sun City West, AZ 28 1950 08/30/14Vrbicky, Betty L Omaha, NE 28 1950 08/21/14

Survivors include daughters, Joyce (Gary) Mortensen of Murdock, NE and Janis (William) Dwyer of Ralston, NE; 3 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Doris Ettlin, Secretary

Lillian StehlikNo. 225, Bannister, MI

Sister Li l l ian Stehlik was born November 30, 1923 in Ashley, MI to James and Rosi (Pokstefl) Kostal and died November 25, 2014 in Dearborn, MI. Funeral services were held November 29, with interment at North Star Cemetery in North Star, MI. Lillian married Otto Stehlik December 27, 1941 in Detroit, MI. She was a 50-year member. Survivors include son, Harold Stehlik, M.D. of Detroit; and sister, Ann Swink of Lansing, MI.

Tom Bradley, Secretary

Adrian ZimaNo. 9, Morse Bluff, NE

Brother Adrian Zima was born May 13, 1936 in Abie, NE to James and Laura (Krenk) Zima and died November 24, 2014 in Schuyler, NE. Funeral services were held November 29, with interment at Schuyler Cemetery. Adrian married Marlene Posvar August 20, 1955 in Schuyler. He was a 50-year member. Survivors include Marlene Zima of Schuyler; daughters, Debra (Dave) Faltys of Kearney, MO and Susan (Bob) Healy of Linwood; son, Scott (Jodi) Zima of Junction City, KS; 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Gilly Racek, Secretary

Velma GilmoreNo. 3, Crete, NE

Sister Velma G i l m o r e w a s born April 16, 1929 in Crete, NE to Ray and Lillie (Nohavek) Beggs and died October 4, 2014

in Omaha, NE. Funeral services were held October 8, with interment at Columbus Cemetery. Velma married Bruce Gilmore. She was a 75-year member.

Survivors include husband Bruce Gilmore; daughter, Linda (Doug) Slycord; sons, Paul (Jan) Gilmore, Keith (Denise) Gilmore, and David (Joy) Gilmore; sister, Alma Park; brother, Don (MaryAnn) Beggs; 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Cheryl Retherford, Secretary

Milan F. BrezacekNo. 296, Omaha, NE

Brother Milan Brezacek was born June 26, 1920 in Omaha, NE to Joseph and Marie (Slogr) Brezacek and died September 24, 2014 in San Antonio, TX. Funeral services were held October 4, with inurnment to take place at the Bohemian Cemetery. Milan married Libbie Hruza May 16, 1942 in Omaha, NE. He was a 75-year member and served as a medic in the US Army during WWII. Survivors include daughters, Deanne (Larry) Hammer of San Antonio, TX and

Janice (George) Erickcek of Kalamazoo, MI; son, Richard (Laura) Brezacek of Bremerton, WA; 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Doris Ettlin, Secretary

Roy A. HomolkaNo. 389, Western, NE

Brother Roy Homolka was born September 5, 1972 in Crete, NE to Don and Jane (Kuzelka) Homolka and died November 11, 2014 in Wilber, NE. Funeral services were held November 18, with interment at Wilber Czech Cemetery. Survivors include parents, Don and Jane Homolka; sister, Kayla Homolka and special friend Rob Slama; brother, Jeff Homolka; and special friend, Kerry Haglmeier.

Joan Kotas, Secretary

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