September 2004 Journal - CSA Fraternal Life · A Dynamic Magazine “Dedicated to Our ... November 15, 2020 Deadline - Fraternalist of the Year Nominations Deadline - Bowl-o-Rama

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JourSeptember 2020

In this issue...President’s PieceCalendar of EventsToday’s FraternalBoard ReportMessage from the SecretaryMiss CSADistrict CouncilGTG 2021Lodge HappeningsScholarship Donation FormScholarship Fund ReportKropik Scholarship ApplicationKidz KornerIn MemoriamJust Kids

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Heroes Ride Bike TourPage 23

On the CoverIn this Journal issue, we are looking back on Get-Togethers of the past.2 — www.csalife.com - SEPTEMBER 2020

Welcome Czech ConsulGeneralPage 20 Planting

ProjectPage 30

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President’s Piece

Brothers and Sisters,

Hello again to everyone. I hope thismonth finds you well, and that you’reall staying safe and healthy during thisunique time in our lives.

This article for the September Journalissue is yet another new one for me, asmost everything else has been in2020. Normally in the Septemberissue, we would have numerous arti-cles on our recently completed Get-Together. In addition, we’d be tellingyou all about our new Miss NationalCSA, our Fraternalist of the Year, anda bunch of other news from the GTG.

With that said, I’ll begin to “turn thepage” and not dwell on missed itemsin 2020 any longer. As a reminder, wewill be having the next Get-Togetherat the same venue in Clearwater,Florida from July 30 to August 1,2021. So, that’s definitely somethingto look forward to!

Here at the Home Office, we continueto do well on our end. We continue tohave a partial remote schedule formuch of our staff. Rest assured that

we’re not missing a beat and thatphone calls are being answered,claims are being paid, other corre-spondence is being processed, andeverything is running smoothly herein Lombard. To be honest, havingdealt with other companies and theircustomer service during the last fewmonths, I’m positive that CSA and our customer service is truly wonderful.While others have you wait foranswers, or don’t get back to you in atimely manner, we continue to serveour members in a great way. Granted,I’m a little (or a lot) biased in talkingabout CSA, but it’s the truth!

In other news, in mid-August we com-pleted our third Board Meeting for theyear and our third remote-style meet-ing at that. I’m happy to report thatour Board continues to work in unisonwith me and Secretary/ Treasurer MattKoski. Even with the challenges thatface us here in 2020, CSA is on paceyet again for another year of adding toour surplus and capital. As always,your assets are safe with us, and we’llcontinue to work endlessly to keep itthat way as CSA has done for over166 years.

Stay safe, and I look forward to FYI-ing you more on the goings on aroundhere in the months ahead.

Until next month.Fraternally,

John J. Kielczewski, CLU, FLMIPresident

CSA Fraternal Life

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SEPTEMBER 2020 — CSA JOURNAL — 3

“I’d like to begin my first article as President of CSAFraternal Life by letting you, the membership, know howhumbled and honored I am to be in this position. I very muchlook forward to leading CSA in the years to come. BeingCzech (my Babi was of 100 percent Czech descent), it is espe-cially gratifiying to now work for a society that is not only anice place to be, but is also ‘a part of me.’ In the few shortdays that I’ve been in the office, I have already seen and expe-rienced the passion that both members and Home Office per-sonnel have for CSA, and I can tell that this is a special orga-nization.”

– an excerpt from John’s first Journal article in September, 2012

John Kielczewski is installed as President

John J. KielczewskiPresident

CSA Journal (ISSN 0195-9050)

Published monthly—except bimonthly July/August by CSA

Fraternal Life, 2050 Finley Rd., Suite 70, Lombard, IL 60148.

Periodical Postage paid at Lombard, Illinois, and at additional

mailing offices. Subscription Rate: $12 per year, U.S. only.

Postmaster: send address changes to:

CSA Journal, P.O. Box 249, Lombard, IL 60148.

CSA LeadershipNational Officers

John J. Kielczewski, President

Matthew Koski, Secretary/Treasurer

National DirectorsTom Ledvina

Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota

Ken Dvorsky and Cary Mentzer

Northern Illinois, Indiana and WisconsinIrma Farrell

California, Colorado, Kansas, and TexasDiane DiBianca

Northern Ohio and MichiganConnie Wolf

Missouri and Southern IllinoisTerry Placek

Southeastern Ohio and Western PennsylvaniaCarol Tranter

Florida, Maryland, Virginia, D.C.,Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Paul Vavrasek

New York State and Connecticut

Home Office Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

A Dynamic Magazine “Dedicated to OurMembership”

UREDNI ORGÁN JEDNOTY CESKOSLOVENSKYCH SPOLKU VAMERICE

Phone: 800-543-3272

FAX: 630-472-1100

Email CSA: [email protected]

Website: www.csalife.com

Editor-in-Chief, Amanda Lovell

Editor: Cynthia Hall, [email protected]

Contributing Staff: Helen Gaydusek

CSA JournalVolume 133 No. 8 September 2020

CSA Journal

CSA MISSION STATEMENT

CSA Fraternal L i fe is a f raternal benef i t

Soc iety that prov ides fami l ies wi th f inanc ia l

secur i ty whi le promot ing community

involvement wi th vo lunteer ism.

Calendar of Events

o v /

4 — www.csalife.com - SEPTEMBER 2020

/ o

September 7Home Office Closed for Labor Day

Saturday, September 12, 2020Sokol Spirit OktoberfestMore details to come.Website: www.sokolspirit.org Email: [email protected]

Saturday, September 26–27, 202081st Moravian Day FestivalMore details to come. Website: www.unitedmoraviansocieties.org

October 12, 2020Deadline - Veterans Names/Articles for November JournalHome Office Closed for Columbus Day

November 15, 2020Deadline - Fraternalist of the Year NominationsDeadline - Bowl-o-Rama Scores

November 26, 27, 2020Home Office Closed for Thanksgiving

December 1, 2020Deadline - CSA Serves Matching Funds

December 24, 25, 2020Home Office Closed for Christmas Holiday

January 1, 2021Home Office Closed for New Year’s Day

January 31, 2021Deadline - Lodge Recognition Program Submissions

February 1, 2021President Report Forms Due in Home Office

Friday, July 30 – Sunday, August 1, 2021CSA 84th Annual Get-Together Clearwater Beach, Florida

*All Journal articles are due the 12th of the month prior to publication (Ex: Articles for January would be due December 12.)

Today’s Fraternal

Read the Journal online at: www.csalife.com SEPTEMBER 2020 — CSA JOURNAL — 5

Get-Togethers Through TimeDearest Brothers and Sisters,In this Journal article, I would usuallybe writing about all of the fun we hadwhile at our Get-Together. We wouldhave beautiful photos and stories toshare. We would be reading up on all ofthe festivities that the weekend had tooffer. Maybe most importantly, wewould be learning all about our newMiss National CSA and celebrating thestart of her reign. Though this year looksa little different.

Since there aren’t any photos to shareor announcements to make this year, Istill wanted to keep the tradition aliveand keep some sense of normalcy.Therefore, I started perusing through ourlibrary at the CSA Home Office, flip-ping through old September Journals forfun photos and articles to share. Whatyear was your favorite Get-Together?Do you have any fun stories or favoritememories? For my family, the Get-Together was a little vacation for us. Asa child, I remember getting so excited totravel to a new city to meet up with oldfriends. To be honest with you, I actual-ly consider a lot of you to be like familyto me.

One of the best parts about attendingthe Get-Togethers—as basic as it maysound—was just getting to spend timetraveling with my grandmother. Youmay know her as Georgianna Kurtz, butI knew her as Grandma Georgie, or sim-ply, Gigi. Not a day goes by that I don’tthink about her, even for just a moment.Sometimes when doing research onCSA’s history, I’ll have to browsethrough an old Journal or two, and I’llstumble upon a photo of her. I’ll take amoment to smile, and maybe have a lit-tle healthy cry, and remember that I amso lucky to have known her. What astrong, sweet, and smart individual.

As we move forward towards a “newnormal,” as they say, each new day isone step closer towards the end of thecoronavirus—we hope! These past fewmonths have made me take a step backto reflect on how important health is.I’m eating more veggies, taking more

vitamins, getting more sleep, and tryingto keep the stress away. I hope you aredoing the same! I also hope you werestill able to have at least a little fun thissummer. Whether it’s taking a walkaround the block, spending some timeoutside gardening, taking a little car rideto get ice cream, or whatever it is, Ihope you are making the most of it!

As for some CSA news, make sureyour lodge submits its CSA Serves doc-umentation soon. I would also encour-age you to nominate a worthy memberfor Fraternalist of the Year. Remember,that can get you points in the LodgeRecognition Program. Speaking of LRP,we know that due to regulations, manylodges are unable to meet in person. Weencourage you to get together in otherways, such as via Zoom, phone calls, oremail threads. All of these methods canbe considered a meeting. Get creative!

As always, if you have any questionsor concerns, give me a call or send mean email. Remember, stay safe and wearyour masks!

Fraternally,Amanda S. Lovell


Audit, Fraternal, Strategic Development, and RiskGovernance Committees met via telephone or Zoom confer-ence meetings due to health concerns. The full Board ofDirectors was able to participate in the conference call onAugust 13, 2020.

The Audit Committee heard from Trevor Rupe from ParkwayAdvisors. His commentary revolved around the COVID pan-demic and how the investments have been affected by it -mainly the ultra low interest rate environment. Because oursecurities are solid and highly rated, Parkway Advisors, inconsultation with our officers, has been able to keep our bookyield through the 2nd quarter at 4.83%.

The Board meets with each of our vendors at least once a year.Our actuary Joe Steimla was able to join us on the call. Mr.Steimla spoke of how the low interest rate is hurting not onlyFraternals, but many people and businesses that depend oninterest income. Life policies are the bread and butter of oursociety, but annuities help keep the company afloat.

The Strategic Plan for CSA covers the short and long-termgoals in the areas of Fraternal, Sales/Marketing,Governance/Compliance, and Business/Operations. This planis reviewed at every meeting to determine if we are on trackwith our vision for the future of CSA.

Even with all the restrictions on person-to-person contact, our

life and annuity sales are close to the projections for this year.We appreciate all the efforts of our sales agents and the staffin the Home Office who continue to build our business andshare our values of harmony, equality, and fraternity.

The “Thank a Driver Program” has been very successful.Twenty-three Lodges participated and many sent pictures foreither the Journal or Facebook page.

Since we were not able to have the Get-Together in Floridathis year, we want to thank Hunter Yurkovich of LodgeGroveton No. 4 for graciously agreeing to fulfill the duties ofMiss CSA for another year. She has been a wonderful repre-sentative for CSA. If your Lodge would like her to come for aspecial occasion in your area, please contact the Home Office.

It has been a challenging year for everyone to participate inthe Lodge Recognition Program. Conference calls, Zoommeetings, telephone trees, or just forwarded emails to Lodgemembers are great ways to stay in touch with your brothersand sisters of your Lodge.

The next Board of Director ’s meeting scheduled forNovember 13, 2020 will again be through a telephone confer-ence or Zoom meeting. If you have any concerns please tellyour Director.

Fraternally,Irma Drahota Farrell

CSA Board ReportAugust 13, 2020

Message from the SecretarySo Many Memories

I have grown accustomed to using my September article as arecap of what would have been a recently completed Get-Together in Florida. With current conditions being what theyare, the GTG Committee made the only decision they couldsome time ago and deferred the event until 2021. This causeda number of ripple effects, which your Fraternal Committee

continues to address as they occur. Heather and I certainly aremissing the annual meetings and festivities.

The first Get-Together Heather and I attended was hostedby the lodges in Pittsburgh. We did not know what to expectand were surprised how quickly we were accepted. We packedup boxes of designer clothing donated by various retailers andmanufacturers to ship to those in need. We had a salad withFrench fries in it. Board member Placek took some time toexplain Pittsburgh’s fascination with putting fries in placesyou may not expect to find them. Courtney Ou was crownedMiss CSA. It was a great first experience, with local lodgesshowing us what a CSA Get-Together is all about.

There have been many Get-Togethers since then. We havewalked down Bourbon Street, made crayons for children,toured Graceland, discovered a rich Czech history in Austin,and had an amazing dinner in Vining. Most of all, we haveenjoyed the fellowship of an amazing group of people. ThisJournal issue is celebrating past Get-Togethers. Enjoy the arti-cles and pictures. There are so many memories from the pastand the not-so-distant past.

We are still planning on meeting this time next year insunny Florida. Think about the stories we will have to share.Enjoy the rest of the summer. Before you know it, the ther-mometer will drop and it will be snowing.

Fraternally,Matt Koski

Matthew KoskiExecutive Secretary/COO/CRO

Heather and Matt Koski at their first Get-Together

“Having just attended my first CSA Get-Together, I can hon-estly say that my wife, Heather, and I had a wonderful time.The folks in Pittsburgh made you feel welcome, whether itwas your first time attending or you were a veteran of manyGet-Togethers. The thing that stood out for Heather and mewas the overwhelming sense of belonging. Whether it wasthe service project, the hospitality suite, or the Miss CSAContest, you always could feel the solidarity and friendlinessof the group. Members came from as far away as Californiaand Florida. The number of families who attended wasimpressive.”

– an excerpt from Matt’s Journal article in September 2013


Miss CSA

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

How was your summer? I hope you all were still able to enjoyyour summer activities and vacations—even if your vacationthis year was a staycation! I decided to postpone my summertrips to Disney World and Anchorage, Alaska to later dates.However, I was still able to enjoy my summer!

I think the biggest highlights of these past couple monthsinclude buying a brand-new car and starting my career as anurse. I finally traded in my old car for a 2020 Kia SportageS! My old car was a 2000, so I really upgraded! My Kia is sohigh-tech that I’m still trying to figure out all the gadgets.

I was also fortunate enough to start as a graduate nurse on my

original start date back in June. I was scared that my start datewas going to be pushed back because the Pennsylvania StateBoard of Nursing was so behind on applications. However, thestate managed to validate my information at the last possiblesecond. At the time I’m writing this, I am still practicing as agraduate nurse, meaning I have not taken my NCLEX-RNexam yet. My test date is scheduled, so let’s all hope I pass!

I’m about halfway through my orientation, and I can honestlysay I love my job and everything about UPMC Children’sHeart Institute. I’m constantly amazed by the different treat-ments, surgeries, and procedures the Heart Institute providesfor our kids. I was actually able to watch my patient’s hearttransplant, and it was by far the most intense thing I have everwitnessed. My preceptors have also been wonderful and sohelpful with teaching and supporting me. Overall, I love mypatient population. Cardiac kiddos are my favorite and being apart of their journey is so meaningful to me.

I hope everyone has a wonderful September!

Fraternally,Sis. Hunter Rae Yurkovich

Lodge Groveton No. 4

I Love My Job!

Read the Journal online at: SEPTEMBER 2020 — CSA JOURNAL — 9

MOVING TO 2021!Friday, July 30 –

Sunday, August 1, 2021

District Council

District Council No. 12 of Northern Illinois, Wisconsin, &Indiana – How quickly this year has moved along! It’s hardto believe that we are in the ninth month of 2020. There are alot of interesting days in September. On September 7, wehonor all of the hardworking people of our country. LaborDay is a day of speeches, parades, parties, and festivities.Following this last fling of summertime, our children tradi-tionally go back to school. Though, this year is a little differ-ent to say the least. All schools have to check with state andlocal authorities to see if the educational resources are safefrom COVID-19.

We have Patriot Day on September 11, which calls to mindthe 9/11 terrorist attacks, when our commercial, passenger air-planes were used to destroy the New York City World TradeCenter buildings and parts of Washington D.C. The terroristproblem has lessened to a great extent, but it has not beencompletely eradicated.

Grandparents Day is on September 13, when we honor allof our grandmas and grandpas for being loving and dedicatedfamily members. The first day of autumn falls on September22. On September 28, the Jewish Day of Atonement begins atsunset.

It’s just about the right time for our lodges to get back todoing their fraternal programs and good deeds. The T.G.Masaryk School has been renovating the bottom floors. Theclassrooms, kitchen, and washrooms are now ready for Czechclasses, conferences, lodge meetings, etc. Hopefully, theSeptember reopening goes according to plan. Our DistrictCouncil No. 12 meetings will be determined as time progress-es. To all lodges and terrific working companions, keep thefaith and remember a positive attitude solves a myriad ofproblems.

Fraternally, Ed Slavik

Positive Attitude Solves a Myriad of Problems


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SEPTEMBER 2020 — CSA JOURNAL — 13Read the Journal online at: www.csalife.com


SEPTEMBER 2020 — CSA JOURNAL — 15Like us on Facebook


Lodge Happenings

Lodge DuPage Pioneers/Edison No.409, Lombard, Illinois – Our Augustmeeting via Zoom was called to order at4 p.m. with ten members in attendance.After the Pledge, minutes were read,expenses reported, and reports wereaccepted.

Our lodge was happy to receive ourannual allocation which will allow us tocontinue our charitable giving and lodgeactivities. We decided that ourSeptember 14 meeting would be out-doors at Patriot’s Park in DownersGrove, Illinois. This park is a lovely set-ting with a children’s playground, largepond for fishing, walking path, and pic-nic tables under a roofed pavilion.

Members decided on a 2 p.m. meetingwith our usual raffle. It will be wonder-ful to see lodge members in person andenjoy a lovely afternoon in the park.

Lodge members made a final deci-sion regarding a donation to theBohemian National Cemetery’sRestoration Project. This projectincludes raising funds for repairs to theColumbarium’s roof and parapets, aswell as necessary updates to the crema-torium. Our donation, with matchingfunds from CSA Serves, will be made inmemory of our late President, JerryGaydusek. Bro. Jerry spent countlesshours repairing the water tower, upright-ing toppled grave stones, improving the

restrooms, clearing trees, replacing win-dows in the Gate House, and many otherneeded improvements at BNC. Ourlodge is proud to make this donation inJerry’s name.

Jim and Judy Wozniak celebratedtheir 38th Wedding Anniversary! Wewish them many more happy yearstogether! Sis. Linda sent an e-card toSis. Helene Schaefer with our best wish-es.

Our October meeting will be held viaZoom. Hopefully, we’ll have somehappy stories to report on from our out-ing to Patriot’s Park!

Fraternally,Gerri Romanelli

Donating to Bohemian National Cemetery inMemory of Late President Jerry Gaydusek

Lodge Brookfield No. 475, Brookfield,Illinois – What a truly unusual year ithas been thus far! Let’s hope thingsreturn to normal soon. After a gap ofseveral months, Lodge Brookfield held acasual meeting in president BarbaraDeig’s backyard on a pleasant eveningin June.

We gave gift cards to essential work-ers for the “Thank a Driver” program.We thanked truck driver Karel Kuttler,Ben Kramer who drives for Door Dash,and Matt Kramer who is an auto/heattechnician for Heat Engineering. Wereimbursed CSA Home Office $30 for

the gift cards.On July 11, several Brookfield

members were honored to attend LodgeRovnost’s meeting at the home ofCaroline Johnston. Lodge Rovnostmade a nice contribution to our alu-minum can recycling program and inreturn we gave them a bag of pop topsand some skeins of yarn.

We met at the CSA Home Office inLombard on July 15 for the first timesince March. We all wore masks andpracticed safe social distancing. Wejoked that we will dispense with oursecret Lodge Brookfield handshake for

the remainder of the year.Another amusing event - the family

of Dolores and Fred Chiappetta con-ducted a drive-by birthday party fortheir daughter, Theresa Sarro. Thisbrings up an important question, didthey come away with a piece of birthdaycake to eat in the car?

Lastly, we were thrilled to hear thatMarisa Spano has qualified for a CSAScholarship. We are all extremely proudof her.

Our normal meeting date and time is5:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday ofeach month at the CSA Home Office inLombard, Illinois, but this may varyslightly depending upon circumstances.Guests are welcome to attend.

Fraternally,Kimberly Silhan

“Thank a Driver”

Ben Kramer Matt Kramer Lodge Rovnost Members


Lodge Happenings

Lodge Paramount/Southgate No. 372,Bedford, Ohio – Summer is finally hereand the governor has started letting busi-nesses and restaurants open up. People areenjoying eating out and getting out in thenice weather we have been having. Therewere eight members and two youth, Bruceand Kris’s two grandsons, present, whowere distanced socially, at our June 25meeting that was held at DTJ Taborville.It was nice to have a “face to face” meet-ing again!

Upcoming events were discussed. TheLodge bought two more Thank A DriverAmazon gift cards to give out to deservingdrivers.

As of this meeting, we haven’t heard ifor where the Junior Bowl-o-Rama will beheld and we discussed alterative ideas.

The July meeting was held at DTJTaborville with eight members present.Johnny Weiss read his mother Fran’sSunshine Report: she sent out a get wellcard and two sympathy cards. The BusTrip for the September 23 has been can-celed because of the COVID-19 restric-tions; it was decided it is better to be safe.A lot of people were disappointed butunderstood. Also, the District Picnic wascanceled for the same reason. Some peo-

ple didn’t feel it was a good idea andDiane found out that there were some pic-nic tables at the park but not under thepavilion. It had caution tape around itwith closed signs!

Diane, Mary Ann, and Kris each did aMemorial Service for three of ourdeceased members. Very touching.

Bruce was the very lucky 50/50 win-ner! His name was drawn all three times,he said draw another name for the thirdand Donna was the lucky recipient.

“Happy Birthday” was sung to Jan andthen we enjoyed cake and ice cream pro-vided by Mary Ann.

Join Hands Day was August 25 at DTJ.We held our meeting afterwards. July 22was the District Picnic. Members broughttheir own lunches and the District provid-ed the beverages and dessert. Our meetingfollowed.

Donations were made to the CSAScholarship Fund and DTJ. We wentover the LRP and are closing in on thePlatinum Award. “Happy Birthday” wassung to the members whose birthdayswere during the past few months. Bruceand Kris presented a slide show about DTJand the Olympics from 1897 – 1948. Itwas very interesting and amazing how

many people were there!We are optimistic that this pandemic

will end and things will get back to nor-mal, but there have been some flare upsand self quarantining of businesses.Therefore, keep washing your hands, usehand sanitizer, do social distancing, andplease wear a mask. Also keep calling,texting (and now visiting) or by howeveryou feel safe, to stay in touch with yourfamily and friends to stay connected.Thank you, Mary Ann, for the deliciouscake and Kris for the assorted chips forour snack. Shout out to the DTJ for let-ting us use their facility. Thank you.

Members will be notified where thenext meetings will be held as we don’tknow at this time if the Maple HeightsSenior Center will be open for theSeptember 24, October 22, and November19 meetings. December 17 is ourChristmas luncheon (TBA). Meeting timeis 10:30 a.m. Come to a meeting. Connectwith your fellow Lodge members!

Fraternally, Annette Reichman

Upcoming Events


Lodge Happenings

Lodge Liberty Bell No. 408, St. Louis,Michigan – We are trying to get back tonormal here, the best we can! We finallyopened back up on Monday, June 8 withall the necessary precautions after beingclosed since March 14. As everyoneknows, this has been a real struggle anda hard time for all. Most of the activitieswe had planned have either been can-celed or rescheduled due to COVID-19.We held our first Euchre event onSaturday, June 20, however, with a mod-est turnout of 24 people. Another onewas scheduled for July.

The Fourth of July FireworksCelebration in the City of St. Louis went

off as planned, and they were spectacu-lar! Terry and Cheryl Jelenek had quitethe crowd at their waterfront homewhere the display was amazing!

Frank McClintic has been workingvery hard, raking and cleaning up theproperty where we had several deadtrees removed. It has been quite the job!Craig and Mary Anderson brought theirBobcat machine out and helped Frankrake and haul limbs and branches forseveral hours in order to finally finishthe job. Wow, does it ever look great!

We made two donations of over 40crocheted baby hats to the OB Unit atMidMichigan Medical Center in Alma,Michigan. Also, the wife of one of ourmembers made homemade masks foressential workers.

We are happy to announce that BarbTrgina, our longtime Treasurer, just cel-ebrated her 80th birthday. HappyBirthday, Barb!

We are hoping the next few monthswill be better for everyone. Stay safe!

Fraternally, Mary Anderson

Trying to Get Back to Normal

Fourth of July Fireworks

Crochet baby hat donation fromJuneCrochet baby hat donation from July

Frank McClintic and the property

Barb Trgina’s 80th Birthday

Homemade masks


Lodge Happenings

Lodge Groveton No. 4, Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania – Hello once again fellowCSA members from Lodge Groveton.We hope this article finds you healthyand happy. After a short hiatus, we werefinally able to hold a meeting in personas opposed to teleconference. The meet-ing was attended by about a dozenmembers, all donning their protectivemasks, and seeing them was a very wel-come sight.

The “reunion” meeting washighlighted by a member Bake-Off thatincluded a variety of dishes rangingfrom cookies, pies, pastries, and cakes.In all, there were six delicious dishespresented to our lodge members. In fact,the desserts were so good that membershad such a difficult time picking a win-ner that we ended up with a 3-way-tie.What a way to welcome back in-personmeetings, at least for now.

We are a few months into theCOVID pandemic and it is affectingmany people both young and old. It hasprompted one of our youth members towrite a poem about it. The very talentedCheyanne Smith, the daughter of life-long member Krystle Roosa, has

allowed me to share this poem with therest of CSA. We think you will enjoy thecreativity as much as we do.

“Why is life so slow,When there is no place to go,

And when there is no place to play,Everything seems so grey.

Quarantine will be over soon,And you will see the moon.

But until that day, Stay 6 feet away,

Sanitize your hands, And cancel your plans,

Relax and sit on the couch, But remember not to slouch!”Written by: Cheyanne Smith

With talented youth members likeCheyanne, the future of CSA LodgeGroveton appears as bright as ever.Thank you for taking the time to readnot only Cheyanne’s beautiful poem butour article as well. As always, you canfollow our Facebook page, LodgeGroveton, to see what we are up to.Until next time, stay safe and healthyCSA.

Fraternally yours, Bro. Gary Forrester

Cake, Pies, and Poems

Lodge Yankee-Jungmann No. 77,North Riverside, Illinois – At ourMarch meeting, before the virus hit, ourlodge was able to deliver two boxes ofcanned goods and six bags of groceriesto the St. Barbara Food Pantry. We alsodelivered a box of children's toys and amonetary gift to St. Johns in Lyons.

Our lodge is proud to have three

scholarship winners this year. They are:Grace Vomacka, Teagan Michalek, andMiriam Allen.

In March and April, lodge membersAllison and Andrew Calek sewed over100 face masks. These were made frommaterial and supplies that their grand-mother, lodge member Mildred Calek,had stashed in her sewing room. It takes

about 15 minutes to make each maskand they were donated to healthcareworkers, primarily at Edwards Hospitalin Naperville. Our lodge thanks Allisonand Andrew for supporting our firstresponders during these trying times.

Fraternally,Mary Ellen Janda

Mask Makers


Lodge Happenings

Lodge Washington No. 30, St. Louis,Missouri – It seems strange that wewe’re not commenting on how great theGet-Together was this year – guess thatjust means the anticipation and excite-ment for next year’s event in Floridawill build over the next 12 months. Iknow some of us in Lodge Washingtonare already planning to make the trip,and we’re sure the committee is stillworking on hosting a terrific event then!

We’ve been able to resume ourmonthly meetings, with precautions ofcourse, and we’re talking about all thethings we can do to reach the Platinumlevel in the Lodge RecognitionProgram. We still hope to hold ourBake Sale in November to benefit ourchoice for CSA Serves, which we’realso holding over for 2021. The folks at

Brightside St. Louis have already saidthey’re looking forward to having usvolunteer with them next spring, and wecan’t wait to get our hands dirty to helpthem with several projects.

Since our ACEC Czech Festival for2020 was canceled, we’re holding aDrive-Through Dinner instead, onSaturday, October 3 at our Center.We’re offering roast pork, dumplings,sauerkraut, a vegetable, and somethingsweet, to be picked up at the Centerbetween 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. More infor-mation can be found on the website,acecstl.org, or you can contact KarenDitz at 314-960-2221, and she cananswer your questions and take yourorder.

Members of Lodge Washington andSokol St. Louis met with Czech Consul

General Jaroslav Kanturek and his wife,Olga, in July. They made a quick trip toour area and were able to visit ourCenter, along with Sokol Camp and St.John Nepomuk Church, getting a shorthistory lesson about the Czech commu-nity here. They were also treated to adinner of some St. Louis favorites,including toasted ravioli and the always-popular frozen custard from TedDrewes. They headed back to Chicagowith a promise to visit again and spendmore time, possibly for our next Festivalin the spring.

Hope everyone is staying safe!Fraternally,

Deborah Zeman

Czech Consul General Visits!


Lodge Happenings

Lodge Benjamin Franklin No. 02,Seven Hills, Ohio – The year 2020 hasbeen one of the most perplexing yearson recent record. Our Team Franklinbowlers were really on a roll and look-ing at top seed in the roll offs of thecompetitive Parma Builders League onThursday evening. All was for naughtonce the Wuhan Contagion made itsworldwide tour and showed up on ourshores, the good guy’s season wasabruptly finished. Word is the new sea-

son is to start soon; that should be inter-esting.

Due to the constantly changing gov-ernment health regulations, many of ourmembers are very cautious about beingin groups. We, however, were able tohave an outdoor patio meeting in June atThe Inn Between. It was a beautifulsummer night with an interesting venue.We watched as the motorcycles rolledup and down the street until the localpolice department decided to sit in an

adjacent parking lot. Hopefully, thisvirus will all subside by year’s end.

May Journal’s cover featured anamazing close up of a praying mantiswhich was chosen “Best of Contest.” inthe CSA Photo Contest of 2020. Kudosand congratulations to our own John R.Hahn for having such a talent in photog-raphy!

Stay safe and healthy,Jeff Zidlicky

[email protected]

New Season Set to Start

Lodge Century of Progress/Bila HoraNo. 231, Cicero, Illinois – Hope you allenjoyed the interview with KlaraMoldova, Vice President of the T.G.Masaryk Czech School found in the lastissue of the Journal. I failed to give youthe contact information for Klara. It [email protected]. Theschool is undergoing extensive repair andupgrading and is in need of funding.Therefore, contact Klara if you feel youwish to help.

As a result of the article, Klara sent amessage. For your information, it isattached below: Dear Roberta and Elaine,

During a meeting yesterday, consulgeneral Kanturek shared the Journal mag-azine with me – I finally was able to checkout the article that you two were behind.Thank you so very much for promoting theschool this way. Especially now when weneed so much to upgrade it, when we aredependent on others, it is important toknow, the pandemic didn’t stop us.

Thank you again, have a nice weekend!Klara

Now, it has been a most difficult timewhat with social distancing, masks, quar-antines, protests and more protests, andlooting and more looting and protests, andno Lodge meetings. By the time you readthis, the Governor will have relaxed someof the regulations and before you know itwe will be back having meetings. But, wewill still have to practice social distancingand wearing masks. I suspect this practicewill be necessary for the rest of the yearand, possibly, then some. I would like tosuggest, since most of us are especiallysusceptible to COVID-19, that you visit

one of the free, open to the public,Department of Public Health testing sta-tions. It doesn’t hurt to be comfortable inknowing you are negative of the virus.

Members of our Lodge were asked totalk about their volunteer activities beforethe group. If you will recall, a previousarticle spoke of a birthday surpriseDelores Klejko had when her sister MaryAnn came in from Puerto Rico. Since wehave not had meetings, members havebeen sending their information to me and,I have been telling you all about them.Since it has been difficult to followthrough with any volunteer activitiesbecause of the COVID-19 circumstances,Delores Klejko further elaborated on herbirthday surprise and submitted the fol-lowing:

“I believe I am safe in saying that 2020is a year that none of us will forget. IDelores Klejko, president of Lodge No.231, started the year off with a bang! Mybirthday was on January 8, 2020 and,much to my surprise, my sister Mary AnnSlavik arrived from Puerto Rico. She hadpreviously arranged with our family andfriends to surprise me with a birthdayparty that we celebrated at a restaurant onJanuary 12. Shortly after, she left for NewJersey to visit her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren and a great, great grand-child. All was going well until January 18when my brother Ed Slavik fell on someice and fractured his right leg in twoplaces. My son, Edward, rushed him tothe hospital where he had surgery first onJanuary19 and again on the 22. Mary Annwas notified of the accident and returnedto the Chicago area instead of going onhome to Puerto Rico. Together, we cared

for Ed in the hospital (one week) and alsowhile he was in for rehabilitation (onemonth). It became a little easier when wegot him home to my house where he recu-perated for three months while receivingtherapy; two to three times a week. We allagreed that it was an Act of God that MaryAnn was able come and help us in ourtime of need. Now, after 5 ½ months, sheis returning to Puerto Rico, and Ed is backin his own house doing what comes natur-al to him; tending to his garden. God blessyou, Delores Klejko.”

Mary Ann spent most of the time dri-ving Ed and Delores to the grocery store,doctors, for therapy, etc. Ed was stayingwith Delores because of the stairs in hishouse while Mary Ann stayed at Ed’s. Edand Delores are grateful to Mary Ann fortaking over the task of driving. “Evenwith the coronavirus, we consider it ablessing in disguise because it has bondedus together and we learned to appreciateeach other more and more.”

Fraternally, Elaine Tejcek

Thank You Received from Czech School


Lodge Happenings

Lodge Cleveland Chapter No. 219,Cleveland, Ohio – Welcome to the fifthmonth of the COVID-19 pandemic.Ugh! In spite of that, we were able tohave meetings in July and August.

In July, we had 14 members attend.Two of those were Jan Russell’s daugh-ter and granddaughter visiting from

Florida. Kaylee, Jan’s granddaughter,just graduated as a Physical TherapyAssistant. Congratulations, Kaylee! Wewere so glad to have you, girls!

We had received the three gift cardsfrom the Home Office to “Thank aDriver”. They were all given out tothree lucky drivers. We received a nicethank you note from one of the drivers,Michael Armbruster. We also received athank you note from Dolores Clark forher donation to the Scholarship Fund inthe name of Camille Shima, and a thankyou from the Home Office for ourscholarship donation for Doris Zedlicky.We also received a thank you note fromthe DTJ Farm for our contribution of theraffle baskets (thanks to Freddie Shima).The Patanat meeting was to be held onAugust 8, but that date has beenchanged. The Sports Committee hasdecided to cancel the State BowlingTournament due to the coronavirus. TheDistrict Council picnic was canceledand so was the casino trip hosted byLodge Paramount Southgate.

Our bowling meeting will be held onWednesday, August 19 for those peoplereturning to bowl. Bowling will beginthe first week of September. We alsowent over the new Lodge RecognitionProgram packet.

Our July birthday people were ElmerSoos who turned 90, Judy Genco,Carole Cirillo, Joanie Sapp, and Kristen.A rousing song of “Happy Birthday”was sung to them all. Kathy and Karen

won our 50/50 raffle at our July meet-ing.

At our August meeting, we had 11members attend. We received thankyou notes from our donation for theZadlicky family and from DTJ for ourbasket donations.

Everyone brought clothing, back-packs, and school supplies to be donatedto the Providence House at the Augustmeeting. Thank you, members, for yourgenerous donations.

Freddie Shima has invited a speakerfor our October 13 meeting. It is goingto be “a magical mystery tour” presenta-tion. We will be inviting another lodgeto attend and we will be providinglunch. Remember to bring your ownlunch for our September meeting.

This month was Marsha Gorman’sand Dolores’ birthday. We sang “HappyBirthday” to them. Marsha brought in adelicious birthday cake for dessert andJoan Sapp brought sundae fixings.Thank you, girls! Kathy brought incandy treats for the birthday girls.Thank you! Carole is bringing dessertfor the September meeting.

Dolores and Freddie won the 50/50raffle. We all helped Freddie put togeth-er raffle baskets for upcoming events.

Please stay safe and stay healthy.Until next month!

Fraternally yours,Judy (Sevcik) Genco

Magical Mystery Tour Coming in October


Lodge Happenings

Lodge Woodrow Wilson No. 377, Oak Brook, Illinois – Bigkudos to Joan Cervenka of Hayward, Wisconsin, for her out-standing efforts to support the Highground Veterans Memorialin Neillsville, Wisconsin. Each year, the Heroes Ride BikeTour raises money for the Park, with Joan and a crew of othersriding from Hayward to Neillsville (“The Northern Route”) –a trip of over 140 miles! This year’s “virtual ride” was actual-ly very real – but with safe distancing between participants,mapped to cover the same mileage in three days of loopsaround Hayward: 62 miles, 54 miles, and 32 miles. Our lodgeis proud to be one of Joan’s sponsors for the ride to supportHighground. Even more, we are so proud of Joan’s efforts tomake this important event happen in a safe way, as she says,to “Keep the Veterans in our hearts and minds,” while con-tributing to the Park. Highground started as the WisconsinVietnam Veterans Memorial Project, and has grown to a 155-acre, manned Veterans Memorial Park paying tribute to thefallen and honoring the survivors, their service, and their sac-rifices. The Park, supported by donations and grants, is free tothe public and open 24/7/365. (Learn more about Highgroundat www.thehighground.us/about-us ) You’re amazing, Joan –thank you for your incredible commitment!

Happy 1st birthday to Kamila Rose Dropka! We can’tbelieve that a whole year has passed already, especiallybecause we’ve not been able to gather in person to get toknow Kamila better. Parents Mike and Christiana had a small

family gathering, including grandma Missy, great-uncle CaryMentzer, and both great-grandmas, Mil Mentzer and DorothyDropka.

We’re so happy that our members have been able to contin-ue meeting via video-conferencing during this summer. It’shard not to see everyone in person and get in a good visittogether, but it’s wonderful to see and hear each other throughour computers and/or phones.

We hope that all of you are staying safe and connected, aswell! If you would like to join us for our next virtual meeting,just reach out and let me know – we would love to have you“with us”!

Fraternally,Jean Hemzáček Laukant

Pedaling a Promise

Kamila celebrates with generations of familyJoan leads the pack in pedaling for Highground!


Lodge Happenings

Lodge Sionilli No. 170, Brookfield, Illinois – During the pastseveral months we have missed coming together in friendshipfor our monthly meetings and get-togethers. Even though wehaven’t been together as a group, our members have beenactive doing many activities to keep themselves busy. Thisyear, we had four members submit photographs for the CSAPhoto Contest: Elaine Kamykowski, Amy (Konkoly) Burokas,David Liska, and Frances Riopeli. Congratulations to Davidand Amy for their winning entries! David received 1st Placefor his Nature photo and he and Amy both received HonorableMention for their photos, also.

Everybody needs a friend, but not everybody has one.Adam Wilt, along with Vera Wilt and Alix Fron, formed ateam and were all able to give the gift of friendship by sup-porting the Best Buddies program through the VirtualFriendship Walk with Best Buddies Illinois. We congratulatethem on reaching their goal of raising over $1000 for the BestBuddies program.

Congratulations to Amy Smolucha for graduating from herOB/GYN Residency program at Mercy Hospital in Chicago.Amy is very grateful for the scholarships that the CSA award-ed her as an undergraduate and also as a graduate student.During her residency, she was awarded the ResidentAchievement Award for Outstanding MIS Resident 2020 forher laparoscopic and robotic surgery skills. We wish Amymuch success as she begins her career in Cedar Rapids, Iowaat Mercy Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital. We also send herbest wishes on her recent engagement to Tony Eschliman.

A big thank you goes out to CSA for our monetary award anda pat on the back to our Sionilli members for attaining theBronze Lodge Recognition Award this past year.

With great sadness we said goodbye to our Sister RosePritasil. She was a dedicated volunteer and could often beseen selling chips at the CAC picnics. Our deepest condo-lences go out to her family.

We look forward to our upcoming virtual meeting. We areall making the best of a tough situation during this pandemicand are looking forward to the days when we can be togetherto share good times in person!

Fraternally,Pat Smolucha

Best Buddies Illinois

Lodge Happenings


Lodge Pingree No. 366, Dearborn Heights, Michigan –Nazdar, Sisters and Brothers! Summer is almost over and Ihope all are still safe and healthy. School is starting, andwhether in-person or online, please stay safe, social-distance,and wear your mask! That thought applies to everyone else aswell. Let’s all work at this!

We have been having outdoor meetings on the thirdWednesday of the month during the last few months in HinesPark at the Warrendale Shelter (directly behind the SokolCultural Center). Our September meeting will be onWednesday, September 16 at 12:30 p.m.

On August 1, I participated in the Annual Sokol GolfOuting at Fox Hills Golf and Banquet Center. Even though itis hosted by Sokol Detroit, there were numerous LodgePingree members who attended. It was great to see them. Imentioned to some that I talked to that I would like to hearany news or updates so that I can write about them here. Thatgoes for all lodge members. Let me know!

Sister Marie Palmer, Brother Jerry Vimr, and I have beendonating some time almost every month at the Food Bank atH.I.S. Church Anglican. We can always use a hand. Contactme or Marie Palmer for dates and times. My number is (734)751-8013. I can furnish Marie’s number if you call me.

On June 10, Marie, Jerry, and I not only worked at theFood Bank, but Marie and Gary, along with Jodi White, aswell as Susie also helped load a Jeep with food and cleaningsupplies for people in Midland Michigan, who suffered severelosses when two dams broke and flooded many areas.

In Arizona, lodge member Rose Burns’ daughter and theniece of Marie Palmer, Debbie, as well as son-in-law JohnAberle both work at Impact of Southern Arizona, a food bankand clothing thrift store at a Senior Center. They provideactivities, daily meals, and a Meals on Wheels program forseniors. Amazing work!

Fraternally,Jeff Teichman

We Can Always Use a Hand



IN MEMORY OF ALL DECEASED LODGEMEMBERS Lodge Paramount/Southgate No. 372

TO CONTINUE CSA’S TRADITION OFASSISTING YOUNG MEMBERS IN PURSUINGTHEIR HIGHER EDUCATION Lodge Paramount/Southgate No. 372 Lodge Woodrow Wilson No. 377 Lodge Groveton No. 004 Lodge Brookfield No. 475 Lodge Empire State No. 448 Lodge Century of Progress No. 231 IN MEMORY OF JEAN GARAPIC CSA Fraternal Life Board of Directors and Officers

IN MEMORY OF ALEXANDER & MARY MATEJKA Alex J. Matejka

IN MEMORY OF HEATHER & JEFFREY NOVAK Lodge Cleveland Chapter No. 219

IN MEMORY OF ROSEMARIE J. PRITASIL Friends and Family of Rosemarie J. Pritasil

IN MEMORY OF BRIAN SMETANA Lodge Brookfield No. 475 IN MEMORY OF MARJORIE PACE Lodge Prokop Velky No. 137

IN MEMORY OF HERMINA RIGEL Lodge Prokop Velky No. 137 IN MEMORY OF MARY & JOSEPHBAUM Kathy and David Baum

IN MEMORY OF HENRY HOUKAL AND TIMHERINK Lodge Betsy Ross No. 151

IN MEMORY OF OUR VICE-PRES. SIEGLINDEKRNYAICH AND ALL DECEASED MEMBERS Lodge Bellaire No. 310 IN MEMORY OF WILLIS (JAKE) JACOBS Lodge Mile-Hi Czechs No. 432

Total Donations $ 1,330.00

Scholarship Fund ReportJune 10, 2020 - August 10, 2020

Do you know a CSA member who deservesrecognition?

Are they active in the community?

Do they volunteer often or donate money tocharitable organizations?

Send us their photo, a brief description of whothey are and what they do, and we will publishthem in the Journal.



Lodge Happenings

Read the Journal online at: www.csalife.com

Lodge Empire State No. 448,Horseheads, New York – Our lodgecongratulates Dr. Jessica Vavrasek uponreceiving her doctorate in Anthropologyfrom the University at Albany SUNY.Jessica is the daughter of CSA membersLee and Kathy Vavrasek.

Congratulations, Dr. Vavrasek!Fraternally,

Paul Vavrasek

Congratulations, Dr. Vavrasek!

Lodge Kruh Osvojenych Zen a PanuNo. 121, Dillonvale, Ohio – As I waswriting this article in the middle ofAugust, enjoying a glass of lemonade, Istarted to think about the last five to sixmonths. What a very unusual and unpre-dictable time we have been experienc-ing! Our days have been quite a mixtureof sour, sweet, and bland. Looking intomy glass, I began thinking about what ittakes to actually make that drink... justthree items: lemons, sugar, and water.That’s it! It’s amazing that those itemscan combine to make something so deli-cious! Think about each one of themindividually.

Lemons: They’re terribly sour andmost often are not eaten alone.However, when added to some iced teaor especially, with butter, to top offsome succulent seafood, they make yourmouth water! Sugar: Unless you are asmall child, a “spoonful of sugar” wouldnot make the “medicine go down,” so tospeak. Thoughts of eating pure granulat-ed sugar would make most of us want togag, and if you have diabetes, well...you know. Water: Although tasteless, asrefreshing as it can be, most of us preferit ice cold or at least enhanced withsome type of flavor packet. However,when you put them all together—lemons, sugar, and water—they makesuch a mouth-watering, refreshing,thirst-quenching beverage! “Sunshine in

a glass” is how I think of it! Cheers!Moving on to lodge business, our

members remain in close contact witheach other. Because we are in our ownhomes with most of us compromised,we continue to conduct lodge businesson our phones. During the month ofJuly, we gratefully got to meet in per-son, keeping a social distance, while wecelebrated the graduation of BrotherElijah Lovell. Upon seeing each other, itwas truly a “family reunited” as our lasttime together was early in March for ourmonthly meeting.

Sadly, we would like to extend ourdeepest sympathies to the family andfriends of Mary Jane Novak Westling ofDillonvale who passed away on August6. In her youth, Mary Jane enjoyedmany lodge social activities with hermother, Mary Novak, and her children,Brian, Stephanie, and Heather. May sherest in peace.

Our thoughts, prayers, and best wish-es are sent out to members of DistrictCouncil No. 9 as well as our director,Brother Terry Placek, and his extendedfamily. It certainly has been quite awhile since we have all been together,but we hope to be able to meet in personsoon!

Well, back to that lemonade—whenlife gives you lemons, you really doneed to make a tall glass of that liquidsunshine. Comedian Ron White would

also tell you to find a friend who life hasgiven some vodka to. Add that to yourlemonade, and now you have a party!Remember to check on someone youlove today.

Cheers to sour lemons, sweet sugar,and lots of sunshine!

Fraternally, Sister Wendy Kurtz Lovell

When Life Gives You Lemons…


Lodge Happenings

Lodge Laurel No. 452, Storrs-Mansfield, Connecticut – During thelast half of May and early June we wereable to complete a planting project.After discussion at our May meeting, wedecided to refurbish some of the planterswe had donated previously and add acouple of new ones. Each member fam-ily was in charge of purchasing plantsand soil, planting the planters, and deliv-ering those that needed delivering. The

Lodge then reimbursed members. BobZaicek graciously donated a few moreplanter boxes as his part. Agnes Zabiktook care of the planter for an elderlymember no longer able to attend meet-ings. Jill Goodwin and husband tookcare of the Goodwin planter. Paul,Margaret, and Jonathan Varga planted anew planter for the Ashford VolunteerFire Department. Marion Varga and

Laura Varga-Knowlton took care of theplanter at the Windham CenterVolunteer Fire Department. Stephen,Kirsten and Mason Varga took care ofcleaning, weeding and adding plants tothe garden around the Windham CenterVolunteer Department’s Memorial andFlag Pole. Rachael Macht and Familydonated a special planter to a local fami-ly facing difficult times. It makes usfeel good, sending a little brightness tothe lives of these friends and firstresponders.

We also delivered our “Thank aDriver” gift certificates. The driverswere very appreciative.

We are planning on attending a cou-ple of outside summer concerts. Theyare always so enjoyable! And - we arelooking forward to a September outsidepicnic. We hope the weather cooperates.Hoping everyone in Connecticut hastheir power back. Many lost it for up toa week from Tropical Storm Isaias.Wishing everyone well and stay cool!

Fraternally, Marion Varga

Join Hands with Social Distancing, “Thank a Driver”

Goodwin Planter

Paul Varga Family planter

Rachael Macht Family with theirspecial planter

Stephen and Mason working in thegarden.

Agnes Zabik with her planter

Stephen, Kirsten, and Mason at theMemorial.

Laura and Marion with the planterthey completed.


Kidz Korner Lodge Happenings

Lodge Mile-Hi Czechs No. 432, Lakewood, Colorado – Myname is Emma Morgan and I am graduating from Plains HighSchool. I will be attending the University of Montana andstudying Pre-Physical Therapy. Thanks to my family andfriends for their continued support!

Congratulations, Graduate!

Happy Anniversary

Kimberly Smits, the daughter of Tammy Smits, and ThomasStasa, the son of Daniel and Anne Marie Stasa, were united inmarriage on September 21, 2019. The wedding took place atthe Trinity Christian Reformed Church in Grandville,Michigan. Following the wedding, a reception was held atWarehouse 6 in Holland, Michigan. The couple honeymoonedin Tahiti.

Kimberly is employed at Spectrum Health Hospital inGrand Rapids as a Hospital Supervisor. Thomas is alsoemployed at Spectrum as a Security Operations Supervisor.Thomas is a CSA member of Lodge Central Star No. 411 andgrandson of Milan and Dianne Stasa.

Fraternal Well

WishesMildred Calek

Lodge Yankee-Jungmann No. 77

Ken Dvorsky Lodge Yankee-Jungmann No. 77


In MemoriamClaim Name Lodge Location Date of Death Age53732 Mildred A. Sebek 4 TARRS, PA 07/02/20 9053729 Howard Baker 7 CHICAGO, IL 06/06/20 7253775 Joanne H. Kerins 66 NEW PORT RICHEY, FL 03/02/20 7853710 Laverne L. Doktor 77 MT. PROSPECT, IL 05/28/20 9653737 John E. Manak 77 WOODRIDGE, IL 04/27/20 9253743 Robert D. Wilson 77 HICKORY HILLS, IL 05/12/20 7553760 Jon P. Hedrich 77 NORTHBROOK, IL 07/04/20 8053782 Lee S. Parrilli 77 MT. PROSPECT, IL 08/01/20 8053752 James Lee Demus IV 91 CHICAGO, IL 04/07/20 4153722 Marjorie E. Pace 137 GENESEO, IL 06/26/20 9853730 Therese A. Stewart 137 LISBON, IA 05/01/20 8153747 Barbara J. Sherman 137 CEDAR RAPIDS, IA 07/14/20 8553751 Hermina B. Rigel 137 CEDAR RAPIDS, IA 07/02/20 9053764 Barbara Geer-Sojka 137 RED BLUFF, CA 05/22/20 8353719 Charles A. Wong 155 BRONX, NY 04/01/20 6953757 Joseph P. Zeman 155 CARMEL, NY 04/27/20 7653763 Paul M. Young 170 CHICAGO, IL 06/05/20 7653765 Emil W. Kopet 210 MILTONA, MN 05/16/20 8253724 Charles J. Wilk 211 WEST YARMOUTH, MA 05/29/16 9353762 Alice M. Gladney 211 EAST ORANGE, NJ 06/01/20 9253720 John C. Holubik 214 KINGMAN, AZ 10/19/19 9253707 Mary G. Vitale 219 SPARTANBURG, SC 09/30/15 8253744 Dorothy T. Hejlik 219 LARGO, FL 05/29/20 6853727 Victor F. Bouril 230 BON AIR, VA 04/22/20 7653778 Patricia A. Vavra 277 CALDWELL, TX 05/22/20 8453748 Alfred T. Novacek 295 PORTLAND, OR 04/21/20 8553716 Patricia O. Johnson 302 GREENWOOD, MS 04/01/20 7353771 Jeffrey J. Mily 366 REDFORD, MI 06/23/20 6753723 Cecelia M. Petrasek 372 AKRON, OH 04/18/20 9053745 Jean C. Garapic 372 EUCLID, OH 06/30/20 8753714 Beatrice K. Newell 388 ANAMOSA, IA 06/15/20 7453766 John Mostek 409 WESTMONT, IL 11/11/19 6953769 William F. Stroner 409 WHEATON, IL 07/26/20 9053776 Rosemarie Kelly 409 ARLINGTON HTS, IL 03/11/20 8553734 Elinor Vitek 411 NEW TROY, MI 05/05/20 9253712 Juanita Harty 419 MUNCIE, IN 06/10/20 7953735 Donald F. Hnis 422 W. HEMPSTEAD, NY 06/10/20 8053739 Richard J. Schultz 422 GLEN COVE, NY 02/07/20 8853754 Helen Childs 422 BROOKLYN, NY 04/10/20 7753767 Lloyd Brooks 422 BRONX, NY 04/18/20 7253708 Genevieve J. Johnson 428 BEL AIR, MD 05/06/20 7253715 Marie J. Gruner 428 ESSEX, MD 01/29/20 9453725 Mildred S. Sterba 428 BALTIMORE, MD 11/19/18 9253731 Cheryl M. Vogt 429 LIVERPOOL, NY 02/17/20 7753780 Judith C. Clearwater 452 EAST HAVEN, CT 08/05/20 8053728 Mario Mauricio Gil 458 SYLMAR, CA 06/12/20 5753772 Chris G. Boucek 458 TEMPE, AZ 07/07/20 6453717 Lillian K. Jones 463 HERNANDO, FL 05/17/20 8753755 Matilda A. Hanacek 463 CHESTERLAND, OH 06/14/20 9153773 Barbara L. Mincey 463 MIAMI, FL 04/05/20 6753711 Marion H. Furin 479 IRWIN, PA 05/30/20 7953741 Chad A. Treber 479 JEANNTTE, PA 06/17/20 5353753 James E. Peddicord 479 N. HUNTINGDON, PA 07/16/20 6553758 Gloria J. Siegel 479 N. HUNTINGDON, PA 06/24/20 9153774 Helen K. Manoleras 479 BADEN, PA 07/24/20 8453713 Linda M. Varlese 481 HAZLET, NJ 06/15/20 7953768 Carol Miller 481 CARTERET, NJ 07/11/20 6453749 Marcia L. Noble 484 FREDONIA, PA 07/04/20 58


In Memoriam

Read the Journal online at: www.csalife.com

Jean Garapic passed away the evening of June 30 in her beloved home of 60 years.On Friday, May 29, she was still out working in her yard, which she loved to do.She passed this love of gardening down to her daughters and her grandchildren.Jean was always “on the go”. She served on the CSA Board of Directors from 1999to 2004. She was an active member of Lodge Paramount/Southgate No. 372. Jeanjoined CSA along with her sister Virginia Dvorak when they were young teens. Hermother and father, Virginia and Edward Slater, were also active members of CSA.They owned a cottage out at DTJ Taborville, where she and her sister would spendmany summers, cooking for the guys. She also attended Euclid Senior Center forSilver Sneakers, the Wickliffe Senior Center for Bocce or Cornhole, going to ameeting, or shopping. It was tiring trying to keep up with her! But the thing thatmade her the most happy was being with her family. Jean will be missed by fellowmembers, but her kind smile and generous heart will always be remembered.

Marjorie Esther Pace, 98, of Geneseo, Illinois, formerly of Cedar Rapids, passedaway early Friday morning, June 26, 2020 at Allure of Geneseo. Marjorie is sur-vived by her sons, James Pace and Richard Pace and wife Linda; five grandchil-dren, Mark Pace and wife Carolyn, Scott Pace and wife Amy, Allan Pace, AmyMurray and husband Lane, and Julie Pace; six great-grandchildren, Michael Murrayand wife Haley, Hannah Pace, Derek Pace, Lauren Murray, William Pace and DylanPace; “sister”, Marj Nejdl; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded indeath by her husband, Pat; daughter-in-law, Mary; great-grandson, Drason Pace; herparents, two sisters, Anna Mae Vanous and Rose Marie McClenahan; and a “broth-er”, Leonard Kroupa.

Marjorie was born March 6, 1922 in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Wencil andMary (Kroupa) Machacek. She was a lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids until mov-ing to Geneseo, Illinois three years ago. Marjorie married Marcus L. “Pat” Pace onMay 15, 1943 in Kansas City, Missouri. Pat died on January 10, 2002.

Marge was a member of Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church. She was also avery active member of the Cedar Rapids Czech community and belonged to the fol-lowing organizations: Sokol Cedar Rapids and the Sokol Senior Stretch Group, theNational Czech and Slovak Museum and Library and the Museum Guild, the CedarRapids Czech School for Children, the Czech Heritage Foundation, the Federationof Czech Groups, Lodge Prokop Velky No. 137 of CSA Fraternal Life, and LodgeCedar Rapids No. 262 of Western Fraternal Life.

Hermina Bertha Rigel, 90, of Lodge Prokop Velky No. 137 in Cedar Rapidspassed away on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at West Ridge Care Center. Hermina wasborn on February 25, 1930 at home near Fairfax, the daughter of Charles andHermina (Naxera) Netolicky. She graduated from McKinley High School in 1948.Hermina was united in marriage to Marvin Rigel on August 14, 1954 in CedarRapids. Together, they farmed in the Cedar Rapids area most of their lives. She wasinvolved in many Czech organizations including Lodge Prokop Velky No. 137,Sokol, Damska, WFLA, ZCBJ, National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library,Czech Heritage Foundation, the NCSML Museum Guild, and the Czech School.She also was a member of St. Quentin Post 555 Legion Auxiliary and TOPS.Hermina enjoyed going to various family school events, 4-H activities, polkadances, playing pinochle, and most of all, spending time with her family.

Hermina is survived by her children, Leo Rigel of Cedar Rapids, Sharon Rigeland her sons, Garrett and Wesley Carlson, of Atkins, and Margie Rigel of Marion;Karen’s son Robert (Michelle) Vrba and their children, Sarah Jayne and RobertLucas Vrba; her brother, Charles (Clara) Netolicky of Cedar Rapids; sisters-in-law,Irene Vavra of Cedar Rapids and Norma (Eugene) Rousseau of Bloomington, Ind.;and a son-in-law, Frank Vrba of Marengo. She was preceded in death by her par-ents; her husband, Marvin; and her daughter, Karen Vrba.


Just Kids

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P.O. Box 249, Lombard, IL 60148

Email to: [email protected]

JJuusstt KKiiddss


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Y A X V U P M G R O K O O N X

G V D J P Y J Q X K G O C R E

V Q G L D Z F V U L Q B Q W W

P J I T F Z J K L E L B F Z P

A E I Z W O Q J W H E A L F Z

S J I K C J S Q P J F N F T P

N Q F H M Y W S L S Y R E O I

Září……………………………….……..September (Zá-ří)ČSÁ Členy se schází…………….CSA members gather.........................................................(ČSÁ Čle-ny se schá-zíKaždý rok……...........…………...Every year (kaž-dý rok)Příští rok……………………...…….next year (pří-ští rok)Novou královnu…..…….New Queen (nov-ou krá-lov-nu)Tento rok, stejnou královnu………...this year, same queen...........................................(ten-to rok, stej-nou krá-lov-nu)Dovolená končí……………………………vacation ends.........................................................................(do-vo-len-á)Škola začíná………….School is starting (ško-la za-čí-ná)kniha………………………………….……..book (kni-ha)Školní zvonek………………………………….school bell...................................................................(škol-ní zvo-nek)BACKPACK

BELLBOOKCSAFALLFLORIDAFRATERNALISMFUNGATHERMEMBERSQUEENSCHOOLSEPTEMBERSTUDYSUPPLIESVACATION

Back to School - Remote or In-Person!

FRATERNALIST

OF THE YEAR AWARD

Nominate a lodge member who: can always be counted on goes the distance never lets you down encourages members to be involved is involved in their community mobilizes youth and adults

Application Deadline:

November 15, 2020

Applications available at

www.csalife.com

Documents

September 2004 Journal - CSA Fraternal Life · A Dynamic Magazine “Dedicated to Our ... November 15, 2020 Deadline - Fraternalist of the Year Nominations Deadline - Bowl-o-Rama