Czech Heritage Society of Texas

Bexar County Chapter

Dedicated to Preservation of our Czech Heritage

Happy New Year to one and all. We hope that you had a very happy and joyous Christmas holiday. The Christmas party/dinner at Our Lady of Grace on December 7th, and the caroling on the river, December 13th were very well attended, and all who participated had an enjoyable time. If you were not able to be there this year, plan to join us in 1998.

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK: At the General Meeting, November 9th the annual election of officers was held. A listing of the new officers, and committee chairmen will be found at the end of this newsletter. On Oct. 18-19 Gene Labay and I attended a conference at the Czech Embassy in Washington, D.C. The theme was "The Czech Republic and Czech Americans on their Way to the Common Future". Representatives of Czech -American organizations from around the U.S. met with Embassy officials and government officials from the Czech Republic, including Sen. Michal Zantovsky, to discuss strategies for broader cooperation. Those who participated resolved to support the Czech Society of Arts & Sciences, and the SPJST in establishing the Cultural Heritage Commission. The Commission will aid already existing organizations in gathering and disseminating information, coordinating, and publicizing their efforts to preserve Czech heritage, and suggesting new strategies for joint action. The continuing neglect and destruction of archival records, gradual decline of the Czech language in America, and disappearance of some the the traditional Czech-American organizations make this an urgent mission. Ambassador Vondra plans to meet and confer with the guardians of Czech heritage, pride and culture in the U.S. with the goal of strengthening cultural, economic, and political ties between Czechs and Americans. We discussed the preservation and development of Czech heritage in the U.S. and possible future economic and political cooperation between American and Czech business and political leaders. We were also encouraged to show support for the inclusion of the Czech Republic in NATO. In this regard, we urge our members to write (letter or postcard ) to Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Sen. Phil Gramm (R-TX) seeking their support in this matter. Sen. Hutchison, has expressed some concern regarding the enlargement of NATO. Sen. Gramm is a supporter of NATO expansion.
 

THE CHRISTMAS POTLUCK PARTY was great fun. There were 75 members and friends present. The food was delicious, and there were many varied dishes to choose from. Kay Vajdos and her helpers recreated an "old fashioned " Christmas by decorating a tree using paper chains, card cutouts, popcorn, etc. Folks joined in the fun, making everything from scratch. The result was a truly beautiful tree! Among those in attendance were Czech and Slovak students from the Defense Language Institute at Lackland AFB. We hope we brought a little bit of "home" to those so far from their families at this holiday season. Libor Cejka, our Czech language teacher, told about holiday customs in the Czech Republic. We were visited by Sv. Mikulas, his angel and the devil, as well as the Three Wise Men. Door prizes were donated by Irene Mazoch, Cecilia Vajdos, Frances Witmore, C.J. Trenda, Mary Popp, Joan & Bill Meluch, W.C. & Barbara Kolinek, JoAnn Fluker, Bob Biskup, Barbara & George Hruby, Sister Juliana, Kenneth Houdek, Grace & Emil Rohan, Richard DiFilippo, Alvin & Frances Schimcek, Mary Ann Kleffner, and Pat & Jerry Jurena. Thanks to everyone for making this day a great success.

HOLIDAY CAROLING on the River is becoming another part of our annual Christmas celebration. The CHS was again invited to participate in this year's festivities by singing carols and holiday songs. Once again we were joined by Czech and Slovak students from DLI, and they were delighted by the beautiful holiday displays along the Riverwalk. We had an excellent turn out by our members, and a good time was had by all.

LAST REMINDER: If you haven't sent in your renewal for 1998, please do so IMMEDIATELY. The 1998 roster is to be sent to the State organization on Jan. 30th. Contact Irene Mazoch If you have any questions. Mail payments to

Bexar Co. Czech. Heritage Soc.

PO Box 12932

San Antonio, TX, 78212-0932.

Dues are $14.50 for 1998.

VIDEO TAPES - CZECH GENEALOGY SYMPOSIUM. The State office of the CHS in Dallas has presented each local Chapter with one set of the 12 presentations made at the July 19-20, 1997, Symposium in Richmond, Tx. If you were unable to attend the symposium, and/or would like to view these tapes, contact Kay Vajdos (210 657-4001) or Joan Meluch (210 945-0765). Subjects include: Beginner Genealogy, Wallachian Surnames, Using Federal Census Records, Research Possibilities at the Catholic Archives of Texas, Czech Passenger Lists, Research at Clayton Library (Houston), State District Archives in the Czech Republic, How to use the Internet to do Research, Getting Started, and Additional Sources for Ancestry Search. Tapes may be borrowed by members.

INTERNET SITES OF INTEREST:

QUARTERLY MEETING: Sunday, 15 FEB. 1998

Our Lady of Grace Church, 2 PM

CZECH HERITAGE DANCE, MAR. 1, 1998, Martinez Hall, Martinez, 3 to 7 PM. Music for dancing will be provided by the Leo Majek Orchestra of Corpus Christi. Leo has made this dance memorable for us before. Refreshments consisting of kolaches, cakes, and beverages will be available. For those wishing something more substantial, sausages and buns will also be for sale. Raffle tickets will be sold for prizes to be awarded periodically during the afternoon. The public is cordially invited to attend, and all family members and guests are welcome. Adult admission is $6.00 per person. No charge for children under 12 yrs. of age. Individuals desiring to reserve a table (or tables), may call Bob Biskup at (210) 650-5717.

Members are requested to donate items for the raffle, and also desserts to be sold for refreshments. There is still a need for volunteers to help in the kitchen. Come join with us for a fun-filled afternoon. See you there.

SPRING STATE MTG. CHS, SAT. MAR. 21 : To be held at Rowena, Tx. at SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena. Meeting will be hosted by SPJST Dist. IV & CHS-Concho Valley Chapter. For further information Contact Alfred Gerik (254) 826-5106, or Louis Kokes (512) 651-7994. Registration begins at 9:30 am, lunch at 11:30 am, followed by the business meeting. There will be entertainment & displays all day. All members of the CHS are cordially invited to attend. If you plan to attend, please let Laddie Zezula know in advance, so that plenty of food may be provided for lunch.

CZECH HERITAGE DAY, OCT. 1998 is tentatively scheduled for the last Sunday in October. Organizational meetings will be held in May/June. Many hands are needed for this event to be a success (as it was last year). VOLUNTEERS are welcome. We urge you to take this opportunity to be involved in your organization. Our successes in the past can be attributed to those who have helped to make this event one that we all look forward to. Please join us this year. Contact Mike Vajdos.

PAINTED CHURCHES OF FAYETTE CO. Would you be interested in a day trip to visit these landmark churches? We are considering such a trip in late Spring. Those who would be interested are asked to see Mike Vajdos at the Feb. 15th meeting, or call him at (210 657-4001)

MARK YOUR CALANDARS:

Newsletter Editor: Joan C. Meluch, (210) 945-0765

Sv. Mikulas Visits

Mike Vajdos, Trudy Pavliska and Diane Schiller at Czech Heritage Day