Czech Heritage Society of Texas

1 September/Zari 2001

MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY PICNIC & SOCIAL

There are many activities and events during the year that require the help and assistance of our members. To acknowledge the excellence and dedication of our membership, and all that you do to make the Bexar County Chapter of the CHS the fine group it is, an Appreciation Day picnic and social has been planned for Sunday, 23 September 2001. It will be held at the University of the Incarnate Word Conference Center, lst floor, from 1 to 5 PM.

All members are welcome and you may come anytime during the afternoon. Light refreshments will be provided. If you wish you may bring cards--or just visit and enjoy the day. The facilities allow indoor and outdoor access, so a rainy day will not be a problem.

If you plan to attend, please call MIKE VAJDOS (210-657-4001). Leave a message on the machine if he is not at home.

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK: Our display at the Folklife Festival won a second place ribbon for booth display. This is quite an achievement, and is based on showcasing our heritage and culture. Special recognition goes to IRENE MAZOCH, who explained our displays to the judges; also contributing were the demonstrations of kolache making given by OLGA JANACEK and LORETTA VALENTA; the sauerkraut cookies and strudel made by C.J. TRENDA; and SUSIE TOLMAN's artistry in the fine art of egg decorating.

Many thanks go to our chairman BEA JARZOMBEK, and all who worked with her. "Thank you’s" also to the young men who helped on the set-up and takedown days. Your assistance was greatly appreciated.

Czech language classes will begin this year on 10 September, at the University of the Incarnate Word Conference Center, (corner of Hildebrand and Hwy. 281) 2nd floor. We meet every Monday evening from 7 to 9 PM. If you have ever wanted to learn (or relearn) the language of your parents and grandparents, here is your opportunity.

Elections of new officers will take place at our next General Meeting, Sunday, 4 November 2001 at the University of the Incarnate Word Conference Center, 2nd floor, at 2 PM. A new President, and other officers,will be elected and take over at that time.

Therefore, I wish to take this opportunity to thank all of the officers with whom it has been my pleasure to serve during these past six years: DONNA PETRU, MIKE VAJDOS, JERRY KOULA, IRENE MAZOCH, DIANA SCHILLER, BEA JARZOMBEK, DONNA STEWART, and BILL MELUCH. Also, my thanks and deep appreciation for the work of the many Committe Chairmen and to all members who have helped to make our special events a success. All of us working together have made this organization one in which we can all take pride.

Ladislav Zezula

GENEALOGY DISPLAY, S.A. PUBLIC LIBRARY: The theme of our display this year is the farm kitchen of the 1920's and 30's. Our sincere thanks to all who lent items to show: KEN and MARILYN HOUDEK, DOLORES BUECHE, IRENE MAZOCH, JOHN KUBA, GEORGIE and WILLIE RAINOSEK, BEA JARZOMBEK, and JOAN MELUCH. The display is in the showcase of the Texana/Genealogy Dept. of the S.A. Main Library, 6th floor, and will be there between September 5th and October 24th. We invite everyone to come and see it.

We will begin serving the home-cooked meals at 11:30 AM. This will allow the kitchen staff time to set-up and prepare the food. The meal consists of: pork, sausage, potatoes, sauerkraut, and peaches. Also available for purchase will be noodle soup, kolaches, homemade pies and cakes. Beverages are: iced tea or coffee. Last year we sold over 300 meals.

HOMEMADE PIES & CAKES: All members are asked to bring their favorite pie and/or cake to sell at the dessert table.

POTATO PEELERS AND FOOD SERVERS: If you can help peel potatoes on Saturday, October 27th, or assist with serving meals on Sunday, October 28th, please contact IRENE MAZOCH at 699-8251 evenings, or during the day at 567-5395. She really needs YOUR help, because without it the food and meal preparation doesn't happen, and we must be ready for 300.

SILENT AUCTION: This was a big success last year. We invite you to bring items suitable for bidding. We would welcome any handmade gift items (crochet, knit, embroideries, etc.; Homemade jams, jellies, or other canned goods) wine, beer, sodas; books, and plants, etc. If you have any questions, call JOAN MELUCH at 945-0765.

DISPLAY ITEMS: If you have any brochures, books, or Genealogy materials that we might display on our heritage tables that day, we would be pleased to hear from you. Call JOAN MELUCH at 945-0765 if you need additional information.

CHRIS RYBAK will provide live music for your listening and/or dancing

pleasure. He will play for us from 1PM to 4 PM. SUSIE and NOREEN TOLMAN will have their beautiful egg art on display. They will be happy to tell you about the history, designs, etc. of this old-world craft.

CHAIRMAN: JERRY KOULA at 650-4573 will answer any questions.

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS: EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FOR 2002: It is time to renew your membership in the CHS for the year 2002. Renewal forms will be sent in a separate mailing, in time for you to pay dues at the November General Meeting. Dues remain at $14.50 per person ($29 per couple). Please plan to renew your membership no later than DECEMBER 2, 2001.

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GENERAL MEETING, SUNDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2001, 2 PM

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTER, 2ND FLOOR

UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD

Located on the northeast corner of Hildebrand and Hwy 281. All members

are urged to attend this meeting. Election of new officers will beheld at that time. Your vote is important.

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CHRISTMAS PARTY AND POT LUCK DINNER: Begin your holiday celebrations by attending our annual Christmas Party, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2001. This year our celebration will be held at the International Conference Center of the University of the Incarnate Word, from 2PM to 6PM, with dinner being served at 4PM. Please bring a favorite salad, vegetable dish, or dessert to share (enough to serve at least 6 people). Meat will be provided by the Chapter. We are asking that our members invite only one guest per person, to ensure that everyone has a complete dinner.

Once again we will share our Christmas holiday celebration with the Czech and Slovak students studying English at the Defense Language Institute, Lackland AFB. The sharing of Texas hospitality and American customs is always appreciated by those who are so far from their own homes and loved ones.

Members are asked to bring a small gift as a door prize, but no canned goods, please.

NEWS OF OUR MEMBERS: Some of those travelling in the Czech and Slovak Republics this spring and summer included: Rev. BALTY JANACEK, KAY and MIKE VAJDOS, LADISLAV ZEZULA, and JOHN KUBA.

There will be a tour to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, hosted by LADISLAV ZEZULA, departing October l, 2001. Those members joining him will include:

DONNA PETRU, JERRY KOULA, GEORGIE and WILLIE RAINOSEK, and T. J. SLANSKY.

CONGRATULATIONS are extended to GRACE and EMIL ROHAN who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on August 11, 2001.

Those members recovering from recent hospitalizations, include BETTY KOULA, GEORGE VALENTA, and MILTON SCHILLER. We are happy to report all are doing well.

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

Chapter Website: www.czechs.org