Journal - CSA Fraternal Life

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Journal

Superstitions What do you believe?

October 2017

Czechoslovak Heritage Museum, Page 8

District Council No. 12 Family Holiday Party, Page 14

In this issue...

Scholarship Recipients, Page 28

On the Cover...

This month’s cover pays tribute to our featured articles on superstitions. Stories start on page 10. We hope you enjoy!

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3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 18 18 28 28 30 32 35

President’s Piece Calendar of Events Today’s Fraternal Message from the Secretary Miss CSA Czechoslovak Heritage Museum Family Holiday Party District Council Lodge Happenings Happy Anniversary Fraternal Well Wishes Scholarship Recipients Scholarship Report Scholarship Donation Form In Memoriam Just Kids

President’s Piece 2017 American Fraternal Alliance Annual Meeting

Hello to everyone… As we move into the latter part of 2017, I hope my monthly article finds everyone well. Here at the Home Office, in addition to keeping busy with the day-to-day business of the Society, we’re also prepping for year-end, as well as finishing up the State approval process for a few new products that we’ll soon have to offer. In month’s past, I’ve written of a new Whole Life suite of products, in addition to another Annuity product to complement our portfolio. They’re on the way! We’re awaiting final approval from a few of the states that CSA is licensed in…which, unfortunately, is a time consuming process. Once that happens, we’ll let you know. Also, every year during the month of September, the American Fraternal Alliance, CSA Fraternal Life’s Trade Association, has their Annual Meeting. Again this year our National Officers Treasurer Jim Kovac, Secretary Matt Koski, and I - attended the meeting. In addition, two of our Board Members, Irma Farrell (our Chair) and Carol Tranter, also attended. As in years past, I feel that we gleaned a good amount from the meet-

ing, through large group educational sessions, breakout sessions, and networking events. Quite a bit was packed into a 48-hour period in which we all were there. The topics ranged from the neverending need to keep efficient within our individual Society, to hearing updates on the regulatory goings on throughout the U.S., to ideas on making Conventions productive and efficient, to hearing about the American Fraternal Alliance’s possible restructuring within their office. Later in 2017, we’ll be hearing more from the Alliance regarding their “branding” initiative. The Alliance is essential for CSA, along with our peer Fraternal Societies. On top of the educational events, such as the Annual Meeting, one of the Alliance’s main goals is to continue to educate the powers that be in Washington, D.C. and at the State level on all of the good works that we as Fraternals do. We at CSA Fraternal Life look forward to continuing our relationship with the Alliance in the years to come, and appreciate their efforts which assist in making all Fraternal Societies stronger year by year. In the near term, over the next few weeks and months, I’ll be making a few

Upcoming CSA Deadlines:

John J. Kielczewski CLU, FLMI, President

trips to Lodges and District Councils. Those trips are always enjoyable, in that getting to see and meet members is the best part of my job. If there are any events or meetings out there that I haven’t yet been to, please don’t hesitate to contact me about them. Thank you again for the support that you’ve shown me. Here in Lombard, as always, we’ll continue to keep fighting to grow CSA…and, of course, keep your investments with CSA safe and secure. Please continue to stay happy, healthy, and safe. Until next time, John J. Kielczewski, CLU, FLMI President, CSA Fraternal Life

CSA Serves December 1, 2017

Presidents’ Reports December 31, 2017

Lodge Recognition Program January 31, 2018 Election/Financial Reports March 31, 2018

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OCTOBER 2017 — CSA JOURNAL — 3

CSA Journal

Calendar of Events

Saturday, October 21 Virginia Czech and Slovak Folklife Festival 6404 Courthouse Rd. Prince George, VA 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Traditional food, dancing, games, agricultural exhibits, and music Proceeds benefit Prince George County Regional Heritage Center Call: 804-863-0212 Email: [email protected] or visit www.princegeorgehistoricalsociety.org

Volume 127 No. 9 October 2017

Saturday, October 21 Night at the Hospoda Moravian Cultural Society Doors open at 4:00 p.m. See details on page 11.

Sunday, December 3 Annual Cultural Division Christmas Event Crystal Sky Banquets Watch for details.

CSA Privacy Policy

You can access our Privacy Policy at www.csalife.com on the right side of our Home page. Hard copies are available upon request. 4 — www.csalife.com - OCTOBER 2017

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CSA MISSION STATEMENT CSA Fraternal Life is a fraternal benefit Society that provides families with financial security while promoting community involvement with volunteerism.

CSA Leadership

National Officers

Saturday, November 11 Czech Festival American-Czech Center 4690 Lansdowne Avenue St. Louis, Missouri Czech food, Czech beer, Czech music, booths and games, and a special performance by the dancers from the United Moravian Societies of Chicago. For more information, call 314-752-8168, or check out our Facebook page. Sunday, November 26 D.C. 12 Fraternal Family Holiday Party 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Safari Land Villa Park, Illinois (See details on page 14.)

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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

Sunday, October 22 Sokol Sunday Dinner Bohemian National Hall 4939 Broadway Ave. Cleveland, OH Pork schnitzel, potato salad, vegetables, coffee and dessert, $14. Served 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. RSVP to Olga Nemecek, 216-447-0264 Saturday, November 4 SCARCE Pumpkin Smash 9:00 a.m. to noon Visit www.scarce.org/pumpkins for participating locations. Keep those pumpkins out of landfills.

A Dynamic Magazine “Dedicated to Our Membership” o /

UREDNI ORGÁN JEDNOTY CESKOSLOVENSKYCH SPOLKU V AMERICE o

John J. Kielczewski, President Matthew Koski, Secretary James Kovac, Treasurer

National Directors Tom Ledvina Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota Ken Dvorsky and Adam Wilt Northern Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin Irma Farrell California, Colorado, Kansas and Texas Diane DiBianca Northern Ohio and Michigan Connie Wolf Missouri and Southern Illinois Terry Placek Southeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania Carol 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. - 5:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

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.

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Today’s Fraternal Ghouls, Goals, and Letting Go

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Can you believe it is already October? It feels like the month of January was just yesterday. October is a fun month. Most kids seem to be settled back to school by now, high school girls and boys are preparing for upcoming Homecoming dances, and October gives us the Halloween holiday, which is one of my favorites. The hard part is to not eat 100 pounds of candy.

Fall, in general, is my favorite time of year. The air is feeling crisp, the colors are changing, and the trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go. We are approaching the end of 2017. Did you follow through with any New Year’s Resolutions? Have you started thinking about some new goals? It seems as if Americans are always looking for ways to live a healthier lifestyle; consider searching for a new fitness YouTube channel to watch, or follow a new low-calorie recipe blog, perhaps. Maybe it is time to take up a new hobby – painting, crocheting, golfing, writing, yoga… anything! Did you know that black dogs and cats

are taken into shelters at a more increased rate compared to their nonblack counterparts? Some even say they are less likely to be adopted. It might be time to expand your family a little. However, you might not be able to pick up your kitty until after the Halloween holiday, as black cats are targeted by people with bad intentions. So, if you already have a black cat, make sure to keep your critter inside during this month. Keep an eye on those babies; you can’t be too careful!

Do you have your Halloween costume picked out? I personally love costumes that reference current pop culture. Here are some ideas: • • • • • •

Offred from “The Handmaid’s Tale” Pennywise from “It” Wonder Woman Lorraine from “Atomic Blonde” Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” Groot from “Guardians of the Galaxy” • The kids from “Stranger Things” • The Babadook • Beyoncé’s Pregnancy Announcement

Happy Halloween-ing! May your holi-

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day include more treat than trick. Make sure you send me lots of pictures! This would be a great opportunity to send me a youth article for our Kids’ Korner section. (wink wink!) For more information, visit page 35. “Your desire to change must be greater than your desire to stay the same.”

Fraternally, Amanda S. Lovell Fraternal Director [email protected]


Message from the Secretary Superstitions Around the World monly believed that burning a candle inside a jack-o-lantern keeps evil spirits away. Some people think that if a bat winds up in your house and flies around three times, it is a death omen. Or this one - if you are born on Halloween, you can see and talk to the dead. These stories just help make Halloween fun!

Matthew Koski Executive Secretary/COO/CRO

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

The weather has turned cooler, and we have just entered into the beginning of the fall season. In a couple of days, the goblins and ghosts will be knocking on our doors asking for candy. As my kids get older, it seems that these holidays come sooner and sooner each year.

Pondering Halloween, I cannot help but think about the folklore that revolved around this holiday. It is part of what makes this holiday so spooky. It is com-

Meet the Agent

Czech and Slovak culture offers their own list of do’s and don’ts. As with many cultures, the number 13 is considered unlucky. Czechs believe that a table should be set for an even number of people. If it isn’t, then misfortune is bound to follow. They also believe that one should never leave the table before the dinner is over because that would bring bad luck to the family. Everyone must leave at the same time. At Christmas, many families cut an apple in half to foretell the future. If the core is shaped like a star, everyone will reunite the following year and have good health. If it is shaped in a fourpointed cross, one of the family members may not return.

So many cultures have similar superstitions. For example: Poland may be where the “knocking on wood” originated. If you want to succeed in something or are afraid of a sudden change of fortune, you could knock on wood to scare bad luck away. In the Finnish culture, killing a spider will bring rain the next day. In Scotland, the birth of a blackfaced sheep brings bad luck for the whole flock, thus, the expression ‘black sheep of the family’. It has been said Halloween was invented in Scotland along with its superstitions. It is amazing with all the differences in the cultures around the world that they also have many common threads.

So as you start up your holiday and festival seasons, try to learn more about your rich heritage and maybe take some time to see what other cultures do to celebrate theirs. Fraternally, Matthew Koski Secretary, COO, CRO

Mitch Jacobson Grayslake, IL Telephone: 847-912-4300 [email protected] States Licensed: Illinois, Wisconsin

Mitch has been in the insurance business for over 25 years. He has been with CSA for 10 years and really enjoys the fraternal family.

In addition to his insurance career, Mitch coaches boys’ basketball and volunteers in his community. He and his wife, Dollie, have three children and two grandchildren. If you have any questions regarding your existing policy or need help purchasing a new one, please give Mitch a call. “Double double, toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.” 6 — www.csalife.com - OCTOBER 2017

- William Shakespeare

Miss CSA

Meaningful Traditions

Hello Brothers and Sisters, As summer comes to an end, I hope you are all having a nice transition to fall. I’ve just arrived back from Paris, France, from a competition to become the global CEO for One Month of The Adecco Group. While I ultimately wasn’t selected, I had an amazing time and met so many fantastic people! Right before the trip, I was able to attend a local meeting of my lodge Prokop Velkey No. 137, a wonderful experience filled with great people and delicious food. Now, I am about to move back into Stanford University, and am excited for the experiences my sophomore year will bring. After a thirty-hour drive, I’ll be back in sunny Palo Alto, California. I can’t wait to get a hot chocolate from the local coffee shop – a favorite tradition of mine. Today, I want to touch on this topic of traditions, because frankly, traditions are everywhere. They aren’t always grand or complicated, in fact, some of the best ones aren’t. Sometimes the simplest of traditions are the most meaningful. My journey as Miss CSA has now become a family tradition. My aunt, Chris Vanous Schissel, was Miss CSA when she was in college at the University of Northern Iowa. Hopefully, in two or three years, my cousin Katelyn

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will try her hand to continue the tradition as well. My grandpa, Bob Vanous, and I made a tradition out of attending Amish auctions together. While my brother, Carter, and I share the tradition of watching our favorite show, Madam Secretary, together when I’m home from school. My dad, Bill, and I have the tradition of attending football games together – once Hawkeye games, now he has to put up with cheering for the Stanford Cardinal. Except for when they play each other, like in the Rose Bowl a couple of years ago, then you know he’s still cheering for the Hawks. I take my cousin, Jack, back to school shopping each fall – one of my favorite traditions, as it allows me to spend one-on-one time with him, a rare gift to receive from a busy 8th grader. My mom, Robyn, and I have made a tradition of traveling to Nashville each year. We are big country music fans, so we’ve made another (expensive) tradition out of visiting the Grand Ole Opry each time we are in the city. Every Thanksgiving, I look forward to traveling to Worthington, Minnesota, where my family decorates a restaurant that my grandma Judy owns. While Christmas is always held at our house, with delicious beef tenderloin served. As I settle back into school, there are

a few traditions I’m taking part in. From taking the “welcome back” trip with my best friends to our favorite coffee shop, to walking around campus with my mom – something we do each time she visits. It’s less about the tradition itself, and more about the people you do it with. Sydney Rieckhoff Miss National CSA 2017-2018


Be a Part of Re-Building the Czechoslovak Heritage Museum!

In a March article, we shared the exciting news that the Czechoslovak Heritage Museum (originally part of CSA) has found a new home in Cicero, Illinois. A small group of volunteers has been hard at work, with a re-opening planned by year-end… but there have been some trials and challenges. To remind you, the Museum will open in a familiar neighborhood on Cermak Road, “just around the corner” from TG Masaryk School. We are very excited about the prospect and the Museum’s future, but have experienced a few delays in the process of renovation of the building. We continue to work through the legal and financial aspects of this process, and have done much of the work ourselves to minimize cost, remaining optimistic that our goal is in sight. We are extremely grateful that the initial announcement brought some donations, as a sign of support for this huge undertaking. The financial challenges, however, are still daunting; we truly need your help! Can you join now as a supporter? You can become a virtual part of this Museum, sharing in the effort by contributing whatever you are able. The time is now, and the opportunity is here, to share in the re-building of this cultural gem in a new physical home. There are significant legal and material expenditures still ahead for this venture, not to mention many hours of “sweat-equity” by our volunteers. The need for support is critical, in order for the Museum to move forward and become a reality. Would you like to be able to say, “I helped put a roof over the Museum,” or “My donation built these displays,” or perhaps “My contribution is in the bricks and mortar”? You can be part of any element of the Museum re-building, or as a general donor! Here is a list of some recent, current, and near-future expenditures: • Building acquisition: $39,000 • Roofing and exterior structure: $19,000 • Mechanical system upgrades: $38,000


• •

Interior finishing; signage, displays, etc.: $15,000 Move-in of collections from storage: $12,000 We truly need your help to make this a reality! Earmark your donation for a specific part of the campaign (use form below), or just tell us “I support the Museum!” Either way, your contribution – large or small – is much appreciated and much needed. When the Czechoslovak Heritage Museum re-opens at this location, we will be delighted and proud to welcome our supporters and guests to view the collections, which include pieces of outstanding significance. Do you remember, or have you ever seen the powerful, almost-life-size portrait of T.G. Masaryk; a first flag of the newly-forming Czech Republic in 1918; the many artifacts that are uniquely Chicago, telling the stories of Anton Cermak, of Czech and Slovak immigrants and laborers, and other key figures? Our Museum aims to tell the story of these connections in the Chicago Corridor, including the role of American Czechs in the founding of the Czech Republic. Please help us to bring the Museum to new life and a new beginning! You can also visit us online at: http://czechoslovakmuseum.com/ or Facebook (@CzechoslovakHeritage Museum). We are so excited about building the Museum’s future, and we look forward to welcoming you as part of these efforts and part of our community! On behalf of the Museum Board, Jean Hemzáček Laukant, CHM Secretary & Treasurer email: [email protected]

October is National Pizza Month! National Pizza Month had its first appearance in 1987. An American and worldwide favorite food, its original roots are Italian, but many different versions – Thai, BBQ, Hawaiian, Mexican, etc. – are available, loved, and consumed.

Basic pizza began in prehistoric times, with bread cooked on flat, hot stones. Roughly 1,000 years ago, herbs and spices covering circles of baked dough proved exceptionally popular in Naples, Italy. Known as focaccia, these rounds were served as an appetizer or snack. Pizza was considered peasant food, designed to be eaten without utensils, like a Mexican taco.

Pizza as we know it began in the late 1600’s when Europeans finally got over their fear of tomatoes (discovered by the Conquistadors of Spain and introduced in Europe). The peasants of Naples were the first to add tomatoes to their focaccia.

Although the first pizzeria in America opened in New York City in 1905, the popularity of this “pie” exploded when WWII soldiers returning from Italy began opening pizzerias and raving about the dish. The origins of deep dish pizza is a contentious issue in Chicago where it was invented. Some say it was Ike Sewell who introduced deep dish in his famous Pizzeria Uno in 1943. Others claim it was Rudy Malnati of Malnati pizza fame. Both Pizzeria Uno and Malnati’s are still in business today and offer an excellent product.

favorite topping. International favorite toppings are pickled ginger, mutton, tofu, squid, green peas, sardines, salmon, bacon, curry, red herring, shrimp and even coconut! In the Netherlands, the “ D o u b l e Dutch” is a favorite, with double cheese, double onions, double beef.

Sixty-two percent of Americans prefer meat toppings, while 38% prefer vegetarian. Women are twice as likely as men to order a vegetarian pie. Regular thin crust is still the most popular at 61%; thick or deep dish at 14%; and only 11% prefer extra-thin. A 14” thin crust pie is the most popular size in the U.S.

More pizza is consumed in January than any other month. It is the second most popular takeout food, after chicken, in the over-50 market.

“Pizza Trivia.” The Pizza Joint. Web. 31 Aug 2017. “U.S. pizza restaurant sales 20122016.” The Statistics Portal. Web. 31 Aug 2017.

“Where there is imagination, there is no horror.” - Arthur Conan Doyle

Pizza is a thriving and profitable business in the U.S., over 61,269 pizzerias are operating each day! Sales in 2016 were $37.4 billion! Each man, woman and child in America eats an average of 46 slices of pizza a year with approximately 3 billion sold per year. Kids ages 3 – 11 prefer pizza over all other food for lunch and dinner. Pepperoni is America’s favorite topping. Over 251 million pounds are consumed each year. Anchovies are the least



Superstitions You May or May Not Know

Groaning Cheese – In Medieval England, expectant mothers made “Groaning Cheese,” a large wheel of cheese that matured for nine months. When the groaning time (labor) came, the whole family celebrated by eating the cheese, except the outer rind. The newborn would be passed through the rind on Christening day to be blessed with a long and prosperous life.

become cats themselves. That black cat crossing your path could actually be a witch.

Friday the 13th – This day has been a source of superstition since the early 19th century. It’s origin is shrouded in mystery, but people will go out of their way to avoid doing anything significant due to the belief that the day is cursed and a source of ill fortune.

Photographs – Native Americans have long believed that a photograph of you will steal your soul. The photographer now held your soul, but also had spiritual power over you.

Horseshoes – Hanging a horseshoe in the bedroom is good luck. This belief stems from the fact that a horseshoe has seven holes, considered to be a lucky number, and is made of iron to ward off evil spirits that may haunt you in your dreams.

Opals – This stone is said to bring bad luck to anyone who wears it. The superstition stems from a novel in 1829 where a woman is falsely accused of being a demon. As she is executed, a drop of holy water falls on her opal jewelry and changes its color.

Bird Droppings – In Russia, there is a belief that if a bird defecates on you, your car or your property, it’s a sign of good luck and may bring riches. The more birds involved, the better.

Wedding Superstition – Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue originated during the Victoria era and involved gifts to brides. “Old” for continuity, “new” for hope, “borrowed” for happiness and “blue” for purity, love and fidelity.

Three on a Match – During war time, it was considered bad luck among soldiers to light three cigarettes with one match. The theory was by the time the third cigarette was lit, a sniper would have had time to put a soldier in his sights. Black Cats – The belief black cats are bad luck began in the Middle Ages due to an erroneous belief that single women (usually elderly) who associated with cats were actually witches who could

Mirrors – A superstition exists when you look in a mirror, your soul is stolen. This is why the wicked queen used a mirror to harm Snow White and why soulless vampires have no reflection.

Fingers Crossed – Crossed fingers is a gesture to wish for good luck. Originally believed to be a sign of peace, it became an excuse when telling a white lie and may have ties to the belief that the power of the Christian cross may save a person from damnation.

The Number 13 – Superstition states the number 13 is associated with bad luck. This is why many high-rise buildings do not have 13 steps or end with a 13th floor. Some buildings simply rename a floor and do not have a 13th floor button on the elevator.

Wishing Upon a Star – Europeans believed the gods would occasionally look down upon us and when the sky moved, a star would escape and fall to earth. The Greeks believed falling stars were human souls and it was lucky to wish upon them.

Opening an Umbrella Indoors – Opening an umbrella indoors is literally asking for bad luck to rain down upon you. Others believed it was an insult to the sun god who would curse you with bad luck. Also, to open an umbrella indoors insulted the guardian spirts of your home who protected you from the “storms of life.”

New Broom, New House – There are many superstitions associated with brooms. But the most curious is you cannot sweep dirt out of new house with a new broom unless you sweep something in first. If you don’t sweep in, then you will be sweeping out your good luck. Knock on Wood – We usually knock on wood after making a hopeful statement. Long ago it was believed that we tempted fate by acknowledging good fortune, so by knocking on wood we called on the good spirits (living in trees) to protect us.

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Pappas, Stephanie. “13 Common (But Silly) Superstitions.” Live Science. 13 Jan 2012. Web. 30 Aug 2017. Pegg, David. “25 Strangest Superstitions From Around The World.” List 25. 5 May 2017. Web. 30 Aug 2017.

Czech Superstitions, Traditions, and Folklore

Fish Scales – Fish scales are believed to bring financial blessings all year long. Usually, they are carried inside the wallet or purse to make sure that the carrier will not run out of money. During Christmas dinner, they are either put under the dinner plates or under the tablecloth, for this is believed to bring wealth to the family.

Czech Weddings – The wedding customs and superstitions in the Czech Republic originated from the early beginnings of Christianity in the country. The popular practices are believed to bring joy to the family as well as provide fertility to the couple. They are also meant to give protection against hunger, illness, death of children, hatred, misunderstandings, and evil spirits. The nieces of the couple to be wed are usually the flower girls. They walk ahead of everyone else in the wedding procession and sprinkle flower petals. The act is believed to enamor the fertility goddess, which ensures that the couple will bear a good number of children. Immediately after the wedding ceremonies, the invited friends of the groom will block the church’s exit with a rope decorated with empty bottles, ribbons, and flowers. For the couple to be allowed to get out of the church, the groom needs to pay. This ritual is believed to shed the groom’s sins committed in his youth or bachelor days. Before the wedding reception, a plate should be broken at the bride and groom’s feet. After which, the couple should sweep the broken pieces together. This ritual has its origins from superstitious beliefs that say that the chips of the plate will bring happiness, and by jointly cleaning the pieces away, the couple’s married life will be blissful and pleasant. Another wedding custom is sneaking the bride’s friend into her yard and planting a tree with colored eggshells and ribbon decorations. The belief is that for as long as the tree grows there, the bride will continue to live. These wedding customs and beliefs are still upheld by the Czechs to this day. Aside from the superstitions linked with this celebration, the symbolic meanings associated with the rituals help keep the practices alive.

Eating mushrooms on Christmas dinner will give you strength and health. The Czechs usually prepare Kuba, which is a mixture of garlic, onions, barley, dried mushrooms, and other spices. It usually serves as an appetizer. People dip bundles of grain in Holy Water and they sprinkle them over their homes on Christmas Eve, for they believe this practice will prevent their houses from fires in the coming year. Providing the goats with apples to eat on Christmas dinner will make their milk sweet. Drinking Beer – There is a variety of popular superstitions regarding drinking of beer in the Czech Republic. One says that bad fortune will come someone’s way if he or she pours beer into a mug that still holds a different kind of beer. If someone is offering a toast, a person should be sure to clink mugs with others he is drinking with. Failing to do this would mean that the good health that the toasting should have provided would not come. It is also advised to look directly into the other person’s eyes during this toast. If you don’t, this could result in seven years of bad relationships.

Information taken from an ethnic book found in the CSA Home Office, titled “Czech Superstitions & Folk Lore”. This book was given away at the 77th Annual Get-Together in Pittsburgh, PA.

Night at the Hospoda

Plants and Food – Some foods, plants, and spices are closely linked with various superstitions. Garlic is believed to grant its eaters with protection and strength, which is why Czechs do not forget to include garlic in their Christmas dinner. People usually prepare a bowl of garlic and put it under their dinner tables. Likewise, a pot of honey is put under the dinner table, for it is believed that honey provides protection against evil forces.

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Why Do Superstitions Exist?

Man has long tried to understand nature and life. Many cultures held a deep belief that animals and certain objects were connected to the spirit world. In an attempt to control or appease nature, different behaviors or customs (superstitions) developed to assure a favorable response and good fortune. Many have their origins in mythology where omens were common. Superstitions are remarkably long-lived. They are passed down through generations. The ancients routinely explained common occurrences in mystical or magical terms. Reflections in mirrors, shadows appearing when it’s sunny, somehow came to represent a part of the soul. A broken mirror or stepping into a shadow meant a soul was harmed and bad luck followed.

Modern athletes are very superstitious. Baseball players have a lucky bat; golfers have lucky clubs, some wear lucky shirts or shoes to maintain a winning streak. Regular folks may carry a rabbit’s foot or lucky charm as a joke, but “it doesn’t hurt.” This superstitious activity engenders comfort and a positive attitude; however, it has little or nothing to do with success or luck.

Superstitions develop when an unfortunate event happens a number of times. No matter how unlikely, because of repetition and (misplaced) credence given to cause and effect, a belief is born. Once formed, it spreads like a virus. The desire to avoid a bad outcome, and forestall the accompanying bad luck, is the basis of all superstition. Even skeptics will avoid walking under ladders or walk away from black cats “just in case.” “Superstition Beginnings.” Superstition Lane. Web. 1 Sep 2017. “Superstition Room.” Psychic Library. Web. 29 Sep 2017.


Superstitions Down on the Farm

For hundreds of years, farmers have tried everything to ensure a good harvest. Prayers, hard work, and a lot of superstitious practices have been part of their arsenal to produce crops to feed their families and provide economic security. These superstitions may hold a bit of truth but some are just silly and some make no sense. However, farmers being a conservative and traditional lot, may still heed some of these customs and warnings.

A drop of blood from a wart falling on a grain of corn fed to a rooster will remove warts.

Placing rusty nails or iron items in the garden will help seeds grow and flourish.

Hershberger, Cory. “13 Farm Superstitions for Friday the 13th.” Hobby Farms. 13 Jun 2014. Web. 28 Aug 2017. Moore, Sam. “Are they superstitions, folk remedies, or signs?.” Farm and Dairy. 30 Jan 2014. Web. 28 Aug 2017. “The Weirdest Farming Superstitions and Customs.” Radium Engineering. Web. 7 Sep 2017.

Planting

When a pregnant woman is involved in the planting process, the harvest will thrive. For the best yield, crops should be sown from north to south.

To relieve arthritis, carry a buckeye or a shriveled potato in your pocket.

To cure a headache, lay down on the ground, roll three times toward the sound of a singing dove. Years ending in 8 will always have weird weather.

It’s bad luck to plant on the 31st of the month or avoid beginning on Friday or Sunday. Never harvest or plant on the 13th of any month.

Finding a black snake in the garden or field assures a good harvest. Plant potatoes during a full moon.

Animals

If bees fly home and don’t return, rain is coming.

Horses shaking their heads and acting restless and owls hooting more at night foretell rain.

Farm animals will get thicker fur anticipating a harsh winter. Beavers build bigger dams when the winter is going to be especially cold.

If you add caraway seeds to the chicken feed, it will keep them from wandering.

A crowing rooster could mean death unless a hen is butchered and eaten or buried immediately. Other Superstitions

Never start a new job on the 13th of the month.

Never raise 13 livestock of one species/breed.

If in Kentucky, never plant anything until after the Kentucky Derby.




District Council Preparing for Oktoberfest Time District Council No. 12 of Northern your efforts to achieve that special Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana – Lodge Recognition Award that your Pin Party Oktoberfest time is here! Bavarian and members are striving for. CSA District Council No. 10, Cleveland, Ohio – The meeting was held at the Parma/Snow Library with 13 members present. Everybody had a good time at the July picnic at Hemlock Park. The weather was beautiful and the kids and some adults enjoyed playing in the creek. There was plenty of good food, fun and fraternalism. Preparations are under way for the Christmas/Pin Party on December 10, 2017, at The Woodside Event Center at St. Michael’s, 5025 E. Mill Road, Broadview Heights, Ohio, and the band has been booked. More information to follow about obtaining tickets. The lodges and members have been busy, as always, with their charities and volunteering. Fraternally, Annette Reichman

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Germanic people have traditionally celebrated the bountiful harvest and blessings of the autumn season for scores of years. A little brew, brats, sausages, cabbage, and merriment always seem to put everyone in a good mood. We also welcome this fall season, witnessing the colorful foliage, planting spring bulbs, doing all kinds of outdoor work, shopping for heavier clothes, and even enjoying baseball’s World Series and college and pro football games. Some important October dates to consider – Child Health Day on October 3; Columbus Day, observed on October 10 this year (Columbus actually landed on a Bahama Island on October 12, 1492. He named it San Salvador); United Nations Day on October 24; and Halloween on October 31. Now is a good time to review your lodge projects and goals before 2017 ends. Renew

Why not come out on October 26 to the Home Office and attend District Council’s meeting? We start at 6:30 p.m. Find out what’s going on and stay for some tasty pastries and coffee. Remember that elections for all lodges take place during the November meeting – encourage all members to attend. Lastly, get out and enjoy the beautiful fall season. Fraternally, Ed Slavik


Lodge Happenings Wrapping Up a Year of Fun Lodge Woodrow Wilson No. 377, Lombard, Illinois – Thanks to all who attended our September meeting with guest speaker John Pritasil. As is always true for John, his presentation was funny, informative, and highly entertaining; everyone had a great time, and we shared a lot of laughs. There was a record crowd at this special meeting: a number of guests, our regular meeting attendees, and also some members we had not seen in a while. Hey, John: you had asked, “Who would want to hear ME talk?” – well, now you know! And, thank you so much for a great evening! November is election time - come support your lodge officers! Year-end celebrations and projects are also coming up, and we hope to see you for our holiday potluck and toy drive: Friday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m. If you can’t be with us in person, perhaps you can still contribute to the toy drive: new (unwrapped) toys, books, warm winter accessories, and other gifts for young-

sters (infants through teens) are collected for those in need. The potluck is fun for all: we supply the entrée, and ask that you bring a side or dessert to share. Need a ride to meeting, or need to

arrange a pick-up for contributions? Just call! Fraternally, Jean Hemzáček Laukant [email protected]

Do you know a CSA member who deserves recognition? Are they active in the community; do they volunteer often or donate money to charitable organizations? Send us their photo, a brief description of who they are and what they do, and we will publish them in the Journal.


Lodge Happenings Happy Birthday to Us!

Lodge Washington No. 30, St. Louis, Missouri – Happy birthday to us! At our September meeting, Lodge Washington marked 141 years since our founding. We took a look back at the pictures from our gala 100th Anniversary celebration in 1976 and marveled at the large crowd and the major effort that was put into that night. What good memories! This year we enjoyed cake and a nice visit with members of Lodge Missouri following each of our meetings. We hope to do more of these combined socials in the future. Many thanks to the members of Sokol St. Louis who organized the Eclipse Watch Party at Sokol Camp in August. The property is located south of St. Louis, so the eclipse was a bit longer than in the city. We had a great view of the event from the pool area, with totality lasting about two minutes, and we “oohed” and “aahed” at the “sunset,” the crescent shadows, and the eerie stillness. What a memorable experience – one we will not soon forget. Congratulations to Jocelyn and Micah Floretta on the birth of a baby girl, Siena, on July 22. Delighted grandparents are Charlie and Kathy Schneider, and big brother is Milo. Best wishes to the whole

Members celebrated the Lodge’s 141st Anniversary with a decorated cake.

Supporting Organizations Important to Our Members

family! The Czech Festival at the AmericanCzech Center is on Saturday, November 11, complete with good Czech food, beer, and pastry, games, booths, and music. We will also welcome dancers from the United Moravian Societies whose lively performances really impressed the crowd the last time they were here. The Festival starts at 11:00 a.m., so get there early and stay all day! The Center is located at 4690

Lodge Queensdale No. 422, Woodside, New York – With the lazy days of summer behind us, our members look forward to a new school year and the crisp days of fall. The Lodge continues to support those organizations that are important to our members, making donations to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, the Salvation Army, Disabled American Veterans, and the CSA Scholarship Fund. Lodge Queensdale’s annual election of officers and Convention delegates will be held on November 6, 2017 at noon at St. Jacobus Evangelical Lutheran Church in Woodside, New York. The District Council No. 2 meeting will immediately follow. Fraternally yours, Joanne Murnane


Lansdowne Avenue in St. Louis. Our Annual Meeting will be held on Friday, November 3. Please note the change in date (this is the first Friday) because of Festival set-up. This is the allimportant meeting when we elect officers and delegates to next year’s Convention, so join us and make your voices heard. Meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. at the ACEC. Fraternally, Deborah Zeman

Memorial Held

Lodge Yankee-Jungmann No. 77, North Riverside, Illinois – I would like to tell you what our Lodge will be doing in the next few months. In September, we held a memorial to honor the members we lost this past year. Members brought photos and shared stories with us. November will be election of officers. We will also play Bingo and members are asked to bring one or two prizes. Our December meeting is usually held at Bohemian Crystal. They have a wide variety of meats and vegetables to choose from on their menu. Our Lodge always meets the second Friday of the month at MB Financial Bank, 7222 W. Cermak Road, North Riverside, Illinois, at 7 p.m. Don’t forget the annual luncheon by the Cultural Division of District Council No. 12. We always enjoy the food. There is a great raffle with many unique prizes. We also enjoy meeting members from other Lodges. Enjoy Halloween, but watch out for children in costumes running through the streets. Fraternally, Mary Ellen Janda OCTOBER 2017 — CSA JOURNAL — 17

Lodge Happenings Election of Officers Meeting Lodge Kruh Osvojenych-Zen A Panu No. 121, Dillonvale, Ohio – The annual election of lodge officers and convention delegates for our lodge will take place at the Dillonvale Presbyterian Church Social Hall on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. All members are encouraged and welcome to attend this meeting. We will also be making plans for our holiday celebration along with brainstorming ideas regarding projects for the upcoming year. The meal will be provided by Gary, Wendy, and Elijah Lovell. Mark your calendars and join us for an enjoyable afternoon! Our September meeting proved to be a successful one as we planned for some upcoming special lodge activities. In addition to our Election of Officers meeting as mentioned, some of our upcoming events include: a fall dinner with our friends from District Council No. 9, an informative CSA display table and Czech presentation at our town’s annual Fall Festival, some holiday crafting, and hosting the Christmas Dinner for our brothers and sisters of District Council No. 9. Like many of you, we are small in number, but we have big ideas, even bigger hearts, and we try to stay active! Sadly, at this time our hearts are heavy and our love, prayers, and well wishes go out to our CSA members and those who have suffered the lasting effects of the recent hurricanes. Please know that you are being thought about daily. The love of a family member, neighbor, friend, or fraternal brother or sister is something that no hurricane or storm could ever destroy. We are with you! As nature blankets our rural hills and valleys with the beautiful colors of fall, it reminds me of the neverending struggle for balance. It has been said that there is a season for everything. A time to be born, a time to die…a time to laugh, a time to cry…a time for unrest, and a time for peace. Think about the fact that at any given moment someone may be receiving a blessing, and someone may be suffering hard times. Love


can help us keep that balance. Our world needs so much more of it! I hope you enjoy the beautiful pictures taken from the sunflower garden created by students in the Garden Club at West Elementary School in Adena, Ohio. The garden has helped the children learn to love and respect nature as well as each other. Autumn Blessings, Sister Wendy Kurtz Lovell

Happy Anniversary October 6, 1962 Jim and Pat (Sale) Hrasky

Jim and Pat will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. They were married at Winstanley Baptist Church in East St. Louis, Illinois. They are members of CSA Lodge Estlian No. 404. They have a daughter, Susan Altadonna (Dr. Darren Altadonna); a son, Michael Hrasky (Kristen Hrasky); and five grandsons, Cameron and Cade Altadonna and Dane, Brady, and Trey Hrasky. October 21, 1978 Katherine Juliana Urbanek Kroeck and George Joseph Kroeck Chicago, Illinois Lodge Betsy Ross No. 151.

Fraternal Well Wishes

Dennis Hrabak Lodge Prokop Velky No. 137

Joe Konecny Lodge Prokop Velky No. 137

Lodge Happenings Annual Meeting and Volunteering at Veterans Day World Vision

Lodge member Hunter Yurkovich, Miss Congeniality, with John Kielczewski and Amanda Lovell.

Lodge Groveton No. 4, McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania – Eleven members had the pleasure of attending the CSA Get-Together in Texas this past August. Everyone had a good time and braved the heat. At the Get-Together, the Lodge was once again honored to have member, Hunter Yurkovich, as a Miss National CSA contestant. For the second year in a row, Hunter won Miss Congeniality and did a great job representing CSA and our Lodge. Hunter is in her sophomore year of nursing school at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She participates in Carlow’s Love Your Melon campus crew, which is dedicated to the fight against pediatric cancer in America. She is also a member of Carlow’s Student Nursing Association of Pennsylvania – SNAP. Well, the leaves are turning, the kids are back in school and the Lodge members are getting ready for a busy Fall. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, first responders and volunteers of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. Toiletry items were purchased by the lodge for the victims in these areas. The Lodge sponsored, 23rd Annual Ohio/Pennsylvania Bowling Tournament is being held at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Washington, Pennsylvania on October 7 and 8. The Annual Pittsburgh Heart Walk will once again be supported by members of the lodge in honor of Maureen Placek. Email me at [email protected] with any questions or interest in participating in the bowling tournament or Heart Walk. At October’s lodge meeting, Danielle McCain, Founder of Jameson’s Army, spoke regarding her foundation. As an outside organization, Jameson’s Army raises money for children and their families who spend months in the Long Term Cardiac Care Unit of Children’s Hospital. “Volunteering – It’s What We Do.” So, on Saturday, November 4, interested lodge members will once again volunteer at World Vision. Fraternally yours, Cathy Pleskovich

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Lodge Slunce No. 374, Ocklawaha, Florida – Lodge Slunce invites all their members to attend our annual lodge meeting and election of new officers on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Meeting will be held at Lake in the Forest RV Resort (www.lakeintheforest.com). We will start at 9 a.m. with the raising of our US Flag and with prayer to commemorate Veterans Day and remember all our loved ones who have served our country. We will enjoy a breakfast buffet and share an update on our lodge activities and projects, then elect new officers, and go over the 2018 Lodge calendar. Please contact Lodge Secretary, Bernie Bleiker, at 352-812-3532 by November 1 to RSVP. Cabin accommodations are available for those traveling from other locations. Warmest regards, Bernadette Bleiker

Eclipse Party

Lodge Century of Progress/Bila Hora No. 231, Cicero, Illinois – This past September after our lodge meeting, Ed Slavik took several bags of food to the St. Barbara’s Food Pantry in Brookfield, Illinois. Just want to inform you that on November 4, 2017 at our lodge meeting at the T.G. Masaryk School in Cicero, Illinois, we will have election of officers for the year of 2018. Our meeting will start at noon. We are still collecting General Mills Education Box Tops and Campbell’s Soup Labels for Education for a local school. Loretta Paulus went on a Fancy Free Holiday Bus Trip in August to Clarksville, Tennessee, to have a Solar Eclipse experience. The tour went to Beachaven Winery for an “Eclipse Party.” It was a clear day and there was a great view of the total eclipse of the sun. Special viewing glasses were provided for the event and a great picnic lunch was served. There was lively entertainment on an outdoor stage to enjoy. After dinner that day, she went to a “Country Royal-A Tribute to Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline.” This was a show about their lives and their country music that made them famous. Fraternally, Loretta Paulus


Lodge Happenings Weissensel Winners

Lodge Sionilli No. 170, Brookfield, Illinois – With summer ending, things are picking up for many of our members. We held our September meeting at Irish Times in Brookfield and discussed many upcoming plans. Our Annual meeting will be on Thursday, November 7 at 7 p.m. at Sokol Spirit in Brookfield, Illinois. We will elect officers and delegates for the 2018 CSA Convention at this meeting. We were excited to hear of some amazing accomplishments in the Weissensel family this summer. Jacob Weissensel won awards at the Illinois State Fair on August 12, for his musical outfit to match his guitar and a band he would like to join in the future. Jacob made this outfit for his 4-H group and was good enough to get to display it downstate. Joseph Weissensel won a trophy at a bike show in Arlington Heights on August 13. He won this award for best original chopper bike. Joseph has been working on bikes for his family and friends, but this is his first show where he displayed an entry. James Weissensel won a marathon in Madison on September, 2. On a hilly course around Monona Lake, he ran the 26.2 mile race in 2 hours and 43 minutes. James is planning to run the prestigious Boston Marathon in April. Way to go, boys! Fraternally, Alix Wilt


Lodge Happenings Denny Diamond, Bohemian Boy Lodge R.T. Crane No. 7, North Riverside, Illinois – Fall has arrived! As we closed out the summer, our members enjoyed a concert at Cantigny Park. The performance by “Denny Diamond” was one to remember and the warm

weather made for an enjoyable evening with friends. Fun fact: Denny Diamond’s real last name is Svehla, which means Bohemian boy, and he is originally from Berwyn, Illinois! We are proud to have put together a

beautiful Czech display at the North Riverside Library again this year. The Library is where we host our monthly meetings so we are excited to get this chance to share our culture with its patrons. The display includes dolls dressed in costumes from Bohemia, Moravia, and Slovakia with descriptions of the region, traditions, and attire. Our annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 16 at 6 p.m. at the North Riverside Library. We will elect officers and delegates to the 2018 CSA Convention at this meeting. Fraternally, Alix Wilt

Medicine Bottles

Lodge Belmont No. 251, Bridgeport, Ohio – There has been so much going on in the family that I have not been able to write. First, is the building of my son’s house, Jim Belanus. This has been a real family project. Second, are my volunteer activities at the food pantry, choir, funeral lunches, and substitute teaching – all of which I enjoy immensely. Third, are the grandchildren that we try to keep up with. One is in the Air Force and three are involved with 4H. They are very proud to show their animals at the fair each year. Keeping up with the lodge and our District Council accounts for many hours as well. I have also started collecting medicine bottles at church for our project. The parishioners seem to be glad to save these instead of throwing them away. My husband and I enjoyed the Get-Together very much and want to send a big thank you to the Texas group that put it on. We had a very good time! Fraternally, Peggy Heavner-Goclan



Lodge Happenings This One Didn’t Get Away

Mason and Tanner with their big catch

Charlie and Lily shared a glass of lemonade over lunch.

Honoring Veterans with Wreaths Across America

Lunch at a local restaurant Lodge Golden Gate No. 252, San Jose, California – At our recent meeting we welcomed several guests. Hosts Jim and Carol Martinek introduced Diane and Kurt Eriksson who live nearby. Charlie Dean introduced his cousin Lily who was visiting from New York. We hope they enjoyed themselves and can come again. This was supposed to be our annual picnic and swim party. However, the weather was unusually hot so we stayed indoors. The only exceptions were Charlie and Lily who managed to dip their feet into the backyard pool. During the business portion of our meeting it was announced that Joe Martinek was a recipient of the CSA College Scholarship program. Joe expressed his appreciation to CSA for the scholarship and said it is very helpful in allowing him to continue his education as a Communications major at San Jose State University. Shelle Jones reported that her family returned from a vacation in Florida. Fortunately it was well before Hurricane Irma. Her husband, Todd, took their sons Mason and Tanner deep sea fishing on a charter boat in Key Largo. To everyone’s surprise, the boys hooked a Grouper, a very large Grouper estimated to be between 12 and 15 pounds. The


fish gave the boys a good fight for about 10 minutes before they finally could reel it in. This was one fish that didn’t get away. In honor of Veteran’s Day, our club has made a donation to the American Legion Local Post 642 for their Wreaths Across American program. The American Legion will be laying wreaths on each veteran’s grave in midDecember. This is part of a national program. If you would like to help, please visit www.WreathAcross American.org. In response to the devastating hurricane floods, our club made a donation to the Salvation Army flood relief program. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected by the flooding. Lodge Golden Gate’s annual Election of Officers meeting will be held on November 3 in San Jose. If you would like to attend, please contact Shelle, our secretary, at (408) 528-9434 or email me at: [email protected]. Guests are always welcome. Fraternally, Walt Strach

Lodge Happenings On Camel Back?

Lodge Cleveland Chapter No. 219, Cleveland, Ohio – First of all, our lodge would like to send our prayers to all the people who were affected by the hurricanes, wildfires and earthquakes. What a sad time for all those who lost their homes and lives. Our lodge has decided to send a donation to the Red Cross to help those in need. We had 16 people attend our September meeting. Our lodge sang “Happy Birthday” to Betty Svaty, Marlette Heryak and Norma Rosoletti, our September birthday ladies. A delicious lunch was provided by Joan Sapp, Kathy Gawrilow and Dolores Clark. Thank you, ladies! We received a thank you note from the Providence House, a thank you note from Diane DiBianca (a national director) for donating small personal items for those in need, and we also received a couple of letters from the Home Office. Kathy Gawrilow made a motion to elect Jan Russell as Fraternalist of the Year and all lodge members agreed. Kathy also made a motion to send Tony and Judy Genco and Jan Russell to Chicago for next year’s Get-Together and all agreed. The building we have our meetings in has been updated. A crumbling wall has been re-bricked, the gym roof has been re-shingled, and a new alarm system will be installed. Our Wednesday morning bowling league has eight teams. Everyone is having a great time. If you are interested, please call June Karecki at 216-9416969. At the moment, we have two teams going to Pittsburgh for the State Tournament on October 7 and 8. It should be a fun time. Lots of events are coming up. Our pork or chicken dinner is on October 25 at the Ceska Sin Sokol Hall. Please call Don Kotlan at 216-228-0027 for reservations. On October 14, our lodge and the Sokol Ceska Sin are holding a Soup Cook Off. Tickets are $10.00 each or one free ticket if you enter a one gallon crock pot of soup. Email Jan Russell at [email protected] for more information. At DTJ farm, there will be a

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chicken and duck dinner on November 5. Call Chris Marek at 440-543-8494 the Wednesday before the dinner for reservations and information. On December 7, there will be a District meeting and Christmas party at the Schnitzel House on Pearl Road in Parma at 11 a.m. All are welcome; lunch is on your own (good food!). Contact Tony Genco at 440-886-2420 if you plan on going. Our Pin Party is on December 10, more details to come.

This month, our lodge brought in backpacks, school supplies, fruit snacks, clothing, etc. to donate to our charity, Providence House. We were able to donate over $900.00 in items. (See picture). Our 50/50 raffle was won by Janet Mix and Freddie Shima. Last but not least, our sister Camille Shima (92 years old!) rode a camel at our local zoo. Way to go, Camille! (see picture). Fraternally yours, Judy (Sevcik) Genco


Lodge Happenings Members Keeping Busy!

Lodge Mile-Hi Czechs, No. 432, Lakewood, Colorado – On May 28, 2017, Mile-Hi Czechs youth member Megan Turner graduated from high school. She is now attending Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. She is majoring in veterinary medicine. In July of 2015, Megan was nominated by her Plains High School music teacher for the Northern Ambassadors of Music Tour of Europe for a 16 day tour of seven European cities. She has also

Megan Turner

Beth and Les Egan the the GTG

Kayleigh Daberkow and Kristen Payer at the GTG

served as a page in the Montana state legislature. On Thursday, August 17, lodge members had lunch at Garramones Italian Restaurant in Lakewood. Mary Campe made our reservation. Thanks, Mary. There were nine of us in attendance. The 81st CSA Get-Together was held in Austin, Texas on August 4 through August 6 this year. Les and Beth Egan; Peter, Vera and Kristin Payer; Ryan, Jenny, Kayleigh and Nolan Daberkow; and Irma Farrell all attended the event. Some members helped with the Saturday morning service project for the Women’s Resource Center in Austin. Baggies were filled with lots of donated personal items. Les and Beth went on the Duck Boat ride that toured downtown Austin, then the Texas State Museum and on to Lake Austin. They said the food was great and plenty of it. They had a fun time. The Daberkows joined Babi Irma Farrell for a fun time in Austin. They visited the aquarium and the children’s museum along with all the festivities at the Get-Together. Kayleigh and Noland enjoyed the polka music and entertained everyone while they were on the dance floor. Dad Peter and grandma Vera Payer attended the Get-Together with Kristin Payer. It was a great trip for the three of them and they had lots of fun. Kristin gave her Miss CSA crown to the Miss CSA from Cedar Rapids. Kayleigh Daberkow gave all the Miss CSA contestants a flower. She had a wonderful time with Kristin and all the

Jenny, Nolan, Ryan, and Kayleigh Daberkow at the GTG


girls. Our lodge has a picture of Kristin at the Get-Together here in Denver when Jenny Farrell Daberkow was a contestant. Kristin was a little older then Kayleigh is right now. Where did the time go? It just flies away. September 10 was the lodge potluck at Bob and Adella Schulz’s lovely home in Lakewood. I can’t believe it but I took my camera and didn’t take one picture. What was I thinking? Irma Farrell introduced Amanda Laukant, a member of Lodge Woodrow Wilson in Chicago, to our membership. After we all ate the wonderful food that our lodge members provided, we held a business meeting. Irma reported on her meeting at the 2017 Annual American Fraternal Alliance in Arizona. She said new products are going to be coming out from the Home Office. A motion was made and passed to make a donations to the Salvation Army Disaster Relief Funds for Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma of $100 each. Mary Campe held the annual trivia game. Her questions this year were about local events and places in Colorado. Irma Farrell won the women’s prize and Ron Fox won the men’s. We all enjoyed learning what we didn’t know about our city and state. Thanks to Adella and Bob Schulz for hosting the September potluck at their lovely home. Fraternally, Maryellen Hruska Vialpando

Front left Mary Camp, Irma Farrell, Maryellen Vialpando, Les and Beth Egan, Bob and Adela Schulz, Barbara Tobiska, and Pat Kenning at Garramoney Restaurant

Lodge Happenings Magic, Concert, Annual Picnic!

Magician Pete getting ready

Lodge Laurel No. 452, StorrsMansfield, Connecticut – Lodge Laurel members have had an exciting summer! On June 29, several of us attended “Magic in the Park” at Memorial Park in Willimantic. We enjoyed the magic tricks. The youngsters especially enjoyed them. On July 25, a group of us kept beat to the Wooden Horse Band at Pompey Hollow Park in Ashford. The kids loved running around and dancing! The adults loved relaxing and listening to the great music! We held our Annual Picnic on August 13 at Mansfield Hollow Park in Mansfield Center. What delicious food we had, and plenty of it! It was a beautiful day for a picnic and we all enjoyed our time together, members and guests alike! We look forward to our Fall meetings and upcoming events. We will hold our Memorial Service sometime in October at St. Philip’s Cemetery in Ashford. Our October meeting is scheduled for the 29th, at which Jeremiah Macht will speak to us about photography. He should have some good tips for us! For more information on the Memorial Service and Lodge happenings, email [email protected]. Fraternally, Marion Varga Scribe

Members and guests feeling the beat at the “Wooden Horse Concert.”

Mason, Kirsten, Rachel and Grace enjoying the magic.

CSA Serves St. Ann’s

Lodge Virginia No. 230, Petersburg, Virginia – The recipient for this year’s CSA Serves is the St. Ann’s Food Pantry in Colonial Heights, Virginia. Lodge Virginia will also be contributing to Canine Companion for Independence. This is the training of service dogs to serve the disabled people. On October 21, the Fifth Virginia Czech-Slovak Festival will be held at the Prince George Regional Heritage Center. Once again, Lodge Virginia No. 230 will be a participant of the Festival. The annual meeting will be held on November 12 at 1:00 p.m. at the Colonial Italian Restaurant, 1 Dunlop Circle, Colonial Heights, Virginia. Fraternally, Janet Zahradka Reiner



Road Trip

Lodge Happenings

Lodge Missouri No. 1, St. Louis, Missouri – Thanks to Učitel Joe Sulz and Marcella Milcic for this story. It was Sunday, March 20, 2016. It was cold and snowflakes as big as half dollars were falling. It was not expected it to stick, so that was good news. My son, Alex, his friend, Joe, and I were traveling to Rosemont, Illinois, just outside Chicago, to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, for a one-day trip. The reason for going was to get an autograph from Dominic Hasek, a Hockey Hall of Famer and All World Czech goaltender, who was signing autographs. The boys were supposed to be at my house at 5 a.m., so when they pulled up at 5:20, it didn’t surprise me. Alex is always late. So when I got outside to Joe’s car, (he was driving}, I started to tell Alex I want to sit in the back so I can sleep, but I was already relegated to the back. That’s fine, because I’m a terrible co-pilot anyway. Not to my surprise, I slept all the way up there. To passers-by, it might have seemed like a scene out of the movie, “Weekend at Bernies”, where two guys transport a corpse all over the place pretending him to be alive. Four hours later, we get to the convention

center. I told the boys I would “wow” the Czech goalie by speaking to him in Czech. I brought two items to be signed – a Hasek Czech jersey and a puck. When we got up to the window to buy tickets, it was a lot more expensive to have an item signed than I thought. So having two items signed was out of the question. Interestingly enough, Alex didn’t buy any tickets. I guess he figures he is going to get mine someday anyway. Smart kid. So I bought my ticket for one item to be signed and we went over to stand in line where Hasek will be. They announced that Hasek was behind a curtain in a photo booth for photo ops, but that required another ticket, so I declined. So we wait about an hour in line and then – there he is. He is sitting at a table and he starts signing items. The line is starting to move slowly now. There is a guy sitting next to him checking the ticket stub you give him, making sure you only get the number of items signed that you paid for. Now it’s my turn, so I give the guy my stub for one item to be signed. As I give the jersey to Hasek to sign, I say to him in Czech, “How are you, Mr. Hasek?” He says in Czech, “Good,” without even looking up.

I thought to myself, so much for wowing him with my Czech. So while Hasek and his aide are stretching the jersey tight enough so he could sign it, I put a hockey puck on the table just in case the material of the jersey was too hard to sign. When he was done signing the jersey, he said, “puck?” and I said in Czech, “Yes, please, Mr. Hasek.” After he signed the puck, I asked him in Czech, “Could I get a picture with you?” He responded in Czech, “Yes.” So I leaned over the table so Alex could snap a picture. I bid the goalie, “thanks and farewell” in Czech, and the three of us left the convention center and headed home. So let’s summarize... instead of buying three tickets, I bought one ticket and got a signed jersey, a signed puck, and a picture. Maybe I did “wow” the goalie with my Czech. For approximately two minutes, I conversed with Dominic Hasek, a Czech goalie, and did not speak one word of English. I think it was a “krásný den!” Mike Wolf, Lodge Missouri No. 1

Lodge Paramount/Southgate No. 372, Maple Heights, Ohio – Summer has been a very busy time for many of our lodge members. Five of our members attended the Get-Together in Austin, Texas. The DiBianca and Dvorak families participated in the service project that included the generous toiletry donations from our lodge members. Later, members enjoyed sightseeing, spending time with old friends, and meeting new ones. We all had a great time. Congratulations to the new Miss National CSA, Sydney Rieckhoff, and the Fraternalist of the Year, Maria Breidenbach. Bruce Marek, President of DTJ District Council, would like to thank the lodge members for all of their volunteer hours during the preparations for Cesky Den (Czech Day) and Obzinky (Harvest Festival). The dumplings, tripe soup, goulash, pork, and sauerkraut took three days to prepare. Afterwards came all the clean-up. A special thank you to Bruce,

Kris, and Aubrey Marek, as well as Melissa Gardner, for all their extra volunteer hours. The attendance was great and the weather was perfect. Remember to attend our October 26 lodge meeting. We will be having a luncheon for the Maple Heights Seniors at the Center. Fried chicken and all the trimmings are on the menu. For musical entertainment we will have Greg Piscura. Please join us. The meeting starts at 10 a.m., lunch is at noon. Please call Fran Weiss for lunch reservations at 330-562-7507. Lodge President Mary Ann Toncar will be leaving on a two-month vacation to Phoenix, Arizona to visit daughter, Suzanne, and then on to Hawaii to visit daughter, Donna and family. Mary Ann will be home after Thanksgiving. We all wish her a happy trip and we will miss her. The November Lodge meeting will be one week earlier. The date is November 16 at the Maple Heights

Senior Center at 10 a.m. with lunch at noon. November is our annual election of Officers and Delegates. Please join us for this important meeting. Other dates to remember: December 10 is D.C. No. 10’s Christmas Lunch and Pin Party to honor our 50 and 75year members at St. Michael’s Party Center. On December 14, our lodge will hold its annual Christmas Luncheon at the Glenwillow Grille on Pettibone Road. Details to follow. Call Fran Weiss for reservations – 330-562-7507. Happy birthday to Jean Garapic and Virg Dvorak. A lodge donation was made to the September Diabetes Walk, the CSA Scholarship Fund, and the Senior Center. Hope to see you at our October meeting. Fraternally, Fran Weiss

October Luncheon for Maple Heights Seniors


Lodge Happenings Upcoming Events

Lodge Prokop Velky No. 137, Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Prokop Velky met on Wednesday, September 6 for a wonderful gathering with 39 members and guests in attendance. It was a great time to be together, celebrating fellowship and enjoying a delicious meal. Our guests were Tom and Loretta Ledvina. Tom is our Regional Director from Vining, Iowa. After the successful 2017 81st Annual CSA Get-Together in Austin, Texas, Prokop Velky was pleased to learn about our two VIP winners. The Miss National CSA Contest winner was Sydney Rieckhoff from Cedar Rapids, a Prokop Velky member. She and her mother, Robyn Rieckhoff, attended this meeting. Our other VIP winner was Wesley Carlson, who obtained the 2017 Kropik Scholarship award. Wesley has been active with Prokop Velky, working with us on many projects over the years. Congratulations to Sydney and Wesley for making us all proud of our wonderful youth members. Prokop Velky members had a pleasant afternoon in Czech Village in Cedar Rapids enjoying the Czech Plus Band on August 27. The concert was sponsored by our lodge with 15 members there wearing their CSA blue volunteer shirts advertising this great organization. CSA brochures and candy were handed out. We are still busy recycling pop tabs, eye glasses, amber pill bottles, card fronts, Vet’s pantry items, and money. Please bring your donations to our regular meeting! Dorothy Ditch

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reported she has delivered 6-8 gallon jugs of pop tabs to the McDonald House. That’s a lot of drinking! Our Wednesday, November 1 meeting is a special meeting as the election of officers for 2018 will take place. Let’s all be a part of this important session. The special attendance award was won by Stan Ditch and he will give his earnings to Sokol Cedar Rapids. Thanks, Stan. Here is a list of past and future events that you might have missed or need to put on your calendar: Sunday, October 1st - Especially for You Breast Walk Wednesday, October 4th - Regular Prokop Velky meeting, Casserole Contest at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 15th - Fall trip to Amana, Iowa; Lunch 2:00 p.m., Play at Old Creamery Theater at 2:30 PM; Reservations are filled. Wednesday, November 1st - Prokop Velky Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Potluck, Election of Officers Wednesday, December 6th - Prokop Velky Member Christmas Party, TBA Tuesday, December 12th - Christmas at Hiawatha Care Center with Mr. & Mrs. Santa. Hope your fall season is full of color and much joy. Our prayers go to all in Texas and Florida. Fraternally, Barbara Edmunds OCTOBER 2017 — CSA JOURNAL — 27

2017 Scholarship Recipients Congratulations!

Crystal Caldwell Queensdale No. 422

Wesley Carlson Prokop Velky No. 137

Diana Caldwell Queensdale No. 422

Kelsey Collier Cleveland Chapter No. 219

Hallie Hnatek DuPage Pioneers/Edison No. 409

Scholarship Fund Report

August 10, 2017 through September 10, 2017

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

IN MEMORY OF MILDRED HUSA CEITHAML Dolores, Ron and Chris Faltynek Lucille & Laddie Lankas Mary A. Bubenicek


Elaine F. Hemzacek

IN MEMORY OF DECEASED MEMBERS Lodge Betsy Ross No. 151

TOTAL DONATIONS

$270.00

2017 Scholarship Recipients

Joshua Hnatek DuPage Pioneers/Edison No. 409

Gregory Jaros Sokol Plzen No. 434

Jennifer Jaros Sokol Plzen No. 434

Ibolya Konkoly Sionilli No. 170

Arden Kurhayez Century of Progress/Bila Hora No. 231

Courtney Kurhayez Century of Progress/Bila Hora No. 231

Isabella Mahmoud DuPage Pioneers/Edison No. 409

Adam Martinson Sokol Plzen No. 434

Alex Martinson Sokol Plzen No. 434

Emily Nejdl Prokop Velky No. 137

Kayleigh Smith DuPage Pioneers/Edison No. 409

Cassandra Stone Brookfield No. 475




Lodge Happenings History Presentations

Lodge Bratri od Sazavy No. 211, Little Ferry, New Jersey – The September meeting of the lodge was held in the Little Ferry Public Library instead of our usual Sokol Hall. We gathered in the room occupied by Little Ferry Historical Society. President of our lodge and President of the Historical Society Frank Zabransky and Vice President of the Historical Society Walter Stauble gave a very interesting presentation on two pieces of Little Ferry history. One was about the many brickyards located in Little Ferry from the 1870s to the 1950s. We learned that bricks from Little Ferry were used all up and down the East Coast, especially in New York City subways, tunnels and even the Empire State building. The second presentation was on the pearl button industry. This was basically a cottage industry. People made buttons in their homes long before mass production. When plastic and machine made buttons came into widespread use, the pearl button industry declined. We also learned that those who made buttons in Little Ferry originally came from Jirovnice in Bohemia. There was a vibrant pearl button industry going on in that city, directed by the Hapsburgs, then rulers of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. We also learned that pearl buttons could be made almost anywhere. There was a large pearl button industry in the midwest. Anywhere you find mollusks - clams, oysters - those buttons could be made. The Historical Society has wonderful displays of old bricks and their molds,

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and pearl buttons from shell to cards of buttons. Members certainly enjoyed learning about these two parts of local history. After the presentation, we continued with our meeting. Brother Frank Zabransky and Sister Carol Tranter gave a report about the Get-Together. It was a big success and, as always, we had a lot of fun. Congratulations to the GetTogether Committee! We are looking forward to next year’s Get-Together and Convention. Sister Blanche Bidnik was not able to attend our July meeting and Pin Party so she was presented with her 50 Year Pin at this meeting. The lodge continues to work on the Lodge Recognition Program. We are striving for Platinum! The October and November meetings will be back in Sokol Hall. At the October meeting, we will gather the fronts of greeting cards to send to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. Sister Carol Tranter will perform a memorial service at our November meeting. In December we will have our Holiday Party. We continue to make crocheted or knitted 5”x7” afghan pieces to send to Warm Up America. If you want to contribute afghan pieces, bring them to a meeting or contact Sister Tranter – [email protected]. We hope to see you at a meeting! Fraternally, Carol Tranter OCTOBER 2017 — CSA JOURNAL — 31

Claim 52314 52315 52316 52317 52318 52319 52322 52323 52327 52328 52329 52330 52331 52332 52333 52334 52335 52336 52338 52339 52340 52341 52342 52343 52344 52345 52346 52347 52348 52349 52354 52355 52356 52358 52359 52361 52363 52364 52365 52366 52367 52369 52370 52371 52372 52373 52375 52376 52377 52378

Name Richard Pur Randel R. Cervantes Rocco F. Esposito Vera Svoboda Robert J. Sevcik Emma H. Ciersezwski Corneilus H. Maher Sandra L. Bethel Anna Drozda Eleanor M. Rejzek Emil G. Rumisek Marilyn A. Michalek Cheryl T. Mc Evoy James J. Basl Richard W. Emanovsky John Bednar Joseph E. Horak, Jr. Mildred Ceithaml William M. Richards Mary M. Kuskowski Rose A. Sass Edward J. Schikora Joseph J. Bielik Elaine D. Medal Veles Davis Blanche Zwerdling Ruth M. Eno Camille Kohoutek Thomas Jansky George Pecina Lon L. Fisher Mary A. Hefflick Ruth A. Vesely Elmer J. Lentz Charlette L. Lentz Jonathan W. Sparks Thomas A. Sraver Neva J. Morgan Vera L. Hala Robert S. Winfrey Mildred D. Kaminski Vincent W. Urbank Angeline J. Antos John P. Wallace Joyce A. Cominsky Margaret Lynch John P. Havelka Mildred L. Gerard Lila J. Vitter Emily J. Pynos

In Memoriam

Lodge 77 181 4 458 306 121 481 4 77 458 411 77 366 230 469 458 372 377 277 66 279 432 211 252 422 211 7 231 99 211 388 422 4 479 479 428 428 121 422 137 66 211 463 372 251 211 277 219 121 4


Place of Death WILLOW SPRINGS, IL COLONA, IL CORAOPOLIS, PA LA CANADA, CA PITTSBURGH, PA NORWALK, OH MANAHAWKIN, NJ PITTSBURGH, PA LEES SUMMIT, MO SEATTLE, WA CHESANING, MI GLEN ELLYN, IL LIVONIA, MI MIDLOTHIAN, VA BROOKSVILLE, ME QUARTZ HILL, CA DEERFIELD, MI CHICAGO, IL BANDERA, TX INDIAN HEAD PARK, IL SHELLSBURG, IA ROSWELL, GA ELMWOOD PARK, NJ SANTA CLARA, CA N. CHARLESTON, SC TOTOWAY, NJ BERWYN, IL ORLAND PARK, IL BONITA SPRINGS, FL ROSELLE, NJ CEDAR RAPIDS, IA SALEM, OR BRIGHTON, MI PITTSBURGH, PA PITTSBURGH, PA VICKSBURG, MS BALTIMORE, MD MC COMB, OH EULESS, TX DES MOINES, IA LOWELL, IN TOMS RIVER, NJ STUART, FL YOUNGSTOWN, OH ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OH BAYONNE, NJ SUGAR LAND, TX GARFIELD HTS., OH DILLONVALE, OH LIGONIER, PA

Date 07/08/2017 07/31/2017 03/19/2017 09/05/2011 07/21/2017 07/15/2017 07/21/2017 12/23/2016 07/26/2017 06/03/2017 07/28/2017 08/03/2017 07/19/2017 06/06/2017 01/23/2017 06/21/2017 07/29/2017 07/01/2017 07/15/2017 04/22/2015 07/09/2017 07/11/2017 05/17/2013 07/25/2017 08/06/2017 03/21/2014 05/03/2017 09/17/2010 08/14/2017 06/23/2017 12/25/2016 02/17/2015 09/17/2005 04/28/2017 11/13/2016 07/31/2017 07/24/2013 08/25/2017 08/05/2011 07/28/2017 04/15/2017 12/18/2010 04/25/2009 08/20/2017 08/18/2016 08/03/2017 02/12/2005 07/29/2017 08/29/2017 08/18/2017

Age 90 58 86 90 91 92 79 76 76 82 92 86 58 67 82 77 66 94 81 94 93 83 86 86 74 99 69 93 83 90 71 94 84 90 90 63 91 83 90 63 84 89 95 73 69 85 85 78 91 84

In Memoriam

Jan Bednář was born on August 8, 1939, in the Vynohrady section of Prague, Czechoslovakia. In Czech he had the nickname Honza, in the US he was known as John. He, along with his father František Bednář and a friend, Pepik Křizek, crossed the Czech-German border in the night of June 21, 1949. They had to make certain that the guard who had been watching them was more drunk than they were. I remember my father saying that he drank more alcohol that evening than ever but was not drunk, he was ready to escape into the US occupied German zone. They crossed near Furth Im Walde in Germany. My mother and I followed a couple weeks later. All I remember of the crossing was that if I made a sound, my mother would give me to the gypsies. She, too, was watched by the guards but somehow managed to walk through the forest when he was not around. It took us another couple of weeks to get together with my father and brother in the refugee camps, since we were at the end of the mass exodus fleeing to the west. We met in Jager Kaserne in Eichstadt. Our family went through many refugee camps as they were consolidated. The last was Funker Kaserne in Bad Cannstadt. The consolidation of many nationalities of various cultures caused daily knife fights. There were rats in the basement, gang toilets on each floor, and bedbugs in the half rooms allocated to families. The education in the camp was a one room school for all ages. Honza, as we called Jan, was a teenager

so my parents sent him to a parochial boarding school to keep him safe from the camp riffraff. I was sent to a German school in Bad Cannstadt accessible by a streetcar. After Bad Cannstadt we moved into a normal two-bedroom apartment. Honza was still in his school away from home and I started in a new German school in Rotweg, only a streetcar ride from home. After six years in Germany, the Bednar family was allowed to immigrate into the USA on Catholic disability visas that were signed off by friends who promised to take care of us if we did not find work. Otta Losenicky signed the papers. He knew our father from the Sanatorium in Garmish Partenkirchen. They were the only two Czechs from Prague, making them instant friends. We flew to New York and took the train to Los Angeles where Otta drove us to his house in the Adams/Hauser district of LA. After my parents found work, we moved to a rented house near them. We arrived on a Friday and Monday both my brother and I were registered in American school, not being able to speak a word of English. Honza and Jana were participating members of Sokol Los Angeles. The boys enjoyed the activities. Honza was the instructor for young boys. They also belonged to CSA Lodge No. 458, attending meetings, volunteering for the annual CSA Heritage Dance organizing committee and other CSA activities. Their children and grandchildren were also members of CSA Lodge No. 458. As the boys grew up, they continued to be involved with Czech heritage activities. Honza’s son Dwayne was one of the Sokol Czech Dancers under the direction of Helen and Joe Jakl. They performed during the 1984 Olympics in LA. The family also belonged to WFLA Golden West Lodge No. 377. The family remembers the good times at Dinkey Creek camp as they were growing up. They spent many annual vacation trips there with their many Sokol friends. The parents and the boys participated in the local Sokol exhibits. Jana and John were dedicated to Sokol and other Czech American organizations. John participated in many of the plays performed at Sokol Hall in the late 50s and early 60s.


When their youngest son graduated high school, Jana and Honza moved to Quartz Hill in the Antelope Valley. They liked the dry heat, sunny days, and clear days and nights. Their sons married and gave them the joy of grandchildren. Eight wonderful young adults of a new generation of Bednar family were the result of Jana and Jan’s loving family. Both were very proud of their children and grandchildren. They are a close family that gathers together to help each other with every challenge they face. Though the far reaching family is now living in South Dakota, Nevada and California, they still get together several times a year. In February 2013, Jana and Honza celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. In December 2013, he lost his beloved wife and had a hard time staying in their home. He missed her terribly. He decided to move to Mayflower Gardens. He was very social and made friends easily. He organized barbecues for friends in the summer. All who knew him liked him. He was a kind and helpful person. He is survived by many friends, his three sons David, Dwayne and Dean with their wives, Pam, Wendy, and Tara and his eight grandchildren, Emily, Andrew, Lauren, Katelyn, Tyler, Weston, Cody and Madison along with their spouses and his brand new great-grandson Leo Joseph. Honza also left behind his two Hlavacek nephews, Allen and Steven Hlaváček and niece Carrie Ridenour, and their spouses and children along with his sister, Kathy Hanken, and a niece and nephew, Samantha and Richard Hanken, with their spouses. The large extended family in the USA and the huge Košnar and Kazda family descendants in the Czech Republic mourn his passing as well as all his friends. He died unexpectadly at the USC hospital in LA on June 21, 2017. He was laid to rest in a crypt with Jana at Forest Lawn at Hollywood on Thursday, July 13, 2017. K. Hanken


Lodge Happenings Recalling September 11

Lodge Harrison/Hus/Garfield No. 378, Cicero, Illinois – We gathered on September 11 for our fall lunch at Czech Plaza. There were 12 members includ-

ing our guest Amanda Lovell, Fraternal Director. I passed around the program book from the GTG to show our ad. Amanda talked about the GTG this

August, discussing the Miss CSA Contest and the events of the weekend. Collette Clayton talked about her cruise this summer, which included a stop in Cuba. Amanda also said she was on a cruise just before tropical storm Irma. This being the 16th anniversary of 9/11, I asked all to recall what they were doing that morning. Members were updated on events this fall. Our Christmas party will be December 9; letters will be sent out. The November meeting on the 6th is our annual meeting. Plan on attending, as this is our election. Join us for our meetings at noon at TG Masaryk School in Cicero. Ken Dvorsky

Annual Memorial Service Planned

Lodge DuPage Pioneers/Edison No. 409, Lombard, Illinois – Our September meeting saw members and guests gathered in the Heritage Room of CSA’s Home Office for a brief meeting followed by our Movie Night featuring the film, “Lion.” President Jerry Gaydusek reviewed Lodge activities for the remainder of the year. We will have busy October, November and December meetings. Our Lodge held its annual Penny Social during their October meeting. A brief meeting was held, food and refreshments served, before members were let loose to bid on a room full of donated and purchased goods. This event, coordinated by lodge VP Lyn Burton, the Gayduseks, and Gerri Romanelli, is a traditional fundraiser which helps our lodge make significant donations to the charities we have chosen for 34 — www.csalife.com - OCTOBER 2017

this year-Honor Flights, West Suburban Food Pantry and Fisher House at Hines Veteran Hospital. We are thankful for the generous monetary and gift contributions which make this event a success year after year. Our November 13 meeting, as well as the election of officers and delegates to the Convention, will be held at Home Run Inn Pizzeria at 75 & Lemont Road at 6:00 p.m. Members will be paying and selecting dinner entrees from the menu. We will hold our annual Memorial Service and discuss volunteer activities for 2018. Our Christmas Dinner Meeting and Party will be held on December 13 once again at Sawa’s Old Warsaw. Our meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. We will hold a raffle to increase our charitable giving and wish members a great holiday season by holding a Christmas Card exchange. Dinner is compliments of the Lodge! Please call Helen Gaydusek at the Home Office by December 1 if you are planning to attend our Christmas gala. Scott Nekolny of Loveland, Ohio, son of Lodge Secretary John Nekolny and wife Joann, recently competed in, and finished, his second marathon race which was held at the Air Force base in Dayton, Ohio. As part of the 26-mile race, runners had to run down one of the airport runways! The entire Nekolny Family and Lodge members are so proud of Scott and his accomplishment! Way to go, Scott! Happy Halloween Birthday to our treasurer Helen Gaydusek! Love ya,’ Helenka! Hope to see all our members at our November and December meetings. Trick or Treat! Gerri Romanelli

Superstitions

M U C S S X L E R Z A W U P O N O P X H I S S S D K M M H P A V O I C R Z E R S V K B O A A P F R E T N E O C Y C R T L E M P D B Z K H R B I

E E O S

A Z D L N W T C R B A I L G E B A E V E W E G I U D O L R O L

B G Z S S U N M V F H A A H

S U P E R S T I T H Y J

I O N S P S

J R E R N B K H Q L H E

Just Kids Send Just Kids your stories, riddles, etc. Mail: Just Kids, c/o the CSA Journal, P.O. Box 249, Lombard, IL 60148

Email to: [email protected]

Get Me Out of Here!

N B L A C K C A T S D N I S S G Z D O O W N O K C O N K L R A E P O O P D R I B E L

B G U U R O

I E F S G K H V C D L H

B B E H T N H Y K D K D K Y T

APPLES BELIEFS BLACK CATS GROANING CHEESE HORSE SHOES KNOCK ON WOOD LADDERS

LUCK MIRRORS NEW BROOM OPALS PHOTOGRAPHS SUPERSTITIONS UMBRELLAS

Czech to English

Zaří…………………………………………….…….October (Zá-ří) Černá kočka…………………..……….….black cat (čer-ná koč-ka) Očarovat………………………………..witchcraft (o-čar-ovat) Čarodějnice………………………….……..witch (čar-o-děj-ni-ce) Pověra……………………………………..superstition (po-vě-ra) Darebnost………………………....trick (trick or treat) (dar-eb-nost) Neb……………………………….………..…or (trick or treat) (neb) Častovat………………………..……treat (trick or treat) (čas-to-vat) Kouzelník…………………………………...magician (kou-zel-ník) Předvečer všech svatých...Halloween (před-ve-čer všech sva-tých) /

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If you’re a CSA member who is 17 years old or younger, we want to hear from you! Did you join a new club at school, start playing for the basketball team, or maybe you received an A on a science project... we want you to tell us about it! Send an article with photos (we love to see them) to Amanda at [email protected]. OCTOBER 2017 — CSA JOURNAL — 35

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