September 2004 Journal - CSA Fraternal Life

the

Journal

October 2016

The History of Voting Page 11

The Anniversary of Indepedent Czechoslovakia Page 18 In this issue...

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 18

On the Cover

Uncle Sam graces the cover of this month’s issue in honor of our American right to vote. 2 — www.csalife.com - OCTOBER 2016

20 21 23 28 31 32 35

President’s Piece Calendar of Events Today’s Fraternal Message from the Secretary Miss CSA Czech Answer to Oktoberfest Old Fashioned Home Cooking II Voting Anniversary of Independent Czechoslovakia District Council Lodge Happenings Scholarship Fund Report Fraternal Well Wishes Happy Anniversary In Memoriam Just Kids

President’s Piece Report From the American Fraternal Alliance Meeting Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I hope the month of October finds everyone well.

As it always seems to happen, here we are already in October. The months seem to fly by. We continue to be busy here in the Home Office with, in addition to the day-to-day operations, a number of ongoing projects. On top of all of this, the year-end is right ahead of us. Needless to say, planning for yearend processing, and all that goes with that, will continue keeping things hopping around here.

One of the recent “goings on” for CSA, as well as other Fraternal Societies, was the annual American Fraternal Alliance meeting. CSA was again represented well at the meeting. Three of our board members, Tom Ledvina, Paul Vavrasek, and Ken Dvorsky…along with our three executives, Jim Kovac, Matt Koski, and I, were in attendance for the two-day event which was held in early September.

In some of my past articles, I’ve discussed the importance of these meetings. We, again, got quite a lot out of the few days that we were there. We were able to communicate with the AFA leadership, as well a re-connect with some of our peer Fraternals. Utilizing these contacts will continue to help CSA continue on the modest growth plan that we’ve been overseeing. Within the Conference, a number of meetings / breakout sessions were held that we were able to have attendees at. Some of the topics included how to potentially pool resources to keeps costs down on some of our services, update(s) on regulatory issues that may affect Fraternals, suggestions on keeping our Convention efficient, building / enhancing our “Brand,” as well as a keynote that

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touched on how to compete in today’s world while being an entity that isn’t huge. To close out the meeting, a speaker on how the Presidential Election that is only weeks away may affect the Financial Industry.

Ultimately, a lot was packed into those two days…and it was again worthwhile.

In the weeks and months ahead, I’ll be heading out to a number of Lodges throughout the land. I’m looking forward to seeing and visiting with you… our members. Of course, in future articles, I’ll pass along the update on some of the travels, as well as any news that we’ll have to report.

As always, feel free to reach out to me, or any of us here at the Home Office, if you have questions or thoughts on something. We truly love hearing from you.

John J. Kielczewski CLU, FLMI, President

As always, be safe. Until next month, Your brother, John J. Kielczewski, CLU, FLMI President, CSA Fraternal Life

Voting is a right best exercised by people who have taken time to learn about the issues. Tony Snow

I believe that voting is the first act of building a community as well as building a country. John Ensign

OCTOBER 2016 — CSA JOURNAL — 3

Calendar of

Events

Sunday, October 23, 2016 Czech Holiday Faire Moravian Cultural Society Hinsdale Community House 415 W. 8th St. Hinsdale, IL Vendors, Food, Drinks, Raffle. 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. [email protected] Sunday, November 6, 2016 26th Annual Slovak Heritage Festival 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. – Commons Room Univ. of Penn. 1228 Cathedral of Learning Free Street Parking For details, see http://www.pitt.edu/ -Slovak Studies Program

Sunday, December 4, 2016 D.C. No. 12 Cultural Division Holiday Party Crystal Sky Banquets 7941 W. 47th St. McCook, IL Doors open at noon, Dinner at 1 p.m. $25 per person Music, Bingo, Raffle, Lodge Officers Honored Contact: Caroline at 708-387-9423

4 — www.csalife.com - OCTOBER 2016

Volume 126 No. 9 October 2016

A Dynamic Magazine “Dedicated to Our Membership”

ÚREDN´ I ORGÁN JEDNOTY CESKOSLOVENSKYCH SPOLKU V AMERICE

Phone: 800-543-3272 FAX: 630-472-1100 Email CSA: [email protected] Website: www.csalife.com Editor-in-Chief, Gerri Romanelli Editor: Cynthia Hall, [email protected] Contributing Staff: Amanda Lovell

CSA MISSION STATEMENT

Saturday, November 12, 2016 Czech Festival at the American-Czech Educational Center 4690 Lansdowne Avenue St. Louis, MO 63116 Czech Food, Czech Pastry, Czech Music, Imported Czech Beer, Plus Booths, Games, and Raffles. Dinners served starting at 11:00 a.m. Call 314-752-8168 or visit us on Facebook at American-Czech Educational Center Sunday, November 13, 2016 Annual St. Cecilia’s Dinner Dance Mayfield Banquets 6072 S. Archer Ave. Chicago, IL $30/$15, 12 yrs. and under Doors open at 11:45 a.m., Dinner at 1 p.m. Music until 5 p.m. RSVP by 11/10/16 Contact: Ed Sasin 773/889-4588 or [email protected]

CSA Journal

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

CSA Leadership

National Officers 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 Why We Should Vote Dear Sisters and Brothers,

By now, we’re all weary of politicians, their speeches, the talking heads who explain the speeches, and the never ending TV ads. Can we believe any of the polls? Just why is the Electoral College still viable? Does this current campaign season really reflect how we Americans elect our President? Our concerns are legitimate. The past twelve months have been filled with more than the usual amount of animosity and mud-slinging. Historically and traditionally, our President, Senators and Congressmen were considered role-models and statesmen. Today, with 24/7 media coverage, and spontaneous feedback on social media, there is no place to hide. This immediacy has given us a clear picture of our candidates and the electorate’s response. Recognizing the problems we face can lead to feeling powerless, but we can make our voices heard. Vote! The right to vote is a by-product of the freedom we’ve fought so hard to win since Revolutionary times. Men fought and died for this right. Brave Suffragettes risked prison to win voting rights for women. The disenfranchised have long fought restrictive voting laws and “irregularities” to vote for the candidate of their choice. With all of the challenges ahead, the economy, employment, education, and violence from within and without, why would any responsible American choose not to vote?

Have you heard someone say, “I don’t like either candidate, I’m not going to vote?” Franklin Roosevelt had the best reply: “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” The bottom line is that it is our responsibility to respect the democratic process and do our duty as citizens. The media claim this is one of the most important elections ever; it will determine our future for years to come. Our votes lend credibility to the electoral process, and ultimately will steer the course of our country. Voting requires intelligent choices. To do this we have to educate ourselves: read, listen, ask questions. State and local elections require special attention as those lawmakers can enact legislation which may affect us on a very personal level – think schools and taxes. Do their platforms include proposals to promote growth and opportunities? Are they acting on our behalf? Knowing who we elect is key to the solutions we seek. The

Gerri Romanelli, CSA Fraternal Director

evening news with 20-second sound bites will not give us the facts we need. November 8, Election Day, is fast approaching. We still have time for the due diligence necessary to examine the facts and arrive at reasonable conclusions to make our final decision. No matter what candidate we choose to support, remember that voting is a fundamental right that many other nations and peoples are denied. Let’s go out there and make our votes count. Gerri Romanelli Editor-in-Chief Fraternal Director [email protected]

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Message from the Secretary Your Vote Does Count a position. With these elections, important decisions can proceed about volunteering time, selecting activities to participate in, and how to spend Lodge resources. We must not take these elections lightly. The members who are chosen for these important positions determine the direction of the Lodge for the upcoming year.

Matthew Koski, Executive Secretary/COO/CRO

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It is hard to believe yet another year has passed, and once again we have arrived at CSA Lodge election time. Many of you will be seeking an officer position in your local Lodge, while others will cast votes to help their candidate secure

Medicine Bottles

We are collecting clear, clean amber medicine bottles, buttons and unusual, foreign or limited edition stamps. Send your items to:

CSA Fraternal Dept. 2050 Finley Rd., Ste. 70 Lombard, IL 60148

By the time this issue reaches you, our nation’s Presidential contest will be nearing an end. The seemingly limitless stream of political ads across all media, both old and new, will cease. Heather reminded me that our landline will stop ringing with requests to complete some political survey.

Here in the United States of America we have the privilege to be able to stand up for what we individually believe in and then cast a vote for the person who best embodies those beliefs when the time comes. All ought to take the time to

vote whether it be on the national level or even in our Lodges. That is the way our opinion is heard. Bill Vaughan, the American columnist and author, wrote, “A citizen of America will cross the ocean to fight for democracy, but won’t cross the street to vote in a national election.” Too many of us sit back and let others make the decisions for us. We need to feel confident enough to voice our opinions, and voting is a way for us to be heard.

This upcoming election season, take the opportunity to have a more active role in your Lodge and your community. Simply stated; Vote! “If you think that one individual can’t make a difference in the world, consider what one cigar can do in a nine-room house,” also Vaughan. Your vote does count! Fraternally, Matthew Koski Secretary, COO, CRO

Spring Beauty from Fall Planting

Nothing can compete with the beauty of flowering plants. Using containers to grow plants and flowers can add dimension to large and small gardens alike. Even bulbs can be successfully grown in containers. Simply choose a fairly deep container or pot, and add a layer of rocks to the bottom to provide drainage. Next add a thin layer of soil. On top of this layer place your bulbs. To get the most out of your mini garden, use a variety of different types of bulbs. The first layer could be a mixture of large tulip and daffodil bulbs. Add another layer of soil and then place smaller bulbs, such as crocus or snowbells. Add a final layer of soil. When spring returns, your pot will begin by blooming your crocus, and other smaller plants. After they have finished blooming, you will see your tulips and daffodils. You will have flowers all spring long from one single pot.

To ensure success, choose a pot that will be sturdy in the wind, but will not be too heavy to lift when filled. If you live in a climate that experiences severe freezes, you will need to move your pot into a cool spot of your home. Do not let your pot get too warm. If you leave your pot outside, be sure to water your pot regularly if you experience long periods with no precipitation. If your pot is inside, you will need to water on a regular basis all season long.


Miss CSA

Brothers and Sisters, The fall is one of my favorite times here at Ole Miss because, if you didn’t know, The University of Mississippi is known for and ranked the #1 football tailgating school in the country! Football is huge in the south! Every Saturday feels like Christmas morning! Whether the game is at 6 at night or 11 in the morning, all the students, family, friends, and alumnae gather at the Grove to tailgate, catch up and cheer on the mighty Rebels. The grove has been defined by Wikipedia as, “A legendary tailgating located at the center of the University’s campus.” It is 10 acres of beautiful scenery consisting of huge maple and oak trees that provide shade during the hotter days. No matter the temperature, fans gather every home game to celebrate Ole Miss football. The Grove is filed with over 2,500 tents and over 100,000 of the most loyal fans. On Friday night at around 7:30, people rush onto the grass and place their tents in preparation for Saturday morning. Ole Miss fans come from all over to set up extraordinary tents filled with the extravagant decorations including chandeliers, chocolate fountains, TVs, tables of the tastiest southern food, and the best fans around. This past weekend Ole Miss played Alabama, which is one of our biggest rivals. We were hoping for a 3rd year win, sadly we barley lost with a score of 48-43, we’ll get them next year! There’s no doubt in my mind that attending an

Ole Miss football game in the Grove should be on everyone’s bucket list. In fact, it is listed on the top 100 things to do before you die. Hotty Toddy Rebs, let’s beat those dawgs in our game against Georgia this coming weekend! Kristin Payer


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The Czech Answer to “Oktoberfest”

While Germany and many other countries, including the United States, are celebrating a traditional Oktoberfest featuring bratwurst sandwiches, different kinds of ale and beer, and ethnic music and dancing, the Czechs have come up with their own festival: the annual Czech Beer Festival held in Prague! This event attracts thousands of Czechs as well as visitors each year.

keep things simple and organized, the festival has its own currency which is used to purchase mugs and liters of beer as well as food. Of course, what would any Czech fest be without food? Czech chefs and bakers from around Prague proudly feature their best dishes and bakery. There’s also a tent which offers tastes of foreign beers little known outside the Czech Republic.

“Your money is no good here” is the prevailing attitude. To

www.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/ideas/europes-best-beer-festivals/

Running 17 days, the event is held in gigantic tents generally filled to capacity. Past attendance was close to 200,000 with about half being visitors. Czechs like their beer! On average, 320 pints per person are consumed each year. This year’s event offered over 100 different brews.

Plans for the 2017 Beer Festival are already underway. The dates of the festival have yet to be finalized, but rest assured there will be one next year!

The American Friends of the Czech Republic list th eir Top Ten favorite beers:

1. Staropramen - This home-town favorite, brewed in the Smíchov district, has a light, fruity flavor. It owes its popularity as much to marketing as it does to local enthusiasm. 2. Pilsner Urquell - The best-known Czech beer on the international market comes from Plzen, which is 80 km southwest of Prague. This beer has a strong, hoppy flavor. 3. Krušovice - The Krušovice brewery, established by Rudolph II, produces this sweet and somewhat flat beer. There is a syrupy dark (tmavé ) variety. 4. Budweiser - Brewed in the town of Ceské Budejovice, the beer is no relation to the American Budweiser. 5. Velkopopovický Kozel - This beer is very a strong, smooth beer, often considered the world’s finest. 6. Velvet - This sophisticated stout, brewed by Staropramen, is catching on in Prague and other larger cities. 7. Gambrinus - This beer, the best-selling one in the country, comes in both light and dark varieties. 8. Bernard - This unpasteurized beer has a distinct, bitter-sweet flavor and a hoppy aroma. 9. Herold - This beer is actually brewed by Americans in Bohemia. The centuries-old recipe produces a caramel, malty brew. 10. Braník - Braník is made with actual river water from the Vltava, giving it its distinct flavor.


Old Fashioned Home Cooking Part II

The following article was written by Sis. Adella Schulz of Lodge Mile-Hi Czechs No. 432.

(Our assignment in Writer’s Group was to tell about the foods we ate growing up. It was an easy piece to write since I inherited a rich heritage from my Czech parents and our farm life.) Old Fashioned Home Cooking (Part II)

After the war, Mom mostly made pies from the rhubarb, cherries and apples that we grew. Her pie crusts were the flakiest and made from lard. Her specialty, however, was yeast dough for Kolaches (the national pastry). She filled them with either ground poppy seed filling, cottage cheese filling or freshly diced rhubarb, cherries, or blue plums in the late summer. In the winter she used either dried prunes or dried apricots for the filling. She also made crescent dinner rolls and regular dinner rolls. When Mom came through the door at a church bazaar, the women would whisper, “Here comes, Madeline, better line up if you want her pastries.”

I looked forward to roast goose with bread dressing for holidays. She stuffed it with white bread giblet stuffing seasoned with spices, garlic and onion and even covered the goose with it. I try to make the same stuffing, but it doesn’t taste as good as hers did. On Christmas Eve she prepared a baked encrusted white fish in keeping with the Catholic tradition. And again on Christmas day we had yet another roasted goose or sometimes duck. I looked forward to the elementary school closing day picnic each May at my one room school. Mom made a delicious potato salad that I have learned to imitate as well as fried chicken. The school picnic was special because the dads set aside their plows and attended. We enjoyed the game of softball they played with us kids.

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I looked forward to thrashing time when the neighbor men and the trashing crew descended on our place to garner the wheat and oats. We ate like royalty. Mom prepared a mid-morning lunch consisting of homemade rolls with store-bought bologna. This was the only time we ever had bologna and it tasted great with the rolls. She also packed in Kolaches and coffee that I would take out to the crew in the field. Then she served up a spread at noon at the dining room table that took extra leaves in order to accommodate them all. For afternoon break, Dad treated the men with cold Storz beer he kept cold in the stock tank water.

After we moved to Denver, one of my co-workers said to me, “You must try a French Dip sandwich sometime.” When I ordered it I thought, I have been eating French Dip sandwiches on the farm long before they were in demand in the city. Mom canned meat in Mason jars. This process took browning two inch chunks of cornfed beef in a large black iron pan and baked in the wood stoked oven. The juices were poured over the meat that had been packed into the jars and placed in a canner to process. That juice was some of the best Au Jus I have ever tasted in my life, unlike the weak packaged stuff we

often get nowadays.

Fresh fryers were the best, yet I am happy to say I don’t miss butchering them for daily sustenance. During the summers of my high school years, I worked as a caregiver/homemaker for an elderly lady. They needed someone to cook and bake and, yes, butcher chickens. The lady’s daughter and I butchered 50 fryers one day and packed them into cartons to be stored in a rented frozen food locker at a nearby grocer. Throughout the course of my working lifetime, no matter how distasteful my job got, I always reminded myself it beat butchering chickens.


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Czechin’ In...

24 Hour Polka Place Elsie, Michigan 91.3 FM Live Stream: www.ovidelsie.org WOES FM

Letters to the editor...

We are happy to present this interactive forum for our members. A few things to keep in mind when submitting a letter to the editor: •Comments must include your name and lodge name. No anonymous comments will be published.

•Responses should be concise and timely; don’t wait three or four months to comment on an article or feature.

•Due to space constraints or policy, not all suggestions can be implemented.

•We welcome all opinions. We not only want to hear compliments, but suggestions as well. Comments deemed unsuitable will not be published. Remember, the Journal is sent to other fraternal organizations, libraries, politicians and Czech sister societies. We will print as many of your letters as space allows. Comments can be sent to [email protected] or [email protected] or faxed to 630-472-1100.

Gerri Romanelli, Editor-in-Chief

By voting, we add our voice to the chorus that forms opinions and the basis for actions. Jens Stoltenberg

I love voting day. I love the sight of my fellow citizens lining up to make their voices heard. Beth Broderick


Czechoslovak Sunday Radio Hour Cicero, Illinois - Sundays 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. WCEV 1450 AM www.wcev1450.com (click on surfer network)

New Czech Voice of Cleveland Sundays 3:03 p.m. – 4:03 p.m. Simulcast: www.whkwradio.com (Click “Listen”) WHKW 1220 AM New Host: John Sabol

Cedar Rapids Czech Radio Sunday Morning Polka Show - 9:05 a.m. – Noon KMRY 1450 AM 93.1 FM Streaming audio at www.kmryradio.com Host: Dave (Kralik) Franklin Czech, German, American music by request.

The Polish Polka Program St. Louis, MO - Sunday 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. WEW 770 AM Polish and Czech Polka Favorites

The Polka Showcase with Rich Biela Wheeling, WV, Ohio Valley Area Czech, Polish & Slovenian Favorites Sundays, 9:05 a.m. - 10 a.m. E.S.T. AM 1600 or AM 1370 Stream online: www.watchdognetwork.com Or listen live via the Tunein Radio App on your smart phone or tablet.

We Need Your Help

In order to communicate more effectively with our lodges, Home Office management is requesting that each lodge provide at least one email address of an officer or active member. In this way, directives or urgent messages can be received by lodges in a timely manner in order to better inform their members on matters of importance or interest.

An email address can be sent via our Website homepage at csalife.com, see “Member Email Request” on the right side of the page, or emailed to: [email protected] or [email protected] or phoned in to the Fraternal Department at 800-543-3272.

Your response is very much appreciated.

The History of Voting

Why don’t some of us bother to vote? Do we not care? Do we not understand our history? It’s important to reflect back on our complex, not-always-glamourous past. Our country’s first election came in 1789 after the American Revolution – a fight for our independence that cost us many lives. Not everyone could participate in this endeavor, however; you had to be a white male who owned property. This stipulation was set in place for almost 80 years, up until after the Civil War. Once slavery became abolished, all men, regardless of color, were then given the right to vote... sort of.

Ultimately, the people in power were threatened by all of these new eligible voters. They tried to stop the newly freed slaves with violence and dishonorable new requirements like literacy tests and poll taxes. The fight continued for another 100 years before the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965, which outlawed these unfair barriers.

Women didn’t have it any easier. State by state they organized protests and fought for their right to vote until 1920. Although


the updated law allowed for everyone the ability to vote, you still had to be 21 years old in most states. Once the government started to enforce the draft for Vietnam, across the country, young adults demanded that everyone 18 and over be allowed to vote. As the popular slogan says, “Old enough to die; old enough to vote.”

Since then, young people’s votes have played a crucial role in the outcome of major elections. In 2008 when Barack Obama, our first black candidate, had a real chance to become President, 18-29 year olds showed up in record numbers at the polls. So this election year, what is your reason to vote? What policies are important to you? We look forward to seeing you at the polls! Sources: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-u-s-presidential-election


The Electoral College: A Process, Not a Place

Let’s take a closer look at how Americans elect a president and vicepresident every four years. Our founding fathers, the Framers of the Constitution, came up with this process. Under the Electoral College system, Americans do not directly vote for a president and vice-president. Instead, we select a group of people, known as “electors,” who pledge to vote for their chosen candidate. Why not just vote for the candidate directly? The founding fathers thought it would be too chaotic and prone to error if citizens were to vote for their leaders directly.

take-all system.

This system is not perfect. The candidate who wins the presidency may not have gotten the most popular votes. Examples: Rutherford B. Hayes (1876), Benjamin Harrison (1888), and George W. Bush (2000). Despite the quirks, the Electoral College is one of our government’s solid, lasting compromises, laid out by our founding fathers.

How the Electoral College works: Each U.S. state is assigned a different number of electors equal to the number of the state’s Senators (always two) and the number of Representatives (determined by state population). Electors are chosen by political parties based on party service and loyalty. Whoever wins the most popular votes in that state receives all of the state’s electoral votes – a winner


Sources: http://www.dadsworksheets.com/2008/1 0/21/2008-electoral-college-ball-goteam/ http://www.history.com/topics/electoralcollege https://www.theodysseyonline.com/theelectoral-college-and-its-issues

Pros and Cons of the Two-Party System

PRO

PRO: The two-party system helps people decide who to vote for.

CON

Because there are only two parties to choose from, voters would have an easier time deciding for whom to vote. CON: The two-party system self-perpetuates through a pluralist system.

Forty-eight out of 50 U.S. states and D.C. are given electoral votes on an all-ornothing basis. If a candidate wins 51% of Florida votes, then that means he gets all of the electoral votes. Although it’s easier to see where the votes are going, it limits the chances of a third party to get its candidate recognized, much less voted, by the people.

O R P

PRO: The two-party system makes it easier for worthy candidates to run for public office.

Aside from coming up with the campaign funds, these political parties can provide a base of support and help mobilize materials to entice people into supporting their candidates. CON: The two-party system could lead to partisanship.

CON

In countries where there are multiple parties, the winning candidates have to form a coalition with those who lost in order to effectively run the country. However in a two-party system, one group spends most of its time undermining the other group. This could result in unnecessary legislations being passed while the government works with less efficiency.

PRO

party a waste of vote and a disengagement from the normal political process. It is also common for Americans to feel like they end up voting for a candidate they don’t truly want.

O R P

PRO: The two-party system is easier to grasp by promoting common positions.

When two parties hold opposing view, it’s easier to choose a side. Additionally, each group is forced to take a centrist view and dismiss radical extremes in order to avoid endangering their respective parties.

CON

CON: The two-party system limits debate.

In a two-party system, a larger consensus within the group glosses over the finer points on certain topics, resulting in a limiting debate.

Source: http://greengarageblog.org/10-essential-pros-andcons-of-a-two-party-system

Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country and this world. Sharon Salzberg Young people need to vote. They need to get out there. Every vote counts. Educate yourself, too. Don’t just vote. Know what you’re voting for, and stand by that. Nikki Reed

PRO: The two-party system makes the government simpler and more effective.

Having fewer groups makes it easier to contact, collaborate, schedule events, inform the public, increase the potential for more debates, and increase public awareness of major issues. The parties link different branches of government at the federal, state, and local levels, enabling politicians to form coalitions and accomplish their plans. CON: The two-party system makes people feel like they have no other choice.

CON

It is common to consider voting for a third-

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Eight Ways to Swing an Election Voter Caging

This is the process of sending mail to the addresses of registered voters, banking on the fact that some mail will be undeliverable (i.e., the voter has moved). The intent is to challenge these specific voters when they show up at the polls. The most famous instance occurred in 1981, when thousands of letters were sent to voters in New Jersey, hoping to block many individuals from voting.

Lying Flyers

Flyers created by anonymous sources with incorrect voting information have been distributed in recent years. In 2008 in Virginia, flyers told Democrats to vote on an incorrect date. In 2004 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, flyers were distributed in certain neighborhoods, warning residents that they couldn’t vote if a family member was convicted of a crime.

Reprehensible Robocalls

Deceptive robocalls have given people false election information. In 2011, Paul E. Schurick (a former campaign manager) was convicted of ordering thousands of robocalls to voters, telling them that they could stay home and “relax” because the Democratic candidate, Martin O’Malley, had already won.

Voter ID Laws

Various voter ID laws have been written in order to exclude forms of ID carried by certain constituencies (e.g., a gun license may be accepted over a student ID).

Voter Purges

States are supposed to keep voter rolls current, but at times, removals of dead or non-valid voter registrations are done recklessly, and in turn, valid voters are disenfranchised. In 2011, Florida and Colorado tried to purge groups of alleged “noncitizens” on the rolls, although many of them were perfectly eligible to vote.

The Menacing Billboard

Billboards stating that “voter fraud is a felony” have been popping up in various swing states, particularly in minority neighborhoods. The billboards are an intimidation tactic, and leave the impression that if you go to the polls, there might be somebody there to take you to jail or fine you.

Poll Watchers

These individuals are representatives of a candidate, political party, civic organization, or proposition who are legally allowed to be in the polling place to observe the conduct of the election. Some believe that these poll watchers intimidate – equivalent to driving a car while a police officer casually drives behind you... a situation that can make anyone nervous.

Banning Early Voting

Early voting helps cut down on long lines and assist Americans who may not be able to get to the polls on Election Day. Various states such as Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia have cut down on early voting. Sources: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/11/election-dirty-tricks


Gerrymandering

Gerrymandering is the process of giving one political party an advantage by redrawing district lines. Each party wants to gain as many districts as possible so they can obtain benefits, which includes controlling the state budget or setting themselves up to win more districts in the future.

In Massachusetts in 1812, under the leadership of Governor Elbridge Gerry, state senate election districts were redrawn to favor his Democratic-Republican Party. When mapped, a contorted district in the Boston area was said to resemble a salamander, and so, the term “gerrymandering” was born (Gerry + salamander).

There are two processes that help political parties gain advantage: packing a district and cracking a district. Packing is the process of drawing district lines in a way that stuffs your opponents like cattle into as few districts as possible. If more districts equals more votes, the fewer the districts there are, the fewer the votes the opposition will get. This in turn decreases the opposing voters’ strength, therefore weakening them.

Cracking is the opposite – taking one district and cracking it into several pieces, usually done in districts where the opponent has many supporters. Supporters are spread over many districts, denying the opponent a lot of votes. A group of people who would generally vote for one party is known as a voting bloc, and cracking is a way to break them all up.

Politicians think of creative ways to draw districts every few

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years. When election time comes around and citizens are asked to vote, be sure to look up the shape of not only your district, but the surrounding districts as well. How wide are they? Are they relatively the same shape? How many other districts does your district touch? The results may surprise you! Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcUDBgYodIE


A Story of Women’s Suffrage: Lucy Burns and Her Ladies

The first people to ever picket the White House were the women wanting to vote, and yes, they were arrested.

Lucy Burns was a prominent suffrage leader in the U.S. She was arrested for her suffrage activities. A group of women held parades, lobbies, pageants, and elaborate activities to attract the public and members of Congress. They decided to picket the White House – perhaps the first case of political protesting in front of the White House. Burns was imprisoned at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia in November 1917 after she and other women were arrested for picketing in support of a federal amendment granting women the right to vote.

On paper, these women had been charged with “obstructing traffic,” when in fact, they were actually being put in prison for politically protesting. Burns and Alice Paul, co-leader of the National Woman’s Party, prompted hunger strikes while in prison. Ultimately Burns was force fed via feeding tube in her nostril – a complete violation of her body in an attempt to break her spirit, humiliate her, and leave her powerless.

After a long, grueling road to equality, millions of American women exercised their right to vote for the first time on Election Day in 1920. It took nearly 100 years to win that right, and the campaign was not easy. On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was finally ratified, thus liberating all American women and declaring that for the first time, they deserve all the rights and responsibilities of citizenship that men have enjoyed. Source: http://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/thefight-for-womens-suffrage


What’s a Libertarian?

There has been a Libertarian ticket for the Presidency since 1972 when John Hospers and Tonie Nathan were their nominees for President and Vice President. For over forty years, this party has been quietly gaining steam, attracting members, and building its support base.

Recently, there has been more media coverage of Libertarians and their platform. Their candidate, Gary Johnson, has been visible on morning and evening talk shows promoting his party’s agenda. But what exactly does it mean to be a Libertarian? Due to the term itself, many voters believe they are liberal or progressive in their views. However, that’s not the case.

Libertarians do not wish to be labeled either liberal or conservative. Among the established twoparty regulars, their debates typically argue whether or not to raise taxes or increase state spending. Libertarians, on the other hand, debate whether or not there should be any taxes. The Red and Blue parties argue about gun control and rules governing gun o w n e r s h i p . Libertarians want to repeal most gun laws and keep the Federal government out of the education system.

ing citizens on a personal level such as education, charity, medicine, family business, etc. should be left up to the individual. Charitable contributions and welfare programs should not be mandatory, but left to the individual’s discretion.

Of course, libertarians don’t always agree with each other. They disagree on many policies and practices. The Libertarian Movement is much broaderbased that the Libertarian Party.

Libertarians want more freedom. It’s good to help the poor, but no one should be forced to do so. It’s important to vote, but it’s up to the individual whether or not to participate in the political process. Goals are important, but just as important are the means necessary to reach them. Libertarians want

people to live fulfilled, responsible lives. Freedom means persuasion, not force. It means an end to the special interest lobby that has dragged down American politics.

In the final analysis, Libertarianism is a philosophy that asks people to be responsible to themselves, their family and friends. Being a libertarian is about taking back control of our lives and advocating self-governance. The Colorado Freedom Report-www.FreeColorado.com; Ari Armstrong, Author, October 2002. alibertarianfuture.com/2016election/lets-look-u-s-libertarian- partys-results-past-40-years/

Libertarians trust individuals, not politicians, to make responsible decisions. They believe the sole purpose of government is to protect people and their property against violence, theft and fraud. They support the use of force only for self-defense. Any other decisions affect-



The Anniversary of Independent Czechoslovakia

Editor’s Note: The founding of the Czechoslovak Republic is celebrated on October 28. This year will mark the 98th anniversary of this event. Being a landmark date in Czech history, many streets around the country bear the name October 28th Street. Following are remarks taken from the Private Prague Guide.

At the time of World War I, Czechs and Slovaks had long suffered under the control of Austro-Hungarian rule. When a 16 year-old anarchist, Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist with ties to the secretive “Black Hand,” pointed a pistol and assassinated Franz Ferdinand, the Archduke of Austria-Hungary, his actions would propel Europe and later

the United States into World War I. It was now the time for Czechs and Slovaks to fight again for their independence.

Two years before the war ended, the Czechoslovak National Council was formed. Two of its now famous founders were Tomas Garrigue Masaryk and Edvard Benes. Later these two men would become the first and second presidents of the new independent state. In January of 1918, on Epiphany, a call went out to support statehood. Early on October 28, 1918, the Agriculture Council put a stop to all transports of grain to the front lines. The war was almost over and it was obvious to most everyone. Prague’s famous Wenceslas Square was the venue for yet another famous moment in Czech history: The declaration of independence from Austria-Hungary and the formation of an independent state consisting of the provinces of Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, Slovakia, and Ruthenia.

The war ended in November and the

new independent Czech state took part in the Paris Peace Conference of 1919. The infant country found itself in an enviable position. It now had most of the industry (glass, china, machinery, automotive, etc.) once belonging Austria-Hungary.

Suddenly Czechoslovakia was ranked among the top ten industrialized nations in the world. In this new Europe, a post-monarchy world, Czechoslovakia became the independent state it had desired for so long. Its culture bloomed; this new country was the place to be.

The time after 1918 is known as the “First Republic.” A mere decade later, the creeping, insidious influence of Adolph Hitler and Nazi Germany was spreading. Finally, in 1938, the First Republic ended with the annexation of Sudetenland under the now infamous Munich Pact. This event helped pave the way for the Holocaust and horrors of World War II. www.private-pragueguide.com/article/october-28-foundation-of-czechoslovakia/ www.theweek.co.uk/world-war/

What is The Sudetenland? The areas of northern and western Bohemia and northern Moravia, in the vicinity of the Sudeten mountains, became known as The Sudetenland. This region had a predominately German population and had been incorporated into Czechoslovakia when the independent state was formed in 1918.

Germans in Sudetenland and other parts of Czechoslovakia numbered about 3,000,000 during this period. Because of the German dominance, this region became a source of bitter contention between Germany and Czechoslovakia. In a futile attempt to avert out and out war, Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy attended the Munich Conference of 1938. A joint proposal initiated by Great Britain, France, and Italy, stipulated that all areas with a population more than 50 percent Sudeten German be returned to Germany. Czechoslovakia was not consulted. The “Munich Pact,” as it became known, was initially rejected by the Czechs, but reluctantly accepted on September 21, 1938. Thus the Sudetenland was transferred back to Germany and Hitler’s control. www.britannica.com/place/Sudetenland www.britannica.com/event/Munich-Agreement


Halloween Movies that

WON’T Give You Nightmares

If you prefer more treat and less trick, then here are some movies that will get you in the Halloween holiday spirit:

• • • • • • • • • • •

The Addams Family Edward Scissorhands It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Hocus Pocus The Nightmare Before Christmas The Phantom of the Opera Practical Magic The Rocky Horror Picture Show Disney’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Teen Witch Young Frankenstein

Source: http://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/15-Halloween-Movies-Arent-Scary5875918

Halloween Movies that

WILL Give You Nightmares If you want to be scared, try these movies:

• • • • • • • • • •

House of 1000 Corpses Sleepy Hollow Halloween The Changeling The Amityville Horror Pet Sematary The Texas Chainsaw Massacre The Conjuring A Nightmare on Elm Street Hellraiser

Source: http://collider.com/best-horrormovies-to-watch-on-halloween/#cabin-inthe-woods

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District Council Looking Forward to Last Quarter Meetings District Council No. 12 of Northern Illinois, Wisconsin & Indiana – The fall season has arrived and all of our local folks are hopefully asking, “Is this the year when the Chicago Cubs finally become the World Series champs?” Baseball fans have been waiting over 100 years! Our answer should be given by the end of the month. Now the daylight hours grow shorter with each passing day. The air is much cooler and refreshingly crisp. The golden leaves are falling and our gardens are colored in yellow, brown and orange. In other words, Mother Nature is getting

ready for the cold days of winter. The DC No. 12 delegates, Helen and Jerry Gaydusek, Gerri Romanelli, and Ken Dvorsky fondly remember the 80th Get-Together in Memphis. They witnessed the crowning of the new Miss CSA, Kristin Payer, and Fraternalist of the Year, Wendy Kurtz Lovell. Our congratulations and best wishes go to these delightful, deserving gals. More than 110 delegates attended the Get-Together. It was an enjoyable time for all. We now look forward to our last quarter meetings. Working on National Project goals, pet projects and doing

useful things for others will take up much of our time – just mingling with our lodge companions and friends will be fun! Remember, the next DC No. 12 meeting will be on October 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Heritage Room of the CSA Home Office. As always, all lodge officers are welcome to attend council meetings. Relax and enjoy the gifts of autumn, Edward Slavik

District Council No. 10, Northern Ohio – Our picnic at the Hemlock Creek Picnic Shelter in the Bedford Reservation was on July 20. It was very warm but not as hot as last year. This year we had fried chicken with all the fixin’s and lodge members brought some tasty

desserts. Much thanks to Diane DiBianca, Jan Dembowski and Mary Ann Toncar for putting it all together! There were jars (pasta, stones, candy) to guess how much each had, and a ‘Mystery Box,’ where you had to guess what was in it, provided by Mary Ann. The Mystery Box had three or four rounds of guessing before it was guessed that a banana was in it! There were also two jars with beads and (30 – 36) assorted items that members had to write down what they found. Of course, there were more than a few rounds of Bingo!

The District Council Christmas lunch meeting is on December 15 at Ceska Sin Sokol Hall and will be catered by Waltams. The menu will be breaded pork chops, stuffed cabbage, mixed vegetables, mashed taters, rolls and butter. Members will bring a $1 gift exchange and a White (for a fun game) Elephant. Please contact Diane at 440-232-7620 or [email protected] if you plan to attend, so she can get a head count. The Christmas/Pin Party will be at Woodside Event Center at St. Michael’s, 5025 Mill Rd., Broadview Heights, Ohio, on December 11. Doors open at noon for cocktails (open bar), then 12:30 p.m. dinner and festivities until 5 p.m. RSVP by November 30 to: June Karecki, 13204 Kirton Ave., Cleveland, OH 44135. Cost is $30 per person. Fraternally, Annette Reichman

District Council Christmas Lunch Planned


Lodge Happenings Nature’s Beauty in the Hills of Ohio

Skylar Ebright

Joshua Dulesky and Elijah Lovell

Lodge Kruh Osvojenych Zen a Panu No. 121, Dillonvale, Ohio – So on my way to work this morning, I saw a flock of turkeys in my backyard, a mother deer and her two babies eating alongside the road, and my neighbor blowing leaves around while landscaping. You may think that’s not too exciting, but when I wrote this article, it was mid-September. Time is marching on… I guess the signs of fall are fast approaching! As you are reading this, our hills will be in full color boasting bright shades of red, orange, yellow, purple, green, and brown. I have always loved the promise and beauty that the fall season brings. The brightness of the leaves just before they die always reminds me that in dying, there is always the hope of new life. Isn’t that what gets us through to Springtime - the anticipation of everything coming back to life again? To those of you blessed with the changing of seasons, enjoy this one to the fullest! We would like to send out greetings and best wishes to Bobby Barsch of Dillonvale, Ohio. Bobby has bowled in past CSA Youth Bowl-O-Ramas and attended lodge functions. He is an active fireman and paramedic who recently helped edu-


cate local school children in Adena, Ohio on fire safety. We are very proud of you, Bobby, and we appreciate your service and dedication to the citizens of our area. Hey readers – since October is Fire Safety Month, remember to thank a fireman! We have three youth members who are currently the “Boys of Fall.” First is Skyler Ebright, who is very excited to be playing for the Young Buckeyes Youth Football Team. We also have Joshua Dulesky (starting Junior Running Back) and Elijah Lovell (starting Freshman Center), both playing for the Buckeye Local High School Panther Football Team. We send congratulations to our members – Skyler, Joshua, and Elijah – for “making the team” and we wish them a safe, fun, successful season. Wayne Gretsky always said: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Seize every opportunity boys… Happy Football Friday Nights and Football Sunday Afternoons! Our next lodge meeting will take place at the Pizza Hut Social Room, November 12, 2016, in St. Clairsville, Ohio at approximately 2:00 p.m. We will be meeting directly after our District Council No. 9 meeting which will be held at the same establishment starting at 12:30. Members and guests are always welcome at all Lodge and District Council meetings. We hope to see you there! Fall blessings to all! Sister Wendy Kurtz Lovell OCTOBER 2016 — CSA JOURNAL — 21

Lodge Happenings Welcome New Members!

Lodge Prokop Velky No. 137, Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Prokop Velky has had a wonderful summer, being very busy and enjoying nice weather which we wish would continue. On September 1, Prokop Velky members were honored to help celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Legion Arts/CSPS building in Cedar Rapids. This building was previously owned by Lodge CSA Prokop Velky for years and later sold. Legion Arts staff have done wonders to this building which was in the 2008 flood and they are proud to show it off. They dedicated an outdoor courtyard with benches, trees and a beautiful mural with the paintings to show the history of Cedar Rapids. The artists who did the work explained the mural as part of the program in the courtyard. There is also a nice paved parking lot in back of the Legion Arts building. During the program, it was explained to the people what part Prokop Velky had in the history of this beautiful building. A section in the courtyard will have an area that people were able to purchase personalized paving bricks. Prokop Velky will have one (designed by Marj Nejdl) and several members also purchased one for their families. In a separate building, the old Czech Fire Station, there was memorabilia dis-

played: old posters, stage props from plays put on by the Czech members, CSA posters from the past, pictures and scrap books, which were all so interesting. Congratulations to all of the Bowl-ORama participants from Prokop Velky who bowled. It was fun to look up your names in the score pages of the July/August Journal. Congratulations to all and hope to see you next year. Many Prokop Velky members helped out at the Czech National Cemetery to take down memorial flags for the season. We were so glad to have a surprise visitor, Joan Sedlacek from St. Paul, Minnesota, and what a help she was! The noon meal served at Ely, Iowa, by Prokop Velky members went over really well again this year. I think they are on the schedule for next year because of the nice job they did this year and last year. Thanks to all who helped. We are among the happy members and friends who went on the fall trip to Dubuque, Iowa, on September 14. We enjoyed the Celebration Belle riverboat ride on the Mississippi River on a beautiful September day that could only be picked by our special Marj Nejdl. We thank her so much. The classic oldies music (that we all remember) sung by two singers was

enjoyable and the hot lunch buffet was also good. We were honored to have special guests who transferred from Lodge Junior Americans No. 388: Mike Papich, Marcella Stolba, Bob Stolba, and Mary Shakespeare. We also had one new member, Rai Ann Stratten. Welcome to all of you and anxious to see you at the next meeting. Many of us will be on the Especially for You Breast Cancer Walk on October 9 in Cedar Rapids. It is a large fund raiser with thousands of people in attendance. We are so glad Prokop Velky can be one of the sponsors for the worth while project. We continue to work on our National project to help the Veterans in our area. Our last contribution was to donate gift certificates for seven gas-only $10.00 cards and 11 McDonald’s $5.00 meal cards. These should be very popular with the vets in need of our assistance. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, October 5 at 6:00 p.m. with a potluck featuring a contest for the best soup and the most delicious dessert. Wonder who the winners will be? Come and have fun. Happy Halloween and a beautiful fall to all. Fraternally, Barbara Edmunds

Halloween

- Americans spend over $7 billion on Halloween each year. - The average spent on candy to be given out to trick-or-treaters is just over $21. - The most popular adult costume each year is a witch, with about 13 percent choosing this. The next closest is a pirate at 4 percent. - The most popular children’s costumes are princesses and superheros, together comprising 18 percent of kids’ costumes each year. - Almost 12 percent of pet owners dress their pet up for Halloween. Source: National Retail Federation 22 — www.csalife.com - OCTOBER 2016

Scholarship Fund Report

Scholarships are an important fraternal benefit!

Our CSA Scholarship Fund assists youths and adults not only with their education, but with their professional goals.

Scholarship Fund Report

August 10, 2016 through September 10, 2016

IN MEMORY OF GLADYS VLK Wilbert & Eleanor M. Burkhammer

IN MEMORY OF KAREL CHOTEBORSKY, LODGE PRESIDENT Alex & Blanche Bidnik Lodge Břatři od Sázavy No. 211

IN MEMORY OF JOE PERASOVICH Lodge Century of Progress/Bilá Hora No. 231


IN MEMORY OF BETTY GALLAGHER & EMILY LARKIN Lodge Prokop Velký No. 137

IN MEMORY OF ZDENKA SITTA Lodge Friendship No. 66

IN MEMORY OF JERRY F. AND FLORENCE E. BENES Ronald J. Benes

Total Donations

$1,400.00


Lodge Happenings Snack Contest

Lodge R.T. Crane Jr., No. 7, North Riverside, Illinois With the changing of the seasons, Lodge Crane is as busy as ever! We finished up the summer with our August Lodge meeting held at the Thompson’s house. At that meeting, we recognized Bro. Randy Vokral for being a 2015-2016 Fraternalist of the Year nominee. We also enjoyed sharing stories about our summers and we began planning for that last few months of 2016. Above is a picture of our “carpool crew” that has driven to many of our summer lodge meetings together. Thank you to Sis. Vera Wilt for picking up and dropping off many members so they can attend our evening meetings! In September, we held our Team Trivia Event. This event has been a successful social event for our lodge over the past few years. This year we added a “snack contest” as a fun new activity. Participants brought fun and festive snacks to share with the group, and the winner received their $10 entry fee back as well as a small prize. We all loved being able to taste each other’s delicious treats. Stay tuned for the results of the trivia contest and snack contest in the November Journal. It is hard to believe that 2016 will be ending before we know it, but right now would be a great time for Lodge Crane members to mark their calendars for our Annual Christmas Party, which will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2016. We would love to see members and their families at this event! Fraternally, Alix Wilt 24 — www.csalife.com - OCTOBER 2016

Lodge Happenings Pin Party Planned

Lodge Cleveland Chapter No. 219, Cleveland, Ohio - What a summer we had in Cleveland! We set a new record for having more 90 degree weather days this summer than ever. Our September meeting was well attended with 15 members. A wonderful luncheon was provided by Marlette Heryak. Thank you, Marlette! We had three September birthdays this month, Marlette Heryak, Norma Rasolette and Betty Svaty. Happy birthday, girls! Our 50/50 raffle was won by Janet Mix and Karen Buzek. We played lots of bingo games after lunch, with many winners. Our fundraising project for the Providence House was a great success this month. Our members donated many lovely childrens’ clothes, gift cards and money to our charitable project. Thank you, members! We received a letter from the Home Office from Matt Koski stating that lodge elections for new officers must be done in November. If there is bad weather, we can hold the elections on

the next month. So, if you’d like to hold an office, please let us know. Dolores Clark received three thank you letters from the VA for her lap blanket donations. She is well on her way to donating 100 blankets. After those are made, she’ll take a little break. Her poor aching shoulders and hands! Dolores also received a very nice thank you note from an individual veteran who received one of her blankets. October 22 and 23 is our state bowling tournament at Yorktown Lanes in Parma, Ohio. Invitations have been sent out to the various state lodges. Please contact June Karecki at 216-941-6969 if you are interested. We need bowlers! We are also hosting the national bowling tournament next May. Details are to follow. Our own bowling league is doing well. We have eight teams this year! We still welcome new bowlers! We are also having a fundraiser at the Sokol Hall on October 22. The Soup Cook-off will be held then. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Soup tasting, crusty bread,


Moravian sausage and desserts are provided and served at 6 p.m. There will be a cash bar. Tickets are only $10.00. Please call 440-232-3673 for tickets. If you bring a gallon of your own favorite soup to share, your ticket is free. There will also be a Halloween costume contest (if you want to dress up), a trivia contest and side boards to bet on. Our next Pork or Chicken dinner will be held at the Ceska Sin Sokol Hall on October 26. This is the last dinner of the year, so please join us! Call June Karecki at 216-941-6969 for reservations. The price is only $12.00 a dinner and they are delicious! Remember, our Pin Party is on December 11 of this year. Please try and attend. Our own Mary Svoboda will receive her 75 Year Pin. Here’s to cooler weather, fall leaves and pumpkin pies! See you next month! Fraternally yours, Judy (Sevcik) Genco


Lodge Happenings Potluck Luncheon at November Membership Meeting Lodge Pingree No. 366, Dearborn Heights, Michigan – Members are invited to bring a dish to our November 13, 2016 annual membership meeting. The meeting will start with lunch at 2 p.m. in the Sokol Detroit Club Room immediately followed by our business meeting. Those planning to attend are asked to call either Marie Palmer at 313562-6858 or Evelyn Fergle at 248-9221385. The lodge will supply plates, cups, silverware and beverages. At our September meeting, Vice President Jeff Teichman reported that 18 people had attended our lodge outing on August 17 to the Tigers’ game with the Kansas City Royals. Despite the Tigers’

loss, all attendees had a good time. Marie Palmer, along with Jeff Teichman and Jerry Vimr, are faithfully stocking the food pantry at the Anglican Trinity Church of Livonia, Michigan. Our lodge has been supporting this project for five years. Lodge Pingree is proud that three of our members received CSA scholarships for the 2016 school year. Julia Slatin of Northville, Michigan (a graduate of Northville High school) received a renewal scholarship for her sophomore year at the University of Michigan where she is majoring in engineering. Twin grandsons of Donald and Evelyn Fergle, Daniel and Matthew Fergle of

Rochester Hills, Michigan and graduates of Rochester Adams High School, each received scholarships for their freshman year. Daniel is majoring in biology/premed studies at the University of Michigan and Matthew is at Michigan State University in the ROTC Program and majoring in criminal justice studies. We look forward to seeing many of our members at the annual membership meeting/potluck luncheon on November 13. Fraternally submitted, Evelyn Krenek Fergle

Tested on Wine?

Lodge Groveton No. 4, McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania - Well, the leaves are changing colors, and the kids are back at school, and Lodge Groveton No. 4 has learned about wine. Kathy Kasten, Terry Placek’s fiance, works at a wine and spirits store and shared her knowledge with the group about wine. She explained the origin of wine, where certain wines come from and from what types of grapes they’re made. We also learned how to pair foods with wine and were tested on wine knowledge with some trivia questions. It appears that red wine is truly good for the heart. Lodge Groveton had about 10-11 members attend the GetTogether in Memphis this year. The food was good, they really enjoyed the music by the Czech Express, and catching up with friends is always a highlight. The Lodge was pleased to announce and award Hunter Yurkovich, one of the Miss CSA contestants, a plaque to commemorate her winning Miss Congeniality as voted by her fellow Miss CSA Contestants. Since Hunter has just started her freshman year at college, her parents accepted the plaque on her behalf. Several activities are being planned in the near future. The lodge recognition dinner will be held on October 19 at the Bronze Hood and the annual Christmas dinner will be December 14 at Downey’s House, both located in Robinson Township. The Penn Ohio Bowling Tournament will be held October 22 and 23. A team, in memory of Maureen Placek, will be walking in The Annual Heart Walk that’s held every fall. It will take place at Heinz Field on October 29. Lodge meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month, except August, at the Eat ‘n Park in Robinson Township. Fraternally yours, Cathy Pleskovich


Lodge Happenings Jennifer Nekolny Shares Indian Experience

Lodge DuPage Pioneers/Edison No. 409, Lombard, Illinois – The September 19 meeting began with a short business meeting facilitated by Vice President Lyn Burton. President and Treasurer, Jerry and Helen Gaydusek, were excused due to their visiting son Jim and wife Sandy in Shelly, Idaho. While in Idaho, they celebrated Jim’s birthday and attended the annual Spud Days festival. Our meeting was quickly dispatched to allow time for our guest speaker, Jennifer Nekolny. A teacher, Jennifer spent time in India teaching English as a Second Language. Her talk, and accompanying presentation photos, was a fascinating look at the culture of the Indian people, and the challenges she faced each day in a society vastly different from the U.S. Her students were attentive and very respectful of her. Jennifer quickly learned that the children were responsible to share information with their parents on the world events they learned at school. Most of their parents could not read, did not own a TV and were ignorant of the outside world. Classrooms were filled with rich and poor students, Christians, Muslims and Jews. The children were tolerant and respectful of the religious differences of their classmates. Rich and poor children attended the same schools, the differences were highlighted by clothing, whether or not the student had shoes, or were “rich” enough to own a cup to hold their food at lunch time. Resources and books were scarce, and, although some schools had computers donated by American companies, they could not afford the electricity to use them. Jennifer mingled with cows, elephants, and chickens on the street, and the ever present mountains of garbage outside her hotel and on the streets. Jennifer and daughter, Jillian, demonstrated the amount of fabric which comprises an ordinary sari (clothing of Indian women). The fabric was at least 15 feet long and is wound round and round the body with the remaining fabric thrown over the woman’s left shoulder. In spite of some very primative sanitation and living conditions, Jennifer expressed her wish to return to India one day to continue her work there.

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She answered questions from lodge members on challenges she faced regarding water, accomodations, and supplies for her students. Jennifer’s time in India was financed by the State Department and she was happy with what she and the others in her team were able to accomplish in three short weeks in Namaste and other cities. Jennifer’s in-laws, our lodge Secreray John Nekolny and wife Joann, were present to lend their support. After the presentation, we sang “Happy Birthday” to Fraternal Coordinator Amanda Lovell, a regular guest at our meetings. A quick raffle took place which helped the lodge raise funds for their National Project causes and Lodge Recognition requirements. Our next meeting is the third Monday of October (the 17th) at 6 p.m. in the Heritage Room of the Home Office in Lombard. It is our annual Penny Social event! Please plan on joining us. We welcome all new and “gently used” household and personal items for our sale. Fraternally, Gerri Romanelli


Lodge Happenings Look Out for Little Ones

Lodge Yankee-Jungmann No. 77, North Riverside, Illinois - The Lodge took the summer off, so now we’re back to our regular meetings. At our September meeting, we played Bingo for a charity. Everyone brought two prizes for the games. The meeting was held on September 9. Our meetings are

always held on the second Friday of the month at MB Financial Bank, 7222 Cermak Road, North Riverside, Illinois. Many of our Lodge members attended the Bohemian National Cemetery annual picnic on Sunday, July 24. One of our members, Frank Saballus, made potato pancakes for the event.

The following Sunday, July 31, some members attended the 32nd Annual Czechoslovak Festival picnic, which was held at JC/Ehlert park in Brookfield, Illinois. This time of the year is so beautiful with the leaves falling and the temperature changing. Take a ride to an apple orchard to pick apples or purchase some apple cider. Some farms make fresh donuts or are grilling brats or hot dogs. Buy some pumpkins for Halloween! Happy Halloween, and be on the lookout for the little ones in their costumes. Fraternally, Mary Ellen Janda

Fraternal Well Wishes Rose Burns Lodge Pingree No. 366

Jane Cibulka Lodge Pingree No. 366

Mariann Ebright Lodge Kruh Osvojenych Zen a Panu No. 121 Jerry Fiema Lodge Pingree No. 366

Kathy Garilow Lodge Cleveland Chapter No. 219 Dale Giacchina Lodge Pingree No. 366

Tony Giacchina Lodge Pingree No. 366

Helen Martinovic Lodge Cleveland Chapter No. 219

Leatrice Rose Lodge Cleveland Chapter No. 219 Mary Svobado Lodge Cleveland Chapter No. 219


Lodge Happenings End of Summer Picnic Success

Lodge Golden Gate No. 252, San Jose, California – Our End of Summer Picnic was held at the home of Carol and Jim Martinek. The highlight of the day for the kids and young adults was the backyard swimming pool where they spent most of the afternoon in the water. The food was great, especially Sandy

Kenyon’s famous barbecued ribs. She has been preparing ribs for us for several years. To challenge our mental and physical capabilities, Jim Martinek had set up a couple of simple games. There was a jar of coins and everyone had to guess how much was in the jar. My wife, Carol,

won the event and as a prize was able to keep the money. We also had the opportunity to try tossing several hackie sacks into a basket from up to 15 yards away. We started much closer but after each round moved farther from the basket. In the end, Jim won but admitted he has been challenging friends and neighbors at this game for many years. Our president, Pat Mastalir, was unable to make our last business meeting so Jerry Nappi took over. We spent much of the meeting discussing opportunities for volunteering both in the community and as lodge officers for next year. Our annual Election of Officers and Salute to Veterans meeting will be held on November 4 in San Jose. If you would like to attend or for more information, please contact our secretary, Shelle, at (408) 528-9434 or email our lodge at [email protected]. CSA members and guests are always welcome. Fraternally, Walt Strach

End of Summer Lodge Picnic.


Joe Martinek sinks a basket from 15. OCTOBER 2016 — CSA JOURNAL — 29

Lodge Happenings Amish Acres Viking Bus Trip

Dana Marie Bunting

Century of Progress/Bila Hora No. 231, Cicero, Illinois – At our last meeting, we learned that the St. Barbara’s Food Pantry in Brookfield, Illinois, has been in existence since 1980. They now go under the name of Food Pantry/Lending Closet. You can now donate food, clothing, dishes and other items. Congratulations to Dana Marie Bunting who has graduated from Queen of Peace High School in Burbank, Ilinois, this past June. She has received a two-year scholarship and will be attending Triton College in River Grove, Illinois, in the fall of 2016. Proud parents are Tina and Edward J. Klejko. Loretta Paulus had a good time on her Amish Acres Viking bus trip to Nappanee, Indiana, this past August 4-5. She attended the 54th Annual Amish

Acres Festival that was a combination of arts and crafts, strolling musicians, folk singers, bluegrass music, and Steven’s Puppet Marionettes. While on this trip, she learned about the history of the Amish people and toured an Amish Acres historic house and farm. While at the farmhouse, she learned how people lived and worked with no electricity, phones, or cars. Their only method of travel was the horse and buggy. The Amish people of today still follow this same way of life. Farming the land is still important to the Amish, but many of the Amish men work at the trailer home factories throughout Indiana to help supplement their incomes. Fraternally, Loretta Paulus

became friends at a previous GetTogether many years ago. Congratulations to our new Miss National CSA, Sis. Kristin Payer of Lodge Mile-Hi Czechs No. 432. Also, a well-deserved salute should be given to our Fraternalist of the Year, Sis. Wendy Lovell from Lodge No. 121 in Dillonvale, OH. It was enjoyable talking to Wendy, since my mother’s family originally came from Dillonvale. I fond-

ly remember the visits I had there many years ago. Our members did a lot of travelling this summer. Keith Dvorsky hiked the Mont Blanc in Europe for 100 miles, whereas Mike and Pam Dvorsky spent a week hiking in the Rockies. Additionally, we would like to wish a congratulations to the newlyweds, Monica Clayton and Mike Wade, who tied the knot in Toledo, Ohio, on August 27, 2016. Monica is a third generation CSA member. She is the daughter of Keith and Colette Clayton and the granddaughter of Paul and Emily Komarec. Our members enjoyed a lunch and short meeting on Monday, September 12 in which we listened to brief presentations from Anna Trush, CSA Underwriter, and Amanda Lovell, Fraternal Coordinator. Both Home Office employees had worthwhile information to share with us. Join us at noon at the T.G. Masaryk School for a lodge meeting on October 10 and the Annual Election of Officers on November 7. Fraternally, Ken Dvorsky

Congrats, Newlyweds

Lodge Harrison/Hus/Garfield No. 378, Cicero, Illinois – Welcome back to all of our friends after their vacations. During the summer, our members attended and enjoyed the various local Czech picnics. At the annual Get-Together, our delegate, Sis. Melanie Jenkins, represented us well. She was thrilled to be able to spend time with Sis. Dana Forester of Lodge Groveton No. 4. They both


Lodge Happenings

Proud of Our Young Members

Lodge Sokol Plzen No. 434, Oak Brook, Illinois - August was a very busy month for Lodge Sokol Plzen No. 434 as one of our younger members, Nicole Jaros, was running for Miss CSA. Nicole’s whole family, Greg her father, Mary Lou her mom, her sister Jenny, and brother Greg, all went to Memphis to be with her at the Miss CSA contest. Lodge Sokol Plzen No. 434 also had two other members attending the Get-Together, Stan and Candy Papuga. The lodge was well represented at this year’s Get-Together. Although Nicole didn’t win the Miss CSA contest, she and her entire family had a great time. Enclosed is a letter Nicole wrote about her experience at the GetTogether:

Dear CSA Members, I’m so grateful that I was able to participate in the Miss National CSA 20162017 contest this past summer. I’m glad I got to represent Lodge Sokol Pilsen. It was such an honor to be a part of the contest. Everyone I met at the GetTogether was so kind. I loved getting to know the other contestants! This contest really helped me have more confidence in myself. It has made me more comfort-

able with public speaking and has helped me become a more out-going person. Best of luck to Kristin, the new Miss National CSA 2016-2017! And I hope that all the future contestants will have as much fun as I did! Sincerely, Nicole Jaros

Another of our younger members has been doing well this year. Marco Malusa now works for ABC’s Channel 7 as a graphic artist. Below is a sample of his work. Our lodge has been progressing as we are trying to get our younger members to become more active. However, a lot of them are students and just starting out in their careers, but they do make time to attend Lodge meetings when they can. I thank them all for being outstanding young adults who help make Lodge Sokol Plzen No. 434 as successful as it is. I am also positive that their great-uncle Andrew Bultas, who, along with his friend Charles Kropik (a long time member of the lodge), would be proud of Nicole and Marco. Please plan on attending our November meeting at which time we will elect our Officers for 2017. Fraternally yours, Andrew Bultas, President

Happy Anniversary!

October 6, 1962 Pat (Sale) Hrasky and Jim Hrasky East St. Louis, Illinois Lodge Estlian No. 404

October 21, 1978 Katherine Juliana Urbanek Kroeck and George Joseph Kroeck Chicago, Illinois Lodge Betsy Ross No. 151

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Claim 51822 51825 51846 51830 51841 51827 51835 51845 51828 51842 51831 51833 51837 51823 51839 51844 51838 51832 51847 51826 51834 51840

Name Cyril C. Hlozek Isla Marie Schwabe Milton E. Jakovec Gwendolyn Kolman Elizabeth A. Torok Leslie Pullen Helen Valenta Herbert J. Mccorry Jr. Marilyn I. Finkel Jerry V. Dusek Libuse A. Moudry-Zajicek Martha Hracek Raymond Williams Veastine Martin Elmer J. Cerny Nancy A. Lukas Barbara Papacek Jeanette A. Halmel Keven A. Smith Helen L. Schetzel Mary Wolfert Robert M. Gennaro

In Memoriam

Lodge 4 13 77 99 121 211 211 211 219 219 231 231 252 302 377 377 378 409 422 452 463 484

Place of Death AMBRIDGE, PA ELKHORN, WI LAKE BARRINGTON, IL GLENDALE HTS, IL SMITHFIELD, OH TRENTON, NJ FRANKLIN LKS, NJ BOILING SPRINGS, SC STRONGSVILLE, OH LODI, OH ALGONGUIN, IL MARGATE, FL FRESNO, CA CHICAGO, IL ALPHARETTA, GA PALOS PARK, IL RIVERHEAD, NY LOMBARD, IL MT. VERNON, NY EAST HAVEN, CT PALM COAST, FL PHILADELPHIA, PA

Remembering Věra Čáslavská

Date 07/31/2016 06/10/2016 08/15/2016 08/12/2016 08/03/2016 06/02/2016 07/21/2016 08/16/2016 07/18/2016 08/11/2016 06/17/2016 07/25/2016 08/01/2016 07/24/2016 08/14/2016 07/03/2016 08/02/2016 04/28/2016 08/23/2016 07/23/2016 06/30/2016 07/30/2016

Age 74 85 93 79 73 43 10 62 84 80 89 90 68 61 96 85 98 87 39 97 92 87

Soviet Union. At the 1968 Olympics, she silently protested by tilting her head down during the USSR anthem. Following this event, she was forced into retirement and denied the right to work, travel, or attend sporting events for many years because of her opinions.

Čáslavská passed away in her sleep on August 30, 2016.

Source: http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMRFHT_Vera_Caslavska_Pra gue_Czech_Republic

Czech gymnast, Věra Čáslavská, won seven Olympic medals in the 1960s. All of them were individual medals, an alltime record for female gymnasts. Cáslavská is the most decorated Czech

gymnast in history.

Čáslavská was also a vocal supporter of the Czechoslovak democratization movement, making her an enemy of the


Voting is as much an emotional act as it is an intellectual one.

Monica Crowley

Lodge Happenings Congratulations, Great-Grandmother Kenning

Lyle, Lauren, and baby Otto

Lodge Mile-Hi Czechs No. 432, Lakewood, Colorado - The lodge’s September 2016 meeting was at the home of Anne Farrar in Lakewood. I was attending the Bronco football game. We have season tickets and I didn’t want to miss a game during the wonderful fall weather we are having. I have attended a lot of bad weather games. I have been referred to as a diehard fan and that does describe me. Pat Kenning is a great-grandmother and very proud of it. The only problem is they live in Chicago. Both Lauren and Lyle Kenning are aspiring thespians. Otto James Kenning was born on July 10, 2016. He is the subject of much delight and attention from his family as he is the first grandchild and great-

grandchild in the families. Pat Kenning and daughter Mary Campe spent a great July weekend in Alamosa, Colorado. It was Mary’s 40th college anniversary and she had not been to the campus for years. After arriving in Alamosa on a hot summer day, they walked around the campus and town. About 250 alums gathered for a group photo and boarded the train for a ride up La Veta pass for a BBQ and concert. The view and valley are stunning not to mention the great live music and delicious BBQ meal. Susie Bogus, a country singer, entertained and traveled back to Alamosa with the alums and guests. On the trip back to Denver they stopped in Colorado Springs to eat at the Cracker Barrel restaurant.


Fraternally, Maryellen Hruska Vialpando

When public access to voting is impaired or when public confidence in voting is diluted, democracy suffers and our freedom is less secure.

DeForest Soaries


Lodge Happenings Picnic Olympics; Crafty Creations

Gold, silver, and a tie for bronze!

Lodge Woodrow Wilson No. 377, Lombard, Illinois - Well, okay… not quite the Olympics! But in honor of the ongoing summer Olympiad, our Lodge Recognition Picnic featured some friendly competition to celebrate our members’ fraternal efforts last year. The winners were awarded special medals maybe not “really” gold, silver, and bronze, but reminiscent of the festive colors of the Rio games! Besides this fun competition, our annual lodge outing featured perfect weather, wonderful company, and many laughs shared together. Last month’s meeting night turned into craft night. Cinnamon sticks with knotted ribbons magically became col-

The medal ceremony

orful Christmas trees, which will be donated to brighten the days of those who are homebound or in long-term care. While the project was described as “appropriate for 3rd grade level,” we didn’t have any 3rd graders on hand, so we struggled a bit to make the end result match the picture-perfect version on the instructions! But plenty of smiles and lots of good cheer, sharing scrap ribbon supplies between us, made for a very merry crafting club. We were especially delighted that Amanda Laukant was visiting in the area, from Colorado, and she joined meeting night at the crafters’ table. We’ve rounded the corner into fall, which means holiday plans are upcoming! November, of course, means lodge elections (don’t forget to vote in the *other* little election that month, too!). December brings our annual toy drive and potluck. We hope that winter weather will be kept at bay so that it is easy for you to join our festivities: the potluck will provide an entree, and we ask that you bring a side or dessert to share, as well as new, unwrapped toys or gifts to brighten the holidays for those struggling in our community. As always, call me if you need a ride to make it possible to be with us! Fraternally, Jean Hemzáček Laukant [email protected] 630-279-7894


Success! Beth shows off her ornament.

Our lodge Olympics

Election

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DEBATE DEMOCRAT ELECTION INDEPENDENT POLLING PLACE

Czech to English

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POLLS REGISTRATION REPUBLICAN RESPONSIBILITY VOTE

Říjen……………………………………………..October (Ří-jen) Politika……………………………………….politics (po-li-ti-ka) Počet hlasů……………………poll/during elections (po-čet hla-sů) Volby…………………………………………….election (vol-by) Kandidát…………………………………….candidate (kan-did-át) Volič…………………………………........…………..voter (vo-lič) Hlas……………………………….…............…………..vote (hlas) Budka…………………………...……..…….voting booth (bud-ka) Kdo vyhraje………………......………who will win (kdo vy-hraj-e) Předsednictví…………………………presidency (před-sed-nic-tví)

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]

Let’s Learn About Legos

October is National Construction Toy Month. Test how much you know about the world's favorite construction toys, Lego, with this trivia quiz. 1. In which country is the manufacturer of Lego toys located?

2. In what year were Lego's famous interlocking bricks first produced? 3. The company name "Lego" comes from the Danish phrase "leg godt." What does this mean in English?

4. Lego has very exacting standard when manufacturing its bricks. How many bricks out of every million fail to meet its stringent standards? 5. How many Legoland amusement parks are there in the world? 6. How many Lego tires are produced each year?

7. On average, how many Lego bricks are there for every man, woman, and child in the world? 8. What percentage of the plastic waste in Lego factories is recycled? 9. How many Lego sets are sold every second?

10. How many total hours do people spend playing with Lego bricks each year? Answers:

1. Denmark., 2. 1949., 3. Play well., 4. 18., 5. Seven-three in Europe and one each in California, Florida, Dubai, and Malaysia., 6. Over 306 million, more than any other tire manufacturer in the world., 7. 86 Lego bricks each., 8. 99 percent., 9. 7 sets., 10. 5 billion hours.

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