THE CZECH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF (CEFT) Volume 7, Number 2

CEFT

The Czech Educational Foundation of Texas Newsletter

Fall 2016 Edition

This edition was created by Lynette Urbanovsky, CEFT English Publicity Officer. Reviewed by: John Sefcik and Diane Sulak Wilson.

APRIL 2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING IN AUSTIN, TEXAS Since 1999, the CEFT William J. From the Chairman Hlavinka Czech Fellowship has brought advanced graduate students The CEFT William J. Hlavinka Czech Fellowship at from two Moravian universities Texas A&M University (Masaryk University in Brno, Palacký University in Olomouc) to Texas A&M By: Clinton Machann PhD, CEFT Chairman University, resulting in established classes in the Bryan- As many of you know, the current Please remind your friends with an College Station area for the general Czech Fellow at Texas A&M is Jan interest in Czech in Texas (especially public, provided Czech-to-English Beneš, from Masaryk University. As I the ones who may be former translation services for the Texas write this report, Jan is beginning his students at A&M), about Czech Czech community, provided second year as a student in our traditions associated with Texas assistance to Czech-American English MA graduate program, and I A&M University. Ties between Texas historical and cultural groups in look forward to seeing him here on A&M and the Czech-American Texas, and encouraged cultural and the A&M campus again this semester community of Texas were educational ties between the State of as he continues his graduate work established early—in fact, the origins Texas and the . and teaching the off-campus Czech of the Texas Aggie Band can be classes that are available to anyone traced back to the efforts of a Czech within driving distance of the Bryan- immigrant named Joseph Holick College Station area. I hope to bring (Holík), who organized a cadet band him as a guest to one of our CEFT on the A&M campus in the 1890s-- meetings in 2017. and remain strong today. Through the years many of the officers and directors of CEFT have been Aggie faculty members, students, parents The Czech Language class working hard on of students, and strong supporters of completing a Czech Republic History quiz from Texas A&M. (But, hey, we welcome Jan. support from non-Aggies as well. By Currently the classes are being the way, I’m a member of the Aggie organized by the Brazos Valley class of ’69, but I also have a PhD Chapter of the Czech Heritage from UT-Austin.) Jan Beneš, Texas A&M William J. Hlavinka Society in Bryan, and they are Fellow, teaching the Czech language class. THE CZECH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF TEXAS NEWSLETTER 2 | Volume 7, Number 2

available to anyone within driving takes to be a student of English more distance. Anyone interested in than I ever could in the Czech attending the classes can contact me Republic. The strictly academic part at [email protected]. of my stay in College Station opened a variety of opportunities. For The usual procedure for a Czech example, I went on a research trip to Fellow is to stay at A&M for two archives in Chicago. I could not be years and earn an MA in English, with more grateful for what the Hlavinka an emphasis on American literature Fellowship and CEFT has done for (while teaching the local Czech me. classes) before returning home and pursuing a PhD in English and From Left to Right: CEFT Chairman Clinton American studies in the Czech Machann and his wife Ginny Machann, Jan’s Republic. An endowment in the Father Luděk Beneš, CEFT member Jo Ann Zaeske, CEFT English Publicity Officer, Lynette Texas A&M Foundation, funded by Urbanovsky, Jan’s Mother Dana Benešová, Jan members of the Hlavinka family and Beneš and his Turkish roommate at Texas A&M supplemented through the years by University, Onder Ozal standing in front of Texas Roadhouse in College Station, Texas. the Hlavinkas and other generous supporters, has made all of this While I was travelling and exploring possible. However, we need the natural beauty of Texas, additional funding to sustain our California, and Arizona, Tomáš program in the coming years. Please Panský took over the Czech summer help us. Any contribution will be Jan Beneš and his parents Luděk Beneš and Dana classes and, for example, taught our appreciated, large or small. Also, we Benešová dining with CEFT Chairman Clinton Machann and his wife Ginny Machann, CEFT students the Czech anthem. Unlike would be willing to consider a Member Jo Ann Zaeske and CEFT English me, Tomáš is quite the singer (and a proposal for a substantial new Publicity Officer, Lynette Urbanovsky at Texas dancer, or so I have been told) and Roadhouse in College Station, Texas. endowment to supplement the he prepared Czech and Moravian current one, as long as the goals are What is more, I managed to save songs for the classes, which certainly complementary. some money from the fellowship and enlivened my otherwise was able to travel around Texas and grammatically-oriented sessions. other US states with my parents Tomáš was also so kind as to The Life of a during the summer. We fell in love substitute our first class of Fall 2016 with Texas – especially with Austin, and explained the complexities of the Czech Aggie Fort Worth, and San Antonio. And, of Czech alphabet and our tricky course, with the food – barbeque pronunciation to the students. By the William J. Hlavinka Fellow: and kolache became a staple of my Jan Beneš parents’ diet while they were here. We also visited West – and stopped My first year at Texas A&M as the at some of the stores and bakeries CEFT William J. Hlavinka fellow was there – and took pictures of George more than I ever hoped for – and W. Bush’s ranch in Crawford. The then some. Not only was I able to State Capitol Visitor Center in Austin take courses in my field of African had a small, but entertaining American studies and communicate exhibition on , and the with experts in the field, but I also Czech Center Museum in Jan Beneš and Alice Luňáková at her presentation came across a topic for my MA thesis was also a surprisingly pleasurable in Bryan, Texas, August 22, 2016. and PhD dissertation that I would place to visit and learn about the The Brazos Valley Czech Heritage never be able to pursue and research history of Czexans. If they could, my Society also made it possible for me overseas. Over the last year, I parents would definitely come back to invite Alice Luňáková, now an MA widened my knowledge of American and stay in Texas even longer. literature and learned about what it student at Masaryk University (my alma mater), to come and speak in THE CZECH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF TEXAS NEWSLETTER 3 | Volume 7, Number 2

Bryan about her research into Czech being able to say essential years ago, I was able to connect with immigration history to the Lonestar information about oneself and people in Texas who were proud of State. Alice had given talks in others, as well as being able to their Czech roots. I became a LaGrange, Temple, and Houston by communicate in every-day situations member of the Brazos Valley Czech then, but I think she was surprised by and scenarios. I also decided to bring Heritage Society at Bryan. Not many the number of people who were interesting information about the people realize that a language, interested in her talk and showed up Czech Republic to each class, so that besides our Czech cuisine, customs, at CJ’s BBQ. Personally, I was amazed my students can learn about the literature and music, is a cornerstone by her poise in front of so many developments in and achievements of our culture. eager listeners, and by the of the Czech Republic and its continuous interest in anything Czech representatives. Also, I have By the Brazos Valley Czech Heritage on the part of Texans of Czech origin. expanded the library of textbooks Society I was honored with teaching The fact that the Brazos Valley Czech that I use in the course: from Czech the Czech language class to our Heritage Society promoted Alice’s Step by Step and Communicative members. But I am learning at the talk the way they did and more than Czech (the best textbooks to date) to same time. Learning what? When 70 people came on a four-day notice The Rough Guide to Czech and Czech you are taught a language, the native is a testament to the effort that Grammar (complementary language by your parents, you take it Czech heritage societies like CEFT materials). The students in Bryan for granted. Later at school you just and Brazos Valley Czech Heritage have been attentive, studious, and polish what you already know from Society put into preserving Czech extremely curious about all things home and apply grammar taught by language, history, and culture in Czech, and I hope Tomáš and I can the teachers. Here in Texas, I am Texas. live up to their expectations and help teaching Czech language, which is them dive into Czech language and completely strange to my fellows. history even further. You may suggest we know some Czech as it was passed onto us from previous generations. However, we have to realize that a large part of what we know here is Moravian slang, which is not quite usable today in the Czech Republic. So we have to learn the proper Czech, which is somewhat different from what we

already know. Nevertheless, our Some of Alice Luňáková’s audience at her Czech class is not understood to be presentation in Bryan, Texas to the Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society hosted Czech Language only Czech words memorization. Class August 22, 2016, there were 76 present. Yes, we are preparing for situations

encountered when talking to our One final point I would like to make Pictured above, Jan Beneš and Tomáš Panský at Czech friends or traveling within is about the Czech classes I am the Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society Czech Language Class . But in our Czech classes we teaching this fall in Bryan. Over the go further: recently we learned to last year, our attendance numbers sing Czech national anthem and to have solidified, which gives me the understand the meaning of it and its opportunity of merely revising the relation to Czech history. Previously, basics of the Czech language with in our discussion we were comparing those who have already taken my home hog slaughter festivities as classes and let them help our new performed here and in Czech students learn, too. After all, the best Republic. Currently we are learning way to learn is to teach. So, this Czech children’s songs, which some By: semester, I would like to focus on Tomáš Panský may remember from their childhood communicative aspects of the and recognize a few words. language – on teaching practical After relocating from Czech Republic vocabulary and grammar, such as to the United States of America many THE CZECH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF TEXAS NEWSLETTER 4 | Volume 7, Number 2

Temple last year when I was doing done, and the air tickets were research for my bachelor thesis booked. All I needed to come up with about Czech immigration to Texas. I was a catchy title that would attract agreed to come with no idea what to people to come. From various ideas expect. To present my work in the title “How Came to English in front of native speakers Texas” eventually won. Every Texan just sounded like a real life challenge loves kolaches, but everyone may and therefore this invitation could not know the origin and history of not be turned down. the pastry.

Tomas fellowshipping at Cracker Barrel Restaurant in Bryan, Texas with Jan Beneš, and some of the Czech Language Class Students, and their friends.

It would be pity to lose an important part of our Czech culture – the Czech language. We are not perfect in

pronunciation of every single word. Alice Luňáková standing next to the Colorado But by learning it, we are giving River in Austin, Texas. Alice Luňáková standing by her presentation flyer honor to our brave ancestors, who at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Everything seemed a bit unrealistic came here to Texas with hope for until the day I held the thesis printed However, when packing my luggage better home for their Moravian out in my hands. Full of enthusiasm to America this summer, I became families, for us. and eagerness to share my first real hesitant about sharing my We all know the generic Czech academic piece of work, called presentation. My main concerns phrase: “JAK SE MÁŠ?” [How are History of Czech Immigration to were that no one would come, and you]. Let’s learn together Texas in the Nineteenth Century, I expectations would be too high and continuation: “VÝBORNĚ” [Brilliant]. rushed to buy my plane tickets to my sense of humor would not be And my personal contribution to Texas. Meanwhile Susan Chandler understood. However, people's Texas Czech is – do you know what and John and Kathy Hillman, the host attitudes, crowded halls, their “Czech it out” could mean? It family I was staying with, organized a openness and willingness not to miss means: find a problem, think about program for my lectures. Before it (some drove quite a distance to it, and resolve it. We always do. going further, I would like to express listen to my presentation) proved me my gratitude to Susan, John and wrong. Every lecture boosted my Kathy who did a marvelous job when confidence and gradually uncovered organizing and promoting the an interesting fact: Czech lectures. Nothing of these would descendants in Texas have a life have been possible without them. mission to keep their heritage alive. Their support during my whole stay Most did not attend for learning but played a crucial role. They gave me instead to be a part of this cultural the best background I could ask for. exchange.

I was scheduled to present at four After all was said and done I gave events throughout Texas: at the seven lectures, three more than was Czech Heritage Museum and planned. I was invited to speak for Genealogy Center in Temple, the Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society By: Alice Luňáková Texas Czech Heritage and Genealogy in Bryan, at Rotary Club in Hillsboro (I "Come to see us next year and we Center in La Grange, the Czech got the invitation from Diane Wilson will do a lecture tour in Texas," said Center Museum in Houston and at from CEFT) and at West Middle Susan Chandler from Czech Heritage Baylor University in Waco. The School. If you would like to know Museum and Genealogy Center in program was set, the thesis was how I got to know Brazos Valley THE CZECH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF TEXAS NEWSLETTER 5 | Volume 7, Number 2

Czech Heritage Society, I have to say the audience, which put me at ease. in line so that they could talk to me that it just came my way. At one of The only person I knew was Jan, who afterwards just confirmed I was in my lectures I met Jan Beneš, the was actually sitting behind me, so I the right place at the right time. CEFT Hlavinka Scholarship Awardee could not really see anyone familiar What seemed to be the end of one and Czech Language Class Instructor, in the audience. Moreover, five life episode actually turned out to be who agreed that at the time of his minutes before the start, I was the beginning of something bigger regular classes, my lecture could be introduced to Professor Clinton and even more challenging. organised. At the beginning it was Machann, whose books about Czech supposed to be a rather private migration I admire a lot, and I was Currently, I have two new projects on event for the participants of the naturally even more nervous now my mind on how to strengthen the Czech class, but thanks to the great that I was speaking in front of him. Texas-Czech relationship. Just wait publicity that was made by Brazos until next time; I will have an even Valley Czech Heritage Society, many However, after the first warm bigger surprise. more people showed up. audience reactions I calmed down myself. I shared with my audience the key things I found out during my research and I was pleased that the things I mentioned caught people´s interest and actually led to a nice discussion at the end.

At any Czech event kolache cannot By: Lynette Urbanovsky be left out. Bryan was no exception. Lynette Urbanovsky from Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Societywas so Alice with Jan Beneš and Tomáš Panský, and the nice that she baked her own kolache, present Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society which were delicious. I was glad that Officers at her presentation in Bryan, Texas: Stan Brazos Valley Czech Language Class attendees October 3, 2016. Vitha, Lynette Urbanovsky (CEFT English Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society Publicity Officer), Jo Ann Zaeske (CEFT Member) welcomed me in a very friendly way and Edward Biskup. and I felt like I was at home, no Now that we have received our first exaggeration. The only thing I regret cool front in Texas, fall is finally here! I would like to mention that every is that we were forced to leave the October also means that it is Czech lecture was unique in a certain way, speaking room too soon, so I did not Heritage Month! The Czech yet, the one in Bryan was indeed very have time to answer all questions. Language classes taught by the Texas special for me. First of all, I was A&M Hlavinka Fellow Jan Beneš have impressed by the huge attendance – really been unique the last couple there were almost eighty people and weeks as Jan has started to reach out some people even had to stand as and meet other Czech students we ran out of chairs. Who would not attending Texas A&M University. appreciate that? Nevertheless, speaking in front of so many people was challenging and I would be lying if I told you that it was a piece of cake. It was not. Being watched by Edward Biskup and Tomáš Panský picking out a 160 eyes, you feel responsible if few Kolaches at the Alice’s presentation for the anyone is let down. Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society.

Another thing that made the lecture All in all, the growing interest and in Bryan different from the others positive feedback on my lectures convinced me that my work is was the fact that I did not know Joseph Zapletal addressing the Brazos Valley anybody in the audience. At all my meaningful to others. Seeing people Czech Heritage Society Czech Language Class. lectures before, I was used to taking notes during my lectures and

recognizing some familiar faces in seeing their patience when standing THE CZECH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF TEXAS NEWSLETTER 6 | Volume 7, Number 2

On September 26, 2016 Joseph Society. I also had the pleasure of Co-Administrators: Zapletal attended our class for the showing Milan and Shibiya around at Amy Jurica-Hinnant, [email protected] Cindy P. Belknap, [email protected] first time and fellowshipped with the Kolache Festival in Caldwell, Brian Vanicek, [email protected] some of the students afterwards. Texas this year! Joseph comes from Hrobice in the Czech Republic. CEFT Officers and

Class this past week, October 3, 2016 Program Advisors was a warm welcoming to Czech Heritage Month, Jan had invited Officers another Czech student, Pavla Chairman Clinton Machann Plachtová to come and meet our [email protected] 979-845-4898 Vice Chairman James M. Sassin class. Not only did we have Jan and [email protected] 512-826-7559 Pavla, but Joseph also returned to President Woody Smith the class and our alternate Czech [email protected] 512-342-9270 Milan Hanuš, Shibiya Sabu, Lynette Urbanovsky Vice President Ray Lenart teacher, Tomáš Panský came and (CEFT Publicity Officer), Joseph Marino and [email protected] 214-394-1962 shared CD’s with Czech nursery Crystal Wotipka at the Festival in Caldwell Texas. Secretary & Legal Advisor rhymes as a present to the class Paul T. Hlavinka members! Pavla also added a sweet [email protected] 713-521-1335 Hopefully my local excitement will Treasurer Cindy P. Belknap addition by sharing the story behind spur you to go out and attend a [email protected] 817-229-8138 and bringing gingerbread ears, Czech Heritage Month event and Legal Advisor Daniel Hrna Štramberkské Usi from her [email protected] 281-564-9800 take a deeper look into your roots! Parliamentarian, Donnie S. Victorick hometown, Štramberk in the Czech While you are doing so, please think [email protected] 979-272-3265 Republic. Pavla also shared bábovka about contributing to our next CEFT Czech Publicity Jan Vaculik [email protected] 254-826-3838 with the class that she made herself. newsletter. If you have an article Jan finished up the class by sharing Eng. Publicity Lynette Urbanovsky that you can share, please send it to [email protected] 979-450-1820 information about mushroom [email protected]. All VP Membership/Public Relations hunting in the Czech Republic. Diane Sulak Wilson contributions are welcome and are [email protected] 254-495-9995 greatly appreciated! Website John Sefcik [email protected] Program Advisors University of Texas James Sassin (contact info. above) Roger Kolar [email protected] 512-453-0642 Did you know that CEFT not only has Mark Labaj [email protected] 254-774-8179 a website, but is also on Facebook! Ray Lenart (contact info. above) Please look us up for upcoming Woody Smith (contact info. above)

events, history, programs, articles, Texas A&M University Pavla Plachtová sharing with the Czech past newsletter editions, and much Clint Machann (contact info. above) Language class about gingerbread ears, Woody Smith (contact info. above) more to come! Paul Hlavinka (contact info. above)

Štramberkské Usi. CEFT Website: University of North Texas In the summer, another Czech Margaret Klecka 214-352-1824 http://www.ceft.us/ Ray Lenart (contact info. above) student, Milan Hanuš from Staňkov, Website Master: John Sefcik, Clarice Marik Snokhous in the Plzeň Region of the Czech [email protected] [email protected] 254-826-3004 Republic and his friend, Shibiya Sabu from India also attended the Czech CEFT Facebook Page: language classes and fellowshipped https://www.facebook.com/CEFT- with the students after learning Czech-Educational-Foundation-of- about the course from attending a Texas-499171830264479/ Facebook Administrator: locally hosted State Czech Heritage Lynette Urbanovsky, [email protected]

CEFT Board of Directors at the November 21, 2015 Board Meeting in Denton, Texas. THE CZECH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF TEXAS NEWSLETTER 7 | Volume 7, Number 2

THE CZECH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF TEXAS NEWSLETTER 8 | Volume 7, Number 2

Featured In This

Newsletter Edition:  Howdy from the Editor!:  The CEFT William J. From Lynette Urbanovsky, Hlavinka Czech Fellowship CEFT English Publicity at Texas A&M University: Officer - Page 5 From the Chairman, Clinton Machann - Page 1  The Life of a Czech Aggie: Remember to “Czech” From Jan Beneš, William J. out our Website and Hlavinka Fellow - Page 2  Life from a Czech Turned Facebook Page for Texan: From Tomáš Panský - current, future and Page 3  Alice Luňáková’s Texas past CEFT happenings! Adventures: From Alice Luňáková - Page 4