THE 916 BULLETIN the Monthly Newsletter of the BENEVOLENT & PROTECTIVE ORDER of ELKS Lodge #916

THE 916 BULLETIN The Monthly Newsletter of the BENEVOLENT & PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS Lodge #916

925 North Avenue Burlington, VT 05408 (802) 862-1342

The Exalted Ruler’s Message MARCH 2007

350 Club...... 4 It seems hard to believe that my year as Activity Calendar...... 8 Exalted Ruler is coming to an end. March 31st A Proud Elk ...... 3 will be the Installation of Officers with a Benevolent Ben...... 7 wonderful dinner and dancing to follow. I hope Birthdays...... 5 there will be a large turnout to welcome our first Bits & Pieces...... 4 female Exalted Ruler Diane Hazen. It is only right Casino Trip ...... 8 to start her off with a big party! This year our Children’s Easter Party ...... 5 guest lodge for the Installation will be St. Albans Contact Information...... 2 Lodge. This is going to be a very big night for the Eldoes Update ...... 7 Lodge, so get your tickets early. Elks Care Elks Share...... 7 When I started out my year, one of my goals French Night ...... 3 was to make several new connections. I feel I have Installation of Officers ...... 4 succeeded in this goal. I made many new In Vail We Call ...... 2 connections not only at #916, but at other Lodges around the state as well. I had a great Irish Night...... 6 time meeting other members at the State Convention, National Convention in Florida Lodge Notices ...... 2 and at all the other meetings that I have attended. It was great to visit all the New Officers to be Installed ...... 3 surrounding Lodges both in and out of Vermont. It is very nice to see members from Officers ...... 2 other Lodges visit and get to know them by their first name. Old Timer’s Meeting...... 5 I big thank you to all of my Officers and many members, chairperson, etc. that Penguin Plunge ...... 3 made my year as Exalted Ruler an easier and rewarding one. I will not be able to name Proposed Members...... 2 all of you in my message but I will see all of you in person to thank you. Without all the Special Olympics ...... 7 help from the many volunteers throughout the year things would not have gone as well This ‘n That...... 6 as they did. It is great to see the many new volunteers helping out. It makes it much Three Corks...... 6 easier on those who have been around for years as they are able to sit and enjoy a meal Vermont Special Olympics ...... 7 once in a while. Thank you all again and please keep up the good work for your new Volunteer of the Month...... 5 ER. My year as Exalted Ruler will be ending and I will be headed for a five year term as Trustee. I hope to be around the Lodge as much as I can, so please feel free to chat Meeting Night anytime. I plan to be an active Trustee and will help out the Lodge anyway I can. Out of the Chairs and into the Trustees - here we go! If you would like to start in the Chairs Thursday, March 1st please see an Officer and talk it over. You really learn a lot about the Lodge and it’s daily operations. You need to start somewhere. It was a great year...Thank You! Hope to see many of you at the Installation Dinner on March 31st. 350 Club Thursday, March 8th

HAVE YOU ASKED SOMEONE TO BECOME A MEMBER TODAY?

Fraternally Yours, Steak Night Wednesday, March 14th

Meeting Night Gary Little, Exalted Ruler Thursday, March 15th

• All members should have received their dues renewal. The Key Card for the front door will be changed on April 1st. You need to renew by that date to gain admittance to the Lodge. Early birds will be considered by March 20th. I want to thank my wife and member Linda Langlois, member Betty Reider, Alice Charbonneau and Doug Schumpf for the yeoman type job they did in mailing out the dues notices and preparing the membership cards for the upcoming year.

• Regular membership meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7pm.

• Members are welcome to attend the Governing Board meeting on the second Tuesday at 6pm in the upstairs meeting room. • The Lodge Investigating Committee meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm when there are members proposed.

THESE APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP OR REINSTATEMENT WILL BE BALLOTED ON AT THE MARCH 1, 2007 MEMBERSHIP MEETING Name Address Occupation Proposer TARY KIRK BURLINGTON DAY RYAN GEORGE EBERT ESSEX TEACHER MATT ENGELS RON BARLOW SOUTH BURLINGTON RICHARD GRACEY BRIDGET GRACEY SOUTH BURLINGTON RICHARD GRACEY SHARRON GREER WILLISTON SALES RICHARD GRACEY DANIEL BEAN SHELBURNE RETIRED BOB MC CANN IN VAIN WE CALL Name Born Initiated Died MARCEL J. CARRIER May 24, 1939 May 21, 2000 January 15, 2007

LODGE OFFICERS 2006-2007 THE 916 BULLETIN

Exalted Ruler: Gary Little Esteemed Leading Knight: Diane Hazen The Monthly Newsletter of the Esteemed Loyal Knight: Dave Blankemeyer Benevolent Order of Elks Lodge #916 Esteemed Lecturing Knight: Mary Paule Hill Secretary: Charles Munson Published monthly and mailed to all Lodge Members and select Treasurer: Brian Bouchard others, by bulk mail at Burlington, Vermont. The content can also be viewed at the Lodge’s Website, www.bpoe916.com Inner Guard: Steve Schifilliti

Esquire: Robert Brown Relevant information for inclusion is welcomed and should be Tiler: Daniel Ryan submitted by the 15th of the month proceeding the publication by: Chaplain: Hank Metevier Organist: Rick Guest • emailing to [email protected] State Trustee: Bruce Webster • Placing the material in the 916 Bulletin mailbox at the Lodge LODGE TRUSTEES 2006-2007 front entranceway. Trustee Chairman: Chris Bissonette • Mailing it to the Lodge to the attention of the 916 Bulletin. Trustee: Fred Dusablon, PER Trustee: Ron LaRose, PER, PSP We do our best to include all pertinent information that our Trustee: Richard Schmitt members would find interesting, however if the materials are not received by the Editor on or before the 15th of the month, there is a Trustee: Jim Procopio chance that they may not be included in the next issue due to the time needed to produce, print and mail the Bulletin. Our goal is to HOW TO CONTACT THE LODGE have it delivered to our members by the 1st of the following month. General Information...... [email protected] Exalted Ruler...... [email protected] We reserve the right to edit submitted items for brevity and Lodge Secretary ...... [email protected] appropriateness. The Exalted Ruler has the final responsibility for Lodge Treasurer...... [email protected] the Bulletin content. Trustees...... [email protected] Event Bookings...... [email protected] Editor - John Hill Bulletin Editor ...... [email protected] Photography - Wayne LaBonte

2 A Proud Elk! Dr. John Farnham was French Night honored recently by the Vermont State Guard at a Over 200 people turned out for meeting held at Camp John- French Night on January 27th to enjoy a son in Colchester on Janu- great dinner and dancing to Phil n’ the ary 24, 2007, where he was Blanks. I want to thank all the awarded the following med- volunteers who help set up the tables, als for his distinguished serve the meal and clean up. Special service during the Korean thanks to my “Tourtière Team.” It’s conflict: Purple Heart always great to see our members Medal, National Defense supporting these wonderful events! One of the couple who Service Medal, Korean Ser- danced the night away! Fraternally yours, vice Medal, Army Overseas Service Ribbon (with 3 Wilfred “Dizzy” Desilets, PER, Chairperson Bronze Stars), United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, Vermont Commendation Medal, Vermont Distinguished Service Medal and the Vermont Veterans Medal. He was joined by his wife Pat, their four sons and extended We Took the family. His son, Colonel Jonathan Farnham, and Lt. Governor and Major General Michael Dubie from the Vermont National Guard, had the honor of pinning the medals on Dr. Farnham. Dr. Farnham is a member of the Vermont State Guard Medical Plunge! Corps and serves as a Colonel. On February 11th, 18 hardy (or foolish) souls braved the elements to represent Lodge #916 in the annual Penguin Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics of Vermont. They were: Mike OFFICERS TO BE INSTALLED Boucher, Sr., Mike Boucher, Jr., Matt Engles, Jim O’Brien, Diane Hazen, Kayla Eustace, Tom Eustace, Lauren Walker, Kari Lopes, ON MARCH 31ST Randy Lopes, Tristan Harris, Erica Price, Andy Maclean, Barney Lilley (PER and Chairperson), Fred Dusablon, Dizzy Desilets, Exalted Ruler: Diane Hazen Christie Hutchins and 7-YEAR OLD MACKENZEE LOPES! Esteemed Leading Knight: Dave Blankemeyer Esteemed Loyal Knight: Mary Paule Hill Esteemed Lecturing Knight: Rick Boucher Secretary: Charles Munson Treasurer: Brian Bouchard Inner Guard: Steve Schifilliti Esquire: Robert Brown Tiler: Daniel Ryan Chaplain: Hank Metevier Organist: Rick Guest

LODGE TRUSTEES Trustee Chairman: Chris Bissonette Trustee: Fred Dusablon, PER Special thanks to Hank Metevier for the use of the limo, Donna Trustee: Ron LaRose, PER, PSP Demag for driving, and to Kerry Plunkett for opening early for the Trustee: Jim Procopio plungers. This was the largest group to date and as a result the Trustee: Gary Little, PER Special Olympics will receive a contribution of $5,015 on behalf of Burlington Lodge #916!

3 BITS & PIECES

Hello! I’m back. Glad to be here, thanks. First let’s talk about what I have been doing during my hiatus. The anger management therapy sessions continue to go well, although my therapist seems to think there is still some Date Menu Extra Meal work to be done. 3/8 Steak No Extras I have quit smoking as of Oct. 2006. I will shamelessly plug the drug that made this not (March is for ticket holders only) only do-able, but almost easy. It is a product from Pfizer called Chantix. Ask your Doctor. If Reminder: Make reservations for 350 Club you want to quit, this will give you a real chance. Dinners at least two days in advance. Dan (Raccoon) Ryan fell and broke his nose. Tough break Dan!

Only one (1) dinner per ticket Doesn’t Donna LaBonte look mahhh-ve-lous?? Only one (1) guest dinner per ticket Em Shappy spent 3 days in the Philadelphia airport during our recent snowstorm. Want

my therapist’s number Em? Thank you to all the volunteers for February: Is it just me, or does anyone else think Lady Die (our next ER) is mean?? John Plunkett, Charlie Auer, Chris Bissonette, Cookie Manning, Rick and Brenda Boucher, Mackenzee Lopes ( 7 year old daughter of Kari and Randy Lopes, granddaughter of Janet Phil and Linda DeLaricheliere, Shirley and Lopes ) was the #1 fundraiser for the penguin plunge with a whopping $500.00 in donations. Hazen Cross, Michelle Bullis, Nancy Webster, Great going Mackenzee. Donna LaBonte, Mike Boucher, Debbie Man- Lauren Walker’s 4 yr. old daughter Jenna cut twelve inches of hair off to send to “Locks ning, Dave Blankemeyer, Bob Goddard, Neale of Love” We’re proud of you Jenna. Schmitt, Betsy Greene and ER Gary Little. Mary Contrary has finally found another job. Call me Mary, I’ll give you a copy of the same number I gave Em, so you can hang on to this job. Here are the winners for February: $275 Pete Monty Peggy Hurlbut and Frank Moisan continue with Chemotherapy treatments in their ongo- $150 Rolande English ing struggle with cancer. I pray I can face my mortality with as much class and dignity as $75 Mark Schroeter these two have shown!

Laurie Dumont has moved (or is moving ) to Texas. Good luck Laurie! The next 350 Club dinner will be on Many of us are destined to repeat our mistakes. Case in point, in 1969 I attempted to March 8th. Volunteers needed. drive my Ford through the snow at the end of the driveway to get to work. The car stayed Please call me at 318-6613. there for three days. I got picked up and brought to work. Fast forward to 2007. You guessed Fraternally yours, it. I was trapped in my car in the end of my driveway. Some people never learn. Diane Hazen Esteemed Leading Knight John Plunkett

Installation of Officers & Inaugural Ball

Saturday - March 31st

Installation of Officers - 4pm Hors d’Ouvres - 5pm Dinner - 7pm $18.00 pp

Music: DJ John Hill

Surf & Turf (Baked Stuffed Shrimp & Petit Filet), Salad, Baby Red Potatoes, Vegetables, Profiteroles

Dress is semi-formal. Gentlemen: Jackets and Ties please!

4 PAST EXHALTED RULERS AND CURRENT OFFICERS ON Children’s OLD TIMER’S NIGHT FEBRUARY 1ST. Easter Party

Saturday - April 7th Seated L to R: Fred Dusablon, Ron LaRose, Wilfred Desilets, Dr. Amory Smith, Richard Bove, Andy Demers, Randy Corey, Moe Decelles, Joe Girard, 11am - 1pm Jim Procopio, Chris Bissonette. Standing L to R: Bob Brown, Fritz Gundlach, Hank Metevier, Chuck Munson, Gary Little, Diane Hazen, Dave Blankemeyer, (Ages newborn to 11 years old) Mary Paule Hill, Steve Schifilliti, Rick Guest, Brian Bouchard.

! HOT DOGS ING A big congratulations to our INT SODA PA ! & CE ES EAST Volunteer of the Month: FA AM ER EG G H G UNT

Please sign up or call in your reservations to the bar by March 30th with Member’s name, number Brenda Boucher of children and adults attending.

Paul Terjelian Larry Warren G. Thomas Gamelin, Sr. Birthday this month? Bring 11 James Cannon 19 David Bombard Mary Paule Hill your driver’s license to Fleurette Romprey Christopher Heath 25 Joe Anger Steak Night and get $5 off ! 12 Ormond Bushey, Jr. Donald Rocheleau Nelson Chagnon Ronald Lascala 21 Marcel Beauregard David Cooke 1 Timothy Bessett 7 Valere Dion 13 Craig Atherton E. Paul Dutil Frederick Dusablon Robert Couillard Kevin Sleeper John Malcovsky Richard Pepin Roger Prudenzano Richard Rowden Clayton Wagner 14 Ken Bessette, Jr. Paul Perras Lawrence Roy 2 Leon Ignaszewski Richard Wilbert Michael Loiselle Linda Silver John Shearer Roger Vachereau 8 Kenneth Babits, Sr. Claire McDevitt Edward Sullivan 26 Joseph Boylan 3 Bruce Loomis Mandell Chernoff 15 Gary Cote Jeffrey Taylor Rita Lamountain Charles Reis A. Nelly Lopez William Gonyeau 22 Pamela Coutu 27 Ken Peterson Robert Thibault Judy Mailhotte Richard Gracey George Divenuti Donna Sweeney Richard Trombley 9 William Busier Pauline Guenther Arthur Dusablon 28 Andre Demers Richard Wiemann Bruce Huff Anthony Vigneau George Goulet, Sr. Douglas Harris 4 Leonard Berthiaume Michael Loyer 16 Lawrence Labelle Gordon Ries Pernell Heath Richard Guest, II Harvey Sharrow 17 John Dubie 23 Raymond Benway Philip Marcelino, Sr. Guy Neveu Wayne Spear Karen Fuller Donald Jones 30 Kevin Cote 5 Steven Crowley 10 James Burke Gerry Moulton Michael Leavitt Bruce Jolley Mark Pitt Linda Ann Hartwell Robert Pillsbury Dianne Mercy 31 Gary Bergeron 6 David Dewar Stanley Shumski Neale Schmitt Frank Orzech James Carris Dana Shappy H. Robert Slingerland 18 Laurie Goldsmith 24 John Crawford

[email protected]

5 THREE CORKS by Brother Matthew Engels

The one thing you noticed about Gary Little’s term as Exalted

Ruler? That he always seemed to be somewhere nearby. Sitting at the bar, in the kitchen, helping the bartenders, or playing cribbage as a temporary fill-in for the St. Albans lodge (I plead guilty here also). Occasionally, he is to be found in his office as well---surrounded by paperwork, piles of yet-to-be-hung plaques and---a toy phone? “Believe or not, I don’t have a phone in here,” says Little. “So Diane [Hazen] gave me this one. I should probably get one.” Born in South Burlington, VT, Little has been the Produce Man- ager at Hannaford’s for the past nine years and actually spent part of his childhood growing up on the same street as District Deputy Ran- dall Corey. “I always say to Randy what are the odds of an ER and a District Deputy growing up on the same street?” laughs Little. “The thing is, I tried to be at almost every function even for a little while,” says Little. “ tried to be an active ER.” Little estimates he made it to about 95% of the events this last year. This has been a year of change for the Lodge, Little says, and Do you know who these kids are? points to various successes throughout the surroundings, including You’ve seen them around the lodge! the paving of the parking lot, a kitchen upgrade, personnel changes and of course, the major focus in keeping any Lodge running suc- (Answer in next month’s Bulletin) cessfully, the recruitment of volunteers. “You gotta have ‘em,” says Little. “You can’t run the place without them.” Little believes the mark of an effective and efficient ER is the ability to trust his officers, and for them to trust him. Likewise, he believes the membership should do the same. “The membership elected us,” says Little. “They demonstrated Irish enough faith in us to elect us, I would hope that they think we could do the job.” And what does Little say to those who criticize the performance of an ER? Night “Are you an active member? Do you get involved? Do you attend meetings, and vote on issues that concern you? Being an active member is what makes a Lodge work.” Saturday, March 17th Little also points out that little is accomplished without member- Cocktails - 6:00pm ship voting on it. “It takes a 2/3rd majority to pass something,” says Little. That’s Buffet Dinner - 7:00pm why it’s important to attend the meetings.” Dancing with C-Note Entertainment - 8:00pm Little’s service won’t end with the conclusion of his term as ER. Recently elected to the Board of Trustees, he will be serving in that $15.00 per person capacity for the next five years. He also plans on attending this year’s State Convention being held in…Shelburne, New Hampshire? Chef Carved Ham, Corned Beef & Cabbage, “The State President is from Bennington, and NH is right there,” says Little, laughing. “So they are having it right across the river.” Buttered Carrots, Boiled Potatoes, “It was a good year,” says Little. “It was a lot of work, but I can Irish Soda Bread, Green Salad, Irish Dessert. definitely say it was worth it. I really enjoyed it. I hope other people did too.” Dress is casual but WEAR YOUR GREEN! Oh, we did, Gary…and thanks.

6 STEPHEN… ELDOES UPDATE

BENEVOLENT BEN COMES HOME! “Be the Best of

Many of our members remember Stephen Krakosky PER,PSP Whoever You Are!” who now resides in Florida.

During the many years Stephen was involved with the Elks, On February 4th, we held our 3rd Partners in Adventure social out- when he traveled he carried a white stuffed duck with him that the ing with all participants making their own sundaes and valentines. kids just loved. His name was Benevolent Ben. Stephen even had This particular event was given front page, second section cover- a pin made of a white duck that he gave to everyone. age, complete with picture in the February 5th Burlington Free Well it finally has happened, Ben's come home to his home lodge. It's been several years, I Press. Thank you to chairperson, Debby Stapleton with the assis- guess he took a few side trips as tance of Beth Dusablon, Pat Francis, Bea Sylvia and Marie Ago, Stephen always did. we had another successful and enjoyable event. Scott Stapleton On February 1st. a beautiful and Fred Dusablon’s capable assistance was greatly appreciated. male Mallard showed up on our Belated February birthday greetings to: front walk way and returns daily. Cheryl Demers, Dorothy Metevier, This duck loves popcorn mixed Agatha Morrow and Marie Ago with water. He is brave enough now that when the bowl is empty he slides it over to us for a refill. March birthday greetings: Not to worry the duck is not injured, He flies in and out daily. Marion Charbonneau, Barb Coon, He does leave us a few clean up chores but we 'll address that Pat Francis, Sandy Venditti and Jane Williams issue. The members love him and the kids think it's great. Our own zoo. I thought Stephen might like to hear this story and see the Happy Birthday! photo taken by Wayne LaBonte. To me this duck will always be Benevolent Ben, but a member We were pleasantly surprised with the number of people who took Ruby tagged him as Henry and it's stuck. part and supported our annual Sweetheart Dinner/Dance on Febru- th Hope you enjoyed the story. ary 10 . I would like to again thank the Eldoes, families and friends and especially the Elk officers who shared the evening with Ron LaRose Trustee us. Sally and Wes Blair again provided an enjoyable evening for PER, PSP, Friend all. To those who helped to make this function so successful: Phil D – my parole officer, Beth & Fred Dusablon, Debby & Scott Stapleton, Shirley & Hazen Cross, Neal Schmidt and Ron LaRose for serving; Doris Pepin and Gisele Fontaine for assisting with the raffle ticket sales; and Pat Clayton for table assigning. Behind the scenes: Mary Paule Hill, Sally Vachereau, Nancy & Bob Stone, John Plunkett (another great meal), Gary Little, Cookie Manning, Mary Sweeney, Jake & Beth - Thank you! Our amazing and caring Chef John Plunkett has volunteered to help prepare the meal for the Heineburg Senior Center for their Congratulations to Don Plant who won the sweetheart basket and annual Corn Beef and Cabbage luncheon on March 14th. Chris to Heinz Morgenstern who won the 50/50 raffle and generously Bissonette and Carl Lozon have also volunteered to deliver and gave half of his winnings back to the Eldoes. serve it due to the lack of resources at the Senior Center. Thanks to John, Chris and Carl - you continue to show the community that Also, I invite you to take notice of the new Eldoe plaque in the when there is a need, Lodge #916 is here to help! Just another way lodge front hallway. This recognition of our club and its organiza- that Elks Care and Elks Share for those in need. tional chart of officers was made possible by the efforts of PER, Andy Demers. Thank you Andy.

VERMONT Upcoming events: March 20, 2007 SPECIAL OLYMPICS This meeting will be held at Friendly’s Restaurant in Colchester. The Eldoes will receive a percentage of the WINTER GAMES restaurant receipts from all patrons dining there between March 9-11th at Bolton Valley the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. We hope to see you there and that you will tell your family and friends to Volunteers are needed for making and bagging lunches come out and support us. A raffle will also be held. for approximately 500 participants for Thursday and Friday. There will be a signup sheet at the Lodge or you can contact April 17, 2007 Regular meeting 7:00 p.m

Dave Ploesser or myself for more details.

Diane Hazen Sincerely, Esteemed Leading Knight Linda DeLaricheliere, President

7 BURLINGTON LODGE #916 Presorted STD. Benevolent and Protective Order of ELKS U.S. POSTAGE PAID 925 North Avenue Burlington, VT 05408 BURLINGTON, VT PERMIT # 15

BPOE #916 Bus Trip to Akwesasne Mohawk Casino on March 10th. Only $26 pp and you get a $10 casino credit! Leaves the Lodge at 7:30am and returns by 6:30pm. Call 318-1032 for reservations.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 350 CLUB TICKET HOLDERS ONLY ON MARCH 8TH. PLEASE Meeting Night 7pm Private Function Private Function MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS AT LEAST 2 DAYS IN ADVANCE.

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Bingo Private Function Private Function 350 Club Private Function (Ticket holders Investigating only!) Committee 7pm 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Bingo Private Function Steak Night 6:30pm Private Function Private Function Irish Night 6pm

Governing Board Meeting Night 7pm Meeting 6pm 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Bingo Private Function Private Function

Eldoes Meeting

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Initiation 12noon Bingo Steak Night 6:30pm Private Function Installation of Officers 4pm

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Bingo Private Function Private Function Meeting Night 7pm Children’s Easter Egg Hunt 11a-1p