March 2012 ER Letter
- At March 1, 2012
- By Cathylee
- In ER Letters
March 2012
At the recommendation of the Trustees:
We had a record service in the dining room serving 265 on a Friday this
month and consistent with serving over 200 every Friday.
We had a record service in the dining room serving 256 on a Wednesday this month.
Harry/Anna Trust Fund $9,450 which is approximately $14.32 per capita.
ENF $3,742 meeting our goal; $5.67 per capita.
Brought in 103 Members surpassing our Lodge’s goal of 92 and we have 20 more coming in for investigation this March.
January 3, Ciao Italia serving 169; bringing into Lodge after expenses $2,463
January 21, Happy Days serving 150; bringing into Lodge after expenses $1,497 and then $1,000 given to Harry~Anna
February 18, Valentine’s Motown serving 238 and bringing in $3,597.60
In my final message let’s look at the final Cardinal Principle of Fidelity which “implies the unfailing fulfillment of one’s duties and obligations and strict adherence to vows or promises.”
As we look back on this year as Exalted Ruler this Cardinal Principle was always the forefront to decisions
and actions made by me your Exalted Ruler on behalf of our Lodge. With that being said, the Membership of
Holiday Isles Lodge 1912 can be proud because together we exceeded all expectations this year.
February 11th we had the Lady Elk’s Flea Market hosted by Valerie Powell, Harry/Anna Chairperson and Betty
Ryan, Volunteer of the Year and brought in $700.00 in which all proceeds went to Harry Anna. Because of all our
Lodge’s efforts we are now $14.32 per person.
Member and Bartender Valerie took on this new role and has done an outstanding
job in her faithful participation in reaching beyond our Lodge’s Harry/Anna quota for the year.
Thank you Valerie!
Allegiance is faithfulness considered as a duty: “I know no South, no North, no East, no West, to
which I owe any allegiance…. The Union, Sir, is my country” (Henry
Clay).
February 18th was the Lodge’s
Valentine’s Dinner Dance with outstanding Motown Music! The Lodge rocked Madeira Beach and everyone
had a spectacular time. This event was hosted by our member Tony De Marzo and his lovely wife Kathy. We have to mention that Carol and Dave Reed helped out tremendously in this event’s success! These two couples are a perfect example of
how loyal members can make a difference in our Lodge and have placed a positive mark on our Lodge’s success. Decorations were superbly placed, food was great, and the event was a success because of the loyal work this couple did
for our Lodge. A BIG thanks goes to Tony and Kathy! 
The Cardinal Principle of Fidelity denotes Loyalty, which “implies a steadfast and devoted attachment that is not easily turned aside: loyalty to an oath; loyalty to one’s family,” our family of Holiday Isles Lodge 1912.
Thanks to all the volunteers for this Valentine’s Event and a special thanks to ~ John and Sheryl Wilson, Tom and Shirley Krieger, Betty
Ryan, Ron De Luca, Frank and Marie Jantschek. And of course, to all those that got up and helped in taking back dishes
and glasses during this event. A VERY special thanks to Tom Krieger who took on the huge task
of dishwasher on our Friday night dinner 2/17; which was a last minute need resulting
in getting the job done and with a smile. (Alexander Carlson also assisted with the dishes as well.) 
This couple Tom and Shirley Krieger have devoted many hours ~ not to mention years to our Lodge’s success! Their commitment to the Lodge does not go unnoticed and they are a perfect example of how Elk’s give without looking for anything in return; and no matter what circumstance comes forward. However, it would be nice when you see them
to say “thank you” for they are a tremendous asset to our Lodge’s success.
“There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when
circumstance permit. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” K. Blanchard
Thanks to the following that have come across more than one can imagine in making our dinner service rock:
Debbie Carlson and her family Alexander and Amanda, and Julie Stroebel and daughter Jessie who continually come to our rescue and
help in the kitchen and dining room.
Debbie Fritz who constantly comes forward and is our cashier, she is one special lady and not only is she an absolute top
volunteer she is our Secretary for the Lodge and does a tremendous job in the office along with Mary Marcinowski
in charge of membership and Tim Marks our Treasurer.
Thanks to all the members that took on an Event, Officer Position, Committee Chairs, and the House Committee. Notice must be made for the following
volunteers who stayed committed and focused to the Holiday Isles Lodge 1912 and her success throughout my year as Exalted Ruler.
I need to give special thanks for all your help and devotion to the Lodge. When asked to help out these members came across with a smile each and every time. This devotion to our Lodge surpasses all expectations as volunteers and you all are very much appreciated. There were many volunteers that participated
in helping the Lodge as well, but these volunteers below have gone above and beyond the call of duty and I thank you very much (listed in no specific order)
for each and every one of you have made the Lodge what it is ~ a success:
John and Becky Dobbin, dining room assistance, emergency cashier Ron (Lodge #1 Musician, Officer, House Comm Chair) and MaryJane De Luca (Taco Night
Volunteers, Chaired Events, Ron Volunteers every Wednesday in providing the
Music/Entertainment and much more.)
Mack Sinden (Hse Committee) fixes all our chairs and tables and misc items in need, gives many many hours to maintaining the
Lounge machines, sets up back bar weekly.
June (Lounge Manager) and Don Boring (PER) (June, continually does 50/50; donates baskets to be raffled, Chairs Events, assists in the
kitchen and in dining room)
Volunteer Waitresses: Kathy Arnold, Shirley Krieger, Sandy Hall, Marcy Parsons
Jim Arnold (Asst. Kit Mgr, House Committee) Assists with events, kitchen needs ~ slices the prime rib weekly, dining room
expeditor, emergency cashier.
Roger Novak (Trustee) and BR, assist in the dining room during events and whenever needed.
Dominick (Trustee) and Mary Venenzia (Officer) Chaired events, helps in dining room, Chaired
Casserole night during the summer to keep this a continuing Tuesday event;
beautifying our Lodge with chairing the painting needs.
Debbie Fritz (Lodge Secretary), Head Cashier, assists in dining room and special events.
Ursula Carole, Cashier
Dick Berube, Provides all around carpenter needs for the Lodge.
Electrical Needs: Bill Bankhead, Tom Rice (PER and Trustee) and Bill Rathburn
Jeramy Colvin (Trustee) Cashier, dining room assistance.
Julia Cate, Griller, 50/50, dining room assistance.
Jane Jordan (The Awesome Bingo Queen and Lounge Decorator, assists in dining room events.)
John (Hse. Committee) and Sheryl Wilson (Assists in dining room and events, grilling, Veteran’s Grilling)
Chrissy (Bartender) and Mike Dalton, Chrissy has donated her beautiful pieces of Art Work to the Lodge and has contributed their
time in helping out to the betterment of our Lodge.
MaryAnn Dunnaway, Chairs Cliff Dunnaway Fishing Day, dining room assistance.
SueDonna O’Mally and Janet O’Leary (setting the dining room once a month)
Bill and Sue Leary (Investigation, setting the dining room once a month; faithfully volunteering in dining room on Holidays,
Chaired Events)
Jack and Fran Sarnice (Bingo, setting dining room once a month, cashier, and assists in dining room)
John (House Committee, electrical needs) and Dianne Nangle (Blood Bank Chair), both provide dining room assistance
David and Claire Spensley (dining room assistance)
Joseph and Peggy Mayer (Our Ambassadors for the dining room)
Bob Mazeika and John Neff (Grill Masters)
David and Barbara Mazeika (Grill Masters)
Ruthie (Everyone knows her by “Cheese and Crackers”)
Ed and Gabe Galasti, Grillers
Mike and Valerie Burke (Grilling, chaired to get Coast Guard and Police Canine for our Kid’s on the Bay Event.)
Dee Clemens, Salad Bar every week, assists in dining room too!
Debbie Carlson (Events, dining room, kitchen assistant)
Julie Stroebel (Events, dining room, 50/50)
Tom Krieger (Assists in the Kitchen, dishwasher when needed, unbelievable assistance with his wife Shirley on special events,
dining room expeditor)
Tony and Kathy De Mazaro (Chaired Event)
Al Harvey, dining room assistance
Last but not least this woman who surpasses all in volunteering our very own Miss Betty Ryan, dining room expeditor, salad bar, dining room
assistance, Thursday night serving pasta in the Lounge area, kitchen assistance, back room organizer, washes all towels for the kitchen, chairs
events, chairs National Veterans Service, and many many other aspects in which she gives and volunteers.
In final, no matter what you bring to the Holiday Isles Lodge 1912 we are a family contributing to the ELKS organization, making
us united in the cause to ~ inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the
happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization,
and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America in serving the people and communities through
benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.
One more important thank you and that goes to all that come in and support our Lodge through their donations and
patronage and especially your support at all our events. This was a great and fulfilling year for our Holiday Isles Lodge 1912. We had fun, we
made money, and we all learned something.
God Bless the United States of America, our Lodge, our Military and their families!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in
heavenly places in Christ.
Larry Granucci, Exalted Ruler
I approve this message.
Success is Grounded in Our Volunteers
- At November 6, 2011
- By Jeramy Colvin
- In ER Letters
October so far has been a shining success for our members to enjoy as our Lodge’s volunteers come forward to help out in various activities. As Elks the true act of volunteerism is never expecting something in return, so…
WHY VOLUNTEER?
It’s not medals won with pride.
It’s for that feeling deep inside.
It’s that reward down in your heart.
It’s feeling that you’ve been a part
Of helping others, far and near
That makes you be a volunteer!
It’s not for money, it’s not for fame.
It’s not for any personal gain.
It’s just for love of fellow man.
It’s just to lend a helping hand.
It’s just to give a part of self.
That’s something you can’t buy with wealth.
~ Author Unknown ~
It is correct and a “good thing” to give recognition and appreciation for all of our volunteer’s efforts; from those participating as Officers, Chairing a Committee, to simply bringing in coupons for our Veterans. All volunteers are so very appreciated (and you know who you are) and when you volunteer in any aspect you are making our Holiday Isles Lodge 1912 the success it is. With that being said, we had this month an exceptional volunteer come forward to make our Lodge shine, and this is Dominick Venenzia who headed up a group of volunteers to wash and paint the white walls in the Lounge area and Dining room. In two days the washing of the walls and painting was successfully accomplished. Bravo! The following participated in this task: Domenick Arico, Jeramy Colvin, Roger Duval, Barbara Fournier PER, Jeannie Hoffman, Joe Pusateri, Jesse Roberts, Joan Roberts, Betty Ryan, and Dominick’s lovely wife Mary Venenzia. Again, thanks to all that participated in this task. Well done.
October 29th we will have our Halloween Party chaired by our very own Debbie Carlson and Julie Stroebel. Hope everyone enjoys the Monster Bash! Thanks to volunteers like Debbie and Julie we can have these awesome events for our members to enjoy! Everyone is destined to have had an awesome haunting experience with costumes, good food, music, and friends.
On November 12th will be the Veteran’s Boat Parade and the boat parade will be passing by our Lodge. Our very own member Barbara Stayer not only is she an outstanding volunteer at the ELKS but has taken on this event as Parade Chairperson. Bill Leary and Mack Sinden volunteered in getting City approval for an Open House the weekend of the Veteran’s Parade so the community can come to this event. We are asking our members to bring in potential new members to experience our Lodge and see firsthand that being an ELK member is really something to aspire for. We are about supporting our community, special needs children, our veterans and acting service men and woman and their families. This year the Veteran’s Boat parade honors the MARINES. November 13th will also be open to the public so bring or invite family members, neighbors, and friends to the Holiday Isles Lodge and help our Lodge in attaining more membership. We will have grilling available of Hot Dogs and Hamburgers as well as awesome Polish Sausage all served with chips and coleslaw.
We have something going on every day of the week for our ELK members to enjoy. Here is a recap:
Saturdays and Sundays are an enjoyable experience out on the deck with live music on Sunday (January we will have music on Saturdays too), active Tiki Bar, the inviting sparkling pool to swim in, AND grilling of the best Hamburgers and Hot Dogs on the Intracoastal water at affordable prices. We have to thank Don (PER) and June Boring for their exceptional volunteering in getting our new grill in place, you are truly appreciated and you both go above and beyond to make our Lodge “ROCK!” We also have open slips available for those that come by boat. We do rent out slips separate from our open docking areas and we currently have only one slip open for renting.
Monday Taco Night is still offering scrumptious Fish, Chicken, or Beef Tacos starting at approximately 4:30P until we run out. Dart night on Mondays is also in full swing and fun filled, please consider joining. Serving 2 Tacos for $3.00; 3 Tacos for $4.00; 4 Tacos for $5.00.
Tuesday is Casserole Night in which Tommy our bartender and Anne Williams PER make sure everything is in order for this wonderful night of tasty foods. Please bring a dish in and if you cannot it is sure worth the $5.00 donation to partake in some awesome delicious selections.
Wednesday night is one fun filled evening with Ron Deluca at the keyboard; affordable dinners in which we offer delectable Filet Mignon cooked to perfection, Baked or Fried Fish, and a Chicken Breast special. We have the best potato selections as well. Please join us. Reservations are recommended 727.399.7143.
Thursday BINGO at 12 noon and awesome experience with Jane Jordan she always makes sure there is a nice spread for everyone to partake in. Thanks
to Jane as she covers the bararea tables with awesome tablecloths and decorations reflective of the season. Thanks Jane! We also serve PASTA at about 4:30P, and the Vodka sauce is becoming quite popular with homemade meatballs and tasty garlic bread for only $5.00 ($4.00 without meatballs).
Friday evening at the Lodge is something you must not miss! We have our awesome Prime Rib dinner, Fried or Baked Fish, Coconut Shrimp with Plum Sauce, and a Chicken special. We have quite the potato selection to include Baked Potato, Sweet Potato, HOMEMADE Smashed Potato or Mashed Sweet Potato, Al Gratin, and if you really have to have ~ FRENCH FRIES. We cannot forget our absolutely inviting Salad Bar.
Joanie Pitney, Sandy Hall, and Verna Bankhead along with many other volunteers from the All Childrens Hospital Guild had a successful event October 17th with over 90 ladies participating in games, and an awesome lunch ~ donated by local restaurants.
Also, on Saturday, October 22nd we have a Relay For Life American Cancer Spaghetti Dinner for approximately 200+ participants; Ann Balesterri and Cheryl Ross Chairing with many volunteers from our Gulf Beaches community; John Ross is cooking this scrumptious dinner. These are two perfect examples of the Elks working toward more community involvement by bringing in volunteers (potential members) enjoying our facilities, and being used for very worthy causes to benefit OUR community and those in need.
Again, I have to thank all our volunteers that come forward to make our experience here at the Holiday Isles Elks fun and enjoyable. Here is a way you can volunteer today, we are looking for our members to bring in can goods, dry goods, even a frozen turkey (we will keep frozen until the day to deliver) or two to place in baskets and give to families in need during this Holiday Season for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Your participation in is greatly appreciated. Please call the office or Cathylee 727.215.1226 for additional information and find out what items are needed for the baskets.
Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain love for one another. - Erma Brombeck
God Bless the United States of America, our Lodge, our Military and their families!
Sincerely,
Larry Granucci, Exalted Ruler
Summer is Flying By – Letter from our ER
- At August 4, 2011
- By Jeramy Colvin
- In ER Letters
Summer is flying by and many of our fine members continue supporting and enjoying our Lodge. THANK YOU very much!
July 4th celebration at the Lodge was a smashing success as we enjoyed our Independence Day with outstanding scrumptious Chicken specials prepared by Cathylee Granucci; it was an absolute “sell out!” Thanks to Dominick and Mary Venezia and MaryAnne Dunnaway in helping with the serving of this dish. Barbara Fournier did a fantastic job with the BBQ of our exceptional Hamburgers and Hot Dogs. Our members along with their families and guests enjoyed a special day swimming in the refreshing pool, entertained with music by Steve Mullis, Tiki Bar, and then were able to enjoy the firework display off the patio that evening.
Our Wednesday Night dinners are becoming more and more popular with our very affordable dinner specials consisting of Filet Mignon, Baked or Fried Fish, and Chicken specials. We have to give a hearty thanks to Ron Deluca who provides Music Entertainment and Musical Trivia fun during dinner making the Wednesday evening dinner a very enjoyable time. Ron your contribution to the success of Wednesday Night’s Dinner is GREATLY appreciated as you donate your time and outstanding music to our Lodge. Reservations are being encouraged for Wednesday and Friday dinner; please call 727.399.7143 to ensure a table of choice and our popular dinner specials. We are now offering awesome homemade desserts from our kitchen. Friday night’s dinner is also popular as our guests and members find our salad bar to be quite the attraction, to include our excellent service and attention to our members and guests, delicious Prime Rib, Baked or Fried Fish and Chicken dinners at affordable prices. We are still serving on Monday Tacos and your choices are Fish, Chicken and Beef. Tuesday we have Casserole Night which is chaired by Dominick and Mary Venenzia and they are really doing a fine job and more and more are participating in this event. Thursdays we still serve Pasta in which $3.00 gets you a bowl of pasta and for $1.00 two meatballs. You can drop by the Lodge almost every day in which we are offering some type of food for everyone to enjoy. Thank you for your continued support of the Lodge and we sincerely thank you for it!
Thanks to all that helped out at the Lodge while we were at National Convention in Phoenix. Please stop by the Lodge and view the changes voted in at convention which are posted on the bulletin board for your convenience. I have to stop and thank Marcy Parson for taking on Monday’s Taco Night in our absence. Marcy also made sure Thursday’s Pasta Night went on without a glitch with the help of Dominick and Mary Venezia. Betty Ryan thanks for taking on the Kitchen duties and making everything run so very smoothly. Linda Kufro for all her hard work in making sure the registers are covered and everything she does for the Lodge to include the creation of our posters for all our events……Linda you are very much appreciated. John and Dianne Nangle thanks so much for taking time out of your schedule and driving us to and from the airport. Thanks everyone we greatly appreciate you all!
Bingo is on absolute great time! Consider coming to the Lodge on Thursdays about 12 Noon and check out how our lovely “Bingo Queen” Jane Jordan makes this weekly event such a success! Her personality is the “tops” and makes Bingo so much fun and enjoyable for everyone that attends, along with Barbara Fournier as she calls out Bingo numbers. Thanks Jane and Barbara!
We have to thank our members Dave and Rhonda Levesque who referred our Lodge to friends, and they had an outstanding fun filled 50th Birthday Party. This is one fantastic way our members make our Lodge a success by referring us; and it is an honor when you refer our Lodge for events such as Birthdays, Weddings, and Aniversaries etc. Please continue your support and encourage your family and friends to consider Holiday Isles Elks Lodge 1912 for their event. Call Cathylee Granucci at 727.215.1226 to schedule your event today.
We are having our Annual Golf Outing scheduled for September 17th at the Mainlands Golf Course. Please contact Bob Pitney PDDGER to get your tickets for this outstanding event the tickets are going fast. Tickets are only $60 per person and this will include golfing and an outstanding dinner. PER Don Boring and his wife June will be putting together the dinner to be served at the Elks Lodge 1912, looks like it will be their FAMOUS Rib’s. There will be raffling and fun prizes to win to include winners in the golf tournament.
Bob Pitney and his lovely wife did a fantastic job representing our Lodge as DDGER last year, you made us all proud! Thanks!
We are continuing to support our community and our Lodge and we have donated $200.00 toward the Madeira Beach 911 Memorial. Also, twice a month on Friday, our Lodge provides a free dinner to our Veterans from Bay Pines a nice thank you to them for their exemplary service to our Nation. We are fortunate to be able to give to our community and we have to thank our Lodge Members for making this possible. We have two major projects our Lodge is working on, Elks National Foundation (ENF) Chaired by Barbara Fournier and Harry-Anna (Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services and the Florida Elks Youth Camp) Chaired by Valarie Powell your contributions to these Charities are GREATLY appreciated.
Christmas in July is scheduled for Saturday the 30th and hopefully you were able to attend. Barbara Fournier worked hard to get this event going, and we have to thank Julia Cate and Rico Borrazzo for the fabulous gift basket they donated to our Lodge and will be raffled off. Julia worked hard to put this basket together and it is absolutely awesome and we all thank you.
Coming this August 6th we have our District Visitation. The theme for this event is a Pirate Invasion by Land or by Sea. Please stop by and show your support as Lodges from around the area come and enjoy our facilities. Cocktails are from 5-7P, then the meeting, and quickly following will be the dinner and dessert.
August 28th is our Hurricane Party! Come prepared for some “blown away” fun at the Lodge. This event is chaired by Ron Deluca and Bill Leary. Tickets are available for only $8.00. You won’t want to miss the fun packed event. Polish Sausage will be served with Sauerkraut along with Baked Ham and Beans, Potato, Bread and scrumptious Dessert.
Labor Day Weekend will be upon us shortly and we will serve on Labor Day a large portion ¼ Chicken for only $4.00 Dark/$5.00 White meat, made with Cathylee’s special recipe choices of either Italian Marinate or Honey BBQ, along with delicious Cole Slaw, Bread, and Corn on the Cob. Come join us on Labor Day.
Thanks to Shirley and Tom Krieger for trimming the trees and now the view of the water is much nicer from the Tiki Bar deck area.
Fall Fling is scheduled for September 24th, please keep that date open. We will have additional details for you at a later date.
In final, at the National Convention this year it was mentioned how as a Lodge we need to continue attracting new Members and keeping them. Your help in this endeavor is greatly appreciated, as you invite guests to see our Lodge and enjoy our activities prompting them to join. We are only a success because of our current members and your continued support. Together we make our Lodge at the Holiday Isles 1912 a positive place to go to and experience, encouraging new members to make it their home.
God Bless United States of America, our Lodge, our Military and their families!
June Boring, Exalted Ruler’s Motto ”ELKS BELIEVE AND ELKS ACHIEVE.”
- At July 1, 2011
- By Jeramy Colvin
- In ER Letters
Your Exalted Ruler – April 2012
our Lodge and other Lodges. Bob Pitney, PDDGER, wife Joanie, Rita Choronenko, Larry Granucci, PER his wife Cathylee and the other volunteers that helped set-up, serve and cook.
If everyone signed up one person this year we would have 726 new members by the end of the year. Carry an application and be proud to let
others know what we are all about, ”Elks Care and Elks Share.”
8th, Parrot Head Party on April 15th chaired by Ron De Luca and Larry Granucci, PER. Music, games and prizes for first, second and third best dressed Parrot Head will be given out. We also have the annual Hennessey Fishing Tournament on April 21st.
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