August 2011

July 2011

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 29^th 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 12^th 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 13^th 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 17^th with over 90 ladies participating in games, and an awesome lunch ~ donated by local restaurants.

Also, on Saturday, October 22^nd 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

July 4^th 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 50^th 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 30^th 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 6^th 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 28^th 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!

On June 3^rd the Lodge presented a check of $1,000 going toward summer projects to Sarah Balkcom, Director and Zachery Grimmig, Program Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Pinellas.  It is quite an honor for our Lodge to present a contribution to such an outstanding organization as the Boy’s and Girl’s Club knowing this contribution is needed and is going to help our valued community of children.  We all can be proud of the fact that our Lodge is able to contribute to causes like this because of all our member’s involvement and support of our Lodge.  Holiday Isles Elk Lodge 1912 is the bomb!   Thank you members!

We have to thank our Ron De Luca in all he contributes to the lodge with his musical talents and overseeing our entertainment calendar; in which this July is going to be “jamm’n” with outstanding entertainment you do not want to miss, please come to the Lodge and often  ~ THANKS so much Ron.

Dick Berube has provided so much to our lodge over the years, we sincerely thank him for this, and in recent he helped to make our covered decking more spacious and appealing for our members, come and see for yourself.

We have so many members that “step out” and give from the heart to make our Lodge a place you want to visit and enjoy and we thank you ALL ~ you know who you are! Home is where your Heart is!   We are always looking for more member involvement that have any talent(s) to come forward and contribute ~ you are what makes the Lodge a place to come to enjoy with fellow members, so support and enjoy.

Don (PER) and June Boring chaired an absolutely fabulous “Coast Is Clear” event  June 18^th and we have to thank all those that contributed. To mention a few:  Tim Santos did a fabulous job in assisting Don and June in preparing the very tasty Ribs and Shrimp platters.  Thanks to Rita Choronenko, our fun loving “Bingo Queen” Jane Jordan, MaryAnne Dunnaway, Nancy Santos, and all those that helped out with all the festivities and success of this event.

A special thanks going out to John Nangle, Jeramy Colvin, Ray Fournier and Barbara  Fournier (PER) in helping out in the kitchen while our dishwasher Brian took a vacation. They ALL did an absolute outstanding job in keeping our kitchen dishes organized and washed.  It was a tremendous undertaking and thank you so very much.  Now, imagine this?  Our Brian volunteers his service every Wednesday and takes care of our dishwashing needs every week and we certainly appreciate him ~ if you see Brian please let him know you appreciate his contribution to our Lodge by thanking him.  A kind “thank you” can go a long way ~ everyone likes to be appreciated!  Without our volunteers this lodge would not be what it is today!

This month we had a wedding reception (members from Lakeland Elks Lodge) take place, and if you had a chance to see the dining room all prepared for this event you can see what an unbelievable transformation can take place with some decorating efforts.  We have to send out a SPECIAL thanks to Betty Ryan in helping out in making this wedding event a success, Betty you are really something!  A congratulation is going out to the bride and groom ~ Jessica and Dave.

Thanks to Jeramy Colvin for our Facebook Page.  There are so many pictures and message prompts going out on this page, to include pictures of our transformed dining room for the wedding; Coast is Clear Party; and other events ~ a MUST SEE.  Become a “friend” on facebook and ask to be friends with Holiday Isles Elks, then click “like” and you can receive prompts on what is happening with our Lodge and you may even see yourself in a picture or two there.

Just a short recap on State Convention in Orlando this year, which was really something and thank you to all that came out to support and share in this event.  A special thanks to June and Don Boring (PER) for opening up their room during convention for everyone to meet up at and we ALL so appreciate this ~ thanks June and Don!

The Lodge had one of the most outstanding celebrations this month as we recognized “Flag Day,” Bud Hunt chaired this ceremony.  DDGER Bob Pitney, Bud Hunt, and Bob Hall (all PERS) had some outstanding remarks in salute to that “Grand Ole Flag.”  Thanks to our Color Guard Ann Williams, Bob Hall, Don Boring, and Iwan Choronenko (all PERS), they so eloquently presented the flags.

We now look forward to the month of July starting off with July 4^th Event and we will have a special cookout for only $6.00 ~ ½ (Half) Chicken made with either a special honey glazed BBQ marinate or our famous Mild Italian Style marinate, along with a very tasty mini-corn on the cob, scrumptious delicious Cole Slaw and bread, we will be serving until we run out (we will make only 60 so get your order in soon!).  We will still have hamburgers and hot dogs.

Cathylee and I will be attending the Grand Lodge Convention this month in Arizona and will humbly and gratefully be there to represent our Holiday Isles Elk Lodge 1912.

Do not forget our “Two for One” Dinners for only $20 with ½ a Carafe of Wine; or $22 with a bottle of wine.  Dinner selection on Wednesday includes our famous 8oz Filet Mignon, Baked or Fried Fish or our Chicken special for the night.  On Friday, we have our famous Queen cut Prime Rib, Baked or Fried Fish and a special.  Other nights we have the following:  Monday we have Taco night ~ $1.00 Tacos (Fish, Chicken or Beef); Tuesday is our very active and well attended Casserole Night ~ bring a dish and share a special evening Chaired by Dominick and Mary Venezia; Thursday is Pasta Night for only $4.00 a plate of pasta and two scrumptious meatballs.   On the weekends we have our fabulous Grilling Cook Outs chaired by Barbara Fournier (PER) her nickname is becoming “BarbieQ” for she does one outstanding job getting our grilling to what it is today ~ the best burgers  and hot dogs on the water for only $4.00 (if requested, served with our signature grilled onions too!).  Saturday we have Karaoke and on Sunday we offer music talent on the outside deck as well.  We have the most inviting swimming pool as well and is awaiting your visit.  Last but not least, Thursday’s Bingo is becoming quite the event and you do not want to miss out on all the fun “Bingo Queen” Jane Jordan brings to this weekly event, Barbara Fournier’s calling out the numbers, and of course your chances in winning the pot.  Come to Bingo!  You will have a blast!

Thanks to all that attend the weekly VP Visits at our local Elk Lodges; this is a time where we get to see our fellow Elks and their Lodges and show our support of them.  This is a good time to network and see what is going on in our District with other Elk Lodges.  Please consider joining us and please sign up on the bulletin board in the dining room.    Car pooling is recommended!

We will end the month with our Annual Christmas in July chaired by our Barbara Fournier (PER) on July 30^th; in which we will be serving Christmas Turkey and all the unbelievable scrumptious trimmings to include dessert with Chef Cathylee at the ovens for only $12.00. There will be Prizes for the best decorated table; raffle and door prizes; music and dancing to enjoy, as we feel the chill and thrill of Christmas in July!  Get your tickets now!  Don’t miss out on one very enjoyable function at the Lodge our Annual Christmas in July Party!

Congratulations on Bob Pitney’s year as District Deputy Governor Exalted Ruler (DDGER)!  Bob you did an outstanding job in representing and servicing the Elk’s Organization.  You make the Holiday Isles Elks Lodge 1912 so very proud!   As you finalize your year as DDGER we want to personally thank you for your dedicated services to the Elks Organization as DDGER and your lovely wife Joanie Pitney.

In final, again THANKS to ALL our volunteers and contributors to the Holiday Isles Lodge 1912 and “kudos” goes out to YOU, for we are successful because of YOU!  Everyone may notice many new faces showing up at our Lodge and this is because we have an awesome number of new members joining our Elks Lodge every week.  So when you see someone new walking in the door please be responsive and make them feel welcome ~ smile and say “hi”, after all together we make a family, the fine family of Elk’s something you can be proud of.    Between June and July we will have 35 new applicants submitted to the Holiday Isles Elks 1912.  This is certainly something we can be proud of when someone wants to be part of our Elks Organization and they pick our Lodge as their home.

God Bless America and all our troops in serving our country!