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
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