ELK OF THE MONTH

JANUARY 2009

Gus has been a member for many years. During his early years he was very active on the House Committee and many other committees, as well as supporting events at the Lodge. He then drifted away from the Lodge for a period of time. This summer he came back and immediately went into action. He helped out with the major fund raiser during the summer. He then turned his experience to helping the Vets Committee with the trimming and landscaping of Veteran’s Park.

Later he took on the job of trimming all of the trees and bushes and straightening the landscaping around the Lodge, building and parking lot. He has helped me out with Friday night dinners and has become a member of the House Committee.

Gus’ contributions to our lodge is appreciated by our members, so we are proud to honor him this month. Thank you, Gus.

Gus Schiapani

DECEMBER 2008

Joe is one of our unsung heroes at the Pt. Pleasant Elks. He works countless hours for our Veteran’s and Special Needs Committees. He does the purchasing of gifts for the annual Veteran’s Christmas appeal and the Special Needs Charity Ball, Carnival of Fun, Annual picnic and Jersey Shore relay. He also shuttles the members of the Veteran’s committee to and from the boardwalk in the summer so they don’t have to deal with parking while selling the 50/50 chances every weekend.

In addition, Joe takes care of the Special Needs Bank Program and collects and delivers the canisters from the drop off points at local businesses. He is one of the three musketeers who loyally takes care of the Weigh Station at Dales Basin for the Fluke Tournament.

So, if you see him...say “Thanks, Joe for a job well done”.

Joe Abradi

NOVEMBER 2008

Ken has been a member of our Lodge for many years and has served as a Trustee, was Chairman of the Investigating Committee and is a long time member of the Veteran’s Committee.

He has always volunteered at the Fluke Tournament and Octoberfest. He has helped with the Thanksgiving Dinners for the guests of our Lodge.

You can see him most Friday Nights at our dinners and attending most other events at the Lodge.

All you have to do is ask Ken and he will help on almost any event

Thank you, Ken.

Ken Mathis

OCTOBER 2008

As one of the Elk’s newest members, Janice exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism. From the night of her initiation, she became a consistent figure at all of our major events.

Often, when she is not performing her duties as a flight attendant for a major airline, you’ll fine her assisting the Friday Night dinner crews. Her own background in the catering business in California brings her expertise of efficiency to our kitchen.

She’s pleasant, pretty and most of all, a caring individual whose kindness to her fellow Elks has already been demonstrated.

Janice’s contributions to our Lodge are appreciated by our members, so we are proud to honor her this month.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Janice Knorr

AUGUST 2008

Thor is always available to give you a hand in the kitchen or anywhere else, whether its an outside event or a Friday Night Dinner or a Sunday morning breakfast/brunch.

He also helps Pop Warner Golden Elks at their home games in the snack stand and the other events they do.

Congratulations, Thor, an honor well deserved.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thor Thilesen

JULY 2008

Many times I look for advice on certain things, either at the Lodge or for my own personal reasons and I can always turn to Joe and get some pretty good advice.

He headed the Flag Day ceremony this year and I was very proud to be a part of it.

Joe is on the Audit Committee as well as the Veteran’s National Service Committee.

If you ever need help and he’s available, you won’t be sorry for asking.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Joe Chickene

JUNE 2008

This Elk is around whenever you need him.  He helps with dinners, outside events, and whatever you need him for, all you have to do is say “hey, Ray, can you give me a hand?”

He single-handedly power washed the front porch and sidewalk.

Keep up the good work, Ray,  thank you and .............

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Ray Staab

MAY 2008

You might not see these two people in the Lodge every time you come down, but every Monday, rain or shine, these two Elks are shaping America’s future. They are the troop leaders of the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 3 of Point Pleasant.

They start off our youngsters as tenderfoots, and they can achieve the honor of being an Eagle Scout. This troop has 19 Eagle Scouts to their credit so far.

My hat is off to them for the countless hours and hard work they devote to training our youth. I thank them both!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Dennis & Betty Torode

APRIL 2008

You can always see Richie doing something around the Lodge; either washing the pots from Friday Night dinners or helping to set up or break down for a Lodge function.

He has helped out at the Fluke Tournament, our Octoberfest and you might see him fixing little things which need to be done. He’s been a coach in Pop Warner for our Golden Elks and, if he can help you, all you need to do is give him a shout.

Recently, I think he gave every woman who comes to the Lodge a very warm feeling when he repaired the heating in the Ladies’ room.

THANK YOU RICH!

Richie Wright

MARCH 2008

There is nothing worse than a sibling rivalry! A home becomes a house...the Elks becomes just a bar and a best friend for life becomes a foe forever and a Mother’s heart breaks!!! Consequently, by the power vested in me, I now name GREG SMITH Elk of the Month. The aforementioned notwithstanding, Greg now joins his brother Gary as an Elk of the Month 2008-2008 and I can see Mrs. Smith smiling already.

Greg is currently in charge of our Hoop Shoot Program. For four years Greg has made road trips to Wilkesbarre for regionals and Springfield MA. for the finals with the winning participants sponsored by our Lodge. Prior to these sojourns, Greg organizes the local schools in order to create the local competitions and spends many hours on the hardwood. During the off season, he is always on the scent helping with our two main fundraisers, the Fluke Tournament and the Octoberfest.

At this juncture, Greg is one of the fundraisers for Elks’ Camp Moore and Cooley’s Anemia. How??? By taking the Polar Bear Plunge, I just know Gary is going to say he’s the bigger man!!!!

Greg Smith

FEBRUARY 2008

February has always been known for Valentines Day. As Elks it should also remind us that the great Heart of Elkdom swells and throbs 365 days a year. One of our members to whom this attribute can be quickly reconized in is Tom Watters. Tom is the Chairman of our Special Needs Committee. While Tom has kids of his own, he always finds time to help put together the wildly successful Special Needs Picnic. It involves boat rides, fire truck rides as well as the Lodge picnic. Also, Tom has also initiated the 1st annual Special Needs Benefit Golf Outing.

Finally, as all of you know, the Elks has long been the charitable recipient of equipment previously used by former rehab patients.

While all is appreciated, Tom's patience with dumping in the "Area of The Garage" has grown inversely short as compared to his Fu Man Chu.

Tom Watters

JANUARY 2008

Although I laid an egg this past Easter with my mishandling of the Easter Egg Hunt (attn: Mitch) Nancy quickly told me to quit Clowning around because that was her job and get back to work as ER. After all, being a clown is just a small part of her persona. Along with being a professional clown and volunteering at almost all children’s benefits, Nancy is the coordinator of sending supplies to Iraq. She has tirelessly gathered supplies and arranged for transport overseas.

Parenthetically, Nancy was recently part of our Veteran’s committee contingent that took to the skies on a simulated refueling mission down to Virginia from McGuire Air Force Base.

Finally, Nancy is also the Line Dancing impresario which has been fiscally rewarding to the Lodge. On behalf of the Lodge, many thanks for all the wonderful work you do!!

Nancy De Vito

DECEMBER 2007

Gary is a long standing member of the House Committee. As everyone knows, there is a lot of free advice at the Lodge, but Gary’s offerings tend to pick up on the sensitivities of various people who are involved in a given situation. He’s always among the first to help during any event the Lodge initiates and he’s a familiar sight at the Fluke Tournament, Octoberfest and Friday Night Dinners.

Gary is always ready with a paint brush should the Lodge need any sprucing up and just this past week he installed a new tile floor surrounding the upstairs bar, making the room just right for our first catered wedding in a long time; and as Bob Barker used to say “The Price is Right”.

Gary, thank you for all you do!

Gary Smith

NOVEMBER 2007

He may be gone but he’s not forgotten! Connie was an Elk member we all knew and loved. He was the one who you could count on to be involved with all major events, making sure everything was ready and running successfully. He almost completed his 5-year term as trustee. In the past he chaired the Octoberfest making it the most successful event run by the Elks by combining it with the Pt. Pleasant Beach Seafood Festival.

Everyone has his or her own memories of Connie, he was at every Friday night dinner, then at the bar where you know he was always ready to listen to you.. Don’t forget he was always the last to leave to make sure our bartenders were escorted safely to their cars. Who will now pull the horn number?

Everywhere you go in our building, you can see his mark. From the power poles outside to the repair of the glass washer when it was broken. He was always repairing, cleaning or setting up grills to ensure the success of each event. He was also responsible for collecting equipment from businesses which were closing and other sources which the Elks needed and used. Some of his famous quotes include: “It’s brand new from the junkyard“; “I hate having fun”; “It’s all about the boink”; “Where’s my cellaphone”; “I’ll have a scotch & water, but leave out the water because fish…..”; “Help me you...."

The Lodge will never be the same with Mash, Law & Order, Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader, Don’t forget the Lyrics, Gunsmoke and his great selection of juke box music.

Connie is truly an Elk who will never be forgotten!!!

TO OUR ABSENT MEMBER

Connie Vuocolo

OCTOBER 2007

Ron is our September Elk of the Month! As head of Orientation and Membership, he knows well that the origins of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks had its genesis with a group of actors known as the “Jolly Corks”. Well, Ron was surrounded by all the jolly corks and bad actors he could handle during September’s Octoberfest. A crowd of some 45,000 descended upon Point Pleasant Beach’s Seafoodfest with many ending up at the Elks for some vittles and cold ones. Ron and his committee did an outstanding job and it was our most successful Octoberfest ever. 

THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS, RON

Ron Panuska

SEPTEMBER 2007

#1 Veteran’s Committee in the Country 

The following members of our Veteran’s Committee led by Mike Travisano have done Point Pleasant proud!! For God, for Country, you folks are the BEST: Joe Abradi, Gus Adamo, Dino Castronova, Joe Chickene, Marianne Chickene, Jean Collins, Cus Dalik, Lee Dawson, Nancy DeVito, Lois Francello, Sue Gajewski, Sandy Goldsmith, Dick Heyniger, John Kaufman, Mickey Leszczak, Ken Mathis, Marge McGhee, Carol McMenamy, Dave McWilliam, Kay Meyer, Bob O'Brien, Honey O'Keefe, Paul Pantaleone, Roman Perucich, Bob Richter, John Seifert, Ray Staab, Fred Teufel, Mike Travisano, Linda Van Duyn, Arnie Van Duyn, 
Hal Wyckoff, Ralph Yersin .

National Veterans Service Committee

AUGUST 2007

Bill Schmidt is August’s ELK OF THE MONTH! Subscribing to the theory of “Big Toys for Big Boys”, Bill showed up with a huge Caterpillar-like front end loader in order to help complete our grounds clean-up. His early July weekends were spent moving the residual logs left by the tree service to the back property line, removing some stumps and residual overgrowth around the garage area and finally spreading top soil all over our newly reclaimed area. Lastly, he spent a couple of “Death Valley” 90 degree days with John Gartz and Ron Panuska pitch-forking a couple of truckloads of mulch to complete the job.
Many thanks to Bill for all his efforts on behalf of the Lodge and to his daughter, Faith, for her patience and her ability to bring the job in on time and under budget.

Bill Schmidt

JULY 2007

My Elk of the Month is PER Joe Rager. I was introduced to Joe eight years ago, through the Elk’s sponsored Pop Warner football program. Joe’s caring and affection for these kids, including my own son was apparent right from the start. This carries over into his overall dedication to our Elk’s Youth programs. Joe is committee head for Youth Activities and Lodge Scholarships. In addition, Joe has taken on the duties of Friday Night Dinner Chairperson. This is a glorified title for the person who schedules crews, order the food, does the inventory and, at times, steps in when there are a couple of “no shows”. Incidental things like waxing the floor for my inaugural, running the 5K for Special Olympics as rep of our Lodge and assisting our banquet manager setting up the banquet hall are transparent to most at the lodge.

Joe is one of a golden circle of Elks who provide the glue that holds the Elks together. Some would say that glue is what keeps Joe stuck to the post.

Joe Rager

JUNE 2007

My Elk of the Month for June is Terry LaDu. An admitted “techie”, Terry has fortunately picked being an Elk and hanging out at our Lodge as opposed to claiming the millions of dollars that await him in Silicon Valley. While Bill Gates weeps, our Lodge reaps the benefits of his expertise. Thanks to Terry, we have a world-class website, which he updates frequently. After fighting off the competition (no one else could do it) to develop this site Terry next took on chairing the Audit committee. Speaking from experience, this is an exceedingly thankless position., but one of the most important at the Lodge. Aside from all the aforementioned chores, he also programs the “Zip Strip” in the Grill Room so everyone knows what’s going on and what the weekly dinner specials are.

Lastly, Terry, along with his great committee was the impresario of our Big Band evening which proved to be a big hit! Can Tony Bennett be far behind?

Terry La Du

MAY 2007

Many of my fellow Elks know that Gary is a Trustee of the Lodge. Admittedly, he is a tireless worker throughout the year especially at the Fluke Tournament and Oktoberfest. What you may not realize though, is that Gary, in a moment of sheer madness on his part, and seeing sheer desperation on our behalf, took over our budget process. Due to his efforts, our Lodge has gone from the abacus to EXCEL in short order. While in its final stages, the budget will be balanced vis-a-vie the last few years. For further amplification of Gary’s efforts, he went through all Lodge insurance policies and, in conjunction with Grand Lodge, has saved our Lodge roughly $9,000 in premiums for this fiscal year.

Thank you Gary, your award is well deserved.

Gary Laudisi

APRIL 2007

Colette is my Elk of the Month. She has been an Elk for seven years and is about to enter her second tenure as Banquet Manager. Obviously, Elk of the Month does not get this honor on future expectations of a job well done. In a whirlwind two week period she handled her first large gathering and took care of hors d’oeuvres for the Officer’s cocktail party, flowers, dinner, linens, desserts and seating arrangements without any complaints.
As you may know, Colette is one of the Lodge’s best handicappers, but with her in charge of the arrangements, nothing was left to chance.

Thank you Colette and welcome to the Winner’s Circle.

Colette Martiak

MARCH 2007

Bob is a member of the House Committee, the Fluke Tournament Committee and the Octoberfest Committee. Prior to these outdoor events you will always find Bob power washing the cooking equipment and doing all the odd jobs necessary. He’s the guy who keeps the cooks on the line supplied with refills and when needed he will jump into the cooking line to help out. After the events, you can find him back again taking down tents, cleaning equipment and getting the parking lot back in order. You will also find him helping at the Special Children’s picnic and at Friday Night dinner each week

Bob is a good man to have around for all these events!

Bob Pursel, PER

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FEBRUARY 2007

Mike is the Chairman of our National Service Committee. I would put our Lodge program against any in the nation. He does a great job leading this committee and he is there to help for the asking with everything from making sausage to his warm, welcoming, friendly smile and handshake. 

This is true Elkdom at work!

Mike Travisano

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JANUARY 2007

Ron is our Membership/Investigation Committee Chairman. He’s also on the House Committee. When something is needed in the Lodge, we ask “Where’s Ron?” He is our “go-to” guy. When the need arose at Thanksgiving time Ron stepped forward and took charge of our annual dinner. 

We are fortunate indeed to have such an excellent member.

Ron Panuska

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DECEMBER 2006

Peg is the true embodiment of the phrase Elks never forget their deceased members: She keeps Harry’s memory alive by doing all the things he used to do. She’s always there in the kitchen for anyone who asks her for help! Peg ran the dinner for our District Deputy’s Homecoming and made it seem effortless.

She is truly a caring Elk.

Peg Dieker

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NOVEMBER 2006

I felt it was more than appropriate to give an updated and warm Elk of the Month a “thank you” to our current Editor/Photographer.
It is hard to believe Marianne has been at the helm of our in-house publication for 8 years.Then again, many of us are not exposed to the time & effort needed to coordinate a publication.
Many of us at the Lodge volunteer to be on various committees, some seasonal and some year round. Marianne’s service to the Antler has been a full time endeavor. As any good newspaper woman would tell you, she has printing deadlines to meet, contributing editors to harass and coddle as well as being at most events for the various photo-ops which run throughout our publication. Normally one would be proud to see how their effort turned out for the month; Marianne has been at it for the last 100 months!

So please join me in thanking Marianne for a job well done.

Marianne Chickene

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OCTOBER 2006

Point Pleasant Lodge is so fortunate to have Valerie as a new member. She relocated from North Jersey and chose our Lodge after sampling three others and has “jumped in with both feet”.

She has been on the Fluke Committee, the 60th Anniversary celebration with the Pig Roast committee, is taking over the Antler and will be the new Esquire for the year 2007-2008.

She and her fiancé have supported the Sunday breakfasts, Friday night dinners and all else our Lodge has to offer.

I wish her all the happiness for her upcoming marriage.

Valerie Griffin

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SEPTEMBER 2006

Known to many of us as "Choo-Choo," Gary has that unusual personality that grows on you after awhile. Once you get to know him, you’ll find out that he is always willing to help with committee jobs others might not want or aren’t able to do. Gary is always there to help with outdoor setup/tear-down for our fund-raising events. He’s a capable helper in the kitchen when asked and always ready to work on the food line if called upon. He’ll sit and lick tons of envelopes for a mailing and even made cotton candy for the kids at Octoberfest – a job NOBODY wanted to do.

Gary has served on the Fluke committee for many years and has also been on the House committee. Several years ago, he was an officer in the Lodge until work commitments got in the way. Gary has a fine speaking voice and loves to get his hands on a microphone. Occasionally he speaks too much, but as good Elks, we forgive him for that one. (Many of us have the same problem). Gary Grasso is the kind of person who makes a good friend AND a good Elk.

Gary Grasso

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AUGUST 2006

This month we recognize Nancy DiVito, someone who serves our Lodge and Elkdom in so many ways. She is a regular head chef for Friday Night dinners and her entrees are always delicious and much anticipated.

By promoting, organizing and administering line dancing she provides a welcome revenue stream and a fun activity for the Lodge.

This past year Nancy traveled to the Katrina ravaged Gulf Coast and found out that the school systems there were desperate for suitable books for their students. She came home, explained the situation and showed our Lodge how we could be helpful in fulfilling this need.

Nancy De Vito

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JULY 2006

Because they seem to be involved in the same areas and working on the same projects, I can’t separate these two dedicated Elks. I guess they will just have to share the parking spot!

They are regulars on a Friday Night dinner crew, they’re supporters of so many of our activities and both have been active on the House committee and always seem to be there when needed.

We certainly owe them a great deal of thanks for all their hard work in masterminding our Wildwood conventions over the years. This year, especially, when I know they really didn’t have time to take it on, they still answered the call when no one else stepped forward and created a great party for all. They also were able to contract with our tent man from Wildwood to get tents for the Fluke and Special Needs Children’s picnics at great rates.
A tip of the hat to Bob & Linda...great contributors to our Lodge.

Bob and Linda Muir

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JUNE 2006

In this computer age, it seems everyone needs a computer expert to help guide them. This Lodge is very fortunate to be assisted in this area by our own resident cyber-wizard – Terry La Du. Terry has been programming the crawler in the Grill Room since its introduction. In the last few months he has become the Webmaster of our Lodge website, and the changes have been remarkable. Check our pointpleasantelks.org and you can get an update on all our Lodge activities, find out how to contact people in the Lodge and e-mail all the officers and committee chairpeople. If I ever figure out how to get to the e-mail you might even get a response.

Terry is at every meeting soliciting information to post for us. He is doing a fabulous job of promoting our Elks Lodge and providing germane information in a very understandable format, getting the word out about Elkdom in general and Pt. Pleasant Lodge #1698 specifically.

Terry is also a regular at Friday Night dinners and a great help around the Lodge. Kudos to him – - a worthy Elk of the Month.

Terry La Du

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MAY 2006

I can not think of another member who better exemplifies the cardinal principles of Elkdom. Joe demonstrates his caring, charitable nature through his long-term commitment to the Mitey-Mite team that he coaches, his stewardship of Elk Scholarships and his active participation on the House committee.

He is always willing to join in and help out in the kitchen, fill in as an officer when we are short of someone and is always available in any crisis or emergency.

All these virtues combined with his uncanny ability to fall asleep at any time in such unusual places as upright on a barstool or astride a bicycle at an intersection makes him a perfect candidate for Elk of the Month.

Joe Rager

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APRIL 2006

Congratulations to Dory, Elk of the Month for April. She has been active with Pop Warner for many years and is a long time member of their board. She has done the planning for our Memorial Services and is coordinating our Installation. She has her hand in so many activities behind the scenes and is a great contributor to our Lodge.

Dory Lennon

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ELKS OF THE YEAR

While this special honor has always been presented to one outstanding Elk, this year there were two: Sharon & Bob Haugh. No matter what event is held you will always see Sharon & Bob working very hard. From the Fluke Tournament, Octoberfest, Special Needs Children’s Picnic and so much more, they are always the first to volunteer their time. This year they also organized two special testimonial dinner parties for Gus Adamo and John Kaufman, which were enormous successes. Along with working on several other committees they are also members of the House Committee.

Bob & Sharon Haugh

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MARCH 2006

When Colleen runs a party she really does it right. She has orchestrated the Annual Beach Party for the past few years and each one gets better. The years was no exception. Our Lodge is fortunate to have such a good organizer and as of April she will put her skills to good use as our new Lodge Treasurer.

Colleen Castronova

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FEBRUARY 2006

Whatever is going at the Lodge is where you will find Ron. He helps on each committee, works Friday Night Dinners, and runs the Thanksgiving Dinner Committee with Mickey Osmundsen. Ron handles all the investigations and membership functions and is generally an all around great help to everyone. This honor is well deserved. Congratulations Ron.

Ron Panuska

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JANUARY 2006

He can usually be found in the kitchen either cooking breakfast on Sundays, making a "Killer" omelet, dinner on fridays or at the dishwasher on most other occasions. He is a grill man for all our outdoor functions and he started  the ball rooling for the Katrina Relief Effort. Thank you for all you do.

Thor Thilesen

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DECEMBER 2005

She is all over, doing so many things. She puts so much time as Lodge Activities Chairperson, its hard to define where her job ends and the House Committee begins because she is involved with both Committees as well as Pop Warner. She has planned many successful activities and continues to come up with good original ideas. Thank you for your work and dedication to our lodge.

Carol McMenamy

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NOVEMBER 2005

No matter where you look, inside or outside, you will see him working. He also does Friday Night Dinners and is always ready to lend a helping hand wherever needed.

Alan Lavitola

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OCTOBER 2005

She is everywhere, at the Seafood Fest, Fluke Tournament, Poker Run, serves on the Special Need Children's Committee and the Veteran's Committee, as a clown when needed, on the Vets Fishing Trips and working friday Night Dinners. Not only does she do all this, she travels a long way to do it and more. Congratulations and Thank you.

Sandy Goldsmith

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SEPTEMBER 2005

Two of our most dedicated workers are available for EVERYTHING! They work extremely hard at all outside events as well as Friday Night Dinners and anything else they are asked to do. They are a truly caring and special couple and Point Pleasant Elks is fortunate to have them as members. Congratulations to both of you for a well deserved honor.

Sharon and Bob Haugh

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AUGUST 2005

He can be found working all our major events and often toiling in the kitchen. with his background he has been an aid and guide for the Trustees with their choices of repairing and or replacing our heating/cooling systems.

Gary Laudish

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JULY 2005

He works on all the outdoor festivities, in the kitchen on two different crews, and is a member of the Veteran's Committee. He put together our recent Memorial Day remembrance which took months of planning and has put a book together which highlights this special day. Take a look at it next time you are in the Grill room and if he is there, shake his hand and thank him for all he does.

Don McIntyre

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JUNE 2005

He has chaired the Convention Committee year after year and spends additional hours planning and cooking Spaghetti Dinners to help fund the Convention. He can also usually be found at the dishwasher station for Friday night dinners. This is what Elkdom is all about and thank you for all you do.

Bob Muir

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MAY 2005

He no sooner returns from vacationing in Florida then he jumps right back into the swing of things, picking up where he left off. He is on at least two Friday dinner crews, assists the Convention Spaghetti Dinner crew and can always be found at any major function we run. Thanks Jack for a job well done.

Jack Cimino

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APRIL 2005

For all her hard work and help in the Lodge. Whenever an event was scheduled, she put a crew together and got the job done. A harder worker is hard to find.

Georgianna Walsh

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ELK OF THE YEAR - 2004 / 2005

John Gartz

He always volunteers his time and labor helping set up for all our major events. With his crew of helpers he prepares all the necessary equipment, such as grills, refrigerators, fryers, etc. for the Wildwood Convention, Fluke Tournament, HCC Picnic & Octoberfest and whatever else. You can usually find him riding the fork lift and during the winter he plows snow in our parking lot and drives. John, on behalf of a grateful Lodge, Thanks, for all your help and support.   

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MARCH 2005

Marianne is always hard at work taking pictures of Lodge events, gathering written information, editing and writing articles for the Antler. She also takes the Antler to the printer, adds labels and takes it to the post office for mailing to the membership. She also works many Lodge events by taking tickets or just helping out wherever she is needed. She also took time out of her busy schedule to pick up my Exalted Ruler Antler message at my home while I was ill and I personally thank her for it. Thank you Marianne for your time, help and continued support;

Marianne Chickene 

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FEBRUARY 2005

When it comes to football and Super Bowl Sunday, she is the person responsible for organizing and putting these Lodge events together. She also volunteers her time and efforts with helping the Secretary clean and organize the Lodge office. In addition we now have two high back chairs in the office. She also helps in the kitchen withy various dinners.

For a job well done and your committed efforts to make our Lodge the best, thank you Diane.

Diane Johnson

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JANUARY 2005

A hard working member, she volunteers her time and talents around the Lodge. she continues to run Line Dancing, cooks her own delicious homemade Friday Night Dinner. She also helps out with banquets, weddings and does clowning for the kiddies and Veterans etc. whenever she is asked (and sometimes even when she's not asked). Thank you Nancy for all you do for the Lodge.

Nancy De Vito 

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DECEMBER 2004

A Past Exalted Ruler of our Lodge Joe continues to volunteer his time and services. To date he has assisted at our big events such as Handicapped Children's functions and Octoberfest. He cooks for various functions, washes and waxes our Lodge Room, power washed the front of our building and the handicapped ramp and assisted with the renovation of our Lodge room. He also continues to volunteer his time to our Pop Warner "Golden Elks".  When necessary, he sets up for Lodge meetings, Line Dancing, and then breaks down the Lodge room for the next event. On a regular basis he updates the dinner menu board in the foyer and updates the bulletin boards. Joe has volunteered to be the main chef and cook for our New Years Eve dinner. I'm sure I have forgotten some of his accomplishments and I know there are more. When you see him around the Lodge, shake his hand and thank him for all he does for our Lodge. Thanks Joe for all your help.

Joe Rager

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NOVEMBER 2004

He is a new member of our Lodge. Already he has gone above and beyond by volunteering his time and services. He is the person responsible for donating all of the shrubs, trees ,plants etc. and providing the labor to plant and landscape the front, side and back island of our property. He also is helping in the kitchen and is helping to organize a New Year's Eve Extravaganza at our Lodge. You are a true example of what Elkdom is all about. Many thanks for your generous donations and your help around the Lodge. When you see Bob, thank him for all he has done in such a short period of time as a member.

Bob Cardone

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OCTOBER 2004

Another member who can always be counted on to help around the Lodge when the need arises. He volunteers his time and labor for all our major events such as the Fluke Tournament, Boat Poker Run and the Octoberfest. He is  always there along with his crew of helpers to prepare and set up all of the necessary equipment such as grills, refrigerators, fryers etc and he can always be found riding around on the fork lift moving this equipment around the yard.

Thanks John for doing all you do.

John Gartz

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SEPTEMBER 2004

Aside from being a PER, and active in the Southeast District, just completing a year as Vice President and currently Region 1 Co-Chair for the Elks National Foundation, he has been and is highly active within our Lodge. He has chaired the Octoberfest for the past 6 years, takes care of our Pull-Tabs and to date is working diligently with the Lodge Auditing Committee. In addition he also heads up a crew for Friday Night Dinners and assists with all other committees where-ever he can.

Thanks, Cus, for all you do for our Lodge.

Custer Dalik

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AUGUST 2004

A very active member, he is Chairperson of the Investigating Committee. He carefully screens new members, send reference letters, arranges schedules for investigations and has done a wonderful job since taking over. He also had a crew for our Lunch program and was always ready to help out in the kitchen for any event. He can be found at all our outside activities such as the Fluke Tournament, poker Run and Octoberfest, usually on the cooking line. He is also a member of the Fluke Committee and constructed an "Awards Board" to show the winners of the Tournament. and has been a valuable asset of the Committee.

In other words he is always there when called upon.

Ron Panuska

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JULY 2004

A 40 year member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks he is always there for us. Whether working in the kitchen for various affairs, assisting with the Indoctrination Program, working with the Veteran's Committee and other committees or helping the Officers prepare for the Ritual he is always there.

Thanks Ralph for your continued support

Ralph Sansone

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JUNE 2004

A new member who is very helpful to our Lodge. Not only does he come down to volunteer his services as a plumber but always comes to our aid with just a phone call. He never has a problem volunteering his time and services, to just stop and fix our sinks or any other problem. Last Thanksgiving he and his family worked in the kitchen to do whatever they could to make it a good day for so many people. It's heart warming to see a member and his family jump in and volunteer.

Thanks for all you do.

Keith Schweyher

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MAY 2004

He too is always willing to help out around the Lodge when the need arises. Whether volunteering his time and labor with our Lodge Room renovations, cooking in the kitchen with the PER's for a Friday Night Dinner or a Saturday Night Theme Night, running our Indoctrination Program or just giving his advise as a former PER and PVP, he's there. Through his efforts and expertise our lodge continues to grow and prosper.

Thanks Rocky for all that you do.

Jaime "Rocky" Berrios

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APRIL 2004

He is always willing to help out around the Lodge when the need arises. He volunteered his time and labor on the Banquet Room renovation. The bar was wired, installed a new electric panel, replaced wall outlets, light switches, installed new ceiling lights, coffee maker, hot water heater, etc., etc., etc. In the near future he will be installing new wall sconces.

Thanks for an excellent job and your continued support and assistance to the Lodge.

Richard Wright