CLAYMONT MOOSE FAMILY CENTER

CLAYMONT LODGE #847 CLAYMONT WOMEN OF THE MOOSE CHAPTER #186

N E W S L E T T E R FEBRUARY – MARCH – APRIL – MAY 2018

5101 GOVERNOR PRINTZ BOULEVARD WILMINGTON, DELAWARE 19809

302-764-9765

LODGE AND CHAPTER OFFICERS

Governor - Andy Zeager Senior Regent - Lorraine Talarico Smith Jr. Governor - Chris Clark Junior Regent - Susan Lechette Past Governor - Lee Anderson Jr. Graduate Regent - Lorraine Cannon Administrator - Michael Slotwinski Recorder - Rita Anderson Treasurer - Jim Sheftz Secretary-Treasurer - Mary Jane Sheftz Prelate - Jerry Marley Trustee - Gary Cooke Trustee - Andy Lechette Trustee - Jason Ostroff

LODGE AND CHAPTER MEETINGS

Lodge meetings for Lodge Officers are held each month on the first and third Wednesdays at 6:30 P.M. General meetings for all Lodge members are held on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 P.M. Chapter meetings for all co-workers are held each month on the second and fourth Mondays at 6:30 P.M.

MOOSE SOCIAL QUARTERS

Hours of Operation Food Service (Bar Menu) Monday thru Thursday - 11:00 A.M. to Midnight Monday thru Saturday - 11:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.

Friday - 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. (Based on availability of Bar Staff) Saturday - 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. Sunday - 12:00 Noon to 8:00 P.M. Details of special food offerings can be found on (Note - Bar Staff has option to close early if fewer than the Claymont Moose Family Center Updates page 4 patrons are present)

A MESSAGE FROM OUR GOVERNOR

Dear Brothers and Co-Workers: I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season and, as we all know at the Claymont Moose, the partying is not yet done! Soon we will embrace the following big nites at the Moose: Chili Contest, Karaoke Contests, Super Bowl Party, Valentine’s Dinner, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day and on and on. Seems we like to party! Speaking of partying, How about those Birds! E A G L E S, E A G L E S ! Fly Eagles, Fly. This will be my first Super Bowl at the Moose with the Eagles representing! Missy and I can’t wait, because if it is anything like the last two playoff games versus Atlanta and Minnesota, the Claymont Moose will be rocking! BTW, the parade is scheduled for Tuesday, February 6th, so we might have to push back the District meeting in Newark! Speaking of Moose business, the Mid-Year Conference will be held March 1-4 in sunny Ocean City, Maryland. The Polar Moose Plunge will be at noon on March 3rd. I know Lorraine Smith will be taking the plunge so please sponsor her for her efforts. The theme this year is “Dilly, Dilly…Let’s get Chilly, It’s for the Kids.” All funds raised go directly to support our MD-DE-DC boys’ home at Mooseheart. Thank you everyone for supporting our events and social quarters. We will be making some minor changes in the near future to stay competitive for your entertainment dollar. As they say, we don’t need to swing the axe harder, we just need to sharpen our blade. Go Eagles !!! Fraternally, Andy Zeager

A MESSAGE FROM OUR SENIOR REGENT

Dear Brothers and Co-Workers: Well it’s been a rough year for me with the sickness and loss of my husband, Smitty. I haven’t been able to be here a lot but, as usual, the few people who do all the work around the Lodge have done a wonderful job. We are grateful for all your hard work. Andy Zeager and I will be participating in the Polar Bear Plunge again this year in Ocean City, Maryland. I hope we have nice weather! It was fun last year. The other Lodges are challenging us this year, so Andy and I need sponsors so Claymont Lodge can win the challenge. We have a lot of fun activities planned for the upcoming months. Please come out and participate and, again, we always need help. The new Lodge and Chapter year starts on May 1. Please consider getting involved as an elected or appointed officer or chairman. Any of the current officers are always available to provide you with detailed information about the positions. In Faith, Hope, and Charity,

Lorraine Talarico Smith

MOOSE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

* Transfer In ** Re-Enrolled Welcome Welcome ***Dual member New Lodge Members New Chapter Members

Chadd Batts Francis Di Maio Nicola Baldini Mary Ellen Patterson

Eugene Beachboard Dean Jones Kimberly Christensen Jacqueline Ratay

John Brady Fred Laurino Debbie Edmiston Judith Ruditys

Robert Brady Cim L’Heureux*** Shirley Hill Jennifer Slotwinski

Patrick Campbell Andre Mercado Nancy Kaper Joyce Wood

Ralph Ciancaglione John Ratkevic

Alexander Coale** Pierluigi (Pete) Ricci

Michael D’Amico Nicholas Santillo

The following members have incurred a recent illness and/or hospitalization— Kenny Babicki, Nancy Barefoot, Chrissy Bennett, Gary Cooke, Leon Duschl, Karen Faust, Carol Jensen, Rosemary Kersten,

Barbara Lunbeck, Hughie Mc Crea, Nancy Nichols-Chadwick, Dee Polites, Sonny Quillen, Pat Reincke, Les Saraga, Beth Sellers, Larry Sell, Ron Toy

We hope you are feeling better !

Our defending circle has been broken with the passing of the following Chapter members:

Mary Jane Blosser – Marianne Taylor – Mary Walker Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to their families and friends

Our sympathy is also extended to the following members who incurred deaths in their families: Rita Anderson (cousin), Lee Anderson (cousin), Kathy Arrison (aunt), Dave Brady (nephew),

Danielle Brady Stevens (cousin), Kelly and Chris Clark (Chris’s father), Chantel and Mike Connolly (Chantel’s mother), Larry Fite (father), Nancy Handlin (cousin), Rosemary Kersten (aunt),

Richard Kersten (aunt), Ninnie Kibler (brother), Susan and Andy Lechette (Andy’s cousin), John Magaw (father), Sue Raczkowski (father and nephew), Lisa and Larry Sell (Larry’s mother and sister-in-law / family dog),

Barbara and John Slotwinski (John’s aunt), Arnie Tabor (daughter), Gordon Taylor (spouse)

CONGRATULATIONS

Leon Duschl – 50-Year Member of the Loyal Order of Moose

and recipient of a Lifetime Membership from Moose International

Claymont Lodge – Champion Level Award for contributions to Moose Charities

Note: Do you know a Moose member who is in the hospital, ill, or lost a loved one? If so, please inform a Lodge or Chapter officer so we may acknowledge. Thanks.

MOOSE INTERNATIONAL NEWS AND UPDATES

HEART OF THE COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Enter your High School Junior (Graduating Class of 2018) for a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship. Applications are available at the Lodge and must be received at Moose International by June 30, 2018. Check the Lodge’s bulletin board for full information and applications. Winners will be randomly selected and will be notified by November 17, 2018.

INTERNATIONAL MOOSE CONVENTION The 2018 Convention will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, from July 11 through July 15. Complete

details can be found on the Moose International website (www.mooseintl.org) where you can also register and make your hotel reservations.

JOIN THE MOOSE LEGION This is the Degree of Service that provides opportunities for Lodge members to further accomplish our fraternal mission of providing support to Mooseheart and Moosehaven. Please contact Lee Anderson if you are interested in joining….you can earn Moose Rewards by joining or sponsoring another member to join.

MOOSE MEMBER BENEFITS Log onto the following sites to access member benefits and related information:

Moose International Website at www.mooseintl.org MD-DE-DC Moose Association at www.mdmoose.org

Check out the Claymont Moose Family Center on Facebook

NEWS FROM THE MD-DE-DC MOOSE ASSOCIATION

DISTRICT MEETINGS for the Sixth District (Claymont, Elkton, Newark, New Castle) are held on the first Tuesday of selected months. Dinner is served at 7:30 P.M. followed by the meeting. As a reminder--Lodge and Chapter officers are required to attend these meetings……..and all members are welcome to attend. Car pool arrangements are available. Contact a Lodge officer if you are interested in attending. Please note the following confirmed dates: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 - NEWARK LODGE TUESDAY, APRIL 3 - CLAYMONT LODGE TUESDAY, MAY 8 - ELKTON

The MD-DE-DC MOOSE ASSOCIATION MID-YEAR CONFERENCE will be held March 1-4, 2018, at the Princess Royale Hotel in Ocean City, MD, where special rates are offered for Moose members. Make your plans now to attend. All members are welcome. Several events will be held at the Conference: Annual Polar Bear Plunge – You can participate in the plunge or make a monetary pledge to a participant. Money raised will support the MD-DE-DC Boys’ Home at Mooseheart. Andy Zeager is the event Chairman…. please talk with Andy to get further details. Cash Bash – Buy a ticket for $25 which includes a buffet dinner and your chance to win cash prizes that are drawn every 5 minutes. A total of $12,500 is awarded. Tickets are available at the Lodge. You do not have to attend to win the prizes. Karaoke Contest – Winners from the MD-DE-DC Moose Association’s Districts will compete in Ocean City. Enter the Sixth District’s competition that will be held at Claymont Lodge on Saturday, February 10, at 8:00 P.M. for a chance to represent the district in the contest in Ocean City.

NEWS FROM THE MD-DE-DC MOOSE ASSOCIATION (Continued)

MD-DE-DC MOOSE ASSOCIATION – 9TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT This year’s Golf Outing is scheduled on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club located in Magnolia, DE. The tournament is open to anyone who plays golf. Funds raised benefit the Scholarship Program for qualifying high school students to further their education. Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Individuals can also sponsor a hole, the longest drive, closest to the line or closest to the pin for $100 or you may sponsor a cart for $50. Contact Lee Anderson if you are interested in playing or sponsoring.

CLAYMONT MOOSE FAMILY CENTER UPDATES

ELECTION OF OFFICERS (New Lodge and Chapter year begins May 1, 2018 thru April 30, 2019)

Holding an office is a very important responsibility requiring personal commitment and obligation in order to be successful. If you are interested in submitting your name for nomination of an office, be sure to talk with a current officer to learn more about the process and duties involved. Once your name is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee who may also consider and recommend other candidates who they consider most qualified. We need capable individuals to help lead the Lodge and Chapter--individuals who seriously want to get involved, fully understand their responsibilities, and are willing to fulfill all of the obligations of an officer. Sheets will soon be posted at the Lodge listing the open positions available. Here’s your opportunity to make a difference. Please note the following important dates: LODGE CHAPTER

Nominations - March 7 – March 14 Nominations - February 12 - March 12 Elections - April 11 (4-8 P.M.- if needed) Elections - March 26 (8 P.M. – if needed)

Installation - April 18 ( 7 P.M.) Installation - April 29 (4 P.M.)

CLAYMONT MOOSE FAMILY CENTER UPDATES

MEMBERSHIP COST STRUCTURE – Extended Offer A new candidate can save $10 when he joins the Lodge since a discount is currently being offered on the Enrollment Fee. LODGE - $56 to join - Current Discounted Rate (thereafter annual dues of $46)

CHAPTER - $45 to join - Current Rate (thereafter annual dues of $25)

IN-HOUSE MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN The Claymont Lodge and Chapter will present a $10 Wawa Gift Card to any member who sponsors two members into the Lodge or Chapter during the months of February-March-April-May.

LODGE & CHAPTER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES (Heart of the Community Program)

Monetary donations to Claymont Boys Scouts Troop 61, Food Bank of Delaware, Police Athletic League, Philadephia’s Philabundance Program. Donations of canned goods to local food closets and toys to the Salvation Army. Participation in the Meals on Wheels Program and visits to area nursing homes. If you are interested in participating in community volunteer activities on behalf of the Lodge or Chapter, please speak with a Chapter officer for further details.

CLAYMONT MOOSE FAMILY CENTER UPDATES (Continued)

FOOD offerings at the Lodge include: (Please contact Lee or Rita Anderson to volunteer) HELP IS ALWAYS NEEDED

Daily Bar Menu – Sandwiches/snacks - day and evening hours (based on availability of bar staff) Monday Evening – Hot Dogs and Bowls of Chili (starts at 6:00 P.M.) Tuesday Evening – Taco Nights and Steamed Shrimp Nights (starts at 6:00 P.M.) Wednesday Lunch Special – Join Kelly for her weekly features (11:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.) Wednesday Evening – Wings cooked to order (6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.) Thursday Evening Sandwiches (6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.) menu posted each week Friday Night Dinners (6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.) menu posted each week Saturday Evening Lite Fare (6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.) Sunday afternoon “pot luck” Lunch (complimentary)….until it is all gone

HAPPY HOUR every Monday thru Friday from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

DJ MUSIC and KARAOKE provided by ………. “Just You and Me” DJs on Saturday evenings from 8:00 P.M. to Midnight

OPEN JUKE BOX every Friday night from 8:00 P.M. to Midnight (limit $25) SENIOR DAY (for Lodge and Chapter members age 60 and over) every Tuesday from Noon to 3:00 P.M. Lunch discount of $1.00 off the price of any Moose menu item and social activities (open pool, card games, etc.). PRETZELS FOR PUPS will be sold on Sundays. Enjoy a delicious soft pretzel for $1.00. All proceeds will be donated to local animal shelters.

OPEN POOL TABLE – Every Tuesday evening starting at 6:00 P.M.

CLAYMONT MOOSE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

F E B R U A R Y SPECIAL VALENTINE’S CELEBRATION DINNER – SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11 You must sign up in advance for this dinner that will include SURF AND TURF (choice of a 5 oz. Lobster Tail or 6 Jumbo Shrimp) along with side dishes and dessert, plus a complimentary glass of champagne. Cost is $18/person or $35/couple. To better accommodate those dining with us, we will have two seatings – one at 4:00 P.M. and the second at 5:30 P.M. The sign-up sheet is posted at the Lodge. Musical entertainment will be provided. We hope to see you. A special “Valentine Raffle” will also be available – you could win some sweets for your sweetheart!

M A R C H ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY – FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 7:00 P.M. to MIDNIGHT Join us for an evening of celebration that will include fun, food, and DJ Music. Please be sure to bring along your favorite covered dish to compliment the theme food provided by the Lodge. Please contact the coordinators--Lorraine Cannon or Mary Jane Sheftz to offer your help.

WOTM ST. PATRICK’S DAY RAFFLE – FRIDAY, MARCH 16

The raffle will include a $75 Gift Card to the Erin Pub Restaurant and other “Irish” goodies. Be sure to purchase your raffle ticket in the Lodge’s Social Quarters ($1 each or $5 for six). Susan Lechette is coordinating this fundraiser. CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT – SATURDAY, MARCH 24 – 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. Festivities will be held at the Lodge and lunch will be served. Please register your children (ages12 and under) to attend--signup deadline is March 18. Kelly Griggs Clark is coordinating this event and would appreciate your help.

EASTER COOKIE SALE – WEEK OF MARCH 25 The Women of the Moose will sell plates of homemade sugar cookies for Easter. The cookies will be on display in the Lodge and will sell for $2.50 per plate on a “first come – first served basis.” They sell fast so get them as soon as you can.

CLAYMONT MOOSE CALENDAR OF EVENTS (Continued)

A P R I L FIESTA PARTY AND RAFFLE – FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 7:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT Join us for this fun-filled evening that will feature a delicious Mexican theme food buffet, music, and fun….a small donation of $5 would be appreciated. The WOTM will also sponsor a Mexican theme raffle that will include a gift card to a local restaurant and many other items yet to be determined. We hope to see you there – OLE ! Please contact Rita Anderson to offer your assistance.

M A Y KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY & MOOSE RACES – SATURDAY, MAY 5 – STARTS AT 5:00 P.M. Come on down and watch your favorite horses race. Enjoy complimentary food and drink specials that will be available for purchase while you watch the race. Later that evening, the Lodge will host an Evening at the Races….with Moose (not horse) Races! Stop by and participate in the fun. NOTE: There will be no Karaoke this evening.

HOLIDAY BBQ BUFFET DINNER – FRIDAY, MAY 25 – 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Start off the Memorial Holiday Weekend by joining us for a scrumptious meal with a picnic theme that will include grilled items, side dishes, and desserts. You will need to sign up for this dinner so we will know what to prepare. The cost will be $10 / person. Look for a signup sheet in the lobby closer to the event.

ADVANCE NOTICE ………………… Mark your calendar for SATURDAY, JUNE 16 when the Lodge will sponsor its sixth annual CHICKEN BARBECUE. Details will be posted closer to the event.

REMEMBER….THIS IS YOUR LODGE AND YOUR CHAPTER and together they comprise our “MOOSE FAMILY CENTER”

HELP SUPPORT ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR COOPERATION AND PARTICIPATION

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY YOU REALLY JOINED “THE MOOSE” ? Hopefully the reason is NOT because you simply wanted to have a place just to socialize with others without assuming any responsibility. If you did, then you DID NOT join for the right reason. The Moose exists to provide the necessary resources for the continued support and maintenance of the Mooseheart Child City and School and the Moosehaven Retirement Community and to lend our support to our local communities. As a reminder…..when you signed a Membership Application, you promised to fulfill two primary obligations: (1) to increase the strength of the Order by proposing for membership qualified individuals of high personal character (2) to give of your energy and substance in support of Mooseheart and Moosehaven Membership can mean different things to different people. YOU are the one who determines what you want to get out of the organization and what you want to give back. But, please always remember the obligation of membership that you signed when you joined, as mentioned above. Please consider how you can get more involved.

Our Lodge and Chapter cannot exist without officers to lead us. Our Lodge and Chapter cannot exist without members. Our Lodge and Chapter cannot exist without volunteers. Our Lodge and Chapter cannot exist without customers. Our Lodge and Chapter cannot exist without participants in functions we sponsor. Our Lodge and Chapter cannot exist without your support of community activities.

It’s up to YOU. Won’t you please get involved and help us to continue to be here for you. Don’t just leave it up to others to always carry the load. Help is always needed. If you can’t volunteer your time to coordinate or assist with activities, how about considering these options:

Participate in the activities and parties we sponsor. Bring along a food donation for everyone to enjoy when requested. Be a good customer by purchasing the food offerings we have each day of the week. Buy a raffle ticket….even if you don’t really want to win….you can give the prize away. Make a monetary donation to the Endowment Fund when collected. Donate to Moose Charities (on-line at www.mooseintl.org). Participate in or donate to a community event we sponsor.

There are many tangible benefits to membership in “The Moose,” like receiving discounts on entertainment, travel programs, insurance, health and wellness, etc., that can save you much more than the cost of your annual dues. And, yes, you can visit any Lodge across the United States, in Canada, and in Bermuda and simply enjoy the social activities afforded to you by your membership. But why not get involved in some small way and experience the rewarding feeling you get when you help others.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY 6 SIXTH DISTRICT MEETING – NEWARK 7:30 P.M.

FEBRUARY 10 KARAOKE CONTEST – CLAYMONT LODGE 8:00 P.M.

FEBRUARY 11 VALENTINE’S DINNER Seatings at 4:00 P.M. and 5:30 P.M.

MARCH 16 ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY AND WOTM RAFFLE

7:00 P.M. to MIDNIGHT

MARCH 24 CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.

WEEK OF MARCH 25

WOTM EASTER COOKIE SALE During Lodge’s Social Quarters Hours

APRIL 3 SIXTH DISTRICT MEETING – CLAYMONT 7:30 P.M.

APRIL 20 WOTM FIESTA PARTY 7:00 P.M. to MIDNIGHT

MAY 5 KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY & MOOSE RACES Party starts at 5:00 P.M Races around 7:00 P.M.

MAY 8 SIXTH DISTRICT MEETING – ELKTON 7:30 P.M.

MAY 19 MD-DE-DC MOOSE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Check the Lodge for details

MAY 25 HOLIDAY BBQ BUFFET DINNER 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

NOTE: KARAOKE ON MOST SATURDAY EVENINGS FROM 8:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT

The CLAYMONT MOOSE FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER is published three times per year as follows:

June-July-August-September October-November-December-January February-March-April-May

If you would like to contribute to the contents of any edition, please contact: RITA ANDERSON EDITOR

The Newsletter is always available at the Lodge, located on Claymont Lodge’s Facebook Page, and posted on the website: www.mdmoose.org If you are aware of a member who would prefer to have a copy mailed to his/her home, please contact Rita Anderson.

Claymont Lodge – Recipient of the 5-Star Premier Lodge Award from Moose International for the 2015-2016 Lodge Year

Lee Anderson Claymont Lodge’s Lifetime Achievement Award Nominee for 2015-2016 Jim Sheftz Governor Award of Excellence Andy Lechette Claymont Lodge’s Moose of the Year for 2015-2016 Jason Ostroff Recipient of Claymont Lodge’s Arrowhead Award for 2015-2016 John Slotwinski 25 Membership Award Michael Slotwinski Strive for 5 Membership (3-month period) Andy Zeager Elected President of the Sixth District for the 2016-2017 year

Claymont Chapter – Recipient of the Award of Achievement from Moose International for the 2015-2016 Chapter Year

MEMBERSHIP DRIVES AND RETENTION As a reminder...be sure to send in your Membership Renewal Dues when you receive your reminder from Moose International. It is very important that we continue to retain our members. We appreciate each and every one of you! Invite a family member, friend, neighbor, or a co-worker to stop by the Lodge and see what the Moose has to offer. Pick up a membership

application in the social quarters and extend an invitation to them to join our fraternity.

MD-DE-DC MOOSE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN (“Take Wille’s Money) Willie Sampson is the newly- elected President of the Association and is sponsoring a short-term campaign (October 1, 2016 – April 30, 2017). Each person who sponsors a new member into the Lodge will receive a check for $5. Then (November 1, 2016 – April 30, 2017) sponsor 5 members into the Lodge and you will receive an Association logo shirt.

Be a student of the high school graduating class of 2018 Have a father, mother, step-parent, grandparent or legal guardian who is a current member of the Moose in good

standing (not required to reside in the same household) Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale or equivalent

(documented proof required) Applicant must also have participated in In-School / Extra-Curricular activities as well as Out-of-School activities (documented proof required) Applicant must volunteer on behalf of a fraternal unit of the Moose (documented proof required)