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MAY 2020 Volume 56, Issue 5
Page 1
ECHOES
First I'd like to congratulate all of our new officers and trustees for the upcoming year. It is not the easiest way to start their terms but I've only heard positive thoughts from all.
As we approach six weeks of quarantine, I can understand the frustration that everyone is feeling right
about now. With no real end in sight people people are getting a little stir crazy. There are only so many things thatcan be done around the house and those of you with youngchildren also have to deal with schooling at home; not an easy task. I've heard stories of this from many of our members and also first hand with my own grandchildren.
There are good things going on too. Members have gotten together and started to cook full meals for ARC of Somerset and have plans to continue this over the next fewweeks. We are also trying to put together a grant to help supply food for the Somerset county food bank.
Members have been dropping by the lodge and helping clean up the property. Flowers have been planted, gardensweeded and wood chips spread out around the trees.
Behind the scenes lodge business is being handled, bills are being paid and repairs are proceeding as planned to a
point. People that owe dues and are able pay should pay. We have no income coming in at this time and we are trying save money where we can.
We have some tough times ahead and I'm sure the road back to normalcy will be difficult for all of us. I don't see anything happening very quickly at all. I'm glad to see that folks are starting to get their stimulus checks and that their unemployment has kicked in. I've also heard of a few of ourmembers have gotten ill from this virus but are on the road to recovery. My prayers go out to all of you.
We will try to keep everyone updated as to what is happening in our lodge and in all of Elkdom in the upcoming weeks.
Please Stay Well, Stay Safe and Stay Home
Yours in Elkdom,David Lewis, ER
From the Watchung Hills Elks Lodge 885
To receive a full-color bulletin by email, ask us to update your email address by sending it to [email protected] or by visiting https://www.elkslodge885.org/subscribe. We do not have current email addresses for everyone!
OfficersExalted Ruler David Lewis
Esteemed Leading Knight Kathleen Olesen
Esteemed Loyal Knight Ben Garnecki
Esteemed Lecturing Knight Candace Benzel
Secretary Paul Lowell, Sr., PER
Treasurer Donna Lowell, PER
Esquire Betty A. Volker, PDD
Chaplain Kathy Schulz
Inner Guard John Pizzigoni
Tiler Adam Benzel
1 Year Trustee Martha Pizzigoni
2 Year Trustee Denise Heilman
3 Year Trustee Stephanie Zitsch, PER
4 Year Trustee Deborah Figel
5 Year Trustee (vacant)
Justice (vacant)
Exalted Ruler’s Message- David Lewis, ER
Watchung Hills Elks Lodge #8851 Elks Trail
Warren, NJ 07059908-668-9727
[email protected]@elkslodge885.org
www.elkslodge885.orghttps://www.facebook.com/Elks885/
MAY 2020 https://www.elkslodge885.org/subscribe Volume 56, Issue 5
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Committee ChairsArmy of Hope Danny Larsen, DDDGER, PER
Americanism (vacant)
Auditing Kim DeVizio
Buildings and Grounds David Dante
Charities Betty A Volker, PDDGER
Drug Awareness John Pizzigoni
Elks Memorial Day Danny Larsen, DDDGER, PER
Elks National Foundation Joann Bataille
Government Relations Paul Lowell, Sr., PER
Hoop Shoot Fran Bellew, PER
Lodge Activities (vacant)
Membership Paul Lowell, Sr., PER
Parades Melodie Doremus
Pool Kim DeVizio
Public Relations Mike Ryder
Ritual Betty A. Volker, PDDGER
Scholarships Fred Hayeck
Soccer Shoot Fran Bellew, PER
Special Children Betty A. Volker, PDDGER
Veterans Services Fran Bellew, PER
Wildwood Convention Stephanie Zitsch, PER
Youth Activities Fran Bellew, PER
Youth Tournament Fran Bellew, PER
As of 4/14/20 we still have a lot of members who have not renewed their membership. Second notices are going to be mailed out the end of April.
Due to the current Corona Virus outbreak, we understand that this is putting a lot of unwanted stress and financial strain on a lot of us. If you are having problems renewing your 2020-2021 membership, please contact me as soon as possible.
I am receiving e-mail notices from the State Secretary with issues related to the Corona Virus, and have asked Mike Ryder to put them up on the lodge web site and e-mails. Please send me your current e-mail addresses sowe can keep you informed.
I received an official e-mail from the State Secretary as of 4/13 the NJ State Elks Association Wildwood Convention has been cancelled.
From the Secretary- Paul Lowell, Sr., PER
The Wildwood Convention that was scheduled for this coming June has been canceled because of the Covid-19pandemic. Although many are disappointed that Wildwood will not be happening, it is probably what is best and safest for all.
I wish you all the best and hope you all are staying safe.
Wildwood Convention Committee - Stephanie Zitsch, PER, Committee Chair
The Quaid R Mobus Annual Motorcycle run was canceled.
Here is the original announcement: https://www.facebook.com/Aidforquaidbikerun/posts/1120611628283002
2 Year Trustee- Denise Heilman
Thanks to an ENF Beacon Grant, I dropped off $500 worth of ShopRite gift cards to the Foodbank Network ofSomerset County.
ENF Committee- Joann Bataille, Committee Chair
MAY 2020 https://www.elkslodge885.org/subscribe Volume 56, Issue 5
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• Lodge of Sorrows for Anthony Metner who passed away suddenly on April 2nd. Anthony is Michael Metner's and Darlene Rymer's father and was a member for 41 years. His obituary is here: https://www.scarpalasrosasfh.com/obituary/Anthony-Metner
• Ralph Ekberg who was a long time member of Watchung Hills Elks and the Warren Lions. Passed away on Sunday April 19, 2020 from congestive heart failure. Ralph had demitted to Little River SC Lodge 2840 after moving to Myrtle Beach SC in 2016. You can read his obituary here: https://www.myrtlebeachfuneralhome.com/obituary/ralph-ekberg
• Sadly, David Lewis, ER, had to put down one of his dogs.• Steve Terrible had a fall, was hospitalized and is now in rehab.• Donna Lowell broke her foot and will be out for 2 to 6 months.
Please send me your updates at [email protected] or 732-319-9734.
Sickness & Distress- Kathleen Olesen, Esteemed Leading Knight
During these trying times, I sincerely hope and wish that you and your families are all doing welland staying safe. We empathize with everyone during these times and want you to know we arestill making plans for our special kids with the hope that this will soon come to an end.We have recently been informed by the State Special Children’s Committee regarding thisyear’s Summer operations of Elks Camp Moore. NJ Elks Camp Moore will remain closed for the2020 Spring, Summer and Fall programs. It is unfortunate but, the safety and health of thechildren and staff are of the utmost importance. The main issue is counselors and, of course,the NJ State lockdown. Many of the counselors each year come from other countries.
We have informed all families and they are disheartened, as am I. We will still plan some type of event for the families when we have all the information necessary to host an event and what the guidelines will be for such events.
The State SCC scholarship forms are available and have been sent to the local schools. If anyone knows of a family of a high school senior who may want to apply, please let me know. We are all in this suspended state as of now and we all hope it comes to end soon. Stay well, stay safe and look forward to seeing and volunteering with everyone again very soon.
Special Children Committee- Betty A. Volker, Committee Chair, PDDGER
MAY 2020 https://www.elkslodge885.org/subscribe Volume 56, Issue 5
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How to get new members?ASK THEM!
November 2019• Stephen Terrible, PSP
February 2020• Olaf (Duke) Andersen • Chris Bellman• Kenneth Burd• Daniel Ciarlariello• Donna Clancy• Mike Dalton• George Dealaman, Jr.• Donna Forman • Kim Frazier• Frank Giannelli • Jane Giannelli • Pat Guerra• Bill Heilman • Bruce Helmstetter • Linda Helmstetter • Bridget Horn • JEB Irvine, PER• Danny Larsen, DDDGER, PER• Donna Lowell, PER• Paul Lowell, Sr., PER• Nancy Micou• Kathleen Olesen• Ken Pawelek• Laura Pawelek• Kathryn Schulz• Elia Shehady• William Sorensen • Ed Staeger• Paul Steager (thru 2022)• Vito Truglio• John Tucker• Richard Van Jaeckel• Stacy Van Liere• Robert Venitelli• Betty Volker, PDD• John Williams
March 2020• Rosemarie Abate• Stanley Autocunas, PER• John Balog• James Basille• Fran Bellew, PER• Wayne Carlson• Barney Coughlin, PER• Melody Doremus• Stephen Engler• Tina Engler• Fred Fennimore• Tracy Fennimore• Gary Grant, PDD• Pia Grant, PER• Thomas MacStoker• Debbie Metner• Mickey Metner• Michael Naumoff• Richard Pasquarella• Joseph Selinko• Michelle Waiser
April 2020• Gerry DelPiano, PER• John Doremus• Michael Ryder• Tim Velazquez• Ralph Weber
For $10.00 a year, you too can be an Echoes Booster.
Proceeds offset the cost of printing and mailing the Bulletin. Thanks to those who have already pledged theirsupport.
Boosters- Echoes Boosters
Committee Chairperson and Event Coordinators please submit you reports by the 25th of the month at the latest so I can submit them to Grand Lodge.
Government Relations Committee- Paul Lowell Sr., PER
MAY 2020 https://www.elkslodge885.org/subscribe Volume 56, Issue 5
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CLOSED - We are temporarily closed by Executive Order of Governor Murphy due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Central District: The newsletter for May is available at this link: http://www.njelks.org/images/stories/centraldistrict/newsletter/dnlmay2020.pdf
From Danny Larsen, DDDGER, PER: Members have been keeping the grounds at our lodge tidy. Thank You Paul Staeger and all who have maintained social distancing and helped out around the lodge. (See photos below). As for the Sewer Connection project: The EPA has revisited our property and inspected the second stake-out of the proposed “Field of Disturbance” for the sewer connection and reportedly have approved the layout; we are just waiting on official paperwork to begin ground-breaking. Finally, it’s been mentioned that the lodge could use a newcoat of paint – the Board of Directors is working on figuring out a new color scheme and sourcing for paint and labor. Contact David Lewis if you’re interested in helping out.
From David Lewis, ER: Plumbing repairs have been completed. There are a few faucets that need replacing but we’ll wait until the lodge is open again before doing that. Some trees have been removed from the parking lot.
From Kim DeVizio, Pool Committee: There is no status to report other than our annual pool report and meeting postponed to June, and whether the pool will even open this year remains to be seen.
Bulletins:Each month I automatically send an email and text message to all committee chairs, officers and directors, as well as PERs asking for articles for the next bulletin. Three officers respond regularly. Please let me know what can I doto make it easier for you all to send me news to report – there seems to be a lot to talk about at lodge meetings that never makes it to me.
Members are also welcome to join the committee and contribute their time and expertise.Text or call me if you’re interested at 908-605-0305… or email me at [email protected]
Public Relations Committee- Michael Ryder
MAY 2020 https://www.elkslodge885.org/subscribe Volume 56, Issue 5
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Last week, Lisa Marie Arieno contacted Elks Lodge 885 member Kim DeVizio. Lisa Marie is the director of Foundation Development and Public Relations with The Arc of Somerset, and wanted to see if the Elks could help the Arc's special needs families.
It was during a "Ladies of the Elks" Zoom meeting that the Arc's needs were relayed by Lisa Marie to explain the “why and need” for food. Somerset ARC has 34 group homes and supervised apartments, 95 residents and 65-75 staff members. The residents of these group homes are adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most residents attend Adult-DayCare facilities but are unable to since the COVID-19 pandemic lock down began.
The Somerset ARC Direct Support Professionals are front line workers who are currently dealing with medically fragile patients at the group homes and apartments. She said home-made meals would be one less thing they need to do for that day and would be very much appreciated.
The Elks members are stepping up! For the next four weeks we are providing one home-cooked meal for the two homes located in Warren and two homes located in North Plainfield. This equates to approximately 25 meals. Eachweek we have one Chairperson who will coordinate the meal cooking and delivery. Our first delivery was picked up by Lisa Marie's husband (and Arc volunteer) Jamie Weinschenk (see more pictures on page 7)
Are you interested in helping? If so, contact me at [email protected] or 732-319-9734.
From L-R: Kathleen Olesen, Stephanie Zitsch PER, Bridget Horn, Martha Pizzigoni, Debbie Figel, Valerie Miziack , Deni Heilman, David Lewis ER, Linda Helmstetter, Kim DeVizio, Mary Lewis, Mel Doremus,Betty Volker PDDGERNot pictured: Liz Egan, Audrey Lipinski, John Pizzigoni and Kathy Shultz
Esteemed Leading Knight- Kathleen Olesen
MAY 2020 https://www.elkslodge885.org/subscribe Volume 56, Issue 5
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Arc of Somerset Volunteers in the Kitchen, L-R: Kathleen Olesen, Stephanie Zitsch PER, Jamie Weinschenk (Arc), Mary Lewis, David Lewis ER, Betty Volker PDDGER
Arc of Somerset Volunteers Outside: Jamie Weinschenk (Arc), Betty Volker PDDGER, Mary Lewis, David Lewis ER, Kathleen Olesen, Stephanie Zitsch PER, Linda Helmstetter and Kim DeVizio.
MAY 2020 https://www.elkslodge885.org/subscribe Volume 56, Issue 5
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“Blasts from the Past”- Michael Ryder, Public Relations Committee
MAY 2020 https://www.elkslodge885.org/subscribe Volume 56, Issue 5
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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2
3 4 5 6 7
Lodge MeetingOfficers – 7 pmGeneral – 8 pm
8 9
10
Mother’sDay
11 12 13 14 15 16
Armed ForcesDay
17 18 19
BOD Meeting7 pm
20
ComedyNight
21
Lodge MeetingOfficers – 7 pmGeneral – 8 pm
22 23
24
25
Memorial Day
26
PER Meeting7 pm
27 28 29 30
31
Camp MooreSend-Off BBQ
MAY 2020Find the calendar online at our website: https://www.elkslodge885.org, then click Events and then “Main Calendar”
5/2 Elizabeth Egan5/5 Anthony Zampella5/8 James Gold
Ted Wargo5/12 Paul Staeger5/14 Paul Lowell Sr., PER5/16 Joseph Lencoski5/17 John Schwartz5/20 George Frodelly
5/21 Wayne CarlsonLisa Carracino
5/24 Alyson DonatelliRalph ThompsonStephanie Zitsch, PER
5/25 Fred Pether5/26 Antony Lowenberg5/28 Robert Staeger
MAY 2020 https://www.elkslodge885.org/subscribe Volume 56, Issue 5
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Watchung Hills Elks Lodge #885 is online!
Point your smart-phone's QR-Code reader application (freely available if you don't already have one) at these images to jump to our sites. Bookmark our website so you can check the Lodge calendar. "Like" our Facebook page so you can stay in touch with the daily goings-on.
https://www.elkslodge885.org https://www.facebook.com/elks885
"So Long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them."
Watchung Hills Elks #8851 Elks TrailWarren, NJ 07059
Address Service Requested
Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage
PAIDUnion, NJ 07083Permit No. 492
