YORKTOWN LODGE # 2324 MID HUDSON DISTRICT # 6180

EDITOR - JOE PIKULA
Jan/Feb 2010
NEWSLETTER
YORKTOWN LODGE # 2324
MID HUDSON DISTRICT # 6180
EXALTED RULER’S MESSAGE
IMPORTANT
DATES TO
REMEMBER
Members All:
Hopefully you have all had a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season. All of our volunteers have been busy making the holidays a little brighter for those less fortunate. On behalf of the HOOP SHOOT
JAN 9
lodge we Thank You.
YORKTOWN
The dictionaries have been distributed to several local
HIGH
schools. Thanks to a grant acquired by Mary De Silva, we
SCHOOL
were able to distribute the dictionaries with no cost
to the lodge.
VETERANS
As we start the New Year please remember our commitment
LUNCH @
to keep bingo alive. The income from bingo in conjunction with
CASTLE
our kitchen rental will help keep us running
POINT
in good financial shape.
JAN 23
We are currently entering the last quarter of the 2009/2010
SPECIAL
ELK Year. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication.
LODGE
It has truly been a pleasure serving as the Exalted Ruler and
MEETING
representing our Lodge.
JAN 27
Happy New Year!
Fraternally;
INITIATION
Andy Tumolo
FEB 3
Charity Poker Party
SPECIAL
On Sat November 28, the lodge held its 9th Charity Poker
OLYMPICS
game and we were able to raise approximately $1000 for the
EVENTS
Wounded Warrior Fund. The fund helps wounded soldiers acclimate with their injuries when they come back home. Floor Hockey
The help from our lodge members and others was very generJan 23
ous. Anne Morrison and Flo Simione as usual did an excellent
Adaptive
job preparing all the dishes. Don Kenneally brought The 5 ft
Games
sandwiches and Mike Mullins brought the Chili which had a nice
Feb 13
kick. Jimmy Vignola and Tom Pavletich did a great job as they
have at all 8 previous games taking care of the kitchen and servBasketball
ing the food. Dave Yazzetti did an excellent job with the 50-50
March 6
and Tony Venditti , Bob Falco and John Murray helped with
the set up. Ed Santiago and Don Simione and Jack Morrison
BINGO
ensured that beverages were available throughout the night and
EVERY
thanks go to my daughters, Keri Anne and Jaimie Morrison THURSDAY
wh o
ser ve d
our
pat r o ns
du r ing
t he
e ve nt .
DOORS OPEN
My thanks to all who participated and helped in this charitable
@
endeavor.
5:00 PM
Jim Morrison
I ns ide this is s ue:
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
KUDOS KORNER
SPECIAL
OLYMPICS
DICTIONARY
PROGRAM
CELEBRATION
TIME
DICTIONARY
PROGRAM
SPONSORS
MEMBERSHIP
52 CLUB
LADIES AUXILIARY
SCHOLARSHIPS
2
3
4
5,6
7
CHILDRENS
CHRISTMAS PARTY
VETERANS
EVENTS
I
N
S
E
R
T
SPECIAL MESSAGE
We close each year with a
flurry
of activities with our

friends and families and
with others groups as we
share the joys of the Holiday Season.
What a great time that is!
If we can remember that:
WE ARE JUDGED BY
WHAT WE DO NOT BY WHAT WE SAY,
It’s easy to see that we may
have earned a measure of
respect by carrying out activities such as those described in this newsletter.
Please join us as we continue doing the same kind
of “good works” throughout
this New Year…2010 !
Volunteer Now
Page 2
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
KUDOS KORNER
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Our Lodge hosted the Hudson Valley Region Annual Awards Dinner on November 20. Thanks to Rich
D’Andrea and son Tom, Tom Pavletich, Joe Pikula, Tom Pikula, who volunteered to help make the evening a success….. , We also appreciate the efforts of those who worked and catered to the needs of our
guests at the event: Mary Blackadder, Vic Bonci, Jennie Grasso, Donie Simione, Betsy Solow and
son Corey, Tony Venditti, and Jim Vignola.
Member Joe Pikula was Inducted into the initial class of the Hudson
Valley Region “Hall of Fame”. He was one of two volunteers accorded
such honors for his more than 30 years of service to this program
which was formerly known as Westchester/Putnam Special Olympics.
A total of six persons; two athletes, two coaches, and two volunteers
were inducted during the ceremony. The address and the plaque
presentation was done by another Lodge Member, Ellen Pikula,
Joe’s daughter, who is a Director of Program at HVRSO. As part of
his acceptance speech, Joe acknowledged and thanked our Elks
Lodge members for their support over the past fifteen years, during
which our Lodge developed a dedicated volunteer group to serve the
Special Olympics Program.
JEP
DICTIONARY PROGRAM
This is the fifth year that our Lodge has distributed dictionaries to the third grade students at both St. Patrick’s and St Elizabeth Ann Seton Schools. The funding for this program comes in the form of a grant from
ENF, and we have applied for, and received, the grant each year.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School
Dictionaries being distributed to Happy Students by:
SVP Mary De Silva
and
PSVP Rich De Silva
On December 21, 2009 dictionaries were distributed to third grade at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School.
The higher classes received Spanish/English dictionaries.
Ptctured with the third grade students are: Richard DeSilva, PSVP, School Principal Sister Gabriel
Miriam, Teachers Mrs. Kerry Boynes and Mrs. Mary Cooper.
Pictures were taken by Joe Pikula, Editor
PAGE 3
Jan/Feb 2010
DICTIONARY PROGRAM
(continued from page 2)
St Patrick’s School
Dictionaries were distributed to
third grade students at St. Patrick’s School on December 14,
2009. Spanish/English dictionaries were also distributed to
the higher classes.
Pictured with the third grade
students are: left to right Mary
De Silva, SVP, member Barbara Leifels, Teacher Lynn
Ajello and Principal Nan Gollogly. Taking the picture was
Richard De Silva, PSVP.
Mary De Silva, ENF Chairlady
CELEBRATION TIME
MEMBERS
JANUARY
SPOUSES
William Calcutti
Jim Capone
Ben Colabattista
Michael Cook Sr.
Richard D’Andrea
Roland Faucher
John Hynes Jr.
Dave Locke
George Lucciola
Tony Masi
Timothy O’Conner
Wayne Perosky
Joseph Petriello
Kenneth Robinson
Andrew Alimonti
Dennis Beers
Richard Bennett
Vito Cappelletti
Daniel M. Cullen
Richard J. Curtin
Thomas Dunnings
Robert Falco
Robert Galbraith
Peter Mc Kenna
George Mann
Michael Mullins
Michael Murphy
Sal Muscente
Joseph Plitnick
Daniel Raiola
John Swick
Lenny Rodriguez
Michael Ruppel
Edgar Santiago
Steve Smith
William Terhune
Bob Vijacki
Joseph Visconti
Carol Alimonti
Connie Belotti
Mary Bonci
Jean Dunphy
Jean Gorski
Maureen Green
Therese Jordan
Barbara Mc Carthy
Ruby O’Reilly
Josephine Savage
Jennifer Schmidt
Doris Versace
William and Glenda Geis
George and Wilma Mann
Gerald and Muriel Sammon
FEBRUARY
Mary Antonecchia
Virginia Bianco
Josephine Bottega
Dorothy Faucher
Glenda Geis
Nancy Grealy
Dorothy Hassett
Suzanne Horgan
Harry Nalbandian
Kathleen O’Neill
Mary Helen Smith
Nicholas and Virginia Bianco
Michael and Carol Cook
Frederick and Rose Gauthier
William and Kathy Graham
Dave and Lori Locke
Joseph and Lucy Occhipinti
Bernard and Gisele Staino
TO ALL OF YOU, WE WISH YOU THE VERY BEST ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY
PAGE 4
Jan/Feb 2010
What Do Kids Like Best At Christmas Especially to those who don’t have the
warmth and comfort of a stable home and
family ?
A VISIT TO YORKTOWN LODGE
Where they are served up !!
LOTS OF LOVE
A PERSONAL VISIT
GOOD FOOD
FUN AND GAMES
THIS
IS
DOOR
NUMBER 1
GUESS
WHO’S
BEHIND
IT
?????
Once again, we played host to a group of homeless children, at our Lodge. The visit was coordinated by
Eileen Torres of the Grace Church in White Plains and Joe Pikula of our Lodge.
Chairman Jim Matthews arranged for all the goodies and the preparations, and the children were treated
with hot dogs, “fries”, chicken tenders, soda, ice cream, cookies, and cupcakes. Each Child was given a
gift by Santa (Wayne Gorski), along with a candy cane, and all left with a care package to share with others. Those who helped put a little love in the lives of some kids who really could use it were: Anthony
Cacciola, Joe Cacciola, Joe DiPaterio, Liz Gentile, Jim and his daughter Chelsea Matthews, Pete
Mills, Tom Pavletich, Joe Pikula, Ed Santiago, Betsy Solow, Jerry Sammon, and Tony Venditti.
GOD BLESS THE CHILDREN AND OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS.
PAGE 5
Jan/Feb 2010
VETERANS PROGRAM
Veterans Program Fund Raiser : Turkey Shoot Nov 7 – Nov 15, 2009
Thirty eight contestants tested their marksmanship skills by shooting a BB gun
rifle at a bulls eye target. Each contestant paid $5.00 for three shots, and quite a
few contestants participated multiple times. In addition, two members donated
money to the cause without shooting. The winner of the competition was Jimmy
Matthews, who won a 24 lb. turkey, which was donated to the Lodge and was presented to him during the VA lunch on November 16th.
LUNCH AT THE LODGE
On 11/16/09, our Lodge hosted about 25 veterans and staff from the Montrose VA Hospital. They were served
a great lunch of barbequed steak, roasted red potatoes, cut corn, salad, cake and ice cream. Rich Paul was
our grill master, and pastry chef Jill Gorski Csordas and Jean Gorski made sure they had an ample supply of
“goodies”. They played bingo under the watchful eye of Jim Vignola and were entertained by the piano playing
of our own version of Billy Jowel. They each left with gift bags of playing cards, bananas, cookies (donated by
Tommy Rabbitt), pretzels and candy bars ( donated by Ralph, the bartender at Gordo’s Restaurant.)
We made the vets very happy and it was good to see them leave with big smiles on their faces.
CHOW TIME
Thanks go to the following volunteers who
helped to serve and did the cleanup.
Jim Capone, Ted Galgano, Wayne Gorski,
Danny LoPresti, George Mann,
Jim Matthews, Richie Paul, Tom Pavletich,
Joe Pikula, Tony Venditti, Jim Vignola,
Bob Vijacki, and to
Carl Schliman (a visiting meat carver), and
Neil Gross, Al Kotash from Peekskill Lodge
A BINGO WINNER
HOSPITAL VISITS
Visits were made to Castle Point and Montrose Hospitals on !2/18 and 12/19 respectively. Christmas cards,
(made by children of the Mildred Strang Middle, Copper Beech Middle , Putnam Valley and Mammaroneck
Schools), cookies (made by Jill Gorski Csordas), and puzzle books were distributed to the veterans. The cost
of the puzzle books was covered by a donation from Ralph the bartender at Gordo’s Restaurant, and, in part by
funds from our Turkey Shoot. During our visit, we observed how much the veterans loved the cards as they
proudly displayed them around their beds in their rooms, clearly indicating how precious they consider some of
the simpler things in life.
God Bless Our Veterans and Our Elks Who Care and Share With Them .
On Jan. 23, 2010, we are planning to prepare and serve lunch at Castle Point.Hospital to about 80 veterans and
staff. We need volunteers to help setting up, serving and cleanup….please call at 845-528-7525 if you can help.
Wayne Gorski
Page 7
6
Jan/Feb 2010
Jan/Feb
2010
52 CLUB WINNERS
MEMBERSHIP
The following candidates are in various stages of the investigation process and are expected to be eligible for initiation:
10/21 - Joe Pikula
10/28 - Don Kenneally
Candidates
Sponsor
11/04 - Paul Egan
Matt Arruda
Anthony Cacciola
11/11 - Rich De Silva
Robert Del Baso
Anthony Cacciola
11/18– Don Kenneally
John Gravenese
Tom Pavletich, PER
11/25 - Joe Metrovich
Keith Hladek
Tom Pavletich, PER
12/02 - Mike Adamovich
Mike Silvano
Robert Vijacki
12/09 - Mike Littleton
Jenny Menton Grasso
Anthony Grasso
12/16 - Danny Raiola
Congratulations to all the The next initiation Ceremony will be held on February 3, 2010, and will be
conducted by the Past Exalted Rulers of our Lodge
Lucky Winners
LADIES AUXILIARY
January Birthdays: Ruby O'Reilly; Gloria DePolo
February Birthday: Kathleen O'Keefe
We look forward to meeting again in the New Year 2010….Happy New Year to all
Clara Cartelli
SCHOLARSHIPS
This was a very active year for scholarship applications as we received more than our quota of ENF applications. Our Lodge winners, whose applications were sent to the District for the next level of judging and filling
out our quota of 3 female and 3 male applicants were, listed alphabetically:
Jillian Caffery, Christina Leader, Kayla Murphy,
Joseph Bonitatibus, Christopher Chung, Julien Zidi
>>>>>
Congratulations
<<<<<
Joe Pikula
NEWSLETTER PATRONS
We Thank all of our generous patrons who donated the funds necessary to publish our Newsletter.
Our Elk Year ends March 31, 2010, and we will begin another Elktowner publication year beginning
with the May 2010 Issue. Please contact Mary De Silva or Joe Pikula if you would like to support us
next year.
Editor
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
January 27…...7:30 pm
Your Attendance is requested for a special meeting at the request of the
Officers and Trustees to discuss important issues affecting our Lodge.
Sickness or Distress as of 12/18/2009
RIP
DECEASED
Clement Cooke - 1921 - 2009
RIP
We send our Prayers & Best Wishes to all who are ill and/or recuperating at home or in the hospital:
Ernie Altieri, Fred Beardsley, Vic Bonci, Ben Colabattista, Pete Gubello,
John Hyler, Peter Mastropolo, Bill O’Reilly, John Paladino,
If you know of anyone who is ill or needs help, please call the Lodge (914) 245 - 9839
NON—PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE
PAID
Yorktown Hts. NY
Permit No. 11
Yorktown Lodge # 2324
P.O. Box 415
Yorktown, NY 10598
Lodge Phone: (914) 245-9839
Booking Office: (914) 962-7895
L
ELKS CARE
ELKS SHARE
Visit Our Website @
Yorktownlodge.com
IN MEMORY OF OUR DEPARTED MEMBERS
2008
Joseph Basso, Michael Covino
Joseph D’Ascoli, Harry MacKay
2009
Bernard Clark, Richard Dillon,
Anthony Fiore, David Hanke,
Martin McGannon, John Patane,
Robert Perry
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE
Lodge Memorial Service
On Sunday, December 6, our Lodge held it’s annual memorial service
to honor those who gave of themselves in the development of our
Lodge and have passed away. ER Andy Tumolo (left) presided over
the ceremony, which was attended by approximately 75 members and
guests (some pictured above). In addition to ER Andy, the ceremony
was performed by our Lodge officers:
Michael Adamovich, Paul Egan, Mary De Silva, Richard De Silva,
Bill O’Reilly, Joseph Pikula, Charlie Scheld
The following Patrons have generously donated the funds necessary to cover the costs of publication and distribution of our Elktowner Newsletter to our membership via the US Postal Service. We
appreciate their support and are happy to provide them with the additional exposure via this web site
edition of the newsletter; we ask all of our readers to support their businesses whenever possible :
GOLD AWARD PATRONS
DML MORTGAGE ENTERPRISES INC
334 Underhill Avenue
Yorktown heights, NY 10598
David Yazzetti
(914) 245 0300
Cell (914) 843 0843
PARK FORD - LINCOLN MERCURY
276 Route 6
Mahopac, NY 10541
Rich D’Andrea
(845) 628 8800
SILVER AWARD PATRONS
CENTURY 21 MULVEY
1952 Commerce Street
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Robert Schmidt
(914) 962 1121 Ext 45
Cell (917) 991 4354
CHASE MEDIA GROUP
( Formerly Yorktown Pennysaver)
1520 Front Street
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
(914) 962 3871
LAW OFFICES OF SEEDORF & SCHELD
45 Main Street
Bedford Hills, NY 10507
Charlie Scheld
Marc Seedorf
(914) 242 0104
NORTHERN WESTCHESTER—PUTNAM
PHYSICAL THERAPY P.C.
Maryann C Russo, M.S., P.T. & Associates
THE MAHOPAC NATIONAL BANK BUIDING
21 Peekskill Hollow Road Suite 201
PUTNAM Valley, NY 10579
(845) 528 3133
JEFFERSON VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
3535 Hill Boulevard Suite P
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
(914) 962 2728
BRONZE AWARD PATRONS
CROTON MINI DELI - 10 MAPLE ST. CROTON ON HUDSON, NY
Don Kenneally
(914) 271 6970
THE SUGAR LOAF BREAD CO - SUGAR LOAF, NY
Michael Guido
(845) 610 5010
YORKTOWN PASTRY SHOP - 16 TRIANGLE SHOPPING CTR.
YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY
(914) 245 6962
HIGHLAND MECHANICAL SERVICES - PUTNAM VALLEY, NY
Bob Kurtz
(845) 526 0449
MARCH CONSTRUCTION INC. - 17 LONGVUE TER. YONKERS, NY
Luis Delgado
(914) 469 1505
RIDGE CHIROPRACTIC & MASSAGE
Route 6 MOHEGAN LAKE, NY
(914) 528 8849
YORKTOWN BEER & SODA - 1893 COMMERCE ST.
YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY
(914) 962 4659
MAPLE LEAF ASSOCIATES INC.
Andrew Tumolo
(845) 621 3813
RELIABLE OIL CO., INC - 277 VETERANS RD.
YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY
(914) 962 4508
RESIDENTIAL HOME FUNDING CORP.
Michael Littleton
(914) 245 3300
Page 6