Elks Annual Clam Bake

Vol. 124, No 1
ELKS PRIDE – COMMUNITY FOCUS
JULY 2016
Elks Annual Clam Bake
(Block the day in advance)
Sunday September 18, 2016
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Great food – great fun – great raffles
Cercemaggiore Club, 550 Sylvan Lake Rd, Watertown CT
Cost: $35.00 pp in advance, $40.00 at the door
CALLING ON ALL MEMBERS
We are in the planning stages of a “Waterbury Elks Lodge History” night.
In order to accomplish this, we need YOUR help!
We are calling on all members and family of members to contact us if you are willing to help, by providing us with
pictures, information, and memories of your time spent at our Lodge over the years.
We wish to appreciate and respect where we have been and who has gotten us this far.
Please dig through your family albums of loved ones past and present. Help us to recognize and honor not only
them, but also the history of our lodge, Waterbury Elks #265
You can contact Charlotte Brady 203-755-7908 or Wanda at 203-808-1398. We look forward to hearing from you.
Fraternally
Wanda I. Reiff – Exalted Ruler
The Rathskellar will close promptly at 5:00 p.m. on July 4, 2016.
Enjoy the Holiday!
The House Committee
ELKS CALL
Official Bulletin of
Waterbury Lodge No. 265
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
P.O. Box 615
283 West Main St., Waterbury, CT 06702
---Instituted - June 15, 1893
Chartered - June 21, 1893
Editor: Ron Fraser
Web Site: http://www.elks265.org/
Webmaster: Bob Ranaldo
LODGE OFFICERS
Wanda Reiff
Eugene La Fauci
Kathleen Gannon
Flavio Basile
Jonathan Arthur PDD, SP
Patrick Jennings
Bret Reis
Michelle Minicucci, PER
Anthony Vassallo
Maryann Caraffa
Gerald DiPietro
2016-2017
Exalted Ruler
Est. Leading Knight
Est. Loyal Knight
Est. Lecturing Knight
Secretary
Treasurer
Tiler
Chaplain
Esquire
Inner Guard
Organist
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
5-Year Trustee – Alphonse Kuncas, Jr
4-Year Trustee – Mike Gannon
3-Year Trustee - David Simpson
2-Year Trustee - Edward Charette
1-Year Trustee - Richard Champagne
PRESIDING JUSTICE OF THE
SUBORDINATE FORUM
Vacant
Membership (4 - 1- 16)
EXALTED RULER’S MESSAGE
The Month of June brought us the State Convention in Rocky Hill. Again Congratulations to
our new State President, Jonathan Arthur. For those who attended our Flag Day
Ceremony I’m sure you will agree that Loyal Knight Kathy Gannon put together an
impressive celebration.
Every year our Lodge gets a time of renewal, and the markers and accomplishments
get re-set to zero. Our ENF and State Major Project (CCMC) per capita goals begin anew.
Our membership drives are starting and we are looking for new ways to get our Members
involved in the Lodge.
As we know, some Members originally joined the Lodge solely for the fraternal aspect
of our Order. They enjoy coming to the Lodge, knowing it is a good place to meet with friends
and bring their family for dinner. By attending the Lodge and supporting our events YOU will
be doing your part to help better our community.
Our Lodge is preparing to try out new events, dinners and lodge ideas. These ideas are as a result of members
like you, and your creativity. If you have not been as active as you have wanted to be, then let’s plan NOW to get involved.
I’m sure we can find something that interests you. Check out the calendar in the electronic call that will help you get started.
However, our Lodge will not succeed by focusing on the fraternal side alone. Our Charitable work is the heart
of what we do and who we are. This is the time of year when Our Officers and Committee Chairpersons will be looking to
engage our members more to help in our efforts to continue and provide for our Children and our Veterans.
If you are unable to attend an event, consider volunteering in the set up or clean up phase. Believe me I will
NOT turn down any help that is offered.
Elk of the Month: When your everyday life is to be ready to respond at a moment’s notice, to risk it ALL to
insure the safety of others; one would think that is plenty for one person and you would have no spare time to do anything
else. Not this guy, he chose to become a member of the BPOE, attend all the meetings his schedule allows, joins the
Investigation Committee, House Committee and volunteers at the Family Picnics and Clambakes, and on top of that is
currently serving our Lodge as Tiler. He always has a smile and a willingness to help wherever needed. As a Firefighter for
the City of Waterbury he is there to protect us and as an Elk he is proudly representing our organization. Bret Reis, I thank
you for your service to our community and am grateful that we have you as part of our team!
Fraternally,
Wanda I. Reiff, Exalted Ruler
SECRETARY’S CORNER
1411
HOUSE COMMITTEE
Lynn Connolly, Chairman
Telephones
Office of the Lodge Secretary (203) 755-1779
Office of the Club Manager
(203) 755-1238
Rathskeller
(203) 755-1159
Regular Meetings: Second and fourth
Tuesday of the month
Exception:
July and August are the fourth Tuesday
of the month
December is the second Tuesday of the month
All meetings Start at 7:00 P.M.
IN MEMORIAM
TO OUR ABSENT MEMBERS
PETER L. GELADA
Born: November 10, 1932
Initiated: June 12, 1975
Passed from our Midst: May 27, 2016
MARK MATASAVAGE Esq; P.J.
Born: October 18, 1951
Initiated: September 21, 1979
Passed from our Midst: June 7, 2016
…The clock of their days has stopped and across its dial the
motionless arms mark the HOUR of ELEVEN, the
GOLDEN HOUR of Remembrance…
“May They Rest In Peace”
Summer has now begun, and with it the slower months for
Elkdom, as people are away on vacations and doing things outside. While
travelling, remember that you can look up a Lodge in the area you are
travelling to and visit them. Many Elks from around New England and
beyond come to see us while in the area. It is a great perk of being a
member of a national organization. Take advantage of it! On the contrary, if
you are in arrears with your dues, this option is not available to you. Please
remit your dues if you are on the delinquent list. The Lodge still has 150
members that have not paid their dues. That equates to over $12,000 that
the Lodge does not have in its accounts to pay the bills and keep our great
Lodge strong.
We have brought in a good sized class in June, and there will be
a very large group coming in September, which is when I am hoping that the
new District Deputy, Jim Coley from Bristol 1010 will visit us. With all these new members coming
in, it is crucial that we all remember to make them feel comfortable and welcome when they come to
the Lodge. If you see someone knew, introduce yourself and allow our new members to join you. This
simple gesture will make a huge impression and should be all our duties to do.
Always remember, that if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, you may reach
me at my email address, which is [email protected]. I only ask that you sign your emails with your
name and/or membership number so that I don’t have to try to figure out who you are from an email
“nickname.” Last month I was hopeful that the new phone system would be installed. Not yet, but the
wiring is done. We are waiting for Comcast to install new phones in all the areas that are needed.
The new phone system will be an automated one, with the ability to transfer your call to whomever
you wish to leave a message. I will keep you posted.
Fraternally, ~ Jon Arthur, PDD
CSEA State President
Secretary
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE SECRETARY
I have in my possession a dues payment check that I do not know to whom to credit. It is made out on a
Crestwood Paving Company check with a signature that I cannot decipher. I would like the person to whom it belongs to
email me at [email protected]. Let me know the number of the check and I will credit your account and mail your card out
to you the next day.
Please use this announcement to reaffirm that your dues payments are important to me and that for the sake
of accuracy and expediency, please identify yourself either on the envelope with which you leave use to mail it or leave it,
put your membership number on the memo section of the check, or best use the return section of the envelope that your
notice was mailed to you. This moves your payment through our system much quicker and leaves nothing to chance.
As a side note, please, never leave cash in an envelope to a bartender as your dues payment. Too many times
this money never reaches me and then there are multiple people involved with the situation. It is unfair to our bartenders
to be given that sort of responsibility. If it is a check, that can be dealt with. Cash inherently brings with it a whole different
level of concern. I thank you for your understanding.
Jon Arthur, PDD
CSEA State President
Secretary
Delinquent Members
As you may now be aware, a listing of delinquent members has been
posted on the Lodge bulletin board in the Main Bar.
At this writing, membership dues for April 1, 2016 are now 90 days
delinquent.
We have asked the bartenders to familiarize themselves with the names
appearing on the list. They are instructed to refuse service to any delinquent
member regardless of reason.
In some instances, dues are delinquent for one year or more and viewed
as inexcusable.
Please refrain from attempting to enjoy bar privileges or entrance to the
Main Bar if you do not have a current card.
Please ask no current member to sign you in as a guest as that is unfair
to those who remain current members.
It is not our intention to embarrass anyone, but a members’ card is an
integral part of our Lodge facilities and applies to all alike.
If there is a special circumstance or the delinquent list is in error, please
feel free to contact Lodge Secretary, Jon Arthur if a correction is appropriate.
You may reach Lodge Secretary, Jon Arthur at his email address, which is
[email protected]
House Committee
Happy fourth
of July
ELKS GOLF
TOURNAMENT SET
The 65th Waterbury Elks Lodge Golf Tournament will take
place on Friday, Aug. 5, at the Southington Country Club with
a 9 a.m. shotgun start.
The tournament will feature breakfast and lunch at the
course and an awards dinner following play at the Lodge.
Cost of the tournament is $125 per golfer. Women are invited.
A sign-up sheet is available at the Rathskeller. Golfers
must pay when signing up. Any names signed up without
money will be erased. The deadline for purchasing tickets is
Friday, July 29.
Golf flags are also available at $75 apiece. The deadline
for purchasing flags is Friday, July 15.
For questions or information,
contact Chairman Jerry Di Pietro.
ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION SPECIAL MESSAGE
How many times do you think someone drives by our Lodge and just thinks its some brick building over there on West Main
Street.? What is the B.P.O.E.? Elks all over the country have a profound effect on their communities and we are no exception.
During the 2015-2016 Lodge year, The Elks of Connecticut donated $147,177.23 to the Elks National Foundation. This year
the Foundation will give back the following:
State Charities Grant:
$ 94,460.00
Special Projects Grant:
$ 62,910.00
Bonus Grant:
$ 20,370.00
Most Valuable Student:
$ 36,000.00
Legacy Award:
$ 20,000.00
National Veterans Service Commission:
$ 4,860.00
For a total of:
$ 238,600.00
To put it another way, we received $1.62 for every $1.00 we donated. This does not begin to factor in the hours of Elk
volunteers, the Grants, or money from Community Investments Programs. You could say that we have collectively made a huge
impact on Waterbury and on the State of Connecticut. We would not be off base if we said that our community would be worse off
without Waterbury Elks Lodge #265. We do things quietly and without fanfare as we always have, but if we are to remain a force
going forward, we need members, and we need to start honking our own horn a bit.
Our mission is to bypass what was done last year. We need involvement from the membership to accomplish this. Your
support of the events for ENF and CCMC is needed. If you are unable to attend please consider making a donation directly to the
Lodge.
We thank you in advance for your support and generosity.
Wanda I. Reiff – Exalted Ruler & Jackie Reilly – ENF Chairman
NETWORKING
In an effort for members to get to
know one another, meet Brother & Sister
Elks and find out what services we all
provide, we're considering adding pages
in the Electronic Call devoted entirely to
this effort. For a nominal fee of $25.00 a month, you will be able to
place an ad in the Electronic Call the size of a business card. If this
is something you would be interested in please send an email to
[email protected]
Flag Day Ceremony
Thank you for all who assisted with our beautiful Flag
Day Ritual. Thank you Lynn Connoly and Mike Gannon who
cleaned up the front of the lodge and added some appropriate
flowers to the front. Thank you to our Emblem Club #552 for
their dedication to our ritual and for their exemplary job
displaying and honoring our flag. Thank you to Michael
Madzek, PER, for performing the Response and Marlene
Madzek, PER, DD who honored us with a Keynote speech. A
special thanks to Mike Gannon, PER. PDD and Ryan
Gannon, PER who stepped up at the last minute to perform
the flag lowering and raising of our new flag, and to E.R.
Wanda Reiff and Eugene LaFaucci, Esteemed Leading
Knight for their assistance with the day. In addition, I would like to thank Merlanda
Birkenberger as our soloist singing the National Anthem,
the Valley Chordsmen for their Patriotic Melodies and Chef
Pat Lacerenza and his crew for the food provided. A wreath was placed at the burial site of our No. 1,
Grand Exalted Ruler, at Riverside Cemetery to complete our
ritual and honor our departed. BEREAVEMENT MENU
Waterbury Elks #265
283 West Main Street - Waterbury, CT
BREAKFAST - $11.95 per Person,
Tax & Tip Included
Eggs • Bacon • Sausage • Home Fries • Rolls
Coffee, Tea & Orange Juice
Assorted Danish - $1.50 per person
BRUNCH - $14.50 per Person, Tax & Tip Included
Eggs • Bacon • Sausage • Home Fries
Salad • Pasta • Chicken • Ham • Vegetable
Bread & Butter • Coffee, Tea & Orange Juice
LUNCH - $16.95 per Person, Tax & Tip Included
Salad • Pasta • Meatballs • Sausage & Peppers
Chicken • Ham • Potato & Vegetable
Bread & Butter • Coffee & Tea
*** ALSO AVAILABLE ***
Esteemed Loyal Knight Kathy Gannon
CREATE YOUR OWN MENU FROM ABOVE (PRICED ACCORDINGLY)
FAMILY PICNIC
MEN’S FALL
CRIBBAGE LEAGUE
I would like to thank everyone on the current House
Committee for their dedication in helping make the picnic a
success. I had MANY sleepless nights over how much work, time and effort
would go into throwing such an event and John Carosella was there to talk me off
the ledge more than once. There is so much effort that goes into this function that
many Elks will most likely never know.
I would like to thank Joe Bocci, PER, John Carosella, Eddie Charette,
Gary Keating, John Kunkel, Rich Lanza & Wally Makarewicz, PER. You guys
made it so easy, and I appreciate the fact that you were there to walk my Committee
through the process. I also appreciate your patience when we thought we could
improve on your proven methods.
In closing, I wish to thank everyone who helped that day, the numerous
men & women that cooked, cleaned served or were there just in case; and I hope
everyone enjoyed the day.
House Committee Chairman Lynn Connolly
Volunteers always needed
for upcoming events!!!!
Are you interested in helping out with future events? Do you make
your own wine, do crafting if so, please think of donating it to the lodge as we
need donations for our fund raisers.
This would be greatly appreciated, especially if you know someone
who has a restaurant, liquor store, bakery, gift certificates etc., anything
would be very welcomed !!!
Please call Michelle Minicucci, PER at 203-217-2145!!
The men's fall cribbage league will be starting on
Monday September 12, 2016.
If you have any questions or haven't signed up yet, you can
contact me at [email protected] or my cell phone at
860-558-3598.
You can usually catch me on Saturdays at the lodge.
Look forward to seeing all of you in September.
Jim Marenzana
Happy fourth
of July
7-11 Gathering on 7/11/16
Date: July 11, 2016 • Price: $25.00
Price includes one (1) draft beer or glass of wine
Time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Dinner 7:00 p.m.
Location: Waterbury Elks Lodge, 283 West Main Street, Waterbury
Please join Rita and Billy as they host a dinner in honor of their former customers, friends and family.
Dinner will be served by the former staff of the 7-11 Restaurant and will be buffet style.
Mark your calendars RIGHT NOW and make a plan to be there.
Raffles and giveaways are included in the price of the ticket.
(If you’re not interested in dinner, you are welcome to stop by after and visit)
Mark your
Calendar
August 20, 2016
Safari Party Bus
Trip
To Westbrook, Middletown,
Meriden & Southington
Lodges
FURTHER Information
next month!
Jerry Barth Saratoga Classic 2016
The dates for the Jerry Barth Saratoga Classic are Saturday July 23, Saturday August 20, and
SUNDAY AUGUST 28, 2016. (The Saturday, July 30 trip has been cancelled for lack of participation). There
is a possibility that a second bus will be added for Saturday August 20.
The total price is $ 85 dollars per person and that includes breakfast at the Lodge at 7:00am, bus
transportation, barbeque at Saratoga Springs Park, admission and grandstand seating at the Racetrack, all
the beverages you can handle including the ones you can fit in your cooler (providing that you bring one), the coolers are allowed
to be carried into the Racetrack, BUT NO GLASS BOTTLES WHATSOEVER ARE ALLOWED IN THE RACETRACK ITSELF. There
will be wine for the ladies and I’m planning on adding a new drink on the bus for everyone to enjoy.
The bus will leave the Elk’s parking lot at 7:30 am, and we should arrive at the Saratoga Springs Park no later than 10:30
am so that we can enjoy the cook out. We shall then proceed to the race track between 12:00 and 12:30 pm and we will leave at
the end of the 8th race.
You are still welcome to stop at our Lodge for dinner when we return after the race and enjoy a great meal prepared by
Chef Pat Lacerenza, and you all know by now what great meals he prepares.
For more information, you can contact me at (203) 528-4001, or e-mail me at [email protected]
Payments can be mailed to me, FLAVIO BASILE at 200 Yale Street, 30-B, Waterbury CT 06704, or can be left at the
Rathskeller in the form of a check payable to “BPOE #265”.
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS MIXED
SET BACK LEAGUE
We are looking for any members to play
on the Wednesday nights mixed set back
league in the fall. Anyone interested in playing should
please call
Tony Berardi for information at (203) 758-6496
Happy
fourth
of July
CHECK IN!!!
We want to know when you’re at the Lodge. If you're on
Social Media, we're asking that you check in and let everyone
know your there EVERYTIME you're there. Let’s create a buzz
about the food, the fun and the parties. Let's give them something
to talk about.
We want to hear from you
This year's goal is to get back into the Community and
increase membership, however we notice many of our 1400 plus
members aren't utilizing the Lodge as much as they could. We want to hear
from you: what would make you come back? Why aren't you coming down?
What would you like to see change?
Please drop us a line and let us know how we can make
improvements so you can enjoy your Lodge. The only way to respond is via
email.
Make your voice heard at
[email protected]
SICK BOARD
In Rehab
• Tony Dance
Cheshire Regional Rehab Center
747 Highland Ave. • Cheshire, CT 06410
In Hospital
• Jerry Damico
St. Mary’s Hospital
56 Franklin Street • Waterbury, CT 06706
At Home
• Jerry Gagne
• Laura Graham
• John Kazlauskas
• Jay D’Angelo
• Kim Swarts
• Cappy Ryan
We are currently using the Electronic Board in the
Rathskeller as well as the Sick Board at the Lodge
entrance to keep our members updated on the status of
those who are recuperating at home or
currently in the hospital.
Please take a moment to read it on your next
visit and remember to keep me updated if you know of
any Elk member who is sick or in the hospital.
It would be nice to drop them a card to let them know
that you are thinking about them!
Eugene LaFauci Jr Esteemed Leading Knight
Phone # (203) 263-6293
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Dining at Waterbury Elks #265
283 West Main Street - Waterbury, CT
SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER SCHEDULE
RATHSKELLER
July 2, 2016 - (4th of July weekend) there will be no
dinner served on Saturday night.
July 9th & 16th - Chef Pat will be on vacation;
therefore dinner will be light fare and served on the
patio or in the Rathskeller.
Look for many exciting changes in dining:
Starting July 23, 2016 - Non-smoking dinners will
be served EV ERY Saturday night in the Donahue Hall.
We are also changing the menus, adding Clam/Raw
Bar and moving it to a new night.
Watch your email and the Call for the exciting new
changes.
House Committee Chairman Lynn Connolly
& Chef Pat Lacerenza
(Call (203) 755-1159 for reservations)
ELK’S SHORT SLEEVE POLO
SHIRTS, LONG SLEEVE
DENIM, SWEATSHIRTS &
T-SHIRTS - FOR SALE
If you would like to order,
please look for order forms
hanging on the bulletin board
in the Rathskeller.
MEMBERS ONLY
Come on down on your
birthday and get your first
drink on the house,
compliments of your
There are pins and other Elk’s
merchandise for sale.
Please look in the display case
by the door to the Rathskeller.
Any questions email Mary at
[email protected]
HOUSE COMMITTEE.
Just show your member card
and proof of birthdate and
your first drink is on us!
IMPORTANT
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
The deadline for the submission of articles for the
Elks Call is the 16th of the month.
Please send all articles by e-mail to:
Fireworks
Safety
[email protected]
with the words ELKS CALL included in the
SUBJECT LINE.
Articles sent to any other e-mail address
will not be received!
Fireworks during the Fourth of July are as American as apple-pie, but
did you know that two out of five fires reported on that day are started
by fireworks, more than for any other cause? The good news is you can
enjoy your holiday and the fireworks, with just a few simple safety tips:
Consumer
fireworks
Waterbury Elks 265 Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/WaterburyElks265
Pertinent lodge info can be found here.
WATERBURY ELKS 265 WEBSITE
You can find photographs of functions
submitted
to the lodge website at:
http://www.elks265.org
(Webmaster: Bob Ranaldo) Any
photos to be included in the Photo
Album
(Such as lodge visitations, lodge functions, outdoor
events etc.)
Can be emailed directly to the webmaster: Bob
Ranaldo
[email protected]
1200 °F
Sparklers
1100 °F
include sparklers and
firecrackers. The tip
of a sparkler burns at
a temperature of more
than 1,200 degrees
Fahrenheit, which is
hot enough to cause
third-degree
burns.
1000 °F
900 °F
Glass melts at 900 °F
800 °F
How
700 °F
HOT
600 °F
does
a
sparkler
burn?
Wood burns at 575 °F
500 °F
400 °F
300 °F
200 °F
s
!
Cakes bake at 350 °F
Water boils at 212 °F
100 °F
0 °F
s
s
FACTS
Each July Fourth, thousands
of people, often children and
teens, are injured while using
consumer fireworks.
!
The risk of fireworks injury is
highest for children ages 5–19
and adults 25–44.
!
Nearly 90% of emergency
room fireworks injuries involve
fireworks consumers are
permitted to use.
Your Source for SAFETY Information
NFPA Public Education Division U 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169
www.nfpa.org/education
Waterbury Elks Lodge # 265
283 West Main Street • Waterbury, CT 06702
Phone (203) 525-9203
BEREAVEMENT MENU
BREAKFAST - $11.95 per Person, Tax & Tip Included
Eggs • Bacon • Sausage • Home Fries • Rolls
Coffee, Tea & Orange Juice
Assorted Danish - $1.50 per person
BRUNCH - $14.50 per Person, Tax & Tip Included
Eggs • Bacon • Sausage • Home Fries
Salad • Pasta • Chicken • Ham • Vegetable
Bread & Butter • Coffee, Tea & Orange Juice
LUNCH - $16.95 per Person, Tax & Tip Included
Salad • Pasta • Meatballs • Sausage & Peppers
Chicken • Ham • Potato & Vegetable
Bread & Butter • Coffee & Tea
*** ALSO AVAILABLE ***
CREATE YOUR OWN MENU FROM ABOVE
(PRICED ACCORDINGLY)
WATERBURY ELKS 265 JULY CALENDAR 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
SATURDAY
2
Elks National
Convention
Houston TX
No Dinners
(Happy 4th of
July)
3
Elks National
Convention
Houston TX
4
Elks National
Convention
Houston TX
5
Elks National
Convention
Houston TX
6
Elks National
Convention
Houston TX
7
8
9
Light Fare Come join us on
the patio
10
11
Rita from 7-11
Restaurant
presents Dinner
Brady Hall
12
13
14
15
16
DEADLINE
FOR CALL –
17
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
House
Committee
meeting 6pm
26
Trustees
Meeting
27
AABC Mickey
Mantle World
Series Parade
(BPOE
marching in
parade)
28
29
Light Fare Come join us on
the patio
Lodge Meeting
7pm
31
23
Non Smoking
Dinner &
Entertainment
– Donohue Hall
(reservations
suggested)
Saratoga Trip
30
Non Smoking
Dinner &
Entertainment
– Donohue Hall
(reservations
suggested)
Non Smoking
Dinner &
Entertainment
– Donohue Hall
(reservations
suggested)
Non Smoking
Dinner &
Entertainment
– Donohue Hall
(reservations
suggested)
DEADLINE
FOR CALL –
BPOE/IBPOEW
Summer Jam 12
- 6pm
House
Committee
meeting 6pm
Trustees
Meeting
Lodge Meeting
7pm
Saratoga Trip
!
"
Non Smoking
Dinner &
Entertainment
– Donohue Hall
(reservations
suggested)
Saratoga Trip
Non Smoking
Dinner &
Entertainment
– Donohue Hall
(reservations
suggested)
9
The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies
In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among
the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires
that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life,
Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, -That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying
its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will
dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and
to provide new Guards for their future security. —Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter
their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct
object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so
suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature,
a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them
into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the
People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage
their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended
Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighboring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it
at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty
and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to
fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of
warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A
Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable
jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and
we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They
too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we
hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our
intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought
to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great
Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish
Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection
of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
11
The History of Independence Day
Independence Day is the national holiday of the United States of America commemorating the signing of the
Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
At the time of the signing the US consisted of 13 colonies under the rule of England's King George III.
Leading up to the signing, there had been growing unrest in the colonies surrounding the taxes that colonists
were required to pay to England. The major objection was "Taxation without Representation" -- the colonists had no say in the decisions of English Parliament.
Rather than negotiating, King George sent extra troops to the colonies to help control any rebellion that
might be arising. The following timeline will give you a crash course in the history that lead to the signing
of the Declaration of Independence and America's break from British rule.
1774 - The 13 colonies send delegates to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to form the First Continental Congress.
While unrest was brewing, the colonies were far from ready to declare war.
April 1775 -- King George's troops advance on Concord, Massachusetts, prompting Paul Revere's midnight
ride that sounded the alarm "The British are coming, the
British are coming."
The subsequent battle of Concord, famous for being the "shot heard round the world," would mark
the unofficial beginning of the American Revolution.
May 1776 -- After nearly a year of trying to work our their differences with England, the colonies
again send delegates to the Second Continental Congress.
June 1776 -- Admitting that their efforts were hopeless, a committee was formed to compose the
formal Declaration of Independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee also included
John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman.
June 28, 1776 -- Jefferson presents the first draft of the declaration to congress.
July 4, 1776 -- After various changes to Jefferson's original draft, a vote was taken late in the afternoon of July 4th. Of the 13 colonies, 9 voted in favor of the Declaration; 2, Pennsylvania and South
Carolina voted No; Delaware was undecided and New York abstained.
John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. It is said that he signed his name "with a great flourish" so "King George can read that
without spectacles!"
July 6, 1776 -- The Pennsylvania Evening Post is the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence.
July 8, 1776 -- The first public reading of the declaration takes place in Philadelphia's Independence
Square. The bell in Independence Hall, then known as the "Province Bell" would later be renamed the
"Liberty Bell" after its inscription - "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants
Thereof."
August 1776 - The task begun on July 4, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, was not actually
completed until August. Nonetheless, the 4th of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of United
States independence from Britain.
July 4, 1777 -- The first Independence Day celebration takes place. It's interesting to speculate what those
first 4th festivities were like. By the early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were
firmly established as part of American Independence Day culture.
ELKS CALL
ELKS PRIDE - COMMUNITY FOCUS
2016
2017
WATERBURY LODGE No. 265, B.P.O. ELKS
The next regular session of Waterbury Lodge No. 265, B.P.O. Elks, will be held at the Lodge Room on Tuesday evening, Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Exalted Ruler
Wanda I Reiff
BUSINESS OF THE SESSION
Secretary
Jon Arthur, PDD, CSEA State President
The following applications for membership, having been received and read at the last Lodge session were referred to the Standing Committee of Investigation:
RESIDENCE
BUSINESS ADDRESS
PROPOSER
Typesetter
Field Operations Mgr.
Boundline Rd, Wolcott
Elmwood Cir.
Old Newtown Rd, Danbury
Chase River Rd.
Ronald J. McFadden
Eric Sousa
P.O. Box 615
WATERBURY, CONNECTICUT 06720
THE ELKS
Tammy McFadden
Brian Galek
OCCUPATION
DATED MATERIAL
NAME