Auburn Elks Lodge Harvest Dinner

The Auburn Elks Lodge 474 held their annual Harvest Dinner on November 9, 2018.
46 dinners were served. At the dinner this year the Lodge collected canned goods to be donated to a local food pantry ( St Alphonsus Food Pantry) the Lodge will continue to collect donations throughout the months of November and December. Members of the Lodge donated Turkeys, Potatoes, Rolls, Squash, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Gravy and Pies to make the dinner a success.

Auburn Elks Lodge 474 Christmas Cards For Local Veterans

Members of the Auburn Elks Lodge 474 along with members of the Local DAV ( Disabled American Veterans) signed 250 Christmas Cards that will be distributed to the local VA Clinic in Auburn during the month of  December.

Oswego Elks Lodge Honor Flight

Oswego Elks Lodge #271 presented a check for $1500 to Honor Flight, Syracuse.  This donation was the result of the lodge receiving the 125th.  Honor Flight Syracuse was formed to transport veterans to Washington, DC at no cost to them so they may visit memorials dedicated to honor their sacrifices. The Honor Flight Syracuse has provided this experience to hundreds of Central NY military veterans since 2012.
There are four veterans from Oswego that will experience this trip this year. They are Charles Young, Frances North, Mario (Buzz) Robozzi , and Frank Symborski.. 
In the photo on the far left is Bernie France. Bernie is one of the veterans that had the experience of going on the Honor Flight Syracuse last year.

Pictured L to R:  Veterans Chairman Bernie France, Board of Directors of the Honor Flight Syracuse John Hall, Exalted Ruler Nelson Metz, and Veteran Co Chairman James Dillabough.

Fulton Elks Lodge Veterans Ceremony

Fulton Elks # 830 participated in Veterans' Day ceremonies held by the local Veteran's Council.  NYSEA VP of the Ontario District Ray Caprin was asked to speak at this ceremony.  He has done so for many years and as usual he gave a heartfelt speech on behalf of the Elks Lodge.  His speeches are always insightful and informative. Ray is a veteran of both the Army and the Navy.  He does a great job representing the Elks and honoring his fellow veterans. Prior to the ceremony, the Fulton Elks provided refreshments and an opportunity for Veterans to fellowship with each other, community members and Veteran's services. A luncheon was held after the event where the outgoing Veteran of the Year was honored, and the new Veteran of the Year was announced.

Liverpool Elks Lodge Student of The Month

Liverpool Elks Lodge #2348 recognizes a student of the month from Liverpool High School and Baldwinsville High school each month during the school year.  They are chosen by their guidance counselors.  The students are chosen both by their academic success but also their community service. 

From left:  Robert Sinesi from Liverpool High School, Laurence Gillette, ER and Anna Cutie from Baker High School in Baldwinsville.

Liverpool Elks Lodge Student Of The Month

Liverpool Elks Lodge #2348 recognizes a student of the month from Liverpool High School and Baldwinsville High school each month during the school year.  They are chosen by their guidance counselors.  The students are chosen both by their academic success but also their community service. 

December Students of the Month .Sunday Joshua, Laurence Gillette, ER and Olivia Russo.

Syracuse Elks Lodge Veterans Dinner

On November 15th Syracuse Elks Lodge held a Veterans Dinner.  28 Veterans and their spouses were in attendance many were Korean War veterans they all enjoyed the meal and camaraderie sharing stories of their time away from their families and friends we were led in the pledge of allegiance by a 93 year old Korean War veteran and we all heard the pride in his voice as he presented it.

Liverpool Elks Lodge 2348 Volunteer Dinner

Liverpool Elks Lodge #2348 held a dinner to honor the volunteers of their lodge.  Anyone who volunteered a minimum of 40 hour were invited to attend.  A great time was had by all.  Deb Albanese and her mother Jean Carter were recognized for their contribution to the lodge.  Deb and Jean have collected thousands and thousands of dollars in donations over the past several years to be used at our annual Music Fest which raises money for NYS Elks Association Major Project.
Pictured L to R:  Larry Gillette ER, Deb Albanese and Jean Carter

Elks Assisting Fire Ravaged California

Auburn Elks 474 Children's Halloween Party

The Auburn Elks Lodge 474 held its annual Children’s Halloween Party  October 27th. The children made crafts ate pizza & had a dance party. Each child was given a Halloween goody bag.  They all had a great afternoon.

Liverpool Elks 2348 Childrens Halloween Party

Liverpool Elks Lodge #2348 recently held its annual Children’s Halloween Party.  The children made a Crafts as well as some Halloween Coloring.  There were snacks and Costume parade.  Each child received goodie bag filled with various small gifts.  A great time was had by the 50 children who attended the party.

Fulton Lodge 830 Patriots Day Celebration

Fulton Lodge #830 provided coffee and donuts and participated in the combined POW/MIA and Patriots' Day celebration as a part of the Fulton Veteran's Council. Refreshments were served prior to the public ceremony at Veterans' Memorial Park. The Fulton Elks is an active member of the local Veterans Council which meets monthly. Also present at the ceremony was Mayor Woodward, Senator Barclay as well as members of the VFW color guard and auxiliary, American Legion, Fire and Police Departments. The Fire Department raised the American flag in a Ladder salute.
The family of Marine Cpl. Greg Harris of Fulton, who has been Missing in Action since 1966, were honored to place a wreath for all POW/MIA’s under the Tree of Remembrance in Veteran’s Memorial Park. Cpl. Harris was a Marine Corps radioman stationed with a South Vietnamese company. He was captured June 12, 1966 by enemy forces. His cousin Mary Ann Reitano was one week old at the time. She spoke of keeping the vigil for Greg stating, “I ‘ve tried to quit and just couldn’t. It’s just not in me to quit and I’m glad I didn’t because we were told earlier this year that an excavation proposal has been put together. They believe they’ve found where Greg is buried.” If found, Cpl. Harris will be the second serviceman missing in action to be brought back home to Fulton in recent years.
Dignitaries and Veteran’s council members spoke of the bravery and courage of the POWs and those Missing in Action and charged us to never forget those who answer the nation’s call especially those who never returned. With a somber tone, those present stood in remembrance of those lost on Sept 11 and to honor all those who acted with bravery and heroism amid the horror.

Liverpool Elks Lodge # 2348 Fashion Show

Liverpool Elks Lodge #2348 Ladies Auxiliary recently hosted their annual Fashion Show.  Fashions were provided by Christopher and Banks.  The volunteer models were from the Auxiliary as well as e community.  Refreshments were served and numerous gift baskets were raffled during the evening.  This fashion show is a major fund raiser to ensure the charitable work of the Ladies auxiliary continues.  The Liverpool Elks Ladies auxiliary present a $1000 scholarship to both Liverpool and Baldwinsville schools.  In addition they make a $100 donation monthly to various charities throughout the community.

NYSEA State President Membership Challenge

Red Ribbon Week

Auburn Elks Lodge 474 Gratitude Grant

The local Habitat for Humanity group dedicated a new home to a Mother and her child.  Project director Mike Luska, also an Elk, said that Auburn Elk Lodge #474 Beacon Grant helped fund many of the new cabinets in the home.
Elk members present for the dedication is Loyal Knight, Debi Baird, Exalted Ruler Frank Saya, the new owner Lonnie and her son and Secretary, Mike Damazyn.

Liverpool Elks Lodge 2348 Veterans

Liverpool Lodge 2348 recently hosted our local veterans from the Syracuse VA and Veterans Outreach Center for an outdoor cookout, but due to inclement weather it was moved indoors.  Approximately 12 vets and 6 chaperons were served Hamburg's, Cheeseburgers, Kielbasa Hot dogs and Sausage sandwiches as well as macaroni, tossed and fruit salads and cake.

Volunteers played Bingo with the Vets and the winner was given a word game book.  At the conclusion of the day each Vet received a game book and the chaperons received decks of playing cards. An afternoon out is a pleasant change for the vets and hopefully we are making pleasant memories for each of them.

Oswego Elks Lodge 271 Soccer Shoot

Oswego Elks Lodge #271 recently held their soccer shoot at the Richard J. Benjamin Sports Complex. The tournament was a two-stage contest that represents the skill level of different age groups. The five-goal contest with its succession to smaller targets allows youngest participants under eight years of age build confidence. The grid goal contest for 8-13 years of age children uses the specific kick distance to challenge children to kick from a specific mark to score.  A district soccer shoot was then held on September 8th, 2018 at the same soccer field for all children in the district that qualified for the district soccer shoot.
A pizza party and award ceremony was held after the district soccer shoot at Oswego Elks Lodge #271. 
District Hoop Shoot
Front Row Blake, Abby, Ben, Clair , Callen , Kaelyn.
Back Row: H. Kenneth Richards DDGER, Sean, Deluna, Shane , and James Oldenburg PER
Local Hoop Shoot
Front Row: Otis , August , Clair, Callen , Kaelyn
Back Row: Blake, Anteneh, Linda , Chairperson, Shane , Deluna

Liverpool Elks Lodge 2348 Music Fest

More than 400 people attended Liverpool Elks Lodge #2348’s 30th annual Music Fest to benefit Access CNY, NYS Elks Association Major Projects.  Approximately $5200 was raised at this event. 
Three bands played music throughout the course of the day. Plenty of food was available as well as raffles and games and 50-50.  Access CNY had one of their Home Service Vans present and set up a very informative display.
A large contingent of people from Rotterdam Lodge boarded a bus and traveled approximately 130 miles in one direction to support Liverpool Lodge as well as our State’s Major Project.  Lodges throughout the Ontario District and the entire area had a visible presence. NYS Elks Association It was an honor to have NYS Elks Association President Stuart Rishe and Nancy in attendance and all the support from fellow Elks throughout the district as well as the public. 
 It was wonderful to see the support from members along with the public.

Oswego Elks 271 SAVE

Oswego Elks #271 donated $800.00 to SAVE.  Suicide Awareness Voices of Education is a nationally known organization who is dedicated to Suicide Prevention. SAVE of CNY is one chapter across the nation whose mission is to educate the community throughout the county. Their work is done with the hopes that through education and awareness we can bring light into the darkness that can often lead to suicide. The funds they raise through donations and events is used to do many things within their community such as providing educational sessions to our public safety departments.  They have public speakers come into our schools to educate teachers and students on the signs of suicide and what to do when you see those signs. In Oswego they have yearly Run/Walk called "strides to SAVE
Lives" where over 600 people come out to raise money, honor a loved one and provide hope to those struggling. With generous donations from organizations such as the Oswego Elks Lodge SAVE can purchase educational resources for their events and for the schools.  They offer a bereavement group to survivors of suicide and provide comfort and support to families in the community who suffer the loss from suicide. 
Pictured L-R: Christy Spade, ER Nelson Metz and Brittney Robillard from the Save Program

Oswego Elks #271 OCO

Oswego Elks Lodge #271 recently presented a donation of $1700.00 to Oswego County Opportunities in support of the agency’s Services to Aid Families Program (SAF). Oswego Elks were happy to be able to help an organization that helps members of the Oswego community and we appreciate the work that SAF does to offer shelter, support, and counseling to those that need it.  SAF, Oswego County’s domestic violence and rape crisis program, provided support and advocacy for 600 victims and survivors in 2017.
SAF extend their sincere gratitude to the Oswego Elks Lodge #271 for their thoughtfulness.  These funds will allow SAF to continue to meet the needs of victims and survivors. There are many times that there is a need for funds that other resources do not support.
OCO is a private, non-profit agency.  OCO’s many programs touch the lives of approximately 20,000 Oswego County residents each year. One of Oswego County’s largest employers, OCO employs nearly 600 people and boasts a volunteer force of 1200. OCO strives to improve the quality of life in Oswego County by helping people, supporting communities and changing lives. This donation will help support SAF’s efforts to help victims of domestic abuse and educate community members of the issue. For information on the SAF Program visit OCO’s website at www.oco.org or call the Crisis Hotline at 315-342-1600.
Pictured L-R: ER Nelson Metz, SAF Advocate/Trainer Sara Carmichael, Community Response Coordinator Stacie France

Oswego Elks Lodge #271 Steak Bake Save The Date

*** Camp Bristol Work Day Open House*** SAVE THE DATE!!

SAVE the date. Sunday October 7th 9am. We will have a work day open house at the Camp. All are welcome to chip in or just come and check out the progress. A large portion of work will be complete by October 7th. We will be doing far less prep and tear out work and more painting cleaning and trimming. Stay tuned for updates and Thank You to all supporting members. We are working on and soon will have a donor button on Facebook. Also info is available on state website for ordering bricks or cornerstones. This wall will be a part of the flagpole courtyard just off of the Camps largest structure the Dining Hall. Currently referred to as Spruce Lodge it’s Girl Scout name it and most will be eventually renamed. Come see at the Fall Conference.

2018 Fall Confrence Entertainment

2018 NYSEA Fall Confrence

Oswego Elks Lodge 271 Old Timers Night

Members of Oswego Elks lodge #271 that have been members for 25 years and more, were recognized for their dedication to the order.  They were given a pin and enjoyed a roast beef dinner. Memories were shared during this evening and a group photo was taken.

Auburn Elks 474 Old Timers Night

Members of the Auburn Elks Lodge 474 who have been members for 25 years or more, were recognized for their dedication to the order. They enjoyed a delicious meatloaf dinner prepared by
PER Glen Applebee. A lot of laughs and memories were shared last evening. Everyone had a great time!
Pictured 24 of the Members who attended with ER Frank Saya
We would also like to Thank our Volunteers who helped last evening!

Auburn Elks Lodge 474 Gratitude Grant

The Auburn Elks Lodge # 474 presented a check for $2500.00 to The Boy Scout Troop #43. The gratitude grant will allow 7 scouts to attend the Boy Scout Camp Sabattis. The check was presented to Scout leader

Mike Damazyn by ER Frank Saya

Liverpool Elks Lodge 2348 Student Of The Month

Liverpool Elks Lodge #2348 recognizes a student of the month from Liverpool High School and Baldwinsville High school each month during the school year.  They are chosen by their guidance counselors.  The students are chosen both by their academic success but also their community service.  June Students of the Month are Isabella Lantry from Baldwinsville and Valerie
Morgans from Liverpool. They are pictured with Exalted Ruler Larry Gillette.

2018 Ontario District Clambake Save The Date

Homecoming For DD Tom Kanaley and SVP Jim Roe

Liverpool Service Awards Baldwinsville

Liverpool Elks Lodge #2348 recently celebrated their 52nd anniversary.  New York State Elks Association President Stuart Rishe joined in the festivities.  At a dinner in his honor awards were given to outstanding police and firefighters that serve the members of the lodge.

Baldwinsville Chief of Police, Michael Lafancheck, was present to honor Sgt. Chrissy Allen who was unable to attend. Numerous members of her department were present to support her. The recipient of this award is chosen their peers in their department.

Pictured L – R Laurence Gillette ER, Baldwinsville Police Department Chief Michael Lafancheck and NYS Elks Association President Stuart Rishe.

Liverpool Public Service Awards

Liverpool Elks Lodge #2348 recently celebrated their 52nd anniversary.  New York State Elks Association President Stuart Rishe joined in the festivities.  At a dinner in his honor awards were given to outstanding police and firefighters that serve the members of the lodge.

Chief Donald Morris, of the Liverpool Police Department, was present to honor the award winner from his departments.  The recipient of this award is chosen their peers in their department.

Camillus Scouts (Camillus Elks Lodge 2367)

Members and adults of Boy Scout Troop 60 located in Warners, NY assisted Camillus Elks Lodge #2367 in serving over 450 breakfasts to patrons who came out to celebrate Mother’s Day.  For numerous years now, Troop 60 Scouts, and their Leaders and parents, have assisted the Lodge in serving breakfasts to the lodge’s friends and neighbors who  come out to enjoy our monthly breakfasts. Troop 60 also helps with our annual Fall grounds cleanup and they participate in our June Flag Day Ceremony and at the December Memorial Service. Camillus Elks Lodge presented the Troop with a check for $750.00 to assist in buying camping equipment and supplies. The funds for the gift came from a Community Gratitude Grant recently received from the Elks National Foundation.

St Paul's Cemetary ( Oswego Elks Lodge #217)

On May 26th, Girl scout troops 10566 and 10567 under the leadership of Kim Mc Clean worked with members from Oswego Elks Lodge #217 to place flags on the graves of fallen Veterans at St. Paul’s Cemetery in preparation for Memorial Day. These flags will fly with the breath of each veteran who died protecting our great country.

Liverpool Elks 2348 May 2018 Student Of The Month

Liverpool Elks Lodge #2348 recognizes a student of the month from Liverpool High School and Baldwinsville High school each month during the school year.  They are chosen by their guidance counselors.  The students are chosen both by their academic success but also their community service.  Troy Anthony of Baldwinsville High School was chosen as their student of the month for May, 2018.Tony is pictured with Exalted Ruler Laurence Gillette, PER

2018 Elks National Convention San Antonio TX

14th Annual Ontario District Fall Classic Captain And Crew Golf Tournament Forms

Liverpool 2018 Music Fest

Anniversary Weekend Schedule Of Events

BPOE 217 (Oswego NY) Mexico Teen

Oswego Elks Lodge #217 recently recognized 32 students from Oswego County as Teenagers of the Month. During this event groups of nine students were chosen from the bodies of Mexico High School, Pulaski High School and Oswego High School, and Center for Instruction, Technology and Innovation (CiTi).  Six students were chosen from Mexico High School.  The Elks Lodge awarded each student $100 for their volunteer service and community and school involvement.  They held a recognition dinner and award ceremony for students and their families.

PICTURED BACK ROW: Carol Dillabough, PDD, Ryan Lanigan, Principal, Ashton Ariola, Morgan Tubolino, A.J. Yost , and Nelson Met, ER  Bottom Row: Wyatt Jenson, Kaitlyn Belcher and Tyler Grasso.

BPOE 217 (Oswego NY) Oswego Teen Of The Month

Oswego Elks Lodge #217 recently recognized 32 students from Oswego County as Teenagers of the Month. During this event groups of nine students were chosen from the bodies of Mexico High School, Pulaski High School and Oswego High School. Five students were chosen from the Center for Instruction, Technology and Innovation (CiTi) a technical skills education center similar to BOCES. The Elks Lodge awarded each student $100 for their volunteer service and community and school involvement.  They held a recognition dinner and award ceremony for students and their families.

Pictured Teen of the Month from   CITI Carol Dillabough, PDD, Eric Wallace, Julia Allen, Scott Alton, Dave Eastman, Councilor , Nelson Metz, ER.

BPOE 2367 (Camillus NY) Honor Flight

Camillus Elks Lodge #2367 was able to donate $1,000 from their ENF Grant to Honor Flight of Syracuse. The Honor Flight Network was formed to transport veterans to Washington, DC to visit memorials dedicated to honor their sacrifices. Honor Flight is committed to continue veterans’ visits to Washington war memorials at no cost to them. They give priority to World War II veterans, but also invite veterans of the Korean War to apply, and veterans from any war with a terminal illness are a top priority. Their donation was used to help fund the mission on Saturday, April 28th. A total of 81 veterans visited the memorials in Washington, DC.
Members of Oswego Lodge #271, Liverpool Lodge #2348 and Camillus Lodge #2367 were part of the “Welcome Home” ceremonies and celebration at Hancock International Airport honoring the veterans upon their return. Although always an honor to attend this ceremony it had an even greater impact on the Elks members in attendance.  One of the service members returning from the trip was Oswego Lodge #271 member and long-term Veteran Chairman Bernie France