925 North Avenue Burlington, VT 05408

(802) 862-1342

The Exalted Ruler’s Message

If you are reading this message, you survived another holiday season. HAPPY NEW YEAR! I would like to thank Randy Lopes and his band of frozen ‘light’ elves for the great job they did decorating the Lodge. Sunday, December 7th, was our “Elks Memorial Service”. A big thanks goes out to Ron LaRose for making the arrangements for the guest speaker Father Ball and the Color Guard (Vermont Air National Guard). Thanks also to our fill in Officers: Gary Little and Jim Procopio. Another great buffet. Thanks John.

Our annual Elks Hoop Shoot was held at Lyman C. Hunt on December 13th. Thanks go out to all the volunteers. Our new secretary Dave Eaton was installed on December 18th. Welcome! Our Children’s Christmas Party was a huge success. I can’t thank Michelle Charron enough for grabbing the Chairmanship and doing a great job. And thanks Santa and Mrs. Claus for visiting the children, Big John Hill for the music and games. Joey the Clown was enjoyed by all. And I can’t forget the kitchen crew and all the support from the many members for wrapping presents, serving food and all around help with the party. Opening for the Holidays (4-9pm) has continued to be a great success. Many members join us at the lodge to celebrate the holidays with their extended Elk Family. Make sure you sign up early for inter-lodge competition at our Lodge on January 25th. Our next initiation will be on January 11th at 2pm. Join us in welcoming our newest members.

Fraternally Yours, Dave Blankemeyer, Exalted Ruler

THE 916 BULLETIN

Monthly Newsletter of the BENEVOLENT & PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS Lodge #916 Vol. 9, No. 1

JANUARY 2009

350 Club ....................................................... 4 Activity Calendar ......................................... 8 Birthdays ...................................................... 5 Bits & Pieces ................................................ 6 Contact Information ..................................... 2 Eldoes Update .............................................. 7 Elks Hoop Shoot........................................... 6 French Night................................................. 7 Help Them Call Home ................................. 7 Interlodge ..................................................... 3 Kid’s Christmas Party .................................. 6 Lighting of the Lodge................................... 5 Lodge Notices .............................................. 2 Memorial Service ......................................... 3 Meeting Change ........................................... 1 Nominations ................................................. 2 Officers & Trustees ...................................... 2 Scholarships ................................................. 4 Share the Harvest.......................................... 3 Steak Night Menu......................................... 4 Volunteer of the Month ................................ 8

350 Club

Wednesday, January 7th

Meeting Night

Thursday, January 8th

Initiation Sunday, January 11th

Steak Night Wednesday, January 14th

BECAUSE OF THE NEW YEAR’S DAY HOLIDAY, OUR FIRST MEETING IN JANUARY WILL BE THURSDAY, JANUARY 8TH.

THE “350 CLUB” WILL BE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7TH

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• The regular membership meetings will be held on the FIRST and THIRD Thursdays of the month at 7pm every month except in the months of July, August and December as approved by Grand Lodge Resolutions. In July, August and December the regular membership meeting will be held on the THIRD Thursday of the month.

• Members are welcome to attend the Governing Board meeting on the second Tuesday at 7pm in the upstairs

meeting room. • The Lodge Investigating Committee meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm when there are members

proposed.

THE 916 BULLETIN

Monthly Newsletter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #916

925 North Avenue - Burlington, VT 05408

Published monthly and mailed to all current Lodge Members and select others, by standard mail at Burlington, VT. The content can also be viewed at the Lodge’s Website, www.bpoe916.com

Relevant information for inclusion is welcomed and should be submitted by the 15th of the month proceeding the publication by:

• emailing to bpoe916bulletin@comcast.net • Placing the material in the 916 Bulletin mailbox at the Lodge

front entranceway. • Mailing it to the Lodge to the attention of the 916 Bulletin.

We do our best to include all pertinent information that our members would find interesting, however if the materials are not received by the Editor on or before the 15th of the month, there is a chance that they may not be included in the next issue due to the time needed to produce, print and mail the Bulletin. Our goal is to have it delivered to our members by the 1st of the following month.

We reserve the right to edit submitted items for brevity and appropriateness. The Exalted Ruler has the final responsibility for the Bulletin content.

Editor - John Hill Photography - Wayne LaBonte

LODGE OFFICERS 2008-2009

Exalted Ruler: Dave Blankemeyer Esteemed Leading Knight: Mary Paule Hill Esteemed Loyal Knight: Rick Boucher Esteemed Lecturing Knight: Craig Garrand Secretary: Dave Eaton Treasurer: Brian Bouchard Inner Guard: Steve Schifilliti Esquire: Robert Brown Tiler: Daniel Ryan Chaplain: Hank Metevier Organist: Rick Guest State Trustee: Fred Dusablon, PER

LODGE TRUSTEES Trustee and Chairman (exp. 3/2009): Chris Bissonette Trustee (exp. 3/2010): Ron LaRose, PER, PSP Trustee (exp. 3/2011): Jim Procopio Trustee (exp. 3/2012): Gary Little, PER Trustee (exp. 3/2013): Diane Hazen, PER

HOW TO CONTACT THE LODGE

General Information ..................................bpoe916@comcast.net Exalted Ruler..........................................bpoe916er@comcast.net Lodge Secretary.......................... bpoe916secretary@comcast.net Lodge Treasurer ..........................bpoe916treasurer@comcast.net Trustees .......................................... bpoe916trustee@comcast.net Event Bookings ...............................bpoe916events@comcast.net Bulletin Editor ...............................bpoe916bulletin@comcast.net

NOMINATIONS FOR 2009-2010 OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE JANUARY

15th MEMBERSHIP MEETING

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Angela MacDonald, Realtor 802-846-9523 angela@hickokandboardman.com

Full Service Hair Salon Pedicure Manicure Facials/Makeovers Massage Tanning

127 Porters Point Rd. - Colchester - 864-3700 Mon-Fri 10-7 / Sat 10-5

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Esquire Robert Brown lighting candles for departed members

Share the Harvest Thanks to all of the members who contributed to our seventh annual Thanksgiving food drive. This

year we collected 82 bags of groceries - about 1800 pounds of food, several grocery store gift cards, and $120 in cash (which was turned into gift cards that helped another four families).

Big thanks to those who helped prepare the bags: Betsy Martelle, Lou Ann Hayes, and Linda Hutchins as well as a great thanks to Rick and Brenda Boucher for helping to distribute the bags. I also want to thank Hannafords in Ethan Allen Shopping Center for once again suppling all the grocery bags.

This year the bags went to several local agencies: Salvation Army, McCauley Square, Baird Center, Burlington Food Shelf, Joseph's Home and the Lund Family Center.

Again thanks to everyone for a great job! I hope to make this project a Grand Lodge project some time in the near future. Fraternally, Frederick Dusablon, PER

BPOE 916 Interlodge Competition 2009

Come all yea members and compete in this year’s competition! The date is January 25 for the Burlington Lodge. We need players in the following areas:

• 4 Pool Players • 2 Dart Teams • 2 Shuffleboard Teams • 4 Cribbage Teams • 2 Bowling Teams ( 5 members per team )

There will be sign-up sheets at the lodge . We will have playoffs if more teams sign up than needed. The other dates you will have to be available for are .

• Northern’s in Newport on 2/8 • State’s in St Johnsbury on 3/1

We will have a bus for the Newport trip and will discuss St. Johnsbury after we see how many team’s we have qualified. Hope to see you all on the 25th of January. Any questions see myself or Scott Worden. Thanks, Ed Goddard, Chairman

Exalted Ruler Dave Blankemeyer receiving a 2008 ANG ornament from Dave Marrell

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Date Menu Extra Meal 1/7 Ribs & Baked Beans $12.00 2/12 Chicken Marsala $10.00 3/12 Steak No Extras (March is for ticket holders only)

PLEASE NOTE: THE JANUARY “350” NIGHT HAS BEEN MOVED TO WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7TH!

Reminder: Reservations are appreciated and guarantee that you will not have to wait for a table to be set up!!! Please call 862-1342, ext. 4, by Friday, January 2nd at 5pm. “350” card holders will be given first priority.

DECEMBER 350 WINNERS Don Sutton....................................$275 Arlene Woods...............................$150 Jim Consedine .............................. $75 John Silvia ............. Raffle Ball Winner

The next 350 Club dinner will be on

January 7th. Volunteers are needed. Signup sheets are on the Lodge bulletin board.

Only ONE (1) dinner per ticket Only ONE (1) guest dinner per ticket

Fraternally yours, Mary Paule Hill, Esteemed Leading Knight

www.crowleyagency.com

100 NORTH WILLARD STREET BURLINGTON, VERMONT 05401 PH. (802) 863-3416 FAX. (802) 863-2800

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!!!!

There are four scholarships sponsored by Elks Foundation and State and Local Organiza-tions. These scholarships are open to High School Seniors only. Information is as follows:

1. Most Valuable Student Awards - sponsored by Elks National Foundation- open to any High School senior. Awards range from $1,000 per year for 4 years to $15,000 per year for four years. Applications are available at B.P.O.E. #916 or at High School guidance/scholarship/student services departments.

2. Elks Legacy Awards - sponsored by Elks Na-tional Foundation. Open to High School Seniors who are children or grandchildren of Elks in good standing. Applications available at High Schools or B.P.O. E. 916.

3. Roger J. Sheridan Awards - sponsored by Ver-mont Elks Foundation. These awards are open to any Vermont High School senior enrolling in a four year curriculum leading to a degree in Physi-cal Education. Applications are available at high schools or B.P.O.E. #916.

4. B.P.O.E. #916 awards - sponsored by #916. These are open to any High School seniors who are children or grandchildren or members of Elks Lodge #916 in good standing. Applications available at B.P.O.E. #916.

Contact Dr. Jack Murray through Lodge #916 or at 865-9390 for more information. Dr. Jack Murray, Scholarship Committee Chairman

STEAK NIGHT MENU

JANUARY 14

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North Avenue Shopping Center

Office: (802) 864-7381 Fax: (802) 651-7329

Aaron’s TREE SERVICE

802-598-7670

Reasonable Responsible Reliable

70 Bay Rd., Colchester, VT

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1 John Bugelja Tony Delorme Rolande English Dr. John Farnham Gisele Fontaine George Milo Kevin Parish Meg Petersen David Varricchione Shirley Ward 2 Andrew Tagg 3 Betty Bosma Richard Dion David Ploesser Lee Wrigley 4 Lawrence Clark Douglas Jewett William Mahoney David Peters, Sr. 5 Carl Anderson

R. Philip DeLaricheliere Derek Lorrain James Robinson Lucille Sweet 6 Brian Bouchard George Chates Andrew Cochran Steve Hayes Paul Jodoin Gary Little, PER Robert Sweeney Theresa White 7 Charles Munson Gordon Wilcox Robert Wynne 8 Armand Blow Tammy Freeman John Lancaster Martino Marcelino, Jr. Jack Van Sleet

9 Robert Elam Frederick Gundlach John Louko Edward McGarghan 10 Brian Jaques Michael Ransom Jeanne Welch 11 Russell Bibens 12 Maurice Paquette Scott Williard 13 Patti Allen Norman Brassard 14 Linda Belisle Moe Cloutier Frank Peters, III James Procopio, IV 15 John Haley Randall Miller Jeff Spooner Bradley Wright

16 Ralph Bernardini Norman Chicoine James Forest Sean Joyce Allen Porter 17 Mary Sweeney 18 Steve Ploesser Theresa Ringuette Aaron Sterling 19 Stephen Couillard 20 Gary Francis, II Leonard Giles Eugene Meiler David Motherway, Jr. Raymond Vezina 21 Jay Riedinger Clark Sweeney 23 William Boisvine Paul Lavallee Bernard Piche Raymond Sicotte 24 Ronald Larose 25 George Bossick Marcel Dube Pierre Pepin

Roland Poulin 26 Frederick Blondin Pamela Jimmo Sullivan Dale Norse Jeffrey Rouille 27 Sue Gagnon Robert Pratt John Rasys 28 Joseph Bessette Bruce Claypoole Jeffery Learned Nicholas Morwood Mark Therrien 29 Nancy Conner Kevin Garrison Vincent Hayes Daniel Lyford Velma Sicard Gary Smith 30 Fr. Albert Baltz Allan Bruce Craig Garrand 31 David Cote Tom Lockerby Kenneth Trombley

Birthday this month? Bring your driver’s license to Steak Night and get $5 off !

Wayne LaBonte, Sr. 115 Woodbury Rd. Burlington, VT 05408 (802) 658-2771

Weddings Portrait Event

wlabonte@burlingtontelecom.net

WAYNE LABONTE PHOTOGRAPHY

Lighting of the Lodge

Once again, on November 28th our Lodge celebrated the season with the lighting of a beautiful display of holiday lights that warms the hearts of motorists traveling on North Avenue. Congratulations to everyone that helped this year! Afterwards, people enjoyed Karaoke with Steve Leclair!

Lighting crew (l-r): Randy Lopes, Carol Forguites, Shawn Sulikowski, Anne Cross, Steve Whitehouse. Front: Haydn Lopes

BPOE #916 American Idols!

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RICHARD BUSHNELL HOME INSPECTIONS

Be Sure With A Professional Inspection

Home 802-862-6647 Cell 802-238-4267

Total House Mechanical Structural Roof Foundation

KID’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

Even a big snowstorm couldn’t keep Santa and his elves away to bring some joy to kids at our Annual Kid’s Christ-mas Party on Sunday, December 21st! Thanks to our gift wrappers: Sue Thompson, Cookie Manning, Diane Hazen, Donna LaBonte, Marnie Bullis, Mary Paule Hill, Mary Sweeney, Mary Tessier and Carol Forguites. Thanks also to everyone who helped with the party: Mr. and Mrs. Claus and his elves (aka Hank Mete-vier and his wife Frances with their grandchildren), Wayne LaBonte, Rich Relyea, Dave Eaton, Gary Francis, Randy Culver, Brenda Boucher, Rick Boucher, Larry Parker, Lou Ann Hayes, Linda Hutchins, Mary Paule Hill, Joey (the Clown) Purvis, John Hill and Diane Hazen (the Storytime Lady). Michelle Bulllis, Chairperson

BITS & PIECES

• Pastry Chef Chris Bissonette had made a pan of Apple Crisp. The very next day his mother Rita was here with a small group having a Christmas party, so I gave them the Apple Crisp for dessert. Later, after the party was over Rita came into the kitchen to talk with Chris. I didn’t think she knew that her baby boy had made their dessert that day, so I asked her casually how she had liked the Apple Crisp. She replied, “ Apple Crisp? I thought it was Pecan Pie!” She then added, “ That shows the power of suggestion. I told everyone at my table it was Pecan Pie, and they all agreed it was excellent Pecan Pie”. I hate to tell you Rita, but your friends are just being kind. When you left the table they all shook their heads sadly, and cooed “Poor Dear, can’t tell a sugar crisp from a nut.” • Randy Lopes overheard me tell his wife I wanted a kiss, so before she could answer, he grabbed me and planted a big one on me. Now I know what she sees in him! (I mean his sense of humor, people) • John Hill is faced with a terrible dilemma. When Diane was Exalted Ruler she became known as the er. When Dave became Exalted Ruler his wife, the now notorious Mary, goes by the moniker MER (Mrs. Exalted Ruler). Now, back to John Hill’s problem, next spring his wife Mary Paule will become our second female ER. John will be HER. ( Husband of Exalted Ruler. He could also be GOFER, good old friend of ER, or MOTHER, (Mate of the Highness ER), or of course the SISTER, (Spouse in subservience to ER). Another op-tion is BROTHER (Best Radio Orator To Hold ER), or SER, spouse of ER. I’m guessing he will go with spouse. • I have always said it is my goal in life to be able to buy furniture that is already assembled. I was reminded of why this last week as I put a coffee table together for Jo. After 3 hours, much cursing, and a little advice from my wife, I completed the job. What I don’t under-stand is why they give you all those extra screws.

John Plunkett

ELKS HOOP SHOOT

On Saturday, December 13th at the Lyman C. Hunt School several youngsters turned out for our annual Hoop Shoot. Everyone had a great time and we wish our winners well at the State Championships! Special thanks to Gary Rogers, an athletic director for the Burlington Parks and Rec-reation Department. Gary has helped with both the Soccer Shoot and now with the Hoop Shoot. For the soccer shoot, he worked with Randy Lopes to set up and work with his programs on that Sunday. He sent out flyers and made sure all coaches knew about the Soccer Shoot. For the Hoop Shoot, 120 letters were sent to all the basketball players that were en-rolled currently in the Parks and Rec Department program. He is again coordinated with the school department, as well as emails to coaches. Thanks again Gary!

The gift wrapping crew Santa gets surprised by a double kiss!

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ELDOES UPDATE

“Be the Best of Whoever You Are!”

Would like to wish you all a happy and healthy 2009

Had a senior moment and failed to recognize Roland LeBlanc. He’s the one who prepares the tasty soups served at our Holiday Bazaar. Year after year, we can count on him. Thank you, Roland!

We enjoyed another successful holiday trip on December 11th. This day trip was to Indian Head Resort in Lincoln, NH. All enjoyed a great holiday music show, delicious drinks and a delightful meal. Be sure to watch the bulletins for our next venture and all are invited to join us.

On December 14th the Partners in Adventure holiday function was held at the lodge with approximately 20 participants attending. Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus (Hank and Fran Metevier) who did another great job. A big thank you to Debby Stapleton, chairper-son, Pat Francis, co-chairperson, Beth Dusablon, Bev Guest (for the wonderful bears), Marion Howard, Connie Lecesse, Nancy Stone (for purchasing the gifts) and Bea Sylvia. Also, to those who brought unfrosted cupcakes for the participants to decorate, Fred Dusablon and Scott Stapleton in preparing the lasagna, and Larry Parker for providing the frosting. All had a great time.

The Eldoes held their annual Holiday Christmas Dinner on De-cember 16th with 55 in attendance. Thank you to John Plunkett and Chris Bissonette for the excellent meal. Thank you to our “Special Elks”: Phil DeLaricheliere, Fred Dusablon, Glen Enos, Gary Francis, Steve Luchini, Roland Poulin & Bill Uzzell. They did an outstanding job and just could be called upon again.

The drawing for our bazaar raffle was held at the dinner with the following winners: Linda Belisle, Joyce Bessette, Tina Bessette, Janet Bossi, Liz Bossi, Dick Bushey, Pauline Bushey, Eileen Camp-bell, Shirley Cross, Doris Curtis, Elsie Dinwiddie, Beth Dusablon, Virginia Giroux, Jerry Hathaway, Aline Lubinski, Marilyn Luchini, Ginny Merchant, Carol Miranowicz, Doris Pepin, June Provost, Joan Richer, John Shappy, Nancy Stone, Sandra Venditti and Bev Zivitski. Thank you to all who purchased tickets.

January birthdays: Aline Lubinski, Irene Hams, Theda Hurtubise

Happy Birthday!

Remember if you come to steak night during the month of your birthday, you will receive $5.00 off your meal.

Other dates to keep in mind: 1/20 ......Potluck Dinner (spouses and/or special friends in-

vited) Bring your items for the “famous” silent auc-tion.

2/14 ......Sweetheart Dinner Dance with Sally & Wes Blair 2/17 ......Meeting night - with our Fun Night at the Races 7pm Sincerely, Linda DeLaricheliere, President

HelpThemCallHome.org

Help our deployed service men and women call home by send-ing them International calling cards!

One of the greatest desires of those serving overseas is to call

home and speak with their families. This easy program requires no cost and no hassle. We live in the land of the free... because of the brave. Help a service man or woman call home and help our coun-try go green! Recycle your phone today! How it works:

1. Collect old cell phones (working or non-working) 2. Phones are sent to our recycler, prepaid 3. Recycler pays the Marine Corps League for phones 4. Marine Corps League purchases calling cards in bulk 5. Cards are sent to service men and women in all

branches of service

Each phone = one 250 minute phone card (phones only - not chargers or accessories)

No cost, no hassle...helping a soldier call home is...Priceless.

Talk to your friends and relatives. Bring old cell phones to the

Lodge. A collection bin will be set-up in the Member bar.

French Night

Saturday, January 31st Cocktails - 6:00pm Dinner - 7:00pm

Dancing to “Phill ‘n the Blanks” - 9:00pm

$25.00 per person

Filet Mignon with Béarnaise Sauce, Split Pea Soup, Tourtière (Meat Pie),

Salad, Potato, Rolls and Dessert

Gentlemen - Jackets please Chairperson: Dizzy Desilets, PER

(Volunteers needed. Sign up on bulletin board in bar.)

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BURLINGTON LODGE #916 Benevolent and Protective Order of ELKS 925 North Avenue Burlington, VT 05408

NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID

BURLINGTON, VT PERMIT # 15

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday New Year’s Day

Open at Noon!

2 3 Private Function

Bar Bingo 6pm

4 5 Private Function

Bingo 6:30pm

6 Private Function Investigating

Committee 7pm

7 350 Club 6pm

8 Mtg Night 7pm

9 10 Private Function

Bar Bingo 6pm

11 Initiation 2pm

12 Bingo 6:30pm

13 Governing Board

7pm

14 Steak Night 6pm

15 Mtg Night 7pm

16 17 Bar Bingo 6pm

18 19 Bingo 6:30pm

20 Private Function

Eldoes Potluck

Dinner

21 22 Private Function

23 24 Bar Bingo 6pm

25 Interlodge

Games

26 Bingo 6:30pm

27 28 29 30 Private Function

31 French Night 6pm

Bar Bingo 6pm

February 1 2 Bingo 6:30pm

3 Investigating

Committee 7pm

4 Steak Night 6pm

5 Mtg Night 7pm

6 Private Function

7 Private Function

Bar Bingo 6pm

Volunteer of the Month:

WAYNE LABONTE Please volunteer for events!

You could be Volunteer of the Month!

DON’T FORGET! 350 Night has been moved to January 7th and our first

Meeting Night has been moved to January 8th