District

News Date   News Item 20/05/24         Saratoga-Wilton Elks #161 donated a composter to their Senior Outreach Committee Partner, Pitney Meadows Community Farm. Our Senior Outreach Committee Chairman, Ben Buffa, has a neighbor who spent years composing as a way to fertilize his vegetable garden. He was downsizing and asked Ben if he knew of someone who could use it. Pitney Meadows Community Farm came to mind! PMCF donates hundreds of pounds of farm to table vegetables to our seniors during August through mid October. Pictured are (l-r in photo photos) Ben Buffa, Chairman and Kendall Hicks delivering the composter to the Farm. 20/05/20           On Wednesday evening, May 20 th , the Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 held a beautiful Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony outside of their Lodge at the Flag Poles and Monument. Exalted Ruler Richard Hogan lead the Ceremony. Lodge Esquire, PER Margaret Kehn lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Esteemed Leading Knight Jeff Matthews and Veterans Service Chairperson PER Regina Hogan carried the wreath and placed it beside the Monument. Chaplain Kevin Lysogorski said a beautiful prayer which was followed by TAPS. All of the Officers attended along with our District Sponsor. Exalted Ruler Rich Hogan and his wife Regina donated the beautiful wreath and the flowers that were planted next to the monument. Member Debbie Matthews painted the beautiful patriotic rocks and placed them near the monument. 20/05/17           On Sunday, May 17th, the Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 packed up food for the Waterford-Halfmoon Backpack Program. Approximately $800 worth of food was donated by members and one couple from Waterford that are non-members. The 11 Families received two boxes, one large bag and one bag of oranges. Items packed were Apple Juice, Capri Sun Juice Boxes, Yoohoo Drinks, Cereal, Oatmeal, Pop Tarts, Peanut Butter, Jelly, 5 lb. bag of potatoes, corn, pasta, sauce, gold fish, animal crackers, cans of corn, beef stew, ravioli, soup, canned chicken, rice krispie treats, granola bars, mac & cheese, chips, paper towel, cup of soup, fruit snacks, bread, English muffins, pencils and chalk. 20/05/15   PER Deborah Reedy of the Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 collected approximately $700 is donations during this pandemic to make Thank You Gift Bags for frontline workers. A box of goodies and the bags were delivered to the Jacksonville Beach Police Dept. where she lives. Police put their lives on the line every day, and they were very grateful for this act of kindness. 20/05/14           Amsterdam Elks organized a food drive on Wednesday and presented Amen Place Soup Kitchen with a grant from the Elks National Foundation Community Investment Program. This grant, called the Gratitude Grant, is the Elks’ way of thanking Amen Place Soup Kitchen for the work they do to help our community during these difficult times. Thanks to Amen Place, the Elks, and everyone who donated food during the drive. Stay safe and healthy! 20/04/28              In spite of the pandemic, during the afternoon on April 28, the Saratoga-Wilton Elk Lodge #161, led by PERs Susan and Dave Waghorn, delivered 21 bags of food to seniors living in the Embury Senior Apartments. The Saint Clement’s Church Food Pantry provided most of the non perishable food items and the Elks used their ENF Impact Grant funds to provide perishable food items and personal care items. 20/04/15              "Mechanicville-Stillwater Lodge #1403 partnered with the Regional Food Bank of NENY to distribute more than 19,000 pounds of food to Saratoga County Residents. 22 Volunteers from the Lodge created a “drive-thru” experience to distribute the food to residents to practice social distancing as required during this pandemic time and loaded the food items in the truck or back seat of the cars. Over 178 cars went through the line, with many cars picking up for multiple families." 20/04/07   Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 volunteers of the Senior Outreach Committee delivered food to 22 seniors living at Wilton Commons Senior Apartments on April 7th. Each senior received enough food for at least 12 meals. Wednesday, Elk volunteers will deliver food to 34 seniors living at Stonequist Senior Apartments. On Friday Elk Volunteers will deliver food to 32 seniors living at Raymond Watkin Senior Apartments. 20/01/12   On Sunday, January 12th, the Cohoes-Waterford Elks Lodge #1317 had some great Hoop Shooters at the Northeast District Hoop Shoot Contest held at the Amsterdam High School. One female in the 10-11 age group took first place and will proceed on to the next level during the first weekend in February. Congratulations! Pictured with her is Lodge Secretary Valerie Ridgeway and Exalted Ruler William Rosenberger. 19/12/29               Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 received a $2000 Freedom Grant in 2019 and Lodge Veterans Service Chairperson PER Regina M. Hogan took them on personal shopping trips for needed house hold items as they transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Above are four Veterans from Saratoga County. 19/12/28   Exalted Ruler Gerry Conboy of Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 presented over $300.00 in gift cards that were collected over the holidays by the Lodge and Members to Maggie Fronk, Director of WellSpring. Wellspring is an organization that strives to create a safer community by increasing abuse awareness and helping survivors impacted by domestic or sexual abuse. 19/12/26   On December 26, 2019 at 7PM, the Mechanicville-Stillwater Elks Lodge #1403 had the distinct honor of donating the use of their banquet hall for the Commissioning Ceremony for Svetlana Morrell, into the United States Air Force. In attendance, along with over 30 family members and friends, were PDDGER Tom O’Neil, PER James Duncan and Chaplain and Veteran Services Chairperson Justine Crowley-Duncan. A reception followed the ceremony for family and friends. 19/12/14   On Saturday, December 14 th , the Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 packed and delivered over 120 boxes of food to families in the Cohoes and Waterford Community. The efforts were made possible through the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant, tips collected from fish fries during Lent along with two additional fundraisers, plus donated food items from members and non- members and several monetary donations. 19/11/16   On Saturday, November 16th, members of Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 served ice cream to hospitalized veterans at the VA Hospital in Albany. They also gave canteen books, patriotic magnet calendars & Stars for our Troops packets to the hospitalized veterans. Extra canteen books were donated for a veteran haircut. Pictured (L-R) Member Christine McAllister, Veterans Service Chairperson, PER Regina Hogan, Trustee Carol Bronakowski & member Barbara Hebert. 19/11/05   Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 is working hard again packing and delivering bags stuffed full of food for 39 Seniors on November 5th thanks to the Elks National Foundation IMPACT Grant! 22 seniors from Embury received food from Franklin Community Center. And 18 seniors from Wilton Commons received food from Saint Clement’s. Pictured here are Lodge Members involved with the Senior Outreach Committee; Peter LaVenia, Lillian Miles (one of our newest Members) and David Waghorn PER with packing food from the orders placed by the Seniors. 19/10/14   Proceeds totaling $9,945.00 from the Celebration of the Music of Chuck Mangione Concert held on June 7, 2019 were recently presented to the Performing Arts and Music Departments of four areas schools. The High School Jazz Ensembles and the Avant Garde Alumni Drum Corps played to a packed house of approximately 500 people at the Lake Avenue School Auditorium in Saratoga Springs, New York with Chuck Mangione in attendance. Pictured is Schuylerville High School Student and Band member Meghan Clark receiving a donation of the proceeds from Exalted Ruler Gerry Conboy. 19/10/07   October 2, 2019 Ballston Spa Lodge held a Line Dance Class to raise money for Wreaths Across America! Approximately 50 dancers were in attendance and had a great time. 19/10/05   Scotia Glenville Lodge #2759 used their Spotlight Grant to donate to a local Stand Down held on October 5, 2019 at the Schenectady Armory. The Lodge donated $2000 in women’s undergarments, leggings and socks to needy veterans. The lodge also served lunch to 155 veterans in addition to 30 to 40 of the many volunteers who spent the day serving our veterans, including Red Cross volunteers, members of local Veteran’s agencies, first responders, medical and dental staff and youth volunteers from local scout troops. Pictured are New York State Elks President Brian Greene, PSVP and Grants Coordinator Debra Kruk PSVP and Veteran’s Chair Jeff Lodge, Esteemed Loyal Knight Terri Bacchi, PER and Trustee Bradley Harkness and Organist Rich Kruk 19/09/12   On September 12 th -14 th , the Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 held their Annual Fall Festival outside which included food, rides, games, and music performed by local entertainment. The festival is planned to appeal to all ages and has proven to be a wonderful community event. On Thursday, September 12 th , Madison Vandenburg, 2019 American Idol’s 3 rd Place winner performed on stage at our Lodge from 7:30PM-8:30PM, and then she posed with her fans for pictures afterwards. She was friendly and kind to everyone, and her music was fantastic. We were so honored that she played at our Fall Festival and we wish her all the best for her future. Pictured is Exalted Ruler William Rosenberger and Madison Vandenburg. 19/09/07   On September 7th the Mechanicville Stillwater Elks Lodge held their annual Lodge Soccer Shoot. There were 76 children that participated. Soccer and Lots of Fun was the agenda of the day. Pictured Ed Zuzick SVP and Soccer Shoot Participants. 19/04/19   Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 Our Lodge’s Food Pantry Is Open For Business! Ben Buffa – Chairman of the Seniors In Need Food Delivery Program and Marge Mohrmann shopped for and delivered the first of many food and personal care items for the more than 100 seniors who are enrolled in our Seniors In Need Food Delivery Program with funds from the Elks National Foundation’s Impact Grant. The Food Pantry contains several senior friendly and healthful items including sugar free, gluten free and low salt products. Our pantry, which is in a special location in the Lodge, will also contain those food items that our food pantry partners are not able provide. 19/04/14   On Sunday, April 14th the Ballston Spa Elks hosted an Afternoon with the Easter Bunny. The children and grandchildren of Lodge Members enjoyed lunch, egg dyeing, cookie decorating, an egg hunt, and many games before the guest of honor (the Easter Bunny!) arrived. The kids all had a great time! 19/04/07   On Sunday, April 7th, the Cohoes-Waterford Elks donated their hall and food for a fundraiser for member Anthony Falconio. Anthony has had a lot of health issues and the fundraiser was to help him with expenses. Lodge members cooked and served a polish menu, Donny P and his polka band donated their time and almost $2,000.00 was raised for this great cause. Pictured is member Jerry Falconio, Anthony’s father, and Exalted Ruler Bill Rosenberger. 19/03/22   Aiden Karo is one of 72 of the nation’s best free throw shooters ages 8 to 13. Aiden’s hard work and dedication have taken him from Ballston Lake to the Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals in Chicago. Last fall, Aiden entered in the 2019 Elks National Hoop Shoot Free-Throw Contest. Aiden advanced through the local, district and state levels of competition, sinking the most of 25 free throws in his division at each contest. He was victorious at the NYSEA Hoop Shoot Finals hosted by Clifton Park in early March. With a score of 23 out of 25 at the Northeast Central Regional Semi-Finals in Wilkes-Barre, PA, on March 16, Aiden secured his chance to shoot on the foul line at the National Finals. Last year he came within one shot of winning the title. 19/03/18   Young basketball players from the Halfmoon Heights Mobile Home Community formed a “Y” after receiving their tee-shirts and athletic shoes purchased with an ENF Anniversary Grant from Clifton Park Elks. Pictured in the foreground are Exalted Ruler Dan Mathias (left) and YMCA Executive Director Sarah Heslin (right). Elks, YMCA and Cheryl’s Lodge volunteers are pictured at the top of the “Y”. 19/03/13   On March 13th Member Chuck Meagher and ER Susan Waghorn delivered food from Food Pantry Delivery Program to Embury Apts. Pictured with Sue and Chuck are Betsy Coffey (who is being proposed for membership by Ben Buffa at our next meeting) and magnificent Nellie age 98! 19/02/9      Members of the Clifton Park Elks attended the Winterfest "Taste of Clifton Park" event at the Clifton Country Mall on Saturday, February 9. The Lodge distributed drug awareness information and discussed the many activities that the Elks are involved in with the public. 19/02/25   Another Welcome Home Kit was delivered to the Men’s Vet House in Ballston Spa today. Thanks to funding from the Elks National Veterans Service Commission, we were able to deliver $200.00 worth of bedding, towels, small appliances, kitchen needs, and cleaning supplies for a Veteran transitioning into his own apartment. We wish him the best of luck in his new home! (Pictured is his case manager Ray.) Pictured left to right: Kim Turney, Case Manager Ray, and Carol Turney PER. 19/02/23   On Saturday, February 23, 2019, three Members and one guest from the Mechanicville- Stillwater Elks Lodge #1403 served ice cream, compassion and smiles to 150 patients and staff at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center. The memories that are made by such a simple gesture, are endless. Pictured are Front Row - Dan McBride; Barbara McBride & Laure Harrington Back - Justine Crowley-Duncan, Veterans Service Chairperson 19/02/21   Ballston Spa Lodge #2619 presented the First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa’s Summer Lunch Program with $1,000.00 on February 21, 2019. This program served around 150 children each day last summer, and anticipates a greater need this year. Funding for this donation was made possible through the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant. We are happy to support this much needed program in our community! 19/02/16   On Saturday, February 16, 2019, more than 75 members & guests attended the 21st Annual Bowl for Vets Fundraiser hosted by the Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317. Attendees bowled 3 games at the Cohoes Bowling Alley, followed by dinner and raffles back at the lodge. Proceeds of more than $1,800 was raised for hospitalized & homeless veterans, active-duty military & their families & those who served in the past. Lodge Veterans Service Chairperson, PER Regina M. Hogan, stated that this was a record breaker for most funds ever raised at this annual event. A special part of the Fundraiser was her nephew, Army Specialist Nicholas Smith Jr. being able to attend after recently coming home from a 9-month deployment to Afghanistan. Pictured is Lodge Veterans Service Chairperson, PER Regina Hogan with her nephew, Army Specialist Nicholas Smith Jr. Thank you to everyone who supported this event! 19/02/12   Each year the Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 sponsors a Co-Ed Youth basketball team in the Saratoga Youth Basketball League in Saratoga Springs, New York. These youths are in 4-5 grade and are really devoted to attending practices and playing their best in their games. The Elks Team lost by one point to eventual playoff winners, the Heat, on Saturday, January 9th. This is still a great accomplishment to come so far! Thanks to the Crafty Coaches Bruce, Mike & Randy with the assistance of Wes Clark & George Parker, coordinators for the Saratoga Rec Basketball program, Mike Cumming of the Elks #161 & all of the players family members; you turned the boys tears into cheers within hours by hosting a fantastic bowling/pizza/soda/awards party at the Saratoga Strike Zone on Sunday. 19/02/10   The Greenwich Elks Lodge #2223 presented a check to Sheriff Murphy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department in the amount of $1,500.00 for the Kids Camp at the New York State Institute of Sheriffs’. This was made possible by the efforts of Lodge Advisor and Trustee Tom Waring who secured the Elks National Foundation Anniversary Grant. The Summer camp is for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12 who, because of economic reasons would not have an opportunity to attend a summer camp or enjoy a summer vacation. The camp is for economically challenged children. Each County Sheriff is given a predetermined number of camper slots. Sheriff’s Offices use a variety of methods to identify deserving children to attend. The primary criteria are economically challenged children and children who can benefit with the positive interaction with deputy sheriffs. 19/01/27   On January 27 th Amsterdam held a fun Paint and Sip fundraiser at the Lodge. Pictured are 13 of the ladies who attended the event which raised approximately $150.00 that the Lodge will use for their Charitable activities. Everyone had a great time! 19/01/26   On Saturday January 26, Lodge members of the Scotia-Glenville Lodge #2759 served the community meal at The City Mission of Schenectady to over 100 guests. Members assisted with the preparation, serving and clean up. The lodge donated $500.00 of their Beacon grant to cover the cost of the Community and resident meals that day. Members also baked and provided cookies for dessert. Thank you to all for a great response! 19/01/25   On Friday, January 25th, Cohoes-Waterford Lodge #1317 presented Framed Certificates and Movie Pass Packs (2 movie passes and a gift card) to each of the Americanism Essay Contest Winners who wrote about “What Makes you proud of America?” Over 50 essays were received. Pictured below is Assistant Principal Richardson, Past Exalted Ruler John Lord - Essay Contest Chairman, 7th & 8th Grade Waterford-Halfmoon winners, and Exalted Ruler Bill Heffelfinger. 19/01/25   Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 hosted a Murder Mystery Dinner Production on January 25, 2019. 125 people attended The Murder Mystery Dinner and the Lodge raised $1,300.00 from the proceeds that will go towards their building fund to help pay for their new banquet room carpet and dance floor. Everyone enjoyed a sit-down style Turkey Dinner with all the fixings and dessert. The Lodge received one new membership application are a result of holding this event as well! Pictured are some of the actors from the production group “Flat Liners of the Adirondacks” – photo by Dora Lee Stanley. A special thank you to Leading Knight Gerry Conboy for making all the arrangements for this fun evening, and to our volunteers Tony Lupino and Gary Stevens who cooked and to Gerry Conboy, her two grandsons, Donna Gundersen, Amy Calzonetti and Libby Frohlich who served dinner!! What a fantastic evening it 19/01/13   A Paint & Sip Veterans Fundraiser was held at Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Twenty-five (25) participants of which included Lodge members from Cohoes-Waterford, Ballston Spa, Clifton Park & Mechanicville-Stillwater participated as well as guests. The painting was a patriotic theme of a vase of red, white & blue flowers. The instructor presented Lodge Veterans Service Chairperson, Regina Hogan PER, with a $25.00 donation as well as the painting she painted. Total proceeds of $155.00 were raised for Cohoes-Waterford Lodge Veterans Service programs! Thank you to everyone who attended! 18/12/09   Scotia-Glenville Lodge #2759 donated over 200 socks to veterans who are patients at the Albany Stratton VA Memorial Hospital on December 9, 2018. The socks were donated by members during the month of November. Pictured is the SVP Debra Krub (Left) along with members of the Lodge. 18/11/28   With the assistant of our Lodge volunteers, Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 delivered 42 bags of food to 3 Senior Home locations in Saratoga Springs, NY on Wednesday, November 28, 2018. A special thanks to Linda Walczak for taking pictures of our Wilton Commons seniors receiving their food bags. Each bag contains about 10 meals. We will be presenting one of the pictures to each of our food pantry partners. This project which started in 2017 by Chairman Ben Buffa, is an ongoing project feeding seniors in our Community. With the help of the Impact Grant in the amount of $10,000.00 we will be able to expand our reach in the number of seniors we can help! Pictured far left: Marge Mohrmann and left of Christmas Tree (back row): Ben Buffa-Chairman along with 9 of the 42 Seniors that received a bag of food. 18/11/21   Ballston Spa Lodge #2619 delivered the second installment of cleaning supplies for the local Men’s Home and Women’s Veterans Guardian House funded through the Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant. As part of ongoing communication with representatives from the Veterans Houses, the need for multiple units of dishwashing liquid, sponges, scouring pads, dishwasher soap, hardwood floor cleaner, toilet cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant sprays and wipes, garbage bags, paper plates, and more was discovered. A total of $500.00 worth of supplies purchased and delivered for our Veterans. 18/11/03   NYSEA Soccer Shoot Championship – Here are the State Championship winners. Just a few weeks ago and today, November 3, 2018, competed at the Area One Championship in Albany. Members of the Lodges in the Northeast District #6280 were on hand to volunteer at the Soccer Shoot. Pictured with (left to right – back row) Patrick Mansfield PDDGER – State Soccer Shoot Chairman, Timothy Kelly PSP, Paul A. Galarneau PGT and Bruce Hidley PSP. 18/10/20   Scouts from all over Clifton Park, New York gathered on the grounds of the Clifton Park Elks Lodge on Saturday, October 20, 2018 to work on Rank Advancement and to learn camping skills. Five Boy Scout troops and six Cub Scout troops were involved in the special program. It was expected that 400 scouts and family members attended the event. Phil Barrett, Town Supervisor, spent time with the fifth-grade scouts and explained the workings of Town government. In addition to the daytime activities, many of the scouts stayed overnight on the grounds. 18/10/13   On October 13, 2018 members of the Scotia Glenville Lodge #2759 served the community meal at The City Mission to over 200 guests. With the help of the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant, the lodge was able to cover the cost of the community meal and the resident meal. The Lodge will present a check for $500.00 to The City Mission with the remainder of the Grant funds to help them cover costs of other meals they provide in the community. In addition to covering the cost of the meal with the Grant, lodge members baked desserts to share at both meals. Pictured are Exalted Ruler Brad Harkness, Leading Knight Greg Myslinski, Lecturing Knight Terri Bacchi, Treasurer and SVP Deb Kruk, members at large and our teenagers who helped out. 18/10/03   On October 3, 2018 Saratoga Wilton Lodge welcomed Kendall Hicks, a newly 30-years of service retired veteran, as a new volunteer of our Senior Outreach Committee to the Elks Seniors in Need Food Program. Pictured are Linda Walzak, Chaplan and Kendall Hicks with a volunteer of St. Clements Food Pantry delivering food for Seniors in need. 18/09/20   On Wednesday evening September 12, 2018 the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 presented Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grants awards totaling $2,000.00 to our three local food pantry partners. The Elks also received a Citation from Senator James N. Tedisco "… to recognize and honor the accomplishments of those...organizations who, through deeds and achievements, add significantly to the welfare and quality of life for their region and fellow citizens...and always strive to serve the people of their communities 18/08/25   On August 25, 2018 the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 hosted their Second Annual Car Show. Al Sommer, Car Show Chairman, reported: “What a great day is was! The weather was sunny and warm. We had 90 sweet looking cars and trucks resisted. 32 sponsored trophies were handed out at the end of the show. A full table of raffle baskets were raffled off as well. Mike and Ray did a great job DJ’ing and singing. And great food by our kitchen crew as always!” Approximately $3,500.00 was raised from this Car Show that will be used to help our Veterans and Drug Awareness Programs. Present at the Car Show were Cheryl Perez-Hage, Executive Director of the Veterans and Community Housing Coalition and James Norton, Program Coordinator of the Saratoga Prevention Council. 18/08/25   Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 - Twenty staff & residents of the Veterans House in Albany and Susan Wells of Stars for Troops were our special invited guests at the Veterans Appreciation Breakfast held at the Cohoes -Waterford Elks Lodge on Sunday, August 26, 2018. Fourteen Elk Members from the State Capital District also attended. All attendees donated comfort or food items to be sent to Lodge Veterans Service Chairperson PER Regina Hogan’s nephew & his Army Unit serving in Afghanistan. Each Veteran was given a double American Flag Lapel/Hat Pin. Five large boxes of items were collected. Several Lodge members & Officers who are veterans volunteered at the Breakfast either by cooking or serving the buffet line. 18/07/31   Tuesday, July 31, 2018 Ballston Spa Lodge #2619 presented a Welcome Home Kit to a Veteran in transition from our local Vet House to his own apartment. The kit included an air conditioner, towels, paper products, and cleaning supplies provided by funding from the Elks National Veterans’ Services Commission. We thanked him for his service and wish him all the best in the future. Building relationships is what it is all about, and this Veteran was very thankful for the Elks and the National Veterans’ Services Commission. This is the 12th Veterans Kit that Ballston Spa Lodge has donated in the past year and a half. 18/07/25   < On Wednesday July 18, 2018 Scotia Glenville Elks #2759 hosted a day at Six Flags Great Escape for 40 children, and 25 student volunteers (total of 65 youth) in the City Mission Summer Youth Adventure Program. Each camper, student volunteer and Elk chaperone wore a T-shirt with the Elks and The City Mission Summer Youth Adventure logo. The day was made possible due to the Elks National Foundation Promise Grant in addition to individual donations. The camp serves underprivileged youth in the local area and provides daily activities and meals for the children. Pictured are some of the children, student volunteers and chaperones who enjoyed the day. 18/07/25   Thanks to the efforts of Lodge Members Chuck Meagher, Steve Somich, Linda Walczak, Marge Mohrmann and Senior Outreach Program Chairman Ben Buffa Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 delivered food from the Wilton Food Pantry to 41 seniors which is enough food for about 100 meals on July 25, 2018. 18/07/19   On July 19, 2018 Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 hosted an American Red Cross Blood Drive. Approximately 50 units of blood were donated! Pictured are Dave Waghorn, PER and his daughter Missy Waghorn who volunteered to check in the donors – thank you for volunteering to help save lives! 18/06/17   On Saturday, June 17, 2018, members of the Lodge served Ice Cream to approximately 250 Veterans at the VA Medical Center in Albany, NY. Pictured left to right: State VAVS Rep, PER Edward Baniak – Watervliet Elks; Lodge Veterans Service Chairperson, PER Regina Hogan; Lodge Secretary Valerie Ridgeway; Lodge member Deb Kirkland. 18/05/29     < Amsterdam Elks #101 - Mrs. Matthews and Mrs. Nordyke of NCS gratefully accepted the donations on behalf of the students, faculty and administration, and were amazed by and thankful for the Elks generosity. Mrs. Matthews presented Elks representative ER Chuck Torres with a thank you letter for the Lodge, and both teachers expressed their gratitude to each Elk in attendance. 18/05/29   Greenwich Elks Exalted Ruler Richard Mullen presented Sheriff Murphy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with $1,500.00 towards the Safe Kids Initiative with funds from the Elks National Foundation Anniversary Grant. 18/05/29   Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 – On Thursday, May 24th, 3 Seniors and their Assistant Principal from Waterford-Halfmoon School District celebrated Senior Giveback Day which is High School Students volunteering at various places in their Community. We are very fortunate that our Lodge was chosen to participate. After they cleaned, all Seniors from Waterford-Halfmoon School District had lunch at our Lodge. Pictured on the far right is Past Exalted Ruler John Lord who coordinated the day. We are very fortunate to be a part of a great Community. 18/05/29   Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 - On Thursday Night, May 26th, members and friends marched in the Cohoes Parade. The weather was fantastic, and we are proud to be a part of a wonderful Community. 18/05/17   Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 – On Thursday, May 10, 2018, 8 Students (Seniors) and 1 Teacher from Cohoes High School participated in Global Youth Service Day at our Lodge. They raked and filled 13 bags of leaves from the property. We are honored that our Lodge was one of the chosen locations in the City of Cohoes. Pictured L-R is Leading Knight Bill Rosenberger, the students and teacher from Cohoes High School and Exalted Ruler Bill Heffelfinger. We are very thankful for their help! 18/05/09   On Wednesday May 9, 2018 the Franklin Community Center joined the Wilton Food Pantry and Saint Clements’ Food Pantry to provide food to seniors in need. The Saratoga-Wilton Elks coalition of food pantries provide needed food to area seniors who do not have reliable transportation. Lead by Julie Slovic FCC is an innovative leader in the Saratoga-Wilton community and Senior Outreach Program Coordinator Ben Buff, with the addition of FCC our coalition is now able to serve more than 60 seniors every two weeks. We look forward to a long and successful partnership. L-R Rose, Maureen and Janet – FCC Volunteers, Ben Buffa – Saratoga-Wilton Elks Senior Outreach Chairman, Julie Slovic – FCC Food Pantry DIrector and Janet-FCC Volunteer. 18/04/29   Mechanicville Stillwater, NY Lodge hosted a Court of Honor ceremony for new Eagle Scout Timothy Gregg III of Boy Scout Troop 4035 on April 29, 2018 and presented him with an Elks Eagle Scout Award and Flag. For his Eagle Scout project he built a flower planter for the American Legion Post 490 in Stillwater, NY. Pictured: Timothy Gregg, ER James Duncan, and Assistant Scout Master Jeff Stewart. 18/04/29   Mechanicville Stillwater, NY Lodge volunteered at the VA Hospital in Albany, NY on April 29, 2018 handing out popcorn and ice cream to Veterans and Staff. Everyone was thrilled. Pictured: Albany HS ROCT Cadet Angelia Bolio, Veterans Chair Justine Crowley- Duncan, Member Dan McBride, Barbara McBride, Member Lauren Harrington, soon to be member Daniel Clayton 18/03/25   Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 – On Sunday, March 25th, the Cohoes Waterford Elks teamed up with the Uniform Firefighters of Cohoes Local 2562 for a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. The firefighters took polaroid pictures of each child with the Easter Bunny and gave to the family’s prior to leaving the breakfast. A donation basket was put out for the Firefighters Cheer for Children Program which helps children in the Cohoes Community. The Lodge will be presenting a check for $300 to Local 2562. Pictured are several lodge members and Firefighters who worked the event. We are honored to have teamed up with Local 2562! 18/03/24   Amsterdam Lodge #101 – On March 24, 2018, after the Lodge Initiation, two “Elks in Training” lead the Pledge of Allegiance after the Ceremony and before dinner. Picture L-R is PDD & Lodge Sponsor Fran Sikorski, State VP Renee Bott, ER Chuck Torres, Chuck’s son, District Deputy Bill Hayes and the granddaughter of Loyal Knight MaryAnna Simpson. Both children are wearing their homemade “Elk in Training” pins created by ER Chuck’s wife. They did a beautiful job leading the Pledge of Allegiance. 18/03/10   On Saturday, March 10, 2018 the Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 used the “Welcome Home Kit” from the Elks National Veterans Service Commission to help a Veteran in need moving to permanent housing. This program provides $200 for each Veteran who is in need and we took our Veteran Friend Theresa shopping and purchased a coffee maker, electric skillet, stand up fan, Brita water pitcher and filters, glasses, a knife set, and a few other items she needed! What a wonderful experience helping her as she was SO thankful!!: And we had fun together doing it! Thank you, Elks National Veterans Services! 18/01/24   Four months ago, Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge Member Ben Buffa noticed a critical need to help Seniors get food assistance in our community. Ben took the lead and has been working with Peter Maynard of the Wilton Food Pantry, along with the help of his fellow Elks Members, and they have developed a Senior Food Delivery Outreach Program. Each senior is given a menu of food items generally available. Food deliveries occur on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. These orders are picked up and delivered by Volunteers of the Elks Lodge to the location’s community rooms between 1:00 and 2:00 PM. 18/01/21   Laure Harrington and Justine Crowley-Duncan from the Mechanicville Stillwater Elks #1403 hosted a Traveling Paints painting party. There were 34 participants. Vendors from 31; Mary Kay and Tupperware were there and there was a silent auction and 50/50! It was a great event!!! Thank you to all who attended; donated silent auction prizes and volunteered to help run the event. 18/01/18   Ballston Spa Lodge #2619 was proud to present Double H Ranch with $1,500, funded through the Elks National Foundation Anniversary Grant on January 18, 2018. Double H Ranch will use this donation to continue their work providing a safe, medically stable summer camp, and adaptive winter sports program, for disabled and critically ill children. Ballston Spa Lodge #2619 is thankful to the Elks National Foundation for the opportunity to support such important and much needed programs in our area! 17/12/30   On December 30, 14 members of Scotia Glenville Lodge #2759 served 100 guests at community meal at The City Mission of Schenectady. The Mission serves about 600 meals daily. The members also donated over 200 cupcakes for dessert. The Lodge used their Beacon Grant to assist with funding the meals they serve. Pictured are ER Greg Myslinski, PER Deb Kruk, Trustee Rich Kruk and several members who participated. 17/12/20   Scotia Glenville Lodge #2759 used their Anniversary Grant to assist with funding for the local Weekend Back Pack program administered by The City Mission of Schenectady. Members and guests packed the bags with fresh fruit, canned goods and dry goods in which they delivered 100 bags weekly to a local elementary school on November 27, 2017 and on December 20, 2017. The program serves 1,100 children in the local community. In addition to this, Members made 500 Sandwiches which were delivered on Saturday October 28, 2017 as part of this grant. The Lodge typically packs 400 bags; as this is done twice a week. 17/12/19   Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 – Boys Scouts of Waterford Troop 632 was instrumental at our Holiday Food Drive in December and at our Annual Penny Social in March. Our lodge donated $100 to their troop. Picture is Bunny and Gerald Cherniwchan, Exalted Ruler Regina Hogan, State Vice President Renee Bott and one of the Scouts. We are very thankful for their help and happy to support them. 17/12/10   Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 - On December 10, 2017, Cohoes-Waterford Elks hosted a Toys for Tots Breakfast with Santa with Girl Scouts Council #161. Proceeds from the event went to Council #161 to assist with their yearly budgeted activities. The Marine Corp. presented the Lodge and the Girl Scouts with a Certificate. Three large boxes of toys left the building. Pictured is Girl Scout Leader Christine Valentine, Exalted Ruler Regina Hogan, Marine Corp. Representative Tim Forbes, Lodge Chairperson Renee Bott, SVP and Council #161 Leader Vicki Gray. 17/12/08   Amsterdam Lodge #101 was presented with a special Plaque from Liberty ARC, located in Amsterdam NY, for their Continued Good Relationship over the past 30 years on December 8, 2017. Every year in early December, the Amsterdam Lodge has provided Liberty ARC with a free Pasta Dinner, Including meatballs, salad, bread and dessert. The Lodge also hires a DJ, and the evening is filled with dancing, good times and memories. Members of the Lodge have generously volunteered in all areas of these events over the years, along with donating the hall for the event as well. 17/12/08   Cohoes-Waterford Lodge #1317 - On Wednesday August 16th, Mr. Christopher White was sworn in as the newest firefighter for the City of Cohoes. Cohoes-Waterford Lodge #1317 allowed Firefighters Local #2562 to use their Lodge Lounge to hold a small ceremony. 17/12/08   On December 8, 2017, Scotia Glenville Lodge #2759 donated 30 toys to The City Mission Toy program. The program allows parents of needy children to have a meaningful shopping experience for their children at Christmas. The donation was made possible due to member donations and allocation of a portion of the lodge Gratitude Grant. Pictured are PER James Trapini, PER Tim Macfarlane, Trustee Leo Palmer and several members who participated in the purchase of the toys. 17/10/07   On October 7, the Clifton Park Elks held their 4th Annual Elktoberfest fundraising event for Major Projects. German music, beverages from local breweries and distilleries, and excellent German food were available for attendees to enjoy. The event leverages Oktoberfest fun to raise money for a great cause. Approximatedly 70 people were in attendance and the Lodge raised $1500.00. 17/09/21   Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 attended two Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremonies in August. Three young men were presented with Certificate of Achievement that contained the American Flag for recognition of their hard work and dedication to Scouting. Pictured are ER Deborah McCabe and Lester Cole, PER and Youth Activities Chairman with the Scouts and their Leader of Troop #16 which our Lodge sponsors. 17/09/13   Scotia Glenville Lodge #2759 celebrated their soccer shoot champions on September 13, 2017. The lodge hosted all first and second place finishers and their families for a "Make your own Sundae" night at the lodge. Medals and certificates of participation were presented. Pictured are some of the award winners. 17/08/18   Cohoes-Waterford Lodge #1317 recently donated a motorized scooter (which was donated to them) to Arnold Kurtz, who was referred by the Cohoes Senior Center Site Manager. Arnold is so thrilled & happy to have the scooter, which allows him to shop at a local market, adding greatly to his independence and improved his quality of life. His smile says it all! The Lodge also donated a few cartons of adult disposable pads to the Center. 17/08/16   Cohoes-Waterford Lodge #1317 - On Wednesday August 16th, Mr. Christopher White was sworn in as the newest firefighter for the City of Cohoes. Cohoes-Waterford Lodge #1317 allowed Firefighters Local #2562 to use their Lodge Lounge to hold a small ceremony. 17/07/29   SVP Renee Bott would like to thank Stephen Luther, President of the NY SCD Elk Riders for organizing a ride through the Great Northeast District on Saturday, July 29th. They road to Amsterdam Lodge, Saratoga-Wilton Lodge, Greenwich Lodge and ended at Mechanicville Stillwater Lodge for a wonderful Chicken BBQ cooked and served by Exalted Ruler Ed Zuzick and his team. Special thank you to the lodges who hosted the visits. Your hospitality is much appreciated. We can’t thank them enough for travelling through our District with fellow Elks. 17/05/28   Saratoga-Wilton Elks Veterans Services Committee visited the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center on May 28, 2017 to spend time visiting with the Vets and treated them with ice cream and popcorn. It was a rewarding time talking with them and to the medical personnel who take care of them. Pictured are (l-r) Lodge Esquire Gerry Conboy, ER Deborah McCabe, Lodge Veterans Services Chairman John Safford, Public Relations Linda Walczak and Lodge Tiler John (Doc) Shaw. 17/05/28   On May 20, 2017, members from Scotia Glenville Lodge 2759 planted flags in nearby Park Cemetery in Scotia, marking the graves of Veterans. Pictured are PER Deb Kruk, Leading Knight Brad Harkness, Trustees Tim MacFarlane, Michele Moore and Rich Kruk. 17/05/27   Saratoga Springs, NY – While it is a great achievement that there are Veterans transitioning into permanent housing in our area, they are still having difficulty obtaining the necessities to live on their own. The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge recognized and addressed this problem after getting to know the men and women Veterans who have been living in the housing in Ballston Spa, at various events hosted by the Elks at their Lodge. On Saturday, May 27, 2017, Elks members from Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 delivered approximately 100 brand-new items for these Veterans to help ease their distress of how they were going to live once they moved. Items purchased and donated for this project were vacuum cleaners, sets of pots and pans, dishes and microwaves, just to name a few, which came to a sum of $2000.00. This project was made possible by a grant from the Elks National Foundation. 17/05/21   Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 – On Sunday, May 21, 2017, Cohoes-Waterford Elks participated in the “Cohoes on the Move” which was an event to promote active transportation, recreation & safe routes to school that included bike skill obstacle course, bike safety training, bike & walking routes, helmet fitting - 200 free helmets, highlighting access points to parks & trails. We distributed healthy snacks & bottled water to kids & PER & Lodge Drug Awareness Chairman David Foldi set up his Drug Awareness Display. Pictured from far left to right is member Gerald Falconio, Sr., Lecturing Knight Rich Hogan, Leading Knight Bill Heffelfinger, Loyal Knight Bill Rosenberger and PER David Foldi. 17/05/09   Saratoga-Wilton Bowling League Members attended the NYS Bowling Tournament. 17/04/13   Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 – On 4/13/17, the Cohoes-Waterford Elks were a part of the Cohoes Global Youth Service Day. Ten students and a teacher from Cohoes High School arrived at our Lodge shortly before 9 a.m. & worked until 12 noon cleaning our outside grounds. We served bagels, cream cheese & Gatorade for breakfast & throughout the time they were at our Lodge. The seniors cleaned the area along the entire fence from the top of the entrance driveway to the lower level parking lot. They also cleaned the area on the hill from our marquee sign over to our garage adjacent to the upper parking lot. Pictured (L to R) Leading Knight Bill Heffelfinger, 10 Cohoes High Seniors, Cohoes High Teacher, and ER Regina Hogan. 17/02/26   Mechanicville-Stillwater Elks #1403 – On February 26th, The 3rd “Military Mom In Action” care package event was held at Mechanicville Stillwater Elks and was attended by Elk members from Mechanicville-Stillwater, Cohoes-Waterford, Scotia-Glenville and Brunswick Elks.  Also attended were Gold Star Moms, Elected Officials, Veterans, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and members of the community who helped to make this another successful event!  2,000 packages were packed in 90 Minutes and 1,377 of these packages will be mailed in March to deployed soldiers all over the world. The remaining packages will be saved for the next mailing which will be in April.  Pictured are Kathy Buckley, Founder of Military Mom in Action (L) and Justine Crowley-Duncan, Veterans Service Chairperson, Mechanicville-Stillwater Lodge. 17/02/23   Scotia Glenville Lodge #2759 initiated four new members on February 23rd 2017. Congratulations to our new members, Emily Martinec, Liza Hunt , Debra and Allen Payette. 17/02/18   Cohoes-Waterford Elks Lodge #1317 - Six (6) boxes of comfort & non-perishable food items, donated by Cohoes-Waterford Elks Lodge members and guests, were shipped overseas to the Air Force’s 52nd Special Security Services Squadron.  Each person who participated in the Annual Bowl for Vets Fundraiser on February 18th, sponsored by the Lodge’s Veterans Service Committee, were asked to bring these items to the event that raised over $1,000 in proceeds. Photo description  (left to right):  Kelly Kane, mother of member of Air Force 52nd Special Security Services Squadron & Regina Hogan, Cohoes-Waterford Lodge & North East District Veterans Service Chairperson, seen with some of the comfort & non-perishable food items before they packed six boxes. 17/02/10   Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 – Pictured are the Americanism Essay Contest Winners on “Why is it important to Vote?” from the Waterford-Halfmoon School.  Exalted Ruler Brian Bott presented each with Certificates and Movie Pass Packs.  The Essay Contest Winners will be our Guest Speakers at our Flag Day Ceremony in June where they will read their Essays.        17/01/01   Amsterdam Lodge #101 – On New Year’s Day, Amsterdam Lodge hosted a complimentary breakfast celebration for their members and families. Donations were collected and $241 was donated to the Robert Reidy Scholarship Fund. Robert Reidy was a Past District Deputy of the Northeast District and Amsterdam Lodge’s former Secretary. 16/12/30   Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 - Six Lodge members were recently honored at a Vietnam Veterans Recognition Ceremony held at the Cohoes American Legion. Each veteran was presented with a Proclamation by the President of the United States, “Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War”, a Vietnam War Veteran Pin & Stars for Troops packet. Photo Description: Vietnam Veterans (L to R) PER Edward Baniak of Watervliet Elks Lodge, Roland “Bud” Abare, Veterans Service Chairperson PER Regina Hogan, PER John Lord, PSVP Bill Hayes & Frank Adams. Not pictured - Allen Aubin & PER Guy Dupuis. 16/12/30   Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 Veterans Service sponsored its 18th Annual Christmas Visit to a transitional homeless veterans facility - The Veterans House in Albany, New York - on Saturday, December 17th. Eight Lodge members & Veterans Service Chairperson, Regina Hogan, enjoyed an afternoon of food, fun & conversation. Due to the generosity of our members, gifts valued at more than $1,100, were given to 36 needy veterans. The arrival of Santa Elk, Lodge member PER Dave Foldi, was the highlight of our visit & each veteran sat on Santa’s lap to receive a gift and have a photo taken. 16/12/18         < Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 – On Sunday, December 18th, the Cohoes-Waterford Elks teamed up with the Uniform Firefighters of Cohoes Local 2562 for a Breakfast with Santa – Cheer for Children Program. The Elks hosted the breakfast and the firemen took pictures of the children on Santa’s lap, printed each picture and handed to the parent. Each child also received a stuffed animal. Patrons of the breakfast were asked to bring an unwrapped toy for the Cheer for Children Program in Cohoes which enables families in need to register their children and receive toys for the Holidays. One of the options when registering is to have Santa deliver toys on Christmas Eve on the Fire Truck. 16/12/12   Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 hosts Toys for Tots Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 11th. Proceeds of this event went to the Girl Scouts of Cohoes/Green Island/Watervliet. The Marine Corp presented Exalted Ruler Brian Bott and Girl Scout Troop Leader & Lodge Member Cheryl Bierce with a Certificate. Four boxes of toys were collected. 190 Patrons attended the breakfast. Pictured is Lecturing Knight Bill Rosenberger (Santa), Exalted Ruler Brian Bott, two Marine Corp Representatives, Troop Leader and Member Cheryl Bierce and Troop Leader Vicki Gray. 16/11/18   Scotia Glenville Elks #2759 - On November 17, 2016, Scotia Glenville Elks #2759 presented duffel bags packed with essentials and comfort items for children being placed in foster care. The bags were presented to representatives of Schenectady County Foster Care Unit. Each bag was packed with a blanket, pajamas, socks, a toy, personal care items, coloring books, crayons and read-to-me or read-alone books. The duffel bag project was made possible by a Gratitude Grant. Members shopped, packed and donated items to be included in the bags. Pictured are Exalted Ruler Deb Kruk, Member Laura Ziegler, Tracy Toscano and Debbie VanAlstyne of Schenectady County Foster Care Unit. 16/11/12   < Cohoes-Waterford Elks #1317 - Veterans Day Luncheon/Flag Retirement Ceremony, held at Cohoes-Waterford Elks on November 12th, was attended by 100 veterans & guests. Special invited guests included Veterans House Staff & veterans, FrankDeSorbo, Director of Patriot Flights,Inc. & Gene Loparco of Please Remember Me. Guest speaker Edward Spence of Operation Injured Soldier, was presented with a $250 donation to his Organization. Each veteran was given a gift to commemorate the day. More than 50 unserviceable American Flags were properly disposed of during the outdoor Flag Retirement Ceremony. Lodge Officers & members conducted the Ceremony, Lodge member Scott Murray played the bagpipes & and a member from the Mechanicville-Stillwater Lodge played TAPS. Photo Description: Edward Spence 16/08/13   Members of Scotia Glenville Lodge #2759 served over 100 meals at the Schenectady City Mission. The lodge also donated $500 to help offset the price of meals. Donation was made possible with money from the Beacon Grant.

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