NYSEA STATE PRESIDENT'S VISIT AT OUR LODGE

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On November 8, 2025, the Watertown Elks Lodge # 496 held their annual Veterans Dinner at their Lodge on 728 Bradley Street, Watertown, NY. Their cocktail hour was from 5 to 6 PM and dinner followed. The order of the Elks has designated November as Veterans Remembrance Month. The Veterans Dinner is part of the Elks pledge, “So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them”.

The night opened with introduction from Veterans Committee chair, PER Ed Massa. Exalted Ruler Phil Nuffer did the opening and Lodge Chaplain Margaret Bootie led us in prayer. PSVP Joan Carlo led us in singing the Star Spangled Banner and Leading Knight Anthony Demiceli led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The dinner was well attended by many area Veterans, guests, honored guests and two guest speakers.

Dinner followed and included Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce and a delicious cake was served as dessert.

Honored guests were Carol Lewis and Kristen Clukey, wife and daughter of our deceased member William J Lewis, who was a Vietnam war veteran. The duo held a fundraising golf tournament on Father’s Day this past June in honor of William J Lewis and raised $4,100 to feed our local veterans through Watertown Elks Lodge.

Guest speakers were Irene Riley from Feed Our Vets and David Nunez from Peer-to-Peer Outreach Center. Certificate of Appreciations were given to Joseph Navarra Jr. for his work maintaining our Outer Guard that is cross the street from the Lodge and to deceased member Major General Robert J Kasulke in memory and honor for his service to all Veterans, which was received by Matt and Sarah Marino. A $1,000 check, received from Freedom Grant, was also presented to Joseph P Dwyer Veterans Peer-to-Peer Support for temporary emergency housing for our local Veterans.

Drawing for Afghan Raffle took place near the end of the night and the winner of the beautiful Afghan blanket and matching pillows went to Linda Cantwell.

Special thanks to all the volunteers for cooking up delicious meals and serving them. Our cooks Geoff Mattraw and PER Tony Verne, helpers Janet Gardner, Lisa M Greene, Fran Alberry, John Czerwinski, Peggy Narrigan, Marcy Grenier, Renee Cook, Korey Phelps, Joe Navarra Jr., Sheri Doroha, Sandi LaVere, Robin Riley, Barb Yerdon, plus many more involved.

 The Order of the Elks has designated November as Veterans Remembrance Month.  Every Elk should know our solemn pledge of “So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.”
Veterans are our heroes! Please find a way to honor veterans in your Lodge and in your community. Some ways to say you care would be by hosting a veterans dinner at your Local Lodge, distributing care packages, and attending local events that coincide with your community’s recognition of veterans.
Our organization led the way in 1917 to fund and later establish the first veterans’ hospital. Currently, we have more than 700 Elks assigned to more than 400 VA Medical Centers, State Veterans Homes, clinics, and housing facilities across the country.
Our volunteers visit these facilities 2.5 times per month on average and provide entertainment such as bingo, art classes, and dinners. They also donate hygiene items and clothing, each making sure that the veterans are a priority.
The Order is committed to ending veterans homelessness. One way is by supplying Welcome Home Kits to newly housed veterans. This past year there were 4,252 kits distributed. The kits could include a bed, dishes, small furniture, and appliances like a microwave and coffee maker.
Another way is our partnership with VA social workers, who provided us with the names of 558 veterans who needed emergency financial assistance to become or remain housed. The average amount of assistance was $1,659.
As a follow-up to last month, make sure your local schools received information for the Americanism Essay Contest. Essays should be submitted for judging by December 15.
November also marks the need for us to be active citizens by voting in the election. Election Day is always held on the first Tuesday of November.
In closing, Sue and I wish you and your family a bountiful and relaxing Thanksgiving, always keeping in mind that you can Be The Difference by promoting “Elks Care—Elks Share.”