CLAYMONT MOOSE FAMILY CENTER

CLAYMONT LODGE #847

CLAYMONT WOMEN OF THE MOOSE CHAPTER #186

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY – MARCH – APRIL – MAY 2018

5101 GOVERNOR PRINTZ BOULEVARD

WILMINGTON, DELAWARE 19809
302-764-9765
LODGE AND CHAPTER OFFICERS

Governor - Andy Zeager Senior Regent - Lorraine Talarico Smith

Jr. Governor - Chris Clark Junior Regent - Susan Lechette
Past Governor - Lee Anderson Jr. Graduate Regent - Lorraine Cannon
Administrator - Michael Slotwinski Recorder - Rita Anderson
Treasurer - Jim Sheftz Secretary-Treasurer - Mary Jane Sheftz
Prelate - Jerry Marley
Trustee - Gary Cooke
Trustee - Andy Lechette
Trustee - Jason Ostroff

LODGE AND CHAPTER MEETINGS

Lodge meetings for Lodge Officers are held each month on the first and third Wednesdays at 6:30 P.M.
General meetings for all Lodge members are held on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 P.M.

Chapter meetings for all co-workers are held each month on the second and fourth Mondays at 6:30 P.M.

MOOSE SOCIAL QUARTERS

Hours of Operation Food Service (Bar Menu)
Monday thru Thursday - 11:00 A.M. to Midnight Monday thru Saturday - 11:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.
Friday - 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. (Based on availability of Bar Staff)
Saturday - 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M.
Sunday - 12:00 Noon to 8:00 P.M. Details of special food offerings can be found on
(Note - Bar Staff has option to close early if fewer than the Claymont Moose Family Center Updates page
4 patrons are present)

A MESSAGE FROM OUR GOVERNOR

Dear Brothers and Co-Workers:

I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season and, as we all know at the Claymont Moose, the
partying is not yet done!

Soon we will embrace the following big nites at the Moose: Chili Contest, Karaoke Contests, Super Bowl
Party, Valentine’s Dinner, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day and on and on. Seems we like to party!

Speaking of partying, How about those Birds! E A G L E S, E A G L E S ! Fly Eagles, Fly. This will be my first
Super Bowl at the Moose with the Eagles representing! Missy and I can’t wait, because if it is anything like the last
two playoff games versus Atlanta and Minnesota, the Claymont Moose will be rocking! BTW, the parade is
scheduled for Tuesday, February 6th, so we might have to push back the District meeting in Newark!

Speaking of Moose business, the Mid-Year Conference will be held March 1-4 in sunny Ocean City, Maryland.
The Polar Moose Plunge will be at noon on March 3rd. I know Lorraine Smith will be taking the plunge so please
sponsor her for her efforts. The theme this year is “Dilly, Dilly…Let’s get Chilly, It’s for the Kids.” All funds raised
go directly to support our MD-DE-DC boys’ home at Mooseheart.

Thank you everyone for supporting our events and social quarters. We will be making some minor changes
in the near future to stay competitive for your entertainment dollar. As they say, we don’t need to swing the axe
harder, we just need to sharpen our blade.

Go Eagles !!!
Fraternally,

Andy Zeager

A MESSAGE FROM OUR SENIOR REGENT

Dear Brothers and Co-Workers:

Well it’s been a rough year for me with the sickness and loss of my husband, Smitty. I haven’t been able to be
here a lot but, as usual, the few people who do all the work around the Lodge have done a wonderful job. We are
grateful for all your hard work.

Andy Zeager and I will be participating in the Polar Bear Plunge again this year in Ocean City, Maryland.
I hope we have nice weather! It was fun last year. The other Lodges are challenging us this year, so Andy and
I need sponsors so Claymont Lodge can win the challenge.

We have a lot of fun activities planned for the upcoming months. Please come out and participate and, again,
we always need help.

The new Lodge and Chapter year starts on May 1. Please consider getting involved as an elected or
appointed officer or chairman. Any of the current officers are always available to provide you with detailed
information about the positions.

In Faith, Hope, and Charity,

Lorraine Talarico Smith

 MOOSE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
* Transfer In
** Re-Enrolled Welcome Welcome
***Dual member New Lodge Members New Chapter Members

Chadd Batts Francis Di Maio Nicola Baldini Mary Ellen Patterson

Eugene Beachboard Dean Jones Kimberly Christensen Jacqueline Ratay
John Brady Fred Laurino Debbie Edmiston Judith Ruditys
Robert Brady Cim L’Heureux*** Shirley Hill Jennifer Slotwinski
Patrick Campbell Andre Mercado Nancy Kaper Joyce Wood
Ralph Ciancaglione John Ratkevic
Alexander Coale** Pierluigi (Pete) Ricci
Michael D’Amico Nicholas Santillo

The following members have incurred a recent illness and/or hospitalization—

Kenny Babicki, Nancy Barefoot, Chrissy Bennett, Gary Cooke, Leon Duschl, Karen Faust, Carol Jensen, Rosemary Kersten,
Barbara Lunbeck, Hughie Mc Crea, Nancy Nichols-Chadwick, Dee Polites, Sonny Quillen, Pat Reincke, Les Saraga,
Beth Sellers, Larry Sell, Ron Toy
We hope you are feeling better !

Our defending circle has been broken with the passing of the following Chapter members:
Mary Jane Blosser – Marianne Taylor – Mary Walker
Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to their families and friends

Our sympathy is also extended to the following members who incurred deaths in their families:
Rita Anderson (cousin), Lee Anderson (cousin), Kathy Arrison (aunt), Dave Brady (nephew),
Danielle Brady Stevens (cousin), Kelly and Chris Clark (Chris’s father),
Chantel and Mike Connolly (Chantel’s mother), Larry Fite (father), Nancy Handlin (cousin), Rosemary Kersten (aunt),
Richard Kersten (aunt), Ninnie Kibler (brother), Susan and Andy Lechette (Andy’s cousin), John Magaw (father),
Sue Raczkowski (father and nephew), Lisa and Larry Sell (Larry’s mother and sister-in-law / family dog),
Barbara and John Slotwinski (John’s aunt), Arnie Tabor (daughter), Gordon Taylor (spouse)

CONGRATULATIONS

Leon Duschl – 50-Year Member of the Loyal Order of Moose

and recipient of a Lifetime Membership from Moose International

Claymont Lodge – Champion Level Award for contributions to Moose Charities

Note: Do you know a Moose member who is in the hospital, ill, or lost a loved one?
If so, please inform a Lodge or Chapter officer so we may acknowledge. Thanks.
 MOOSE INTERNATIONAL NEWS AND UPDATES

HEART OF THE COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Enter your High School Junior (Graduating Class of 2018) for a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship.
Applications are available at the Lodge and must be received at Moose International by June 30, 2018.
Check the Lodge’s bulletin board for full information and applications. Winners will be randomly selected
and will be notified by November 17, 2018.

INTERNATIONAL MOOSE CONVENTION

The 2018 Convention will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, from July 11 through July 15. Complete
details can be found on the Moose International website (www.mooseintl.org) where you can also register
and make your hotel reservations.

JOIN THE MOOSE LEGION

This is the Degree of Service that provides opportunities for Lodge members to further accomplish our
fraternal mission of providing support to Mooseheart and Moosehaven. Please contact Lee Anderson
if you are interested in joining….you can earn Moose Rewards by joining or sponsoring another
member to join.
MOOSE MEMBER BENEFITS
Log onto the following sites to access member benefits and related information:
Moose International Website at www.mooseintl.org
MD-DE-DC Moose Association at www.mdmoose.org
Check out the Claymont Moose Family Center on Facebook

NEWS FROM THE MD-DE-DC MOOSE ASSOCIATION

DISTRICT MEETINGS for the Sixth District (Claymont, Elkton, Newark, New Castle) are held on the first
Tuesday of selected months. Dinner is served at 7:30 P.M. followed by the meeting. As a reminder--
Lodge and Chapter officers are required to attend these meetings……..and all members are welcome to
attend. Car pool arrangements are available. Contact a Lodge officer if you are interested in attending.
Please note the following confirmed dates:
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 - NEWARK LODGE
TUESDAY, APRIL 3 - CLAYMONT LODGE
TUESDAY, MAY 8 - ELKTON

The MD-DE-DC MOOSE ASSOCIATION MID-YEAR CONFERENCE will be held March 1-4, 2018,
at the Princess Royale Hotel in Ocean City, MD, where special rates are offered for Moose members.
Make your plans now to attend. All members are welcome.

Several events will be held at the Conference:

Annual Polar Bear Plunge – You can participate in the plunge or make a monetary pledge to a participant.
Money raised will support the MD-DE-DC Boys’ Home at Mooseheart. Andy Zeager is the event Chairman….
please talk with Andy to get further details.

Cash Bash – Buy a ticket for $25 which includes a buffet dinner and your chance to win cash prizes that are
drawn every 5 minutes. A total of $12,500 is awarded. Tickets are available at the Lodge. You do not have
to attend to win the prizes.

Karaoke Contest – Winners from the MD-DE-DC Moose Association’s Districts will compete in Ocean City. Enter
the Sixth District’s competition that will be held at Claymont Lodge on Saturday, February 10, at 8:00 P.M.
for a chance to represent the district in the contest in Ocean City.
 NEWS FROM THE MD-DE-DC MOOSE ASSOCIATION (Continued)

MD-DE-DC MOOSE ASSOCIATION – 9TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

This year’s Golf Outing is scheduled on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club located
in Magnolia, DE. The tournament is open to anyone who plays golf. Funds raised benefit the Scholarship
Program for qualifying high school students to further their education. Five $1,000 scholarships will be
awarded. Individuals can also sponsor a hole, the longest drive, closest to the line or closest to the pin for
$100 or you may sponsor a cart for $50. Contact Lee Anderson if you are interested in playing or sponsoring.

CLAYMONT MOOSE FAMILY CENTER UPDATES

ELECTION OF OFFICERS (New Lodge and Chapter year begins May 1, 2018 thru April 30, 2019)
Holding an office is a very important responsibility requiring personal commitment and obligation in order
to be successful. If you are interested in submitting your name for nomination of an office, be sure to talk
with a current officer to learn more about the process and duties involved. Once your name is submitted,
it will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee who may also consider and recommend other candidates
who they consider most qualified. We need capable individuals to help lead the Lodge and Chapter--
individuals who seriously want to get involved, fully understand their responsibilities, and are willing to fulfill
all of the obligations of an officer.

Sheets will soon be posted at the Lodge listing the open positions available. Here’s your opportunity to
make a difference. Please note the following important dates:
LODGE CHAPTER
Nominations - March 7 – March 14 Nominations - February 12 - March 12
Elections - April 11 (4-8 P.M.- if needed) Elections - March 26 (8 P.M. – if needed)
Installation - April 18 ( 7 P.M.) Installation - April 29 (4 P.M.)

CLAYMONT MOOSE FAMILY CENTER UPDATES

MEMBERSHIP COST STRUCTURE – Extended Offer

A new candidate can save $10 when he joins the Lodge since a discount is currently being offered on the
Enrollment Fee.
LODGE - $56 to join - Current Discounted Rate (thereafter annual dues of $46)
CHAPTER - $45 to join - Current Rate (thereafter annual dues of $25)

IN-HOUSE MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN

The Claymont Lodge and Chapter will present a $10 Wawa Gift Card to any member who sponsors two
members into the Lodge or Chapter during the months of February-March-April-May.

LODGE & CHAPTER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES (Heart of the Community Program)

Monetary donations to Claymont Boys Scouts Troop 61, Food Bank of Delaware, Police Athletic League,
Philadephia’s Philabundance Program. Donations of canned goods to local food closets and toys to the
Salvation Army. Participation in the Meals on Wheels Program and visits to area nursing homes.

If you are interested in participating in community volunteer activities on behalf of the Lodge or Chapter,
please speak with a Chapter officer for further details.
 CLAYMONT MOOSE FAMILY CENTER UPDATES (Continued)
FOOD offerings at the Lodge include: (Please contact Lee or Rita Anderson to volunteer)
HELP IS ALWAYS NEEDED

 Daily Bar Menu – Sandwiches/snacks - day and evening hours ( based on availability of bar staff)
 Monday Evening – Hot Dogs and Bowls of Chili (starts at 6:00 P.M.)
 Tuesday Evening – Taco Nights and Steamed Shrimp Nights (starts at 6:00 P.M.)
 Wednesday Lunch Special – Join Kelly for her weekly features (11:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.)
 Wednesday Evening – Wings cooked to order (6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.)
 Thursday Evening Sandwiches (6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.) menu posted each week
 Friday Night Dinners (6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.) menu posted each week
 Saturday Evening Lite Fare (6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.)
 Sunday afternoon “pot luck” Lunch (complimentary)….until it is all gone

HAPPY HOUR every Monday thru Friday from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

DJ MUSIC and KARAOKE provided by ……….

“Just You and Me” DJs on Saturday evenings from 8:00 P.M. to Midnight

OPEN JUKE BOX every Friday night from 8:00 P.M. to Midnight (limit $25)

SENIOR DAY (for Lodge and Chapter members age 60 and over) every Tuesday from Noon
to 3:00 P.M. Lunch discount of $1.00 off the price of any Moose menu item and social activities
(open pool, card games, etc.).

PRETZELS FOR PUPS will be sold on Sundays. Enjoy a delicious soft pretzel for $1.00.
All proceeds will be donated to local animal shelters.

OPEN POOL TABLE – Every Tuesday evening starting at 6:00 P.M.

 CLAYMONT MOOSE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY

SPECIAL VALENTINE’S CELEBRATION DINNER – SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11

You must sign up in advance for this dinner that will include SURF AND TURF (choice of a 5 oz.
Lobster Tail or 6 Jumbo Shrimp) along with side dishes and dessert, plus a complimentary glass of
champagne. Cost is $18/person or $35/couple. To better accommodate those dining with us, we will
have two seatings – one at 4:00 P.M. and the second at 5:30 P.M. The sign-up sheet is posted at the
Lodge. Musical entertainment will be provided. We hope to see you.

A special “Valentine Raffle” will also be available – you could win some sweets for your sweetheart!

MARCH

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY – FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 7:00 P.M. to MIDNIGHT
Join us for an evening of celebration that will include fun, food, and DJ Music. Please be sure to bring
along your favorite covered dish to compliment the theme food provided by the Lodge. Please contact
the coordinators--Lorraine Cannon or Mary Jane Sheftz to offer your help.

WOTM ST. PATRICK’S DAY RAFFLE – FRIDAY, MARCH 16

The raffle will include a $75 Gift Card to the Erin Pub Restaurant and other “Irish” goodies. Be sure to
purchase your raffle ticket in the Lodge’s Social Quarters ($1 each or $5 for six). Susan Lechette is
coordinating this fundraiser.

CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT – SATURDAY, MARCH 24 – 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Festivities will be held at the Lodge and lunch will be served. Please register your children (ages12 and
under) to attend--signup deadline is March 18. Kelly Griggs Clark is coordinating this event and would
appreciate your help.

EASTER COOKIE SALE – WEEK OF MARCH 25

The Women of the Moose will sell plates of homemade sugar cookies for Easter. The cookies will
be on display in the Lodge and will sell for $2.50 per plate on a “first come – first served basis.”
They sell fast so get them as soon as you can.
 CLAYMONT MOOSE CALENDAR OF EVENTS (Continued)

APRIL

FIESTA PARTY AND RAFFLE – FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 7:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT
Join us for this fun-filled evening that will feature a delicious Mexican theme food buffet, music, and
fun….a small donation of $5 would be appreciated. The WOTM will also sponsor a Mexican theme raffle
that will include a gift card to a local restaurant and many other items yet to be determined. We hope to
see you there – OLE ! Please contact Rita Anderson to offer your assistance.

MAY

KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY & MOOSE RACES – SATURDAY, MAY 5 – STARTS AT 5:00 P.M.
Come on down and watch your favorite horses race. Enjoy complimentary food and drink specials that
will be available for purchase while you watch the race.

Later that evening, the Lodge will host an Evening at the Races….with Moose (not horse) Races!
Stop by and participate in the fun.
NOTE: There will be no Karaoke this evening.

HOLIDAY BBQ BUFFET DINNER – FRIDAY, MAY 25 – 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Start off the Memorial Holiday Weekend by joining us for a scrumptious meal with a picnic theme that will
include grilled items, side dishes, and desserts. You will need to sign up for this dinner so we will know
what to prepare. The cost will be $10 / person. Look for a signup sheet in the lobby closer to the event.

ADVANCE NOTICE …………………

Mark your calendar for SATURDAY, JUNE 16 when the Lodge will sponsor its sixth annual
CHICKEN BARBECUE. Details will be posted closer to the event.

REMEMBER….THIS IS YOUR LODGE AND YOUR CHAPTER and together they comprise our
“MOOSE FAMILY CENTER”
HELP SUPPORT ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR COOPERATION AND PARTICIPATION
 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY YOU REALLY JOINED “THE MOOSE” ?

Hopefully the reason is NOT because you simply wanted to have a place just to socialize with others
without assuming any responsibility. If you did, then you DID NOT join for the right reason.

The Moose exists to provide the necessary resources for the continued support and maintenance of
the Mooseheart Child City and School and the Moosehaven Retirement Community and to lend our
support to our local communities.

As a reminder…..when you signed a Membership Application, you promised to fulfill two primary
obligations:
(1) to increase the strength of the Order by proposing for membership qualified individuals
of high personal character
(2) to give of your energy and substance in support of Mooseheart and Moosehaven

Membership can mean different things to different people. YOU are the one who determines what
you want to get out of the organization and what you want to give back. But, please always
remember the obligation of membership that you signed when you joined, as mentioned above.
Please consider how you can get more involved.

 Our Lodge and Chapter cannot exist without officers to lead us.
 Our Lodge and Chapter cannot exist without members.
 Our Lodge and Chapter cannot exist without volunteers.
 Our Lodge and Chapter cannot exist without customers.
 Our Lodge and Chapter cannot exist without participants in functions we sponsor.
 Our Lodge and Chapter cannot exist without your support of community activities.

It’s up to YOU. Won’t you please get involved and help us to continue to be here for you.
Don’t just leave it up to others to always carry the load. Help is always needed.

If you can’t volunteer your time to coordinate or assist with activities, how about considering
these options:
 Participate in the activities and parties we sponsor.
 Bring along a food donation for everyone to enjoy when requested.
 Be a good customer by purchasing the food offerings we have each day of the week.
 Buy a raffle ticket….even if you don’t really want to win….you can give the prize away.
 Make a monetary donation to the Endowment Fund when collected.
 Donate to Moose Charities (on-line at www.mooseintl.org).
 Participate in or donate to a community event we sponsor.

There are many tangible benefits to membership in “The Moose,” like receiving discounts on
entertainment, travel programs, insurance, health and wellness, etc., that can save you much
more than the cost of your annual dues. And, yes, you can visit any Lodge across the United
States, in Canada, and in Bermuda and simply enjoy the social activities afforded to you by your
membership.

But why not get involved in some small way and experience the rewarding feeling you get
when you help others.
 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY 6 SIXTH DISTRICT MEETING – NEWARK 7:30 P.M.

FEBRUARY 10 KARAOKE CONTEST – CLAYMONT LODGE 8:00 P.M.

FEBRUARY 11 VALENTINE’S DINNER Seatings at

4:00 P.M. and 5:30 P.M.

MARCH 16 ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY 7:00 P.M. to MIDNIGHT

AND WOTM RAFFLE

MARCH 24 CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.

WEEK OF WOTM EASTER COOKIE SALE During Lodge’s Social

MARCH 25 Quarters Hours

APRIL 3 SIXTH DISTRICT MEETING – CLAYMONT 7:30 P.M.

APRIL 20 WOTM FIESTA PARTY 7:00 P.M. to MIDNIGHT

MAY 5 KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY & MOOSE RACES Party starts at 5:00 P.M
Races around 7:00 P.M.

MAY 8 SIXTH DISTRICT MEETING – ELKTON 7:30 P.M.

MAY 19 MD-DE-DC MOOSE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL Check the Lodge for

GOLF TOURNAMENT details

MAY 25 HOLIDAY BBQ BUFFET DINNER 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

NOTE: KARAOKE ON MOST SATURDAY EVENINGS FROM 8:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT

The CLAYMONT MOOSE FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER is published

three times per year as follows:
 June-July-August-September
 October-November-December-January
 February-March-April-May
If you would like to contribute to the contents of any edition, please contact:
RITA ANDERSON
EDITOR

The Newsletter is always available at the Lodge, located on Claymont Lodge’s Facebook Page,
and posted on the website: www.mdmoose.org

If you are aware of a member who would prefer to have a copy mailed to his/her home,
please contact Rita Anderson.
 Claymont Lodge – Recipient of the 5-Star Premier Lodge Award from Moose International
for the 2015-2016 Lodge Year
Lee Anderson Claymont Lodge’s Lifetime Achievement Award Nominee for 2015-2016
Jim Sheftz Governor Award of Excellence
Andy Lechette Claymont Lodge’s Moose of the Year for 2015-2016
Jason Ostroff Recipient of Claymont Lodge’s Arrowhead Award for 2015-2016
John Slotwinski 25 Membership Award
Michael Slotwinski Strive for 5 Membership (3-month period)
Andy Zeager Elected President of the Sixth District for the 2016-2017 year

Claymont Chapter – Recipient of the Award of Achievement from Moose International

for the 2015-2016 Chapter Year

MEMBERSHIP DRIVES AND RETENTION

As a reminder...be sure to send in your Membership Renewal Dues when you receive your
reminder from Moose International. It is very important that we continue to retain our members.
We appreciate each and every one of you! Invite a family member, friend, neighbor, or a
co-worker to stop by the Lodge and see what the Moose has to offer. Pick up a membership
application in the social quarters and extend an invitation to them to join our fraternity.

MD-DE-DC MOOSE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN (“Take Wille’s Money)

Willie Sampson is the newly- elected President of the Association and is sponsoring a short-term
campaign (October 1, 2016 – April 30, 2017). Each person who sponsors a new member into the Lodge
will receive a check for $5. Then (November 1, 2016 – April 30, 2017) sponsor
5 members into the Lodge and you will receive an Association logo shirt.

 Be a student of the high school graduating class of 2018

 Have a father, mother, step-parent, grandparent or legal guardian who is a current member of the Moose in good
standing (not required to reside in the same household)
 Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale or equivalent
(documented proof required)
 Applicant must also have participated in In-School / Extra-Curricular activities as well as Out-of-School
activities (documented proof required)
 Applicant must volunteer on behalf of a fraternal unit of the Moose (documented proof required)