May/June 2009 Newsletter

Letter from President

This will be my last “Letter from the President” for the newsletter. It’s been two years since I was first elected President, and I would like to thank everyone that has helped me along the way. We have accomplished many things during that time and raised money for my charity, the building fund and other causes around the area. We have also had a lot of fun. The support of the membership means a lot to me.

Don’t forget, we have a NASCAR Derby scheduled in July and it sounds like it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.

Marty Hewitt will take over the position of President in June and I hope that everyone shows him their support.

See ya around the Club.

Worthy President, Rod

Letter from Madam President

Hi to all the Auxiliary Ladies,

I would like to start out by Thanking our Men Aerie Members that put on a wonderful Mother/Daughter Banquet for all the ladies of the Eagles. A Special Thank You to Dave and Elaine Martin for the very delicious chicken dinner and Pat Goodrich for the scrumptious cake. It was a very nice evening.

Our 35th Anniversary Party was a good time. We had a very nice dinner catered by Ottawa Catering. The Good Time Show was a lot of fun. Thank You Pat Goodrich for all your time and effort put in to the show! We had a lot of good laughs.

Sisters in our Thoughts and Prayers: Sue Crews, Pat Crandell, Dawn Jones, Shirley Hines, Cathy Huver, Shirley Mills, Sue Pugh and any other sisters that I am not aware of.

The Auxiliary recently purchased a new "Garland Range" for our kitchen and it is beautiful. Thank You Donis Osborn for all the time and energy you spent on getting this stove for the club. One thing we really need to make sure of, is that everyone takes the time to clean this new stove when they use it. This IS a big investment and we do not want it to be ruined. A lot of hard work has gone in our club's kitchen. Please do your part to keep the kitchen looking the best that we can.

Lady Auxiliary meetings are every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. I would like to invite all of our auxiliary members come and join us.

We could use some new volunteers (and all that have volunteered in the past) to help on different activities FOR YOUR CLUB, please contact me if you have time to volunteer. It is always nice to see new faces volunteering on activities.

Monday night Bingo is one of our biggest money makers and this is one area we could use your help. If YOU could volunteer once in a while and want to see the Charlotte Eagles be a great club, PLEASE VOLUNTEER! It would make a big difference. If you can help with Bingo, please contact Kay Birgy directly at 543-5622.

The Club has many activities scheduled for our summer months. Starting off with:

June 11th: Father/Son Banquet. The "Sign Up Sheet" is at the Club. You will need to sign up to attend.

July 18th: NASCAR Derby. If you have never attended this event, you are missing out. This event is a must see. Good Food, Drawings and many good races.

Eaton Clothing & Furniture Center, located at 116 E. Lovett Street is looking for donations of many different items. Clothing, furniture, dishes, towels, bedding, toilet paper, paper towels. They do sell items in the store. You have an option when you donate your items: You can tell them that they are not to be sold, they are to be "given away". The Eaton Clothing & Furniture Center is associated with the Siren Shelter.

New Officers will be installed on June 10th.

They are as follows:

Madam President-Diana Riddle
Past Madam President-Pat Goodrich
Madam Vice President-Elva Boyles
Chaplain-Kay Birgy
Conductor-Donis Osborn
Treasurer-Wanetta Wolever
Secretary-Nancy Conkey
Outside Guard-Dawn Jones
Inside Guard-Pat Carpenter
Trustee 3 year-Sally Franklin
Trustee 2 year term-Joan Fast
Trustee 1 year term- Marge Bishop

President Rod, I would like to thank you for all of your help and support for the last six months. I have enjoyed working with you and the Past Madam President Pat. You both have done a lot of good things for the club. I am impressed that you both were Presidents together and you’re still married. Your hard work and dedication is Very Much Appreciated.

Have a safe and happy summer!

Your Madam President, Diana

From the Auxiliary Secretary

I’d like to welcome new members that have been initiated into the Auxiliary in March. They are: Patty Mears and Liz Betancourt. Please give them a big welcome next time you see them in the Club.

Word from the Grand Aerie has notified all Auxiliaries of changes in the Funeral Benefit Fund Effective June 1, 2009. The Funeral Benefit Fund continues as always for all auxiliary members qualified and initiated by May 31, 2009. After May 31, no new or re-enrolled member will be permitted to join as benefit members. The benefit of $200 will still be paid to the member’s beneficiary upon their passing if they were in good standing at the time of death. This is a good reason for all you benefit members to make sure your annual dues are paid on time and you don’t go delinquent.

Thank you for your support.

Nancy Conkey, Secretary, Charlotte Auxiliary

From the Aerie Secretary

I’d like welcome the new members that have been initiated this year: Gary Aaron, Dale Behnke, Doria Bradley, Jane Bragnwyn, Jason Brzezinski, Charla Burnett, Spencer Cole, Robin Cole, Judy Dunn, Warren Durecka, Cathie Lovegrove, Elizabeth Mach, Jeff McQuade, Jeff Mead, Jeff Royston and Byron Wheaton. Please give them a big welcome the next time you see them in the club.

This notice was posted by the Grand Aerie:

CORRECTION: Constitution and Rules and Regulations Book To Come
Page 14 of the April Eagle Magazine notes The Constitution and Rules and Regulations are now available in one book – this dual Constitution and Rules and Regulations book will not be made available until after the International Convention.

Thank you for your support.

Kari Place, Secretary, Charlotte Aerie

Capitol Report

The State of Michigan is forced to make cuts. The State is spending $5 million per day that is NOT coming into the State in taxes. This is a result of people not spending, businesses leaving the State, and the problems GM and Chrysler are having. The State cannot print money or borrow like the Federal Government and MUST balance the budget. Many State employees will end up on lay off status. I'm pushing for an early out to allow people under the old retirement system to retire. All new State employees (including myself) have a 401K.

New taxes have been proposed on almost everything. A nickle more per beer, new gas tax, and higher State yearly bar fees for all bars (including the Eagles). I will continue to oppose higher taxes. The State must prioritize spending and makes cuts. Just like a family does with a paycheck.

Representative Rick Jones

Around the Club

On March 21 there was a Benefit Auction, Buffett and More for the Jerry Root family. Many donations from members and friends filled the back room for the auction and the bake sale tables were full. The buffet table was covered with good eats, Ben ran a pool tournament in the social room and 50/50 drawings ran through the day. At the end of the day, Jerry’s ceiling tile was placed and over $2,000 was raised.

March 28 was Pasty day. The cooks took preorders and filled orders until the supplies were gone. Keep a look out for the next one.

The Anniversary Dinner with Show and Band was February 18. We had a great turnout again this year. The caterer’s did a fine job with the dinner, the bad was good and the show that Pat put together with her willing actors, once again, out did all our expectations.

The BBQ Ribs and Chicken dinner on April 4 was a success. The social room was full, the food was great and the left over were few. Thanks to the cooks, Chuck and Joe and helpers Kim, Sally, Ted and Kari. We raised $360 for the Building fund. We finished up with and Wii bowling tournament. It was great fun with two TV’s for two lanes and eight teams.

Thursday, April 30th, was the last Weekly Hamburger Night until next fall. They went through a few different teams this year and kept it going for the whole season.

Upcoming Events

May 7 – Mother Daughter Banquet
May 17 – Eagle Memorial
May 20 – Aerie Election of Officers
May 31 – District Meeting at Woodland
June 10 – Auxiliary Installation of Officers
June 13 – Texas Hold’em Tournament
June 17 – Aerie Installation of Officers
June 11 – Father / Son Banquet
July 18 – NASCAR Derby