NEW YORK STATE REPORTER Fraternal Order of Eagles, New York State Aerie 279 County Route 71, Stillwater, New York 12170-1723 518-587-6731 nyaerie.org

February 2020

Happy Valentine’s Day - Happy Groundhogs Day

State President’s Message - Shane J Strong

Hello Eagle members,

Hoping everyone had a nice holiday with your family, Happy New Year to all of you!

Heather and I traveled to Ithaca #1253 on Nov 16th to help them celebrate their 114th

anniversary. They had a nice turnout for the event, 68 people attended their delicious prime rib

dinner. State officers in attendance: Dale Nunamann VP, Mike Schwind Outside Guard and

Trustees Ed Adams and Jim Chavez. Past presidents in attendance were Al Porter, John Badi,

Pete Vaughn and Pat Gray. The aerie presented me with a check for my charity, thank you

Ithaca! Topped off the evening by joining Jim and Tammy Chavez out on the town for a

celebratory drink, fun time.

The next visitation took me to #2467 Hoosick Falls on Dec 7th for their 74th anniversary.

Excellent roast beef dinner, my membership chairperson Terry Keller and Heather accompanied

me. Nice turn out from their aerie, 49 people were present at the dinner. The following state

officers were present: Sec Donnie Y, Conductor Rich Baldwin, Outside guard Mike Schwind,

Trustee John Weldon, membership chairperson Terry Keller and Eastern Regional membership

chairperson Jeb Irvine. I am very grateful for the money they raised for my charity, thank you

Hoosick Falls! On the 4th of January, I traveled to Utica aerie who welcomed the NYS officers

for a special meeting. We voted to move the NYS 2020 spring conference to Ithaca. The

following officers attended: Treasurer Bob Yager, Conductor Rich Baldwin, Inside Guard

Robert McClure, Outside Guard Mike Schwind and Trustees Ed Adams, Jim Chavez and John

Weldon. The NYS membership chairperson, Terry Keller, also attended as he traveled with me.

Past Presidents that were able to join us were Lou Osmond and John Badi. I appreciate all that

were able to attend this important meeting. My membership chairperson, Terry Keller and I,

arranged to meet with my charity (FASNY) to present checks in Dec. These were donations

from aerie and aux dinners that I attended over the last couple of months, in addition to sales of

fire hydrant pins.

We stopped at Lansingburgh #3773 the same day; we tried their scrumptious chicken

wings. Our travels then lead us to Rotterdam Eagles #3610; they served us yummy pizza. Both

clubs supported my charity by purchasing fire hydrant pins; I appreciate the hospitality from

both aeries! On a sad note, I lost a dear friend and the VP of Cobleskill aerie, Paul Stafford,

most recently. He held that position since 2008, he also bartended on Thursday’s at our club. If

you ever attended one of our Anniversary dinners, he was the person who gave out the “gag”

gifts after our dinner.

A couple of weeks ago, I traveled to South Glens Falls #2486. Great hospitality shown

from aerie members Chris and Gordon Hadsell, along with other members at the bar. It was

nice to see the bartender, Tracy Hadsell. I encourage everyone to stop by on Tuesday’s for their

chicken wing special. I then proceeded south to visit my friend Donnie Y at Saratoga Springs

#2586. Heather and I had a fun evening chatting with Donnie, Jeb Irvin and bartender Kim.

I look forward to upcoming travels and seeing you along the Eagle trail. Remember my theme “SEARCH for new members and RESCUE former members”. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY Fraternally Yours, Shane Strong

From the State Membership Chairman Membership still is coming along well. Nearly every week we meet or beat our goal for

NET GAIN. As of this printing we have 8 out of 28 Aeries at NET GAIN. Great work, but we

only have 4 more months to reach our goal. Let’s keep the pace. Each month the Grand Aerie

does a new member survey. It is available at the home website (foe.com). Click on members

only, sign in, and go to surveys. There are almost 80 comments just for November. If you log

in and read some of the comments, I think you will find them interesting and helpful.

Terry Keller

Here’s a few items of what we've learned from the Grand Aerie Surveys of new member:

Person-to-person recruiting is our most effective avenue of bringing in new members. We should continue to

focus on encouraging interaction and developing tools to use in those interactions to help bring in new

members.

Most expressed a desire to just make friends and enjoy the fraternal aspect. I think it would be beneficial to

encourage our members not to push new members into serving in officer positions before they’re ready.

Obviously, there are exceptions to the policy, but overall, it seems more beneficial to allow them to ingratiate

themselves within the Aerie/Auxiliary before asking them to take on additional responsibility.

The atmosphere within the Aeries plays a huge role in people’s decision making. We have to do everything

within our power to limit in-fighting and try to create a positive family atmosphere in as many Aeries as

possible as this is obviously a key influencer in decision making.

80% are first-time members. While many believe that re-enrollees are key to growth, the numbers show that

reaching out to brand new members is highly effective in helping our numbers grow.

Motel information For The State Convention In Johnstown

Here are the Hotels for Convention:

Holiday Inn

308 North Cromie Ave., Johnstown, N.Y. 12095-1096

518-762-4686

The code is GLE they need this when they call.

3 nights is $ 393.12

Microtel

136 North Cromie Ave., Johnstown, N.Y. 12095

518-762-5425

They need to call by April 17th.

3 nights $ 399.84

Fraternal Order of Eagles, New York State Aerie Schedule of Events February 2020

2020 Anniversary February 8, 2020 Canajoharie Anniversary March 21, 2020 Saratoga Zone Meeting March 21, 2020 (4:00pm) Saratoga Anniversary March 28, 2020 Glens Falls Mason Dixon Conference April 3 & 4, 2020 VA 2020 Spring Conference April 18 & 19, 2020 Ithaca Anniversary April 25, 2020 Addison Flag Day Parade June 13, 2020 Saratoga 2020 State Convention June 19 & 20, 2020 Johnstown Grand Aerie Convention July 20-23, 2020 Spokane, WA 2020 Fall Conference September 19 & 20, 2020 Utica

2021 Mason Dixon Conference April 2 & 3, 2021 Pending 2021 Spring Conference April 2021 Pending 2021 State Convention June 18 & 19, 2021 Pending Grand Aerie Convention August 2-5, 2021 Phoenix, Arizona 2021 Fall Conference September 18 & 19, 2021 Pending

Raffle Tickets from Brother Pete Vaughn I already sent the letter and tickets out individually but thought I would remind

everyone. The raffle is for a TV benefiting the convention hospitality room. Send

money and tickets to Pete. Any questions contact Pete. 829 Maple St., Olean, NY

14760-0373 716-372-0373.

300 Club Tickets

The 300 club tickets are available from the Chairman, . Please call Lou Osmon at

716-583-3664 and have tickets mailed to you. This fundraiser benefits both the

State Aerie, State Auxiliary, and the many winners. Please order your tickets today.

Drawing is at the Spring Conference.

Your New York State Aerie Officers for 2019-2020 President-Shane Strong Vice President-Dale Nunamann Chaplain-Edward Dolbeck Secretary-Don Yanchunis Treasurer-Bob Yager Conductor-Rich Baldwin Inside Guard-Bob McClure Outside Guard- Mike Schwind Jr.Past State President-Lou Osmon Trustees-Ed Adams, Jim Chavez, Buster Weldon Membership Chairman-Terry Keller

Thank You Ruth Sharkey For All You Have Done For Us J. Ruth Sharkey

It’s with much sadness we report that as of the 2020 Spring Conference in Ithaca, the

New York State Fraternal Order of Eagles grant Coordinator, J. Ruth Sharkey has decided she

would like more personal time and after the Spring Conference in Ithaca, she will no longer be

the State Grant Coordinator. Ruth has been the State Coordinator for over 10 years and has

processed well over a quarter of a million dollars’ worth of grants. That’s over a quarter of a

million dollars of support given directly to our communities here in New York State because of

Ruth’s hard work over ten years. The Fraternal Order of Eagles Mission Statements states “we

should make human life more desirable by lessening its ills”. That’s exactly the job Ruth has

done for us by providing funding needed in our communities to lessening the ills of so many

people, thanks to her hard work.

Ruth joined the Eagles on March 13, 1982. Ruth got very involved and worked her way

up to become a Madam President in 1988. After becoming a Madam President she started

working on State Committees and offices until she became State President in 2001. Ruth has

always stayed involved with her local Auxiliaries for many years holding many titles along with

others, the very demanding jobs as Secretary and Treasurer. Ruth became the State Auxiliary

Secretary in 2002 and serves in that position to this day. Ruth went on to become the Eastern

Regional Madam President in 2010. She currently serves as the State Madam Secretary, State

Government Relations Chair, President of her local Auxiliary and of course until the Spring

Conference, New York State Eagles Grant Chairman. Who could EVER wonder why Ruth

might need some personal time? Since she joined the Eagles back in 1982, Ruth has given her

life to the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

We thank Ruth and wish her well with a little more personal time.

AGAIN, THANK YOU RUTH!

After the Spring Conference any and all grant activity will revert back to the New York State

Aerie Secretary, Don Yanchunis.

Information for the Larry Robillard Ride This year’s Larry-Ride is dated for June 6th, Schenectady 514, Sawmill Bar, and

Lansingburgh 3773 are the tentative ride stops. A Rensselaer Riders member will be going into

those Aeries to ask for permission as for being able to stop there for the Larry-

Ride. Fraternally Yours, Buster Weldon

Publish Dates for the New York State Reporter-

April and Convention. E-mail any information to

tlkeller01@gmail.com

From Glens Falls #2486

This aerie is very proud of their donations as they should be. Following is a letter from them.

Mason Dixon 2020 Conference Information

2020 - Mason-Dixon Conference April 3&4, 2020 Hosted by Fredericksburg Aerie 4123, 21 Cool Spring Rd. Fredericksburg, Va. 540-371-6538 We are looking forward to another exciting year for the Mason Dixon Conference. This year's guests of honor are Grand Worthy President-Elect Dave Smith, Pentiton, British Columbia 4281 and Grand Madam President Elect Jacque Marble, Sunnyslope, Arizona 2957 The dates are Friday April 3, & Saturday April 4, 2020. Mark your calendars for these dates and come out to meet and greet our next Grand Worthy President & Grand Madam President. The hours for this Mason Dixon Conference will be Friday April 3rd beginning approx. 2:00 PM (or as people arrive ). On Saturday April 4th we will resume fund raising at 9:00 AM and will continue throughout the day, with the exception of breaking long enough for our annual meeting starting at 11:00 am. Kitchen menu will be available. The conference casual dress and the Aerie is a smoking facility.

DONATIONS NEEDED! ! As in the past on these two days, we do what Eagles do best 'having fun' and promoting our motto, "People Helping People". As always, we need DONATIONS! !! Any Aerie/Auxiliary or any individual wishing to donate items to chance off, please get in touch with your state representatives or contact Mary Wilson, 703-2017162 voice/txt. The various BASKETS are always a big hit. Liquor cannot be brought into the club- but if you have a basket with liquor - leave the liquor in your car and put a picture in the basket. Last year we had $1.00 table with the eggs -if you are a winner then you could pick from the items on the table. We are asking that you bring in items for the table - so if you have any items around the house that you would like to donate -bring them in. Let's see if we can outdo ourselves this year. Any checks that are donated please make them payable to the 'Mason-Dixon Conference'. At the end of the conference we will write our Grand President Elects a check for the monies raised.

MEETING INFO On Saturday morning, we break for a short meeting at 11 :00 AM to conduct business. Each year we also pay tribute to our deceased Eagle brothers & sisters. The host aerie will conduct the Memorial Service. Also, during the meeting, we elect new officers, announce your new state representatives, and set plans for next year's conference. This meeting will be smoke free. Anyone interested in holding an office please be present or write a letter stating your interest. If your Aerie is interested in hosting the 2021 Mason Dixon Conference, please submit a letter of interest. Send all correspondence to Mary Wilson, Mason Dixon Secretary - via email Masondixonfoe@yahoo.com or snail mail 6040 Fieldcrest Ln, Broad Run, VA 20137.

PENNIES FROM HEAVEN - Saturday Night at the Banquet Let's not forget our "Pennies from Heaven". Bring your change and or bills, for when the time comes - drop it out on the floor or in the bucket. Let's all watch as our Grand President elects, Dave and Jacque "clean-up" the Aerie floor! Remember all proceeds go to their charities of choice. Let’s give them a great start.

Departed Brothers since 6/1/2019- Aerie, name, and number of years as a member

NEW YORK Aerie 782 CHARLES L. STEVENS 10/07/2019 29 Aerie 1042

MICHAEL RUSSO 09/21/2019 4 GORDON FERGUSON 06/17/2019 29

Aerie 1253 ROBERT L SMITH 12/09/2019 34

Aerie 1411 SHERYL A CORWIN 0 7/08/2019 2 FRANK KOWALAK 06/17/2019 1 ROBERT SCHLOSSER 06/17/2019 20 DAVID R BASSLER 06/05/2019 14

Aerie 2119 BRIAN A LEAHY 06/07/2019 2

Aerie 2145 DENNIS VISOSKY 01/07/2020 26 JOHN MCNALLY 07/01/2019 54 CARL J ULRICH 06/22/2019 4

Aerie 2191 FREDERICK MCKANE 12/17/2019 17 WILLY D FERRIS 11/04/2019 23 GREGORY J JACOBS 06/10/2019 1 LEON R FREEMAN 06/07/2019 7

Aerie 2467 MATT R FARRARA 01/19/2020 3 ROBERT MENTIPLY 10/28/2019 41 KRISTOPHER PULITO 09/22/2019 16 ANDREW DORISKI 09/01/2019 3 MARY JANE EDDY 07/14/2019 1 ANNA M BURDICK 06/09/2019 3 RICHARD A CULVER 06/03/2019 57

Aerie 2486 CHARLES STRAUB 11/03/2019 52 JAMES H MINNICK 09/01/2019 5 JAMES NOLAN 06/23/2019 16 SCOTT R WELLS 06/16/2019 20

Aerie 2586 WAYNE H KING 01/09/2020 4 MICHAEL J BOOTH 09/25/2019 1 PHILLIP BECKTOFT 08/27/2019 51 ROBERT B FURMAN 08/06/2019 32

Aerie 2644 ROBERT BROCIOUS 11/19/2019 45 CLAIR MARSH 07/17/2019 21 KING HARRIS 06/03/2019 12

Aerie 2692

ROBERT DMOCHOWSKI 12/01/2019 11 RALPH D CASEY 11/25/2019 8 CHARLES J MC KINNON 10/11/2019 13 GARY F HAEFNER 10/03/2019 28 MICHAEL J ODDO 08/01/2019 24 CONRAD J GOSPODARSKI 07/14/2019 16 MICHAEL P. STACHURA 07/05/2019 1

Aerie 2695 ROGER M NEWKIRK 01/15/2020 8 PAUL STAFFORD 01/12/2020 17 LAWRENCE R BUSH 12/13/2019 16 EDWARD ELSENSOHN 06/27/2019 23 CHARLES S HIRST 06/03/2019 10

Aerie 3610 JAMES C. MORRISON 08/01/2019 5 PAUL G BLAKE 06/25/2019 19

Aerie 3773 MATTHEW BENDON 06/26/2019 2 MICHAEL MCCORMICK 06/26/2019 9 CHRISTIAN MANUPELLA 06/25/2019 2

Aerie 3818 HARRY WAGNER 12/06/2019 22 JOSEPH A STANTON 12/06/2019 35

Aerie 3904 JOEL W ALLINGTON 01/28/2020 40

Aerie 4410 DON MURDOCK 01/28/2020 3 PATRICIA A DUPREY 10/11/2019 3

Aerie 4446 JASON BINK 11/08/2019 2 GUY NEWTON 10/13/2019 1 BERNHARDT J DEGIULE 09/12/2019 12 RONALD N BOISCLAIR 08/15/2019 9

State Membership Report By Club