LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Boonville Lodge No. 2158 Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anni-
versary on March 27, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those fraternal organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Boonville Lodge No. 2158 Benevolent Protective Order of Elks upon the
occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary; a dinner was held on
Saturday, March 27, 2010, to celebrate this auspicious event; and
WHEREAS, The Exalted Ruler, Charles Howard presented awards to Sue
Krist, Sue Hennessey, Kathy Duncan, John Hennessey, Fran Ficarro, and
Alice Belewich; in addition, Robert Ely was the recipient of the presti-
gious Elk of the Year Award for his outstanding efforts on behalf on the
Lodge; and
WHEREAS, One of the oldest, largest and most active fraternal organ-
izations in the country, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of
the United States of America was founded in New York City in 1868;
today, it proudly numbers more than 1,200,000 men and women, in over
2,200 Lodges nationally, who share a commitment to its basic principles;
and
WHEREAS, The principles of the Elks are the practice of charity,
justice, brotherly love and fidelity; the promotion of the welfare and
the enhancement of the happiness of its members; the quickening of the
spirit of American patriotism and the cultivation of good fellowship;
and
WHEREAS, Boonville Elks Lodge No. 2158 began with a charter membership
of 230 and now boasts a membership of 753; and
WHEREAS, Starting in 1960, Boonville Elks Lodge No. 2158 has grown to
include a lounge, kitchen, dining facilities, pavilion, and expansion of
property size to include an enlarged parking area; and
WHEREAS, By 1981, Boonville Elks Lodge No. 2158 was able to pay off
the mortgage and became engaged in Elk programs and charities; and
WHEREAS, The members of the Lodge have been recognized for their
efforts in the Veterans Deer Hide Program, Cerebral Palsy organization,
Hoop Shoots, Little League, and Youth Bowling sponsorship, dinners, drug
awareness, and the Flag Day programs that take place in Boonville's
Little Village Park; and
WHEREAS, Further remodeling took place in the 1990s, as well as adding
a kitchen facility to the pavilion, new flooring, and the addition of an
outside deck; and
WHEREAS, Started in 1998, Boonville Elks Lodge No. 2158 hosts a one-
day "Haunted Trail" that is looked forward to and participated in by
over 500 children each year; and
WHEREAS, Since being founded 50 years ago, Boonville Elks Lodge No.
2158 has embraced the principles of its parent organization with great
zest, keeping in mind its obligation to charitable and philanthropic
endeavors; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of the Boonville Elks Lodge No. 2158, past and present, who
have labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of
life for the community it serves; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-

tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Boonville Lodge No. 2158 Benevolent Protective Order of Elks
upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary, fully confident
that it will continue to enjoy the same success which has so character-
ized its past; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Boonville Lodge No. 2158 Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks.