I am writing this article right after Janette and I returned from Grand Lodge Convention in Anaheim, California. Weare exhausted! But what an exciting week and an experience we will never forget! The atmosphere was electrifying and those of you who have attended Grand Lodge Conventions will understand; I am recharged and excited about what we can do as a Lodge when we put our collective minds to it! The patriotism and compassion of Elks across the nation reconfirms that Elkdom is alive and well!

I want to thank Fourth of July Picnic Chairman, Bill Hart, PER, and all who helped with the activities for an enjoyable picnic event. I also want to extend our appreciation to Cathie Goltra, ENF Chairman, for the “Hot Summer Nights” program; also thanks to Rob Schilders, Lodge Secretary, and Kelly Herberholz, Membership Chairman, for the “55 and Under Group” program. These events were designed to get all of us as members involved in our Lodge and Elkhorn! Our Elk’s Annual Family Picnic will be held on the 3rd Sunday in August; which is August 17th! I wanted to reconfirm that date as we had a misprint in the July Elkhorn. My thanks to Ed Stahly and the PER’s Association for taking the lead in putting on this traditional Annual event. Let’s all mark our calendars and plan on attending; and please volunteer to help as that will be most appreciated!

And for all us car “nuts”, the Purple Knights are again sponsoring our 10th Annual Car Show during the Labor Day weekend. Please check the Elkhorn for more details!

We also have some regular weekly and monthly activities that I wanted to bring to your attention. We have Bingo every Tuesday night, Texas Hold’em has now become a regular Saturday event; our Charity Dinner with Steve Seeley’s famous “Chicken and Dumplin’s” is held on the first Wednesday of each month and the Officers and PER’s cook breakfasts, usually the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month unless pre-empted by another event. Every Saturday night for the dance enthusiasts among us we have live music and well prepared dinners are available to all in the dining room! Come down and support our Lodge and enjoy these activities! It’s your Lodge and you should take advantage of it!

Get involved, support our Lodge and Elkdom. We are all in this together; the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks is indeed, the greatest fraternal organization in The United
States of America!

Fraternally and Respectfully,
Bob Newton.
Exalted Ruler 2008-2009