canadian elk élans canadien
Transcription
canadian elk élans canadien
CANADIAN ELK ÉLANS CANADIEN THE ELKS AND ROYAL PURPLE FUND FOR CHILDREN PERSONAL ASSISTANCE financial assistance for a child’s needs as sponsored by a Lodge LODGE CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES PROGRAMS RELATED TO HEARING & SPEECH support of clinical programs that address communicative disorders, scholarships, awareness campaigns & advocacy promotion and support of Lodges engaged in charitable activities in their communities F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 3 V O L U M E 6 2 , N O . 2 ELKS OF CANADA ELKS OF CANADA 2011 2012 2012 – - 2013 CANADIAN ELK/ÉLAN CANADIEN EXECUTIVE GRANDGRAND LODGE EXECUTIVE GRAND EXALTED RULER GRAND RULER Ph. EXALTED (604) 824-5517 (Res) Ph. (780) 538-9456 (Res) (306) 536-0655 (Cell) (780) 831-4434 (Cell) jabwern@shaw.ca (306) 536-0655 (Cell) ger2@elks-canada.org larob@telus.net ger2@elks-canada.org R. Jerry (Bev) Wernicke Robert 5644Larsen Montesina Pl 9412-66 Ave CHILLIWACK BC GRANDE PRAIRIE AB V2R 3N8 T8W 1C6 IMMEDIATE PAST GRAND Ph. (867) 873-9750 (Res) IMMEDIATE PAST GRAND Ph. (604) 824-5517 (Res) (867) 920-5648 (Bus) (604) 703-3701 (Cell) (867) 445-1013 (Cell) jabwern@shaw.ca (867) 920-5668 (Fax) dhurley@yellowknife.ca GRAND LEADING KNIGHT David (Audrey) Hurley 4825 School Draw Ave Jerry Wernicke 5644 Montesina Pl NT YELLOWKNIFE CHILLIWACK BC X1A 2K6 (780) 831-0891 (Cell) GRAND LOYAL KNIGHT (780) 539-0503 (Fax) Ph. (403) 256-5101 (Res) larob@telus.net (403) 816-5567 (Cell) GRANDE PRAIRIE AB Duane Felt 1C6 Cres SW 55 T8W Millbank Ph. (780) 449-7107 (Res) klmcleod@telusplanet.net GRAND LEADING KNIGHT Ph. (780) 538-9456 (Res) duanef34@gmail.com GRAND LOYAL KNIGHT V2R 3N8 Jim McLeod 47 Hawthorne Cres SHERWOOD PARK Robert (Carol) Larsen AB9412-66 T8A 3ZAve CALGARY AB T2Y 2E2 Jim (Karen) McLeod Ph. (780) 449-7107 (Res) 47 Hawthorne Cres SHERWOOD PARK AB klmcleod@telusplanet.net T8A 3Z GRAND LECTURING KNIGHT Ph. (403) 256-5101KNIGHT (Res) GRAND LECTURING Ph. (506) (403)453-9893 296-5964(Res) (Bus) (506) (403)457-6898 816-5567(Bus) (Cell) dominic.leach@nbed.nb.ca dfelt@suncor.com GRAND ESQUIRE Duane (Elaine) Felt 55 Millbank Cres SW Dominic Leach 21 Main St AB CALGARY FREDERICTON NB T2Y 2E2 E3A 1C6 Dominic (Sandee) Leach GRAND ESQUIRE Ph. (506) 453-9893 (Res) Ph. (780) 532-1762 (Res) (506) 457-6898 (Bus) (780) 956-3955 (Bus) (506)296-1397 455-7078(Cell) (Fax) (780) dominic.leach@nbed.nb.ca delli@netnet.ca Denis Ellingboe 21 Main St 9231-94A Ave FREDERICTON NB GRANDE PRAIRIE AB E3A 6W5 1C6 T8V GRAND GRANDCHAPLAIN CHAPLAIN DenisSallenback (Marilyn) Ellingboe Deb 9231-94A Ave 26515 - 28 Ave GRANDE PRAIRIE AB ALDERGROVE BC T8V 6W5 V4W 3A6 Ph. Ph. (780) 532-1762 (Res) (604) 856-3559 (Res) (780) 956-3955 (Bus) (604) 996-3644 (Cell) (780) 356-2194 (Fax) daveanddebs@telus.net (780) 296-1397 (Cell) delli@netnet.ca GRAND INNER GUARD Ron Potter PO Box 782Sallenback Deb (Dave) MOOSOMIN 26515 - 28 AveSK S0G 3N0 ALDERGROVE BC Ph. (306) 435-3285 GRAND INNER GUARD (Res) Ph. (306) (604)435-0157 856-3559(Cell) (Res) r.d.potter@sasktel.net (604) 996-3644 (Cell) daveanddebs@telus.net GRAND ORGANIST GRAND ORGANIST (APPOINTED) Ph. (403) 549-3925 (Res) Ph. (403)625-6608 549-3925(Cell) (Res) (403) (403) 625-6608 (Cell) drbroomfield@platinum.ca broomfield@platinum.ca V4W 3A6 Doug Broomfield Doug (Gwenn) Broomfield PO Box 25 PO Box 25AB STAVELY STAVELY AB T0L 1Z0 T0L1Z0 GRAND LODGE 2011 - 2012 GRAND LODGECOMMITTEES COMMITEES 2012 - 2013 NATIONAL CHARITIES COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN CHARITIES COMMITTEE Elizabeth (Al) Busby NATIONAL Ph. (306) 492-4724 (Res) Will PO Challenger Box 772 CHAIRMAN DUNDURN Ph. (780) 842-5081 (Res) 2906 8A AveSK S0K 1K0 labusby@yourlink.ca (780) 842-7180 (Cell) WAINWRIGHT AB willchal@telus.net Ph. (780) 842-5081 (Res) T9W 0A8 Will (Lyndsey) Challenger (780) 842-7180 (Cell) 1030 17 Ave Ph. (780) 417-7049 (Res) Leonard Shain (780) 842-3335 (Fax) WAINWRIGHT AB (780) 818-3058 (Cell) 5 Woodfield Dr bisonbus@telus.net T9W 1K2 lfshain@telus.net SHERWOOD PARK AB Ph. T8A 4A1(Barbara) Shain Leonard (709) 722-8772 (Bus) donna.snelgrove@cansel.ca CO-CHAIRMAN Donna Snelgrove SHERWOOD PARK AB 64 Tweedsmuir Pl T8A 4A1 MOUNT PEARL NL A1N 2L8 Pezzutto Lorraine CO-CHAIRMAN ldpezz@shaw.ca Ph. (705) 254-2922 (Res) ldpezz@shaw.ca Ph. (250) 499-2450 (Res) Lorraine Pezzutto SAULT STE. MARIE ON 207 P6BSpruce 2H1 St SAULT STE. MARIE JoanP6B Popovich ON 2H1 Ph. (250) 499-2450 (Res) jjpopo@telus.net Ph. (250) 376-3442 (Res) KEREMEOS BC Regina V0X 1N3McLean (780) 417-7049 (Res) (780) 818-3058 (Cell) Ph. (709) 745-7365 (Res) lfshain@telus.net Ph. (705) 254-2922 (Res) 5 Woodfield Dr 207 Spruce St MEMBER SERVICES COMMITTEE CHAIRMANSERVICES COMMITTEE Gordon McLeod MEMBER Ph. (780) 467-2614 (Res) 110 Glamorgan Dr CHAIRMAN Gordon McLeod g_mcleod@shaw.ca SHERWOOD PARK Ph. (780) 467-2614 (Res) 110 Glamorgan DrAB T8A 2Y8 g_mcleod@shaw.ca SHERWOOD PARK AB T8A 2Y8 Ph. (604) 889-1160 (Res) garyandbarb@gmail.com Ph. (867) 873-9750 (Res) (867) 920-5648 (Bus) (867) 445-1013 (Cell) dhurley@yellowknife.ca Ph. (250) 964-3321 (Res) Ph. (306) 492-4724 (Res) (250) 561-5849 (Bus) labusby@yourlink.ca krushelnicki@cnc.bc.ca Gary (Barb) Gee 105-20145 55A Ave David Hurley 4825 School LANGLEY BC Draw Ave YELLOWKNIFE NT V3A 8L6 X1A 2K6 Nancie (Earl) Krushelnicki Elizabeth Busby 2559 McGill Cres PO Box 772 PRINCE GEORGE BC DUNDURN SK V2N S0K1Z5 1K0 pfinch@ca-partners.com P1A 2J3 SPORTS COMMITTEE Ph. (250) 964-3321 (Res) Nancie Krushelnicki Ken (Heather) Fedoruk CHAIRMAN (250) 561-5849 (Bus) 2559 McGill Cres Ph. (780) 539-5865 (Res) 9542-123 krushelnicki@cnc.bc.ca PRINCE Ave GEORGE BC GRANDE (780) 814-4976 (Cell) V2N 1Z5PRAIRIE AB kfedoruk@telus.net T8V 5Y5 SPORTS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Ken Fedoruk Ph. (780) (867) 667-6868(Res) (Res) Gary (Linda)Ave Hewitt Ph. 539-5865 9542-123 (867) 668-4733(Cell) (Bus) 6GRANDE Locust Pl PRAIRIE AB (780) 814-4976 kfedoruk@telus.net WHITEHORSE T8V 5Y5 gary@asprinting.ca YT Y1A 5C4 Ph. (867) 667-6868 (Res) Gary Hewitt COMMITTEE MARKETING (867) 668-4733 (Bus) 6 Locust Pl CHAIRMAN Bill (Margo) Ward YT gary@asprinting.ca WHITEHORSE Ph. (403) 335-4655 (Res) 22 Westwood Dr Y1A 5C4 (403) COMMITTEE 556-5202 (Cell) PO Box 520 MARKETING CHAIRMAN Bill Ward AB T0M 0W0 billward@telus.net DIDSBURY Ph. (403) 335-4655 (Res) 22 Westwood Dr (403) 341-9608(Cell) (Res) Ken (Barb)520 Komarnisky Ph. (403) 556-5202 PO Box billward@telus.net DIDSBURY AB (403) 347-2200 (Bus) 19 Langford Cres (403) 505-6254 (Cell) T0M DEER 0W0 AB RED webbbook@bellnet.ca JUDICIARY COMMITTEE 648 Norman Ave Webb Bryan (Beatrice) NORTH 100 NinoBAY Dr ON P1B 8B9 SAULT STE. MARIE ON P6B 3V6 Ph. (403) 443-7069 (Res) marphilj@gmail.com Ph. (403) 443-7069 (Res) marphilj@gmail.com Ph. (705) 497-7875 (Res) JUDICIARY COMMITTEE (705) 499-6565 (Cell) CHAIRMAN Ph. (705) 497-7875 (Res) mjmontgomery@sympatico.ca (705) 499-6565 (Cell) Ph. (403) 749-3792 (Res) mjmontgomery@sympatico.ca NORTH BAY ON Mark Montgomery 602 Ave P1BLaurentian 7T9 NORTH BAY ON Bob (Helene) Manning P1B 7T9 jjpopo@telus.net (250) 376-3459 (Fax) reginamac@shaw.ca Ph. (705) 253-6887 (Res) amj.helferty@hotmail.com AUDIT/FINANCE COMMITTEE 230 - 12 Ave Joan Popovich KEREMEOS BC 230 12 Ave V0X- 1N3 1110 Bentley Pl KAMLOOPS BC Anne Marie Helferty 391 St V2BElizabeth 5M5 SAULT STE. MARIE ON P6B 3H3 CHAIRMAN Bryan (Beatrice) Webb (705) 949-6340 (Res) 100 Nino Dr Ph. AUDIT/FINANCE COMMITTEE (705) 253-4711 (Bus) Peter SAULT STE. MARIE ON CHAIRMAN Finch (705) 253-1654 (Fax) 14-1205 P6B 3V6Premier Rd Ph. (705) 472-2421 (Res) webbbook@bellnet.ca (705) 472-0420 (Bus) NORTH BAY ON Ph. (705) 472-2421 (Res) (705) 472-0420 (Bus) Ph. (705) 949-6340 (Res) pfinch@ca-partners.com Ph. (705) 253-4711 (Bus) CHAIRMAN (403) 391-8212 (Bus) Peter (Carole) Finch Mark (Marie) Montgomery 602 Laurentian Ave PO Box 190 bhmanelk@xplornet.net DELBURNE AB T0M 0V0 Ph. (403) 362-6274 (Res) Duane Romuld duane.r@telus.net 95 Spruce Ave BROOKS AB T1R 0A5 (GENERAL COUNSEL) Reginald (Carole) Sauer 100-2255 Albert St (GENERAL COUNSEL) Reginald Sauer REGINA SK S4PSt2V5 100-2255 Albert REGINA SK S4P 2V5 kenkom@telus.net Ph. (506) 472-3658 (Res) (506) 458-1220 (Bus) ron.starr2@bellaliant.net Ph. (705) 495-3140 (Res) (705) 471-2256 (Cell) lisa.mike@sympatico.ca Ph. (204) 845-2625 (Res) (204) 845-2118 (Bus) ktutthil@mts.net Ph. (506) 472-3658 (Res) Ph. (403) 6274 (Res) (506) 458-1220 (Bus) (403) 501-1497 (Cell) ron.starr2@bellaliant.net k_romuld@hotmail.com T4R 2X1 Phil Johnson PO Box 475 Phil (Marion) Johnson THREE HILLS AB PO Box 475 T0M 2A0 THREE HILLS AB Ron 2A0 Roy T0M Publisher Bill Blake Managing Editor Garnet Roth Editor Alma Mossing Published 3 times a year All articles, information and advertising to be sent to the Grand Lodge Office. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40013287 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: ELKS OF CANADA 100-2629 29th Ave Regina SK S4S 2N9 email: magazine@elks-canada.org Opinions herein expressed are not necessarily those of the Canadian Elk publisher. Yearly subscription $5.00 Circulation — 14,000 www.elks-canada.org 1-888-843-3557 L’Élan canadien est publié trois fois l’an. Les articles, demandes de renseignements et messages publicitaires destinés à l’Élan canadien doivent être adressés comme suit: ÉLANS DU CANADA 100-2629 29th Ave Regina SK S4S 2N9 www.elks-canada.org 1-888-843-3557 Si l’adresse d’envoi est inexacte, prière de retourner à l’adresse au-dessu. Les opinions exprimées dans ces pages ne sont pas nécessairement celles de l’Élan Canadien. Coût annuelle d’abonnement 5.00$ Tirage - 14,000 101 Legion Dr FREDERICTON Mike (Lisa) BentleyNB E3A 2K9 1440 Fraser St NORTH BAY ON Kevin Tutthill P1B 3Y8 75 PO Box ELKHORN MB R0M 0N0 Ron (Starr) Roy Kelly Sanford 101 Legion Dr 19 Langford Cres FREDERICTON NB BROOKS AB T1R 0G6 E3A 2K9 1987-2012 History 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Grand Exalted Ruler Message ........... page 4 Supreme Honoured Royal Lady Message ............................................................... page 5 GER Itinerary ....................................... page 6 Rare Honour ........................................... page 8 DOES YOUR LODGE HAVE ANY “GOOD IDEAS” New Request for Funding Forms ...........page 11 British Columbia..................................... page 13 Alberta................................................... page 16 See page 9 on how a trip for two (2) to the 2013 Elks National Convention in Grande Prairie, Alberta, can be won by your Lodge simply by submitting a “good idea”. Saskatchewan....................................... page 20 Hour of Eleven....................................... page 21 Manitoba................................................ page 23 Ontario................................................... page 24 NB/PEI................................................... page 25 Newfoundland........................................ page 26 The deadline for your Lodge “good idea” submission is March 30, 2013 Quebec.................................................. page 27 Fund for Children................................... page 28 Clinical Programs................................... page 34 Push for Change.................................... page 43 Elks of Canada Planning Discussions ......................... on page 48 Sports.................................................... page 45 Lodge in Communities .......................... page 47 2013 HAS ARRIVED! HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR MEMBERSHIP? 3 GRAND EXALTED RULER MESSAGE Sister and Brother Elks, Ladies of the Royal Purple of Canada: 2013. Another year, my how time flies by. To the Lodges that I have visited to date, thanks for the hospitality, and thanks to the other Lodges that have taken the time to come and visit, it is greatly appreciated. To the Lodges that had to cancel my visits, we do understand and may we meet another time. All the Lodges that I have visited have been strong contributors to their community’s fabric. Thank you. It makes one feel good when you see the work that you are doing. May you continue to serve your respective communities making them a better place to live. The two walkathons I attended allowed me to meet many more of you, and I thank the hosts for putting on such successful events, plus the entertainment was excellent. As we move into 2013 I ask you to remember my theme: “The Future Is Now” and why I chose it. Remember what Pierre Elliot Trudeau said: “The past is to be respected and acknowledged, but not worshipped; it is our future in which we will find our greatness.” We must, like it or not, adapt to the way the world functions now, and we may find out we enjoy it. I’ve been asked why did I pick “The Future is Now”? We have built a strong foundation and a house called “Elkdom”. That house needs renovations now. We have to make the changes now. Technology has changed, society has changed. Now is the time to be working towards a brighter future. I picked the word “Philanthropy” for the year. I found this being practiced in every Lodge. Thanks, this is what we do the best and it shows. Take the Elks or Royal Purple out of any community’s equation and there is a lot lacking. So please keep up with your charitable work, invite others to help. You do make a difference. 44 There is no better thank you than the smile from a person’s face when you give to meet their needs. Thank you, to all Elks and Royal Purple, who remember to support the Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children. Through this fund we are able to help many and build a legacy of our benevolence. We are 100 years old and continue. Ask friends, family, and acquaintances to join. We have fun working with each other. Make it appealing to become a new member. If we are to survive, we need new younger members. Please retain your present members and make the new members feel welcome by making them part of all Lodge activities. Listen to their ideas. They may have some excellent ones. Both Elks and Royal Purple do great things for their communities. I am proud of all of you. If I’m in your area, please come out and visit. I look forward to meeting you. One observation – I have seen that many Lodges work well together on common goals, so please work with your local Royal Purple Lodge and keep up a good relationship. Both Lodges need each other and it is the local community that benefits from your great work. As we move forward I look to the Elks and Royal Purple to have an excellent year! “Making our Communities a better place to live” Robert Larsen Grand Exalted Ruler Elks of Canada SUPREME HONOURED ROYAL LADY MESSAGE Brother and Sisters Elks, Members of the Royal Purple of Canada: Happy New Year! 2013 has arrived and I wish you and your families Peace and Happiness for the upcoming year. With another Holiday Season behind us, we cannot help but reflect on the past year’s accomplishments within both Organizations. I am very excited and proud to be able to announce that the Royal Purple now has a new Royal Purple Lodge in Whitecourt, Alberta. I was honoured to have Past Supreme Honoured Royal Lady Sharen McLean represent me and institute this new Lodge on October 4, 2012. Special thanks to our National Lodge Development Committee for all their hard work in getting this off the ground. “Survival” is my theme for my term. This theme reinforces the fact that the Royal Purple is working hard to survive, and there is no doubt in my mind that we will be around for many years to come. If you have looked for my travel itinerary for these past months or the upcoming months, you will not find it. This year I decided to utilize my travel funds to help institute new Lodges and recruit new members and possibly, help some struggling Lodges to survive! It is my hope that the Royal Purple Lodges still continue to fundraise for the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children. If you see Brother Larsen, our Grand Exalted Ruler, please feel free to give him donations to take back to the office as well. He will be pleased to do it! I would like to thank the Lodges that have had fundraisers on my behalf and donated to the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children. With the support of each Lodge and every Member, I am confident that collectively we will find innovative ways to promote our great Order and increase our membership. If there are any Lodges out there that have had some success in increasing their numbers, your story can be shared through our National Newsletter the Pansy Express and we can all celebrate in your accomplishments. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at the upcoming National Convention in Grande Prairie, AB – July 16 - 18, 2013. Sisterly and Fraternally Yours, Margaret Craigie Supreme Honoured Royal Lady Royal Purple of Canada 5 “THE FUTURE IS NOW” 6 Have you checked out the Elks of Canada facebook page? The address is https://www.facebook.com/TheElksofCanada. Have a look. Post something. Get a conversation going. List your upcoming Lodge events or a “good idea” that your Lodge was successful with. Anyone into Twitter? Does your Lodge have a website? Why not join the electronic age and start one for your Lodge. Find a “techie” member and turn them loose. There are a lot of programs out there to make it simple and relatively pain free. Being online is the new way to market and the National Marketing Committee would like to encourage your Lodge to promote the Elks in a new way………online. 2014 ELK CALENDARS We have had great success with the sales of our 100th anniversary calendars and this made us think about producing an Elk calendar each year. It’s too late for 2013 but we would like to know if you would be interested in purchasing a 2014 Elk calendar. The format will be the same as the 100th anniversary edition, highlighting Lodges from all across Canada. If you would consider purchasing a calendar just email: wnoble@elks-canada.org or phone the national office at 1-888-843-3557. National Marketing Committee Elks of Canada 7 BROTHER BILL BLAKE RECEIVES RARE HONOUR Bill Blake, National Executive Director and Executive Administrator of Elks Canada was given a rare honour by the delegates to the 100th anniversary Grand Lodge National Convention in Chilliwack, BC this past July. The Past Grand Exalted Rulers Association proposed and the 276 voting delegates unanimously passed a resolution awarding Brother Bill Blake the office and title of Honorary Past Grand Exalted Ruler. This is only the second time this honour has been awarded in Elkdom’s 100 year history. The first in 1957 was to Brother P.A. Miquelon who had worked very successfully for many years as a Grand Organizer. Brother Blake was hired in 1987 as the Executive Director of the Grand Lodge and while his title has changed a few times over the years, his responsibilities to supervise, implement, and carry out all the administrative matters of Elkdom across Canada as the Chief Administrative Officer of the National Order have not changed. Brother Blake advised the delegates he was truly humbled by the award. He joked that he hoped it was not a suggestion that he should be retiring and that it was also somewhat ironic that it was taking place in Chilliwack where he started out attending grade 8 one in 1954 but had not visited since then. Greatly adding to the significance of the occasion was the presentation to Brother Blake of the PGER jewel previously owned by his late friend and mentor PGER Brother Adam Deminick. Brother Adam’s wife Mary and family who currently reside in the Toronto area donated Adam’s jewel to the Order specifically for this award to Brother Blake. The resolution approved by the Membership is repeated as follows and chronicles Brother Blake’s 25 years of employment by the Order. UNCIRCULATED RESOLUTION NO. 1 RE: HONORARY PAST GRAND EXALTED RULER TO WILLIAM J. BLAKE WHEREAS Brother Bill Blake became an employee of the Elks of Canada following the 1987 Grand Lodge Convention as the result of a special Resolution on the recommendation of the Finance Committee and endorsement of the Grand Executive; AND WHEREAS upon commencement of employment as the Executive Administrator, Bill was credited for introducing programs of restructuring, reorganizing, refinancing, automation, staff educational programs and other efficiencies; AND WHEREAS during this same time frame, Bill also used his knowledge and experience to the benefit of the Order to resolve a long time financial crisis facing the Order; AND WHEREAS Bill was instrumental in the Elks of Canada purchasing their own building in 1992 and having it paid off within 5 years under his advice and financial recommendations; AND WHEREAS Bill has been recognized over the years for his dedicated service by the membership and several Past Grand Exalted Rulers and their Grand Executives; AND WHEREAS Bill was awarded Honorary Grand Lodge Life Membership at the 2001 Prince George Convention; AND WHEREAS Bill was also awarded Honorary Membership in the Past Grand Exalted Rulers Association at the 2001 Prince George Convention; AND WHEREAS Bill has had exemplary performance Personnel Evaluations for a number of consecutive years; AND WHEREAS Bill continues to provide the membership and the Grand Executives with his wit, his sincerity, his knowledge, his devil’s advocate and his utmost dedication to the wellbeing of the Order; AND WHEREAS Bill has become the “friend or comforter of every member” and as well has received on several occasions and earned the plaudit “well done thy good and faithful servant”; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Elks of Canada, with the support of the Past Grand Exalted Rulers, make Bill an Honorary Past Grand Exalted Ruler and provide him with his Past Grand Exalted Ruler’s jewel. MOTION TO BRING TO FLOOR - CARRIED CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Free trip for two (2) to the 2013 Elks National Convention Yes, that’s right the Member Services Committee is offering a free trip for two (2) to the 2013 Elks National Convention in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Why? We want something from your Lodge. We want your “good ideas”. We want to share these “good ideas” with the rest of the delegates at convention and we thought the best way to collect all the great things our Lodges are doing out there was to hold a contest. The Lodge selected with the best idea will be asked to send 2 members to our 2013 national convention, all expenses paid. Here are some of the details: 1. The entries can be a video, PowerPoint presentation or handwritten. 2. The suggested subject areas are fundraising, membership, fraternalism and/or promotion of the Order. Anything that applies to our Vision Statement will be considered. 3. All the “good ideas” sent in will be posted on our web site and included in the 2013 fall edition of the Canadian Elk. 4. The Member Services Committee will make the final selection of the winning “good idea”. 5. The deadline for submission of your Lodge’s “good idea” is March to the Grand Lodge office. 30th, 2013. All entries are to be sent Every Lodge has a “good idea” that works for them. Why not enter the contest and have a chance to brag a bit. By sharing with other Lodges we help them with an idea they may have never thought of before. We can’t wait to see your “good idea”. 9 NEW FORMS!!! Here is the brand new funding request form that can be used to request funding from the Marketing Committee for an event promoting your Lodge. A copy was sent to your Lodge in November 2012 and the form is available on the national website at www.elks-canada.org. Please note that application for funding must be submitted 30 days prior to the event taking place. Here are some of the details: w Project must use some type of media (eg. tv, radio, billboards, newspaper, etc.) to promote your Lodge. w Should include a membership component asking men & women to join. w Promotion of regular Lodge events will not be considered. w The completed forms must include an estimated budget. w Can be sent to the national office by email, fax or letter. w From there the request is forwarded to the Marketing Committee for their consideration. w If approved/denied the Lodge will be notified. Have an idea? All your Lodge has to do is fill out the form and send it into the Grand Lodge office. Why not promote your Lodge and get some help financially. Everyone benefits! (Form on next pages) Don’t forget the deadline for the next CANADIAN ELK will be March 18, 2013 10 REQUEST FOR FUNDING TO HELP PROMOTE OUR LODGE We are planning an advertising campaign to promote our Lodge and ask for the following help from the Elks National Marketing Committee. PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATION FOR FUNDING MUST BE SUBMITTED 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EVENT TAKING PLACE. Lodge Name: No. 1. Contact Person: Telephone: ( 2. ) E-mail: Date planned for the campaign to start: 3. Our Lodge agrees to split the cost(s) of the advertising campaign. o Yes, 50% to be paid by Lodge o No, limited funds available from the Lodge 4. What type of ads will you be running? (e.g. TV, radio, newspaper, bill boards, etc.) o TV o Radio o Newspaper o Bill Boards o Mail Out o Other (Please explain) 5. Outline the marketing campaign in detail. Make sure to include the desired effect of the marketing cam- paign. (e.g. More members, better public awareness, more people using the hall. etc.) 11 6. Our ads will include a message aimed at attracting new members to our Lodge. nent. o o 7. I have enclosed copies of the ads or text we plan to use in the ad. o o 8. I have attached an estimated, itemized budget for the marketing campaign. o o 9. Additional information or materials needed: Please note: A follow-up report which will be sent to you if the request is approved will be required as soon as possible after the campaign is over. Please send to the Grand Lodge Office for distribution to the Marketing Committee. Yes No, and we understand the committee may not approve funding without a membership compo- Yes No, but will send when available. We understand the committee will not approve funding until they see copies or text. Yes No, but will send when available. We understand the committee will not approve funding until they see an itemized budget. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOUR LODGE STATISTICAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE DUE IN GRAND LODGE OFFICE SIX MONTHS AFTER YOUR LODGE FISCAL YEAR END! 12 BRITISH COLUMBIA Brother Don Kidd Brother and Sister Elks: Well, Santa has gone back to the North Pole and we now have a whole new year ahead of us. I trust all enjoyed the festive season and are now ready to take on the formidable task re: membership decline. Are we going to be alive in 2025? You’re damn right we are! As far as can be determined little has change in BC in respect of overall membership, although several Lodges are reporting a decline in membership renewal at this time. Hopefully this situation will resolve itself prior to the forthcoming March 31st deadline provided by our By-Laws. An influx of female members helps. (See information further on in this report.) Our Regional Directors are making the required visitations with reports and personal observations that things are going relatively well in spite of membership decline and a lack of attendance at many Lodges. As most may be aware, the Regional Directors are all Vice Presidents of the Provincial Association. All are conversant with our needs and wants since they attend all business and executive meetings keeping the rest of the executive informed as to activities within each of our six regions, thus working together to resolve any problems which may have arisen, unlike the old District Deputy days which lacked the unanimity and solidarity we enjoy now. Rotating these Regional Directors (VPs) on an annual basis provides the opportunity to become conversant with all Lodges in the province rather than just one geographical area. The recent Grand Lodge minutes should open everyone’s eyes as to just how serious our membership problem is, along with some long overdue possible resolutions to resolve. Having served as GER and a member of the Grand Executive for a number of years, I can recall many of these issues being identified and discussed at some length at numerous meetings over the years, but we closed our eyes and ears to them. The current Grand Executive and all Provincial Associations are to be commended for the time and effort they put into this joint meeting. 13 It is now up to each Lodge and Association to take this report to heart and to take appropriate action to assist in resolving them. As I stated in my previous message “the first step in resolving problems is in first recognizing there is indeed a problem”, which has been accomplished and we must now harmonize our efforts to resolve them. Here in BC we have requested that all Regional Directors discuss the report at each Lodge visitation and to encourage each to set up a small committee to review the report in depth and to provide the Association with input and suggestions so that we in turn can draft a reply representing our views. Hopefully we will receive support and understanding of this valuable report and act accordingly, and wherever necessary, draft the necessary constitutional amendments, or otherwise. Only in this way can we answer our own question – “Where will we be in 2025?” I made mention earlier of providing info re: females within the Order and here it is. Total Membership 12,000 Total Females 1,200 (10%) Total BC Membership 2,100 (17.5%) BC Female Membership 500 (24%) (Amounts to 42% of Canada wide females) I don’t see any other Association coming even close to matching BC figures of which we are proud. Incidentally, this was not accomplished by stealing from the Royal Purple, but by recruiting virtually completely new members. Hard to say how much further we can go, but it is obvious the influx of female members goes a long way to offsetting membership declines. Try it Brothers and Sisters. There is a whole field of new members if we just open our eyes and hearts to the fact. Trusting all enjoy a fabulous 2013 and ensuing years. Sincerely and fraternally, Don Kidd, President BC Elks Association BURNABY ELKS AND SOUTH BURNABY ROYAL PURPLE ATTEND STRAWBERRY SOCIAL Past Exalted Ruler Wally Govett, Honoured Royal Lady Doreen Peniuk and Past Honoured Royal Lady Judy Naslund attended the Burnaby Hospital Foundation Strawberry Tea Celebration of Giving. The event was sponsored by Amica at Rideau Manor, a Luxurious Resort Inspired Rental Retirement Living. The tea was held in appreciation of the generous donations and appreciation of the Burnaby Hospital Volunteers. Left to right: P.E.R Wally Govett, H.R.L Doreen Peniuk, P.H.R.L Judy Naslund Sylvia Zylla of the Foundation welcomed everyone along with Brian Dicken, General Manager of Rideau Manor. The guest speaker was Dr. Tim Kostamo, an orthopaedic surgeon at the Burnaby Hospital. The Foundation and Rideau Manor staff treated everyone like Kings and Queens. On the left is Sylvia Zylla of the Burnaby Hospital Foundation and right, Brian Dicken of Amica Rideau Manor. COURTENAY ELKS AND ROYAL PURPLE LODGES MAKE ANNUAL DONATIONS At the Joint Elks and Royal Purple Information night held on Thursday, November 1, 2012, the Elks and Royal Purple donated to a number of local charities. Group photo from left to right (standing): Erin Ellis, Exalted Ruler; Robin Smart, Michelle Carty & Ashlyn Smart, Comox Valley Boys & Girls Club; Paul Berry, Comox Valley Search & Rescue; Garth Burnell, Comox Valley Lifeline; Brent Hobdon, Salvation Army; Jeannette Webers, Honoured Royal Lady. Seated: Ray Skelly, Comox Valley Food Bank; Stephen Maier, Comox Valley Food Bank; Doug Gibson, Comox Valley Food Bank; Bill Kennedy, Santa’s Workshop 14 1987-2012 History 14 PRINCE GEORGE ELKS LODGE NO. 122 Prince George Elks Lodge made the following charity donations on December 3, 2012. In the photo from left to right: Past District Deputy Laurie Meier; Rachel Wolitski, Heart & Stroke Foundation; Margaret Jones-Bricker, Kordyban Lodge; Wilma Romanin, Prince George Music Festival; Bernie Goold of St. Vincent de Paul Center; Nancie Krushelnicki and Carl Benson, Lodge members and Donalda Carson, Hospice House Society. ELKS LODGES ONCE AGAIN GET TOGETHER TO DELIVER FRUIT…… that is 14,000 lbs. of apples and pears were delivered to St. Vincent de Paul Center in September, 2012. The fruit was donated by three fruit growers from Osoyoos – Ken and Melhina Thibault of Casa Del Mel Orchards; Joe and Vera Hilario of Lighthouse Orchards and Joe and Louisa Carvahlo of Carvahlo Orchards. Elks Lodges from Vanderhoof, Mackenzie, Quesnel, McBride and Williams Lake helped with the distribution of the fruit. LAKE COWICHAN ELKS LODGE NO. 293 PENTICTON ELKS NO. 51 Exalted Ruler Jean Atkins presented a $1,000.00 cheque to Lake Cowichan Food Bank and a $1,000.00 cheque to Lake Cowichan Christmas Hamper program. 1st Vice-President of the Lodge, Jeannine Johnson presented Max Inouye his 50 year service pin. 15 1987-2012 History 15 ALBERTA Brother John Christie Brother and Sister Elks: By the time you read this, the Christmas season will be part of our memories, and Lodges and members will be implementing plans made for the New Year. Sharon and I sincerely hope each and every member had the opportunity to share the season with family and friends. My term as President of the Association is already half over. It has been a busy year with many Lodges celebrating anniversaries and hosting events to mark the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of Elks in Canada. It has been an honour and a privilege to be invited to join the Lodges and communities in commemorating these occasions. Be proud of your Lodge and the Order and take the time to celebrate these milestones in our history. Lodges still have time to celebrate the 100th Anniversary before the Grand Lodge Convention in July. As I make my visits, I am amazed at the number of man-hours and the monetary donations each Lodge continues to contribute to their respective communities. Large or small, Lodges seem to do it all. 16 1987-2012 History Some of our Lodges are starting to have problems with membership recruitment and retention, and this is starting to impact Lodge activities in the community. My theme this year is: “Building Together” and I have been encouraging Lodges to work with their Royal Purple or other service groups to continue supporting the community. By doing so, the Lodge can remain active and visible within the community. Partnering with others is one way to create an awareness of the benefit your Lodge can provide to the community and expose potential new members to your Lodge. Be leaders by inviting others to join you in working on projects and socializing afterwards. The Association has been approached by individuals who are interested in starting Lodges in their communities, and is currently exploring the possibility of two new Lodges in the province. Several members of the Executive are working with these individuals and communities to lay the ground work for a successful launch of these Lodges. Hopefully we will have a positive report on the progress of these developments in time for our 16 Spring District meetings. District meetings are soon going to be held. Take the time to attend if you can, and make every effort to have your Lodge complete the Community Service Report. It gives members a chance to see what other Lodges have for projects and perhaps find a new project idea for their Lodge. If your Lodge has a successful project, share the idea with other Lodges. Consider serving as District Deputy if approached to do so. It will be a very rewarding and educational experience that enhances your leadership skills, and increases your awareness of how the Association operates. The annual conference will be held in June at Edmonton and will be jointly hosted by the Edmonton and Sherwood Park Lodges. The Grand Lodge Convention will be held in Grande Prairie in July. Lodges and members should now be considering attending these meetings as both levels of the Order need and appreciate the input from all of the membership. Fraternally, John Christie, President Alberta Elks Association BIG VALLEY ELKS LODGE NO. 147 Bill Kowalchuk receives his 60 year pin from Exalted Ruler John Palmer Left to right: Exalted Ruler John Palmer, John MacFarlan and Jim Nelson receive their 50 year pins Otto Nicklom received his 40 year pin from Exalted Ruler John Palmer Larry Anderson was presented a 60 year pin from Exalted Ruler John Palmer on behalf of his father Lenny who could not be in attendance. CASTOR ELKS LODGE NO. 138 I am a member of the Castor No. 138 Elks Lodge in Castor, Alberta. I would like to share a story about the Elks soccer balls. My wife Christine and I along with our friends Darrell and Joanne Howe travelled to Vietnam with eleven people from Canada to partake in a Habitat for Humanity Build in My Tho, just south of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) city. This picture of the house is a little different from the build in Three Hills. We were lucky enough to take eight soccer balls (this is all we could legally bring into the country) donated by Castor Elks No. 138. We were at a school for the disabled. We left the soccer balls as well as a load of school supplies for the less fortunate. We enjoyed the build immensely and found the locals to be quite friendly and fun to be around. As you can see by the picture this child enjoyed playing with the soccer ball. 17 1987-2012 History 17 DRUMHELLER ELKS LODGE NO. 54 Manley Thomson (left), Exalted Ruler of Drumheller Elks Lodge was presented with a cap and pin award as part of the AIM program that recognizes members for bringing in new members. Presenting the award was the newest member of the Lodge, Dylan Kikoak. Past Exalted Ruler Glen Hardy is presenting Gordon Akin with his 50 year pin. EDMONTON ELKS LODGE NO. 11 The Edmonton Elks have been keeping busy raising money through hall rentals, bar sales, bingos and casinos to be able to give to our favourite charities. Exalted Ruler David Schindel is presenting 89 year old Cyril Ash his 50 years of service pin. A donation to the Tevie Miller Heritage School was made. They specialize in teaching children with speech and/or language disabilities or disorders. Exalted Ruler David Schindel is donating a cheque for $9,000.00 to Angela Schneider (Office Administrator) and her daughter Karin. The Elks matched a similar amount donated by our Ladies of the Royal Purple. Grand Exalted Ruler Robert Larsen is presenting a cheque for $5,000.00 on behalf of the Edmonton Elks to Joan Nielsen, Director of Camp He Ho Ha (Health, Hope & Happiness) along with Exalted Ruler David Schindel and Past Exalted Ruler Vic Schmidt. The camp provides summer and winter recreational programs to children and adults with physical and/or mental disabilities for all of Alberta. Grand Exalted Ruler Robert Larsen is addressing the Edmonton Lodge at the special meeting on November 6, 2012. Edmonton also gave the Grand Exalted Ruler a cheque for $315.00 from the pennies collected for the Fund for Children. Secretary Lyle Ozouf is presenting a cheque for $5,000.00 to Roxy Kienzle, Opportunities Ambassador for Youth Emergency Shelter. Edmonton Elks also donated a total of $5,000.00 to various Christmas charities in their area. 18 1987-2012 History 18 EDSON ELKS LODGE NO. 87 Past District Deputy Alf Weisser (left) presents Exalted Ruler Neil Weisser his 20 years of service pin as well as his award under the AIM program. (Photo on left) Photo on the right is Past District Deputy Ken Biron (left) presents Past District Deputy Alf Weisser his 55 years of service pin during the Installation of Officers of the Lodge. LAC LA BICHE ELKS LODGE NO. 470 On October 13th, 2012, Lac La Biche Elks Lodge No. 470 celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Elks of Canada and their own 50th Anniversary. Amongst the head table guests were Grand Leading Knight Jim McLeod who attended on behalf of the Grand Exalted Ruler; John Christie, President of the Alberta Elks Association; Leonard Shain, Alberta Elks Association Leading Knight and District Deputy Bernadette Godlien. The celebration was well attended by many members from Lodges in District 6. Those in attendance were entertained by The Mini Toe Tappers, a children’s dance group from Amisk School of the Beaver Lake First Nations. They performed various square dances and Red River jigs. Exalted Ruler Don Turcotte being presented a plaque by Grand Leading Knight Jim McLeod who represented the Grand Exalted Ruler. And what a better time than an anniversary celebration to get recognized for long term years of service to the Order. John Benuik (left) received his pin for 40 years of service and Bernie Romanuik (right photo) was recognized for his 50 years of service. Both presented by Brother Jim McLeod. 19 1987-2012 History 19 SASKATCHEWAN Brother Andrew Cox Brother and Sister Elks: It seems hard to believe but here we are at the mid-way point of my term as President of the Saskatchewan Elks Association. In my travels so far I have found Lodges with a strong future and some that are suffering serious problems in their membership, both in terms of numbers of members and/or age of those members that they do have. I know this is a concern in many Lodges and hope that we can find solutions before we lose these Lodges. Sometimes it is a case of the present members suffering from burn out where they feel that they are unappreciated and no one being willing to step forward to help carry the burden of running a Lodge. One thing I have noticed at Lodge visits is that all our Lodges are proud of the work they have done in their respective communities and how they are planning to continue making a difference in the lives of their neighbours. You are all to be commended for your dedication to making the world sweeter and people better. The fun that can be had while working at these projects is a large part of what makes us different from other organizations. We are a fraternal organization first and a service group second. The friendship and hospitality of our members means a lot to all of us and I am proud to say that I am an Elk. The forward planning sessions that were held at Grand Lodge in October looked at all things associated with the Elks of Canada and very frank discussions resulted in a multitude of recommendations from the Association Presidents and Grand Lodge Executive that we hope will advance Elkdom in our great country. I would urge all members to read the letter which has been sent out from Grand Lodge and to please let your Association and Grand Lodge know if you agree or disagree with the proposals put forth. This is vital to the Elks going forward and surviving to hopefully see another 25, 50 or 100 years. On a sad note we lost a dedicated brother, Past Provincial President Glenn Shain, of Coronach who was laid to rest in October. Glenn and Mable were at almost every Provincial Elk event over the years and while we mourn his passing we will remember him as we gather in the future. As Christmas has rapidly come and gone, I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and may you have a very prosperous new year. Fraternally submitted, Andrew Cox, President Saskatchewan Elks Association REGINA ELKS LODGE NO. 9 The grand prize winner of the 2012 Charity Appeal draw was Art Kowalski of Regina SK. Out of the 14 winners of the draw, 6 were from Regina with those tickets sold by the Regina Elks Lodge No. 9. In the photo from left to right: Mike Mochnacz from Honda; Cec Chambers of Regina Elks Lodge; Art Kowalski, winner of the 2012 Honda Accord and Exalted Ruler, Dave Davis. 20 1987-2012 History 20 PAST GRAND EXALTED RULER BROTHER VERN HOFF PASSES AWAY Brother Vern Hoff was born in Newstead, Ontario, on May 27, 1923, and took his early schooling in Seaforth, Ontario. During World War II he joined the armed services, serving with the Elgin Regiment. He served the next four years in Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Europe. On returning to civilian life, he was employed at Jasper Park Lodge as a master mechanic, and it was there he met his wife, Lorenza. They had two sons, James and Dwaine. The Hoffs then returned to Seaforth where Vern was employed as First Mate for Paterson Steamship Line. Next he was working on the Dew Line and spent six months at the North Pole on a Survey Expedition. Choosing a warmer spot, they moved to Nanaimo, BC, where Brother Vern was employed as mechanics superintendent for a logging camp and held the same job for the City of Nanaimo for 30 years. Vern joined the Nanaimo Elks Lodge in October 1963, serving as Exalted Ruler and District Deputy in 1969-70. He was elected President of the BC Elks Association in 1978. He entered Grand Lodge as Chaplain in 1980 and became Grand Exalted Ruler in 1987. Brother Hoff was also keeping involved in the BC Elks Children’s Camp on Denman Island as Camp coordinator for 17 years, and wrote a concise history of the Camp. Predeceased by his wife and two sons, Brother Vern passed away on September 27, 2012. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” ALBERTA Barons Elks #224........................... .Brother Lloyd Trapp .Grande Prairie Elks #285................. .Brother Grant Baron Calgary Elks #4.............................. .Brother T. G. Duckering .Heisler Elks #305............................. .Brother Leander Martz . Carstairs Elks #556........................ .Brother R. E. Nelson .Heisler Elks #305............................. .Brother G. Sunderman . Chauvin Elks #261......................... .Brother Ross Atkins .Heisler Elks #305............................. .Brother Leander Jacobs .Heisler Elks #305............................. .Brother L. Weber Crowsnest Pass Elks #584............. .Brother Don Filafilo . Delia Elks #489.............................. .Brother Glen Clifford .High Prairie Elks #279...................... .Brother Arnold Aarts . Delia Elks #489.............................. .Brother Donald Herzog .Hythe Elks #236............................... .Brother M. L. Staggs . Didsbury Elks #514........................ .Brother J. R. McDonald Manning Elks #286........................... .Brother Walter Feduschak . Drayton Valley Elks #391................ .Brother George Cebuliak Medicine Hat Elks #412................. .Fort Macleod Elks #129.................. .Brother J. Miklos 21 1987-2012 History Okotoks Elks #31....................... 21 21 Brother Murray Leonard Brother Richard McKeage Continued from previous page . . . Picture Butte Elks #268...............Brother Mervin Karapita Red Deer Elks #85......................Brother Gordon Davidson Sexsmith Elks #284.....................Brother Ivan Badger Stavely Elks #112........................Brother Robert Olson Trochu Elks #168.........................Brother Don C. Dowell Vegreville Elks #143....................Brother Mike W. Kawulych Vegreville Elks #143....................Brother Leo Cartier Vermilion Elks #131.....................Brother Roger Hall Viking Elks #83............................Brother Wm. J. Pobuda Viking Elks #83............................Brother J. Fountain Viking Elks #83............................Brother Roger Labreche Viking Elks #83............................Brother G. N. Klontz Vulcan Elks #121.........................Brother Charles Haviland Warner Elks #222........................Brother Russell Dannatt BRITISH COLUMBIA Campbell River Elks #373...........Brother Vern Hoff Campbell River Elks #373...........Brother William Pimlott Courtenay Elks #60.....................Brother Skip Blaine Courtenay Elks #60.....................Brother Myron White Delta Elks #531...........................Brother Ernest Karalus Duncan Elks #69.........................Brother Ijner Hansen Fernie Elks #81............................Brother Leonard Kosiec Grand Forks Elks #493................Brother John Hammond Kamloops Elks #44......................Brother John V. Harrison Kelowna Elks #52........................Brother Peter Bergen Kelowna Elks #52........................Brother Gordon H. Stendall Kelowna Elks #52........................Brother Garth L. Roy North Kamloops Elks #469..........Brother Vernon L. Dever North Kamloops Elks #469..........Brother James S. Clary Osoyoos Elks #436......................Brother Don Chadderton Penticton Elks #51.......................Sister Roberta G. Baron Salmon Arm Elks #455................Brother Merv Lutz Terrace Elks #425........................Brother August Geeraert Vernon Elks #45..........................Brother Chuck Berlinghof Victoria Elks #2............................Brother Bruce Forsyth White Rock Elks #431.................Sister Wilma M. MacDonnell MANITOBA Flin Flon Elks #232......................Brother John Nawrocki Gladstone Elks #317...................Brother V. McGowan Killarney Elks #238......................Brother John Chester Lundar Elks #528.........................Brother Harold B. Backman Lundar Elks #528.........................Brother Lenny Van Der Vis NEWFOUNDLAND Corner Brook Elks #505..............Brother David Miller NORTHWEST TERRITORIES Yellowknife Elks #314..................Brother Joe Meszes Yellowknife Elks #314..................Brother Terry King ONTARIO Echo Bay Elks #535....................Brother Arden Goodmurphy Sault Ste. Marie Elks #341..........Brother Joseph Bumbacco Sault Ste. Marie Elks #341..........Brother James Furkey Thunder Bay Elks #82.................Brother William Krafft Thunder Bay Elks #82.................Brother Robert Rogowski Thunder Bay Elks #82.................Brother John McCormick Trenton-Wooler Elks #486...........Brother Ron Chouinard QUEBEC Elans de Vanier #569...................Brother Jean Pierre Giroux Elans de Vanier #569...................Brother Clement Boily SASKATCHEWAN Arborfield Elks #319....................Brother Shayne Lebel Beechy Elks #165........................Brother Garry Lougheed Big River Elks #256.....................Brother Joseph W. Gilbert Canwood Elks #183.....................Brother Elmer Thall Carrot River Elks #462................Brother Carman Drury Coronach Elks #562....................Brother Glenn F. Shain Craven Elks #581........................Brother Charles R. Bruce Foam Lake Elks #174..................Brother Karl J. Kosmonek Foam Lake Elks #174...................Brother M. J. Bulych Hanley Elks #153..........................Brother Clarence Torguson Indian Head Elks #385..................Brother Roy Simpson Indian Head Elks #385..................Brother A. C. Dorn Milestone Elks #201......................Brother Robert Austin Moosomin Elks #340.....................Brother Donald Turpie Prince Albert Elks #58...................Brother Gene Sabo Saskatoon Elks #12.......................Brother S. G. McCoy Shaunavon Elks #386...................Brother Arnold J. Island Shaunavon Elks #386...................Brother Ken Wilkins Swift Current Elks #8.....................Brother Reuben Melander Swift Current Elks #8.....................Brother Leon E. Plewis NEW BRUNSWICK Fredericton Elks #274..................Brother Frank Langmaid 22 1987-2012 History Fredericton Elks #274..................Sister Ann Wood Perth Elks #362...........................Brother John L. Demerchant Unity Elks #488.............................Brother Karl Kropf Whitewood Elks #410....................Brother A. W. Page 22 MANITOBA Brother Allan Tutthill Seasons Greetings to all Brother and Sister Elks, and Ladies of the Royal Purple, no matter where you are when reading this! It’s at this time of the year that we look back at the year that has been, and forward to the year ahead. This is also the time of the year for giving and remembering, so remember, Brothers and Sisters in this time of festivities take a moment and remember our Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children. Our membership numbers also are a worry at this time of year, so maybe consider giving out a membership pamphlet, or even a membership to one of your loved ones, maybe a son or a daughter. Also to the Brothers and Sisters of Manitoba (or anywhere else in Canada), your Provincial Executive is in the process of trying to come up with a logo for the Manitoba Elks Association. We would like to use this logo on our letterhead, website, lapel pins etc, SO if you have an idea we would love to see your design. Please send an electronic copy of your design to: elkhornelks381@mts.net or you can also snail mail me your ideas at PO Box 479, Elkhorn MB R0M 0N0. To our provincial curlers, don’t forget Carberry will be hosting the province from January 25th to 27th, 2013. Thank you to the members of Carberry Lodge for hosting the curling, and all MB Elks & Royal Purple members, come on out and help to keep our provincial curling alive. If you’re not a curler, you can still come out and have some fun with all! A note of congratulations must be sent out the committee that has worked so very hard to resurrect our national curling, and we look forward to the very first Elks & Royal Purple Canadian Curling Championship and what a great event it will no doubt be! Last but not least thank you to Regina Elks Lodge who will be our host for the upcoming curling event, and I look forward to seeing everyone in Regina from April 2nd to 6th, 2013. Yours fraternally, Allan Tutthill, President Manitoba Elks Association Don’t forget the deadline for the next CANADIAN ELK will be MARCH 18, 2013 23 1987-2012 History 23 ONTARIO Brother Pat Clark Brother and Sister Elks: By now the holiday season has passed and a brand New Year is upon us. Hopefully everyone had a safe and enjoyable festive season and are looking forward to a prosperous New Year. This New Year is the first year of the next 100 years of the Elks of Canada. So far during my term I have made visits to a number of Lodges in Ontario. All Lodges have been open and welcoming. I have met many new people and thoroughly enjoyed myself along the way. In October I attended the Presidents meeting in Regina, as well as a meeting of the forward planning committee. The Presidents meeting went well and was a very good opportunity to exchange thoughts and ideas. It’s always nice to get together with other members from across the country to see how different things work for them in their area. The meeting of the forward planning committee was also very productive. It was quite impressive having that many people in one room with the common goal of ensuring Elkdom survives another 100 years. There was a vast amount of experiences in the room and the discussions were very in depth. As mentioned before, my motto this year is “Let’s Make Time”. Not always an easy thing to do but usually rewarding. When you actually make time in your day to complete a task, no matter what it is, you feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Now, when you apply this to your Lodge and the work you do in your community you can also add a feeling of charity, selflessness and love. It would be nice if every one of us were to come up with one thing that we can make time for that will improve our Lodge. Maybe it would be to make time to organize a membership night. Maybe you could make time to put a phone call into those members that you have not seen out in awhile. Maybe you want to make time to be part of one of the committees in your Lodge. These are just a few ideas how we can all improve the Order if we can find a way to make time. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone friendship and success within their Lodges throughout this year. Fraternally, Pat Clark, President Ontario Elks Association SARNIA ELKS LODGE NO. 503 Sarnia Elks Lodge No. 503 held a 100th Anniversary barbeque for the community on September 29th, 2012. The Lodge displayed the anniversary banner along with membership information and Invitation to Join applications and hung posters all around the patio where several people attending the event mentioned hearing about the event on the radio. They had great participation from the members and the support from their landlords, the PT. Edward ExServicemen’s Club was fantastic. This is one of the positives from this event that Ex-Servicemen’s Executive supported this event so well. They provided their Patio free of charge, put notification of the event on their 24 road sign and supplied a bar on the patio. The Elks have been tenants for 10 years at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and the Lodge believes they have a better understanding of who the Elks are now! All left over food and drinks were turned over to the Inn of the Good Shepherd food bank and the donation was greatly appreciated. A picture was posted on their Face book page thanking the Sarnia Elks Lodge and congratulating the Elks on their 100th anniversary. 1987-2012 History 24 NEW BRUNSWICK/P.E.I. Brother E. H. (Gene) Wood Brother and Sister Elks and Ladies of the Royal Purple: I bring Season Greetings and wishes for a prosperous and healthy New Year on behalf of myself and the Provincial Elks Association. I would hope that all your wishes and dreams may be a lot closer to you as you shared the warmth, love and friendship with your families and friends at this time of year. I would ask that each of you take a moment to reflect upon the benefits of what you and your Lodge have done in your community over this past year and that you give thanks that we, as Elks and Royal Purple, were able to add a small token of giving to those less fortunate than ourselves. Let us hope that we are able to continue our help and support where needed, to make life sweeter, people better, and the world happier. “Together We Can Make a Difference” Peace be with you always. Fraternally, Bro. E.H. (Gene) Wood P.G.E.R. Provincial President New Brunswick/PEI Elks Association THANK YOU EVERYONE! “At this time I would like to thank all Elks and Royal Purple and everyone who sent sympathy cards, emails, and phone calls for the loss of my best friend and darling wife, Sister Ann Marie Wood, a loss not only to me, but to the Elks of Canada. Thanks to everyone who made donations to Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children, Fredericton SPCA, Children’s Wish Foundation, DECH Palliative Care Unit, DECH Hospital Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada (NB), Royal Canadian Legion, United Commercial Travelers, and the Canadian Cancer Society (NB). These donations will be well appreciated by all organizations. Many thanks for putting Ann’s name in the Golden Book of Memories. “Let her volunteer work speak for itself. Together we made a difference.” Sincerely, E.H. (Gene) Wood, P.G.E.R. Provincial President NB/PEI Elks Association 25 1987-2012 History 25 NEWFOUNDLAND/LABRADOR Sister Susan Ash Brother and Sister Elks: Hats off to the Grand Lodge Executive and the Grand Lodge staff for having the courage to admit that there is a problem with the Organization and the bravery to bring it to the Leaders and members of the Elks. Now it is up to the leaders and members to take the Elk by the horn and run with it. As all of you are aware, the major problem is the alarming decline in membership. It has been predicted that in 25 years there may no longer be an Elks of Canada organization. At the Presidents meeting in Regina, the entire organization was reviewed and recommendations were made. These recommendations were given to the Grand Lodge Executive for further review and determination. At the next National Convention, they will be bought to the floor. Most of the Lodges should have received a copy of these recommendations from Grand Lodge. Please ensure that they are reviewed and discussed at a meeting in your Lodge. I would like to say we have reflected on our past and we have embraced the present. Now it is time to envision our future. What will the future Elks look like??? That is the question. It is a hard question to answer. We need to take a long hard look around us. What are the interests of our children and our grandchildren? They are our future. What do they say about the Elks? They have been raised within the family of the Organization. If we want the Elks to survive the next 100 years, now is the time to make the changes that will allow us to grow with the future. Now is the time for you all to speak up and voice what you think will allow us to grow into the future. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the Push for Change, Joe Roberts trek across Canada, is scheduled to start in St. John’s, NL on May 1st, 2013. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Lodges in Newfoundland for welcoming both Luc and I into their Lodges and taking such great care of us. Thank you. Best regards, Susan Ash, President Newfoundland and Labrador CORNER BROOK ELKS AND ROYAL PURPLE WALK-A-THON A Radio Show host was on hand to give some publicity to the Corner Brook Elks and Royal Purple Lodges and their family members who gathered at Corner Brook City Hall on May 27, 2012 for a Walk-a-Thon. Proceeds of the Walk-a-Thon were donated to the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children. 26 1987-2012 History 26 QUEBEC Brother Gaétan Daigle Cher Frères et Soeurs Élans : Brother and Sister Elks: Je commence par vous inviter à la convention provinciale qui se tiendra à Victoriaville cette année. I will start with an invitation to the provincial conference which will be held in Victoriaville this year. Afin de réduire vos dépenses au maximum nous débuterons plus tard dans la journée et vous éviterez une nuitée le vendredi à l’hôtel. Vérifier bien l’heure de début avec les officiers de votre Loge, mais nous regardons au moment de vous écrire ce message pour débuter les sessions à 13h le samedi. Cette formule a été mise à l’essaie l’an dernier et a plus à plusieurs. In order to reduce your expenses we will start later in the day, thus eliminating the Friday night hotel cost. Please check with the officers of your Lodge for the start time, but also taking the opportunity of writing this message and let you know that the start of the sessions will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. This format was on a trial basis last year and seemed to please everyone. J’espère que vos activités de Loge ce sont bien passé et que beaucoup de sou noir ont été amassé pour le fond pour les enfants. Nous devons faire de grand effort pour amasser des fonds pour ce qui représente notre raison d’être et ainsi répondre au plus de demande possible de façon positive. I hope that your Lodge activities went well and that a lot of pennies were collected for the Fund for Children. We have to put a lot of effort in fundraising in order to respond to as many requests as possible in a positive way. Venez nous rencontrer à Victoriaville, Gaétan Daigle, President Quebec Elks Association Gaétan Daigle, Président Association des Élans du Québec Come join us in Victoriaville, DID YOU KNOW....Completing an application form for funding from the Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children is not required by a Lodge in some cases? When a family in your community is involved in a crisis or disaster, it is important that your Lodge responds quickly to the needs of the children. In such cases (fire, emergency or unexpected travel, hospitalization, etc.) if your Lodge considers that a response is appropriate, your Lodge can immediately access funding for the children involved. Contact the Grand Lodge Office: 1-888-843-3557 - Extension 231 27 1987-2012 History 27 ELKS AND ROYAL PURPLE FUND FOR CHILDREN Thank You for my new hearing aids! “I can hear so much better now. I will also be able to speak more clearly. My new hearing aids let me hear high frequency sounds like “f” and “s”. I can also hear my teachers better; they wear a small microphone, and their voices go right into my hearing aid. I can sync blue tooth compatible devices to my hearing aid. I don’t need headphones for my Ipod anymore. The sound from it goes right into my hearing aid. We are very grateful for your gift. I will take very good care of them.” Sincerely, Brett (Brett’s application for assistance was sponsored by Big River Royal Purple Lodge No. 95.) Diana’s hearing aids . Kyla undergoes surgery Diana’s hearing aids were paid for by Nipawin Elks Lodge and by the Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children. Kyla was very excited to have the surgery on her jaw. The family is grateful for the funding received. (Left to right: Eugene Rawlyk, Secretary; Diana, Jim Hoppe, father; Ernie Sholter, Treasurer) (Left to right: Kyla Bystedt; Joyce Wagstaff, HRL; Bernice Johnson, mother) (Diana’s application for assistance was sponsored by Nipawin Elks Lodge No. 251.) (Kyla’s application for assistance was sponsored by Nanaimo Royal Purple Lodge No. 16.) 28 1987-2012 History 28 28 Parents and Resource Teacher say “thanks” “Thank you very much for funding our daughter’s speech therapy. Your generosity will allow her to continue to improve in her speech AND her confidence. It is indeed an exciting future for her. God bless the Elks!” Daniel & Darlene (parents) “Thank you for your support in providing funding for Faith’s speech therapy. We have all seen improvement in her speech and in her academic abilities. She is learning to read and she is learning to say the sounds correctly. We know that she will continue to improve and communicate. As she becomes more confident, she is more willing to try more work. Your funding gives us all hope. Your financial assistance is greatly appreciated.” Jean Machnee (Resource Teacher) (Left to right: Jean Machnee; Faith; Darlene (mother); Bill Werezak (Faith’s application for assistance was sponsored by Saskatoon Elks Lodge No. 12.) Thanks for the tricycle! Alfred “Dewey” and his mother, Harriet “On behalf of my son, Dewey, and our family, I would like to thank you for the generous funding towards the purchase of this tricycle. Your organization’s generous contribution has assisted in making a big difference in our son’s life for the better. I wish to show my gratitude by volunteering in a few of your local charity functions.” Sincerely, Harriet (mother) (Dewey’s application for assistance was sponsored by Ashern Elks Lodge No. 525.) Family is grateful! “I want to express my thanks for the funding for my hearing aids. They are extremely convenient. I’m very appreciative of your generosity. Thank you!” Andre “We are grateful for all of your help, your support and your understanding. Hearing loss can have a negative effect on a teen’s achievements and can isolate young people in social environments. The new hearing aids for our son are a blessing and we believe they will encourage Andre towards positive growth. Thank you very much for your generosity.” Pierre & Yoko (parents) (Andre’s application for assistance was sponsored by . Penticton Elks Lodge No. 51.) . 29 Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists (CASLPA) CONGRATULATES THE ELKS Congratulations Elks of Canada on your 100th Anniversary! As a long term partner and beneficiary of the Elks and Royal Purple of Canada, CASLPA is thrilled to celebrate your 100th birthday with you! And what a milestone it is! Your steadfast and generous commitment to the development and support of clinical programs across Canada in the areas of speech, hearing and communication is far-reaching. From supporting infant hearing initiatives to funding scholarships programs and the next generation of speech and hearing professionals, your meaningful contributions have changed the lives of people across our country. We cherish your friendship and look forward to partnering with you over the next hundred years! DECEASED MEMBERS ROYAL PURPLE OF CANADA British Columbia Elk Point 269 Sherwood Park 287 Smithers 47 Lady Margaret Davidson Kelowna 56 Lady Helen Heinemann Princeton 82 Lady Adelle MacDonald Lady Rosemary Aiken Lady Grace Lawrence Keremeos 83 Lady Edna Olsen Dawson Creek 85 Lady Lois Mumby Vernon 102 Lady Stella Zeleny Ashcroft 263 Lady Marjorie Norah Drayton Fort Nelson 204 Lady Sharon Deter Alberta Calgary 7 Edmonton 22 Fort Macleod 28 Okotoks 43 Mclennan 62 Trochu 71 Trochu 71 Acme 103 Lloydminster 105 Grande Prairie 107 Vermilion 108 Drumheller 109 Faust 121 Rycroft 137 Crowsnest Pass 159 Bashaw 176 Sundre 191 Edgerton 224 Sexsmith 266 Elk Point 269 Saskatchewan Moose Jaw 9 Gull Lake 111 Rosetown 175 Shaunavon 187 Conquest 203 Choiceland 255 Hudson Bay 273 Foam Lake 343 Lady Carole Brewer Lady Laverne Dirk Lady Helen Miklos Lady Mary Richter Lady Doris Nadeau Lady Fay Greig Lady Jacqueline Goddard Lady Edith Boake Lady Olive Munro Lady Helga Heggstrom Lady Dorothy Floen Lady Fanny Dutka Lady Marie Samuel Lady Mathilda Thomas Lady Dora Kozuback Lady Mildred Zak Lady Dot Trefz Lady Gwen Fletcher Lady Edna Szabados Lady Betty Henderson Lady Mary Kryvenchuk Manitoba Brandon 138 Ontario Levack 145 Picton 147 North Bay 170 North Bay 170 Espanola 180 East St. John’s 237 Corner Brook 330 Perth 348 30 Lady Rose Kozicky Lady Carol Dunwoody Lady Marge Donnan Lady Rheta Joyce Wheeler Lady Stella Myrle Sim Lady Eva Luciuk Lady Patricia Meek Lady Isabelle Cole Lady Dolly Rodgers Lady Geri Skilliter Lady Anne Armstrong Lady Marjorie MacAulay Lady Marion Robb Lady Doris McKibbon Lady Sheila Wunsch Lady Helen Stanton Lady Verna Blackwell Lady Rose Bouillon Lady Dawn McLennan Lady Meta Dawe Lady Elizabeth Batt Lady Theresa Ouellette Lady Mavis White MEMORIAL DONATIONS Memorial Donations are gifts of money given to the National Charity, the Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children, in memory of a deceased friend or loved one. Forms are available to submit the information for a memorial donation, and donations can be made on-line. THE GOLDEN BOOK OF MEMORIES are leather-bound books with special pages which commemorate the memory of deceased persons. When memorial donations reach $300.00, the name of the deceased is entered. THE FOLLOWING NAMES WERE ENTERED INTO THE GOLDEN BOOK OF MEMORIES BETWEEN AUGUST 29, 2012 AND DECEMBER 7, 2012: Armstrong, Violet Bassano AB Kuzyk, Dr. N. J. Vegreville AB Fletcher, GwenGrimshaw ABLougheed, Garry Beechy SK Floen, DorothyGrande Prairie ABMarcy, MarianGrande Prairie AB Gaetzke, Bev Mackenzie BCMaurer, Rosalie Bassano AB St. Albert AB Morishita, Darryl DouglasRosemary AB Gauvreau, James Allen Harrad, Ida Fernie BC Pachal, MaryYorkton SK Hoff, VernNanaimo BCSkilliter, GeraldineHudson Bay, SK Keller, KathleenOliver BCWood, Ann Fredericton NB Kozubak, John SRycroft AB IN HONOUR DONATIONS Keep in mind that you can make a donation to “honour” or recognize a special person(s) on a special occasion by making a donation to their favourite charity - The Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children. As the donor, you receive a receipt and the person(s) honoured receive a certificate to tell them of your thoughtful gesture. The following persons were “honoured” between August 1, 2012 and December 14, 2012. Bell, MarySurrey BCChristmas Gift Gibson, Brian & Pat Killarney MBWedding Anniversary Glasser, PaulEstevan SKChristmas Gift Hollier, LeonaSaskatoon SK Birthday Hurst, Sally Port Coquitlam BC Victorious Bet Maier, JaneRegina SKChristmas Gift Manning, RolandSt. John’s NL Birthday Miller, David & WinnieCorner Brook NLWedding Anniversary Sceviour, Don & JeanCorner Brook NLWedding Anniversary Slater, Alvin Kelowna BC Best Wishes Whitewood, NancySundre AB Birthday YOUR DONATIONS . . . . “CAN SAVE THE LIVES OF CHILDREN” 31 One happy lad! (Left to right: Bill Thompson, Alexander, George Stieber) Alexander received funding for the purchase of new hearing aids. (Alexander’s application for assistance was sponsored by Victoria Elks Lodge No. 2.) Funding for Emilee’s travel Left to right: Lucille Gilliland, Director of South West Daycare; Ruth-Anne (mother); Eleanor & Ken Mathers Three-year-old Emilee travelled to Calgary, Alberta for procedures and evaluation of her hearing loss. (Emilee’s application for assistance was sponsored by Moose Jaw Elks Lodge No. 7.) BURNABY ELKS AND ROYAL PURPLE MAKE A DONATION The Burnaby Elks & Royal Purple Lodges presented a cheque in the amount of $ 3,500.00 to the BC Family Hearing Resource Society at their Annual General Meeting. The members of the Lodges in attendance had a first hand look at what the Centre is doing for their young children with hearing challenges and how they depend on the ongoing support. Left to right: Lisa Rosales of the Centre; Secretary-Treasurer Gerry Pelletier; Honoured Royal Lady Doreen Peniuk; Past Exalted Ruler Wally Govett and Exalted Ruler Reg Seguin. 32 PLEASE KEEP COLLECTING to support our National Charity! The penny will be removed from circulation as of February 4, 2013. After that time, cash transactions will be rounded up or down to the nearest five-cent increment. All Lodge members (and their communities) are encouraged to give up their pennies to support our national charity. Of course, your Lodge's collection of coins can continue into the future! Now that you have collection boxes placed around your Lodge and community, just keep emptying them and sending your cheques to the Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children. Need more collection boxes, other supplies or ideas? See contact information below. The collection boxes will always be a good way for your Lodge to continue "Making Dollars out of Cents" for your national charity. THANK YOU! Your support is greatly appreciated. Following the resounding success of the Past Grand Exalted Rulers' Association project last year (collecting Canadian Tire Money and using it to purchase items for the Silent Auction at the national convention - with proceeds going to the national charity), you are invited to please continue to participate in this easy way to support the national charity. Clean out those drawers, glove compartments (or wherever you stuffed your Canadian Tire money) and get it in to us. You can give it to Robert Larsen, our Grand Exalted Ruler when he visits your Lodge, send it to Agnes at the Grand Lodge Office, or send it directly to Al (Scotty) Edwards, 112 - 8777 Hudson St., Vancouver, BC V6P 6H2 MANY THANKS! YOUR SUPPORT OF YOUR NATIONAL CHARITY THROUGH THESE PROJECTS IS GREATLY APPRECIATED! QUESTIONS? Contact Agnes at Grand Lodge Office Telephone: (306) 359-9010 - Extension 231 33 Email: afuchs@elks-canada.org Toll-free: 1-888-843-3557 BC FAMILY HEARING RESOURCE SOCIETY Dear members of the Elks and Royal Purple: It is my pleasure to provide an update on the BC Family Hearing Resource Society that provides services to children aged birth to five with deafness and hearing loss across the province of BC. We would not have been able to deliver much-needed intervention services to infants and children with hearing loss/deafness, if we did not have the continued commitment and support of the Elks and the Royal Purple members, who are our largest donors. For 30 years, our state-of-the-art facility has combined expertise of highly skilled interventionists, innovation, and technology to meet the needs of infants, toddlers, and children with hearing loss, deafness, and communication challenges. Our Society continues to be the largest of three agencies that provide services to children with hearing loss or deafness and offers all communication options such as spoken language, sign language to support spoken language and sign language (American Sign Language) to children and their families. We strive to deliver and advance services by providing early intervention, support and education to children and their families and community service professionals working in remote communities. Below is a snapshot of the services we provided in the last year: - Total number of hours of service provided by the Society: 12,319.92 - Total number of families who received services: 262 Lower mainland: 163; Outreach: 99 - Number of children transitioned to kindergarten: Lower Mainland: 29; Outreach: 24 - Children with Cochlear Implants: 47 In the past year we focused our resources on upgrading our technology to meet the ever-growing numbers of families in rural and remote communities. 34 An online training platform, developed particularly for outreach families in mind, will be operational this year. This education tool has resources which can be accessed through the internet, and will be personalized for the use of each family based on their needs. We are also in the final stages of completing a DVD that summarizes our programs and services. This DVD will be given to every new parent at the initial consultation meeting. Our audio-visual and recording equipment needed upgrading in our observation rooms and we are in the process of working on it. The upgraded equipment will enable interventionists to observe, analyze and monitor progress in children. Each year, the Society analyses its performance outcome measures for quality improvement. This past year, 96% of Lower Mainland families, 82% of outreach families, and 88% of community service providers reported satisfaction with overall quality of services. 96% of SESLP families indicated satisfaction with overall quality of services. Our research affiliations with the University of British Columbia enable us to investigate, learn and provide evidence-based service delivery. The Society continues to advance its research investigations to understand and improve services for families and their children with hearing loss. We are a CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accredited organization. We have met internationally recognized standards of quality in the provision of our services. Our Society also held events and activities along with the Elks and Royal Purple members. The Elks & Royal Purple 11th annual Walkathon took place on Sunday, May 27, 2012. More than 100 participants and supporters walked or jogged through Campbell Valley Regional Park in south Langley in support of the Society. Our generous sponsors provided a light breakfast, lunch and entertainment for the children. At the end of the event, Walkathon Committee Chair and Elks member, Barbara Gee, presented a cheque for the Society. The Walkathon raised a total of $19,160.00, the largest amount raised to date. On June 13th, 2012 Jerry Wernicke Grand Exalted Ruler/National President, accompanied by his wife and a few members from the Chilliwack Lodge, visited and toured the Centre. They met with our staff and also had the opportunity to watch the PALS (the pre-school group) graduation ceremony, after which they enjoyed mingling with the families. I would like to take this opportunity to particularly thank each and every one of you, who take the time and go over and above to raise funds for the Society. We receive donations from individual Elks and Royal Purple members as well as various lodges across BC. We have members from many lodges who come and visit us, participate in groups and mingle with the families. We also have a few very dedicated members who are on our Board - Al Edwards is our new Vice President, Sally Hurst is a past Board President, Eleanor Scott, and Barbara Gee, all who continue to make a difference to the children and the families we serve. We encountered a particularly sad time when Gary Gee, a Board member lost his battle earlier this year to cancer. Gary’s contribution to the Society was immeasurable. He was the first Board President, dedicated many hours of his time to the development of our current facility and went out of his way to ensure we work towards a centre that delivered the highest quality of service. Gary’s spirit and enthusiasm will live on as we now have his wife, Barbara Gee who joined the Board this year. BCFHRS endeavors to be a Centre of Excellence – we look forward to a future that encourages growth and continues to build on a solid foundation. My staff and I take pride in our Society and I hope you share the same excitement in the accomplishments of the children you so generously support. Sincerely, Noreen R. Simmons, Ph.D., RSLP BC Family Hearing Resource Society ISTAR & the Elks and Royal Purple every voice matters Celebrating 25 years as Partners In his message in our 2012 fall newsletter, ISTAR’s Executive Director Deryk Beal commended our founders, Dr. Einer Boberg and Deborah Kully, and, you, our founding donors, the Elks and Royal Purple, for the vision, determination and boundless generosity that made ISTAR what it is today. In 25 years you helped grow ISTAR from a fledgling experimental treatment program into an institute renowned the world over for its dedicated and compassionate clinicians, effective and efficient treatment, groundbreaking knowledge discovery and astonishing community support. That is why Deryk, in his first official act as Executive Director, and ISTAR decided to recognize the tireless efforts of the Elks and Royal Purple of Alberta and Canada by honouring you as our first “Featured Donor” with a prominent link to your organization on ISTAR’s internet home page (http://www.istar.ualberta.ca/OurDonors/TheElksAndRoyalPurple.aspx) and acknowledgement in the new “Donors” section of our website. We are thrilled to be able to recognize and give publicity to our founding donors in this wonderfully prominent way. 35 Continued next page . . . 1987-2012 History 35 Now that Deryk has spent a few weeks in his new job, he praises the commitment of the ISTAR clinical team over the years “who care deeply about what treatments work best.” “Because of them,” he says, “we now have this wonderful clinic that attracts people from around the world to come here for treatment, and speech pathologists all over to look to us for leadership in treating stuttering.” We know that our treatment works and that it is efficient. This means that the most is made of the funding raised by the Elks and Royal Purple for the treatment of children, teens and adults who stutter. Not only does Deryk want to continue to build the clinical program, he wants to use its success as a tool to “expand the ‘R’ in ISTAR.” His plan is to leverage ISTAR’s ability to communicate with hundreds of people who stutter to attract government research funding that will support the search for the cause of stuttering. Deryk’s research aims to understand the role of genetics in the brain development of children who stutter to ultimately identify the cause of stuttering and inform of new treatments for the disorder - keeping ISTAR at the forefront of innovation in stuttering. While Deryk’s research is focused on the brain, his 12+ years working as a clinician give him a broad perspective and he advocates a multipronged approach to the problem of stuttering. This holistic approach is one of the reasons why ISTAR will continue to be successful in the treatment of stuttering for people of all ages across the globe. A world-class institute requires many things, not the least of which is partners to come alongside and work together to make it happen. ISTAR is proud of the long relationship we have with the wonderful members of the Elks and Royal Purple across Canada. You are tremendous supporters of our program and have enabled many children and their families to obtain life-altering speech therapy for their stuttering. Your continued generosity has enabled us to focus on what’s really important, one person at a time. The ripple effect of a changed life cannot be underestimated; we so much appreciate the contribution that each and every member of the Elks and Royal Purple makes in ensuring that children, teens and adults have a voice. You have been our friends, supporters and encouragers for 25 years. You are always welcome at ISTAR and we encourage you to write, call or visit anytime so that you may share your thoughts on the wonderful organization that you helped to create. We say a sincere “thank you” for all you have done - we could not have done it without you. Sheri Price, Office Manager Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research (ISTAR) 780-492-2619 istar@ualberta.ca 36 The Elks and Royal Purple have supported the Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research (ISTAR) for 25 years running. You have helped ISTAR improve the lives of countless children who stutter over that time period. Cooper Worthman is one of those children and his story will move you. These days Cooper is busy going about the serious business of being a seven-year-old with games to play, places to explore, and things to learn. There isn’t a lot to distinguish him from most other children. Not so long ago, that wasn’t exactly the case. Cooper had a speech dysfluency - he stuttered. When Cooper was just about four-and-a-half, we noticed he couldn’t say sentences smoothly,” recalls Cooper’s mother, Elaine Worthmann. “He’d get stuck… He’d want to say something and couldn’t get it out.” Naturally, Elaine and her husband worried about their son’s destiny. Would he be able to interact normally with other children? Would he be able to get a job as a normal adult in the workforce? Their pediatrician had told them not to worry, that Cooper would outgrow his stuttering, but Cooper wasn’t showing any sign of doing so when Elaine learned about the ISTAR program. She enrolled Cooper, but “I didn’t think anyone could fix my son,” she admits. She was in for a pleasant surprise. Cooper learned skills that he uses everyday, says Elaine. “He’ll swallow, take a breath, and his words will come out nicely… He can have a conversation with us. He can argue with his sister. He can talk to his friends. He can answer questions in school without anyone ever noticing that he had a stuttering problem.” “ISTAR worked wonders,” says Elaine. “Now I just want to tell anyone with a kid who stutters to come to ISTAR.” Like Cooper, they, too, should have the opportunity to get on with the serious business of being a kid without stuttering putting obstacles in their way. Thanks to the amazing support of the Elks and Royal Purple we know that they will! 1987-2012 History 36 The Elks and Royal Purple Saskatchewan Pediatric Auditory Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC) Working with Families of Children with Hearing Loss for 36 Years Once again it is time to reflect back on the past year’s accomplishments. We had a very successful Walkathon in Prince Albert this past fall. children being picked up at a younger age. We are meeting with the Prevention of Handicaps to develop a strategy for a Provincial Newborn Hearing Screening Program. Hopefully this will result in more children gaining access to sound at a younger age just as this little boy has done. He had his initial cochlear implant activation at 18 months. Prince Albert Walk-a-thon 2012 We had two guest speakers – Michael and Mark Pelechaty. Mark, Michael’s dad was the guest speaker at the Walk-a-thon in Star City in 2005 and this year he was joined by Michael who is now 9 and a bilateral cochlear implant user. We continue to see an increase in the number of children diagnosed with severe to profound hearing loss. This is likely the result of the changing Saskatchewan population. As more young families move to the Province, the birth rate increases. We have been included in the planning of the 9 year old Michael Pelechaty (left) Children’s Hospital was one of the guest speakers of Saskatchewan and hope that once it is built continuity of care will be enhanced because of the addition of neurotology. Newborn hearing screening has resulted in some 37 Nigel (center), his brother and mother at initial cochlear implant activation We would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the Saskatoon, Shellbrook and Asquith Royal Purple for their kind donations. This allows us to buy iPads for families who live a great distance from our clinic in Saskatoon. Its ease of operation and two way video system has proven to be very helpful. Young children love it and it has been very helpful with cochlear implant mapping. Thank you to the Saskatchewan Elks Foundation for its grant. We are using it to develop our website which we hope to have up early in the New Year. We would like to thank the Elks and Royal Purple for their continued support. Funding from the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children makes SPARC possible. Your funding has meant so much to families in Saskatchewan. We wish everyone a healthy and happy new year. Lynne C. Brewster, Ph.D., Cert. AVT, Aud. (C), Reg SK Program Head, Elks and Royal Purple SPARC 1987-2012 History 37 CENTRAL SPEECH AND HEARING CLINIC INC. an affiliate of Victoria General Hospital The ladies and gentlemen of the Elks and Royal Purple have been instrumental in helping the Central Speech and Hearing Clinic provide excellent auditory-verbal and audiological programming to the families and children of the Clinic in Winnipeg and in the rural areas of Manitoba. their cochlear implant or to help pay for costs when a speech processor needs repair. The cost of hearing aid batteries for a cochlear implant is approximately $600.00 per year. It is very important for families to know that they have this fund to access when they are in financial need. Allow me to share with your readership some of the important events and activities that have taken place over the year. On September 27, 2012 we were honoured and excited to welcome Grand Exalted Ruler, Mr. Robert Larsen, and twelve members of the Elks and Royal Purple to our clinic facility. The Manitoba Elks Foundation provided funding for a “Mom and Me” book. The Clinic was able to purchase ten of these books which are given to each new family joining the Clinic. The “Mom and Me” binder is very much like a daily journal where Moms can record important milestones in their child’s speech and language development. On June 1, 2012 the Clinic families came together for the annual Clinic get-together. This year the children were excited to be able to pet goats, sheep, ponies and alpacas at the “Petting Zoo”. A special thanks to the members of Lundar No. 528 Elks Lodge and the Altona Elks Lodge No. 447 for helping us bring the petting zoo to the children. In early September we were delighted to learn that the National Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children would once again support the Elks and Royal Purple AuditoryVerbal Fund and the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program. The Elks and Royal Purple Auditory-Verbal fund helps families defray the costs associated with having a child with a hearing loss. Many of our families are accessing this important fund to help in the purchase of hearing aid batteries for 38 We had the opportunity to showcase our newly completed Audiology Centre and to discuss many issues including the growing difficulty of organizations to generate fundraising dollars. We also learned that the Grand Exalted Ruler had been following the progress of our Clinic over the years and indeed were honoured that he had taken an interest in our Clinic initiative. Bob Blair and Russ Jackman and the fine men and women of Winnipeg Elks Lodge No. 10, how can we ever thank you? The financial and moral support you have shown to our Clinic over the years has been nothing short of spectacular. The tremendous two-year financial contribution that Winnipeg Lodge No. 10 has made to the Central Speech & Hearing Clinic will be a lasting legacy. We are proud to place your name alongside ours on the marquis and we look forward to a long and lasting relationship with you. With kindest regards, Pam Campbell Executive Director of the Central Speech & Hearing Clinic 1987-2012 History 38 VOICE Auditory-Verbal Therapy Program A By Anita Bernstein, M.Sc., LSLS Cert AVT, VOICE Director of Therapy and Training Programs This past year, the Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT) Program provided services to over 100 children: 25 preschoolers through the Provincial Infant Hearing Program, 25 school age students in areas where AVT is not available as a funded option and 57 schoolage students’ programs are being overseen by VOICE therapists through the mentorship program. Other Projects: • VOICE co-presented two workshops at the International AGBell Conference 1. Supporting Families: A Core principle .of AVT which feature the VOICE organization 2. Ling’s Legacy: Speech in the 21st Century • Research projects: 1. .Student outcomes as a result of the mentorship program 2..Social Emotional Development of students with hearing loss who are listening and speaking • Member of the International Ling Consortium • Board Member – AGBell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language • Providing practicum site for professionals in training • Providing information on training possibilities on the AV approach Professional Development Opportunities Three VOICE programs were offered in 2012 to the professional community: 1. Workshop for the French Language School Boards on the needs of today’s students with hearing loss who are learning to listen and speak and strategies to maximize success in mainstream settings. 2. Karen L. Anderson, PhD presented on “Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss”. It was attended by 85 professionals from across Ontario, Montreal and Maritime provinces. 3. VOICE Conference “I Believe” – May 2012. The Auditory-Verbal (AV) Training and Mentoring Program is progressing as projected: Boards are scheduled to complete the program as follows: 9 by June 2012, one by December 2012 and the remaining seven boards will complete their program by May 31st, 2013. Certification Exam Six professionals in the AV Mentorship Program sat the certification exam in the fall of 2012. VOICE partnered with The AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language to provide a testing site at the Toronto VOICE offices. 39 Training in French Language Boards In the past year, VOICE developed its AV Training and Mentoring program to support French Language Boards. The AV Mentorship program is currently underway in the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE). French Consultation services were provided to the Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud (CSDCCS) which included assessment, program recommendations and consultation. This Board is interested in the AV training program. A workshop, aimed at the French Language School Boards, designed to provide information on the needs of today’s students with hearing loss who are learning to listen and speak and strategies to maximize success for these students in mainstream settings took place in Guelph on May 3rd, 2012. It was attended by 35 professionals representing 8 francophone institutions. The presentation was well received and there have been requests for yearly workshops and interest in the mentorship program. VOICE and University of Ottawa partner to offer field placement VOICE continues to work in collaboration with the University of Ottawa (U of O) to ensure graduates will be highly qualified with both theoretical knowledge and practical/field experience. Teachers training through the VOICE mentorship program and registered in the U of O certificate in AuditoryVerbal studies will receive university course credit for their VOICE mentorship hours. Student Outcomes A crucial aspect of the AV training program is improved student outcomes in the areas of audition, speech, language and literacy skills. These areas are being tracked for all students participating in the program and preliminary results point to a minimum of one year’s progress, in at least the areas of audition and language comprehension. Pam Millet, professor at York University will be collating the results for this project. 1987-2012 History 39 40 1987-2012 History 40 THANK YOU TO ROY POISSON FROM ISTAR Roy Poisson, Past Provincial President, Alberta Elks Association, donated a case of Elks 100th Anniversary mugs to ISTAR. This is the thank you e-mail he received: I apologize for the delay in formally thanking you for the donation of the box of mugs commemorating the Elks 100th Anniversary. They grace our kitchen and offices with both staff and clients enjoying them. We are so proud of our long and rich partnership! Marilyn Langevin, PhD., R.SLP, SLP(C) , CCC-SLP Assistant Professor, Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology Director of Research, Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine University of Alberta 41 1987-2012 History 41 DIRECT MAIL CAMPAIGN Every year, the National Charities Committee authorizes a direct mail campaign whereby we contact all Elks and Royal Purple members and previous donors to the Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children to tell them how we have used their donations and to request continued support. Your donations are very important to us as they make up a large part of our overall revenues each year. We continue to need your ongoing support, and we look forward to your participation. Please use the form and return envelope sent to you, or donate through our website: www.elks-canada.org. (Donating online is easy, efficient and cost effective for your charity.) Please consider supporting your national charity through the Monthly Giving Option. It is hassle-free and an excellent way to support your favourite charity with a regular donation that is deducted through your credit card or bank monthly. Complete the form in the letter you received, or contact us. We will do our best to assist you to support the Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children in a way that suits you the best and helps the children the most. Through the generosity of our “donors/Friends of the Fund” who contributed to the Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children we provided funding in 2011-12 as follows: $116,057.34 in personal assistance to children with special needs in our Lodge communities when other sources of funding were not available $278,975.00 to clinical programs in provinces across Canada to assist them with their work of helping children with hearing and speech disorders $18,000.00 in scholarships to students in master’s degree programs who were studying in the fields of Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology PLUS FUNDING & PROMOTION IN THE FOLLOWING RELATED AREAS: Education campaigns Products and materials Public awareness projects Promotion of Lodge initiatives Assistance with fundraising projects Advocacy efforts The Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children needs your ongoing support! On behalf of the children who benefit from our programs, “THANK YOU!” 42 1987-2012 History 42 Once Homeless Teen Turned Successful Entrepreneur Will Walk 8600 Kilometres across Canada Pushing a Shopping Cart on 14 Month Trek Raising Money to Prevent Canada’s Children from Ending up on the Streets – and they need our help! To help Canada’s children before it’s too late, Joe Roberts teamed up with Dr. Sean Richardson and developed The Push for Change initiative that will have Joe Roberts push a shopping cart over 8600 kilometres across Canada while making presentations at 200 schools across 10 provinces in 20 major cities, speaking to over 300,000 young people about The Push for Change. Plus, 10 major city events, and multiple municipal government events. The Push for Change is a campaign designed to create awareness about Canada’s @risk children while raising money to support programs designed to mentor and educate underserved children who are @risk of becoming destitute due to circumstances out of their control, preventing them from ending up alone and homeless. 1100KM Already Accomplished! This summer PFC did a training trek and walked from Calgary and Vancouver, a distance of 1071 KMs. The trek was started and completed by Joe finishing the last kilometre with support from ELKS members. In fact, Joe took time off the trek to be present at the ELKS national conference in Chilliwack BC. The impact on those who participated is still being felt today. The media exposure was tremendous. CBC (French and English) provincially, Global News, They did four Radio Talk shows. The National Post and 15 other print media pieces were done throughout Canada, Alberta and BC. Publicity for this event exceeded their expectations as they had no personnel working on creating PR – it occurred organically. For the National campaign they have a full time media strategy. Here is a video link from what they did this summer that involved ELKS Canada: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lihoSkd16vQ The Opportunity Inspire – To inspire and lift up men and women in each community and lodge. To thank ELKS of Canada for who they are and to remind each of us of the importance of the work we do. Involvement – Have lodges take part in the Push for Change events, the campaign and walk with Joe as he comes through town. Media – To be seen as aligned in a common cause that supports underserved children in Canada. A message that everyone deserves love and support Engagement What they are looking for: The Push for Change had 16 planned events this summer, they met three mayors and ended with an epic walk down Hasting street with police escort, MLA Linda Reid, a Canadian Olympian, senior company executives, high school kids, family, supporters, partners, sponsors and two homeless young people that have befriend The Push for Change. With the ELKS of Canada on as a venue partner they are looking for but not limited to: Media The Push for Change received national media coverage on 5 occasions: CTV National News, 100 Huntley Street, CBC Metamorphosis with Richard Syrett, 43 - To make contact with each willing Lodge and discuss events ideas - To be able to invite the press and local VIPs - To have a meeting place and a short reception - A room full of people - A microphone - A screen for a video (optional) - 90 minutes – preferable late in the day because Joe walks each morning 1987-2012 History 43 Push for Change continued from previous page . . . They are also open to ideas around having members walk with Joe as he comes through town, meeting local officials, being joined by other shopping carts, and possible sleep outs to support youth @risk. The national campaign is a fundraising initiative so they are open to dollar raising ideas as well. The National Elks Marketing Committee hopes your lodge will get involved in this extraordinary opportunity. This Canadian project will be more than a trek with a singular purpose – it is a project that will leave a legacy of sustainable change. People can use their involvement in this project as a springboard to jump into bigger things in their lives, which will make a difference to others. The initial experience of taking action and making a difference for troubled youth will inspire your Lodge and the Elks in positive ways, permanently. HOW A STRUGGLING LODGE SURVIVED . . . HOW A STRUGGLING LODGE SURVIVED . . . . Hi, my name is Dale Wheeler, Secretary of the Bow Island Elks Lodge No. 440 and a while back, we were asked to comment on how our Lodge has had the good fortune to attract a group of young married and single guys to take a good look at what the Elks were doing for the community. It was a struggle 10 years ago when we looked at how to attract a group of young men. We knew that one member would not solve the problem. Our endeavour was to find a group who communicated amongst themselves on a weekly basis that would talk or phone or e-mail one another. We had to have short but eventful meetings. The thought of having free drinks, and how could we offset this cost. We felt that with new members they would bring in new donations to our charity auction, sell more tickets and the overall, and bring up the profits. So the decision was yes, let’s give it a try and see. NOW WHERE DO WE FIND THE GROUP? A member said “you know we have a couple or three young curling teams in men’s and mixed so why don’t we look there to find out who is sort of leading the show or making things happen at the curling rink”. With some communication we were able to talk to two or three to start and it has only been 3 years and their friends are starting to look at the Lodge for a night out with friends. We know that the new members are not going to buy or wear the Elks of Canada regalia, so we’ve made the decision to buy a burgundy dress shirt and a golf shirt for all active members with our Bow Island Elks Logo on it. They all wear it to the meetings and they all wore their shirts to our charity auction. It looks great to see all active members dressed in the same shirts for the 180 guests at the auction. The other challenge was the chairs. We know that being the Exalted Ruler has some commitment, so we have followed this up with attendance to see who attends and who enjoys being at the meeting. If they enter into a chair we give them 100% encouragement and we have not made them change chairs until they are ready no matter how much pressure. We, the elder members, do not want to have to do the Chairs ever again. WE HAVE FOUND IT TO BE THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO HOLD BACK AND LET THEM MAKE SOME OF THE NEW MODERN DAY CHANGES. This is not just a look at the procedure we took, but the view of a desperate Lodge who had to look into the future. Sincerely, From the Bow Island Elks Lodge No. 440 44 1987-2012 History 44 SPORTS Elks & Royal Purple Canadian Curling Championships 2013 Time flies when you are having fun!! The Elks and Royal Purple Canadian Curling Championships Committee has been busy these past few months. We have our host site for the 2013 Championships. Regina, Saskatchewan will be the place for all the fun and April 2-6, 2013 will be the time of our lives. We are excited that Regina Elks Lodge No. 9, will be the host for our first Elks and Royal Purple Canadian Curling Championships, and we would like to thank them in advance for all they are doing to make this a great event. We would also like to thank the Regina Royal Purple Lodge No. 4, for all their assistance. We are looking forward to a wonderful time. The Committee would also like to thank all the Lodges and Associations that have come forward to help sponsor this event. Without your help, we wouldn’t be able to make this event as successful as it has always been. Also, we are looking for some exciting new ideas, and would ask all curlers to think of things that would be fun for on ice activities. E-mail any and all ideas to us at elksroyalpurplecanadiancurl@gmail.com and we will forward them to the organizing committee in Regina. We would also like to let everyone know that we wish to fill all available spots at the Championship. We will be taking current Provincial/Territorial winners and last year’s national winner. If we have available spots at the Championship, we will also accept this year’s Provincial/Territorial runners up. If we have more runners up than openings, names will be drawn randomly to fill available spots. So please let your Provincial/Territorial representative know if you are available and interested in being put into the draw to come to the Canadian Championships. Another thing to keep in mind, if your province or territory does not hold a playdown or if there is no runner up team, we will accept a team made up of other curlers, as long as they conform to our rule of the Skip and third being members in good standing with the Elks or Royal Purple and/or are accepted by the Committee. The curlers also do not need to be from the same Lodge. We are hoping that this helps to get teams and curlers motivated to come out and curl and keep our Elks & Royal Purple Curling alive. Any Lodge interested in being a host for 2014, please contact us at the above e-mail, and we will be glad to send you out a host package for your information. Hosting is a great way to showcase your town, Lodge, members, and it does so much for your community. We look forward to hearing from you. 45 1987-2012 History 45 SASKATCHEWAN PROVINCIAL BOWLING RESULTS Respectfully submitted by Bowling Chairs Lady Rita Winowich and Brother Willis Colby The Provincial Bowling Tournament was hosted by Star City Elks & Royal Purple Lodges on November 3rd & 4th, 2012 with 9 participating teams from Allan, Hudson Bay, Regina, Nipawin, Saskatoon, Shaunavon, and Star City Lodges. The weather conditions did not help the attendance. Thanks to all the bowlers, the host Lodges, and sponsors who helped in making it a fun weekend. The winners of the Championship trophy sponsored by Esterhazy Elks Lodge No. 469 was the Regina team of David and Brenda Davis, Stacie Huston and Randy Boehm. The Runner-up trophy sponsored by Nipawin Elks Lodge No. 251 was won by the Nipawin team of Jackie Hazelwood, Audrey Erdman, Alvin McBain and Paul Backstrom. Hi-Single Team Game sponsored by Yorkton Elks Lodge No. 392: Star City Team; Wilma Will; Tina & Allan McMunn; Rod Englund Ladies’ and Men’s single game sponsored by Allan Elks Lodge No. 546: Ladies winner was Joyce Koturbash of Star City; Men’s winner was Ken Erdman of Nipawin Ladies’ and Men’s Hi Total sponsored by Nipawin Royal Purple Lodge No. 67 The Ladies winner was Marilyn Harris of Nipawin and the Men’s winner was Andy Cox of Shaunavon. Tail-enders trophy that is sponsored by Regina Elks Lodge No. 9 was won by the Allan team made up of Violet, Elmer, Art Rathje and Orest Romaniuk. Best Dressed team trophy sponsored by PPP Brother Ron Potter went to the Star City Bag Ladies, Mary, Marg, Joyce and Eldora. For the Lodge who had to travel the furthest, the Travelling trophy was given to Regina Lodge team of Randy, Brenda, Stacie and David. PENTICTON ELKS LODGE NO. 51 WILL BE HOSTING THE 2013 ELKS AND ROYAL PURPLE NATIONAL DARTS CHAMPIONSHIPS MAY 21 - 25, 2013 DETAILS TO FOLLOW IN UPCOMING MONTHS! 46 1987-2012 History 46 LODGES IN THE COMMUNITIES ST. ALBERT ELKS LODGE NO. 585 … Cruisin’ Clubhouse provides another summer of fun! It’s a hot August day and the playground behind SAM School is full of children playing, running, shouting and laughing. The kids are here because it is a Cruisin’ Clubhouse day, a day where the city’s mobile recreation van pulls into a local playground and runs free drop in programming for kids ages five and up. Today, the program leaders call the kids from the playground and have them sit in a circle. The kids listen attentively while the leaders explain the rules to a new game. The funding from the ELKS enables the City to provide a program that is free, accessible and fun for children throughout the community. “From a recreation standpoint, it is important that children have access to free programming than enhances their lives,” says Margo Brenneis, Recreation Coordinator for the City of St. Albert. “Kids coming to Cruisin’ Clubhouse can play in a safe, supervised environment and meet other kids in their neighbourhood. It’s a great way for the kids to get out and socialize and be active outside!” “One of the things that I love about the Cruisin’ Clubhouse is that the kids lean something new every time,” says parent, April Silvester, whose kids are regulars at the program. “I love seeing the kids leave here and teach a new game or activity to their friends at our park.” The Cruisin’ Clubhouse program has been a part of the community for 17 years thanks to the financial support of the St. Albert Elks Lodge. “We like to support programs that help kids,” remarks Gary Foley, a St. Albert Elks member. “It’s an important program in St. Albert and it is really the centerpiece of our funding initiatives.” The Cruisin’ Clubhouse operates in parks throughout the City. These parks are chosen in areas with high numbers of children but also in safe locations so they can be easily access by bike or on foot. And kids can come back week after week without getting bored as the program leaders come up with new activities, games and crafts based on a differently weekly theme. This summer, over 2000 kids came out to the Cruisin’ Clubhouse program! Thanks to the ELKS for their support to this important summer program for the kids in our community! HANLEY ELKS GO FARMING FOR LOCAL CHARITIES In 2012, the Hanley Elks Lodge No. 153 rented a half section of land from Hanley farmer Erwin Beaumont as a Charity Fundraiser. It has been a very worthwhile enterprise with the proceeds going to Hanley and District Charities. This venture would not have been possible without the sponsorship of numerous farm machinery dealers, fuel, fertilizer, seed suppliers and other crop production specialists in the area. It also was a great opportunity for our Elk members who are mostly farmers, to participate in a fraternal project. We all look forward to the next three years of our rental contract. ELKS SERVING OUR COMMUNITY AND DISTRICT FOR 85 YEARS 47 1987-2012 History 47 ELKS OF CANADA PLANNING DISCUSSIONS - OCTOBER 2012 Recently the Grand Executive, Provincial/Territorial Presidents and 1st Vice Presidents, and the Grand Lodge Committee Chairmen met for their Annual Planning session. It is important that the membership be aware of the planning discussions and we are pleased to attach a copy of the report from the planning sessions for your information. The Grand Executive believe it is far better that all members are aware of the discussions that take place as we try to turn the ship around and resolve the serious challenges facing the future of the Elks of Canada rather than rumours being the only information circulating. For these same reasons we are also circulating this correspondence by email to the approx 2,700 members for whom we have email addresses. All Lodges are asked to ensure that their membership are aware of the ongoing discus- sions and we encourage the Lodges themselves to sit down in a dedicated planning mode and help plan your community activities and membership growth plans. Should any Lodge or member wish to submit some input to the National Planning group, we strongly encourage and thank you for taking the time to do so. It will only be through members stepping up to take a leadership role in their Lodge that we will be successful. Elkdom has made a difference in many lives over the years and we can still do it in the future. Prior to reading the report we encourage all members to go to the following you tube link to watch first hand the presentation of Dr. John Izzo our key note Leadership speaker at this year’s Grand Lodge Convention http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=xUbeyclkimo. Dr. Izzo speaks clearly of the leader- ship needs of the Elks of Canada. When reading the following report the reader is cautioned NOT TO ASSUME any of the comments, considerations, or recommendations in the following document will proceed to fruition or receive the support of the membership where necessary at a Grand Lodge Convention. By its very nature forward planning requires that everything comes to the table for discussion and consideration. You can not plan for the future unless you look honestly at all aspects of the present. The members attending this planning session are to be congratulated for having the courage to discuss all matters fully, openly, and honestly. GRAND EXECUTIVE/PRESIDENTS/COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN PLANNING SESSION Crown Room, Travelodge Hotel REGINA SK THURSDAY & FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 & 19, 2012 Bro. Patrick Clark, President, ON Elks Association Bro. Myles Reid, 1st Vice Pres., ON Elks Assoc. Bro. Eugene Wood, President, NB/PEI Elks Association Sister Susan Ash, President, NL/Labrador Elks Assoc. Bro. Luc Chouinard, 2nd VP., NL/Labrador Elks Assoc. Bro. Ken Rogers, President, Territorial Elks Assoc. Bro. Gary Hoffman, 1st Vice Pres., Territorial Elks Assoc. Bro. Will Challenger, Chairman, National Charities Comm Bro. Peter Finch, .Chairman, Audit/Finance Committee Bro. Mark Montgomery Chairman, Judiciary Comm. Bro. Bill Ward.Chairman, Marketing Committee Bro. Dave Hurley .Member, Member Services Committee Bro. Bill Blake, .Executive Administrator Bro. Garnet Roth Manager, Member Services PRESENT: Bro. Robert Larsen, Grand Exalted Ruler Bro. Jerry Wernicke, Immediate Past G E R Bro. Jim McLeod, Grand Leading Knight Bro. Duane Felt, Grand Loyal Knight Bro. Dominic Leach, Grand Lecturing Knight Bro.Denis Ellingboe, Grand Esquire Sister Deborah Sallenback, Grand Chaplain Sister Jacqueline Allain, 1st Vice Pres., BC Elks Assoc. Bro. John Christie, President, AB Elks Association Bro. Leonard Shain, 1st Vice Pres., AB Elks Assoc. Bro. Andrew Cox, President, SK Elks Association Bro. Alvin Alyea, 1st Vice Pres., SK Elks Assoc. Bro. Allan Tutthill, President, MB Elks Association Bro. Sandy Hildebrand,1st Vice Pres., MB Elks Assoc. 1. OPENING REMARKS Brother Dave Hurley, Grand Lodge Planning Session Facilitator, welcomed everyone and explained how the planning session would proceed over the next two days. Continued on page 50 . . . 48 1987-2012 History 48 GRANDE PRAIRIE ELKS LODGE NO. 285 Grande Prairie Elks Lodge No. 285 hosted their annual Christmas Charity Dinner on Thursday, December 6, 2012. Twelve worthy community organizations and schools shared in $13,950.00. Grand Exalted Ruler, Brother Robert Larsen of our Lodge attended the presentations. On behalf of the Elks, Brother Robert thanked the recipients for their contributions to community The recipients graciously thanked the Elks for their generosity and support towards a better life and programs that make life sweeter, people better and the world happier. The Elks have been a major sponsor of the Grande Prairie Junior Curling program for 26 years. Several young ladies and gentlemen have graduated from the program to become Provincial, National and World Champions. Back left in the picture is Exalted Ruler Leonard Leer and third person over is Grand Exalted Ruler Brother Robert Larsen. The other people in the picture are representatives of the various organizations that received funding. To name a few they were: the Grande Prairie Scouts, Cubs and Beavers; Salvation Army; Kids toy lending department of the Grande Prairie Library and Junior Curlers. The Sign in front of the group is a joint venture between Grande Prairie Elks and City of Grande Prairie for a Kids Spray Park at a cost of $135,000.00. The project started in the spring of 2012 and was finished in late September and will be in full operation next season. It is located in the center of the city in what is known as Muskoseepi Park. BURNABY ELKS AND ROYAL PURPLE LODGES GIVE EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFTS Honoured Royal Lady Doreen Peniuk presented to Mrs. Dale Owen the Community School Co-ordinator for Stride Avenue Community School an early Christmas gift - a cheque in the amount of $1,000.00 to assist them with their school programs. Stride Avenue Community School believes in academic excellence and the pursuit of knowledge, skills and developing a positive attitude that leads to lifelong learning. Exalted Ruler Reg Seguin and Past Exalted Ruler Wally Govett presented to Mr. Peter Dubinsky, Principal of Edmonds Community School a cheque in the amount of $1,000.00 to assist them with their much needed meal programs for breakfast and lunch. Edmonds Community School is a safe, caring and welcoming School with a very sharp focus on academic excellence. They hold their students up to the highest of standards and their dedicated staff helps their students achieve those standards. .Left to right: Exalted Ruler Reg Seguin; Principal Peter Dubinsky; Past Exalted Ruler Wally Govett. 49 1987-2012 History 49 . . . Continued from page 48 2. SESSION 1 Brother Hurley led the participants through the first of several video clips of the presentation at this year’s Convention by Dr. John Izzo on the topic of Leadership. This was followed by a review of the purposes of the session and the role of the participants to help set the tone for the session. A)Purposes of the Seminar • To deal with our Future – if we truly believe in Elkdom then as Leaders we should be worried about our future. • We have held many planning sessions over the years where we look out from the organization and where are we at today? Maybe it’s time to look inwards and that is what this session will be about. • We have to deal with the reality of our organization’s current status and we have to deal with it now, we cannot procrastinate with this. Our future depends on it. B)Role of Participants The participants were asked to personally consider the following before tackling the main topics of MEMBERSHIP and STRUCTURE. • Are you a leader or filling a chair? • Can you put the Future of the Order ahead of your own personal priorities and traditions? • Can you face the brutal facts? We’re dying a slow death. In the past 15 years we have lost 48%, or 11,104 members. At this rate of average loss, of 740 members per year, we will be out of members by 2028. • Is the status quo working? • Is the Strategic Plan working? • Are our Mission and Vision statements relevant anymore? C)Approach to Topics The participants were broken into three (3) predetermined groups. Each group was tasked with evaluating each of the sub-topics under MEMBERSHIP and STRUCTURE by asking their group to evaluate each topic based on the following criteria: • What is our vision for the future of the Elks of Canada? • What will it take to win over the next generation of people to continue to make the difference that we do to day? • Do we need to diversify? Do we need to change? Are there things we need to let go because they don’t work? 3. SESSION 2 – MEMBERSHIP A)Membership Considerations • How are we going to get the next generation of Canadians to join our organization, to carry on Elkdom, and make the difference in our citizens lives that we do today? • Why are people joining other groups and not the Elks of Canada? • What two methods are most responsible for gaining new members? • What two traits are most responsible for losing members? Specific recommendations made by all the groups after individual discussion: There were several recommendations from each of the groups; however, upon further examination and discussion it was generally felt that most of the areas brought up actually fall under other parts of the session. Two general recommendations were brought forth: • That the Marketing Committee continues to promote us as a family focussed organization with projects that include family involvement. • That the Marketing Committee creates a promotional tool that will help portray us in the image we want to be seen rather than the way the public views us now. B)Programs Considerations • What Grand Lodge Programs are successful? Not successful? What new ones would you suggest? Some of the existing Grand Lodge programs are: AIM program, Revitalization and new Lodge funding, promotional funding, membership materials (brochures, kits, etc.), training manuals, leadership training sessions, Lodge resource teams, Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children. Specific recommendations made by all the groups after individual discussion: 50 • Keep leadership training sessions. • Keep membership material. • Replace or restructure all other programs including national sports (note this does not include the Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children). C)Charities Considerations • From a Lodge perspective where do we get the best bang for our Charity dollar? Local/Provincial/National Elks Charities? (National Fund for Children Clinical Programs include BC Family Hearing Resource Society, ISTAR (Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research), SPARC (Saskatchewan Pediatric Auditory Rehabilitation Center), Central Speech and Hearing Clinic, Voice for Hearing-Impaired Children, L’Association d’implants Cochleaire du Quebec, NB Deaf Camp.) All Speech and Hearing related. Should we try something else? • What value added is there to our Personal Assistance programs, if any? Should Lodges just be on their own when a need arises? • Is our model too loose by not controlling donations more? (e.g. For years the practice of the Shriners was to contribute 90% of their funds raised to the Sick Children’s Hospital while the remaining 10% could be used at the local level.) • What are we getting out of the Fund for Children? Is it bringing in new members? Would changing our focus help? Do we need a national charity? Do we need a different national charity? • What are we getting out of our Provincial/Territorial Charities such as children’s camps, seniors homes, walkathons, etc.? Are they bringing in members? Do we need Provincial Charities? Specific recommendations made by all the groups after individual discussion: • That we cease support for existing clinical programs that have been around for years as they should be able to stand on their own now. Proper notice should be given to programs to allow them to make arrangements to replace our contributions. Continued next page . . . 1987-2012 History 50 • That the National Charities Committee and the provinces/territories seek out new and exciting programs in speech and hearing or any other areas which will get the membership excited in promoting and fundraising for. • That we put more emphasis and money towards personal assistance cases that will help raise the profile of our Lodges. • That we examine other areas beside speech and hearing as speech and hearing is considered by some members as not being as marketable as some other charitable areas and makes it difficult to promote our “brand”. There are other causes which seem to be more noticed than speech and hearing. D)Ritual and Regalia Considerations • Is our Ritual and Regalia practical in today’s society? • Is it the image we want to portray when we are looking for today’s and tomorrow’s volunteers? • If we stopped emphasizing it what would happen? Specific recommendations made by all the groups after individual discussion: • That Regulation 13 – Regalia of the Order (pg 45) be amended as follows: “Regulation 13 – Order of Dress 1.1 .Formal Dress as in Regulation 13 (pg 45). 1.2 Semi-Formal Dress: Black Elks jacket. 1.3 Casual Dress: Members are encouraged to wear articles of clothing that identify them as an Elk.” • Opening Ceremony (Lodge) The participants agreed that following resolution be presented to the 2013 Grand Lodge Convention: WHEREAS we are trying to promote ourselves as a friendly, welcoming organization; AND WHEREAS we are not a secret “society” that needs to “guard” our doors to be “secure against intrusion”; AND WHEREAS we should be clearly demonstrating to all Elks and other guests that we value their presence; AND WHEREAS we have an Officer at the door to greet members (and visitors) that control access to the meeting; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Opening Ceremony (Lodge) in the Book of Ritual be changed to read: “EXALTED RULER: Brother/Sister Membership Director, are you at the door ready to receive members (and visitors) and are all present and entitled to remain? (When the Membership Director is assured that all have signed in and are entitled to remain, the following shall be reported…) MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: Worthy Exalted Ruler, I am at the door ready to receive members (and visitors) and all present are entitled to remain. EXALTED RULER: Under the assurance given by our Membership Director that all of you are worthy Elks (and visitors), I bid you welcome.” • The participants agreed that the Grand Lodge Ritual Committee revise the Installation of Officers for Lodges who hold round table meetings. 4.SESSION 3 – STRUCTURE A)Lodges Considerations • Is there a need for the Elks of Canada? • What role can the Lodges play within the community? • What do Lodges have to offer to their members? • Do the Lodges understand the needs of the volunteers within the communities? • What do the volunteers want from us? • Is the work in the community the best way for a Lodge to attract new m e m bers? 51 • How do we address the leadership issue within our Lodges? Specific recommendations made by all the groups after individual discussion: • That the size of the Lodge Executive be a minimum of – President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer (or Secretary-Treasurer). • That a member survey be created for new members to keep track of their needs/skill sets. • That all Lodges be mandated to provide an orientation for a new member of the Lodge. • That an obituary be sent to Lodges to help convince the Lodges of how serious our concerns are. The obituary would show the birth and death of the Elks – advising what would happen if we don’t bring in new members and retain them. The following recommendation was discussed and defeated: • That Exalted Rulers serve a maximum 2 year term (consecutive) with no exceptions to extend. No special permission would be provided to serve additional consecutive terms. B)Provincial/Territorial Associations Considerations • Is there a need for the Provincial/ Territorial Association legally and operationally? • Is the current structure of the Provincial/Territorial Associations effective, representative, and efficient? • Do the Lodges and members really care what we do at a provincial/ territorial level? • Are the Provincial/Territorial Associations focused on the future? The following recommendation was discussed and defeated: • That we remove the Provincial/ Territorial Associations but retain District Deputies/Regional Reps/Zones/ Coordinators/Etc. and that the retained position be under the jurisdiction of Grand Lodge. C)Staff Considerations • What role does the staff play in the governance of the Order? • What role does the staff play in the administration of the Order? Continued on page 54 . . . 1987-2012 History 51 INSPIRING COMMUNITY LEADERS PROGRAM The Elks asked how they could become a better, stronger more effective organization. The answer . . . . build a strong base of leaders. The “Leadership is Everyone’s Business” program written by James Kouzes and Barry Posner was selected, and the need to come up with a name for this program was discussed. After several ideas, the goal to help communities, made the choice easy, thus the name “Inspiring Community Leaders”. A pilot project in Calgary, Alberta was held in April 2011. The next session was in November 2011 for the national Executive and Provincial Presidents, followed by one held in Kamloops, British Columbia, in May 2012 and a joint session between Saskatchewan and Manitoba was held in October, 2012. Were they successful? – YES……a huge success. Here are some of the comments from the participants: “These skills will go with me not only as an Elk member but my professional and personal life.” “I thought I was prepared and a good Leader. I found out I was an average Leader but now have the tools to be the Leader I want to be.” “Awesome, very good for personal development. I would take this class again & again. “Leadership starts with me.” Back row left to right: Jack Huntington, Facilitator; Brent Soder, Elkhorn MB; Les Walker, Carberry MB; Al Busby, Hanley SK; Ken Shackel, Elkhorn MB; Bill Tarr, Craven SK; Calvin Nankivell, Moose Mountain SK; John Voutour, Moose Mountain SK; Second row left to right: Barry Off, Esterhazy SK; Liz Busby, Hanley SK; Danyne Hoeppner, Altona MB; Rheina Schellenberg, Altona MB; Sandi Hildebrand, Altona MB; June Tarr, Craven SK; Kevin Tutthill, Elkhorn MB; Kyle Stevenson, Shaunavon SK; Maurice Koszman, Bengough SK; Jason Huss, Shaunavon SK Kneeling left to right: Eugene Hartter, Wilke SK; Gordon Brown, Shaunavon SK 52 1987-2012 History 52 VEGREVILLE ELKS LODGE NO. 143 CELEBRATES THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ELKS OF CANADA On December 6, 2012 approximately 45 members and guests of the Vegreville Elks Lodge celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Elks of Canada. It was a night set aside to celebrate the accomplishments of the Lodge in the local community as well as highlighting the importance of the Elks of Canada in their fundraising efforts for local and national charities. One of the many notable historical events for the Lodge was that two of the Lodge’s members would become the Grand Exalted Ruler, Robert Robert in 1967 and the late Dr. Nick Kuzyk in 1975. Continuing in their support for the community, the Lodge members made presentations to two youth organizations at the meeting. The first presentation was made to the Vegreville Minor Soccer Association for $5,000.00 to assist in development of a soccer field. This will be the first installment of a $10,000.00 commitment to the Vegreville Minor Soccer Association. The second presentation for $2,000.00 was made to the local Girl Guides to help offset travel costs for a group of Guides to take a trip to Ottawa for a Canada Day Tour. The evening continued with presentations from the Town of Vegreville and the County of Minburn recognizing the local Lodge for their community work. Long service pins were presented to many members with a noteworthy 65 years membership pin being presented to Brother Dale Cole. The Vegreville Elks donated $10,000.00 to the Vegreville Lions Club to assist in the construction costs for the Vegreville Lions Community Spray Park. Exalted Ruler Marshall Stewart presented the cheque to Frances Sawiak, Chairperson for the Park Fundraising Committee from the Lions Club. Also shown is Brother Bob Bennett and Lions member John Sawiak. This is the second cheque for $10,000.00, for a total donation of $20,000.00 that the Vegreville Elks have contributed to the Lions Spray Park. Brother Bob Bennett (L) and Exalted Ruler Marshall Stewart (R) presented a cheque for $1,000.00 to Colleen Pidzarko from the Vegreville Alcohol and Drug Society. The funds will be used to fund a Teen Conference for Junior High School students from Vegreville and Mundare. Brother Bob Bennett (L) and Exalted Ruler Marshall Stewart (R) presented a cheque for $2,500.00 to Vegreville Composite High School Principal Roy Mills for the Cultural Endowment Fund. Interest earned from the fund is used for scholarships for students in Arts and Cultural programs. Exalted Ruler Marshall Stewart presented a cheque for $1,500.00 to Ralph Soldan, President of the Vegreville Golf Club as part of the Elks sponsorship of a shelter and sign at Hole No. 2. 53 1987-2012 History 53 • Do we have the right balance of staff and volunteers? • Is the staff we have today relevant to the nature of our organization? • Can we afford staff? • Are the services the staff provide in line with the needs of the Order? Specific recommendations made by all the groups after individual discussion: None. It was discussed that the staff should continue to be evaluated by the Grand Executive annually for efficiency and, if necessary, hire people by contract to do specific, short term jobs. D)Grand Lodge Considerations • Is there a need for the Grand Lodge legally and operationally? • Is the current structure of the Grand Executive effective, representative, and efficient? • Is the Grand Executive focused on the future? • Do the Lodges and members really even care what we do nationally? • Is the current make up of this National Strategic Planning Committee effective or is it just an attempt to portray a collegial approach? Who have we impressed in the last 10 years besides ourselves? • Do we need a National Convention every year? Specific recommendations made by all the groups after individual discussion: • That there is a need to structure the Grand Executive to allow for members unable or unwilling to sit on the Grand Executive for the eight (8) years between the position of Grand Inner Guard and Immediate Past Grand Exalted Ruler. There was consensus that at least three (3) of the eight (8) positions would be considered to be similar to Directors at Large with the incumbents/applicants not indicating a desire at that time to progress as far as the Grand Exalted Ruler. The balance of the five (5) positions would be the starting point that a member would run for if they desire to serve for a minimum of five (5) progressive years culminating with being the Immediate Past Grand Exalted Ruler. All members of the Grand Executive would be equal members elected as an Officer of the Elks of Canada. Traditional ceremonial duties of Grand Inner Guard, Grand Esquire, and Grand Chaplain would be assigned to the Directors at Large by Grand Executive policy. Directors at Large terms could be limited to up to three (3) years in length but elected annually. This structure would allow younger members and those wanting to serve on the National Board for a few years an opportunity to do so without an eight (8) year commitment. If they changed their mind any time after their term as a Director at Large, the door is still open for them to run for the Lecturing Knight/3rd Vice and thereby signal their intention to ultimately progress to the highest positions in the Order. • That as the Grand Exalted Ruler is expected to plan for a full year of dedicated service to the Order and therefore must have sufficient time to plan around their personal life, working life, and personal finances that it is only right and proper that upon reaching the chair of Grand Leading Knight/1st Vice that they be assured they will automatically move into the position of Grand Exalted Ruler. This recommendation would therefore change the title of Grand Leading Knight to Grand Exalted Ruler Elect or President Elect and this person will assume the position of Grand Exalted Ruler automatically without the requirement of an annual election. The following recommendations were discussed and defeated: • That Grand Lodge Convention be held every two years. • That the Grand Executive as it currently stands today be eliminated and have provincial/territorial representatives make up a national board. E) Royal Purple Considerations • What role does the Royal Purple play in Elkdom? • Is the Royal Purple going to survive much longer? • Should we proactively push for the Royal Purple Lodges to apply for Elks Charter? • Could we operate within one Constitution, Bylaws, and Regulations? 54 • Could we operate with one office? • If we were to join into one organization how can we achieve this so that the wants and needs of both organizations are met? Specific recommendations made by all the groups after individual discussion: • There was consensus that although the Elks of Canada as a whole were hurting, the Royal Purple as a separate Unit of the Order were hurting even more. It was discussed that at some point if the Royal Purple kept declining at its current rate that the future viability of the Order of the Royal Purple would come into question. The session participants were very united in their thoughts that the Elks needed the Royal Purple Lodges to understand that they would be most welcome to apply for a Charter as a full Elks Lodge should the Order of the Royal Purple reach a point of no return. It was agreed that a letter should go to the Royal Purple Lodges advising them they could if they so desire apply for an Elks Charter as an Elks/Royal Purple Lodge. A letter explaining the position of the Elks on this matter should be forwarded to the Supreme Executive. The next day in the Grand Executive/ Presidents meeting, the participants revisited the idea to send a letter to the Royal Purple Lodges concerning applying for an Elks Charter if they so desired. It was noted that the Supreme Executive have general authority over the Royal Purple Lodges and it would be quite improper for the Elks to correspond directly with Royal Purple Lodges concerning this matter. It was pointed out that the Grand and Supreme Executives discussed this possibility at their joint meeting in July 2011 and the Grand Executive at that time advised Royal Purples Lodges were just as entitled as any other group to apply for a direct Charter from the Elks of Canada if they surrendered their Royal Purple Charter. A motion was duly passed rescinding the decision to correspond directly with the Royal Purple Lodges concerning this matter. 1987-2012 History 54 Grand Exalted Ruler, Brother Larsen will be calling Supreme Honoured Royal Lady Craigie and advising her of our discussions. After the participants went through the planning sessions, they were asked the same question. 21 answered yes, 1 answered maybe, and 2 answered no. 5. WILL THE ELKS BE AROUND IN 25 YEARS? At the beginning of the planning session on Thursday, Brother Hurley asked all participants to fill out a questionnaire asking if they believed that the Elks of Canada would be around in 25 years. Out of 24 people answering the question, 11 answered yes and 13 answered no. 6.CLOSING Brother Hurley thanked everyone for their participation. Adjourned:............. 5:19 p.m. STAR CITY ELKS LODGE NO. 172 On October 14th, 2012, Star City Elks celebrated their 85th anniversary. Grand Exalted Ruler/National President Robert Larsen who was in attendance for the celebration and fish fry held at the Elks Hall said 85 years is a great accomplishment. “It is exciting. Where I have been travelling is the rural Lodges coming to a place like Star City with 85 years of service to their community, making their community a better place to live is great”. George Shipley (right) making a presentation to Grand Exalted Ruler Robert Larsen, of a $1,000.00 donation for the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children. In lieu of receiving a plaque for their 85th anniversary, Grand Exalted Ruler Robert Larsen presented Exalted Ruler Neil Perkins a receipt for their donation to the Fund for Children. Anne Boxal, Royal Purple District Rep in District No. 3 is presenting donations to Exalted Ruler Neil Perkins A presentation was made to Derek and Penny Hedin by Gordon Garringer (right) to help with expenses after they lost their home to fire. 55 1987-2012 History 55 WAYNE’S CORNER February 2011 marked our first year since we opened our on-line store with the web site and it has been a great success. It is obvious that your choice of ordering is on-line. Since then, we have filled over 400 web site orders plus numerous direct e-mail orders from members and Lodges. Thank you so much for your patronage! For those that have not seen or tried our on-line store, go ahead and use it. Not only does the Web Site Catalogue give you a chance to see what is new or on special pricing, it’s easy to use and we will always advise should there be a delay in delivery due to stock issues etc. What’s New? - Men’s and Women’s Short Sleeve Dress Shirts in BLUE are now available - $39.99 each Add this to our line of colors available: White, Black, Fresh Green, and Grey - Warm North End ¾ Length Winter Jacket with detachable hood regular price $155.00 is available at an introductory price of $149.95 each. Pricing in effect until March 31, 2013. We have some Anniversary items still available - while quantities last: - Men’s and Women’s Anniversary Golf Shirts mixture of colors - $29.95 each - Anniversary Golf Balls - $5.50 each - Black/Grey and Black Burgundy Anniversary Golf Caps - $11.95 each Check these and other items out on our website www.elks-canada.org click on “STORE” E-mail the store direct: store@elks-canada.org Telephone (Toll Free) 1-888-843-3557 Ext 223 PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT #40013287 Return undeliverable to: ELKS OF CANADA 100-2629 29TH AVE REGINA SK S4S 2N9 56