Newsletter April 2015 - Michigan Elks Association

MichiganNewsletter
‘Warrior Game’: Special day of basketball
April 2015
Volume 47
Edition 4
A 5-Star Publication
FLAT ROCK ELKS #1731
68838 Broadus, Suite A
Sturgis, MI 49091
Michigan
NON-PROFIT RATE
U.S. Postage
PAID
Sturgis, MI
Permit #48
On Saturday, January 17, 2015 the
Flat Rock Elks #1731, in conjunction
with the Downriver ARC, the
Woodhaven – Brownstown School
District and the Flat Rock School
District, hosted a special day of
basketball for learning disabled children
and adults at the Woodhaven High
School campus.
This year’s event was called “Warrior
Games.” It boasted a special message:
“Courage, above all things, is the first
quality of a warrior.”
Downriver ARC is a non-profit
organization in South East Michigan.
They provide services to individuals
with various levels of physical,
intellectual, and developmental needs.
This event, like all others through out
the year, provides these individuals the
ability to bond with others, compete in
friendly competition, and allow them
the ability to find self respect and self
realization. It affords them the bonding
experiences that so many need, but all
too often never get.
With the assistance of the
Woodhaven-Brownstown
School
District and the Flat Rock School
District, these events become magical.
Student-athletes are paired with each
ARC member and play on opposing
teams. These are both young men and
ladies from the varsity and junior
varsity squads. They compete with their
hearts and souls in an accommodating
fashion. We believe these studentathletes come away from these events
with a sense of accomplishment and
pride. The bonding experiences bring
tears to your eyes, and warmth through
out your body.
Flat Rock Elks # 1731 provided
funding from a Promise Grant and a
Gratitude Grant from the Elks National
Foundation. We were able to replace
worn-out uniforms, present each ARC
athlete with a medal, and provide each
participant with pizza, chips and a soft
drink. Our lodge provided 37 people to
help with various tasks trough out this
wonderful day.
We are committed to further support
the Downriver ARC in any way that we
can, and to work closely with the
Woodhaven – Brownstown School
District and the Flat Rock School
District, and their student athletes. In
May of 2015, we will again join in
collaboration with ARC and the School
Districts to hold a softball game with
these wonderful individuals.
INSIDE
News & notes
2
Officer messages
3
Grand Lodge
4-5
Convention
agenda
11
Lodge News
7, 10
Committees
8-9
Hoop Shoot
12
Jeff Recker, Flat Rock Elks #1731 E.R., with ARC athletes John Huebner
and Tony Rosati.
Save the Date: Elks Night at the Great Lakes Loons
Lodges in the Michigan Elks Association
have been invited into participate in a
Community Organization game at the Great
Lakes Loons minor league ballpark in Midland
on Sunday, August 23 (2:05 pm game
time). Our 2015-16 State President, Randy
Jackson, will throw out the first pitch. August
23 might seem like a long way away, but let’s
get this event on our Lodge calendars and start
getting the word out to your members at your
Lodge meeting and in your newsletter.
Each individual attending the game will have
to purchase their own ticket, but the Michigan
Elks get the following benefits from
participating in a Community Organization
game:
■ Tables in the stadium concourse where we
can hand out materials about the Elks, including
membership applications. I have asked all of
our State Committee Chairpersons to attend the
game and to bring information about their
Committee.
■ 30 second PAannouncement about the Elks
■ Video display welcoming the Elks to the
game
■ Radio announcement during the game
about the Elks on WLUN FM 100.9
■ Entry into a $500 raffle with the other 2015
Community Organizations (drawing at the end
of the season)
■ The Community Organization that has the
most attendees at their game wins a $1,000 prize
at the end of the season
We will be the only Community
Organization at the August 23rd game. You can
check out information about the Great Lakes
Loons
on
their
website
at
www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t456.
The Great Lakes Loons offer different group
ticket packages, including:
■ Standard Package – $6.50 for a lawn ticket
or $9.50 for a box seat.
■ Home Run Package – $11.50 for a lawn
ticket or $14.50 for a box seat, including a food
voucher for a soda and a hot dog or a Loons
baseball cap.
■ Grand Slam Package – $16.50 for a lawn
ticket or $19.50 for a box seat, including a food
voucher for a soda and a hot dog and a Loons
baseball cap.
More information will be sent to all lodges
in the coming weeks, but if anyone has any
questions, please contact Brad Saegesser, Tawas
Area Elks Lodge #2525, 989-820-7171.
Aug. 23 is date for trip to see the
Loons.
2
MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER ■ April 2015
NEWS AND NOTES
What will the new year bring?
Congratulations to all of you newly installed
Exalted Rulers! You are embarking on a
beautiful experience. It is up to you to make
that happen. How do Elks make things
happen? Visit www.elks.org/grandlodge/
fraternal/downloads.cfm for links to activities
and subjects that will be of tremendous help.
Exalted Rulers should take a good look at
two tabs, the “ER Flow Chart” and the
“Fraternal Committee Program.” These two
items will get you tons of information to
achieve your goals. Keep in mind that the
dates will be updated soon, but you will know
in advance what to be prepared for. This list
of downloads will help get you and your
committees organized and informed. It does
not matter if you are the Exalted Ruler or a
committee member, the key is to set goals,
plan how to achieve those goals, and then
implement those plans. Get the help needed
to make your plans work. Support those who
are involved with the goals that are set.
Take a look at the “Manuals” tab. Make
good use of them. A wealth of information is
there for all to use. Lastly, look at the “Organ
and Tissue Donation Program.” I would.
— Dietrich L. Boskie,
GL Fraternal Committee Member
Student leadership weekend
LEAD – The Most Valuable Student
Leadership Weekend begins April 24, when
the top 20 ENF Most Valuable Student
scholarship finalists will gather in Chicago to
get to know one another and serve veterans
in need in the name of the Elks.
Each of the 20 semifinalists will receive a
scholarship of at least $20,000. During this
weekend, the national judges will interview
each student and select a male and female
to receive the top scholarships of $30,000,
$40,000 or $50,000.
For a peek into last year’s Leadership
Weekend, watch the film LEAD at
www.elks.org/enf/filmfest.cfm.
■ Sales — Working recruitment tables,
working reinstatements, greeting guests and
inviting them to join.
■ Public relations/marketing — Promoting
membership on the social media page and
Lodge website. Making sure everyone inside
and the outside is aware of the positive
impact the Lodge has contributed toward the
community.
■ Orientation — Educating, involving and
inspiring new Members to recruit and be
active. Matching their interests and time with
a Lodge committee or activity.
■ Collection Department — Assist the
Lodge Secretary with billing, collection
letters, phone calls, e-mails and visits to
delinquents. Patience and persistence.
State officers
State convention taking shape
Get
Published
in the Michigan
Elks News!
Send us your articles and pictures
and show us what you’re proud of
at your Lodge!
E-mail address:
meanewsletter@mielks.org
Articles and hard copy photos
may also be mailed to Karen Cary,
Advantage Printing, 68838 Broadus,
Suite A, Sturgis MI 49091.
Deadlines for submissions to the
Michigan Elks quarterly newsletter:
March 15 for April publication
June 15 for July publication
Sept. 15 for October publication
Dec. 15 for January publication
Step up to the line
Elks Hoop Shoot finalists have advanced
through local, district, state and regional
contests, and are eagerly preparing for the
2015 National Finals.
Mark your calendar for April 18, when
these 72 athletes, ages 8 to 13, will compete
in Springfield, MA, for spots on the Hoop
Shoot plaque in the NBA Hall of Fame.
Follow the finalists’ progress on April 18 at
www.elks.org/hoopshoot for live, shot-byshot results. And, throughout the weekend,
follow #hoopshoot on Instagram and Twitter.
Can’t wait until the contest?
Watch the video of last year’s finals at
www.elks.org/enf/filmfest.cfm.
Selecting a committee
Here are some tips to selecting a great
Membership Committee
■ Apply good business management
practices. Emphasize a business approach
that will always improve the condition of your
Lodge.
■ Like any service business, we must not
only make the original sale, but also keep
the customer sold.
■ Committee responsibilities include
recruitment, orientation of new Members,
public relations and dues collection.
■ Think in business terms. Sales, customer
relations, public relations and credit
collections.
■ The three key individuals are the Exalted
Ruler, Lodge Secretary and Membership
Committee Chairperson.
■ The Exalted Ruler should provide
continuous supervision. The Lodge
Secretary runs the “Collection Department.”
■ The Membership Chairperson needs
committee members with various skills.
— Rick Gathen,
Membership and Public Relations Manager
Our May 14--17 Spring Convention at
Kewadin, Sault Ste. Marie is taking shape.
Reservation and Banquet forms have been
on the Elks website since February 1. Our
Fall Convention will be in Grand Rapids at
the Crowne Plaza October 15-18.
— Deak Watters, Convention director
Thanks for a great year!
With the new fiscal year upon us, thank
you to all those who helped make 2014-15 a
success by volunteering for programs or
donating to the ENF. To show our gratitude,
the ENF offers $2,000 Gratitude Grants to
Lodges that meet or exceed the National
President’s per-Member-giving goal. Check
the Community Investments Program
Participation Report by visiting
www.elks.org/enf/cipParticipation.cfm to see
if your Lodge qualified for a Gratitude Grant.
If so, be sure your Lodge applies for this
grant to serve your community. Don’t delay!
Applications are due May 31.
Visit www.elks.org/enf/community for details.
Guide for Board of Directors
The Grand Lodge Judiciary Committee has
prepared a new manual to assist Members
of Local Lodges who serve on existing Local
Lodge Boards of Directors. The guide will
help Board Members understand their duties
and responsibilities under Grand Lodge
Statute (GLS) 16.020 and related authorities
of the Order:
www.elks.org/grandlodge/judiciary/
manuals.cfm
Unaffiliated spouse
We have been asked if a spouse who
chooses to take an Absolute Dimit, or has
been dropped for non-payment, may enter
and stay in the Lodge. Yes, if he or she
conforms to Section 14.190 Opinion 03 of
the 2014 Statutes Annotated, which states:
“The exception permitting visitation of a
Lodge by a non-suspended spouse, or a
delinquent Member spouse, means that the
non-suspended or unaffiliated spouse is
treated as if he or she were never a
Member.”
Your Annual Membership Report was filed
on April 1, but have you filed your Annual
Charity Report? Has the Lodge paid the
Grand Lodge per capita and assessments?
April 30 is quickly approaching.
A common question has arisen as to when
the Grand Lodge-calculated membership
total will be lowered to coincide with the
Local Lodge total. This will happen when the
Secretary sends the paperwork to the Grand
Secretary and the 2014-2015
— Bryan Klatt, Grand Secretary
President
Chris A. Ferguson (Loretta)
303 Bellarmine Dr
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Home: 248-375-2922
Cell: 248-376-2920
cafpdd@att.net
lorettaf@ameritech.net
Lodge: RochesterNorth Oakland #2225
First Vice President
Randy Jackson (Christy)
18658 Aztec Dr
Spring Lake, MI 49456
Home: 616-805-6270
Cell: 231-329-1082
rjackson572000@yahoo.com
Lodge: Muskegon #274
Second Vice President
Peter J. Gadzinski (Pam)
1075 Riverview Drive
Ishpeming, MI 49829
Home: 906-486-6489
Cell: 906-485-5384
pete@gadzinskiaccounting.com
Lodge: Negaunee #1116
Secretary
Karen Cary (Mark)
69410 St. Joseph Road
Burr Oak, MI 49030
Cell: 269-358-0838
Office: 269-651-5858
karenjcary@
advantageprintingco.com
Lodge: Sturgis #1381
Treasurer
Walter Muellenhagen
5880 Zue Rd
Buckley, MI 49620
Home: 231-269-3582
Cell: 231-632-1207
waltermuellenhagen@gmail.com
Lodge: Traverse City #323
Chaplain
Jack R. Hunn (Lynn)
3281 Bywater
Sterling Heights, MI 48314
Home: 586-726-2917
Cell: 586-850-2283
jacklynnh1@aol.com
Lodge: Clawson-Troy #2169
Sergeant-at-Arms
Hugh Hall (Carol)
4740 Buckhorn Drive
Traverse City, MI 49684
Cell: 231-883-6414
budmantc38@yahoo.com
Lodge: Traverse City #323
Tiler
Jerry Alexie (Stephanie)
32980 Redbud Parkway
Chesterfield, MI 48047
Home: 586-725-5567
Cell: 586-915-8104
jalexie@comcast.net
Lodge: Warren-Sterling Heights
#2292
It has been a fantastic three years
April 2015 ■ MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER
3
STATE OFFICER MESSAGES
L
oretta and I have had a fantastic three years on the Team
leading the Best Elks in the Nation. I don’t know where
the time went, but we have had a great time, for the most
part, and we are going to miss the weekly trips to the Lodges in
our great state as well as our visits to Ohio, Indiana and the
Grand Lodge session in New Orleans. We are also going to miss
Randy and Chris and Pete and Pam. They have been a delight to
travel with over the last year.
While all was not wine and roses last year, I am glad that
Loretta has come through her ordeal and is on the mend, but still
not 100%.
I would like to say “thank you” to all of the Officers and
Committee Chairs in this great organization for showing all that
we are truly “Michigan Elks – On the Ball !” I also want to thank
the PSP Advisory Committee for all of the encouragement and
advice I received from them. I am mostly pleased with the
outcome of our programs during the past year.
I would like to congratulate the Lodges who stepped up and
competed in the Ritual Contests this last year. It was very
enjoyable to sit and observe the performance of our Ritual, much
like the old days (even if the numbers were down). On this
subject, I have been asked to co-chair the Ritual Committee next
year, and one thing we would like to start is a District “Degree
Team.” This team would be made up of Ritual lovers who will
CHRIS FERGUSON
State President
travel to each Lodge in the District and perform the Initiation
for new Members. I know there are some Lodges in our
organization who have no idea how to do a proper Initiation
either because they have done it incorrectly for years, or all of the
current Officers have only seen the new shortened version. I am
hoping we generate a lot of interest in this concept, because I
feel all of our Lodges will benefit from learning how to properly
initiate new Members.
On a more somber note, I can’t tell you how saddened I am
that our own Eric Mulholland has had to step down as Endorsed
Candidate for Grand Exalted Ruler. Ric and Barb have been
friends of Loretta and me for nearly 20 years, and we were
eagerly looking forward to them taking the limelight of national
exposure for our Great Order. I am sure that Ron Hicks will do
an admirable job in the position, but he is not our Ric, and I am
Indebted for a lifetime
A
s Christy and I continue on this great
adventure we are enjoying every
minute. It’s to you, our Michigan Elk
family that has made our past two years fly
by
with
such
overflowing
love,
understanding and caring that deserve the
credit. We wholeheartedly salute you and
thank you all.
Now, as we start to prepare for our biggest
and final year of this trip, we are hunkering
down and dotting all the “I’s” and cross all
the “t’s” in our plans to make 2015 -2016 a
successful fraternal year.
As with all our predecessors, we want to
do what we can to continue the Michigan
Elks Association’s success and in our own
way make additions and changes to improve
our organization for the next generation of
Elks.
I believe that we need to reach out to the
local theater groups in each community and
encourage them to join the Elks. I call it back
to basics, looking back to our founders and
bringing that part of our heritage back into
our organization. Who more than a group of
actors would be more enthusiastic and
support the “old” ritual?
I believe that we need to assist our lodge
officers by providing them with a way to
learn their jobs and be more effective in
building a strong team and succession of
chairs. With this, we will be having an
officer workshop and presentation at the
Secretary-ER luncheon. This 30 minute
presentation
will
focus
on
the
responsibilities, authority, and working
relationships within the lodge, as well as
citing the resources at both the Grand Lodge
and State level that are available. This is a
how to seminar and not a here now go find it.
RANDY
JACKSON
1st Vice
President
I believe we give much “lip service” to
building our membership and we need to
pass on tools to the lodges to build from the
“ground up” their membership. One of the
most important chairs in the lodge is the
membership chairman. Most lodges, put
someone in that position to “fill a spot” as a
requirement by Grand Lodge. We need to
change this tradition and focus on securing a
dynamic go getter who knows our fraternity
and has time and energy to pound the
pavement to bring good candidates into our
order that will become active and contribute
to our growth. With that said, I will be
directing our DVC’s to focus on membership
this year. I have appointed a state
membership chairperson to direct this team,
and the goal is to hold membership
workshops in each district (not at the same
time as the district meeting) to help our
lodges to become actively involved in
securing new members, retaining members,
and promoting events that both involve the
community and provide activities to excite
our member participation.
Enough for now! Christy and I hope to see
many of you at Kewadin for the Spring
Convention, and many others this year
though our travels.
asking each and every one of you to keep Ric and Barb and their
entire family in your thoughts and prayers.
For all of you new Officers, I wish you the best of luck in the
coming year, and hope you find accord and harmony in your
Lodges, since this is the number one requisite for a successful
Lodge. If you cannot get along or even talk to someone, how are
you going to work with that person for the betterment of your
Lodge? Nothing will cost you Members and thusly income
dollars like having 2 warring factions in a Lodge being so
occupied with fighting with each other there is no time to
concentrate on the business of successfully running the Lodge.
For the coming year we have a new Team ready to take the
reins and run the affairs of our Association. Please support Randy
and Christy Jackson, Pete and Pam Gadzinski and Joe and
Debbie Antonishek with all of the enthusiasm and competence
which you have shown to Loretta and me this past year.
I also need to thank my beautiful 1st Lady, Loretta for standing
by my side for the last 20 years (since I was E.R.) as I kept
working my way to the top of the ladder in our State Association.
I could never have gotten here, and I certainly would not have
been as effective without her love, support, and guidance.
Thanks honey and I love you! We will both see all of you again,
as we continue to travel in the circles of Elkdom, even if less
frequently.
Be ready for challenge
Pam and I have visited 6 more Lodges
down State and have now logged more than
10,300 miles visiting Elks activities. Our first
State Hoop Shoot was memorable and we
enjoyed seeing confident young athletes
achieve objectives. April 1st we begin a new
Lodge year. Like the young athlete, our new
and old officers and committee people must
have a sound game plan and a positive
attitude if we are to succeed. We need to
inspire our members to promote our
Charities if we want to grow and maintain
membership. What could be easier than
talking to your friend about the good things
you do through ENF, Michigan Major
Projects, Gold Key and our Veterans
Programs.
Most arrangements have been made for
the National Convention in Indianapolis. By
now all Lodges should have received hotel
registration and banquette forms. The forms
are also available on the Michigan website.
Our hotel, the J.W. Marriott, is located next to
the convention center and has access to the
convention center via an overpass walk so
we will not have to be waiting and catching
the bus. Nearby are restaurants, a zoo, a
children museum, soldier’s monument,
White River State Park, Museum of Art, the
Capital building, and a shopping mall. Most
of these are in easy walking distance. There
is much to see and do there and I encourage
younger Elks to bring their children to enjoy
this convention as a family. Grand Lodge has
secured a room rate of $112 plus tax for this
stunning hotel. We will also have 2 Michigan
nights at local eateries. 12 Lodges have preregistered for 70 of the 135 rooms we have
committed for. Register as soon as possible to
insure that your members have rooms in the
Michigan Hotel.
PETE
GADZINSKI
2nd Vice
President
More INDY info will be sent to your
Lodge through the MIELKS email.
A BIG Congratulations to all the teams
that competed in the District Ritual Contests.
I delighted in the performances given. All
those who competed are winners. They are
perpetuating our traditions of teaching the
principles of our order. Make sure you
appreciate those in you Lodges that have
taken the time to perform.
As of March 7, 2015 only 15 Lodges of 31
Lodges that have met the GER per capita
goal of $4.60 per member have applied for
their $2,000 Gratitude Grant. You have until
May 31 to complete your application and
must spend the grant by July 31, 2015. Don’t
pass up this opportunity to serve your
community and show off your Lodge doing
good works for Elkdom.
Finding worthy programs for Elks to bring
to their community gives our members a
long term commitment to being a member.
The Gratitude Grant is easy to find uses for,
helps your community and helps us keep
members.
As the new year begins April 1st make a
solid commitment to take advantage of ENF
Grants. Where else can you get free funds to
build your Lodges image and strengthen
your membership?
4
MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER ■ April 2015
A
GRAND LODGE
Budget a financial road map to successful year
pril brings with it the start of a new
Lodge year. In this month our
Trustees or Board of Directors is
charged with one of its most important duties:
to present to the Lodge a segregated budget
for the year. This important task must be
approved and accepted by the Lodge at either
the meeting in which it is presented or at the
next meeting if revision to the budget is
necessary. This budget will be the financial
road map for the Lodge for the ensuing year
and must be repeatedly referred to for
assessing your progress.
Additionally, the Lodge Officers must “buy
in” to the Lodge plan for achieving a plusone gain in membership for the year ending
JOHN
AMEN
Grand Exalted
Ruler
March 31, 2016. The earlier you start, the
better your results will be. Do not rely solely
on the Lodge Secretary to handle all
recruitment, reinstatement and delinquency
duties. These are not his or her exclusive
Drug awareness
and youth
activities
By Frank Scarpino
DAP Special Contributor
One of the first events of this new Elks year is Elks
National Youth Week held May 1-7. Grand Exalted
Ruler John D. Amen asks all Local Lodges to plan
celebrations and events of interest and benefit to the
nation’s youth. Elected officials, both locally and
statewide, should be asked to proclaim May 1-7 Elks
National Youth Week.
Youth Week also offers a great opportunity to promote
Drug Awareness. Lodges could utilize an Elks Drug
Awareness Trailer as a billboard and information center
for distributing brochures, coloring books and
bookmarks.
If you hold a Youth Day event, include a visit from
Elroy the Elk and perhaps distribute Drug Awareness
items such as pencils, balsa airplanes, yo-yos or other
Drug Awareness giveaways. If your Lodge has access to
a pair of fatal vision goggles, engage older kids to try to
walk a straight line, bounce a tennis ball, or pick up a
set of keys.
For Youth Week, our Drug Awareness Program strives
to teach children and parents about the dangers of illegal
drug use and prevent the abuse of legalized and
prescription drugs. As the nation’s largest volunteer
Drug Awareness program, the effort relies on state,
district and Lodge volunteers to promote a drug-free
lifestyle to youth by attending all Elks events such as
Youth Week, Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot or Kids Fishing
Derby. Each event should include a Drug Awareness
activity to illustrate the Elks’ commitment to combat
youth drug use through education, inspiration and
creating stronger activities and greater communication
with schools.
Have you started to plan your Drug Awareness event
for Youth Week? It is only a month away. Be sure to
check
out
Elks
Kids
Zone
atelkskidszone.org and/or elks.org/dap.
statutory duties. In recent years many other
mandatory requirements have been placed
under the Secretary; so, Exalted Ruler, please
appoint an active membership committee.
If your Lodge has achieved my goal of
$4.60 per Member in donations to Elks
National Foundation, you are eligible for a
Gratitude Grant, and there is still time to
secure the grant. Do not let community
members in need miss out on your important
service! Applications are due May 1. Visit
http://www.elks.org/enf/community
for
details.
Another duty of the Exalted Ruler and
Lodge Officers is to set goals and then
periodically measure your progress to ensure
Share the pride of
Elkdom: Connect
with new members
By Rick Gathen
Membership and Public Relations Manager
No matter how good you are at membership retention, you’ll still need
to recruit new Members. Prospective members will likely be more
receptive to joining your Lodge if your message comes with an
endorsement from someone they value.
Public relations provides a huge opportunity for such peer
recommendations to help spread your communications to prospective
members. And since your Members are the ones sharing your message
with their friends and family, those friends and family will be more likely
to actually listen to what you have to say and join your Lodge.
Make sure every new Member gets three applications to recruit friends
and family. They will earn the prestigious GER Award pin.
Let’s ensure long-time
members remain on our rolls
By Rick Gathen
Membership and Public Relations Manager
Many of us already understand the responsibility of taking care of our
aging family members, or helping friends who are struggling financially
or those in poor physical health.
We should bear that same responsibility for our long-time Members.
Please review your Lapsation rolls, emphasizing those Members with
many years serving our Order. Some have been loyal dues-paying
Members for decades, possibly a few for more than half a century!
Discuss the loss of these “at-risk Members” with your Lodge’s Standing
Relief Committee. Per Statute Section 13.010:
“The Exalted Ruler, Esteemed Leading Knight, Loyal Knight and
Lecturing Knight, Secretary and Treasurer shall constitute the Standing
Relief Committee of the Lodge, which shall examine the merits of all
cases suggesting the necessity of aid or relief.”
a successful year.
Last, remember that it is imperative that
you follow the Elks Statutes in your Lodge. It
is of utmost importance in achieving fidelity
to your sworn Obligation. If you are confused
with the requirements of the Statutes then
first check with your Exalted Ruler who may
need to touch base with the District Deputy,
who may need to consult with a District
Leader, District Advisor, Special Deputy or
the Area Committee on Judiciary Lawyer. All
troubles can be avoided by adherence to the
Statutes.
Marcia and I hope to see you during our
visits.
Medal of valor:
The ultimate
sacrifice
ELKS NATIONAL VETERANS
SERVICE COMMISSION
By James L. Nichelson
Vice-Chairman, Elks National Veterans
Service Commission
As part of your Lodge Veterans Program,
have you looked for a way to appropriately
recognize the death of a local service
member who has made the ultimate sacrifice
on the field of battle in Iraq or Afghanistan?
Please consider the ENVSC Medal of Valor
Program. The Medal of Valor can be
presented by your Lodge to the family of a
fallen hero. It is intended to honor the
memory of those who lost their lives in the
voluntary defense of our country.
The Medal of Valor is available from the
Elks National Veterans Service Commission
at a modest price of $8.00, which includes
shipping. It is attractive, nicely made,
comes with a presentation case and can be
engraved. It bears the legends “Operation
Enduring Freedom” and “Operation Iraqi
Freedom”, and the message “Presented by
the Grand Lodge of the B. P. O. Elks to the
family of (Engraved Name).”
Iraq and Afghanistan continue to be hotly
contested battlefields. We pray no more
lives will be lost in those venues. However,
until conflict ends, the Order of Elks will do
all it can to honor those men and women
who voluntarily defend our freedom. The
Medal of Honor beautifully expresses this to
the families of those who will not return.
The Medal of Valor can be easily and
quickly ordered from the Elks National
Veterans
Service
Commission
at
Vets@Elks.org, or by calling the Chicago
office at (773)755-4736.
April 2015 ■ MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER
Continuing the legacy of Uncle Maurice
5
GRAND LODGE
dine.
Uncle Maurice struck up a
conversation with Barkley Johnson
— a fixture at the Lodge for over
40 years. Before I really knew what
was happening, Uncle Maurice had
filled out an application for me to
become a member, paid the
application fee, and my first year’s
dues! Prior to that day, I wasn’t
aware that he was an Elk. Thus
began my journey with the BPOE.
Years later, in 1984, Uncle
Maurice passed away. My wife and
I went home to Potsdam for his
funeral. We discovered that Uncle
Maurice was a Charter Member of
Lodge #2074, charter date April 20,
1958.
What, exactly, is a legacy? It can
be an heirloom passed down from
generation to generation.
It can be the heritage a man
leaves behind, hoping that his
children continue in his footsteps.
It can be many things to many
people, but the bottom line is this: a
legacy is something of value that
maintains its importance through
changing times.
Every man wants to make his
mark. Every man wants to leave
something behind that causes
others to remember him fondly, or
to take up where he left off.
However, building a legacy can be
a complicated business.
Building a lasting, thriving
legacy requires focusing on past,
present, and future members.
Taking root in the seeds of the past,
a thriving legacy builds a strong
infrastructure consisting of the
interwoven efforts of those who
have passed on, those who are
actively involved, and those who
are newly initiated. It provides
shelter and comfort to those whose
aim it is to protect. Rather than
withering, a healthy legacy
continues to grow into a thing of
grandeur, and maintains its strength
throughout changing times.
As an Elk, I’m proud to belong
to such a legacy. I am a legacy
member, courtesy of my Uncle
Maurice. Two of my sons are
legacy members, and hopefully,
their children will continue the
tradition.
club.’”
With Beacon Grants, we’re
looking for five things.
New: Ideally, Lodges will use
their Beacon Grant for the same
successful, ongoing project each
year. If your Lodge received a
Beacon Grant previously, it should
use a 2014-15 grant to build upon
that project. If your Lodge did not
receive a Beacon Grant in a previous
year, it must use the Beacon Grant
to start a new charitable project.
Ongoing: Something the Lodge is
committed
to—for
example,
monthly dinners at a soup kitchen,
or an annual Veterans Stand Down
activity. Beacon Grants can’t be split
between two projects.
Elks-led: Elks must be involved,
and the project should be something
identifiable as an Elks project.
Charitable: Grants must be
focused on helping those in need,
and addressing local issues. The
project cannot benefit only the
Lodge or Lodge members.
Project: Beacon Grants cannot be
used for donations of funds and
supplies. Elks should be actively
serving the community. If people see
Elks doing good things, they’ll be
inspired to join!
Here’s a look at what doesn’t
qualify, and what would be a great
qualifying project.
Not a Beacon Grant project:
Youth & Elks Reading Fair, Biannual wounded Warrior outings,
Baseball clinic for at-risk youth,
Partner with scouts on quarterly
service projects, Monthly drug-free
events for teens, Monthly activities
for local VA hospital residents.
Great Beacon Grant project:
Dictionary Project, Donation to
Wounded Warriors, Little League
sponsorship, Purchase equipment
for scouts, Donation to D.A.R.E.,
Appreciation dinner for Elks who
are veterans,
ENF Grants should always be
used for charitable purposes. Keep
the following six broad categories
(defined as charitable by the IRS) in
mind when planning a grant project;
relieve the poor, distressed or
underprivileged; advance education
or science, but not through
scholarships; lessen the burdens of
government; lessen neighborhood
tensions; eliminate prejudice and
discrimination; combat juvenile
delinquency.
By Dr. Michael Perry
DMD, Paducah, KY Lodge #217
Last July, I had the pleasure of
attending the National Convention
with our ER and one of our
Trustees. Our Lodge was struggling
with membership, and we attended
Rick Gathen’s seminar “Share the
Pride of Elkdom: Membership and
Public Relations.”
I cannot adequately express how
well-delivered and informative this
seminar was. There were a few
points in Mr. Gathen’s presentation
that resonated with me, personally.
He discussed legacy membership,
and the growing membership of
Lodge #2074 in Potsdam, NY.
I am a legacy member, and the
story of my legacy begins in
Potsdam, NY.
I come from a very large family.
I have 5 brothers and sisters. My
mother grew up with 11 siblings.
Closest in age to her was my Uncle
Maurice. Every summer, I would
work for Uncle Maurice in his
restaurant and bar. I quickly
became his favorite nephew. The
bond stayed strong throughout our
lives, following me to Kentucky
through college, marriage, dental
school, and the establishment of
my life in Paducah.
One year, my wife and I invited
Uncle Maurice and his wife, Dona,
to Kentucky for the Derby.
Needless to say, a good time was
had by all! Uncle Maurice
suggested that we go to the Elks
Lodge in Paducah to eat lunch one
day. As my dental practice and the
Lodge shared a parking lot, this
was a convenient place for us to
Maurice Sullivan at the running of the Oaks, Churchill Downs, May 1983. Pictured: center, Maurice Sullivan.
Left: Michael W. Perry, Sr.
Don’t miss the opportunity: Apply for a Beacon Grant
By Bernice Bracken
Project Manager, Lewisburg, W. Va.,
Lodge No. 1758
Every Lodge is eligible to apply
for a Beacon Grant—don’t miss out
on this opportunity! Join in, and help
your Lodge become a beacon of
hope to the community. Beacon
Grants are worth $2,000!
“Thanks to our project, the
schools, students, parents and
community members view the
Lewisburg Elks Lodge as an
organization that is active in the
community and not just a ‘country
6
MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER ■ April 2015
Organ donation:
One person’s story
By Elaine Helman-Boudreau
NE District Organ Donor Chairman
Gary might seem like your average retired
teacher who also happens to be a member of
the BPOE at a lodge in Michigan. Now, we
all know what big hearts Elks have, but
Gary’s heart is “special.” Gary is an organ
transplant recipient. A couple of weeks ago,
Gary agreed to let me tell you his story to
spread the word about organ donation.
Gary was a “blue baby,” born with a single
ventricle and not expected to live. At 2 years
old, he underwent open heart surgery at Henry
Ford Hospital in Detroit. He was missing one
whole wall in the heart. His parents were told
he would never live to be a teenager. Instead
of resigning themselves to losing their son,
they encouraged him to do as much as he
could. Gary played baseball and learned to
golf.
At age 25, he developed many more issues:
shortness of breath, lethargy and tiredness.
Gary went to Cleveland where he received a
conduit from the lower heart to the upper for
better circulation and a pacemaker. This,
combined with medications, helped for about
1 ½ years. He often would have “flutters” and
would go to the Emergency Room where he
would be put out, his heart stopped and
restarted using defibrillation. Gary did this
for many mornings, and then would go right
on to work afterwards at Alma High School.
In 1994 and 1995, he suffered severe fluid
retention, infections and strep pneumonia. He
was put on the transplant list, and the wait
began. He had a pager with him at all times
in case a donor became available. He would
have to go to Cleveland immediately while
the donor heart would be evaluated for size,
blood type and to make sure the organ was
viable for use.
At 10 a.m., May 5, 1995, Gary’s pager went
off while he was at a meeting of athletic
directors at the local country club. The
manager met him as he headed to the
clubhouse; the hospital in Cleveland had
already called the high school to find Gary. A
heart was available. Gary first stopped at
Alma Middle School to see his daughters,
then at Alma High School to see his nephew,
niece, secretary and the principal.
When he arrived at the airstrip in Alma,
where a Lear Jet was waiting, nearly 60
people were there to wish him well. By 1:10
p.m., Gary was in the hospital in Cleveland.
At 4 p.m., Gary was prepped and taken in for
the two-part surgery. The first surgery lasted
11 hours long and the second 9 hours. After
5 days, it was time to see if the transplant was
successful. The respirator was taken out. He
knew immediately all was well. He felt better
than he had in years. “I felt awesome!” he
said.
In August, he was back in Alma prepping
for the upcoming school year. He considers
STATE NEWS
himself extremely fortunate to have had
parents who didn’t give up. Gary said he
started a bucket list when he knew he would
need a transplant and he has fulfilled
everything on the list.
Gary’s donor was a 16-year-old young man
who had been shot accidentally in the head by
a friend. This young man lived with his
grandmother, and when she was asked about
the possibility of donation, she knew her
grandson would have wanted to do it. Gary
had the opportunity to thank the grandmother
and corresponded regularly with her until a
couple of years ago, when he learned that she
had died.
Gary talks to his students and tells them his
story. He encourages them to consider putting
their desire to be a donor on their driver’s
license when they get them. He also told
them to be sure their parents knew of their
desire to donate. Gary said many students
would proudly show him their donor
registration on their license. In fact, one
young student Gary had encouraged to
become a donor was able to save someone’s
life when she died unexpectedly.
The story does not end there. For a while,
Gary had to go to Cleveland twice a year for
check-ups. While there, the transplant
coordinator would have Gary meet patients
who were awaiting a life- saving transplant.
There was one young man who touched Gary
deeply. He refused the idea of a transplant
and was just lying in bed waiting to die. As
Gary talked to him, the head of the young
man’s bed slowly started coming up. He
asked Gary questions and was amazed to hear
Gary’s story. A short time later, Gary saw the
transplant coordinator and a woman he
realized was this young man’s mother. Mom
was sobbing, and Gary thought he might have
done something wrong. Instead, the mother
hugged him so tightly Gary thought she
would break his ribs! Then the coordinator
vigorously shook his hand. It turns out that
after Gary had left the young man, he said he
was no longer afraid of the transplant and
would go through with one if a donor became
available! This small gesture of Gary sharing
his story – over and over – has made a lifesaving difference in potentially hundreds of
lives.
Now, if this story doesn’t convince you of
the need for organ donation, then probably
nothing will. Just ONE organ and tissue
donor can save 8 lives and help up to 50 more
people. Go to www.giftoflifemichigan.org to
sign up as a donor and get a red heart on your
license. Winston Churchill said: “We make a
living by what we get, we make a life by what
we give.” To quote from the Donate Life
website, “Organ donation is a gift that will
never be taken for granted; it is never
forgotten. It proves beyond a doubt that out
of tragedy comes hope and out of death, new
life.”
‘Field of Honor,’ other
honorary ceremonies set
Patriotic events are scheduled this spring at several Elks lodges.
Alma Elks Lodge #1400 will dedicate
its 11th annual “Field of Honor” on
Sunday May 3, 2015 at 2 p.m. This
inspiring field of flags will be displayed
west of the lodge located at 610 W.
Warwick Drive in Alma, MI. until June
14. The Field of Honor will be dismantled
after our Lodge’s Flag Day ceremony at 7
p.m. on June 14. The flags will fly in
honor or in memory of a loved one or
special friend, living or deceased, who
has touched a life in a special way. They
do not have to be a veteran.
The Forgotten Eagles will bring in the
10 flags for the “Military Field” on their
motorcycles and hand them to 10
personnel in uniform representing each of
the Military, Police and Fire Departments.
Les Schuldt will introduce the military
personnel who will place their respective
flags in the Military Field. The
Breckenridge American Legion Post
#295 will perform their Color Guard’s 21
Gun Salute, Taps and demonstrated the
meaning of the 13 folds of the American
Flag. Persons who purchase a flag will be
able to place their flag in the field or have
it placed by Alma Elks Officers, 3 local
Boy Scout Troops or Veterans from local
VFW and American Legion members at
the ceremony. All branches of the Armed
Forces, Firefighters, Police and
MIA/POWs will be honored and the
names of loved ones will be announced
as each flag is placed in the “Field.”
Police and Fire vehicles will be on
display along with a jeep (formerly
owned by Tom Geisken) signed by
thousands of veterans. The ceremony will
close with the crowd holding hands and
singing “Proud to be an American.”
This is an excellent way to involve our
community to assist with many of the
B.P.O.E. programs - Youth Activities
(Boy and Girl Scouts and school
children),
Veterans
and Active
Servicemen and Women, Drug
Awareness, Patriots (invite local Police,
Fire and MMR/EMT personnel). This
shows the Elks commitment to Patriotism
and Americanism and gives each member
in our community a chance to have their
own special “Memorial Day.”
If you have any questions, please
contact
Randy
Boudreau
randlb2yahoo.com) or Elaine HelmanBoudreau
(elainejhb@yahoo.com).
Randy — 989-506-6332.
April 2015 ■ MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER
7
LODGE NEWS
‘Santa Land’ tradition continues
‘Santa Land’ was offered in December by Newberry Elks Lodge.
NEWBERRY ELKS LODGE #1705
Newberry Elks Lodge #1705 held
its annual Santa Land December 1416, 2014.
Children of Elks members are
invited on Sunday to wander through
the winter wonderland of decorated
and lighted live trees, to admire the
animated characters and visit with
Santa.
Elementary students of
Tahquamenon Area Schools are
invited on Monday and Tuesday to
visit.
By special donation, each child is
professionally photographed with
Santa and given a picture to take
home to their family.
This annual tradition dates back to
the mid-1970s and is a cherished
tradition of many Elk families in our
Lodge.
‘Operation Home Front’ held
From left, foreground, AMT2 Lee Biladeau, AMT2 Nate Hill, LT Katie Pelky and AET2 Dan Pelky.
TRAVERSE CITY ELKS LODGE #323
Thanks to Veterans Committee
Chair Debra Harrand, Traverse
City Elks Lodge #323 in
conjunction with “Operation
Home Front” and the American
Red Cross donated over 3,500
children’s Christmas presents and
140 hams to United States Coast
Guard Air Station Traverse City
personnel just prior to the
Christmas holiday. Debra was
assisted by Elk members: Exalted
Ruler Joan Rowland, PER Jim
Rowland, Leading Knight David
Curtis, Lecturing Knight Brent
Allen, Trustee Walt Muellenhagen,
Secretary Stan Simons, member
Tim Miller, and two members from
the American Red Cross; many
tables were filled with Christmas
gifts. Every member of the station
was permitted to fill a Santa sack
with all the toys they could carry
and was given a beautiful gift box
ham for their family.
Funding for this project was
made possible by a “Freedom
Grant” from the Elk National
Foundation along with additional
support from the Lodge .
Recreation experience offered
FLAT ROCK ELKS #1731
Flat Rock Elks #1731, in
collaboration with the
Downriver ARC, High
School Athletes from
Woodhaven- Brownstown
School District, and Flat
Rock High School created
a special day to provide a
quality
recreational
experience for learning
disabled children and
adults.
The event took place on
November 16 , 2014 at a
local bowling alley. 128
disabled children and
adults were treated to a
day of bowling, lunch, a Tshirt and medal. It allowed
them a bonding experience
with each other as well as
exposure to 32 high school
athletes and 50 Elk
Members. It allowed for a
nurturing experience that
fostered self esteem and
self realization for all
involved.
ENF provided a Beacon
Grant and a Promise Grant
to this moving and
emotional day.
From left, participant Roland De Felice, high
school bowlers Megan Rees and William Cloutier,
and Elks member Susan Hewitt.
Members of Niles Elks pitched in to prepare Christmas baskets.
Lodge delivers food baskets
NILES ELKS LODGE #1322
On December 20th the Niles Elks
delivered 80 Christmas food basket
to families in need throughout our
community.
Through the tireless efforts of Tim
Stuver PER and Chairman of this
project, along with several other
members, this year’s event was the
Lodges' largest and most efficient.
There were many members who
pitched in to prepare the baskets and
to deliver them.
“Our rewards are the warm smiles
of appreciation from the families.
This is what Elks do.” Tim Stuver
said.
A big help came from a few local
merchants who donated food and
money.
The biggest donations came from
the members of Niles Lodge who
donated food and helped raise over
$4,000 to buy the necessary items to
fill the baskets.
8
MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER ■ April 2015
The time is NOW
to train our servers!
By Kenneth J. Hines
State Accident Prevention/Risk Management Chair
We have all witnessed a person(s) being over served at our club. We
have all said “oh boy, there he/she goes again. The question becomes, did
we provide them a ride or did we just watch them wander out the door
and not give it a second thought?
If they have been over served before arriving at your lodge and you
continue to serve them or, if they become over served while at your
lodge, they have now become the responsibility and liability of your
lodge. Your staff needs to be trained to observe and prevent intoxication,
drunk driving and underage drinking.
This is a quote from Tomas S. Brazier, PGER, “Each lodge must
strictly enforce the policy that anyone approaching intoxication must be
cut off from the service of alcohol. Additionally, each lodge must ensure
that those responsible for the service of alcohol, whether an employee or
volunteer, are provided proper training from a qualified and certified
organization.”
There is a program called TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures).
The TIPS program is available in all 50 states, U.S. territories, the
District of Columbia, and 40 different countries. The goal of the TIPS
Program is to empower servers to follow acceptable standards of practice
for serving alcohol beverages. Those standards also apply to good
customer service. That means understanding the difference between
people enjoying themselves and those who are getting into trouble with
alcohol. It also means providing guests the highest level of attentiveness
and making sure they get the service that keeps them coming back time
after time.
One of the most overlooked benefits of TIPS is how the training
improves customer service and satisfaction. The primary goal of TIPS is
to empower and equip servers with the necessary skills and confidence to
exercise a degree of control within their environments. A byproduct of
this training is a higher level of customer service and professionalism.
This is an essential course for your employees and volunteers who are
serving alcohol to your members and their guests at your lodge. You can
combine a group and have a trainer come to your facility or the course
can be completed on line, where the server can be tested, and earn
certification. The certification card will be in their hands within 7-10
days. You can find all the information at their website
http://www.gettips.com/ . This website is full of a lot of important
information, please visit it and get all server staff and volunteers
registered.
There was a recent jury verdict against an Local Lodge in
Pennsylvania, in which an individual was served , left the Lodge and
drove less than a 1/4 mile , crossed the centerline and killed (2) people.
His blood alcohol level was .226. In Michigan the limit is .08.
The Jury attributed 60 percent liability to the driver and 40 percent to
the Elks Lodge. The jury verdict awarded a total of $28 million which
included $10 million in punitive damages, which cannot be insured in
some states. For those cases where such awards cannot be insured, the
Local Lodge would be responsible for paying this judgment which, in
most cases, would result in a Lodge going bankrupt and disbanding. The
legal term which addresses this activity is addressed in the Dram Shop
Law. For information on the Michigan Dram Shop Law, visit this
website:
http://tcattorney.typepad.com/autoaccident/michigan_dram_shop_law/ .
Additionally, large losses like this will affect the entire Order by
increasing the Program’s expense and the Local Lodge’s per capita fees.
These types of litigation not only cost us all but can also promote a
negative image that the “Best People on Earth” BPOE order does not
deserve. The best way to resolve the liability issue concerning the overserved, intoxication or underage drinking of our members and their
guests is for each lodge to perform their due diligence of providing the
necessary education to their serving staff and volunteers.
In closing, let’s all work together to protect the Order, the Local Lodge
and its members by getting the servers trained to follow acceptable
standards of practice for serving alcohol beverages.
MEA State Americanism Report
COMMITTEE REPORTS
By Randy Boudreau
MEA Americanism Chair
Americanism is the emotion of gratitude and
pride for the opportunity to be able to enjoy the
freedoms and liberties bequeathed to us by those
brave souls that have sacrificed and those that
continue to sacrifice their freedoms and liberties
to enable us to maintain ours. It is being proud
of American values, beliefs and customs that are
the foundation of the greatest country in the
world.
The outward displays of Americanism by
flying and wearing our colors, and thanking our
Veterans and military personnel are major
elements of Elkdom.
Every Lodge should perform the Elks
“History of the Flag in the Classroom”. This
ceremony is basically our Flag Day presentation
adapted with verbiage to communicate our
message of the history of the American Flag to
younger students. If anyone would like a copy
of this please contact me.
A simple way to convey our mission of
Patriotism to members of our local communities
is to present Businesses and/or residents with
our Certificate of Appreciation for flying the
American Flag. These certificates can be
obtained at the mielks.org website by clicking
on Programs and then Americanism.
I thank all the Lodges that participated in our
Americanism Essay and Coloring Contests. The
State judging for these contests has been
finalized and the monetary awards and plaques
will be handed out at our Spring Convention in
Sault Sainte Marie in May. I will email the final
results to the District Chairs, so they may pass
this info onto the Lodges of the State winners. I
would like participation in these contests from
every Lodge in our State next year. I believe
these contests are a solid way to let our
communities know about our great support of
Patriotism and Americanism. Every incoming
ER should stress the importance of these
contests to their Americanism chairs next year
and all District Americanism chairs should make
a point to inform all of their Lodges about these
contests next year.
State Americanism Winners
All winners receive a plaque and their
monetary prize at the Spring State
Convention.
Essay Division I
1st Place: Nicholas Jacobetti, Negaunee
($75)
2nd Place: Seth Thompson, Manistee
($50)
3rd Place: Katrina Symons, Negaunee
($25)
Essay Division 2
1st Place: Sam Bebow, St. Louis (Alma)
($75)
2nd Place: Allyson Burke, Sault Sainte
Marie ($50)
3rd Place: Tyler Walters , HoughtonHiggins ($25)
Coloring Contest Division I
1st Place: Morgan Hewitt, Leslie (Capital
Area) ($60 )
2nd Place: Collin Lake, Lewiston Gaylord) ($40)
3rd Place: Brynn Saxton , St. Louis (Alma)
($25 )
Coloring Contest Division 2
1st Place: Ashton Leonard, St. Louis
(Alma) ($60)
2nd Place: Sophia Wagner, Escanaba
($40)
3rd Place: Joseph St. Vincent, Escanaba
($25)
Alma Lodge is dedicating its Field of Honor
on May 3, 2015 at 2pm and will dismantle it
after our Flag Day ceremony on June 14th. If
you would like to participate and enter a flag in
the “Field”, contact me at rand1b@yahoo.com
to receive a printable order form. If you have a
chance, please drive by and see this impressive
display.
Randy Boudreau, Alma Lodge #1400, P.O.
Box 413, Alma, MI 48801.
God Bless the USA!
Public Relations Committee reinstated
By Jason Manke
State Public Relations Chair
State President Chris, State Officers, and the
members of this great state: This is my last report
has the State Public Relation’s Chairman.
This past year, the Grand Lodge reinstated the
Public Relations Committee, which in my eyes is a
great thing. Most all of the lodges in Michigan are
doing great things, working with the scouts, fire or
police departments and local schools just to name a
few. To the District Public Relations Chairs thanks
for always passing my reports on to the lodges in
your districts. I would like to thank each lodge for
including me in your news bulletins and keeping
me up to date on what your lodges are doing. I will
be making a couple special presentations at the
State Meeting.
President Chris, thanks for allowing me to serve
as part of your team.
April 2015 ■ MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER
9
Michigan Elks Association Scholarship: A successful program
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Michigan Elks Association Scholarship
Judging Committee completed their 2015 ENF
Most Valuable Student (MVS) scholarship
judging on Saturday, February 7, 2015, at the
Houghton-Higgins Lake Elks Lodge #1982.
Participating in the judging were 30 people,
including:
■ 20 ENF Scholarship judges representing
our state
■ 7 Gold Key Commissioners (past, present,
and future)
■ 3 State Officers (Chris Ferguson, Randy
Jackson, Pete Gadzinski)
A very special thank you goes out to all of the
ENF Scholarship judges, Gold Key
Commissioners, and the others listed above for
your help judging the scholarship applications:
I want to thank Jim Deamud from the
Houghton-Higgins Lake Elks Lodge #1982
along with their staff for opening up their Lodge
for the judging and for helping out throughout
the day. They were well prepared for us and
offered up a great lunch. We had 126
applications at the Michigan Elks Association
State judging (63 boys and 63 girls). Based on
the information received from each district we
received this year, 617 applications from high
school seniors in Michigan, down from 732
applications in the 2014 and 867 in 2013
competition. Unfortunately, we did not have
100% participation in the 2015 ENF Scholarship
Program. Four Elks Lodges in Michigan did not
participate in the Scholarship program.
The top 16 students from the Michigan Elks
Association State judging have advanced to the
National level of competition:
All of the National Finalists will complete
a secondary application in March that will be
used for the National judging. The top 20
National Finalists will convene in Chicago
for a leadership weekend.
During that weekend, the 20 finalists will
interview with the national judges to
determine the winners of the Major National
Awards. The results of the National judging
will be announced in April. Let's hope that we
have a Major National Award winner from
Michigan.
The next highest scoring 62 students from
the State judging are Michigan Elks
Association State scholarship winners. Each
of these students will receive a $1,000 oneyear scholarship from the Michigan Elks
Association.
Letters will be mailed this week to these 16
students to inform them that their
applications have been advanced to the
National level of judging.
By advancing to the National level, these
students are guaranteed a scholarship of at
least $4,000 ($1,000 a year for four years),
but will be competing against the other 499
National Finalists for one of the 20 Major
National Awards:
Four-year total award, number of awards,
and total dollar amount:
First place: $50,000, two, $100,000.
Second place: $40,000, two, $80,000.
Third place: $30,000, two, $60,000.
Fourth place: $20,000, 14, $280,000.
Runners-up: $4,000, 480, $1,920,000.
Developing spirit: Engage new members, become better performers
By Pat Morgan
State Ritual Chairman
The Celebration of Ritual Season is
in full swing. What Lodge from your
District will represent you for the
annual State Competition to then
represent Michigan at the National
Convention Contest? Come to see
your District Team perform and show
your support!
I started this year in hopes of
developing the spirit within each of
you, to stress the importance of
putting on a good show and to
impress new Members coming into
your Lodges. I have sent messages
and tried to make at least a slight
difference everyone’s mindset.
Officers gave me that opportunity, and
I thank you for that.
This magazine provides another
soap box for even more Members to
be able to read that message. Share it,
because Elks Care and Elks Share.
Place these articles on your bulletin
boards. Change them up weekly, until
the new magazine comes out. People
will read this “stuff.”
Do not stop trying to become a
better performer than you were
yesterday. Practice, practice, practice.
Get coaching and instruction. Set
personal goals and allow us teachers
to help you attain it. Complete
instructions for what to say and what
to do are in four pieces of literature
that every Officer should have in their
possession: The small red Lodge
manual, the white Ritualistic Manual,
the Word Accuracy Guide and the
Ritual of Special Services. They are
easy to obtain. Some are online at
elks.org. With these, any Officer has
tools to become better.
There is no better time to impress
that new Member than on the night
they are initiated. You’ve got them
right where you need them to be, for
only a few minutes. Make sure you
are giving them your best.
We lose too many good members,
because we don’t get them “engaged”
right away. As Rush Limbaugh would
say, “Don’t doubt me on this.” If that
line got your attention, even in a
distasteful way, think about what it
does for that new Member you are
trying to impress. For new officers,
especially, get with Officers, past and
present, and ask them how to become
a better performer. IGet excited about
doing your part and to make that new
Member welcomed when they reach
your station. It will engage them and
pay big dividends for your Lodge! It
costs you nothing but a little time. Pay
it forward and let “your words” do the
talking, before the actions you want
them to see, continue the training for
that new Member. It makes a
difference!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Emails or phone calls are always
welcomed.
10 MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER ■ April 2015
LODGE NEWS
From left, Richard Johnson, Stewart Israel, member Penny
Rusztowicz and Bill Kobus.
Christmas party for vets
PONTIAC-WATERFORD LODGE #810
Elks members, Christian Neighbors and
churches provide holiday dinners
Marcia Quigley, exalted ruler, Larry Penny, secretary, and Terri Shaler, director of Christian Neighbors.
OTSEGO ELKS #1711
Otsego Elks #1711 partnered
with Christian Neighbors and eight
area churches in the Otsego area to
provide
Thanksgiving
and
Christmas dinners to 125 families
in the surrounding area that could
use a little help at this time of the
year.
We also had 25 veterans from the
Battle Creek veterans over to the
As usual, the veterans
committee of PontiacWaterford Lodge #810 in
Michigan did a fantastic job
in planning and hosting a
great party for 53 combat
wounded veterans, along
with 5 helpers, from the John
Dingle Medical Center in
Detroit.
The event was held
Wednesday, December 10th,
2014.
We also had 2 specials
guests, Stewart Israel, Our
State Adopt-a-Vet Chairman
and Richard Johnson, a
POW who was captured in
Selestat,
France
in
December of 1944 during
lodge for a Christmas party, which
included dinner and bingo. This
was made possible by a Beacon
grant that we received from the
Grand Lodge.
Tables are prepared for veterans’ luminary dinner.
Luminary dinner honors veterans
BIG RAPIDS LODGE #974
Fun at Hoop Shoot
Good times were had by all at the Elks South West District Hoop Shoot Competition held at St Joseph High School
on Jan 17, 2015. This is a group photo of the participants and their families and all who made this event possible.
Big Rapids Lodge #974
held its annual Veterans’
Luminary
Dinner
to
recognize veterans, current
military and their families on
Monday, November 10th. It
is called the Luminary
Dinner because luminary
bags with the names of our
veterans and current military
written on them line our
Lodge, lighting the way into
the dinner.
The newly formed local
Honor Guard made up of
city, county and university
police officers posted the
colors and presented the
“Table of Honor” which
veterans that were present
participated in.
The evening ended with
the
veterans
being
recognized as the theme
song of their branch of the
service was played.
April 2015 ■ MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER
11
110th Annual Spring Convention
Kewadin Casino & Resort, Sault Ste. Marie, MI
May 14-17, 2015
Agenda and Program
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Ritual Practice ......................5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m
3DW 0RUJDQ &KDLUPDQ
:KLWH¿VK 3RLQW
Registration.......................6 :00p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
George Lascu, Chairman
Waters Edge
Friday, May 15, 2013
Registration ........................ 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
George Lascu, Chairman 2:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Waters Edge
Ritual Contest ...............9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
3DW 0RUJDQ &KDLUPDQ
:KLWH¿VK 3RLQW
PSP Meeting .......................... 9:00 am - Noon
G. Fred Dill, President
Ontario 1
Board of Trustees Meeting ..... 9:00am – 5:00 pm
Gary Smoth, Chairman
Ontario 2
Major Project Commission Meeting
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Karen Palomaki, Chairman
Grand Island 1
Charitable Grant Fund Meeting
2:00 pm -5:00 pm
Geno Grabinski, Chairman
Neebish Island
DDGER Designate Meeting .... 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
James C. Varenhorst, PGER Mackinaw Island
DDGER Meeting ..................... 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join the DDGER Designate Meeting
Mackinaw Island
Memorial Service .............................. 5:00pm
Ishpeming Lodge # 447
Birch-Cedar-Oak
PSP Dinner ........................... 6:00 pm Social Hour
Rod Bellman, PSP
7:00pm Dnner
Woodlands
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Registration .......................... 8:00 am – 10:00 am
George Lascu, Chairman
Waters Edge
Business Session ................. 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Chris Ferguson, President
Dream Makers
Breakout Sessions
Close of Business Session - 4:00 p.m.
Ladies’Luncheon ............. Doors Open 9:00 am
Karen Festa, Coordinator
Breakfast 9:30 am
Birch-Cedar-Oak
Member’s Luncheon ....... 12 noon – 2:00 pm
Dave Stratton - Elks Training
Ontario 1 & 2
Past State Presidents’ Luncheon
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
G. Fred Dill, PSP
Woodlands
PGER/Special Rep. Meetings 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
James C. Varenhorst, PGER Mackinaw Island
Incoming DVP Meeting ....................... 2:00 pm
Randy Jackson, 1st VP
1st VP Room
Incoming DVC Meeting ..................... 3:00 pm
Randy Jackson, 1st VP
BUSINESS SESSION PROGRAM
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Call to Order ........................ Chris Ferguson, President
8:30 a.m sharp!
Rochester-North Oakland #2225
,QWURGXFWLRQ RI *UDQG /RGJH 2I¿FHUV
and Guests ......... Hugh Hall - Sergeant-at-Arms,
Traverse City #323
Invocation .............................................. Jack Hunn
Chaplain, Clawsen-Troy #2169
Pledge to the Flag .......................... Pete Gadzinski
2nd Vice President, Negaunee #1116
Vocal ................................................. Sherry Lauren
Sunday, May 17, 2015
State President Reception ............ 8:00-11:00
Randy & Christy Jackson
Woodlands
NOTE: All State Chairmen are required to submit
a written report to the President, 1st & 2nd VicePresidents by April 30, and to the State Secretary at
the General Session.
New Business
1RPLQDWLRQ RI 2I¿FHV
Good of the Order
Suspension of Meeting
Benediction ........................................... Jack Hunn
Chaplain, Clawsen-Troy #2169
Accident Prevention ...................Ken Hines, Chairman
Plymouth-Ann Arbor # 325
Adopt-A-Veteran ................Stewart Israel, Chairman
Plymouth # 1780
Soloist, St. Joseph-Benton Harbor #541
Americanism...................Randy Boudreau, Chairman
Organist ............................................ Les Thornburg
Alma #1400
Traverse City # 323
Business Practice ...............Joe Antonishek, Chairman
Saturday Breakout Sessions
to be announced
Following Dinner/ Guests Remarks
Welcome and Convention Report ... Deak Watters
Livonia #2246
Convention Director, Alma #1400
Convention.............................Deak Watters, Chairman
Call to Order ........................... Chris Ferguson
Roll Call of Lodges … .......… … … … … … Karen Cary
Alma #1400
President, Rochester-North Oakland #2225
Drug Awareness ..................Kathy Stratton, Chairman
Registration (Final) . .. George Lascu, Chairman
5ROO &DOO RI 2I¿FHUV
Secretary, Sturgis #1381
Introduction of
Past State Presidents .............................. G. Fred Dill
President-PSP, Alma #1400
Introduction of
District Deputies ............ James C. Varenhorst, PGER
State Sponsor’s Remarks
Ludington # 736
Introduction of
Ishpeming #447
Facebook Page ..................George Lynch, Chairman
Bay City #88
Government Relations ...... Todd Dunn, Chairman
Marquette #405
Hoop Shoot .............................Craig Gould, Chairman
Holland # 1315
Business Session Resumes
Royal Oak-Detroit #34
Ritual (Final) ........................ Pat Morgan, Chairman
Dearborn #1945
,QVWDOODWLRQ RI 2I¿FHUV .HYLQ 4XLQQ 363
Grand Rapids #48
Presidents Remarks ..................... Joe Antonishek
Law ....................................Paul Robinson, Chairman
2nd Vice President,
State Association Guests ...... Chris Ferguson
Flatrock #1731
Livonia #2246
Remarks President, Rochester-North Oakland #2225
Lodge Activities/Star Lodge ....... Allen Anttila, Chairman
Minutes of Previous Session. ............. Karen Cary
Ishpeming #447
Pete Gadzinski
Secretary, Sturgis # 1381
Ritual ............................ Walt Muellenhagen, Chairman
1st Vice President,
Traverse City #323
Negaunee #1116
Treasurer’s Report .................... Walt Muellenhagen
Membership / Lapsation ......... Rich Wlosinski, Chairman
Secretary’s Report
Communications
Treasurer, Traverse City #323
President’s Report .................. Chris Ferguson
Rochester-North Oakland #2225
1st Vice-President’s Report ........... Randy Jackson
Muskegon #274
2nd Vice-President’s Report ........... Pete Gadzinski
Negaunee #1116
Pontiac-Waterford # 810
National Foundation ......Robert Anttila, Sr., Chairman
Ishpeming # 447
National Home Coordinator .....David Fisher, Chairman
Livonia #2246
National Veterans Service .....John Schuiling, Chairman
Alma #1400
Public / Member Relations ...Jason Manke, Chairman
Trustee’s Report .................................... Gary Smith
Albion #1798
Chairman, Port Huron #343
Resolutions ................... Edward R. Graham, Chairman
Major Project Commission .......... Karen Palomaki
Traverse City #323
Chairman, Negaunee #1116
Scholarship ....................... Jack McClelland, Chairman
1st VP Room
Incoming State Chairmen Meeting ..... 4:00 p.m.
Randy Jackson, 1st VP
1st VP Room
President’s Banquet ........... Cocktails – 6:00 pm
Ron Zimmerman, PSP
Dinner – 6:30 pm
Dream Makers
Business Session ................ Following Dinner
Chris Ferguson, President
Dream Makers
,QVWDOODWLRQ RI 2I¿FHUV SP
Kevin Quinn PSP
Dream Makers
8Q¿QLVKHG %XVLQHVV
Committee Reports
3 min. maximum (Full Report in Writing)
Brenda Cook
Executive Director, Big Rapids # 974
Charitable Grant Fund
Commission ..................................... Geno Grabinski
Chairman, Livonia #2246
Kevin Quinn,PSP
Executive Director, Grand Rapids #48
Announcements ................................. Karen Cary
Secretary, Sturgis #1381
Bay City #88
Special Events/CommunityWelfare/
Organ Donor Program ....... Kimberly Deckard, Chairman
Pontiac-Waterford #810
State Publication
Michigan Elks News ...................... Karen Cary,
Publisher
Sturgis # 1381
Youth Activities ..................Diana Armstrong, Chairman
Pontiac-Waterford #810
Web Master. .............................. Bruce Stark, Chairman
Ann Arbor # 325
Closing ............................................ Randy Jackson
President,
Muskegon #274
Benediction ...................................... Robert Chaffee
Alma #1400
12
MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER ■ April 2015
2015 Hoop Shoot State Finals
LODGE NEWS
The Michigan Elks Association Hoop Shoot State Finals
were held on February 20 and February 21, in Grand Rapids,
MI. The 36 top Shooters from all around our state all
attended.
Friday afternoon they arrived at the Ramada Plaza in Grand
Rapids and attended a pasta party, get acquainted event.
Many used the indoor water park afterwards.
Following breakfast Saturday morning, the shooters were
bused to Grand Rapids Christian High School for the contest.
Winners pictured here.
Elise Besonen was the Most Outstanding Female Shooter
in the State, and Drew Hess the Most Outstanding Male
Shooter.
The winning shooters will compete on 3/20 and 3/21 in
Angola, IN, against the winners of Indiana, and Ohio, in the
Great Lakes Regional Finals. Winners of this event will head
to the National Hoop Shoot Finals in Springfield, MA. on
4/17-4/18.
Elise Besonen was the Most Outstanding Female Shooter in
the State, and Drew Hess the Most Outstanding Male Shooter.
8-9 Girls
Annabelle Besonen, Copper Country
8-9 Boys
Brady Wright, Hillsdale
10-11 Girls
Elise Besonen, Copper Country
10-11 Boys
Brant Goodpaster, Hillsdale
12-13 Girls
Alexis Souder, Houghton-Higgins
12-13 Boys
Drew Hess, Tawas Area