Chico Elks Lodge #423

Greetings,

As I sit here typing my final message, I just can’t believe how this year has flown by. I have had a wonderful time serving our lodge as Exalted Ruler and it has been such a rewarding experience for me and Jen. It was a very busy year, but fun none the less! I hope the membership at large feels I have done a good job in my tenure, and as I leave the position of ER, the Lodge a little better then when I started my year.

I want to thank everyone who has helped me through this year, with both words of advice and help with events. Volunteers are the heartbeat of our Lodge and without them our Lodge would not be as strong as it is today. I encourage all members to find one event and volunteer a little time, it is a rewarding and fun experience. To my fellow Officers, thank you for all your hard work and fun times we had at Ritual competition, Conventions and Lodge activities. You all have made this a memorable year for me!

I also appreciate the constructive criticism I have received from concerned members throughout the year. I realize our lodge is not perfect, but both officers and staff try their best to keep the membership at whole happy. I know we will never please everyone, but I do take to heart all the suggestions I receive and we try to improve our lodge in the best way we can.

Lastly, if you have visited other lodges you know what a jewel our lodge is and what a great facility and membership we have here at Chico 423. Also, our membership is growing and that is sadly an anomaly at many other Elks Lodges. We have a lot of new younger members coming in to help the Elks organization as a whole to grow and spread the word about Elkdom. With younger members comes family and kids, which is something that is fundamental in order to keep our organization thriving, so I ask you keep this in mind and remember a bit of child energy can be a great thing.

So what’s been going on here at the lodge you ask?? Well, we had barrel of laughs roasting our fellow brother Jimmie McMahen at a special Wednesday night dinner this past month. A lot of stories were told and I know Jimmy and his family really enjoyed themselves. Thanks to Al Smith, Jim Saxton and Carl Leverenz for putting this evening together. Then, at the first meeting of February we honored our “old timers” with pins to recognize their years of continuous dedication to the order of Elks. We started with our 25 year members and went all the way up to 65 years – WOW what an accomplishment! On the 17th we had a Sweetheart Fizz Breakfast and all that attended not only enjoyed the great meal, but also beautiful weather and many attendees
even soaked up a few rays on our awesome back patio.

Don’t forget about our open Crab feed coming up on March 15th. Bring a friend and introduce them to the Lodge and what Elkdom is about. I know that Chairman Rick Schmid and his crew are putting together a great night for us. On March 23rd we are having our installation of new officers; this is open to all members and is always a very fun night. Installation is also a great way to get to know the officers of your Lodge. Then, on Sunday March 31st we have our Easter brunch complete with a visit from the Easter Bunny who will kick off our egg hunt for the children on the back lawn. This is my favorite event of the year and you definitely don’t want to miss it!

Thanks again to everyone for a great year and I plan to continue to stay involved in our great Lodge for many, many years to come! Remember to keep making those reservations with De and I will STILL see you the lodge!

Fraternally yours,
ER Matt Goddard