ER’s Message

Time is rapidly running out on my term. It seems the days were all too short as I head into the final two months. I am disappointed with some of the things that I had hoped to see accomplished that did not happen.
The failure to initiate the Antler Program in our Lodge is a big disappointment, because it is important to do all we can to try to positively influence the younger generation. To use an overused cliché, “They are the future.” While we want a better world for our children and grandchildren because we love them, it is also to our benefit to exit it leaving it in better shape than when we entered. The desire to better life’s conditions goes beyond just love of our progeny. We know this innately.
I don’t want to leave you with the impression that there has not been some accomplishments this year. Our bar top underwent an impressive renovation thanks to the contribution of materials by PER Terry Horne, and the much appreciated efforts of the volunteers who did the work. If we do not already have it, hopefully we will be adding a new electronic piano to our lounge in the near future.
The Boy Scouts have redone our horseshoe pits and built a flag retirement pit for the Eagle Project by Hutton Zubiata. We have had a good deal of favorable publicity in the Enterprise Record, and an increase in new members. We added a Brownie and a Girl Scout troop to round out our scouting program.
It would be a good addition if we had a group of volunteers who have the time and the desire to aid other members in times of need. Members who could be on call to help supply meals, run errands, help with repairs, and whatever other needs arise for members or widows of members who are experiencing health or other problems. Also to help the families of the guardsman that are deployed to Afghanistan if the need arises Call the office and leave your name if you would like to help. We would need to establish committees. We have also committed to become a “POD” (point of distribution) for the Butte  County Health Department in the event of a disaster of some sort. Should that occur, we would need a large number of volunteers available to help at the Lodge in a nonmedical capacity. Sign-up forms are available in the office. You may also sign up on line at www.healthcarevolunteers.ca.gov. You must be on file with the county to assist. No particular skills or training is involved.
“Old Timers” night is coming up on February 9. If you know of a member who needs help getting to the Lodge, please inform the office so we can try to make some arrangement. It’s important that we get these “old boys” out to honor them. Also that is PER night and nomination for our new officers. The election of new officers is during the last meeting of February on the 23rd.
While addressing a district meeting when I first became the ER, I commented that I believed the Elks’ were America’s last best hope. I believed that because we are the only large group left that actively promotes patriotism and adheres to the principles of Charity, Brotherly Love and Justice, and are committed to remaining faithful to those principles (Fidelity.) However, our biggest strength is in our common convictions, and unification. That is what binds us together and gives us our power. This entails treating one another as we wish to be treated, with respect and dignity. Sadly, this is not always adhered to. Please, for the sake of the Order and our Lodge and each one of us as individuals, lets work on it. The time may come when we will be called upon to show our solidarity.
BROTHERS ALL ARE WE.

By Joe Lusher, ER

Tags: http://www.staying-awake.org, http://www.whyhcg.com, http://www.myprovigil.com

The Order of Elks is an ideal that formed in the minds of some individuals long ago with the purpose of caring for one another. It manifested into reality and grew to include not only those who were members of the group, but others in time of need. In attending to this purpose, it included enjoying one another’s presence and promoting the Spirit of Brotherly Love. Perpetuating this ideal by providing places to meet necessitates overseeing day to day operations of the Lodge. In doing so, situations sometime arise that must be dealt with. When this occurs, efforts are always to resolve problems in a spirit of love, and the best possible solution for all concerned. Decisions must be made by a small group that you elect to represent the entire Lodge. The resolutions are never political nor personal. The final outcome may not please everyone, largely because not everyone knows all of the facts. You have to trust that the decisions made are based on sound judgment and not personal opinions or  prejudices. Always, it is hoped that the resolution of the situation will be positive for all concerned, and every effort is made to obtain that result. When this is not possible, and it involves employees or members, it is concluded with a feeling of love and regret for the parties involved.

Fortunately for our Lodge, we have a great group of members and employees, and rarely incur a situation that cannot be  resolved to the good of all parties. Do not base your conclusions on rumors, but rely on facts. Know that all of your officers and management are concerned with the satisfaction and well being of all of our members and employees, and that we hold a fraternal feeling of love for you all. We may not always agree among ourselves on solutions applicable to the day to day operation of the facility, but always we accept the majority opinion with no animosity. Most often the decisions are unanimous We are concerned with “the right way”, not “my way.” We make every effort to assure that life at Chico Elks Lodge No. 423 is as great as possible. And, as your representatives, we are always open to your suggestions, concerns and requests. In the words of Rastafarian Bob Marley, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” We are all Elks trying always to adhere to our Cardinal Principles.

Unfortunately, I must submit this article for publication in advance of the end of the month and cannot comment on all of the events that occur in the latter part. I am confident that as always, it has been a great month. The Dog Parade/Chili Cook-Off was a great success, thanks to the hard work by Connie Wright, Geri Lee, PER’s Russ Fortier and Terry Horne, Gus Borchers, The Building & Maintenance Committee and all of the other volunteers. Kudos to Bill Dixon for his great effort on the Patriots’ Dinner/Dance. Everyone had a good time and it appears that we will receive some new members as a result. Bill could use a lot of help in the upcoming Hoop Shoot. A sign-up list is posted on the bulletin board in the lounge.

As we head into Autumn, we have many exciting events coming up. The Elktoberfest, the Elks Charity Ball, and lots of football. Check with Lecturing Knight  Matt Goddard if you would like to volunteer for the Elkoberfest. For those interested in meeting the State President Hugh Scanlon, he and First Lady Dale will be stopping for lunch at our Lodge on October 16 and having dinner at the Paradise Lodge that evening.

Summer is over, and many of our travelers should be back in town and available to come to the Lodge, so hopefully we will see some of the members that we don’t see very often. If you don’t come participate in some of the activities and enjoy the camaraderie of other members, you are missing the best part of your membership. And, we all miss you.

I laid it on you all a bit heavy last month, so I want to clarify my position with you as your Exalted Ruler. My road to Exalted Ruler has not been an intentional venture, but one that I will always treasure. When I admonish you over anything pertaining to the good of the Lodge as I see it, I do not do so because I think that I am smarter, nor more concerned than any of the rest of you. I do so because I feel it is part of my responsibility to look after what I consider to be good for the Lodge. I may not always be correct in my assumption, and I am quick to admit it, nor do I mean to imply that I think I am the only one capable of doing so. If I can do at least one thing that will make a difference for the good of Chico Lodge #423 in all the years hereafter (and not screw anything up,) I feel that I will have left a worthwhile legacy. There are a lot of incidentals to attend to along the way. Since I do have the job, I intend to do my best to do it right. So please bear with me.
We must keep moving forward. If we do not, there is a natural tendency toward entropy, a state of disorder.  Nothing remains static. Large social systems and institutions often fail, because they lose the values that provide the foundation for stability and the continuance of the fundamental process (bet you can think of several  good examples.) Of course, we want to continue to enjoy all of the wonderful activities here at Chico Lodge #423, and to add to them where we can.
My major goal is to institute the “Antler Program” in our Lodge so we can try to influence the younger  generations in the principles that we embrace, and set the course for future Elk membership. For those of you  who are not familiar with the Antlers, it is Junior Elks, ages 12 through 20. They have their own officers, including  trustees, and their own bank account. They have their own Statutes and By-Laws. They meet once a month  under the supervision of a five member Advisory Board of Elk members. It will take a major effort to bring this  goal about and will take a great deal of volunteer help. I’m in the market now, so the line forms at the right.
I am hoping to have a Community Youth Talent Show in the Fall or early Spring next year, with proceeds  donated to the school music and art programs. Evan has a great Halloween event in the works for kids and adults.
I would also like to do the Charity Ball again this year with the “Swing Kings,” if we can find an open date on the calendar that will work. The State President will be in  Paradise in October and may visit our Lodge on Friday, October 15th. Evan is gearing up for NFL Sunday. With the capability of three or four games simultaneously, it  should be a great season at the Lodge.
Well, both conventions are behind me. The National Convention was impressive, particularly the Opening Ceremony and the Memorial Service. We voted on fourteen resolutions, none of which greatly effects the operation of our Lodge. I have put a copy of the resolutions and the results of the votes, along with the convention news  booklets for each day on display on a table in the Lodge room for anyone interested in what goes on at these conventions. On the back of each news booklet is a  schedule of that day’s events. It is interesting to see what is involved in maintaining the statutes, rules and regulations of the Order.
The “Most Valuable Student” recipients, one boy and one girl, were quite impressive. ENF awarded each of them with a $60,000 scholarship. The two “Hoop Shoot” winners, a boy and a girl, both nine years old, were very cute. The National Foundation awarded a brand new large Ford van and $25,000 for gas money to a young  group of musicians call “Recreation” that travels the country performing at Veterans’ Hospitals. They were really great. I am going to try to get a CD to show here at the  Lodge. The only downside to the whole experience was the price of a glass of wine at the hotel. You could go broke trying to get a “buzz.”

Joe Lusher, Exalted Ruler