Chico Elks Lodge #423

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

When you have a deadline, these months roll by fast. Good thing I love to write. It is sometimes a challenge to keep your interest though, but I will give it my best effort.

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It seems like I was just installed. I know these are difficult  times and, with all of the dire news and predictions that we are bombarded with, it may take a little effort to find things to be thankful for. At least we can all be thankful that we are Elks and for all of the good people that we are able to call our fraternal brothers and sisters.

We should realize the many blessings which we have by being born in what is still the greatest nation on earth. Unfortunately, we are faced with the possibility that this may not continue to be the case. We appear to be faced with the distinct possibility of some really difficult economic times ahead due to hyper-inflation and other problems, and we need to be prepared. We have to remain optimistic even if the present situation seems to point to the likelihood of more pessimistic consequences.

Fortunately, as attested to in our Obligation, all of us have an abiding faith in a higher power that we refer to as God, however we define that belief as individuals. That faith can provide an optimistic outlook that can overcome the most dire circumstances.

So, we’ll just keep a positive attitude and continue to do all of the good works that Elks have always done and have a lot of fun and fellowship in the process. We are blessed with the knowledge that no matter what happens, we have a lot of support from one another. In that regard, we must realize that while we are one, we are still individuals with different personalities and opinions, and maybe even with a few faults. (I know that is hard for some of us to accept). To take full advantage of the strength, the unity our membership provides, we must accept these differences in the spirit of “Brotherly Love” in accordance with our Obligation as Elks.

We can only cultivate this connection through being in one another’s presence as much as possible and turning out for major events. A great deal of effort is put forth by a few members to provide activities for the entire membership. It is very  disheartening when these efforts are made only to have the event turn out less successful than it was intended to be. As I have said before, you are missing a great opportunity provided by your membership if you don’t come to get to know other members and enjoy the fellowship. I know times are tough for some, so if it is a case of a financial hardship, let me know personally and some provisions will be made to accommodate your situation. We want you here.

Referring to special events, the “Elktoberfest” was very successful. As usual, Lecturing Knight Matt Goddard and his wife Jen, did a great job in overseeing the event. Thank you to the numerous others, members and spouses, who helped. Much of the turnout was attributed to the RV Club. They enjoyed a “camp out” in the RV park and the parking lot for several days climaxed by the event. Again though folks, without them, the attendance would have been lagging. If you want these events, you must support them.

As I write this article, this past Friday, October 22nd, was our Elks’ Charity Ball. Much of the proceeds, after minimum expenses, will go to our Major Project and the Elks National Foundation. I will appraise you of the outcome in the next  bulletin. I know there is a lot going on and many of you have family responsibilities.

I was a guest at the Lady Elks’ Luncheon on Monday, October 18th. What a charming group of ladies. I was impressed with all  they are involved in pertinent to the good of the Order and our Lodge. Be thankful that we have them.

I wish you all the best always, and with much affection.

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.