JANUARY 2008
A News Publication of the
LOUISIANA ELK’S ASSOCIATION, INC.
A Three Star Publication
Hon. Charles “Chuck” Williams PGER, sponsor
Published on behalf of Louisiana Elks, in support of Louisiana Elks and for Elks
Published by: Louisiana Elks Association
Editor: Buddy Hartle
Reporters: Exalted Rulers and LEA Chairman
OFFICERS 2007-2008:
PRESIDENT: SAM G. ECHOLS, PER/PDD (#122)
PRES-ELECT: WILLIAM BOUDREAUX, PER/PDD (#30)
VP-WEST: BERNIE MATHIAS, PER/PDD (#122)
YOU CAN SETUP A
VP-EAST: JOHN WILLIAMS, PER/PDD (#30)
MONTHLY BANK
SECRETARY: WM. BRICE PALMER, PER/PDD/PSP/PG Tiler (#1048) DRAFT OR
AUTOMATIC
TREASURER: RICHARD M. JONES, PER/PDD/PSP/PGEsq. (#122) PAYROLL
DEDUCTION FOR
TILER: FELTON GRIFFIN, PER (#122)
ANY AMOUNT YOU
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: GARY HARWELL, (#122) CHOOSE WITH THE
ELKS NATIONAL
CHAPLAIN: LINDSEY LEE, PER (#1048) FOUNDATION
PARLIAMENTARIAN: KENNETH LAFLEUR, PER/PDD/PSP (#1048)
LOUISIANA ELKS ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES:
1-YEAR: ANGELO MANCUSO, PER/PDD/PSP (#1398)
2-YEAR: FRANKLIN COURVILLE, PER/PDD/PSP (#1048)
3-YEAR: ELMO CHAMPAGNE, PER/PDD/PSP (#2321)
4-YEAR: KEN WALBERT, PER/PDD/PSP (#122)
5-YEAR: EUGENE H. JUERGENS, PER/PDD/PSP (#2496)
FROM THE PRESIDENT
I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Joyous Holiday Season, and wish you all a Healthy and
Prosperous New Year.
With the beginning of the New Year, it‘s time to renew our pledges and efforts in seeking contributions for the Elks
National Foundation. It‘s too late to make a tax deductible contribution to the Elks National Foundation for the 2007 tax
year. So, while compiling your IRS return for last year, determine if you needed to make more deductible contributions to
improve your tax situation. Ask the person who prepares your return or accountant for their advice. If you need, or just
desire, to increase (and simplify) your contributions to the Elks National Foundation, you might want to make several small
donations throughout the year rather than one or two large donations. With the Elks National Foundation you can setup a
monthly bank draft or automatic payroll deduction for any amount you choose. Also, make sure your lodge has plenty of
Elks National Foundation envelopes available for those who want to have a Memorial acknowledgement sent to the family
of a departed member, friend, or relative. These envelopes make it easy; simply fill out the tear-off form; insert it with your
check and mail. The Elks National Foundation does the rest. They also send you an acknowledgement of your donation
and a running account of your contribution for the year. As we say, ―It‘s like money in the bank.‖ Because we all know
what a great return on our money we receive from the ―GREAT HEART OF ELKDOM.‖
Be sure to attend January‘s District Deputy Clinic. Sorry, I can‘t be there. My son is getting married that day and I cannot
miss this most joyous and blessed event in my firstborn‘s life.
Make if a GREAT ELKDOM 2008
Fraternally,
Sam Echols
SPECIAL DEPUTY GRAND EXALTED RULER
MESSAGE
Members,
Sue and I hope that all of you had A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.
As we start the new year of 2008, let‘s not forget that this means we only have three months left in our Elk year of 2007-
2008 and, we still have lots of important things left to do.
th
Our first DD Clinic will be held on January 19 at Baton Rouge Elks Lodge #490. Grand Lodge Statutes states that the
Exalted Ruler, Leading Knight, Lodge Secretary and Chairperson of Lodge Trustees must attend. If any one of the
mentioned officers will be unable to attend, you must let Ken Ledet, DDGER know the reason before the clinic so he can
excuse you. You must have a valid reason for missing it and if not, you will not be excused.
Nomination of Officers must be held in January if your Lodge meets once a month and in February if it has more than one
meeting. Please follow the procedures as stated in Grand Lodge Statutes Sections 3.080. Election of Officers must be
held by all Lodges in February. Please follow the procedures as stated in Grand Lodge Statutes Sections 3.090.
The Lodge‘s Auditing Committee must have its financial information ready to be turned over to its accountant as soon
st
after March 31 since the Lodge‘s Financial Report must be mailed by June 30, 2008 to H. James DuMond area Auditing
Committee Member for six (6). Failure to timely submit the report may subject the Lodge to an immediate fine of one
hundred dollars ($100) and a subsequent fine of an additional one hundred dollars($100) each thirty d(30) days thereafter,
not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500). Payment of a fine does not relieve the Lodge of the duty to file the report and
continued refusal will be considered Contumacy.
The Lodge‘s Lapsation Committee should be working hard to collect the dues of its delinquent members so it cans
possible prevent the Lodge from having a loss in membership. We need new members; ask someone today!
If I can be of assistance to any of you, feel free to call upon me. Never forget that it is our obligation and duty to promote
the programs of the GL and to enhance the Elks motto ―Elks Care- Elks Share “
Fraternally,
Richard F. Conran, SDGER ~ LA
LODGE FINANCIAL REPORT MUST BE MAILED BY JUNE 30, 2008
LOUISIANA ELKS ASSOCIATION STATE CONVENTION
MEMBERS,
On behalf of the Louisiana Elks Association, State President Sam Echols and Shreveport Lodge #122, I invite you and
your lodge members to attend the 72nd Louisiana Elks State Convention in Lafayette on April 18 – 20, 2008. The
Convention will be held at the Holiday Inn- Holidome. The Holidome is located in north Lafayette at 2032 North East
Evangeline Thruway (I-49), about a ½ mile south of I-10.
Please advise your members of the upcoming Convention, perhaps include a notice in your lodge bulletin, and make and
distribute copies of the attached Registration Form to those interested in attending. Please note that you can submit the
Group Registration form for your lodge. Should you submit a Group Registration, individual forms are not necessary. The
Registration Fee is $40.00 per Person. All registrations should be mailed to Richard Jones, Registration Chairman,
5018 Rosedown Lane, Bossier City, LA 71112-4590, no later than April 1, 2008. Registration received after April 1,
2008 will have a $ 5.00 per person late registration fee. When you make your reservations, please let Richard Jones
know how many people your lodge will have attending the Friday night social so he can give the count to Chef Lindsey so
he can plan on how much food he needs to prepare.
Please remember that the cut off date for all donations to the Louisiana Elks Fund to determine the 2007/2008 winner of
the Willis Mc Donald Award is March 31, 2008.
The Holidome will honor reservations for Louisiana Elks and guests thru April 4, 2008. Room rates are $78.00 for
single/ double /Atrium plus 12% tax. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel, toll free at 1-(800) 942-4868.
I have requested the dame Hospitality Suite that you‘re Lodge had last year. The cost is $179.00 plus 12% tax per night
and a deposit of one night charge is required to reserve the room. Please mail deposit by March 15, 2008, directly to the
Holiday Inn-Holidome at P.O. Box 97807, Lafayette, Louisiana 70509.
Please keep in mind that check-in time is 3P.M. if you arrive early your room may not be ready. Should you have any
questions, feel free to contact me at (Home) 225-275-7118, (Cell) 225-938-9213, (fax) 225-272-1691 or e-mail me at
rconran39@aol.com
Fraternally yours,
Richard Conran, SDGER
Chairman LEA 2008 State Convention
LODGE GROUP PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
The Exalted Ruler (or designee) should submit a group pre-registration for lodge members, spouses and
guests on this form.
List the member‘s name and lodge title as each is to appear on the convention badge, and spouse/guest‘s
name. Due to limited space on badge only current title or highest tile held will be placed on it.
Convention registrations are $40/member, $40 spouse/guest. Registration fees include the Saturday
evening banquet meal and entertainment for members, spouses and guests and the Saturday mid-day
brunch and entertainment for spouses and guests.
A late fee of $5 per person applies after April 1, 2008. Show the applicable registration amounts on the
line subtotal space provided.
Show if the registrant will attend the Friday Night Social at Opelousas Lodge by checking either the Yes or
No boxes. An advance count is needed for meal preparation, but pre-payment is not required at this time.
Tickets for the Friday Social may be purchased at the registration table when the packets are picked up or
later at the door of the lodge.
At the end of the form (on back), total the number of registrants and grand total the amount remitted with
this form.
Make all checks payable to Louisiana Elks Association. Mail NOT LATER THAN APRIL 1, 2008 to
Richard M. Jones, 5018 Rosedown Lane, Bossier City, LA 71112-4590.
Registration Will Attend Number of
Member & Current Title or Highest Title Held Spouse/Guest Line Subtotal Friday Night Social? Tickets Wanted
1. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
2. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
3. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
4. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
5. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
6. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
7. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
8. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
9. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
10. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
11. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
12. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
13. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
14. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
15. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
16. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
17. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
18. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
19. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
20. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
21. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
22. @ $40 @ $40 $ Yes No
Total number of Elks pre-registered: x $40 = $
Total number of Spouses/Guests pre-registered: x $40 = $
Grand Total Remitted $ Total Socials
Louisiana Elks Association, Inc.
72nd Annual State Convention – April 18 – 20, 2008
Holiday Inn Holidome – Conference Center, Lafayette, LA
INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION FORM
Lodge Name and Number
$
Member Name Present Title or Highest Title Held
$
Spouse/Guest Name
$
Other Guest Name
Cash Check # Total Paid $
Make checks payable to Louisiana Elks Association. Attach payment by paper clip to top of form.
Will you attend Friday Night Social at Opelousas Lodge? Member Yes No
(Tickets may be purchased at registration table or at door of lodge.) Spouse/Guest Yes No
This form may be used either for pre-registration or for registration at the desk on convention dates.
The lodge member registering as an individual (rather than as part of a lodge group registration) shall
complete this form. Include spouses and guests.
Show member‘s name and lodge title, as each is to appear on the convention badge, spouse/guest‘s
name, and applicable registration amounts on the line spaces provided. Due to limited space on name
badge only your current title or highest title you held will be placed on it.
Convention registrations are $40/member, $40 Spouse/guest. Registration fees include the Saturday
evening banquet meal and entertainment for members, spouses and guests and the Saturday mid-day
brunch and entertainment for spouses and guests.
A late registration fee of $5 per person applies after April 1, 2008.
Show if the registrant and spouse/guest will attend the Friday Night Social at Opelousas Lodge by checking
either Yes/No boxes above. An advance count is needed for meal preparation, but pre-payment is not
required. Tickets for the Friday Social may be purchased at the registration table when the packets are
picked up or later at the door of the lodge.
Mail pre-registrations NOT LATER THAN APRIL 1, 2008 to
Richard M. Jones, 5018 Rosedown Lane, Bossier City, LA 71112-4590.
LEA STATE SECRETARY REPORT
Seasons Greetings,
We hope your Christmas was great and the New Year is even better. The Mid-Season Conference was a good
one. Shreveport did a great job hosting it. It will be moved to a Saturday next year with the hopes that more
members will be able to attend. The general meeting dealt with several items. One being the renewal and changes
to the bi-laws that we will vote on at our next state convention. Our Louisiana Elks Fund has finally accomplished
our goal of generating enough interest income to fund our charitable projects. One of the proposed constitutional
changes will be to combine the $5.00 dues with the $3.50 major project pledge amount into a single total dues
amount of $8.50. This would give the LEA enough operating capital to meet its needs and make us able to cancel
the $300 per lodge assessment for printing needs. The bottom line is that it will save each lodge $300 per year.
The remaining proposed changes are mostly language changes dealing with the fact that we now have only one
district deputy. Other proposed changes are for clarification.
Remember the Grand Lodge Convention in Anaheim, California, July 6-10, 2008. We will be staying at the
Anaheim Marriott Suites – 12015 Harbor Boulevard – Garden Grove, CA – near the convention center and Disney
th
Land. It is a very nice hotel. I will be handing our pre-reservation forms at the January 19 DD Clinic in Baton
Rouge or you can complete the registration form in this newsletter and mail it back to me.
Please remember to visit our L.E.A. website at laelks.com and our Grand Lodge Website at http://www.elks.org …
Registration is very easy if you have not done so already. Just follow the directions and see.
May God Bless each and every one of you…
Sincerely,
Wm. Brice Palmer,
State Secretary
FUTURE CONVENTION DATES
2009—Portland, Oregon July 5-9, 2009
2010---Orlando, Florida July 4-8, 2010
2011---Phoenix, Arizona July 10-14, 2011
ANAHEIM MARRIOTT SUITES ROOM REGISTRATION FORM
144th GRAND LODGE SESSION – ANEHEIM, CA – JULY 6-10TH, 2008
The Louisiana Delegation will be staying at the Anaheim Marriott Suites, 12015 Harbor Blvd.,
Garden Grove, CA 92840. (see it on the web) The room rates are $112 per night plus 13% tax or $126.56 per
night. A first night‘s deposit is required. Checks must be made payable to the Anaheim Marriott and not the
LEA. We need a commitment from those who are certain that they are planning to attend. All rooms are one
bedroom suites. You are committed to pay for the room if you do not attend. Reservations must be made
through the office of Brice Palmer, State Secretary/Housing Chairman and not the hotel if you wish to get
these rates.
Name:__________________________________________ Spouse/Guest:_______________________
(Please Print, Type or Word Process Information) (if attending)
2008 Title:__________________________ Lodge Name & #:_________________________________
Billing Address:______________________________________________________________________
City:___________________________________________ State:____________ ZIP_______________
Home Phone:_______________________________ Cell Phone:_______________________________
E-MAIL address:_____________________________________________________________________
Arrival Day and Date:_________________________ Leaving Day and Date:_____________________
# of People in room:_____ Type of Room: One Bed( ) Two Beds( ) all rooms are non-smoking
Special Room Requests:________________________________________________________________
If Sharing a room, Name of other Party:___________________________________________________
First Night Deposit by: ( )check [Payable to Anaheim Marriott] ( )Credit Card [Info below needed]
Credit Card Name: _______________________________ Number:_____________________________
Expiration Date:_____________________ Credit ( ) Debit ( )
Your Name as it appears on Credit Card:___________________________________________________
Return to:
Wm. Brice Palmer, State Sec./Housing Chairman
P.O. Box 16664 – Lake Charles. LA 70616-6664
(337) 433-6816 e-mail: Louisiana.elks@yahoo.com
GRAND LODGE CORNER:
Retain new members with impressive initiation by Barton Barnes:
Making an initiation a memorable experience increases the probability of retaining newly initiated members. The
orientation and indoctrination sessions are important parts of the initiation process. Neither should be abbreviated
or eliminated. Indoctrination is the lodges‘ first opportunity to interact with new members. Keep the session
informative, but avoid too much detail.
Provide candidates with pamphlets about the Order to read at their leisure. When they leave, make a special effort
to ensure each is comfortable with the members they met and aware of the commitment of Elks to helping the
community, youth and veterans. Tell them briefly about ENF and the scholarships and other programs the
foundation supports and the activities your lodge supports in its service area.
Be sure to inform the initiates about what to expect on Initiation Night so there are no surprise, particularly with
respect to the amount of money needed for dues and any other fees that might be payable that evening. You don‘t
want to embarrass them because they don‘t have enough money.
Keep Initiation Night as free of other business as possible. Avoid long-winded speeches or debates. Keep the
evening under three hours from beginning to end. Ideally, the ritual should be memorized. If it is anticipated to be
a problem for some of the initiation team, make sure they are able to read their part impressively. Ask those
individuals to read their part
impressively. Ask those individuals to read their part several times so they are comfortable with it. Speak proudly
and distinctly to the new members. You want them to understand what the Order is about – a fraternal organization
committed to helping our fellow man. The bar is secondary. Don‘t forget to give each initiate a packet containing an
ENF application, the booklet ―What it means to be an Elk,‖ a copy of your latest lodge bulleting that lists coming
activities and other opportunities for involvement, Constitution and Statutes, by-laws, house rules and finally an
application for membership for a friend or relative.
Keep Initiation Night as free of other business as possible.
Attention ER’s: Here are contest deadlines by Larry Shaver:
You have completed eight months of your term and hopefully all of your programs are in full swing. With only four
months left, you should work on preparing materials to submit for your Lodge‘s entries in the Grand Lodge, Lodge
Activities? State Associations Committee contests and awards programs. By simply documenting and submitting
your lodge‘s activities to the committee members listed below, you share what your lodge does for Elkdom and
possibly receive national recognition for your achievements.
Remember, however, that all contests and award programs have deadlines for submissions that must be met if
your entry is to be eligible.
Contest ―A‖ – All American Lodge Contest. Complete the official entry form you received in January and return it
to your District Deputy by March 15, 2008.
Contest ―B‖ – Community Service and Image Contest. Brochure submission deadline must be postmarked no
later than March 15, 2008. Mail entries to: Larry S. Shaver, 2109 Park Ave., Bedford, IN 47421-4044.
Contest ―C‖ –Elks Memorial Service Contest Brochure submission deadline must be postmarked no later than
February 15, 2008. Mail entries to Keith A. Simmons, P.O. Box 267, Delavan, WI 53115-0267.
Contest ―D‖ – Lodge Bulletin Contest submission deadline must be postmarked no later than January 15, 2008.
Mail entries for Division 1, 2 and 3 (lodges under 701 members) to: James A. Ferland, 7 Littlefield Trail, Sidney,
ME 04330-2618. Mail entries for Divisions 4, 5 and 6 (lodges over 700 members) to: Harry H. Hartley, P.O. Box
287, Condon, OR 97823-0287. Important: All contest/program entries above must be accompanied by a letter
from the lodge secretary certifying the lodge membership as of March 31, 2007.
Only three months left to submit lodge entries in Lodge Activities/State Association
Committee contest and awards programs.
GRAND LODGE CORNER continued:
Citizen of the year, Elk of the year and Officer of the year—Request for these inscribed citations should be
postmarked no later than March 31, 2008 and submitted to the Office of the Grand Secretary.
Elks Training Program---Send completed forms to your state Training chairperson; postmarked deadline for
completion is March 15, 2008. Mail inquiries to your state Lodge Activities chairperson or your state training
chairperson.
ELKS NATIONAL HOME
A MESSAGE TO THE MEMBERSHIP FROM THE ELKS NATIONAL HOME
We want to express thanks to the membership for once again approving the $1.00
per capita assessment for the Elks National Home. Since we no longer receive a grant from either the Grand Lodge
or the Elks National foundation, the $1.00 from each member is what enables us to continue this fine retirement
community for Elk members. Every member of the Order can be proud of what their dollar is doing for their Brothers
and Sisters.
But the Home is facing many challenges as we strive to survive and continue the good work being done here by Elks
for Elks. The Home is in need of additional assistance for much needed renovations and improvements. Several
lodges have indicated that they plan to sponsor an additional $1.00 per member to be sent directly to the Home. We
will be glad to send brochures regarding the additional $1.00 projects to anyone upon request. Just call 1-800-552-
4140 or e-mail enhome@elkshome.org and let us know how many you need.
Go online and check out the Home‘s website and online newsletter to see some of the residents who live at the
Home. And if you have an opportunity, pay a visit to the Home and see it for yourself. You will be glad you did.
Visiting Elks and their spouses may stay at the Home for a reasonable fee. Call for a reservation
ELKS NATIONAL VETERANS SERVICE COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 2007 GRAND LODGE NEWSLETTER MESSAGE
The cornerstone of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission is the commitment of our volunteers at the
grassroots level. From our subordinate Lodges, and from our Lodge, District and State Veterans Chairman to our
VAVS Representatives and VAVS Deputy Representatives, our volunteers have only one agenda. They want to
continue to enhance the level of comfort for our veterans
The Elks National Veterans Service Commission continues to recognize our volunteers in each state for their work
with our nation‘s veterans. Winners are determined from entries submitted to committees headed by each State
Association President and the State National Veterans Service Chairman. We ask that each state present a plaque
to the winners at its state meeting to give recognition to these dedicated hard working volunteers.
We salute all our volunteers who, by their commitment, dedication and unselfishness, have greatly enriched the
lives of our veterans.
The success we have is due to the many veteran volunteers we have across this country. By their dedication and
hard work, our volunteers continue to be the Order‘s goodwill ambassadors to our nation‘s veterans.
We are indeed fortunate for the volunteers who serve our nation‘s veterans. They have only one thought in mind
as they perform their acts of love with these patriots – to improve the lot in life of our veterans who need our help.
Without their commitment, we would be unable to continue Serving Our Nation’s Veterans.
Respectfully submitted,
Dwayne E. Rumney, PGER
The Benevolent and Protective order of Elks is proud of giving America’s veterans a helping
hand since 1917. We pledge to continue this mission of service as long as there are veterans
who need assistance.
ELKS NATIONAL VETERANS SERVICE COMMISSION
DECEMBER 2007 GRAND LODGE NEWSLETTER MESSAGE
Since 1946, our promise to all of our Veterans and their families has been and continues to be “So long as there
are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” We have kept this promise and
continue to do so.
However, there is an area of our work where we can do a better job and that is keeping a record of our efforts to
help our Veterans in every Lodge and State Association across this great country. We must record our efforts on a
monthly basis so that each Lodge can file a complete and accurate ―Veterans Remembrance Report‖ by January
15, 2008, and then your State NVSC Chairman will be able to file his report proudly and hopefully be able to say
that his state has 100 percent participation. We know you do the work, so please take the time to record your
efforts and get credit for helping those who have so gallantly protected our freedoms for so long.
Last year‘s report showed we had 166,807 Elks and non-Elks who participated, helping 1,066,654 Veterans
over 896,174 hours with 3,080,581 miles traveled for a total by government standards of $27,168,178.00 donated.
These are wonderful statistics, but they do not tell the whole story because not all Lodges filed their reports
and not all State Associations filed theirs. In recent years, we have had 46 and 44 states reporting, but only 29
states with 100 percent. I believe we can improve these numbers with everyone‘s help.
Let‘s try to make this a better year for our Veterans and for all Elks. I ask each and every Exalted Ruler to make
sure his or her Lodge Chairman files this report as well as every State President, making sure the State NVSC
Chairman files the State Association Report. Let‘s all continue to work together helping our Veterans and filing our
reports so this coming year we can say we have 50 states with 100 percent participation in the ―Veterans
Remembrance Report,‖ again showing that “Elks Care---Elks Share!” Thank you for your help and cooperation in
this most important matter.
Amos A. McCallum, PGER
Vice-Chairman
JANUARY 15, 2008 IS THE DEADLINE FOR LODGES TO FILE THEIR VETERANS REMEMBRANCE
REPORT TO THEIR STATE NVSC CHAIRMAN. LETS MAKE THIS YEAR 100 PERCENT
PARTICIPATION
JANUARY 2008 GRAND LODGE NEWSLETTER MESSAGE
As we begin the New Year, it is appropriate that we dedicate ourselves to our Elk commitment: “So long as there
are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.”
One group of Veterans who need our help more than ever before in our history, are our Homeless Veterans.
Studies show that fully one fourth of all the homeless people in America are Veterans. The VA has compiled
interesting statistics regarding our homeless Veterans:
All but 4% are male, the vast majority are single and
most come from poor, disadvantaged communities;
45% suffer from mental illness of some sort and half
ONE FOURTH OF
have substance abuse problems; ALL THE HOMELESS
PEOPLE IN AMERICA
Although America‘s homeless Veterans have served in all wars and military ARE VETERANS
actions since World War II, 47% served during the Vietnam era. More than
67% served our country for at least 3 years and more than one third served
in a war zone.
Estimates of homeless Veterans total nearly 200,000 on any given night and nearly 400,000 experience
homelessness over the course of a year. (Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
ELKS NATIONAL VETERANS SERVICE COMMISSION--continued
Unfortunately, the VA can only reach about 25% of those homeless Veterans who need services. This leaves a
void which is currently being filled by local government agencies and service organizations in our communities.
Rest assured that we, as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks are doing our part to fill the void. Our VANS
Representatives and their teams of volunteers are working tirelessly to bring needed assistance to our homeless
Veterans. If you serve in any capacity to help our homeless Veterans, the Elks National Veterans Service
Commission offers you our heartfelt thanks; if you don‘t serve, would you consider volunteering at your Lodge to
help homeless Veterans in your community?
Fraternally,
C. Valentine Bates, PGER
Secretary/Treasurer
ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION
The Elks National Foundation offers a variety of giving methods to create hassle-free options and preferred
convenience for our donors. Each of the giving methods outlined below makes it easy to support the ENF.
PLEDGE: Choose the total amount you would like to pledge and give according to your selected installment
schedule. Installments must be at least 410.00. You can request to receive pledge reminders in the mail, and
submit your pledge payment by check or credit card.
ONLINE DONATIONS: Support the ENF any time of day from the convenience of your own home. To donate
online, go to www.elks.org/donate.
TRIBUTE GIFT (MEMORIAL/HONOR): Contribute to the ENF in memory of or in honor of friends, colleagues and
loved ones, either by mail or online. For more information, visit www.elks.org/enf/tributegifts.cfm.
RECURRING GIFTS: Establish a monthly gift to the ENF via credit card or direct debit from your bank account.
Members of the Recurring Gift Club receive a special gift and are listed in the online Recurring Gift Club Honor
Roll. Visit www.elks.org/enf/recurringclub.cfm.
MATCHING GIFTS: Double the impact of your gift through your employer, ARE NEW
even if you‘re retired. Contact your Human Resources department to learn if your company
MEMBERS BEING
sponsors a corporate giving program, or visit www.matchinggifts.com/elks.
PAYROLL DEDUCTION AND THE CFC: Opt to have a pre-determined dollar amount TOLD ABOUT THE
deducted from your paycheck as a gift to the ENF. Government employees can now support ELKS NATIONAL
the ENF with payroll deductions through the Combined Federal Campaign. Contact your FOUNDATION
Human Resources department to learn more.
ALTERNATIVE ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS: Give to the ENF when buying and selling on
eBay through MissionFish, when shopping online through iGive.com or GiveBackAmerica.com and by turning
American Express membership reward points into a donation. Visit
www.elks.org/enf/AlternativeOnlineGiving.cfm to learn more.
PLANNED GIFTS: Leave your legacy to the future through a planned gift to the ENF. Examples include:
charitable bequest, gifts of appreciated stock and gifts of life insurance. For more information about these and
other planned gifts, visit www.elks.org/enf/plannedgiving.
ENF CELEBRATES PLANNED GIVING AWARENESS MONTH:
To familiarize Elks with planned giving methods and to promote the benefits of the John F. Malley Society, the Elks
National Foundation will celebrate Planned Giving Awareness Month in January. Through planned gifts, friends of
the ENF can leave behind a positive legacy while ensuring the Foundation‘s future.
Last year, the Foundation launched their planned giving website. The site features donor stories, finance news and
personalized presentations and gift calculators to show members the income and tax benefits they‘ll receive from
various planed giving vehicles. Site visitors can also direct their financial advisors to a section designed especially
for their profession. Visit http://elks.giftlegacy.com to explore the benefits of making a planned gift.
In 2001, the ENF established the John F. Malley society, named for the GER who first championed the idea of the
Elks National Foundation, to recognize individuals who include the Foundation in their estate plans. Today the
society boasts 32 members who have named the Foundation as a beneficiary of their estate, or who have made
lifetime gifts of stock, property or insurance.
ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION--continued
―Planned giving is a simple and effective way to make the most of your retirement assets while supporting the
Foundation for years to come,‖ says Chairman of the ENF Board and society member, PGER Frank Garland on
Centralia, Washington. ―Knowing my gift will be invested in a permanent trust fund that will never stop working to
benefit children, veterans and Elks communities, gives me a peace of mind.‖
Benefits of joining the John F. Malley Society include a pin and an exclusive medallion.
The Foundation‘s Annual Report, Heartbeat, a donor newsletter, list the society member‘s HAVE YOU
names during the year they join, and their name is also placed in our online honor roll. JOINED THE
If you would like more information on planned giving, the John F. Malley Society, or the JOHN F. MALLEY
inform the Foundation that you have made a planned gift, please contact Meghan Morgan SOCIETY?
at 773-755-4866, meghanm@elks.org or Anne Reardon at 773-755-4864,
anner@elks.org.
ELKS GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REPORT
LODGES KEEP COMING UP WITH NEW IDEAS FOR CHARTIES:
Around the country, lodges keep coming up with new ideas for raising funds to support a wide variety of charities in
their communities.
Some of the ―same-old, same-old‖ events, such as spaghetti suppers and pig roasts, continue to work, but in order
to attract new people—and new money—something different may be needed.
Lodge No. 52 in Chillicothe, Ohio, came up with a dandy: a party celebrating Black Friday, the day after
Thanksgiving that‘s the biggest shopping day of the year. The local paper, in its store about pre-Christmas sales
and the early opening hours planned for many of the big box retailers, gave the Elks‘ event a plug:
―Those who venture out early Friday morning, however, may want to make some time in the afternoon to rest.
That‘s because the doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Chillicothe Elks Lodge for a special ―Black Friday Shop ‗Till You
Drop, Then Party‖. The paper noted that proceeds from the event would raise money for the Elks Youth Activities
Committee that funds underprivileged children‘s needs throughout the year.
NEW LODGE BECOMES HOME FOR DEDICATED ELK:
When the Dunedin-Clearwater Elks‘ moved into a new million-dollar facility, the St. Petersburg Times noted that for
many, the lodge is a home away from home, but for some, it becomes home.
Lodge Chaplain Clarence Roisin related the story of a widow who brought in her husband‘s ashes and set them on
the bar, saying: ―He spent more time here than he did at home, so you guys can have him.‖
Those ashes remained in the lodge for 40 years and then were mixed into the concrete for the new lodge‘s
foundation. ―Elks are never forgotten,‖ Roisin said. ―Elks are never forsaken.‖
Lodges are reminded that as your stocks of stationary become depleted and you
to need to reorder more, please make sure your use of the Elks USA and 11 O’
clock emblems are in compliance with the newly released Elks Emblem Usage
Guide (Code 513900). The guide was mailed to all lodges in September.
THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF
NEW ORLEANS LODGE 30
CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO THE
GRAND EXALTED RULERS
MARDI GRAS BANQUET
ON FEBRUARY 4, 2008
COCKTAILS AT 6:00 P.M.
DINNER SERVED AT 7:00 P.M.
PLEASE CONTACT THE LODGE AT 504-888-8152 TO R.S.V.P.
STATE COMMITTEE REPORTS
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE:
We have three months left in this Elk year. Everyone should be pushing membership. I‘m sure that you have a
relative, friend or co-worker that would make a good Elk. All they need is an invitation from you. Lets makes
membership our priority the next three months so each lodge can finish the year with a PLUS ONE.
PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE:
Did your lodge distribute Thanksgiving Baskets to the needy? Or have a toy give away? If so did you report your
kind and generous acts to the local news media? Our communities need to know what the Elks do. A strong
public relations committee can help our declining membership. The second quarter public relations report is due
January 1, 2008.
HOOP SHOOT COMMITTEE:
February 16, 2008, is the date set for the State Hoop Shoot at Westminster Christian Academy in Opelousas. If
you need any additional information please contact Elmo Champagne.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND INSURANCE REPORT:
Please remember, the lodges are insured through grand lodge for our property plus coverage. Consequently, it is
of the utmost importance for each lodge to attempt to ―accident proof‖ itself. It is incumbent on each of us to
insure our lodges and functions are as safe as they can be. Regular maintenance, self-inspections and the
immediate correction of any defects can prevent an accident before it happens. Please remember alcohol related
incidents can be very costly and may result in serious injury or death. Please ensure that a trained employee
serves alcohol responsibly. Anyone approaching intoxication must be refused service!
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT-ELECT WILLIAM BOUDREAUX:
I would like to invite all Elks from the state to attend the National Convention and ―Party with Bill in Anaheim.‖ This
has been the theme at Lodge 30 since I was elected Vice-President East.
D.D. CLINICS
2007-2008
***January 19, 2008 in Baton Rouge**** March 29, 2008 in Opelousas****
LODGE NEWS:
NEW ORLEANS LODGE 30:
December was a very busy month at the Lodge. It started with our Memorial Service at the Elks Tomb. The
following Saturday, the auxiliary sponsored ―Lunch with Santa‖ which was attended by over 150 guests.
Then on Sunday members of the Lodge and auxiliary members hosted a Christmas Party for Muscular Dystrophy
patients and their families. They were treated to a Christmas dinner, a visit from Star War Characters and the man of
the hour, straight from the North Pole Santa Claus. Rounding out the month was the annual lodge Christmas Party
for the members and their families.
As the old saying goes, no rest for the weary. January through March will also be busy.
*January 25, Mardi gras stands opens in the Toys R Us parking lot. The stand is open for under privilege children to
watch Mardi gras parades in a safe environment. They will be treated to Hot Dogs and Chili, Drink and King Cake.
Any Elk in good standing is invited to the stand to watch the Mardi Gras parades.
*February 3, Super Bowl Party at the lodge. If the Grand arrives early, he will be in attendance at the party.
*February 4, Mardi gras Day
*March 8, Lunch with the Easter Bunny
*March 16, St. Patrick Day‘s parade
*March 30, Irish Italian Parade
THIS YEAR ELROY WILL DEPICT A CONSTRUCTION WORKER. IF ANY DRUG
AWARENESS CHAIRMAN NEEDS ELROY DOLLS FOR THEIR PROGRAM, CONTACT
LODGE 30.
HOUMA LODGE 1193:
Elks Charities Poker Run Houma Lodge 1193
Houma Lodge #1193 will be holding its First Annual Poker Run on April 12, 2008. There will be music, food, live
auction, raffle, door prizes, and 50/50 drawing. The entry fee will be $20 rider & $15 passenger, if registration is
received before April 1, 2008. The fee at the door will be $25 rider and $20 passenger. Prizes will be Best Hand
nd rd th th th
$300, 2 Best $200, 3 Best $100, 4 Best $25, 5 Best $25, 6 Best $25, and Lowest Hand $25. The first (100)
st
to Pre-Register before April 1 2008 will receive a free T-Shirt. For a flyer and Registration form I can be contacted
at 985/868-1719 or e-mail nutndew@internet8.net.
Poker Run Chairman
Warren J. Michel ER
NEW ORLEANS WEST BANK LODGE 2496:
For those of you who have not been to OUR Lodge lately you are in for a gigantic, pleasant surprise when you do
get there.
We now have a brand new room on the second floor exclusively for our meetings. There are new stations for the
officers, a small kitchen, an anteroom and even a restroom. No more breaking down from whatever function the
Lodge had and setting up the all purpose room on the first floor for a meeting. It is an Esquire‘s dream come true.
We also have a new lounge room with several televisions including a large flat screen and surround sound. There
are dart boards, a pool table and new restrooms. What was our all purpose room has had a face lift too. To go
along with the not quit as new men's and ladies restroom there is a new coat of paint and a clean, shiny floor. With
several contributions of money and material items along with many, many hard working hours spent by several
members and ladies, our Lodge is in pristine condition. I won't try to name all who did the actual work mainly
because I personally did very little in the way of labor. I am very PROUD of their accomplishments and our new
look Lodge. A great big "WELL DONE" to all who helped in whatever way.
KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE 1930’S, 40’S, 50’S, 60’S AND 70’S!!
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and or drank while they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn’t get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-
base paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we
had baseball caps not helmets on our heads.
As infants and children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pick up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually dies from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-aid made with real white sugar. And,
we weren’t overweight. WHY?
Because we were always outside playing….that’s why!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came
on.
No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we
forgot the brakes.
After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo’s and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on
cable, no video movies or DVD’s, no surround sound or CD’s, no cell phones, no personal computers, no
Interned and no chat rooms. WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!!!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
th
We were given BB guns for out 10 birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we
were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend’s house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and
talked to them.
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn’t had to learn to deal with
disappointment. -----------Imagine that!!!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takes problems solvers and inventors problem
solvers and inventors ever.
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we ;earned how to deal with it all.
If YOU are one of them? CONGRATULATIONS
In vain we call
John O’ Connell New Orleans Lodge 30
Charles Allen Babeaux Houma Lodge 1193
In vain we call. They have passed into the light which is
beyond the valley of the shadow of death. The places that have
known them shall know them no more; but their virtues are
written upon the tablets of love and memory.
In vain we call
HISTORY OF THE ELEVEN O’CLOCK TOAST
Holds brothers, hold! List to the clock!
Eleven now is striking,
Let song and jest and banter stop,
Although it’s to our liking.
We have a duty to fulfil
That comes before all others,
Have mirth and music cease until
We toast our absent brothers.
A toast to those on land or wave,
Wherever they may be;
A toast to those beyond the grave,
Across the tide-less sea,
Where are you, boys, where are you now,
Who came with cherry greeting.
In other days and wondered how
Men thought that life was fleeting?
There’s-----,----, and many more.
Whom we could hardly spare,
Good fellows they who always wore
HISTORY OF THE ELEVEN O’CLOCK TOAST--continued
A smile to banish care; There shadows in the glass are bright,
Just as we saw them last,
They seem to be with us to-night
As in the days long past.
And---, a loyal brother he,
We miss him from our group;
His genial face appears to me
Among the shadowy troop.
Dear boys, I know not where you roam,
Nor do I care to ponder
On what you do in that far home
Across the river yonder.
But if you could you’d cross the line,
And come to earth from heaven
To drink the toast of Auld Lang Sync
When clocks point to eleven.
(All sing one verse of Auld Lang Sync)
Ah! Let us hope that dear old strain
Was heard by all those others,
Come! To the dregs your glasses drain,
Drink to Our Absent Brothers.
By Thomas T. Hayden, PER Brooklyn Lodge #22
WHAT IS AN ELK?
What is an Elk? Well, let me see. He‘s a God-fearing American gentleman
With heart that‘s light and free. A man who‘s honest to the ground,
Who spreads God‘s sunshine all around? He‘s one who always seeks a plan
To help along his fellow man. Upon his heart our virtues stand.
And that is an Elk.
What is an Elk? A prince, I think. Oh, yes, he‘ll sometimes take a drink,
But when you‘re down and out, my friends, There is the hand he always lends
His heart is there, his purse is too. And always to his oath is true
He‘s one, when life seems dark and drear, Will give you words of hope and cheer.
And that is an Elk.
What is an Elk? When all is said, He soothes the sick and morns the dead.
He is not always blithe and gay. He knows there comes a time to pray.
And when a member is called above, His grave is moist with tears of love.
And as time goes, the page we scan, The world is better for this man….
And that is an Elk.
MISSION STATEMENT
TO INCULCATE THE PRINCIPLES OF CHARITY, JUSTICE, BROTHERLY LOVE AND
FIDELITY; TO RECOGNIZE A BELIEF IN GOD; TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE AND
ENHANCE THE HAPPINESS OF ITS MEMBERS; TO CULTIVATE GOOD FELLOWSHIP;
TO PERPETUATE ITSELF AS A FRATERNIA ORGANIZATION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR
ITS GOVERNMENT, THE BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL SERVE THE PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES
THROUGH BENEVOLENT PROGRAMS, DEMONSTRATING THAT
ELKS CARE AND ELKS SHARE
TO ALL OFFICERS/MEMBERS;
If you have any suggestions for future articles or ideas to improve our state newsletter, please
contact me at 504-615-7921 or via e-mail kingjasonthe9th@hotmail.com
Articles for the April newsletter are due by March 15, 2008
Fraternally,
Buddy Hartle
Editor, ―Les Nouvelle‖
DON’T FORGET TO ORDER THE 2008-2009 MEMBERSHIP
CARDS
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
By Jay Leno
―WITH HURRICANES,
TORNADOS, FIRES OUT
OF CONTROL, MUD
SLIDES, FLOODING,
SEVERE
THUNDERSTORMS
TEARING UP THE
COUNTRY FROM ONE
END TO ANOTHER, AND
WITH THE THREAT OF
BIRD FLU AND
TERRORIST ATTACKS,
ARE WE SURE THIS IS A
GOOD TIME TO TAKE
GOD OUT OF THE
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE?‖