Exhalted Ruler Message – January 2012
ByHappy New Year!!! It’s hard to believe that 2011 is now past and we are starting another whole new year of fresh beginnings in 2012. This is always an exciting time in reflecting on what our shortcomings may have been and setting our New Year’s resolutions with high hopes for a prosperous 2012.
December was a very busy month at our lodge. A BIG thank you to all the wonderful staff who worked hard during the year to make your experience at the Elks an enjoyable one, as well as those who worked in making all the Christmas parties a success.
December 3rd was the annual Elks Hoop Shoot Contest. A big thank you to Scott Volkert, Esteemed Leading Knight, in this being another huge success for all his efforts and organization as well as his volunteer helpers in organizing this event.
The annual Elks Memorial Service was held on Sunday, December 4th. This is a lodge ritual of remembrance of those who have passed away during the year. It is an honor for the officers to perform this ritual for the families of our departed members. A special thanks to Pastor Paul Nather, Minister to Youth Families at Century Baptist Church for his message that was delivered during the service.
On Saturday, December 10th was the annual Children’s Christmas party which was organized by Mike Lindblom, Chaplain, as well as the many volunteers who helped make this another successful party that was enjoyed by many families and children in their chance to visit with Santa and convey their “wish list” to him.
Let us celebrate the New Year with free Tom and Jerry’s and Bloody Marys on New Year’s Day to all members. This is a time to come down for some fun and fellowship and visit with those who are home for the holidays.
Let me also urge everyone to purchase their car raffle tickets for the 2012 Chevrolet Convertible Camaro, which is a 45th anniversary edition, to be given away in March. This is a big fundraiser for our lodge in which it allows many things to be done and given to Camp Grassick, as well as for other causes and needs in our community. I want to thank you in advance for your loyal and continued support of this event.
We hope you begin your new year at the Elks and look forward to your continued support of the nation’s largest membership lodge in the nation.
Rick DeBolt
Exalted Ruler
Bismarck-Mandan Lodge #1199
It is my sad duty to announce the death of John Yonker, Roger Peters, Ed Doyle, Max McMullen. May their Virtues be written on the tablet of love and memory.
