Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
Midland Elks Lodge # 1610
Online Bulletin Volume 69, No. 10 – December 2008
For the most up-to-date event information, please check the Midland Elks online calendar.
In This Issue
- Message from the Exalted Ruler
- Christmas Basket Raffle
- Elks Memorial Day Service
- Money Needed for Christmas Baskets
- Big Bucks Calendar Sales
- New Member Welcome Night
- Reader Rewards
- Bingo at the VA Hospital
- Christmas Decorating Party
- New Applicants Accepted for Membership
- Mardi Gras Party – Saturday, February 21
- Lodge Leadership Work shop – Saturday, January 24
- Boy Scout Popcorn Sales
- Upcoming Events/Activities
Message from the Exalted Ruler
Are you a sheep or a goat? There is a passage in the Bible that talks about sheep and goats. It describes that at the end of the world we will all be assigned to one of 2 groups: sheep or goats. The sheep will enter into heaven; the goats won’t. The sheep took advantage of the opportunities to perform works of charity – they are rewarded. The goats didn’t take advantage of the opportunities – they are condemned.
The success or failure of Elkdom in general and our Midland Lodge in particular depends on the involvement of each and every one of us. As Elks, we all have opportunities to add to the success of our Lodge.
If we fail to take advantage of those opportunities, we are adding to the failure of our Lodge. It doesn’t take much to become more involved.
It can be as simple as visiting the Club once a year instead of never. Or perhaps you may want to attend one of the parties at the Club. If the social life of an Elk doesn’t appeal to you anymore, you can still contribute to the success of the Lodge by donating your time and money to our charitable works.
Be a sheep, not a goat – do something extra to help! I can be reached at 989.284.5266, or DJohnCole@aol.com.
Fraternally,
John Cole
Exalted Ruler
BPO Elks Midland Lodge
We are again raffling off a basket of goodies with all proceeds going towards the purchase of our Christmas Baskets to help those less fortunate. The drawing for the basket will be held on Friday, December 19th at 8:00 p.m. You do not need to be present to win.
The basket, which has been donated by Cathie and Tom Nemeth, can be seen in the bar area. Tickets are $1.00 each or 7 for $5.00. The basket contains Cathie’s normal array of goodies. For example, last year the basket contained a homemade afghan, holiday pillow, set of four Christmas spreaders, set of four Holiday placemats, 2002 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot plus many other items.
Bob Woods and Kyle Taylor
2008 Christmas Basket Committee
On Sunday, December 7, our Lodge held its annual Memorial Day Service. The service was inspiring to those who attended. The 
Men of Music provided musical accompaniment and John Cole, current ER, was the featured speaker. The Altar was decorated with Forget-me-nots, Amaranth, and Ivy. Fourteen candles, one for each Elk who had passed away this past year, burned brightly upon the Altar. (See more photos in the Memorial Day photo album.)
After the service, people remained and enjoyed conversation and snacks. A special thanks to Sophie for her pumpkin sheet cake.
Plans are already being made for next year’s Memorial Service. Linda Cole and Linda Woods have agreed to be on the Memorial Day Planning Committee. If you would like to help plan next year’s service, please contact ER John Cole, 989.284.5266 or DJohnCole@aol.com.
Money Needed for Christmas Baskets
This is just a reminder to make your Elks Christmas Basket donation if you have not already done so. Because money is coming in slower than expected we may have to reduce our goal and turn some families down who may have been expecting some help during this holiday season. As of this writing we have received $2,800, which makes us short approximately $6,000.
Don’t forget to come out to the lodge and buy some tickets for the basket of goodies donated by Cathie and Tom Nemeth. All proceeds will go towards the Christmas baskets. See related article in this bulletin regarding price of tickets and drawing date. You do not need to be present to win.
Bob Woods and Kyle Taylor
2008 Christmas Basket Committee
Thank you to all who purchased a Big Bucks Calendar. We have no more left to sell.
On Tuesday, November 25, 7 of us met for our first New Member Welcome Night. We started around 6 pm with cocktails and conversation. Everyone in the group shared a little bit about themselves and we got to know each other a lot better.
After the conversation, we were served either steak or chicken cordon bleu. Chef Saxton did an outstanding job of preparing our meals. Rachel provided us with a desert that was mouth watering. After the meal, Art Vasold, PER, provided as with an excellent overview of the Elks National Foundation (ENF). The group asked many questions and came away with a much greater understanding and respect for the good works performed through the ENF. (See more photos.)
Our next monthly New Member Welcome Night will be Tuesday, January 27. The format will be the same: Cocktails and conversation at 6 pm, followed by dinner. After dinner, there will be a presentation on the Lodge’s Americanism Committee.
The cost of the meal will be $7.95. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. To make reservations or to get more information, please contact the ER, John Cole at 989.284.5266, or DJohnCole@aol.com.
November Winner
Because the member whose number was hidden in one of the articles did not respond, a lucky winner was chosen from among those observant members who spotted the member's hidden number. Last month's winner is Art Vasold, PER. Art is a transfer to this Lodge from the Calumet Lodge in the Upper Peninsula. Art receives one free meal with the purchase of one meal at the regular price.
Reader Reward Program Rules
We have placed some lucky member's membership number in one of the articles in the e-Bulletin. To win:
- Read this issue of the e-Bulletin from top to bottom, or at least until you find the lucky membership number.
- Email your answer to Elks1610_news@yahoo.com. Be sure to include the number you found and the title of the article you found it in. Email your answer by December 25.
- If the person belonging to the membership number doesn't email their answer in on time, then a winner will be chosen at random from all of those Elks who sent in an email with the correct number and its location.
If you win, you will receive one free dinner with the purchase of a dinner at the regular price. What a deal!
Midland Elks members and friends, with assistance from members of Saginaw Elks #47, hosted bingo for residents at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center on December 3. Donated supplies were also delivered for the residents.
We were disappointed that more members have not shown interest in participating in this activity that we host twice each year. It requires so little from us, but brings some entertainment and visitation to veterans who have given so much. Please keep your calendars open for our next bingo night with the vets on Wed, June 3, 2009.
On Sunday, November 30, several Elk Members and their families met for a Christmas Decorating Party. They put up the Christmas tree and added Christmas decorations to places around the Club. See some of what you missed in the Christmas Photo Album, and be sure to stop by and see the results of their efforts.
New Applicants Accepted for Membership
The following applicants have been approved for initiation:
- Jorge F. Torres
- April Sokolski
- Zachary Leonard
- Robert Henson, Jr.
Mardi Gras Party – Saturday, Feb. 21
It’s not too early to start thinking about a party in February. What better way to cheer us up from the winter blahs than to have a party Mardi Gras style. Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 21.
It’s been a few years since we had a Mardi Gras party at the Club, so there should be a lot of pent up demand for one. If you make only one New Year’s Resolution, make it a promise that you will treat yourself to a really good time at the Mardi Gras Party. Costumes will be a nice touch, but not necessary. Masks will be provided for those who don’t bring one. 03919 There will be prizes in various categories. One category will be the most creative Mardi Gras Mask. There will be a Mardi Gras Meal specially prepared to help us celebrate.
We still need a few more volunteers to help plan and work at the party. If you are willing to help out, please contact John Cole at 989.284.5266 or DJohnCole@aol.com.
Lodge Leadership Workshop – Saturday, Jan. 24
Our Lodge is hosting a Lodge Leadership Workshop on Saturday, January 24, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. It is open to all current Lodge Leaders and to those members who are curious about what opportunities there are to become more involved in a leadership capacity.
There will be explanations of what the current officers, committee members, and volunteers do in the performance of their duties. There will be time for questions and answers. Lunch will be provided.
For more information, or to make a reservation, contact John Cole at 989.284.5266, or DJohnCole@aol.com.
On two Fridays, November 14 and 21, Boy Scouts from the troop our Lodge sponsors sold popcorn in the Club. They sent us this letter of appreciation:
Boy Scouts of America
Lake Huron Area Council
Troop 767 – Midland, MI
Sponsored by Midland Elks
Saginaw Road
Midland, MI
November 28, 2008
Midland Elks Lodge
1610 3622 N. Saginaw Street
Midland, MI 48640
Dear Elks Members:
On behalf of Troop 767, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to sell popcorn at the club on Friday, November 14 and 21. We sold almost $200 in popcorn. Thanks for making it possible to allow more people to purchase our product.
We look forward to being able to sell at the club next year!
Thanks again.
Tricia & Eric Eidsmoe
Troop 767 – Popcorn Sales Volunteer Coordinators
For all the latest events, check the Midland Elks online calendar.
Wednesday, December 17: Elks Hoop Shoot, 7 pm, Hangtime Sports.
Saturday, December 20: Christmas Basket delivery day.
Thursdays in December & January: Afternoon Euchre – must call 989.631.3633.
Saturday, January 3: Euchre Party – Doors open at 5:00 pm. Sloppy Joes and Hot Dogs will be served at 6:00 pm. Cost is $7.50. Be sure to call 989.631.3633 for more information and to confirm your reservations for euchre.
Tuesday, January 6: Lodge Meeting
Monday, January 12: DUES RENEWAL NOTICES GET MAILED
Tuesday, January 20: Lodge Meeting – Initiations
Saturday, January 24: Lodge Leadership Workshop
Tuesday, January 27: New Member Welcome Night
Saturday, February 7: Euchre Party – Doors open at 5:00 pm. Sloppy Joes and Hot Dogs will be served at 6:00 pm. Cost is $7.50. Be sure to call 989.631.3633 for more information and to confirm your reservations for euchre.
Tuesday, February 3: Lodge Meeting
Tuesday, February 17: Lodge Meeting – Initiations
Saturday, February 21: Mardi Gras Party at the Club
Midland Elks Lodge 1610
3622 N. Saginaw Road • Midland, Michigan 48640
989-835-2271
Website:
www.elks1610.org • E-mail: EventInfo@elks1610.org
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