exalted ruler's MESSAGE

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Happy May, Everybody! 

One month down—smooth sailing from here, right? We had a very successful DD Clinic on the 18th, with about 80 people from the South District in attendance. I always learn something new at these events, and one key takeaway was this: a membership push belongs right up front.  So here it is—please make sure your dues are paid! If you know someone who hasn’t paid yet, reach out to them. While we’re currently 1st in the district in membership gain and lowest delinquents, there’s still work to do. A strong membership is the backbone of a thriving lodge. April was busy—but very productive. The DDGER Golf Tournament was a great event, and it looked like everyone had a fantastic time. I worked the 50/50 hole with Jan Trudeau and only almost got hit four times… which does make me wonder if a few people were aiming. The chicken parm dinner afterward was excellent—thank you, Ann! And karaoke? An absolute blast. Thanks to John for putting up with us—I hope your ears recovered quickly. We also held our 4th Annual Dart Tournament, which is always a crowd favorite. Between the friendly competition and the side bets, it’s hard not to have fun. Winners took home $100 cash each, with second place earning $50 each. The raffle prizes and silent auction were a huge success once again and seem to get better every year. We’ll announce the total amount raised at the next Lodge meeting. A big thank-you to the Veterans and Darts committees for organizing such a great event. Looking ahead, on May 2nd at 11:00 AM, we’ll host our Annual Youth Award Luncheon. This is where we honor some truly outstanding students from our community—America’s Junior Citizens—for their achievements and service. Awards include scholarships, Hoop Shoot and Soccer Shoot winners, and the American Essay Contest. It’s one of the most rewarding events of the year, and I highly encourage everyone to attend. Our Ritual Team will also be competing at the State Convention in Mesa, Arizona, on Saturday, May 9th. We’ve been practicing tirelessly, and we’re hoping for a strong showing. I’ll also be competing in the 11 O’Clock Toast—so wish us luck! That same weekend, we’ll hold our Mother’s Day Ceremony on May 10th at 10:00 AM. Please join us as we honor all mothers—those with us and those who now live with Jesus. Monday, May 25th is Memorial Day. Flags will go up at 7am and back down at 5pm. Please come hang or fold some flags as we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Fraternally, Kim (714) 853-9934 or kimage3961@gmail.com.

Hello everyone,

Can you believe it’s already May?

April was a wonderful month at the Elks, especially when it comes to charity and coming together as a lodge. The Iron Elk cooking contest was another great success, and the winnings—won this month by Kim McIlonie—were generously donated to help pay down the mortgage. We appreciate everyone who participates and supports the chosen charities each month. Lobsterfest was once again a huge success thanks to our PERs. It was delicious, well-attended, and full of fun. The DDGER Charity Golf Tournament was another great day, bringing members together for a good cause and great fellowship. The Veterans Committee also hosted a very successful dart tournament, complete with fantastic raffles and silent auction items. Events like these truly showcase the heart of our lodge and the generosity of our members. May is shaping up to be a busy month as well. Let’s keep the momentum going and make it another great one!

Fraternally, Lisa Hensley Leading Knight

From the Secretary’s Desk:

First, I want to wish all of you Ladies who are Mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day! I will be out of the office for the month of May but thankfully Jack will be filling in for me. Thank you, thank you Jack!

I have served as your secretary for 5+ years now (WOW where did the time go?) and I have loved it. Let’s make this year the best. I know you get tired of my nagging about paying your dues, if you haven’t yet, but your support is what keeps us able to do all the amazing things we do for our veterans, our community and our members. You are an important part of what makes us ELKS.

Let’s remember our cardinal principles,

brotherly love, justice, charity and fidelity.

Something to think about:

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.

Willie Nelson

LODGE STATS YEAR-TO-DATE

Membership to Date ...............610

Candidates: ....................................6

Delinquents ...................................102

Life Members ................................47

Average Age ...............................70.84

**As a reminder to all committee chairs, please get your activity reports into me ASAP after an event.

Hello everyone. 

In the 2026-27 fiscal year, the Elks National Foundation is taking its commitment to Elks communities further than ever before. In celebration of America 250, the Spotlight Grant amount has increased to $2,500 from $2,000! With this increase, Lodges are eligible for up to $11,500 in Community Investments Program grants to help build stronger communities. Additionally, in April the ENF awarded 400 four-year, $6,000 scholarships to the children and grandchildren of Elks through the Legacy Awards scholarship competition—both an increase in the number of scholarships (to 400 from 350) and the amount of the awards (to $6,000 from $4,000). Our Lodge, Catalina Mountain Lodge # 2815, ended the 2025-2026 year at #1 the state for Per- Member Donations @ $42.19 and #3 in total donations of $24,596.80. Great job and congratulations to all who donated. 

Thank you all and if you have any questions my email address is rstarjnski@gmail.com

I will see you at the lodge.

Ron Starjnski PER, ENF chair