exalted ruler's MESSAGE

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I am writing this article as our officer installation plans are coming to fruition. I am extremely excited about the upcoming year, especially as vaccinations are rolling out and life is starting to return somewhat to normal. Mailing of the Bugle is being delayed by a couple of days in order to include photos from the event. Because Covid is still with us, we needed to limit the attendance at the ceremony and dinner. Dinner attendees included newly installed officers and families, installing officers and spouses, and house committee members and their guests. 

Our installing officers were: Jack Baillargeon - Grand Exalted Ruler; Gloria Cisneros - Installing Grand Exalted Ruler; Bob Kielsa – Grand Leading Knight; Al Skorupski – Grand Loyal Knight; Tom Wilson - Grand Lecturing Knight; Robin Danielson – Grand Secretary; Frank Fieldhouse – Grand Treasurer; Jim Buell – Grand Trustee; Neal Patronsky – Grand Esquire; Doug Harpold – Grand Chaplain; Glen Robinson – Grand Inner Guard and Grand Tiler. I thank these PERs for their assistance in making this ceremony special for our officers. I was also especially honored to have Rich Botkin, Arizona Elks Association President, and his lovely wife JoAnn in attendance for the ceremony. 

I frequently refer to this last year as the ”Year of Nothing.” As a lodge we were not able to hold the Youth Week Banquet and Awards, Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot, Mother’s Day, Clothe-a-Child for both Easter and Christmas, and many other functions. Every week, I am becoming more optimistic this year will be much better. We are planning programs and hope to be back in full swing soon. With restrictions being lifted every day, I am not only confident about our charitable programs, but also about more social programs coming back. Our Queen of Hearts game, run by the Past Exalted Rulers’ Association, will be back beginning April 9. This game is not only a social event for our members but is the biggest charity fund raiser for our lodge. Paul and the House Committee will be striving to follow our governor’s guidelines for safety. Because of the “Year of Nothing,” Bonnie Mason and Ron Starjnski will be returning in the same chair positions they held last year. I am also pleased to report, Monty Derting’s   health has improved and stabilized; he is back as Leading Knight with the goal of being able to assume the Exalted Ruler position again next year. We have a great team who is energized and ready to work for the good of our lodge and community.

I must thank the many people who have supported my Elk Career. Without Jack Baillargeon, I would likely still be a social member. Jack brought me into the office as treasurer in 2009, and I served in that role until two years ago. Jack also broadened my Elk horizons by appointing me as his auditor for the South District when he was District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler; I served for 6 years in that capacity. Rich Botkin, AEA President, was the second District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for whom I served as auditor. Rich has also been a great friend and mentor. About two and a half years ago, Al Skorupski, Past State President, asked me if I would consider being the treasurer for the Arizona Elks Association. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this position and have learned even more about the great things Elks do. As the state treasurer, I paid over $200,000 in scholarship awards, over $200,000 in giving to Arizona Elks Major Projects, over $50,000 in funding for Veteran Programs, and many other sizeable contributions to Elk supported charities and programs. All these experiences have made me proud to call myself an Elk. I hope to make each of you proud this year! 

Finally, I need to thank my Elk Family for their support. First and foremost, Steve, who has been my driver, advisor, best friend, and rarely says no to me. Mica Bane, Betty Cook, and Jan Trudeau contributed appetizers for the installation. Putting up and taking down the tent required a huge crew— thank you everyone; Thank you Larry Wittenborn for letting us use the tent again. Centerpieces were provided by Betty Cook and Gail Markwell. Betty Cook and Jan Webster set the tables. Jim Buell helped with the program. Paul Slater works full time but agreed to continue for another year as House Committee Chair. Rather than taking the night off and enjoying the installation dinner, Paul helped serve our meal. Thank you to all the PERs for your support and friendship. I hate to apologize, but I am sure I have missed some helpers; I am grateful for your help, nonetheless. 

Elks are truly the “Best People On Earth” 

Alane.

Hi all! I’m very happy to be back in the groove. I owe many thanks to all those who supported me during my very rough year last year. Especially to my wonderful wife, Deborah, who was most instrumental in nursing me back to health. 

I hope all are well. I know that I’ve not seen many of you this past year but am hoping that as we progress through this coming year we’ all will be able to see each other and visit more. 

I don’t have much a lot to report at this time except for one great event that seriously helped our Scholarship Fund! Thanks to a couple who are new members, a wonderful brisket dinner was cooked and provided for all to enjoy to a sell-out crowd. Additionally, donations were matched up to $1,000!! Bottom line is that OVER $2,000 was raised in one night including the raffles, all for the Scholarship Fund! Great job all! I’m wishing all a HAPPY EASTER, and good health. 

Remember, Charity isn’t all about money, a lot of times a simple phone call to someone you’ve not seen or heard from for awhile can go a long way!!! 

Monty

Welcome to the 2021 Lodge Year! The PERA would like to thank all the past Officers for their outstanding year of devotion during a very difficult time. We also want to congratulate the new 2021-2022 Officers. You are all amazing Elks and will do great things in the coming year with Exalted Ruler Alane Asp at the helm. Thank you to everyone that supported the raffle that we held to benefit the Lodge Scholarship program. Raffle donations were $573 and so much appreciated. We have begun a new raffle that will benefit the Lodge General Fund as well as the PERA Charity account. It is for a Remington Shotgun as well as ammunition. Tickets will be available from the bar stewards and are $5 each or 5 for $20. This drawing will be held July 4th at a PERA sponsored luncheon. 

THE QUEEN IS BACK! Starting April 9th, the Queen of Hearts drawing will start up again. The current pot is over $11,000 which is what we ended on when we had to shut it down. Tickets are still 7 for $5 with the drawing held on Friday nights at 6:30 pm, with all the previous rules in place. Remember that you must have your new 2021-2022 membership card in order to enter the Lodge and to buy tickets. Also, please be patient with the PERs running the game as we will be making sure you are an Elk in good standing since our new year began April 1st .  

Gloria Cisneros, PERA President