exalted ruler's MESSAGE

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Happy New year to all my Elks family. I hope you all had a terrific Holiday Season and are ready to start the year anew. I am now in my final quarter of ER and I can’t believe how quickly the year has passed. I am already starting to think of all the things I would like to do with my free time once I have completed my year, but in all honesty, I think most things will stay the same.

I do have some good news to start the year. It has been about 10 years since my last time as ER, and even back then, we were talking about a new lodge or a bigger and improved lodge. Well, it seems that after many roadblocks and unexpected turns in the road, we have a plan to move forward. The board of directors voted at the last meeting to hire a general contractor to help us get moving forward. We have learned over the years of debating issues and trying to get things done on our own, that we need the help of an expert. He has laid out a plan for us to go forward with the things we need to get done and an order of those events. He will be looking into the issues we are having with water and checking out our property to make sure we are able to use it in the capacity we would like. Our plan has been set as a five-year plan which begins with paying off the mortgage we have on our building at this time. In the meantime, we will be trying to have as many of the details in place on either a building expansion or a new building all together. There are still a lot of questions to be answered and plans to be worked out, but I am happy to be looking at progress and to see a future of growth and further opportunity for our lodge!

January and a new year bring us to a time to start off fresh and to build on the previous year. I have a request to all our members out there, and it’s a simple one. Spread the word! Inform the people you know of all the wonderful things we, as Elks, do for our community. Teach them about our youth programs, veterans’ programs, the Steele Children’s Research Center, our youth camp, all we do for our local food bank, and so much more. Once they learn of all the great things we do, ask them if they would like to help. Ask them if they would like to become a member of the best Elks Lodge in the South District – Catalina Mountain and ask them if they would like to put their hearts and hands to work on the great things we do. The Elks are the best kept secret around, and we need to change that! Many hands make for light work. All my wishes for a Healthy, Happy, and Fantastic New Year to all our great members!!!

Doug

Howdy!

Happy New Year!

I trust that everyone had a great holiday season and enjoying our Tucson “winter”! This past month has gone by so quickly, but we still found time to exhibit the charity that makes the Elks so special. The Children’s shopping event was a huge success, and as always, Mr. and Mrs. Claus were a huge hit. Thank you, Tom and Gail!

As we start the New Year, I am looking forward to continuing our charitable giving and will continue to provide updates on our totals. Make sure that you “brag” on our lodge, as we are always looking for new members who are looking for a way to give back to the Veterans, children, and our community. I am probably a little biased, but I don’t think there is a more effective and generous organization in the country!

If you have been wanting to get involved, there are a few committee openings that need a chairperson. The youth activities are looking for someone with a passion for children. Please consider volunteering in this or any of our many committees.

As always, if you have questions or concerns, you can always reach out to me via email (pslates1987@gmail.com) or phone (520.268.2375)

Take care,

paul

WOW! Where did 2024 go?? I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

As we in the office prepare for 2025 we wish you a healthy, prosperous New Year. We are also preparing for the new Elks’ year. Dues notices will be going out the first part of February for the 2025-2026 year. They can be paid by cash (in person), check, credit card or PayPal. As a reminder, office hours are Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday 10:00 – 2:00. Also, notary services are available for members.

LODGE STATS YEAR-TO-DATE

Membership to Date ............571

Delinquents ............................. 22 

Life Members ...........................55 

Average Age ............................ 70

Something to think about:

“Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.” Helen Keller