exalted ruler's MESSAGE

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 Greetings all!   

This is my last Exalted Ruler’s message.

This year has been an awesome year for Catalina Mountain, and I’m proud to have been just a small part of it.   Many thanks to all of my Officers, Committee Chairs, and Volunteers who have worked hard all year to help out those less fortunate in our community.   

Also, thank you for your support to the Arizona Elks Major Projects and to our Grand Lodge, both in service and its programs—you are all to be commended!   You truly exemplify what Elks are all about.

A special thanks goes out to Paul Slater and his House Committee. I’ve always said that the House Committee is what makes the Lodge what it is. When you see our Bar Stewards, our Cooks, our Cleaning Lady, and our Event Organizers, please remember to give them a huge Thank You for giving us a wonderful, happy, and enjoyable Lodge year.   

By the time this goes to print the new Officers for 2023-2024 will have been elected or appointed. Ron, as our new Exalted Ruler, I know that our Lodge is in good hands and can only grow and prosper in the noble works to which we are dedicated.  You have a great team and great members by your side.  I know that I will always be there to support you in any way that I can.

Finally, Deborah, you have been by my side every step of the way.  You have truly been my partner and my saving grace throughout this entire year.   I’m blessed and proud to have had you with me as my First Lady.

God bless you all, God bless our Veterans, God bless our First Responders and God bless America 

ELKS ROCK!!!

Elks Care, Elks Shar!

Monty 

Hello everyone,

Having just finished up with the Super Bowl party (Wheel of Fortune), Have-a-Heart fundraiser, darts, and poker, I want to thank everyone who has contributed their time or monetary donations. The Veterans and Major Projects were the benefactors of these generous donations.

As this is my last article as Leading Knight, I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the Elks this past year. Whether it was raising flags or stuffing bags, donating time, or making time, we all have a part in making our Lodge the best Lodge in Arizona.

Going forward, installation of new officers for Elk year 2023-2024 will take place on March 25th. The installation ceremony will be held in our Lodge room at 11 am, with a light lunch to follow. Your new officers-elect are as follows:

NEW OR IN A NEW ROLE

Exalted Ruler...................................... Ron Starjnski

Leading Knight .................................Bonnie Mason

Loyal Knight .................................Larry Wittenborn

Lecturing Knight................................... Jim Roberts

Inner Guard........................................ Kim McIlonie

Trustee................................................... Paul Slater

House Committee ........................... Alane Asp, PER

RETURNING FOR AN ENCORE PERFORMANCE

Secretary .....................................Mimi Wittenborn

Treasurer..................................... Kathy Hernandez

Trustee ...................................... Sig Danielson, PER

Trustee ........................................... Bob Kielsa, PER

Trustee ...........................Jack Baillargeon, PDDGER

Trustee .....................................................Jim Engel

Tiler .................................................Marie Starjnski

Esquire.....................................Gloria Cisneros, PER

Chaplain .......................................Deborah Derting

When you see them around the Lodge, please help me in thanking them for stepping up to the challenges that are set before them.

My goal for this coming year is to make a run at All-American Lodge. We are already an All-American Lodge in our thoughts and our actions. Help us show the world who we are and why we deserve to earn this title once again. If you are interested in helping, please contact me or any of the people listed above.

I’ll see you all at the Lodge!

Ron

In February, the Past Exalted Rulers Association made two donations from Queen of Hearts Charity Funds.

The first donation of $1,000 was made to the Desert Woodcrafters prior to the QOH drawing on January 27th. 

In 2022, this organization distributed 2,292 Pens for Troops overseas through Chaplain’s and Woodcraft. This put Tucson Number #1 in the U.S. for a third year in row, and eight times in the past 18 years, with a total of 28,495 pens. 

The Woodcrafters Toy Program started in 2002. Members make toys at Christmas for needy pre-school and 1st grade children in South Tucson schools, plus Aviva Children’s Services for children who are victims of neglect, abuse, and poverty. In 2022, a total of 3,200 toys were made, bringing the grand total to more than 42,200. 

The Purple Heart Pens program started in 2015. These pens are delivered to Tucson VA Hospital and Veterans organizations. In 2022, they made 256 pens, bringing this total to more than 1,256. The group also makes boxes for Beads of Courage; and in 2022, 83 boxes were made bringing the total to 933 since the program started in 2014. This year 40 Pens were made for Veterans Day and POW presentation for Catalina Elks.

On February 17th, Steve and I donated about $150 in supplies for the Nurse’s office at Coronado School.

Thank you to all who play the Queen of Hearts game. Without your support, we would not be able to support our community in this manner!

Alane Asp, PER