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The West Virginia Elk It’s Camp Time in West Virginia! Our Camps are almost here! We have heard from several campers saying they can't wait for camp again this year and are looking forward to rekindling friendships and romances. Last year, we had so many Elks come visit with us and stay for a day or two. If you haven't already you should make plans to come to camp. Bring a snack for the campers-do you know someone who likes to entertain? What about water balloons? Would you like to lead a craft class? These are just some small examples of fun things our campers enjoy and where you could easily fit when you spend time with us.
Contents Vol: 4
Page(s) Summer Edition
Major Project Camp
1
Atlanta Convention
2
Presidents Message
3-4
State Hoop Shoot
5
Regional Hoop Shoot
6
National Hoop Shoot
7
Hall of Fame
8
CIP Grants Overview
9
Membership Gain
10
WV Webpage
11
ENF/MVS Winners
12
Americanism Winners 13 NVS Volunteers
14
WV Lodge News
15-27
GL Covid Guidelines SP Visit Protocol
Don't be shy as our campers surely are not. Camp begins on July 20th with registration at 12:00 and continues through until July 29th around 2:00 pm.
28 29-30
State Officers
31
Upcoming Events
32
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Pre-register and acquire badges for Atlanta Convention Pre-registration for the Atlanta Grand Lodge Convention is available at elks. org/convention/prereg.cfm through June 28. The online pre-registration fee is $50 for all Members, while the on-site registration fee will be $60. A current credit card for PayPal will be needed. There is no fee for a non-Elk spouse or guest. On-site registration will open Friday, July 1, from noon to 4 p.m. When you arrive at the convention center, go to the designated preregistration line in the registration area. You will need your e-mail confirmation and current membership card to receive credentials (and voting credentials, if qualified) for you and your spouse or guest. A registration badge will be required to enter the exhibit hall and all business sessions All non-Elk guests, including widows and widowers of Elks, must register at the Guest Registration Station at the convention center to obtain registration badges. Guests need a badge to enter the exhibit hall, see the Installation of Grand Lodge Officers, or attend any other events where they are permitted. Be advised exhibits and vendors will not open until 8:00 a.m. Saturday. Grand Lodge registration and its required fee are not included in any State Association’s “package” arrangement. Please be aware that attendance at convention may pose a risk of exposure to and illness from infectious diseases, including but not limited to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID19). Preventative measures aimed at reducing exposure to infectious diseases have been mandated for this event.
West Virginia Elks Association Officers 2021-2022 President Ken Kormendy PDD VP North Jeff Cionni PDD VP Central Kevin Blosser PDD VP South Willie Hylton PDD Secretary Howard Boyd PSP Treasurer J.B. Phillips PSP Sargent at Arms Martin Kimball PDD Chaplain Scott Wilson PDD Inner Guard Douglas Trail PER Tiler Patty Hylton Organist Dave McClure PER Parliamentarian Don Stokes PSP Protocol J. B. Phillips PSP Housing Chair Howard Boyd PSP Trustees Roger Kirkpatrick PSP Chair 1year Jerry French PSP 2year Walter Ice PSP 3year Bill Verelst Jr. PSP 4year Dennis Hayes PSP 5year Liaison Officers South District Jackie Barlow PSP North District Don Stokes PSP Central District Rick Romino PSP District Deputies South District David Webster PER North District Bruce Cionni PER Central District Brendan Walsh PER Deputy Esquires South District Steve Janney PDD North District Heidi Hubbard PER Central District Harry E. Taylor PER Grand Lodge Special Deputy to the GER Jeff Miller PSP Government Affairs Walter Ice PSP
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Kenneth Kormendy President West Virginia Elks Association Bluefield Lodge #269
Message from the President I would like to thank the West Virginia Elks Association, Bluefield Lodge #269 and all the lodges in the State for support they afforded me on my road trip to become the President of the West Virginia Elks Association. What a privilege to serve as your West Virginia State Elks Association President. Many of our members have provided guidance and mentoring on my journey to the presidency. To all – Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to serving our Association, lodges, and our State Elk members. I will strive to bring the good name and the accomplishments of our State as I visit lodges outside our border as an ambassador.
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Our opportunity is now because our Nation is coming out of the Pandemic. Not to say it is over, but we have made great strides in combating this menacing pandemic. I am looking forward to visiting all our lodges and representing West Virginia both near and far. I ask that the lodges start thinking about scheduling my visits. I hope to have my scheduling calendar on- line. A new era in Elkdom is at hand. We can begin to rebuild our organization. The Elks have always had a great foundation, it is up to us to build our Elk structure upon our solid foundation. It is time to solve problems and bring our fraternal organization back to the prominence we have experienced in the past. I am excited to be a part of this new era. As I have traveled around the State, I’ve listened to our individual lodges report on their activities. Individually, the Elks continue to perform based on our tenants of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. I want to unite their efforts to form a cohesive bond among all Elks across the State and Nationwide. My theme for this year is a take- off on Nancy Reagans “Just Say No”. That slogan is so powerful and has been around for many years. I’ve decided that my slogan will be “Just Say Yes – To Elkdom”. In my mind this goes beyond becoming a member. I want it to mean that we take our obligation seriously and work to fulfil our four tenants. We need to come together as one. Instead of complaining and criticizing, I want us to solve our issues and work towards a common goal. The goal is to make the Fraternal Order of Elks the Best organization in our wonderful nation. We must us our time and effort to be Constructive – not Destructive.
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West Virginia Elks State Hoop Shoot The St. Marys Lodge #1701 again this year played host to our Annual State Hoop Shoot Contest. Once again the Sisters and Brothers of #1701 went above and beyond to make the compeators and their families feel welcome. From registration to their official welcome Elk pride was on display for all to see. Congratulations goes out to you all on once again doing our Association proud as the Hosts of our State Hoop Shoot.
Even our President was in attendance, and we think he made 20 of 25 shots
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Regional Hoop Shoot Participants WV had a great turnout for the Regional Hoop Shoot Competition in Frederick Maryland this weekend. Thank you to all the children that showed up and especially thank you parents for making the trip to represent our Elks Association from the beautiful state of West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, D.C., Delaware, and North Carolina!
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Congratulations to our Winners from The West Virginia Elks Association who were invited to Chicago for the National Hoop Shoot Contest: Matthew Brown, 12-13 yr. old boys, Morgantown Lodge and Kinley Honaker, 8-9 yr. old girls, Lewisburg Lodge
No titles this year but the families and contestants had a great time. Matthew from Morgantown was in a 5-way tie for third place with 22 baskets. Unfortunately, he didn’t quite make it through the shoot off. Cannot wait till next year!
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Much has changed since the Hoop Shoot began in 1946, but some things have stayed the same. Participants continue to take the lessons they learned while competing and go on to succeed. Volunteers continue to dedicate their time to the kids, their families, the Elks and the program. In celebration of the Hoop Shoot’s 50th anniversary as a national program, the Elks Hoop Shoot established the Elks Hoop Shoot Hall of Fame. The Elks Hoop Shoot Hall of Fame recognizes the most outstanding competitors and contributors: National Finalists who stood out or have gone on to do great things, and volunteers who have put their heart and soul into making the program the best it can be. The Elks Hoop Shoot is proud to announce the inaugural class of the Elks Hoop Shoot Hall of Fame Members: Competitors: Bonnie Samuelson, Brian Gibbs, Chris Mullin, CJ Cowgill, Jennifer Howard, Karlie Samuelson, Melissa Arrowood, Sean Flohr, Taylor Robertson, Taylor Worman, Alyson (Johnson) Ellison, Bill Brandsma, Jackie Stiles, Joseph Girard III, Steve Alford, Bryan Thoemke, Doris (Carie) Zerrusen, Kelly Hughes, Seimone Augustus, and Zeb Alford Contributors: Bill Cook, Cam Cronk, Emile Brady, Frank Bonner, Frank Hise, Getty Powell, James Roche, Joyce Roche, Keith Mills, Linda Cronk, Raymond (Buddy) Avezzie Jr, Vern Larson, Walter Kettelle, William Critchfield, Bill Gerken, Jerry Grafton, Jim "JD" Dorris, Jim Fuller, Randy Gragg, Richard Blinn, Richard “Dick” Harris Charleston #202, Robert Bartolameolli, Ron Shogren, and Larry Torres
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ENF CIP Grants Overview Impact Grants: Impact Grants are designed to set a standard of excellence in community leadership through service. The ENF is looking to award Impact Grants to Lodges who intimately understand a problem in their community, have a unique idea about how to solve it, and who are ready with the volunteer power to get it done. Beacon Grants: Beacon Grants are available to every Lodge in the amount of $4,000. The application period for the Beacon Grants opened April 1st. Lodges do need to be in grant compliance, but do not need to meet the GER's per-member-giving goal to apply. Beacon Grant requirements are outlined below. Typically, Beacon Grants must be used for active projects. The ENF has built in flexibility for Lodges to meet pressing needs in their own backyards. Spotlight Grants: Spotlight Grant application opened May 1st. These $2,000 grants are available to every Lodge to shine a light on pressing issues facing American communities, including COVID-19 relief which continues to be a significant need due to the ongoing pandemic. Lodges do need to be in grant compliance, but do not need to meet the GER's per-member-giving goal to apply. Gratitude Grants: Gratitude Grants ranging from $2,000 to $3,500 are the ENF's way of saying thank you to every Lodge that meets the National President's per-member goal for giving to the ENF. Gratitude Grant eligibility is based on whether the Lodge has reached the GER’s permember-giving goal in the prior fiscal year. If the Lodge meets the 2021-22 goal, the Lodge will be able to apply for a 2022-23 Gratitude Grant on April 1. Final Reports for grants are due 30 days after the anticipated grant completion date provided by your Lodge. The Lodge will be locked out of applying for grants 60 days from that date until the report is submitted.
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WV. Membership Increases by 93 New and Reinstated Members! The Annual Membership Report on Elks.org indicates that WV began the year with 5119 members and ended the year with 5212 members. That’s a gain of 93 members. Ten of our Lodges ended the year with gains in membership: Martinsburg, Lewisburg, St. Marys, Mannington, Wheeling, Huntington, Wellsburg, Elkins, Buckhannon, and Bluefield. Congratulations and thanks for your continued efforts to gain and retain members. The 5-year membership trend for most of our Lodges is still not great. Out of 19 Lodges only 4 have a positive 5-year membership trend, St. Marys, Bluefield, Martinsburg, and Mannington. Here are our overall numbers for the year. Lodge Membership +/5 Year Trend Martinsburg +57 +15.93% Lewisburg +24 -11.97% Mannington +24 +10.64% St. Marys +18 +33.19% Huntington +9 -15.01% Buckhannon +8 -9.58% Bluefield +7 +25.17% Wheeling +7 -6.82% Elkins +6 -2.68% Wellsburg +3 -33.67% Princeton +0 -10.77% Sistersville -2 -2.43% Parkersburg -2 -8.47% Morgantown -3 -8.33% Harrison Co. -10 -64.67% Fairmont -12 -18.37% Hinton -13 -30.30% Weirton -18 -31.00% Charleston -23 -34.19%
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The WV Elks Association website launched on a new hosting server with some major updates. Much of the past information was moved with a refreshed look. The ‘What’s New’ area was changed to a blog format. Lodge secretaries should submit Lodge News, Events and Updates to: NEWS@WVElks.org In the future, Lodge Secretaries may be given posting rights to upload lodge news directly, with review/approval by the Webmaster. For the time being, please submit via email. A monthly email blast is planned to be sent out at the beginning of each month with pertinent updates and news. This will be sent to State officers, committee chairs and lodge secretaries. Anyone wishing to be added to this email should sign up at the link in the footer of our website, or send their NAME, EMAIL and LODGE NAME/NUMBER to: NEWS@WVElks.org. In the coming months we challenge each State Committee to submit information to help reach our goal. If there is something you’d like to see on the WV Elks website, you can submit a request to Web-master@WVElks.org for consideration. Vickie Trickett, Chair WV Elks Association Internet Committee WVELKS.org NEWS@WVElks.org
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MOST VALUABLE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS 2021-2022 7 NATIONAL WINNERS Sofia Teresa DiBacco Zachariah Granata Olivia Turman Madison Stonestreet
Weirton 1801 Mariah Evans St, Marys 1701 Charleston 202 Collinn Tran Charleston 202 Huntington 313 Yuan Uy Parkersburg 198 Harrison County 2875
22 STATE WINNERS Mia Abruzzino Fairmont 294 Elijah Bauer Princeton 1459 Bella Bock Fairmont 294 Alexis Cipoletti Wellsburg 1553 Danyelle Dunlevy Wheeling 28 Andrea Graham Princeton 1459 Ayden Hoover Sistersville 333 Mykemzie Nottingham Huntington 313 Courtney Rather Parkersburg 198 Lauren Tekely Wheeling 28 Malakai Woodward Charleston 202
Aidan Ash Princeton 1459 Anna Belan Elkins 1135 Hannah Catron Princeton 1459 Makenzi Cutright Buckhannon 1736 Kendrick Fish Wellsburg 1553 Brett Haskins Parkersburg 198 Jonathan Lewis Morgantown 411 Brooke Ooten Charleston 202 Chase Snyder Martinsburg 778 Ashley Wolford Elkins 1135 Cameron Zuliani Buckhannon 173
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The Americanism Contest winners and runner’s-up for this year’s essay, “What does it mean to love your country?” are as follows: Division I – 5th or 6th Grade Winner Nora Clark, Barboursville Middle School, Sponsored by Huntington Elks Lodge #313 Runners-Up (in alphabetical order): Austin Hayes, Long Drain School, Sponsored by Sistersville Elks Lodge #333 Nevaeha L. Smith, Guyandotte Elementary School, Sponsored by Huntington Elks Lodge #313 Division II – 7th or 8th Grade Winner Zoe Zervos, Sherrard Middle School, Sponsored by Wheeling Elks Lodge #28 Runners-Up (in alphabetical order): James Tucker Adkins, Barboursville Middle School, Sponsored by Huntington Elks Lodge #313 Gabriella V. Robertson, Barboursville Middle School, Sponsored by Huntington Elks Lodge #313 We would like to thank all the Lodges, Schools and Students for participating in this year’s Americanism Contest. We invite all Elks to come and listen to the winners read their essays this August during our Youth Awards Ceremony in Bridgeport.
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National Veterans Service Volunteer of the Year for the West Virginia State Elks Association Each year each state recognizes a male and female volunteer of the year. These individuals are exemplars of our Mission to never forget those who have or continue to serve this great land of ours. To be recognized for this prestigious award, nominations within the state must be submitted to the National Service Committee Chairman, Howard Boyd PSP, by the end of December. All submissions are then graded based on their merit and service to determine the male and female best qualified to earn the award. This year’s male and female winners are:
Stephen and Carley Barlow of Bluefield Lodge #269. Congratulations to the both of you for this well-earned and deserved award.
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Views from Around Our Mountain State Bluefield Lodge #269 The members of the Bluefield Lodge held their mortgage burning ceremony during March of 2022 and had the honor of hosting our WV State Elks President, Dennis Hayes and our First Lady, Louise Hayes during the ceremony. Past State Presidents Randy Stevens and Jackie Barlow both from the Bluefield Lodge assisted with the Burning Ceremony. Congratulations to all the Sisters and Brothers of #269, well earned and well deserved.
Wheeling Lodge #28 Held their annual Mother's Day program and as always was a touching and lovely event. E.R. Mitch presided and his first lady Cate handed out chocolate covered pretzels to those in attendance. “Seeing how the lodge members pitch in to make these events memorable is one of my favorite things about being part of the Elks.” Stated Rachel Lynn a member of Wheeling Lodge #28
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Martinsburg Elks #778 The Martinsburg Elks Lodge has again this year been very active with their CIP Grant Program. With hard work and dedication from their growing membership. They have been able to award the following ENF Grants: Spotlight Grant $2000 To be used to purchase food for the Berkeley County Backpack Program Gratitude Grant for $2000 to be divided as follows :$500 for Horses with Hearts (therapeutic horseback riding for individuals (Children, and Veteran's and others with physical challenges $500 for Faith Coalition for the Homeless - they assist with bill paying, emergency shelter and other needs for the homeless $500 for Shenandoah Community Health Foundation - supports the needs of infants, children, adolescents, adults and elderly regarding of ability to pay $500 for Berkeley Heights Elementary school in purchasing equipment for the sensory room for students with behavioral and mental health issues Wheeling Lodge #28 Youth Activities Committee recently held their annual awards banquet honoring their area youth for their achievements in academics, athletics, and scouting.
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ST Marys Elks #1701 The St Marys Elks Lodge sponsored the annual Student Government Day with members of the St. Marys High School Student Council at the Pleasants County Courthouse. Their day was spent learning the daily ins and outs of the Judicial System. While taking time out to discover the inside of a holding cell.
Future Political Leaders strike a pose!
That’s close enough for us!
Judge Tim Sweeney explains court procedures and conduct to the SMHS Leadership Team
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Martinsburg Elks #778 The Sisters and Brothers of the Martinsburg Elks showed their commitment to each other by collecting a care package for one of their own who currently is deployed serving our country! Thank you, Will Henderson, for your service to our Country and our Association.
Parkersburg Elks #198 The Sisters and Brothers of the Parkersburg #198 continue to be active within their Parkersburg community. With members and family assisting, The Sisters and Brothers participated in the 10th Annual Mid-Ohio Valley Easter Parade. Their float was a huge success and enjoyed by both kids and grand parents alike.
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ST. Marys Elks Lodge #1701 The Sisters and Brothers of #1701 again went all in this year for the Youth of their community, with their Annual Easter Egg Hunt. 100’s of community members came out for a rather cold but enjoyable time hiding and hunting for those elusive eggs. Even ER Bob got in on the act…We think he’s the one on the right, but we could not confirm at press time. No idea who the guy in the monkey suit is…Much Love Bob!
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West Virginia Elks Association State Golf Tournament
2022 Official Entry Form West Virginia State Elks Golf Tournament 54 Hole Medal Play at The Lewisburg Elks Country Club REGISTRATION THURSDAY 8:00 - 5:00 & FRIDAY @ PRO SHOP 8am to 9am (Cash or Check) Practice Round - Thursday, June 16th (Not Included $25-Golf & Cart-not Included in Entry) Qualifying Round Friday, June 17th Entry Fee $150.00 (1 Dinner) Guest $175 (2Dinner's) Qualifying Round Saturday, June 18th Entry Fee $100.00 for CURRENT LECC Golf Members--Add$25 for Guest Final Round Sunday, June 19th Check Must Accompany Entry Tee Times Recommended Thursday and Friday Entry Fee Includes: Green Fees (3 days) Golf Cart (3 days) Saturday Evening Dinner, One Drink Ticket and Prize Money for Each Flight ($50) Each Day(s) Par 3 Closest to Pin Contest Special Events Skins Game $5.00 Per day Please Make every Effort to List your Four Some
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Name___________________________Guest__________________________ Lodge & City____________________________ Address___________________________________ Years Played_______________________________ Zip______________________________________ Email______________________________________ Phone____________________________________ Entries must be received by June 10th Mail Entries To: Lewisburg Elks Lodge #1758, P.O. Box 68, Lewisburg, WV 24901 Signature___________________________ Date ______________________________ Lodge_____________________________ 2022 Official Entry Form West Virginia State Elks Golf Tournament 54 Hole Medal Play at The Lewisburg Elks Country Club REGISTRATION THURSDAY 8:00 - 5:00 & FRIDAY @ PRO SHOP 8am to 9am (Cash or Check) Please Make every Effort to List your Four Some and Guests above.
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Princeton Elks Lodge #1459 The work is in full progress as Lifeguards Ian Repass and Cianna Carter have been working hard to get ready for this Upcoming Pool season!!! We are hoping to open on Memorial Day weekend with fun activities planned for the entire weekend.
Wheeling Elks Lodge #28 The Wheeling Elks Lodge #28 will be hosting their annual Junior and Youth golf tournament at Oglebay Parks par 3 and Crispin golf courses on Wednesday June 22. There are no entry fees, and the tournament is open to youth 7 to 18 years of age. If you know of any area youth who would like to participate, please just see the applications below for details. Here’s to an active summer for our youth and our Lodges
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ST. Marys Elks Lodge #1701 The St. Marys Elks #1701 partnered with the Saint Marys High School Alumni Association for an Evening on Main. Pictured are Susan Allman Bailey, President SMHS Alumni Association, Sherry Maston, Evening on Main Chairperson, and Bob Gessner, Exalted Ruler of St. Marys Elks Lodge 1701
Buckhannon Elks # 1736 The Sisters and Brothers of the Buckhannon Elks Lodge invite all Elks to mark their calendars for their 2nd Annual Hank C. Ellis Memorial Golf Tournament. The Scramble 18-hole format Tournament is scheduled for June 18 th, 2022, at the Stonewall Resort. For further details consult the entry blank below. Here’s to seeing you on the links for a great person and cause.
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Harrison County Elks Lodge #2875
Harrison County Elks Lodge 2875 Golf Classic Saturday, August 27, 2022 Stonewall Resort, Resort Dr, Roanoke, WV 26447 Rain Date-Sunday, August 28, 2022 Registration: 8:00am Shotgun Start: 9:00am Tournament Rules: 4 Person Team Scramble Everybody Must Have Golf Clubs PGA Rules Apply Entry Fee: Includes cart and green fees, meals and prizes *Pre-Registration $125 per Golfer $500 per team before August 22, 2022 *Late Registration $150 per Golfer $600 per team after August 22, 2022 Includes: Cart/Green fees, breakfast pastries, lunch, Drinks & MORE!! Prizes: 1st Place-4 Bed/Breakfast 2 people each Value $1000 2nd Place-Round of Golf at Stonewall Resort Each player Value $360 3rd Place-Choice of Golf Polo from Pro Shop Each player Value$200 Additional Prizes: Closest to Pin, Longest Drive & MORE!! Each golfer with paid registration by August 22nd will receive a FREE GIFT!! Checks made payable to Harrison County Elks Lodge 2875; Mail to: PO Box 12, Anmoore WV 26323 Please list team member names and contact information. Return with payment 1._________________________________________________________________ 2._________________________________________________________________ 3._________________________________________________________________ 4._________________________________________________________________
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Morgantown Lodge #411 The Sisters and Brothers of #411 invite all Elks and friends to shine up your favorite ride and enjoy a day of Classics with #411 as we host our 2nd Annual Classic Car Show. Saturday, April 30, 2022 1 to 6 PM -- Open to the Public This year, we are excited to have our friends at the Boston Beanery set up in the parking lot with some great food! Entries must be at least 25 years old to be considered for trophies.
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2022 Elks National Convention COVID-19 Guidelines and Precautions Check www.elks.org for more details. The safety of each one of our members, their guests, and the public at the Elks National Convention, which will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 3 to July 6, is of the utmost importance to us. Therefore, the Elks National Convention Commission is working very closely with the Georgia World Congress Center and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau to provide everyone involved in this year’s National Convention with a safe and healthy experience. Convention COVID-19 Guidelines and Precautions Safety measures and plans are constantly evolving to provide the safest event possible; however, please be aware that the convention will observe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local authorities’ recommendations and guidelines regarding COVID-19 safety measures and precautions. All convention attendees are recommended to: • wear face masks when in public convention spaces. • practice effective social distancing by always remaining six feet from others. The convention commission will also request that all convention attendees: • wash their hands frequently throughout the duration of the convention. • monitor their own health daily to be alert for known symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. DO NOT ATTEND CONVENTION EVENTS IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS. preregister for the convention and make event reservations on the Elks.org website. We look forward to seeing you in Atlanta from July 3 to July 6! Fraternally, Michael F. Smith, PGER Elks National Convention Commission Chairman Tina M. Haran Convention and Meetings Director
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Lodge Protocol State Presidents Visitation These guidelines are offered for the Lodge’s preparation for the visitation of the State President. This is a guide, not a set-of-rules. If you follow this, you will make the event easier for all concerned. Your officers, Lodge members and staff will know what is expected. The President will be spared any surprises, as these are the forms of protocol to which he/she is most accustomed. SETTING THE DATE: It is up to the Lodge to coordinate with the President to set a visitation date. After you set the date verbally, confirm it in writing. LODGE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: The lodge should bear these expenses if possible. Lodging: The lodge should pay for the President’s lodging. If the lodge cannot afford it, do not feel that you must provide it. If you cannot pay for the lodging, inform the President so that he/she will have the opportunity to make his/her own arrangements. Room Amenities: If you wish, it is a nice gesture to place a small welcome gift in the room of visiting dignitaries (not only State President but Grand Lodge Officers as well.) Dinner and Drinks: The President and First Lady’s/ Gentleman’s dinner and drinks should be complimentary. Inform the reservation person, bartenders, and staff of this arrangement in advance. TRANSPORTATION: The President is responsible for their own transportation to the hotel. The Lodge should provide transportation to and from the Lodge during his/her visit, and, for any other events during his/her stay. DRESS CODE: If there is a theme (Western, Hawaiian, Casual, etc.) or an event is formal the Exalted Ruler needs to inform the President and First Lady/Gentleman well enough in advance in order for them to be prepared. If there
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are any tours, entertainment, or special events planned, be sure that advanced notice is also given. HEAD TABLE: Provide a podium and/or microphone (if necessary due to room or crowd size). The order of seating precedence is listed in descending order. If you have less seating, cut from the bottom up. INTRODUCTIONS: Each President has his/her own criteria for introductions. The Exalted Ruler and President should plan in advance who introduces whom. Introductions should include Head Table, Grand Lodge Officers and their Ladies/Gentlemen, and visiting dignitaries and their Ladies/Gentlemen. COMMUNICATION: At least two weeks prior to the visit, send a letter to the President welcoming him/her to your Lodge. This letter should include: an agenda of events, dress code information, and the name and directions to the hotel. If planned, request for the President to perform the 11 o’clock toast, suggested arrival time, and identification of the President’s host or hostess if applicable. Whatever your plans, make it clear to the President that you do or do not plan to see him/her in the morning. Make sure that the hotel is aware that you are paying the lodging bill. The President should be able to check out with no payment from him/her expected (unless of course, he has personal charges) SUMMARY: The financial responsibility of each lodge will differ. The dinner and drinks at the Lodge should always be provided. The President (even though they received an allowance for the year) has expenses, which far exceed the allowance given him/her. You should not expect him/her to pay for costs, which can easily be absorbed by the Lodge. We would like to thank and acknowledge the Kentucky Elks Association. The new protocol above was gleaned from the Kentucky Elks Directory.
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Congratulations to our 2022-2023 WV. Elks State Officers
Installing Past State Presidents
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Upcoming Events and Deadlines Flag Day June 12 Grand Lodge Convention Atlanta GA. July 3-6 Fourth of July Celebrations Hometown WV. July 4 West Virginia Elks Youth Camps Mercer County 4-H Camp Mercer County, WV. July 20-24 and July 25-29, 2022 (Located near Princeton Elks) Fall Newsletter Deadline September 1, 2022 Articles and Pictures can be sent directly to the editor, preferably in Microsoft Word format, to: billverelst@yahoo.com Newsletter Editor Bill Verelst Jr. PSP Weirton Lodge #1801 Newsletter Advisor Lester C. “Ted” Hess PGER Wheeling Lodge #28
