TO ALL MEMBERS!

Hello All! I just returned from the National Elks Convention in Orlando, FL, where I went to cool off. "Cool off" you might ask? Yes, that's what I said, considering it was only in the mid-90's in Florida, while in NJ it was over 100º. I hope everyone stayed cool in the Grill Room.

Orlando and the Elks National Convention is the next stop on the Magical Mystery Tour. In the five days that I spent at the convention I learned a few things I would like to share with everyone. New Jersey Elks may be small in number compared to other states, but we sure are the loudest and the proudest. Every time New Jersey was mentioned at the meetings the cheers from us were overwhelming. Other states tried to match our enthusiasm, but couldn't come close. We should all be proud to be an Elk from New Jersey! NJ is #1 in gaining members this year.
I learned what other lodges from other states do for their communities, but after manning the NJ Camp Moore booth I came to learn that other states highly respect NJ and our Camp Moore project. In addition, 14 resolutions were discussed and voted upon in Orlando. Anyone who is interested in looking them over, please check out the bulletin board in the Grill Room.

I made a lot of new friends and renewed some old acquaintances from my first convention in Charlotte. The ER's from the West Central District will try to get together regularly to have dinner and discuss our plans for the year. I was also happy to witness the installation of the new District Deputies, including Flemington's own Bruce Totten, the DD for the West Central District. Let's all congratulate Bruce and give him our support this year.

The new Grand Exalted Ruler, Michael F. Smith, was also installed. He gave a very uplifting speech which included his motto for the year: "P.E.P. - Promote Elks Passion." In his speech he stated that he wants all of us to help spread the word of Elkdom and all the good that we do.

Eileen and I had a very good time at the convention, but now that I'm home it's back to business. I want to thank Bob and Sandy Rowe and their volunteer crew for the Gala Under the Stars (GUTS) fundraising event. Everyone who attended had a great time and for those who didn't attend shame on you! We hope to have more affairs like this one, but we need more members to attend.

Speaking of which, we need volunteers this year. If anyone is interested in becoming an officer please contact me. Also, we need volunteers to tend bar, work Friday Night Dinner and Pasta Night Dinners, and many other things around the lodge. Without all of the members working together there might not be a lodge. It's time to get out of the stands and get on the playing field.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rich Lavagno
Exalted Ruler