Dear Fellow Elks,

It’s hard to believe that my first month as your Exalted Ruler has already come and gone. The time has moved quickly, and I’m grateful for the warm welcome and the steady support I’ve felt from our Kinderhook Elks family. It is truly an honor and a privilege to lead such fine Elks.

Thank you for everything you do to support our Lodge—by showing up, lending a hand, bringing ideas forward, and continuing the traditions that make our organization strong. Your commitment is what keeps our lodge active, welcoming, and focused on serving others.

I also want to recognize and thank our newer members who have stepped up to volunteer. It means a great deal to see you getting involved and bringing fresh energy to our events and activities.

To our long-time members: thank you for your guidance, patience, and continued support—especially in helping our new volunteers learn the ropes. Your experience and steady encouragement are invaluable, and they are a big part of what makes Kinderhook Elks feel like home.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Members Party on 4/18, and to all who helped with the Stuyvesant Falls Fire Department banquet. These moments of fellowship and service reflect the best of who we are.

I’m also looking ahead to the weeks ahead—there will be a couple of opportunities for our members to volunteer, and I encourage anyone who is able to lend a hand to get involved. I also look forward to marching with many of you in the Memorial Day parade.

Finally, I hope to see many of you this Friday, May 1st at the Fire Chat—our first one of the year—hosted by PER Tammy McDermott and 5-Year Trustee Thom McDermott.

Sincerely,
Kelly McGiffert
Exalted Ruler, Kinderhook Elks #2530