Rick LaCrosse
Contact
- Inner Guard
ER's Message
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
What a month September has been! We had visitations throughout the district starting, academic scholarship applications (see below) and Americanism essay applications are now open, and the New York State Elks Association’s Conference occurred in Albany. Thanks to all that attended these. Kinderhook’s participation has been awesome.
Now, about the activities that occurred at the lodge this month. First, was the Lodge’s Worker’s party on Saturday, September 8th. Thanks to everyone for attending, given the cool weather.
On Saturday, Sept 15th, was the Cruise-in/Soc-Hop. Over 25 cars attended and the band played on. It was a good time for all and plans have started for another one next year.
The State Fall Convention was held at the Red Lion Inn in Albany (Wolf Rd) on September 20-23. The workshops I attended were quite interesting: Membership, ENF, Secretary/Treasurer Finance, Ritual, and Scholarship. Grand Exalted Ruler Michael T. Luhr, from Alaska, attended the proceedings.
On Tuesday, September 25th, we held the first of our Elks Education sessions for members. Dinner was pizza and wings. We had good discussions on various topics of Elkdom. Remember, this is available for all members and would be especially valuable for new members to the lodge over the past couple years. Our next time will be Tuesday, October 23rd, at 6:30pm.
Finally, on Saturday, September 29th, we will have had the Beef, Beer and Band event. In talking with Gordie, he was expecting at least 300 people in attendance. I’m sure there will be a good time by all with good music, great food by Gordie and Jeannie and PRIZES.
As to the Fall visitation schedule, the visitation on Sunday, September 30th, in Brunswick was rescheduled to November 18th. The full schedule is in last month’s newsletter and is posted on the lodge bulletin board and on our website. For Kinderhook lodge, the District will be coming Sunday, November 11th, (Veteran’s Day) with ceremony beginning at 3pm.
Also please place on your calendars and plan to be at the Lodge on Saturday, October 27th, from 5-7pm. The State President Stuart Rishe, and his wife Nancy, will be visiting our lodge then as part of their tour of our North Hudson district during the Oct 26-28 weekend.
Here are a couple things of note:
As was mentioned in last month’s newsletter, the Elks Scholarship program has begun for this year. These scholarships are open to all high school seniors for college. Up to $50,000 per year for 4 years could be won.
There are also Legacy scholarships available. Any child or grandchild (or stepchild, step-grandchild, or legal ward) of a living Elk who joined the order on or before April 1, 2016, or a charter member of a Lodge that was instituted on or after April 1, 2016, is eligible to apply. The Elk must also be a paid‐up member through March 31, 2019. Great-grandchildren are not eligible.
There are even NYS Elks scholarships available. Any questions on any of these application processes, please contact John Deane.
Bobby Hymes is once again looking into putting together a bus trip to neighboring Elk Lodges for this fall. This will probably be on a Saturday afternoon (TBD), on a medium sized bus to other lodges, to socialize and have a good time. This time, the thought is possibly going to the south, like Poughkeepsie, and possibly doing in tandem with another lodge.
Finally, with the rains that we have had recently we endured some flooding of the basement. Thanks to everyone that helped with the cleanups (yes multiple times) and to the crew that is working on addressing the drainage issues. Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated.
May you and your families enjoy the fall season and have a great October.
ER John Piddock