Rick LaCrosse
Contact
- Inner Guard
ER's Message
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I hope everyone’s Thanksgiving was good and a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone this month.
Our last Las Vegas Night was held on November 9th. Thanks to Esteemed Lecturing Knight Larry Eleby and his crew to their efforts on this project.
On November 11th, we had our lodge’s visitation by District Deputy GER Christopher Akers, his inspection team, and State Vice-President John (Jack) Lubera. I will never be able to express sufficiently in words the gratitude to all the people that made this visitation remarkable. First to our secretary PSP Jerry Shook, treasurer PER Joe Laviano and our officers for the remarkable job with the inspection and audit team. A huge thanks to Abby Shook and her crew for the grand appetizer table; both the setting and food were amazing. To Jay and Polly Engel and their crew for putting on the roast beef dinner. It was truly amazing; the food was so tasty and the crew worked together so smoothly. To PDD Leo Buell, PER Joel Dyslin, the members that volunteered to ‘play’ the Candidate and the officers of Kinderhook Lodge #2530, thank you all so much for your time and energy in performing an incredible Ritual. Finally, thank you to all the members of our lodge who attended. It was so incredible having both the lodge room and the dining room so full. It was a splendid thing for the 3 new members to experience.
Our Veterans’ Dinner, one of the ways we honor our veterans, was held during the Wednesday, Nov. 14th dinner. All veterans were welcome and ate free of charge. Inner Guard Rick La Crosse and his crew did an absolutely astounding job in serving roast beef dinners. Thanks to Jim Yager for setting 'the table’. Also during the month, a group of our members served ice cream to veterans at the Stratton VA.
Then on November 23rd, we held our annual Trim-A-Tree decorating event. Thanks to all those that turned out, ate, drank and decorated; the lodge looks so festive.
For December, we have a few important events happening. First is that Sunday, December 2nd, is the annual Memorial Service. The Officers of the Kinderhook Lodge of Elks will perform the Ritual of Memorial Services in remembrance of all deceased members. The ceremony is at 3pm and will be conducted at the Lodge with appetizers at 2pm. This is the most solemn ceremony in our Order and all members are encouraged to attend. Next is the Lodge’s Hoop Shoot on December 9th at Chatham High School. Registration starts at 12pm. Also, starting on the 9th is the Marion Stegmann Fund week; with the delivery date being on the morning of December 15th. If you have not done so yet, please signup, especially drivers and helpers.
The Elks Americanism Essay Contest has a due date of December 15th. Also, on the evening of the 15th is our Lodge’s Christmas party.
Finally, with this being deer hunting season, please remember to donate hides to the lodge. Any questions please contact PDDGER Steve Race or Al Lamarre. The proceeds from the sale of the hides go to the Veterans’ Committee budget, helping to fund the various services that the committee provides.
May the spirit of the holiday season fill you with love and charity and may all your loved ones be safe.
ER John Piddock