As Elks we must enter the New Year with renewed enthusiasm to work hard to reach the goals that we set for ourselves back in June 2009. We can look back at the past six months and see our accomplishments but we also can see that there is much work left to be done. We must renew in this New Year the desire to go forward and continue our work for Elkdom in order to make our goals a reality.
We must always keep Aidmore Children's Center, our major state project, in the forefront of our work. As the Exalted Ruler of your Lodge it is your "DUTY" to see that the Elk you appoint as your Aidmore Trustee wants the job and secondly that this Trustee will attend Aidmore meetings when necessary and report the results of these meetings back to the Lodge. This is such a vital part of your Lodge responsibilities- to have representation at Aidmore. It is no wonder that Lodges cry "We are left out of loop and do not know what is going on" when the Aidmore Trustee does not take the time to do their part in finding out. I know this may sound harsh but it is time to quit crying and start helping Georgia Elks shape the future of our major project.
We have many dedicated Committee Chairpersons that are working very hard to see that their committee accomplishes their goals. John Helgesen is working very hard for Americanism and I am sure we shall see results from the essay contest and the Americanism Program at Jekyll. Bill Cook is always available if your Lodge is having trouble with finances. Warren Moyers and members of the Hoop Shoot Committee hope that every Lodge in the State will participate in Hoop Shoot this year, but if you don't, would you let us know why not. Jim Boyd wonders why everyone is not working as hard for Membership gains as the Elks are in Griffin, Toccoa, and Brunswick. We hope these Lodges will share their successes with those that are stalled in their quest for new Members.
We know a working Lodge is bound for success. We also know Memorial Service, Public Relations. Public Safety Officer of the Year, Ritual, and Youth Activities committees cannot function without strong leadership in the State as well as leadership in the Lodges. We have made strides this year in Veterans activities, Drug Awareness, Soccer, and Public Relations, to name just a few areas, and I feel certain we will accomplish our goals as we go forward in the New Year. This is where we make ourselves VISIBLE and become INVOLVED.
The Elks National Foundation is such a vital part of Elkdom providing scholarships, State grants, veterans services, and many other fine programs such as Drug Awareness and Hoop Shoot. A portion of the dollars given to the ENF come back to support our state activities and yet we have Lodges that have given nothing or have not met the GER's goal. We are all one great body of Elkdom, not each Lodge standing on its own. Let's all step up and do our part to keep Georgia Elkdom strong.
Georgia Elks are doing great works but please remember that there is much more work to do. I urge each of you to continue to work in your Lodge and your community and to always jump at the chance to put Elkdom in the forefront. May God bless all of us as we work together in 2010.
Larry Capes,
President, Georgia Elks Association
Once again, we are going into a new season of the year. This is one of the most beautiful times of the year with all the bright colors and we can see God's handiwork all around. What a blessing to enjoy and be a part of.
It is also the time of year when we, as Elks, become rejuvenated with vigor and are ready to do work for the good and welfare of our towns and communities. The dictionary programs are going great guns, as the majority of our Lodges are participating and what a blessing you get if you take part in delivering dictionaries to the schools. The joy on the children's faces and in their excited questions would bring joy to any Elk.
This also a time of the year when Drug Awareness is at its peak. Parades with Elroy, Red Ribbons in schools, Poster Contests, Essays and Contests for Drug Awareness and Americanism.
It is also time for committee chairpersons to step up and be sure their committee is doing its part. Soccer, Hoop Shoot, Veterans, and Memorial service, all coming before Christmas.
Membership is doing really well from the reports I am getting from some of the Lodges. In the fall meeting, you could feel the excitement as the different committees met with ideas being tossed around and members telling of their accomplishments. I believe Georgia's Elks are doing well.
This is a sad time of the year for our service men and women when they will have to be apart from their loved ones during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season. Also, remember the MIA's, the ones missing in action. Just imagine what the families of the MIA's must be going through. What a gesture it would be if your Lodge would buy and fly a MIA Flag in remembrance of these men and women.
In closing, we would like to wish all a very Happy Thanksgiving and the Merriest Christmas you have ever had.
Larry Capes,
President, Georgia Elks Association
Toccoa, Georgia October 23,24, and 25, 2009
Georgia Elks from across the State of Georgia descended upon Toccoa, Georgia on Friday, October 23rd for the beginning of the fall convention. The setting was perfect with great fall weather and the scenery was beautiful.
Friday evening was an evening of fun and fellowship with dinner at the Toccoa Lodge. After dinner conversation and fellowship in the lounge was in order. This was a time to be with friends and to renew old friendships. You could tell this was a joyous time for Elks.
On Saturday morning it was time for business. Beginning at 9:00 A.M. committee meetings began and I must say some great meetings. All the committee chairpersons were well prepared and much was accomplished. Great things are ahead for the rest of this year and 2010. The air was full of enthusiasm and Elks were ready to (Get involved and Be Visible)
Sunday morning the Business Meeting convened with 108 Elks registering. This was a great meeting as the atmosphere was full of accomplishments. The committee reports were presented with pride, as accomplishments and goals were set forth. No doubt with all working together most will be accomplished.
I feel this was a meeting that was filled with the will to make Georgia Elkdom stronger than it has ever been. Drug Awareness is going great guns across the State with most Lodges participating. The number of Red Ribbons given out is staggering. Americanism is stronger with Lodges supporting the essay contest. Public Relations has never had as much participation as now. Ritual is gaining ground thanks to a strong committee. Youth Activities along with Youth Scholarships are doing excellent.
In closing I would like to thank the Elks of Georgia for the time, talent, and money they put in to make Elkdom succeed. Working together makes us fill with pride knowing that we have accomplished a little part of what makes America the Land we love. I was glad to have Mike Rejczyk, President of Alabama Elks with us. I think Mike was very impressed with the work Georgia Elks are doing
Getting involved and becoming visible in our Towns and communities is the best way I know of letting the people around us realize that Elks are in their mist and are volunteering and becoming a part of things that are good and are happening in our communities.
Scholarships for "Most Valuable Student and Legacy Awards" are on line or in the Counselors office in the High Schools. Every Lodge should become involved in this great offer. Get the word out and let the students know about the Most Valuable Student and be sure all Lodge Members know about the Legacy Awards as they are for students of Parents or Grandparents of Lodge Members. BECOME INVOLVED.
Soccer is going on right now and our State Soccer Chairman, Dwaine Lovingood is working very hard to get as many Lodges to become involved as will. This a very competitive sport and you will reap the rewards if you will become involved. The State competition will be at Elks Aidmore on November 15, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. which is a Sunday. BECOME INVOLVED.
Drug Awareness is the month of October. This will be a very busy month. Red Ribbons to distribute to the schools. Poster Contest for the students, Essay contest and time to start distributing Dictionaries. I hope every Lodge will become involved in Drug Awareness in some way. We have Drug Trailers in each district waiting to be used. BECOME INVOLVED.
November is "VETERANS REMBERANCE MONTH". This is the time of year when we remember all veterans, the ones who gave their lives as well as the ones who fought and are still fighting so that we can continue to enjoy the freedoms that we all cherish and are worth dying for. Do something special for veterans in your Lodge as well as in your Nursing Homes as well as your community. BECOME INVOLVED.
Christmas at Elks Aidmore on December 12th and 13th will be a festive and joyous time for Elks and Elks Auxiliaries. It is a time we celebrate and show our love for the girls that we have with us. This is our State Major Project and a very worth while one. Lets try and have every Lodge in the State of Georgia represented at Aidmore on Christmas for a joyous time. BECOME INVOLVED.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Larry Capes
President of Georgia Elks Association
