First of all let me thank you for the honor I received in being sworn in as President of the Georgia Elks Association this past June. Jean and I look forward to serving this year, travelling to the various Lodges across the state and visiting with old and new friends.

Our year got off to a quick start with the Grand Lodge Convention in Orlando. A great crowd of Georgia Elks made the trip south and we all had a wonderful time together. While we were there, someone asked me what my "Theme" was for the year. If you know me, you know that I don't do "Themes" and told the person so. However, in looking back, I think that if I had a "Theme" it would be "Dedication".

What better describes the Elks of Georgia than "Dedication"? Our Elks members are dedicated to their Lodges, to the State Association, to Aidmore, and to all the programs that Elks believe in. While our local programs and projects may differ somewhat, they all are performed and supported by good Elks who believe in the Cardinal Principals of our Order; Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.

In addition to projects and programs, our members show their dedication by showing up at meetings on the weekend, by travelling long distances to social events held by other Lodges and by being there when others are in need. We take our obligation seriously and it shows by our actions.

The calendar is filling up and Jean and I would like for your Lodge to be part of our travels this year. Please let us know of any upcoming event or events you plan and we'll try our best to be there with you.

The fall season is busy with Youth Scholarship applications, local Hoop Shoot competitions, Soccer Shoot-Offs on the Aidmore campus in November, Drug Awareness trailers at County Fairs and Festivals and, best of all, our Fall Meeting of the Association. We look forward to seeing you in Tifton, October 22nd, 23rd and 24th. E. R. Randy Clements, V. P. Dan Lockhart and all the Tifton members are working hard to show us a good time. We look forward to visiting Tifton and enjoying their hospitality.

Thanks once again for the honor you have bestowed upon me. I will work hard to make you proud to be a Georgia Elk.

Tim Whalen,
President, Georgia Elks Association