To the Members (and friends) Exalted Ruler's Message |
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Let me start out by thanking all the Members and their Ladies I've met for your tremendous support. I would also like to congratulate the new Officers coming on board, and thank the existing Officers that are continuing on this year. There many Members I have not yet met. For those who have not been by the Lodge in some time, you will see some fresh faces, some familiar faces, and lot's of friendly faces. We will be working together to present all the Members of the Lodge, events throughout the year that will give you and your families an opportunity to participate. Our focus this year will be on the Member and his family. Working together both in the Lodge and the community, to remind us of why we became Elks. My father was the reason I became an Elk. He was an Elk for over 40 years and a lifetime Member. He was a warm and kind man, always a smile on his face, and always ready to help those around him. I've seen my father in the eyes of many an Elk in this Lodge. Over the last year I've seen Members rush to the side of a Brother in need. It's been a great lesson for me and I hope something that you can share with your children and grandchildren.
Now for those I haven't met, a little about me. I'm originally from North Dakota, having transferred to California about 15 years ago. I've worked in sales and management for about 16 years and currently work for a company involved with commercial fire and life safety systems. I am single, however have a wonderful Lady named Glee, who you'll meet. I like golf and gadgets, and yes I am about as old as I look up above.
Finally, I'd like to thank and congratulate the latest P.E.R.(2nd time),
Bill Biehl and his wife Jan for the great job they did last year. I look
forward to seeing all of you at the upcoming Installation on March 29th.
Let's work together to make it the "Year of the Member".
Sincerely,
Our lodge has the pleasure of hosting our State Vice President Raymond J. Gomes and his wife Pauline on Tuesday May 20, 1997.
This is an open invitation to you and your lady. The dress of the evening for the ladies is casual.
Help us to make Raymond and Pauline 's evening a pleasant one.
R.S.V.P. by May l6th. Call the lodge at 455-8829. Glee and I are looking forward to seeing you .
Fraternally,
This brother joined the lodge on February 21, 1995. He has worked behind the scenes in various functions. He has helped cook, wash dishes, sweep the floor in the kitchen. When we had drainage problems in the members bar, he was one of the crew that broke up the cement and helped repaired the drain. He has cleaned the Bar-b-que and removed weeds from the lodge property. For a fairly new brother, at two years, he has put his best foot forward and his shoulder to the wheel. This remarkable brother is non other than, Bob Jordan. Congratulations Bob for Elk Of The Month For April.
Elk Of The Month Committee
1997 - 1998 STATE VICE PRESIDENT RAYMOND J. GOMES |
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I was born in San Francisco and raised in the bay area. I attended school in San Bruno and graduated from Capuchino High School in 1956. I attended the University of Idaho and obtained a degree in education with a major in Mathematics and Physical Education. I have a Masters Degree in Mathematics from California State University at Fresno and received my administrative credentials from the University of California
I started teaching in Corcoran, California in 1960 at a junior high school. Shortly after I starting teaching, I met Pauline and we were married in April of 1961. In 1963, we moved to Antioch and I became the head of the Mathematics Department at Park Junior High School. Our oldest son was born the same year. I also coached football for seven years at both the junior and senior high schools. During this time, our second son and daughter were born. In 1973, I was appointed Vice Principal and remained in that position for six years. Then, we moved to Dos Palos were I was made Principal of Bryant Middle School. In 1987, I became Principal of Linda Mar Elementary School in Pacifica. I will retire at the end of this year, June 27, 1997, after 37 years in education.
I started out in Elkdom by joining the Pittsburg Elks Lodge #1474 in 1965. I served as Inner Guard of the Pittsburg Lodge for several years before moving to the Los Banos area. Shortly after transferring to Los Banos Lodge #2510, I was elected Leading Knight. In 1984, I served as the Exalted Ruler of Los Banos Lodge #2510. Then I was honored to serve as the Esquire to the State Vice President and District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler of the Central District, Bob Gauper.
While I continue to work in my lodge, I have served the Central District in many capacities. I have been the Indoctrination Chairman, Government Relations Chairman and this year I am serving as the chairman of the Drug Awareness Committee. At the present time, I am also Treasurer of the Los Banos Lodge.
A strong Youth Activities program benefits our community and generates respect for our Elks Lodge. The Elks support many youth programs across our great nation. They include programs to Honor our Flag, to sponsor junior athletic teams, to supervise teenage dances, and to sponsor bicycle registration programs, to name only a few of the wonderful programs. The Elks sponsor three major youth programs; Youth Scholarships, Hoop Shoot, and Scouting.
The Elks Scholarship program is the largest private scholarship provider in the country. The program evaluates students on scholastic achievement, leadership, and need. Our Lodge Scholarship Committee identifies one boy and one girl in our community and awards them a scholarship based on these principles. Their application is then sent on for further consideration at the District and State level.
The Elks Hoop Shoot free throw contest is the largest and most visible of the many youth activities sponsored by Elks Lodges. Over 3,000,000 boys and girls ages 8-13 participated this year. The Elks Hoop Shoot highlights the Elks commitment to America's youth. Our most treasured national resource is the youth of our nation. We give America's children an opportunity to sharpen their individual athletic talents through the largest non-commercial, sports program in the nation.
The Elks Hoop Shoot has been effective not only in developing champions, but building character as well. Our children are learning self discipline, respect, dedication, loyalty, and individual responsibility. Educators and parents across our nation have endorsed the program. One parent wrote, "It teaches a person how to win in good grace and how to accept the moment of defeat without bitterness "
Elks Lodges and individual members sponsor over 1,000 boy Scout Troops. Elks Lodges have supported the program of the Boy Scouts of America for more than 60 years. Scouting gives our youth a chance to develop their potential, to make friends, and to become a vital part of their communities. Elks Youth Activities Programs offer our young adults, our Lodges, and members many benefits:
The success of our program depends almost entirely on the selection of
the right committee members. They should have demonstrated interest in youth
and their welfare; possess warmth, understanding, and patience in working
with young people; and be in a position to give of their time, talents,
and resources.
Royce D. Eckard, DDGER
WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1997
WHERE: OUT AND ABOUT THE LODGE
TIME: 9:00 A.M.
It's that time of the year again to spruce up the lodge after a long winter. The Boy Scouts have been asked to help, but we also need your support as well. If you have weeding and trimming tools, please bring them with you. Your lady is also welcome to come out and help. "WE CAN MAKE THIS A FUN DAY"
Hot dogs and chili dogs will be served by the Emblem Club ladies along with soda and beer.
If you can come out and help, let us know by calling the office (455-8829) or sign the sign up sheet in the lodge.
Fraternally,
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