Hello Everyone!
What an exciting beginning to our 2019 – 2020 year. April was jam packed with events that were a huge success. On April 13, our lodge hosted the District Deputy Clinic, in which we received high marks. Later that night, Thanks to Bob Halpin and all the volunteers, we host-ed the second annual Speak Easy Party with the Fever Band. Thank you to all of the volunteers that made this event possible.

We also had The Brotherhood Riders fundraiser on April 27. Thank you to Garry Malone for making the night so exciting in true Garry Malone style by MCing the cake auction and live auction. A very familiar item was auctioned once again, the Brotherhood Riders quilt made by Andy Haynes Mother. I believe that over the past few years this quilt has raised over $ 5,000.00 for the Brotherhood Riders. We are also looking forward to seeing all of the big fish pictures from the fishing trip that Penny and Gerry Dieg won in the live auction. What a great job our members did with all of the baked goods. I think I gained 20 lbs. just looking at them. The Brotherhood Ride is such a wonderful cause. Thank you to all of our members, volunteers, and participants that helped us reach our goals.

In May, we had the Breast Fest event, Mother’s Day Brunch, Armed Forces Day fundraiser, and the 2019 Fl. State Elks Convention in Orlando.

The June and July Lodge meetings are on the third Tuesday of each month at 7: 00 p.m. It would be nice to see more of our members there. It’s only one meeting per month, and it makes the new members going through initiation feel welcome. It is also a great night for fellowship after the meeting.

Our Lodge is a Great Place, with Great People. We also have many Guests that come in with members, who may want to become members themselves. With that said, I want to challenge everyone to ask themselves is my conduct and language worthy of an Elk? We have all been guilty at one time or another and I just wanted to remind you that someone is always watching or listening.

We have started blind draw darts on Thursday nights. It is a great way to improve your dart skills, or just stay in practice for the dart season. Come out and have some fun.

If golf is your game, we have a golf league that plays every Monday morning. There are so many options for you at the lodge, so please come out, have a meal, see some friends, and just relax and have a good time!

Don’t forget to check out our merchandise case, and get your Elks apparel with our very own Lakeland Elks logo on it.

Thank you all for your support, and as always, “I’ll see you around the lodge! “Positive thought of the month: “In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact on someone. “

Thank you and remember, “Be the difference”

Rick Burton, Exalted Ruler