Elyria Elks #465

Archives for March 2021

Exalted Ruler’s Message – April 2021

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Hello fellow Elks,
I am honored to introduce myself, Bill Medlen II,
as your Exalted Ruler for the next lodge year.
Although I have only been a member for a short
period of time, I have fallen in love with this lodge. I
am thankful for the friends I’ve made and the people
I have been fortunate enough to meet.
We have in place an amazing group of Officers, including our
Trustees, and I am excited about their great ideas and commitment to
making this a successful year. We still have a few spots to fill in the
officer chairs, if anyone is interested in getting involved. If you’d like to
see something done differently, or you have a great idea for a party or
event, this is your opportunity to step up, have a voice and make changes.
I would like to thank Dan Leckey, a 5 year Trustee, who’s continued
commitment and compassion have helped pave the way for future
Trustees. Dan helped turn this lodge into a successful one, yet again. I
would also like to thank PER Chuck Martin, for what we can all agree
could’ve been the most challenging year of all. The hard work he did to
keep this lodge safe, clean and functional was quite the feat.
I look forward to this honor and the many memories we all will make
in this upcoming year.
I will see you in the lodge.

Fraternally Yours, Bill Medlen II ER

Poncho’s For Pals Fundraiser

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A big “Thank You” goes out to lodge member Cindy Marks. Cindy, who is a Physical Therapist Assistant, coordinated a lodge charitable project using the money raised from our Cerebral Palsy golf outing to purchase ponchos, made to fit over a child’s wheelchair. These ponchos make life much easier for the child, parents, therapist, and care givers, as they go on much easier than jackets and get them in and out doors much faster, as they are not as cumbersome.

Working in collaboration with Stacie Star at Murray Ridge School in Elyria, who came up with the project name of “Ponchos for Pals”, we were able to obtain sizes and favorite colors for 30 children and provide them a poncho. The feedback from teachers and parents was great:
“So thick”
“Fun overload”
“These ponchos are amazing”
“Such a thoughtful and useful gift”

Quote from Stacie Star:
“Many don’t understand our kids or the parent’s struggles and what they deal with daily. I wish many more could have seen the impact this made on these families! From the bottom of my heart… THANK YOU!”

Thank you Cindy and Elyria Lodge #465. “Elks Care, Elks Share”

Exalted Ruler’s Message – March 2021

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As we enter the month of March my term as Exalted Ruler of Elyria Elks Lodge 465 is rapidly coming to an end. Although what we all experienced this year has been extraordinary I take with me many positive memories of my time as the E.R. of the Elyria Lodge. Most notably, the members and officers of the Lodge that in spite of the uncertainty that the pandemic posed on all of us worked tirelessly to make our Lodge better while navigating uncharted waters. The Lodge faced many challenges throughout this past year including multiple closures but I am happy to report we are sound financially. This is due to the efforts of many to manage expenses and obtain grant money. I am grateful to everyone involved for their hard work. To the incoming officers and in particular Exalted Ruler elect Bill Medlen I wish them nothing but success and the fervent hope the Lodge can return to a degree of normalcy over the next few months.

Finally, first and foremost we are a benevolent organization that supports our veterans, the needs of those less fortunate and the physically challenged. The current need is significant so we all need to continue supporting our sponsored charities to the best of our abilities.

In closing, thank you for the honor and the privilege to serve as the Exalted Ruler of Elyria Lodge 465 over the past year. As always, please stay safe, look out for family, friends and neighbors and know that you all remain in my thoughts and prayers.