Author: Elks #652

Hello my Brother and Sister Elks,

Now that the lodge is opening up to more functions, organizations, events and fundraisers we need to stay even more diligent abiding by our Covid 19 rules. Please wear a mask at all times in the Lodge except when seated at a table. Keep a safe distance when in line for dinner tickets, steam table and at the bar. I know most of you have been vaccinated and are feeling more comfortable coming out but we are starting to have larger gatherings at the Lodge and the community is watching, so we need to show that we are doing our best to keep up the Covid 19 safety guidelines. So please mask up, wash your hands and social distance. If you are someone who repeatedly ignores requests to put on your mask, you will be asked to leave at once.

I have had some complaints in my Suggestion Box and I think that I’ve dealt with or fixed the problems that were brought to my attention. I know we are having problems with the phone-in dinner reservations and reserved seating. Please know that we are figuring it out and are working on a system that will eliminate the issues we are experiencing. I will be choosing an “Elk of the Month” every month this year. For May I picked Howard Ritter for all of his hard work with the Roamers and his work on the RV dog park.

Lastly, if you haven’t gotten your new green membership card yet, please come down and pay your dues and join us at the Lodge.

Exalted Ruler Scott Reinsmith.

The Americanism Corner this month is spotlighting Richard Kennon, born in 1752 in Chester County Virginia. He eventually settled in Chatham County North Carolina where he raised 8 children. Richard Kennon helped establish American Independence by representing Chatham County in the capacity of a delegate to the third North
Carolina Provincial Congress. The third Congress met in Hillsborough from August 20 to September 10, 1775. The Congress created a government structure, issued bills of credit to pay for the revolutionary movement, and organized an army for defense in preparation for the “State” of North Carolina. Richard Kennon was the 4th great grandfather of Lodge Inner Guard, Wendy Browne

Two local students were honored for their participation in a Statewide contest and won $100.00 each from the Elks Lodge State Contest on “Drug Awareness Program”, and $100 each from the local Elks Lodge No. 652 also.
Maile Russell, 8th grader, won the Essay Contest for the Northwest District for the slogan “Drug Abuse, No Excuse” and Ilya Kelly, 4th grader, won for her poster for the same slogan. Pictured from left to right, front row: Ilya’s brother, Arthur; her Mother, Julie; Ilya; Maile; Maile’s Father, Tim and her brother Huck. Back row: Ilya’s Father, Gabe; Lodge Exulted Ruler, Scott, Reinsmith; Drug awareness chairperson, Jack Harris.

Dear Members, The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions plummeted our income this past year. We tried to reduce expenses to overcome the loss, but the monthly bills were significant enough to hurt our Lodge financially. Here’s some things that you can do to help us immediately. First, please pay your dues for 2021-2022, which were due by April 1, 2021. The most important number in any Lodge is the number of members. Secondly, pick a charity to contribute a little extra to. Our Lodge sponsors or assists Veterans and Children’s fund even in tough times. The State charity is Major Project (Purple Pig) and the National charity is the Elks National Foundation (ENF). Lastly, our facilities needs some rather expensive maintenance (Lodge Maintenance). We promise to deliver the best experience possible when you visit our Lodge as we slowly reopen. We are taking all the necessary precautions to keep our members and employees safe and healthy. Our dues is $150 a year. Give us an extra $100 and we will distribute it through our charities, or designate where you would like us to spend the money. Fraternally, Scott Reinsmith, Exalted Ruler.

The Redwood Roamers have had their first outing for 2021 to Benbow KOA park on April 16-18. Fifteen RV’s made
the trek. Everyone was excited to get out in the outdoors after a long year of staying home. On Sunday, we had a
party to celebrate Mickey Land-McLsaac retirement and marriage to Doug McLsaac. Twelve Roamers drove down
from Eureka to join the celebration making 42 Roamers in attendance. The evening provided campfires, fellowship
and good stories. The Roamers next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 5 at 4:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. All Elks are
invited to come regardless if they have an R.V. or not. Please stay safe, wash your hands, wear your face mask and
practice social distancing. Happy trails!, Dale A. Stockly, Wagon Master.

May’s Americanism Spotlight of Revolutionary War ancestors are John Reinsmith Sr, and his son John Reinsmith Jr, who were the 6th and 5th great-grandfathers, respectively, of our Exalted, Ruler Scott Reinsmith. Their service records are well documented and both are qualified ancestors with the Daughters of the American Revolution organization. They immigrated from the Valley of the Rhine, Germany, as crew members of the Dutch East India Company. The Reinsmith family settled in Lehigh County Pennsylvania where many of their descendants still reside.

We salute with much respect the adventuresome spirit of the Reinsmith father and son who crossed the great ocean, settled in the new world, fought for our freedoms and liberties, and were ancestors of a multitude of upright and patriotic descendants.

If you have a Revolutionary War ancestor, and would like to learn more about them, please leave your contact info with the Lodge Secretary. Gene Ology will contact you and prepare a free family history report for you. By Wendy Browne, Inner Guard.