Exalted Ruler Presents 50 Year Award

The Exalted Ruler of Eureka Elks Lodge No. 652, Scott Reinsmith presented Gary Payne his 50 year Golden Veterans Award. For the 50 years that Gary has been a member, he has served on several boards and headed many activities in the lodge. He served as Exalted Ruler 1980-81, chairman of the Flag Day ceremony, Past District Deputy Northwest District, Association Vice President Northwest District, Ritual Coach of winning ritual team and served for 25 years on the Board of Trustees. He is life member of the lodge and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Pictured left to right, Gary Payne and Scott Reinsmith.

Marta Martinez to be 2022-2023 Exalted Ruler

Marta Martinez will be installed as the new Exalter Rules of Eureka Elks Lodge No. 625. Marta was born and raised in Eureka, the daughter of Ignacio and Claudia Martinez. She graduated from St Bernard’s High and then attended College of the Redwoods and Western Institute of Science and Health in Rohnert Park, CA. She worked at Pacific Convalescent before going to Physical Therapy Assisting school, then worked at General Hospital for 19 years. She is currently working at Cal Poly Humboldt in the Student Health Center.

Martinez joined the Elks eleven years ago and has served as a Trustee for three years and was asked to become Leading Knight. She volunteers many hours, helping in the kitchen, bar area, RV Park and children’s activities. Marta is engaged to Shawn Doebel, the Elks Leading Knight. The installation will be Saturday, March 26th at 5:00 pm. Social at 4:00 pm. Dinner after the ceremony, cost $20.00 per person. This is open to family and friends.

50 Year Member Honored

District Leader Emeritus, Dale Colson was honored as a 50 year member of Eureka Elks Lodge No. 652, at a ceremony by District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, Randall Logan. Dale joined the Eureka Elks Lodge in November, 1971 and served as Exalted Ruler in 1976-1977. He was State Vice President in 1980 and appointed District Deputy Exalted Ruler of the Great Northwest in
1986-1987. In 1988 he was appointed District Leader, where he served in that position until 2002. In 2003 he earned the honor of District Leader Emeritus. He was State Ritual Contest and Training Chairman and Ritual judge for 35 years. He is accomplished musician and was the lodge Organist for many years, retiring in 2019. Pictured from left to right: District Deputy, Randall Logan; Honoree, Dale Colson and Lodge Exalter Ruler, Scott Reinsmith.

DDGER Visits Elks #652

Randall S. Logan, District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler of the “Great Northwest District” visited Eureka Elks Lodge No. 652 and conveyed the Message of T. Keith Mills, the Grand Exalted Ruler. Members heard Logan praise the lodge members and officers for their excellent involvement in the community, serving children and veterans. He stated “Lodges like Eureka with your 1400 members are shining examples of what the order of Elks stands for. Elks investing in their community through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug free, meet the needs of today’s veterans and improve the quality of life”. Logan serves eight Elks Lodges , from Vacaville to Crescent City. Pictured from left to right; District Deputy, Randall Logan and Lodge Exalted Ruler, Scott Reinsmith.

January Historical Events

BPOE Historical January Events

The creation of the Grand Lodge was approved by membership in
January of 1871. Charter Number 1 was issued to New York and
Charter Number 2 was issued to Philadelphia. The incorporation of
Grand Lodge was enacted by the State of New York in March of the
same year. Grand Lodge requirement was to be a PER, Past Exalted
Ruler.

The Life Magazine edition of January 15, 1941 publishes the Elks
presentation of The Uncle Sam Poster to President Franklin D.
Roosevelt.

The Elks National Defense and Public Relations Commission becomes
the Elks War Commission on 4 January 1942.

Elks membership in 1871 was 243 and Elks membership in 1968
during the Elks Centennial was 1,452,187.

Most notable historical events are attributed to the Grand Lodge
year in which they occur and there have been millions of events.
The Millionth Elk was Raymond Cole of Bay City, Michigan, Lodge
No. 89.

Greg Rill

December Historical BPOE Events

In 1871 Article A of The Constitution set the 2nd week in December as the Annual Session and the 2nd week in June as the Semi-annual Session.

In 1889 the Forty-First Session designated and dedicated the first Sunday in December to be celebrated as a “Lodge of Sorrow.” The Grand Lodge Session of 1890 then designated and dedicated the first Sunday in December as “Elks Memorial Day.”

The Elks War Commission opened an Elks Fraternal Center in New York City on December 11, 1943.

Elks National Foundation offices were moved from Boston to the Elks Memorial Building during the month of December 1966.

Written by Greg Rill

National Veterans Remembrance Month

The Civil War ended with the Ceasefire Agreement by General Robert E. Lee on 9 April 1865, concluded with Ceasefire Agreement of the Shenandoah on 6 November 1865 and was formally declared over by President Andrew Johnson on 20 August 1866. The United States at that time was rebuilding and working to bury the strife and bloodshed that had so divided the country.

Two years later an event occurred which has helped shape and support the United States of America. On 16 February 1868 a group of people laid the foundation for The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Since that event and through numerous wars and conflicts Elks have made contributions to support veterans, their families, and their children. Words alone cannot describe the support Elks have for veterans. Such is a testament of the honor of the B.P.O.E.

Grand Exalted Ruler Francis M. Smith in 1972-73 issued a proclamation naming November as Elks Veterans Remembrance Month. The Elk tradition recognizes veterans for their service and common pledge: “to support and defend this country.”

Members are encouraged to participate in Elk activities and if interested, in Elk Veterans activities.

Greg Rill, Past Elk of the Year

2nd Annual Car Show

Eureka Elks Lodge No.652 & local Veteran’s held its second annual car show on Saturday, September 25th. Over 50 vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles were on display. Cost was $20.00 per vehicle. All proceeds go to assist local veterans with meals, groceries, transportation and personal needs. Also, they go to help those veterans that are shut-ins.

Christmas Tree Ornament

David Eberhardt, a member of Eureka Elks lodge No. 652 and a member of Redwood Roamers RV group, created a copper ornament to be placed on the U.S. Capital Christmas Tree, which will grace the West Lawn of the U.S. Capital in Washington D.C for the holiday season. The tree will require nearly 4,000 large ornaments. Eberhardt’s project took forty hours to complete. This piece was intricate in design and required the use of small tools to make the precise cuts along the way. David, an Air Force Veteran, drew inspiration from his adventures enjoying a lifetime of exploration on the North Coast. Our community is honored to have his ornament displayed on the “Peoples Tree” this holiday season. Pictured from left to right: Lodge Exalted Ruler, Scott Reinsmith and Ornamented Creator, David Eberhardt.