Category: Columns

As we turn the calendar to November, let’s remember our Veterans and all the sacrifices they have made and are making to ensure our freedom. Take the time to thank a Veteran! And, this is the month for Thanksgiving – to be thankful for our families and our Elks family. On Sunday, November 18th, we’re having a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for all those who won’t be able to have dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Officers and volunteers of the lodge will be cooking and serving. For those who need a ride to the lodge, let us know. Other November events are listed elsewhere in this edition of Herd Talk.

Because of the November holidays, we have moved a regular lodge meeting. We normally meet on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. The third Wednesday happens to be the day before Thanksgiving, so we moved it to the following week. Therefore, in November, our regular lodge business meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 7th, and a regular business meeting and initiation of new members will be held on Wednesday, November 28th. Refer to the calendar elsewhere in this Herd Talk for times and details.

Please remember that the office is closed from noon until 12:30 pm Monday through Friday. Another issue we’re working on is the problem of people moving “reserve” signs after they are set on dining room tables. These tables are set for the amount of people who have made reservations to sit at these tables. Please do not move these signs once they are set. If you need more than one table, please let us know and we’ll try to seat you all together. We want to accommodate your wishes, but need to make sure other members have room as well.

Recently, at our District’s Leadership Conference in Ukiah, we received the honor of hosting the 2019 District Jamboree in August, 2019. What a way to show off our beautiful lodge to the rest of the District and to show them a Humboldt County good time!
As the holidays are now upon us, take part in as many lodge events as you can. Together, we’re Elks!
Dennis Hunter, Exalted Ruler

As the year 2018 heads into its final quarter, we enter an extremely busy and fun time of the year at our lodge. Starting with our annual Oktoberfest on October 6th, we have many activities planned over the next few months. The success of Eureka Elks Lodge #652 is totally tied to our volunteers. All meals are prepared and served by volunteers. The "adult beverages" you enjoy are served by volunteer bartenders. When you enter the lodge for an event, you’re greeted by volunteer door tilers. And, volunteer cashiers and ticket takers are there to accept payments by you and your guests.

We need your help. Please take the opportunity to volunteer for your lodge. Training for cashiers and ticket takers will take place on Tuesday, October 9th at 6:00 pm and training for door tilers will take place on Thursday, October 11th, at
6:00 pm. We’re asking that all cashiers, ticket takers and door tilers, experienced or not, attend their respective training sessions. We’ve also scheduled a training class for those who would like to become volunteer bartenders. This class, led by Jan Belarde, will be held on Sunday, October 14th, at 10:00 am. More details on this class are elsewhere in this Herd Talk. If you’ve never volunteered for any of these positions, this is the chance to be trained. All these positions provide an excellent opportunity to meet and greet your fellow Elk members.

Back in 1868 – 150 years ago – the Elks fraternal organization began with just a few volunteers. In 1901, our own Eureka Elks Lodge #652, started with volunteers leading the way. Now, in 2018, we are still one of the most popular Elks Lodges in Elkdom because of all our volunteers. The next time you’re at the lodge, be sure to give our volunteers a pat on the back for all their efforts on your behalf. Or, better yet, become a volunteer yourself. Together, We’re Elks!
Dennis Hunter, Exalted Ruler