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Exalted Ruler’s Column – December 2018

’Tis the season to be jolly! But, as we celebrate the month of December, we also remember our Elks brethren in Paradise, CA. The Elks Lodge in Paradise is completely gone and brother and sister Elks are without homes. As our Ritual dictates: “The hands of every Elk on the face of the earth will be stretched forth (to you) in a spirit of fellowship and to relieve your distress should you be overtaken by adversity and misfortune.” To that end, your Eureka Elks officers and Board of Trustees stepped up to the plate to help those Elks in need. Our lodge sent $5,000.00 to the Paradise Lodge. In addition, our Past Exalted Rulers voted to send an additional $2,000.

If you would like to make a contribution, you may send a check to the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project Emergency Disaster Fund (CHEMPI EDF). They will see that the funds are allocated appropriately to those in need. Remember – Your contributions are tax deductible! Send checks made payable to CHEMPI to: CHEMPI, 5450 E. Lamona Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727-2224. You may also make credit card donations by calling 559-255-4531. At this time, they are only able to accept monetary contributions.

The month of December is busy and filled with special holiday events. Please read the Herd Talk and make plans to attend. Tickets are on sale now for the New Year’s Eve Party. Make your reservations early for a table. Prime Rib Dinner will be prepared by Dan and Starlene.

To honor those fellow Elk members who have departed, please join us for our Annual Memorial Service on Sunday, December 2nd at 11:00 am in the Lodge Room. With the holidays approaching, please pause to remember our Veterans and give thanks. Without them and their sacrifices, we would not have a country that is free with choices to make a better life.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
God Bless You All
Dennis & Karen Hunter, Exalted Ruler & First Lady

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Leading Knight – December 2018

Greetings!
I would like to apologize to those who signed up for the Men’s Fashion Show and to the men who so graciously volunteered to be models. As you know we had to cancel this annual event for lack of support. This was to be a fundraiser for Major Projects. Major Projects gives assistance to disabled children. It finds speech therapist, vision specialists and physical therapists to mention some of the benefits it affords needy children. I will get off my “soapbox” now.

We are headed into the holiday season and this is always a very busy time of the year for our lodge. Every weekend and many week days are booked for a party of some sort and that means as a “volunteer club,” we are going to need help. This is an excellent way to meet your fellow members and many times you will know the people who are attending the parties. Please call the lodge or call or email me and I will help you to get hooked up to volunteer.

Remember December 15th is the Elk’s Christmas Party for your children and grandchildren. Call the lodge and sign them up so you and yours can join in the fun of Christmas and Santa Claus!!! Don’t forget New Years at the lodge. Look for more information in this issue of the “Herd Talk.” Don’t forget VALENTINES DAY at the lodge. Bring your sweetie for a romantic evening!!!

Your Leading Knight,
Gwen Carroll, Leading Knight

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Veterans Committee – December 2018

On November 9th the Eureka Elks Veterans Committee sponsored the R.E.D Friday BBQ with the Eureka VA Clinic. At this event we were honored to have the Mad River Honor Guard presenting our national colors, Betsy Totten singing the national anthem and pieces by Eureka Vet Center of the “Missing Man” table, Eureka VA Clinic with the Meaning of R.E.D Friday and a celebration of the Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day.

I want to take a moment to thank some of our sponsors like Eureka Dutch Brothers, United Grocers, Franz Bakery, Eureka VA Clinic, Carbonneau Tile, Arcata and Eureka VFW, and the Eureka Vet Center. A huge thank you to all the volunteers and Committee Members that came out to help. We would not be able to put on such a successful event if it were not for our Volunteers. A special thank you to Kevin Christie for all your preparation in the kitchen. This year we served 196 Veterans and family members for this event. Thank you again everyone, for all your hard work. We look forward to next year.

Respectfully,
Casey Stephens, Chaplain
US Army, Ret. Veterans’ Committee Chairman

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Redwood Roamers – December 2018

The Roamers held a meeting on November 7th. A report was given on the outing to Benbow RV Park on November 1st – 4th . Thursday evening we had a potluck dinner, afterwards we sat around two campfire rings. Friday started with a great brunch from 9-11 am. Some Roamers went shopping in Garberville, some played washers and cribbage, others took a ride to Shelter Cove. Friday evening the Roamers who live in the Garberville area put on a great Thanksgiving dinner. It included a smoked turkey, homegrown ham and all the fixings. There were 55 Roamers and guests for dinner. After dinner we had three fire rings going. Saturday started with brunch again put on by our trailblazers, Darrell, Teresa and Denise Gillette. Everyone was on their own until 3:30, when we went to the drive thru tree in Leggett. We had a group photo in front on the Chandelier Tree. After Leggett we attended the Piercy Volunteer Firemen’s fund raising BBQ. They put on a very good steak and chicken BBQ. This is their major fund easier for the year. Saturday evening we had four camp fire rings going. Bob Holt was the winner of the washers game and Bud Slagle barely came out on top in the cribbage tournament. Everyone had a great time and more than enough to eat.

Other business: the Roamer decorated a X-mas tree on November 12th and elected our new Wagonmaster Dale Stockly. The next meeting is December 5th at 4:30. Any lodge member who is interested may attend.

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Exalted Ruler’s Column – November 2018

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

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Leading Knight’s Corner – November 2018

Greetings!
It is November and you all know what that means…yeah Thanksgiving BUT also the Men’s Fashion Show!!!! November 17th, 5:00 cocktails and dinner at 6:00 with the Fashion Show to follow. The men of our lodge will be modeling very stylish attire and will also be presenting items for you to bid on! This is a fundraiser for Major Projects. Our own Silvia Vader will be cooking chicken and polenta. This evening promises to be both enjoyable for your tummy and your funny bone.

Remember in February we will be having our Sweetheart Dinner on the 14th. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. This will be by prepaid ticket only.

The CCW Class will be on November 10th at the Lodge. 8 AM, coffee and donuts will be available. Wishing you a safe and wonderful month of November.

Your Leading Knight,
Gwen Carroll, Leading Knight

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Chaplain’s Corner – November 2018

What a month we had in October! The Eureka Elks Lodge Veterans Committee participated in the year’s North Coast Stand Down. On Friday night the Veterans Committee provided and served meals for 320 Veterans and family members. On Saturday, the Veterans Committee served lunch for 409 Veterans and family members. Thank you to all that helped move clothing out to the Ferndale Fair Grounds on Thursday as well. A special thank you to Kevin Christie for heading up the meal preparations in the kitchen this year as well and a special thank you to Anne Poole for always going the extra mile and heading up the clothing donations and coordination for this event every year.

November 9th, 2018 is this year’s Eureka VA Clinic and Eureka Elks Lodge R.E.D. Friday BBQ. Ceremonies kick off at 12:00 (Noon) and will go until 3:00 pm. This event is open to Veterans. NO RSVP is required. Please come and join us in a day to ‘Remember Everyone
Deployed’ along with a special presentation Mad River Honor Guard and from the Eureka High School Choir. Lunch will be cooked by Kevin Christi and the Eureka Elks Lodge Veterans Committee. I hope to see all our Veterans there.
Respectfully,
Casey Stephens, Chaplain
US Army, Ret. Veterans’ Committee Chairman

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Redwood Roamers – November 2018

At the Redwood Roamers meeting on October 3rd the following report was given on the outing to Apple Hill:
A first of its kind caravan of Roamers left Eureka on Thursday September 27th for the Placerville area. When we turned east on Highway 20 we were spread out so as to not cause traffic congestion, but we congregated for lunch at the casino in Upper Lake. Upon arriving at Hwy 16 (Rumsey cutoff) we headed south toward Woodland with a destination of a Yolo County Campground on Cache Creek with no hookups (dry camp). This was a first-time experience for a few in the caravan, but all weathered the adversity with confidence and lots of support. Our evening meal of venison stew added to the adventure followed by dessert around the campfire.

Our destination of Placerville was selected for the experience of the Apple Hill Apple Festival and dinner at the Placerville Elks in Shingle Springs. We joined in the lodge’s fun activity playing Jenga during and after dinner with one of our crew being a winner at the game (more on this later). Saturday was an Apple Hill adventure day with apple strudel, apple turnover and apple everything day! A few of the Roamers left Sunday for home, some stayed another night before returning to Eureka and others ventured on for more RV adventure. As usual everyone had a great time and enjoyed the nightly campfires.

After arriving back in Eureka, the excitement of Jenga continued to the point of wanting to involve our lodge in the game. Bill Barton funded the purchase of a game for our lodge. The idea is to get it out and play it during dinner at BPOE #652. Come join in the fun and test your skill, strength and calm playing Jenga at dinner on a Wednesday evening soon.

The Roamers cooked breakfast at the lodge on October 21st. We had a great turnout, at least 120 turned out for the breakfast. The next outing will be to Benbow RV Park on November 1st – 4th. There are 22 RVs going on this outing. We will be decorating a Xmas tree at the Lodge on November 12th at 5pm.

The next Roamers meeting will be November 7th, at 4:30. Any lodge member who is interested may attend.

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Exalted Ruler’s Column – October 2018

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

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Secretary’s Corner – October 2018

Welcome new members: Frank Carpenter, David Kohl, Arvid Lacy, Kelly Pixley, Kathi Ray and Clint Stannard. Members ready for Balloting: Ruth Baker, Michael Bresnahan, Bryan Enloe, David Erquhart, Jack Justus, Larry Kinyon, Eric Murrell, Brenda Nevers, Linda Roberton, Shelby Schoenhofer and 2 Reinstatements, Patrick Blair and Todd
Coleman.
Ernie Nunes, PER, Lodge Secretary