MA Elks Association Informational Special Update
Massachusetts Elks Association
Email Informational Special Update - 6-16-09 
Today is: National Hollerin' Contest Day in the United States
Born on this Day in 1907 - Jack Albertson, Malden MA, actor (Thin Man, Chico & the Man)
 
MA Elks Webpage - http://www.masselks.org/
 
 
 
Thank You from  the President  & 1st Lady Jim and Mary Strojny
 
Mary and I would like to take this time to Thank each and everyone who attended this year's convention at SeaCrest.  It was an unforgettable time for both of us. 
 
Thank you to Convention Chairman Tony Piccolo, Jim Fuller and David Charbonneau for the professional way in which they ran the convention (especially with another convention at the hotel during the week).  We had many compliments on the meals, especially the Saturday Cocktail Party and Dinner. 
 
We would like to first start with our hospitality room, we don't know what we would have done without Denise & Craig Shurtleff, Karen Norton, Tim Avelino, Nancy Kelly, Barbara Lynch and all the members of the Lodges of the South District, along with everyone else who donated either their time or items for the room.  A "Tip of the Antlers" to Falmouth Lodge Treasurer George Cary for all his help in getting us the best price for what we needed. We received many positive remarks for the way the room was handled.
 
To Joe Silvia for being my installing Officer, along with Danny DeGregorio, Lou Connolly, John Capitao and Jack McHale for their roles in the installation.  It was nice to be surrounded by such good friends.  And to all of you who attended the Installation, we both were overwhelmed with the turnout.  We wish nothing but the best to all the Officers installed and to all who will serve with us, in the year to come.   Mary and I again, wish health and happiness to Junior Past State President Bill and Bette Reilly, they certainly gave their all to our Association this past year.
 
And finally, to everyone who donated to the wonderful banner that will be displayed proudly throughout the year.
 
In fear of forgetting anyone, we want again, to thank each and everyone who took time out of their personal lives to come down and either vote or just to support the convention.  Especially to our dear friend Bob Hinton, who's goal was to get healthy enough to make it down to see me installed and now we both believe in miracles, as he was there.  God bless you and Alice for always being their for us.
 
To steal a catch phrase from the late Past Grand Exalted Ruler Arthur Mayer.  "It is great to be an Elk, but it is even greater to be an Elk from Massachusetts", no truer sentiment, could express how we both feel after this past weekend.
 
Your Humble Servants,
 
Jim and Mary Strojny
 
Report from the MA Elks Blood Donor Committee 
 
 
The MA Elks Blood Donor Committee ran it's first Blood Drive at the state Convention last weekend. We collected 16 pints of blood. We are going to try and make some changes for next year and will be back next convention.

Thanks to all who gave Blood, volunteered their time to work the drive and to Tony Piccolo for his help !!!!

Without you this would not have happened

THANKS
Dracula - AKA Tom Muldoon
2009 Grand Lodge Ritual Contest Update
 
A Change in the time that the MA State Ritual Champs (Saugus/Everett Lodge #642) will be performing on Saturday the 4th of July it will now be at 11:00 AM. at the Grand Lodge Convention in Portland, OR. 
 
If you are arriving at the Grand Lodge Convention in Portland before July 4, 2009, please consider watching them perform as they compete with hopes of bring home a national title. Remember they are your State champs and they are not just competing for themselves but for the entire state
 
If you do decide to take in the Ritual contest do not forget your membership card (they won't let you in the room to watch the contest without it) and please be there at least 10 minutes before the team goes on, they shut the door 5 minutes before and won't allow anyone in once the door closes.

Fraternally
Ken Rice PER DDD
State Chairman
Ritual Excellence Committee
 
 

Reminder – MA Elks Annual Senior’s Golf Tournament

 

There are still openings for the MA Elks Annual Senior's Golf Tournament, which will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at the Ridder Farm Golf Club, E. Bridgewater, MA.  With the Awards and Dinner to be held at the Randolph Lodge #2130.  All for only $100.00 per golfer.  Please consider playing or sponsoring a hole.

 

Click on the links below to bring up the applications online

 

Seniors Golf Tournament Sponsor Form
Seniors Golf Tournament Player Form
Reminder “ELK ON THE TRAIL” ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE This Saturday

 

Dear Exalted Ruler and Members,

 

The 86th Anniversary of the “Elk on the Trail” Ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 20th, 2009 at 12:00 PM.  It will be held at the Elk Memorial on Whitcomb Summit, Route 2, in Florida, Massachusetts.

 

This is the only State Association sponsored Veteran’s Memorial Program.  Please help us honor our deceased Veterans by attending this very important service.  All members, families, and guests are invited to attend.

 

As in past years, we are asking that each Lodge send a representative to the service, and participate in honoring our deceased Veterans by bringing a small wreath (preferably artificial as it will be there all year) representing their lodge.  Upon arrival please register so that you will be included in the Ceremony.

 

The Greenfield Lodge # 1296 will again be serving breakfast at their lodge on Saturday morning for those who wish to arrive early and relax before “climbing the mountain”.

 

The dress of the day will be jacket and tie.

 

Dinner will be served at the North Adams Lodge #487 immediately following the ceremony.

 

Since the weather can sometimes be on the cool (or wet) side, please bring a jacket or sweater along with a lawn chair if you wish to sit.

 

In case of rain, the service will be held at the North Adams Lodge.

 

Fraternally,

Douglas A. Merrick, P.D.D.

State Chairman, “Elk on the Trail”    

Chelmsford Lodge Holds First Initiation in New Facility

 

Chelmsford Lodge #2310 held its first initiation in their new Lodge on June 10, 2009.  Eleven new members were initiated into the order by the PER’s of the lodge.  

The lodge was honored to have several by several elk dignitaries attend their 1st initiation, Walter Catton DDGER, Lou Connolly PGC, Ray Metcalf SD, Joe Balestrieri PSP, Don Dewar 1VP, Harry See Esq. and several visiting PDD from other lodges.