PER Appreciation Dance

Everyone had a great time Saturday night at the PER Appreciation dance. Bob Estelle's five piece band kept the crowd jumping and they even took requests for the last set. If anyone has other pictures to share, please post them.

Thanks to 948 Miami Lodge

Many thanks go out to Miami Lodge 948 for their outstanding effort in putting together the D.D. Clinic on Saturday August 11. The breakfast was fabulous - thank you Ed. As always you did a great job and you have a top notch crew! The groups were informative and I was proud to be there. Our Officers were equally impressed and we thank you all for your hospitality. We all agreed that togetherness and supporting each other's Lodges and their events is the best way to go and of course without a doubt, come on guys recuit new members! Joe Ortiz, our Florida State Vice President (VPAL) will be our State President next year (2008) and folks, we are the South District and it is up to us to represent well one of our own! Joe needs helps in hosting committees and campaigning. If you can lend a hand go see your Exalted Ruler because the Ruler will lead you to the right person. If you need Joe's email please email me at echo1676@yahoo.com and I will pass it on. We are Elks we take care of our own and Joe is one of our own. Lets rock and roll my friends!

- Dolores

Weekend Update

Friday

TGIF! There's something NEW happening with the dinner specials tonight so stop by and check them out. Don't forget to sample a selection from our newly expanded wine list while you're at it. Gonzo will be live in the lounge.

Saturday

The DD Clinic kicks off with breakfast at 10:00 AM. Besides the officers and committee chairs who must attend, any member who wants to learn more about the lodge is welcome.

At 8:00 PM, have a laugh with the improv group "They Improv". Proceeds from the event will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Sunday

It's MAGIC in the Crystal Room at 5:00 PM, featuring a family friendly buffet and table-top magic during dinner followed by a big show with three illusionists. $20 for adults, $15 for children under 11.

The horses have been put out to pasture

Better late than never... here are the results from the last Horse Race brought to us by the fabulous Harry Deveaux. The LCD TVs are paid off and the mortgage burning ceremony was held after the last drawing. (Did anyone get pictures?) We all owe Harry a huge debt of gratitude for all the work he did on this project.
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Buongiorno! It's going to be an Italian evening!

Nick Lamis hosted the second committee meeting for the 53rd Annual Charity Ball last night. We decided the theme will be (insert fanfare here: ta da!) - A Night in Venice. I'm chairing the Journal committee, Oscar Erice is in charge of Advertising and Mickey Rauch will head up the Decorating committee. Glenn Tekerman is getting quotes on the printing to find us the best deal possible and he's also going to take photographs of anyone who would like a picture to use in their personal ad.

Nick welcomes anyone who wants to help out with the Ball. This is a huge event and it will take a lot of effort to make it successful. If you couldn't attend the meeting and want to assist, email him at majornl@aol.com. The Decorating committee will meet on August 28 at 7:00 in the North Ballroom and other subcommittee meetings will be announced as they are scheduled. New members - this is a great chance for you to get involved with the lodge. It's fun to work on the party plans and you'll meet lots of friendly Elks in the process.

- Janis

A look at some artifacts from the Elks National Memorial

Wow... look at all the people on hand for the dedication of the Memorial back in '26

Military uniforms from a bygone era.

Another military jacket.

This Wings comic (Fighting Aces of War Skies) was only 10 cents.

Some of the many elaborate Elks pins on display. They have ribbons, photos, timepieces and moving parts.

Elks magazines from a looong time ago.

Invitation for dinner. The year is not specified but dinner was only $1 and that included live entertainment by the Old Adeline Quartette.

Two of the old cards in the display case. These were part of a personal collection.

Invitation from the Centennial Celebration in 1968.

Let's have a closer look here. In the not-too-distant past all Elks were men who were welcome to bring "their lady" to social events.

A very cool Elk logo. This is from a collection of sheet music.

Elks National Veteran's Memorial

As Elks we’re asked to contribute our time, effort and even money for the betterment of those around us. You can imagine my surprise, and even joy when Janis and I visited the Elks National Memorial in Chicago the other day. The building, which was erected in 1924 as a monument to our veterans, is especially cogent in today’s world. It was a source of enormous pride when it was constructed and I found it to be not only impressive, but a true expression of the love and dedication we feel for the nation’s military service personnel, past and present. This was the first stop on our tour of Chicago and it made a lasting impression. I never realized how big the structure is nor how magnificent the inside of the rotunda is. The monument is 100 ft. tall and the rotunda is 80 ft. across. Stained glass windows line the inside walls and reliefs are painted everywhere depicting various scenes from WWI and representations of the charges delivered by the chair officers during initiation. Four large, gold statues representing the four principles of the Order stand guard around the rotunda and artifacts from the wars and conflicts our service personnel have been involved in over the decades are displayed all around the rotunda as well. The ceremonial Office of the Grand Exalted Ruler is also in the building. The national offices of the BPO Elks USA are also located there. Downstairs there are several large frames hanging on the walls with thousands of lodge pins and other artifacts of Elks lodges throughout history. Although the monument is a fairly quiet place, it is a living museum and a tribute to all Elks for their continued perseverance in the job of making our veterans one of the main concerns of our Order. The monument is really breathtaking and every Elk should visit it if they are in Chicago. In fact, you may want to use that as an excuse just to come to Chicago. I promise you, it’s worth the trip.

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- Jeff

Mary Kay for Maria in August

Hellooo ladies! I've been trying to think of a way I could do something nice for Maria Subires since she was in the hospital awhile back and I've got an idea. I'm going to do a special Mary Kay promotion for the first two weeks of August that will be just for Maria. All of the profits from all catalog sales for that period will go to her. Actually, I'll round it off to 50% of all sales. If someone orders $20 worth of products, she'll get $10. On a $100 order, she'll get $50. There is no limit. I'll leave some catalogs in the bar and anyone who is interested can browse through them. The promotion will run through August 15. It's not easy to have a setback and lose income while the bills still pile up (believe me, I know how it feels!) so this is my way of helping out a little.

Maria, it's good to have you back behind the bar. Hope you're feeling much better these days.

- Janis

Get your tickets early... you know who to call!

Pool Party details anyone...?

The 948 poolside potluck was yesterday... anyone want to tell us how it was and maybe post some pictures? All contributions are welcome!

- Janis

The results are official!

Here are the winners for the next-to-last Horse Race. Next week Harry and Mike will draw the very last set of winners in the lounge at 9:00 PM. Stick around for the ceremonial burning of the TV Mortgage immediately afterwards. This was a big project for Harry that took a lot of time and effort and we all appreciate the work he's put into this. He's ready for a well deserved break.

Friday Dinner Specials - read all about 'em!

Tonight in the dining room you can choose from the daily specials or (as always) order from the bar menu.

Filet Mignon - special price: 19.00

Grilled Ribeye - 14.95

Sauteed Dolphin - 13.95

Churrasco - 13.95

Half Chicken - 11.95

Liver with bacon and onions - 8.95

All entrees are served with soup or salad and baked or mashed potato. The soup this evening is split pea and the vegetable is corn.

Don't forget to compliment your meal with a bottle of wine from our newly expanded wine list.

MAD Hoppers at Elks Lodge

Check out these swing dancers at the Raleigh, North Carolina Elks Lodge.

New members tonight!

Welcome to all of our new members who will be initiated tonight. (It's also the very first time our current team of officers will be doing the ritual.)

Stop by for dinner before the meeting. The specials tonight are:

• Lamb Stew
• Liver and Onions
• Half Chicken

- take your pick for $7.95.

See you at the lodge!

Janis

Fun for the family - a membership drive event!

Join us on Sunday, August 12 for Magic in the Crystal Room - a family dinner theatre show.

At 5:00 we'll serve up a family pleasing buffet with salad, lasagna, baked herb chicken, picadillo, rosemary roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, a vegetable medley, rolls and rice or chocolate pudding for dessert. During dinner, enjoy close up private magic shows at your table.

At 6:30 the main show will begin with FOUR amazing magic acts. $20 for adults and $15 for children under 11.

(Thanks to Marie Grime for providing this information.)

- Janis

TGIF - Dinner Specials for tonight!

Half Chicken $11.95

Pork Chunks $11.95

Sautéed Dolphin $13.95

Churrasco Steak $13.95

Filet Mignon (Special Price) $19.00

Hawaiian Ham $9.95

Shrimp Scampi $13.95

Liver & Onions $8.95

All specials are served with your choice of rice and beans, mashed potatoes or baked potato & plantains. Soup: White Bean

Gearing up for the Charity Ball

On Tuesday, July 10, Nick Lamis hosted the first meeting for the Charity Ball 2007 committee. We kicked around several ideas for the theme and so far it looks like we're leaning toward something along an Italian theme, such as A Night in Venice or Bella Notte (Beautiful Evening.) We had a small group so we agreed to postpone a final decision until we can get everyone together in August. Anyone who is interested in helping out should plan to attend the August meeting on the 7th at 7:00 PM. In the meantime, if you have any ideas for the theme (Italian or otherwise) please send them to Nick Lamis or post them here in the comments.

Pics from the dance!

Thanks to Glenn Tekerman who contributed all of these photos. Nivia was also snapping away and will be showing her slide show in the lounge tonight before the Jack O'Diamonds drawing. I appreciate all of you who showed up to support this event. (And nobody wanted to take home the coconut centerpieces... go figure!)
:-) Janis

These guys are the Moko Jumbies - stilt dancers who can do amazing feats waaay up high.

Get well soon, Maria!

Many of you already know this, but our bar manager Maria Subires has been very ill. She came home from the hospital yesterday and is slowly recovering after surgery. Because she's been out of work for quite awhile, there is a collection jar in the lounge and another in the dining room. If you have a chance, drop in whatever you can spare to help her out in this time of need. We all wish her a speedy recovery!

Jammin' the Calypso

We had so much fun at the Calypso dance! About 120 of you showed up to support the event and the rum runner machine was humming all night long. (Gina had her hands full trying to keep up with everyone.) The Moko Jumbies were a huge hit and the dance floor was pretty packed all evening. The band really enjoyed themselves, too, and said they'd love to come back and play for us again sometime. Glenn Tekerman took pictures so as soon as I get them, I'll post them here. Thanks to all of you who helped to make this event a success, especially Ed Rhodes, Ella Mae Shroyer, Harry Deveaux, Jim Gagas, Ralph Chislett and Adrian Burleigh. Thanks also to Virginia DiFede for contributing CDs for the breaks.

- Janis

Top Chefs – at the Elks Lodge

It was on last night!! Adrian & I watched it!

Yes, our Miami 948 Elks Lodge was on national TV. How exciting!

First, I would like to throw in some negative feedback…Adrian & I did not like the show. We are not talking about this particular show; we are talking about the ENTIRE show. What nasty chefs! And I did not care for the drama & the rivalry. But I guess that is what makes the show so popular. And from what I’ve heard, other seasons have been much worse. I don’t think we will be watching the show again, unless the Elks are on again!

But since this particular show was partially filmed at our Elks Lodge, we loved it! The chefs seemed to be very gracious & respectful of the Elks, even though the chefs were not thrilled over their assignment. The assignment was to cook a low cholesterol version of old fashion American meals. These meals were served to the Elks and the Judges, and the Elks had a chance to vote for their favorite.

IF YOU HAVE NOT WATCHED THE SHOW AND WANT TO KEEP THE SUSPENSE DO NOT READ THE NEXT PARAGRAPH, SINCE I WILL TALK ABOUT THE WINNERS.

The top two were the Chicken & Dumplings (Janis was at this table, and she loved the sauce) and the Pork Chops & Applesauce (the Elks liked this dish very much).
But who gave Micah a “yuck” for her Meatloaf? I don’t blame you, and either did the judges. They asked her to pack her knives. So that was that.

But of course, the highlight of the night was the Elks Lodge. They showed the entrance and showed the chefs dragging their wares through our front doors, and they showed the chefs in the kitchen. It was great to see all the familiar faces. It was great to see the Elks reactions, and the close-ups! You Elks did a great job and deserve to be “Top Elks”. Thank you for putting our Lodge on the map (or at least on nationwide TV)!

See you at the Lodge!

Sylvia

State President David Lake Visit

On behalf of Bob Maxey, South District Vice President, below is information regarding the upcoming Florida Elks State President Visitation. What a great chance to meet the our State President and enjoy the beauty of the Keys!

The South District and host lodge Florida Keys Lodge #1872 welcome President David Lake and his wife Kathy, for their official visit on July 27th and 28th with Vice President at Large, Joseph A. Ortiz and his wife Rita accompanying them.

On Friday afternoon, July 27th upon the arrival of the President's party, we will open the Hospitality Room at Pelican Cove Resort, 84457 Old Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036 approximately at 4:00p.m. until we depart for Marathon at 5:00.

For anyone wishing to attend, the Marathon Lodge # 2139 will host a dinner dance for the President and his party, with a cash bar at 6:00 pm. A stuffed pork chop dinner will be served at 7:00. Tickets are $10.00 per person. We plan to leave the Pelican Cove resort at 5:00 p.m. in order to get to Marathon on time. Dress will be business casual.

Saturday Morning a Continental Breakfast will be served from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the hospitality Room at Pelican Cove Resort. The Presidential party will take an Eco-Boat tour on the Islamorada Queen out of Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada at 10:00 a.m. and return at 12:00 noon. The cost of the trip is $39.00 per person. Lunch can be purchased at the Tarpon Grill at the Marina. After lunch we will return to Pelican Cove and everyone will be at their leisure until time to go to evening dinner.

Christmas in July will be celebrated Saturday evening at Florida Keys Lodge #1872 in Tavernier with a cash bar at 6:00 p.m. A Christmas dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. consisting of turkey and dressing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes/gravy, rolls, cranberry sauce, pies and ice cream, iced tea and coffee.

After dinner we will have a gift exchange. Anyone wishing to participate in the gift exchange should bring a gift of their gender or a generic gift. (Man / Man, Lady / Lady). Tickets will be given out to each person that brings a gift. Ticket numbers will be called at random out of a hat. More will be explained at time of drawing. Lots of fun will be had by all. Bring something that you would like for yourself. Dress will be business suits and/or business casual.

If you would like to spend the weekend at Pelican Cove Resort in Islamorada, it is located 84457 Old Overseas Hwy. The room rates are as follows:

Standard room with one queen bed and sofa sleeper or two queen beds Elks rate $150.00 plus 11.5% tax per night

Efficiency with full kitchen, one queen bed and sofa sleeper Elks Rate $175.00 plus 11.5% tax per night

Jacuzzi Suites Elks rate $225.00 plus 11.5% tax per night

Reservations may be made by calling 305-664-4435: or fax 305-664-5134. Tell them you are an Elk. If there are any questions about your reservations, our contact person is Ms. Cathy Salvatori .

We hope you can spend the weekend with us. Reservation Form is attached.

Fraternally,
Bob Maxey
Vice President, South District