We're down to the wire for Charity Ball ads!

Just a quick reminder that the submission deadline for ads for this year's journal is September 29. This is so I have time to do any design work that will be needed. If you're planning to put in an ad, please turn your form and materials in before that date. We're doing a full color book again this year so I really appreciate all of you who are using photographs and colorful ads.

Please note that either our volunteer photographer, Glenn, or myself will be at the lodge on Saturday evening to take some last-minute pictures so if you'd like to have your picture taken, let me know.

Thanks for your support.

Janis

Plan to attend the VP and DD Visitation on October 4th

Our lodge is hosting District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Bob Maxey and South District Vice President Bob Rankin on Saturday, October 4th. There will be a short meeting at 2:45 with Opening, Closing and Initiation but no business will be transacted. Elks and non-Elks are welcome. A social hour will follow the meeting, then dinner will be served at 5:30. Dinner is free but you must sign up in advance or call the lodge at 305-270-8283 to make your reservation.

Note: if you would like to place an ad in the Charity Ball Journal this year and would like to have your picture taken, our resident volunteer photographer, Glenn Tekerman will be on hand for this event. It's the perfect opportunity to come and support the lodge and arrange for a photo op at the same time. You don't even have to notify Glenn in advance; just show up looking pretty and he'll do the rest. :-)

(This is the one exception to the deadline, which is September 29.)

Greetings from San Francisco Lodge #3

We visited the SF Elks Lodge #3 today, which turned out to be a short walk from our hotel. It occupies the third floor of the Kensington Park Hotel at 450 Post Street - just steps away from Union Square.

The elevator buttons. Notice the Elks Spa selection. They have a state-of-the-art fitness center.

The sign over the door when you get off the elevator.

The glass background behind the bar.

One view in the bar area.

Oil painting of the current Exalted Ruler.

The antique cash register they have displayed under glass.

Another view of the cash register.

A stained glass door in the bar area.

One of the many photo displays in the lodge - this one is for the ENF.

They have several mounted Elk heads.

Two of the antique ribbons in a huge collection on display there.

The Exalted Ruler's station.

The view in the main hallway between the bar and the lodge room.

More of the antique ribbons and pins they have on display.

This collection contains lodge memorabilia from all over the US and Puerto Rico.

One wall in the lodge room. The ceilings are very ornately carved wood.

There were just a few people there having lunch and unfortunately we didn't get a tour of the entire facility, but we did wander around the main area and take a few pictures. Check out their website to see better pictures and learn more about this beautiful historic lodge: San Francisco Elks Lodge #3.

- Janis and Jeff

Don't miss Casino Night!

This year's Grand Prizes include:

• Two airline tickets from Gulfstream International Airlines - $550 value
• Bonefish Grill - basket with dinner for ten - $600 value
• 32” flat screen high definition TV

...and many, many more fabulous prizes. Be there Saturday night!

Are you ready for some football??

UN-LABOR at The Lodge on LABOR DAY

Come on over to The Lodge on Labor Day, Monday, September 1st for a good ole cookout & Pot Luck. Starting @ 4PM we will be serving Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Corn-on-the-Cobb, etc. etc. for a nominal fee. Please bring a "Covered Dish" for everyone to enjoy too ! (that's the best part). We'll spin some CD's & maybe even do some Karaoke

Of course The Lounge will open @ 11:00AM. The serving line will close no earlier than 6PM.

See ya !

Discovery of JOD unearths a Bounty of Beans

Well it finally happened ! That sneaky old Jack of Diamonds was discovered on Thursday, August 14th by good member Christine who picked envelope #14 (a coincidence ?) & collected a boatload of beans. Christine became an Elk 5 months ago & has been participating in our Thursday event ever since. She told everyone in the crowded Lounge that the beans will pay for her new hurricane shutters. Congradulations Christine !!!.

A fresh new game of Jack of Diamonds will start Thursday, September 4th. The drawings are always at 9:00PM sharp !!. The cost is $5 per week, paid monthly. See Ella Mae to enter.

KARAOKE RETURNS !!!!! September 6th

Mark those calendars !!! Karaoke @ THE LOUNGE will return Saturday, September 6th.
The previous engagement was a huge success & we inticipate another great turnout. The talent range is incredible, from crooners to amateurs to .. ????

Eddie Rhodes & Mike Myers will be managing the technical side. The only other ingredient we will need is you & your talented singing voice.

Don't forget that Saturday nights are STEAK NIGHT. For $15 you can enjoy a 12oz steak with baked potato & veggie of the day. It also includes Soup & Salad. We have a great & inexpensive wine list too ! (Other menu options are available)

So, even if you don't sing it's still a great show to watch & listen. Come on out & join us.

Show starts @ 7:30PM.

A CALL TO ALL MIAMI ELKS 948 VETERANS

Dear friends, as you may know by now, we are planning a very special celebration on November 15th, 2008 to honor all of you for your courage, sacrifices and loyalty to your country.

I am please to inform you that a Wall of Honor will be displayed permanently in our lodge with your name, branch of service, rank & military campaign participation (if any).

In order to do that, I will need your name and service information. Please, if you have not contacted me yet, do so ASAP.

Nivia Myers
Activities Committee Chairman
305 6134165 or 305 2745521
Email address is: NCARTA63@Yahoo.com

To everyone, please plan on attending a special gathering honoring ALL Miami Elks 948 Veterans on Saturday, November 15th. There will food, entertainment & dancing all with a military theme. More details to follow.

Nivia

Mark your calendar...

Advance notice and flyer courtesy of Marie Grime.

So long, Kathy... we'll miss you!

Last Saturday Kathy Beers spent a little time in the lounge saying good-bye to everyone before she left for Inverness on Sunday. She was serenaded by a merry band of guys who came up with a special song just for her and we all wish her well as she starts this new chapter of her life. The lodge is just not going to be the same without you, Kathy.

Oh yeah - she did send an email saying that she has a guest room so look her up some time!

DD and VP Visitation at South Miami

We had a great time at the DD and VP Visitation at the South Miami Lodge on Saturday. Dinner was pork with new potatoes and veggies and chocolate cake for dessert. The Biehler boys (sons of Inner Guard Jefry Biehler and his wife Paula) were drafted into service to help with the dinner and they did a fabulous job. They served up the food very professionally and even rolled up their sleeves and washed dishes after the event.

Bob Rankin and Bob Maxey spoke after dinner. Both congratulated Annabelle, who was initiated earlier in the day, on becoming a member of the lodge and stressed that new members are the lifeblood of the lodge. Congratulations, Annabelle! We're happy to welcome you into Elkdom.

Here are some pictures from the day. (There were a few 948 members there who got away before I could get a picture, like the Rauches, Bill Henderson and Ginger to name a few.)