Check out this Video!

I am inviting you all to check out this video and tell me what you think!

http://www.bornagainamerican.org/

The one thing that compelled me to join the Elks was the incredible sense of patriotism that presides amongst the members. It humbles me and it inspires me. I am new here, and I know I need to pull my weight. I am starting with this blog and perhaps we can get to know eachother. In a short while I will share with you some ideas I have. They involve music, guitars, veterans, and some amazing members at the lodge who have really served our local and national community honorably. I hope you enjoy the music! The site encourages local musicians to write, record and film their own versions. I am working on that... should be fun.

- Jane Walker

This is going to be a blast... get your reservations in now.

Hey... that's today! Come by and sample some wine.

One flyer, two versions

It doesn't matter who you root for (really) but come by the lodge and enjoy the game in living hi-def color on the four flat screen LCD tvs. The lounge opens at 4:00 and game time is at 6:00.

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Fun football quote for the day:
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If that had crossed the line it would have been a goal.

Gary Bloom

Latin Dance Night

The slide show above is from Nivia and here are some other pictures from the dance:

Nivia and her helpers did a wonderful job with this event! The food was awesome, the music was great and everyone had fun. Thank you, Nivia. We appreciate all you do.

Florida Elks Lodges online

Look over at the information panel on the right and scroll all the way down. I've added a list of all of the lodges in Florida (listed by District) who have a web presence other than the virtual home page on the Florida State Elks site. These are the lodges with their own websites or blogs so check them out when you have a little time to surf around - and feel free to share if you find any good ideas for our lodge!

- Janis

Our neighbor to the north: North Miami Lodge #1835

I think it's fun to see what other lodges are doing now and then, so click here to see North Miami's bulletin. They're hosting a big dinner on Friday, February 20 for our State President's homecoming.

- Janis

First Annual Travel Show

On Tuesday evening, January 13, the First Annual Travel Show will be held at the lodge. Admission is FREE and the following companies will be onhand to show us all what great opportunities are out there for travel right now.

Celebrity
Sandals/Beaches/Royal Plantation
RCCL
Gogo
NCL
Globus Gateway
MSC CRUISES
Club Med
Tradesco
Jamaica Tourist Board

Junior Orange Bowl 2008

Our Esteemed Lecturing Knight, Ron Simpson, provided these excellent shots of the crew at the Junior Orange Bowl parade, which was held on December 30, 2008. In attendance were several Elk dignitaries including our State President, Joe Ortiz and his wife Rita, our State Chaplain, Al Reker and Elroy the Elk! (That's Ron under the Elk suit. This is his second year being Elroy in the parade.)

So many kids and only one lap...

The Children's Holiday Party was held on December 20. Oscar Erice, our Esteemed Loyal Knight was in charge and many of our members helped with this event, including Nivia Myers and the lodge Activities Committee. Glenn Tekerman was on hand to shoot pictures and he has posted a link to a Snapfish album with just a few shots - 166 to be exact. Click here to see them all: Chlidren's Holiday Party at 948. I'm sure you'll agree that Manny Nicolaides made a dashing Santa and all of Santa's singing helpers were adorable in their dolphin Santa hats.

Note: if you would like copies of the pictures, you can either order a print directly from Snapfish or email Glenn Tekerman to get a full resolution copy of the digital file. When contacting Glenn, please tell him the file number of the picture(s) you want.

Edited to add: here are two pictures Nivia Myers took at the party. We should have that face painter come to our next black tie event.

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Happy New Year everyone!

Spend New Years Eve in the Crystal Room

State President Joe Oritz official visitation

Mark your calendars now... the weekend of February 20 will be very busy and very entertaining as the South District celebrates the homecoming visitation of State President Joe Ortiz and his wife Rita. Here are the events planned so far:

Friday, February 20

Welcome reception at the Hampton Inn
11600 NW 41 ST, Doral, FL
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Dinner at the North Miami Lodge #1835
12495 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL
6:00 pm
Includes your choice of steak or fish - $15 per person

Saturday, February 21

Golf with Joe - Country Club of Miami
6801 Miami Gardens Drive, Miami, FL
Tee Time - 8:30 am
$45 per person

Ladies Luncheon - featuring a vintage fashion show and professional make-up demonstration by Frank Ricigliano
Miami Elks Lodge #948
10301 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL
11:00 am
Includes your choice of crab or chicken salad - $12 per person

Homecoming Dinner
Miami Elks Lodge #948
10301 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL
6:00 pm - cash bar and hors d'oeuvres
7:00 pm - Caribbean flair dinner
Followed by music by Kim Bankston after the program
$15 per person

Please return your reservation form by February 12, 2009 to
Marathon Lodge #2139
8239 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
Attention: Bob Rankin

Christmas Trees of 948

In front of the dining room

In the lounge

The main lobby

Which is your favorite?

(Photos by Glenn Tekerman, Technology Committee Chairperson.)

The best way we can think of to spend a Thursday evening...

Cassandra Pont

Members All,

Cassandra Pont is a Senior at Immaculata-La Salle High School and has a big interest in the workings of American Government. She is a member of the Close Up Foundation which was formed in 1971 as a nonprofit that exists to educate and inspire young people to participate in our democracy. Cassandra is planning a trip to attend the Inauguration under the auspices of the Close Up Foundation and has asked the members of the Lodge for some financial assistance to help her realize that dream.

To donate on Cassandra’s behalf click this link http://www.closeup.org/About/Support.aspx then click on the “Sponsor A Student” link. Enter 245734 in the Participant ID box and click the Submit button. You will then have the opportunity to donate any amount you wish.

If you would prefer to donate with a check please make the check payable to the Close Up Foundation and put the name Cassandra Pont on the memo line. Please mail the check to:

Immaculata-La Salle High School
3601 South Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33133

Attn: Ms. Betty Estevez

The deadline to donate is January 9th, 2009.

Your donations are strictly voluntary. The Close Up Foundation is a registered nonprofit charity 501(c)3 organization and your donation may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor for details.

Thank you for your generosity to the youth of our community. God Bless and Happy Holidays!

This blog was posted with the permission of Exalted Ruler Milton Muller.

Jeffrey A. Muehlfeld
jmfeld@comcast.net

Lodge Hoop Shoot highlights - photos by Glenn Tekerman