Volume 52Edition 1

Michigan NON-PROFIT RATEU.S. Postage

PAIDSturgis, MIPermit #48

68838 Broadus, Suite ASturgis, MI 49091

Newsletter July 2019

A 5-Star Publication

News and Notes2

Officer messages3

Grand Lodge4-5

State News6, 9-10Lodge News

7-8

INSIDE

Organ donor awareness superstar6

BATTLE CREEK ELKS LODGE #131

Elks stock pantry for vetsBattle Creek Elks Lodge No. 131 recently

made a donation to the food pantry at Silver StarApartments in Battle Creek, which provideshousing for homeless veterans. The Lodgepurchased food and household items with fundsobtained through grants it received from theElks National Foundation. “It is the Elks’ mission to celebrate the service

that United States military veterans haveprovided to our country and we always standready to assist them in any way. The Elks havepledged ‘So long as there are veterans, theBenevolent and Protective Order of Elks willnever forget them’,” said Michigan ElksAssociation President Stan Chubinski.

Silver Star Apartments was the first low-income housing tax credit development inMichigan to provide permanent supportivehousing to homeless veterans, opening in 2009.It is located on the campus of the VeteransAdministration Medical Center in Battle Creek,which allows its residents convenient access tothe services and programs at the VA hospital. “Silver Star’s food pantry assists up to 60

veterans each month, sometimes more duringthe holidays and other special circumstances. Itwas a privilege to honor the service of theseveterans by helping stock the pantry,” said DonSmith, State Government Relations Chair andExalted Ruler of Battle Creek Elks Lodge #131.

Battle Creek Elks Lodge No. 131 recently made a donation to the food pantry at Silver StarApartments, which provides housing for homeless veterans.

THREE RIVERS ELKS LODGE #1248

Lodge helps provide custom seatCourtesy of Sturgis Journal

Three Rivers Elks Lodge #1248 has amission of purchasing specializedequipment for special needs children,and recently donated to Sarah Ridge ofSchoolcraft a bath seat with a liftattached.“It’s made our bath time routine

easier,” mother Kylee Ridge said. “Shecan get down in the water and splashher feet.”Sarah, 15, has 1p36 deletion

syndrome – meaning she’s missing thetip of her first chromosome – and has

undergone more than 20 surgeries. Shedoes not walk and is non-verbal.However, she enjoys music, singing,

dancing, going for walks outside, andeven mowing the lawn: pushing themower while Kylee pushes herwheelchair.James Woermbke, district vice

chairman for Michigan Elks, said thatonce a child is in the Elks’ system, theycan apply for a new piece of equipmenteach year starting in April.“We try to help everyone we can

help,” said Doug Steffey, Lodge majorprojects chairman.

Michigan

ELENA MEADOWS/STURGIS JOURNALWith Sarah Ridge, 15, recipient of a bath seat from Elks Lodge #1248, are clubmembers James Woermbke and Doug Steffey, her mother, Kylee Ridge, and hercaregiver, Meghan DeBacker.

MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER � July 20192

NEWS AND NOTES State officersPresidentChuck Oatten (Debb)514 East Saginaw St. Louis, MI 48880 Office: 989-463-1400Cell: 989-330-0535 E-mail: 1vp@mielks.orgAlma Lodge #1400

First Vice-PresidentJerry Alexie (Stephanie)32980 Redbud Pkwy Chesterfield, MI 48047 Home: 586-725-5567Cell:586-915-8104E-mail: 2vp@mielks.orgWarren-Sterling Heights Lodge #2292

Second Vice-PresidentJim Rowland9395 Whispering TrailTraverse City, MI 49686Home: 231-632-7711E-mail: 2vp@mielks.orgTraverse City Lodge #323

SecretaryKaren Cary (Mark)69410 St. Joseph RoadBurr Oak, MI 49030Cell: 269-358-0838Office: 269-651-5858E-mail: secretary@mielks.orgSturgis Lodge #1381Mail: MEA State Secretary, PO Box 793, Sturgis, MI 49091

TreasurerWalter Muellenhagen (Renaye)5800 Zue Road Cell: 231-632-1207Buckley, MI 49620E-mail:waltermuellenhagen@gmail.comTraverse City Lodge #323

ChaplainDennis White (Nancy)2691 Marion St 334Lewiston, MI 49756 Cell: 810-300-3124E-mail: whitegoldkey@aol.comGaylord Lodge # 2544

Sergeant-at-ArmsBert Knickerbocker (Theresa)5468 Wildwood Dr. Howell, MI 48843 Home: 517-545-2964Cell: 248-939-6182E-mail: btknick@comcast.netHowell Lodge #2168

TilerBob DeVries (Sara)283 Settlers Rd. Holland, MI 49123 Home: 616-990-2927 Cell: 906-458-5989E-mail: tiler@mielks.orgHolland Lodge #1315

Get Published in the Michigan Elks News!Send us your articles and pictures and show us what you’re proud of at your Lodge!

E-mail address: meanewsletter@mielks.org. Articles and hard copy photos may also be mailed to Karen Cary, Advantage Printing, 68838 Broadus, Suite A, Sturgis MI 49091.

Deadlines for submissions: March 15 for April publication; June 15 for July publication; Sept. 15 for October publication; Dec. 15 for January publication

Grand Lodge Convention Update

Mark your calendar for Tuesday,July 2 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. toattend the National DrugAwareness Program Seminar at theSt. Louis America’s CenterConvention Complex in the FerraraTheatre.

This is a call to action! We wantyou! Please join us for anopportunity to learn how the ElksDrug Awareness Program canboost your membership andstrengthen your community

Make the most of online tools

Has your Lodge promoted theonline Membership application forsigning up new Members? Throughelks.org, a current paid-up Memberof the Order can forward amembership invitation to familymembers and friends. Invitees cancomplete the application and submittheir membership applicationonline. Lodge Secretaries will benotified of these applications via the“Alerts” screen of CLMS2. Theythen can process the electronicversion the same as a paperapplication. All data provided by theapplicant will be imported into theLodge’s CLMS2 database with thesimple click of a button. What betterway to gain a Member than byusing technology to its fullest?

Gaylord Elks recentactivities

Recent activities by Gaylord ElksLodge #2544.

� Lodge hosted a Marchluncheon for 52 veterans.

� Lodge provided the Mayluncheon for 60 veterans.

MICHIGAN ELKS ASSOCIATIONFALL CONFERENCE

FRANKENMUTH BAVARIAN LODGEFRANKENMUTH, MI

OCTOBER 17-20, 2019

Join Michigan Elks in a celebration ofcharitable accomplishments throughoutMichigan. The Michigan Elks FallConference presents statewide reportsand exhibits of charitable events held inthe past year. Don’t miss this resource ofLodge and Charitable information fromElks Members throughout the state.

Scheduled Events include; MemberReception, Ladies Breakfast, MichiganElks Business Session, PSP/MemberLuncheon, Training Seminars, andPresidents Banquet.

Room and Banquet Forms available onthe Michigan Elks Website end of July.

Please Note! Room Reservationdeadline for MEA Room Block isSeptember 19, 2019.

Upcoming MEA Conventions;� Fall 2019 – Oct. 17-20 – Bavarian

Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth� Spring 2020 – May 14-17 – Kewadin

Resort, Sault Ste. Marie� Fall 2020 – Oct. 15-18 – Radisson

Plaza Hotel, Kalamazoo� Spring 2021 – May 20-23 – Kewadin

Resort, Sault Ste Marie� Fall 2021 – Oct 21-24 – Shanty

Creek Resort, Bellaire � Spring 2022 – May 19-22 – Kewadin

Resort, Sault Ste Marie� Fall 2022 – Oct 19-23 – Shanty

Creek Resort, Bellaire � Spring 2023 – May 18-21 – Kewadin

Resort, Sault Ste Marie� Fall 2023 – Oct. 18-22 – Radisson

Plaza Hotel, KalamazooIf further information is needed, please

contact a member of the ConventionCommittee;

Howard Diehl, PSP,diehlpsp@mielks.org

George Sermon, PSP,sermonpsp@mielks.org

Thank you, Stan and CherylChubinski, Chuck and Debb Oatten,all 4 of you were the best traveling

companions we could ask for, we enjoyedevery minute.

Cheryl thank you for being soorganized and all your convention wisdom,Stephanie and I really appreciateeverything you both have done. There was always an agenda to follow,

to keep us on the right track, how about asecond term? That would be interesting. I

wish you and Stan much happiness on yourretirement. It’s time to give the reins toChuck and Debb they will take it and runwith it and continue to move our GreatElks organization into the next chapter. Stephanie and I are looking forward to

our turn. We welcome Jim and JoanRowland who is joining us this year as our2nd Vice President. They have been a greathelp, especially in the preparation of theNational Convention.

The National Convention which is

being held in St. Louis, Missouri will beover by the time you receive thisnewsletter. We stayed at the Hyatt Regencynext to the Arch there were 82 roomsbooked with around 160 Michiganrepresentatives. Ladies breakfast was onMonday morning with Michigan Night onTuesday night at a restaurant called Calecoover 100 attended.Thank you to all E.R.sand Lodges that donated raffle prizes tohelp off- set the cost of the hospitalityroom. Each year expenses continue to

grow and we continue to fund raise, soplease continue to purchase raffle ticketsand Michigan shirts, that money goesdirectly to the hospitality room expense. Idon’t want to forget to thank the DD’s andthe E.R’s and anyone else that helped runthe hospitality room.Everyone have safe travel as you make

your way to your summer happy place,Stephanie and I look forward to visitingmany more Lodges this summer. Pleasesupport your Lodge.

Even though I’m the New Kid On TheBlock, I have already had the honor ofattending the awesome “Walleyes For

Warriors” Event, sponsored by Bay CityLodge #88. Over 120 boats, with 250 Veterans on

board, caught just under 1,700 walleye. “Walleyes For Warriors” president George

Lynch and his staff, put on a stellar event forthe benefit of our Veterans.I’ve also had the pleasure of golfing in the

South West District’s “Gold Key” event in

Kalamazoo and the North East Districts“Gold Key/Major Project” outing in Alma.We are looking forward to attending theother 4 “Gold Key” events, please check theMichigan Elks website for dates and times,we hope to see you there.

Joan and I are looking forward to assistingVP Jerry & Stephanie Alexie in hosting thehospitality room at the Nation Convention inSt. Louis. As this newsletter will bedelivered while we’re there, we hope all thatattended had a great time.

Iwould like to say Thank you to themembership of the Michigan ElksAssociation for electing me to represent

you this year as your State President. Anhonor I am grateful for, and will give you allmy best.I would like to see improvement in

donations to ENF, Major Project and GoldKey programs, along with taking care of ourVeterans. Fundraisers are a great way to raisemoney for these programs, and it gives yourmembership a reason to come out andsupport your activity.

We need to be visible in our communities,and let them know we are not just a drinkingestablishment. Have a membership drive anda small dinner, or a youth activity and inviteyour community to attend.We had 20 out 53 Lodges last year who did

not donate at all to the Elks NationalFoundation. This is who supports us financially. ENF

grants, are FREE money to use for yourcommunity. If you do not know how to fillout a grant application, ask you StateChairman Brad for assistance.

We will be traveling throughout the Statethis year, if your Lodge is having a functionand you would like the Presidents to attend,please contact me and I will do my best to tryand make it. Our travels are posted on the Michigan

web site so you can always look it up and seewhat dates are open, or where we will beheading to next.If any of you have any questions about the

activities we do as Elks, please go to thewebsite and look up the State Chairman forthat activity or your District Chairman and

contact them with your question. They willbe more than happy to assist you in any waythey can. Speaking of the website, severalLodges still are NOT using the e-mail., this isthe only way you are going to receiveinformation.If you need help with this, go the web page

and click on the help button, or contact one ofthe digital media individuals, theirinformation will be there. Your Audits are dueJune 30th, if you have not already done them.Have a safe and enjoyable summer and we

look forward to seeing you in our travels.

July 2019 � MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER 3

STATE OFFICER MESSAGES

Grateful for the honor to serve as president

CHUCK OATTENPresident

We’re looking forward to our turn in this new chapter

Having the honor to attend ‘Walleyes For Warriors’ and ‘Gold Key’ golf

JERRY ALEXIE1st Vice President

JAMES ROWLAND2nd Vice President

Working Together To Make A Difference waswhat we were hanging our hat on when this yearbegan.

A huge difference has been made thanks to everyone whopitched in.It has been a fantastic voyage these past 12 months.

Barb and I have toured the country and have seen thetremendous efforts put forth by our Local Lodge and stateleaders.Together, while making the difference, you have

reversed the membership trend and led us down a paththat needs to be followed. The books have been locked for2018-2019, and it’s official: The Elks have added a net

total of 94 Members, our first gain in 39 years.We need to ensure that we don’t rest on our laurels.

Membership needs to be a focus every day, so keepworking and keep the most recent trend intact.As your Grand Exalted Ruler, I have seen the many

programs that you are employing across our country to aid

our youth, military personnel, and veterans. The Elks runcamps and schools for those with special needs and haveworked to assist those in VA homes and hospitals.Together, you did make a difference.As this year comes to an end for Barb and me, we can

only hope your efforts continue to keep improvingcommunities across our country. Your hard work and dedication have inspired us. The memories of this year will never leave us and the

appreciation we have for those we have met shall notwane. You have inspired us and you have made the Order

better and stronger for years to come.

As this year comes to an end for Barb and me, we can only hope

your efforts continue to keep improving communities.

MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER � July 20194

GRAND LODGE

Teamwork will reverse membership trend

By Taylor Odisho ENF Communications Assistant

Each Elks Scholar Service Tripis a chance for scholars and alumnito travel to cities across the nationand learn, serve, and connect in thename of the Elks. In March, the Spring Service

Trip took the scholars and alumnito one of the “greenest” cities inthe world—Portland, OR—so it’snot a surprise that their greenthumbs were tested. The group worked with

environmental organizations likeGrowing Gardens, a Scholarsassist green nonprofits on servicetrip nonprofit that uses theexperience of growing food inschools, backyards, andcorrectional facilities to cultivatehealthy, equitable communities.The scholars landscaped a gardenthat will be used to teach hundredsof middle school students aboutthe biology of plants and theimportance of growing sustainablefood. “With these projects especially,”

said John Kavula, the Elks ScholarFellow tasked with coordinatingeach service trip, “it was easy to

take a step back at the end of theday and see how just a few hoursof work made a huge difference inhelping organizations continuetheir mission of caring for theworld they live in.” The group collaborated with

nonprofits that help the citycombat growing issues such aspoverty, hunger, andhomelessness. With Community of Hope, the

group cleaned and painted abuilding that houses single-parentfamilies experiencinghomelessness. They left it feelinglike a true home. The week ended with a night at

the Milwaukie-Portland, ORLodge No. 142. They shared ameal, danced the night away, andtoured the massive Lodge whilemaking friends with dozens ofElks. The Spring Service Trip was

another week spent improvingElks communities, strengtheningthe Elks family, and showing Elksscholars and alumni theimportance of altruism. Read more about the Spring Elks

Scholar Service Trip at enf.elks.org/2019SpringServiceTrip.

By Douglas A. Schiefer Committee Member

This marks the seventh year that your GrandLodge Activities Committee has been relyingsolely on elks.org as the source of all thematerial needed to implement a successfulYouth Recognition Program. All thecertificates, guidelines, nomination forms,posters, and news releases are available to allLodges, Districts, and State Youth ActivitiesChairs to download at elks.org/grandlodge/activities/downloads. cfm. Thecertificates are made “fillable” for you to typein the recipients’ names to create a moreprofessional-looking product.

Also at our web page is the “RecognizeAmerica’s Outstanding Youth” pamphlet,which contains an important message from ourGrand Exalted Ruler on the value and directionof our youth programs. It includes the contactinformation for all Grand Lodge ActivitiesCommittee Members and their areas ofresponsibility, plus the states they are assistingduring the fraternal year. Now is an excellent opportunity to contact

your local schools to review or start a youthrecognition program such as the Student of theMonth/Year and/ or Teenager of theMonth/Year. The Lodge Activities Committeeworks with school officials to administer theyouth recognition program so it’s ready tokick-off with the new school year.

The point of this program is to seek studentsand teenagers whose accomplishments deservepublic recognition and praise! The Activities Committee was proud to bring

you the new JROTC Awards Program at the2018 convention in San Antonio. Go to ourelks.org web page for suggested procedures onsetting up a JROTC Awards Program for yourLodge. You may also reference the onlineDecember 2018 GL Newsletter (pg.3) article,“JROTC Awards Program recognizes futureleaders.”

Your Activities Committee encourages eachLodge to develop a stellar Youth ActivitiesProgram and be a valued community partner.Promote numerous youth programs, thatinclude: Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot, JuniorGolf, Antlers, Boys and Girls Scouting,Dictionary Project, National Youth Week,Scholarships, Community Projects,Student/Teenager of the Month/Year,Sponsorship of Youth Camps and programs forspecial needs youth, the new JROTC AwardsProgram, and the Public Safety Medal ofValor/Service. Your GL Activities Committee looks forward

to helping you and your Lodge promote andperform all of the GL Activities CommitteePrograms in your community. Remember to always be positive and

enthusiastic as you share your time and talentspromoting and living our motto of “ Elks Care– Elks Share.”

ENF

Scholars assist greennonprofits on service trip

ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

How to honor brilliant students

MICHAEL T. LUHRGrand Exalted Ruler

July 2019 � MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER 5

GRAND LODGE

By Rick GathenMembership and Marketing Manager

“It is what it is” — Ever hear this saying? These are thewords of those who have surrendered themselves to losingmembership and written off the possibility of changing it.Instead, leaders replace this with “What if?”

� What if you appoint the right size MembershipCommittee to get the job done?

� What if you emphasize a business approach whenselecting your Lodge Membership Committee, andimplement an effective meeting agenda?

� What if you implement an effective Orientation agenda?� What if you implement an effective Lodge Relief

committee meeting agenda?� What if you implement effective campaigns for

recruitment, reinstatement, and billing and collection?� What if you begin with Membership Drive and ask

every Member every month to sponsor friends and familyinto your Lodge?

� What if you set dates to initiate new Members everymonth on a weekend and make it a celebration instead of atask?

� What if you implement the Membership Checklist onday one?Strategies for productive membership committee

meetings� Must meet regularly. Suggest weekly April through

June, then monthly.� Set goals to initiate 10% more members at the

beginning of the Lodge year.� The collection goal is to not drop more than 2% of the

Members for non-payment of dues.� Review and study the membership manual.� Discuss initiatives to publicize membership efforts.� Discuss Lodge bulletin, social media, and web site

messages to encourage Members to bring guests andprospective candidates to the Lodge.

� Publicize membership classes.� Discuss incentives and contests.� Discuss reinstatement opportunities and strategies.� Review Stray Elks.� Review delinquents and discuss collection strategies.� Review and evaluate the Orientation program.� Review Membership numbers and compare to goals.

MEMBERSHIP & MARKETING

Rethink what can bedone this year

By Michael T. Ohren Committee Member, Scouting Coordinator

For more than a century, the Boy Scoutsand Girl Scouts of America have helpedshape our youth by combining leadershipskills and educational activities, setting themup for a lifetime of success. Each year, hundreds of our future leaders

are honored with either the Boy ScoutingEagle Scout Award or Girl Scout GoldAward. These are the most distinguishedawards in Scouting and are the most difficultto earn. The Scouts Law states “A Scout is

trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly,courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty,brave, clean and reverent.” As Elks, weshould be ready to assist troop members inobtaining their goals. Your Lodge can do thisby working with your local scoutingcouncils, which can provide you with manyideas to support the troops in yourcommunity. This support could be financialassistance or just providing Lodges shouldhelp Scouts achieve a safe meeting place. Lodges can help their local Scouts by

donating their facilities for special eventssuch as hosting the Cub Scout PinewoodDerby, Father/Daughter dance,Mother/Daughter brunch, Arrow of LightCeremony, Eagle Scout Court of Honor, orGirl Scouts Gold and Silver AwardCeremony. The Grand Lodge provides many

Scouting Awards which can be obtained byvisiting elks.org/grandlodge/activities/downloads.cfm. Grand Lodge also providesa special Eagle Scout Award and Gold Awardcertificate, which is available by contactingTerry Hennings at Grand Lodge atTerryH@elks.org. You will need to provideher with the full name of the Scout, troopnumber, date the ceremony will be held, andaddress where the award should be mailed.Each award will be accompanied with asigned letter of congratulations from theGrand Exalted Ruler.

ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

Help Scoutsachieve

By Kenneth N. BrucknerCommittee Member

As we engage in outdoor activities this summer, we need totake the time to reflect on the charitable work which we, as Elks,accomplish in our Lodges and our communities across thecountry. Far too often we do not even consider all the activities we are

involved in as charitable community work. An example of thatis providing a positive, memorable evening for a group of youthsuch as an Honors Night, including a banquet for those whohave recently graduated from high school and awardingscholarships to those in need of financial assistance. Hosting an event for the veterans in our communities,

sponsoring programs for the boy and girl scouts in yourcommunity, providing monetary support for people in thecommunity who are less fortunate — These are examples of theutilization of the grant money available to enable a Lodge toperform these types of charitable events. After hosting an event or program, Good deeds require extra

work for Elks to benefit the second step is to create a report ofthese activities. List the number of people involved, the totalmileage, time, and money spent, and the value of scholarshipspresented. The third step is to submit the finished report to your Lodge

Secretary. He or she will complete the reporting in CLMS toGrand Lodge to make them aware of the charitable work we areperforming at the local level. It is their responsibility to passthis information to the United States government to make themaware of our charitable performance within our Lodges. Also,the reports will provide positive information to hopefullyimprove our 501(c) (8) tax status by increasing the dollaramount not required to be reported as income by a nonprofit,charitable organization. The mission of the Grand Lodge Government Relations

Committee is to guide our Members, our State Associations andour Lodges, and to protect and preserve the right to exist as aprivate, nonprofit charitable organization. As we go about all these activities within our Lodges, please

take the time to thank everyone involved on a committee or anevent that may be an ongoing project, an annual project, or eventthat has just been completed. The recognition will provide agreat deal of satisfaction to that individual, making them feelappreciated as a Member of a great organization.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Good deeds require extra workfor Elks to benefit

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Plan plenty of youth activities for summerSummer is finally here, but it is time to

start thinking about fall and the beginningof school? During these months before school it is

time to “make a plan” for Youth Activities.One that you might think about is theStudent/Teenager of the Month and Yearprograms. By starting now, you will be prepared

when the school doors open.

This is a good time to prepare for theschool projects that you might want toincorporate into your Lodge YouthActivities. Start by choosing a school in your area

and prepare a letter outlining the programso that you can present it at the beginning ofthe school year. There are many ideas aboutthis program in the Youth ActivitiesManual. To search, sign in at elks.org.

From there, go to members only, then tomanuals, then to youth activities and on theleft-hand side you will see printablecertificates. Then click on Grand LodgeStudent Recognition Program and you willbe directed to a great resource for YouthActivities and the certificates you can usefor the student of the Month and YearProgram. Use the summer for planning Youth

Activities. Don’t forget to think aboutimplementing a Jr. Golf Program while theweather is nice. Find a golfer in your Lodgewho might want to teach golf and also teachthe kids golf etiquette. There usually arekids who want to know more about golf andhow to play. Here is hoping that your summer is fun

but productive in planning Youth Activitiesfor your Lodges.

By Kim Deckard State Special Events/CommunityWelfare/Organ Donor Chairperson

We had the honor and pleasureof having Kyle Bailey,Michigan’s only quadruple organtransplant recipient, speak to usduring our meeting at the StateConvention in Sault Ste. Mariethis past May 2019. Kyle has an“Elk connection” as he is a proudemployee of the Port Huron ElksLodge #343. The following is hisstory:My story is an 18 book of

encyclopedias when all is saidand done, because there is plentyI've done and much more to do,but I will condense it for you!I was born in Florida, but we

moved to Michigan when I was ajust a little fella because of bettermedical technology in Michiganfor special needs interest ofCystic Fibrosis. I started my longjourney of medical treatments atU of M Flint and DetroitChildren's Hospital of Michiganuntil age 19, when I then begantreatment at U of M in AnnArbor. I then moved to MyrtleBeach, South Carolina to furthermy education, where I wouldlearn my fate- at 25 years old -that I would have to move back toMichigan to prepare to be listedfor a lung transplant in Michigan.I spent 72 days in the Hospital inthe summer of 2010, and spent atotal of 9 months on the waitinglist for lungs.My first low point was in June

of 2011, when my lungpercentage was at 12% capacity.Thankfully, on June 21st, 2011, Ireceived a Double LungTransplant at the University ofMichigan. I spent a total of 11days in the hospital and promptlytook off like a bat outta hell!After 1 year, my lung capacitywas over 100%! In August 2012,just 14 months after my lungtransplant, I ran for charity acrossMichigan - from Lexington toMuskegon-and rose over $10k,spreading organ donationawareness and helped Michiganset a record for registered organdonors for the month of Sept2012.My second low point was in

August 2015. Sadly, I learned ofmy fate of having Cirrhosis of theLiver, as well as kidney damage,due to the meds I took while

fighting my life long battle tohelp my lungs. After sufferingwith my condition for 6 months, Ireached a point where I actuallythought I would die. I was thenhospitalized. After spending 4

weeks in the hospital, I wasfinally put on the list for aLiver/Kidney transplant. Andthen, within 4 short days whilestill in the hospital, I got thegreen light that I had a match!! I

received my new liver and kidneyon February 24, 2016, spentanother month in the hospital,and I walked out feeling like amillion bucks! But I did have tore-learn how to walk and move,

as I weighed only 73 pounds. In 2017, I set another goal and

in 2018, I reached it! I setup myown charity, raised over $30,000and brought organ donorawareness to tens of thousands,as I bicycled from Ann Arbor,Michigan to Orlando, Florida injust 3 weeks in April 2018. Now it’s’ 2019 and I’m on

another mission- to bring moreawareness and donate moremoney to children withdisabilities. My goal is 25,000new registered donors! Help mespread the word! On August 4th, 2019, I will

bicycle from the MackinacBridge to the Blue Water Bridge-330 miles in total -heading thrucities like Rogers City, Alpena,Tawas, Pinconning, Standish,Bay City, Cass City, Port Sanilacand finishing in my home town ofPort Huron on Saturday August10th, 2019. There is an open invite for

anyone who wants to bicycle withme, for as long or short as youwant to. I will have 2 double lungrecipients joining me the last dayof the ride. I will also be stoppingat Elks Lodges along the way!My Contact Info:Kyle Bailey Foundation,

P.O.Box 610832, Port Huron, MI48061kylebaileyfoundation@gmail.c

omFacebook: kyle baileySnapchat: re-cycleLife Instagram and Twitter:

ecyclelifePaypal: kylebaileyfoundationRegistration:

registerme.org/recyclelife. If youuse this link to register as anorgan donor, it will keep trackmy goal of 25,000 new donors.

MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER � July 20196

STATE NEWS

Kyle Bailey: Organ donor awareness superstar

Kyle Bailey, four-time organ transplant recipient, was featured speaker at the Michigan Elks convention,inspiring and encouraging organ transplant across the state.

July 2019 � MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER 7

LODGE NEWS

Sunrise on Saginaw Bay is alwaysspectacular, but, Sunday June 9, 2019, wasspecial. Flags were waving high for Walleyesfor Warriors 2019, presented by Bay City ElksLodge #88, in Linwood, Michigan. This eventtreated Veterans to a free day of Walleyefishing on Saginaw Bay. Boat Captains and First Mates on 120 Boats,

and 94 landside volunteers, were excited thatthey could show their appreciation to 246Veterans for their Service and their role inkeeping our Country free. All Veteransreceived a packaged lunch before departing forfishing and an awards banquet, set for kings,when returning for the day.All 1684 walleyes caught by the Veterans

that day were cleaned, filleted, packaged andpresented in a travel cooler to the Veterans ontheir departure for home.The program would not be possible without

numerous local donations that also includedthe Michigan Elks Association and an ElksNational Foundation Gratitude Grant.Complete information, Veteran and sponsor

recognition can be found atwww.walleyesforwarriors.com.

Walleyes for Warriors 2019

Tawas Area Elks Lodge#2525 and the Michigan ElksAssociation awarded $8,500 toeight area students as part of the2019 Most Valuable Student andCommunity College scholarshipcompetitions. The scholarshipawards were presented to thestudents during the Elks FlagDay Ceremony on June 14. Thescholarship recipientsparticipated by presenting eachof the flags during theceremony.From left to right in the front

row are:� Trent Reilly (Hale High

School, $1,000 – Tawas Elks).� Olivia Rasch (Hale High

School, $750 – Tawas Elks).� Sam Bacarella (Tawas Area

High School, $750 – Tawas

Elks). � Rudy Frank (Tawas Area

High School, $1,000 – TawasElks).From left to right in the back

row are:� Brad Saegesser (Tawas

Area Elks Lodge ScholarshipChairperson).

� Alex Boensch (Au Gres-Sims High School, $1,000 –Tawas Elks).

� Hailee Gordy (Alcona HighSchool, $1,000 – Tawas Elks;$1,000 – Michigan ElksAssociation).

� Nathan Moeller (OscodaHigh School, $1,000 – TawasElks).

�Dillon Mochty (Tawas AreaHigh School, $1,000 – TawasElks).

TAWAS AREA ELKS LODGE #2525

Elks award $8,500 in scholarships

MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER � July 20198

LODGE NEWS

Copper Country Elks Lodge#404 recently donatedmoney to 31 Backpacks, anafter-school program toprovide food to the childrenin need. and the CLKCouncil of Churches FoodPantry. Avove, from left,Mellisa Maki, ER AmyTarvis,Chuck Amala andLaurel Maki. Right,receiving ck is CarolBessolo presenter is EdLemler Lodge InnerGaurd.

Fundraiser for Jacobetti Veterans HospitalAt a fundraiser, Negaunee Elks Lodge #1116 raised $789 in funds for the Jacobetti Veterans Hospital inMarquette. On April 5, 2019 The Negauee Elks supplied the facility with $789 worth of Electric Razors, Shoes,Slippers, Hats, Watches and Wallets. Pictured from left to right: Ryan Engle-Director, Ron Downey-Elks VetsChair, Kristal Burns-Special Activity, Sarah Johnson-Volunteer Services, Pam Gadzinski-Elk Sect., JohnThomas ER, Jean Downey and in the front resident Dick Wills.

Negaunee raises funds for baseball teamNegaunee Elks partnered with the Negaunee High School BoysBaseball Team on May 11 to help them raise fund for tournamenttravels. These items are not covered by the school system so thechildren and their parents help raise funds to cover theirprogram. Exalted Ruler John Thomas is presenting Coach JasonSiik with a $1,300..00 check for funds raised during the pastysale.

Negaunee holds awards nightAt the Negaunee High School Awards Night, May 31, 6 students received scholarships from theNegaunee Elks by participating in the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship program. From left toright are Lodge Scholarship Chair Jason Siik, Students: Ander Sorensen, Collin Remilong, TheoKumpula, Maci Aho, Abigail Boehmer and Hannah Voskuhl. We thank all Negaunee Elks that havehelped in our scholarship programs by helping in cooking at our fund raising meals and donating toElks National Foundation.

July 2019 � MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER 9

STATE NEWS

Our summer campprogram is underway. Awards have been

provided to 19 camps totaling$200,220! This means that because of

your donations, MichiganElks will help to sponsoralmost 400 children. WOW!The difference these therapycamps make will have animpact on the children’s livesin such a positive way, andeach member that donates toour 365 program should feelproud of the work you do! Ifyou would like to learn moreabout the camps we arealigned with, email our officeat majorproject@mielks.organd request the CampSummary sheet! Thisprovides a brief description ofthe goals of each camp, theirdesignated specialty, totalaward, number of childrenand the dollar amount of theawards as well as websiteaddresses for each camp. In addition to the Camp

Program, the beginning ofeach Elk year is extremelybusy for the Commissionersand the office! So far, thisFraternal Year, we haveprocessed/approved 11individual CASES totaling$12,751.95. Our total yearbudget is $60,000 forCASES, so you can see it hasbeen busy! We currentlyhave 1 active Case we areworking on, which will bringthat to 12 Cases and a total of$13, 269! Thank you to thefollowing Lodges forworking on cases: Alma (1),Plymouth-Ann Arbor (6),Pontiac-Waterford (1),Lapeer (1), Howell (1) andFlat Rock (1) (in the works)Negaunee (1)! We’d love tosee EVERY Lodge on thislist! Make an impact inYOUR community! Want toknow more? We are here tohelp you make that happen!Elks Day at Bay Cliff has

been a long standing traditionwith Major Project for manyyears! This year again, wewill gather together as Elks to

visit on July 20th. ManyLodges also participate withdonations to Bay Cliffs“Wish List” of needed itemsto help defray costs for thingsneeded to run the 7 weekprogram. If you need help incoordinating a delivery,please contact your DistrictCommissioner or the MajorProject office! We hope youcan join us this year!It's not to early to begin

promoting the September“Coins 4 Kids” event at yourLodge! This is our secondyear of this focusedfundraiser! We haveeliminated the annual appealletter, and are asking thateach Lodge promote Coins 4Kids instead! All you have todo is ask each member onyour membership roll to turnin a 365 bank to the Lodge inthe month of September. Allfunds and a simple form needto be turned into the MajorProject by October 30th withthe total collected and thenumber of banks received tocompete on a state-wide levelto see which Lodge can winthe traveling trophy fordisplay in their Lodge for theyear! Awards for our 1st yearof this fundraiser wereprovided at our SpringConvention with FerndaleLodge No. 1588 being thestate-wide winner!!!Congratulations FerndaleElks!As always, don’t forget to

like our Facebook page(Michigan Major Project)!Check out our new website:michiganelksmajorproject.org for what the “world beyondElkdom” has available tothem to learn about our StateMajor Project! As always, please contact

your District Commissioneror this office with anyquestions, tools, help inpromoting a fundraiser, anewsletter article, how to finda CASE, how the CampProgram works – anythingyou need. We are here tohelp!

MAJOR PROJECT

Summer campprogram underway

By Dennis R. WhiteBusiness Practice State Chairman

Friends, Romans and Michigan ElkMembers, lend me your ear. I guess you could say this about the

Business Practice State Committee.My name is Dennis R. White. I havebeen an active member of theMichigan Elks for 31 years. It is the

Business Practice Committee’sresponsibility to help any Lodge thatneeds an ear. I am offering the ears ofmy committee to help you in any waywe are able. Our committee is Jim Daris (Flint

Lodge), Jim Steward (GaylordLodge), Todd Sharrard (GaylordLodge) and myself Dennis R. White(Gaylord Lodge). If your Lodge needs

8 ears to hear your questions pleasefeel free to call me at 1 (810) 300 -3124 and I will set up a time for avisit. I also will promise that whatever

the questions or concerns will be heldin top secret by this committee. Weanswer to the State President so hewould be the only person I wouldshare our meeting with.

BUSINESS PRACTICES

Offering the ears of the committee to help

By Don SmithState Government Relations Chair

Welcome to a new year. I lookforward to serving as GovernmentRelations Chair again this year. I am increasing our goal for this

year to $6 million. We did much betterwith our reporting last year, but Iknow we can still report more. Lastyear, we reported $4,800.000, up from$3,700,000 reported the prior year.But, according to the Grand LodgeGovernment Relations Manual, only

half the work being done by ourlodges is being reported. In the Stateof Michigan, this amounts to at leastanother $4.8 million that isunaccounted for.Lodges need to timely report all

time, mileage, donations, and moneyspent toward charitable activitiesduring the year. Please refer to theElks Government Relations Manual,which all lodges receive, for anynecessary clarification. The summer months are busy ones

for our lodges. Many are working on

ENF grant projects. Report anythingto do with grant writing, from theplanning process through completion,including members, helpers,meetings, mileage and contributionsinvolved in the various grant projects.Golf outings, V.A. work, MajorProject work, and lodge meetingsshould be reported as well. Remember, if you support it, you

should report it. Please feel free tocontact me anytime with anyquestions or concerns you may have. Support it – Report it!!

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Increasing our goal to $6 million

Baseball with the statepresident

State President ChuckOatten, and First Ladyof Michigan Debb,attended a Great LakesLoons Baseball gameon Sunday, June 16.Michigan Elks wereinvited to join a BayCity Elks 88 sponsoredBig Brothers / BigSisters ballgame atDow Diamond,Midland. All attendingin the Northern LightsPavilion affair weretreated to Hot dogs,Brats, Hamburger’s,Salads, Soda andCookies. BigBrothers/Big Sisterswelcomed theinvitation to join in agreat day of baseball.The ENF CommunityInvestment PromiseGrant enabled Bay City88 to assist the BigBrothers / Big Sistersprogram in MidlandCounty.

MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER � July 201910

STATE NEWS

By Brad SaegesserMEA ENF State Chairperson

In 1928, one man’s dream became a reality for all Elks and thecommunities we serve. Then-National President John F. Malleyenvisioned a plan that would “unite the forces of the Order into a mightyarmy for the service of mankind.” During the annual Grand Lodge Convention in Miami that year,

Malley's call to service inspired delegates to take action by voting toestablish the Elks National Foundation with an initial $100,000 grant.Nearly 90 years after Malley shared his vision with the Order, the ENFcontinues to unite all Elks in service to their communities. Since inception, the ENF has contributed more than $500 million

toward Elks charitable projects nationwide. At its meeting in February,the Elks National Foundation Board of Trustees approved appropriationsand distributions for the 2019-20 fiscal year totaling $34.6 million(http://www.elks.org/ENF/ourgrants.cfm). That’s a pretty incredible return on an initial investment of $100,000.The mission of the ENF is to help Elks build stronger communities.

We fulfill this pledge by investing in communities where Elks live andwork. We help youth develop lifelong skills, send students to college,meet the needs of today's veterans, support the charitable work of thestate Elks associations, and fund projects that improve the quality of lifein local Elks communities. It is our donations to the ENF that support these activities. During the 2018-19 Elks fiscal year, the members of the Michigan

Elks Association donated a total of $124,976 to the ENF. With 19,688members during 2018-19, this translates to $6.35 in per-member giving,which means we exceeded the Grand Exalted Rulers goal of $4.75 inper-member giving. Congratulations to all the District and Lodge ENFChairpersons that contributed to this achievement. As shown in thefollowing table, every District exceeded the GER’s $4.75 per-membergiving goal. Congratulations to the Upper Peninsula District for takingfirst place in Michigan in per-member giving for the second year in arow.

A big congratulations as well to the Manistique Elks Lodge #632 fortaking first place in Michigan with $21.74 in per-member giving.

Unfortunately, Michigan’s $6.35 in per-member giving placed us 41stin the country. Let’s see if we can’t get into the Top 25 in the 2019-20Elks fiscal year. Based on last year’s results, we would need to exceed$8.62 in per member giving to get into the Top 25 – that’s just $2.27more per member than we did this year. That should be really easy. Isee a couple of ways that we could achieve that goal:

� Every member of the Michigan Elks donates $8.62 to the ENF. But,since we only had 15.44% of our membership donate this past year, thisone might be a stretch goal, but it’s worth shooting for.

�We double the number of members donating to the ENF to be 30%,bringing the total number to 5,906 members. If all of those membersdonate $30, we will raise almost $170,000 and exceed $8.62 in permember giving.What’s the common theme in both of these options? More members

donating more money to the ENF. Let’s see if we can’t raise both ofthese values in the 2019-20 Elks fiscal year.An investment in the ENF is one of the best investments you can make

in your community’s future. For every $1 donated to the ENF, $4.79came back to us in 2018-19 in the form of Community InvestmentsProgram Grants, Scholarships, and State Association Grants. In 2018-19, the Michigan Elks donated $124,976 to the ENF and we got back$598,768. That a 379% return on our investment. Here’s a recap overthe past five years:

I challenge everyone reading the July 2019 issue of the Michigan ElksNews to help us get into the Top 25. As State Officers, StateChairpersons, Lodge Trustees, and Lodge Officers, we should all alreadybe donating at least $100 to the ENF every year. It’s easy, just go on-line and make a one-time donation,http://www.elks.org/ENF/supportENF.cfm. Or, better yet, sign-up for amonthly giving plan and donate $10 a month. Then, encourage all ofyour fellow Elks members to make at least an $8.62 donation to ENF.

ENF GIVING

Building stronger communities: A top 25 challenge

By Brad SaegesserMEA ENF State Chairperson

Elks National Foundation hasdesignated over $13.7 million inCommunity Investments Program(CIP) grants for the 2019-20 Elksfiscal year. As of June 7, 2019,Elks Lodges in Michigan havereceived 124,471 from 57 CIPgrants. Remember, this is FREEMONEY to help our Lodgessupport the mission of the ENF –Helping Elks to Build StrongerCommunities.Don’t forget that this is the first

year for the new schedule for CIPgrants. Applications for all of the2019-20 CIP grants opened onApril 1, 2019 and will close onDecember 31, 2019.The Promise and Freedom

Grants are competitive and areawarded on a first-come firstserved basis. Fortunately,Michigan received 10 PromiseGrants worth $25,000 and 10Freedom Grants worth $20,000before all of these grants wereawarded. Congrats to the ElksLodges that applied for andreceived these grants.Everything you need to know

about all of the CIP grants can befound on the ENF website athttps://www.elks.org/cip. Theapplications aren’t very long ordifficult and the result is FREEMONEY. Make sure you checkout the new $2,000 SpotlightGrant. Every Elks Lodge inMichigan is eligible for aSpotlight Grant. You don’t evenhave to come up with the idea.The ENF has defined seven pre-approved projects that the Lodgecan adapt to meet the specificneeds of its community. TheLodge will select one project,demonstrate the need andimplement the project in itscommunity. It doesn’t get mucheasier than this.If you have any questions or

would like help completing a CIPGrant application, please don’thesitate to contact me.

ENF GRANT

First year of newschedule forCIP grants

Summer is finally here, but it istime to start thinking about fall andthe beginning of school! During these months before

school, it is time to “make a plan”for Youth Activities. One that youmight think about is theStudent/Teenager of the Month andYear programs. By starting now, youwill be prepared when the schooldoors open. This is a good time to

prepare for the school projects thatyou might want to incorporate intoyour Lodge Youth Activities. Startby choosing a school in your areaand prepare a letter outlining theprogram so that you can present it atthe beginning of the school year.There are many ideas about thisprogram in the Youth ActivitiesManual. To search… sign in atelks.org. From there go to members

only, then to manuals, then to youthactivities and on the left-hand sideyou will see printable certificates.Then click on Grand Lodge StudentRecognition Program and you willbe directed to a great resource forYouth Activities and the certificatesyou can use for the student of theMonth and Year Program. Use thesummer for planning YouthActivities. Don’t forget to think

about implementing a Jr. GolfProgram while the weather is nice.Find a golfer in your Lodge whomight want to teach golf and alsoteach the kids golf etiquette. Thereare usually a handful of kids whowant to know more about golf andhow to play. Here is hoping thatyour summer is fun but productivein planning Youth Activities for yourLodges.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Use summer to make a plan for youth activities

July 2019 � MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER 11

Michigan Elks Spring Convention

MICHIGAN ELKS NEWSLETTER � July 201912

LODGE NEWS

This photo was taken atCadillac Elks Lodge by

Bill Ewald, LodgeSecretary on May 23 at

9:30 AM as he arrived towork at the Elks. Our

National Bird, overlookingCadillac Park and LakeCadillac. Magnificent!

In 1907, the Grand Lodge of theBenevolent and Protective Order of Elksdesignated, by resolution, June 14 as FlagDay. The Grand Lodge of the Orderadopted mandatory observance of theoccasion by every Lodge in 1911, and thatrequirement continues. The Elks promptedPresident Woodrow Wilson to recognizethe Order's observance of Flag Day for itspatriotic expression. But it was not until1949 when President Harry Truman,himself a member of the Elks, made theproclamation that thereafter June 14 wouldbe a day of national observance for thesymbol of our country. It was through hisElks Lodge in Independence, Missouri,that President Truman got the idea for anational observance of Flag Day.

Flag Day observance

Eagle’s view