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Volume 25, No. 4 Indianapolis, Indiana Wednesday • July 8, 2015

Grand LodGe

CONVENTIONNEWS/WednesdayUSAUSAUSAUSAUSA

By TOM SCUDDERConvention News Reporter

Delegates from the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks considered 18 resolutions to amend the constitution and statutes of the Order during the legislative session on Tuesday. Delegates also heard from several Grand Lodge committees and commissions concerning their activities over the previous year and their plans for the future, and congratulated the All American Lodge winners and the finalists of the Ritualistic Contest.

The first report of the day was given by PGER Arthur H. Frost, chairman of the National Memorial and Publications Commission and the Veterans Memorial Restoration Trust. PGER Frost congratulated the magazine staff for producing an excellent magazine and encouraged members to consider receiving their magazine in electronic form. He also reported that since the Veterans Memorial in Chicago has been reopened to the public in 2013, it has become one of the most-visited sites in its area of the city.

Joseph Basil, chairman of the Grand Lodge Fraternal Committee, announced the winners of the All American Lodge contest. The first-place winners received their awards at the front of the hall. He also congratulated the first-place national winners of the Americanism Essay Contest. The winner of the fifth- and sixth-grade division was Alexandra Kate Baker, who was sponsored by the Sullivan, Indiana Lodge, and the winner of the seventh- and eighth-grade division was Sandli Singh, who was sponsored by the Paramus, New Jersey Lodge. In addition, Basil congratulated the lodges that were judged to have five-star websites, which included the Denver, Colorado Lodge, the Palmer, Alaska Lodge, the Orange, California, Lodge, the Greensboro, North Carolina, Lodge, the Fredericksburg, Virginia, Lodge, the Calabash, North Carolina, Lodge, the Henderson/Green Valley, Nevada Lodge, and the Springfield, Illinois Lodge.

Grand Lodge Government Relations

Committee Chairman James Martsfield gave his report, which was published in the Tuesday edition of the Grand Lodge Convention News.

Past Grand Exalted Ruler Roger True, chairman of the Elks National Convention Commission, introduced a video honoring Dick Mitchell of the Seattle, Washington, Lodge for his 31 years of service behind the scenes of the convention. Mitchell spoke briefly and thanked all the people he had worked with and all the Elks who had come to the convention over the years.

Following these reports, the assembled

delegates turned to consider the 18 resolutions that had been put before them. Following a spirited debate, they approved fifteen and rejected three of the measures.

The measures that failed included a measure that would amend the constitution to allow any organization (and not just a ladies’ organization) to be recognized as an auxiliary; the measure received a majority of the votes but not the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment. Other measures that failed included one that would allow a

Please see CONVENTION Page 8

G/L delegates act on legislative proposalsCommittees also issue2014-15 year-end report

Paul Auge of Ocean Springs, MS Lodge 2501, Ron Dixon of Goldsboro, NC Lodge 139 and Steve Meier of Moscow, ID Lodge 249 – all assistants to the Grand Esquire – prepare to collect ballots at Tuesday’s legislative session. RIGHT: Dick Mitchell of Seattle, WA Lodge 92 was honored with a video presentation highlighting his 31 years of service as coordinator of the Grand Lodge Convention exhibits and sessions. MItchell thanked all the people with whom he has worked over the years.

Grand LodGe Convention news • Wednesday, July 8, 2015

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Fiscal year 2016 is off to a great start! The Foundation Board of Trustees approved appropriations and distributions for the 2015-16 fiscal year totaling a record $28.95 million.

This increase in funding extends to every ENF-funded program. Here’s a snapshot.n We’re adding three Elks

Scholar Service Trips to better engage scholars with the Elks and build stronger communities by serving in the name of the Elks.n Promise Grants will be

worth $2,500 each.n Every Lodge in which more

than 15 percent of its members donated to the ENF in 2014-15 will be eligible for a bonus of $500 when it achieves the GER’s per-member-giving goal in 2015-16. That means they’ll be eligible for a Gratitude Grant of $2,500.

• We’ll introduce an online registration system for the

Hoop Shoot to better engage contestants.n We’re bringing back

the Drug Awareness Program speaking tour, giving youth across the country the tools they need to make healthy choices.n We once again increased

the pools for state grants—this year by 5 percent.n And finally, we’ve

increased the funding for Freedom Grants—grants Lodges can use to serve local veterans in need—by 28.6 percent.

For more of an inside look, listen to episode 6 of the Foundation’s monthly podcast, Midday with the ENF, by visiting www.elks.org/enf/midday.cfm. Then, visit www.elks.org/enf/appropriations.cfm for the complete list of fiscal year 2016 distributions. Thank you for your support of the Foundation. This exciting news would not be possible without your commitment.

Elks NatioNal FouNdatioN

Record distributions announcedDuBay, with GER-

elect Ronald L. Hicks

New YorkElk wins coveted

media award for veterans

promovideo

Michael DuBray of Glens Falls, NY Lodge 81 in June received the Award in Excellence for his “Elks/Veterans” video campaign at the New York State Broadcasting Association summer conference in New York City.

DuBray wrote, produced and voiced the commercial thanking veterans for their service. It was written and recorded in Michael’s home, next door to his Glens Falls, NY home lodge.

DeBray is the midday host and account executive at 98.5 WCKM-FM of Regional Radio Group, LLC. He is a Past Exalted Ruler of Glens Falls Lodge, Trustee Chairman and President of the PER Association. He is also District Americanism Chairman and District Membership Chairman.

“The commercial was written to honor my stepfather, John Michael Berney of Brunswich NY Lodge 2556, a Vietnam Veteran who introduced me to Elkdom at

an early age,” DuBray said. “Over the years he taught me about the sacrifices our Veterans have made to secure our freedom and the importance of acknowledging their service.”

“The dedication of the members and Officers of Glens Falls Lodge No. 81 to our veterans strengthened my respect and admiration for the men and women who have protected our heritage of freedom.”

His stepfather passed away in November 2014.

“My biggest regret is that he wasn’t here to see me receive the award that he inspired. This award is for him.” DuBray said.

Also honored at the Broadcasting Association conference was Elvis Duran, who received Broadcaster of the Year; Wendy Williams, as New Yorker of the Year; and Al Roker who was entered into the New York State Broadcasting Association Hall of Fame.


Meet your 2014-15 All American Ritual winners!

All-American Ritual Awards-East Division winners, front from left, are: Esquire, Todd Daquino, Kenton OH157; Chaplain, Brian Schwartz, Bridgport PA 714; Exalted Ruler, Ned Thompson, Dalton GA 1267; and Esteemed Leading Knight, Dwight “Rick” Eaton, Dalton GA 1267. In back are Coach, David Owen, Dalton GA 1267, Esteemed Lecturing Knight, Susie Greer, Dalton GA 1267; Esteemed Loyal Knight, Willie Roberson, Jr., Dalton GA 1267; Inner Guard, Joe Walsh, Bridgeport, PA 714; and Candidate, Gina Sweenie, Dalton GA 1267.

West DivisionThe All-American Ritual Awards were given out at the Business Session on Tuesday. West Division winners, front from left, are Esquire, Carrie Fiedler, Lincoln NE 80; Chaplain, Troy Pedersen, Lincoln NE 80; Exalted Ruler, Larrry Bratt, Lincoln NE 80; and Esteemed Leading Knight, Larry Schwindt, Lincoln NE 80. In back are Coach Stephen Wirth, Lincoln NE 80; Esteemed Lecturing Knight, Jeff Gordon, Carlsbad NM 1558; Esteemed Loyal Knight, Sharon Hennessey-Balmer, Blue Springs, MO 2509; Inner Guard, Laurie Montag, Lincoln NE 80; and Candidate Harry Montag, Lincoln NE 80.

East Division


Victory celebration

Revelers show their support for GER-elect Ronald L. Hicks at the victory celebration Monday for the Virginian Elk.

CorrectionPage 10, Tuesday – The top photo on that page

listed an incorrect lodge affiliation of three of the people pictured. Exalted Ruler Donald L. Harris, Trustee James Davis and Loyal Knight are members of Camp Springs, MD Lodge 2332.

Let the celebration begin!


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Arnold J. Blackmon of Ocean Springs, MS Lodge 2501 faced special odds in becoming 2015-16 Grand Lodge Lecturing Knight. Congratulating him are wife Toni Rae Blackmon, also a member of Ocean Springs, and daughter Dawn Bruce, member of Grandview-Hickman Mills, MS Lodge 2088.

Congratulations! New arrivals

Nancy Hicks show off the newest First Family of Elkdom.


Revised: 7/3/15

WEDNESDAY 8:00 Call to Order .............................................................................. John D. Amen, GER 8:05 Invocation ....................................................................... Rev. Father Michael Martine Pledge of Allegiance .............................................................................................. All Report of Committees 8:10 Registration (Final Report) ....................................... Bryan R. Klatt, Grand Secretary 8:15 Grand Forum / Pardon Commission .............................. Lee Davis Kell, Chief Justice 8:30 Board of Grand Trustees – Final Report ........................ Marvin L. Nelson, Chairman 9:00 Disaster Relief Fund ................................................ Bryan R. Klatt, Grand Secretary 9:05 GL Membership/Public Relations ................................... Rick Gathen, Director of PR 9:30 Chicago Headquarters 2015-2016 Program ............. Bryan R. Klatt, Grand Secretary 9:50 Non Members Admitted 10:05 Ritual (Final Report) ........................................................ H. Keith Waltke, Chairman 10:40 Announcements ....................................................... Bryan R. Klatt, Grand Secretary 10:45 Announcements ..................................................... William J. Schaab, Grand Esquire 10:55 Benediction ..................................................................... Rev. Father Michael Martine 11:00 Grand Lodge Session Recessed 1:00 Workshops/Seminars 3:00 State Housing Chairman 6:00 Grand Trustee Dinner 8:00 Exalted Ruler Ball

GRAND LODGE SESSION – 2015WEDNESDAY, JULY 8

Here are the Lodges celebrating their 100-year anniversaries during 2015-16 in service to humanity, our nation and our Order’s noble principles:Lodge Name InstitutedEl Centro, CA Lodge No. 1325 1/6/1916Chippewa Falls, WI Lodge No. 1326 10/20/1915Newton, MA Lodge No. 1327 11/4/1915Alhambra-San Gabriel, CA 1328 11/19/1915Adams, MA Lodge No. 1335 5/8/1916Sterling, CO Lodge No. 1336 5/26/1916West Frankfort, IL Lodge No. 1340 6/29/1916

Test of timeLodges celebrate 100 years of Elkdom


lodge to keep its social facilities open during lodge meetings and a measure that would allow lodges to meet only once a month.

Measures that passed included a resolution allowing people, with fewer than 10 years with their present lodge, to apply for Life Membership; measures allowing the two months a year during which initiation and reinstatement fees can be lowered to be non-consecutive; a change to the statutes that specifies that members are automatically dropped in March after at least five months’ delinquent dues (rather than at any time after six months’ delinquency, as previously applied); a measure limiting the administrative fee that can be charged to Life Members to a maximum of one-half of regular dues; and a number of minor administrative changes. A full list of resolutions and voting results are on Page 9.

As votes were being tabulated, Ritualistic Committee Chairman H. Keith Waltke took to the stage and congratulated the four winners of the preliminary ritualistic contest, the All American Officers, the winners of the Bill King Award for top scores by an individual officer during the preliminary round, and the top coaches and candidates. He also thanked the fourteen ritualistic judges for their service during the contest.

Grand Lodge Activities Committeeman Ron Olson presented a slideshow highlighting the many different kinds of charitable activities that local lodges undertook over the past year. He focused on the Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies program shared by the Bradenton, Florida and Sarasota-Lakewood, Florida Lodges and also highlighted activities by the Flat Rock, Michigan Lodge, the San Juan, Puerto Rico Lodge, the Summerville, New Jersey Lodge, and the Lancaster, Pennsylvania Lodge.

Next to the stage was Grand Lodge Fraternal Committeeman Joseph Basil, who specifically congratulated the Ballard, Washington Lodge for its great strides in increasing its membership and also bringing the average member age down from 72 years to 59 years old. He noted that the scoring for the All American Lodge Contest A had been reweighted to place more emphasis on membership growth and retention and on taking full advantage of Freedom, Gratitude, Beacon, Promise, and Impact grants. He also announced that the Americanism Essay Contest theme for the year would be “What I can do to promote Americanism and love of country” and noted that going forward, the committee would ensure that themes do not repeat for at least four years so that four-year essayists would not have to revisit previous topics.

Grand Exalted Ruler-Elect Ronald Hicks presented his overall vision for the Order’s direction in 2015-2016. He expanded on themes touched on in his opening speech, noting that Elks Pride can be built through an effective orientation program that sees

candidates through from their application to the first lodge event, in which they take part. He also emphasized that a strong ritual program can help unite the lodge officers as a team and win them the respect of their fellow members. In terms of Community Service, he again encouraged Elks everywhere to be loud and proud and to let their neighbors know the many things the Elks had to offer to them.

Finally, he encouraged Elks to embrace positive change, and particularly to take full advantage of technology and social media. He noted that technology skills are required in every business today, and that certainly includes the local Elks lodge.

Before the session closed, Grand Secretary Bryan Klatt corrected an omission from the previous day’s recognition of new Grand Lodge officers by listing three important appointments that had been made for the upcoming year: Grand Tiler Earl Cavanaugh, of the Brattleboro, Vermont Lodge; Grand Esquire R. D. Provost of the Houston, Texas Lodge; and Grand Chaplain the Rev. Michael Martine of the New York, New York Lodge.

Convention From Page 1

From left are Eric Mulholland and wife Barbara; and Nancy and GER-elect Ron Hicks. When serving on the Board of Grand Trustees, little did these two friends realize how much their lives would become intertwined. While GER John Amen and wife Marcia traveled on behalf of the Elks, the drama began unfurling for the two couples. Diagnosed with cancer and facing rugged treatments, Ric still helped Ron move ahead as Endorsed Candidate a year earlier than planned. The love and friendship forged by these four friends is admired and envied by all who know them.


2015-1 To allow organizations other than ladies groups to be recognized as auxiliaries. Passed 1504-1144

2015-2 To eliminate the requirement that an applicant for Life Membership be a member in the Lodge of application for 10 years preceding application. Passed 1609-1043

2015-3 To provide that the social facilities of a Lodge may remain open during Lodge meetings, provided that Lodge meetings are not interfered with. Failed 1004-1643

2015-4 To authorize a Lodge to only meet regularly once a month, if provided in the Lodge bylaws; to provide for alternative nomination and election of lodge officers. Failed 1211-1439

2015-5 To clarify the number of times a Lodge is required to meet monthly. Passed 2042-598

2015-6 To clarify that it is the Board of Directors of an incorporated Lodge that can authorize payment of recurring bills if authorized in the Lodge By-Laws. Passed 2418-228

2015-7 To remove the Elks National Foundation as a responsibility of the Grand Lodge Fraternal Committee. Passed 2252-393

2015-8 To remove the Grand Lodge Public Relations Program as a responsibility of the Grand Lodge Fraternal Committee. Passed 2230- 416

2015-9 To eliminate the requirement that the Board of Grand Trustees meet at least once annually at the Elks National Home. Passed 2425-225

2015-10 To reduce the maximum annual administrative fee payable by Life Members to one-half of the regular lodge dues; to delete the $5 minimum annual expense. Passed 2001-646

2015-11 To eliminate the requirement that the two months for a reduced reinstatement fee be consecutive. Passed 2179-463

2015-12 To change the 30-day increments to calendar months for the assessment of fines for late reporting. Passed 2412-233

2015-13 To extend the period from notice to vote from 8 to 10 weeks, and clarify other time limits for changes to the By-Laws or House Rules. Passed 1878-764

2015-14 To delete the option of a graduated initiation fee and clarify that the two months for a $1.00 fee need not be consecutive. Passed 2063-580

2015-15 To provide that any Member who is delinquent in the payment of any amount of dues during the month of March each year may be dropped during March. Passed 1837 799

2015-16 To clarify that in unincorporated Lodges the Exalted Ruler is a non-voting member of the Board of Trustees. Passed 2315 324

2015-17 To separate the duties of the managing body of the club into separate sections for standard duties and disciplinary proceedings. Passed 2215-429

2015-18 To prohibit involved members from participating in Local Forum proceedings. Passed 2182-453

Tuesday’s election results

Attendance as of Tuesday announcedThe attendance report at the Grand Lodge Session as of the end

of Tuesday has been announced. The number of individual Elks and their spouses or guests (in parenthesis) are:

Grand Exalted Ruler 1, (0); Past Grand Exalted Rulers 24, (12); Grand Lodge Officers 7, (2); Grand Trustees 8, (6); Grand Forum 5, (3); Grand Lodge Committeemen 52, (15); District Deputies - Designate 215, (39); Special Deputies 26, (13); Representatives to the Grand Lodge and Alternates 1531, (239); State Presidents 44, (6); State Secretaries 22, (5); Grand Lodge Members 1436, (278); Non-Voting Members 1271, (79); Guests 0, (936); Vendor 0, (48). Totals 4642 (1681); Combined Total 6323.

There is a new focus and brand for the State Major Project of the Idaho State Elks Association. The organization that has operated healthcare facilities specializing in rehabilitation for decades has transitioned to a philanthropic endeavor focused on funding rehab in Idaho.

The Idaho State Elks Association began working with rehab patients in 1947, when it established a convalescent home for children with polio. Once polio was eradicated, the effort grew into a premier rehab system, providing care at the Elks Rehab Hospital, Elks Hearing and Balance Center, and Elks Internal Medicine. The Elks Rehab System also partnered with St. Luke’s Health System to deliver children’s rehab and specialized wound care.

The “new” project, Idaho Elks Rehab, will continue its commitment to rehab patients and its charitable mission by supporting the work of not-for-profit physical rehabilitation providers, educators, and researchers throughout Idaho.

Annual grants will be awarded for state-of-the-art rehab equipment, program development, staff education, and research. “Funding for rehab will certainly enhance the lives of Idahoans across the state,” said Grant Jones, director of development for Idaho Elks Rehab. “The Elks will definitely be instrumental in advancing rehab in Idaho.”

Check out Idaho’s booth to learn more about their “new” Major Project. While you’re there, be sure to get this year’s “potato patch” (an Elks National Convention tradition) with an Indy theme, and buy a ticket for a chance to win a collection of past patches.

Idaho Elks renew focus,brand for Major Project


Resolutions honoring Linthacum, Nelson and KellResolution honoring Walter B. Linthacum,

Member Board of Grand Trustees,Proposed by Michael T. Luhr,

Secretary, Board of Grand TrusteesWhereas, Walter B. Linthacum of

Goodland, Kansas Lodge No 1528 is retiring from the Board of Grand Trustees after four years of distinguished service, and upon his retirement, the Members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America wish to acknowledge this achievement and express sincere appreciation for his leadership and service, and

Whereas, Walter was born and raised in Goodland, KS attending high school and Kansas State University and still resides there, and, he and his wife Linda started an independent insurance agency from the ground up, later acquiring another agency in Saint Francis, KS where they are licensed to sell insurance in the states of Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska and currently farm 2,000 plus acres growing wheat, corn and milo, and

Whereas, he continues to find time to be active in his community as a member of the First United Methodist Church, an announcer at the local “Topside Tipoff” basketball tournament for 20 plus years, Chairman of the Goodland Area Crime Stoppers and has been the chairman of the Sherman County Economic committee for 2 years, and

Whereas, his career in Elkdom started in 1963 upon his initiation into the Goodland, KS Lodge # 1528 where he immediately became active and served as Exalted Ruler in the years 1972-73, 1994-95 and 1995-96. He served Lodge Trustee from 1973 to 1993 with the exception of 2 years. He has been Goodland Lodge’s Elk of the Year twice and was elected to Honorary Life Membership in the Goodland Lodge in 1998, and

Whereas, he has been active in and chaired the following State Committees, Youth Activities, Benevolent, Seating Arrangements, Hoop Shoot, Entertainment and Decorations, General Chairman’s , Elks National Foundation, Business Practices, Ritual and Insurance and Risk Management from 1997 to present. He was Kansas State Elks Association Elk of the Year in 2001-02 and with the help of PSP Charles Lester, established and became the Director of the Kansas Elks Association ER & Secretary Seminar, now called Leadership Training including Lodge Trustees from 1997 to 2008. He served with distinction as President of the Kansas Elks Association from 1996-97 and is

a member of the KEA Advisory Board from 1997 to present, and

Whereas, he was the announcer for the West Central Region #8 Hoop Shoot in Denver, CO, from 1999 to 2010, has judged Ritual contests in the States of Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma, and has served the Grand Lodge as a Ritual Judge at the Grand Lodge Convention in Kansas City in 1999, as District Deputy for the Kansas Northwest District in 1986-87 and as Special Deputy to the Grand Exalted Ruler for the State of Kansas in 2001-2011 and was the Chairman of the SDGER’s for 3 years, and

Whereas, through all these accomplishments, he has had the encouragement and support of his loving wife Linda, who has been by his side for 28 years. They have two daughters, Lea Ann Studer and Chandra Parker, and two sons, Devin and Lane, as well as three grandchildren, Brooke, Ryan & Megan Parker, and

Whereas, he was elected to the Board of Grand Trustees in 2011, serving as Building Applications West Member, Approving Member and most recently as Vice-Chairman of the Board, and

Whereas, his dedication and passion for Elkdom, and his dedication to our Order have earned him the respect of all Elks, and

Whereas, Walter B. Linthacum represents the epitome of a true Elk and American gentleman, one who loves and serves his fellow man.

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved that in grateful recognition of his valued service to Elkdom and in tribute to his character, leadership and dedication to our Order, the Board of Grand Trustees is hereby authorized and directed by the Grand Lodge in Session to procure and present to Walter B. Linthaacum, a suitable testimonial for his service, together with an engrossed copy of this Resolution, thus expressing the gratitude and respect in which he is held by his fellow Members of the Board of Grand Trustees and the entire Membership of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America.

Resolution honoring Marvin L. “Pete” Nelson, Outgoing

Chairman of Board of Grand Trustee Proposed by Grand Trustee Home

Member, Victor J. CidWhereas, It is with great honor and

privilege to present to you for your consideration a resolution honoring Marvin L. “Pete” Nelson, Chairman, who has served four years on the Board of Grand Trustees. We have come to know and love this person very much and is a personal and close friend to each Member on the Board. It gives me great pleasure to present this resolution as printed in the Daily Convention Newsletter.

Whereas, The Honorable Marvin L. Nelson is a 38 year member of the Fairfield, Iowa Lodge Number 1192, serving as Exalted

Ruler, Leading Knight, Loyal Knight, Lecturing Knight, Esquire, Inner Guard, as chairman and member of all the major lodge committees, Lodge Elk of the Year in 1986, and

Whereas, He served the Fairfield, Iowa State Elks State Association as Vice President Southeast and President Elect. Was elected, and served as State President, 2001-2002. Also served as State Trustee, State Tiler, State Sergeant of Arms, State Division Chairman, Chairman of the Elks National Foundation, Public Relations Committee, Government Relations Committee, received the highest State recognition as State Elk of the Year 1986, and

Whereas, Marvin L. Nelson, is a member of the Elks National Foundation Permanent Benefactor Hall of Fame, Esquire to the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler 1990-1991, led the Board of Grand Trustees as its Chairman, Elks National Home Board of Directors Chairman, and

Whereas, Marvin L. Nelson worked in the Construction, Engineering, Manufacturing as Foreman/Superintendent prior to starting The Nelson Company, Inc. in 1972, served as President/Chairman of the Board, retiring in 2004, Nelco Farms, Inc. President, Certified Flight Instructor, and

Whereas, Marvin L. Nelson has served his community through various civic organizations as the President/Chairman of the Board of the Fairfield Airport Committee, Fairfield Community School Board, Iowa Economic Development Association, First National Bank, Robert L. Parks LTD, Victor Rail Scholarship Foundation, and

Whereas, he accomplished all of the forgoing with the help, support and love of his wife Susan and children, and

Whereas, His leadership and dedication to Order has earned him the respect of all Elks, and

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved, that with grateful recognition of his valued service to our Order, The Board of Grand Trustees is authorized by this Grand Lodge Session to procure and present to Brother Marvin L. Nelson a suitable testimonial for his service, together with an engrossed copy of this resolution, thus expressing the high esteem and respect in which he is held by his fellow members of the Board of Grand Trustees and the entire membership of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America.

WALTER B. LINTHACUM

MARVIN L. NELSON

Please see RESOLUTIONS, Page 11


Local Lodge ActivityDuring term of Grand Exalted Ruler John D. Amen, Fraternal Year 2014-2015

Charter GrantedHarrison County, WV Lodge No. 2875,

instituted June 23, 2015

Charters GrantedThe names of those Lodges followed by

their effective dates: Douglas County, CO Lodge No. 2873, December 14, 2014; North Cape Coral, FL Lodge No. 2874, February 20, 2015; Great Basin, NV Lodge No. 1472, March 07, 2015

Charters SuspendedThe names of those Lodges followed by

their effective dates: Lebanon, OR Lodge No. 1663, April 09, 2015

Charters SurrenderedThe names of those Lodges followed by

their effective dates: Vallejo, CA Lodge No. 559, January 06, 2015; Bedford, IN Lodge No. 826, March 05, 2015; Cookeville-Sparta, TN Lodge No. 2863, March 13, 2015; Thermopolis, WY Lodge No. 1746, March 25, 2015; Canton, OH Lodge No. 68, June 25, 2015

Charters RevokedThe names of those Lodges followed by

their effective dates: Bluffton, SC Lodge No. 2773, August 12, 2014; Jerseyville, IL Lodge No. 954, September 04, 2014; Blocton, AL Lodge No. 710, November 05, 2014; Natchez, MS Lodge No. 553,

November 20, 2014; Medford, OR Lodge No. 1168, December 12, 2014; Lake Sammamish, WA Lodge No. 1843, December 22, 2014; Calexico, CA Lodge No. 1382, January 13, 2015; Richfield, UT Lodge No. 2420, March 02, 2015; Lexington, NC Lodge No. 2527, March 11, 2015; Grafton, WV Lodge No. 308, March 13, 2015; Oceanlake, OR Lodge No. 1886, March 20, 2015; Richmond, KY Lodge No. 581, March 24, 2015; Chisholm Trail, TX Lodge No. 2659, June 16, 2015

Mergers■Winter Haven, FL Lodge No. 1672 And

Lake Wales, FL Lodge No. 1974, Effective 8/26/14. To Be Known As Winter Haven, FL Lodge No. 1672. (Executive Order No. 14-035)

■Homer, AK Lodge No. 2127 And Bristol Bay, AK Lodge No. 2687, Effective 11/13/14. To Be Known As Homer, AK Lodge No. 2127. (Executive Order No. 14-088)

■Bay City, MI Lodge No. 88 And Midland, MI Lodge No. 1610, Effective 03/09/15. To Be Known As Bay City, MI Lodge No. 88. (Executive Order No. 14-161)

■Medford, MA Lodge No. 915 And Malden, MA Lodge No. 965, Effective 03/19/15. To Be Known As Medford-

Malden, MA Lodge No. 915. (Executive Order No. 14-169)

■Weymouth, MA Lodge No. 2232 And Braintree, MA Lodge No. 2622, Effective 03/27/15. To Be Known As Weymouth-Braintree, MA Lodge No. 2232. (Executive Order No. 14-184)

■Manistee, MI Lodge No. 250 And Ludington, MI Lodge No. 736, Effective 04/08/15. To Be Known As Manistee, MI Lodge No. 250. (Executive Order No. 14-189)

■Lake County, IL Lodge No. 702 And Des Plaines, IL Lodge No. 1526, Effective 06/23/15. To Be Known As Des Plaines, IL Lodge No. 1526. (Executive Order No. 14-259)

Lodge Name/Number Changes■Lake City, WA Lodge No. 1800, To Be

Known As Shoreline, WA Lodge No. 1800.

District ChangesEl Paso, Texas Lodge No. 187 moved from

Texas PanWest District No. 8720 to New Mexico Southwest District No. 6040

———————

— (Article III, Section 9, Opinion 03 –Changes Confirmed By Executive Order.)

Resolution honoring Lee Davis Kell, Outgoing Chief Justice

of the Grand Forum, Proposed by Priscilla Ann Schawb, Outgoing Senior

Justice of the Grand Forum,Whereas, The Honorable Lee Davis Kell

is completing his term as Chief Justice of the Grand Forum; and

Whereas, Chief Justice Kell graduated from University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and New York University School of Law with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He has practiced business law in Portland, Oregon for 48 years. He is licensed to practice law in Oregon and Washington and has an inactive license in the State of California. He was a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Oregon and California for 48 years; and

Whereas, Chief Justice Kell joined Portland, Oregon Lodge No. 142 in 1977 and became an officer in 1986. He served through the chairs and became Exalted Ruler in 1989

– 1990. He has served his Lodge in a number of committee positions and was named Lodge Elk of the Year in 2011. He was elected by his Lodge to Honorary Life Membership in 1990. He has served his Lodge as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and as Lodge Treasurer through this past Lodge year.

Whereas, The Honorable Lee Kell currently serves the Oregon State Elks Association as Laws Committee chairman; and was named to the Oregon State Elks Association Hall of Fame in 2013; and

Whereas, The Honorable Lee Kell has rendered dedicated service to the Grand Lodge serving as a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Judiciary from 1992 to 1997. He served on the Board of Grand Trustees from 2000 to 2004 and served as Vice Chairman in 2004. He served as Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler from 2004 to

LEE DAVIS KELL

2010. He was the Grand Esquire for the Lodge year 2008 – 2009; and

Whereas, from July 1997 to July 2000 The Honorable Lee Kell served as Justice of the Grand Forum and in July 2010 he was appointed and confirmed to serve an additional five year term; and

Whereas, The Honorable Lee Kell was appointed as Chief Justice of the Grand Forum for the year July 2014 to July 2015.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that this 151st Session of the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, in convention duly convened this 9th day of July, 2015 does hereby congratulate and commend the Honorable Lee Davis Kell for his exemplary dedication; and directs that he be presented an appropriate honorarium in keeping with one retiring after many years of worthy service to the Order along with an engrossed copy of this resolution and the admiration, respect, and best wishes of his fellow Justices, colleagues, and entire membership of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Resolutions From Page 10


How to get your free gift:1. Spend $25 on your U.S. Bank Elks Visa® Card

in Indianapolis during the convention in July.2. Bring your Elks Visa Card, along with

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1 You must be present with your Elks Visa Card and card receipts totaling $25 at the U.S. Bank booth at the Indiana Convention Center in order to claim your free gift. Non-cardmembers must fill out a complete application at the U.S. Bank booth at the Indiana Convention Center in order to claim a free gift. Limit one free gift per cardmember or applicant, while supplies last. Offer expires on 7/9/15. 2 $10 paid to lodge only once per approved application. 3 Accounts must be open and current to earn and redeem points. Net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns. 4 Cash back is redeemed in the form of a statement credit. 5 A one-time 1,000 points first-use bonus will be awarded when you activate and make a purchase with your Elks Visa Card. This offer is subject to credit approval and your account must be open and current to receive the bonus. The bonus will appear on your first statement after the qualifying purchase is made.The creditor and issuer of the Elks Visa Card is U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Only available to U.S. Residents. © 2015 U.S. Bank National Association. All rights reserved.

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