VISALIA ELKS # 1298 BULLETIN | “The Herd”

Visalia, California - February 2019 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

Lodge Meetings Weds February 13, 2019 – Business Weds February 27, 2019 - Initiations House Committee Meeting Wed February 13, 2019 Trustee Meeting Weds February 13, 2019 (You must call or e-mail in advance to be on the agenda) P.E.R. Assn Meeting Mon February 4, 2019 - 5:30pm Vagabonds RV Club Meeting Wednesday, February 20, 2019 – 7:30pm Taco Tuesday – Feb 12th and 26th Friday Lunch Most Fridays 11:30am to 1:00pm $7.00 Poker Night Feb 7th and 21st - Seat Cards handed out at 6pm - Cards are dealt at 6:30pm Veterans Breakfast Sunday February 10, 2019 8:30 to 11:00am Adults $10.00 Veterans & Kids $8.00 Cook Your Own: Steak, Salmon or Chicken February 15, 2019 - 6:00 – 7:30pm RSVP is required. 734-6762 --------------------------------------------- Visalia Elks Lodge Bulletin Periodical of the; Visalia Elks Lodge #1298 Volume 18/19 Edition #11 News Submission Deadline Submissions must be received on the 20th of each month to be included in the next newsletter. Send to: kristy@rknstudio.com

“EXALTED RULER’S CORNER” Happy February. Welcome to the ER’s Corner for February 2019. January was a relatively quiet month by Elk standards. First of the month we opened the kitchen serving burgers and fries on our bar menu Thursdays through Sundays. If you haven’t visited the lodge and tried Brent’s cooking you’re missing out. Later in January, Leading Knight Ron, Lecturing Knight Melanie and Secretary Dwayne along with PER Jan and myself went to a DD clinic in Fresno. It’s always great to rub elbows with other lodges and stay on top of ways to help our lodge be better. Just a reminder – the Spring Tea Party, Casino Night and the Elks Poker run are some of our upcoming events in March and April. I hope that you will come out support your lodge and have a great time in the process. To be sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun, you can keep tabs on our upcoming events by visiting our website: www.visaliaelks.org. Also, elections are coming up this month so now is the time to get involved. Hope to see you at the lodge Thank you, Ray Lewis Exalted Ruler Visalia Lodge #1298

Visit us on Facebook at: facebook.com/visaliaelkslodge

Lodge Officers 2018/2019 Exalted Ruler Ray Lewis Leading Knight Ron Marshall Loyal Knight Shawn Cooper Lecturing Knight Melanie McKimmons Secretary Dwayne McGovran Treasurer Mike Saulque Tiler Lori Jackson Esquire Susan Kazarian Chaplain Jan Lee PER Inner Guard Eli Ledesma Trustees: 1-Year Brenda Costa 2-Year Thomas Higgins 3-Year Ralph Kaeble 4-Year John Peters PER 5-Year Jorge Montano Past Exalted Rulers * Dick Hovey 1964-65 Gordon Pendergraft 1965-66 Ronald Mathis 1976-77 Larry Paxton 1978-79 John Peters 1989-90 Jim Hay 1991-92 Robert Casey 1992-93 Al Hack 1995-96 Royce Gholson 1997-98, 98-99, 07-08 Rob Van Wagoner 1999-2000 Joe Alberti 2004-05, 05-06, 15-16 Ted Donald 2006-07 Chuck Lee 2009-10, 10-11 Mark Pryor 2013-14 Dennis Oswalt 2014-15 Jan Lee 2016-17, 17-18 *Active in Good Standing Past Exalted Rulers from other lodges: Ken Bridges Tulare # 1424 Pat Dugan Tulare #1424 Bob Jones Porterville # 1342 ------------------------------------------- CandidatesforFebruary There will be voting on candidates at the February 13th meeting. They have not finished interviews in time for the bulletin, therefore the names will be posted in the Members Lounge after being interviewed and before the February 13, 2019 meeting. Potential candidates who are voted in will be initiated at the March 27, 2019 meeting since Elections are February 27, 2019.

Orientation and Initiation. Next Orientation is March 27, 2019 5:30pm. Ball Room #2 Orientation is MANDATORY for all candidates. Spouses and significant others and families are encouraged to attend with the candidate. This is the beginning of the learning process of the BPOE and what we are all about. Dinner will be served at 6:30pm and candidates and one guest will have dinner on us. After dinner during the initiation non-member spouses and guests may gather and socialize with other nonmembers in the front lounge until after the initiation. Only members and candidates are allowed in the lodge room and Members Lounge after 6:00pm on meeting nights. The members lounge will be closed during the initiation and lodge meeting. Expect about an hour. No beverages are allowed in the lodge room. Note to Sponsors: Please make reservations for your candidates and notify them of the above listed times. Sponsors should escort their candidates to orientation, dinner and initiation. Attire is business casual.

NO SHORTS, FLIP FLOPS, “T-SHIRTS OR JEANS

DURING THE INITIATION...

Scholarship Update from Bill Flores: After reviewing 37 applications for our 2019 graduating seniors, our three boys and three girls have been selected. We have four from Redwood, one from Mt. Whitney and one from Woodlake high schools. These students will be invited to attend a Wednesday night dinner in the spring to be recognized and meet some of our members. While we do attend the Scholarship Night at each school and present their $500 checks, we want them to see our Lodge and get more acquainted with the Elks in general. I wish to thank everyone who has contributed to our fundraising efforts whether it be by personal donation or buying 50/50 tickets on Steak Night. Every dollar helps. My thanks also to Laurel Flores and Barbara K. Davis for their work in scoring these applications. Dorothy Van Wagoner has just joined our team and will be with us starting with the September 2019 crop of new applicants. We encourage all eligible students to apply online for the Most Valuable Student and Legacy scholarships as well as others the Elks make available.

Nominations for 2019/2020 Officers will be accepted in the February 13, 2019 meeting. Voting and elections will be at the next business meeting on February 27, 2019

VISALIA ELKS COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Americanism Stephen Sobko Beqs. & Living Trusts Melanie Mc Kimmons Business Practices Dwayne McGovran Drug Awareness Thomas Higgins ENF Melanie McKimmons Government Relations Ralph Kaelble Hoop Shoot Ron Marshall Insurance & Safety John Peters PER Lodge Activities Teresa Lewis Membership/Indoc. Rob VanWagoner PDDGER Nat Vets Service Chuck Lee PER Public Relations Teresa Lewis Major Project Melanie McKimmons Ritual Training Chuck Lee PER Scholarships Bill Flores Scouting Melanie McKimmons Youth Activities Chris Lewis

Hot Oven Tributes & Kitchen Thanks 1-8-19 Taco Tuesday Team Leader: Susie Mooney Helpers: Rosalie Gilcrest, Laurel Flores, Jamie Duncan, Steve Sobko, Floyd and Diana Martinez 1-9-19 Wednesday Night Dinner Team Leader: John and Becky Kennedy Helpers: Mindy Morgan, Tandy Turner, Christin Gusman, Laurel Flores 1-12-19 COS VPD Graduation Team Leader: John Peters Helpers: Steve Sobko, Brenda Souza Costa, Sark Davidian, Bree Mervin, Brandon Shores, Jacob Kennedy, Shawn Corley, Greg Gostanian, Rosaly Gilcrest, Susie Mooney, Nicole Peters 1-13-19 Veteran’s Breakfast – 313 Guests Team Leader: Tom Hansen Saturday Prep Crew: Ed & Jean Shields, Roy & Joan Bremer, Susie Mooney, Scott Reeder, Ron Vasquez, Jasper Parlier, John Wilkers, Margo Giles, Steve & LaRuth Chance Sunday Breakfast: Hostesses: Sue Hamilton, Brenda Costa, Stephanie Costa Front Lounge: Chuck and Eric Fishel Omelet Cooks: Scott Reeder, Margo Giles, Becky Kennedy, Sark Davidian, Kevin Colopy, Janie Donald Kitchen Cooks: Sausage and Potatoes: Scott Nelson Bacon: Phil Fortney Gravy: John Kennedy Servers: Susie Mooney (Bacon and Sausage) Justin Kinderknecht (Potatoes) Lisa Brown (Pancakes & French Toast) Maria Silva (Biscuits and Gravy) Set Up and Everything Else: Jasper Parlier and Steve Chance Dishwashers: Brian & Kelly Kleinkopf, Phil Fortney, Heather Simon, Craig Williams, Ted Donald Back up Cooks: Jorge Montano, Jamie Silva, LaRuth Chance Bus Boys & Girls: Antonio & Daniel Montano

Hot Oven Tributes & Kitchen Thanks (cont.)

1-18-19 Cook Your Own Steak Night Team Leader: Steve Sobko and Nicole Peters Helpers: Jamie Duncan, Sark Davidian, Laurel Flores, Becky Kennedy, John Kennedy, Susie Mooney, Floyd and Diana Martinez 1-22-19 Taco Tuesday Team Leader: Susie Mooney Helpers: Jamie Duncan, Floyd and Diana Martinez, Laurel Flores 1-23-19 Wednesday Night Dinner (Initiation night – 161 Guests) Team Leader: Justin Helin / Ag, Inc Helpers: Stacy West, Pam Morefield, Carrie Menezes, Bryan Helin, Greg Gostanian, Shawn Corley, Sam Baldiva, Steve Sobko, Laurel Flores, LaRuth Chance, Nicole Peters, Darren Vanciel Friday Lunches – Rob & Dorothy VanWagoner If your group is cooking and you’d like the group’s info listed in the Bulletin, please be sure to fill out the form and turn it into the office by 20th of the month. Thanks.

PURPLE PIG THANKS YOU Leo D'Andrea, Jeff Gruber, Larry Hutton (52 club), Larry Tate (century club), and Woodville Ranches Want to get more involved? Right now, the Purple Pig committee consists of LaRuth Chance and myself. We'd welcome newcomers to the party. Duties include (but are not limited to: counting and receipting monies that are turned in, rolling coins, crediting the donor, turning monies in to Lodge to be forwarded to Fresno. Acknowledging donors (thank you notes mailed and posted in bulletin). Distribution of the recognitions (certificates and pins) from CHEMP, I. Not all members can get to the Lodge to pick up pins and the Post Office charges parcel rates. We'd like to start a "reach out" group - members who have the willingness and time to deliver pins and certificates in the Visalia area - it gives us the opportunity for a personal "Thanks " as well as extending the hand of Friendship to our less visible members. If interested in helping, please text Melanie 559-471-8684

Upcoming Events:

February 22, 2019 – SOLD OUT

Volunteer Meeting

Mon, Feb 4th at 5:30 pm in Fireside Room If you volunteered to help last year or want to volunteer

this year – please join us at this meeting. _____________________________________________

4th Annual Spring Tea Party – March 30, 2019

Flyer for the Tea Party is on our website if you’d like to print it visit: http://visaliaelks.org/events/4th-annual-elks-spring-tea-party/ MORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: CASHIERS - You're all familiar with Laurel Flores, the friendly face at Taco Tuesday, Friday Night Steaks, and Meeting Night Dinners. We need a few extra names of willing helpers to either work on a regular basis or be on a call list if needed.

MORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES (CONT.): GRATITUDE GRANT PROJECT - THURSDAY, MAY. 23 Location: 11535 Avenue 264 (corner of Mooney) Food preparation, serving, community interaction This event is in the planning stages and will hopefully be a yearly collaboration with TCOE BRIGHT START, so there will be plenty of jobs to go around. (NO ADULT LIBATIONS ALLOWED) GIRL SCOUTS BEST OF THE BEST AWARDS BANQUET - Tuesday, June 11, at Visalia Elks Lodge Food preparation, buffet-style serving. Menu to be determined. _______________________________________________ SAVE THE DATES:

Save the Date – Elks Casino Night – April 13th (more information coming soon)

_______________________________________________

Save the Date – April 27, 2019

– Visalia Elks Poker Run (You can register on our website HERE:

http://visaliaelks.org/events/visalia-elks-poker-run-2019/)

Save the Date – May 4, 2019 – 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Party

You won’t want to miss this fun event! (More Info Coming Soon)

VAGABONDS TRAVELS

I am out of ideas for this month’s column as the RVers haven’t been on the road since the November Bakersfield rally except for the lucky ones spending time in Arizona. Hope they are enjoying lots of sunshine and maybe a little sightseeing too. We would like to welcome new Vagabond Members – Phil and Angel Moreno and Dan and Laurie Dieterich. The 2019 calendar of events is listed below:

• February 14-17: The Vagabonds will be going to The Lakes RV Resort with Joyce and Mike O’Rafferty planning the weekend.

• March 14-19: Casa de Fruta here we come with Lloyd and Mary Cooper and crew. • April 25-29: Pacific Dunes in Oceano with Roland Lucille Kreps and their merry group of volunteers. • May 30-June 3: John and Sherri Rivera have rally plans at Jackson Rancheria. • June 30-July 7: Oceano Elks – Sad to say space very limited. Put your name on the Waiting List with

Frank and Kathy Kelly. • August ?: Possibly Salinas Elks. • September: ??? • October 25-27: Halloween Rally here at the Lodge with Jim and Susan Garvin. • November: ?? • December 13: Christmas Party

If you are planning to go to any of the rallies, be sure to get your name on the Sign-Up Sheet at meetings and prepay the Treasurer for your spot. Remember most rallies (except Oceano Elks) require rv site payment ahead of time to the Vagabond Treasurer. Just a little reminder, too, each rv park has their own guidelines and as a club making the reservation, we accept the park guidelines for arrival and departure times, pets and any cancellations. It looks to me like we have a busy calendar of fun times ahead. Mark your calendar and plan to enjoy time in 2019 with the Vagabonds. Kathy and Frank Kelly SIC

To access this calendar on-line to stay up-to-date on changes, visit: http://visaliaelks.org/events/.

February Calendar

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The cost is $100 a year and it can be prorated if needed.

BPOE VISALIA LODGE #1298 NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

BPOElksVISALIALODGENO12983100WESTMAINSTREETVISALIA,CA93291

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S.PostagePaidVisalia,CA93277PermitNo.197

Members with a birthday this month get a FREE dinner on any dinner of the month, including Friday Steak Night. (Excludes Prime Rib, Rib Nights, Fireside Dinners, Crab and

Shrimp Feeds. Get A Free Beverage on your birthday in the lounge.

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FEBRUARY

BIRTHDAYS

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