Hello and Aloha to all the members and guests of the California-Hawaii Elks Association.  Karen and I have been very busy since we left the Association Convention in Anaheim last May.  We still talk about the rally and the wonderful support that we received from the many friends who participated.

On June 1^st Karen and I traveled to Santa Maria and attended the annual Elks Rodeo.  We assisted the members by handing out American Flags to approximately 6,000 students who arrived in buses and were treated to a free full Rodeo performance.  We have never seen so many happy faces.  I also had the honor of helping with “Cowboys Kicking Cancer,†in presenting a cowboy hat and belt buckle to those children who are being treated for cancer (compliments of the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Recreation Association).  We had a very nice buffet dinner and participated in a silent auction that raised several hundred dollars for the children.  Karen and I also took part in the Elks Rodeo Parade.  We were lucky enough to catch a ride in a 1972 Oldsmobile 442 convertible.  It was obvious to us that the City of Santa Maria is definitely a great supporter of the Elks Lodge No. 1538 and our Elks Organization!

After the Rodeo we attended our first visitation in the Metropolitan District. Ray Broussard and his wife Karen of the Santa Clarita Lodge hosted us during our visit.  We visited four lodges and even had the opportunity to participate in Karaoke Night at the Canoga Park Lodge.  Santa Clarita had a great BBQ on Saturday and we finished our visit with a nice breakfast at the Glendale Lodge.  It was great to see that the lodges we visited are all busy and involved in their communities.

Next came the Grand Lodge Convention session in Houston, Texas.  I had the honor of presenting the State of California Flag at the opening ceremonies.  Hawaii, Gaum and the Philippines were represented and presented their Flags also.  At the Grand Lodge session, twelve resolutions were presented.  The attending members voted and all the resolutions passed. This session was only three days instead of four, so it was very busy every day.

As we continue our visitations to the various Districts, I will continue to emphasize the importance of our programs, especially Membership/Retention, Major Project, Public Relations, Lodge activities and Veterans.  We are entering into new and exciting times.  As Elks, our hard work and effort continues to spread the word in all our communities about all the great things that we do.  There is no doubt that we will continue to “MAKE ELKDOM SHINE!â€

You will not receive another issue of this magazine until after the Holidays.  Karen and I would like to wish you all a most enjoyable Holiday Season.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Lance Erickson, President
California-Hawaii Elks Association