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In 2012-13, the Elks National Foundation allocated $2.296 million to fund the Most Valuable Student Scholarships. For more information about the Most Valu-able Student scholarship program, including eligibility and deadlines, visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars. Here are introductions to this year’s Most Valuable Scholars.Joanne Dynak: A Dream in Any LanguageKolegium. Marzenie. Uczony. The words college, dream and scholar might not

mean much to you when written in Polish, but to top female Most Valuable Student scholarship winner Joanne Dynak, these words mean the world. Her parents moved to America from Poland to give her better opportunities. She spoke only Polish until she went to elementary school, where she gradually learned to speak English.

Today, Joanne’s college dream will come true. With the help of her MVS schol-arship, sponsored by Chicago Northshore, IL Lodge #1316, Joanne is headed to Harvard to study business with a focus on international development. “This schol-arship changed my perspective of what my college experience will be for the next four years,” says Joanne. “There are so many opportunities I can take advantage of now because of this huge award.”

Joanne Dynak (above) is the girl winner of the Most Valuable Student scholarship. David Limm (right) is the boy winner of the $60,000 award.

ENF Most Valuable Scholars: Sharing an American Tale

David Lim: Deja VuDavid Lim has seen first-

hand the Elks caring and sharing—his two sisters re-ceived MVS scholarships. And now, David is excited to join the Elks family, too, as the top male Most Valuable Student scholarship winner, sponsored by Santa Clarita, CA Lodge #2379.

“The Elks helped our fami-ly tremendously,” says David. “Now that I’ve won the MVS scholarship, the Elks will become an even more vital part of my family.” David will follow in his sister’s footsteps to Harvard, where he plans to study economics and pur-sue his love of business. “It is unexplainable how much this scholarship will help me,” says David. “It will give me the opportunity to reach my potential without worrying about monetary limitations.”

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Perfection wins Getty Powell AwardSwish, swish, swish was the only sound one could

hear at the National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Finals in Springfield, IL as Taylor Robertson and Joseph Girard III toed the free throw line and took their shots. They were the only two youngsters to record perfect scores from the 72 finalists who competed.

Taylor Robertson from McPherson, KS representing McPherson Lodge #502, and Joseph Girard III from Queensbury, NY representing Glenn Falls Lodge #81 have much in common besides winning national Hoop Shoot titles and having their names placed permanently on the Elks Plaque in the Basketball Hall of Fame. In school their favorites subjects are math and physical education. Both follow a specific routine when shoot-ing free throws and credit their success to concentra-tion and focus. Each shoots 300 shots a day, with family members retrieving the ball to prepare for the style of the competition. Both have enjoyed tremendous sup-port from family members, friends, and Elk members at various levels of competition.

In addition to winning national Hoop Shoot titles, they have added other accomplishments to their resumes. Taylor attained a 4.0 GPA in her middle school and won two gold medals at the National Junior Olympics and a Presidential Fitness award. Joseph has excelled as a stu-dent and competed successfully in an AAU basketball team. He also played in the Glen Falls Little League and participated in the Pop Warner football program.

Both these model student athletes have more Hoop Shoot eligibility and plan to participate again next year. Their future competitors should begin immediately working as diligently as Taylor and Joseph have to per-fect their free throw skills. Congratulations on a job well done!

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

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

receipts totaling $25 or more, to the U.S. Bank booth in Hall 1 at the Austin Convention Center.

3. Pick up your FREE gift!OR1. Apply for your Elks Visa Card today at the U.S. Bank

booth at the Austin Convention Center, Hall 1.2. Receive a FREE gift!

Benefits of the Elks Visa Card!• Your lodge will earn $10 for each approved credit card application.2

• Earn rewards points with every net purchase — and there’s no limit to the number of points you can earn.3

• Redeem points for free air travel, merchandise, gift certificates, cash back and more.

• Receive 1,000 bonus points after your first purchase. • Missed us at the convention?

Visit: usbank.com/elksvisacard

1 You must be present with your Elks Visa Card and card receipts totaling $25 at the U.S. Bank booth in Hall 1 at the Austin Convention Center in order to claim your free gift. Non-cardmembers must fill out a complete application in order to claim a free gift. Limit one free gift per cardmember. Offer expires on 7/3/12. 2 $10 paid to lodge only once. 3 Accounts must be open and current to earn and redeem points. The creditor and issuer of the Elks Visa Card is U.S. Bank National Association ND, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Only available to U.S. Residents. © 2012 U.S. Bank. All rights reserved.

Get a FREE GIFT1 at the 2012 Annual Elks Convention!

USA

Thank you, Cam and Linda Cronk, for 39 years of service to Hoop ShootThink back to 1997. Titanic topped the charts at the

box office, the cost of gas was $1.22 a gallon, and the Green Bay Packers defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI. For Elks Hoop Shoot fans, 1997 marks the year when, with his wife Linda by his side, Cam Cronk directed his first Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals as National Director.

Cam and Linda first got involved with the Hoop Shoot in 1973, when Cam joined Billings, MT Lodge #394. They have been passionate about the program ever since. In 2012, the Elks Hoop Shoot is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and Cam and Linda are preparing for their last Hoop Shoot National Finals with Cam at the helm. Throughout their 39 years of service, Cam and Linda got as much from the contest as they put into it.

“I have many fond memories of the program,” says Cam. “The kids constantly impress me, not just with their free throw abilities, but through their character and accomplishments outside of Hoop Shoot. You see them learn to set goals, make sacrifices, and develop a strong work ethic that stays with them long after the contest.”

In addition to learning from the contestants, the re-markable families who come through the programs leave a lasting impact. “When you see things like grown men crying because it’s the first time their whole family can fly or take a vacation together,” says Linda, “you

know how much the Elks mean to these families.”Cam and Linda are looking forward to retirement,

when they plan to spend more time with each other, their children and their six grandchildren. But, leaving Hoop Shoot behind is bittersweet. When the Cronks en-vision Hoop Shoot 15 years from now, they see more participants and Lodges.

The Elks National Foundation expresses our heartfelt thanks to Cam and Linda Cronk for their commitment to the Elks Hoop Shoot. Their leadership, passion and dedication allowed the program to evolve into the won-derful opportunity for contestants, families, Elks and other Hoop Shoot supporters that it is today. We wish the Cronks the best in their retirement!

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Austin Convention Center praises ElksA Certificate of Appreciation “In Recognition of Su-

perior Leadership and Teamwork” was presented to the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks by the Austin Convention Center Department/Security & Safety Di-vision. This certificate commends the cooperation be-tween the City of Austin and the B.P.O.E. towards the smooth and successful operation of the 148th Grand Lodge Session in Austin.

National Convention Sessions Coordinator Bill Geb-hardt of Albany, NY #49 accepted the Certificate on be-half of the Order.

“We don’t do this for every show, but this is our way to show our appreciation for the cooperation in setting up the event and working with us on the security,” said Donnell V. James, Security Coordinator for the Austin Convention Center Department. Austin Convention Center chief of security Jeff Adickes presented the cer-tificate to Gebhardt.

The Elks Grand Lodge ranks in the top ten largest shows that Austin Convention Center sees all year. The annual South By Southwest Interactive/Film/Mu-sic Conference is by far the largest tenant of the Austin Convention Center, taking over the entire building each March. Other large shows at the Center are the annual Dell World and National Instruments’ annual NI Week program.

“We definitely appreciate all the help with planning and implementing security from the Elks, especially Bill Gebhardt, and for keeping us up with all changes,” added James. “It’s been one of the easiest to manage shows we’ve had in a long time.”

Bill Gebhardt

MN Elks present ring to GERThe ring pictured is a gift from the Minnesota Elks

Association to incoming Grand Exalted Ruler Braizer, presented to him at his installation by Minnesota Elks State President Lynn Rohlf, Duluth #133. The ring is sterling sliver for the first time this year and features a purple amethyst stone surrounded by the words “Grand Exalted Ruler”. The sides of the ring feature the “tab-lets of love and memory” and an elk head and a clock depicting the hour of eleven. If you would like to or-der your own Elks ring, you can do so by visiting the Minnesota Elks website at www.mnelks.org, and all pro-ceeds benefit the Minnesota Elks Youth Camp.

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Summary of Resolutions voteOfficial results will be printed in the Proceedings.

PASSED CONDITIONALLY 2012-01 To eliminate the position of Grand Treasurer (Constitutional Amend-ment requires confirmation by the Lodges)

Yes 2564 No 236 91.57%PASSED CONDITIONALLY 2012-02 To transfer the duties of the Grand Treasurer to the Grand Secretary (Constitutional Amendment dependent upon passage of 2012-1)

Yes 2558 No 244 PASSED 2012-03 To allow the adoption of alternate initiation rituals

Yes 1505 No 1294 PASSED 2012-04 To allow a Lodge to assess its Life Members an administrative fee up to the amount of reg-ular Lodge dues

Yes 1501 No 1299PASSED 2012-05 To reinstate the Grand Lodge Gov-ernment Relations Committee

Yes 1992 No 809PASSED 2012-06 To add flexibility to the operation of the Elks National Home

Yes 2543 No 257PASSED 2012-07 To provide authority for the Board of Directors of the Corporation which maintains the Elks National Home to sell, lease or close the Home

Yes 2533 No 266PASSED 2012-08 To provide that only one copy of the Elks Magazine be mailed to an address with multiple members unless otherwise requested by the Member.

Yes 2683 No 117FAILED 2012-09 To increase the fee to appeal an Ex-ecutive Order to more accurately reflect the cost of tran-scription of the record

Yes 909 No 1890PASSED 2012-10 To clarify that officers of a separate corporation are subject to discipline by the Grand Ex-alted Ruler

Yes 2536 No 254PASSED 2012-11 To extend the expedited expulsion process to a Member who fails to disclose a prior crimi-nal conviction on an application for membership

Yes 2693 No 103PASSED 2012-12 To clarify the circumstances under which a conflict of interest exists

Yes 2468 No 326PASSED 2012-13 To establish a whistleblower policy

to protect those who report violationsYes 2613 No 182

Grand Trustees explain Resolutions 6 & 7BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Grand Trustees of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America and the Board of Directors of the Elks National Home and Retirement Center are authorized to sell the real estate, the improvements and personal property located on that real estate, the goodwill, and all other assets of the Elks National Home and Retirement Center, upon such terms and conditions as they deem necessary or advisable.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Grand Trustees, the Grand Secretary, or other appropriate Officers of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Elks National Home and Retirement Center, are authorized to execute or attest any and all documents necessary or expedient to effectuate a sale and conveyance.

PASSED 2012-14 To eliminate the need for a card number to conform to CLMS

Yes 2497 No 293PASSED 2012-15 To clarify that a PER retains that status upon transfer to another Lodge

Yes 2762 No 37PASSED 2012-16 To simplify the reduced fee rein-statement provisions

Yes 2733 No 66PASSED 2012-17 To clarify the procedure for drop-ping a delinquent Member

Yes 2687 No 109PASSED 2012-18 To clarify that an expelled Member cannot be admitted into any Elks facility as a guest

Yes 2730 No 66

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Invitation to Reno in 2013The “Battle Born” State of Nevada and the City of

Reno, “The Biggest Little City in the World” extend a warm invitation to attend the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Grand Lodge Convention on July 14 -18, 2013. Our Nevada State Sponsor, PGER Louis “Jim” Grillo and Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, Jim Shirkey have rolled out the welcome mat and the Ne-vada State Elks Association along with the Committee members from the 14 Lodges stand ready to make your visit memorable.

The area offers a wide diversity of activities and mod-erate temperatures. There are some great golf courses – including the Montreau Golf Course where the Reno/Tahoe PGA Golf Tournament is played. You are only a short drive away from six Elks Lodges and right across the street from the Reno Elks Lodge #597. Lake Tahoe is also just minutes away in the Sierra Nevada Moun-tains. Some of you may also want to try your luck at one of the casinos and a few of them are right in your hotels. The Convention Center is located on Virginia Street and you will want to get your picture taken under the Arch or visit the bowling center in the middle of town. We look forward to seeing you next year!Support Elks National Foundation at work

Helping Elks build stronger communities has never been easier with the Elks National Foundation’s work-place giving opportunities. Double your gift to the ENF with no additional cost to you by signing up for our matching gift program. Many employers will match employees’ charitable gifts—even if the employee is retired. To find out if your employer sponsors a match-ing gift program, visit www.elks.org/enf/MatchingGifts.cfm.

Donate directly to the ENF through your employer by signing up for payroll deductions. When you sign up, you agree to have a predetermined dollar amount de-ducted monthly from your paycheck and earmarked for the ENF. As a participant in this program, you become a member of the ENF Fidelity Club, and will receive benefits such as a sticker for your membership card and a pin.

If you’re a federal civilian, military, or postal employ-ee, you can donate to the ENF through payroll deduc-tions made through the Combined Federal Campaign. Simply enroll between Sept. 1 and Dec. 15. When mak-ing a pledge through the CFC for the year, remember to use the ENF’s CFC Code: 12233. For details on how to enroll in any of these programs, contact your Human Resources Department or visit www.elks.org.

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Serve your community with ENF GrantsThe ENF Community Investments Program invests

$6.5 million in Elks communities through Lodge grants that help Elks meet local needs. When your Lodge uses Elks National Foundation Community Investments Program grants effectively, your community will look to the Elks as leaders in service. Here are some of the grants available:

Beacon Grants. $1,000 grants available to all Elks Lodges for an ongoing, charitable, Elks-driven commu-nity project.

Gratitude Grants. $2,000 grants available to Lodges that meet the National President’s per-member goal for giving to the ENF. These grants can be used to serve a variety of community needs.

Promise Grants. $2,000 grants available to the first 500 Lodges that apply to hold a youth event.

Impact Grants. Competitive grants of up to $10,000 designed to help Lodges make a visible, significant and ongoing difference in their communities.

Community Investments Program grants offer your Lodge an opportunity to serve your community in ways that will raise the Lodge’s profile, energize the member-ship, encourage former members to return to the fold, and gain the notice of people who want to be part of an organization that’s doing great things. Stop by the ENF booth or visit www.elks.org/enf/community to learn more about Community Investments Program grants.

Earl Decker (left) of Pott-stown, PA #814 served as the Honor Guard during the Opening Ceremony. For many years he has served in this capacity to usher in the PGERs and their ladies. He escorted First Lady Penny Carr and Grand Exalted Ruler David Carr on Sunday.

Today’s Elks scholars are tomorrow’s ElksEach year, ENF awards $3.59 million in scholarships

to deserving students. Once students receive an ENF scholarship, they are welcomed into the Elks family, where they are encouraged to share their stories, give their time, and eventually join the Order.

The ENF provides opportunities to further this rela-tionship, such as the Elks Scholar Month of Service, when Elks scholars get together to serve their communi-ties, and the Elks Scholar Speaker Program, where Elks scholars share their experiences with their local Lodges. Through these opportunities, Elks scholars grow more connected to each other and the Elks. To learn more, email scholarship@elks.org or call 773-755-4732.

Thanks go to the Freeman Company AV crew for the images on the screens.

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Regional Hoop Shoot Directors on their way to the convention center with the Getty Powell trophies are Bill Cook of Dalton, GA #1267; Dick Blinn of Haverhill, MA #165; and Vern Larson of Pierre, SD #1953.

Supporting ENF easy with Fidelity Club

Do you contribute to the Elks Na-tional Foundation regularly? What if you could donate without writ-ing a check every time? You can by joining the ENF Fidelity Club. The ENF Fidelity Club recognizes donors who support the ENF au-tomatically through credit card, direct debit or payroll deductions. These automatic gifts come di-rectly to the ENF, and count toward your Lodge’s per capita and your individual giving total.

This recognition program features benefits to Fidelity Club members who reach designated benchmarks. Following your first recurring gift, you will receive a special Fidelity Club sticker for your membership card. Your name will also appear in the online Fidelity Club Honor Roll after your first recurring gift. After you’ve made 12 recurring gifts you’ll receive the Fidelity Club pin. Each time you reach an additional benchmark—25 recurring gifts, 50 recurring gifts and 100 recurring gifts—you’ll receive a pin attach-ment to wear with your Fidelity Club pin. Visit www.elks.org/enf/fidelityclub.cfm or stop by the ENF booth to see the Fidelity Club pin and attachments and find out how to enroll.

Attendance Report as of 10 a.m. Wednesday Spouse/GuestGrand Exalted Ruler 1 1Past Grand Exalted Rulers 22 11Grand Lodge Officers 8 7Grand Trustees 9 7Grand Forum 4 2Grand Lodge Committeemen 49 29District Deputies Designate 236 107Special Deputies 18 14Representatives to the Grand Lodge and Alternates 1634 670State Presidents 44 26State Secretaries 28 18Grand Lodge Members 1274 484Non-Voting Members 1222 130Guests 414Vendors 41Total 4549 1961 Combined Total: 6510

The final report will be published in the Proceedings of the 148th Grand Lodge Session. The subtotal of Mem-bers of Grand Lodge is 3,327, which is 313 fewer than last year, with 1,222 non-voting members and 1,961 visitors and guests. The unofficial total attendance was 6,510, which is 405 fewer than last year.

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Corrected Results of Grand Lodge Convention booth judging

The Lodge Activities/State Associa-tions Committee judged State Association booths in the exhibit hall and the results are as follows:

Five Stars: Alaska, Arizona, California/Hawaii, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indi-ana, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Wash-ington, Wisconsin

Four Stars: Illinois, Minnesota, New York, South Carolina, Texas

Three Stars: Idaho, MissouriEditor’s note: We regret this error and

wish to apologize to Arizona Elks for omitting them yesterday.

Public Relations Committee expresses appreciationThe Grand Lodge Public Relations Committee ends its final year on a high note. The PR Committee helped

Subordinate Lodges create effective websites, and our social media seminars lead the way in strengthening rela-tionships between members and Lodges. This past year realized more television and newspaper articles than ever before, and the Public Relations Tool Kit has been a landmark accomplishment of the whole committee. The Tool Kit has helped in standardizing press releases and has given direction to promote the Elks brand nationwide. The Tool Kit has been posted on the Grand Lodge website to guide future officers and members of the Order.

The convention newspaper has been the voice of Lodge charities and member human interest stories which otherwise would not have been available to convention delegates. Carl, Susan, and Jennifer Jacob have headed up the editing team of the convention daily newsletter. With the support of many talented and dedicated volunteers, including committee spouses, articles have been produced, assembled, and proofread to insure an informative and consistent high quality of journalism. The editors appreciate the assistance of volunteers Mike Clark, Cathy Engelking, Janet Leuer, Carole Lunceford, Penny Geishert, Ron Marks, Bill Weeks, and Norma Williams.

Dedicated volunteers, often the same administrative assistants from year to year traveling from convention to convention, have donated countless hours in composing, editing, and capturing the tenor of each convention with-out personal bias or influence. Committee sponsor, the Honorable Lester Hess, PGER, has provided the support and guidance that has insured the quality of work demonstrated by this active and dedicated committee.

The coming year will be a challenge for all Lodge Officers and members as they will have to be more self reliant than ever in promoting the many programs of our Order and their own state and local charitable work. PR Com-mittee members Bill Hopkins, Rick Gathen, Vic McClellan, Edwin Geishert Jr, Ross Jennings, James Beyl, Jerry Grimes, and Don Jones appreciate the support and encouragement of spouses, Lodges, and members.

New phenomenon noticed in Austin barsThis week, a new phenomenon was noticed in several

of the bars on Sixth Street in Austin, TX. At both Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar and Coyote Ugly, at the stroke of eleven, the music stopped and the proprietors invited the Elks present to conduct the Eleven O’clock Toast. Thank you, Austin, for welcoming the Elks and our tra-ditions.

Celebrations of Elks familiesLarry and Dollie Gandron of Mechanicville-Stillwa-

ter, NY #1403 celebrated their seventh anniversary on July 3.

Shirley Klotz of Saratoga-Wilton, NY #161 also cel-ebrated her 66th birthday on July 3 at their state dinner.

Pete and Pam Gadzinksi of Negaunee, MI #1116 cel-ebrated their 20th anniversary on July 3.

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Laura Helgeson, age 97, of Monterey, CA #1285 is the oldest Elk we have met at convention. She is incom-ing First Lady Venita Brazier’s mother and joined the Lodge when she was 91.

Arizona Elks support medical researchThe 28,000 members of the Arizona Elks Association

are proud to share with the Elks of America attending the Grand Lodge Convention in Austin the works and success of the programs of the Arizona Elks Major Proj-ect

The Arizona Elks has finished their commitment of five million dollars to the Childrens Research Center. The Arizona Elks have just begun a ten year commit-ment to fund a new treatment concept—Translation Medicine, taking Elks funded research discoveries at the Steele Center and building translations clinics to help care for some of Arizona’s needy patients.

Alzheimer’s South Carolina major projectWe have had over 1,500 elks and visitors at our booth

wanting to learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease. Many of their family and friends have been diagnosed with ei-ther dementia or full blown Alzheimer’s. We were able to supply them with literature and answer questions about whom to see and how to get respite care help for their loved ones. Arizona Elks are working for those who cannot remember.

California food bank donationCalifornia West Central District 7 traditionally has a

luncheon to say thank you to the outgoing District Dep-uty’s spouse and to welcome the incoming DD spouse. Traditionally, a gift to the incoming spouse has been in order. However, in lieu of a gift, Mary Hall, the incom-ing spouse, requested a gift to the food bank. Therefore, in her name $240 was given to the Austin food bank. They notified us this money will provide 518 meals.

Family traditionDouglas Maume is a legacy Elk from Norfolk, VA

#38. Both his mother, Shirley Maume, and his father, David J. Maume, Sr., were Exalted Rulers of Norfolk #38. His father was ER in 1999-2000, and his mother was installed as ER for 2005-2006. Douglas, their son, was installed as ER for 2009-2010, ten years after his father, and again in 2010-2011. His father was sworn in as DDGER for the year 2002-2003. Douglas is being in-stalled as DDGER for 2012-2013, ten years after his fa-ther. This great honor is very special to Douglas in that he will be wearing the same white jacket his father wore when he took his oath. Douglas’ grandfather, James J. Maume, Sr., was a member of Hampton, VA #366.

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Biography of Thomas S. Brazier, Grand Exalted Ruler 2012-2013

Thomas S. Brazier was initiated into Santa Cruz, CA Lodge #824 in 1989 and within a few days took the po-sition of Lodge Esquire, progressing through the chairs rapidly and serving as Exalted Ruler in 1993-1994. He served as a Lodge Trustee from 1994 to 1997 and as Lodge and District Government Relations Chairman for two years, as well as President of the Past Exalted Rulers’ Association for his West Central District. He chaired several charitable committees in the Lodge and founded the Christmas Charity Community Project in 1994. He was elected to honorary life membership.

Tom served the California-Hawaii Elks Associa-tion as Government Relations Chairman for two years, was a frequent lecturer and teacher at conventions and was elected Honorary Past President of the California-Hawaii Elks Association. He served the Grand Lodge as District Deputy in 2002-2003 and as Special Rep-resentative to troubled local Lodges for several years. He served on the Grand Lodge Government Relations Committee for four years, as a member of the Grand Lodge Judiciary for five years, the last year as Chair-man, and the Pardons Commission for one year. He also served as a Justice of the Grand Forum.

Tom graduated from Long Beach State College in 1965 with a degree in microbiology, completed an in-ternship in laboratory medicine at the Long Beach Vet-erans Hospital, became a registered medical laboratory technologist, and spent several years working in and running medical laboratories in hospitals.

Tom attended Loyola Law School in Los Angeles from 1969-1972. He began medical malpractice defense

work in litigated matters in 1972. He was an employee and partner in several firms before starting his own practice in San Jose, CA in 1993. He practiced in state and federal courts as a trial lawyer, admitted to the State Bar of California, to the Federal District Courts in Cali-fornia, and also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He has practiced as a successful mediator and arbitrator for over twenty years. He has acted as temporary Superior Court judge in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties for several decades and as a special master to the County of San Benito.

Tom’s wife and partner Venita is a Past Exalted Ruler of Monterey, CA Lodge #1285. Tom has two children, Scott Brazier and Randi Jenkins, and three grandchil-dren: Patrick, Alice, and Harrison. He is looking for-ward to his year: “Elks-A Beacon of Hope”.

GER-elect Tom Brazier and his wife Venita enjoy the celebration on Monday.

Father/Son Exalted RulersJohn R. Berres, Exalted Ruler of Escanaba, MI #354 is

attending the convention with his father Frank J. Berres, who served as ER in 1986-1987. Frank is a 40-year member of the Lodge, and John has been a member for eight years.

Clarence “Ace” Parker of Portsmouth-Chesa-peake, VA #82, oldest living member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, turned 100 on May 17.

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GRAND LODGE SESSION – Austin, TexasThursday – July 5, 2012

SPOUSES AND GUESTS INVITED

8:00 Call to Order ................................................................................ David R. Carr, GER Invocation .................................................................... Rev. Father Stephen McNally Pledge of Allegiance ............................................................................................... All 8:10 Welcome ...................................................................................... David R. Carr, GER 8:15 Board of Grand Trustees .................................................... James F. Kile, Chairman 8:25 Youth Awards “Hoop Shoot” Program .............................................Cam Cronk, National Director “Hoop Shoot” Winners 8:45 Drug Awareness ......................................................... Kent Gade, National Director 8:55 ENF ..................................... C. Valentine Bates, PGER, Chairman of ENF Trustees Scholarship Awards 9:35 Announcements ........................................................William L. Hart, Grand Esquire 9:45 Installation of 2012-2013 Grand Lodge Officers ..........James L. Nichelson, PGER10:00 Grand Exalted Ruler Remarks ............................................Thomas S. Brazier, GER10:05 Installation of DDGERs .......................................................Thomas S. Brazier, GER10:10 Special Resolution ........................................................... Dr. Leonard Bristol, PGER10:15 Presentation ............................................................Bryan R. Klatt, Grand Secretary10:20 Special Presentation .............................. Minnesota “Ring”, gifts from State Ass’n10:25 Special Presentation .................................. “Alaska watch”, gifts from State Ass’n10:30 Appointments ......................................................................Thomas S. Brazier, GER10:35 Presentation of Grand Lodge Officers & Committee Chairmen ..........................................................Thomas S. Brazier, GER10:45 Presentation of Jewels to outgoing GL Officers ....................David R. Carr, PGER11:00 Announcements .....................................................Larry O’Laughlin, Grand Esquire11:03 Further Business ....................................................Bryan R. Klatt, Grand Secretary11:05 Closing Ceremony .................................................................. Grand Lodge Officers11:10 Benediction .....................................Rev. Father Stephen McNally, Grand Chaplain11:10 Grand Lodge Closed

Final Ritual competition results1. Carlsbad, NM #1558 95.40212. Sturgis, MI #1381 94.27033. Reno, NV #597 94.16894. Lake Hopatcong, NJ #782 93.9227

Editor’s note: The photo at the bottom of page 12 of Wednesday’s edition is of freshman Tommy Brazier, new Grand Exalted Ruler, class of 1956 at Palo Verde, CA, High School.

Future Convention Sites2013 July 14-18 Reno, NV2014 July 13-17 New Orleans, LA2015 July 5-9 Indianapolis, IN2016 July 3-6 Houston, TX2017 July 16-19 Reno, NV

Historic name returns to TexasTom Jarrett, ER of Crockett, TX #1729 got a call from

another Exalted Ruler who was coming to Texas for the convention and wanted to meet up and visit his Lodge. This week, he was able to welcome Davy Crockett, ER of Dexter, MO #2439 back to Texas.