steve kempff of the year: remember yesterday, enjoy · steve kempff pa elks state president drugs...

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGESteve Kempff

REMEMBER YESTERDAY, ENJOYTODAY, PLAN FOR TOMORROW

Remember Yesterday

Imagine in 1868 President Andrew Johnsongranted unconditional pardons to all Civil War rebels, Ulysses S Grantbecame the President of the United States, the 14th amendment wasadopted guaranteeing citizenship to freed slaves, Thomas Edison wasgranted his first patent, farm land was selling for $3 to $5 per acre, alaborers wage was 90 cents per day and on February 16th the Benevo-lent and Protective Order of Elks was established.

Pennsylvania became the home of Philadelphia Lodge #2 whichwas instituted on March 12, 1871 only 5 years after the end of theCivil War. Elkdom in Pennsylvania was only seven months old whena cow kicked over a lantern on Chicago’s west side. 300 people weredead and 90,000 homeless. The BPOE at only 3 years old quickly ren-dered financial assistance. Pittsburgh Lodge #11 was granted a charteron December 14, 1879. On June 14th, 1907 the Order held a Flag Dayobservance. President Harry S Truman later declared the tradition anational holiday. Throughout the last 150 years the BPOE has helpedour veterans, our youth, and our communities. Since 1871 there havebeen 142 Lodges instituted in Pennsylvania. Under Grand ExaltedRuler Homer Huhn from Mount Pleasant, PA Lodge #868 the BPOEreached its highest membership of 1,634,488 members. Let us not for-get our long and proud history and all the members who have gonebefore us

Enjoy Today

We live in different times today. Everyone has more demands ontheir time. We may not have as many members or as many Lodges,but we are still here working to make our communities a better place.Our fraternal bond has lasted the test of time. Enjoy the moment, en-joy the company of each other, and have fun doing what we do best.Helping Others.

Plan for Tomorrow

Ben Franklin is credited for saying “If you fail to plan, you areplanning to fail.” This is the most important part of my program. I

Meet our Childof the Year:His story as told by his mom;

Benjamin, known to allthat love him as Ben, is anadorable 7 year old that re-sides in Gettysburg, PA withhis mom, Leah Schust, dad,Brant Myers and his grand-mother, Suzanne Schust(A.K.A Mimi.)

His family waited a longtime for a baby and when Benwas born, their lives andhearts were full and complete.Ben was the most beautifulbaby in the nursery, fact, not bias. His firstyear was spent being loved and spoiled as allbabies should be. He was meeting milestonesand was walking on his first birthday!

One short month later, he began to regressdevelopmentally and had his first seizure at 13months old. For the next year, Ben had hun-dreds of seizures a day and lost every skill helearned in his first year. He regressed back to anewborn and the doctors prepared his familyfor the worst. Even if he did live, he wouldnever walk, talk, or have any quality of life.So his parents did what any parent would do,they left those doctors and got a second, and athird opinion. They travelled all over the USand finally found a team of doctors who re-fused to give up on their baby.

The new team also was able to identify thecause of Ben's illness, an extremely rare, genet-ic disorder called SCN2A. His mom and daddo not have the genetic change, it was a spon-taneous mutation which makes it even harderto understand. Ben went through years ofgrueling tests, treatments and many, many

(Child of Year - continued on page 2) (President’s Message - continued on page 2)

The Pennsylvania ElkProgram strives to teach all children and parents about thedangers of illegal drug use and prevent the abuse of legal-ized and prescription drugs. The program relies on volun-teers to promote a drug-free lifestyle. By taking pride inAmerica’s communities and youth, the program takes ac-tion against youth drug use through education and inspi-ration.

National Veterans Service- “So Long As There AreVeterans The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks WillNever Forget Them” When it comes to serving veterans,the Elks have a long tradition of being there when theywere needed most. Since we began, the needs of militarymembers and returning veterans have continued tochange, and the Elks have adapted to those needs, remain-ing an ever-present ally to those who have served thiscountry.

Youth Programs- Our Children are the future of ourCountry and our Order. Programs such as the Hoop Shootand Soccer Shoot provide our youth with wholesome andhealthy activities. Many of our Lodges sponsor youth sportteams, have holiday parties, provide meals, participate inthe dictionary project and numerous other activities. Letus continue to keep our kids active and educate them tomake responsible choices.

Public Relations- It is time to let everyone know whowe are and what we do. Every Lodge should have an activePublic Relations Committee. Advertise your activities inyour local newspapers and radio stations. Put a sign out-side your Lodge. Be Loud. Be Proud.

I am humbled and honored to serve as your President.Thank you for this opportunity. I will end this with aquote that applies not only to Elkdom but to our everydaylives. Vince Lombardi, perhaps the best football coachever, a member of the BPOE, and whom the Super BowlTrophy is named after once said,

“There is only one way to succeed in anything and thatis to give it everything.”

FraternallySteve KempffPA Elks State President

drugs but they finally found a combination that workedand his seizures are well controlled now. The seizurescaused a lot of damage to Ben's developing brain whichleft him severely disabled, both physically and develop-mentally. Ben lost the ability to eat and had a feeding tubeplaced. He has a long list of diagnosis that are caused bythe SCN2A Disorder, including Autonomic Dysfunction,Scoliosis, Cortical Blindness, and Autism. Despite all of thehealth challenges this little boy faces, he perseveres.

He has proved that he CAN walk, CAN learn and CANhave an amazing quality of life. His family supports himthrough countless hours of therapy and doctor appoint-ments to keep him progressing. Their advocacy for Bengoes beyond just making sure his needs are met and hispotential is achieved.

They have started a non-profit foundation to connectfamilies, raise awareness, and fund research into a cure forSCN2A disorders. Learn more here; www.scn2a.org

(Child of the Year - continued from page 1)

have instructed the DSVP’s and the Committee Chairmanto have a plan for the year. I would like to see every Lodgemake long-term plans. Set your goals and plan how youwill achieve them. If you are having problems, you mustplan to resolve them. They will not just go away. I readsome disturbing DSVP reports from some Lodges. Theirgoal was to just keep the doors open. That is not a plan tosucceed. Every Lodge should set membership, charitable,and business goals. US President John F Kennedy, a mem-ber of the BPOE, said “The time to repair the roof is whenthe sun is shining.” Things may be going well now but re-member you must be prepared for future expenses. EveryLodge should have short term and long-term businessplans. Pennsylvania has only 90 of the 142 Lodges leftthat have been instituted since 1871. In 2016/2017 wewere responsible for 25% of the members lost nationally.We must improve. We have helped many people and ac-complished many great things in the 147 years of Elkdomin Pennsylvania. Let us plan to be still helping others 147years from today.

Membership- In 2016-2017 Pennsylvania lost moremembers then any other state in the country. In 2017-2018 we did have a large improvement over the previousyear, but as of April 1st we still lost over 700 members.Membership is the life blood of this organization. Wecan’t continue to lose members. Every Lodge should havea minimum goal of plus 1 member this year. Please use thetools available to you online at elks.org to bring a member-ship gain to Pennsylvania this year. I am sure State Mem-bership Chairman Jim DeStefano will be happy to helpyou achieve your goal.

Elks National Foundation- We will be sitting in theback of the auditorium at the Grand Lodge Convention inSan Antonio, Texas again this year. Pennsylvania is betterthan this. We must increase our fund-raising efforts. Dur-ing my visits this year I will be giving out ENF banks forthe local Lodges. Please use them. Fill them up and showthe rest of the country Pennsylvania doesn’t belong in theback of the auditorium. The more we give the more we getback. It is unbelievable to me that many of our Lodges didnot apply for ENF grants. There are some changes in theprocess to apply for grants this year. The deadlines aretransitioning to be in line with the Lodge Year and the fi-nal reports will be done online. There are 2 new publica-tions available online, 2018-19 CIP Grant FAQ’s and CIPGuide to Grants Exalted Ruler Edition. I urge every Lodgeto download these and make them available to all mem-bers not just the Exalted Ruler and Secretary. Please applyfor these grants. This is free money. This is a chance forLodges on tight budgets to run programs they thoughtthey couldn’t afford. This is a chance to get your name outin your Community. Every Lodge should take advantageof the grants available to them.

Home Service- For over 50 years our nurses have pro-vided services to their clients and their families because ofyour generous donations and the fund raisers you run.They are dedicated to helping persons with developmentaldisabilities. This is a totally free service available to anyresident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is youthat makes it possible for them to provide “Hope and In-dependence for the Residents of Pennsylvania.

Drug Awareness- The Elks National Drug Awareness

(President’s Message - continued from page 1)

The Pennsylvania Elk

GOVERNMENT RELATIONSLegislative Update

David “Pete” Byron, Chairperson

Enacted LegislationAct 66 of 2017 (HB411) amends the Bingo Law. Prize limits

are increased: Single game $500, Jackpot game $4000, and nomore than $8000 in prizes in one calendar day. It also allowsfor bingo to be operated seven days a week, “pre-draw” bingo,guest callers (non-members), and the ability to advertise prizelimits to the public.

Pending Legislation

A. Liquor RelatedThere are currently 2 bills of interest to clubs:HB 88 would decrease the $700 license surcharge to $200.HB 1741 would allow clubs to sell malt and brewed beverag-

es for off premisis consumption; 6-pack sales.

B. Small Games of ChanceThere are several bills that would amend the SGOC Act: HB 864 would move the threshhold for reporting from

$40,000 to $60,000, as well raising the amount retained from$20,000 to $30,000. It has passed the House and is now inthe Senate.

HB 1313 is the most extensive bill this session. It removesthe $35,000 weekly limit, adds several new games (coin auc-tions, poker runs, and vertical wheel games) and amends thereporting requirements.

HB 1552 adds a chapter on social card playing.HB 2129 changes the split from 60/40 to 50/50.We are working to amend HB 1313 with language from HB

864, HB 1552 and HB 2129.

C. AmericanismHB 564 and SB 763 would require high school students to

study and take a civics test. HB 564 has passed the House. Thebills have been endorsed by the Joe Foss Institute and are be-ing supported by many fraternal and veteran organizationsacross the Commonwealth.

Skill GamesWith the proliferation of skill games, many questions have

risen regarding their legality. In September of 2017, MajorScott Miller, Director of the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforce-ment, testified before the Senate Law and Justice Committeeand stated that the games are illegal. He referenced the BeaverCounty Court case but stated that it only pertains to one de-vice and only in Beaver County. Since Major Miller’s testimo-ny Act 42 of 2018 was enacted. Act 42 defines skill machinesand hybrid skill machines as slot machines. By definition onlycasinos may operate slot machines. To date the BLCE has notenforced the prohibition on gambling devices such as the skillmachines. We have been advised that these games are consid-ered illegal gambling devices and should be removed from ourestablishments.

Keno and Virtual SportsAct 42 authorized the PA Lottery to institute Keno and Vir-

tual Sports. The PA Lottery is partnering with liquor licensedestablishments to install these types of video monitor games.The application fee to the PA Lottery for these games is $15.The compensation is 5% of gross sales.

SCHOLARSHIP/LEADERSHIPJoe Butrymowicz, Chairperson

The Elks are committed to building a better futureand that’s why the Elks National Foundation awards$4.4 Million each year in scholarships to tomorrow’sleaders, through their Most Valuable Student Scholar-ships(MVS), their Legacy Awards, and their Emergen-cy Educational Grants.

As this newsletter is coming out, the 2018 MostValuable Student National Scholarship(MVS) will becomplete. In late April, 20 top student candidatesfrom across the country went onward to a LeadershipWeekend that is held yearly in Chicago. At that semi-nar/workshop, many networking programs were con-ducted as well as a final interview with each candi-date, to determine the winners of the top 3 grandscholarship prizes. 1st prize is a $50,000 scholarship,2nd prize is a $40,000 scholarship and a 3rd prize is a$30,000 scholarship (all paid over 4 years). Eligiblecandidates for the MVS scholarships can be any highschool senior, who is an American citizen. FromPennsylvania, we had 16 students, top scorers in theMVS competition, who made it to the National judg-ing level, each winning a $4000 scholarship (paidover 4 years). Unfortunately, no one from our 16 na-tional winners moved into the top 20 as mentionedabove. But, our Pennsylvania State Association alsoawards the next top 26 boys and top 26 girls with aone- time $1200 scholarship, which is paid out tothem in the fall semester of their Freshman year.

The Elks National Foundation has also announcedthat 9 students from Pennsylvania have each beenawarded a $4000 scholarship through their Legacyscholarship program. Eligible candidates for the Lega-cy award must be high school seniors of Elks childrenand grand-children. You can see the full lists of allscholarship winners, and gain much more student/scholar related news, at the Elks Grand Lodge Nation-al website. (ww.elks.org/scholars).

Rounding out the year, the Elks will award Emer-gency Educational Grants to the children of disabledor deceased Elks members, and local Lodges through-out our State, will award their own scholarships totheir members’ college bound children.

I wish to express my thanks to all the Scholarshipcommittee members, districts and local Lodges, foryour help in processing the applications and yourtime involved with the judging and scoring processthis past scholarship year. The new scholarship yearwill begin this coming September, and we are plan-ning to hold a Scholarship Seminar/Workshop at theFall Convention where you will have a chance togain valuable information and needed help relatingto all Scholarship programs. Until then, watch for2019 Scholarship info coming in August and have agreat summer.


STATE ASSOCIATIONCarol M. Hutson, Chairperson

Kathleen Dabbs of Johnston Lodge # 175 and Roni Sue Stevens of WilkinsLodge # 577 were presented certificates for their participating in the 2018-2019state pin contest with Kathleen’s design being selected as the winner. CarolLee Carlin of Oakmont Lodge # 1668 also submitted designs but was unable toattend the convention.

The pins sales were very brisk at the convention with 346 of the 500 alreadysold. I would like to thank my committee members who assisted, Ron Meadfrom Greenville Lodge # 145 West, Jeff Wright from West Chester Lodge # 853Southeast, Mark McHugh from Canonsburg Lodge # 846 South West and Den-nis Hose from Chambersburg Lodge # 600 South Central. Other committeemembers are Lynn Smith from Meadville Lodge # 219 Northwest, Roni Sue Ste-vens from Wilkins Lodge # 577 West Central, Dale Moore from BellefonteLodge # 1094 North Central and Carol M. Hutson from East Stroudsburg Lodge# 319 in the Northeast. These members are available to assist any Lodge intheir district with questions about this committee. We will be accepting newpin designs for the 2019-2020 year. They should be submitted to your districtrepresentative or emailed to me by November 16, 2018. My email address [email protected].

Thanks to PSP Gary Schenk of West Shore Lodge # 2257 and committeemember Dennis Hose for bringing back the Officers Training program (phase I)in power point. This is a vital tool in teaching Officers duties and responsibili-ties and to provide advice, guidance and assistance to local Lodge Officers andcommittee members concerned with proper administration of Lodge affairsand promotion of programs. Contact your district committee member for ad-ditional information.

Two companies are still supplying the Augusta Green Blazer, NortheasternUniforms and Blazer Boutique. Northeastern Uniforms can be reached byemail at [email protected] or phone 412-322-2500. Blazer Boutique canbe reached on the web at www.BlazerBoutique.com, email [email protected] orphone 412-805-0450. Prices run from $115-$160.

We are still working on obtaining Professional and Collegiate sports ticketsfor a raffle to assist our state in raising funds for the Elks National Foundation.We have several members working on it and we are hopeful we can get it upand running. If you can assist in any way please don’t hesitate to contact meor your committee representative.

A Final ENF NoteDick Miller, Chairperson

During the last Elk year PA con-cluded its’ giving at 47th place. Adismal showing, given the fact of theENF grants which return so much tothe Lodge, let alone to the communi-ty that each Elk Lodge serves.

The North Central District gave $$24,322.33.The North East District gave $$21,154.07.The North West District gave $29,042.79.The South Central District gave $37,833.36.The South East District gave $23,325.64.The South West gave $25,830.25.The West District gave $31,981.13.The West Central District gave $19,940.42.

Contributions from the Pa Elks StateAssociation were $2,735.00.There were $1,240.00 miscellaneousdonations.State Association Totals 41,903 mem-bers; total contributions (excludes be-quests) were $217,404.99, for a totalof $5.188 per capita.

I report the amounts to demon-strate the giving figures of the vari-ous districts. It will be left to the dis-trict chairs to encourage theindividual lodges to contribute alarger amount. I am certain that PAcan rise above the mid-forties wherethe state seems to have been stuckfor a number of years. To the newlodge ERs, remember that the GERgoal is a minimum amount, let us alltry to exceed that amount by at leasttwo times.

What would we do if our homesdid not have any electrical power?No one would stumble around in thedark for very long. We would ac-quire some form of light to guide ourwell-being in our home until thepower returned. Well, our guidinglight is the Foundation of Elkdom,The Elks National Foundation. It isour responsibility to keep that lightburning brightly, in so far as we areable. I ask the members in PA tothink of several ideas during thecoming year; Contribute to the ENF;Membership; and applying for thegrants available from the ENF.

I have enjoyed my tenure as StateENF chair and thank the membersfor their contributions during theyear.


Legacy TrustFundGIVE A

HELPING HANDLaura L. Scotty, Chairman,

Legacy Trust Fund

As we proceed through the2018-2019 Lodge Year, I’m in-viting each Lodge in Pennsyl-vania to become a helpinghand to our Major Projects bybecoming a part of the Help-ing Hand Project. The Officershave a duty to their membersto learn the charities and topresent them knowledgeablyto their membership.

Once our members under-stand what the Legacy TrustFund is, they will understandhow important it is to our Ma-jor Projects by helping to sup-port the Home Services Pro-gram. FACT: all the moneydeposited into the LegacyTrust Fund stays in Pennsylva-nia and is never spent. Onlythe interest from those fundsis spent to supplement themoney needed to operate ourHome Services Program. Mygoal is 100% participation byall of the Lodges in the greatCommonwealth of Pennsylva-nia. Let’s lead the way in Ma-jor Projects by living “ElksCare – Elks Share!”

I’m proposing a helpinghand approach where ourmembers help by sending in adonation of $20 each year for5 years. That would be $20for each finger on a helpinghand. This program is so im-portant because if we had 10donations from each of our 80plus lodges, we would raiseover $16,000 per year. If theOfficers would pool $10 dona-tions per year and send in$100 from each Lodge, wecould raise an additional$8,000.

Visit the Legacy Trust FundPage on the Pennsylvania Elkswebsite at www.paelks.comand learn other ways you canhelp Legacy Trust Fund be-come a stronger support forour nurses and their clients.

STATE ACTIVITIESJeanette Miller , State Activities Chairmen

You are going to read in thisnewsletter my fellow committeechairmen give reports on all the ac-tivities going on throughout our stateand this will bring you to the conclu-sion that our Lodges are a very activeand vital part of Elkdom.

The last 4 years that I have beeninvolved with Lodge Activities only 3districts have ever attended a statecommittee meeting. The West dis-tricts chairperson Carol Carlin. SouthEast district chairperson Pat Maccoli-ni and West Central district chairper-son Deborah Kline. I thank you foryour dedication.

To the other district chairmenwhomever you may be if you’re notshowing enthusiasm how can you ex-pect the Lodges in your district to?

The truth is that I know Lodgesare hard at work. I read what’s goingon in your newsletters, both LocalLodges and the state websites, Face-book and the Elks magazines, yet Ican’t get you to enter the All-American Lodge contest. Why wouldyou not want a pat on the back andbe thanked for all that you do?

Winners for the 2017-2018 All-American Lodge Contest are:For 1-300 membership 1st place East Stroudsburg #319 2nd place Bridgeport #714 3rd place Wilkes-Barre Scranton #109301-500 members 1st place Allegheny #339 2nd place Frackville #1533 3rd place Berwick #1138 501-700 members 1st place Wilkins #577 2nd place Pottstown Lodge #814 700-1100 members 1st place Kittanning #203

Also, participating and receivingcertificates are Oakmont #1668, York#213, Scottdale #777 and Canons-burg #846

Once again, I will be passing outthe 2018/2019 contest forms at thefall convention, if you would like tosee your Lodge being honored pleasemake sure to find out who your dis-trict Lodge activities chairperson isand ask for the contest form.

I ask you to read the contest care-fully to avoid any disqualified forms.I will be including my phone numberIf you have any questions Thank youagain to all the Lodges who tookpart.

– Northwest District News –

Erie Lodge 67

Fifteen members from Erie Lodge #67volunteered at the Second Harvest FoodBank of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Dur-ing the two hour period we packed seniorfood boxes that will be distributed to thoseseniors in need across Northwest Pennsylva-nia. We were tasked with packing 200 box-es, or 5 pallets. We exceeded that goal bypacking a total of 360 boxes, 7 pallets! Agreat time was had by all, which included acouple of new members to the volunteerranks.

Pictured left to right:Terry Witherow, ExaltedRuler, Jon DeMarco,Presque Isle PartnershipExecutive Director, andR. Scott Seib, PER,Trustee

Erie Lodge #67 donated $2,500 to Pre-sque Isle Partnership. This non-profit or-ganization strives to enhance Presque IsleState Park by developing programs to en-hance visitors experiences at the park, inErie, Pennsylvania. This money will beused to purchase special matting for beachaccess for the ADA Community so, theytoo, can enjoy the beauty of the beaches ofLake Erie, (America's North Shore.)

Pictured left toright: Jim Law,PER, Trustee,Jacob Roberts,and TerryWitherow, ER.

Erie, Lodge#67 was proudto present theGrand ExaltedRuler's Certifi-cate of Merit toJacob T. Roberts

at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Jacobachieved the level Eagle Scout. Jacob isfrom Boy Scout Troop 182 of the FrenchCreek Council and Erie Elks Lodge #67holds their Charter.


(left to right, back row):Haley Woodside, ER Ke-vin Luke, Joey Criss-man, Rick Reesman,Brian Myers, SecretaryLaurie Julius

(left to right, front row): Alaina Arbuckle, Michael Toy, Bella Fir-ment, Madison Logan, Josie Wolfe, Avery Elkin, Derek Lybarger

The Kids Club from Kittanning Lodge #203 held theirFebruary meeting at the local YMCA to celebrate 150 yearsof Elkdom with a swim party, games and cake. (front row:Mati Panchik, Allie Jo Panchik, Lyla Firment, BrittanyKutch, Lyla Hogameier,Addison Woodside. back row: Bel-la Firment, Kaitlyn Reesman, Kash Julius, Leah Hogameier,Hayleigh Kutch.

West Central Beauty Pageant to benefit Alex’s Lemo-nade Stand for Pediatric Cancer research was a huge hit. 5very brave Elk Men agreed to dress up like women to earnthe audiences vote to be crowned Ms. West Central Dis-trict. They were: Craig Stevens DD, Rich Raible, PER, GerryMeyer, Trustee, Mike Bryne, and Dave Edwards DistrictTreasurer. These 5 men raised over $7800 in votes alone.The entire event which was attended by over 200 mem-bers and guests raised $12,670.00.

Wilkins #577 Patty Raible, a member from Wilkins Lodge #577 had

headed up the task of crocheting lap robes for our vete-ran's in the local Pittsburgh Hospitals. These lap robes willgo a long way to offering warmth and comfort to our Vete-rans.

Kittanning #203Kittanning Elks Lodge #203 held its annual Awards

Banquet on March 29. Citizens throughout the communi-ty were recognized for their various accomplishments. Students from Shannock Elementary School participatedin the Drug Awareness Poster and Essay contests and rec-ognition was given to the first, second and third placewinners. Fifth grader Josie Wolf's poster continued on tothe District level and won first place. Students HaleyWoodside and Joey Crissman from Armstrong High Schoolproduced a winning Drug Awareness video which wonfirst in the Lodge, District and State levels. Their videocontinued on to the National level. Other recognitionswere Lodge Officer of the Year Laurie Julius, Lodge Mem-ber of the Year Rick Reesman, Citizen of the Year BrianMyers.

——————— West Central District News ———————

PA West Central District showing off their donation for Alex's Lemonade Stand for Pediatric Cancer Research.


Annual Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, March 31st, 2018The Lodge hosted an Easter Egg Hunt on March 31st,

2018 at the Newportville Firehouse which is located in Le-vittown, PA. There were 100 kids at the Easter Egg Hunt.The Easter Egg Hunt was open to the community. Eggswere filled with candy and we had a special guest, the East-er Bunny. Afterwards some of the kids came back to theLodge for lunch and to dye eggs.

Lancaster Lodge #134As for many years, the Lancaster, PA Lodge Number

134 of the Benevolent and Protective Elks solicited localhigh school students to apply for the annual OutstandingVolunteer Award. Seniors generate a Volunteering Resumestating locations of volunteering, dates committed to thatobligation and a summary of what is entailed. Additional-ly, an essay entitled, Why I Volunteer, is submitted to theLodge’s Youth Activity Committee. Once judged, a FirstPlace Certificate along with a check for $1000 is presentedto the winner. Second place receives a certificate andcheck for $500. These awards are presented at the respec-tive schools’ Senior Awards ceremonies just before gradua-tion. This year’s winner was from the School District ofLancaster with the runner-up being a Senior at ConestogaValley High School.

Bristol Lodge #970Thanksgiving Baskets & Dinner (November 1st-Thanksgiving Day)

The Bristol Elks distributed Thanksgiving Baskets to ap-proximately 150 families in the community. Funds to pur-chase the turkeys and all the fixings came from the BeaconGrant that the Lodge received from ENF, as well as mone-tary and non-perishable donations from Lodge members.Lodge members delivered the baskets to the families onNovember 19th.

Also, the Lodge was open on Thanksgiving Day to servethe community a homemade Thanksgiving dinner. Thedinner had all the Thanksgiving trimmings. The Lodgeserved 60+ Thanksgiving dinners.

Adopted families for Christmas (December 1st-ChristmasDay 2017)

Every year the Lodge helps families throughout thecommunity for the holiday season. The Lodge helped 6families from Bristol Borough & Bristol Township. Wetook the families Christmas shopping. The Lodge wantedthe kids to have a wonderful Christmas. The Lodge re-ceived thank you cards & pictures of the kids getting theirgifts.

————————— Southeast District News —————————

left to right: Randy Bennett- Bridgeport Borough Council VicePresident & Elk Member; Teia Horney- PER; Officer Shannon Sell;Brian DeStefano- PER; Mayor Mark Barbee & Elk Member;Maureen DeStefano PER; and Sgt. Paul McLaughlin

Bridgeport Lodge #714Bridgeport Elks Lodge #714 in conjunction with the

Stony Creek Anglers of Plymouth Meeting hosted the 6thAnnual Brad Fox Memorial Fishing Derby. The Elks, usingtheir National Foundation Grant Money, provided fish tostock the Plymouth Valley Park Pond. Elks also providedpoles, tackle, and power bait for those in need. After acouple of consecutive years of cloudy days, rain and evensnow, the clouds parted and we finally enjoyed a brightsunny day to enjoy fishing with the local community. Lo-cal youth and their parents lined the banks of the Ply-mouth Valley Park Pond patiently waiting with lines inthe water to snag one of the 200+ trout that was stockedin the pond.

Bridgeport Elks Lodge #714 spent a Saturday afternoonat Bridgeport Borough Hall collecting expired and unwant-ed prescription drugs. The drugs will be properly disposedof by the Bridgeport Police Department.


Kristie Linden | Mon Valley Independent Monongahela ElksLodge No. 455 Secretary Stanley Welsh (blue jacket)presents a $1,500 check to Mayor Bob Kepics. The moneywill help pay for three new benches in Chess Park. In back,from left are councilmen Rusty Polonoli and Ken Kulak, Elkschaplain Chad Desantis and Councilman Daryl Miller.

Monongahela Elks Lodge No. 455 is celebrating its120th anniversary this year and the city is benefitingfrom it.

The Elks used a special anniversary grant of $1,500to purchase three new benches for use in Chess Park.

Through donations from its membership and grantsfrom the Elks National Foundation, Monongahela Elkshas been able to donate more than $200,000 over thepast 10 years.

Those donations benefited myriad community andstate projects.

The Monongahela Lodge was chartered in Decem-ber 1898 and has served the city and its surroundingareas ever since.

The lodge is one out of 90 across Pennsylvania andone out of 1,000 across the United States.

All lodges are members of the Benevolent and Pro-tective Order of Elks of the United States of America.

The national organization is celebrating its 150thanniversary this year.

Monongahela Elks Secretary Stanley Welsh said theorder is dedicated to the principles of charity, workingon youth activities, veterans activities and governmentrelations.

The lodge also works on its state project of HomeService Nursing, which helps children and adults withmotor disabilities through home visits at no cost to theclients.

Anyone in the community who is interested inworking with the Elks is welcome to join.

Coraopolis Lodge #1090On March 18th, Ann Barger, Chairperson for the Ameri-

canism Committee for Coraopolis Lodge #1090 presented sixstudents, three from the 6th grade, and three from the 8thgrade award certificates for participating in this year's essaycontest for our lodge. This year's topic was "Why our Veteransare America's Heroes"

Congratulations goes to the following students. Grade sixinclude Hannah Webre, Philip DuBois, and Michaela William,and from the eighth grade Katie Murrary, and congratulationsgoes to Jacqualine Nicloaus, who came in first for the district,and Matthew Doubt, who came in second. Special thanks alsogoes to St James teacher Karen Scully for her dedication tothis wonderful project.

New Castle Lodge #69Joshua Lamancusa, Lawrence County District Attorney;

Diane Shaffer, First Assistant District Attorney and JudgeDomenick Motto presented: The presence of drugs within theCounty: Its usage and effect upon the community. Steps in-stituted by the Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office incombatting drug trafficking and reducing the crime associatedwith the drug trade.

Programs instituted to assist those who have paid theirdebt to the community and who are working to rebuild theirlives and become an active and productive member of socie-ty. Steps instituted in addressing the hidden victim of thedrug trade, the Addict and the effect the drugs have on theirlives, family, community and future.

New Castle Lodge #69 contributed $1,500.00 to Lawrence

County Drug Court Program through the use of ENF program.

Oakmont Lodge #1668ENF Grant Helps Local Youth Programs

An ENF Gratitude Grant piggy backed with the 150th An-niversary Grant provided a new electronic scoreboard for thearea youth in the Boroughs of Oakmont and Verona. Thenew scoreboard is now in place at the Cribbs Field along Sec-ond Avenue in Verona. Cribbs Field is an athletic field that isused by area youth for soccer, baseball, and softball. Oak-mont Elks Lodge #1668 partnered with the Riverview AthleticAssociation and the Verona Council to erect the new score-board early this spring. In addition to the scoreboard, light-ing was installed to make the field available for eveningevents. Youth from all over the eastern Pittsburgh suburbswill have use of the facilities. Oakmont Lodge partnered withthe RAA two years ago to erect a similar scoreboard at theCreekside Field in the Borough of Oakmont.

Butler Lodge #170Butler Elks Initiates Three Generations

Butler Elks #170 had the honor of initiating three genera-tions. Alex Bauer turned 21 and his father Les gave him awonderful present, an Elks membership. Also, Les proposedAlex’s mother, Betsy and Richard Leroy proposed his wife,Grace, who is Alex’s Grandmother and Betsy’s mother. ERJane Prokopchak initiated them. What a nice present for Alex,3 new and good members.

—— West District News ——

- Southwest District News -


Bellefonte Lodge #1094Bellefonte Elks representa-tive Dale Moore, Past Exalt-ed Ruler (left), Nicole Sum-mers (center), Thomas J.Wilson (right)

Dale Moore, Past Ex-alted Ruler and a Trusteeof the Bellefonte ElksLodge, recently presenteda check for $500 to Ni-cole Summers, ExecutiveDirector of the Faith Cen-tre to benefit the Faith

Centre Food Bank in Bellefonte. Also shown is Thomas JWilson, Mayor of Bellefonte and member of the bandRama-Lama who donated their time, along with the band,Rodeo Serenade, to raise money for the local food bank.The money was collected from proceeds from members,patrons, and the Bellefonte Elks.

Elks representative Annette Smith.

Exalted Ruler Chris Shuey, ofBellefonte Elks Lodge # 1094, ispleased to announce the selec-tion of Annette Smith, as Elk ofthe Year, for Lodge Year 2017-2018. Ms. Smith was recognizedfor her many volunteer commit-ments to the Bellefonte Elks andto the community.

Back row left to right is Assistant Girls Basketball coach ClairSteiner, Isaiah Nadelsky, Bailey Decker, Trae Bauman, and GirlsCoach Adam Gearhart. Front row left to right is Mia Johnson,Maddie Tice, Maddie Steiner, and Mallorie Smith.

At the recent Elks 2018 State Hoop Shoot, held at theBellefonte Area High School, a number of Bellefonte AreaHigh School basketball players and coaches volunteered toact as rebounders for the free throw contest, hosted by theElks. It is gratifying to see these young people turn out tohelp our youth.

———————— North Central District News ————————

left to right, Dann Cornali, Van Arvin, and W. F. Reiber.The Pennsylvania State Elks Hoop Shoot Contest was

staged this past week-end in Bellefonte, PA. Many folksvolunteered to serve as line judges and referees. The en-thusiastic young free throw shooters, ages 8 through 13,were guided through the contest by by volunteer officialsfrom the State College Elks Lodge #1600.

State College Lodge #1600The State College Elks #1600 is pleased to announce the

selection of Katherine E. McGraw and Jack B. Mangene, asMay 2018 Students of the Month at St. Joseph’s CatholicAcademy. Ms. McGraw, daughter of Mike and LeighMcGraw of State College, PA, is a member of the NationalHonor Society, where she served as President for schoolyear 2017-2018. She is a member of the Student Council,Art Club, and serves as a Student Ambassador. Katherinehas been a member of the Gymnastics team all four yearsof high school. She practices gymnastics 20 hours perweek, competes in week-ends, and works at Jersey Mike’sin off-week-ends. She has been accepted at the Universityof Pittsburgh.

Mr. Mangene, son of Danielle and Scott Mangene ofBoalsburg, PA, has been a member of the Dean’s List andthe National Honor Society. Jack served as team captain ofboth the varsity golf and basketball teams. In addition, heplayed varsity baseball. He is a Service Club and A’capellachoir member, where he served as Business Manager. Inaddition, he has been a member of the Guitar Club andMusic Club, Liturgical Music Program, and has been a mu-sical performer. His hobbies include golf, guitar, and sing-ing.

left to right, veterans Ralph C., Paul J., Harry P., James M., andRobert B. Back row, from left, Bert Kisner, Eric Fromm, VernonCrawford (Co-chair Elks Veterans Service Committee), JackMcKinley (Co-chair Elks Veterans Service Committee), veteranAlonzo M., Andy Whiteside, and Larry Cramer.


————— North Central District News (cont’d) —————

Fifteen veterans from the James E. VanZandt VeteransCenter in Altoona, PA, were entertained at a Bingo Party,hosted by State College Elks Lodge #1600 Veterans ServiceCommittee. Prizes and refreshments were provided by theElks, and commemorative Silver Dollars, which were pro-vided by Bert Kisner, were distributed to the bingo win-ners.

The State College Elks Lodge #1600 is pleased to an-nounce the selection of Julia E. Cusatis and Jason R.Thomas as St Joseph’s Catholic Academy Students of theMonth for April 2018.

Ms. Cusatis, daughter of Deborah Cusatis and PatrickCusatis of Spruce Creek, PA, is a Dean’s List and NationalHonor Society Student. She serves as Treasurer if the Na-tional Honor Society. Julia served as Captain of the HighSchool Cross Country team and earned a letter in Track aswell. She is an Altar Server at our Lady of Victory Churchand is a member of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Or-chestra. Her hobbies include running, arts and crafts, knit-ting, and painting.

Jason is the son of Rob and Alice Thomas of Boalsburg,PA. He is a Dean’s List and National Honor Society stu-dent. In addition, he is in the top 1% of SAT/ACT/PSAT.He served as Vice president of the Student Council and Na-tional Honor Society. Jason is a member of the golf andbasketball teams and serves as a basketball camp counse-lor. His hobbies include reading, fishing, movies, and play-ing sports.

The State College Elks Lodge # 1600 is pleased to an-nounce the selection of Veronica M. Emigh and Ryan J.Peachey, as St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy Students of theMonth for March 2018. Selected as the female student ofthe month for March 2018, Ms. Emigh is the daughter ofMelissa Grunthaner and Dauren Grunthaner of Boalsburg,PA. Melissa is a member of the National Honor Societyand Service Club. She has participated in Track and Field,as well as Basketball. She has been involved in Spring Mu-sical and choir. She is a published author of a poetry col-lection, Stepping Stones, and regularly volunteers at Fox-dale Retirement Village. Her hobbies include writing,reading, singing, and biking.

Ryan Peachey has been chosen the March 2018 malestudent of the month. He is the son of Eileen and GregPeachey of State College, PA. He is a member of the Na-tional Honor Society and Dean’s List, plus served as theevent chairman of the FLA Club. Ryan played on the golfteam, where he finished third in the State in St. Joseph’sclassification. He also played basketball and served as abasketball camp counselor. His hobbies include golf andping pong.

The State College Elks Lodge # 1600 is pleased to an-nounce the selection of two St. Joseph’s Catholic Academyas Students of the Month for February 2018.

Selected as Female Student of the Month for February2018 is Anna K. Aiello, daughter of Daniel Aiello and Ai-mee Aiello of State College, PA. Anna is a Dean’s List Stu-dent and member of the National Honor Society, as well asa member of the Spanish National Honor Society. Anna isService Club member, School Ambassador, Manager of theBoys Basketball Team, Chair of the Stockings for Troops

Service Project, and a member of the Varsity Golf Team. Inaddition, Anna has volunteered extensively for the StateCollege Elks, in such things as the Hoop Shoot, SoccerShoot, 50’s Dance, and Breakfast with Santa. Hobbies in-clude golf and skiing.

Thomas P. DeNezza, son of Matthew and Cristina De-Nezza, of State College, PA has been selected as the malestudent of the month. Tom is a Dean’s List student, andhas participated in golf, basketball, and lacrosse. Also, heis a member of the Student Council and Robotics Club.

Lynne Corl, PER (left), Van Arvin, (center), and Shelly Wike (right)State College Elks Lodge #1600 is pleased to announce

that Lynne Corl, PER was selected as the 2018 outstandingOfficer of the Year. Van Arvin was awarded Elk of the Yearfor 2018, and Shelly Wike was awarded 2018 Elks Distin-guished Citizen of the Year. Recipients of the awards wereselected by Brenda Kephart as part of her last official dutiesfor the lodge as Exalted Ruler.

left to right, State College Elks Veterans Service Committee co-chair Vernon Crawford, W. F. Reiber, Lodge Veteran’s ServiceCommittee co-chair Jack McKinley, Dan Van Winkle, veteran andTrout Unlimited representative, and James Lanning, veteran andTrout Unlimited representative.

The State College Elks Lodge # 1600 recently donated$500 to the local chapter of Trout Unlimited. This dona-tion helps to provide fly fishing lessons and guided troutfishing trips for local veterans.


————— North Central District News (cont’d) —————

Huntingdon Lodge # 976

Brett Rhone, Exalted Ruler (left) Doug Franks, President of theHighlanders Chapter (right) and Pam Franks (center)

The Huntingdon Elks & the Highlanders Chapter teamup with the Huntingdon Food Bank for a very successfulfood drive in the month of April. The food will be donat-ed to the local Huntingdon Food Bank to help restock theshelves.

Tyrone Lodge #212

left to right is Dan McClain (left), Andrew Smith (center), andBarb Kaspick (left)

Tyrone Lodge #212 awarded Dan McClaine as the 2018Office of the Year and Barb Kaspick as the 2018 Citizen ofthe Year. These awards were made during the Installationof Officers.

Some of the equipment donated by Tyrone Lodge #212Tyrone Lodge #212 recently provided a grant to the Ty-

rone Police department in the amount of $1500.

Philipsburg Lodge #1173

Row 1 – Exalted Ruler John Frank; Sara Murarik, Danielle Martin,Randi Twoey, Sarah LumadueRow 2 – Patti Sunderlin, Terrance Lidgett, Benjamin Johnson,David McClure Jr., Barbara J. Czar

Back Row: Exalted Ruler John A. Frankleft to right- Cel Sheasley, Distinguished Service Award; Judy Sin-clair, Citizen of the Year; Brittany Supko, Distinguished ServiceAward; Larry Thompson, Elk of the Year.

Philipsburg Lodge #1173 recently presented LarryThompson Elk of the Year, Brittany Supko received Citizenof the Year, Judy Sinclair received Distinguished ServiceAward, and Cel Sheashley, Distinguished Service Award.The awards were presented to each recipient by JohnFrank, Exalted Ruler.


East Stroudsburg Lodge #319East Stroudsburg Lodge held the annual Girl Scout

Bridging Over at the Lodge and honored four Scouts withthe Silver award. Harold Litts, PDD presented the awardsto, from left, Tara Tanczos, Jennyfer Bonilla, Adrianna Pe-ters and Gabriella Peters all of Troop 51005.

East Stroudsburg Lodge held a "Bridging Over" ceremo-ny for the Girl Scouts honoring two girls with the Bronzeaward. Harold Litts PDD presented Justine Colon and Em-ily DeBlasio of troop 50962 with their award.

East Stroudsburg Lodge # 319 won the "All American"Lodge for the State for their division 1-300 members.PGER Ron Hicks presented the award to PER Ed Freebornand Carol M. Huston, PDD assisted by State PresidentGlenn Foster at the spring convention. East StroudsburgLodge placed third in their division in the Grand Lodgecompetition.

East Stroudsburg Lodge presented dictionaries to thefour schools in the Stroudsburg School District. MemberMark Hutson presented 51 dictionaries, American flags,drug awareness pencils and bookmarks to Nathaniel Boli-

var and Malia DiPaola representing the two 3rd gradeclasses of Morey Elementary School.

East Stroudsburg Lodge distributed 193 dictionaries,American flags and drug awareness pencils and bookmarksto the 3rd grade students of Chipperfield ElementarySchool in the Stroudsburg School District. Representingthe 5 classes of 3rd grade students at Chipperfield from leftGage Williams, Logan Kappel, Julian Walker, Sasha Castle,Peyton Roman and Eva Troiani. Member Carol M. Hutsonmade the presentation.

East Stroudsburg Lodge distributed 66 dictionaries,American flags, drug awareness pencils and bookmarks tothe three 3rd grade classes of Hamilton Elementary Schoolin the Stroudsburg School District. Exalted Ruler RalphBush and his wife Pat made the presentation to the follow-ing students representing the classes from left Colin Wrazi-en, Katelyn Speziale and Molly Kryman. A total of 360were distributed to all the 3rd grade classes in the District.

East Stroudsburg Lodge participated in the AmericanismEssay contest and received 111 essays from Lehman Inter-mediate school. Chairperson Sharon Laverdure presented

————————— Northeast District News —————————


the winners with a framed certificate and gift card. Fromleft is Katherina Croom, Jason Zhao, Ysabella Perez, Clau-dia Perez, Molly Berry and Principal Dr. Robert Diliplane.Unable to attend the dinner was Peterson Oliveira.

Bangor Lodge #1106Bangor Lodge #1106 with the assistance of the Elks Na-

tional Foundation Gratitude Grant participated in a com-munity wide clean-up of the Borough of Bangor. For sev-eral days volunteers from the Lodge and several localorganizations joined forces clean up various areas of theBorough. The grant assisted in the purchase of all clean-ing supplies and flowers and trees that were planted bystudents throughout the town. After the clean-up, thegroups were treated to hot dogs, snacks, and refreshmentsat the lodge.

Frackville #1533For the third consecutive year, the Frackville Elks Lodge

No. 1533 conducted a community donation drive for Vete-rans. There was a total of 556 items with an estimatedamount in donations of over $1,400. The items includedgame books, disposable razors, shaving cream, dentalitems, puzzle books, flip flops, slippers, body washes, pens,socks, nail care items, model kits, baby powder, papergoods, and snack items collected between the months of

February and March. Theitems were delivered tothe V.A. hospital in Leba-non, which is the servicearea for SchuylkillCounty, on Monday April16th. The donations werepresented by Ann Ray Be-gis, Lodge Veterans Ser-vice Chairperson, herhusband and Elk mem-ber, Bill Begis, and JeanGriffin, who made af-ghans for the Veterans.

The Frackville Elks Lodge No. 1533 entered the PA ElksNortheast District Drug Trailer into the 15th Annual St.Patrick's Day Parade, Girardville, held on Saturday April14th, which was a rescheduled date due to a previoussnow storm. This was the first year the Frackville Elks par-ticipated in the parade, bringing along special guest, Elroythe Elk, who was a huge hit with the children! Elks mem-bers George Oakum and Drew Yeselski, along with LodgeChaplain Marianne Yanchulis, Exalted Ruler Robert Yutko,and PA Elks Northeast District Deputy Bill Mack took turnsthrowing Elks Drug Awareness frisbees, yo-yos, water bot-tles, footballs, soccer balls, other items, and candy out tothe children, and even some adults, along the paraderoute. The parade attracts around 20,000 spectators annu-ally.

——————— Northeast District News (cont’d) ———————


A Brief History of the Origins of the Order of Elks(This was copied from a publication from Bath Lodge #1547, N.Y. by Exalted Ruler William Kastner, December 1986)

Continuing The Celebration of the 150th Anniversary of B.P.O. Elks

The Story, always interesting, is the story of the expansion ofa dream of brotherhood into the greatest of American Fraterni-ties.

On Friday, November 15th , 1867, Charles A. Vivian, an Eng-lish comic singer, landed in New York via an English trading ves-sel from South Hampton. On the night of his arrival he droppedinto the Star Hotel, a "Free and Easy" kept by John Ireland onLispenard street near Broadway. Richard R. Steirly, also of Englishbirth, was a piano player at the Star Hotel. Vivian struck up anacquaintance with him and volunteered to sing a few songs. Hemade such an impression on John Ireland that the latter sent forhis friend, Robert Butler, manager of the "American Theater" onBroadway. Vivian sang for Butler, making such a hit that he wasengaged for a three week's run at the American. When closingtime came at the Star Hotel, Steirly took Vivian around to hisboarding house at 188 Elm Street, kept by Mrs. Giesman, Therehe found a collection of congenial spirits, among them WilliamBowron, who also knew Vivian in his native land, *** The streetsin that section of New York have been re-plotted and theirnames changed so that the plot known as "188 Elm Street" cannow be found on LaFayette Street in the block between Broomeand spring Streets, In 1939 the Council of the City of New Yorkpassed the following resolution: "Be it resolved... that the twoblocks remaining on Elm Street be known as Elk Street to paytribute to the famous Order of Elks which was founded on thatStreet in the year 1867."

On November 23rd , 1867, Dick Steirly went to the AmericanTheater to take notes for the purpose of orchestrating some ofVivian's songs. After the matinee, Vivian took Steirly over toSandy Spencer's place at Broadway and Fulton Street, There theymet Hughley Dougherty, Cool Burgess and Henry Vandemark.The latter suggested that the party shake dice for the refresh-ments. Vivian replied that he never handled the cubes, butwould show them a new game. Calling for three corks he gaveone each to Steirly and Vandemark, keeping the other for him-self, He asked Cool Burgess to be the judge and Dougherty tocount to three. They rehearsed the trick of each dropping hiscork on the bar and picking it up as rapidly as possible, severaltimes, the idea conveyed to initiated being that the last man tolift his cork was to buy. Vivian then gave the word of command,Dougherty counted, He and Steirly passed their hands over theircorks while Vandemark, eager to lift his cork from the bar, wasboth first and last to pick it up, and consequently was stuck forthe round. This was the first introduction of a delectable form ofamusement which became popular.BIRTH OF THE JOLLY CORKS

At about this time the Excise Law was being strictly enforcedand Sunday in New York City was a very dry day. Devotees of thecork trick formed the habit of congregating at Mrs. Giesman's onthis day to hold social conventions under the inspiring influenc-es of a stock of beer laid in the night before. This little coteriestyled itself the "Corks", with Vivian as the "Imperial Cork".

The revels of the Jolly crew meeting at Mrs. Giesman’s be-came disturbing to the other boarders and she finally requiredthem to forego their Sunday gatherings in her house. Quarterswere found at 17 Delancy Street, over a saloon kept by Paul Som-mers, where the meetings were continued, The object of the‘Corks’ at this time was entirely convivial, it’s membership wascomposed of professional and semi-professional entertainers witha sprinkling of legitimate actors. Among the latter were Thomas

Riggs, George McDonald, William Sheppard and George Thomp-son, a theatrical agent. When the cork trick was tried on McDo-nald it amused him so that he called the coterie the "JOLLYCORKS," and as such it has gone down upon the pages of history,In the latter part of December just before the holidays, they werereturning from a funeral of a friend, Ted Quinn, when McDonaldsuggested that the "Jolly Corks" become a protective and benevo-lent society. At the meeting held on the 2nd of February, 1868,presided over by Charles A. Vivian, George McDonald offered amotion to organize the "Jolly Corks" as a lodge along benevolentand fraternal lines and providing a committee be appointed toformulate rules and regulations for it's government, prepare asuitable ritual, and select a new name. Vivian having in mind anEnglish organization, "The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffalos,"but the majority were desirous of bestowing a distinctively Amer-ican title upon the new organization. A committee visited Coop-er Institute Library, where the Brothers found the ELK describedin a work on Natural History as an animal "fleet of foot, timorousof doing wrong, but ever ready to combat in defense of self or ofthe female of the species". This description appealed to the com-mittee as containing admirable qualities for emulation by mem-bers of a benevolent fraternity and the title "ELK" was incorporat-ed in its report.BIRTH OF THE ORDER OF ELKS

On February 16, 1868, the committee reported, recommend-ing that the "Jolly Corks" be merged into the "Benevolent andProtective Order of Elks" and the recommendation was adoptedby a vote of eight (8) to seven (7). Listed below are those whovoted for what name.

For "BUFFALO": Charles A. Vivian; Richard Steirly; M.G. Ash;HenryVandermark; Harry Bosworth; Frank Langhorne; E. W.Platt.

For "ELK": George McDonald; George Thompson; ThomasRiggs; William Carleton; William Sheppard; George Guy; HughDougherty; William Bowron.The Death of Charles A. Vivian

Before passing from this branch of the resume of Elks History,it will not be inappropriate to mention the death of Brother Vivi-an. With the beginnings of the ‘B.P.O.E.’ a breech was openedbetween two factions within the ranks, which rapidly developedinto a feud. On one hand were the legitimate actors, endeavoringto invest the new organization with principals and ideas in keep-ing with a benevolent and fraternal institution, while on the oth-er were the semi-professional entertainers more in sympathywith the original purposes of the convivial "Jolly Corks."

Charles Vivian was the leader of the latter faction, and whenhe appeared for the second degree on 14 June 1868, the profes-sionals who were in command ordered a ballot and he was reject-ed. At the same time a number of Vivian's friends were barredfrom the meeting and afterwards declared expelled. This incidentended Vivian's connection with the B.P.O. Elks. He died in Lead-ville, Colorado, March 20, 1880, twelve years later, of Pneumo-nia. On April 28, 1889, the remains of Charles Vivian were ex-humed and taken to Boston, under the auspices of Boston Lodge# 10, where they rest in Mt. Hope Cemetery. As far as can belearned from personal friends, Vivian never claimed to have beenan ELK. He did claim to have been one of the organizers of theElks, which he was, but ne never took the degrees of the Order,and severed all connections with it a few months after it wasborn.

PA Elks State Association703 Georgian PlaceSomerset, PA 15501

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDSomerset, PAPermit, No. 60

Deadline to submit articles for thenext edition of “The Pa Elk” is

August 25th, 2018

Newsletter available onlineat: WWW.THEPAELK.US

PA ELK703 Georgian PlaceSomerset, PA 15501

The Pennsylvania Elk Subscription Form

Complete this form and mail the information to the addressabove to receive The Pennsylvania Elk via US Mail.

NAME ____________________________________________________

ADDRESS _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Address Service Requested

The PA Elks License Plates havenow increased in price to $31.50. Theincrease in price came from the De-partment of Corrections.

Please continue to submit yourforms as usual for the plates andmake all checks out to the "PA ElksState Assoc." and enclose it with yourapplication when you send it to mefor my signature.

If you have any questions pleasecontact me directly at (610) 247-9244.

Fraternally,Mark A. ShepperdPA Elks SpecialLicense PlateCoordinator

The application is available on line at:www.paelks.com/files/elklicplate2.pdf

ATTENTION:NEW ADDRESSPA ELLKS STATE ASSOCIATION address is703 Georgian Place, Somerset, PA 15501

Phone 814-444-1954, fax 814-444-1495,email: [email protected]

We no longer have our post office box.Some lodges are still sending donations

and mailings to the P.O. box.

steve kempff of the year: remember yesterday, enjoy · steve kempff pa elks state president drugs...

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