I was honored to represent the High Point Elks Lodge at the National Convention held in Reno, NV two weeks ago along with our esteemed Secretary Shari Driscoll and our Board Chair Phil Driscoll. The Elks are alive and well across this great nation. We were able to meet and network with Elks from many different states and regions of the country and had a great time. Thousands of Elks descended upon Reno to discuss Lodge matters and pass new resolutions. We said farewell to Grand Exalted Ruler Michael Zellen and welcomed in our new GER Malcolm McPherson, Jr. who hails from New Jersey. It was encouraging to hear about all of the wonderful things the Elks do across this nation to help Veterans and their communities. It was also relieving to hear that many of the challenges we face locally are some of the same challenges that other lodges deal with too.

With another successful summer month in the books, we gear up for August which is sure to be exciting as folks enjoy their last full month at the pool. This month we will hold our annual Camp Carefree fundraiser at the shelter on Saturday, August 12th from 2-4 pm. There will be a silent auction, food and fun for all who attend. Each year we hold this event to raise money for Camp Carefree which has been designated as our state project. All Elk Lodges in NC work to raise funds for this amazing place which allows terminally all children to enjoy a wonderful camp experience for free. Please bring your friends that day to the pool. If a guest signs in with you that day there will be no pool guest fee. Don’t forget to bring your checkbook too so we can exceed last year’s fundraising numbers for the camp.

Thank you to all of our committees and officers who have worked hard thus far to help us have a great summer. We have had some interruptions with plumbing and air-conditioning but have worked quickly to get these issues resolved without too much imposition on our Members. The 4th of July celebration was a memorable day with perfect weather. Lots of volunteers stepped up that day to insure that everyone had great time at the pool.

As summer begins to wind down, please stay abreast of all of the events that are being posted each week on our e-blast, the website and social media. The House Committee is working hard to plan a fun filled autumn with events like our First Annual Disabled Veterans Auto Show on September 9th and a 70s/80s Bash on Saturday, September 23rd. The Chili Cook-off date is set for Saturday, November 18th so mark your calendars and start putting your team together. Our next big night will be Saturday, August 19th . Please come out for Band Night in the lounge with the “Pop Guns”. I hope to see you all at these events and around the Lodge!

Finally, congratulations to Stewart McGlaughlin on being named our July Elk of the Month.

Fraternally yours,
Bob Gold, Jr.
Exalted Ruler