December is upon us and what a month do we have planned! November provided us with our Annual Chili Cook-Off and it was a tremendous success. The weather cooperated and the event was very well attended. Congratulations to the winners and to all the teams who helped us provide a day of fun and fellowship for our Elk Members and their families.
December is going to be filled with tons of events and I hope to see you there. Before I highlight the upcoming December events I want to update you on some efforts that are taking shape in and around our Lodge. Today we were successful in refinancing our mortgage with our new bank (First Citizens Bank). We are moving our banking relationship to them as we feel this is a much better fit for our organization. They understand the value we provide to the community and are committed to working with us for the long haul. The refinance also helps us significantly with our cash-flow and has freed up funds for us to make much needed upgrades to two of our HVAC units that are on their last legs. That work will be completed in the next two weeks. Thank you to Phil Driscoll, Board Chairman, Shari Driscoll, Lodge Secretary and our entire Board of Directors who worked hard in evaluating the best way forward for Lodge. We continue to look at critical areas that need to be repaired, replaced or upgraded to make sure that your Lodge is in good working order.
Last month our Membership Committee sent out surveys to gather your feedback about our Lodge. We received 94 responses and the committee is reviewing the information you provided, discussing common themes and making recommendations to the Board of Directors. We want to do what we can, if we can to implement good ideas. We are committed to finding ways that will improve the Lodge, enhance your Membership experience and increase our visibility in the community. Thank you to those of you who shared your ideas with us. More to come.
Make sure to join us for some of our biggest events in December! Check the website, your e-blast, Facebook, etc. to stay up to date on what we have going on. In addition to our Wings & Football Sundays, our Members/Guests Wednesdays and our Family Grille Nights on Thursdays, here are a few of the big events you won’t want to miss:
Friday, December 1st: ER Steak Night 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Join me on the first Friday of every month as I work the grill to prepare your NY Strip the way you like it! $10/pp.
Saturday, December 2nd: Breakfast with Santa. Let the kids share their wish list with the Big Man and enjoy a free breakfast and crafts. 9 am – 11 am.
Saturday, December 2nd: Football Championship Day. Come join the action all day. Bring your favorite food. New gas grill outside available for your use.
Sunday, December 3rd: Inside Tailgate Wars, Wings and Football in the Lounge.
Sunday, December 10th: Open House & Christmas Party in the Lounge. 2-5 pm. Bring a covered dish and enjoy the NFL games. Wear your ugly Christmas sweater!!
Saturday, December 16th: Band Night with the Pop Guns. 8 pm. Back by popular demand. You don’t want to miss these guys! Members $5, Guests: $7.
Wednesday, December 20th: Annual Members Only Christmas Party & Steak Dinner. Join us for fun and games and along with a great steak! (no spouses or guests). $8/pp
Thursday, December 21st: Family Karaoke in the Lounge. 7 pm after Family Grille Night. Come watch the kids (and the BIG kids) sing their favorite Christmas songs.
Sunday, December 31st: New Years Eve Party with Atlantic Coast Highway Band. BBQ chicken dinner. $15 per person/$25 per couple.
On behalf of myself and the entire Board of Directors, we want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. We hope to celebrate with you at the Lodge in December!
Finally, congratulations to Chuck Minear and Stewart McGlaughlin for both being named our November Elks of the Month.
My very best,
Bob Gold, Jr.
Exalted Ruler
