We had a remarkable time attending the Fall State Convention in beautiful New Bern, NC in October. It was great to have a strong contingent of High Point Elks join me and Katherine on the trip. Thank you to the following Officers/Members who made the trip: Phil & Shari Driscoll, Tim & Lindy Hight, Tommy Frazier, Vanessa Slack, Chic Overby & Gary “Hutch” Hutchins. We are proud to report that High Point currently ranks #2 in North Carolina for new members this Elk year (+71). Hendersonville is first with +101. Greensboro is right behind us in third + 67. This is the highest we have been ranked in many years and I hope we keep the momentum up during the next few months. Thank you to the Membership Committee who works hard to get the word out in our community about our great Lodge! People are following their lead and we are growing for the first time in a long time.

At the NC State Convention we were also honored to spend time with this year’s Grand Exalted Ruler, Malcolm McPherson from New Jersey. We were able to speak with him in detail about what we are doing in High Point and he was pleased to hear about our success. He truly is a very approachable man and we all had so much fun celebrating with him and his wife Pat. The High Point crew was even able to coax him onto the dance floor to join me in an hysterical Michael Jackson dance off. For a man that will attend ALL 50 state conventions in 52 weeks, I’m certain he will not forget the friends he made in North Carolina.

We have another great month ahead as we begin November. Our marquis event of the fall is our Annual Chili Cook Off which will be Saturday, November 18th. This event is famous for its delicious food, crazy team themes, healthy competition and a day that always proves to be the most fun day of the fall at the Lodge. Please make plans to invite your friends as this event is open to the public and all age groups are welcome. There’s no better day to show off our Lodge during the non-pool season.

As Thanksgiving approaches I am reminded how thankful I am for the High Point Elks Lodge and all of the special Members that we have. For those of you traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday, please be safe.

Finally, congratulations to Tom “TA” Adams and Russell “Daz” Pallaci for both being named our October Elks of the Month.

Fraternally yours,
Bob Gold, Jr.
Exalted Ruler