It was an honor for me to attend the Elks National Convention in St. Louis and represent High Point Lodge # 1155 in early July. I was amazed at how well this Convention was run from start to finish, how it showed the power of Elkdom for all to see and learn from. It was wonderful to be surrounded by Elks (over 6,000 attendees!) from all across this great Nation to celebrate what our Organization is all about. I was able to meet not only new Elk friends from our beautiful state, but from all over the country. It was a lot of fun to be able to discuss all sorts of topics with various Lodges in different areas and hear what obstacles they faced as well as learning about what makes their Lodges strong and unique. I recommend if you have never attended our National Convention please try and do so at least once, I promise you won’t be disappointed. The next few locations for this wonderful event are Baltimore (2020), Tampa Bay (2021) and Atlanta (2022). You can find out more information on the Elks National website at www.elks.org

There was a lot to celebrate at the Convention as this was the first time in almost 40 years that the Elks membership grew in numbers as a whole. That is a great sign for our Organization, but we must keep it going and I’m happy to say we are doing our part—the High Point Lodge had a “plus” year in membership growth in 2018, and as of now it appears our lodge will have a membership gain in 2019 as well. Another “plus”: North Carolina grew in Elk membership last year also. So please talk about the Elks to your friends (near and far) and invite them to visit their local Lodge. As you know, the Elks has a lot offer people, families and communities as a whole.

Shortly after the Convention I was back in town to enjoy our traditional 4th of July at the pool!! A big thanks to April DeLuca and all of the Ladies Auxiliary for planning and running the activities that day for the kids and members to enjoy. Once again we were “the place to be” on the 4th and everyone enjoyed what our House, Ladies Auxiliary, Office staff, Membership and Pool committees work so hard to make happen not only on this day, but every day: Families and friends being together and making lifelong memories.

Be sure to check out this entire newsletter and our website for all the happenings from July and what we have planned for August and beyond!

Upcoming Events – hpelks.com/upcoming
E-blast Sign Up – hpelks.com/subscribe
Social Media – hpelks.com/social
Event Calendar – hpelks.com/calendar

Congratulations to Greg Domingue for being named our July Elk of the Month.

I hope to see you at our Lodge soon!!!

Fraternally yours,
Tom Connolly
Exalted Ruler