October 2008 Message

Dear Brothers & Sisters

The 50th Anniversary was a great success. The Lodge hosted several State and Grand Lodge guests, and Past State Presidents. They were all overwhelmed by the hospitality they received. Elktoberfest also was a hit with members and guests. Brothers Dan Gerth and Lou Carrillo manned the grill. The brats, sauerkraut, and hot potato salad made for an appetizing prelude to the dinner that evening. Brothers Kirk and Steve out did even my wildest expectations. It is a meal that will be talked about for a long time in the State.

The annual pig roast held September 6 was another culinary success. This was a great event for Elks to enjoy some tasty food good fellowship. My mouth still is watering just remembering it.
The New Mexico Elks Association held its fall workshop in Albuquerque the last Saturday of September Many of our 50th Anniversary guests commented on the great time they had. Please join with me in offering your heart felt thanks to all the people who worked so hard to make the 50th Celebration and Elktoberfest such a monumental success. Mark and Lisa Harris chaired the committee. They had a lot of folks help, and there isn’t enough space here to mention all their names or deeds.

The Leading Knight from Farmington Lodge introduced herself to me at the fall workshop. She had visited our Lodge with her mother last month and expressed how well they were treated. As I travel I become more aware of how good our Lodge’s hospitality is. Los Alamos #2083, you do yourself proud in practicing the spirit of good fellowship. You continue to make me proud as a member and officer of this Lodge.

I will make a report of the 144th Grand Lodge proceedings, at the regular Lodge meeting on October 14. Mark your calendars for the Halloween Party on October 25. Proceeds from this event will benefit Cerebral Palsy. New Mexico is one of the leading states in raising money for this wonderful charity. Roswell Lodge is holding a toy drive on October 18. Toys from this drive are given year round to children diagnosed with cancer. The event is in memory of Lindsay Callaway. Lindsay was the daughter of NM State Elks V.P. Rick Callaway and his wife Tracy. If you cannot attend this event please find it in your heart to bring an unwrapped toy to the Lodge and we will find a way to get it to the Roswell Lodge.

The trustees have reviewed the offer made and read it on the floor of the Lodge, at a regular meeting held on September 22. The Members will be notified in writing about the details of any offer proposed to the membership. It will be presented at a regular Lodge meeting. This vote is scheduled to take place October 27. Any offer must pass by a 2/3s vote of the members present at that meeting. If accepted by the membership the offer must be forwarded to Grand Lodge approval.

Why must Grand Lodge approve the offer you may ask? The answer is simple—to ensure that the assets of the Lodge are being protected for the benefit of the members.

The Trustees will be holding Q&A sessions about the proposal and a schedule is provided in this edition of the Antes. It is your duty as members to become informed of the facts and not the rumors. Attend the meetings and make an informed vote.

Ghandi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Be the change you want to see in the Lodge.

Yours in Elkdom,

Michael Phillips
Exalted Ruler