Greetings,
I hope my messages over the last two years have been informative. I have tried to let our members know what is going on in the lodge and encourage each one to participate in some way. George and I have really enjoyed our time with the Elks, volunteering, attending district meetings and conventions and just having some fun at the lodge. We have just elected Melanie Hamalainen as our new Exalted Ruler and she will be installed on April 7. Any of our members are welcome to the installation of officers and dinner honoring our award recipients. Please let us know if you will be attending since this will be a catered meal.

During the month of February we have given away books to children Pre-K to grade 5. We enjoy celebrating “I Love to Read Month” in this way. On February 24 we are using our Gratitude Grant to hold a Community Meal at the Virginia Elks Lodge. People have stepped up to help us make this event a success. Giants Ridge is donating soup, Land-O-Frost is donating lunch meat for the sandwiches and the Duluth Elks Lodge is baking cookies for dessert. Winter coats, hats, gloves, mittens and handwarmers will be available for those in need, as well as a backpack of nutritious snacks to take. The event runs from 11 am to 3 pm. Melanie has done a great job organizing this event. If you know people in need, make sure they come.

The Open Bonspiel will be held March 8 and 9. Many teams have already signed up. On Saturday night we will serve a Taco Dinner at the Lodge and a DJ for your enjoyment. Members, not able to curl can come up and purchase a meal and enjoy the music.

We plan on serving fish (cod fillet breaded and deep fried) each Friday, through Lent but not Good Friday. We will have other options as well. Our meals run from 5-7 pm with bingo starting at 7.

Dues notices have gone out. Please pay as soon as possible. I cannot guarantee when you will get your card since our secretary has been ill and has been unable to process any dues yet. We hope he will be well soon.

Stancy Walters, ER