And there you have it, we’re wrapping up yet another year.  HAPPY DECEMBER everyone!  We’ve reached another of my favorite months.  I love all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.  The baking cookies and for me lefse, mmmm, one of our favorites.  The decorating, the shopping, the gift giving, the parties, but mostly the Spirit of the Holidays.  The Holiday season means so many things to so many people, but I really think the spirit of giving and sharing is really one part that most of us can agree upon. 

November was a great month, we didn’t give away as much as we did in October, but that’s mostly because we need more donation letters.  Email them to me, mail them to the lodge, send through facebook, pony express, I don’t care how I get them, but we cannot donate without a letter.

In November we were able to donate $1000 to the Aurora Food Shelf. $250 the Aurora Legacy Dance Team, $500 to the Silver Bay Veterans Home, $1000 to the Norse baseball program at MN North College – Virginia for some much needed baseball safety equipment. Lincoln Elementary school 4th grade classroom $500 for additional classroom books for all learning levels.  Marquette Catholic School $500 for Books/Sensory games for the 4th grade classes.  Northland Learning Center $500 for sensory and classroom teaching aids for all levels.  MIB Kindergarten class $500 for magnetic letters and letter sound buckets to help the children learn letters and move on to reading. Rock Ridge High School $1000 for classroom equipment for all learning spaces. Gilbert VFW $750 for their Children’s Christmas Party.  $800 to East Range Academy for supplies. Laurentian School Readiness program $500 for gymnasium equipment.  $500 to the Rock Ridge Swim & Dive team; $500 to the Rock Ridge Hoops Club for new basketballs.  Rock Ridge 8th Grade Math program $1650 for IXL Learning License.  We also were able to pay for the children’s meals for the Halloween party for $155.  And on December 1st we’re donating $1000 to the Salvation Army for the Stuff the Ambulance event and we’ll be providing free hot chocolate during the event as well!

The Stuff the Ambulance event on December 1st is going to be so much fun.  This year there will be live music that has been graciously donated by local artists.  We will have Elks members handing out free chocolate.  A visit from Santa and even the Grinch will be happening as well.  There will even be some animals showing up around 3:45 p.m. so kids can come and take pictures with them.  A couple of Llamas, a donkey, a miniature horse.  It’s going to be a great day!! Come anytime to the corner of Grant Avenue and Jones street from Noon to 6 p.m. to see all that’s happening and bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to a child in need.  We’re partnering on this event with the Eveleth Fire and EMS Departments and Scenic Rivers Healthcare.

Our bingo has been going great guns lately.  Mostly because of our great crowd, but also because of our amazing caller Mary Lou.  We sure couldn’t do this without her every week.  Next time you’re at bingo, tell her how much you appreciate her! Our Ugly Sweater Bingo party is going to be on Friday, December 22nd at 7 p.m. Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater for a chance to win a prize.

Thank you all for the wonderful support you’ve shown our lodge.  I hope to see you at one of our events coming up.  Wishing  you and yours a wonderful Holiday season, I hope you get to enjoy all of your holiday traditions and make amazing memories with those you love.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!