Greetings Brother and Sister Elks:

‍    I would like to welcome you all back from your fun-filled summers. I am hopeful that you all spent time with family, friends, and possibly some travel. My summer was a busy one. I traveled to Minneapolis to attend the Grand Lodge Convention in early July. I was able to attend a Minnesota Twins game and got to see our now Past Grand Exalted Ruler, Bruce Hidley, throw out the first pitch. I attended the daily sessions and participated in the Grand Lodge voting of 18 new resolutions. A list of these and the results are posted at the Lodge and in this Bulletin. The most contested resolution was that they now require all Lodge Treasurers to attend the District Deputy Clinics, and this did pass after much debate on the GL floor.

I would like to personally thank PER, Leo Cortizo and his family for the generous donation of a stairlift to the Lodge. This will be helpful for our members and guests who have trouble getting up and down stairs and will also be a good selling point when renting out our main rental hall.

‍      Thank you to Jimmy Scarry and Robert Gartner for their hard work putting together the Car Show in June. They will be making a donation with funds raised to the Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center. This center is known nationwide and has helped many of our first responders back to health. Also, we had an excellent turnout of volunteers at the Veterans picnic at St Albans. A special thank you to Robert Giglio and Anthony Vitale for helping make this possible and volunteering their time to help our veterans. I am happy to report that St. Albans CLC is reopening for in-person group activities, resuming the monthly bingo and birthday celebrations with the Vets.

‍     On September 13th we will have our District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Brian Steckler from New York Lodge #1 starting his visitations at our Lodge. We look forward to Brian’s visit so let us make this a good turnout and welcome him as only NHP-NS Elks can!  At the end of September, I will be attending the NYS Elks Fall conference in Albany, NY and I look forward to many great workshops and spending time with my brother and sister Elks.

‍     We have many amazing socials coming up--Oktoberfest, Super Raffle, and Italian Night, just to name a few. The Doe Club also has some great events coming: Vino Bingo and Pirates Revenge. Please come out and support the Elks and the Doe Club and all of our wonderful charitable works. Please check the Bulletin for the dates.

‍     Finally, let's take the time to get the word out that WE ARE THE ELKS, our Grand Exalted Ruler Randy Shook’s motto. Volunteer at an event, ask a friend to join, attend meetings, and support this Lodge. It's up to you to help keep this Lodge going.

‍     May the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity guide you in all your endeavors.

Fraternally,

Christopher Petrella, PER

Exalted Ruler