Exalted Ruler’s Report – February 2024

February 1, 2024 | Exalted Ruler

The month of February is always an uplifting month. First, there is Valentine’s Day. How can one not think happy thoughts on Valentine’s Day. Whether it is spending time with someone close to you, your heart, or remember a loved one who has since passed, our country promotes Valentine’s Day as a day of caring for another.

Another significant day in February is President’s Day (this year it is on February 19th. In earlier days we recognized President George Washington’s birthday which was February 11th and President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday which was February 12th. The United States presidency is truly an American icon. A country governed by democracy is American, it is patriotic, and for Elks, it is what the Americanism Committee reminds Elks day-to-day, that America’s values and principles is foremost to our society.

Here at home, in the past few months, we lost fellow 616 member Wayne Howard. District Leader Wayne served in many capacities – most recently as District Leader and previously as CHEA State President. My contact with Wayne was always cordial, and in his gentleness, shared his wealth of knowledge and advise.

This month the lodge meetings will be busy. There will be by-law motions to vote upon, nominations for elected lodge positions and then voting for the lodge positions. This is your opportunity to have a say in your lodge so I encourage you to come to the meetings. Don’t forget that after the lodge meetings there is dinner (free) and fellowship is in the club. To candidates who will be nominated on February 13th, mahalo for desiring to take the step forward in Elkdom.

Lastly, we are towards the end of the lodge year, March 31st to be exact, so there’s much more to do and accomplish. Have a wonderful February!

Calvin Hara

Exalted Ruler