Clearwater Elks 499 was very proud to host the annual Elks District meeting recently. Guests included B.C. Elks associate vice-president Dina Wolansky, regional secretary Mike Wolansky, regional past president District 5 Larry Mazure and District 5 historian Donna Mazure, and B.C. Elks Association past president Mike White (the leading knight from Kamloops Lodge 44).
These guests were all from Kamloops Lodge 44, while other Elk members came from the North Thompson, Lillooet, Prince George, Salmon Arm and the Cariboo, as well as one Elk member from Alberta.
The lodge was also honored by a visit from Supreme Honored Royal Lady Linda Nolan from Prince George.
After the meeting opened the Ladies of the Royal Purple did the Draping of the Charter to honor members who have passed on. It was a very dignified, touching tribute to fallen members.
After the Draping of the Charter the Ladies of the Royal Purple, with their Supreme Honored Royal Lady in tow, went to Blackpool Hall, and from what I understand they had a wonderful time.
At the Elks meeting the pros and cons were discussed on items to be voted on at the annual Elks convention.
Guest and members were treated to muffins and fruit for a breakfast snack. For lunch, soup and sandwiches were served. Supper was potluck. We topped our supper off with dreamy cheesecake made by Lorraine. (Thank you. I'm glad you took my advice and didn't put any calories in the cheesecakes because I had my share and maybe someone else's too).
During the day members and guest placed bids on items in our silent auction. Also during the day there was a sheriff who kept a sharp eye out for members who made a mistake - those who made a mistake had to pay a fine. I can't understand how he found the mistakes but he did....
The proudest moment of the day was when past district deputy Garry Ruston presented a $2,000 cheque to our district representative. The funds will go to the Elks camp for kids. Money raised from the auction and sheriff fines also went to the camp for kids.
The efforts by the ladies who made and donated items for the silent auction are appreciated, as are those by the Ladies of the Royal Purple.
H.R. Lady Cheryl Thomas played a wonderful part by singing Amazing Grace with no accompanying music and then whistled while the charter ceremony was done.
The Elks and Bingo ladies also appreciate the efforts by Doug Borrow scraping the snow from the Elks parking lot during the winter.
Don't forget - May 7 will our first pancake breakfast of the season.
– Submitted by Phyllis Bucknell