On various occasions, I am asked about the Elks Lodge by people outside our organiza-

tion. They are generally curious and really do not have any idea what we do and why we

even exist. I was equally uninformed before I joined. Are we a social club, a civic

organization, fraternal group, or what? How are we different from other organizations

and what makes us unique?

As we all work to grow our membership, you are likely to be asked these same kinds of

questions. Let me suggest some answers that seem to have satisfied those who have asked

me.

First of all, we are a private organization and new members come exclusively by invitation from existing

members. Every new prospective member is investigated, must supply references (that are checked), given an

indoctrination about our organization, voted on by the membership, and then (if accepted) initiated into our

order. This has been the process for over 100 years now and remains consistent today.

As for our primary purpose, we are a benevolent organization- meaning we do work to help our community.

Your local lodge gives a significant amount to our community each year. To put this into perspective, we

passed the $1 million mark this past year since starting to keep track of specific amounts over the past 20 plus

years. None of our funds come from any government or other public entities- we raise all of it ourselves. This

is in addition to the many millions provided to youth, veterans and numerous others that benefit from grants

and scholarships provided through our national organization.

In addition to monetary support to our communities, I see Elks being very

supportive and compassionate to our fellow members in times of need.

This is particularly evident as we have a memorial service for a deceased

member. These times serve to remind us what we are really about and the

true feelings we have for each other. I have compared our lodge to a fam-

ily in the past and sincerely feel honored to be included in such a fine

group.

To sum up what it means (to me) to be an Elk, it is a very satisfying way to

do good for others and have fun doing it. Thank you all again for allowing

me to serve as your Exalted Ruler.

Fraternally Jay Lockridge, Exalted Ruler

Vol. 30, No. 8 Huntsville Elks Lodge No. 1648

FROM THE EXALTED RULER

SEPTEBER 2012

Upcoming Lodge EventsUpcoming Lodge Events

Aug 30Aug 30——Sep 3 Join us and help withSep 3 Join us and help with Fair ParkingFair Parking--FundraiserFundraiser Sep 11Sep 11 Lodge Meeting 7 p.m.Lodge Meeting 7 p.m. Sep 21Sep 21 TIKS BandTIKS Band——8 p.m.8 p.m. Sep 25Sep 25 Lodge Meeting 7 p.m.Lodge Meeting 7 p.m. Oct 6Oct 6 Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Breakfast 9:00 a.m. -- 10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m. Oktoberfest Oktoberfest

Sickness and Distress Lodge Officers

— THE ELKS CALL — OFFICIAL MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF HUNTSVILLE ELKS LODGE NO 1648, HUNTSVILLE, AL

P.O. BOX 352, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35804, (256) 539-2520

TO BE AN “ELK” IS TO BE AN AMERICAN CITIZEN WHO GUIDES THEIR COURSE IN LIFE BY THE CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF OUR ORDER:

CHARITY, JUSTICE, BROTHERLY LOVE AND FIDELITY.

Lodge Meetings—2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (Except in July, August, and December)

Exalted Ruler ..................................... Jay Lockridge

Leading Knight ................................ Melody Cathey

Loyal Knight………………………...April Wiggins Lecturing Knight .................................Brenda Miller

Secretary .................................. Kathleen Billingsley

Treasurer .................................................... John Bell

Tiler ................................................... Ann Moore

Inner Guard ................................... James Curley

Esquire ............................................ Huff Sanders Chaplain .......................................... Ruth LaVine

Newsletter

Governing Board

(Meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.)

Trustees

5 Year ........................................... Michael Davis

4 Year ............................................ Phillip Towry

3 Year ............................................ Fred Rodrigue

2 Year............................................. James Henley

1 Year................................................... Greg Gray

Editor ................................... Kathleen Billingsley

Fred Rodrigue, PER, PDD, HLM Edward H. Sorden, HLM Robert E. Williams, PER James Simmons

Life Members

John Bell. PER, HLM Arthur Holmgren, PER Crawford Kelley George O‘Toole

1942 .................................. *George M. Mahoney

1943 ................................. *Hugh ―Frtiz‖ Thomas

1944 ........................... *Charles E. Shaver (PDD) 1945 .................................... *Jack M. Longhorne

1946 ................................. *R. B. ―Speck‖ Searcy

1947 ............................. *Joe S. Foster, Jr. (PDD) 1948 ..................................... *Edmund H. Duffey

1949 ............................. *Joe S. Foster, Jr. (PDD)

1950 ........................................ *Abe Pizitz (PSP) 1951 ................................... *W. B. ―Red‖ Snipes

1952 ............................................ *Arthur L. Cole

1953 ...................................... *Louis Tumminello 1954 ............................. *Joe S. Foster, Jr. (PDD)

1955 & 1956 ............................. *Samuel K. Tate

1957 .............................. *Charles B. O‘Reilly, Jr. 1958 ............................... *Jack G. Enochs (PDD)

1959 ............................... *B. J. ―Barney‖ Pearsall

1960 ........................................... *Paul D. Barker 1961 ............................................ *Gilbert Appler

1962 ........................ *Robert F. Weidman (PDD)

1963 .............................*Joe. S. Foster, Jr. (PDD) 1964 ..................................... *Thomas M. Barnes

1965 ......................................... Joseph P. Stopper

1966 ............................. *Cecil A. Chaney (PDD) 1967 .......................................... *Elmer F. Hargis

1968………………………*Arthur N. Holmgren

1969 ............................. *Joe S. Foster, Jr. (PDD) 1970 ........................*Thomas A. Childress (PSP)

1971 .............................. *John L. Citrano (PDD)

1972 ................................................. John R. Bell 1973 ................................... *Henry S. Cassell, Jr.

1974 ........................................... *Paul B. Adams

PERs By Affiliation

William P. Alford Terry M. Ashley Joel Morton

Harold L. Schild Joseph W. Sloan Robert E. Williams

*Deceased

1975 .......................................... *L. H. Wimberly

1976 ........................ *Willie D. Wood, Jr. (PDD)

1977 ......................................... Jerry L. Bredeson 1978 .............................. Clayton E. Moneymaker

1979 ................................. C. Richard DeCoarcey

1980 ........................*Raymond A. Bennett (PSP) 1981 .................................. *James R. Record, Sr.

1982 ................... *James Clifford Hooper (PDD)

1983 ...................................... *Joseph C. Mercier 1984 .............................................. *Harold Pizitz

1985 ......................................... Tommy C. Smith

1986 ............................ *Joseph W. Holub (PDD) 1987 ............................... *John L. Citrano (PDD)

1988 ............................... Darwin L. Baker (PDD)

1989 ...................................... David M. Davidson 1990 ............................ *Joseph W. Holub (PDD)

1991 ............................................. *Brooks Cruse

1992 ...................................... *Matthew E. Crane 1993 ....................................... Edward J. Banville

1994 ................................................ Robert Bergh

1995 .............................................. Fred Rodrigue 1996 ................................................ *Don Jessick

1997 .............................................. Fred Rodrigue

1998 ........................................Louis Tumminello 1999 ................... *James Clifford Hooper (PDD)

2000 ................................................... Roy Turner

2001 .............................................. Mike McCord 2002 ..................................... Robert J. Richmond

2003 .............................................*Jack D. Saulls

2004 .......................................... Albert J. Castelli 2005 & 2006 ........................................ Joan Keat

2007 & 2008 ....................... James M. Henley, Jr.

2009 & 2010 ................................ Randy Lehman

Past Exalted Rulers

If you know of anyone that needs to be added to the list, please call

Ruth LaVine, 256-882-0693 Chaplin

Sick:

Greg Gray Norman Blackwell

Deceased:

Robert A. Maiden George A. “Al” Bailey, Jr.

MEMBERSHIP Applicants for Membership

Applicant Proposer

Diana S. Moore Jan Abbott

Susan Towery Mel Cathey

Matthew Hyde Brenda Miller

Melana G. Smith Brenda Miller

Mark Wilburn S.Yarbrough

REINSTATEMENT

Robert U. Marcus

September and October of each

Lodge year a past member may

be reinstated for just $1 applica-

tion fee instead of

$20. This is in addition to the

pro-rated annual due which

during these two months is $43.

TIKS BAND PERFORMANCE The Tiks Band will perform at the Elks Lodge #1648 – located at 725 Franklin Street,

Huntsville, AL 35801 – on Friday, September 21st, 2012 at 8:00 pm. Tickets will be

available in the Club area for $15.00 per person. Come and reminisce with the band.

Remember Bradley’s Cafeteria, Camelot Club, Aquatic Club, Dunnavant’s Mall, Pizitz

Teen Board Events and other local venues during the 60s.

The Tiks were a popular local group during the “60s”. The original members – John

Parker, Sam Hunter, Bill Rasnake, Bob Grant, Don Walker and Jerry Brewer - formed

from the “Continentals”. Other members throughout the years were Jack Robbins,

Roger Rasnake, Bob Hirshburg, Randy Roman, Bob Claycomb, Howard Messer, W.C.

Cowles, Stan Traylor, Larry Byrom, Don Huber, Tom Grant, Jim White, Steve Ennis,

Bucky Harris, Charles “Toot” Snoddy, Tom Linscott, and Dave Roberson.

Performing at the Elks on the 21st

:

Jack Robbins – Vocal

Bob Grant – Vocal

Charles ―Toot‖ Snoddy – Guitar/Vocal

W.C. Cowles – Keyboard

Tom Linscott – Bass

Jerry Brewer – Drums

Dave Roberson – Sax

Bill Rasnake – Sax

Jim White – Trumpet

Stan Traylor - Keyboard

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK? Hardly...

It was a Lodge full of men, women, kids…and a TRUCK!

On August 11, 2012, at 8 a.m. in the morning, the transformation of the dining and club area of the

Lodge went into full swing

A very generous offer of the furnishings and kitchen equipment from local closed restaurant was made

to the Governing Board of the Lodge … and the vote was to take the offer.

From Balmoral Drive, tables, chairs, booths, and some kitchen equipment and furnishing were placed

outside the restaurant by one crew as other groups arrived to load the large rental truck. The second group

trooped to the Lodge and immediately began unloading. Prior to the first ―unload, ―Guntersville Lodge arrived

to pick up fifteen of the 4x4 tables we gave to their new lodge. Then our Club room and dining room floors

were cleared, vacuumed , plaques dusted, and windows cleaned while awaiting the first load of the new fur-

nishings.

Elk members working were Tim Barnes, Jack Bean, Kathleen Billingsley, Harvey Brown, David

Burkett, Mary Cannon, Billy Carlton, Charles Crute, Pat Edwards, Ruth LaVine, Brenda Miller, Jim Miller,

Jerry Mullins, John Tarver, Phillip Towry, Steve Wilt and spouse, Sherry Wilt, and Jay Lockridge via tele-

conferencing, started the move.

Member Tim Barnes spent much time and elbow grease cleaning the popcorn machine between

―deliveries‖. Pat Edwards created a steam room in the kitchen, pressure-washing that area. The loading and

unloading, cleaning and re-cleaning, arranging and re-arranging of all the items went on until past 4:00 p.m.

.

Among the volunteers were, proud to say, ten polite and mannerly, children and grandchildren of Elks. These

are young people you would be proud to know. They worked all day carrying tables, chairs and booths, with-

out a grumble or argument…even had time for a little ‗horse play‘ with some of the Elk members. Without

them the furniture would not have been in our Lodge and in place …ready for Saturday night Karaoke and

Sunday Bingo plus the backs of many Elks were spared. We thank Savannah Anderson, Ryan Anderson,

Courtney Larkin, Ashley Larkin (Mary Cannon‘s grandchildren) Lillie Lewis, Carter Lewis, (Jim & Brenda

Miller‘s grandchildren) Zack ‖Brawn‖ Brown , Jeremy Hammons, ( Deborah & Harvey Brown‘s sons, and

Chandler Foster (Jay Foster‘s Son)

Another big ―Thank You‖ to Jay Foster, Club Manager… for all his gentle directions, always sporting

a smile on his face when someone would ask, ―Hey Jay what do we do with this?‖ How fortunate we are to

have Jay on staff with his expertise in restaurant management. Matthew was a big plus all day and Mel

Cathey tended bar and kept the hot dogs cooking and drinks flowing.

Brian Bentley set up PODS to store furniture and equipment until we can work them into our building

and James Curley and Iris Lockridge did to-scale, computer-aided designs for the furnishings.

************************************************************************

Also, thanks to all who helped with the ceiling tile project in the middle room. Many man/woman

hours were expended. Thank you to Brandon Rogers for getting permission to remove the tile from a house

that was going to be raised. Brady, Pam and Bruce Rogers, Bob Richmond for removing the tile, Connie for

helping me bundle and stack them, Jim and Brenda Miller for helping load the tile in my son trailer. Chuck

Verschoore, Jimmy Temple, Sam Tumminello (I did not get some names, sorry)_ you all did a wonderful job.

It looks great, thanks again for all your work. Jack Rogers

IF YOU HAVE NOT VISITED THE LODGE LATELY, DROP BY HAVE DINNER OR A

DRINK AND ENJOY THE NEW ADDITIONS.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 No Breakfast Hot Dogs Football

Fair Parking Karaoke 7:00-10:00 pm

2 Lodge Hours 2—8 p.m. Fair Parking Bingo 5:30 p.m. April Wiggins

3Labor Day

Fair Parking

4 Taco or Hot Dog Buffet

5 Texas Hold’em 6:30—10:00 pm

6 Dinner Special 5:30—8:00 p.m. Sirloin Steak, B. Potato, Salad Bar

7 Catfish/Shrimp Steak Special 5:30 –8:00 p.m

8 Hot Dogs Football Karaoke 7:00-10:00 pm

9 Lodge Hours 2– 8 p.m. Bingo 5:30 p.m. Melody Cathey

10 House Committee Meeting 5:30 p.m

11 Taco or Hot Dog Buffet Governing Board

5:30 p.m. Lodge Meeting

7:00 p.m. Balloting

12 Texas Hold’em 6:30—10:00 pm

13 Dinner Special 5:30—8:00 p.m. Chicken Buffet

14 Catfish/Shrimp Steak Special 5:30 –8:00 p.m

15 Hot Dogs Football Karaoke 7:00-10:00 pm

16 Lodge Hours 2—8 p.m. Bingo 5:30 Huff Sanders

17 House Committee Meeting 5:30 p.m

18 Taco or Hot Dog Buffet

19 Texas Hold’em 6:30—10:00 pm

20 Dinner Special 5:30—8:00 p.m. Sirloin Steak, B. Potato, Salad Bar Indoctrination 6:00 p.m.

21 Catfish/Shrimp Steak Special 5:30 –8:00 p.m TIKI BAND

22 Hot Dogs Football Karaoke 7:00-10:00 pm

23 Lodge Hours 2—8 p.m. Bingo 5:30 p.m. Brenda Miller

24 House Committee Meeting 5:30 p.m

25 Taco or Hot Dog Buffet Governing Board

5:30 p.m. Lodge Meeting

7:00 p.m. Initiation

26 Texas Hold’em 6:30—10:00 pm

27 Dinner Special 5:30—8:00 p.m. Sirloin Steak, B. Potato, Salad Bar

28 Catfish/Shrimp Steak Special 5:30 –8:00 p.m

29 Hot Dogs Football Karaoke 700-10:00 pm

30 Lodge Hours 2—8 p.m. Bingo 5:30 p.m. Jay Lockridge

September 2012

Honored Member’s Dinner will be compliments of the Lodge. Guests of Members are invited at regular dinner price ($10.00) for each guest attending. Guests who are Lodge Members should complete and return this form with payment to the Club Manager or Kathleen Billingsley, Lodge Secretary, identify their host and the meal that they would like. THE HONORED MEMBER MUST ARRANGE MEAL PURCHASE FOR ANY NON-MEMBER GUESTS. ALL FORMS MUST BE IN BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON THE FRIDAY PRECEDING THE BIRTHDAY DINNER.

For Honored Members:

I will attend the Birthday Celebration Wednesday, October 24, 2012 as a Guest of the Lodge.

Name ________________________________________ Member Number _______________________

I am enclosing payment for the following dinners for my spouse and/or non-member guests at $10.00 each.

Number of steaks ______________ Number of chicken _________________

Total Amount Enclosed ______________________

For Honored Member’s Guests:

I /we will be attending the Birthday Celebration as a Guest of _________________________________

Guest‘s Name______________________________________________________________

I am enclosing payment for the following guests at $10.00 each.

Number of steaks_______________ Number of chicken_____________

Total Amount Enclosed $ ____________________

SEPTEMBER 1st

Adams, Robert E

Akins, Clem W.

2nd

Crunk, John W

Daniel, Sarah

Doyle, Deborah

Knox, Richard

3rd

Kenyon, Donald E

White, Donald

4th

Headrick, W. H

Nayman, R. Glenn

6th

Baker, Wm. Wesley

Kelly, Andy

Miller, Brenda

Picerno, Salvatore

7th

Wilson, George S.

8th

Blackwell, Norman

Nichols, Nick

Tumminello, John Jr.

9th

Cathey, Alexander M

Cummings, Wm. Milton

Johnson, John C.

11th

Barnes, Tim

Buffaloe, Butch

Vargas, Victor M

12th

Freeman, James D

13th

Baird, Steve

Wheeler, John Thomas

14th

Jackson, Kent W

15th

Berry, Ben

Feagley, Harry

Frazier, Johnny

Persall, Alan

Richard, Martha L

16th

Maxey, Mark D

17th

Rodgers, Robert V

Spruill, Jimmy

19th

Bragg, Jr. James

Byrom, Anthony

Horst, Donald E

May, T. Ryan

20th

Browner, Doug

21st 30th

Allen, Robert Swanson, Charles

Chargualaf, Frank

Kempaner, Richard A

Owens, C. W.

22nd

Murphy Edward L

23rd

Ammons, Sherry

Biszick, Kirk R

Doring, Claude W

Leonard, Robert R

McBrayer, Larry

24th

Hopper, Edward G

McBrayer, Sherrill

Watts, Shelly Reed

25th

Magnusson, James D

Morgan, Earl T

26th

Gray, Janice E

Rainey, Kenneth R

28th

Keith, Sam W.

29th

Moore, Don

Owen, Tim

Rudolph, Edwin F

Temple, Jimmy

The Huntsville Elks Lodge Bulletin

725 Franklin street

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 352

Huntsville, Alabama 35804

OFFICERS Exalted Ruler…………………….Jay Lockridge

Leading Knight ........................ Melody Cathey Loyal Knight ………………. April Wiggins

Lecturing Knight………………...Brenda Miller

Secretary………………………...Kathleen Billingsley Treasurer………………………...John Bell

Esquire…………………………...Huff Sanders

Chaplin..…………………………Ruth LaVine Inner Guard………………………James Curley

Tiler………………………………Ann Moore

TRUSTEES

Michael Davis, Phillip Towry,

Fred Rodrigue,

James Henley, Greg Gray

Lodge e-mail: ldgesecy@knology.net

Non-Profit

Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 271

Huntsville, AL 35804

JOIN US AT THE FAIR

AUGUST 30—SEPTEMBER 3

FOR

LODGE FUNDRAISER

“PARKING CARS”