Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge 2477

The Passing of Brother Jim Kellogg

KiraW — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 23:43:18 +0000

Jim Kellogg was born on September 20, 1919 in the city of Los Angeles and proposed for membership in the BPOE by Sherwood McDonald on August 18, 1993 during the time that Jim Wallace was the Exalted Ruler.

It’s been said if you want something done give the task to a busy person and as such Jim was “busy” personified.

Jim was an engineer and retired as an Aerospace Consultant having served as the president of the society of aerospace Materials and Process Engineers, involved with Automotive Engineers Society, the aircraft Industries Association and a member of the Masons.

A Navy man and stationed at Pearl Harbor he was given an early discharge due to the end of the war, however he never forgot our Veterans.

The Elks say that as long as there are Veterans in our hospitals they will never be forgotten and taking that to heart Jim worked with our Veterans committee for many years going to the V.A. facility in Sepulveda to play Bingo and bring snacks for our Veterans. He saw to it that the Veterans were invited to our yearly Veterans remembrance brunch that the Lodge held and still holds every November.

Brother Jim Kellogg passed away June 24^th at 90 years of age and we will be having a memorial service on July 22.

We shall meet, but we shall miss him,
There will be the vacant chair,
But though we no more possess him,
Still our hearts his memory bear,
But a while ago we gathered,
Friendship beaming in each eye,
Now the golden cord is severed,
He has passed to realms on high.

ER Going Away Party

KiraW — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 23:14:20 +0000

Every year Thousand Oaks Lodge #2477 welcomes Elks from all over the WCCD (West Central Coast District) as we send the district’s Exalted Rulers off to the national convention and this year was no exception.

Last night saw a wonderful turnout as the PER’s joined forces to create an atmosphere of fun and fellowship. While members and their guests were delighted with ghoulish greetings in the “Haunted Mansion”, special entertainment was provided by Catherine Koeritz, Terry Gicking and David Naccaratto. The ghostly trio served as an enhancement to a scrumptious dinner of tender barbecued ribs and chicken by Tom Ryder and his crew. The 50/50 pot and ghost races were dominated by Simi Valley as they claimed the pot as well as two out of the three races! Talk about neighborly kindness!

Here are a few of the pictures and we hope to bring you more soon. If you missed it this year – put it on the calendar for next year and be sure to claim your seat.

Musings of the Lecturing Knight

KiraW — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:34:05 +0000

We turn around and it’s July when temperatures rise, fireworks fill the sky and we reminisce of the journey to freedom some 230+ years ago. The path to freedom was set forth, in part, by these words taken from our Declaration of Independence…”We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.…” The love our forefathers felt for their country gave them courage and strength to set a course of action that would not have been possible if they had not kept those words close to their heart, as a guiding light.

In today’s society we might call this document a mission statement, laid out clearly to leave no question in anyone’s mind the ultimate goal of a free country. Time and again individuals just like you and I, gave of their property and lives to secure a nation where future generations would enjoy those unalienable Rights.

Within our order, we are privileged to have a similar guiding light. The foundation of our order stemmed from Brotherly Love when one of the original members of the Jolly Corks died shortly before Christmas in 1867, leaving his wife and children destitute. At that time the Jolly Corks decided that in addition to good fellowship, they needed a more enduring organization to serve those in need. They set forth a mission statement that begins: “To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; …”.

It is the result of these four qualities (or values), Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity, that sees us growing as a lodge.

These same qualities within each member entice us to gather together and enjoy each others company. It is Brotherly Love that fills both the meetings and our additional events with harmony and laughter, Charity that drives our efforts for good works, Justice that reminds us to play fairly when dealing with others and Fidelity that keeps us faithful to our word / commitments.

It is our differences in understanding and approach that keeps our lives, and our lodge, interesting and exciting.

If it’s been a while since you’ve visited the lodge – know that no one can fill your spot and you’re missed. If you’re wondering how you can get more involved? Just ask. If you’re asking yourself, “Is there really something that I can do to help out that won’t demand days, weeks or months of my time?” – the answer is a resounding “yes”. Just come to the meetings, let your voice be counted and see what is possible.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

To each of you – for your commitment to our country and our lodge, I would like to say thank you.

Kira Wagner, 2010-2011 Lecturing Knight BPOE Lodge #2477

reprinted from the July 2010 Antler Antics

Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge Flag Day 2010

KiraW — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:29:44 +0000

Let’s start with a little background: the first flag, called the Grand Union, was first flown at the headquarters of the Continent Army on January 1, 1776. Then on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress proposed that the United States have a national flag instead of the British Union Jack. The 13 stars of the flag represented the 13 new states.

Patriotism has been an integral part of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks since the early days of the organization. Allegiance to the flag is a requirement of every member. In 1907, the BPO Elks Grand Lodge designated by resolution June 14 as Flag Day and subsequently adopted mandatory observance of the occasion by every Lodge in 1911, and that requirement continues to this day.

There were few public ceremonies honoring the Stars and Stripes until June 14, 1877 when it was flown from every government building in honor of the centennial of the adoption of a national flag. The first official Flag Day was observed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1893. New York also proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day 1897. Other states were slow to follow. Some people thought that the day was too close to Memorial Day and Independence Day.

The Elks prompted President Woodrow Wilson to recognize the Order’s observance of Flag Day for its patriotic expression. But it was not until 1949 when President Harry Truman, himself a member of the Elks, made the proclamation that henceforth June 14 would be a day of national observance for the symbol of our country.

Since then the President proclaims the commemoration yearly, and encourages all Americans in the country to display the Stars and Stripes outside their homes and businesses.

On June 14, 2010 Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge were privileged to continue that tradition accompanied by a Flag Retirement Ceremony. We’d like to thank the members of the Lodge, the Cub Scouts and the community for their participation.

New Members – June 2010

KiraW — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:42:32 +0000

Personally, I think it’s very exciting to see new members come in – and not only because it means that the Lodge is growing. Additionally, it means that the “old” members still believe in their lodge, and what it stands for. They believe in it enough to share it with others in the community. Moreover, that new member may have had many contacts with the lodge before their proposer – so the “gain” is thanks to the many, not just the one.

There is a “gotcha” in this though. The proposer AND fellow members need to be sure to help the new member(s) understand how the lodge works and what it means to BE a member of the BPOE. While the information during the orientation and the instruction during their installation covers most of how OUR lodge functions – that is a LOT to take in and absorb all at once. All of the nuances including the charities we support, the activities that happen weekly and monthly, the ways they can help without being over-whelmed…has to come from fellow members a little bit at a time.

So here’s the challenge – the next time you see one of these new members (or any that have come in during the last year) – not only take the time to say hello and introduce yourself, consider sharing the things you enjoy most (about the lodge) with them and asking them if THEY have any questions. It’s OK if you don’t know the answer – let one of the officers know and they can help! That IS what they get paid the “big bucks” for isn’t it? (You KNOW I’m kidding right?)

Now – without any further dialogue – meet our new members for the month of June! Brock Younker, Jack Wigmanich, Mac Hays and Samuel Frankl – welcome!

Latest News – Awards, New Officers and Amgen Tour of California

KiraW — Thu, 20 May 2010 18:55:07 +0000

In the midst of new members and State Convention activities continue to flourish down at the lodge. In the photos here you’ll see that Jerry Serota was honored with the District’s 1st Place PR Brochure Submission for this past year and we have our newest Trustee on board Richard Whitmire.

Additionally, the Friday night dinners and entertainment continue with One Last Dance Band tomorrow night AND the Amgen Tour of California is wrapping up Sunday in Westlake Village. Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge #2477 has been honored to be asked to participate by having our famous BBQ at the event. We need additional volunteers to help (expected attendance over 250K) so call the lodge @ 805.496.4550 to let them know you will be there!

New Members – May 2010

KiraW — Thu, 20 May 2010 18:22:42 +0000

On the heals of State convention, Thousand Oaks Lodge #2477 was honored to welcome in four new members last night, Ray Hilden, Coleen Morris, John Duhig and Barbara Gibbs.

The next time you’re down at the lodge be sure to say hello and get to know them.

Speaking of membership – be sure that you’ve taken care of your membership renewal – one of our long standing members lost out last night due to the fact that his renewal hasn’t reached the office. If you have any questions, I’m sure you can call the office and the Secretary will let you know if your current .

2010 Theme Child with ER Harry Brockwell

KiraW — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:56:51 +0000

With CHEA Convention behind us, everyone that had the opportunity to attend agrees that the time spent in San Diego was a veritable smörgåsbord of education, entertainment, inspiration and friendship.

It was with great pleasure that Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge #2477 was part of the celebration when our Major Project donations for the year went over the 3 million dollar mark! Throughout all of the fanfare the vision of our 2010 Theme Child, Alexis Nichole Booth, provided a gleaming inspiration and motivation to continue to do everything we can to support this cause.

What cause? What is the Major Project (also known as The Purple Pig) that those of us in CHEA (California-Hawaii Elks Association) support so fervently? As stated on the CHEA website it is a “commitment to addressing the unmet needs of children with disabilities throughout the states of California and Hawaii by developing a program of supporting services to aid these children at no cost to their families and without discrimination.” It’s helping children like Alexis lead a full life while supporting the families along the way. You can read more about Alexis’ incredible journey here.

To make a donation either follow this link or bring your donation to the lodge on the first Wednesday of the month.

Pictured below is our Exalted Ruler Harry Brockwell with Alexis during the convention.

Exalted Ruler Harry Brockwell with CHEA 2010 Theme Child Alexis Booth

El Konejo Kampers Donate

KiraW — Fri, 07 May 2010 20:15:09 +0000

Mike Flannery, President of the El Konejo Kampers, was present at a recent meeting to donate back to the lodge. The Kampers continue their generous tradition of supporting scholarships, charities and the CHEA Major Project.

$1,000 Scholarship
$500 Veteran Saticopy home for Veterans to cover the cost of Pin Boards Built by Bill Sternberg
$678.66 donated to Major Project Disabled children

Mike Flannery and the Kamper Donation

Jerry Serota Honored for Photos

KiraW — Fri, 07 May 2010 20:02:45 +0000

Long time Public Relations Chair was recently honored for two photo submissions in the Public Relations Area 7 – Best Image of Elkdom.

While the position of Public Relation Chair has been transferred to Paul Wagner, it is good to know that Jerry is still helping out taking his wonderful photos.

Shown Below is Jerry with PER, Terry Gicking accepting his awards for:

Fifth Place Law Enforcement and Firefighter Appreciation
Second Place Photo Elks Dictionary Project with Elroy the Elk

Jerry Serota