Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge 2477 » bpo elks

Videos

KiraW — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:31:06 +0000

The Order of Elks has been around a lot longer than TV and video – and at the lodge we’ve finally gotten our own YouTube channel.

After Paul put together the Car Show video we decided it was time to put these video is a more centralized location so when you have the opportunity – check it out and feel free to comment away!

OH – and here’s the Car Show just to show you all how much fun we had that day! (double click on the video to see a larger screen)

Fun on a Wednesday Night

KiraW — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 17:20:19 +0000

It was a great night for burgers down at the lodge on Wednesday night and if you missed it – just take a look at this picture that Paul put together!

The burger was just a “taste” of things to come during the Lodge Picnic coming up 9/25! Stay tuned to be a part of the fun.

Monster Burgers at the Elks lodge #2477

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

Simi Parade and Veterans Lunch Labor Day

jserota — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:04:13 +0000

The traveling miniature Vietnam Memorial visited Thousand Oaks.

Under the special guidance of our National Services Chairman, Jim Kellogg, 20 veterans, along with Nurses from the Sepulveda V A Hospital were treated to our award winning Tri-Tip sandwiches for lunch before venturing over to see the traveling Vietnam War Memorial at our local cemetery on Saturday of Labor Day weekend.

Additional pictures include the parade in Simi Valley!

PER BBQ

KiraW — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:06:24 +0000

The end of August saw the final BBQ of the month headed up by the PER’s as it falls to them when there is a 5^th weekend in the month. A portion of the profits during this BBQ helps support the scholarships that Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge 2477 provides to high school students in our local schools. As you can see from the pictures – there’s plenty of sumptuous food and everyone has a great time. The next one will be happening on October 31^st so before you don your costume for the evening – bring the family down, have a wonderful meal and help support your community!

Submitted by Kira Wagner
Pictures courtesy of Jerry Serrota

Eagle Scout Kevin Ryan

jserota — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 05:20:16 +0000

L-R Mike, Kevin and Sheila Ryan, Terry Gicking, ER, Greg Metzgus, DDGER, Bill Sternberg, GL Scouting Chair. and Bill Miller Scouting Chair

On Sunday August 2, 2009 a Court of Honor was held for Eagle Scout Kevin Ryan at the Teledyne Scientific Center in Thousand Oaks. Kevin is a member of Troop BSA 754 and sponsored by the Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge #2477. Honoring him was Terry Gicking, ER, and three Marvin M. Lewis scouting award recipients, Greg Metzgus, DDGER, Bill Sternberg, GL Scouting Chairman and Bill Miller, Com. Chair. A plaque, American Flag was presented and is the 50th Eagle Scout to spread his wings from this Troop to have his name inscribed on the Honor Roll housed at the Lodge.

Kevin is the son of Mike and Sheila Ryan. He is a graduate of Crespi Carmalite High School and participated in cross country track 3 years in a row. He is now attending University San Diego and is majoring in buisness.

He started in scouting as a Cub in Pack 3730 then joined BSA Troop 754. His Eagle Scout Project was to provide a storage facility for the outdoor play equipment of St. Pascal Baylon Grade School. After 193 volunteer hours, a 3 foot by 8 foot by 11 foot shed was completed on the schools property. Special thanks to Home Depot of Camarillo who gernerously supplied all the of the building supplies for the structure. A thank you to Frank Pagano, Kevins grandfather whose engineering skills helped Kevin draft the plans for the structure. Special thanks to Brian Bayne for the use of his wood shop. Special thanks for the family and friends for their help.

Simi Valley Officers shine at TO Lodge #2477

KiraW — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:47:03 +0000

Last night’s initiation in Thousand Oaks was handled by the officer corps from the Simi Valley Elks Lodge.
In an effort to encourage visitation and camaraderie the officer corps from both Thousand Oaks Lodge #2477 and Simi Valley Lodge #2492 are exchanging initiation duties at their respective lodges.
Starting last night with Simi Valley coming to Thousand Oaks we’ll wrap up the exchange next Tuesday night when our officers go to Simi Valley.
Pictured above is the officer team that performed last nights installation of Carl Lanterman; Exalted Ruler – Hector Morales, Leading Knight – Bill Mason, Loyal Knight – John D’Amico, Lecturing Knight – John Lawson, Esquire – Marissa Mason, Chaplain – Ralph Sherwood, Inner Guard – Walter Kroetsch along with several members from the lodge in the second row.
It was great fun to have them there and we look forward to reciprocating.
Respectfully,
Kira Wagner – Inner Guard

Meet our new GER

KiraW — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:42:19 +0000

James L. Nichelson, Grand Exalted Ruler 2009-2010

You’ll see a new picture on the wall at the lodge next week – and here’s the scoop!
Terry returned from convention with great reports on the activities there as well as wonderful things to say about our new Grand Exaulted Ruler the Hon. James L. Nichelson.
Here is just a SHORT list of Jim’s history. Jim became active in the Ohio Elks Association Southeast District and in the State Association. He worked his way through the District chairs, becoming District Activities Chairman in 1987-1988. He became legal advisor to the Ohio Elks Association in 1983 and has served in that capacity almost every year to the present. He has also been State Judiciary Chairman and Parliamentarian.
His bio is quite impressive including serving in the US Air Force and, being a singer myself I took special note of the fact that Jim is also a cantor and confirmation instructor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Martins Ferry.
You can find out more when you read his complete bio on the Grand Lodge website.

And they were honored

KiraW — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:24:00 +0000

Last Wednesday night saw four members of the lodge recieve awards. Chuck Kudra (for the Konejo Kampers donation) and Cheryl Templeton received Century Club awards for their donations to ENF and Ben Rieger was recognized for bringing in new members.
Not pictured was Jerry Serota being honored for his photo contribution in the Elks “Best Image of Elkdom” contest. Jerry received a plaque for his picture with the CHEA Theme Child – you can see it here http://www.elks2477.com/blog/2009/05/21/elks-theme-child-2009/

Meet Greg Metzgus

jserota — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:37:14 +0000

Greg Metzgus, PER WCCD DDGER designate WCCD DDGER designate

Meet Greg, PER our WCCD DDGER designate WCCD 2009-2010.

Greg Metzgus was born in Burbank California on April 2, 1948. He graduated from Canoga Park High School in 1966 and joined the US Navy. He attended Nuclear Power School in Vallejo and trained on the Navy’s prototype nuclear power plants in Idaho. His navy training also included Navy Divers School. Upon completion of his training Greg was assigned to the nuclear submarine USS Henry Clay (SSBN 625) where he served as a nuclear power plant operator and ships diver. He was discharged honorably after 6 years of service. Upon leaving the Navy, Greg used the GI bill to attend Pepperdine University where he received a Bachlor of Science Degree in management and a Master of Business Administration from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.

Greg first met his wife Barbara when they were children living across the street from each other in Northridge. Upon coming home after leaving the Navy they were reunited (with some finageling by their mothers) and were married in 1973. They settled in Newbury Park and have 3 grown children and 7 granddaughters. Greg has owned a successful contracting firm in Canoga Park for 29 years.

Feeling a need to do charitable work in the community, Greg joined the Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge #2477 in 1988. He worked his way through the lodge chairs and served as Esquire for the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, Auditor for the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler and Vice President of the California-Hawaii Elks Association in 2007. . He has also served as committee chairman for several district committees and has earned the Marvin M. Lewis Award for Elks in Scouting.