The Latest from Lodge 572...

July Newsletter & Calendar Online

The newsletter and calendar for July 2018 are now available online. To view/print them, use the links in the Navigational menu on the left.

Improving the Haven for our Veterans

Lodge #572 Veteran’s Chairman Steve Schemonia (on left) assists John Burford with installation of new electrical circuits for lighting and power outlets

In a joint effort between our Lodge and John Burford, owner of Burford Electric, Teutopolis, new electrical work is being installed at The Haven, the daytime facility for veterans on Crab Orchard Lake. Work includes upgraded and additional lighting and outlets in various locations at the facility. Our Lodge is providing both volunteer workers and funding in the amount of $3,000.00 through ENF grants. This project will provide veterans using the facility with better safety, convenience, and enjoyment. A perfect example of Elks serving our veterans!

CCC Scholarships Awarded to Lodge 572 Applicants

Three awards have been announced for students who applied for Physical/Occupational Therapy (or Assistant) Scholarships, under sponsorship of Murphysboro #572. Scholarship winners are as follows:

Carley Carril, Ellis Grove, awarded $500.00
Mackenzie Grefe, Steelville, awarded $2,575.00
Issiac Wingerter, Chester, awarded $1,700.00

That's $4,775 right back to our area students, just in scholarships. Proof once again that the hard work we do for Illinois Elks CCC has a definite payoff!

Going to the Dawgs

Our Lodge will be providing a meal to members of the SIU football team that are staying in town over the summer for exercise and strength training (at their own expense). We will be feeding them at the SIU arena on Monday, July 23^rd at 5:30 pm. Volunteers are needed to assist and to provide desserts! If you can help, contact Patty Stokes (618)684-4094 or ER Darcie Hastings for more information.

Monday Lunches Suspended

Our Monday lunch program is being suspended for the summer. Please watch for the lunch program to be started again in the fall.

Lodge 572 Initiates Seven New Members

On June 6^th, our Lodge welcomed seven new members into the Order. Please be sure to make them feel welcome and introduce yourself when you see them...more

Lodge 572 Flag Team Opens Bocce Tournament

On Saturday, June 16^th, our Lodge's Flag Team helped open this year's Lodge 572 Bocce Tournament in grand fashion. Our large American flag was displayed for the singing of the national anthem, which was performed by Lodge member John Guetersloh. Afterwards, the flag was folded as Lodge secretary Merle Evans read the meaning of each fold for all in attendance. This served as our Lodge's observance of Flag Day, a mandatory ceremony for all Elks Lodges.

Lodge 572 Sweeps Awards At State Meeting

At the recent State Meeting in Springfield, Lodge 572 received recognition for our continued effort to raise money to fund the work of the Illinois Elks Children's Care Corporation (CCC). We received first place for per capita and gross contributions for the South District, and first place for gross contributions for the state. Shown at right is Exalted Ruler Darcie Hastings holding two of the plaques awarded to our Lodge.
Our Lodge was also recognized by the Illinois Elks Association as the Illinois Lodge of the Year for 2017-2018 and Exalted Ruler Debbie Sauer was recognized as Exalted Ruler of the year. Shown at right are the two plaques which will be displayed on our Lodge walls.
Lodge 572 member and past Exalted Ruler Steven Zak was selected as Illinois Elk of the Year. This is the third consecutive year a member of our Lodge has received this award.

Are Your Dues Paid?

As all Elk Members know - the deadline for yearly membership dues is always April 1. Thereafter, you are considered delinquent if you have not paid your dues for 2018-2019! Grand Lodge Statutes then allow all local Lodges to exclude said delinquent members from Club Room privileges, Elk activities & events, and most certainly, all Elk meetings, as of the April 1 date. While the meeting exclusion has been in effect at #572, since April 1, be advised that enforcement of "Club Room Privileges" will be vigorously enforced, starting June 1!! This includes food and beverege purchase, event attendance, and all related. (Also, reminder that if you are on the CLMS delinquency list, May 1, you are not eligible for the Queen of Hearts, or any Raffle or Drawing, the the entire month of May....or entirety of any month, thereafter, if on CLMS delinquency list, the 1st day of that month.) While it is not the intention of Lodge Officers or Staff to embarrass a delinquent member seeking Club Privileges after June 1 - do expect to be reminded of the problem, and put on notice, therein! Think of it from the perspective of paid-up members - if delinquent, why should you enjoy benefits which their dues are underwriting?