The Latest from Lodge 572...
Serving Our Veterans
Since its creation, the Elks have always stated "so long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them."
CPL William Brown, a Korean War Veteran, has been listed as Missing In Action, until a recent return of several soldiers' remains by North Korea. Services will be held on April 3, 2020, at the Mound City National Cemetery. Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home, in Herrin, is in charge of these services. Area Elks, and Elk Lodges, are in preliminary planning for a presence to honor this Veteran. Information will be posted on our Website and face book page as it becomes available. You can also keep in touch with our Lodge #572 Veterans' Chairman, Steve Schemonia (618)713-8458.
Valentine's Day Special Meals
Need a place to take your sweetie? On Friday, February 14th, you can enjoy the following special items in our Club Room: Ribeye Steak: $21.95; Salmon $17.95; Tilapia $13.95; Fried Shrimp $15.95; Shrimp Scampi $15.95 All meals include soup, baked potato, salad, and dessert.
February Newsletter & Calendar Online
The newsletter and calendar for February 2020 are now available online. To view and/or print them, use the links in the navigation menu on the left.
25th Anniversary CCC Dart Tournament
Just days are left before this milestone event at our Lodge (February 29th). For the past 20 years, our Lodge has been one of the top 3 contributors to the Illinois Elks Childrens Care Corporation. For many of those years, our Lodge has been the top contributor. The challenge has been put out for members to donate $25 in support of our 25th year. Donor's names are currently posted on the wall “thermometer” in the Club Room; they will appear in the upcoming newsletter and on our website and face book page. Dart Board Sponsors from businesses, organizations, and individuals are available ($100 each), with acknowledgement boards to be displayed in the Lodge Hall, on the day of the tournament, and also published thereafter. For our Silent Auction -- we still need items! (Auction will occur at 6:00 p.m. this year, so you can arrive in the Lodge Hall for bidding purposes.) B.J. Wyatt can be contacted for Dart Tournament details at (618)967-9432; Lynn Porter can give you information on general planning and other details of the day (619)534-5722). Yes, we need volunteers - so don't be shy! This is your chance to make a difference and show what the Elks are about!
Shooting Matches Going Strong
We have one shooting match left to meet the Grand Exalted Ruler and State President's ENF per-capita goals for the year. The final shooting match will take place on February 9 at Crazy Joe's Fish House in Ava. Proceeds from these shooting matches support ENF programs and earn our Lodge grant money that we use to benefit our local community and provide money for a scholarship for a deserving student at Murphysboro High School. We need shooters, volunteers, and people to participate in the drawings. For questions regarding the shooting matches, contact Rick Ehlers at (618)534-1689.
Luck Of The Lodge Raffle Update
Tickets for this year's Luck of the Lodge Raffle are going quickly. The drawing will take place March 7th, 2020. As with previous years' raffle, first prize is $5000.00, tickets are $20 each and only 800 tickets will be sold. As of January 27, all 800 tickets are out being sold. If you do not have your ticket, you better get one soon! Full details are available here.
Members -- Pay Your Dues
Please remember that the current Elk Year ends on March 31, and the new one begins on April 1. Therefore, you will be receiving dues notices / information at some point in February. For your advance information, regular dues for 2020 - 2021 will be $70.25, and life member dues will be $32.25. (Note - a $2 increase is the result of increased liability insurance rates incurred at the Grand Lodge level.) Pay your dues!!
Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarships
The ENF awards 2.44 Million annually to high school seniors nationwide. A total of 500 Scholarships range from 2 top awards at $50,000 each - to 480 at $4,000 each. Details: This MVS program is open to any high school senior who is a U.S. citizen. Applications are judged on Scholarship; Leadership; and Financial Need. Applications available online only and must be submitted online. For details or to access the application, visit https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/mvs.cfm. Guidance Offices should have information. Selection of winners begins at the local Lodge level and continues through district, state and national judging. Lodge #572 contact is Don Siefert: 618-201-4184 or donnansief@aol.com
ENF Emergency Educational Grants
Provides financial assistance to undergraduate children (under age 24) of deceased or totally disabled Elks in the form of renewable, one-year grants of up to $5,000. Applications available by request between May 1 and October 31 of academic year for which assistance is desired. For details, contact the ENF Office at 773-755-4732, or visit https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/EEFGrants.cfm. Lodge #572 contact for information is Don Siefert: 618-201- 4184 or donnansief@aol.com
ENF Legacy Awards
These 300 scholarships are worth $4,000 ea., and are open to college-bound high school seniors who are children or grandchildren of dues-paying Elks. Applicants compete against other children & grandchildren from the state of their sponsoring Lodge. Judging based on core values of the ENF: Knowledge, Charity, Community Service, and Integrity. Applications available online starting September 1, 2019 and ending on January 31, 2020 at 11:59 a.m. Central Time. For details, visit https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/legacy.cfm. Lodge #572 contact for information is Don Siefert: 618-201-4184 or donnansief@aol.com