To the Members, Families and Supporters of Kinderhook Elks Lodge,

Well we are on the the final stretch of summer. In a few short weeks we’ll be parking cars, getting ready for the District Deputy Clinics and Visitation visits, and going to Albany for the NYS Elk’s Association’s Fall Conference.

First is that Fair Parking starts August 31st and goes thru Labor Day. I cannot state enough how important this is to our lodge; both as a financial perspective and from an image one as well. From the financial side, parking provides revenues that we put back into the Northern Columbia communities. From the image side, parking allows us to show Columbia County residents what Elkdom is and what are Elks. If all members of our lodge could help in some manner, whether parking cars or monitoring the booth, that would be so good for us. Sign up sheets for times are on the bulletin board at the lodge.

Next is welcoming our new District Deputy Grand Exulted Ruler Linda Rowse; of Rensselaer Lodge. From July 2nd to July 6th, the National Elks Convention was held in Atlanta, Georgia. Wendy and I, along with PSP Jerry and Abby Shook, attended. It consisted of three and a half days packed with meetings, workshops, ritual competitions and such. The four of us, with the Exalted Rulers of the other lodges in the North Hudson District, along with PDDGERs John Miners, Deb Miners, Richard Belcher, Larry Rowse, and Tom Nardacci District Deputy, took Linda to dinner in honor of her installment.

As discussed in the July newsletter, July was a busy month at the lodge. The Car Show at the Chatham Fairgrounds did very well, even with the weather. Congrats to Anne and her large team of volunteers on the successful event. Another hit with the community was the Wednesdays’ Line Dancing.

For August we have the Yard Sale, another night of Bikers in the Pavilion and our Chicken BBQ. Of course these are in additon to the events scheduled with Chris Akers for use of the Lodge and/or pavilion.

May you all have a great August.

John Piddock