It has been and enlightening month for me. We are all different, every single one of us. We see things differently, we tackle problems and life in our own unique way, as an Elks and as a person. Could you imagine how mundane the world would be if we all were the same? BORING to say the least. I have changed over the years and so have we all. I always thought one of my biggest obstacles as a member was to meet Ida's standards, I believe I have accomplished that. As a member, it was to work together despite all our differences for the benefit of the community, check, I think I've done that, not always with grace and style, or without attitude, but for the most part, I think that stays a, check. Yes, I know, some of you are saying I don't think so, or I wouldn't have done it that way, but that's what makes things interesting. I have gotten to the point I actually say out loud, let it go, the tide is coming in and the things that I THINK are faults will be washed away with the tide. Because the faults of our members we write upon the sand, their virtues on the tablets of love and memory. Because let's face it, if I died tomorrow, would you actually be thinking of all the faults I had or would you be thinking, I should have, I could have, I would have, said this or done this, I'll miss her, I loved her, or whatever each person feels about me.
I've had time to learn about who I am and what I can and cannot do. Every event at the Lodge has needs a team and there is no I in team. No one can do a function at the Lodge on their own. Yes we all can if its an easy one, we think, like working the Lounge, you are the person working the shift, but there is a crew that counts the money, orders the product, keeps the coolers up to par, cleans the room before hand, empties the garbage, takes the bottle returns to the basement and sorts them, and the list goes on. So much for doing an event on your own. We need to work together as a unit! Once we pass through the door of the building we are ELKS and everything we do is supposed to be for the benefit of the Lodge and the community we are here to support, no personal agenda involved.
Enough ranting! Horns blown for the car show committee and all the volunteers who helped in one way or another. We donated some of the proceeds to "Healing A Woman's Soul" a nonprofit that helps victims of domestic violence in the Columbia-Greene community start over from an abusive relationship. Doesn't that make you feel good that with your help we can and have helped unknown others?, and we had fun doing it! Well you did, I had to work.
The yard sale is over and the basement has walk space, thank you to all! I don't want to single people out because I don't know all that helped, in one way or another. So thank you to all, and a special thank you to Ginny and Rose for chairing the project. You have my utmost respect and appreciation.
The fall conference is fast approaching, all are welcome and encouraged to attend. There are classes on ELKdom, events to attend, new people to meet, new ideas to explore and it's close by, in Albany, so if you wish to attend please do so.
I am starting to hand over my role in the Marion Stegmann Project to Paige Martin and Nina Kahn. It's time for new perspectives and new ideas to keep the program moving forward.
Also congratulations to the Country Night. Heard it was a sell out!! Tracy had an idea and it worked. She met with Tammy and the kitchen crew and tada, success, Keep those ideas coming. Not all ideas work out but if you don't try they sit stagnant.
We are doing another car show on September 29th at the fair grounds for the apple and wine festival. So hopefully we can have another great turn out of volunteers.
There are flyers at the Lodge for the car show, the deer hide program and the Stuff the Bus for Stegmann. Please if you can grab some and hand them out or hang them up around town to help promote these projects that would be fabulous.
There are quite a few Wednesday nights that need a kitchen crew. Come make your favorite meal for any and all. It's a little work, but if you’re willing to give it a shot we will do our best to get you a crew and the help you need. You are never alone.
Thank you for everything you do for the Lodge and the community we serve.
