I was extremely honored to represent the Elks of the great state of North Carolina at the National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, July 13-17, 2014. “Naw-lins” lived up to it’s reputation with food, music and Cajun hospitality. I attended all of the business sessions and enjoyed the friendships of other Elks and the hospitality rooms.
Your new National Leader, Grand Exalted Ruler John D. Amen, was sworn in and with pride took over the leadership of this outstanding organization. His motto this year is “Elks—Elevating America.” By this he means that Elks elevate, or lift up America, by the good works they do in their communities. He emphasizes teamwork in the lodges. There are simply too many things to get done to expect the Exalted Ruler to handle them all. You can help make a difference by volunteering and joining one of the lodge committees.
Vickie and I attended the East Central District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler clinic held at Fayetteville Lodge #1081, Fayetteville, NC by DDGER Bob Miller on 10 August 2014, and the East District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler clinic held at Wilmington Lodge #532, Wilmington , NC, by DDGER John Lawrence on 17 August 2014.
Vickie and I were honored guest to the South Carolina Elks Association Summer Convention which was held 4-7 September, 2014 at the Ocean Drive Beach Resort at 98 N. Ocean Blvd., N. Myrtle Beach, SC We checked in on Thursday and were meet by the SC State President John C. Vecchio and his wife Marilyn. We were treated to dinner at the Little River Elks Lodge #2840 in the company of our state sponsor Arthur “Jack” Frost and wife Sharon, Special Deputy to the PGER Robert Ressler and wife Diana, along with the SC Stated President John Vecchio and wife Marilyn. On Friday I attended several of the South Carolina Elks Association meetings to include their Advisory Board meeting, their budget Meeting, and their Board of Directors meeting. Later that same evening Vickie and I attended their Hall of Fame Dinner along with the other dignitaries at Little River Lodge #2840. On Saturday Vickie and I attended the Business Meeting from 8:30 until noon. This was followed by a luncheon. We attended the President Reception at 6:30 pm and that was followed by a dance. This convention ended Sunday morning and we headed for home. The South Carolina Elks treated us like family with the most gracious hospitality we could imagine. We were truly honored and grateful.
On the 13th and 14th of September I will be attending and playing in the North Carolina State Golf Tournament at Southern Pines Golf Club in Southern Pines, NC The proceeds of this tournament go to helping support one of our State major projects, purchaseing buses for our Veterans homes. In addition,
Vickie and I will be in attendance and look forward to the official visit of the District Deputy, John Lawrence and his wife Cheryl, to Calabash Lodge #2679 on 24 September.
We are preparing for the North Carolina State Elks Association Fall Convention 24-26 October, 2014 to be held in High Point, NC We will be honored to have with us at this convention our new Grand Exalted Ruler John D. Amen and first Lady Marcia from Denver, Colorado, along with our state sponsor, Past Grand Exalted Ruler Arthur “Jack” Frost and his wife Sharon, and Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler John Boyd and his wife Ann. We hope to see many of you attend and enjoy this convention. As one might expect, there are many details of planning and arrangements to be worked out for a convention and visit by such dignitaries. Many of our NCSEA committees pull together as a “Team” to make things work like clockwork. I am very fortunate to have such wonderful volunteers on my state committees.
I ask all of you to please remember that November is Elks Veterans Remembrance Month and remember our pledge “So long as there are Veterans the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them. Veterans Day is 11 November. Stop and spend time with a Veteran. Just tell them how much you appreciate their service. It will mean all the world to them that have served and continue to serve. Remember that Freedom is not Free and the Veteran pays the price. Do this and it will help you be the Elk you know you should be.
Thank you for all you do for Elkdom. I continue to perform all the other duties of State President as may be required of this position.
Fraternally,
Teddy G. Acton
President-NCSEA