Since becoming the North Carolina Elks State President I have been busy representing the North Carolina Elks to the best of my ability. Vickie and I were honored to be invited to the Virginia Elks Association Convention in Williamsburg, Virginia June 12-15 held at the Fort Magruder Hotel and Conference Center where we arrived on Thursday and departed on Sunday driving nearly 700 miles.

As honored guest of the Virginia Elks we spent the weekend in the company of our Grand Exalted Ruler Millard C. Pickering and his wife Susanne; PGER and Virginia State Sponsor Lester “Ted” Hess Jr.; Chief Justice of the Grand Forum Robert M. Goolrick and his wife Anna; Chairman of the Board of Grand Trustees Ronald L. Hicks and his wife Nancy; Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Robert R. Hinkle and his wife Cheryl; and Virginia Elks State President Richard F. Stroop and his wife Carolyn.

On Thursday I attended their State Trustees meeting and their Past State Presidents meeting. We went to dinner with the dignitaries as a group in historic Williamsburg. Friday morning after an informal breakfast we were taken on a tour of the Jamestown Settlement which was followed by an informal lunch in the Jamestown/Williamsburg area. At 4 pm I attended their State Major Project (Youth Camp) meeting. Friday evening Vickie and I were invited to the Past State Presidents reception and dinner. Saturday morning after the Past Exalted Ruler/Exalted Ruler breakfast I attended their business meeting which was followed by a Memorial service and a Scholarship Awards Program and luncheon. Saturday afternoon we visited all the hospitality rooms in the company of the other distinguished guest. Saturday evening we attended the Virginia Elks Association Convention Banquet. I was honored by being ask to speak at the Banquet. Sunday morning there were no official events so all the honored guest met for breakfast before departing for home.
It was truly a weekend full of outstanding hospitality and shared friendships.

Vickie and I are now preparing to leave for the Elks National Grand Lodge Convention being held in New Orleans, Louisiana July 13-17, 2014. As the North Carolina State President it will be my honor to carry the NC Flag in the opening ceremony of the Grand Lodge Convention. My name was also presented to the Grand Exalted Ruler by our State Sponsor Past Grand Exalted Ruler Arthur H. Frost III for the high honor of appointment on Monday morning, July 14th, to be an Assistant Tiler. It will be my honor to represent the North Carolina Elks by fulfilling these duties.

I continue to perform all other duties as may be required by an action of the State Elks Association and consider this position to not only be an honor but truly a privilege.

Please remember that all local lodges have a positive impact on our community by the charitable activities we are involved in so keep up the great work. Membership is the force that makes it work. Elks Care and Elks Share. Look into the mirror and see if those eyes looking back are proud to say “I am the Elk I know I should be”. Take on all the new challenges with pride and never give up.

I look forward to continue to serve as your President. Thank you for all your support and hard work.

Fraternally,

Teddy G. Acton
President-NCSEA