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All Lodges are governed by Lodge Officers who are responsible for the charitable and member-related functions of the Lodge and a Board of Trustees who have responsibility for the club function, building and grounds and overall fiscal matters. The Lodge is directed in all its' deliberations by the Exalted Ruler. A Chairman, elected each year by the Board, directs the Board of Trustees.
The Lodge year runs from April through March of the following year. Nominations for Lodge Officers and one Trustee for the coming year are held the first Lodge in February and elections are held the second Lodge in February. Each subordinate Lodge is responsible to the Grand Lodge, which meets each July to elect new Grand Officers.
Within the state of Michigan there are eight Districts and seventy-one Lodges. Traverse City is in the West Central District with ten other Lodges. Each Lodge is a member of the Michigan Elks Association, which directs the Michigan Major Project, and other charitable works of the Association.
Abbreviations used by the Order.
ER - Exalted Ruler
PER - Past Exalted Ruler
DDGER - District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler
OPERATING POLICY
Traverse City Lodge #323 is governed by the Constitution and Statutes of the BPOE and the By-Laws of our Lodge.
The Lodge has the ultimate authority over all matters pertaining to the Lodge. Lodge Meetings are held the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM in the Lodge Room. Lodge Meetings are open to any Member of the Order in good standing with their Lodge. If a Member has a question, concern or comment about the Lodge or club facility, he or she may bring it before the Lodge. If a Member has an idea about how things could be done differently or a better way to do things, he or she may bring their ideas before the Lodge. If a Member has thoughts about how to better serve the Lodge or the community, he or she may bring those thoughts before the Lodge.
LODGE or CLUB
We are an Elks Lodge with a Club Facility. However, the charitable works of the Lodge and the BPOE and service to our community are always put first.
The Club Facility is here for the enjoyment of all Members and their guests. If your local guests do not express an interest in joining the Lodge after several visits, they should not accompany you to future functions. Your out-of-town guests are always welcome.
The Lodge is dependent financially on the Club Facility. Revenue from the Club makes operating, maintaining and upgrading our physical facility possible. We encourage you to use the Club Facilities as frequently as possible.
The banquet facilities are available to any Traverse City Member free of charge. Make arrangements for your function with the Club Manager Patrick Keaveney.
HOUSE RULES
House Rules establish the conduct appropriate in the Club Facility. Basically they state that men and women will conduct themselves as gentlemen and ladies accordingly. Loud and vulgar language will not be tolerated. Abusive behavior, either toward a Member, guest or staff will be met with appropriate disciplinary action. From time to time there are changes made in these rules. When changes are made, they will be published in the monthly bulletin.
ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION
The Elks National Foundation is the cornerstone of Elkdom. The Foundation was founded in 1928 with an initial endowment of $100,000.00 to help support National, State and local charitable programs.
The Foundation is supported through voluntary contributions from Elks, their families and friends, which are all deposited into a permanent endowment fund. With a team of volunteers at the local, district and state levels, the Foundation raises more than $5 million each year.
Interests that receive funding from the Elks National Foundation include:
Scholarships and Educational Grants
Hoop Shoot
Americanism
Youth Activities
Elks National Home
State Major Projects
Elks National Service Commission
Other Activities
Anyone can join the Elks National Foundation as many times as they wish. There are two ways to join the Foundation:
* Donation of $10 per year for 10 years (you will receive a statement each year)
* Donation of $100 at once
MICHIGAN MAJOR PROJECT
Each state has identified a specific project to which the Lodges can contribute to the charitable activity of that states choosing. The Michigan Major Project concentrates its' funding primarily for children with hearing and speech disabilities, although otherwise challenged children are assisted if funds are available.
Michigan Major Project sponsors kids to camps, provides therapy and even purchases computers to allow children to communicate. $1.00 of each member's dues is designated to Michigan Major Project each year. Other ways of raising money includes sales of the Gold Crutch pin, 365 banks and specific fundraisers.
The Elks National Foundation contributes to each state Major Project on a 'revenue sharing' concept. That is, contributions come back to each state in proportion to the level of contributions made by individuals in that state. The more we give to the Elks National Foundation, the more we receive back for our Major Project.
Children assisted through Michigan Major Project do not have to be a member of an Elks family.
CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS
Hoop Shoot
Hoop Shoot is part of the Elks Drug Awareness program. Approximately 41,000 children from our District participate every year. The winner in each age group from each Lodge participates in the District finals and the winners on to the state and so on. The winner from each age group is given their awards at the Grand Lodge session in July. Participation is open to all children ages 8 to 13.
Teen of the Month
Applications for Teen of the Month are sent in from area High Schools. Selection is based on scholastic achievement and community involvement. One student is selected each month of the school year.
Drug Awareness
The Elks participate in the nation wide campaign to help stamp out drug use by our children. The goal is PREVENTION, by educating our young people of the dangers of marijuana, cocaine and alcohol use. There are numerous pieces of literature available for distribution to schools and other youth oriented organizations. All literature is available free of charge.
Parties
The Lodge hosts a Pumpkin Patch Halloween party for children and grand children of Lodge members and for physically challenged kids in the area. We also have a Christmas Party, complete with Santa Claus and gifts, as well as games and fun things to do at the annual picnic.
MEMBER SERVICES
Membership Card
Carry it with you at all times. SIGN IT. Be proud to show it when asked by an officer or club employee. They are protecting your membership rights. You must have your card to attend Lodge Meetings and without it you cannot visit another Lodge.
Key Card
Your key card allows you to access the electric locks on the doors to the Lodge. They are only operational when the building is open and occupied. Be sure to get an identification card and key card for your spouse.
Secretary's Office
Open from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Located off the front foyer, the Secretary's office can assist you with nearly any Elks related or Lodge related questions. Apply to the Secretary for replacement Membership and key cards. There may be a nominal fee for duplicates.
Banquet Rooms
We have the capacity to seat approximately 250 people in our banquet rooms. Please call the Club Manager for reservations and menu options. This is a great place to have your office and civic parties, retirement party or put on a seminar. The use of the banquet rooms is free to Elks members.
Presidents Room
For that smaller or more intimate gathering, reserve the Presidents Room, just off the bar area. There are shutters and a folding door that can be closed to give your group a little more privacy. Reserve this room though the Club Manager.
Dining Room and Lounge
The dining room and lounge area are open daily Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. There are daily specials at each meal. This is a great place to meet your friends or bring your business associates for a little refreshment and a good meal at a reasonable price. You can use your MasterCard or Visa for food and beverage purchases.
Proposition of a New Member
Applications can be obtained from the Secretary's Office. It is the duty of each member to increase the membership of our Lodge and to promote Elkdom. Ask a friend, neighbor, business associate or relative to join. Membership is open to both men and women.
COMMITTEE OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous committees and opportunities to serve the Lodge and Elkdom. Please carefully read the brief descriptions of each committee and see if there is a place for you. If you don't find anything that piques your interest, maybe there is a need for another committee.
Americanism: Dave Fortin, Chairman
The Americanism Committee is charged with implementing the patriotic activities planned by the Grand Lodge and cooperating with local organizations in promoting patriotic community endeavors.
Bell Ringing: Blaine W. Ackerman, Chairman
This Committee works in conjunction with the Salvation Army to organize, Solicit participation and carry out bell ringing in front of local stores during the Christmas holiday season.
Blood Drive: Kevin Bavers Chairman
The Blood Drive Committee plans and executes Blood Drives at the Lodge as frequently as possible. You are welcome to assist on this committee. There is plenty of work for everyone, but definitely plan on being a blood donor.
Community Activities: Beverly Proctor, PER, Chairman
The Community Activities Committee works with all other committees that are involved with either Lodge or outside activities and coordinates any other function that may be necessary such as Public Relations, etc.
Drug Awareness: Gerald Morris, Chairman
This Committee is responsible for developing and conducting drug awareness programs for the Lodge. They work with the chairman of other committees to make certain Drug Awareness is always at the forefront of all Elks functions.
Elks National Foundation: Gary L. Horn, PER, Chairman
The Elks National Foundation Committee shall promote the programs, activities and charities of the Foundation and solicit contributions and recognize all gifts made to the Foundation.
Elks Bulletin: Stanley O. Simons, PER, Chairman
All contributions for the Elks Bulletin should be dropped off at the Secretary's office. The Secretary will assemble all the items and make sure the editor receives them in time for printing. Deadline is the 10th of the month prior to the item being printed.
Flag Day: Hugh Hall, Chairman
The Leading Knight shall chair this Committee and make all preparations for and execute the Flag Day Program on June 14th of each year. This Committee will follow the guidelines and principles as put forth by the Grand Lodge as they relate to the Observance of Flag Day.
Benefit Golf Outing: Donald W. Read, Chairman
This committee plans and puts on a golf outing each year as a fundraiser. They are also responsible for putting on the annual inter- Lodge Golf Tournament.
Government Relations: Joe Muha, Chairman
The Government Relations Committee is responsible for implementing the programs of it's Lodge, State Association and the Grand Lodge. This Committee monitors all legislative issues that affect or may affect our private organization or non-profit status.
Hoop Shoot: Jim Rowland, Chairman
This Committee is charged with implementing the Hoop shoot program of the Grand Lodge on the local level.
Indoctrination: Ron Stark, Chairman
The indoctrination Committee is responsible for developing and presenting a program that is both accurate and informative for candidates for membership in the Order and their families. Their goal is for each person in attendance to be fully informed about the many opportunities and good works of Elkdom.
Lapsation: Robert L. Jackson, Chairman
This Committee employ's such means and methods as may be adapted to prevent loss of membership in our Lodge.
Michigan Major Project: Al Clare, PDDGER, Chairman
This Committee is responsible for instituting the policies and procedures through which donations are solicited and collected for the Major Project of the State Association.
Memorial Service: Stanley O. Simons, PER, Chairman
This Committee plans and holds the observance of 'Elks Memorial Day' the first Sunday in December. This is the day that is set-aside in all Lodges to assemble and remember the members of our Lodge and Daisy Chain #2 who have entered into the realm of eternity.
Public Relations: Keely Eagle
The Public Relations Committee is responsible for coordinating press Releases about Lodge activities and functions, notifying the media of Upcoming activities of interest to the general public and generally Promoting Elkdom through public relations.
Scholarship: Joe Gardner, Chairman
This Committee meets to screen applications for scholarships that come to the Lodge from local High School Seniors.
Traverse City Elks Endowment Fund: Walter Muellenhagen PER, Chairman
This Fund has recently been established and will be operational in early 2002. It is designed to help promote charitable giving within our local community and to provide a vehicle through which our Members may make charitable contributions to the Lodge. More detailed literature will be available soon.
Veterans National Service: Glenn Vanriper, Chairman
The Veterans National Service Committee is involved with service to our veterans. Currently they collect deer hides for processing into leather for the veterans' hospitals and the Elks National Home.
Youth Activities: Penny J. Lautner, Chairman
The Youth Activities Committee coordinates the various youth functions in the Lodge. Of prime importance is the National Elks Youth Week activities in May of each year.
As you can see, there are many opportunities for service to YOUR Lodge and Elkdom. Select the function that is right for you.