On The Road With State President Lynn Rohlf
Brainerd: Crow Wing County Fair
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
After leaving the MN Elks Youth Camp, I continued on to Brainerd for my next visit at Brainerd Elks Lodge #615 on Friday, August 3, 2012. On tap for the evening was me helping the Brainerd Elks out at their food stand at the Crow Wing County Fair. What an amazing production!! For those of you have never seen the Food Stand, it is quite impressive. Brainerd Elks Lodge #615 has been running this food stand at the fair for about the last 25 plus years. They own the building and all of the contents. It is fully equipped with running water, fridges, freezers, fryers, a grill, pie cases, etc.
I was advised that my shift would run from 5 to 7:30 and I would be the "expediter." I quickly learned that this was a position that stood between the fry cook - Herman Wisneski - and the fryer cook - Ray Frazier. My job, to expedite the orders. This involved coordinating the orders coming in, calling back orders to the back-room cooks, setting up the food trays, loading the baskets with french fries and pickles, and calling out the pick-up orders to the wait staff. It took me a couple of orders to get my "feet wet," but then things went like clockwork. I don't believe the Brainerd Elks were aware that during high school and college I worked at the Wilbert Cafe in Cotton, Minnesota, as a fry cook. I ended up working until about 9:15 or so when they shut down the fair due to bad weather. It was great fun to work with the group of Elks manning the operations inside the booth. They tell me I'm now an honorary member of the fair crew. I said that I have a new-found respect for those who work in the food booths at fairs and festivals!
The event would not be possible without the help of the wait staff. The Brainerd Elks alternate each year between the Band and the Choir to wait tables. This year, the Brainerd High School Symphonic Band was waiting tables. They were raising funds to go to Chicago for their National Tour. On average the Band earns $500.00 per day in tips and, every time money was put in the tip jar, they would ring the bell and we all announced loudly: "TIPS FOR THE BAND." In addition Brainerd Elks Lodge #615 will be donating $1,500.00 to the Band (over and above the tips). The kids work the entire 5 days of the fair, working from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. I was able to stop at the Lodge and visit with a few members before I headed out to the fair. Unfortunately, I was not able to visit with ER Jim Dehen as he was away at Sturgis.
So, if there are lodges out there that would like more information on running a food both at a fair or festival, give Brainerd Elks Lodge #615 a call and I'm sure they could help you get started.
Well, that's all for now. I'm going to take next weekend off from the Elks and stay home in Duluth and go to the Blues Festival. I have only missed 2 in the last 24 years. I don't believe there is anywhere else you can sit outside in the park, by Lake Superior, watching the big ships arrive and depart, and listen to the blues. I say that those of us going to the blues pray for clouds and no rain. It was warm, there were few clouds, but we had no rain - so that was good!
Next stop - Wadena Lodge #2386 and Kruzin' For Kids. No boats - just motorcycles . . .
Stay tuned for my next update and, in the meantime, don't forget to ROCK THE BOAT!
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
After leaving the MN Elks Youth Camp, I continued on to Brainerd for my next visit at Brainerd Elks Lodge #615 on Friday, August 3, 2012. On tap for the evening was me helping the Brainerd Elks out at their food stand at the Crow Wing County Fair. What an amazing production!! For those of you have never seen the Food Stand, it is quite impressive. Brainerd Elks Lodge #615 has been running this food stand at the fair for about the last 25 plus years. They own the building and all of the contents. It is fully equipped with running water, fridges, freezers, fryers, a grill, pie cases, etc.
I was advised that my shift would run from 5 to 7:30 and I would be the "expediter." I quickly learned that this was a position that stood between the fry cook - Herman Wisneski - and the fryer cook - Ray Frazier. My job, to expedite the orders. This involved coordinating the orders coming in, calling back orders to the back-room cooks, setting up the food trays, loading the baskets with french fries and pickles, and calling out the pick-up orders to the wait staff. It took me a couple of orders to get my "feet wet," but then things went like clockwork. I don't believe the Brainerd Elks were aware that during high school and college I worked at the Wilbert Cafe in Cotton, Minnesota, as a fry cook. I ended up working until about 9:15 or so when they shut down the fair due to bad weather. It was great fun to work with the group of Elks manning the operations inside the booth. They tell me I'm now an honorary member of the fair crew. I said that I have a new-found respect for those who work in the food booths at fairs and festivals!
The event would not be possible without the help of the wait staff. The Brainerd Elks alternate each year between the Band and the Choir to wait tables. This year, the Brainerd High School Symphonic Band was waiting tables. They were raising funds to go to Chicago for their National Tour. On average the Band earns $500.00 per day in tips and, every time money was put in the tip jar, they would ring the bell and we all announced loudly: "TIPS FOR THE BAND." In addition Brainerd Elks Lodge #615 will be donating $1,500.00 to the Band (over and above the tips). The kids work the entire 5 days of the fair, working from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. I was able to stop at the Lodge and visit with a few members before I headed out to the fair. Unfortunately, I was not able to visit with ER Jim Dehen as he was away at Sturgis.
So, if there are lodges out there that would like more information on running a food both at a fair or festival, give Brainerd Elks Lodge #615 a call and I'm sure they could help you get started.
Well, that's all for now. I'm going to take next weekend off from the Elks and stay home in Duluth and go to the Blues Festival. I have only missed 2 in the last 24 years. I don't believe there is anywhere else you can sit outside in the park, by Lake Superior, watching the big ships arrive and depart, and listen to the blues. I say that those of us going to the blues pray for clouds and no rain. It was warm, there were few clouds, but we had no rain - so that was good!
Next stop - Wadena Lodge #2386 and Kruzin' For Kids. No boats - just motorcycles . . .
Stay tuned for my next update and, in the meantime, don't forget to ROCK THE BOAT!
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Wadena Lodge #1161
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
Friday, August 17, 2012, found me on the road heading for my next destination - Wadena Elks Lodge #2386. I was fortunate enough to be asked to make a two day visit. Wadena Elks Lodge #2886 was hosting the 7th Annual Kruzin 4 Kids Motorcycle Ride. This event raises funds for the Make A Wish Foundation. On Friday evening Make A Wish Co-Founder Frank Shankwitz and his wife Kitty were at the Lodge for a Meet & Greet. It was a pleasure to meet both of them and to be able to visit with some of the members of the Kruzin 4 Kids Committee. An added bonus was being able to meet a couple of the kids who have had their wishes granted. Those in attendance were also able to get a sneak peak of the Silent Auction items, some of the raffle items and the custom paint job on the refurbished Radio Flyer wagon being raffled off with the liquor donations.
Saturday, August 18, 2012, brought the day of the ride. I was a little bit nervous as this was going to be my first ride on a motorcycle. ER Paul Jr.'s dad, Paul Sr., had agreed to take me on the ride. Prior to the day, I received many kernels of advice from my friends. Central District President George Lehn told me that, even though my motto is "Rock The Boat," I should not "rock the bike." PSP Dean Holm was kind enough to let me borrow his helmet for the ride. His helmet training consisted of: 1) snap the strap and 2) don't drop the helmet. I told him that I would try very hard not to drop the helmet, especially if my head was in it. Eveleth ER Diane Blight told me to "sit up straight and to sit still." We headed out on the ride at about Noon. The unofficial count of bikes was 175 - a great turnout and a great day. It was sunny and the temperature was in the low 70's. It was a great day for a ride. We travelled about 50 miles and our first stop was in Pillager. From there, we travelled about another 50 miles and make our second stop in Hewitt. From there, we continued on back to the Wadena Elks Lodge.
I had a great time. I want to thank Paul Sr. for taking me on the ride. I hope that I didn't cause him too much stress riding on the back of his bike. Once back at the lodge, the fun continued. The lodge put on a fabulous dinner and there was music in the lot. I tried my luck on the raffles and the silent auction, but didn't have any luck. On the bright side - all of the money went to a great cause. Make-A-Wish Co-Founder Frank shared his story with the crowd and we were able to hear from the kids in attendance who have had their wishes granted. It was great to meet up with old friends at the Wadena Elks and to make some new ones. What a fabulous project for a most worthy cause. If you ever get the chance, put this event on your agenda - it will not disappoint.
Thanks to ER Paul Jr. and his wife Nikki and the Elks of Wadena for the fabulous time and for my first time ever motorcycle ride. Don't worry, I haven't run out and purchased a bike. For now I'm going to stick with my boat!
Next stop - Eveleth Elks Lodge #1161. No boats - just cars . . .
Stay tuned for my next installment. Remember to: Rock The Boat!
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
Friday, August 17, 2012, found me on the road heading for my next destination - Wadena Elks Lodge #2386. I was fortunate enough to be asked to make a two day visit. Wadena Elks Lodge #2886 was hosting the 7th Annual Kruzin 4 Kids Motorcycle Ride. This event raises funds for the Make A Wish Foundation. On Friday evening Make A Wish Co-Founder Frank Shankwitz and his wife Kitty were at the Lodge for a Meet & Greet. It was a pleasure to meet both of them and to be able to visit with some of the members of the Kruzin 4 Kids Committee. An added bonus was being able to meet a couple of the kids who have had their wishes granted. Those in attendance were also able to get a sneak peak of the Silent Auction items, some of the raffle items and the custom paint job on the refurbished Radio Flyer wagon being raffled off with the liquor donations.
Saturday, August 18, 2012, brought the day of the ride. I was a little bit nervous as this was going to be my first ride on a motorcycle. ER Paul Jr.'s dad, Paul Sr., had agreed to take me on the ride. Prior to the day, I received many kernels of advice from my friends. Central District President George Lehn told me that, even though my motto is "Rock The Boat," I should not "rock the bike." PSP Dean Holm was kind enough to let me borrow his helmet for the ride. His helmet training consisted of: 1) snap the strap and 2) don't drop the helmet. I told him that I would try very hard not to drop the helmet, especially if my head was in it. Eveleth ER Diane Blight told me to "sit up straight and to sit still." We headed out on the ride at about Noon. The unofficial count of bikes was 175 - a great turnout and a great day. It was sunny and the temperature was in the low 70's. It was a great day for a ride. We travelled about 50 miles and our first stop was in Pillager. From there, we travelled about another 50 miles and make our second stop in Hewitt. From there, we continued on back to the Wadena Elks Lodge.
I had a great time. I want to thank Paul Sr. for taking me on the ride. I hope that I didn't cause him too much stress riding on the back of his bike. Once back at the lodge, the fun continued. The lodge put on a fabulous dinner and there was music in the lot. I tried my luck on the raffles and the silent auction, but didn't have any luck. On the bright side - all of the money went to a great cause. Make-A-Wish Co-Founder Frank shared his story with the crowd and we were able to hear from the kids in attendance who have had their wishes granted. It was great to meet up with old friends at the Wadena Elks and to make some new ones. What a fabulous project for a most worthy cause. If you ever get the chance, put this event on your agenda - it will not disappoint.
Thanks to ER Paul Jr. and his wife Nikki and the Elks of Wadena for the fabulous time and for my first time ever motorcycle ride. Don't worry, I haven't run out and purchased a bike. For now I'm going to stick with my boat!
Next stop - Eveleth Elks Lodge #1161. No boats - just cars . . .
Stay tuned for my next installment. Remember to: Rock The Boat!
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Eveleth Lodge #1161
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
Hello All - It's Friday, August 24, 2012, and I'm on the road again. Next stop, Eveleth Lodge #1161. Big smiles today as it's just a short trip up the highway for me this weekend. The Eveleth Elks are holding their annual Corn Feed to raise money for their scholarship program. This event is held in conjunction with a car show. Bikes last weekend - cars this weekend. A stroll down Grant Avenue and up Jones Street to the Elks showcased some great looking cars. Great weather was on tap and there were about 120 cars entered in the show. The Eveleth Elks were busy getting ready to cook up some corn, burgers, brats and hot dogs. I've had the opportunity to attend this event over the past few years and they do a great job! Who can pass up all the corn you can eat! A bonus to the Lodge is that the local grocery store donates much of the food - so lots of dollars get raised for their scholarship program.
Before I knew it, it was 5:30 and it was time for me to take my shift at the ticket table. I was able to work with one of my high school friends, Cara, collecting money. Seeing that I grew up just down the road in Melrude, I also get to see some old friends taking in the car show. I would guess that there were at least 500 people who enjoyed the fine food cooked by the Elks. After the car show, I spent the rest of the evening visiting with old friends at the Eveleth Elks. For me it's like coming home. But, then, that is the Elks - always a friendly place. So, if your lodge is looking for a fun and easy way to raise some funds, you might want to give a car show and corn feed a try. I know that the members that head up this group in Eveleth would be more than happy to share their information with you. No need to recreate the wheel! Eveleth ER Diane Blight and the officers and members of Eveleth Lodge #1161 continue to ensure that their Lodge is present in their community.
Saturday, August 25, 2012 - my next stop - Toivola, Minnesota. No Elks Lodge, but my nephew Alec's eleventh birthday party. I'm going to be missing the State Soccer Shoot - but sometimes family comes first - even for the State President. Next stop - Minneapolis, Minnesota on Friday, August 31, 2012, for the Youth Camp Memorial Trust Board Meeting. The, a free weekend . . . Looks like I'll have a couple of days to catch up on the normal things in life, like grocery shopping, laundry and housework. Oh, and a few Elks things - Mid-Year Convention agenda, Mid-Year Convention Workshops, etc. Never a dull moment when you are on the road with the State President.
Stay tuned for my next installment when I travel to Rochester.
In the meantime, don't forget to Rock The Boat!
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
Hello All - It's Friday, August 24, 2012, and I'm on the road again. Next stop, Eveleth Lodge #1161. Big smiles today as it's just a short trip up the highway for me this weekend. The Eveleth Elks are holding their annual Corn Feed to raise money for their scholarship program. This event is held in conjunction with a car show. Bikes last weekend - cars this weekend. A stroll down Grant Avenue and up Jones Street to the Elks showcased some great looking cars. Great weather was on tap and there were about 120 cars entered in the show. The Eveleth Elks were busy getting ready to cook up some corn, burgers, brats and hot dogs. I've had the opportunity to attend this event over the past few years and they do a great job! Who can pass up all the corn you can eat! A bonus to the Lodge is that the local grocery store donates much of the food - so lots of dollars get raised for their scholarship program.
Before I knew it, it was 5:30 and it was time for me to take my shift at the ticket table. I was able to work with one of my high school friends, Cara, collecting money. Seeing that I grew up just down the road in Melrude, I also get to see some old friends taking in the car show. I would guess that there were at least 500 people who enjoyed the fine food cooked by the Elks. After the car show, I spent the rest of the evening visiting with old friends at the Eveleth Elks. For me it's like coming home. But, then, that is the Elks - always a friendly place. So, if your lodge is looking for a fun and easy way to raise some funds, you might want to give a car show and corn feed a try. I know that the members that head up this group in Eveleth would be more than happy to share their information with you. No need to recreate the wheel! Eveleth ER Diane Blight and the officers and members of Eveleth Lodge #1161 continue to ensure that their Lodge is present in their community.
Saturday, August 25, 2012 - my next stop - Toivola, Minnesota. No Elks Lodge, but my nephew Alec's eleventh birthday party. I'm going to be missing the State Soccer Shoot - but sometimes family comes first - even for the State President. Next stop - Minneapolis, Minnesota on Friday, August 31, 2012, for the Youth Camp Memorial Trust Board Meeting. The, a free weekend . . . Looks like I'll have a couple of days to catch up on the normal things in life, like grocery shopping, laundry and housework. Oh, and a few Elks things - Mid-Year Convention agenda, Mid-Year Convention Workshops, etc. Never a dull moment when you are on the road with the State President.
Stay tuned for my next installment when I travel to Rochester.
In the meantime, don't forget to Rock The Boat!
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President