Corona Virus Update
June 25, 2020 12:30pm
AGENDA FOR JUNE 27 BUSINESS MEETING
Click here to get the agenda for the business meeting on Saturday, June 26.
May 26, 2020 11:00am
BUSINESS MEETING June 27 IN ALEXANDRIA
Good morning all,
What a year so far, everything has been difficult but brighter skies ahead.
After having to cancel the summer state convention, I put out a request for ideas to hold a business meeting and do a quick installation of officers. I received several ideas and after consulting with our district presidents we have made our decision.
As it appears we will be able to hold meetings with larger groups of people by then we will hold a business meeting on June 27th, at 12:00 noon. This meeting will take place at the South Broadway Ballroom, in Alexandria Mn. The address is 115 30th Ave E. This will allow us plenty of room to distance if necessary, and have room for all those who wish to attend. We are asking that the sitting officers, and the in coming officers please make every effort to attend, but if you are uncomfortable let us know and we can make the arrangements to get you installed. We will be on zoom as well so that lodges may zoom the meeting live. If your lodge decides to zoom the meeting please have ONE spokes person so we do not have so many people trying to speak at once. A roll call will be taken lodge to lodge as well so please inform your district president if your lodge will be zooming this so we may call on you for your attendees. This meeting will be about passing our budget. As directed previously please send all your committee reports to Dennis and your district president on or before June 27th.
After the meeting is complete, we will give the oath to all the incoming officers so that they will be officially installed. There has been discussion of doing the memorial service and the formal installation of officers at the fall convention but that is still up in the air as of now.
A note, there will be food and drink available at the ballroom, and the Hampton Inn is next door as well if you would like to spend a night or two. The rate is $99 per night and tell them you are with the elks.
There are probably a lot of questions so please either direct them to your district president or myself.
Thanks for all the calmness and cooperation during this difficult situation, and unless something drastic happens with our state we will see everyone, one way or another, in June.
Chris Heinrich, MN Elks State President
May 15, 2020 12:45pm
STATE CONVENTION IN OWATONNA IS CANCELLED
The state convention hosted by Owatonna Lodge #1395 has been cancelled. There will be a business meeting on Saturday June 27th with limited attendance (possibly state officers & 2 representatives from each Lodge). More information will be forthcoming. The room block has been cancelled as well. If you had a room reservation please verify it has been cancelled. Additional updates will be posted here as they arise.
May 8, 2020 4:20pm
GRAND LODGE CONVENTION IN BALTIMORE IS CANCELLED
Every year, we look forward to connecting with our fellow Members at the National Convention, but given the continued concerns about COVID19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 156th Grand Lodge Session in Baltimore, Maryland, which was scheduled to be held from July 5 to July 8, 2020. Following increased and overwhelming concerns about the coronavirus and COVID-19, we felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation. We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold the National Convention for our Members, but we know it is the right decision based on the information we have today.
See the full announcement here.
April 30, 2020 10:45am
State Convention in Owatonna A Go
Based on the current statistics for the corona virus and the phased reopening of the state, State President Chris Heinrichs has said that as of today, the state convention in Owatonna is going to go on as planned. We will continue to monitor the situation and if anything changes in the near term, we will let everyone know.
April 30, 2020 10:45 am
Youth Camp Projects While Closed
Many have asked if they can use Youth Camp while it is closed. At this time, the camp is closed to member use. However, the Camp Board will be evaluating a list of work projects that will need to be done while the camp is closed. We will allow small work teams (e.g. 6-8 people) at camp to complete these projects. A list will be put together once Joel and Kim are at camp (~June 1st) and the board has a chance to prioritize them. More information will be available in early June as to projects and assignments.
April 8, 2020 4:00pm CT
Youth Camp Update: Closed for the Year
After many hours of discussions with Joel and Kim, the camp board, recruiters, the staff. our state president and the MN health department and insurance carrier-the Camp Board regretfully announces that the Youth Camp will closed to all camping sessions, events etc this year.
I-Falls work weekend, Mens opening, Ladies opening, Family Camp, Troops Week and the Four on the 4th Run have all been cancelled. The toughest cancel notice is the cancellation of the 2020 camping sessions. A great disappointment but the safety of our campers and staff is paramount and we just cannot take the chance. Also the "fear factor" of the parents-would they even send their kids to camp in light of the virus?
There are many more decisions to be made and protecting our facility is important this summer. Joel and Kim will be helping us with this. We will be having discussions on work projects, campers who were coming but will not quailfy next year (e.g. those turning 14), revisions of training and recruiting materials and lots more. For now it was important to make the decision and get the details to the membership.
At the present time the facility will remain closed. We do not want people at camp unless approved by the camp board,
Per Member Assessments & Camp Bonus
The per $5 member Youth Camp assessment will be waived for 2020.
1) If you have sent in your Youth Camp assessment already, you will get back what you paid plus any bonus money earned through the raffle. For example, 500 members at $5/member = $2,500. Bonus earned previously through the raffle: $1,000. You would have sent in $1,500 but you will get back $2,500 because of the bonus.
2) If you have sent in your Youth Camp assessment already, but did not earn a bonus through the Raffle, you will get back what you paid in.
3) If you have NOT sent in your Youth Camp Assessment yet, do not send any payment. If you earned a bonus, a check in that amount will be sent to the Lodge. If you did not earn a bonus, no action is necessary and no money will be sent to the Lodge.
More information will be provided in the coming weeks but in the meantime if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Camp Board.
Thanks for your understanding.
The Youth Camp Board
AGENDA FOR JUNE 27 BUSINESS MEETING
Click here to get the agenda for the business meeting on Saturday, June 26.
May 26, 2020 11:00am
BUSINESS MEETING June 27 IN ALEXANDRIA
Good morning all,
What a year so far, everything has been difficult but brighter skies ahead.
After having to cancel the summer state convention, I put out a request for ideas to hold a business meeting and do a quick installation of officers. I received several ideas and after consulting with our district presidents we have made our decision.
As it appears we will be able to hold meetings with larger groups of people by then we will hold a business meeting on June 27th, at 12:00 noon. This meeting will take place at the South Broadway Ballroom, in Alexandria Mn. The address is 115 30th Ave E. This will allow us plenty of room to distance if necessary, and have room for all those who wish to attend. We are asking that the sitting officers, and the in coming officers please make every effort to attend, but if you are uncomfortable let us know and we can make the arrangements to get you installed. We will be on zoom as well so that lodges may zoom the meeting live. If your lodge decides to zoom the meeting please have ONE spokes person so we do not have so many people trying to speak at once. A roll call will be taken lodge to lodge as well so please inform your district president if your lodge will be zooming this so we may call on you for your attendees. This meeting will be about passing our budget. As directed previously please send all your committee reports to Dennis and your district president on or before June 27th.
After the meeting is complete, we will give the oath to all the incoming officers so that they will be officially installed. There has been discussion of doing the memorial service and the formal installation of officers at the fall convention but that is still up in the air as of now.
A note, there will be food and drink available at the ballroom, and the Hampton Inn is next door as well if you would like to spend a night or two. The rate is $99 per night and tell them you are with the elks.
There are probably a lot of questions so please either direct them to your district president or myself.
Thanks for all the calmness and cooperation during this difficult situation, and unless something drastic happens with our state we will see everyone, one way or another, in June.
Chris Heinrich, MN Elks State President
May 15, 2020 12:45pm
STATE CONVENTION IN OWATONNA IS CANCELLED
The state convention hosted by Owatonna Lodge #1395 has been cancelled. There will be a business meeting on Saturday June 27th with limited attendance (possibly state officers & 2 representatives from each Lodge). More information will be forthcoming. The room block has been cancelled as well. If you had a room reservation please verify it has been cancelled. Additional updates will be posted here as they arise.
May 8, 2020 4:20pm
GRAND LODGE CONVENTION IN BALTIMORE IS CANCELLED
Every year, we look forward to connecting with our fellow Members at the National Convention, but given the continued concerns about COVID19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 156th Grand Lodge Session in Baltimore, Maryland, which was scheduled to be held from July 5 to July 8, 2020. Following increased and overwhelming concerns about the coronavirus and COVID-19, we felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation. We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold the National Convention for our Members, but we know it is the right decision based on the information we have today.
See the full announcement here.
April 30, 2020 10:45am
State Convention in Owatonna A Go
Based on the current statistics for the corona virus and the phased reopening of the state, State President Chris Heinrichs has said that as of today, the state convention in Owatonna is going to go on as planned. We will continue to monitor the situation and if anything changes in the near term, we will let everyone know.
April 30, 2020 10:45 am
Youth Camp Projects While Closed
Many have asked if they can use Youth Camp while it is closed. At this time, the camp is closed to member use. However, the Camp Board will be evaluating a list of work projects that will need to be done while the camp is closed. We will allow small work teams (e.g. 6-8 people) at camp to complete these projects. A list will be put together once Joel and Kim are at camp (~June 1st) and the board has a chance to prioritize them. More information will be available in early June as to projects and assignments.
April 8, 2020 4:00pm CT
Youth Camp Update: Closed for the Year
After many hours of discussions with Joel and Kim, the camp board, recruiters, the staff. our state president and the MN health department and insurance carrier-the Camp Board regretfully announces that the Youth Camp will closed to all camping sessions, events etc this year.
I-Falls work weekend, Mens opening, Ladies opening, Family Camp, Troops Week and the Four on the 4th Run have all been cancelled. The toughest cancel notice is the cancellation of the 2020 camping sessions. A great disappointment but the safety of our campers and staff is paramount and we just cannot take the chance. Also the "fear factor" of the parents-would they even send their kids to camp in light of the virus?
There are many more decisions to be made and protecting our facility is important this summer. Joel and Kim will be helping us with this. We will be having discussions on work projects, campers who were coming but will not quailfy next year (e.g. those turning 14), revisions of training and recruiting materials and lots more. For now it was important to make the decision and get the details to the membership.
At the present time the facility will remain closed. We do not want people at camp unless approved by the camp board,
Per Member Assessments & Camp Bonus
The per $5 member Youth Camp assessment will be waived for 2020.
1) If you have sent in your Youth Camp assessment already, you will get back what you paid plus any bonus money earned through the raffle. For example, 500 members at $5/member = $2,500. Bonus earned previously through the raffle: $1,000. You would have sent in $1,500 but you will get back $2,500 because of the bonus.
2) If you have sent in your Youth Camp assessment already, but did not earn a bonus through the Raffle, you will get back what you paid in.
3) If you have NOT sent in your Youth Camp Assessment yet, do not send any payment. If you earned a bonus, a check in that amount will be sent to the Lodge. If you did not earn a bonus, no action is necessary and no money will be sent to the Lodge.
More information will be provided in the coming weeks but in the meantime if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Camp Board.
Thanks for your understanding.
The Youth Camp Board
April 8, 2020
State Convention - Owatonna Update:
If the stay at home order is extended into May, which we should know by the last week in April, the convention as we know it will be cancelled. Our plan from that point would be to see what June brings. If the order is lifted to stay at home, we have decided we would have a business type meeting on Saturday the 27th of June. Hopefully we can hold this meeting in Owatonna, but the will be determined at that time. This meeting will be open to the whole state Elks Association as we would have to conduct financial business, IE: passing of the state budget. At this meeting we would also install our officers. Again date, location, and time will be determined if we end up doing this. Please pass this on to your lodges, ER's and secretaries. I know everyone has a 100 questions, so please feel free to email, or call me. We are in a unique situation in our country right now so its the best we can do at this time. I hope and pray that this is under control and ends soon but we do have to plan for the event it isn't. Everyone hang in there, we will all get through this, after all we are ELKS. Stay safe everyone, Chris Heinrichs, Minnesota State President
State Convention - Owatonna Update:
If the stay at home order is extended into May, which we should know by the last week in April, the convention as we know it will be cancelled. Our plan from that point would be to see what June brings. If the order is lifted to stay at home, we have decided we would have a business type meeting on Saturday the 27th of June. Hopefully we can hold this meeting in Owatonna, but the will be determined at that time. This meeting will be open to the whole state Elks Association as we would have to conduct financial business, IE: passing of the state budget. At this meeting we would also install our officers. Again date, location, and time will be determined if we end up doing this. Please pass this on to your lodges, ER's and secretaries. I know everyone has a 100 questions, so please feel free to email, or call me. We are in a unique situation in our country right now so its the best we can do at this time. I hope and pray that this is under control and ends soon but we do have to plan for the event it isn't. Everyone hang in there, we will all get through this, after all we are ELKS. Stay safe everyone, Chris Heinrichs, Minnesota State President
April 8, 2020
Grand Lodge Convention Update: Please read the entire bulletin here.
Grand Lodge Convention Update: Please read the entire bulletin here.
April 8, 2020
MN Veterans Eligible for New $1,000 Financial Relief Grant due to Covid-19: Read the full story here.
MN Veterans Eligible for New $1,000 Financial Relief Grant due to Covid-19: Read the full story here.
March 27, 2020
State Convention - Owatonna Update:
No decision has been made yet. At this point plan that it is going to happen. I don’t know who has final say but PGER Rumney’s opinion is we can wait for a decision until late May early June. - Paul Ryan
State Convention - Owatonna Update:
No decision has been made yet. At this point plan that it is going to happen. I don’t know who has final say but PGER Rumney’s opinion is we can wait for a decision until late May early June. - Paul Ryan
March 27, 2020
Grand Lodge Convention Update:
Members all: If you have given me your information for Baltimore I have included you on the lists for the weekly Grand Lodge Convention updates. I will send those to you as I receive them. If your email is picky and sends a lot of things to spam I'd encourage you to check your filter for the messages. Please follow Governor Walz recommendation for the next couple weeks and stay safe.
John Jennings
Grand Lodge Convention Update:
Members all: If you have given me your information for Baltimore I have included you on the lists for the weekly Grand Lodge Convention updates. I will send those to you as I receive them. If your email is picky and sends a lot of things to spam I'd encourage you to check your filter for the messages. Please follow Governor Walz recommendation for the next couple weeks and stay safe.
John Jennings
March 16, 2020
State Elks Update:
Minnesota Elks Members and Lodges:
On behalf of our State Sponsor, PGER Rumney, I am writing this to hopefully make this clear on the convid-19, and what to do in your Lodge. Therefore, we recommend that the lodges remain informed of the ever-changing conditions and follow the guidelines, directives and policies of our local and state health officials.
First let’s start with the lodge itself. Due to the Governor’s order, all bars and restaurants are to be closed, if your lodge has a bar or food services, it must close at this time. We must also follow the Governor’s policy on the number of people that can attend meetings. Lodge meetings should only be held, In conformity with the Governor’s policy. PGER Rumney has taken the position that because of the severity of what is happening, there will be no need to ask or receive dispensation from your District Deputy.
Installation, we are at that time of year when a changing of leadership is happening, it is important that we change the leadership according to our Statutes and approve new budgets. Use your best judgement and if you must postpone the installation of officers, that is what it will be. However, keep in mind we must follow the Governor’s guidelines on meeting attendance.
District Deputy clinics and State meetings, we believe that these meeting should be postponed/cancelled until we can come into compliance with the State regulations. Depending on how the virus plays out we will monitor the situation and work with the Minnesota Elks Officers concerning future meetings.
With regards to the national convention, which is scheduled for July in Baltimore, Maryland, the Convention Commission is closely monitoring the Corona Virus situation in Baltimore and the surrounding areas. Should the situation worsen, the Commission will review all facets of the convention and, if needed will not hesitate to recommend the event be cancelled out of caution. The Grand Lodge is hoping for the best and that action will not be needed. The goal is to make any decision as soon as possible.
I have been informed that the Minnesota Gambling Control Board has some VERY strict guidelines regarding what happens with gambling operations during this Covid-19 virus. Please make sure to read and process that email from the Minnesota Gambling Control Board.
We all need to keep in mind that the health of our Members, spouses, friends, volunteers and employee are paramount. Let’s be vigilant in our efforts to keep one another healthy!
Should you have any questions, it would be best to e-mail.
Paul R Ryan
Endorsed Candidate
State Elks Update:
Minnesota Elks Members and Lodges:
On behalf of our State Sponsor, PGER Rumney, I am writing this to hopefully make this clear on the convid-19, and what to do in your Lodge. Therefore, we recommend that the lodges remain informed of the ever-changing conditions and follow the guidelines, directives and policies of our local and state health officials.
First let’s start with the lodge itself. Due to the Governor’s order, all bars and restaurants are to be closed, if your lodge has a bar or food services, it must close at this time. We must also follow the Governor’s policy on the number of people that can attend meetings. Lodge meetings should only be held, In conformity with the Governor’s policy. PGER Rumney has taken the position that because of the severity of what is happening, there will be no need to ask or receive dispensation from your District Deputy.
Installation, we are at that time of year when a changing of leadership is happening, it is important that we change the leadership according to our Statutes and approve new budgets. Use your best judgement and if you must postpone the installation of officers, that is what it will be. However, keep in mind we must follow the Governor’s guidelines on meeting attendance.
District Deputy clinics and State meetings, we believe that these meeting should be postponed/cancelled until we can come into compliance with the State regulations. Depending on how the virus plays out we will monitor the situation and work with the Minnesota Elks Officers concerning future meetings.
With regards to the national convention, which is scheduled for July in Baltimore, Maryland, the Convention Commission is closely monitoring the Corona Virus situation in Baltimore and the surrounding areas. Should the situation worsen, the Commission will review all facets of the convention and, if needed will not hesitate to recommend the event be cancelled out of caution. The Grand Lodge is hoping for the best and that action will not be needed. The goal is to make any decision as soon as possible.
I have been informed that the Minnesota Gambling Control Board has some VERY strict guidelines regarding what happens with gambling operations during this Covid-19 virus. Please make sure to read and process that email from the Minnesota Gambling Control Board.
We all need to keep in mind that the health of our Members, spouses, friends, volunteers and employee are paramount. Let’s be vigilant in our efforts to keep one another healthy!
Should you have any questions, it would be best to e-mail.
Paul R Ryan
Endorsed Candidate
March 16, 2020
Youth Camp Update:
Due to the coronavirus concerns and the safety of our campers and after discussions with our directors, health departments, etc, the camping season will be delayed. A new schedule will be developed and we hope to get all the sessions in but the start of camping will be delayed until at least June 28th. Elks kids session registration will not open until May 1 for now. Session order and dates will change - as soon as we know we will publish the new dates.
Elks members: There is a strong possibility that Elks Family Camp will be canceled.
Thanks for your understanding. The safety of the kids and staff are of primary importance.
Youth Camp Board
Joel & Kim Baumgarten, Camp Directors
Youth Camp Update:
Due to the coronavirus concerns and the safety of our campers and after discussions with our directors, health departments, etc, the camping season will be delayed. A new schedule will be developed and we hope to get all the sessions in but the start of camping will be delayed until at least June 28th. Elks kids session registration will not open until May 1 for now. Session order and dates will change - as soon as we know we will publish the new dates.
Elks members: There is a strong possibility that Elks Family Camp will be canceled.
Thanks for your understanding. The safety of the kids and staff are of primary importance.
Youth Camp Board
Joel & Kim Baumgarten, Camp Directors
