On The Road With State President Lynn Rohlf
December, 2012
Minneapolis Lodge #44 Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks! It's Saturday December 1st and I'm on the road again. Fortunately, it's a beautiful day and the sun is shining and there is no snow in the forecast! Woohoo! My destination today is Minneapolis Lodge #44 for their Holiday Party and Toy Dance. I arrive at my hotel in Maple Grove and get checked into my room. Before heading to the Lodge, I will be stopping off at PSP Jerry & Brenda Shoult's house for drinks and appetizers. Lucky for me Jerry has agreed to be my chauffeur for the evening. We arrive at the Lodge for the party and toy dance. The back room has been transformed into a beautiful holiday scene with beautiful holiday centerpieces and not one, but two Christmas trees. A fine way to start off my holiday visits for the month of December. Those in attendance were treated to a delicious meal and fabulous music by the "Rockin' Hollywoods," not to mention the great socializing. In true Elks fashion, however, the evening was not just about the meal and the music and the fun. It was also about the deserving children and families in the surrounding neighborhoods. Those in attendance also brought toys to place under the tree for this great program. In addition, the Minneapolis Antlers purchased and donated gifts from their group. The Lodge accepted applications from Elk Members to identify needy families and children. A name tag with each child's first name and wish list was hung on the tree. Members could then select a tag and purchase a gift for that child, wrap it, and bring it to the Lodge for delivery. The Lodge also put together Christmas Food Baskets for the families. I'm sure many lodges have programs like this, but if your lodge does not, you may want to consider contacting Minneapolis Elks Lodge #44 ER Tom Hedlund and he can provide you with the information to start one in your home lodge. It is truly a great sight to see so many people giving of their time, talent and money to the many deserving families and youth in our community. This is just one of the reasons why I am proud to be an Elk. I know I've said it before, but will say it again: "If people knew what we did, why wouldn't they want to be an Elk?" The Minneapolis Elks have a lot going on and, while there, I heard about their plans for the Memorial Service and for their upcoming Lutefisk Dinner. Unfortunately, I will have to miss both of those events. In addition, they will be hosting the State Ritual Competition the first weekend in January. I'm hoping that they have Budweiser by the time I return for that. As usual, I had a great time visiting with old friends and meeting some new ones. Well, it's time for me to close as I have another visit scheduled for tomorrow. I'm off to Dakota County Lodge #2832 for their Memorial Service and Christmas Party. One visit down, five to go for December. Stay warm, drive safe, and remember to "Rock The Boat." Fraternally, Lynn Rohlf Minnesota Elks Association State President |
Dakota County Lodge #2832
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Sunday, December 2, 2012, and I'm up and off to Dakota County Elks Lodge #2832. It's a short drive for me today as I'm just up the road in Maple Grove, so the trip goes quickly, and, again, no snow! As you know, the first Sunday in December is our Memorial Service where local lodges remember those Elks members that have passed away. This will be my first Memorial Service at a different lodge, as I have only attended those in Duluth. The Officers of Dakota County Lodge #2832 performed a moving and memorable service. During this service, I always take a moment to remember those great Elks that have touched my life since joining the Order back in 1995. It had also been one year since my proposer, Dennis Bertilson, passed away. Even though a solemn service, I seem to remember and recall the good times. Upon completion of the Memorial Service, the members and their spouses began the final preparations for the Elks Christmas Party that was about to take place. The tree had been decorated and the presents were being placed under the tree. The items for the silent auction were being put out and the tables were being decorated and arranged.
In addition to Elk members and their families, there were 10 military families (22 kids) in attendance. All of the children got to visit with Santa (and his 2 reindeer) and each received a gift to open. Also, the children were given a color photo of themselves with Santa. Those in attendance were treated to a fabulous pot luck lunch. I come from a small town that used to have a pot luck dinner at the Community Club Meeting each month, so I feel that I can attest to the fact that this was one FABULOUS Pot Luck Lunch! The children (and adults) were treated to a fun magic show by the Remarkable Roberto. His show was truly remarkable! A couple of other things happening during this party were as follows: donations were collected for the local food shelf and there was a silent auction to raise funds for the Veterans. A table full of food items was collected and $735.00 was raised for the Veterans.
The Christmas Party Committee worked very hard to ensure that the families in attendance had a great day. As the military families were leaving, each was given a beautiful poinsettia to take home with them. Oh, I almost forgot. As you were sitting and enjoying the meal, the magician and the fun, you could also sign a Christmas Card for the residents at the VA home. For a small and new lodge, Dakota County has a lot going on. There was a lot of good stuff happening all in one day. Just going to show again what great people the Elks are!
Well, it's time for me to hang up my reindeer costume and hit the road. I'm going to be making a pit stop in Plymouth for a little relaxation and some holiday shopping. But, it will be back to work for me on Tuesday and back "on the road" for me on Friday. Next stop - Red Wing . . .
Stay warm, drive safe, and remember to "Rock The Boat."
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Sunday, December 2, 2012, and I'm up and off to Dakota County Elks Lodge #2832. It's a short drive for me today as I'm just up the road in Maple Grove, so the trip goes quickly, and, again, no snow! As you know, the first Sunday in December is our Memorial Service where local lodges remember those Elks members that have passed away. This will be my first Memorial Service at a different lodge, as I have only attended those in Duluth. The Officers of Dakota County Lodge #2832 performed a moving and memorable service. During this service, I always take a moment to remember those great Elks that have touched my life since joining the Order back in 1995. It had also been one year since my proposer, Dennis Bertilson, passed away. Even though a solemn service, I seem to remember and recall the good times. Upon completion of the Memorial Service, the members and their spouses began the final preparations for the Elks Christmas Party that was about to take place. The tree had been decorated and the presents were being placed under the tree. The items for the silent auction were being put out and the tables were being decorated and arranged.
In addition to Elk members and their families, there were 10 military families (22 kids) in attendance. All of the children got to visit with Santa (and his 2 reindeer) and each received a gift to open. Also, the children were given a color photo of themselves with Santa. Those in attendance were treated to a fabulous pot luck lunch. I come from a small town that used to have a pot luck dinner at the Community Club Meeting each month, so I feel that I can attest to the fact that this was one FABULOUS Pot Luck Lunch! The children (and adults) were treated to a fun magic show by the Remarkable Roberto. His show was truly remarkable! A couple of other things happening during this party were as follows: donations were collected for the local food shelf and there was a silent auction to raise funds for the Veterans. A table full of food items was collected and $735.00 was raised for the Veterans.
The Christmas Party Committee worked very hard to ensure that the families in attendance had a great day. As the military families were leaving, each was given a beautiful poinsettia to take home with them. Oh, I almost forgot. As you were sitting and enjoying the meal, the magician and the fun, you could also sign a Christmas Card for the residents at the VA home. For a small and new lodge, Dakota County has a lot going on. There was a lot of good stuff happening all in one day. Just going to show again what great people the Elks are!
Well, it's time for me to hang up my reindeer costume and hit the road. I'm going to be making a pit stop in Plymouth for a little relaxation and some holiday shopping. But, it will be back to work for me on Tuesday and back "on the road" for me on Friday. Next stop - Red Wing . . .
Stay warm, drive safe, and remember to "Rock The Boat."
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Red Wing Lodge #845
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Friday, December 7, 2012, and I'm up and off to Red Wing for my next visit. The Weather Service is calling for a huge storm to hit the entire State of Minnesota. As I leave Duluth, it's not snowing - yet. I arrive in Red Wing and check into my room at the Historic St. James. What a beautiful hotel. It is a few hours before I will be meeting ER Dave Riegelman and some members of the Red Wing Lodge in the hotel bar, so I figure I should see a bit of the sights. I take the Holiday Walking Tour and visit a few of the shops and do a bit of holiday shopping. As I return to my hotel, a light snow has begun to fall. At 5 p.m., Dave and the gang arrive and we head up to the hotel bar for a couple of beverages before heading over to the Lodge. On tap for the evening are dinner and a silent auction to raise funds for the MN Elks Youth Camp and Red Wing Lodge #845.
Those in attendance were treated to a fabulous dinner and a wonderful dessert of bread pudding with rum sauce. Lydia and her kitchen crew did a great job! I perused the silent auction items and received my bidding number. I didn't figure I would have much luck in being able to buy any of the items as Tammy Johnson (Metro District President Neil Johnson's wife) was in attendance. I learned during my visit at the Faribault Lodge and their silent auction that she is a fierce silent auction competitor. In true fashion, she outbid me on the one item that I was trying for: the handmade bull putter. I guess since I don't play golf, it wasn't a total loss. There was a good crowd and a sizable amount was raised for the MN Elks Youth Camp and for the lodge. The 50/50 drawing and the raffle for a basket of cheer seemed to bring the most excitement for the crowd.
During my visit, I also learned about their Christmas Basket Project. The lodge provides a decent Christmas (turkey) dinner for any family that needs it. This project has been in existence for over 35 years. The lodge has partnered up with some local groups and businesses such as the Prairie Island Indian Community (120 turkeys); Kwik Trip (bread); Sturdi Wheat (pancake mix); and, Coke (soda). The group then shops with a local grocer to buy the additional items. The monetary funds are derived from donations received from members. The group then comes together to put the baskets together and deliver them to the families. The baskets that cannot be delivered (for whatever reason) are donated to the local Food Shelf. The evening finishes up with some karaoke and visiting with the members. Thanks to Red Wing Lodge #845 for my great "Rock The Boat" sign and the awesome Red Wing bowl.
As I return to my hotel, it has snowed just a little, but the big storm is still predicted to hit sometime on Saturday or Sunday. Oh well, off to bed and off to Owatonna tomorrow.
Stay warm, drive safe, and remember to "Rock The Boat."
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Friday, December 7, 2012, and I'm up and off to Red Wing for my next visit. The Weather Service is calling for a huge storm to hit the entire State of Minnesota. As I leave Duluth, it's not snowing - yet. I arrive in Red Wing and check into my room at the Historic St. James. What a beautiful hotel. It is a few hours before I will be meeting ER Dave Riegelman and some members of the Red Wing Lodge in the hotel bar, so I figure I should see a bit of the sights. I take the Holiday Walking Tour and visit a few of the shops and do a bit of holiday shopping. As I return to my hotel, a light snow has begun to fall. At 5 p.m., Dave and the gang arrive and we head up to the hotel bar for a couple of beverages before heading over to the Lodge. On tap for the evening are dinner and a silent auction to raise funds for the MN Elks Youth Camp and Red Wing Lodge #845.
Those in attendance were treated to a fabulous dinner and a wonderful dessert of bread pudding with rum sauce. Lydia and her kitchen crew did a great job! I perused the silent auction items and received my bidding number. I didn't figure I would have much luck in being able to buy any of the items as Tammy Johnson (Metro District President Neil Johnson's wife) was in attendance. I learned during my visit at the Faribault Lodge and their silent auction that she is a fierce silent auction competitor. In true fashion, she outbid me on the one item that I was trying for: the handmade bull putter. I guess since I don't play golf, it wasn't a total loss. There was a good crowd and a sizable amount was raised for the MN Elks Youth Camp and for the lodge. The 50/50 drawing and the raffle for a basket of cheer seemed to bring the most excitement for the crowd.
During my visit, I also learned about their Christmas Basket Project. The lodge provides a decent Christmas (turkey) dinner for any family that needs it. This project has been in existence for over 35 years. The lodge has partnered up with some local groups and businesses such as the Prairie Island Indian Community (120 turkeys); Kwik Trip (bread); Sturdi Wheat (pancake mix); and, Coke (soda). The group then shops with a local grocer to buy the additional items. The monetary funds are derived from donations received from members. The group then comes together to put the baskets together and deliver them to the families. The baskets that cannot be delivered (for whatever reason) are donated to the local Food Shelf. The evening finishes up with some karaoke and visiting with the members. Thanks to Red Wing Lodge #845 for my great "Rock The Boat" sign and the awesome Red Wing bowl.
As I return to my hotel, it has snowed just a little, but the big storm is still predicted to hit sometime on Saturday or Sunday. Oh well, off to bed and off to Owatonna tomorrow.
Stay warm, drive safe, and remember to "Rock The Boat."
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Owatonna Lodge #1395
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Saturday, December 8, 2012, and as I look out my window, there is just a light dusting of snow on the streets of Red Wing. The weather service is still calling for a big storm, but I get on my way - headed to my visit at Owatonna Lodge #1395. This will be my last visit in the South. I have been fortunate enough to have shared all of my visits in the South with South District President Dick Ledebuhr and his wife Judy. They are a great couple and the South is in good hands from the next few years. I arrive in Owatonna and get checked into my room. Before heading to the Lodge, we will be stopping off at Torey's for a couple of drinks with ER Tom and Cheryl and Ron and Jeannie Probst. Owatonna Lodge #1395 is hosting their 18th Annual Cocktail Christmas Party. The event included beer and wine tasting, music and a fabulous array of hors d'oeuvres. They had a great turnout and it was a very festive holiday party atmosphere.
At my visit, I had the good fortune to be able to present ER Tom Nesvig with his Elk's National Foundation pin for achieving the GER's goal of at least $4.50 per member for the South District, as well as his Elk's National Foundation pin for achieving the GER's goal of at least $4.50 per member for the State of Minnesota. Thanks to Owatonna Lodge #1395 for the beautiful Howard Miller Clock. What a beautiful remembrance for my visit to their lodge. Owatonna is has the largest membership in the State of Minnesota. If you take a look at their newsletter, you will see that they always have many, many events going on. The lodge has done some renovations in their banquet room area to make the place more appealing for parties and rentals. They have moved their necrology board to a new location and have one of the best ENF Boards that I have seen. The Lodge was getting ready to host their third Christmas dinner for the Little Brothers/Little Sisters program the following day. They anticipated serving a turkey dinner with all the trimmings to 200 people in an hour and a half. In addition, the Lodge would be open for Viking football.
Again I was able to visit with some old friends and was able to make some new ones. Great Elks in Owatonna - doing great things! I want to thank all of you who made my visit so special.
Well, it's back to the hotel for me. Still now snow as of yet. We will see what the morning brings. It's 7:50 a.m. on Sunday, December 9, and I have "hit the road" again. Yes, it has started to snow. I have a feeling this usual 3 hour drive is going to take me just a bit longer than usual. The drive to just south of the cities wasn't so bad, but then a big snow bomb must have gone off. The trip from then on was a bit snowy. I was very happy to have my Toyota Rav4 as it really goes in the snow. I arrived home at 12:30 p.m. - not so bad. As I came out of my garage, my uncle said he would have asked how the drive home was, but then thought that would have been a stupid question. I told him that if I wasn't afraid of getting my knees wet, I would have got down and kissed the ground.
I have twenty visits down and two more to go next weekend. Keeping my fingers crossed that there is no snow next weekend when I'm on the road again - visiting Willmar Lodge #952 and Hutchinson Lodge #2427. This Elks stuff is really cutting into my cookie and candy making time. I hope I have time to finish it all.
My continued saying for the month of December: Stay warm, drive safe, and remember to "Rock The Boat."
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Saturday, December 8, 2012, and as I look out my window, there is just a light dusting of snow on the streets of Red Wing. The weather service is still calling for a big storm, but I get on my way - headed to my visit at Owatonna Lodge #1395. This will be my last visit in the South. I have been fortunate enough to have shared all of my visits in the South with South District President Dick Ledebuhr and his wife Judy. They are a great couple and the South is in good hands from the next few years. I arrive in Owatonna and get checked into my room. Before heading to the Lodge, we will be stopping off at Torey's for a couple of drinks with ER Tom and Cheryl and Ron and Jeannie Probst. Owatonna Lodge #1395 is hosting their 18th Annual Cocktail Christmas Party. The event included beer and wine tasting, music and a fabulous array of hors d'oeuvres. They had a great turnout and it was a very festive holiday party atmosphere.
At my visit, I had the good fortune to be able to present ER Tom Nesvig with his Elk's National Foundation pin for achieving the GER's goal of at least $4.50 per member for the South District, as well as his Elk's National Foundation pin for achieving the GER's goal of at least $4.50 per member for the State of Minnesota. Thanks to Owatonna Lodge #1395 for the beautiful Howard Miller Clock. What a beautiful remembrance for my visit to their lodge. Owatonna is has the largest membership in the State of Minnesota. If you take a look at their newsletter, you will see that they always have many, many events going on. The lodge has done some renovations in their banquet room area to make the place more appealing for parties and rentals. They have moved their necrology board to a new location and have one of the best ENF Boards that I have seen. The Lodge was getting ready to host their third Christmas dinner for the Little Brothers/Little Sisters program the following day. They anticipated serving a turkey dinner with all the trimmings to 200 people in an hour and a half. In addition, the Lodge would be open for Viking football.
Again I was able to visit with some old friends and was able to make some new ones. Great Elks in Owatonna - doing great things! I want to thank all of you who made my visit so special.
Well, it's back to the hotel for me. Still now snow as of yet. We will see what the morning brings. It's 7:50 a.m. on Sunday, December 9, and I have "hit the road" again. Yes, it has started to snow. I have a feeling this usual 3 hour drive is going to take me just a bit longer than usual. The drive to just south of the cities wasn't so bad, but then a big snow bomb must have gone off. The trip from then on was a bit snowy. I was very happy to have my Toyota Rav4 as it really goes in the snow. I arrived home at 12:30 p.m. - not so bad. As I came out of my garage, my uncle said he would have asked how the drive home was, but then thought that would have been a stupid question. I told him that if I wasn't afraid of getting my knees wet, I would have got down and kissed the ground.
I have twenty visits down and two more to go next weekend. Keeping my fingers crossed that there is no snow next weekend when I'm on the road again - visiting Willmar Lodge #952 and Hutchinson Lodge #2427. This Elks stuff is really cutting into my cookie and candy making time. I hope I have time to finish it all.
My continued saying for the month of December: Stay warm, drive safe, and remember to "Rock The Boat."
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Willmar Lodge #952
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Friday, December 14, 2012, and I'm on the road again. Visit number 21 is to Willmar Lodge #952. No snow in the forecast this weekend - just ice. Woohoo! It's a beautiful day as I leave Duluth, Minnesota, destination Willmar. I'm excited about my visit as I will be partaking in my first Yankee Gift Exchange. ER Tom Kramin and his wife June pick me up at the hotel and we off to the lodge. A good crowd has gathered for the event this year. I feel pretty important as I'm sitting at a table with the ER and his wife; Central District Deputy Paul Ryan; and, PGER Dwayne Rumney and his wife Sandy. I guess I had better be on my best behavior. The evening starts out with some fast moving meat raffles. Unfortunately, I am not lucky in winning any of the prizes. We are served a delicious meal and I have been looking over the beautifully wrapped presents for the gift exchange. The numbers are drawn and I'm number 51. They tell me that is good, since there are 52 participants, which means there are only two possible people who could "steal" my gift. I was informed that it was taking and not "stealing," but I'll let you be the judge of that.
We started at number 1 and made our way through all of the participants. If someone took your opened gift, you had to go up to the table and open another. I thought I was sitting pretty when it was my turn and a stole a bottle of Crown Royal Reserve from a nice unsuspecting lady at the bar. But, low and behold, gift-opener number 52 decided that it would be prudent to "steal" my bottle of Crown Royal Reserve. As she approached me to "steal" the bottle, I told her that I could not believe that she was stealing from the State President. Her reply: "they told me to." Of course, meaning the people at her table. I said that I had a bridge I could sell her as well. . .After my bottle was "stolen" from me, I had to approach the table and take the last lonely gift that was sitting there. I slowly opened the package and learned that I had received a prized box of European style chocolates from Mr. B Chocolatier. I do like Crown Royal, but this box of chocolates was the best I've ever tasted! All in good fun, I informed the thief of my fine whiskey that I would enjoy the box of chocolates with a warm cup of coffee laced with Bailey's Irish Cream.
I had a great time visiting with the members and spouses at Willmar Lodge #952 and was looking forward to my second Yankee Gift Exchange that I would be attending the following evening at Hutchinson Lodge #2427. If your lodge hasn't tried this gift exchange, you should - it was a fun time, with a good crowd. As Tom & June drop me back off at my hotel, it's still pretty balmy out and no rain or ice yet. We will see what the morning brings as I continue my journey to Hutchinson. They tell me the roads were closed here last weekend with all of the snow, so I guess I should be happy it's not snowing.
My continued saying for the month of December: Stay warm, drive safe, and remember to "Rock The Boat."
Fraternally
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Friday, December 14, 2012, and I'm on the road again. Visit number 21 is to Willmar Lodge #952. No snow in the forecast this weekend - just ice. Woohoo! It's a beautiful day as I leave Duluth, Minnesota, destination Willmar. I'm excited about my visit as I will be partaking in my first Yankee Gift Exchange. ER Tom Kramin and his wife June pick me up at the hotel and we off to the lodge. A good crowd has gathered for the event this year. I feel pretty important as I'm sitting at a table with the ER and his wife; Central District Deputy Paul Ryan; and, PGER Dwayne Rumney and his wife Sandy. I guess I had better be on my best behavior. The evening starts out with some fast moving meat raffles. Unfortunately, I am not lucky in winning any of the prizes. We are served a delicious meal and I have been looking over the beautifully wrapped presents for the gift exchange. The numbers are drawn and I'm number 51. They tell me that is good, since there are 52 participants, which means there are only two possible people who could "steal" my gift. I was informed that it was taking and not "stealing," but I'll let you be the judge of that.
We started at number 1 and made our way through all of the participants. If someone took your opened gift, you had to go up to the table and open another. I thought I was sitting pretty when it was my turn and a stole a bottle of Crown Royal Reserve from a nice unsuspecting lady at the bar. But, low and behold, gift-opener number 52 decided that it would be prudent to "steal" my bottle of Crown Royal Reserve. As she approached me to "steal" the bottle, I told her that I could not believe that she was stealing from the State President. Her reply: "they told me to." Of course, meaning the people at her table. I said that I had a bridge I could sell her as well. . .After my bottle was "stolen" from me, I had to approach the table and take the last lonely gift that was sitting there. I slowly opened the package and learned that I had received a prized box of European style chocolates from Mr. B Chocolatier. I do like Crown Royal, but this box of chocolates was the best I've ever tasted! All in good fun, I informed the thief of my fine whiskey that I would enjoy the box of chocolates with a warm cup of coffee laced with Bailey's Irish Cream.
I had a great time visiting with the members and spouses at Willmar Lodge #952 and was looking forward to my second Yankee Gift Exchange that I would be attending the following evening at Hutchinson Lodge #2427. If your lodge hasn't tried this gift exchange, you should - it was a fun time, with a good crowd. As Tom & June drop me back off at my hotel, it's still pretty balmy out and no rain or ice yet. We will see what the morning brings as I continue my journey to Hutchinson. They tell me the roads were closed here last weekend with all of the snow, so I guess I should be happy it's not snowing.
My continued saying for the month of December: Stay warm, drive safe, and remember to "Rock The Boat."
Fraternally
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Hutchinson Lodge #2427
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Saturday, December 15, 2012, and I'm up and on the road again. I've been watching the weather closely as they keep calling for rain and freezing rain in this part of the State. Well, so far so good, it's just raining and a balmy 35 degrees. The State President typically visits Hutchinson Lodge #2427 during the State Hoop Shoot in February, but I'm "rocking the boat" and making my visit early. I'm headed to Hutchinson a bit early as I'm going to play bingo and have lunch at the VFW with Central District President George Lehn. I arrive and get checked in and George picks me up and we are off to the VFW. I'm not very lucky and cannot even manage to win a game. Lucky George wins two! The pull-tabs aren't that great to us either.
Well, it's time to head over to Hutchinson Lodge #2427 for my second Yankee Gift Exchange. There is a smaller crowd in attendance than last night and I draw lucky number 14, about the middle of the pack. A twist on tonight's exchange - if someone "steals" a gift from you, you can either "steal" from someone else or pick a new gift to open. Once the gift is held by the third person, it is safe and you can keep it. A fun time was had by all and I was the lucky winner of a nice piece of salmon, a jar of homemade salsa, a jar of homemade seasoning mix, and a jar of homemade bloody mary additive. I know that if I can't make it home to Duluth tomorrow and get stranded on the road - I'll be okay, especially when you include the Budweiser Brewmaster Project Twelve and the candy and chocolates I received from the lodge.
After the gift exchange, a rousing game of Texas Hold' Em in the back room started up. I was as unlucky as I had been in bingo and didn't last very long. That's okay as I was off to the bar to visit with some old friends. The Hutchinson Lodge stole this idea of the Yankee Gift Exchange from the Willmar Lodge. So, if you think this may be something that could work in your lodge, give someone from Willmar or Hutchinson a shout and I'm sure they can fill you in on the specifics. Well Central District President George Lehn made me stay until the bar closed and then said Tammy would be nice enough to give me a ride back to my hotel.
As I arrive back at the hotel, the temperature has dropped and things are starting to freeze up a bit. I only can imagine what the morning will bring. It's Sunday morning and, as I look out my window, one side of my car is covered with snow and ice and the other side is just covered with ice. Too bad I left my skates at home as the parking lot resembles a skating rink. I get on the road and as I turn onto Hwy 15 to head North, it is just a bit icy. I figure at 30 mph and having to travel 210 miles, I should be home in about 7 hours. I think to myself: "It's going to be a long drive and why couldn't it have just SNOWED." The first 19 miles until Dassel were very icy; then, the next 19 miles until Kimball were a little less icy; then, from Kimball to home - clear sailing. Whew - the rides not going to be so bad after all.
Well, I'm going to take a few weeks off from my visits. To date, I've visited 22 lodges and have 4 left to go. I will be visiting Duluth in February, Hopkins in March, Hibbing in April and Fergus Falls in May. But, just because I don't have many lodge visits left doesn't mean I don't have "other" Elk visits and/or events.
January brings: Ritual; ER101; Trust Board Meeting; District Hoop Shoots.
February brings: State Hoop Shoot
March brings: Regional Hoop Shoot and Budget Meeting
April brings: District Meetings
May brings: Youth Camp Opener and Ladies Youth Camp Opener
June brings: State Convention
Just to name a few . . . Well, it's December 16 and I realize that I have lots to do to get ready for the Holiday Season. I thought mailing 60 Christmas cards was a lot. Well, in addition to my usual list, I mailed an additional 110 Holiday Greeting letters to the Officers and Committee Members of the Minnesota Elks Association. I hope that you all have a great Holiday Season and a Happy and Healthy 2013.
Happy Holidays! Stay Warm! Drive Safe! And . . . "Rock The Boat"
I'll be checking back in and keeping you posted on my travels when I return from the State Ritual Competition on Saturday, January 5, 2013.
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Saturday, December 15, 2012, and I'm up and on the road again. I've been watching the weather closely as they keep calling for rain and freezing rain in this part of the State. Well, so far so good, it's just raining and a balmy 35 degrees. The State President typically visits Hutchinson Lodge #2427 during the State Hoop Shoot in February, but I'm "rocking the boat" and making my visit early. I'm headed to Hutchinson a bit early as I'm going to play bingo and have lunch at the VFW with Central District President George Lehn. I arrive and get checked in and George picks me up and we are off to the VFW. I'm not very lucky and cannot even manage to win a game. Lucky George wins two! The pull-tabs aren't that great to us either.
Well, it's time to head over to Hutchinson Lodge #2427 for my second Yankee Gift Exchange. There is a smaller crowd in attendance than last night and I draw lucky number 14, about the middle of the pack. A twist on tonight's exchange - if someone "steals" a gift from you, you can either "steal" from someone else or pick a new gift to open. Once the gift is held by the third person, it is safe and you can keep it. A fun time was had by all and I was the lucky winner of a nice piece of salmon, a jar of homemade salsa, a jar of homemade seasoning mix, and a jar of homemade bloody mary additive. I know that if I can't make it home to Duluth tomorrow and get stranded on the road - I'll be okay, especially when you include the Budweiser Brewmaster Project Twelve and the candy and chocolates I received from the lodge.
After the gift exchange, a rousing game of Texas Hold' Em in the back room started up. I was as unlucky as I had been in bingo and didn't last very long. That's okay as I was off to the bar to visit with some old friends. The Hutchinson Lodge stole this idea of the Yankee Gift Exchange from the Willmar Lodge. So, if you think this may be something that could work in your lodge, give someone from Willmar or Hutchinson a shout and I'm sure they can fill you in on the specifics. Well Central District President George Lehn made me stay until the bar closed and then said Tammy would be nice enough to give me a ride back to my hotel.
As I arrive back at the hotel, the temperature has dropped and things are starting to freeze up a bit. I only can imagine what the morning will bring. It's Sunday morning and, as I look out my window, one side of my car is covered with snow and ice and the other side is just covered with ice. Too bad I left my skates at home as the parking lot resembles a skating rink. I get on the road and as I turn onto Hwy 15 to head North, it is just a bit icy. I figure at 30 mph and having to travel 210 miles, I should be home in about 7 hours. I think to myself: "It's going to be a long drive and why couldn't it have just SNOWED." The first 19 miles until Dassel were very icy; then, the next 19 miles until Kimball were a little less icy; then, from Kimball to home - clear sailing. Whew - the rides not going to be so bad after all.
Well, I'm going to take a few weeks off from my visits. To date, I've visited 22 lodges and have 4 left to go. I will be visiting Duluth in February, Hopkins in March, Hibbing in April and Fergus Falls in May. But, just because I don't have many lodge visits left doesn't mean I don't have "other" Elk visits and/or events.
January brings: Ritual; ER101; Trust Board Meeting; District Hoop Shoots.
February brings: State Hoop Shoot
March brings: Regional Hoop Shoot and Budget Meeting
April brings: District Meetings
May brings: Youth Camp Opener and Ladies Youth Camp Opener
June brings: State Convention
Just to name a few . . . Well, it's December 16 and I realize that I have lots to do to get ready for the Holiday Season. I thought mailing 60 Christmas cards was a lot. Well, in addition to my usual list, I mailed an additional 110 Holiday Greeting letters to the Officers and Committee Members of the Minnesota Elks Association. I hope that you all have a great Holiday Season and a Happy and Healthy 2013.
Happy Holidays! Stay Warm! Drive Safe! And . . . "Rock The Boat"
I'll be checking back in and keeping you posted on my travels when I return from the State Ritual Competition on Saturday, January 5, 2013.
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
