On The Road With State President Lynn Rohlf
January-February, 2013
State Ritual Competition Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks! It's Saturday, January 5, 2013, and I'm on the road again for my first Elk outing in the New Year. The year 2013 seemed so far away back in 2008 when I was first elected North District President and here we are . . . 2013. The world didn't end as the Mayan's predicted and the business of the Minnesota Elk's Association continues to move forward. My destination today is Minneapolis Lodge #44 for the State Ritual Competition. State Ritualistic Chair Craig DeForge has advised that there will be two (2) lodges participating in the competition today: Minneapolis #44 and Hopkins #2221. The contest was held at the VFW right next door to the Lodge. Minneapolis #44 was up first and their officers did an outstanding job in performing the ritual. Hopkins #2221 took the floor next and did an outstanding job as well. I really don't envy the word and floor judges after seeing the two (2) teams perform. It's back to the lodge for some fellowship and anticipation as the teams await the judges scoring and the dinner and awards presentation that will follow shortly. I would like to thank Craig and his committee, as well as the judges who helped in this process. First off, thanks to the two (2) judges who traveled to Minnesota from North Dakota. I would also like to thank: Bob Brown, PSP, Rochester #1091; Glenn Wasser, PSP, Rochester #1091; Herman Wisneski, PER, Brainerd #615; Terry Wagner, PER, Minneapolis #44; and, Tammy Johnson, Hopkins #2221. I hope I didn't forget anyone! I would also like to express my appreciation to Minneapolis #44 for hosting this event and thank them for the fabulous meal that was served prior to the award presentations. I was fortunate enough to help Craig hand out the certificates and the hardware. Overall, there were four (4) officers who achieved a perfect word score and became members of the "Thirty Club." Awards were also presented to the officers scoring the highest in their position and to the All Around Winner. At last, it was time to announce the winner of the Ritual Competition. The winner this year: Minneapolis #44. Minneapolis #44 will represent the State of Minnesota at the Grand Lodge Ritual Competition to be held in Reno, Nevada in July 2013. If you will be attending the GL Convention, please be sure to look up when they will be competing and attend. Remember, it is for members only and you will need to show your membership card to gain entrance to watch any team perform. I'm hoping to get a State Ritual Page on the Minnesota Elks Web Site so you can go out and see all of the winners and a photo of the winning team. Stay tuned . . . I would like to congratulate both teams and their coaches on the outstanding performances! I would also like to extend my best wishes to Minneapolis #44 as they continue to practice and get ready for the GL competition. As I leave the Minneapolis Elks, the crowd is cheering for another team - the Minnesota Vikings. Well, we all know how that one ended. I guess, we can hang up our jerseys until next season. Stay warm, drive safe, and don't forget to "Rock The Boat." Fraternally, Lynn Rohlf Minnesota Elks Association State President |
ER 101
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Thursday, January 17, 2013, and I'm packing for my trip to Wadena, Minnesota, and ER101. The rock chip in my window has finally cracked - all the way across. It might have something to do with the fact that the temperature is well below zero and they are forecasting the coldest weekend of the winter so far. Must be ER101 . . .My first stop is the MN Elks Youth Camp to spend some time with the District Presidents. It's dinner at the Half Moon and then back to camp. No bonfire tonight as it's too cold. Friday morning arrives and we have breakfast and finalize the agenda for ER101. We head out, destination - Wadena, Minnesota, with a brief stop at the Twisted Sister in Staples. After getting checked in at the hotel, it's off to Wadena Lodge #2386 for a night of bingo and fun. The presenters and the leading knights are arriving and getting to know each other.
It's 12:30 and ER101 begins. We kick off the afternoon meeting the Leading Knights and putting together a list of questions they have and would like to get answered before leaving tomorrow. The afternoon flies by and the Leading Knights hear a lot of information and spend some time in our breakout sessions learning and sharing. We adjourn for the day and are treated to a wonderful prime rib dinner prepared and served by the great Wadena Elk volunteers. It's off to bed early (for some) as breakfast will be served tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m., with the training to reconvene at 8:15 a.m.
Another great meal prepared by our gracious hosts of Wadena Lodge #2386 is served. Most think they will live to see another day after breakfast and a couple of cups of coffee. The seminar continues and more information is shared with the Leading Knights. We wrap up the day at about 11:30 and it's time for the Leading Knights to head back to their home lodges and get set for the coming year when they will serve as Exalted Ruler. Other than being extremely cold, the weather is good for all as they journey back home. Thanks to our hosts at Wadena Lodge #2386. Another successful ER101 has concluded and we hope that we have equipped our incoming Exalted Ruler's with the necessary information to have a successful year.
Well, I'm back on the road - destination - home. I'll be taking a couple of weekends off. At the end of the January, I will be traveling to Virginia, Minnesota, to help with our North District Hoop Shoot and then I'll be vacationing the first weekend of February at the Minnesota Elks Youth Camp with some friends. I'll be back on the road for official State President business when I travel to Hutchinson for the State Elks Hoop Shoot.
Until then, don't forget to "Rock The Boat!"
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Thursday, January 17, 2013, and I'm packing for my trip to Wadena, Minnesota, and ER101. The rock chip in my window has finally cracked - all the way across. It might have something to do with the fact that the temperature is well below zero and they are forecasting the coldest weekend of the winter so far. Must be ER101 . . .My first stop is the MN Elks Youth Camp to spend some time with the District Presidents. It's dinner at the Half Moon and then back to camp. No bonfire tonight as it's too cold. Friday morning arrives and we have breakfast and finalize the agenda for ER101. We head out, destination - Wadena, Minnesota, with a brief stop at the Twisted Sister in Staples. After getting checked in at the hotel, it's off to Wadena Lodge #2386 for a night of bingo and fun. The presenters and the leading knights are arriving and getting to know each other.
It's 12:30 and ER101 begins. We kick off the afternoon meeting the Leading Knights and putting together a list of questions they have and would like to get answered before leaving tomorrow. The afternoon flies by and the Leading Knights hear a lot of information and spend some time in our breakout sessions learning and sharing. We adjourn for the day and are treated to a wonderful prime rib dinner prepared and served by the great Wadena Elk volunteers. It's off to bed early (for some) as breakfast will be served tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m., with the training to reconvene at 8:15 a.m.
Another great meal prepared by our gracious hosts of Wadena Lodge #2386 is served. Most think they will live to see another day after breakfast and a couple of cups of coffee. The seminar continues and more information is shared with the Leading Knights. We wrap up the day at about 11:30 and it's time for the Leading Knights to head back to their home lodges and get set for the coming year when they will serve as Exalted Ruler. Other than being extremely cold, the weather is good for all as they journey back home. Thanks to our hosts at Wadena Lodge #2386. Another successful ER101 has concluded and we hope that we have equipped our incoming Exalted Ruler's with the necessary information to have a successful year.
Well, I'm back on the road - destination - home. I'll be taking a couple of weekends off. At the end of the January, I will be traveling to Virginia, Minnesota, to help with our North District Hoop Shoot and then I'll be vacationing the first weekend of February at the Minnesota Elks Youth Camp with some friends. I'll be back on the road for official State President business when I travel to Hutchinson for the State Elks Hoop Shoot.
Until then, don't forget to "Rock The Boat!"
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
State Hoop Shoot: Hutchinson
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
I've just returned from a relaxing weekend stay at the Mankato House at MN Elks Youth Camp. Unlike my visit a couple of weeks ago, it was actually nice enough for us to have a couple of bonfires during our stay. Unfortunately, it was on Saturday, February 2, 2013, that I received a phone call that State Chaplain and State Hoop Shoot Director LeRoy Belanger from International Falls #1599 had suffered a fall and was not expected to make it. Later in the day, I learned that LeRoy had been taken off of life support and had passed away. So, it is with a heavy heart that I begin my journey today, Friday, February 8, 2013, to Hutchinson, Minnesota, for the Minnesota State Elks Hoop Shoot. The weekend will not be the same without LeRoy. And, in typical Minnesota fashion, the weather forecasters are calling for a big storm this weekend and I have been taking many phone calls wondering if the shoot was going to take place. I thought to myself: "What Would LeRoy Do?" I indicated to all that the shoot was going to happen and that if they did not feel safe traveling, they should stay home.
I arrive in Hutchinson at the Victorian Inn and know that one of the first faces I should be seeing is LeRoy's and we would share a couple of Budweisers as we unpack his car. After checking into my room, I meet up with Bob Brown, AKA Brownie, in the Eagles for a couple of beers and a few stories about Leroy. After unpacking the car, it's time to head down to the Hutchinson Elks Lodge to visit and play bingo. Saturday morning arrives and I check in downstairs to see how things are going. Roger, Brownie, Lane and Sheila are busy getting the registration table set up and the goodie bags packed for the shooters. The kids are starting to arrive and check in and Brenda and Jerry Shoults are busy in the banquet room putting the trophies together. It's almost time to head over to the gym. I am happy to report that there is no snow yet and all of the shooters have arrived safely.
It's time for the shoot . . . We begin with the 8-9 year old Boys and Girls, move on to the 10-11 year old Boys and Girls, and finish up with the 12-13 Boys and Girls. It has been a fantastic shoot and MN has crowned the six champions that will advance to the North Central Region #3 Hoop Shoot Contest in Iowa City on March 16, 2013. Now it's time for the kids to go back to the hotel and spend a little time in the pool before the banquet and trophy presentations. While the kids are enjoying the pool, the Hoop Shoot crew has made their way to the Hutchinson Elks. Some of you are aware that the District Hoop Shoot Directors have their own "friendly" trophies: the "broom" and the "cheese head." The results are in and the winner of "friendly" competition and the coveted "broom" is Dan Holm, North District Director. In Dan's absence, I gladly accept the "broom" on his behalf. Tying for second were Pete Schroetke, South District Director, and Lane Schlecht, Central District Director. Coming in last, but not least, our newest director and now proud recipient of the "cheese head," Jerry Shoults, Metro District Director.
It's time for the banquet and awards presentation. It's nice to see each group of kids sitting at the front of the room together. The sportsmanship shown by this group of kids is extraordinary. The meal is served and I can see the kids eyeing up the trophies and certificates. Finally, it's time to present the "hardware" and invite the paparazzi to "do their thing." Another great MN Elks Hoop Shoot is in the books. I think LeRoy would have been proud!
Now, it's time to meet with the six shooters who will be advancing to Iowa City. Shooters advancing to the Regional Shoot are:
8-9 Girl: Brylee Lingen, Thief River Falls Lodge #1308, North District
8-9 Boy: Carsen Turk, Brainerd Lodge #615, Central District
10-11 Girl: Camryn Schwab, Thief River Falls Lodge #1308, North District
10-11 Boy: Mayson Brown, Hibbing Lodge #1022, North District
12-13 Girl: Shayla Loiland, Brainerd Lodge #615, Central District
12-13 Boy: Oakley Baker, Owatonna Lodge #1395, South District
It's back to the pool for some and "on-the-road" home for others. We still haven't seen any snow, but they are still forecasting bad weather. Some of us head back to the Hutchinson Lodge to visit and share a few more stories about LeRoy. Then, it's back to the hotel. I'm up early and ready to hit the road by 7:00 a.m. As I pack my car, a little bit of snow has fallen and it has just started to rain. Not what you like to see in early February. The temperature is around the freezing mark, so I'm hoping the roads are good until I get home. As I make my way up Highway 15 toward St. Cloud, it's a bit snowy and slippery, but I'll just take it slow. By the time I get to St. Cloud, it is a bit colder and it's stopped raining, so that's a good thing. Highway 23 over to 35W is dry. 35W to Duluth was the same. I'm happy to be home and hope that the rest of the people have made it home safely as well.
In closing, I want to thank the District Hoop Shoot Directors and District Presidents for stepping up and helping to insure that this Hoop Shoot went off without a "hitch." As you all know, LeRoy left some pretty big shoes to fill . . . Also, a big thanks to the other Elks who helped out with the event. I'm not going to list names, as I know you know who you are.
Well, I'm going to take a weekend off and I won't be hitting the road again until Saturday, February 23, 2013, when I have a day trip planned to Hibbing for the Elks International Bonspiel.
Until then, please remember to: "Rock The Boat!"
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
I've just returned from a relaxing weekend stay at the Mankato House at MN Elks Youth Camp. Unlike my visit a couple of weeks ago, it was actually nice enough for us to have a couple of bonfires during our stay. Unfortunately, it was on Saturday, February 2, 2013, that I received a phone call that State Chaplain and State Hoop Shoot Director LeRoy Belanger from International Falls #1599 had suffered a fall and was not expected to make it. Later in the day, I learned that LeRoy had been taken off of life support and had passed away. So, it is with a heavy heart that I begin my journey today, Friday, February 8, 2013, to Hutchinson, Minnesota, for the Minnesota State Elks Hoop Shoot. The weekend will not be the same without LeRoy. And, in typical Minnesota fashion, the weather forecasters are calling for a big storm this weekend and I have been taking many phone calls wondering if the shoot was going to take place. I thought to myself: "What Would LeRoy Do?" I indicated to all that the shoot was going to happen and that if they did not feel safe traveling, they should stay home.
I arrive in Hutchinson at the Victorian Inn and know that one of the first faces I should be seeing is LeRoy's and we would share a couple of Budweisers as we unpack his car. After checking into my room, I meet up with Bob Brown, AKA Brownie, in the Eagles for a couple of beers and a few stories about Leroy. After unpacking the car, it's time to head down to the Hutchinson Elks Lodge to visit and play bingo. Saturday morning arrives and I check in downstairs to see how things are going. Roger, Brownie, Lane and Sheila are busy getting the registration table set up and the goodie bags packed for the shooters. The kids are starting to arrive and check in and Brenda and Jerry Shoults are busy in the banquet room putting the trophies together. It's almost time to head over to the gym. I am happy to report that there is no snow yet and all of the shooters have arrived safely.
It's time for the shoot . . . We begin with the 8-9 year old Boys and Girls, move on to the 10-11 year old Boys and Girls, and finish up with the 12-13 Boys and Girls. It has been a fantastic shoot and MN has crowned the six champions that will advance to the North Central Region #3 Hoop Shoot Contest in Iowa City on March 16, 2013. Now it's time for the kids to go back to the hotel and spend a little time in the pool before the banquet and trophy presentations. While the kids are enjoying the pool, the Hoop Shoot crew has made their way to the Hutchinson Elks. Some of you are aware that the District Hoop Shoot Directors have their own "friendly" trophies: the "broom" and the "cheese head." The results are in and the winner of "friendly" competition and the coveted "broom" is Dan Holm, North District Director. In Dan's absence, I gladly accept the "broom" on his behalf. Tying for second were Pete Schroetke, South District Director, and Lane Schlecht, Central District Director. Coming in last, but not least, our newest director and now proud recipient of the "cheese head," Jerry Shoults, Metro District Director.
It's time for the banquet and awards presentation. It's nice to see each group of kids sitting at the front of the room together. The sportsmanship shown by this group of kids is extraordinary. The meal is served and I can see the kids eyeing up the trophies and certificates. Finally, it's time to present the "hardware" and invite the paparazzi to "do their thing." Another great MN Elks Hoop Shoot is in the books. I think LeRoy would have been proud!
Now, it's time to meet with the six shooters who will be advancing to Iowa City. Shooters advancing to the Regional Shoot are:
8-9 Girl: Brylee Lingen, Thief River Falls Lodge #1308, North District
8-9 Boy: Carsen Turk, Brainerd Lodge #615, Central District
10-11 Girl: Camryn Schwab, Thief River Falls Lodge #1308, North District
10-11 Boy: Mayson Brown, Hibbing Lodge #1022, North District
12-13 Girl: Shayla Loiland, Brainerd Lodge #615, Central District
12-13 Boy: Oakley Baker, Owatonna Lodge #1395, South District
It's back to the pool for some and "on-the-road" home for others. We still haven't seen any snow, but they are still forecasting bad weather. Some of us head back to the Hutchinson Lodge to visit and share a few more stories about LeRoy. Then, it's back to the hotel. I'm up early and ready to hit the road by 7:00 a.m. As I pack my car, a little bit of snow has fallen and it has just started to rain. Not what you like to see in early February. The temperature is around the freezing mark, so I'm hoping the roads are good until I get home. As I make my way up Highway 15 toward St. Cloud, it's a bit snowy and slippery, but I'll just take it slow. By the time I get to St. Cloud, it is a bit colder and it's stopped raining, so that's a good thing. Highway 23 over to 35W is dry. 35W to Duluth was the same. I'm happy to be home and hope that the rest of the people have made it home safely as well.
In closing, I want to thank the District Hoop Shoot Directors and District Presidents for stepping up and helping to insure that this Hoop Shoot went off without a "hitch." As you all know, LeRoy left some pretty big shoes to fill . . . Also, a big thanks to the other Elks who helped out with the event. I'm not going to list names, as I know you know who you are.
Well, I'm going to take a weekend off and I won't be hitting the road again until Saturday, February 23, 2013, when I have a day trip planned to Hibbing for the Elks International Bonspiel.
Until then, please remember to: "Rock The Boat!"
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Bonspiel Tournament : Hibbing
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
I can hardly believe it - no storm forecasted for this weekend. Maybe it's because I'm just taking a day trip today to Hibbing - only a mere 75 mile drive. It's Saturday, February 23, 2013, and my destination today is the Curling Club at the Memorial Building in Hibbing. Hibbing Lodge #1022 is the host of the Elks International Bonspiel. Teams competing today are from Thunder Bay, Red Wing, Eveleth, Virginia, Duluth and Hibbing. In visiting with the curlers, I've learned that Hibbing has done a great job hosting the event and everyone is having a great time. It's also nice to see that we again have a team from Thunder Bay participating. As the day progresses, it is finally time for the finals. In the main event there are two Hibbing teams competing against each other and the other two events boast three Hibbing teams and one Duluth team. In the end, there are two winning teams from Hibbing and one from Duluth. The curlers are off to the Hibbing Lodge for the banquet and it's time for me to head back to Duluth.
I told you it was going to be a short day-trip . . . As my year is winding down, so are my visits. On tap for the month of March is my visit to my home lodge, Duluth #133, a trip to Iowa City for the Regional Hoop Shoot, and my visit to Hopkins Lodge #2221.
Central District President George Lehn will be hosting the 2013-2014 State Budget Meeting in Hutchison on March 23, 2013. But, I think I'm going to invoke my motto and "Rock The Boat" and skip that event. Seeing as though it is the budget for next year, I'll let President-Elect George take that one on.
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
I can hardly believe it - no storm forecasted for this weekend. Maybe it's because I'm just taking a day trip today to Hibbing - only a mere 75 mile drive. It's Saturday, February 23, 2013, and my destination today is the Curling Club at the Memorial Building in Hibbing. Hibbing Lodge #1022 is the host of the Elks International Bonspiel. Teams competing today are from Thunder Bay, Red Wing, Eveleth, Virginia, Duluth and Hibbing. In visiting with the curlers, I've learned that Hibbing has done a great job hosting the event and everyone is having a great time. It's also nice to see that we again have a team from Thunder Bay participating. As the day progresses, it is finally time for the finals. In the main event there are two Hibbing teams competing against each other and the other two events boast three Hibbing teams and one Duluth team. In the end, there are two winning teams from Hibbing and one from Duluth. The curlers are off to the Hibbing Lodge for the banquet and it's time for me to head back to Duluth.
I told you it was going to be a short day-trip . . . As my year is winding down, so are my visits. On tap for the month of March is my visit to my home lodge, Duluth #133, a trip to Iowa City for the Regional Hoop Shoot, and my visit to Hopkins Lodge #2221.
Central District President George Lehn will be hosting the 2013-2014 State Budget Meeting in Hutchison on March 23, 2013. But, I think I'm going to invoke my motto and "Rock The Boat" and skip that event. Seeing as though it is the budget for next year, I'll let President-Elect George take that one on.
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President