On The Road With State President Lynn Rohlf
March, 2013
Duluth #133 Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks! It's Saturday, March 2, 2013, and it's a great day as I don't have to drive anywhere today! You see, I'm making my official visit to my home lodge, Duluth #133. Exalted Ruler Farnham has indicated that he will pick me up and see that I get home. And, since I'm not really traveling anywhere - there is absolutely no snow or sleet or freezing rain in the forecast today! The event today is Duluth's Dues Paying Day and Chili and Soup Cook Off. This is favorite event of mine. Today is the day that you can come in and pay your dues and wait while the lodge secretary makes your card. In addition, for paying your dues early, the lodge treats you to a beverage of your choice. In conjunction with dues paying, we also have a chili and soup cook off. Members bring their favorite pot of soup and/or chili and those in attendance vote on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category. For just $5, you can purchase a bowl and spoon and sample the entries. When this event first began a number of years ago, it was just a chili cook off. Over the years, we expanded and added soup to the event. There are six soup entries and seven chili entries. Having attended this event a number of time, I've learned how to pace myself and only sample a couple of spoons of each pot of soup and/or chili as I want to sample them all. The big question of the day is: "Which crock pot is Jeff Haus' chili in?" You see, Jeff always makes an interesting pot of chili. Over the years, we have learned that he sometimes uses venison, elk and even porcupine in his chili. And, rest assured, it is always the "hottest" pot of chili you will ever taste in your life. Very quickly a small note is written that reads: "very hot" and it is placed in front of the last pot of chili on the table. I guess we have figured out which pot is Jeff's. I've made my way through all of the soup entries and now all of the chili entries. I even tried Jeff's chili. It is very hot, but good. I heard one person say: The good thing about it is, it never gets any hotter. Throughout the day the members have cast their votes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, and it is time for the awards and to learn who prepared each entry. Winning 1st place in the chili category was Cathy Schullo. Winning 1st place in the soup category was your very own State President - me. My entry of boiled dinner soup won over the members in attendance and took first place. As I've been traveling around the State since last July, I haven't had much time to spend at my own lodge. So, it was very nice to finally make my official visit to Duluth Lodge #133 and have some time to visit with the members. It was great to see everyone and to catch up on what's been happening. 23 visits down and 3 to go. Where has the time gone? I'll be taking a weekend off and then will be heading to Iowa City, Iowa for the Regional Hoop Shoot. Until then . . . Don't forget to: "Rock The Boat!" Fraternally, Lynn Rohlf Minnesota Elks Association State President |
Regional Hoop Shoot
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Friday, March 15, 2013, and I'm just leaving the Motel 6 in Rochester, Minnesota, and I'm on my way to pick up Bob Brown and my next destination: Regional Hoop Shoot - Iowa City, Iowa. I hit the road and I'm happy that the temperature is 32 degrees and the freezing rain has not yet materialized. The side streets and sidewalks are a bit slippery, but I make it to Brownie's house and we are on our way. Our first stop is to buy bananas. You see, each state is required to bring something for the Hoop Shoot hospitality room in Iowa City. We need to bring: paper plates, spoons, napkins, plastic cups and fruit. Brownie informs me that this was always the first stop from him and LeRoy on their way out of town and the next stop would be for me to buy him lunch. Upon leaving Rochester, I punch in Iowa City, Iowa, as the destination on my GPS. Brownie informed me that I wouldn't be needing my GPS, as he "knew the way." I told him that I hoped we didn't continue the speeding ticket tradition set by him and LeRoy. We made our first pit stop for lunch and I got to buy. We got back on the road and arrived at the hotel at 1:30 p.m.
After getting checked in, we headed over to the local grocery store to buy some "supplies." After all of the shooters got registered, we met with the shooters and their families to hand out the warm-up suits. At 5 p.m. there was a welcome party for all of the contestants, their families and guests. There was complimentary pizza, soft drinks and cake served. In addition, there were many games and activities for the kids to participate in. Following the pizza party, the hospitality room was open until 9 p.m. Regional Director Tony Voulgaris hosted a dinner for the State Presidents and some other Hoop Shoot Personnel at the hotel. It was nice to meet and get acquainted with the other Elks in attendance from Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. Since I had to go to this dinner, I sent Mr. Brown and Dick Lyscio over to man the hospitality room from 6:45 until 8 p.m. After dinner, I was surprised to see that the hospitality room and the pool area were pretty quiet. I guess the shooters were in bed early in preparation for the big day ahead.
Saturday morning arrived and the Minnesota Delegation met in the lobby, along with the other states. Group photos were taken and the shooters lined up with their respective directors for the Grand March into the ballroom for breakfast. After breakfast, the shooting order was announced and contest rules were gone over. At 9:00 a.m., all contestants boarded the bus to head over to the gym for the shoot. The contest began at 9:30 a.m. and the competition was fierce. The contest concluded at about noon. The results: 8-9 Girl Brylee Lingen finished second; 8-9 Boy Carsen Turk finished third; 10-11 Girl Camryn Schwab finished fourth; 10-11 Boy Mayson Brown finished fourth; 12-13 Girl Shayla Loiland finished fourth; and, 12-13 Boy Oakley Baker finished first. In addition, Oakley was the top boy shooter. We all boarded the bus and headed back to the hotel.
The Awards Banquet started at 1:30 p.m. Again, the shooters were all anticipating the presentation of the trophies. I was fortunate enough to be able to present the fourth place trophies in all categories. Following the banquet, the hospitality room was again open from 5 to 9 p.m. Minnesota manned the room from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. I don't know if I have ever seen so much sugar in all of my life!! After all of the kids were tucked into bed, Brownie and I headed down to the hotel bar. We met up with some other Elks from Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. We toasted LeRoy and shared a few LeRoy stories.
As I think back on the Regional Hoot Shoot event, I believe it is one of the finest events I have ever attended as an Elk. This event truly shows that we are about the kids! From the time the kids arrive until the time that they leave, it is all about them. From the pizza party, the activities and games, the shoot, the banquet, the awards and the pool, it's all for the kids. I heard so many positive and thankful comments from the families about this event. Some can hardly believe it. If you have never been to a hoop shoot - local, district, state, regional or national - I encourage you to put it on your list of things to do. The next time I add $10.00 for the Elk's National Foundation to my dues check, I know first-hand that it is the best $10.00 I have ever spent. I'm also going to challenge the State of Minnesota to have a greater presence at this Regional Shoot. As you know, I traveled to the shoot with Bob Brown. Dick Lyscio from Brainerd was also in attendance. So, you do the math: 3 Elks from Minnesota. I can tell you there were many more than that from Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa.
It would have been nice to send six winners from Minnesota to the National Shoot in Springfield. Our lone representative will be Oakley Baker from Geneva, Minnesota, shooting out of Owatonna Lodge #1395. As you may be aware, Oakley is a National Champion already and has won the Getty Powell Award for the highest percentage of shooting. On behalf of the State of Minnesota, I wish him great success as he travels to his last National Shoot. If you would like to check out some photos from the 2013 Regional Contest, you can go online to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48429302@N02/sets/
Well, I had better get off to bed as 5 a.m. is going to come quite early tomorrow. I need to be on the road early, as I'm making my official visit to Hopkins Lodge #2221 tomorrow, which just so happens to be St. Patrick's Day.
Before you know it, I'll be writing another post from Hopkins. In the meantime, please remember to: "Rock The Boat!"
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Friday, March 15, 2013, and I'm just leaving the Motel 6 in Rochester, Minnesota, and I'm on my way to pick up Bob Brown and my next destination: Regional Hoop Shoot - Iowa City, Iowa. I hit the road and I'm happy that the temperature is 32 degrees and the freezing rain has not yet materialized. The side streets and sidewalks are a bit slippery, but I make it to Brownie's house and we are on our way. Our first stop is to buy bananas. You see, each state is required to bring something for the Hoop Shoot hospitality room in Iowa City. We need to bring: paper plates, spoons, napkins, plastic cups and fruit. Brownie informs me that this was always the first stop from him and LeRoy on their way out of town and the next stop would be for me to buy him lunch. Upon leaving Rochester, I punch in Iowa City, Iowa, as the destination on my GPS. Brownie informed me that I wouldn't be needing my GPS, as he "knew the way." I told him that I hoped we didn't continue the speeding ticket tradition set by him and LeRoy. We made our first pit stop for lunch and I got to buy. We got back on the road and arrived at the hotel at 1:30 p.m.
After getting checked in, we headed over to the local grocery store to buy some "supplies." After all of the shooters got registered, we met with the shooters and their families to hand out the warm-up suits. At 5 p.m. there was a welcome party for all of the contestants, their families and guests. There was complimentary pizza, soft drinks and cake served. In addition, there were many games and activities for the kids to participate in. Following the pizza party, the hospitality room was open until 9 p.m. Regional Director Tony Voulgaris hosted a dinner for the State Presidents and some other Hoop Shoot Personnel at the hotel. It was nice to meet and get acquainted with the other Elks in attendance from Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. Since I had to go to this dinner, I sent Mr. Brown and Dick Lyscio over to man the hospitality room from 6:45 until 8 p.m. After dinner, I was surprised to see that the hospitality room and the pool area were pretty quiet. I guess the shooters were in bed early in preparation for the big day ahead.
Saturday morning arrived and the Minnesota Delegation met in the lobby, along with the other states. Group photos were taken and the shooters lined up with their respective directors for the Grand March into the ballroom for breakfast. After breakfast, the shooting order was announced and contest rules were gone over. At 9:00 a.m., all contestants boarded the bus to head over to the gym for the shoot. The contest began at 9:30 a.m. and the competition was fierce. The contest concluded at about noon. The results: 8-9 Girl Brylee Lingen finished second; 8-9 Boy Carsen Turk finished third; 10-11 Girl Camryn Schwab finished fourth; 10-11 Boy Mayson Brown finished fourth; 12-13 Girl Shayla Loiland finished fourth; and, 12-13 Boy Oakley Baker finished first. In addition, Oakley was the top boy shooter. We all boarded the bus and headed back to the hotel.
The Awards Banquet started at 1:30 p.m. Again, the shooters were all anticipating the presentation of the trophies. I was fortunate enough to be able to present the fourth place trophies in all categories. Following the banquet, the hospitality room was again open from 5 to 9 p.m. Minnesota manned the room from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. I don't know if I have ever seen so much sugar in all of my life!! After all of the kids were tucked into bed, Brownie and I headed down to the hotel bar. We met up with some other Elks from Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. We toasted LeRoy and shared a few LeRoy stories.
As I think back on the Regional Hoot Shoot event, I believe it is one of the finest events I have ever attended as an Elk. This event truly shows that we are about the kids! From the time the kids arrive until the time that they leave, it is all about them. From the pizza party, the activities and games, the shoot, the banquet, the awards and the pool, it's all for the kids. I heard so many positive and thankful comments from the families about this event. Some can hardly believe it. If you have never been to a hoop shoot - local, district, state, regional or national - I encourage you to put it on your list of things to do. The next time I add $10.00 for the Elk's National Foundation to my dues check, I know first-hand that it is the best $10.00 I have ever spent. I'm also going to challenge the State of Minnesota to have a greater presence at this Regional Shoot. As you know, I traveled to the shoot with Bob Brown. Dick Lyscio from Brainerd was also in attendance. So, you do the math: 3 Elks from Minnesota. I can tell you there were many more than that from Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa.
It would have been nice to send six winners from Minnesota to the National Shoot in Springfield. Our lone representative will be Oakley Baker from Geneva, Minnesota, shooting out of Owatonna Lodge #1395. As you may be aware, Oakley is a National Champion already and has won the Getty Powell Award for the highest percentage of shooting. On behalf of the State of Minnesota, I wish him great success as he travels to his last National Shoot. If you would like to check out some photos from the 2013 Regional Contest, you can go online to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48429302@N02/sets/
Well, I had better get off to bed as 5 a.m. is going to come quite early tomorrow. I need to be on the road early, as I'm making my official visit to Hopkins Lodge #2221 tomorrow, which just so happens to be St. Patrick's Day.
Before you know it, I'll be writing another post from Hopkins. In the meantime, please remember to: "Rock The Boat!"
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Hopkins Lodge #2221
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Sunday, March 17, 2013, and it's 5 a.m. The Regional Hoop Shoot wrapped up last night and I'm up early to hit the road for my next stop: Hopkins Lodge #2221. I hit the road at 6:10 a.m. and know that I have a five hour drive ahead of me. One cup of coffee, one cup of hot chocolate, two bottles of water and a can of coke and I now think I can make it the rest of the way . . . I pull into the hotel at 11:10 and have to hurry up to my room to get ready as my ride, Pat Wright, is due to pick me up at 11:30 to take me to the Lodge.
Green wig - check; green shirt - check; green feather boa - check; green beads - check; shamrock socks - check. Oh, did I forget to mention that I'm going to the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Hopkins? I receive a warm welcome when from the Hopkins Elks when I arrive at the Lodge! I haven't seen so much green in all of my life. I see many people that I know and, through the course of the day, I had the opportunity to meet many new members at the Elks. I made a stop back in the kitchen to greet the great group of Elk volunteers who were serving up Beef Stew and Reubens. I had a reuben and it was fabulous! At around 2 p.m., Virg Evenstad, Parade Chairman, tracked me down, presented me with my St. Pat's Button, and said that I needed to stick with him as we were going to find the mayor and get lined up for the parade. Unbeknownst to me, I was going to be walking with Mayor Gene Maxwell and ER Vic Baldwin, right behind the Co-Grand Marshals Fran Hesch and Ron Evans. Here I thought I was just going to be watching the parade. Surprise!
We went outside and started lining up. Lots of people and lots o'green. I was told that it is the world's shortest parade and that the parade route was about 4 blocks long and we would walk from the Elks to the American Legion. Right before the Legion I stopped at the street corner so I could enjoy seeing all of the people in the parade that were walking behind me. When we all arrived at the Legion, I was able to address the gathering and thank the Hopkins Elks and the American Legion for allowing me to participate in this great parade. Trophies were awarded to the best green costume in three age categories. Then, it was back to the Elks. I had an opportunity to speak with the members about the projects going on at their lodge and learned about their Back Pack Program which they started up with the ENF Impact Grant they received. There are great things happening at the Hopkins Elks. Thanks to the Hopkins Elks for a great and green time!
In closing, I do need to point out that this is not the "shortest" parade that I have been in. It was the "shortest" St. Patrick's Day Parade, but I've been in a shorter parade on the Fourth Of July in my hometown of Melrude. I'll be taking a few weeks off until my next visit, which will be to Hibbing Lodge #1022 on April 13, 2013. I know the 2013-2014 year is coming to a close for many Exalted Rulers. I thank them for living my motto this past year. They really know how to "Rock The Boat!"
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Sunday, March 17, 2013, and it's 5 a.m. The Regional Hoop Shoot wrapped up last night and I'm up early to hit the road for my next stop: Hopkins Lodge #2221. I hit the road at 6:10 a.m. and know that I have a five hour drive ahead of me. One cup of coffee, one cup of hot chocolate, two bottles of water and a can of coke and I now think I can make it the rest of the way . . . I pull into the hotel at 11:10 and have to hurry up to my room to get ready as my ride, Pat Wright, is due to pick me up at 11:30 to take me to the Lodge.
Green wig - check; green shirt - check; green feather boa - check; green beads - check; shamrock socks - check. Oh, did I forget to mention that I'm going to the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Hopkins? I receive a warm welcome when from the Hopkins Elks when I arrive at the Lodge! I haven't seen so much green in all of my life. I see many people that I know and, through the course of the day, I had the opportunity to meet many new members at the Elks. I made a stop back in the kitchen to greet the great group of Elk volunteers who were serving up Beef Stew and Reubens. I had a reuben and it was fabulous! At around 2 p.m., Virg Evenstad, Parade Chairman, tracked me down, presented me with my St. Pat's Button, and said that I needed to stick with him as we were going to find the mayor and get lined up for the parade. Unbeknownst to me, I was going to be walking with Mayor Gene Maxwell and ER Vic Baldwin, right behind the Co-Grand Marshals Fran Hesch and Ron Evans. Here I thought I was just going to be watching the parade. Surprise!
We went outside and started lining up. Lots of people and lots o'green. I was told that it is the world's shortest parade and that the parade route was about 4 blocks long and we would walk from the Elks to the American Legion. Right before the Legion I stopped at the street corner so I could enjoy seeing all of the people in the parade that were walking behind me. When we all arrived at the Legion, I was able to address the gathering and thank the Hopkins Elks and the American Legion for allowing me to participate in this great parade. Trophies were awarded to the best green costume in three age categories. Then, it was back to the Elks. I had an opportunity to speak with the members about the projects going on at their lodge and learned about their Back Pack Program which they started up with the ENF Impact Grant they received. There are great things happening at the Hopkins Elks. Thanks to the Hopkins Elks for a great and green time!
In closing, I do need to point out that this is not the "shortest" parade that I have been in. It was the "shortest" St. Patrick's Day Parade, but I've been in a shorter parade on the Fourth Of July in my hometown of Melrude. I'll be taking a few weeks off until my next visit, which will be to Hibbing Lodge #1022 on April 13, 2013. I know the 2013-2014 year is coming to a close for many Exalted Rulers. I thank them for living my motto this past year. They really know how to "Rock The Boat!"
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
