On The Road With State President Lynn Rohlf
November, 2012
Mankato Lodge #225 Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks! I survived and returned to Duluth from my 1,000 journey . . . Now, I'm on the road again. As I prepare to leave this morning, I have made half of my lodge visits. 13 down, 13 to go. Today is Thursday, November 8, 2012, and my destination is - Mankato Elks Lodge #225. 235 miles - one way. I arrive in Mankato and get checked into my room. South District President Dick and Judy Ledebuhr arrive and we visit before First Lady Sally Coomes comes to pick us up to take us to the event this evening. We are attending the Wine Tasting Extravaganza hosted by Mankato Elks Lodge #225 at the North Links Golf Club. On tap for the evening - wine and beer samples. In addition, a Silent Auction, a Holiday Wine/Liquor Raffle, music by the Jim McGuire Trio, and Hors d'oeuvres. What a fabulous event and what a great way to make about $5,000 in just a little over two hours. The Mankato Elks host this event every year and were raising funds for three (3) scholarships and to help support their other local charitable activities. Again, a visit to a lodge with no club/bar. But, yet they manage to give away and do more than some lodges that have larger memberships and a club/bar facility. Another lodge that I think we can learn a lot from. I believe that we would all like to raise that kind of cash in such a short amount of time. This lodge has a great leader in ER Roger Coomes. If you've met Roger he is pretty laid back, but I learned that he can "get the job done." He said that it was nothing, but I pointed out that you need a great leader to get people to follow. The Mankato Cub Liquor Store was sampling many varieties of wine, along with a local winery or two. In addition, you could sample some Schell's Beer from the brewery in New Ulm. The Officers and PER's were busy preparing and serving up some wonderful Hors d'oeuvres and just being great hosts. I enjoyed visiting with them and their guests and being able to sample some great wines. My preference is still beer and my favorite that night was the Schell's Dark. Mankato is getting ready to host the 2013 State Golf Tournament and it will be held at the North Links Golf Club. From what I could see, it looks to be a beautiful facility. Make sure to put this on your calendar and plan to attend. Well, I'm going to making a little detour on my journey tomorrow and am heading further southwest to the big town of Windom. I'm going to visit with my Aunt JoAnn and Uncle Harold and will stay with them until I head off to Faribault on Saturday for my visit with their lodge. Don't forget to "Rock The Boat." Fraternally, Lynn Rohlf Minnesota Elks Association State President |
Faribault Lodge #1166
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Saturday, November 10, 2012, and I'm on the road again - destination - Morristown, Minnesota USA. Since I'm traveling East on Highway 60, ER Richard Lock informs me that I will go right by his house. So, I'll be stopping off to have lunch with Richard and Ruth before my final destination of Faribault Lodge #1166. Just finished up with lunch at the Old Town Tavern and now I'm off to check into my hotel in Faribault. Then, I will be going to the Cheese Cave with Ruth and Diane Hammes for some wine and cheese sampling before heading over to the Lodge for the evening. Just got to the lodge after having some fabulous wine and some even more fabulous cheese at the Cheese Cave. If you've never been, I'd highly recommend it.
On tap for the evening - a basket auction and some wine and beer tasting. All of the baskets have been donated and there sure are some nice items for auction. I've bid on a few, but have finally decided that I'm going to just concentrate on one, otherwise I may need to find another job to help fund these basket events. Again, some interesting wines to sample, as well as some really tasty beers. My favorite tonight - not beer or wine - but, the Angry Orchard Hard Cider. Coming in second was my combination of the Chocolate Bock with the Lucid AIR. Chocolate with a hint of lemon. I guess it helps if your favorite cake is chocolate with lemon filling and chocolate frosting . . . In addition to the wine and beer, there are many fabulous appetizers donated by the members. So many tasty items to sample. The basket auction was a great success and I was successful in winning one basket.
The real winner - the Elks National Foundation - as this is where all of the money raised during this event was earmarked for. Again, a great group of Elks throwing a great party and having a great time and raising money for a great program! If you're looking for a fun event to raise some big dollars, this might be the ticket for your lodge. If you are interested, you do not have to recreate the wheel, just simply get in touch with the Faribault Elks and they can hook you up with all of the details. And, to finish out the evening, there were some great karaoke singers for your listening pleasure.
Things are happening in Faribault and they are gearing up to host the 2014 State Elks Convention. Well, I'm going to be taking a few days off and will not be on the road again until the day after Thanksgiving when I head north to International Falls.
Thanks for going on the road with me and reading my posts. And, thanks for continuing to "Rock The Boat."
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Saturday, November 10, 2012, and I'm on the road again - destination - Morristown, Minnesota USA. Since I'm traveling East on Highway 60, ER Richard Lock informs me that I will go right by his house. So, I'll be stopping off to have lunch with Richard and Ruth before my final destination of Faribault Lodge #1166. Just finished up with lunch at the Old Town Tavern and now I'm off to check into my hotel in Faribault. Then, I will be going to the Cheese Cave with Ruth and Diane Hammes for some wine and cheese sampling before heading over to the Lodge for the evening. Just got to the lodge after having some fabulous wine and some even more fabulous cheese at the Cheese Cave. If you've never been, I'd highly recommend it.
On tap for the evening - a basket auction and some wine and beer tasting. All of the baskets have been donated and there sure are some nice items for auction. I've bid on a few, but have finally decided that I'm going to just concentrate on one, otherwise I may need to find another job to help fund these basket events. Again, some interesting wines to sample, as well as some really tasty beers. My favorite tonight - not beer or wine - but, the Angry Orchard Hard Cider. Coming in second was my combination of the Chocolate Bock with the Lucid AIR. Chocolate with a hint of lemon. I guess it helps if your favorite cake is chocolate with lemon filling and chocolate frosting . . . In addition to the wine and beer, there are many fabulous appetizers donated by the members. So many tasty items to sample. The basket auction was a great success and I was successful in winning one basket.
The real winner - the Elks National Foundation - as this is where all of the money raised during this event was earmarked for. Again, a great group of Elks throwing a great party and having a great time and raising money for a great program! If you're looking for a fun event to raise some big dollars, this might be the ticket for your lodge. If you are interested, you do not have to recreate the wheel, just simply get in touch with the Faribault Elks and they can hook you up with all of the details. And, to finish out the evening, there were some great karaoke singers for your listening pleasure.
Things are happening in Faribault and they are gearing up to host the 2014 State Elks Convention. Well, I'm going to be taking a few days off and will not be on the road again until the day after Thanksgiving when I head north to International Falls.
Thanks for going on the road with me and reading my posts. And, thanks for continuing to "Rock The Boat."
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
International Falls Lodge #1599
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Black Friday and I survived Thanksgiving. As I wake up and look out the window, I've decided that the day should be renamed: "White Friday". After a night of howling wind and snow, I see that Virginia, Minnesota, has received 6 plus inches of snow. As I'm having my cup of coffee, my dad asks: "Are you still going to International Falls for your visit?" I told him that I hadn't even been outside yet and would make that decision when I saw what the roads looked like. After making my traditional stops at Herberger's and Target, I've decided that I would be making the trek to International Falls. I know the roads were snowy, but I kept hearing my brother's voice in the back of my head saying: "go, you live in Minnesota, it snows." The tradition will continue. You see, I have been attending the "Visit With Santa" at the International Falls Lodge #1599 for the last four years. Lucky for me I have a new 4-wheel drive vehicle and the trip isn't so bad. The further North I drive, the less snow there is. Upon arrival in International Falls, I learn that they only had 2 inches of snow. But, the tradition of it being "cold" is continuing . . . I'll be staying with my cousin Connie - so another good part of the trip.
My cousin's friend Ginny has stopped by to give us a ride to the lodge. We arrive at the lodge about 4 p.m. and everyone is getting ready for the kids to arrive to visit with Santa. In addition to the visit with Santa, the lodge is serving sloppy joes and hot dogs, providing cookies and crafts for the kids, and having a bike give-away for a boy and for a girl. This year, I get to help with the craft table. There were lots of kids and they were having lots of fun. A quick story to share with you all: A little girl said to her mother, "but mom, if I tell this Santa what I want for Christmas, will he tell the real Santa at Macy's?" Santa and his helper Flip did a great job talking with all of the kids, taking photos, and handing out gift bags. Before I knew it, it was time for Santa to leave and jump into his sleigh as he needed to get to the parade route.
It was time for the parade to start. The route was reversed this year, so it took a bit longer for the entrants to get to the front of the Lodge. But, it was worth standing out in the cold and seeing all of the brave souls that were in the parade. I think the finest I've seen in the last five years. It's hard to believe that the event keeps getting bigger and better, but that's just the way they do it at International Falls Lodge #1599. After the parade, it was time for the members to come in and warm up and listen and dance to Pat Porter. I must have been a good girl all year as my first dance was with Santa.
Another great visit as I make my way across the great State of Minnesota. International Falls Lodge #1599 is doing a great job in their community and this event proves it. It was a great night for children (and their families) to come out and visit with Santa and enjoy the parade. It doesn't get much better than this. The Lodge continues to be a shining star in their community and holds many events throughout the year for the youth of their community. They have a hardworking membership and ER Mike Noland tells me that his goal is to have ten percent of the population be members of their lodge. That magic number is 600 and they are steadily making strides to reach that goal. It's always nice to go back to International Falls to visit with the members and to meet some new ones. Another bonus is that I also get to visit with family as my mother (Linda) was from International Falls. As a matter of fact, my cousin's husband is an officer in the Lodge.
Well, it's Saturday afternoon and I'm heading back toward Duluth. It's snowing again - imagine that . . . In fact, it snowed all the way back to Duluth. I'm making a slight detour from State President duties tomorrow and am just going to be a member of Duluth Lodge #133. I've volunteered (along with my cousin Terri) to make soup and sandwiches for the Vikings game. It was my one free Viking Sunday from State President visits. The next month will be a busy one for me as I make 6 visits the first 3 weekends in December. Heading in a southerly direction and hoping for good roads and no snow.
Stay tuned for my posts from my next two visits at Minneapolis Lodge #44 and Dakota County Lodge #2832. Stay warm, drive safe, and remember to "Rock The Boat."
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President
Greetings Fellow Minnesota Elks!
It's Black Friday and I survived Thanksgiving. As I wake up and look out the window, I've decided that the day should be renamed: "White Friday". After a night of howling wind and snow, I see that Virginia, Minnesota, has received 6 plus inches of snow. As I'm having my cup of coffee, my dad asks: "Are you still going to International Falls for your visit?" I told him that I hadn't even been outside yet and would make that decision when I saw what the roads looked like. After making my traditional stops at Herberger's and Target, I've decided that I would be making the trek to International Falls. I know the roads were snowy, but I kept hearing my brother's voice in the back of my head saying: "go, you live in Minnesota, it snows." The tradition will continue. You see, I have been attending the "Visit With Santa" at the International Falls Lodge #1599 for the last four years. Lucky for me I have a new 4-wheel drive vehicle and the trip isn't so bad. The further North I drive, the less snow there is. Upon arrival in International Falls, I learn that they only had 2 inches of snow. But, the tradition of it being "cold" is continuing . . . I'll be staying with my cousin Connie - so another good part of the trip.
My cousin's friend Ginny has stopped by to give us a ride to the lodge. We arrive at the lodge about 4 p.m. and everyone is getting ready for the kids to arrive to visit with Santa. In addition to the visit with Santa, the lodge is serving sloppy joes and hot dogs, providing cookies and crafts for the kids, and having a bike give-away for a boy and for a girl. This year, I get to help with the craft table. There were lots of kids and they were having lots of fun. A quick story to share with you all: A little girl said to her mother, "but mom, if I tell this Santa what I want for Christmas, will he tell the real Santa at Macy's?" Santa and his helper Flip did a great job talking with all of the kids, taking photos, and handing out gift bags. Before I knew it, it was time for Santa to leave and jump into his sleigh as he needed to get to the parade route.
It was time for the parade to start. The route was reversed this year, so it took a bit longer for the entrants to get to the front of the Lodge. But, it was worth standing out in the cold and seeing all of the brave souls that were in the parade. I think the finest I've seen in the last five years. It's hard to believe that the event keeps getting bigger and better, but that's just the way they do it at International Falls Lodge #1599. After the parade, it was time for the members to come in and warm up and listen and dance to Pat Porter. I must have been a good girl all year as my first dance was with Santa.
Another great visit as I make my way across the great State of Minnesota. International Falls Lodge #1599 is doing a great job in their community and this event proves it. It was a great night for children (and their families) to come out and visit with Santa and enjoy the parade. It doesn't get much better than this. The Lodge continues to be a shining star in their community and holds many events throughout the year for the youth of their community. They have a hardworking membership and ER Mike Noland tells me that his goal is to have ten percent of the population be members of their lodge. That magic number is 600 and they are steadily making strides to reach that goal. It's always nice to go back to International Falls to visit with the members and to meet some new ones. Another bonus is that I also get to visit with family as my mother (Linda) was from International Falls. As a matter of fact, my cousin's husband is an officer in the Lodge.
Well, it's Saturday afternoon and I'm heading back toward Duluth. It's snowing again - imagine that . . . In fact, it snowed all the way back to Duluth. I'm making a slight detour from State President duties tomorrow and am just going to be a member of Duluth Lodge #133. I've volunteered (along with my cousin Terri) to make soup and sandwiches for the Vikings game. It was my one free Viking Sunday from State President visits. The next month will be a busy one for me as I make 6 visits the first 3 weekends in December. Heading in a southerly direction and hoping for good roads and no snow.
Stay tuned for my posts from my next two visits at Minneapolis Lodge #44 and Dakota County Lodge #2832. Stay warm, drive safe, and remember to "Rock The Boat."
Fraternally,
Lynn Rohlf
Minnesota Elks Association State President