Current Issue: September 2009
Features
12
The Acceptance Speech of James L. Nichelson
At the 2009 Grand Lodge Convention, in Portland, Oregon, James L. Nichelson accepted the position of Grand Exalted Ruler and urged members to make a difference in their communities.
32
Beautiful Dreamer: How Stephen Foster Shaped American Music, by Bill Vossler
Stephen Foster's music captured the spirit of the American South and transformed the image of antebellum days.
38
Straight Shooters: The 37th Annual Elks National Hoop Shoot, by Linda Tagliaferro
Building character and fostering family values, the Hoop Shoot comes to its climactic 2009 finals.
44
Worth Another Visit: The Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota, by Patricia Ann McNair
Presidents and a chief are commemorated in the Black Hills, where Native Americans, gold seekers, and railroad men sought their dreams.
Departments
4
Message from the GER
6
Travels of the GER
8
It's Your Business, by Timothy Middleton
10
Healthline, by Elizabeth A. Reid, M.D.
18
News of the Lodges
50
Elks National Veterans Service Commission
55
Elks National Foundation Joy of Giving
57
