Midday with the ENF: 2018 (Season 5)
Join the ENF for lunch! Listen to the latest episodes of Midday with the ENF. The Elks National Foundation's monthly podcast--hosted by Jim O'Kelley and sidekick Debbie Doles--features stories, jokes, and an inside look at ENF programs.
Have a question or comment? Send it to the Midday Mailbag by emailing enf@elks.org with subject Midday.
On the go? You can also subscribe to Midday with the ENF through iTunes.
Episode 50: December 2018 | The End of the Tunnel
While Jim attends his daughter's Christmas pageant, his little Elves handle Midday ... and turn in one of the pod's all-time best episodes. Debbie and sidekick's sidekick Mary Morgan interview Phil, a veteran, husband and step-father to two who staved off homelessness thanks to emergency assistance from the Elks. Elks Scholar Fellow Brianna Bueltmann also joins the pod. Listen today!
Show Notes
Here are the links to web pages and videos mentioned in the December episode of Midday.
Flashpoint Chicago. (This episode was produced by students Beau Falcon and Nikolai Stier.)
Fair warning: turn down the volume. A choir of angels we're not. But catch our caroling in 2015 and 2010.
We'll do our best to share a video of Jane O'Kelley and her preschool class singing "We Are Santa's Elves.
Want to see how the Elks National Foundation stacks up against other charities? So do we. Do us a favor -- head over to Charity Navigator and vote for us to be rated.
Meet Elks Scholar Fellow Brianna Bueltmann.
Learn more about the Elks National Veterans Service Commission's Welcome Home initiative.
Check out Be the Spark, our series of profiles of veterans whom we've helped exit or avoid homelessness through emergency assistance. Phil is the first vet featured.
Episode 49: November 2018 | The Golden Tickets
Colleen Conrad joins Jim and Debbie to reveal the winning Impact Grant Lodges for 2019. The announcement was made on this episode, four days before the news will be shared online.
Show Notes
Here are the links to web pages and videos mentioned in the November episode of Midday.
Flashpoint Chicago. (This episode was produced by students Ashley Ruano, Beau Falcon and Nikolai Stier.)
Kick off the season of giving by supporting the ENF on #GivingTuesday!
You can support the ENF while you shop this holiday season. Here's how.
Jim, Debbie and Colleen are members of the Fidelity Club. You should join, too!
For the nuts and bolts on our Impact Grants, go here.
Check out A Way Forward, a great new video about St. Louis Lodge's Freedom Grant project. Find 3 1/2 minutes to watch this great video about St. Louis Lodge's Freedom Grant project.
Larry Torres is super sexy, but can he dunk?
A total of 68 percent of last year's first-time grant recipients were renewed this year.
Here is one of the ubiquitous School of Rock posters hanging around our office:
Read about Colleen and Debbie's trip last month to Oshkosh.
Colleen visited a few of these Lodges during last year's Barnstorming trip through the Carolinas. We had the barnstormers on the pod for episode 40 last October.
Susan Good was our Volunteer of the Year in 2016.
Watch Giving Back to learn more about the Millcreek school served by St. George "Dixie" Lodge.
Hopkins Lodge was featured in Do Good Things Together.
Past National President Ted Hess talks about Wheeling's Impact Grant project at the 4:40 mark in our orientation video, which was filmed back when Jim still had brown hair.
We featured Coos Bay's project in a video 3 1/2 years ago.
Learn more about the Community Investments Program.
Learn more about the Most Valuable Student scholarship program.
Learn more about the Elks Scholar Service Trip to Biloxi.
See the class of 2019 Impact Grant Lodges here. (PDF)
Episode 48: October 2018 | Debbie's Field Notes
Debbie has spent a lot of the time in the field lately. In this episode, she tells us all about her recent trips to Albuquerque for the National Scholarship Providers Association's annual conference and to Oshkosh (with a side trip to Milwaukee) for an Impact Grant site visit. Plus, Jim gives an insider's look at Elks headquarters' annual Halloween party.
Show Notes
Here are the links to web pages and videos mentioned in the October episode of Midday.
Flashpoint Chicago. (This episode was produced by students Ashley Ruano, Beau Falcon and Nikolai Stier.)
Meet our Elks Scholar Fellows. Then picture John dressed like a 1970s basketball player.
Watch a short film about the Winter 2016 Elks Scholar Service Trip to the Bay Area, featuring Keoni Bailey.
Keoni is also in the wonderful 150 for 150 film from San Antonio. can't watch that one too many times!
Learn more about our Weigel Medical School Scholarship.
We used to be another face in the crowd at the National Scholarship Providers Association's annual conference. Now, we lead sessions there.
Want to know more about our scholar relations efforts? Spend some time clicking around this dashboard.
Two of the inspirations for those efforts: The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and the Ron Brown Scholar Program.
Our old friend Stretzy works for the Pullman Foundation now. We're slowly cornering the market on Chicago's scholarship scene.
Read more about the visit to Oshkosh.
Learn more about the CIP and Impact Grants.
Don't recall last year's barnstorming trip? Check out this journal. We also had the barnstormers on the pod for episode 40 last October.
Finally, review the big changes we made to the CIP this year.
Episode 47: September 2018 | An Issue That Demands Our Attention
Mary Morgan pulls double-duty in this episode about the Elks' pledge to eliminate veteran homelessness, serving as sidekick in Debbie's absence and also as the guest. She gives a riveting update on our progress to date. Plus, there's an interview with fourth-place Most Valuable Student Natalie MacEwan, and Jim impersonates Sean Connery. Poorly.
Show Notes
Here are the links to web pages and videos mentioned in the September episode of Midday.
Flashpoint Chicago. (This episode was produced by students Ashley Ruano and Beau Falcon.)
Learn more about the Welcome Home program from the Elks National Veterans Service Commission, which began in 2015, here.
During this year’s Hoop Shoot Assists, we tied 100 no-sew blankets for veterans. Check out the pictures on Flickr!
Flashback to the 150 for 150 Service and Celebration Weekend.
Watch “The Future Looks Like…” Series on Vimeo or Facebook.
“The Future Looks Like…” Natalie MacEwan. Watch her video here to feel inspired.
The Welcome Home Initiative has provided 1,526 kits for veterans transitioning out of homelessness to date. Learn more about how your Lodge can get started on creating their own kits here.
Learn more about how you can get involved by volunteering with the ENVSC here.
Learn more about out how the ENF’s Freedom Grant is being used to help veterans here.
Learn about other ENF grant opportunities here.
Episode 46: August 2018 | All the Single Ladies
Colleen Muszynski joins Jim and Debbie for a back-to-school episode about the Community Investments Program.
Show Notes
Here are the links to web pages and videos mentioned in the August episode of Midday.
Flashpoint Chicago. (This episode was produced by students Ricky Voss, Nikolai Stier and Anthony D'Angelo.)
Check out photos from the 150 for 150 Service and Celebration Weekend here.
Collen joins us for the last time as a single lady. Cue Beyoncé .
Check out the new CIP dashboard to learn more about grants and projects happening in Elks communities across the nation.
Promise and Freedom grants are gone!
Over 280 Lodges have received the Anniversary Grant, but it’s available to all Lodges! Learn more about it here.
Mr. Miyagi’s garden from the Karate Kid. Possible inspiration for the community garden projects that Lodges are using the Anniversary Grant for this year.
Learn more about the updated Gratitude Grant requirements here.
Learn more about the new, two-step Impact Grant application process here.
“Woke” Lodges that apply for and receive the Impact Grant.
Follow the ENF’s Instagram (ElksInAction) and Facebook pageFacebook page (Elks National Foundation) to stay up-to-date with how Lodges are using ENF grants in their communities.
Head to the CIP Resources page to learn more about the grant application process.
Check out the Grants Toolkit to better understand how to conceptualize and apply for a grant.
Check out the CIP Field Guide for all things grant-related.
Colleen is heading to Oshkosh, Wisc. Lodge No. 292 for a site visit. They’ve received the impact grant the past two years!
Important CIP update: All grant applications close December 31, 2018.
Another important update: Grant year 2019-20 opens April 1, 2019.
Learn more about John F. Malley’s vision for the ENF, and how CIP is realizing it, here.
Listen until the end to find out the name of Colleen’s future mother-in-law.
The 2019 Elks National Convention will be in St. Louis!
Learn more about the Most Valuable Student scholarship here . The deadline to apply is November 15, 2018.
Learn more about the Legacy Awards scholarship, open to children and grandchildren of dues-paying Elks members, here. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2019.
Hoop Shoot contests have started now that school is back in session! Here’s this year’s schedule.
Episode 45: July 2018 | 45 for 150
The scholarships department joins Jim and Debbie for a behind-the-scenes look at the largest gathering of Elks scholars ever, the epic 150 for 150 Service and Celebration Weekend in San Antonio.
Show Notes
Here are the links to web pages and videos mentioned in the July episode of Midday.
Flashpoint Chicago. (This episode was produced by students Fernando Barrera and Ashley Ruano.)
The original Midday talk show, filmed live at the 2014 Convention in New Orleans.
Meet new Elks Scholar Fellow John Kavula.
Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.
http://www.re-creationusa.org/.
The extended Hoop Shoot highlights film.
Watch the outstanding 150 for 150 film. And share it on your social media networks! We have to stop being shy about sharing Elkdom with our friends and families!
The 150 for 150 filmmaker used to run with the Imagination Movers.
Learn more about our Elks Scholar Fellows program.
Learn more about the Leadership Weekend.
Learn more about the Scholar Advisory Board.
Learn more about our Elks Scholar Service Trips.
Check out the boss 150 for 150 logo!
The scholars bivouacked at the beautiful Trinity University campus.
Haven for Hope, one of our 150 for 150 service partners.
Here's a handy link for keeping tabs on all our post-convention coverage.
Put faces to the names! With our interactive org chart, you can read bios and see photos of Maryann, John, Makenna and the rest of our staff.
Cynthia Lu's video profile from 2017.
Once we get the video of Sunday's side-by-side service with the convention delegates, we'll post it here.
Shaan Gandhi, our 2018 Alum of the Year.
Top 2018 Most Valuable Students Shiv Patel and Maitland Thull.
And blasts from the past Jay Little (intro, speech), Mark Ansell (intro, speech), and Bryce Caswell and Sean Loosli (long form interview from 2015).
Learn more about the Community Investments Program.
Most Valuable Student contest information, including deadlines.
Episode 44: May 2018 | One More Raspberry Stoli
Billy Donnelly and Maryann Dernlan join Jim and Debbie to give you an insider's look at the Hoop Shoot Finals and Leadership Weekend. Plus, we remember friend of the show Jim "J.D." Dorris.
Show Notes
Here are the links to web pages and videos mentioned in the May episode of Midday.
Flashpoint Chicago. (This episode was produced by students Fernando Barrera and Anthony D'Angelo.)
Jim remembers a story about J.D. and his penchant for Raspberry Stolis.
Photos from the Hoop Shoot National Finals.
Watch the Girls in the Game video.
Watch the Spring Scholars Service Trip video from Asheville, N.C.
Watch the Veterans video featured at the Hoop Shoot Finals.
Hoop Shoot Keynote Speaker Tamika Catchings's introduction video.
Elks National Convention page.
CliftonStrengths Assessment helped the MVS scholars learn their strengths.
Most Valuable Students Leadership Weekend photos.
Learn more about the MVS scholarships here.
The scholars enjoyed a slice of Chicago at Lou Malnati's during Lead 5.
Meet 2017 MVS Scholar Ameena Razzaque who joined the scholars as a scholar leader during Lead 5.
Learn more about 150 for 150.
Haven for Hope, our 150 for 150 service partner.
Check out the ENF's National Convention schedule to see when you can serve beside 150 Elks scholars!
Episode 43: March 2018 | Cooking with Crisco
It's March, and our programs are firing on all cylinders. We talk a bit about the Hoop Shoot and play an interview with the Barnhart family of West Virginia, but this episode stars Jenna Johnson and the Elks Scholar Service Trips. Enjoy!
Show Notes
Here are the links to web pages and videos mentioned in the March episode of Midday.
Tribeca Flashpoint College. (This episode was produced by students Fernando Barrera and Anthony D'Angelo.)
Grants and Appropriations for FY2019.
The Community Investments Program. Learn more about Anniversary Grants and Freedom Grants.
The Hoop Shoot Program.
Regional Hoop Shoot Results.
The Leadership Weekend. #Lead5
Legacy Awards for children and grandchildren of Elks.
Elks Scholar Service Trips.
The Griteos.
The Backboard. The Hoop Shoot Alumni Advisory Board.
Learn more about 150 for 150, our effort to bring 150 Elks scholars to the Convention in San Antonio.
Films and Photos from the Santa Monica Service Trip.
Trailer for Volunteers, a great Tom Hanks movie before Tom Hanks became Tom Hanks.
Check out these Rhodes scholars.
Keegan's blog about the Santa Monica Service Trip.
Raphael's blog about the Santa Monica Service Trip.
The Asheville Trip. As media from the recently completed Asheville trip comes in, you'll find it here.
Learn more about the Elks Scholar Fellows.
Haven for Hope, our 150 for 150 service partner.
Ray Lozano's website is here.
Episode 42: January 2018 | Just Say Ray
In an episode expertly side-kicked by Kate Edsey, Jim and Debbie interview Drug Awareness Speaker Ray Lozano about life on the speaking tour.
Show Notes
Here are the links to web pages and videos mentioned in the January episode of Midday.
Tribeca Flashpoint College. (This episode was produced by students Fernando Barrera and Anthony D'Angelo.)
The calendar has turned, which means the Elks' 150th anniversary is upon us. Check out the new website at elks.org/150. And be sure to tune in right there at 7 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on February 16 to watch a livestreamed show from the Order's official 150th birthday bash!
And be sure to check out the auction page at the 150 website. You don't want to miss out on a chance to participate!
150 for 150! Learn more about our effort to bring 150 Elks scholars together for the anniversary celebration.
The Seans--Loosli and Pringle.
- Top 2003 Most Valuable Student Sean Loosli returns to the Convention in 2013 to thank the Elks.
- Sean Loosli and Bryce Caswell sit down for a long-form interview during the 2015 Leadership Weekend. (Don't have time for the full 23-minute interview? Here's the short version that we played at the 2015 Convention.)
- Sean Loosli is named 2017 Alum of the Year.
- Sean Loosli joins the Elks.
- Spotlight on Sean Pringle. Pringle joined Oceano/Five Cities, Calif., Lodge No. 2504 in 2015 and is now the Lodge's Scholarship Chair.
Speaking of the Fidelity Club, learn more here.
Ray Lozano's website is here.