Arthur Mayer Jr PGER
BIOGRAPHY OF
ARTHUR MAYER, JR.
Grand Exalted Ruler
2001-2002
Benevolent And Protective Order Of Elks
Of The United States Of America
Arthur Mayer, Jr., born on February 20, 1940 as the younger of Arthur, Sr. and Edith Mayer's two children, grew up in Bergenfield, New Jersey, amid a strong family tradition of hard work and community involvement which permanently instilled in him the value of unselfish volunteerism. As one of his strongest role models, young Art witnessed his uncle's efforts in establishing Bergenfield's first Little League teams, and numerous other recreational activities for the community's children. Youthful achievements which illustrate the early beginnings of his own outgoing personality include both Art's appearance on the Dick Clark Show as part of a "Doo Wop group which produced its own record, and his six years' participation in Drum & Bugle Corps exhibitions and competitions.
Graduating in 1958 from Bergenfield's high school, Art continued his education at the Newark School of Engineering and then entered into a 37-year career with the Bell-Atlantic Telephone System, interrupted only by a tour in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, where he served as a Combat Engineer-Battalion Communications Chief. Resuming civilian life, he was highly valued and frequently promoted by his employer, who chose to sponsor his 1980 return to school for advanced studies. Upon receipt of this Degree, Art was made a Principal Right-of-way Agent and Engineer for Bell-Atlantic until his retirement on April 2, 1998.
In October of 1963, Art married the former Lynda Erb, and this year the couple will celebrate their 38th Anniversary, proudly joined by daughter Lori, son and Elk David, and son and Elk James with wife Susan and their 21/2 year old daughter Rachel.
On the invitation of two Elks - his Father and his Brother-in-Law, Art was initiated into Bergenfield, New Jersey, Lodge No. 1477 one warm evening in August, 1965. Fraternal life found a kindred soul in Art, and he immediately became a player on the Lodge's renowned softball team, a recreation he enjoyed for many years thereafter, and this paved the way for even deeper participation in the Lodge's life. Appointed Lodge Chaplain in 1969, Art then worked through the Chairs, eventually being honored as the Bergenfield Elks Exalted Ruler for 1974-75. During his outstanding term as the Lodge's CEO, Art initiated fifty new members, while bringing lapsation to an almost complete standstill. In testimony to his dedication, PER status did not diminish his enthusiasm in the slightest, with Art ultimately serving as Chairman of every mandatory committee in the Lodge. Understandably, the Elks of Bergenfield bestowed Honorary Life Membership upon him in 1978 for his vast and enduring contributions.
Beyond the Lodge level, Art's talent and commitment also resulted in his serving the Order in many more elected and appointed positions. For the 1978-79 year, he was appointed as the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for Northeast New Jersey, making his term memorable by instituting a new Lodge. The Elks of New Jersey recognized his talents by electing him to a multiyear term as a State Trustee, by supporting his 1979-85 program as State Americanism Chairman with almost a Quarter Million Dollars raised for Restoration of the Statue of Liberty, and especially by overwhelmingly electing Arthur Mayer, Jr. to the 1985-86 Presidency of their New Jersey Elks Association.
The Grand Lodge has as much need for exceptional Elks as its Lodges, Districts and States, and in 1987 Art was appointed to the Grand Lodge Government Relations Committee, where he served the next four years with distinction. This was followed by appointment in 1992 to the Lodge Activities Committee of Grand Lodge for four more outstanding years, and then his 1996 election to a four-year term on the Board of Grand Trustees, where his fellow Trustees singularly honored Art as their choice for the 1999-2000 Board Chairman.
Demonstrating extreme versatility, skill and energy, Arthur Mayer has simultaneously carried on full and active lives in the parallel lanes of family, career, Elkdom and community. In 1968 he was chosen as the first volunteer Probation Officer in Bergen County. Other community activities include actively coaching Little League and PAL Pony League baseball; membership in the Jaycees; serving on the Board of Health for the last 12 years, 10 as its President; 3 years as Vice-Chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment; and continuing membership in the Telephone Pioneers of America and the International Right-of-way Association.
Known for a lifetime of vision and service, Art Mayer believes that Elks make a difference in people's lives: "The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks constitutes a nationwide network of active volunteers who enrich their communities. Our programs provide literally endless opportunities to serve our neighbors in education, health assistance and quality of life. The addition of new members to our great Order and the preservation of our existing membership are essential for us to continue the century-old tradition of charitable activities by which we are justifiably known and respected. The Spirit of Volunteerism which we Elks brought forth in this country following the divisiveness of the Civil War will continue to enable us to fulfill our commitment to our Nation and our Order." Arthur Mayer's ability to lead by example will serve the BPO Elks well as he fulfills his duty as Grand Exalted Ruler, and he firmly believes that our finest years as a fraternal organization are still ahead of us, as long as we stay true to our motto - "ELKS CARE - ELKS SHARE".