A Message from Exalted Ruler, Dave Rudder
With the call for "One Voice!" still ringing in the air, our Lodge begins the journey of a new year, I would like to extend a special "Thank you" to all of the wonderful members and guests who came to and supported our Inaugural Ball. I would also like to express my gratitude to all of the volunteers (our members, friends, family, and to the Officers) who labored to make this event the success that we enjoyed.
As we feel the spring breeze gently begin to whisper, I find it is a good time to check our course and direction. The "seldom remembered" original mission of the Elks is to:
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities around us through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.
One of the easiest and most important ways to demonstrate your caring and sharing is through your donations to the Arizona Elks Association Major Project. I will have the honor of delivering all of the proceeds from our Lodge at this year's State Convention in Mesa.
The Arizona Elks Major Project supports the Steele Research Center, with over $9M donated to date. We also support a Youth Camp located between Payson and Globe that is open to qualified Youth Groups free of charge. Locally, we host an annual Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest for kids from 8 – 13, an Americanism Essay Contest, and this year, I would like to bring back the Soccer Shoot-Out Contest.
Mark Twain once said "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. With so many opportunities to make a difference within our organization, feel free to reach out to me. Let's talk about your talents, passions or interests. From Veterans, to kids and everything in between, we can find something for you to do that will make a difference.
Fraternally yours,
Dave Rudder
Exalted Ruler 2026 - 2027
A Message from Secretary, Teresa Miller
Wow, it is already May. Just where has the time gone. The craft show was a HUGE success. The Lodge had a profit of $3524.00 for our charities. We have 3 craft shows a year. The next craft show will be July 24th & 25th.
Our Lodge membership is now at 998 members. We presently have 179 that are delinquent. If you have not paid your dues, please stop in the office during business hours, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8-12 noon. Or, you can call the office (928) 772-8660, with your credit card and we can take the payment over the phone. If your card is expired, you cannot come into any Lodge, and Prescott Lodge is still responsible for the Grand Lodge portion of the dues, $32.00 per member. That is $5,728 that we could otherwise apply to our charities. Please contact the office ASAP to pay your dues.
We have a few things coming up at the Lodge. On May 2nd, we are having our Kentucky Derby Day. At the end of May, we will be honoring our fallen heroes at Citizen's Cemetery in Prescott. In June, we will be at the Prescott Valley City Hall for flag day. It would be nice to see members there, and please, stop by the Freedom Rock, as the Lodge is recognized. Please watch the Elk Tales and calendar for these events.
We need more volunteers (callers and card sellers) for bar bingo. We have bar bingo on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 2pm to about 5pm. If we do not have help, we are not able to have bar bingo. Please volunteer to keep this going, and helping the Lodge. Please keep in mind, our Lodge keeps running through volunteers. We really need you. If you are able to help, please contact Sheryl Johnson at 808-741-9939, or Wendy Payne at 505-947-4579 to help with bingo.
Greeter's Committee
I would like to say thank you to the 6 members (so far) of our new Greeter Committee. The Greeters Committee members assist the Lodge Officers in their duties. They check membership cards, ensure visitors and guests are signed into our guest registry and act as Hosts and (occasionally) problem solvers on behalf of the Lodge. Offering a warm and inviting smile and greeting to those coming into the Lodge is a great way to meet new friends.
The best part of being on the Greeter Committee is that you only have to volunteer one time. Our Officers perform the Door Duty one week per quarter, on a Wednesday and Friday evening from 4:30 – 6:30. Try it out and if you find this type of volunteering isn't for you, we thank you!
However, if you find that you like spending the evening with fun folks, tell the Officer you'd like to stay on. Or, reach out to 330Greeters@gmail.com and we can easily add you as a member of the Greeters Committee.
Dave Rudder, ER
Greeter's Committee Chairman
House Committee Calls
FacilityUpdates
Trustee's Corner
Board of Trustees Brief: At our recent board of trustees meeting on 4/21/2026, there was a strong sense of collaboration and unity as members engaged in productive conversations and reached important decisions on various action items, ranging from RV park expansion to painting the kitchen. What stands out most from this meeting is the collective effort and teamwork displayed by everyone in attendance, all working together for the greater good of our lodge. The leadership demonstrated by both appointed and elected members, as well as staff, was outstanding and indicative of a collaborative approach that serves the collective interest. Many of the discussions and decisions from this meeting have already inspired activities that will be featured in this newsletter. I encourage everyone to attend our general meetings, where meaningful dialogue and informative decisions--like our recently approved budget--take place. Remember, this lodge is a community that belongs to each of you, and our staff and officers are here to support and unite us in our shared mission. Thank you all!
Roger Rodriguez, Jr.Five Year Trustee