Ocean City, MD 2645

Ocean City, MD Lodge News

September News from ER Vernon Betkey

Happy Labor Day, Members and Friends,

Summer is ending, but I hope each of you enjoyed time with family and friends during the season. With Fall arriving soon, our Lodge continues to stay engaged with many fun activities planned through the end of the year, so stay tuned for more information.

The Labor Day Holiday marks the beginning of the end of Summer, but why do we celebrate it? Labor Day came to fruition when President Grover Cleveland signed the law that made it a national holiday on June 28, 1894. This act designated the first Monday in September as a holiday, and it has its origins in the late 19th century labor movement, which advocated better working conditions and shorter workdays. Labor Day celebrates the social and economic achievements of American workers, and their contributions to the country's strength, prosperity, and well-being. Enjoy the celebrations!

Our Lodge is blessed with nine wonderful employees who work diligently in the Social Quarters to make a visit to the Lodge pleasant and enjoyable. But it is also our volunteers who form the backbone of everything we do. Whether it’s maintaining our financial health, completing maintenance projects, working special events, helping in the Social Quarters, supporting bingo nights, or driving our charitable giving, volunteers help make it all possible. To sustain this, we need YOU to get involved. Please visit the volunteer opportunities online and consider donating your time – it is rewarding, fun, and an opportunity to meet new friends. To quote Grand Exalted Ruler Bryan Klatt’s theme for the year, Be the Difference!

Speaking of volunteers, I extend a heartfelt thanks to all who helped with the July 27th Crab Feast, and to all our members and guests who attended and supported the Lodge. In addition, our partnership with the Delmarva Blood Bank yielded 59 pints of blood to support saving lives in our community. Thank you for your unselfish commitment to helping others.

On August 9th, I attended the District Deputy Clinic at Seaford, DE Lodge. One of the main topics of discussion was GER Bryan Klatt’s challenge for all of us: to increase membership in the Order by 100,000 during the 2025–2026 fiscal year. Each of us can play a role in this by reaching out and recruiting new members who meet the values and qualifications of our Order. Membership growth is vital to the future of Elkdom, so let’s all do our part to Be the Difference.

In closing, I encourage all members to remain actively involved, recruit new participants, support charitable initiatives, and volunteer your service where possible. Together, we uphold the values of Elkdom and contribute to a strong, dynamic, and welcoming Lodge community.

- Fraternally yours,

Vernon F. Betkey, Jr.
Exalted Ruler

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