April and May presented a few health challenges, yet I am recovering and anticipating a healthy Summer and beyond. I extend my sincere gratitude to our Esteemed Leading Knight, Charlie Herbert, who graciously stepped into manage the office duties during my absence and did an exceptional job.
As we transition into Summer, it is remarkable that Memorial Day has already passed. Time indeed moves quickly. As Kenny Chesney aptly notes in his song, “Don’t blink! A hundred years go faster than you think.” Make the most of summer and enjoy each moment, as Labor Day will be upon us before we know it.
Each year, all Elks Lodges organize a special Flag Day Ceremony. Our Lodge will commemorate this occasion with the local Boy Scouts of America at the Lodge on June 14th at 11:00 a.m. We invite you to join us honoring our nation’s flag and demonstrating your patriotism. Our Lodge coordinator, John Belzner, who is highly experienced in organizing this event, has planned some new additions to the ceremony. We extend our gratitude to John for his efforts.
June is also a Day to honor our Fathers. The Lodge will host a Father’s Day breakfast on June 15th from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come treat your dad, husband, and grandfather to a wonderful meal in the company of family and friends.
As noted previously, volunteers are an integral part of our Lodge, and it is both refreshing and heartwarming to witness their recognition for selflessness, volunteerism, and dedication. I extend my sincere congratulations to Judy Pyle, who was honored last month as the Elks Lodge 2645 Auxiliary Member of the Year for 2024-2025. Judy exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism, consistently demonstrating tireless energy and a strong commitment and willingness to serve both the Lodge and Auxiliary in numerous capacities.
This brings us to another notable Lodge recognition. It is a sincere please pleasure to announce Billy Ayers as the Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645 Elk of the Month for April 2025, followed by Charles Nickoles as the Elk of the Month for May 2025. On behalf of Lodge members, we extend our sincere gratitude and congratulations to both of them for their unwavering support and dedication to our Lodge.
Last Month, I wrote about increasing the Lodge contribution to the Elks National Foundation (ENF) with a goal of a $10.00 or more individual contribution to the fund. At the end of April, our Lodge ranked first in total contributions for the State Association, and sixth in individual contributions with $2.06 per member. This is a good start, but let’s all try to step up our donations, so we can reach our goal and help add to the financial position of ENF towards its goal of improving and strengthening communities.
In conclusion, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our sixteen new Lodge members who were initiated on Sunday, May 18, 2025, during an afternoon ceremony. I trust that their membership with the Lodge will be both memorable and enjoyable. I wish all our members and their families a safe, healthy, and a very pleasant month of June!- Thank you, Vernon Betkey, Exalted Ruler
Bingo: Charles Nickoles 443-605-5028Kitchen Server/Cashier: Gayle Hughes 302-436-2669
Door Greeter: Eva Rice 302-988-8223Kitchen Cooks: Eileen Loftus 302-537-4354Veterans Information: Pat Riordan 443-623-6162
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