In the early years the young bucks and does are busy starting families and establishing careers. Very little time can be set aside to contribute to the herd as a whole. They do however love the time they can spend in fellowship and often seek help and advice from the older, more experienced members of the herd. This is as it should be. The herd would never jeopardize the well being of its young members or their families. As the years pass, the young Elks grow and mature, their offspring grow and begin to move on to forge their own lots in life. Our now mature yet still virile Elks find that they are being called upon to guide the herd. This is as it should be. The herd needs the benefits of their experience and maturity, while they are still physically strong and mentally adept, to keep the herd strong and on course. Still more years pass and the once young Elks find that it is harder to keep the pace. They still contribute to the herd when possible. They council the younger mature Elks that are now taking the reins. They still relish in the fellowship of the herd, maybe now more than ever. This is as it should be. The herd has benefited greatly from the contributions and dedication of these elder members. Yes, this is as it should be. But, is it the way it is? I pose these questions to the mature yet virile group of bucks and does of our herd. Are we doing all that we can to allow the elders of our herd to reap the rewards of their service? Are we doing all that we can to set the example for our younger members? Are we doing all that we can to insure that the herd will be here and strong when it is our turn to slow down and reap the benefits of our service? Written and contributed by: Mike Cordle, P.E.R.