A Season of Gratitude and Community

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As we approach the halfway point of the Elks Calendar year, it’s astonishing how quickly time has flown. The holiday season is just around the corner, and we’re thrilled to kick off the festivities with the exciting Gold Rush Days event on the first weekend of October.

Get ready to rock out with the band Overdrive on Friday night and then fuel up with a delicious breakfast on Saturday morning before the grand parade. It’s going to be a weekend filled with fun, camaraderie, and community spirit.

Mark your calendars for October 26th as we honor our wounded warriors with a special dinner at the Mojave Air & Space Port. Don’t miss out on this important event; find the QR code on page 4 to purchase your advance tickets (they won’t be available at the door).

Our lodge has faced its share of challenges this year, and it’s important to remember to keep everyone in your prayers. We’re a strong community, and together, we can overcome any obstacle.

As football season kicks off, we invite you to come down and enjoy the game with us. It’s a great opportunity to connect with fellow members and cheer on your favorite team.

With the recent passage of several new amendments, we encourage you to stay informed by reviewing the daily updates from Grand Lodge in Austin. The links are included for your convenience.

Finally, we want to express our sincere gratitude to our dedicated members, Ted and Cindy Hodgkinson, Travis Behrens, and Bob Newman, for their tireless efforts in keeping our lodge thriving. Their commitment to our community is truly inspiring.

Let’s continue to work together to make this a memorable and fulfilling year for our Elks Lodge.

Food Bank at Mojave Elks

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Established in 1965, Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) administers more than a dozen programs aimed at meeting chil-dren, families and individuals at their point of need, for those who have had difficulty engaging the “American Dream.” Mojave Elks Lodge is honored to be able to serve the community each month bringing hope and respite to those in need.
2024 Foodbank Remaining Dates At Mojave Elks Lodge

Upholding America’s Promise Since 1868

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The opening lines of our National Anthem, “Oh beautiful for spacious skies,” resonate deeply every July 4th. They serve as a powerful reminder of the ideals upon which our nation was built – a nation striving for “liberty and justice for all.” For nearly 250 years, the United States has stood as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the potential of freedom and a just society.

However, ideals alone don’t ensure a nation’s success. It takes dedicated individuals and organizations to translate those ideals into action. Here at the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), we’ve been following in those footsteps for a remarkable 155 years.
Since 1868, the Elks have proudly served our nation’s veterans, youth, and communities, guided by core values of Brotherly Love, Justice, Charity, and Fidelity.

During each initiation ceremony, we reaffirm our commitment to these principles. We emphasize the importance of family, home, friendship, and, most importantly, our country. Each new member receives a flag, a tangible reminder of the ideals we represent and the responsibility to preserve them.

We acknowledge that the path hasn’t always been perfect. No organization is without its faults. Yet, by holding these principles as our guiding light, we have the opportunity to course-correct and stay true to our mission with each new day, new event, and new meeting.

This dedication extends far beyond the walls of our lodge. It’s embodied in the countless members who dedicate their time and energy to keeping the Elks running smoothly. From the physical upkeep of the building to meticulous administrative tasks, and the crucial outreach and on-site activities that bring our community together – these are the moving parts that ensure our continued impact. Take a moment to look at the list of Officers and Committee Chairs in this very Bulletin. These are the heroes, the unsung champions who keep our doors open and our mission alive.

As we celebrate America’s birthday this month, let’s not just reflect on the past, but also look towards the future. Consider how you can contribute to the revitalization of our lodge. There are countless ways to get involved, whether supporting a committee, participating in an activity, or proposing new members to join our ranks. Remember, our goal of reaching 100 new members this year isn’t just about numbers; it’s about strengthening our ability to serve our community and uphold the ideals America represents.

The Elks have a rich history intertwined with the history of our nation. We are a living testament that the pursuit of liberty and justice is a continuous journey. By joining hands and recommitting ourselves to the core values that define us, we can ensure the Elks continue to be a vibrant force for good in our communities for generations to come.

Fraternally,
Kira Wagner
Uncovering the Gold In Our Members

 

A New Year, A Thriving Lodge: Welcome Elks!

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To my Mojave Elk Family, a brand new year is upon us, and with it comes the promise of a vibrant and thriving lodge! Together, we can make 2024-2025 a year to remember.

Membership: Our Focus, Our Strength

This year, our focus is on you, our valued members, and growing our Elk family. Mem- bership drives will be a top priority at nearly every event, ensuring we reach out to potential new Elks in our community. Here’s the exciting part: we aim to add a whopping 100 new members within driving distance! Even if we follow the 80/20 rule, where a smaller group contributes a larger share of activity, 20 new active members will make a world of difference. And let’s not forget the positive impact the participation of the remaining 80 members will have on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Experienced Leadership, Fresh Perspectives

I’m honored to be serving as your Exalted Ruler again this year. I’m especially grateful to the incredible team of officers stepping forward alongside me, many of whom are also PER’s. Their experience and dedication are invaluable assets to our lodge. However, it’s equally important to see new faces rising through the ranks. To ensure a vibrant future for our lodge, I encourage all our members, especially those newer to the order, to consider getting involved with a committee or two. It’s a rewarding way to deepen your understanding of our traditions, develop leadership skills, and contribute directly to the continued success of our brotherhood.

Get Ready for Fun, Food, and Fellowship!

We’re bringing back a favorite tradition: Member of the Month! This program recognizes outstanding Elks who go above and beyond.

Get ready to move your feet! Joe’s working with the bands to bring live music to the lodge at least four times this year.

Looking to win big? Fear not, Todd, the king of opportunity drawings and fundraising, will be overseeing them throughout the year.

Food is the heart of any gathering, and Travis is dedicated to making sure ours are delicious. And for a comfortable, invit- ing atmosphere, Bob is hard at work to provide your favorites in the clubroom.
Birthday Steaks and More!

Mark your calendars! Birthday Steak Night is moving to the first Wednesday before the lodge meeting. We believe this change will encourage greater attendance for the dinner and hopefully participation during meetings.

Open the Doors, Open Your Hearts

We encourage everyone to participate in our events, and to bring your friends and family to our open events. The more the merrier, as they say! Let’s show them what it means to be part of the Elk family.
This year is brimming with possibilities, and together, we can make Mojave Elks a place where friendships are forged, laughter fills the air, and community thrives. Let’s make it happen!

Fraternally,
Kira Wagner
Uncovering the Gold In Our Members!

Communication and Volunteerism Go Hand In Hand

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Remember the childhood game of telephone, where a whispered message gets distorted through each telling? Like that game, information can get twisted within our Lodge. Just because we’ve all heard something a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the whole story.

Recently, my phone’s constant disruptions made me realize the importance of clear communication. Similarly, clear communication is essential for our Lodge’s success. Each of us, as officers and members, has a unique perspective and plays a vital role.

Our officers strive to ensure the Lodge’s financial stability, provides a safe and enjoyable space for members, and keeps everyone informed. Members, in turn, contribute by supporting activities, welcoming newcomers, and upholding our values of Brotherly Love, Charity, Justice, and Fidelity. All this operates within the framework of Grand Lodge Statutes, Lodge Bylaws, and our core principles.

To achieve this, we need each other. Volunteers are the backbone of the Lodge, so let’s actively support them. If you have an idea for improvement, propose a solution, not just highlight the problem. Remember the saying: “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”

As we approach Flag Day on June 14th, let’s reflect on the symbolism of its colors: red for our collective strength and courage, white for our commitment to fairness and integrity, and blue for our unwavering vigilance and pursuit of justice.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated members who went above and beyond during these past busy months: Ted & Cindy Hodgkinson, Travis Behrens, Bob Newman, and
Linda Brooks.

Fraternally,
Kira Wagner
Uncovering the Gold In Our Members!

Let Nothing You Dismay

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“God rest you merry gentlemen let nothing you dismay…”

To rest and let nothing cause dismay or dissension, that is my wish for you this holiday season.

Of course, our efforts as members of the Elks are never-ending with activities to plan, meetings to host, events to oversee, and a lodge to run in the mix, yet, with forethought and patience these tasks can all be done calmly and effectively at a pace that allows the beauty and peace of the season to come shining through.

Before we know it, 2020 will be here and a New Year for the lodge will be upon us.

A heartfelt thanks to Paul, Ted, Cindy, Ruben, Joe, Ed, David, Travis, Ramona, Mike, Colleen, Kenny, Ryan, Sandra, Scott, Susie, Warren, Carolyn, Linda, Sharon, John, Perri, Amy, Rebecca, Pat, Paula, Michele, Dianne, Monty, Darin, Debbi, Rose Marie, Vicki, Hank, Michele, Jessica, Alexa, Dolly, Shannon, Bob, Gean, Gary, Tia, TJ, Odessa, Cynthia, Bill, and any other member of either this Lodge and others in our district who have contributed to the success of our lodge during the year!

May God bless you and bring you a wonderful New Year is my prayer!

13 Folds are Worthy Of Fidelity

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Young Marines at Hesperia Elks Lodge Folding Flag During the President's Visit to Inland DistrictDuring President Tim Jaeger and First Lady Sandy’s visit to the Inland District, the Young Marines performed the ceremony honoring the Folding of the Flag at Hesperia Elks Lodge.

It was a beautiful ceremony following the posting of the flags by our Exalted Rulers. Each of the Young Marines demonstrated a fervent desire to exhibit all the qualities worthy of the name in their actions and carriage.

As we state so often, the destiny of our order is linked to the destiny of our country and we all need to be reminded that there IS a reason for the things we do, from the meetings to the processes for membership or the records we keep and even to the number of folds in the flag which symbolized both our country and our station of Charity.

Here is the list describing each fold.

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.
4. The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.
5. The fifth fold is an acknowledgment to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies.
8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
9. The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
10. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first-born.
11. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
12. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
13. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Agreements and Reminders

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I have been blessed to serve in the Elks in several different lodges and most of the chair positions and while I hope to continue to find new ways to continue and grow I am still in awe of the obligation and what we promise to ourselves and each other when we join.

I, in the presence of God and this Lodge of Elks, do solemnly promise and swear that I will  never reveal any of the confidential matters of this  Order which have been, or may hereafter be, committed to my charge and keeping.

I will support the Constitution, and obey the  Statutes, rules and regulations of this Order, and the By-Laws of Mojave Lodge, No. 2059, and those of any other Lodge of which I may hereafter become a Member.

I will uphold the Constitution and laws of the  United States of America.

I will propose no one for membership in this Order whom I do not sincerely believe to be worthy thereof.

I will ballot for a worthy candidate and against an unworthy candidate when proposed by another.

I will not permit any political, sectarian or personal prejudice to influence me in the slightest degree in the exercise of my right of franchise in the Order.

I will obey any lawful summons sent me by any competent authority of the Order.

I will never apply to the courts for redress in any matter concerning the Order, without first appealing to the councils of the Order.

I will never reveal to anyone, not an Elk, the name of a Member asking or receiving aid or relief from the Order.

I will not, directly or indirectly, use my membership in this Order, nor any emblem, insignia or sign thereof, for business or commercial purposes.

I will never introduce into the Order anything of a political or sectarian character, nor in any way by my conduct bring reproach upon it.

I will always protect our Members, their good names and their families; and I will always respect and defend the purity and sanctity of their homes and firesides.

If I break this Obligation, may I wander through the world forsaken; may I be pointed out as a being bereft of decency, unfit to hold communion with true and upright Members.

And may God help me, and keep me steadfast in this my solemn and binding Obligation in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America.. Amen

Then from the station of Fidelity, we are reminded…

I trust that you may continue to merit their approval, and become a true and faithful member among us. To accomplish this, you must at all times have in mind the solemn and binding Obligation which you have so recently assumed, and I charge you that your highest duty as an Elk is to keep it inviolate. Conscience will not permit you to expunge a paragraph, eliminate a sentence, or evade a responsibility; nor can you lay it aside when you leave the Lodge room, for it must henceforth be your constant guide and faithful monitor.

Fidelity implies strict adherence to our Obligation and faithfulness in the discharge of our duty as members of society.

At the end of the day, when we remember our agreement and focus on the good we do for the community and our fellow Elks, we make a great team and I want to say thank you. May you and yours be blessed! See you at the lodge.

Sincerely,
Kira Wagner, PER
Exalted Ruler 2019-2020 Mojave Lodge #2059