President Mike Stewart is pictured with his wife Sharon Stewart.
The holidays are upon us and as ELKS we are known as an organization that cares and shares. We continue to accomplish caring and sharing through the virtue of Charity while volunteering our time and resources to achieve the goals of our great Order.
My wife and I had the privilege of escorting our National President T. Keith Mills and his wife Amy this past September. We were joined by our State Sponsors David and Penny Carr. It was an honor to share with them a small piece of our wonderful state. Thank you to over 200 ELK family members who joined us in welcoming them to our great state.
I have been blessed to stand side by side with many fellow ELKS to help move our programs in a positive direction of growth. With all of the changes over the last year it was wonderful this year to be back, hands on attending so many events that have helped so many people.
Soccer Shoots, Hoop Shoots, Drug Awareness Activities, Thanksgiving Baskets, Food Drives, Veterans Programs, Bike & Car Seat Clinics, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) Safe Kids Program, Special Olympics Unified Games, Penguin Plunge, Food Truck Festivals, Diaper Banks, Armed Forces Night, Friday & Saturday Night Dinners, ENF Fundraising events, 911 Ceremonies, Elk of the Year Award Nights, just to name a few. I stand by my words, “It is truly an honor to be part of The ELKS Family and what it stands for.” To see so many fellow ELKS working together to help others is truly a testament to the Arm of Charity that we are known for.
Attending multiple District Deputy Visits as well as Homecomings has certainly been a highlight for me. Seeing how lodges are working together, performing the ritual and welcoming new members into our ELK family has been fantastic.
So far this year I am proud to say I have been welcomed at 21 of our 30 CT lodges. It is my goal to visit all of our CT lodges and show support and give encouragement for all of the work they do within our communities.
As the new year begins I am excited to be part of the Hoop Shoot and attend the 50th Anniversary Celebration in Chicago. We will cheer on all the children as they try their best and make us so proud. What a wonderful celebration this will be to celebrate the youth in our community.
This year has been filled with such EXCITEMENT!
Everyone being together again as a Family.
Working together to achieve our goals.
Following my motto of the year….
“Family…Together we can do anything”
I am proud to be an ELK.
I am proud to be your State President.
Thank you for all you do.
God Bless America, God Bless our troops.
Fraternally,
Ronald “Mike” Stewart