Lodge Activities Committee
The Lodge Activities Committee communicates with Exalted Rulers on a regular basis to update their activities to participate in the Contest-A before the due date, to encourage lodges to apply for ENF grants, and to encourage them to participate in Grand Lodge Activities, such as the new Community Project Contest.
Committee Members
- Ralph Tosto PER – State Chair
Lodge Activities Contests and Programs
All American Lodge Contest
The most prestigious of the Grand Lodge Awards, the All American Lodge contest recognizes those lodges best exemplifying that “Elks Care – Elks Share.” State Chair Tom Smith has created a handy step-by-step powerpoint to help your lodge score the most points and clarify each category.
Deadline is April 1, 2023 to your District Deputy.
Wallingford Lodge, 2020 recipient of the Community Project Contest.
Community Project Contest
Recognizes a project in your lodge’s community representing the great works of Elkdom that is loud, proud, and visible.
Deadline is April 1, 2023
Mid-Year Convention Information About Contests and Programs
Greetings Exalted Rulers and Lodge Secretaries,
I hope that coping with the 2021 year found your Lodge doing its best to cope with the impact of a second year of the pandemic.
At this time, the Connecticut State Elks Mid-year Convention will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Naugatuck Lodge No. 967. Detailed information may be found at https://ctelks.org/ct-elks-midyear-convention-2022/. In order to save time at this convention, I am sending you Lodge Activities Committee information by email.
Please acknowledge receipt of this information so that I know that I have the correct email for each ER and Secretary.
Filling out forms is probably the last item on your agenda at this time, but I have THREE IMPORTANT TASKS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. Each, if completed, could possibly result some positive recognition for your Lodge. Earning recognition for the things we do as Elks certainly brings pride to the members of every Lodge, and respect for that Lodge in the community. Download the ER flowchart here.
First is the All-American Lodge Contest (a.k.a. Contest-A) which is an easy form to complete. Last year, 13 ERs completed the form, and 11 qualified for as first, second, or third place on the state level. These forms are judged on the state level first, and then progress on to the Grand Lodge level. Download the Contest A information here.
Second is the Peter Affatato Award, (a.k.a. All-Connecticut Lodge Contest), instituted by our Connecticut Elks Association Executive Board to honor the memory of Past Grand Exalted Ruler and State Sponsor Peter J. Affatato. This form and its documentation very similar to the AALC form, so much so, that if you complete the All-American Lodge Contest, you have most of the information for this award. The current Peter Affatato Award form is not yet available, so I have attached a sample of the form for the past year for your perusal, and notify you when this form is available. Download last year’s Affatato Award as a sample here.
The third is the Community Project Contest, which is for that one outstanding project that your Lodge has done this current year. It may be a project your Lodge has worked on during the year or has been doing over a number of years on a continuing basis. The Community Project Contest information can be found at https://www.elks.org/grandlodge/activities/media.cfm and https://www.elks.org/grandlodge/activities/files/communityProjectsContest.pdf
For the 2020 year, one Lodge, Wallingford, earned a first place on the Grand Lodge Level for their Community Project entry. Available forms are attached and may also be found at https://www.elks.org/grandlodge/activities/files/communityProjectsContest.pdf
As your Local Lodge enters its final three months of the Lodge year, I urge you to plan a strategy for completing each of these important tasks, and wish you the best in bringing honor and respect to your Lodge.
Fraternally,
Tom Smith PER
CT Elks Lodge Activities Chair
Every Lodge can be All-American
By LARRY W. SMITH
Committee Member
2021-2022 All-American Lodge Contest “A”
The All-American Lodge Contest recognizes local lodges for participation in Grand Lodge-sponsored activities, charitable works in the local community, and other factors. The Connecticut Elks Association is striving for 100% participation in this contest. All that is needed is for the hyperlinked form above to be submitted to the District Deputy by March 15, 2021.
Organ & Tissue Donation Program
GL Lodge Activities/State Associations Committee
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the USA has joined forces with Donate Life America to increase the number of registered organ, eye, and tissue donors in the United States.
The Grand Lodge, Lodge Activities/State Associations Committee is asking Elks Lodges nationwide to promote the Organ Donor Program in their Lodge Bulletins and Lodge Web sites to help inspire members and citizens in their communities to make these life-saving donations.
The need is paramount. More than 111,000 patients are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant and many thousands more would have their lives enriched through a tissue or corneal transplant. Please visit the Donate life America Web site, www.donatelife.net to learn more about this public health crisis and how you can help.
Fortunately, we Elks Members can help! The effort of Lodges to promote the program through their Bulletins and Web site can gain them five points in their quests to be named an All American Lodge. More incentives will be announced in coming years as the program takes shape throughout Elkdom.
For more information on the importance of donation and how to become a registered donor in your state, click on the Donate Life icon to visit the Donate Life America website. This is a great way to show that “Elks Give from the Heart.”