May Vice President Message

Waxing and Waning

While April and May mark the beginning of the Elk year, these months also bring about the end of the State Association year.  With the changing of the guard come new people, new ideas, and new goals, while offering a time to reflect on the events and accomplishments of the past year.  It is the circle of Elkdom; ever changing and moving forward. As my final days as your Vice President wind down, I feel nothing but pride and satisfaction in all of our District’s accomplishments and achievements this past year.  I thank you all for your dedication to our great Order, and for welcoming me into your Lodges and into your lives. I’ve learned so much this year, and I will cherish this experience forever.

The District continued to shine throughout April, kicking off the Elk year with two successful fund raisers and a record breaking TAM class (82 participants) at Point Pleasant. The Polar Plunge crew held a very successful 2 day coin drive at the Safer Shoprite stores throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties. This massive effort collected more than $20,000 to benefit Camp Moore, Cooley’s Anemia Foundation and Children’s Specialized Hospital. The SCC $1.98 Beauty Contest was also a ‘flaming’ success, allowing the District to make a nice donation to Camp Moore at the Wildwood Reunion. Special thanks to all of the ‘Ladies’ of Elkdom and the women that dressed them for an entertaining evening.

Special thanks to the SED Past District Deputy’s Association for hosting a wonderful Elk of the Year dinner in honor of all Lodge Elks of the Year, and I was happy to see every Lodge in attendance.  Kudos to the House Committee of Toms River Lodge for an excellent job with the dinner; it was the perfect venue to honor these dedicated Elks.  Check out the gallery for pictures

I would also like to give a special shout-out to Manasquan Lodge # 2534 for their GL 2^nd place win in the Lodge Bulletin contest…

May spoiler alert: The Walkout on Drugs raised over $10,000 for the Peer Leadership Conference… Is there any doubt that the Southeast District is cornerstone of the state?  I wish you all the best in the upcoming year – Excellence is demanding; strive to achieve, and you will!

Onward and upward,

Barbara Monti, VP SED