New Jersey State Elks Association

We checked with the ABC and all liquor license establishments (Public or Club licenses) are suspended as of 8PM Tuesday, March 17, 2020 (No sale of alcoholic beverages). Only package goods establishments may sell package goods during regular business hours until 8PM. Any questions please let me know.

Walk-Out on Drugs will be postponed until sometime in late September.

FROM THE DESK OF MALCOLM J. MCPHERSON, JR., PGER

SPONSOR OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Dear Officers and Members:

Like everyone, the New Jersey State Elks is closely watching all of the recent developments concerning the Coronavirus pandemic. Based on those developments there are certainly legitimate concerns which must be taken into consideration. We ask that all members remain calm and proceed with caution, good judgment and COMMON SENSE so we can lessen the impact of this outbreak on our members, their families and the communities we serve. Therefore we recommend that the lodges remain informed of the ever-changing conditions and follow the guidelines, directives and policies of our local and state health officials.

With respect to upcoming Lodge activities, events, initiations and installation of officers, we understand that there may be a need for some closures, cancellations and/or postponements.

With respect to upcoming Installation of Officers in lieu of holding the full ceremony on a special date and time with social affairs afterwards, the lodges may if they choose, simply have the incoming officers take their oath at a regular meeting of the Lodge. In the event that you are unable to conduct the installation of officers by April 15^th, the installation will become effective April 15^th and the new officers will assume their office on April 15^th. The installation of officers will have to be held on a later date.

With respect to initiation of new members, the initiation can be performed by March 31^st by simply having the candidate take the obligation, in lieu of performing full ritual and witness the formal initiation at a later date.

As you consider the difficult decisions of how and when to proceed with Lodge meetings and activities, please rely on your best judgment and common sense, and make decisions that are in the best interests of your Members and the Lodge. Also, please advise your District Deputy if you wish to cancel a Lodge Meeting or close the Lodge.

We must be committed to the health and wellness of everyone that comes into our Lodges and make sure that we are making every effort to keep our Members, guests, and employees safe. We must also remain responsible members of our communities by doing all we can to help mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus.

Therefore, we recommend you follow the following guidelines:

In addition to normal daily cleaning, disinfect high-touch/high-traffic areas frequently.
Have sanitation stations located at the entrances to your Lodge.
Wash your hands with soap and water frequently for at least twenty seconds.
If you must cough or sneeze, do so in a tissue and then wash your hands.
Refrain from physical contact with others, i.e. handshakes, hugs, or high-fives.
Please remain home if you are feeling ill and consult with a medical professional.
Ask Members and guests not to bring anyone to the Lodge that is not feeling well.
If you encounter a Member or guest who appears ill, request that person to leave immediately to ensure the safety of others.
Members should stay home if they are feeling ill, have underlying health issues, or are concerned about being in public.
As the result of the State of Emergency, you must limit the occupancy of your facilities to 50 people and spread any activities in both space and time to reduce unnecessary contact, and when practical, consider holding activities outside. The Lodge must close by 8:00PM.

Please know that we will approach future District and State activities under the same considerations and guidelines, and that you will be advised of any schedule changes as soon as an appropriate decision can be made relying on prevailing and expected conditions. Our highest priority during this difficult time must be to our Elk Family and the communities we serve, so we can remain healthy and be able to return to business-as-usual sooner, rather than later.

Malcolm J McPherson, Jr., PGER, Sponsor of the State of New

Congratulations State Association President Elect for the 2020-2021 Fraternal Year Peggy