Thank you to all the members of the NJ State Elks Association for the great trust you have placed in me. I look forward to working hand in hand with all my friends and to all the new friends I will meet throughout the year. It is only with your support that the B.P.O. E. can be successful with all its chartable activities that help so many people in our own neighborhoods.

During the campaign trail I stressed the importance of participating in the Grand Lodge & State Programs. You can plan a trip to Camp Moore, visit a Veteran, help a Veteran returning from the Middle East, deliver a basket of food to a deserving family, touch the life of local children by jumping into the many youth programs, just get involved. What other organization reaches out and touches the lives of the people in the neighborhoods we live & work in as much as the Elks?

The importance of the officers of each Lodge implementing the Elks programs can not be over stated. You must be clear and passionate when communicating your goals. You must be willing to work hand in hand with each Lodge Committee. When your Lodge members become more involved they want to share their experience with their friends and family. Following State & Grand Lodge programs is the first step in growing our membership. “Enthusiasm is contagious”!

As Elks we must all have One Goal; to generate that spark of interest to participation in the Elk programs, and ignite it into One Passion; the continued success of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks.

To my wife Susan, thank you for your support, I love you. To Mom & Dad, who taught me about being an Elk and a good person, I dedicate this year to you knowing you are looking down from above and guiding me as always. This year I dedicate to your memories, I love & miss you both.


William J Peltier JR, SPE