STATE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve as the Virginia Elks Association President for the year 2012-2013. I look forward to the challenges and thank those who have agreed to serve on the various committees. Let’s not forget to thank the members who attend and help promote the Elk Programs.

The Virginia Elks Association meetings augment the programs of the Grand Lodge and enhance the major projects of Virginia. It is a chance for Elks to come together to discuss and refine our roles as members of the “Best People on Earth”. Training seems to be the direction we are heading. It is refreshing to see classes in Exalted Ruler, Secretary, Ritual, and other areas to improve our knowledge of the Order.

This year I would like to emphasize the importance of Honor and Service. We need to stop and look back to the Elks and their families, who have made a positive impact on our lives and provided us with the great organization that we have today. We are the caretakers of today and we have an awesome responsibility to leave our Lodges and Association better than we found them. We serve many different people; veterans, children, elderly, hungry, homeless, and our own fellow Elks. It gives me pleasure knowing that Virginia Elks are never satisfied in just giving, they continue to seek new and better ways to serve. The Elks National Foundation contributes monies back to the Association for our Major Projects and they also contribute Grant money to local Lodges for projects in their respective areas. The Association provides a network for all members to meet and discuss their thoughts and ideas.

Karen and I look forward to visiting throughout our great Commonwealth promoting Elkdom.

May God continue to look after all of us and may we continue to do his will.

Fraternally,
Darryl T. Myers