Exalted Rulers Message "Elks Care - Elks Share"

As your newly installed Exalted ruler for the coming year, 2010-2011, I would like to thank all who have expressed confidence in my abilities to serve as the first Exalted Ruler of my gender for our Lodge.  Please allow me the opportunity to introduce myself to those of you who are faithful members, but don’t get into our social quarters, where I have been an integral part of the operation for several years now. 
I was born and raised in Reading.  Graduating from Reading High School, I attended Mansfield State University.  I had worked for BCIU for 8 years in their child development department, before moving on to St. Joseph’s Medical Center in the same capacity for four years.  I currently work as a medical assistant for Dr. Zechman and have been there for the past sixteen years.
I have been an active member of our Lodge for the past nine years, holding several posts within the organization.  For the past two years I have been the Esteemed Lecturing Knight, as well as serving on the House Committee and barperson.
As your new Exalted Ruler I am optimistic about the planned goals and hoped for achievements in the coming year.  In looking to the future, I would like to see more of our members involved in our Lodge.  This includes seasoned members as well as the new members who have recently joined the Lodge.  Volunteers are always needed, so check out the committees, and the chairmen of each, and see where you can devote some time to help out.  These activities, and the community services we provide, are at the very heart of our organization and truly demonstrate that “ Elks Care –Elks  Share.”
Grand Lodge Programs such as Hoop Shoot®, Most Valuable Student Scholarship Awards, Drug Awareness Education Programs and the work of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission are among the community service programs sponsored by Our Lodge. Also, sponsoring Boy or Girl Scout Troops, promoting youth activities, assisting needy families and working with the elderly also demonstrate that Elks truly do care about their communities.
While most Elks know about the good work we do in our communities, the strength of our community image is dependent, not on what we know, but on what the other residents of our communities know about the activities we support.  We must get the word out of the great works of our Order if we are to achieve any level of success.  By spreading the knowledge of the work performed by the Members of the Lodge, we will help achieve a strong community image. This, in turn, will earn the Lodge support and respect in the community. This support and respect will foster an attitude that membership in our Order is a privilege.
In closing, many members have expressed a desire to see different activities when they visit our Lodge, so we have decided to try different theme nights; such as Name that Tune, Trivia Night, and of course our successful Pajama Party Night.  The future of our Lodge depends entirely on the energies of everyone working together so don’t hesitate to volunteer your services.  If anyone has questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to call me at 610-207-3169.

Brenda L. Spencer
Exalted Ruler

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