Welcome to our new web site!

To give our readers a chance to experience all that our new website has to offer, we have made all content freely avaiable, through October 1, 2018.

During this time, print and digital subscribers will not need to log in to view our stories or e-editions.

Huntingdon Elks Lodge Hosts Open House

Posted

HUNTINGDON (August 31) — Huntingdon Elks Lodge #2152 hosted an all-day open house Saturday, inviting the public to enjoy food, fellowship and fun activities while learning about the wide reach of the organization’s charitable efforts.
From noon through the evening, the event was family-friendly and included a free potluck lunch and fish fry dinner, face-painting, a bounce house, cornhole, horseshoes and other games and activities. Elroy the Elk, the club’s mascot, made an appearance to the delight of the kids.
Then, from late evening on, the kids were dismissed while the grown-ups enjoyed some adult time, including a concert by One Nyte Stand.
Throughout the day, guests could learn, through reading materials and conversations with members, about the extensive charity and community outreach that the Elks provide on a local, state and national level.
In an interview with The Banner, Lodge #2152 Exalted Ruler Alan Martin summed up the organization’s mission: “Anything we can do to help the community, especially kids and veterans.”

The lodge hosts annual Easter egg hunts, lunches with the Easter Bunny, Mother’s Day luncheons and lunches with Santa. Members contribute to the Angel Tree program, as well as providing Christmas baskets for needy families and gifts to foster children. They also do back-to-school shopping for kids in need, and they participate in drives for the Carl Perkins Center.
The Elks offer kids ages 8-13 the opportunity to compete locally all the way up to the national level with the annual Hoop Shoot Contest. The Huntingdon lodge has sent a competitor to the national competition three of the last four years. Martin noted that the Elks are second to only the government in awarding scholarships. In Tennessee, the scholarships focus on nursing and trade schools, and funds are awarded partly through essay competitions.
The Elks have an active drug awareness program, including essay, video and poster competitions.
Martin said that to the Elks, “Veterans are second to none.” They have a Veteran’s Day program each year, including a meal. They also take meals to and visit with veterans at nursing homes and the Tennessee State Veterans’ Home in Humboldt.
Past State President Hershel Wilkes told The Banner that, nationally, in the previous two years, the Elks have contributed $1 billion in money, time, travel, goods and services to the various causes.
The Huntingdon lodge, chartered December 12, 1959, currently has 153 members. The next local Elks event will be the Veterans Day luncheon. All veterans are invited to attend, along with a guest. Check The Banner for more details as the event approaches.

Huntingdon, Elks Lodge, Open House