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Let me start with thanking everyone who helped make April a success. We had a very busy month, the new Board Of Directors have been working diligently to put together a new program for the Lodge and Club operations. The nine Officers have been broken up into seven different committees consisting of, Finance Committee, Restaurant Operations, Bar Operations, Building and Grounds, Raffles and Special Activities, Membership and Employee/ Personnel. Each committee consists of at least three Officers, and each Officer will be on at least three committees . You can imagine how much time these gentlemen are devoting to try to make OUR Lodge run as smooth and prosperous as possible. There will be a list posted in the lower of the Officers contacts and a list of their duties. Please direct your questions or com-ments accordingly. These men deserve your recognition, so please if you see them around the Lodge let them know they are appreciated. This is the equivalent of a full time job on top of their full time jobs. So please try to be helpful and respectful with your comments.

Looking back on last month, we enjoyed our first Chili Dog Palooza . I would consider it to be a success, this event was put on by our Growth Committee. The Growth committee is an-other committee that puts in countless hours trying to plan and implement new ideas for fundraisers to generate funds that benefit our Lodge and Charities. Please feel free to lend a hand, Shirley Van Slate heads this committee and would welcome the help.

The Officers were invited to perform at the Eagle Scout Ceremony for two fine young men from Troop #400 at St. Michaels Church in Wausau. This was an honor to be invited to help celebrate their accomplishments. Jerry Petrowski and Mandy Wright were also in attendance.

The Youth Awards Banquet was held a little earlier this year, but was a great success. Congratulations to all the children who participate in our Youth Activities. These programs would not be possible without the devotion of the volunteers who work tirelessly to insure the success of these activities. I would like to thank all who volunteer their time to our many great charities. THANK YOU !!!

This month kicks off with the State Convention in Eau Claire I look forward to these events, as they are great opportunities to learn from other lodges were they have found success. Don’t forget about Mothers Day, Make your reservations today and show your mother how special she really is! We are once again going to participate in the Memorial Day Parade at the end of the month. This is so much fun to be a part of, please join us in the march to show how strong the local Elks Lodge is. I’m sure I’ll see you all around the lodge, or please feel free to contact me anytime.

Kevin McCarthy,
Exalted Ruler

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My goal as Exalted Ruler is to get as many members involved as possible, not only at the Lodge but in the community. I would like to see our members donate their time and talents throughout the year with community service and related fund raisers. These experiences are not only rewarding to your soul, it is an awesome opportunity to meet other kind and generous people. Who knows, there might even be a chance to recruit some new members. We need to show the community that “Elks Care, Elks Share!” So let’s get out there and flash our true colors by wearing your favorite Elks apparel. There are many great events to benefit Veterans or raise funds for finding cures to help our loved ones. I welcome all members to share their photos doing charitable good deeds. I can’t wait to see all the good we can do.

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome our thirteen new members who were initiated on March 21st. It’s wonderful to see so many new faces. Please remember that this is your Lodge and you are welcome to stop in any chance you get. One of the best ways to meet fellow members is to join a committee. Contact one of the Officers or ask the staff and they will be happy to direct you to the right person. Be sure to read your monthly bulletin, upcoming events, meeting times and all contact information you need are included.

Once again, I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity to serve you. I would like to extend my gratitude to PER Chuck Berens. I am grateful for having the opportunity to have worked with him and learned from him. I am proud to call him my friend.

Kevin McCarthy,
Exalted Ruler

It hardly seems possible that we are at the end of the Lodge year. Marilyn and I were so proud to be included in all the wonderful events and activities this Lodge is known for. It has been an honor and privilege to represent you as an Officer and especially
this past year as Exalted Ruler.

After our last initiation later this month, your Lodge should show a gain in membership and strength again this year. Keep up the good work of bringing new members to our group, they help keep us strong and a vital part of the Wausau community.

I presented the Lodge year awards on State President night in February and since many could not attend I want to recognize these great members and friends of our Lodge here as well.

Because of their unprecedented help in covering the changes in our lodge office, I presented Secretary Garry Puariea, Treasurer Mike Tomcyzk and Office Assistant Becky Rizuto with Exalted Ruler Appreciation Certificates.

Lori Schmidt received Volunteer of the Year honors for logging over 500 hours of help in the Club Office. (This has happened more than once). Grand Exalted Ruler Commendations were presented to Dave Kitowski and Tom Retzlaff for their never fading enthusiasm for all our projects, local and State.

Tharen and Beth Gorski were named Couple of the Year for the excellent job they do with the very large and very important Good Fellowship program. Marilyn Osborne was named Lady Elk of the year for her involvement in the State and local Soccer shoot program and for always being there when she was needed, even when she wasn’t planning on it.

Kevin Meier is the Lodge Citizen of the Year for his service to Wausau area youth through the Wausau Area Softball Association and the Babe Ruth Softball programs. Positive youth activities area cornerstone of the Elks promise.

Kevin McCarthy is my Officer of the Year for all the work he has done helping me and especially on behalf of Camp Wawbeek, the Elks State Major Project, raising over $3000.00 in the last two years.

There is no way to describe the dedication to our order and principles shown by Peggy Rebhahn, except to call her Elk of the Year for 2012 – 2013.

These dedicated members and friends, like all of you, make being Exalted Ruler here a pretty easy task. Please continue to support Kevin McCarthy and the new Officers and Trustees as you have supported me. I know they will keep our Lodge strong and on the right path. Thank you for allowing me to represent you.

You’ll still see me around the Lodge,
Chuck Berens
Exalted Ruler