As I am writing this February newsletter our January thaw has just ended and winter has dropped a couple inches of snow and the temperature is returning to normal. The Packers aregoing into their first playoff game and Coach Beilima wishes he would have kicked the field goal!

It was great to see the newer members come out to help Gene Musolf and Max Stella andthe older reliable members work the local Hoop Shoot! From here the 1st place winners ineach division go to Oconto to compete and then they will be back here February 11th for the State Competition.

February 11th will also be the State President’s visit. I encourage all members to attend our dinner and show State President Dave Assmannt and State First Lady Lois our support and thanks for all the hard work it takes!!

I will also be using this occasion to honor the Wausau Elks 248 members who have gone above and beyond the call to Elkdom by their efforts, attitudes, time and actions. Please attend the event and help us show our gratitude. Valentine’s Day is only a few days later, so come out for a nice dinner. We know chef Paul Smith will do it right!

Our meeting on January 19th was also an Initiation and another group became brothers and sisters. There are another4 or 5 that have been proposed for membership and awaiting investigation and balloting. We have 2 months to go yetthis year of Elkdom and we are seeing a very nice growth in membership. I’ll have the year’s totals for you next month.

During our Lodge meeting on Thursday February 2nd there will be the nomination of Officers for the 2012-2013 Elkyear and elections are at the February 16th meeting. If you haven’t made a meeting lately please come and participate! See you there!

Please read the entire bulletin and post the calendar. There are numerous things going on in February.Mark your calendar for the Smelt Fry , Saturday March 24th. Todd and Laurie Wunsch have again graciously volunteeredto chair this traditional event.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Henry Lamovec
Exalted Ruler

Happy New Year!! Jane and I hope you had the opportunity to spend time with family and friends as we did. Grandchildren seem to grow up much faster than our kids did. There are reasons for that so cherish those moments – you will not regret it.

How about those Packers and Badgers! But most of all how about those Elks! Be proud, be charitable & be active.

The New Year gives us all the opportunity to begin anew the way we look at our lives and surroundings. I ask you to practice our Elk’s beliefs in Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity in your daily lives.

December was another busy month. We initiated another 7 new members on December 1st. Unfortunately, at our last meeting we also had to drop 18 from our membership because of nonpayment of dues. Please budget now for your Elks lodge dues for our 2012-2013 lodge year. December 4th was our annual Memorial Service. We had an outstanding attendance! Thank you Memorial Service Chairperson Dale Heitmann, members, officers, and our wonderful 248 choir!! Dale, thank you for your inspiring words.

Aaron and Annie Opper – thank you for stepping forward and chairing the Children’s Christmas Party. Thank you Santa’s helpers and Santa Scott. Bill & Peggy Forrest and Tharen & Beth Gorski along with our Santas, volunteers and charitable donators who spread the joy of Goodfellowship and Christmas – Thank You.

The Growth Committee worked feverishly to bring Elks and friends one of the best New Years Eve Parties ever. On December 13th, myself and leading knight Chuck Berens presented Elk’s State Grant Checks to NTC for the Erni Tervi Pay it Forward scholarship fund, Samoset Boy Scout Council and the NW Great Lakes Girl Scouts.

Dick Kolbeck and Marty Sullivan were busy caring for the deer hides for our veteran leather gloves program. As of this writing we were up to 130 hides – that’s a lot of gloves. Thanks volunteers as it is not the most pleasant assignment. Thank you also WAOW TV 9 for our publicity. These kinds of programs and community awareness helps to grow our causes.

The success of our club operations and lodge activities can be closely associated with member participation in community projects and frequenting our facilities. Have you been to the lodge for a meeting lately? How about a member function or Friday night fish fry? We are your brothers and sisters at Wausau Lodge 248. As you look at your New Year’s resolutions would you please commit to seeing more of and spending time with your fellow Elks. Bring in 2012!!

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Henry Lamovec
Exalted Ruler

There is only one meeting in December and that is December 1st and that will be an initiation. This opens up the calendar a bit for parents and grandparents to attend children’s Christmas programs, company functions and make preparations for the Holidays!

December brings the joy of children’s eyes glistening at the gifts under the tree and the smiles and laughter of family and friends. The joy of giving to loved ones and the satisfaction of knowing that through our giving we have touched the lives of families less fortunate is gratifying. Good Fellowship is December 17th so there is still plenty of time to donate time and money to this great Elk’s tradition! There is never enough of either to help the needy of our community. Good Fellowship serves our local causes only! ELKS CARE-ELKS SHARE!

Thank you Aaron and Annie Opper for chairing the Children’s Halloween Party. What a success with the new Haunted House! All who participated in the Adult’s Halloween enjoyed the efforts of the Growth Committee. Thanks Marty Sullivan – we salute you for providing the Veterans with a reverent reception.

Before you took your vows to Elkdom you were asked: “Do you believe in God?” This belief is most prevalent in December. Last month I asked you to mark your calendar for December 4th for our Elk’s Memorial Service to remember our brothers and sisters we have lost in the last year. Please join us for brunch and the service! If you need a ride please call the lodge. If you can’t attend please remember our deceased member in you prayers.

Santa will be here the 17th for the Kid’s Christmas Party. See the bulletin for details. This is always a pleasant and quieter setting for the little ones to tell Santa what they want rather than at the mall.

Get your reservations in early for New Year Eve! The Growth Committee is again working hard to make this a splendid evening.

May I in closing, wish you and your families a safe and Blessed Christmas holiday! Remember as an Elk we are all family and have one another.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Henry Lamovec

Exalted Ruler