The 2008 Summer Bugle is on the Web Site. Go to Publications and The Bugle,
and click on 2008 Summer Bugle.

Platteville Lodge #1460 has a new e-mail address of elks1460@yahoo.com.

Two Rivers Lodge #1380 has a new e-mail address of trelks1380@gmail.com
All mail intended for Elks within the Two Rivers Lodge should be sent to Two
Rivers Lodge #1380, PO Box 86, Two Rivers, WI 54241

Seating is going to be limited to 250 people at the Saturday Night
Banquet in Oshkosh.

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There is information regarding Appleton's Flag Day ceremony. Go to Publications/Forms.

There has been a change of Headquarters hotel for the Fall Conference in Oshkosh. The Headquarters hotel has been changed from the Hawthorne Inn and Suites to the Comfort Suites. The new registration form can be found under Publications/Forms.

There has been new information added to the Americanism Committee
page of the web site. There is contact information for the VA Medical,
Center-Float Reservations.

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In the last “Bugle” there was an application blank inviting
you to join us in a golf outing in conjunction with the 2008
Wisconsin Elks Association Fall Conference. Due to a conflict
in golf course scheduling, the Tee Times and Golf Course have
been changed. We will now be holding our golf outing at the
Lake Breeze Golf Club. Please see the new flyer for directions
and time changes.

To: All Members of the Wisconsin Elks Association

Let me begin by saying that Yvonne and I would like to take this time to thank all of you for the opportunity to serve as your State President and 1st Lady for the 2008-2009 year. We look forward to our travels to all of the lodges of our State and seeing all of you in the year ahead. We’d also like to thank all those who worked so hard to provide such an enjoyable time in Sheboygan as we were installed following the final business session of our Association. In addition, I’d like to say “thank you” to all of you who have supported me throughout the years.

As I campaigned 2 years ago, I asked you for your support by giving me “a hand” in getting elected to the office of President-Elect. With your help, that dream became a reality.

This past year, as your President-Elect, I offered you “a hand” (applause) as I visited your lodges with our State President, for all of the “good things” that you are doing in the name of Elkdom. I thank you again today for your support and dedication to the programs of our Order and your efforts to aid those of your communities.

I have chosen to use this “hand” intentionally as I have traveled these past 2 years as I feel strongly about all of the things that the “hand” represents. Today, as I stand before you, having taken my oath of office as your State President; I want to share some of my ideas of what this hand represents.

1. The extended hand held out in front of you represents the symbol of
hospitality, friendship and welcome that we, as Elks, offer not only to
each other but also to those of our communities. This same hand is
offered to our new members at their initiation into our Order.

2. The raised hand represents the symbol of unity, as we vote on the many
things that come before us. Whether we agree or disagree, we are united
in our efforts to improve our lodges, our communities and our nation. This
same uplifted hand represents the symbol of our word as we took our Oath
of Obligation and swore upon everything that is sacred that we will always be
faithful to what is right and good in our everyday lives.

3. The hand over our heart represents the symbol of our love and devotion as we
Pledge Allegiance to our Flag, our Country and the people of our Nation.

4. The folded hand represents the symbol of prayer and belief in an almighty,
compassionate and heavenly father who guides us each day of our lives.

5. And of course, our outstretched hand, represents the symbol of our help to aid
those in distress as we relieve their pains and burdens in life’s many challenges.

I feel that, as Elks, we use our hands in these many different ways each and every day. So it is natural that as I assume the duties and Office of President of the Wisconsin Elks Association this day, I will again use this symbol of the “hand” throughout the course of this next year.

As your State President, I ask for your help once again; your help in doing the many things that you have done for so many years in the past. My slogan for this year is: “Lend a Hand”. I need your help! There is much to do and it is said that “many hands make for light work”.

If you enjoy watching youngsters have fun at organized sporting events…

Then “Lend a Hand” and help your lodge host those Hoop Shoot and Soccer “Shoot” contests and all the other sporting events that your lodge sponsors that help teach young children the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, and discipline while having a fun-filled time.

If you want to help our younger generation gain the wisdom and knowledge needed as they progress through their school years…

Then “Lend a Hand” in the distribution of dictionaries to elementary schools and continue to sponsor those Americanism Essay Contests and Constitution Contests that teach our youth of the history of our nation and an appreciation of where we came from as a people.

If you want to promote healthy and smart choices in the lives of the younger generation of today…

Then “Lend a Hand” and help us distribute our Drug Awareness literature that helps enlighten the families of our communities of the dangers of alcohol and drug addiction and the dire and harmful consequences of their abuse.

If you know of some young adult who has the knowledge and drive to continue their education after graduating from high school, but are unable to do so because of the cost of a college education…

Then “Lend a Hand” and help that student apply and secure an Elk’s scholarship so that they can achieve their potential and ensure their success as an adult in today’s society.

If you know of someone who is disabled and needs help with those “everyday” things that we all take for granted…

Then “Lend a Hand” by giving them the support and resources necessary to make it through each day. If that family has someone who requires unending care, make them aware of the marvelous works that happen each day at Camp Wawbeek and at the Respite Camp. Help that person experience some of the same things that we did as children and give those caregivers a much deserved break.

If you are proud to be an American and you want to help the veterans who have given so unselfishly of themselves in the past for the benefit of others…

Then “Lend a Hand” and volunteer your time and service to our veterans programs as we make sure that these faithful individuals are not forgotten and are taken care of in a manner in which they deserve. Ask those who you know for their deer hides as we collect and donate them to give our veterans small projects to do as a means of therapy.

If you are determined to help the less fortunate in our communities overcome some of the obstacles that are keeping them down…

Then “Lend a Hand” at your lodge as you work your miracles that help all those of our communities pick themselves up so that they can overcome the stress and trials of everyday life that get to us all during some of life’s low-points. Show them that “Elks Care….and Elks really do Share”.

I am proud to be an Elk as I know that you are also. We have a rich tradition of giving that has long been a part of our lodges. Those of the past have established the camaraderie and friendship that we all enjoy in our lodges today. I am proud to stand before you this day as your State President and I will do everything possible to serve you and represent you in a manner that will make you proud. I thank you for all that you have done in the past and ask again for your help in the year ahead. “Elks Care….Elks Share”: it’s much more than a motto, it’s a way of life. If you believe in the things that I’ve just mentioned, then I ask that you “Lend a Hand” in the year ahead.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Thomas J. Widzinski
State President

There is going to be a golf outing in conjunction with the State
President's visit to Chippewa Falls on Saturday, June 21, 2008. Further
information and the Registration Form can be found under Publications/Forms.

The National Hoop Shoot results are in, and Breahna Butler (8-9 from Milwaukee) shot 19/25
and finished 7th. Jordan Walker (10-11 from Portage) shot 21/25 and finished 6th.

Sara DePouw (12-13 from Oconto) shot 23/25 then 5/5 and 4/5 to become the National Hoop
Shoot 1st Place winner. She is our first National Champion from Wisconsin since 1995-1996.
Contratulations Sara and Oconto Lodge #887!

OFFICER RECOGNITION IN TWO RIVERS

For the 15th year, the Two Rivers Elks and Eagles were partners in the banquet
which honors distinguished members of their Fire and Police Depts. Mz. Jayme
Bowman was selected by her peers as "Police Officer of the Year. Lt. Gary Brandl
was selected by his peers as "Firefighter of the Year".

Over 100 citizens and community leaders were at the dinner as the Elks & Eagles
honored these officers. The two clubs also gave the city a $1,000 check for the Two
Rivers DARE program.

For 15 years, this check has been the primary source of funding for that program in Two Rivers.

There is new information under the Elks Major Project Committee. Go to
Committees and click on Elks Major Project.

On the Pre-Registration Form in the Convention Issue of the Bugle,
we have incorrectly listed as the Saturday Night Banquet being
held at the LaSure's Hall, Hawthorne Inn and Suites.
It should state The Saturday Night Banquet will be held
at the Oshkosh Elks Lodge #299 Banquet Hall.

We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this may have caused.

The W.E.A. is in the process of updating its By-Laws. The proposed amendments can be found on the W.E.A. web site at wielks.org under Resolutions and Laws. What is trying to be accomplished in this amendment is to.

1. Remove the male term and make it either sex.

2. Make some uniformity to the Committee’s make up by having those who are
not under Grand Lodge direction to have two members from each district.

3. In the past the Leading Knight was asked for recommendations for
committees, this is no longer a working system. Being proposed is
the V.P’S, at their district meetings, work with the Lodge officers
present and then makes a recommendation to the incoming President-Elect
for the committee appointments. With more member involvement this
should be a working solution.

4. Other changes are house keeping changes that needed to be done.

This is a start to the changes of the By-Laws as in future years this will be an on going process until we are done. It has been felt that it is too big of a job to try to accomplish at one time.

The By- Laws rewrite committee feels this is the best approach and has had the Resolutions & Laws Committee review these changes before being posted to the site.

Please remember that in the future if things need to be changed they can be later addressed.

This Committee asks your support as this has been over a four year process to get to this point.

If you would like a hard copy or have a question please contact me.


Ken Johnson
State Secretary
Wisconsin Elks Association

The Fall Conference Golf Outing Registration Form is now available under publications/forms. Please note that the times have been changed from the form that is in the May Convention issue of the Bugle. The times on the web site are the correct ones.

The 2008 Fall Conference Housing Information Form is now available under Publications/Forms.

The Lodge and Officer Information form is now available on line. Go to Publications and then Forms.

The 2008 Grand Lodge Convention registration form is available on line.  Go to publications and then forms.

Updated Americanism Essay Contest Form, Americanism Lodge Report Form and Americanism Flag Day Reimbursement Form are now available under Publications/Forms.

The new Committee for the Disabled Application Form is now available under Publications/Forms