Message from the Exalted Ruler

 Members All: 

HAPPY NEW YEAR Everyone! We made it thru 2020! We can overcome anything! A new year always presents us a clean slate and a certain sense of renewal and opportunity. While January begins a new calendar year, we continue with the Elks year already in progress. I would like to update you on a few of our accomplishments thus far. Each year, a “per capita” is set forth by the Grand Lodge, for target member donations to the Elks National Foundation. Our goal is $4.80 per member. I am happy to report to you that we have exceeded that total for this Lodge Year. In fact, thanks to your generosity, Viera Lodge has contributed over $12.55 per member to this most worthwhile cause.

 The Florida State Elks Association also establishes a per capita figure for donations to the Harry-Anna Trust Fund. Our level there currently stands at $20.48 on a per capita basis which is well above of our $13.44 requirement. We have multiple Lodge members who are HAFT sustaining donors, contributing $19.00 per month. Please see myself or Lodge Secretary Orblych for details on this program. You also made the Holiday Season a lot brighter for many thru your generous donations to the Angel Tree for One Senior Place, wherein we donated gifts to 34 individuals. We also donated to Brevard Family Partnership for their toy drive as well as to Wuesthoff Hospice House. Your unwavering support of our charitable endeavors is absolutely wonderful. THANK YOU ALL for showing Elks Care, Elks Share!!

 On the B.O.D./Building Management side of things, the exterior building lighting has been upgraded, and the alleyways on the North and South side are now well illuminated. We have also installed brighter bulbs in the canopy lights above the sidewalk. We had our annual fire inspection done and have tuned up a few items, as was suggested by the inspector. Thanks go out to B.O.D. Chairman Al Renzi for his efforts in marshalling our resources and getting the upgrades handled. This month, as is customary, the House Committee has a full schedule of events on deck. Please see the report on page 3 and the calendar for specifics. There is something for every taste available. Please avail yourselves of the Lodge offerings. The combination of good food and good fellowship is impossible to beat. 

We will be honored in February to host State President Rudy Masi and First Lady Dolly as they visit the great Southeast Central District. We will be having a cocktail reception on Friday the 19th, followed by the State President’s dinner on the 20th . Please make plans to join us to welcome our visitors and their traveling party. Early reservations are encouraged as we “crowd manage” for the required social distancing. Until next month, stay safe and stay healthy. May God Bless America and each of you. 

Fraternally, 

Jerry Harrington, 

PER, Exalted Ruler