OFFICER’S SEMINAR
WELL ATTENDED

Twenty-one of Nebraska’s twenty-three Elks Lodges were represented at the annual “Officers Elect Seminar” held at the Mid-town Holiday Inn in Grand Island on February 25^th and 26^th. Twenty Exalted Rulers, elect, 14 secretaries, 15 trustees, 16 other lodge officers and 31 spouses gained information on Elkdom as a preliminary step in preparing for a successful new lodge year. PSP and Nebraska Elks’ Secretary, James Vleck led the program section of the seminar. PSP Dale Nielson was in charge of registration and arrangements at the motel. Honored members present were State Sponsor, PGER James M. McQuillan, State President, Terry Kramer, DDGER’s John Folcik of Nebraska Central and Robert Howell of Nebraska East.

A general session was held immediately following lunch on Saturday. State Benevolence Chairman, Doyle Butts, presented information to all on the Nebraska Elks Association’s Major Projects. The Kids on the Block Program is rapidly gaining strength and has been presented this year to well over 10,000 children in Nebraska schools. Through puppetry, this program teaches children about Drug Awareness, Prevention and Children with Disabilities. It is available upon request for any school in Nebraska through their Elks Lodge.

The general session was then dismissed into break-out sessions for the Exalted Rulers, Secretaries and Trustees. Rod Duel, Secretary of Superior Lodge, led an informative session for the Secretaries through presentation and round table discussions. This session has always been a favorite with the secretaries as they have an opportunity to discuss their concerns with their colleagues. Second Vice-President, Chuch Meisinger and State Trustee, Don Gatzke led a break-out session for those trustees present. The Exalted Rulers, elect, heard presentations on ritual, membership, public relations, veteran’s service, Americanism, government relations, lodge activities, Elks structure and organizational strategy to help them plan a successful lodge year. PER Mike Ohren of Omaha and PER Kevin Crook of Grand Island led this session.

Participants enjoyed the company of others during a social hour prior to a buffet dinner provided at the motel on Saturday evening. Over 80 Elks and their guests enjoyed this event.

The Sunday morning general session provided information on the Elks National Foundation and lodge insurance programs. Chuck Meisinger informed the participants on the approaching State Convention at North Platte. Jim Vleck commented on the Nebraska Elks Directories and the National Convention in Orlando. A special session for spouses was led by Carol Thompson, wife of 1^st Vice President, Joe Thompson.. Several of the State Officer’s wives provided input to help spouses of the newly elected officers prepare for the ensuing year. First Vice President, Joe Thompson, addressed the delegation on his goals for his coming year as State President. The Sunday session closed with presentation of certificates by registration chairman, Dale Nielson.

A special thank you is in order to seminar co-chairs, Jim Vleck and Dale Nielson for their hard work on a job well done. Also, thanks to the presenters and participants who made this seminar one of the best ever.

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