exalted ruler's MESSAGE
Kim McIlonie
It is truly an honor to serve as the Exalted Ruler of our Lodge for the coming year. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has a long and proud tradition of service to our communities, our veterans, and our youth, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help continue that tradition. First, I would like to thank everyone who has supported, encouraged, and perhaps gently (or not so gently) nudged me into this position. I also want to recognize the officers and committee members who dedicate so much of their time and effort to making our Lodge successful. A lodge doesn’t run on titles—it runs on the people who show up, volunteer, and lend a hand whenever something needs to be done. As your Exalted Ruler, my goal is simple: keep the good things going, support the programs that help our community, and make sure our Lodge remains a place where members enjoy coming together. I promise to keep an open mind, listen to ideas and suggestions, and do my best not to mess anything up. And if I do, I’m sure someone will kindly point it out to me. One goal I would especially love to see this year is a “Burn the Mortgage” ceremony when we finally reach that milestone. Also coming up, Alane Asp, DDGER, is hosting a Charity Golf Tournament on April 18th at 1:00 p.m. at The Views Golf Club in Oro Valley. The tournament will benefit Arizona Elks Major Projects, Inc., and will be followed by dinner at our Lodge. Please sign up at the Lodge if you would like to participate. It would also be great if any officers would like to join me at the golf course to greet players and assist with registration. Also, this month, our 4th Annual Veteran’s Committee Dart Tournament is coming up on April 25 h at 10:00 am. We still need players, please sign up in the Lodge. This event always helps to offset the cost of our local paralyzed vets who participate in the Paralympics. It’s a great cause and a fun day! I am looking forward to the year ahead and working together to make it a successful one for our Lodge and the community we serve. Thank you for your support, your dedication, and your willingness to step up whenever help is needed.
Fraternally,
Kim McIlonie
LEADING Knight Message
Lisa Hensley
As we welcome April, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible spirit of charity and community that filled our lodge throughout March. It was truly a month that showcased what being an Elk is all about—giving, caring, and coming together for others. One of our highlights was the Impact “Stuff-a-Bag” Food Drive for our local food bank. This effort, led by Jan Trudeau and supported by many dedicated volunteers, made a meaningful difference for families in need. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and generosity. We also celebrated the Iron Elk competition, with congratulations to Kim McIlone for winning this fun and spirited event. In a wonderful act of kindness, Kim generously donated the proceeds to PACC, helping support animals in our community. Continuing that support, Kathleen Foley organized a PACC Piggy Bank, giving members another opportunity to contribute to the shelter. Every donation, big or small, helps make a difference. Another very special event was our Clothe-A-Child shopping day, led by Leslie Huerta and Cindy Lefaive, along with many amazing volunteers. This event brought smiles to so many children, and the day was made even more memorable with a lunch and a visit from the Easter Bunny. To everyone who volunteered, donated, and participated—thank you. Your compassion and dedication are what make our lodge so special. I am honored to serve as your Leading Knight and to be part of such a caring community. Let’s carry this momentum of kindness into the months ahead.
Fraternally,
Lisa Hensley
Leading Knight
SECRETARY’S CORNER
Mimi Wittenborn - Secretary
From the Secretary’s Desk:
Well, it’s the beginning of the new Elks’ year. Thank you to all the officers, committee chairpersons, volunteers and members all for a great year. I also want to congratulate all of the award winners for all their hard work. Of course, I wouldn’t be your secretary if I didn’t nag just a little. With the new year we start over with event reporting. All events, meetings, etc. are reportable. Please get these into me ASAP. Also, if you haven’t paid your 2026 – 2027 dues yet, please get those in as you will not be able to participate in any of the exciting events planned. Lodge Stats: I cannot include them this time as they will change dramatically from this writing to the time you receive the Bugle. We are looking at a growth in membership for the year.
Something to think about:
“If you change the way you look at thinks, the things, you look at change.
Wayne Dyer
LODGE STATS YEAR-TO-DATE
Membership to Date ...............623
Candidates: ....................................16
Delinquents ...................................31
Life Members ................................47
Average Age ...............................70.5
**As a reminder to all committee chairs, please get your activity reports into me ASAP after an event.
Past Exalted Ruler Association
Past Exalted Ruler Association - Douglas Harpold, PERA President
Happy Easter to you all!
It’s only April and we have already seen several days in the 100 degree area. I am hoping this is not a sign of the heat we will have this summer!! I have a couple of things to report on in this article. 1st, we are looking for some help from our members to recruit some eligible students who might be interested in getting a scholarship to help pay for their schooling. At this time we only have one applicant. If you have a grandchild who might be interested, please download the application from our website and have them get it done ASAP. Time is short, but with a little effort you may be eligible to get some money to cover books, tuition, or other school necessities. My second request is for all of our members to get their renewals in and pay your dues. As of April one the yellow membership card that you have will no longer be active. You will not be able to enter the lodge with that card, and you will also not be eligible to play Queen of Hearts. You must be a member in good standing in order to play. PERs will be asking to see your new valid card when purchasing tickets and you also will have to leave the lodge if you are not paid and a member in good standing SO PLEASE PAY YOUR DUES!!!!
ENF Report - Ron Starjnski, PER
Hello everyone.
The 2025-26 fiscal year is closed, and what a year it was! From unleashing gritty kids with the Elks Hoop Shoot, to helping the next generation of leaders achieve their academic dreams with scholarships, to meeting the unique needs of communities with Community Investments Program grants, Elks have proven that they always care. As one chapter ends, another begins: Applications for 2026-27 Beacon, Spotlight, and Gratitude Grants are now open! You may be eager to start building stronger communities in this new year, but before your Lodge applies for a Gratitude Grant, make sure to wait until the fundraising numbers from the 2025-26 fiscal year are updated in May. Waiting to apply will ensure your Lodge gets the full extent of our thanks! For questions about the Gratitude Grant and its bonuses, please contact the CIP team at LodgeGrants@elks.org or by calling 773/755-4730. Our Lodge, Catalina Mountain Lodge # 2815, is currently 2nd in the state for Per-Member Donations @ $31.26 and we are 97th out of 1,811 lodges in the nation. Great job everyone. Donate today and let’s try for first place in the state by the end of the year.
I will see you at the lodge.
Ron Starjnski PER, ENF Chairman
