Message from the President
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2021-2022 WV Elks Association President
Dennis G. Hayes Mannington Lodge #388 My fellow West Virginia Elks Association Members,
As many of you are aware my state presidency position was to take place in 2020 – 2021 and because of the COVID-19 Pandemic all our lives basically came to a complete halt. With everything being shut down which included all Lodges, Gatherings, State Conventions, Grand Lodge Convention, and with the restrictions we were not able to go forward with any visits or any of the regular programs in the Elks world, as well as many other aspects of our lives. Because of the state our world was in it was decided that my WV Elks State Presidency would not take effect until 2021 – 2022. |
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This pandemic touched each one of our lives and we all have suffered losses of family members and friends. Louise and I would like to extend our sincere sympathy to each of you for the pain, suffering and losses you have endured during this past year.
I would like to thank you the members of the West Virginia Elks Association for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your 2021-2022 State President. I would also like to thank the members of Mannington Lodge #388 for their support which started over four years ago. By achieving this position, it is privilege to be only the second member from Mannington Lodge #388 to represent our state as State President in the 113-year history of the WV Elks Association. Also, to my wife Louise, without your love and support, none of this would have been possible. Louise and I are both looking forward to representing and serving the West Virginia Elks Association in 2021-2022.
My Slogan for this year is “HAYES” -- Have A Young Elk Serve, this means different things to different lodges. In some lodges this is a 21–24-year-old citizen who joins the lodge; however in all lodges this is anyone who joins your home lodge regardless of their age. If they are a new member, they are a young Elk, even if they are 70 years old. Get these young members involved, put them on a committee, do not let them be that person who pays their dues yet never come in the lodge, or those that come in and socialize then leave. Ask them to help with something, anything, so they have some idea of how your lodge and committees operate with your communities, youth and veterans. Welcome their idea, be open to trying new things. Remember, “It’s our choice”, “Increase Commitment in Elkdom”, “Let’s keep the West Virginia Elks Great” Please invest your time in them and get them involved.
I would like to thank you the members of the West Virginia Elks Association for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your 2021-2022 State President. I would also like to thank the members of Mannington Lodge #388 for their support which started over four years ago. By achieving this position, it is privilege to be only the second member from Mannington Lodge #388 to represent our state as State President in the 113-year history of the WV Elks Association. Also, to my wife Louise, without your love and support, none of this would have been possible. Louise and I are both looking forward to representing and serving the West Virginia Elks Association in 2021-2022.
My Slogan for this year is “HAYES” -- Have A Young Elk Serve, this means different things to different lodges. In some lodges this is a 21–24-year-old citizen who joins the lodge; however in all lodges this is anyone who joins your home lodge regardless of their age. If they are a new member, they are a young Elk, even if they are 70 years old. Get these young members involved, put them on a committee, do not let them be that person who pays their dues yet never come in the lodge, or those that come in and socialize then leave. Ask them to help with something, anything, so they have some idea of how your lodge and committees operate with your communities, youth and veterans. Welcome their idea, be open to trying new things. Remember, “It’s our choice”, “Increase Commitment in Elkdom”, “Let’s keep the West Virginia Elks Great” Please invest your time in them and get them involved.
Fraternally,
Dennis G. Hayes
Dennis G. Hayes