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Youth Appreciation Night Tuesday May 1, 2012

As I observed the Youth activity appreciation presentation, last Tuesday May 1st, from my Leading Knight station, I felt a great pride in our Lodge. 156 Elks, parents, teachers and best of all some of the best youth in our area. The Lodge room was full. As Loyal Knight, last year , it was the culmination of all my work last year as the activities were under my chair. Not to be misunderstood, I take very little credit for the success of the program. It is our members who made it all happen.

Pat Martino, as Master of Ceremonies and the current Youth Activities Chairman did a marvelous job smoothly presenting each Chairmen and student, parents and teachers for each category. But... the behind the scenes work was not appearant for Pat. As Jim "Coach" Amthor was not present for the "Hoop Shoot",
Pat represented the Hoop shoot portion and "Coach" had stated Part was a great consultant behind the scene and thanked me for pulling Pat into advising and helping "Coach" in the program.

Then there was the dictionary program he and Andy chaired. Although Pat mentioned the letters from the kids, he and the "dictionary program" just was not recognized properly. It is a great program for our Lodge. What was missing was the years of dedication for this program Andy and Pat have served. I should have handled that recognition because it was hard to properly blow his own horn. Mea Culpa!

Then, there was John Dellos and his extraordinary Scholarship program which resulted in six students going to district, State and National competition.

Then, Irene Romero and Charlie T. Hart and their 5th grade essays. Good acknowledgement and representation but what was missing was the years of dedication for this program, because it was Charlie who was making the presentation..

Then, there was Dennis Lumley and his scout troop #603 adn his Eagle scouts and color guard. Dennis has been the Chairman for the scouts for nine years..WOW! What dedication and service for the Lodge.

The best part, when I contacted them to thank each of them for their service under my chair, each one volunteered to continue the following year for Derek Randles as the the new Loyal knight . He is all set for a great program this coming year.

Lastly, we forgot to acknowledge Chef Louie and his kitchen crew and those who set the lodge up for the event.

Further not to be misunderstood, our Lodge and I were recognized by the District Chairman Activities, Rick Blake, in the Leading Knight conference earlier this last month for our activities which I reported to district. Good enough for me....

Fraternally yours,

Jason S. Spence

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Youth Appreciation Night Tuesday May 1, 2012