#8742 Rosie Marie Bartley holds her 60-year Elkhorn Elks Club
Service Pin presented by G.E.R. Koszman. PHOTO/ED JAMES
Elks host special Christmas visitor
By Ed James
Not Santa, but the Grand Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club of Canada, Maurice Koszman, joined the Elkhorn Elks at their Christmas meeting, Dec. 9.
Elks club members from Souris, Carberry, Moosomin and Moose Mountain also attended to hear the national leader.
Elkhorn Elks Club President Wanda Rhodes welcomed everyone and asked member Chance Toder to say grace before the meal, catered by the new Elkhorn family restaurant.
Guest speaker G.E.R. Koszman told his story and of his decision to join the Elks Club.
Koszman was born in Radville, Sask. to a farming family. He lived a busy life as a teacher, sports coach, team bus driver, town councillor and was a member of teacher organizations. However, in 1979 he was invited to join the Elks Club and he has never looked back: “It was with the Elks that I received my greatest satisfaction.”
In his animated address he thanked the Elkhorn club for the work they’ve done in their community.
He spoke of the Elks’ national strategy to promote the club. Like many other service clubs in Canada, they are suffering from declining membership, yet the need continues for community-based efforts and projects that the Elks are known for.
Koszman said, "The Elks are people who help, and we are so proud of that. We find a worthwhile project, put our support behind it and are proud of that project. I hope to instill, once again, that enthusiasm we all experience on joining this great Order, so we can continue to be the ‘Best Volunteer Organization of Men and Women Serving Canadian Communities.’"
The crowd gave Koszman a standing ovation.
Long Service recognition pins were presented to Elkhorn club members present: Chance Toder-5 years; Ken Shackel – 15 years; Wanda Rhodes – 25 years; Blaine Rhodes-30 years; Lillian Jackson-45 years; and Rosie Bartley an amazing 60 years of service to the community with the Elks Club.
A fun gift exchange followed.
President Rhodes said, "It was a great evening with a great supper, and a very special visit and message from G.E.R Maurice Koszman.
