Elks National Home, Bedford, VA—Spring Fund Drive

Did you know that the Elks National Home provides freedom and companionship and enables you to remain independent far longer than you could living alone and trying to maintain your own home? If you are married, it also means you will have someone to share the responsibility of caring for a spouse who may become in need of assistance—anything from transportation to doctors all the way to full care. The Elks National Home allows you to enjoy life and living to the fullest with the assurance that help is always at hand when and if you need it.

The Elks National Home is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your gifts are tax deductible.  One of the ways you can contribute to the Home is to buy a brick for the patio at the front circle. Bricks come in two sizes:

 ·       4" X 8" for $100 ($60 is tax deductible)

 ·       8" X 8" for $200 ($120 is tax deductible).

 The smaller brick can have up to 3 lines, 20 characters per line; the larger takes 6 lines, 20 characters per line. To order, mail a check and the inscription desired to the Elks National Home, 931 Ashland Ave, Bedford, VA 24523.

 Information about the Elks National Home can be found on the web at www.elkshome.org or you can call Mon-Fri, 0800-1700 at 1-800-552-4140. Email is enhome@elkshome.org.

The Elks National Home is run by our own Dr Ronald L. Plamondon, (PER 2188), Executive Director.

Veteran’s Committee Doings, February 2011

The federal statistics on Homeless Veterans are rather shocking when you first read them.  You are left wondering how this could happen?  There are many contributing factors and even some veterans who are now in such a state of despair, they don't want to be integrated into homeless shelters, etc..  However, there are those who have lost their way and faith in the system, but would reach out to a helping hand if it were extended to them.  Since this has long been a concern of mine, I was so delighted when I learned last year that Sandy Mueller and Mark Richards had expressed an interest in doing a benefit for Homeless Veterans.  I had a point of contact for a shelter in our area via Directive Chapter 227, Vietnam Veterans of America.  Chapter 227 began working last year with a Homeless shelter for Veterans in Fairfax (Lamb).  The shelter was just getting off the ground and is a daytime shelter admin. by FACETS (Fairfax social service agency).  They are trying to meet some basic needs for veterans, get them integrated into the system and to medical appt's. at the VA Hospital, D. C. and Ft. Belvoir, VA.  Chapter 227 also has another program I was very interested in called "Suits for Veterans".  They have been raising funds with individuals and corporations to purchase suits for amputees with special tailoring needs.  These suits allow them to enter the workplace as they leave Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval hospitals. 

We will partner with Chap. 227 for these two very worthwhile programs with a fund-raiser at our lodge.  Sandy Mueller has now scheduled Sun., May 22nd on the lodge calendar for this event. 

KUDOS to Sandy Mueller and Mark Richards.  Please come out on May 22nd and support this event for our very deserving veterans.          

Linda Buskirk, Chmn., Veterans Comm. & Leading Knight    

MAY GOD BLESS YOUR NEW YEAR & KEEP YOU IN HIS CARE.

Veteran’s Committee

We had a very successful event with our BBQ & Cole Slaw booth at the Veterans Hospital/Med. Ctr. ("Fall Carnival"), Martinsburg, WV on Sept. 18, 2010.  The "Fall Carnival" is geared primarily to those patients in the Nursing Home Care Unit.  We "guesstimate" that we served approx. 150 patients a variety of BBQ sandwiches & cole slaw (provided by the lodge for 100 people) or hot dogs (purchased as back-up for 36 people) AND WE LITERALLY RAN OUT OF EVERYTHING!  In addition we served Sunny D drinks, asst. chips & some candy treats.  Our Knights of Columbus partners from Annandale, VA helped us by providing 10 cases of soda and bottled water, and paperback books.  Our veterans were truly grateful and we all heard "thank you" many times which helps warm your hearts, and makes it worthwhile for all the work this takes and all the things we have to transport up there.

I also want to thank the Auxiliary and Lodge members who collected toilet articles.  This allowed me to make up toilet article kits for them in lg. Zip Loc bags.  These items were greatly needed by the patients who have very little disposal income.  I presort all the toilet articles so that when they come through the line in rapid order, I am able to pull out the items they request & need.  Often I hear requests for items we cannot provide (i.e., toothpaste) and that saddens me.  However, we had 4 women patients whom I was able to put a smile on their faces.  There were a few special things provided by Auxiliary members and I made up "Ladies kits" in advance w/those things women need and desire.  I filled those bags to the top & they were so pleased to have those items & know that we had thought of them. 

Thank you to my husband Ben Buskirk, Art & Rachel Childers, Sharon Dunfrund, Fredi Hensley & Dick & Geri Owens of the K of C for the great teamwork!  I couldn't have done it without your help. 

Stayed tuned to the Nov. Horn for our Veterans Day concert & dinner plans, to be held at the lodge on Sun., Nov. 7, 2010.

Linda Powell-Buskirk, Chmn., Veterans Comm. & Leading Knight