Our ritual team worked very hard this year, but health issues and a candidate who went “splat” caught up with us and cost us a chance of rising above last place.  We were just trying to uphold the tradition of every other team in the DC area!

On a happier note, Lodge member Bob Goolrick was designated by Grand Exalted Ruler David Carr to be Chief Justice of the Grand Forum from July 2011 to July 2012.

The Chief Justice is the highest legal officer in the Order, with responsibility to oversee the operation of all the judicial functions of the Order.

Bob is the third Virginia Elk to serve as Chief Justice in the 105-years history of the Grand Forum --  the others being John L. Walker, Roanoke Lodge No. 197 (1954-55), who went on to become Grand Exalted Ruler, and Alex M. Harman, Jr., Pulaski Lodge No. 1067 (1977-78).

We all had a great time in Phoenix, although the heat was extraordinary.  The best time was our team lunch hosted by Linda and Ben Buskirk followed by a great night for many of us at the Ballpark watching the Diamondbacks smoke the competition.  We even got to see a mini-monsoon as we left to go to the game.  Worst part, not getting to eat at Chompie’s. (See Man V Food on Travel Channel, Phoenix episode.)  Actually, the worst part, yet one of the most intriguing, was riding in the bicycle rickshaws!

Below are the preliminary results of voting at the 2011 Grand Lodge Convention in Phoenix. Remember, these are preliminary results and do not include amendments made on the floor. Also, keep in mind that some of these are amendments to the constitution and require a 2/3rds vote in favor and majority ratification by the Lodges to pass. Go to elks.org and the constitution and statutes for clarification on anything you question.

Summary of Resolutions vote.  Please note: The official results

1. To eliminate the requirement that Lodge officers memorize

the Ritual.  Yes 1836 No 1363

2. To allow the use of alternate Rituals approved by Grand Lodge.  Yes 1894 No 1302

3,To allow the posting of candidates’ names prior to voting.  Yes 2702 No 490

4. To transfer the duties of the Grand Treasurer to the Grand Secretary.  Yes 2503 No 691

5. To allow a reward for recruiting and retaining members.  Yes 2348 No 847

6. To remove references to the Communist Party and include all organizations advocating the violent or forcible overthrow of the government.  Yes 2400 No 799

7. To delete Grand Lodge committees and create a new Activities Committee.  Yes 1825 No 1372

8. To delete Grand Lodge committees and create a new Fraternal Committee.  Yes 1902 No 1293

9. To conform the subordinate lodges’ committees and programs to those of the Grand Lodge.  Yes 2058 No 1132

10. To replace the word “Subordinate” with the word “Local” throughout the Constitution and the Laws of the Order.  Yes 2408 No 788 75.16%

11. To delete the requirement of a January District Deputy clinic. Yes 2385 No 808

12. To provide for lowest coach fares rather than first class for travel.  Yes 2950 No 246

13. To delete the requirement that District Deputies attend the Grand Lodge session. Yes 795 No 2399

14. To delete the requirement that District Deputies witness and report on the lodges’ exemplification of the initiatory Ritual. Yes 1868 No 1328

15. To replace the word “Grand” with the word “National” throughout the Constitution and the statutes enacted by Grand Lodge.  Yes 1040 No 2154 32. 46%

16. To delete positions, add two new positions, and provide for a new method of selecting the Grand Exalted Ruler.

Yes 1053 No 2141 32. 87%

17. To provide for the Grand Vice-President to become the Grand Exalted Ruler automatically.  Yes 1398 No 1796 If 16 fails, this is void

18. To streamline and re-structure the committees of the Grand Lodge.  Yes 1994 No 1202  If 7 & 8 fail-this is void

19. To allow Subordinate Lodges to have only one meeting per month.  Yes 1624 No 1572  If 20 & 21 fail-this is void

20. To conform the statute to one meeting per month.  Yes 1593 No 1603 If 15 or 21 fail – this is void

21. To conform the statute to one meeting per month. Yes 1591 No 1603 If 19 or 20 fail – this is void

22. To allow Homes, Clubs, Club Rooms, and Social Parlors to be open during Lodge meetings.  Yes 1119 No 2079

23. To allow the assets of defunct Lodges to be split between a state major project and a state association. Yes 2446 No 746

24. To eliminate mandatory funding for the Elks National Home. Yes 1653 No 1545 51.59%

25. To allow guest access cards for military personnel.  Yes 0 No 0 out of order-void unless floor overrides chair

26. To clarify that “charge” means a formal complaint in a Subordinate Forum.  Yes 2934 No 261

27. To allow Subordinate Lodges to recognize affiliated organizations.  Yes 2226 No 970 69. 48%

28. To establish provisions relating to affiliated organizations.  Yes 2134 No 1066 If 27 fails – this is void

29. To increase the fee for replacing lost or destroyed Lodge Charters.  Yes 2532 No 666

30. To establish a uniform master Lodge auditing and accounting program.  Yes 1119 No 2076

31. To allow the State Sponsor to waive the requirements for an audit, review, or compilation.  Yes 1994 No 1206

32. To allow the State Sponsor to waive professional preparation of Lodge tax returns. Yes 2018 No 1174

33. To clarify that a Board of Directors, made up of the Chair Officers and Trustees, shall govern incorporated Lodges.

Yes 2508 No 688

34. To modify the duties of the Grand Secretary in making disbursements. Yes 2547 No 645

35. To permit the Committee on Judiciary to make non-substantive, conforming changes to the Laws of the Order.

Yes 2347 No 838

36. To permit the electronic transmittal of The Elks Magazine.  Yes 2598 No 588