"While conventional wisdom holds that fraternal, veteran and social organizations are declining in membership, Springfield's Elks Lodge 138 is bucking the trend. Nationally, Elks membership is declining slightly. In Springfield, membership is up. Not only that, it has gotten younger. "

"SIERRA VISTA - Looking to get the word out about its activities, the Elks lodge set up shop in the Mall at Sierra Vista on Saturday. The Elks don't typically tout their efforts, said Dutch Bowen, a Loyal Knight with Lodge 2065."

"The Elks Club has donated $500 to the Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the Red Cross for Haiti disaster relief."

"Exactly 100 years to the day that Rapid City Elks Lodge No. 1187 received its charter, members gathered in the lodge basement Feb. 17 for an old-fashioned stag night, complete with a steak dinner and poker chips."

"NORWICH - With the loss of its charter awaiting an appeal, local Elk's Lodge #1222 "

VERO BEACH - The Vero Beach Elk's Lodge # 1774 is proud to announce that Monsignor Irvine Nugent of St. Helen's Parish has graciously accepted their invitation to be this year's Grand Marshall for the St. Patrick's Day Parade being sponsored by the Vero Beach Elks Lodge.

"ROCHESTER - It was a successful first Pizza Bowl for the city's Rotary Club on Sunday afternoon. Around 250 people flocked to the Elks to sample a variety of pizzas from area eateries."

"This week's "My Turn" column is by Oneonta Elks Lodge 1312 Acting Exalted Ruler Christine Gyure. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Oneonta Lodge 1312 has a belief in charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity. As Elks, we believe laughter is better than tears, and a kind word more powerful than a frown."

"Batavia Elks Lodge 950 has served Genesee County for 105 years and when its exalted ruler walked up the steps to the lodge Friday afternoon, he was shocked to see that the club's charter was revoked and the doors barred."

"The Grand Elks Lodge, the Chicago-based national organization, sent out letters in late January advising members of the Albert Lea chapter that they could join other chapters. The charter for the Albert Lea Elks Lodge No. 813 - which had been the largest in Minnesota - was revoked on Jan. 27."

"LANCASTER -- The local Elks lodge was closed and its charter revoked because of financial problems that included failing to pay bills. The club's finances were among the reasons cited in a letter, obtained by the Eagle-Gazette, sent to lodge members by Elks Grand Lodge. The letter was written and signed by Grand Exalted Ruler James Nichelson."

"The Krewe of Elks celebrated its 45th anniversary with the announcement of King and Queen Elk XLIV during its annual Carnival Ball at the Hattiesburg Elks Lodge. The identities of the new King and Queen were revealed as King Elk XLIV, Steve Oshrin and Queen Elk XLIV, Richie Malone."

"A wonderful Elks Roast I think the recent Elks Roast that feted Jay Thomas was among the best I've ever attended. If you missed it, you missed a really fun evening. The roasters were actually funny, not so "blue" as in years past and the food was great. Jay Thomas is a class act and the event reflected his style. Good job all around!"

"In an effort to increase public awareness of Elks Lodge community service and charitable programs, the Sierra Vista Elks Lodge will host an event called "Elks at the Mall" on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 1-4 p.m."

"new civic club is forming in Mount Pleasant and the drive to garner members has begun. Several interested parties have formed a group to established an Elks Lodge east of the Cooper and they need 100 members to do it. Summerville Elks Club members started the process, but after being transferred out of state, Rodley Millet, Gordan Hanson and Michael Fenwrick took the reigns along with several others to keep the ball rolling."

For the last 3 years, the Wausau Elks Lodge has been building wheelchair accessible ramps for the elderly and people with diabetes. And with the help from the Elks National Foundation, the Wausau lodge can continue their charitable work.

"The Hemet Elks' Ole Opry country-western variety show was a sell-out, great news for the 20 local high school students who will receive scholarships as a result of Saturday's fundraiser. Organized by Iris Johnson, the three-hour event snowballed into a bigger and better show than she had originally envisioned."

"Craft fair, swap meet Sunday at Elks Lodge KINGMAN - The Kingman Elks Charity Craft Fair and Swap Meet is from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the lodge, 900 Gates Ave. Spaces will be available inside the Lodge and in the parking lot. Cost of space rental and tables is $10 or $15 for two to benefit Elks National Foundation, the charity arm of the Elks. "