Editor, The Times:
There are over 300 Elks Lodges across Canada, totalling approximately 12,000 members.
Here in Clearwater we support our own charities – Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children, BC Elks Camps for Kids, as well as local groups: the food bank, the Legion, our Best Christmas Ever, and the CSS Elks bursary at Clearwater Secondary School. Also, just like our own homes, we have the upkeep and maintenance of the hall.
Clearwater Elks 499 would like to let the public know about Speech-Language and Audiology Canada. We are not the experts in the fields of hearing and speech. That is why we value our partnership with the professionals in the field and the special relationship we share with Speech-Language and Audiology Canada, and use their expertise. Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) is a member-driven organization that supports, promotes and elevates the professionals in the fields of communication disorders. They are the only national organization passionately supporting and representing speech-language pathologists, audiologists and communication disorders. Visit their website: www.sac-oac.ca.
One of my jobs at the Elks is publicity director and I looked through old minutes for some history of our local chapter. Clearwater Elks 499 was instituted on Oct. 17, 1965 in the gymnasium of the Clearwater Secondary School, which later became Raft River Elementary School.
Leverne Burnell, a member of the Kamloops Elks, was our first Exalted Ruler. At that time we had 15 members; 12 of these members that I know of have all passed on. Bet they’re still keeping an eye on us! The Lodge was installed by Bro. Art Hackett.
On Oct. 20, 1965 the Elks held their first meeting with Exalted Ruler Leverne Burnell at the helm.
In 1968 Clearwater Elks 499 received a donation of 3.56 acres at 72 Taren Drive from Bro. Reg Small; this is the site of our hall. In 1968, the Elks Lodge instituted Bursary award – $1,000 to a chosen student going to college. Wow!
On April 13, 1969 at 9 a.m. the Elks and Royal Purple participated in a walkathon ($1 per mile) organized by sister Rene McMaster to raise money for our proposed hall. This was also the day the Elks had their sod turning ceremony for the hall.
All of this means that on Oct. 17, 2015 we will be 50 years old. Bro. Bob Pearce is our last charter member. Good for you, Bob!
Phyllis Bucknell
Clearwater Elks Lodge 499
