EXALTED RULER’S MESSAGE

Dear Members,

Christmas is right around the corner and so starts our many Lodge holiday activities beginning with our Memorial Sunday, Kid’s Christmas party, delivery of our Christmas baskets for the needy and finally a well deserved day of rest and meeting with new and old friends at our Christmas Open House. Please, please attend. Thank you to the Emblem Club and our members who joined us for our visit to the Holyoke Soldier’s Home.

Turkeyrama was another financial successful Thanksgiving event at the Lodge and it gave us a chance to reflect back to the start of the Lodge year when everyone was predicting doom and gloom for our Lodge. With the help of all our members and their "pride in membership" we have certainly beaten the odds and have a lot to be thankful for.

Our work has just begun and I ask you to continue that pride as we start a new calendar year and look forward to celebrating our 200^th anniversary in 2092. I know we will make it.

Gloria and I, as well all the officers, extend to you a very happy holiday season and wish you every success and good fortune in 2009. MERRY CHRISTMAS

Fraternally yours,

Thomas M. Blunt, PER, Exalted Ruler

per243@charter.net

TRANSFER – A request for transfer from Auburn Webster Lodge to Worcester Lodge has been received from Terry Niford. This will be voted on at December 11^th meeting.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS – The deadline for our next class of candidates for membership is the Lodge meeting of December 11^th. If you are considering sponsoring a new member NOW is the time to get the application completed. Please turn in completed applications along with the $50 application fee to the Lodge Secretary by December 11^th.

SNOW BIRDS – If you are heading to warmer climates for the winter months, send your change of address to the Lodge Secretary by email (elks243@gmail.com) or drop a note in the mail. We would like to keep you updated on all that is going on at the Worcester Lodge. Please include the dates you will be leaving and returning.

CHRISTMAS – The Lodge will be closed on Thursday, December 25^th for the Christmas holiday. We would like to wish all the members and staff a safe and enjoyable holiday.

MEMORIAL SUNDAY – Sunday, December 7^th will be our Memorial Sunday Ritual to remember our departed members. Breakfast will be served at 9:00 a.m., followed by the ritual. All officers should attend in tuxedo. All families of recently deceased members have been invited to attend.

Clarence Arsenault            Wilfred Bellerose            Philip Bourget              Frederick Flint

Leonard Gribbons              Edward Hillard               Stanley Parenteau       Douglas Santimore

KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY – Our Annual Kids Christmas Party for children and grandchildren of our members will be held on Saturday, December 13^th at 9:30 a.m. in the Emblem Room. There will be entertainment for the kids, as well as a visit from Santa with a gift for each child. Cost to register each child is only $5. A sign up sheet is at the bar. Please list your child or grandchild’s name, age, sex along with the member’s name.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CHEER APPEAL – Included in last month’s bulletin was our Annual Christmas Cheer Appeal. This year more than ever there are so many families who need our help in order to enjoy a holiday meal at Christmas – please be generous. All donations will be acknowledged in the January bulletin. Delivery of baskets will be on Saturday, December 20^th beginning with breakfast at 9:30 a.m. at the Lodge for all drivers. Please note change in time for breakfast. Sign up sheet is posted.

PRIDE IN MEMBERSHIP HOLIDAY RAFFLE – LAST CALL for our Pride In Membership Holiday Raffle tickets. Donation is $10 per ticket and First Prize is $1,000, Second Prize is $500, and five Third Prizes of $100 each. Drawing will be held at our Members Open House on December 24^th. Please support your Lodge in our re-organization efforts by purchasing your ticket. Additional tickets are available at Lodge. Initial response has been great and we thank you for your continued support.

MEMBERS OPEN HOUSE – Join us on Christmas Eve from noon to 4:00 p.m. for our Members Open House. This is always a great opportunity to meet members you seldom see and share some Christmas Cheer. Matty and crew will prepare a holiday buffet. This is limited to paid up members and their spouse or significant other, no children please.

WHEELBARROW OF CHEER – Tickets are now on sale for our Wheelbarrow of Cheer. Please be generous as all money raised supports our Lodge. Drawing will be at Open House. Anyone wishing to donate a bottle, please give it to the Manager or the Secretary.

ITALIAN NIGHT – Mark the date of Saturday, January 17^th for our Annual Italian Night. Matty is back cooking, so you know it’s going to be delicious food and plenty of it. Tickets are $15 per person and will be on sale at the bar.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY – Join us for our Annual Super Bowl Party on Sunday, February 1^st. More details in the January bulletin.

SCHOLARSHIPS – Lodge scholarship applications are available online at www.WorcesterElks.com or from the Lodge Secretary. This year Worcester Lodge scholarships will only be awarded to immediate family of paid up members only. Elks National Foundation Scholarship applications are available online. Mass Elks Scholarship applications are only available from the Lodge Secretary. Please check online for all deadlines and requirements.

PIN SWAP- if any PER or member is interested in chairing an "ELKS PIN SWAP" please contact Tom Blunt for details.

BOOK SWAP – Are you an avid reader, do you need a book or have a book you would like to share and swap? We have a book swap available at the Lodge. Drop by and check out our selection.

ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION – Buy a Christmas stocking or Christmas bell to hang over the bar for a $2 donation. All donations support ENF and our Lodge. Happy Holidays and God Bless America. – Carol Leach, Chairperson

BINGO BUDGET MEETING - Annual Bingo budget meeting to be held on Monday, December 8^th at 7:00 p.m. Any member who has a charity that they would like to recommend to the committee please attend or contact Tom Blunt or any Lodge officer.