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To My Fellow Elks From Trine Rodriguez (June 30, 2010) Words can never describe how thankful Cesar and I are for having such a wonderful family like all of you. You where there for us like no other has ever been. I am so grateful that I have you all to help me go through this phase of my life. I want you to know that Cesar and I loved each other so much and we also have loved all of you. We could not have made it through this part of our lives without all of you. When we joined this organization, we knew it was a special one; little did we know that we would find so much love and great brotherly love at that. I know that my darling husband is finally resting in peace, dancing around so joyfully in heaven with our heavenly father. My love suffered so much in his last weeks and it was very hard for me to see him disappear before my eyes. May times I wanted to save him, to try to reach in and grab his pain and take it upon myself. It was so hard for me to understand that there was nothing else I could do. I am lost without him and I miss him so dearly. But, sincerely I am glad that he is no longer suffering like he was and I look forward to the day that I can meet him once again in sweet heaven. Please know that I am forever grateful and that we both love you all so very much. Thank you for everything; thank you for being not only our family but our dearest friends.

Merger From Dave Johnson PER– Secretary (June 30, 2010) An Executive Order approving the merger or consolidation of T or C and Deming Lodges was signed on June 22nd by Grand Exalted Ruler James Nichelson. That means once delegates give their approval in Orlando, it is a done deal. With the merger, Deming takes on the assets and liabilities of T or C Lodge. While it was initially thought that it might take months or years to sell the T or C Lodge building, we recently received some good news. There is a potential buyer, and he already has his financing in order. The Trustees are currently working on getting an appraisal of the building. Before the building can be sold, we will need to follow the procedures for a Grand Lodge building permit per 16.050 Grand Lodge Statutes. That means it will need to be announced at a meeting, and an election set. All members, both in Deming and T or C, must be notified. And at least 2/3 of those present the night of the ballot must vote in favor of the sale. We had discussed with members in T or C the possibility of allowing the continued use of the Lodge building, but we feel this direct sale, without the need of a real estate agent, is too good to pass up. We will keep you updated on the process. All members in T or C will be issued new membership cards shortly, possibly in July. We will ask for a vote on July 15th to make all T or C life members, life members in the newly merged Lodge. For those who have already paid their 2010-11 dues, you are good through April 1st, 2011. For those who have not paid, you will now need to pay the Deming annual dues, which are $66.75. That includes both Grand Lodge and State Assessments. Again, welcome T or C members!

Notes from the Club From Phyllis Wheeler Club Manager (May 31, 2010) Let’s try to remember that our volunteers are priceless. We are doing a job for the Elks. We are not in charge, so therefore do not complain to us. Now to better joyful news. June is a time for celebration. So try to help with what we plan, and add your support please. We need recipes for our Elks Cookbooks. You can drop them off at the bar, mail then to PO Box 112, or email recipes@demingelks.org. You must use the prescribed form. Either pick one up, or download at demingelks.org. Also, we need ten members for a softball team. This is for fun. Remember, We are brother and sister Elks.

Recipes Needed From Judy Dunning (May 31, 2010) The Elks are preparing a taste-temping cookbook featuring favorite recipes from members of our Lodge. Contrary to RUMORS, recipes WILL NOT BE REWRITTEN. Recipes however, MUST be complete, i.e., Don’t list ingredients and then not include them in the instructions; don’t have ingredients listed in the directions that are not in the ingredients. Write your instructions for someone who has never cooked before. Forms are available at the old Lodge. Please follow the instructions on the back of the form. Or if you prefer, you can download the form at demingelks.org. Remember to type or print your recipes so they can be transcribed into the database correctly. Once complete, you can mail your recipes to PO Box 112, Deming, NM 88031, drop them off at the old Lodge, 311 E. Maple, or email them to recipes@demingelks.org. The deadline for submitting your recipes is August 1st. The cookbook committee will have a meeting on Tuesday, June 8th at 5:30 pm. Any members interested are welcome to attend.

Notes from the Club From Phyllis Wheeler Club Manager (April 30, 2010) A word from the Bar. I would like to thank all the wonderful great DMOs (Drinking Members Only), and say how much I enjoy your company. The Friday Lunches for May will be: 1st Friday: Lasagna rolls with corn and roll for $5. 2nd Friday: Grilled Cheese with chips for $3.00. 3rd Friday: Hot Dogs and fries for $3.00, and the 4th Friday: Spaghetti and rolls for $5.00. Oh yea, in closing, the drink special will be wine coolers for $3.00. We’ll be seeing ya.

State Awards From Dave Johnson PER– Secretary (March 31, 2010) Deming Lodge #2799 received four awards at the State Convention March 26th and 27th in Roswell. The Lodge received The Grand Exalted Ruler’s Award for 3rd Place in ENF in the Southwest District with a per capita of $5.27. Deming was also presented with a second place award in the Southwest District for the Charitable and Benevolent Trust with a per capita of $4.83. The Lodge received a third place award for the CP Contest (raffle) for the Southwest District with a per capita of $10.52. And Deming received a “five star” certificate for its Internet website at www.demingelks.org. Five stars is the highest award presented. ER Mike Hedrick corrected identified “Papa Smurf” in the Convention Alerts Contest, and his name was drawn for a new 37 inch flat screen TV. Congratulations! Mike Hedrick, Dave Johnson, Anna Enciso, Ollie Cooper and Sue Cooper represented the Lodge at the convention. Over 380 Elks from around the state attended.

Notes from the Club From Phyllis Wheeler Club Manager (March 31, 2010) I want to thank all the wonderful bartenders, and thank you Peggy for the time with us. You will be missed. Let’s hope we all have a wonderful Easter. The Lounge will be open April 10th, with a potluck. Please don’t forget every Friday we have lunch from 12 noon until 2 pm. Please come in a try our Peach Margarita, the April special.

Notes from the Club From Phyllis Wheeler Club Manager (January 31, 2010) I would like to start by thanking everyone for their support at the bar. Our first potluck was a good start. Now we will move on to a new month. We will be having a Super Bowl party, and Roger Bladow has offered to bring his big TV for the football game on February 7th. The game starts at 4:45 pm MT. The Lounge will be open beginning at 1 pm. We will also have a Valentine Dance on February 14, and dinner, so please sign up. And if you have any suggestions for a special drink for the month, let me know. We will start serving lunch again on Fridays in February. Watch the whiteboard at the Lodge for the menu. The February Drink Special will be the “Woo Woo”. Try one! Just $2.75.

Bingo Report From Dave Johnson PER—Asst. Manager (January 31, 2010) We gave away the $500 on the top three lines progressive call game at the end of January, and will be starting over at 30 numbers on Monday, February 1st. We thank everyone for coming out for Elks Bingo. We have had a couple of real good Mondays. After some discussion, the Bingo Committee will recommend to the Lodge that we no longer open the door earlier than advertised. We have been opening the doors at 5:30 pm, but this has caused problems with reserving seats, since our rules say seats cannot be reserved until a pack is purchased, and that can’t be done until 6 pm. That means that door will now open at 6 pm.. NO EARLIER. Early Bird Bingo is at 6:30 pm, with regular Bingo at 7 pm. The Committee will also make a recommendation for a $100 donation to cancer support of Luna County from our Bingo Charity money. The action is subject to Lodge approval. We’ll see you Monday at the new Lodge, 3401 Raymond Reed, for Bingo.

Notes from the Club From Phyllis Wheeler Club Manager (December 31, 2009) First I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year, and invite you into the Lodge. We will be having a potluck dinner on Friday, January 8th at the Old Lodge. Please sign up at the bar. The dinner will be followed by Karaoke all at the Old Lodge. I want to thank our volunteer bartenders who have kept the Lounge open, but we could always use more. If you are interested, please see me. You can work for 30 days without a server’s certificate. Also, remember foul language is not allowed. If you use offensive words, be aware we will be asking for a donation for the Building Fund. We are also talking about beginning the process of transferring the liquor license to the new Lodge. We have been told this can take up to six months. No decision on when we will move has been made. Until next time don’t forget our Customer Appreciation specials. Have a great 2010.

Bingo Committee From Dave Johnson PER—Asst. Manager (December 31, 2009) We have received our new Bingo and Raffle license, and are now good to continue our Monday night Bingo through the end of 2012. I thank Sue Burdette for all her work on getting the renewal application ready, and also for doing the required monthly and quarterly reports. We appreciate all she does. We held our Ring Raffle in December. The $2600 ring was won by member Connie Mills. Congratulations. We made about $620 on the raffle, which will go into the Bingo fund, with 80% to the building, and 20% to our charities. We will soon discuss another raffle. Associate member Clarance Wagner has donated an Elks turquoise and diamond bolo and belt buckle. We will let everyone know when tickets go on sale, the cost, and when the drawing will be, Keep watching for details. The Governing Board has decided that Bingo workers will no longer receive free drinks for each week they volunteer. This at a time when we are losing some of our workers. The workers will only be allowed three drinks. The issue may still be discussed further. Bingo is every Monday at 6:30 pm.

Notes from the Club From Trine Rodriguez (November 30, 2009) I would like to start off by saying “Thank you” to all of our bartenders who have been working very hard to cover the bar for me. I truly, truly appreciate it! In this day and age it is very hard to find such wonderful friends. Thank you for doing all that you do. We are in desperate need for some more bartenders to help so that some can take a break and rest. I would greatly appreciate anyone who would be interested in helping out. All you would need is to volunteer for one or two days. Also, I would like to add, you may volunteer without a license for up to thirty days. I hope some of you may find it in your hearts to help. I would surely love to work with you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Notes from the Club From Phyllis Wheeler- Manager (October 31, 2009) I would like to start out by giving Connie Mills a big thanks of appreciation for being our bar manager. The bar has truly suffered a loss due to her resignation. It is very sad that the childish behaviors going in and out of these doors are causing so much division. We are here to support the Elks and our cause, and as Elk brothers and sisters we should be supporting one another, not trying to hurt everyone. We are supposed to have “brotherly love”!! I encourage everyone to show up to meetings to voice your opinions instead of hurting one another behind each others backs!!

Bingo Report From Dave Johnson PER Asst. Manager (October 31, 2009) Our license renewal application has been sent to the Gaming Control Board, but several issues will be brought before the members for approval at our next meeting. Due to new requirements, we are recommending to the Lodge four new house rules. These rules have to do with tipping, miscalled numbers, misprinted/defective cards and door prizes. Due to time constraints the new rules have been sent with our renewal, and we will ask for member approval “after the fact”. Also, during the renewal process, we discovered the Bingo checking account signature card is incorrect. We will ask the Lodge for a motion to remove Richard Kohn from the checking account, and add Mike Hedrick. We need a motion and approval, and then the minutes must be submitted to First New Mexico Bank before this can be changed. I would like to personally thank Sue Burdette, our Bingo Bookkeeper, for her tireless work in getting the application ready to send before the deadline. The issue of reserved parking for Bingo workers will be dropped. The issue was discussed in September and referred to the Governing Board, who referred it to the Trustees. When brought up at the regular meeting, the matter was tabled, and referred back to the Bingo Committee. The Bingo Committee recommends dropping the issue for now. However, it was decided that a sign will be posted on the north door instructing players to use the east door for Bingo. The cost of the sign was brought up, but not addressed. Bingo is every Monday at the new Lodge at 3401 Raymond Reed. Doors open at 6 pm (NOT earlier), with early bird Bingo at 6:30, and regular games at 7. Tell your friends! Elks Bingo is open to the public, and the Elks Snack bar is open each week. We plan to beginning selling coffee, and possibly hot chocolate, as well as soft drinks in November.

Notes from the Club From Connie Mills/Phyllis Wheeler Managers (September 30, 2009) The Club wasn’t very busy again for the month of September. We’re hoping the “snow-birds” will be coming soon and “liven” things up. Many of our bartenders were on vacation, so there were also scheduling problems all month. October (at the moment) is covered well. Of course, if any of our members are interested in “taking a turn”, we’d love to give the regulars a rest. The “experimental” Sundays have been way too slow to continue. We’d like some feed-back from our members on this situation. (Give it up? Food? Football specials?, etc.) Phyllis and Connie will be taking alternate weeks to answer bartenders questions or concerns. Their names will be posted on the bar calendar.

Bingo Committee From Dave Johnson PER—Asst. Manager (September 30, 2009) A few recommendations will be brought to the Lodge for consideration in October. The committee is recommending changing some second occasion games, and Manager Mike Hedrick is working on these. Mike would also like a “hard and fast” rule that doors will not be opened until 6 pm. Also the committee is proposing a “House Rule” change. Reserving space at the tables has become a real problem. We had over a half dozen people walk out because there was no seating. This was because players are reserving space for their friends. If approved by the Lodge, in order to reserve a spot a pack MUST be purchased. If no pack is purchased then you can not call “dibs” on a chair. Another proposed change would limit parking all along the north side of the building for “Bingo Staff” only. This suggestion was not unanimous, and the final say will be up to the Lodge. Bingo continues to bring in money. We are not losing money as some would have you believe. During September we had one week we made over $1500 in one night. Some other weeks we only made about $500. But we are making money. Bingo is every Monday night and is open to the public.

Notes from the Club From Connie Mills/Phyllis Wheeler Managers (August 31, 2009) Members and guests coming into the Lodge after the Duck Races really enjoyed the “Duck Farts”! They were a big hit! August has been a very slow month and to make it worse many of the bartenders have been out of town. Hopefully September will be busier with “Snow Birds” starting to return and bartenders back from their vacations. Remember “Happy Hour” all day Sunday from 1 pm till closing.

Bingo Committee From Dave Johnson PER—Asst. Manager (August 31, 2009) Bingo will resume on Monday, August 31st after a week off for the Duck Race, with 50 numbers for the top-three lines progressive call game and a possible $500. Chances are we will give away the money. Tell your friends to be there. Also, there WILL be Bingo on Labor Day, September 7th. Remember, Bingo is at the new Lodge at 3401 Raymond Reed. The Lodge approved a recommendation that we use charity Bingo funds for the following three Elks charities: ENF, $600; C & B Trust, $600; and Cerebral Palsy, $600. That is a total of $1800. We will also soon be ordering dictionaries for 3rd graders, and this too has been budgeted out of Bingo. Bingo also continues to contribute to the Building Fund. 80% of our net proceeds goes towards the completion of our new home. This past month, that was about $2100. Remember, doors open every Monday at 6 pm, with regular Bingo at 7.

Notes from the Club From Connie Mills/Phyllis Wheeler Managers (July 31, 2009) If we’re able to get the plastic ducks, we’ll feature “Duck Farts” in August in honor of the duck races. Maybe even if we don’t! We can serve them in small glasses I guess. Charlotte would like to try one more time to have a “Ladies Pool Tournament” the second Sunday in August, which is the 9th. Our volunteers have been wonderful, filling in for people on vacation. The “Firecrackers” for July were a real “dud”. We sold maybe two! We’re definitely open to suggestions for “specials” at the bar. Let us know.

Bingo Committee From Dave Johnson PER—Asst. Manager (June 30, 2009) We had a couple of slow weeks in June, but we always expect this as our players and their families go on vacations. We expect business to pick up in the fall. But none the less, the Bingo workers and committee continue to add to the Building Fund each month. With new regulations as of July 1st, Bingo will be making some recommendations to the Lodge at the meeting on the 16th. We are proposing a chance in the House Rules to lower the minimum age to play Bingo to 16, but 16 and 17 year old must be accompanied by an adult/guardian. While we could allow those younger to play, we want to make sure the younger players are not disruptive. We are also proposing a change to come in compliance with the new law, whereby the maximum per occasion will be raised to $2500 from $1500. Another proposed change will be an increase in payouts. The Committee will recommend that we increase our payouts by about $225 a week to stay competitive with other Bingos. This will include raising the top-three lines progressive call game from $400 to $500. We feel the increase will bring in more players. Also thanks to Anna Enciso for running our snack bar. Even handicapped by no kitchen, we have enjoyed some great food! See you at Bingo!

Club Report From Connie Mills/Phyllis Wheeler Managers (June 30, 2009) June has been not only a profitable month, but a very enjoyable one for the bar. Even though some bartenders have gone on vacations, we’ve managed to find others to fill in. The help and cooperation from everyone is wonderful. The Bar Special for July is the “Firecracker”. Come in and try one! Also, remember we are now open on SUNDAY from 1 until 7 pm thanks to Trine Rodriguez. We also serve food every Friday at noon.

Bingo Committee From Dave Johnson PER—Asst. Manager (April 30, 2009) If all things go as planned we will begin playing Bingo in our new facility at 3401 Raymond Reed Blvd. on Monday, May 11th. The Bingo Committee is busy with the logistics of moving. A recommendation will be made to the Lodge to allow up to $150 for a Grand Opening Party with burgers, hotdogs and chips that first night. Anna Enciso has agreed to run the Bingo kitchen each Monday after that. It will be a challenge as we will only have crockpots, steam tables, and, if approved by the Lodge, a microwave we are recommending purchasing. We will still need to haul ice each week for sodas, and to keep other items fresh. The Bingo Committee also recommends we make both of our new restrooms uni-sex. Each restroom is handicapped accessible, but there will only be one toilet and one sink in each. Either restroom can be used by men or women, and yes, there will be a lock. Smoking will still be allowed in the approximately 2500 square foot main room, and there will be four large smoke eaters, plus additional ventilation. We will initially be able to seat up to 100 people. The Bingo equipment has been checked out and all is working and we are running wires for the PA system. We have also ordered signs, and will be running ads on both the radio and newspaper announcing our move. See you at Bingo!

Notes from the Club From Connie Mills & Phyllis Wheeler – Club Managers (April 30, 2009) We want to thank all the loyal bartenders that show up for their shifts religiously. We really appreciate them. We’d love to have more of our members help out. Please consider taking the class and getting your Servers Certificate. It can be a lot of fun!

Notes from the Club From Connie Mills & Phyllis Wheeler- Club Managers (March 31, 2009) As of April 1st the two of us accepted the position of Bar Managers. With your help and cooperation, we hope to keep the bar thriving and a happy, cheerful place to come to. On Thursday, April 2nd at 3 pm there will be a meeting for all present, past and hopefully future bartenders. Please bring your servers certificate with you.

Bingo Committee From Dave Johnson PER– Asst. Bingo Manager (March 31, 2009) There will be some changes for Bingo. At the Bingo Committee meeting on the 24th, Bingo Manager Richard Kohn turned in his keys and asked to be replaced. Not only is he stepping down as Bingo Manager, but has requested an Absolute Dimit from the Elks. Richard has served well as manager and caller and will be missed. The Bingo Committee extends their thanks for his time and effort and sage advice. The Committee will recommend to the Lodge that Assistant Manager Mike Hedrick be named manager, and that Fred Kent be named second assistant manager. Since Gaming allows two assistant managers, Dave Johnson will continue as an assistant as well. Managers and Callers must obtain a “permit” from Gaming, and once approved the necessary paperwork will be sent. If anyone is interested in working Bingo, please get with Mike Hedrick or Dave Johnson. The same six people are working Bingo each and every week, and some help would be appreciated. Money raised in used for the new Lodge and our Charities, including $2000 in local scholarships. We are still playing Bingo at the Moose Lodge on Mondays. Early bird Bingo at 6:30, and regular Bingo at 7. The move to the new Lodge has been delayed. Building Chairman Ollie Cooper reported at the meeting on the 19th that we will not be at the new facility in April as we originally thought. He said we have a minimum of 3-6 more weeks before we can move in. A lot has to do with inspections. We are now hoping to begin Bingo at the new Lodge on Raymond Reed in May or early June.

Notes from the Club From Dave Johnson PER– Interim Manager (January 31, 2009) The next big event at the Lounge will be on February 1st. Come on down and watch the Super Bowl. We have two TVs, and Fred Kent has promised some great chili, plus we will have Hot Dogs and other snacks. The game starts at 4 pm Mountain time, and we plan to open at 2 pm. If you wish to bring other finger foods to share, they will be more than appreciated. We have a new bartender. Welcome to Dan Henke, who was initiated in January. He will be working at least one shift this month as we work him into the schedule. Also, thanks to all the bartenders for helping to keep things going. Without these volunteers, there would be no bar. Remember, our bartenders are not paid and work for tips, so please be generous. We are continuing our Friday noon meals. Most weeks it is brats and kraut for a donation of $2. Some weeks we may have other goodies, but there is always food on Fridays, with serving beginning at noon. This is another way to support the Lodge. So why not forget McDonalds, and come down for some “real” food. We’ll get you in and out and back to work in no time. We encourage everyone to patronize the bar, but remember to pace yourself. Drink Responsibly. If you are pulled over, you will not only put yourself in a world of hurt, but also jeopardize the Lodge’s Liquor license. Best bet is a designated driver. Remember one beer or one drink an hour is the rule of thumb if you wish to remain under the legal limit. Thanks for your support.

Bingo Committee From Dave Johnson PER—Asst. Manager (January 31, 2009) We will be starting February with 45 numbers for the $400 on the top-three lines progressive call game. That means there is a good chance we will give away the money in the next few weeks. We are still playing at the Moose Lodge, 110 N. Gold, Mondays. Doors open at 6, Early Bird Bingo at 6:30 and regular Bingo at 7 pm. We also have new mystery games, so come on down and check them out. Elks Bingo is open to the public. After discussions with the Building Committee, we are fairly confident that we can start Bingo at our New Lodge on Raymond Reed Blvd. In March or April. Work is progressing, but the hold up is the electrician, who we are told is dragging his feet, working just a couple of hours a week. If we can get the electrical completed, then both Ollie Cooper and Ed Mills have assured us there should be no problem getting Bingo going in March. We already have two Bingo machines, tables and chairs, so we are ready to go. The new facility will be much larger then the Moose, we will have at least four smoke eaters, good lighting and plenty of room to spread out. Everyone who works Bingo is excited about the move, and I think our players are too. The door prize on the 23rd will be from E & M Truck Repair