Livingston Elks Lodge #1855 celebrated Charter Day on July 16.
“It is tradition that we honor the outgoing Past Exalted Ruler (PER) for their commitment to the lodge for the prior year,” said Exalted Ruler Joseph Detore. “Due to COVID-19, we were unable to celebrate Charter Day for the past few years. Hence, multiple PERS were honored: PER’s Jack Fallat (2017-18), Eilleen Larney (2019-21), and Peggy Fallat (2021-22).” In addition, the lodge welcomed home Detore from the Grand Lodge Convention, held earlier last month in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was established in 1867 as a fraternal organization whose primary objective is charity in its broadest sense. Service involves a diversity of activities, influenced by local conditions. It has since become a National organization with Elks Lodges across every state.
Livingston Elks Lodge #1855 received its charter on July 17, 1952, and has been an active member of the community ever since. The lodge is a subordinate lodge of the Elks National Organization of the United States of America.
“As an Elks Lodge, we are a nonprofit organization engaged in charitable work. Our major charity efforts are special needs children, youth activities, and veterans,” Detore said. “Most of our funds are raised from running local events and from donations. Elks Camp Moore, our major state project, is a camp for Special Needs Children – funded completely by the NJ State Elks and local lodges at no cost to parents. The lodge sponsors hoop shoots, soccer shoots, and batter up programs for youth, where they can win prizes, as well as make new friends. Elks also support veterans and have a motto, ‘Wherever there is a veteran, the Elks will never forget them.’” The lodge actively supports first responders with donations for equipment and other needs. All proceeds from our annual first responders fundraiser dinner, where all First Responders eat for free, are donated back.
Livingston Elks Lodge #1855 participates in Livingston’s National Night Out and marches in the town’s Memorial Day Parade with a Community Open House following the parade.
The lodge observes Flag Day with the help of local Boy Scout Troop 12, who act as Honor Guard for flags as the history and evolution of our flag is read.
The Elks organization as a whole is second only to the U.S. government in providing scholarships to eligible students.
Anyone who is 21 years of age – regardless of gender, religious affiliation, sexual orientation – who believes in God and is an American citizen, is eligible for membership in the Elks.
For additional information about the Elks, email elks1855@verizon. net.
