PROCLAMATION

•	Ashland Lodge #944, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, was founded March 16, 1905.
•	Organized by New York stage actors in 1868, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the USA has more than 2,100 Lodges, with more than 1.1 million active members. Oregon has 58 lodges with a membership of over 45,000.
•	Ashland Lodge #944 membership is 800 men and women. Since 2000, more than one in four new Elk Members in Ashland are women. Recently, Kay Englund was the first woman to serve as the Lodge's chief officer, the Exalted Ruler.
•	In past decades, the historic 1910 Lodge building at 255 E. Main St. was the social hub of Ashland, drawing hundreds to its dances, banquets, and picnics. Today, the comfortable lodge dining room, filled with mementos and historic photos, offers spectacular views of the mountains and an Elk's eye view of Main St.
•	A vital and productive presence in Ashland since 1905, Elks Lodge #944 has provided fellow-ship and fraternity to its members, but has also contributed time, energy and resources to chari-table and community activities. Local charities and relief efforts include Tsunami Relief, The Harrison Fund for College Scholarships, The Wagner Fund for Youth Activities, The Roberts Trust for Hospitalized Veterans, and The Fund for the Victims of Domestic & Sexual Abuse. The Elks has contributed to State charities such as the Elks Children's' Eye Clinic and the Meadowood Springs Speech and Hearing Camp, and National Charities such as the Elks National Foundation, National Veterans' Service Commission, The Elks National "Hoop Shoot" Free Throw Contest, and the Elks National Home.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council and Mayor, on behalf of the citizens of Ashland, congratulate Ashland Lodge #944, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, upon its 100th birthday, and proclaim March 16, 2005 as

Ashland Elks Lodge #944 Centennial Day

and applaud its contributions to the community and its enduring commitment to the Order's cardinal principles: charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity.

Dated this 15th day of March, 2005

Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
John W. Morrison, Mayor

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