Have you heard of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks? With more than 850,000 members and 2,000 Lodges nationwide, Elks are providing charitable services that help build stronger communities.
The diverse range of community service projects that Norwood Elks Lodge #1124 undertake help children, seniors, veterans and others in need. And they do it without a lot of fanfare. Their work has been one of the best kept secrets in town.
According to the National organization, “The Fraternal Order was founded to promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American Patriotism, and cultivate fellowship.”
With these objectives, how did a very large mammal in the deer family come to represent the organization? The Elks was founded in New York City in 1868 under the name “Jolly Corks,” by 15 actors, entertainers and others associated with the theater. According to Elks history, “It became necessary as the organization grew apace in numbers and financial strength to secure a more suitable name therefore, to give it definite shape and form, and place it on a more business-like and permanent basis.” A committee was formed to select a new name and the Elks won out.
Books on Natural History noted that the Elk was “distinguished for its fleetness of foot, combined with timidity at wrong-doing.” It was also stated that this animal would “avoid all combat except in fighting for the female and the defense of the young, the helpless and the weak.” While it wasn’t the reason the name was chosen, the simile was apt for the new Fraternal Order.
Today, the organization that started with 15 actors has nearly a million members throughout the United States, from all walks of life. In Massachusetts alone, the Elks have 62 active lodges.
Bill Plasko, Exalted Ruler of Norwood Lodge #1124, said his title “can be likened to the CEO or president of an organization.” Plasko lights up when he talks about the Norwood Elks and what they are doing in the community.
In an era where many organizations are losing members, Plasko
said that the lodge welcomed 52 new members last year, one of the largest growth years for this lodge in two decades.
Each year, the Lodge holds a children’s Christmas party and participates in the 4th of July parade, carrying an 1800 square foot American flag.
“It takes 20 people to hold the flag, and another 10 to keep it rippling,” Plasko said. "As with other fund-raising events, the donations people throw onto the flag are used for various community endeavors."
One such undertaking is the donation made to The Dictionary Project, a non-profit group that makes it possible for third grade students of Norfolk County to receive a dictionary for their own personal use. A thank you letter from the Project to the Norwood Lodge said, in part, “For some children, this may be the very first book that they have owned. You are truly making a difference in their lives by giving them such an important reference tool.” Plasko said the Lodge’s donation provided 5,808 students in Norfolk County with dictionaries.
Throughout the year, the Lodge raises funds that are sent to the Elks National organization. These funds are distributed as grants to various lodges. With the help of an Elks National Foundation (ENF) grant, Norwood recently provided a day of fun for a group of ARC of South Norfolk members and their families. Treated to a movie complete with popcorn, candy and a drink, 153 people enjoyed the film 'Emoji.'
Plasko explained that families who have children with autism and other developmental disabilities often struggle to access community activities, such as movies, ballgames, theater and the like. They are afraid of spending a lot of money only to have a child need to leave after 20 minutes, or of other people not understanding their child’s behaviors. This leads them to be further isolated from their community than they already are. This affects not only the children with disabilities, but also their siblings.
“Family Fun Days,” such as renting out a movie theater, is a great example of providing these families with a setting that is more comfortable, as they are surrounded by others in the same situation. It is a chance for parents to “test-run” a trip to the movies without the financial commitment. These activities also help the parents provide a sense of normalcy to siblings.
“A good time was had by all and Elks Lodge #1124 looks forward to working with Brian Clark (Director of the Family Autism Center) and the ARC group again soon," Plasko noted.
Another ENF Grant has been received which will go to support the Red, White & Blue Barbecue established two years ago to thank members of the Norwood Police and Fire Departments for their outstanding service to their community. And $2,000 will be donated to the Norwood Food Pantry to help local neighbors in need.
The Elks raise funds for scholarships that are distributed at the local, state and national levels. The Massachusetts Elks Scholarship Project awards more than $450,000 in grants each year. Applicants attending or planning to attend a four-year college program can pick up scholarship applications from the Norwood Lodge in November. In 2017, $44,000 was distributed to students in Norwood, Westwood, Canton, Dedham and Walpole. Plasko said that sadly, for most years, the Elks Vocational Scholarship goes unclaimed. He would love to be able to award it every year.
An important part of the Elks mission is their commitment to serving veterans. Whether it’s in VA clinics, veterans’ homes, homeless shelters or elsewhere, Elks volunteers give generously of their time, energy and resources to serve veterans and military members each year. The Norwood Lodge collects cell phones and raises money for the Massachusetts State Veterans Association. These funds are disbursed to veterans in need of assistance.
Recently, veterans chairman David Fitzgerald arranged to have a mobile VA unit come to the Lodge to help veterans get the services to which they are entitled. One-hundred twenty-two veterans were seen and 87 claims filed. Fitzgerald said he looks forward to providing this service again.
The Elks continue to produce public service announcements about drug awareness and distracted driving. And they will continue to look for more ways to get members involved in charitable programs that make our community stronger.
But Plasko emphasizes that membership doesn’t mean all work and no play.
“Members can do as much or as little as they want," Plasko stated. "There’s a lot of opportunity for socializing. We have excellent facilities, too – horseshoe pits, bocce courts, pool tables and playing fields.”
He is especially pleased by the camaraderie that he sees developing between younger members interacting with senior citizens.
When asked what words best define the Elks organization, Norwood’s Exalted Ruler answered “Fellowship and Community! Our official name is the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks…BPOE. We like to say it stands for the Best People on Earth!”
If you are interested in joining the Elks, you can pick up an application at the Elks table on Norwood Day, swing by the Norwood Lodge at 152 Winslow Avenue, or contact Bill Plasko at billplasko@gmail.com.
Donna Lane is a Norwood-based writer, lecturer and designer. You can reach her at addictedgardener@verizon.net.
Issue Date:
September, 2017
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