Ron Sharrah of the Sweet Home Elks Lodge has been installed for a second term as district deputy to the Elks National President for the lodges in the South Central District of the Oregon State Elks Association.
Sharrah was installed at the 151st Elks National Convention, held July 5-9, in Indianapolis, Ind., where more than 9,000 members and guests were present.
He will serve a one-year term.
Sharrah has just completed his first term in the position.
“It went really well,” he said. “The lodges are all doing well.”
The notable exception is Lebanon, which had to sell its building because of expenses, he said. That chapter is in suspension at this time. “They’ll be able to reorganize and move on when they sell that building.”
At the same time, “we’re in the process of reinstating Albany,” chapter 395, Sharrah said.
“I’m happy with it,” he said. “The first year you learn. The second year, you can do your job.”
Overall, the Elks are moving in the right direction, Sharrah said, and he credits improving leadership. Programs are all running better, and funding for local programs is growing.
Last year, nationally, the Elks donated about $320 million in cash, gifts and time to improving their communities.
Elks volunteers visit thousands of hospitalized veterans each year in support of both active military forces and retired veterans. The organization furnishes food, comfort care items, therapeutic items and gifts; provides recreational activities at bases and hospitals; and stands ready to fulfill any need.
Elks provided more than $33.4 million to more than 300 Veterans Administration medical centers, clinics and state care facilities as well as homeless veterans.
They award $4 million in college scholarships annually, and the Community Investment Program awards more than $9 million to projects enriching their communities.
For more information about the Elks, call the Sweet Home Elks Lodge at (541) 367-3559.