Putnam Elks lodge’s ranks growing

PUTNAM — At a time when many fraternal organizations are reporting dwindling memberships, the Putnam Elks are not only holding their own — they’re thriving.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 574 in Putnam was recently awarded a citation of merit from the Grand Lodge. The national citation recognizes the Elks leadership for maintaining and increasing membership over the past year. Signed by Grand Exalted Ruler Thomas S. Brazier, the citation honors the Putnam lodge for outstanding contribution to the growth of the order, “being among those lodges achieving a net gain of membership.”

“It is important to retain old members and to promote new ones,” said Shawn Tessier, exalted ruler of the Putnam Lodge. “The Putnam lodge has taken this message to heart, and we do everything we can to promote and retain members. I am proud of this citation and of the members of my lodge.”

The Putnam lodge’s membership increased three percent during the 2012-13 year, said lodge Secretary Lisa Morrisette. The lodge has about 430 members.

Membership in the Elks is open to any citizen of the United States over the age of 18 who has a belief in God. According to the mission statement, the organization strives to “promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.”

It’s that motto and the fact the local Elk lodge takes it seriously that made Sarah Hamby want to become an Elk. The Putnam Lodge regularly runs book drives for children in need and educates about the dangers of drug use, Hamby said.

“There is nothing better than working together to help others and Elks do this grandly, Hamby said. “Being an Elk is like being part of a family. We’re loud, boisterous, argumentative. We disagree about politics, the state of the nation, and sometimes even the weather. But we are always there for each other and for our community.”