Happy, Happy February!! Ok, the air may be so balmy with snowdrops; the crocuses might be fooled into early blooming. Then, the inevitable blizzard will come, blighting our harbingers of spring and the numbed yards will go back undercover. In Florida, it’s strawberry season—shortcake, waffles, berries and cream will be penciled on the coffee shop menus. Well, if Mother Nature is kind to us this year, we may not see any more nasty weather. According to legend on February 2nd each year if Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog (honorary member of the Punxsutawney Elks Lodge #301) sees his shadow on a sunny day, there will be six more weeks of winter. He then returns to his den and goes back to sleep. If, however, he does not see his shadow on a cloudy day and he plays around outside of his hole for a while, spring is just around the corner. For the record, Phil sees his shadow about 9 out of 10 times. Bottom line; February is like a double-edged sword; it’s too soon to put there snow blower away and too early to get the lawn mower out. February holds many monthly observations such as Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day, American Health Month, National Snack Food Month, Great American Pie Month, Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month, Potato Lovers Month, American History Month, National Grapefruit Month, Chocolate Lovers Month, and finally, the birthday of our Order on February 16, 2012, we celebrate 144 years of outstanding “Caring and Sharing”. In February, it is important that our Lodge Membership take every step possible to select Officers for the next Lodge year. The success of any organization on its leadership; and those Lodges with dedicated Officers will succeed. Lodge meeting and nominations will be February 7, 2012 and Lodge Meeting and elections on February 21st; both starting at 7:00 PM. Thank you to the members who helped put up and take down the Christmas decorations: Roger and Jo Kelly, Jim and Nancy Eads, Jim and Connie McHugh, Ron and Linda Hamilton, John and Brenda Sheaffer, Doris Rynard, Dave Smith, and Doug and Terry Glass. Also thanks to the Hoop Shoot Committee Chairs Barry Guise and Essie Witmer and the host of volunteers who came out that day to help with the event. · National Guard turns 375 years old with a direct declaration on December 13, 1636. · Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same…Ronald Reagan Vic Miller Exalted Ruler |