Elks plan state convention here

Nearly 200 delegates are expected to descend on Mountain Home next week.

The Mountain Home Elks lodge will host the Idaho State Convention here Nov. 2-4.

Up to 200 members from 20 lodges around the state are expected to attend the convention, which has not been held in Mountain Home since 1995.

The convention schedule includes a welcome dinner Thursday evening with business sessions on Friday and Saturday. A themed dinner, "American Pride", will be featured Friday evening and a formal dinner on Saturday evening will conclude the event.

Local motels have filled up rapidly with reservations for the convention, and Chamber of Commerce officials believe it will provide a significant economic spike for the city.

Formed in 1868, The Elks are one of the oldest and largest private organizations in the United States.

With currently more than 300 members , the local Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.) lodge started in 1963 downtown and moved to their current location in 1977.

The Elks stay actively involved in charitable work thoughout the community.

Most recognized for their contributions to youth, The Elks are a sponsor for Red Ribbon Week, a drug awareness event taking place at local Mountain Home schools this week and next week, October 23-31.

More than ten million youth nationally participate in the Hoop Shoot free-throw program, Drug Awareness, and college scholarship programs organized by the Elks.

They also support local youth 4-H and Campfire programs.

Patriotism is a vital part of being an Elk. In 1907, the Elks became the first fraternal organization to observe Flag Day on June 14, which later became a national holiday.

Their patritotic pride is evident in their long history of serving military veterans.

During World War I, they made a promise that disabled American veterans "would never be forgotten."

Since that time, they have donated everything from buildings and supplies to blood and moral support to those serving in the military.

A special state project, the Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital in Boise, began in 1947 due to a widespread polio outbreak in Idaho.

Since then, the 60-bed rehabilitation center has grown to become one of the regions most comprehensive care facilities for persons with disabilities.

The Idaho Elks hospital is available to anyone needing rehabilitative care, regardless of ability to pay.

With the motto, "Elks Care, Elks Share", this group of proud American citizens continue to serve their communities and country, officials of the local lodge said.