I would like to clarify an article that was published in the Sun (“Santa Maria Elks: More than ‘an old men’s drinking society,’” April 7, 2016). Some statements, I believe, were erroneous and offended not only myself but the citizens of Santa Maria and the members of our lodge, and I have a duty and responsibility to correct those statements. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has never tooted its own horn because it has always felt that we should quietly and humbly do our good works. Only recently has our organization changed that position and is encouraging local lodges to be more vocal and visible in their community in order to educate the public on what the Elks are all about and what we do for our community. By doing this, we can increase membership and remain a viable force into the future.
I was hoping to use my platform as the first female exalted ruler in Santa Maria to further this goal. I want to improve our image within our community by showing that our membership does mirror the citizens of Santa Maria. At least 25 percent of our members are women and a greater percentage are minorities.
I never said that I have more of a right to be here than people that were born in Santa Maria. I said because of my Air Force roots, I have had the opportunity to live in many places in and outside this country; but I have chosen to live and retire here in the Santa Maria Valley. Santa Maria is a slice of heaven on earth. I can only strive to measure up to local icons like Ike Simas and Clarence Minetti in providing excellent leadership by increasing membership and supporting local charities.
I am sure that the reporter meant no harm to our organization or to the citizens of Santa Maria.
I never asked to be interviewed by the Sun, but when I was asked to do a phone interview, I took it as an opportunity to toot our own horn. Just this week our Lodge gave out $19,000 in scholarships at our annual Student/Citizen of the Year banquet. And this year we will top the $11 million mark in giving back to the youth of the Santa Maria Valley because of our rodeo. That is what the Santa Maria Elks do. And that is why I think everyone should be an Elk; to be a part of something bigger than oneself, there is no feeling like it.
I commend the Sun for coming out to support the Kids & Cowboys Golf Tournament. Each bus costs $250 and it takes many donors to sponsor enough buses to transport 1,200 kids to our Mini-Rodeo. This year this tournament raised enough money to sponsor 15 busses.
This article appears in May 19-26, 2016.
