Monday, July 23, 2012

MONTEREY LODGE - 100th ANNIVERSARY

MONTEREY ELKS LODGE #1285 – 100TH ANNIVERSARY


 One of the greatest achievements of an Elks Lodge is to celebrate a 100th Anniversary.  We had the privilege to attend that celebration this weekend at Monterey Lodge #1285 in Monterey, California.  What made it even more special is this is Venita’s home lodge where she is a Past Exalted Ruler.



Monterey Lodge was instituted in downtown Monterey at the old Hotel Del Monte on July 24, 1912.  Under the leadership of their first Exalted Ruler, William H. McConnel, the Lodge began its long and fruitful participation in community affairs and its outstanding charitable programs.  They built their own building downtown in 1916 and held their meetings there until after World War II.  In 1952, Exalted Ruler Murray Vout purchased the current land parcel with his own money and the first shovel of dirt was turned in 1962.  The Lodge continues in that location to this day and has boasted an increase in membership for the past 14 years, with a current membership of over 800.

The Anniversary festivities started Friday evening, July 20th with a cocktail party for the local mayors, members of congress and dignitaries from throughout the community.  The officers from Monterey Lodge were also there, as well as many other members from the West Central District and beyond. 

Saturday evening began with drinks and appetizers with 160 guests in attendance.   Several Past Association Presidents from the California-Hawaii Elks Association were there, as well as a group of eleven who joined us from the San Francisco Elks Lodge #3.  After dinner, our current DDGER, Dr. Carroll “Bud” Hall from Monterey Lodge gave a brief presentation about the history of the Lodge with special recognition to Venita’s mother, Laura Helgeson, who is not only a member of the lodge, but was born only two year after the lodge was instituted.  Tom then spoke about the significance of achieving 100 years as a lodge and their impact on the community over the years.  He thanked the committee who had worked so hard to plan the event, and gave a special toast to PER Kitty Tufford who chaired the committee until her passing last year.  Tom then presented the 100th Anniversary plaque to Exalted Ruler William “Beau” Finklang and congratulated the lodge on this significant milestone.

This was a wonderful weekend with many good friends.  We want to thank Monterey Lodge for their gracious hospitality and for making us feel so special.  Congratulations, Monterey Lodge, and may your next 100 years be as successful and prosperous as your first!

3 comments:

  1. Beau Finklang, not Lange is a conman. He put my entire family on the streets in 2004. I stupidly let him live with me @ 258 Hwy 1 , and elite estate I managed as concierge and co-realtor .He claimed a fake hostile takeover by his dad at the Grove store in Pacific grove, and no-pay check scheme. He lived in a dumpy garage upon meeting.. He paid not a penny for a year and embezzled $40k. He is the most dangerous man I have ever met. He alone ruined my life .I live abroad for safety for eight years now, giving up the life and career I loved..christinechamonix@gmail.com

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  2. Beau Finklang- has refused for eight years- to pay back what he stole in 2004- $40k-Many calls to pay his way- not a penny paid to live in a six million dollar estate I managed on the water , for a year @258 Hwy 1- Carmel.. Thinking he can con a honourable Christian realtor and concierge. -. He is the most vicious greedy conman I have ever known- should not be crowned as a superior leader at the Monterey Lodge.

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  3. What have you done to denote Beau Finklang as exalted ruler ? He conned me out of $19,200 His reduced rent and utilities for a year living with me- at a 20 million dollar estate @ 258 HWY 1- Carmel I managed as concierge and co-realtor, plus embezzled $40 grand , claiming poverty, whilst making $2.5 million in 2004 @ Homescapes Carmel, They conned owner of their commercial site on 7th and Junipero to John Mandurrago- developer-owner of the old bank Bldg. they leased.-. , out of $45 grand- past rent due in 2009, refusing to pay a penny owed to honest Christians since 2004, to aquire illegally elite large commercial spaces today. We want them exposed and denoted as exalted ruler , when in truth Homescapes Carmel are- professional conmen. Both of our attorneys got sick, and we have not collected a penny.. They made me bankrupt in 2004.

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