Pierre, SD 1953

The 2019 Old Timers Night was a great opportunity for members to reminisce, to catch up on lodge news and more.

State President Kyle Elinkiwich shown here with Pierre Elks Lodge 1953 Exalted Ruler Jonathon Ward at the 2019 Old Timers Night.

Several members of Pierre Elks Lodge 1953 attended the Elks State Association's Fall Convention at the Ramkota in Rapid City on October 4, 2019. Shown in this photo from the event are (seated left to right): Steve Wegman, Dennis Clarke, Marc Ulmen and Darlene Hallem. (Standing left to right): Jonathon Ward, Jeff Hallem, Vern Larson, Audry Ricketts and Lacey Walz.

Matt Schatz accepts an Elks National Foundation Bronze Circle Award from ENF Chairman Dwight Pogany at the November 20, 2019 meeting of Pierre Elks Lodge #1953.

Pierre Elks Lodge 1953 ER Jonathon Ward (upper left) and Elks Veterans Christmas project chairman Jerry Wattier (upper right) pose with other lodge members and students from Jefferson Elementary School in November 2019. The school was one of the locations where donations were accepted for the 2019 Elks Veteran's Christmas Project.

Dakota Plains Federal Credit Union was another sponsor location for the 2019 project. Thanks to all the area businesses that helped make the annual project a great success!

Pierre Elks Lodge 1953 was represented at the 2019 Pierre Parade of Lights on November 25. Shown here is Elks mascot Elroy the Elk...waiting for the parade to begin!

In the truck pulling the 2019 Parade of Lights float for the lodge (and tossing candy) were Dwight Pogany, Jeff Hallem and Steve Wegman.

Pierre Elks Lodge #1953 held the annual Memorial Service on December 8, 2019. Members honored were Tom Adam and Rodger Pearson. Father Ron Garry provided the memorial address.

Ryan Brunner gave the Eleven O'clock Toast during the 2019 service.

Music at the 2019 Memorial Service was provided by Karen and Steve Van Mullem; accompanied by Margaret Ellefson on piano.

Pierre Elks Lodge #1953 held the local Elks Hoop Shoot event on Sunday, December 8, 2019 at Georgia Morse Middle School in Pierre. Boys and girls signed up to compete in one of three different age categories.

Hoop Shoot Coordinator Heather Perry speaking before the 2019 event with Rick Woolridge, ER Jonathon Ward and Nathan Walz.

This group of 2019 Hoop Shoot participants is shown waiting for their turn to compete.

The local 2019 Hoop Shoot had a great turnout. Thanks to participants, parents and volunteers for making this event another successful competition!

The 2019 Elks Veteran's Christmas Project wrapped up about a week before Christmas. After several generous citizens donated items for veterans in Hot Springs at the Michael J Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home and the federal veterans facility; Elks members and friends gathered December 14, 2019 to sort out and prepare donations for delivery.

Before the sorting of 2019 donations started, Pierre Lodge Secretary Audry Ricketts explained the process to members and volunteers. Over $25,000 of items-from clothing to shampoo, games to calendars, were given for veterans.

Several bags of birdseed were donated in late 2019 to feed feathered friends at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home and the bags were decorated by local students.

Local school children also created a number of cards to be distributed to veterans for Christmas 2019.