Elks Lodge kicks off the year with special events

Members of the Minden/Douglas Elks Lodge No. 2670 have wasted no time in gearing up for the new year. There are already several fun events planned over the next week or so, with the promise of many more to come in the following months.

Tomorrow night marks their annual "Citizen of the Year" banquet, to be held at the lodge at 1276 Pit Road (turn west from Tillman Road) in the Ranchos. Each year, the Elks surprise an unsuspecting local citizen with a dinner and award ceremony in honor of the individual's dedication and commitment to the community. Lodge membership isn't required to receive this award, and the public is welcome to attend.

The evening features a no-host cocktail hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 and the award ceremony immediately thereafter. Cost is $15 per person and it's not too late to make a reservation. For additional information, call Elks member Bob Allgeier at 782-6634.

n Elks members will be back at the lodge bright and early the next morning (Sunday, Jan. 28) to host their first pancake breakfast of the year. Pancake breakfasts are held on the fourth Sunday of each month with the exception of November and December. Everyone is invited from 8:30-11 a.m. to enjoy pancakes, a variety of eggs and breakfast meats, as well as juice and coffee. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 12 and younger. Reservations are not required.

n Their annual crab feed is scheduled for Friday, February 2 at St. Gall Catholic Church. This adults-only event is a favorite among locals and features fresh crab brought down from the Oregon coast, clam chowder, garlic bread and coleslaw. Steaks will be available by advance reservation for those who wish to attend but prefer to not eat crab.

A no-host cocktail hour kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with dinner to follow at 6:30. The cost is $32.50 per person and reservations must be made by Jan. 29 to ensure that enough crab is ordered. Secure your reservation by calling Dave Trueblood at 782-3416, and be sure to mention if your preference is steak.

Proceeds from all events benefit community activities which include children, veterans and senior programs as well as scholarships for local students. In addition, the Elks are working to generate funds toward construction of a permanent lodge as they are leasing the current site.

Additional questions may be answered by calling the lodge at 265-4523. Office hours are Tuesday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday, noon-4 p.m. and Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

n Amy Roby can be reached by e-mail at RanchosRoundup@hotmail.com