Whatever good things we build, end up building us. – Jim Rohn

With June’s Elks Burgers, Brats, and Beer concessions during the 40th Annual McQuade Charity Softball Tournament and July’s Elks Camp Grassick Day, dozens of volunteers members donated hundreds of hours of their personal time for the cause of the Elks.  These people could have been doing many other enjoyable things; spending time with family, going camping, golfing, you name it.  But they didn’t.  Instead, they chose to spend their time in the service to others.

On behalf of the Officers, Trustees, and Team members of the Elks, we thank the many volunteers who help make our many projects successful.

According to the “Points of Light” Foundation, volunteering refers to ―rendering of service by choice of or free will for the benefit of the wider community by an individual, group, or institution without necessarily expecting monetary gain in full knowledge and appreciation of being a volunteer.”

Along with helping assist with Burgers, Brats, and Beer and Camp Grassick day, you see Elks volunteer helping serve burgers on Wednesdays during the summer and seafood on Saturdays during the winter.  You see them at the Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot, Student Government Day, and Children’s Christmas Party.  (You also see them occupying chairs on the lodge floor the first Thursday of every month.) [Read more…]

The Board of Directors is proud to announce the hiring of Chad Stockwell as General Manager of the Bismarck-Mandan Elks!  As General Manager, Stockwell oversees the operation of the dining room, two bars, event center, men’s and women’s health centers, as well as all facilities and grounds.

A North Dakota native, Stockwell was was born and raised in Beach, ND, as well as Plummer, MN.  He graduated from South Heart High School and attended Moorhead State University from 1994-1996.

His professional career began with Border Foods Inc. from 1997-2003.  When he left the company he was a Restaurant Training Manager.

Prior to joining the Elks as Dining Room Manager in 2013, Stockwell was the General Manager of GrandView Steakhouse & Lounge in Beulah ND from 2010-2013.

Stockwell brings a wealth of finance, business process, and customer experience knowledge .  He made great strides in all three as the Interim GM since March.

Chad is married to Cassie Stockwell.  Together, they have 3 children.

Pictured with Exalted Ruler Michael Lindblom (center) are the 2015 Most Valuable Student award winners; (L to R) Myles Odermann – Parshall, Sam Markle – BHS, Mikaila Kringstad – CHS and Alexis Tausend – MHS #9599. Not Pictured: Braden Hausauer and Anna Horner.

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It has been said that time flies when you’re having fun!  That certainly has been the case with my Bismarck-Mandan Elks Lodge #1199 membership! Sixteen years ago, my father proposed me for membership. Since then, I have met a LOT of great people, made lifelong friendships and found opportunities to serve the club and community through Seafood and Burger Teams, Hoop Shoot, and now as an officer for the past 5 years.  But none of that would have happened if someone hadn’t proposed me and I hadn’t joined!  All my father had to do was ASK.

Who makes a good Elks member prospect?  How about your sons, daughters, parents, spouse, aunts, uncles, cousins, colleagues, clients, and customers?  Other potential members could include your stylist/barber, insurance agent, dentist, doctor, or chiropractor.   My point is; there are countless people in your life whose lives can be greatly enriched because of the friendships and volunteer opportunities you presented to them through Elks membership.  They’re also people who can help us make this a larger and stronger organization.

Why should they join?  Aside from access to a great dining room, two bars, men’s and women’s fitness centers, the lodge floor and other meeting rooms, their membership dues help us accomplish our charitable objectives and fund projects that improve the quality of life in Bismarck-Mandan.  The Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoots, Elks Scholarships, Social & Community Welfare Committee, Drug Awareness, Children’s Christmas Party, and Camp Grassick are just a few of the programs funded by your lodge dues.

Today, proposing a new member is easier than ever.  Simply pick up a paper application at the lodge or download one at: www.bismanelks.com/membership.  You can also go to www.elks.org, where, on the upper left hand side of the page, you will find a link entitled, “Invite a Friend to Join.”

If you have questions on how to complete an application simply find an officer, a doorman or an Elks team member.  Or, you can ask Arlan Scholl, Annette Scholl, and Mark Webster, who hold the distinction of being the top three proposers in the last two years.  When it comes to finding new members, in most cases, all you have to do is ASK! [Read more…]