As I try to fulfill my goal of keeping the members of the Third District informed on the happenings of the District, the International Board of Directors, and the home office, 2024 has started off to a very busy start for your district board.
The home office has developed a “Lodge Health and Disbandment” program and has directed district presidents to monitor each of their lodges to determine if they are strong or if the lodge should be recommended for disbandment. To that end, I had zoom meetings with the district lodge presidents, vice presidents, and any other interested lodge members. At these meetings we discussed what the home office considers to be a healthy lodge. I also made sure that the lodges understand that the district board is here to help them become or stay “healthy.”
The District Board is working with the host committee, Washington Lodge, to make the 2024 Third District Convention the best and most interesting convention ever. One of the things that is planned is a night bus tour of Washington DC to see the buildings and memorials lit up. Karen and I have already signed up for this tour as there are only 100 seats available and we did not want to be left out. Karen, our District Secretary, has sent to all lodge presidents and lodge secretaries the number of delegates that each lodge is entitled to send to convention along with all the paperwork that must be completed. It is my hope that every lodge sends the maximum number of delegates to the convention. Since the District Lodge Meeting is open to all members of the district, others are encouraged to attend as non-delegates. They can take part in all the activities; they just can’t vote.
Youth Camp is planned for July 21st to 28th. I hope your children and grandchildren will attend camp. Those children who have attended in the past have always had a very fun time learning about their Norwegian heritage and culture and making new friends and seeing old friends. Information and applications have been sent out and is also available on the Third District website.
The board continues to plan fun events for the members of the district such as family camps and the sports picnic which will be held at Nansen Lodge on Staten Island in April. Check the Third District Website for more information.
Until next month,
Fraternally,
Stephen Helmold