Dunkirk, IN 1776

Dunkirk, IN Lodge News

Dunkirk Elks 1776 - NEWSLETTER for JULY & AUGUST 2026 - Thank You, from your Exalted Ruler, Vicky May

ELKS 1776 NEWSLETTER JULY & AUGUST 2026



Happy America 250 Years!

May 30 was awards night at our Lodge, it was my pleasure to present to the following, 

Elk of theYear: Craig Faulkner - Citizen of the Year: Connie Knight and

- Officer of the Year: Cindy Shepherd.   We also awarded Kade Sommers our

Scholarship Award.  Kade received $1,500 from our Lodge and $1,000 from the 

Grand Lodge Legacy Award.  Several others were given certificates for being the

best VOLUNTEERS ANYWHERE!  You are the backbone of this Lodge. THANK YOU!

I would like to thank you for allowing me to go to the Indiana Elks State convention 

in June.

It was an eventful weekend with Indiana Elks making history as the first Female 

State President Angie O’Donnell and Ist Gentlemen, Keith O’Donnell were installed.

I was also honored to be installed as the State Sergeant of Arms.  When I joined in 1996,

no one thought this would ever happen.  A female!  Congratulations, Angie and Keith!

Also, our Lodge was presented with the award for the highest Per-Capita in the district

of $16.67 for approximately $10.000 in grand money to be distributed in our community.

Thank you Elks 1776 for making this happen.

June 18th we voted and it passed to have only one meeting a month, it will be the third

Thursday of each month.

June was an eventful month. Let’s start with the Fresh updates that were done be 

dedicated Elks and Spouses.  First the tree in the back was trimmed, the grass was 

killed and the lower parking lot was revived.  The huge vent on the North side of the

building was sealed.  The entrance on both sides and the parking lot was patched.  

Then a few days later, on a Sunday morning here came 12 Elks with their equipment 

and tools, weed killer, paint and brushes in hand all ready to clean the place up and

did they ever.  The parking spaces were painted, the shrubs in front were trimmed, 

and the bushes out front (N. side) were cleared out, poles painted, gutters cleaned.

Again 2 days later, 3 days in a row, more Elks came and resurfaced the front of the

building where the rocks had come off due to water damage from the gutter.  The

front of the building is ready to be sealed and painted.  Also, the roofing company 

that had previously put singles on our roof came and replaced the missing singles 

from high winds through no fault of his own, he didn’t charge us anything.  We had

lunch provided for us one day by an Elk & a spouse.  There were 3 more spouses that 

purchased signs, and flowers, also cleaned out the flower bed, all to enhance the

appearance of our Lodge and see.  (: Thank You to all of you for being proud of our

Lodge and its presence in our community, showing that Elks Care and make a 

difference.  Pictures can be seen on Facebook.

June 13th we had a special breakfast for the Jay Co. Girls Softball and were able

to present them with $771.00 for future tournament fees.  Congratulations girls, we

are proud of you.

June 13th, we had an event called Homecoming.  The Brauns and Cowgills supported

this event with burgers and hot dogs free to everyone, they worked hard at making it

nice for all.  There was a bounce house for the children that was provided by Shepherds,

Donna Revolt, the Marcums, Pam Brown and Billie Haffner.  Everyone in attendance

won a nice prize which was donated by many.  It was a wonderful evening; we had one

application for membership turned in.  If you missed it, you missed out.  Thanks to

everyone who supported this and came out to enjoy it.  On this day we had a Flag Day

Ceremony.   It was awesome to look out at 50 people standing around our flag, as you

may know, the Elks were very instrumental in making this day a holiday.  Starting in 

1908, but it became official in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman (an Elk) when he

signed the proclamation that on June 14th, we observe our Flag.   I’m proud to be

American and part of this Lodge.  

June 27th, we hosted the Jay Co. High School’s 1st Graduating Class, 50-Year Reunion.

 I was nervous because there were a lot of people (181).  I called a meeting and asked 

Who could help and if this was possible and guess what they said yes and we did it.

We had 20 Elks to work together and organize this event.  From shuffling and parking 

assistance for the attendees in golf carts to the door, cooking and serving their meal,

extra bartenders, chairs & tables, we pulled it off like pros and had so much fun doing

It.  All volunteers, no payroll.  We ere a class act, I’m so proud and thankful for all of you.

Again, check us out on facebook.  The class has asked me it they can have their 55th

reunion here.  


Upcoming Events, MARK YOUR CALENDARS.

July 10th  - we will have Tayo’s Taqueria Food Truck here to serve us some delicious food.  The same evening, we have a band ROJAC, who will play from 6pm to 9pm.  

This evening was planned for you, our members to have a nice relaxing evening,

please come out there is no cover charge.

July 11th  - Breakfast 8 to 10am, Euchre Tournament at 6:30, Treasure Hunt Drawing

at 6:00pm, Monthly Drawing at 7:00pm.  Kitchen open! 

July 16th  - Weekly Drawing at 6:00pm, House Committee meets 6:05, Trustees meet 6:30, Lodge Meeting at 7:00pm with Initiation, officers please wear you jackets.

July 17th  - is our 1st Christmas in July Auction.  This will be the same as it is when we 

do the Christmas auction.  Here’s your chance to have so much fun and give to a good 

cause at the same time.  We will be donating to Cancer Research.  Ed and LeAnn Caldwell are heading up the committee and have a great evening planned for you.  

We have a surprise opening for the evening so please don’t miss out.  (Thank You Jennifer Braun).  Bring a covered dish and a wrapped gift or 2 to be auctioned by our self-appointed auctioneers, Bob Braun and Stu Cowgill.  LOL!  You won’t want to miss this.

July 18th - Bowling Tournament 6:30pm.  Kitchen open!


August 8th  - Breakfast 8-10am.  Euchre Tournament at 6:30pm.

           14th  - @ 5pm Tayo’s Food Truck will be here, come out and enjoy, they have a

                      delicious menu, 

           15th  - 6:30 Bowling Tournament - Treasure Hunt Drawing at 6:00pm and

                      Monthly Drawing 7:00pm.

           20th  - Weekly Drawing 6:00pm,  House Committee 6:05,  Trustee Meeting 6:30,

                      Lodge Meeting 7:00 pm.

           21st  - We are having a Flower workshop.  Ladies, this is for you.  It will cost

                       $35.00 for you to choose and make a beautiful bouquet (with vase) of

                       fresh flowers to take home.  Bring a friend and let’s learn how to do it 

                       from a pro.  For each person participating she will donate $5.00 back to

                       the Lodge.

I can’t say THANK YOU enough to all of you for making our Lodge GREAT!!  I Hope you

have/had a nice 4 th of July and enjoy your summer.  See you at the Lodge.


Remember:  Treasure Hunt is over $1,000 now, drawing on Saturdays @ 6pm.  

                      Weekly Drawing  is on each Thursday @ 6:00pm.  

                      Monthly Drawing is the 2nd Saturday of the month,

Come in, catch up with friends and sign up for a chance to win. 


Vicky S. May, ER

Cindy Shepherd, Secretary


ELKS 1776 TUESDAY DINNER MENU for:

JULY 2026 DINNERS

7th    CAVATINI, Salad and Garlic Bread
14th  SMOKED PORK CHOPS, Baked Potato, Roasted Vegetable, Roll & Butter
21st   BAKED PORK CUBED TENDERLOIN STEAKS, Mash Potatoes, Gravy, Vegetable, B&B 
28th  SMASH BURGERS, French Fries, Baked Beans

AUGUST 2026 DINNERS

4th    BAKED STEAK, Mash Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans, Bread & Butter
11th  BEEF & NOODLES, Mash Potatoes, Corn, Bread & Butter
18th  GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, Party Potatoes, Pasta Salad, Bread & Butter
25th  MINI MEATLOAF, Cheezy Mash Potato, Vegetable, Bread & Butter

All Dinners come with Choice of Dessert - We reserved the right to substitute if necessary



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