[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 26 (Wednesday, March 3, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2103-S2104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      LEWISTON ELKS LODGE NO. 896 CELEBRATES 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, it is with great honor that I 
congratulate the Lewiston Elks Club, Lodge No. 896, on its 100-year 
anniversary. The organization has overcome multiple obstacles in its 
efforts to continue the fellowship among its members, and more 
important, its consistent and significant contributions to the local 
community.
  Lodge No. 896 was first chartered on March 8, 1904 by just eight 
members. The organization envisioned by the original eight founders has 
grown to include more than 13,000 members over the past century. Today 
it is the largest Elks Club in Idaho. Successful recruitment efforts 
bring in 15 to 18 new members each month, making the Lewiston lodge one 
of the Nation's best. Together, the Elks have made countless positive 
impacts on the Lewiston area, and have been stellar ambassadors of our 
great State.
  The Lewiston Elks Lodge has endured two devastating fires, the first 
of which occurred in 1904 after the club's second meeting. The second 
fire happened in 1969, and spurred the group to move the lodge to a new 
location overlooking the beautiful Snake River, which passes through 
Lewiston. It was at its present location that disaster made a third 
attempt. In 1998, the lodge was closed for more than 18 months after a 
landslide on the hillside below threatened the structure. Despite these 
obstacles, the Lewiston Elks have continued their community service.
  The service projects carried out by the Lewiston Elks are 
significant. They serve people of all ages, and from every walk of 
life. Some projects include making Christmas baskets, supporting a drug 
awareness program, poster contests, and an annual food caravan for 
needy families. The Elks also express their support for individuals and 
groups in the community by sponsoring a number of awards recognizing 
Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Special

[[Page S2104]]

Olympics, and Teenager of the Month and Year. Education is another area 
that the Elks are firm in their support. The Lewiston club offers 
yearly scholarships to local youth ranging from $100 to $1,000.
  Perhaps one of the greatest contributions from this organization is 
the support it offers to the Idaho State Elks Rehabilitation Hospital. 
The modern hospital, located in Boise, serves nearly 12,000 patients a 
year and is working on a proposal to provide rehabilitation services to 
military veterans returning from war zones. With the support of the 
Lewiston Elks and other organizations, the hospital plans to open a new 
Hearing and Balance Center in the next few months.
  On behalf of the citizens of the Lewiston area, and the entire State 
of Idaho, I thank Lodge No. 896 for their commitment to their 
community. It is the standard set by the Lewiston Elks that encourages 
local youth to strive to improve themselves, and for neighbors to help 
one another. Their selflessness has allowed everyone in the community 
to benefit. Congratulations to the Lewiston Elks for their endurance 
and dedication for the past 100 years.

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