President’s Points Feb 2008

I would like to first hope that everyone's holiday season went well with plenty of time spent with friends and family.  With this end of the holiday season, we of course are bringing in a New Year.  The New Year period is a great time to reflect on the past and look hard and clear into the future. Sometimes looking forward can be difficult.

 

What will the New Year bring? I have a few goals that I would like to set out for our Aerie. Not only is membership recruitment important, but also the recruitment of new and existing members to volunteer and to help out for functions at the Aerie. You would not believe how many things a few folks in our Aerie, volunteer and help do. If more folks would lend a hand the work could be spread more thinly. I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart those who have rolled up their sleeves in the 2007 year, and have helped tremendously our Aerie's success.

 

It has been told to me many times that we should stop looking for anyone who will be member with the initial dues amount in their pockets, but look for the person with the due amount in their pockets and willing to be an Eagle. Being as Eagle as many you know, is more than hanging out in the social room or attending social events. Being as Eagle is helping others, helping your community, and providing support and services for your Aerie. That is the Eagle I strive to be, and that is the Eagle that so many of you, our membership, has made me very proud of and stand beside; as proud Eagles!

 

Another concern I have will probably ruffle some feathers, but if this stirs some debate, so be it. Debate is a good thing. We have to look hard at the aging aspect of our membership. This is not just at our Aerie level, but is also affecting the FOE on an International and State Level. We are very fortunate not only to have a good young representative in our membership, but also that these folks are serving as volunteers and Aerie Officers. Our Aerie has one of the lowest mean ages of Officers in the State. This is remarkable, and we should be proud of these young leaders.

 

You need to ask yourself this though? Thirty years from now, who will be Eagles members? How many Eagles members will be have? This is a huge concern, and if we don't start looking at recruiting and retaining young members, our organization as we know it will clearly change or cease to exist. It is easy to dismiss this now, but those of us who want to our Aerie to be here 30 years from now, should head this warning. If we don't start attracting some younger membership, bad times could befall us. It is the only logical conclusion with our lack of recruitment of persons age 21-30. And yes I am very aware, that I too am far from this demographic : ).

 

I am going to speak of this in our upcoming Aerie Meetings and seek advice and counsel from the Officers and members who attend meetings. Hopefully, by the time we commission our 2008 – 2009 Aerie Officers, we are able to put forth a clear attainable plan and agenda on this issue.

 

So I ask you members of the Grinnell Eagles Aerie 2545, go out and recruit new members both young and who will volunteer; in addition try to volunteer at least for one function every six months. If you want to know how to volunteer, email me at scucmd@gmail.com and I will help you along the way.

 

Remember, we are not a bar, we are more than a social entity, we are the Eagles; proud, service minded, and investors in our future and our community; "People helping People…….."

 

God Bless!

 

 

Jeffrey A. Hughes

Worthy President 2007-2008

Aerie Christmas Party

Eagle's

Christmas Party

December 15, 2007

Social at 5pm

Dinner at 6pm

You must be a member in good standing to attend.

President's Points - August 2007

• Aerie/Auxillary Picnic Sunday Sept 16, 2007 starting at 11am - 5pm Meat and beverages included, please bring dish, salad, or desert to pass. CLUB WILL BE CLOSED DURING EVENT
• Chuck Burnham charity golf tourney August 18 www.foe2545.com
• Community Drug Presentation - "The Rise of Prescription Drug Abuse" Monday August 20th at 630pm at the Aerie see website for more information.
• Want to know more about the Eagles, events, officers, information, etc.; visit www.foe2545.com
• Initiation is the 4th Monday of Every Month, all new members need to attend, members who haven't initated are welcome.
• Please sign in at the West door - All members and guests.
• Have questions or concerns about your Aerie, attend the meetings 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month.

Why Our Initiation is So Important?

Throughout different aspects of our lives we often see folks or find ourselves loosing the meaning and the importance of things. This typically happens over time or loosing or attention on an issue. In our personal life's, at work, and with our families things that are truly important to us and remain important to us often start from a well rounded foundation of care, trust, and understanding. A persons adventure of becoming an Eagle should be no different. If we are truly going to campaign on great aspects of the FOE, it behooves us to establish a good foundation and a base of understanding of what being an Eagle is all about. This not only educates the young Eagle, but also creates with this understanding a better chance that this new Eagle will remain active in our Aeries. Give me 1 member who will be active and volunteer at their Aerie and they are worth 5 that just pay there dues. And this friends, I will argue with anyone......

The Grand Aerie has done a fabulous job at refurbishing the Enrollment Application to include information regarding the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. This education is no better ingrained then when the prospect takes the oath and participates in the rituals of the initiation. This to me is one of the most crucial parts of the Eagles indoctrination and if taken seriously remains with that Eagle throughout their fraternal service.

Personally speaking when I attended my initiation I took this very personally and seriously. As some of you are aware it is important to me to be an Eagle because my grandfather was an Eagle and very fond of the Eagles. I went through a range of emotions throughout my initiation, but when I was done I truly felt that I belonged to a great organization. This feeling of belonging to something of importance and quality can make a difference and is something that appeals to a lot folks. Remember, when you sell the Eagles and go to sign up that quality individual, please emphasize the importance, meaning, and tradition of our initiations.

God Bless

Jeff

Why I am an Eagle (From Earlier Publication)

I was born in Waterloo, IA some 37 years ago to Larry and Judy Hughes. My parents still remain in Waterloo, where I grew up. My grandfather, Arthur Dale Ayres was my first exposure to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. I use to watch my grandfather play cards and participate in the social events at the Waterloo Aerie.

Since then and in most of my adult life, I have led of life of service. At the age of 17, I joint the US Army and attended basic training and advanced infantry training at Fort Benning, GA. I served in the US Army reserves from 1987 – 1994. As a career, I entered into law enforcement in 1992 and am currently employed with the Grinnell Police Department as a Detective.

I attended college in Cedar Rapids, IA at Kirkwood Community College and completed my AA in Police Science at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, IA. In June of 2006, I successfully completed my Bachelors of Arts Degree in Sociology from William Penn University.

I was introduced again to the FOE in 2003, by the State Membership Chair James Virgil Stevenson; a great Eagle! Again, I was very familiar with the social aspects of the FOE, but I did not realize the community and public service the FOE also provides. I had witnessed the Grinnell Aerie 2545 significantly support the Grinnell Area Public safety efforts. My thoughts were and still are, that any organization that supports public guardians; this is a place for me.

In 2004 I was elected the Inside Guard of the Grinnell Aerie 2545 and in 2005, it’s Worthy Vice President. It is with honor, dignity, and commitment, that I have and will continue serve my Aerie, my fellow Eagles, and in turn my community in these post.

Squeak Sheet July 2007

Hello, Brothers and Sisters! I would like to thank all of you for my opportunity to serve you as President of the Grinnell Aerie 2545, for 2007. This will be an exciting year for us all. I truly believe in our adopted motto of "people helping people". This alone makes us stand out in the crowd as a Fraternity that aids and supports its community.

Membership

Effective immediately, all newly signed members are requested to attend an Aerie Initiation. Not only is this required by the rules and regs it also is a great foundation to help new members truly appreciate what it is to be a member of our great institution. The Aerie will be holding Initiations the 4th Monday of every month at the Business Meeting. Anyone wishing to become initiated please arrive by 630pm the nights of the meetings. Additionally, we are looking for members who wish to become more active in the Aerie. If you are interested in volunteering for Eagles Activities, please contact me at the below information.

Aerie Picnic

The Aerie/Axillary Picnic will be held Saturday Sept 8th, 2007 and will start at 11am with children activities. Grilled meat and refreshments will be provided but we are requesting persons provide a dish to pass. This will be held at Lake Nyanza, in Grinnell, IA. There will be a sign up posted soon for persons to attend and to volunteer a dish. This is great opportunity to share your favorite summer recipes.

If you have any questions or concerns, you are always free to contact me at Cell: 641-990-3179 or by email at gpd219@yahoo.com . Remember that our business meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month and encourage you all to attend. Also be sure to visit our website to stay on top of all Eagles Activities and Events. Thank you all again, and please enjoy the beginning of your summer.

Fraternally Yours,

Jeff Hughes, WP 2007