Larry & Susan Cloninger receive philantropic award

Susan K. and Larry T. Cloninger Jr. will be presented the inaugural Wilson L. Smith Philanthropic Award at the Rowan Regional Medical Center Foundation's annual Donor Appreciation and Awards Dinner on Jan. 24 at the Holiday Inn.
The prestigious award will honor the Cloningers' extraordinary philanthropy and special service to Rowan Regional Medical Center Foundation, the Partners in Progress Capital Campaign, the John Campbell Memorial Golf Classic and the Patrons Ball.
In recognition of the Cloningers' generous financial pledge to the foundation's $25 Million Partners in Progress Capital Campaign, the reception area in the Medical Center's Emergency Department was named in their honor.
The Cloningers have supported the foundation's annual John Campbell Memorial Golf Classic for the past six years and Cloninger Ford-Toyota-Scion has been the presenting sponsor for the tournament since 2003.
Most recently, the Cloningers chaired the 2007 black-tie Patrons Ball, which set a new fundraising record of $150,812 in total financial support. The proceeds were used to purchase new patient beds at Rowan Regional.

George Curtis "Smitty" Smith passing

SALISBURY -

George Curtis "Smitty" Smith, 98, of 216 Wildwood Ave., died Wednesday, December 12, 2007, at Rowan Regional Medical Center. Born June 1, 1909, in York County, S.C., Mr. Smith was the son of the late Samuel Curtis and Georgia Ann Price Smith. He graduated from York High School and after attending business school, he spent 10 years with Swift and Company in their Branch House Accounting Department. He entered public accounting in 1937 with the firm of Frank P. Buck Company. He passed the Uniform Certified Public Accounting examination in 1944, and in October 1947, he and William A. Sherrill purchased the firm of Frank P. Buck Company from Frank P. Buck. They operated the firm under that name until October 1957, at which time the name of the firm was changed to Sherrill & Smith, CPA's. He retired from the firm September 30, 1981. The firm continues to operate under the name of Sherrill & Smith, CPA's.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church since 1937 and served on numerous church boards. He was also a member of the following professional organizations: American Institute of CPA's, N.C. Association of CPA's and local chapter of CPA's; and former member of the Kiwanis Club, Elks Lodge and Country Club of Salisbury.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Bryant Smith, on February 13, 1969. Survivors include his wife, Ruby Beaver Smith, whom he married May 16, 1970; daughter Eve S. Appleby (Peter) of Augusta, Ga.; stepdaughter Sandra N. Hamilton (Claude) of Charlotte; grandchildren Ashley Speizman, Michael Appleby and Kim Appleby; and great-grandchildren Justin Speizman, Isabella, Olivia, Madeleine, Pepper, Chandler and Catherine Appleby.

Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Stephen D. Haines and the Rev. Martha Ballard officiating. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Rowan Memorial Park. Visitation: Following the memorial service.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Building Fund, 217 S. Church St., Salisbury, NC 28144.

Lodge helps with Slavation Army Bell ringing

On Sat, Dec 8, 2007, the Lodge helped with bell ringing for the Salvation Army

While there were many volunteers, only these photos were taken.
Teresa McGarrity, Julie Copley and Allison Holshouser maned 1 one hour shift.

Here was Jake Boltz who did a fine job of soliciting donations. Jim Stout looks on from the left. The Elks have a long history for working with the Salvation Army having provided much needed funds during WWI.

Salisbury has been ringing the bell since at least the 50's, perhaps earlier too.

Beautiful day for a Christmas Parade

We had a great day for a Christmas parade. Temperature was in the 70's.
The house committee and other volunteers did a great job in setting up for it. We sold corn dogs, popcorn and other things outside.

Inside, free hotdogs and snacks for the many members who stopped in.

Later on at about 6:30, the annual PER 1/2 and 1/2 was held with Robert Wall and ? winning it. The proceedings of this will go to an Elk in distress.

More pictures can be found at our web album on this event.

Lodge initiates two new members

Salisbury Elks Lodge 699 initiated two new Elks on nov 15th. Patty Major and Jim O'Connell are feautred along with their sponsor Kim Chapman. ER Bob Sce is on the left.
Other announcements include the details of the Christmas party to be held on Dec 14th and the Memorial service which will be held on Sunday, Dec 2 at 2 p.m.

Life Member Bill D Sides passes away at age 84

SALISBURY - Bill D. Sides, age 84 of Salisbury died Saturday, October 20, 2007 at the North Carolina Veterans Nursing Home, Salisbury.Mr. Sides was born December 27, 1922 in Cabarrus County, he was the son of the late Pearson DeBerry and Anna Mae Wagoner Sides. He was reared in the Nazareth Children Home from age five and attended the Rockwell Schools. Mr. Sides served in the US Navy for over eighteen years serving as a Chief on the USS Ranger before retiring in 1959 before transferring to the Fleet Reserve.

He was the owner and operator of the Sides Realty and Construction Company for many years.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, very active member of the Salisbury Elks Club Number 699 where he was Elk of the Year in 1977 and received the Exalted Ruler Award. He helped organize the Elks Summer Boys Camp at Hendersonville, and received the Devoted Leadership Award in l999. He was a member of the Samuel C. Hart Post #342 of the American Legion and the Hudson Miller Tatum Post # 3006 of the VFW.

His wife Neva Jean Helsley Sides preceded him in death, January 18, 1998, a son Stephen Sides preceded him in death November 17, 2006, brother Allen Pete Sides, sisters; Letha Boots Peeler, Lucille Basinger and Daisy Davis.He is survived by one daughter Sherri File and companion Joel Crawford of Salisbury, one son; David Sides of Boone, grandchildren; Trisha Griffin, John Sides, Leigh Wright, Dylan Sides and Jason Sides, great-grandchildren, Breana Griffin, Andrea Griffin, Mark Sides, nieces Melba Pickler, Sally Thompson, Judy Leazer, Kay Peele, Gertrude Sapp, Virginia Long, Myrna Crocker, nephews; Tony Basinger , John Basinger, Harry Peeler, Stanley Peeler and Paul Sides.

Visitation: The family will see friends from 1-2:00 pm Tuesday at the Summersett Funeral Home. Members of the Salisbury Elks Club will serve as pallbearers.Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 pm Tuesday at the Summersett Memorial Chapel by the Rev. Dr. Randal V. Kirby of the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be with Military Honors by the Rowan County Military Guard at Rowan Memorial Park.Memorials may be made to the Salisbury Elks Club, 508 S. Main St., Salisbury, NC or the Nazareth Children's Home, 855 Crescent Rd., Rockwell, NC 28138

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Registered Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants of the NC State Veterans Home for their care and concern.Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Sides family.
Published in the Salisbury Post on 10/21/2007.
Notice • Guest Book • Funeral home info Flowers • Gift Shop • Charities

Salisbury initiates 9 new Elks

At our Oct 4th meeting, we initiated 9 new Elks. Welcome aboard!

Elks present Medal of Valor To Elrod family

The Elks, thanks to the efforts of VA volunteer John Salonen, presented a Medal of Valor to the Elrod family. They sadly lost their son Marine L/Cpl Nathan Elrod due to enemy action in Anbar province on Oct 21, 2006. Some articles on this outstanding young man who gave his life for our country can be found by searching "Nathan Elrod" (include the quotes to narrow the google or yahoo search)

James E Mesimore passes Sept 14, 2007

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James E. Mesimore

SALISBURY - Mr. James Edward Mesimore, age 86, of Salisbury passed away Friday September 14, 2007 at Genesis Healthcare. He was born May 29, 1921 in Rowan County the son of the late James Earl Mesimore and the late Carrie Savannah File Mesimore.He was a graduate of Boyden High School and was a Veteran of the US Navy serving during WWII. Mr. Mesimore retired from Norfolk and Southern Railway after more than 40 years of service. He was a member of Haven Lutheran Church, Fulton Masonic Lodge, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, Shrine Lodge and was instrumental in the development of the North Carolina Transportation Museum and received the Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award in 2006. Survivors include his wife of 61 years Grace Collins Mesimore, daughter Cheryl Mesimore and companion Meryle Schwartz of Hillsborough, sister Mary Elizabeth Chunn Mesimore of Cary, nieces Brenda Marcum and husband Neil of Granite Quarry, and Debbie McSorley and husband Dave of Apex.Services: 11:00 am Monday September 17, 2007 at James C. Lyerly Chapel conducted by Rev. Gilmer Boggs. Burial will follow at Rowan Memorial Park. Visitation: 7-8:30 pm Sunday at Lyerly Funeral Home.Memorials: NC Transportation Museum, PO Box 69, Spencer, NC 28159.Online condolences http://www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com/.
Published in the Salisbury Post on 9/16/2007.
Notice • Guest Book • Flowers • Gift Shop • Charities

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Nice article on his railroad background and Jim's efforts to help the Spencer Shops Railroad museum flourish can be found by going to the Salisbury Post, searching Jim's name and clicking on the Sept 19,2007 article.

Our booth Rowan County Fair 07

For the past nine years, we have been exhibiting at the Rowan County Fair. There we distribute thousands of substance abuse educational materials to the fair goers. This picture here is of Elks Ray Paradowski, Julie Blaisure, her daughter and three visitors to our booth. Other Elks workers were Gail and Bob Sce, Kevin Frey, Linda Brown, Elbert Culp, Earl Sawyer, Mike Jones & Sandy Jones. Thanks to all for making this a big hit. Actually after 9 years, people are well aware of us and stop by to say hello and to thank us for our efforts.


The drug awareness display case was definitely a hit. This case showed life like examples of drugs. There was also a booklet that listed the different types of drugs displayed and gave the typical symptoms when used

We also used a computer slide show that rotated pictures of victims of substance abuse, especially meth. Also, a number of local news articles that depicted some of the tragic results that occur when folks engage in risky behavior. The slide show btw can be seen and downloaded by going to our web album at http://picasaweb.google.com/salisburyelks699
It's quite a shocker as this young girl discovered.


This is a neat sticker that we handed out. Even adults liked to wear them.

Life Member Ralph Ketner, founder of Food Lion, featured in Post

Brother Ralph Ketner, member since the middle 50's, was recently featured in the local paper. This original story was printed in the Discover magazine of Ralph's Alma mater Tri-State University in Angola, IN. They wrote a nice story detailing Ralph and his partner's rise to prominence with the Food Lion grocery store chain.

Below is a picture of Ralph's first store. Wilson Smith is to the left of Ralph. To see the original article go to http://www.tristate.edu/discover_07/lions_share.cfm

To see more on Ralph's amazing career and the tremendous number of business and civic achievements he has made, just go to www.SalisburyPost.com and search the archives.

On rare occasions, Ralph still comes to the Lodge especially if a friendly game of chance is invovled.

Local elks do well in Labor Day tournament-
while a number of Elks golfers tried out for this prestigous event only a few finished.
Elk Tim Wheet with partner Ed Cook won the 2nd flight consolation. Elks Mike Blume & Donnie Shoaf won the 10th flt consolation.

George Griffin- winner of Don Stout scholarship sends thank you letter and update on school.

Dear Mr. Paradowski;
I just wanted to drop you a note and tell you how much I appreciate all you have done for me. I am enrolled now and am going full steam ahead. We are practicing now and learning about leisure time in history and it's role in modern day society. I am taking a Math class and Argumentative research. I can't believe I used to argue so much without realizing how hard it really is to do it right and write it down. If you know any English majors I sure could use some advice. College is so awesome. It's like being in your own city here. We have over 30,000 students on campus. I am finding my way around.and learning to love a bicycle again, although I haven't figured out how to rig my golf bag on it yet. I will be getting my PGA card some time next week and I am ordering my PGM golf bag this week. If you or anyone would like my mailing address it is : University Towers 111 Friendly Drive Suite 520 Raleigh, NC 27695. Again, thank you all so much and tell everyone there hello.
Sincerely,
George Griffin

Don Nickell passes away Aug 10. Elk since 1984

SALISBURY - Mr. Don D. Nickell, 74, of Salisbury, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, died Friday, Aug. 10, 2007 at Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte.Born Nov. 16, 1932 in Osborne, Kans., he was the son of the late Floyd and Dorothy Wonderlich Nickell. A graduate of Beloit Kansas High School, he served in the US Marine Corps from 1951-53 during the Korean War. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Geology.Mr. Nickell was one of the founders of Mid Atlantic Explosives. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury, Salisbury Elks Club, Spencer Moose Lodge, Harold B Jarrett American Legion Post #342, and the VFW Post 6242, Beloit, Kans. Member of Golden Rule Masonic Lodge #90, A.F. & A.M., Topeka, Kans. He enjoyed his job and outdoor activities.He was preceded in death by his brother, Dean Nickell.Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Dixie Hart Nickell; daughters, Pat Kilday and husband Greg of Lilburn, Ga., Lisa Brackett and husband Martin of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Virginia Nickell of Jacksonville, Fla.; grandchildren, Zack and Caroline Kilday, Amelia and Lauren Brackett, special friends, Richard and Mary McCoslin of Salisbury.Memorial Service: Will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday at Summersett Memorial Chapel with Rev. Dr. Randal V. Kirby, of the First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury. Inurnment will be held at 4 p.m. Monday at Myers Park Presbyterian Church Columbarium, Charlotte with Military Honors.Visitation: The family will receive friends following the memorial service.Memorials: First Presbyterian Church, 308 W. Fisher St., Salisbury, NC 28144 or the American Heart Association, PO Box 4390, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

Thank you note from Veteran's Home

This e-mail came from Fred Love and was in regards to the Veteran's Home that the NC ELks State Association assists with.
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Dear Fred,
Please pass on to Phil….
Shearon said that several of the family members have come in and noticed the new shoes on their loved ones’ feet. Mrs. McKeown was in tears that a “stranger” would care so much to purchase shoes for her husband. This lady is on such a strict budget, but offered to pay for the shoes. I cannot thank the Elks enough for all the wonderful deeds you have performed for us. Phil always has a SMILE on his face when he comes in. I don’t think I have ever met a ELK who DID NOT want to be here. Cheers to the Elks of North Carolina !

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John Salonen is now our local contact with the Salisbury VA

John Rink establishes scholarship

Long time Elk John Rink establishes a scholarship to memorialize his brother who had recently passed away. The Salisbury Post had a nice article on John's efforts to do this as well as a bit of history on him. This is an easy but interesting read on a very unique man of good character that our community is fortunate to have in our midst. Just click on the article to enlarge or go to the Post website at www.salisburypost.com and search for "John Rink"

Initiation night. July 19, 2007

We had 6 new Elks join with us this evening. From left to right, they are Jan Nichols, Erica Beaver, Kim chapman, David Thrift, Doug Ray and Mike Mauney. Welcome new Elks!! BTW, PDDGER Jim Hill looks on from the back row.

In our 1 hr and 15 min meeting it was also approved to donate $1000 of the $2700 poker run receipt to Camp Carefree, one of our State projects. So it was a very good night.

J.T Bost smiles broadly from his Lecturing Knight chair.

We had a well attended meeting as this picture illustrates. I think about 30 or so.

Fundraiser for Kim Beeker/ Thank you notes from Nazareth

The Granite Quarry fire and police department sponsored a pancake breakfast on Sat July 14th. They drew quite a crowd and at $5 donation per plate should have raised a considerable sum for our fellow Elk. Kim btw suffers from a number of life threatening health issues. To learn more about that go to http://www.salisburypost.com/ and search for news articles on Kim Beeker.



Here's just a few of the thank you notes from the Nazareth kids regarding our recent outing with them. Great job Brother Elks in helping make this years event so memorable. This was our 8th consecutive year and it gets better every year.

Club room regulars enjoying a laugh. smoke Eater installed

Linda Brown, 3 time ER, Charlie Lockart & Gail and Bob Sce enjoy a laugh in the clubroom.

FYI, A new smokeeater has been added which apparently works very well.

C. V Nance recovering

On May 24th, I went to visit C.V. Nance, a 55 year Elk, at the local hospital. He's recovering from back surgery and getting a little better everyday.
The docs do want him to go back to the Lutheran home for rehab but CV hasn't been home since March 8th. So he has declined to listen to them and instead will go home and get home based rehab there.

I'm sure C.V. would like some company if any of you Elks are inclined to give him a call.

The magazine C.V. is holding is an old Elks Magazine that was published the month of his birth. I'll let him tell you when that was.

Pilligor's celebrate 60th anniversary

Life member Melvin Pilligor recently featured in Salisbury Post. Congratulations on 60 years' of marriage!

Don Stout Golf Tournament. June 9th

News article in Salisbury Post.

Life Member John Beard passes away

SALISBURY - Mr. John Hayden Beard, age 79, of Salisbury, died on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. Born in Salisbury on July 4, 1927, he was the son of the late Mildred Patterson Beard and Bryce Parker Beard, Sr. Mr. Beard was a graduate of Georgia Military Academy, and attended Catawba College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after serving in the U.S. Navy during post WWII.Upon returning to Salisbury, he worked for the family business, and served as President and CEO for Taylor Manufacturing Co. from 1968 until it was sold to Litton Industries in 1983. Mr. Beard was a lifetime member of the Rotary Club of Salisbury and the Elks Lodge of Salisbury.Mr. Beard was very active in the Rowan County historic preservation efforts, especially pertaining to the Grimes Mill project and the Old Lutheran Cemetery Restoration. He had a keen interest in the preservation of Gold Hill and donated mining artifacts for a future museum. Mr. Beard's most recent endeavor concerned helping make possible the rebuilding of the petting barn at Dan Nicholas Park.Mr. Beard was preceded in death by his wife Francoise Graf Beard who died November 22, 1978. Two brothers, Bryce Parker Beard, Jr and Rufus Morehead Beard also preceded him in death. He is survived by two daughters, Christiana Graf Beard and Germaine Beard Whitaker and her husband, Bob of Salisbury. A brother, Alexander Patterson Beard and his wife Patsy Arey Beard of Salisbury, and a sister, Mary Elizabeth Richardson and her husband, Dean of Sparta, NC also survive him as well as four grandchildren: Stefan Beard Wilson, Hayden Francoise Henderson, Robert Lewis Whitaker, and John Edward Whitaker; and three great-grandchildren.The family will see friends from 2-3 PM Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at Summersett Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday at Summersett Memorial Chapel with the Dr. Kenneth Lance, Minister of First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at the Chestnut Hill Cemetery. The family will be at the home: 106 Travis Lane, Salisbury at other times.In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Dan Nicholas Park 6800 Bringle Ferry Rd. Salisbury, NC 28146; The Salvation Army PO Box 625 Salisbury, NC 28145; The Rowan Museum 202 North Main St. Salisbury, NC 28144; or to the charity of your choice.
Published in the Salisbury Post on 5/22/2007.

May 17th Lodge meeting -8 new Initiation

The Lodge initiated 8 new elks into the Order this night. While most of the names escape me, all in attendance appeared to have a great time
The second picture is the Old geezer Elk corner. They come early and snag the best sofa seats!
The third pic is of John Salonen (right) our veteran's affairs chair and another Elk whose name escapes me
All in all, the Lodge is beginning the new lodge year with a bang. So far, 23 have been either reinstated, transferred in, initiated or are awaiting initiation.

Tyesha J. Brooks, pictured above left, is a student at West Rowan High School and is one of two recipients of the first annual Donald Stout Memorial Scholarship awards sponsored by Elks Lodge #699. Tyesha will be attending Winston-Salem State University where she will be pursuing a nursing degree.

Brittany L. Wietbrock, pictured above right, also a student at West Rowan High, has been awarded the Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student scholarship award. Brittany plans to attend Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory as a political science major.

Other local students who were given awards were:

Most Valuable Student awards were given to Jonathan W. Rash, Alexander J. Byrd, and Kaci Michelle Mulkey.

The second Donald Stout Memorial award went to George M Griffin.

All scholarships awarded were in the amount of $1,000. Congratulations to all recipients.