Ridgewood Elks welcome younger members
JANUARY 16, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The newest members of Ridgewood’s Elk Lodge 1455, ages 12 to 18, are redefining the stereotyped organization from a mysterious “drinking men’s club” to what it really is, members say – a community service organization open to all.
The young recruits, called “Antlers,” could also help repopulate the Elks’ ranks, which have dropped over the years.
In exchange, the young people get opportunities for fun, Elks note: membership in an adult organization and, notably, a lodge gaming space of their own, complete with an arcade game, pool table and air hockey.
They also get a chance to engage in the Elks’ meaningful community service activities helping veterans of foreign wars and children with special needs.
“I would recommend it to kids who are interested in community service, because the Elks have a lot of great programs such as the Hoop Shoot and scholarships,” noted Antler President Andrew Setten, whose parents are also Ridgewood Elks. “They do patriotic activities like Flag Day and they help veterans. Plus we have a nice, spacious lodge we can go to and plan the charity activities that we would like to do.