Local lodge to host state mid-year convention

July 17, 2008 12:10 pm

— This August marks 112 years of the Elks Lodge 350 in Ashland.
August also is the month of the Kentucky State Mid-Year Convention, which is in Ashland this year.
About 200 are expected to attend the convention, set for Aug. 1 through 3, with 18 lodges across the state represented.
Expected to attend are Grand Exalted Ruler Paul Helsel and wife, Jane; state sponsor Lester C. “Ted” Hess; and state president Russell Cramer.
In preparation for the gathering and as part of a renovation process, leaders at the lodge said they expect some remodeling to the 22-year-old lodge building to be finished in time for the convention. Most of the work was done by members who volunteered their time and skills.
The cost of the refurbishment, which includes updates to the hall where all the Elks ceremonies are conducted and changes in the kitchen, will total about $200,000, all done without taking a mortgage, Elks secretary Richard Moore said.