By By JOHN EBY / Niles Daily Star
DOWAGIAC -- Following in his father's footsteps, 2004-2005 Exalted Ruler Hal Shue of Niles set three goals as Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) Lodge 889 celebrated its 100th anniversary Friday night with dinner and dancing.
Harold Shue led the lodge 34 years ago in 1970-71. His son articulated a leadership target of increasing membership by 30, relocating the golf course clubhouse "up to the top of the hill" and "working to get all committees active and working with a full volunteer group to achieve all the things outlined for our lodge to accomplish, from drug awareness to membership to veterans functions and various activities to help make our lodge grow and prosper. Remember, our lodge is only as good as its membership. It takes volunteers and commitment to achieve our goals."
Shue thanked Dave Merwin, who conducted the installation as Deputy District Exalted Ruler -- only the fifth such officer in lodge history. Merwin devoted 20 years to serving as Lodge 889's secretary.
Shue also thanked immediate Past Exalted Ruler Dave Scott for his leadership in "succeeding at our current level" and PER Max Sala "for inspiring me to work hard at our ritual work. Your dedication to learning and performing ritual work is something I will work very hard to equal."
Merwin installed a slate of officers which also includes Leading Knight Jim Zimmer, Loyal Knight Wayne Comstock, Lecturing Knight Joe Krueger, Treasurer Terry Alexander, Tiler Al Lewandowski, Inner Guard Jeremy Davis, Esquire Chris Spencer and Trustee Garry Hammarstrom.