DOES, the female counterpart to the well-known ELKS organization, are more formally addressed as The Benevolent, Patriotic Order of DOES. The Lusk branch follows their title with Drove #64 and, over this past weekend, they hosted the State DOES Meeting in Lusk at the ELKS Lodge housed in the old high school. 

The Benevolent, Patriotic Order of DOES, as a whole organization, are nearly a century old with roots grounded in their four main principles: Patriotism, Charity, Loyalty, and Love. As their mission statement reads: “To exemplify the Principles of Patriotism, Charity, Loyalty and Love; to acknowledge a belief in God; to promote charitable works, patriotic ceremonies, and social functions to instill hospitality and a spirit of love, patriotism and fellowship among our members; to exist independently from the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, but always with the desire to work in harmony with them and to keep uppermost in mind the idealism of Elkdom”. These four principles were displayed in rituals performed during their opening ceremony last Fri., Sept. 7. “During each Supreme President’s year, from June to June, she visits each state or district to promote DOES, have a school of instruction on our ritualistic work, have a public opening ceremony, and celebrate our work together.  At her meetings, she makes appointments to Grand Lodge committees and to appointed offices for the next year’s Grand Lodge, which will be in Oklahoma City, June 2-6, 2019” states DOES member Sheila Tangney on the purpose of the state meeting. State Meeting officers included: President, Deanna Reach, Riverton Drove #48; Vice President  Sharon Ayars, Riverton Drove #48; Secretary Gayle Johnson, Lusk Drove #64; and Treasurer Annita Ankeny, Worland Drove #93, and Lori Paulson, Worland Drove #93, pro-tem. “It is quite an honor to host the Supreme President at her State or District meeting and a Drove prepares for at least a year, as invitations to host are given two years in advance,” comments Tangney. Worland has accepted and will host the 2019 meeting. 

In addition to Drove #64, Friday’s opening ceremony was open to the public. Other DOES members from around the state were also in attendance, including two past Supreme Presidents from South Dakota. Also on hand from the local cut were Lusk Mayor, Douglas Lytle, County Commissioners Richard Ladwig and John Midkiff, Chamber of Commerce Director Jackie Bredthauer, Elks Lodge #1797 Exalted Ruler, Larry Pavone, Sr.,  Elks State Inner Guard, Larry Pavone Jr.. Mayor Lytle, County Commissioner Ladwig, and Elks Lodge #1797 Exalted Ruler, Larry Pavone Sr.; each gave an addressing speech to welcome those in attendance for the meeting to Lusk. 

The final speech of the opening ceremony came from Supreme President, Carla LaPoma from the Oklahoma City Drove #259. Supreme President LaPoma centered her speech on her year-long campaign of ‘Inspire’ and her chosen butterfly monarch, challenging the DOES, and those in attendance, to reach out and inspire on a daily basis. For the Drove #64, and per Tangney, this message means, “We are trying to spread the news about our organization and trying to encourage others to share this with us through becoming a member.  Locally, we have donated in the past to the library, the museum, Headstart, the [Niobrara County] Senior Center, and Silver Cliff Theatre Company, to name a few.  Nationally, we always donate to Dogs for Better Living, previously known as Dogs for the Deaf, using funds from an annual jewelry raffle, and Infinite Heroes in support of our veterans.  We are also the local sponsor of the United Blood Services Blood Drive, and do Kid Kare ID at the health fair”. 

With the closing of the weekend, and the planned release of butterflies to honor Supreme President LaPoma, the DOES will return to their local work where Tangney shares Drove #64’s personal campaign is, “Our main effort is to promote patriotism and to help our local services.  This year our Coin March money is going to be donated to the [Niobrara County] Senior Center for transportation”. 

The next function for the DOES will be their annual Christmas Tree Decoration Contest held the first Sat. in Dec. Recipient(s) of the funds raised has yet to be decided. “We invite all to come have a fun evening and help us to help others” offers Tangney. 

The Benevolent, Patriotic Order of DOES, Drove #64 of Lusk, hosted the State DOES Meeting in Lusk at the ELKS’ Lodge commencing last Fri., Sept. 7.