Leading the herd

COEUR d'ALENE - She's a ruler, not a doe.

For the second time in local Elks history, a female member is taking the reins.

Jane Graybill of Coeur d'Alene was sworn in March 20 as the exalted ruler of Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Club 1254.

Graybill follows in the footsteps of Dawn Ascolese, who was the first female exalted ruler for the lodge year of 2013-2014. The Elks traditionally has been a club dominated by men since it came into existence in 1868. Unofficial women's auxilliary groups formed in different areas through the years: the Emblem, the Lady Elks and the Benevolent, Patriotic Order of Does. Women have only been able to officially be members since 1995.

"Having the trust and support of my fellow Lodge members is a great honor," Graybill said. "The fact that I am a woman just goes to show that we are all looked at as equals by the members and that is a huge thing to me. I feel respected and valued and that is of the utmost importance to me."

Graybill said she joined the Elks when her husband of almost 30 years passed away and she was "just kind of existing."

"A former work friend suggested that I attend a social event as a guest of hers," Graybill said. "I had fun, met many very nice people and was encouraged to join. I did just that and became very involved with several projects that the lodge worked on. I love the many things that the Elks do for our community and wanted to be a part of that. The Elks is a safe and caring place to socialize and the members are some of the greatest people I know. They are my extended family."

The Elks is a charitable organization named for the elk because it is an animal that doesn't prey on others but can "fight valiantly in defense," Graybill explained.

There are more than 2,100 Elks chapters nationwide. Nationally, the club has given away $3.5 billion to charities, welfare, education and veterans services with millions going to college scholarships each year. Among its many ventures, Graybill said Lodge 1254 is working with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to purchase shoes for foster children. During Christmastime, Elks members raised more than $5,000 for gifts and food baskets for struggling families and individuals in the community. They also annually purchase dictionaries for area third-graders through the Dictionary Project and help support the Veterans Stand Down.

"We have fun doing it," Graybill said. "The Elks is a great organization and I encourage your readers to find out more about us and perhaps consider joining."

Info: www.elks.org