Newport Lodge #104
Committee Guide
Get involved. Meet people. Make an impact.
How the Lodge Actually Runs
The Elks are known for what they do, not what they say — and the way things get done at Newport #104 is through its committees. Every scholarship handed out, every veteran honored, every kid at the Hoop Shoot, every event on the calendar starts with a small group of members sitting down and saying “let’s do this.” Membership dues keep the lights on; committee work is what makes this lodge more than a building.
We organize the work in two groups. Standing Committees are the six formal committees with regular meetings, elected or appointed chairs, and ongoing responsibility for how the lodge runs day-to-day — membership, house, buildings and grounds, and the like. Programs & Support Roles are the specific national programs (Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot, Scholarships) and skill-based roles (tech, auditing, PR, community outreach) that support the lodge’s mission but don’t require a full standing committee — they gather around a specific event, season, or need.
How often committees meet varies. Some have monthly meetings printed on the calendar — House, Building & Grounds, Membership, Activities. Others gather as needed around a specific event or season: the Hoop Shoot ramps up in the fall, the Flea Market crew meets in the weeks before each show, the CIP grant team works when an application window opens. If you’re curious about a committee’s current schedule, just email the chair — they’ll tell you when the next meeting is and what to expect.
Pick something that fits your life. You don’t need to commit to a title or a full year — showing up to a single planning meeting or event is a real contribution, and it’s how most Elks find where they belong. Read through the list below, spot a committee that catches your eye, and drop the chair a note.
Standing Committees
The six formal committees that keep the lodge running. Most meet monthly and welcome new faces at their next meeting — email the chair to sit in.
Membership Committee
Dave Dittmann · ddittmann@cox.netWelcomes new members, helps them get involved, and reconnects with Elks through our "Gatherback Lost Elks" initiative. A great fit if you enjoy meeting people.
What We Do
- Welcome and orient new members
- Reconnect with inactive members
- Recruit friends and neighbors
Veterans Committee
Kevin Callahan · cal02916@gmail.comOversees our commitment to the veterans in our Lodge and the wider community through events, outreach, and support. A great fit if you want to honor and give back to those who have served.
What We Do
- Host visiting veterans groups
- Support veterans in and beyond our Lodge
- Run fundraisers for veterans programs
You don't have to be a veteran to join — the committee welcomes anyone who wants to support our service members.
Funded by the Elks National FoundationBuilding & Grounds Committee
Brian Henry · bkhenry@aol.comMaintains and improves the Lodge so it's always ready for members and events. A great fit if you're handy, take pride in the property, and want to help keep our home in great shape.
What We Do
- Keep the Lodge clean and well-maintained
- Care for the gardens and grounds
- Tackle small improvement projects
House Committee
Nancy Theroux · elkssteward104@gmail.comStephanie Holdridge · holdridge7@gmail.comOversees day-to-day operations and creates a welcoming experience for members. Also plans special events like the Kentucky Derby, cook-offs, and karaoke.
House Committee Chairs are appointed by the Exalted Ruler, but all are welcome to attend meetings.
Social Activities Committee
Ann Norcross · annnorcross.84@gmail.comPlans the fun and sets the vibe, making the Lodge a place people want to be. A great fit if you're creative, social, and love planning events.
What We Do
- Plan trips, dinners, and outings
- Coordinate visits with other Lodges
- Bring fresh ideas to the calendar
Community Activities Committee
Chris Stevenson · newportelks104@gmail.comSupports local causes, organizes volunteer efforts, and leads community outreach throughout Newport. A great fit if you want to give back and make a difference where you live.
What We Do
- Serve meals at local shelters
- Organize volunteer hours in Newport
- Apply for ENF grants
Programs & Support Roles
Specific programs and skill-based roles that support the lodge’s mission — the national youth competitions, scholarships, community outreach, and the behind-the-scenes support (tech, auditing, PR) that keeps everything running. Most gather as needed around a specific event or season; the chair will tell you when the next meeting is.
Youth Activities
Joanne Ritchie · joanneburkritchie@gmail.comSupport programs and events that create positive experiences for local youth and families.
What We Do
- Support programs that bring families to the Lodge
- Mentor and coach at youth events
- Connect with local schools and youth groups
Special Needs
Tracey Martins · traceymartins@accesspointri.orgSupports individuals with special needs through inclusive programs and community outreach.
What We Do
- Partner with local special needs organizations
- Help run the annual RI Elks 365 Outing
- Support inclusive programs and grants
Elks Soccer Shoot
A national Elks youth program (adopted by the Grand Lodge in 1998 and funded in part by the Elks National Foundation). Help organize and run our local Soccer Shoot skills competition in late September; the top scorers advance through district, state, and regional rounds to a national championship.
What We Do
- Help organize the annual fall competition
- Recruit and coordinate volunteers
- Promote to local soccer programs
Funded by the Elks National FoundationElks Hoop Shoot
A national Elks youth program funded by the Elks National Foundation, going since 1946. Support our local free-throw competition for kids ages 8–13 in November; winners advance through district, state, and regional rounds. National finalists are honored at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
What We Do
- Run the November free-throw competition
- Set up scoring and brackets on event day
- Help winners advance to next rounds
Funded by the Elks National FoundationScholarship Support
Denise Oliveira · doliveira.npt@gmail.comPromote scholarship opportunities, connect with local schools, and support fundraising efforts.
What We Do
- Promote Elks scholarships to local students
- Build ties with schools and counselors
- Help with scholarship fundraising
Funded by the Elks National FoundationPublic Relations & Marketing
Chris Stevenson · newportelks104@gmail.comPromote Lodge events, activities, and community impact through print, social media, and photography.
What We Do
- Design promotional materials (flyers, posts, graphics)
- Manage the Lodge's Facebook page
- Produce and publish The Bugle, the online lodge newsletter
- Create and publish the monthly printed Lodge bulletin
Community Investment Program Grants
Works with the Lodge to support our community through the up to four ENF Community Investment Program grants available each year — the Beacon, Freedom, Gratitude, and Spotlight Grants. Help our CIP Grant Coordinator develop and execute grants in our community.
What We Do
- Develop and submit CIP grant applications
- Execute funded community programs
- Track outcomes and report back to the ENF
Funded by the Elks National FoundationTechnology Support
Gary Burnette · burnette.gary@yahoo.comAssist with AV setup, troubleshooting, and ongoing tech needs around the Lodge.
What We Do
- Maintain Lodge computers and Wi-Fi
- Set up sound and AV for events
- Troubleshoot tech issues as they come up
Auditing & Accounting
Contact the Exalted Ruler for more infoHelp ensure the Lodge remains organized and compliant with State/Federal regulations.
What We Do
- Keep Lodge books organized and compliant
- Support the Treasurer with monthly reports
- Help prepare for the annual audit
Elks National Foundation Fundraising Committee
The mission of the Elks National Foundation (ENF) is to help Elks build stronger communities — helping youth develop lifelong skills, sending students to college, meeting the needs of today’s veterans, supporting the charitable work of the state Elks associations, and funding projects that improve the quality of life in local Elks communities. The Newport ENF Fundraising Committee carries that mission at the lodge level.
What We Do
- Promote the ENF to Lodge members
- Acquire new donors and renew the support of existing donors
- Celebrate and recognize Lodge donors