By Jacquie Rath
New York Elks Lodge No. 1, in Valley Stream, has recently faced just such a decision. Effective April 1, New York No. 1 merged with two nearby lodges -- Lynbrook Lodge No. 1515 and Hempstead-Franklin Square Lodge No. 1485. Lodges 1515 and 1485 have been retired, and the three groups are now known as New York Elks Lodge No. 1. The lodge will be located at 57 Hempstead Ave. in Lynbrook, just over the Valley Stream border. The decision to merge was approved by the collective membership of the lodges, and officers have been elected.
The merger was largely the results of the rising cost of utilities and taxes, which placed a burden on the individual lodges. The combined annual expense of operating both the Valley Stream and Hempstead-Franklin Square lodges was estimated at nearly $80,000.
Although Lodge 1515 has called Lynbrook home since 1925, within the Elks organization, "No. 1" holds historical significance. It has the distinction of being the first official lodge. Its charter was granted in 1871, and it is sometimes referred to as the "Mother Lodge." Before making its home in Valley Stream and now Lynbrook, the lodge was located in Queens.
Since its founding in the late 1800s, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has grown from a single lodge to headquarters in more than 2,100 communities in the U.S. Its members now number more than 1 million -- and with the merger, New York No. 1 now boasts a membership of 900. The organization has a tradition rich in charity work and community involvement peppered with a dash of patriotism. The Elks are dedicated to aiding those less fortunate, mentoring to this country's youth and improving the quality of life of Americans in need.
Unlike businesses, which often suffer cutbacks and layoffs when they merger, there will be no loss of services to the communities the lodges served. "We are strongly committed to the community, and we want to guarantee the members of the community that our services will not diminish," said Mark Turran, a spokesman for the Elks in Valley Stream.
According to Carmine Gallo, treasurer of the former Lodge 1515, the commitment the Elks have to community service might even expand. Monetary resources will no longer be drained just to keep lodges afloat, and that will enable the Elks to invest more in the communities they serve.
The Valley Stream Elks are proud of the programs they sponsor, including their drug awareness efforts, scholarships, veterans' services, recognition of community members and their annual Americanism Essay Contest, said Anitra Butler, past exalted ruler of the lodge in Valley Stream. "We'll still be handling the school programs and everything else," Butler said. "It's just that our meetings will be in a different location."
The former home of Elks Lodge No. 1, at 11 W. Jamaica Ave. in Valley Stream, is up for sale or lease. While there has been interest in the building, Turran said, there are no definitive plans for its future.
Nicole Falco contributed to this story. Comments about it? NFalco@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 208.
