590 NEWSLETTER
IOWA CITY ELKS LODGE
637 Foster Rd.
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 351-3700
www.elks590.org
David Brunk
Exalted Ruler
ISSUE 2026-01 PUBLISHED MONTHLY
February 1st, 2026
From the Secretary’s Desk…
I hope everyone is off to a great start to the new year. I want to begin the February newsletter off with a congratulations to Madison Craig on her selection as an Elks Scholar. Madison attended the Winter Savannah, GA Elks Scholar Service trip from January 6-10, 2026, and was sponsored by the Iowa City Elks Lodge 590. Each year, the Elks host three Scholar Service trips to different cities around the US to serve in the name of the Elks family.
Please join us for our Super Bowl Party on Sunday, February 8, with doors opening at 4:30 PM. Jerry will have food and drink specials for you to enjoy throughout the game, including Yuengling on tap, so come out and enjoy the game with fellow members.
I am happy to announce that the Lodge has been awarded another ENF grant of $6,000 to support local food pantries throughout the Johnson County area this spring. If you are interested in assisting with this effort, please let me know.
We also recently completed the Americanism Essay Contest. This year the theme was “What does service to your county mean to you. We had 28 submissions from the sixth grade class at Regina this year. I am proud to announce our sixth-grade boys and girls winners from Regina Elementary School. Congratulations Liam Cavanaugh our boys winner and Annemarie Livorsi our girls winner. Thank you to all the students who participated and members who helped score the essays. The winners will read their winning essays to the Lodge at the annual Flag Day ceremony June 14.
In this month’s newsletter, you will find exciting updates from the District Hoop Shoot, the Finance Committee, the Exalted Ruler, and our General Manager Peter Kessler. On January 24, I attended the Southeast District VP Meeting, where I was proud to report on the incredible charitable work Lodge 590 has accomplished for veterans over the past 10 months. These efforts include $13,700 in non-cash facility support, over $9,000 in golf green fees for injured veterans, $2,000 in veteran food pantry support, $1,800 donated to the Iowa City VA Hospital General Fund, $990 in free golf and cart rentals or non-GIVE veterans, a $900 cash donation to the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic, for a total of $28,809 in cash and non-cash donations. Lodge 590 also reported an outstanding 3,350 volunteer hours during this period.
We still have an opening available to join the Lodge leadership. This is a significant role with a pathway for you to become the Exalted Ruler in four years. Please reach out if you want more details.
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered their valuable time and contributed their resources this past year, your dedication continues to make a meaningful impact on our community.
I leave you with a reminder that all past-due payments need to be paid as soon as possible. We currently have forty-five members who have not yet paid their 2025–2026 dues for a total of $14,256. In the near future, all members will be invoiced for their 2026– 2027 dues. If you wish to drop your membership, you must notify me prior to March 31, 2026. Members who do not request a drop by that date will be charged for the upcoming dues year.
Remember: Elks Care, Elks Share—and We Are THE Elks. God bless our Lodge, the Order, our Troops, our Veterans, and the United States of America.
Fraternally submitted,
Nathan Greazel
Lodge 590 Secretary
Exalted Ruler Update
I hope you are all having a great week. I am writing to remind everyone to please review your accounts and ensure that all past-due bills are paid as soon as possible. Maintaining up-to-date accounts is essential for our continued operations. On a more exciting note, we have some great updates and improvements coming to the kitchen very soon. Please stay tuned for more details shortly.
Fraternally,
Jason Tjarks E.R.
Finance & audit committee Update to membership
To the Members of Elks Lodge 590,
The Finance and Audit Committee would like to provide the membership with an update on the Lodge’s current financial condition and to clarify the committee’s role in addressing ongoing financial challenges.
At the urging of Michael Carrol, SE Iowa District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, the Board, in accordance with Lodge 590 By-laws requirements, has formally resurrected the Finance and Audit Committee to provide focused financial oversight and guidance during this critical period. The committee serves in an advisory capacity and is intended to support the Board as it works to stabilize the Lodge’s finances and reinforce sound, long-term financial stewardship.
The Finance and Audit Committee is composed of Cortney Boyle, John Murphy, Andy Orris, and Jason Nicholson. Our role is to work collaboratively with the Board and Lodge management to review financial practices and strengthen budget discipline.
Fiscal year to date, Elks Lodge 590 has experienced significant financial strain. The Lodge has operated materially over budget and has relied on restricted internal funds and investment liquidations to meet routine operating obligations. While these measures addressed immediate needs, they are not sustainable and underscore the seriousness of the Lodge’s current financial position.
The committee is actively reviewing revenues, expenses, cash flow, and internal controls, and is assisting the Board as it evaluates and implements corrective actions. As this work continues, members should anticipate that operational and budgetary adjustments may be necessary in the coming months to stabilize near-term finances.
Our shared goal is to ensure financial health of Elks Lodge 590, allowing it to continue serving its members and community through Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. We appreciate the membership’s understanding, cooperation, and support during this process. Transparency and responsible stewardship remain priorities, and updates will be provided as appropriate.
Fraternally,
Finance and Audit Committee Elks Lodge 590
Cortney Boyle (chair) John Murphy
Jason Nicholson
General Manager’s Update
February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s packed with great reasons to gather at the Lodge. I encourage all members to stop in, bring a friend, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes Elks Lodge 590 such a special place.
Please refer to our Lodge calendar for our Winter hours.
Super Bowl Party – Sunday, February 8. Whether you’re here for the commercials, the halftime show, or the final score, it’s always a fun day to be at the Lodge.
Yuengling Keg Tapping Party – Wednesday, February 11. Enjoy a cold pint from America’s oldest brewery while we stream the men’s and women’s Iowa basketball double header.
The upcoming Lodge season, which will run from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027 is approaching!
Membership Dues & Cart Storage. We kindly ask all members pay their Dues & members with Cart Storage pay their fees prior to the start of next season.
Member ForeUP Online Accounts & Billing. If you have not logged in before or have forgotten your credentials, please contact the Lodge Office at [email protected] for assistance.
Thank you for your continued support of Elks Lodge 590. We truly appreciate our members and look forward to another wonderful season together
Warm Regards
Peter Kessler
General Manager Elks Lodge 590
Hoop shoot Update
Lodge 590 is proud to announce that our local Hoop Shoot competition winners, Audrey Danler and William Danler, both placed first in their respective age groups at the Southeast Iowa District Competition held in Keokuk, Iowa.
With these impressive wins, Audrey and William will advance to the State Hoop Shoot Competition later this year. Their hard work, focus, and sportsmanship truly represent the spirit of the Elks Hoop Shoot program.
Please join us in congratulating Audrey and William, and wishing them the best of luck at State!
Hoop Shoot Director, Lodge 590