Each Lodge has an Apple and stand presented to them by the Past District Deputies of the North District and other parties sense the origin of the program.
The intent of this program is to encourage and increase inter-lodge visitations, foster camaraderie, raise funds for charity, and bring fun to Elkdom.
All apples (Lodge and Dignitary) should be displayed in a prominent location not under lock and key in their current lodge of residence (or Dignitary’s home).
Guidelines of the Game
- Upon visitation to another lodge in the district, the visiting lodge may “lay claim” to the visited lodge’s apple.
- The visitation must include attendance at a lodge meeting or an “official lodge function” (i.e., an event published in the Lodge’s bulletin such a dance, picnic, or other function).
- A “contingent of visitors” consists of six (6) or more members/associate members, officers and card-carrying spouses from the same lodge. Four (4) if all follow a theme/costume.
- The visiting lodge’s representative (does not have to be an Officer) makes a “claim” to an apple under “good of the order”, or to the Exalted Ruler/Lodge Representative, at the lodge function; custody will be released as soon as practical.
- The base stays in the home lodge, only the apple and bag changes
- To reclaim/retrieve their apple, the lodge must take a contingent (see rule #1b) to the lodge that is holding their apple. Under “good of the order” or during the function, request the return of your apple and your apple will be cheerfully returned.
- The retrieval of your apple should be of the utmost priority. Please, always take your apple first.
- A third-party lodge may make a claim to another Lodge’s apple being “temporarily held”, only if the lodge being visited has held the other lodge’s apple for a period of more than 14 days.
- A lodge may make more than one claim at a given lodge function for more than one apple if the contingencies are totally unique in the members attending.
- Should more than one lodge be visiting at the same meeting or event, the visiting lodge with the largest contingent gets to lay the claim to the apple. In the event of a tie in numbers, flip a coin for apple rights. Original apple ownership takes priority over another Lodge’s claim.
- Tracking is obviously important. Be proud of your bounty’s. Take pictures and post them on the district’s Facebook page. This will show off what your Lodge is doing and tell everyone where apples are. Try to include some of your upcoming events to encourage visitors. (Lodge calendar, three upcoming events, etc.)
- All Lodge and Dignitary apples will be brought with the required officers to the District Deputy Clinics and both State Conventions. There will be a blind draw for new apple possession at the convention caucuses. Lodges that are in possession of more than one apple should bring all apples that they have with them and the lodges that are “missing” their apple can regain custody for a $25.00 donation to the charity of the District Deputies choice. (Note the benefit of following rule #3. Saves you $25.00!) If a Lodge fails to bring their/all apple(s) for the shuffle they will pay the standard fine per apple and get the apple(s) delivered in a timely manner. Apples not delivered after 14 days are fair game.
Remember the intent of this “game” is to encourage visitations, raise a little money for our charities, and most importantly bring fun to Elkdom.
Dignitary Apples
The District Vice-President (P-E, P), Serving District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler and PDDGER Marc deLeuze have “personal” apples!
These are a coveted item and not as easy to get and admittedly easier for the Dignitary to get back. (This is a small payback for the hours that they spend performing their respective job.) The Dignitary’s apple will be kept at their residence. (Unless they choose to leave it in the custody of their Lodge.)
Guidelines of the Game
- When developing the plan to get a DIGNITARY APPLE contact him/her and request the presence of the Dignitary and their apple at a specific function at their home Lodge. At the function the visiting lodge may “lay claim” to the Dignitary’s apple.
- The visitation must include attendance at a lodge meeting or an “official lodge function” (i.e., event published in the Lodge’s bulletin, dance, picnic, or other function).
- A “contingent of visitors” consists of six (6) or more members/associate members, officers and card-carrying spouses from the same lodge.
- The visiting lodge’s representative makes their “claim” to the Dignitary when appropriate at the lodge function; custody will be released as soon as practical.
- To reclaim/retrieve their apple, the Dignitary must attend a function at the lodge that is holding his/her apple. Under “good of the order” or during the function, they will request the return of their apple, and the apple will be cheerfully returned.
- A “contingent of visitors” for the Dignitary is him/herself and a member/associate members, officer or card-carrying spouse from the same lodge.
- A claim to another Lodge’s apple may be made in conjunction with the claiming of the Dignitary apple, only with his/her prior arrangement. This would require 14 members.
- Should more than one lodge be pursuing the Dignitary apple at the same meeting or event, the visiting lodge with the largest contingent gets to lay the claim to the apple. In the event of a tie in numbers, flip a coin for apple The dignitary is not obligated to disclose multiple claims prior to the event.
- If a Lodge is in possession of the Dignitary’s apple at the time of a DD Clinic/Convention, it will be brought to the clinic and the Dignitary can regain custody for a $30.00 donation to the charity of the carrying lodges choice. (More to lose if the Dignitary does not get their apple back!)
The Dignitary can be a member of the contingent of six to another lodge for a lodge apple but cannot go only with his/her second member and gather apples. His/her apple is the only apple that can be retrieved with only two people.