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2017 SESSION

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 624 Commending the Elks National Home.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 13, 2017 Agreed to by the Senate, January 19, 2017

 

WHEREAS, the Elks National Home, now known as English Meadows Elks Home, a Bedford landmark that attracts thousands of visitors with its dazzling display of Christmas lights each year, celebrated the 100th anniversary of its construction in 2016; and

WHEREAS, for much of the past century the Elks National Home was considered the “Crown Jewel of Elkdom” as the only retirement community dedicated solely to the brothers and sisters of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Elks National Home was first opened in the old Hotel Bedford in 1903, and, because of the need for more space, the cornerstone for the present building was laid in September 1915 and the facility was dedicated on July 8, 1916; and

WHEREAS, in the 100 years since, the Elks National Home earned a reputation as a superb place to live, offering a beautiful campus, exceptional medical care, and excellent staff who are beloved by residents; and

WHEREAS, for the past 63 years the home has continued the tradition of erecting a massive display of 75,000 strands of Christmas lights and unique decorations that draw an average of 100,000 people and nearly 30,000 cars each holiday season; and

WHEREAS, the Elks sold the facility in 2013, and it became part of English Meadows Senior Living Community; the current owners of the renamed English Meadows Elks Home have planned a $120 million renovation and expansion of the facilities on the 200-acre campus; and

WHEREAS, the Elks National Home holds special memories for generations of Bedford residents and Elks, and the community is hopeful about the new vision for the facility and the economic development it could bring; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Elks National Home on celebrating a century of service to the Elks and Bedford community in 2016; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Nancy Higgs, campus administrator of English Meadows Elks Home, as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the home’s 100-year history of contributing positively to the community.