Another holiday tradition has been suspended for 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Jefferson Elks lodge has cancelled the 55th annual Christmas Day dinner.
“It takes so many people to prepare and distribute the meals that we don’t think it can be done safely or within the Governor’s max person proclamation,” said Steve Smith, Elks secretary. “We do not want to be a super spreader event. We do not want our actions to result in anyone becoming sick or dying. Maybe we are too cautious, but better safe than sorry.
“This is all done with a great deal of concern for our members,” added Smith. “We cannot express how sad this makes us all feel, but it is necessary.”
The Elks Lodge will remain closed until Jan. 3. The trustees and officers will re-evaluate the outbreak in Iowa and the Board of Health recommendations at that time.
