Left Hand Valley Courier - All Local, All The Time

National fraternal organizations, including the Freemasons and Kiwanis International, are experiencing a decline in their memberships—with older members dying off and difficulty convincing younger recruits of the relevance of these long-standing institutions.

Founded on community-and-civic-minded fun in 1900, the Boulder Elks Lodge #566 is no exception. Also known as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the lodge at 3975 28th St. once had a thriving 4,000-person membership 30 years ago, but it’s dwindled to about 400, according to Niwot resident and Elks club member, Kim Hawksw...