dbryce@journalnet.com

POCATELLO - Sera Bosen, secretary at Elks Lodge 674 in Pocatello, started out as a volunteer for the fraternal order, but joined six years ago because she liked the idea of serving the local community.

Bosen, a computer programmer at the Idaho National Laboratory, said the Elk's Lodge contributes to the Pocatello community annually.

It offers an Easter Egg hunt at Ross Park and the "Adopt A Veteran" program at the Pocatello State Veteran's Home, hosts the city's annual Fourth of July parade and sponsors a number of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Lodge 674, which is more than 100 years old, also supports the Elks Rehabilitation Hospital in Boise and contributes to national scholarship projects.

Bosen followed her husband, Greg, the organization's current exalted ruler, into the organization, which until 20 some years ago did not allow women to become members.

However, following a court ruling, women were allowed to join the Benevolent Protective Order of Elk.

Acting as the lodge's secretary and helping her husband to fulfill his duties keeps her busy.

"If we're not here, these days, we're usually sleeping," Bosen said.

She and Greg have been married three years and have a 9-month-old son, Avi.

When she does find enough time, Bosen said she also enjoys mountain biking and skiing.

She is also working on her master's degree.

She opted to keep her current position instead of advancing through the ranks of the organization to help keep the organization on track.

"I want to stay where I'm at right now in order to get this in order so I can pass it on to someone," she said.

Bosen said the organization currently has 290 members and is working hard to recruit new Elks.

"We really need new members to keep ourselves here and to be able to continue to do the work we do," she said.

Membership dues are $99.50 per year.

Membership includes use of the facility's gym and steam room, lounge privileges and admission to other lodges nationwide, she said.

For additional information about Elk's Lodge 674, or Elk's membership, call 232-2400.