April 2, 2004

Elks install Margaret Hobbs as Exalted Ruler

By Carol Rosen
Editor

Margaret Hobbs is the first woman in San Jose Lodge #522 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks’ 136-year history to serve as president and CEO. Hobbs, whose Elks title is Exalted Ruler, was installed into the office March 27 at a special black-tie event followed by an inaugural ball at the Elks Lodge on Alma. She is one of 40 women in the 1,000-member club.

The new president has been a member of the club for five years. She joined because she wanted to swim in the Elks Olympic pool. Hobbs has won gold medals in masters’ synchronized swimming, and she wanted to join a water aerobics class at the pool.

“I went to the class, and then to the meetings and soon after they asked me if I wanted to be an officer. I said yes, and this is my fourth year as an officer. Good works have been in my bones all my life,” Hobbs said.

Hobbs has lived in Willow Glen since 1956. She majored in math at San Jose State. She married and had four children, three of whom still live in Willow Glen along with four of her five grandchildren. As her children grew older and went to college, she became employed and eventually a manager of an International Charter Airline. She later moved to Santa Rosa and started a medical insurance claim service and became a licensed life and disability insurance agent.

“The national organization of Elks is dedicated to good works. To be a member you have to have a belief in God and in our country. The Elks support veterans’ hospitals, youth programs, college scholarships and drug awareness programs as well as disaster relief and handicapped youth,” Hobbs said.

Active all her life in community and altruistic causes, Hobbs has found the Elks a great new venture and experience. “It’s a beautiful spot in my senior years. My plan is to bring harmony and unity among Elks members and to emphasize all our good works. Together all of us will make a difference and we’ll work hard for all we stand for. This is such an honor and privilege.”

Hobbs is joined by a “great team” of officers including Bill Cassidy as leading knight; Raul Ramirez as loyal knight; Ed Lausten as lecturing knight; Russ Mosher as secretary; Russ Birtola as treasurer; Jim Crandall as tiler; Al Mestressat as esquire; Greg Bowman as chaplain and Bill Campbell as inner guard.