Eagles Lodge is open to all

In response to the letter of Thursday, July 11, 2013, about the “drag show,” Eagles Aerie No. 589 is the local chapter of the International Fraternal Order of Eagles. We do not, by national charter, discriminate on any basis — age, sex, religion, race, creed or political beliefs.

Aerie No. 589 has a more than 100-year history of raising money and providing support to local and national charities. The money is raised in various ways: benefits, dances, dinners, auctions, food/holiday drives, yard sales, Easter egg hunts, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and family picnic events. During fiscal year 2013, we have raised a minimum of $2,718.15. We rent the hall to groups who also benefit the local community. The group mentioned in the letter is such a group.

Queen Bee Productions is a spin off from the Follies, which is held annually at the Panida; needless to say it has been strongly supported by the local tourist industry. The performers of Queen Bee have raised more than $500 for low income seniors of North Idaho at Aerie No. 589. Granted the entertainment is adult. Audience members are warned in advance that if topics that are discussed daily on cable television might offend them, they should leave before the performance begins. Queen Bee Productions have had standing room only crowds of people from 21 to 80-plus years of age.

No entertainment can please everyone but rather than name calling such as “degrading and disgusting” perhaps the writer might be more productive by arranging a benefit for charity that features a type of program that matches her group’s moral code. The Aerie No. 589 trustees would donate the use of the hall for such an event.

We plan to continue in the 21st century as we have done since 1904 providing services to our county’s neediest citizens.

JEFF HEATH

Sandpoint

Trustee

Eagle Aerie No. 589