In the wild, male elk typically drive their herds, but when predators are in the area or food is scarce, the females take over.

And just as its membership is shrinking, the Sunnyvale Elks Lodge elected the first female Exalted Ruler in its 45 years of existence.

On Feb. 23, Bonnie Lander was elected Exalted Ruler of the lodge for the next fiscal year. She'll take over the position from three-time Exalted Ruler Steve Gollob on April 10 and begin what she says will be her first and only year in charge of the lodge.

In her new role, Lander will lead all lodge events, represent the lodge on the national level and oversee the next year of programs.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for her. This job is enjoyable--she'll get to socialize; she'll get to travel," Gollob said.

Lander, 65, a medical transcriptionist for the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, joined the lodge in 2001, only five years after the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks opened membership up to

women in 1996. She had previously attended lodge events in Montana with her late husband.

"I didn't want to join the Elks," Lander said. "But after my husband passed away, I wanted to do something. I didn't want to just sit around and type all day."

In the Sunnyvale lodge of around 300 people there are only a dozen women, but Gollob, 50, said that is beginning to change.

The lodge as a whole has changed in the past 20 years.

"The Elks Lodge used to be known as a drinking club, but I don't see that today," said Cloyd "Sarg" Sargent, a 37-year Sunnyvale resident.

In rural areas--like Montana--the Elks were the center of social life. The dances, parties and events were highly attended events. But in areas like the South Bay, where there are movie theaters, concert halls, sporting events and other activities, the Elks' numbers have dwindled.

"I don't think kids slow down these days and sit down and talk like we used to," Sargent said.

"We didn't spend so much time in front of computers," Lander said.

She said getting membership and visibility back up is going to be a major focus for her term.

"We need to encourage membership because we're going to die if we don't get it back up," Lander said.

Part of increasing membership, she said, is to continue to get rid of the image of the Elks as an exclusive drinking club. She said she and her council will work to focus on the "benevolent and protective," aspects of the organization.

"I am stressed out, but this is something I want to do. It's something I believe in," she said.

Women are a big part of that new image, having been excluded from membership for over a century. There was great resistance in 1996 when the gender bias was removed, and even today, Lander said she's heard of lodges where women are only grudgingly accepted.

"I think women are going to continue to be an asset to the Elks because they have insight into things that men don't," she said.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was founded in 1868 by a group of performers in New York City. The "Jolly Corks," as they were known originally, established a group to organize entertainment on Sundays.

The Corks became a benevolent organization in 1867 to take care of a dead member's family. In 1868, the group formally established the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

The Elks became a popular social center for communities around the country. They often tied their social activities to charitable causes. The Elks primarily focus on veterans, disabled children and students in their charity. Last year, the California and Hawaii chapter of the Elks raised $3.2 million for disabled children.

"It brings tears to your eyes," Sargent said. "You go to these conventions, and you get to meet these kids who weren't supposed to live, but thanks to the Elks, they're up and walking."

In its massive meeting hall on North Pastoria Avenue, the Sunnyvale group holds dinners and fundraisers for its causes and frequently rent the space out for weddings and other events.

"I feel very honored that they elected me to the position," said Lander, "and I hope I don't disappoint them. I just want to be a good representative for the Elks."