North Central District

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Written by Eustis Elks

On May 28, $500 from Eustis Lodge’s Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant was given to The Carpenter’s House in Leesburg, Florida, to help them during the pandemic. Directors Patrick and Linda take care of up to 17 children from infancy to age 18 who have been orphaned, some from third-world countries. Most are from Nigeria and New Guinea. Normally they return to their homeland where they continue to help and educate others in need. Pictured at the donation presentation are Mike Schwellinger, Lodge Esquire; Patrick and Linda, directors; and Patsy Despain, PER, presenting a check for $500 to help defray expenses due to COVID-19 pandemic. Residents pictured from the bottom to top on the stairs are Lydia, Hanna, Tiana, Juliana, William and Dan. Directors Patrick & Linda are pictured in front of the house.

Eustis Lodge gave an additional donation of $2,000 to The Carpenter’s House June 1 to purchase food for those living at the home. Pictured are Mike Schwellinger, Esquire; Bo Borwegen, Exalted Ruler; Dan, resident; Linda and Pat, directors; and Hannah, resident.

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Written by Inverness Elks

Inverness Elks Lodge #2522 happened to be the sponsoring lodge for both this year’s state winners of the Drug Awareness Education poster and essay contest. Fifth grader Cason Davis won the poster contest and eighth grader Morgan Cyr won the essay contest. This year’s theme was Life Does Not Rewind – Choose Life, Not Drugs. Both winners received a $50 Walmart gift card and a $50 Dominos gift card from the lodge. They each also were given a television from the Florida State Elks Association. James Manos, Lodge Drug Awareness Education Chair, presented these to Morgan May 20 (with her mother, Kelli Hutton) and Cason May 28 (with his parents, Shay and Jimmy Davis) at their respective homes.

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Written by Eustis Elks

On April 1, Eustis Elks Lodge #1578 made a donation of 325 steaks to Lake Cares Food Pantry in Mount Dora, Florida, for distribution to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic. The lodge used $1,054 from their Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to make the purchase. Pictured are Ted Beck, House Committee member; Ron Locke, PDD; Becky Carter, Supervisor of Lake Cares Food Pantry; Dee Borwegen, House Committee member; and Bo Borwegen, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Eustis Elks

On Feb. 17, the Eustis Elks Lodge’s Americanism Committee recognized the Officers of the Year from police and fire departments of Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares, Leesburg, Umatilla and Howey-in-the-Hills. Officers were also recognized from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Fire Department and the Florida Highway Patrol. Also honored were the K-9 officers and their K-9s from Eustis, Leesburg and the Lake County Sheriff's Office. Dinner was served to all officers, spouses and the chief of each department. Each department was given a plaque to be placed at their departments. Each officer received a framed certificate of achievement from the lodge. Each chief explained why their officers were chosen for their recognition by their peers. The keynote speaker for this annual event was Michael J. Saxe, retired detective from New York City and a 9/11 first responder. He is also a member of the Ocala Elks Lodge. The Table of Honor was performed by the Mount Dora High School Jr. Air Force ROTC. Lodge member Lt. Chad Williamson of the Eustis Fire Department was chosen as that department's Officer of the Year.

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Written by Mike Rolls

On March 13, Ocala Elks Lodge #286 presented the Elks medal to two first responders – Firefighter R. Grajek of the Williston Fire Department and Police Officer C. Rosa of the Williston Police Department – for their dedication to the community and for going above and beyond the call of duty. Exalted Ruler-elect, Mike Rolls, presents the awards to Firefighter Grajek (left) and Officer Rosa (right).