South Southwest District

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Written by Teresa Colburn-Bird

Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 held its annual kids’ fishing tournament June 11 on the fishing pier at the lodge. More than 75 children and their parents attended the event, which was open to the public. Trophies were awarded for the categories of smallest fish, largest fish, ugliest fish and most fish caught. Each child was given a rod, reel and backpack to keep, which were purchased from monetary donations received from Creative Carbide Inc., Aladdin Air, Integrity Employee Leasing, the Punta Gorda Elkettes and some lodge members. Other donations were received as well, including ball caps, aprons for volunteers, backpacks, trophies and booklets from the Punta Gorda Elkettes, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Athleta, Gulf Coast Engraving and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department. Forty lodge volunteers were on hand to cut bait, untangle lines and release fish. Afterward, everyone was served lunch provided by the lodge.

Pictured are fishing rods lined up for the participants and the participants walking out on the pier to find their special spot. Also pictured is Tom Shoecraft Sr., Exalted Ruler, presenting a trophy to Cohen Shoecraft, winner of the largest fish caught in the ages 6-10 category. In the background on the microphone is Michelle Staples, lodge member and the lodge corporation manager, and Linda Troemel, lodge member, cabin manager and assistant to the lodge corporation manager.

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Written by Teresa Colburn-Bird

Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 hosted another blood drive with One Blood July 14, organized by Ambrose Yelovich, PER, blood drive chair. This event had 22 donors, all lodge members. One pint saves three lives, so this day equated to 66 lives saved.

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Written by Cathy Redman

Rotonda Elks Lodge #2710 paid for 19 children to attend the Florida Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla, Florida. Each camper’s fee was $220, and the lodge also paid for a T-shirt for each camper as well as a charter bus to transport them there. A grateful parent and volunteer nurse, Rebecca White, administered flu tests for the campers. Other helpful Elks were Kathy Dardis, Tami Watson and Geraldine Chesney.

Pictured July 17 before departing the lodge for the camp are the campers and lodge members who were chaperones on the bus — Nina Bentley; Cathy Redman, camp chairperson; Lee Hall; and Paul Bernhardt. Also pictured are parents saying goodbye to their children before they leave for camp.

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Written by Cape Coral Elks

On May 23, Cape Coral Elks Lodge #2596 donated $6,000 from its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to The Caring Center of Cape Coral. The grant will assist residents with paying their utility bills.

Pictured are Wanda Byrnes, Lecturing Knight; Bonnie Marshall, PER, Exalted Ruler; Wendy Wootton, program operations manager; Janet Murphy, Chaplain; and Mike Murphy, Leading Knight.

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Written by Naples Elks

On March 31, Naples Elk Lodge #2010 applied for and received a charter for The Antlers, giving students ages 13 to 20 the opportunity to serve the lodge and their community. Mike Adamski, PER is advisor to the Antlers. On April 27, $1,000 scholarships were given to Antlers William Perry, Isabella Luccarelli and Trey Harry. Antlers officers are William Perry, president; Isabella LuccarelIi, first vice president; Christopher Savoie, second vice president; Trey Harry, third vice president; Hannah Perry, secretary; and Nico Luccarelli, treasurer.