Southwest Central District

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Written by: Mary Lou Scribner, PER

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Brandon Lodge takes every opportunity to show support and encouragement to the youth in the community. Ed Ciesla, Exalted Ruler, was pleased to accept the invitation as the honored guest to the Middleton Magnet High School’s AFJROTC award ceremony April 20. AFJROTC cadets are chosen for the award based on their academic achievements, involvement in community service and  exceeding JROTC standards in dress and appearance. Robin Rutzke, Senior Master Sergeant (ret) Air Force, noncommissioned officer for the JROTC and Lodge Veterans Chair, helped organize the ceremony along with Major Daniel P. Pagano (ret). Ciesla presented the JROTC Elk medal and the Grand Lodge JROTC certificate along with the added surprise of a $100 Visa gift card to Cadet Josmary Valiente for her exceptional performance and dedication to JROTC. Major Pagano, senior aerospace science instructor, said in his thank you letter to the lodge, “The participation of representatives from the award benefactors, like the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, only makes this event more special in the eyes of the cadets as their accomplishments are not just recognized by the instructors but also by people and organizations outside the school district. As a low-income Title 1 high school, we want to expose our cadets to various opportunities and recognitions that are available to them if they put in hard work, whether academically, extra-curriculars or supporting the local community. The extra work can lead to so much more — self-confidence, recognition from peers and parents, scholarship, or other opportunities as they graduate and move in the work force or higher education. Ultimately, the goal of our program and these awards is to help develop citizenship, character and patriotism.” On April 28, Ciesla went to Brandon High School to award Cadet Lance Vellegas of the Army JROTC  the JROTC Elk medal, Grand Lodge JROTC certificate and a $100 Visa gift card to also acknowledge his exceptional performance and dedication to JROTC.

Pictured are Ed Ciesla, Exalted Ruler, and Cadet Josmary Valiente.

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Written by: Amy Ellery

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On April 27 during the award and scholarship night at Lake Placid High School, Lake Placid Elks Lodge #2661 presented two $1,000 scholarships to two deserving seniors. The lodge has been awarding these scholarships for many years as a way to give back to their community and to support the youth. All students in the area are invited to apply for the scholarships by writing an essay on their accomplishments and aspirations. Jacquelin Vazquez was awarded the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship and Lidia Reducindo received the Don Sansoussi Memorial Scholarship. Past State President Don Sansoussi was the founder of Lake Placid Elks Lodge #2661. Both scholarships were awarded based on scholastic achievements, college test scores, community and school activities, and financial need. Both recipients want to become nurses and return to the Lake Placid community to help others.

Pictured are Sally Kinsey, Lodge Scholarship Chair; Amy Ellery, Exalted Ruler; Jacquelin Vazquez; and Lidia Reducindo.

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Written by: Ronna Mason, PER

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Sebring Elks Lodge #1529 participated in the 22nd annual softball classic April 2 at the Highlands County Sports Complex in Sebring, Florida, by making a $700 donation. Jonathan Spiegel, Exalted Ruler, was asked to throw out the first pitch to start the games. This event was hosted by the Aktion Club of Highlands County, where more than 130 athletes with disabilities participated. The teams were divided into three levels based on their skills. The funds will be used to provide various sports and recreational activities for the members and others with disabilities, which in turn provides exercise and opportunities to socialize. Cindy Marshall, advisor to the Kiwanis Aktion Club, organized the tournament.

Pictured are Jonathan Spiegel throwing the first pitch and the All-Star wall, which includes the lodge’s name.

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Written by: Mary Lou Scribner, PER

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On Feb. 18, Robin Rutzke, Veterans Chair, and Sharon Hammersla, PDD were at Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 early in the morning accepting food donations from lodge members. These dedicated Elks have organized the drive-thru food drive since the beginning of the pandemic. At this collection, members donated 235 pounds of food, which Hammersla delivered to the Nativity Food Pantry. Julie Ebert, Past Lady President, volunteers at the pantry and was there for the food delivery. Those at Nativity Food Pantry always look forward to receiving the lodge’s donations, as the members always donate the most-needed items, and they love that the cans aren’t dented! 

Pictured are Julie Ebert and Sharon Hammersla, PDD.

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Written by: Sharon Hammersla, PDD

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Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 used its $8,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to support five local Title I schools. On Feb. 17, representatives of the five schools were guests at the lodge for a steak dinner and received $1,600 for each of their schools to use for children’s needs.

Pictured are Robin Rutzke, Veterans Chair; Nancy Rometo of Yates Elementary; Sharon Hammersla, PDD, lodge grants coordinator; Kelly Touckton of Willis Peters Exceptional School; Gina Becker and Kelly Brocato of Dover Elementary; Heidi Myer and Sara Schwanzl of Lopez Exceptional School; Lauren Leto of Brandon High School; Marionette Garvey; Exalted Ruler; and Mary Lou Scribner, PER.