Southwest Central District

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Written by Ronna Mason

On July 3, Sebring Elks Lodge #1529 participated in a dedication of a refrigerator to the Hands for Homeless organization in Avon Park, Florida. This nonprofit organization started the community fridge program to meet the needs on a 24-7 basis of those who are homeless and food deprived in Highlands County. The lodge used funds from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude and Spotlight grants, totaling $4,000, to purchase the refrigerator and other supplies for those in need. Local chef Jacob Lyons provides takeout meals daily which are kept in the refrigerator. Dairy products and other items that need to be kept cool are also stocked in it. It is cleaned once a day and restocked three times a day. A dry goods pantry storage is available as well, and a pallet of food is kept nearby that varies daily and does not require refrigeration. Hands for Homeless runs the program and purchased a building in Avon Park and the refrigerator and pantry are located in the parking lot under a covered and well-lit area. Some lodge members continue to help restock supplies and also deliver meals to those who are shut in. Approximately 20 members attended the dedication. During the event, lodge members Rob Lipscomb and Stacy Hill and their daughter, Jayce, stock the pantry and Carlie Stockenberg, daughter of member Joe, stocks the refrigerator and photographs the event. 

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Written by Anthony Bonacum

Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 donated its $2,500 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to the Florida Baptist Children’s Home One More Child program. This is a community-based, nonprofit organization serving local communities, and the program provides meals through a backpack program in local schools. The lodge donation will provide meals to vulnerable children and their families who have struggled with difficulties throughout this pandemic. Pictured June 30 are lodge members Sher Thrush and Jim Mosier along with Leon Battle, Rebecca Rothman, Megan Matta and Kaf Nelson from Florida Baptist Children’s Home.

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Written by Ronna Mason

Sebring Lodge’s Jim Mason, PDD and Judy Hanson, PER presented a $3,500 check from the lodge’s Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to the Highlands Lakeside Summer Theatre Institute camp directors/instructors, Christi Hagen, Tracy Schuknecht and Laura Wade June 23 during the rehearsal for their upcoming musical, “Legally Blonde Jr.” The Sebring Elks have been the sponsor of this camp for eight years and have seen its growth from 17 campers to this year's 68. The campers, ages 9 to 20, presented the musical June 24. In attendance are Elks members Brenda Richards, Kathy Smith, Judy Hanson, Jim and Ronna Mason, and Wainetta Holmes.

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Written by Ronna Mason

Sebring Lodge observed Flag Day June 13 by presenting a ritual of the eight American flags from the 1776 pine tree flag to the 50-star flag. Sebring's Boy Scout Troop #846 carried in the flags. Participating were 1st Class Ronnie McMahon, Tenderfoot Jeremiah Stone, Scout Cameron Beach, Troop Leader Bob Diefendorf (15 years as a scout leader), and Leader Mike Morse (former Life Scout). The Lodge treated the troop family to dinner prior to the ceremony. Diane Morse, Sebring Elks Loyal Knight, was pleased to experience this event with her grandson, Jeremiah, and son, Mike. Jeremiah and Cameron also participated in a Drug Awareness presentation given by the Lodge Drug Awareness Chair, Judy Hanson PER.

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Written by Mark Vargo Sr., PER

On April 10, Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 held its third annual clay shoot fundraiser at FishHawk Sporting Clays in Lithia, Florida, to benefit Boy Scout Troop #627, which the lodge sponsors. This event was nearly at full capacity with 62 shooters. A great number of generous local businesses were sponsors of the event. The event started with the Boy Scouts Color Guard presenting the colors and with all the scouts, Elks members and participants saying the Pledge of Allegiance. The scouts then took their positions at the stations to operate the clay machines for the shooters. Each shooter shot a total of 50 targets from eight stations. While the shooting was underway, some lodge members were busy preparing the lunch to be served to the nearly 100 attendees. After participants and guests were fed, awards for first, second and third place and top shooters were presented. After expenses, the fundraising event raised more than $7,600 for the troop, which will be used to pay the scouts’ summer camp fees and to purchase needed tents and equipment. Elks members pictured are Ed Campbell; Jack Scaglione; Nickie Wells, PER; Lou Valencia; Nelson Guggino; Gary Brooks; Mark Vargo, PER; John Adkinson; Jim Randall, presenting the check; Gardner Box; Kirk Pennywitt; and Sam Ferlita. Boy Scouts in the back row are Kathleen Brigati, Frank Ferruzzi, Wyatt Gill, Joshua Taylor and Alex Wagner. In the front are Dominic DeMuro; Jonah Sorrells; John Taylor; Lorrin Wagner, scoutmaster; and Nick Wagner, receiving the check.