Southwest Central District

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Written by Judy Wise

On Sept. 11, Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 honored first responders by bringing them lunch. Manny Rousso, owner of The Wooden Spoon, and Ryan Danielik, managing partner of The Outback Steakhouse, both lodge members, prepared the food. Fire Rescue Deputy Chief of Administration, Timothy Mossgrove, said the Elks “are amazing community partners. They support Fire and Rescue 100 percent. For them to think of us on such a memorial day of 9/11, to bring us lunch for all the crews at the department, is absolutely amazing. We really appreciate it.”

Pictured at the fire station are Captain Jeff Griggs; firefighters Cameron Hall and Corrin Pizzo; Captain Jason Mesa; firefighters William Sosa and Joseph Mitchell; Judy Wise, Exalted Ruler; Ed Wise, Leading Knight; and firefighter James Lee.

Pictured at the police department are Captain Ward; Shannon Gay, front receptionist; Howard Whitehead, operations; Deputy Chief Duralia; Ed Wise, Leading Knight; Captain Van Dyuane; Judy Wise, Exalted Ruler; and Officer Culmer.

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Written by Judy Wise

Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 held a trunk-or-treat Oct. 27 for members’ children and children from Everyday Blessings, a county foster care home. There were 38 children in attendance. Elroy the Elk (member Mark Henderson) was the hit of the day, pictured with a child from Everyday Blessings. The event also had games and a lunch of hot dogs and chips. Lodge members gave out candy from their decorated open trunks, and members donated candy even if they were unable to participate. Children also received Drug Awareness items.

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Written by Sebring Elks

On June 14, Sebring Lodge recognized two students who won the state Americanism essay contest and their teachers during the lodge’s Flag Day celebration. Both students read their essays, and then they and their teachers were awarded checks.

Pictured are Joe Stockenberg, Exalted Ruler; Donna Howerton, member; Lucia Guillen, sixth grade student; Tammy Goins, sixth grade teacher; Judy Hanson, PER; Tammy Williams, eighth grade teacher; Garrett Bihl, eighth grade student; and Diane Morse, Leading Knight.

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Written by Rachael King

On April 22, Sebring Elks Lodge #1529 donated its donations from the first quarter of 2024 from their charity bingo. They collected 350 cans of food for Hands for Homeless pantry. This is an ongoing effort that bingo members contribute to all year.

Pictured are Marty Bower, Inner Guard; Bill Braylinger; Jeremiah Stone, student lodge volunteer; Jane Braylinger, Hands for Homeless CEO; and Diane Morse, Leading Knight.

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Written by Sebring Elks

On May 4, the City of Sebring held its seventh annual Bike Rodeo & Splash Day, which was hosted by the Sebring Fire Department, the Sebring Police Department and the City of Sebring. Throughout April, Sebring Elks collected new bicycles and monetary donations to assist with this event. In the first year the city held this event, the Elks donated 12 bicycles. This year, they donated 49 bicycles, using donations from members, charity bingo members, and the Friday night band crowd that came to see Rick Arnold. The event gave the children in the community not only an opportunity to own a new bike but to also have some fun outside.

Pictured are Sebring firefighters; Joe Stockenberg, Exalted Ruler; and Diane Morse, Leading Knight.