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Written by Ronna Mason, PER

On Nov. 11, Change of Pace, a nonprofit adult day care center, held its annual Walk for Memories fundraiser. Pictured is member Brenda Richards presenting a sponsor check of $500 from the lodge to Cora Schwingel, Change of Pace administrator, Oct. 17. Also pictured in the back row are members who walked in the fundraiser — Sheryl Teachout, Marty Bowers, Brenda Richards and Buddy Richards. In the front row are Ed Kwasnick and Tim Quarqanta, members who attended the Elks table.

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Written by Carmen Rivera

On Nov. 2, Orlando Elks Lodge Drug Awareness Education Chair, Master Deputy Carmen Rivera, held an award ceremony for the third, fourth and fifth graders from Waterford Elementary for participating in the Drug Awareness poster contest. This year’s theme was Be Kind to Your Mind — Live Drug-Free.

Students ages 8 to 11 worked closely with art teacher Donna Lindsay and Rivera. They watched a video on drug awareness, and Lindsay and Rivera talked to them about how drugs are harmful and can cause serious illness. Many students participated, but the top 13 students’ artwork captured their unique thought process and messages through art.

The first place winner, Elsie Hibbard, received $100. She said, “I wanted others to see how black and gray your life can turn when you don’t have a mind of your own.” Then she said that she wanted to make something better for her life. She shows how pretty light and color can bring love of self and those around her. 

The second place winner, Jagger Bohne, received $75. Jagger made a creative drawing, showing how unhappy a person could be with drugs and how wonderful life can be without drugs.

The third place winner, Britney Villafana, received $50. She drew a picture of Jesus with a replica of her dog with a sign saying not to do drugs. Her message was that drugs lead to death and she shows how sad her dog would be without her. Rivera spoke to her mother, Dariana Cruz, who was so surprised and proud of her artwork. She said that when her daughter mentioned the project, she didn’t think twice about it. Then when she saw the artwork on display in the ceremony, she was brought to tears. She hopes that her daughter and all the children remember this contest for the rest of their lives. She thanked the Elks for this project and for making children’s future a priority to keep the country clear of drugs for a better tomorrow.

Rivera shared that “the students enjoyed the presentation and submitted wonderful messages. I had students who expressed how alcohol and drugs were affecting their lives. The staff and I were able to work together and connect them with our school counselors. It’s sad to see these kids so young having to suffer without a parent or knowing someone who died from drug overdose. My message to them as a deputy is to stay away from drugs/alcohol and don’t listen or hang out with friends who will steer you in the wrong direction. Follow the right road and you will succeed and make a beautiful life for yourself and our country.”

Pictured in the front row are Emily Hamilton, Jullian Rivera, Phoenix Swonger, Rosie Hibbard, Elsie Hibbard, Jagger Bohne, Britney Villafana, Graham Roberts, Mariana Green and Victoria Zambrano. In the second row are Master Deputy Carmen Rivera, Lodge Drug Awareness Education Chair; Donna Lindsay, art teacher; Tiara Chimen-Chavez; Alexia Baptiste; Danielle Arbelaez-Willis, principal; and Nylela English.

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Written by Carla Ray Rhymes

Members of the Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 Americanism Committee volunteered with the Parent Teacher Association of Waterleaf Elementary Oct. 25 for the Student of the Month awards ceremony. Safety patrol members began the day by raising the American flag. Volunteers passed out “Honor our Flag” decals, children’s guides to the Pledge of Allegiance, and Drug Awareness red ribbons to children and parents in the morning car line. They set up snacks for the Star Students, hand painting and decorating. Elroy the Elk celebrated Red Ribbon Week by providing Drug Awareness literature. Fang, the Jacksonville Icemen’s mascot, also attended. The event included the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence and the national anthem, sung by the Waterleaf Wolves chorus.

Pictured are students raising the flag; future Elk Eli Smith passing out red ribbons; safety patrol members; and Elroy, a Star Student and Fang.

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Written by Pauline Talbott

On Oct. 14, Sebastian Elks Lodge #2714 supported the Sebastian Police Department COPE Unit’s third annual golf tournament with a $1,200 donation and registering two teams to play. Lodge members also ran the 50/50 and chance auction. The mission of the COPE Unit is to create partnerships between the community and the Sebastian Police Department, to develop and employ proactive crime prevention strategies, and to promote the department’s resources to the community.

Pictured are Pauline Talbott, FLOE President; Mary Ducharme, Sebastian Ladies Treasurer; Dan Talbott, Exalted Ruler; Officer Donald Hart; and Lesa Darnell. 

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Written by Rose Goodrich, PER

On Sept. 1, Dunedin/Clearwater Elks Lodge #1525 held a luau, with dance performances by a guest professional Hawaiian dancer, Miriam Schafer. With 130 members in attendance, the lodge raised $450 by selling leis. The funds were donated to aid those affected by the fires on the island of Maui in Hawaii. Schafer received a tremendous response when she asked for members to join her in dance.

Pictured are members along with Miriam Schafer, near the center, wearing a headdress.

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Written by Carol Lee Spages

Members Elizabeth Groves and Carol Lee Spages represented New Port Richey Elks Lodge #2284 Sept. 23 while participating in a large community event called Stronger Together Recovery Walk. The event took place in Sims Park in New Port Richey, Florida, and supported drug awareness and local addiction support groups. Event participants were invited to wear goggles that mimicked drug impairment. They tried walking heel to toe, catching a ball, and picking up and tossing a ball. Red ribbons were given to participants. The Lodge had previously collaborated with the sponsors of these local drug awareness events and was invited back.

Participant Hailey Gurney is pictured trying the goggles.