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Written by Lauren Dowd-Shedlock, PER

Jupiter Elks Lodge #2469 hosted its annual Flag Day celebration June 10 with the assistance of local scouts and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office honor guard. The event included a barbecue, car show, pie-eating contest, raffles, games and prizes. There was also a special K-9 presentation as well as face painting, kids’ crafts and more, all while learning the history of the American flag. The special guest was an American eagle from Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Pictured is a large flag on display at the event.

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Written by Perry Elks

On June 15 at the Perry Elks Lodge scholarship dinner, the lodge presented $1,000 scholarships to Taylor County High School students Camron Croft and Logan Linton. Also pictured are Eric Hodge, Exalted Ruler, and Susan Lynn, PDD, Lodge Scholarship Committee Chair.

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Written by Rose Goodrich, PER

On June 17, Dunedin/Clearwater Elks Lodge #1525 had its first visit to Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home since before the pandemic. They purchased, transported and cooked hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken, beans, potato salad, cookies, water and soda for 120 residents and 30 staff members as well as a few visiting guests. Due to illnesses, they only served approximately 75 people, but they donated all that was left to the nursing home for future use. 

Pictured in the back row are Jackie, Baldomero Lopez kitchen manager; Richard Leskovsky, PER; Peter Glushko, Loyal Knight; Al Iosa, member; Bill Huyett, Chaplain; and Donald Wooldridge, lodge volunteer. Pictured in the front row are Rose Goodrich, PER; Larry Miller, House Committee Chair; Helene Lewis, member; and Janice Brautigam, PER.

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Written by David McCranie, PER

In honor of DeLand Elks Lodge #1463 celebrating its 100th anniversary, the city of DeLand proclaimed June 23, 2023, as DeLand Elks Lodge #1463 Day. Pictured with the proclamation are Dick Reynolds, PER, 1972 Exalted Ruler; Scott Sandersfield, PER, 2023 Exalted Ruler; and city of DeLand Commissioner Kevin Reid.

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Written by Teresa Bird

On May 17, Punta Gorda Lodge and the Elkettes sponsored their annual Drug Awareness program for 107 fourth grade students at Sallie Jones Elementary School. The event including a video about drug awareness, a poster contest, bounce houses, football toss, corn hole and decorating a button. They were treated to a picnic lunch provided by the lodge, which was served by approximately 30 Elkettes and volunteers. Rewards of $25 gift certificates, provided by the lodge, were presented to the top three students for the poster contest, and all the students were given a bag of goodies from the Elkettes, including Drug Awareness materials, such as booklets, bookmarks and pencils. 

Pictured are Dianna Lurkens, Elkettes President, and Nancy Schilling, lodge event chair. Also pictured are students enjoying the event.

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Written by Carmen Rivera

On April 5, Orlando Elks Lodge #1079 donated $1,000 to Arriba El Son LLC, which was founded by member Carmen Rivera’s husband, Eduardo Rivera, a mailman and musician. Together they created the A.E.S. Art & Music Scholarship program, where children ages 5 to 17 submit an essay or art creation to compete for this scholarship. This year, 10 students were awarded lessons in the category of their choice — art, music, singing or acting. In addition to the lessons, the students received appropriate supplies. Art students received an art kit and easel, music students received instruments, and acting students received a makeup bag with a mirror and eye shadow kit. Crealdé School of Art in Winter Park, Florida, offers many classes, including watercolor, sketching, oil and more. The music students receiving lessons from East Orlando Music School must attend the first class in person so the instructors can tune the instrument and give instructions how to hold it correctly or adjust the straps. For summer acting classes at Magic Curtain, the location also has a theater and after the summer program, they put on a show for the community. Students then have the option to come to the studio or take the class online.  Arriba El Son LLC and the lodge believe in supporting the arts. On May 21, an event was held at the lodge for the recipients with a guest speaker and refreshments. The students and their families were extremely happy and grateful to receive their awards. Winners in the art category were Liam Martinez, kindergarten; Tiana Taylor, fifth grade and Xena Anoulhosn, fifth grade. Winners in the acting category were Drussie Dones, fourth grade; Eilyn Quezada, fifth grade; Victoria Febles; fifth grade; and Isabela Anderson, fifth grade. Winners in the music category were Carina Johnson, fourth grade, violin; Sophia Sanchez Rapazo, fourth grade, piano; and Hunter Hong, fourth grade, singing/guitar.

Pictured are the winners with Eduardo and Carmen Rivera. Carina Johnson was unable to attend but is pictured with her violin.