East Central District

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Written by Cristin Rumler

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On Dec. 13, Sanford Elks participated in the City of Sanford’s Parade of Lights. For at least the last 10 years, the lodge has hosted a float in the parade, and members and volunteers have enjoyed walking in the parade and passing out candy to community members. The parade has thousands of attendees annually and is broadcast locally. This year, members of the lodge donated $1,200 worth of candy to be distributed. The lodge’s float always showcases state and national Elk programs.

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Written by Cristin Rumler

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Sanford Elks hosted their fifth annual Christmas for Kids event Dec. 6. Santa and Mrs. Claus gave the children treat bags, which included candy and a $10 gift card to either McDonald’s, Dairy Queen or Chick-fil-A. More than 100 children and their parents attended. There were craft stations, including a Christmas card creation station where children could make cards for their families or a veteran. Many veterans’ cards were made and later were delivered to veterans at the Lake Nona and Lake Baldwin Domiciliary. The lodge also provided a pizza lunch, a hot cocoa station and a cookie decorating station. Pictured are member and spouse Tom and Susan Fendley hosting craft table.

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Written by David Valinski

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On Dec. 8, the Palm Coast Elks Lodge Veterans Committee donated $2,500 from its fundraising efforts to Teens-In-Flight to support the training and education of one of its students. Teens-In-Flight provides aviation training to teens from military and first responder families and youth who are at risk or financially underserved. Founded by Colonel Jack Howell, USMC (Ret.), a 37-year lodge member, the program grew from his understanding of the unique challenges faced by military children.

Pictured are Veterans Committee members Steve Gallagher, Dave Valinski, and Pete Lehnertz; Teens-In-Flight student Elijah; Teens-In-Flight founder and member, Colonel Jack Howell; and Veterans Committee members Jerry DiMenna and Sean Reardon. Also pictured is a Teens-In-Flight airplane, which is used to train the students enrolled in the program.

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Written by Frank Kuczkowski

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On Sept. 13, members of Port Orange Elks Lodge #2723 donated 342 boxes of cereal to Atlantic High School in Port Orange to stock their food pantry. Members are pictured with the boxes.

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Written by David Valinski

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On Sept. 11, Palm Coast Elks Lodge #2709 hosted a ceremony to commemorate the tragedies of Sept. 11, drawing a crowd of about 200 people, including both lodge and community members. State President Mike Chandler and Past State President Vic McClellan were in attendance. The ceremony concluded with the 11 O’clock Toast, led by Bill Hall, PER.

Pictured is Elk Lt. Rick Peterson, retired from City of Chicago Fire Department, presenting colors in front of honor guards from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the Marine Corps League of Flagler County. The presentation was accompanied by patriotic music from the Coastal Florida Police and Fire Pipes and Drums during a wreath presentation to honor first responders and organizations that answered the call Sept. 11, 2001.

Presentations were made by retired Brigadier General Ernie Audino, U.S. Army; Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill; Elk and Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office; Exalted Ruler Pete Lehnertz, PER; Elk Lt. Richie Glover, retired from New York City Fire Department; Elk Fred Gleissner, retired from New York City Fire Department; and Loyal Knight and master of ceremonies, Jerry DiMenna.

Also pictured are members of the lodge and community in the audience.