North Central District

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Written by Jan Belland

Inverness Lodge held a Flag Day ceremony including flag retirements June 13 with assistance from Boy Scout Troop #302 which is supported by the lodge. Scout leader and Youth Activities Lodge Chair, Steve Epple, right, heads the flag burning.

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Written by Eustis Elks

On May 27, Eustis Lodge again supported Lake Cares Food Pantry with $450 from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to help community members affected by the pandemic. Pictured are JoJo Myhr, member; Bill Myhr, trustee; Ruthie Hoffner, pantry director of development; and Patsy Despain, PER. In 2019, Lake Cares Food Pantry in Mount Dora, Florida, served 51,720 people approximately 904,000 pounds of food. They have been doing this since 2009 and the need increases every year. There are five mobile sites for availability. Their clients mostly consist of senior citizens and those who are disabled, but during the pandemic, many younger people with children are also being fed.

1578 leesburg pantry: Also on May 27, Eustis Lodge gave $500 from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to the Leesburg Food Pantry to help them serve clients during the pandemic. Don Diamant, Past District Deputy and president of the food pantry notes that there are several volunteers who work more than 400 hours and drive nearly 900 miles per month. Diamant puts in over 100 hours and drives more than 300 miles each month. They serve those in need in Lake County, Florida. Pictured are Bill Myhr, lodge trustee; JoJo Myhr, lodge member; Don Diamant, PDD, pantry president; and Patsy Despain, PER.

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Written by Eustis Elks

On May 28, $500 from Eustis Lodge’s Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant was given to The Carpenter’s House in Leesburg, Florida, to help them during the pandemic. Directors Patrick and Linda take care of up to 17 children from infancy to age 18 who have been orphaned, some from third-world countries. Most are from Nigeria and New Guinea. Normally they return to their homeland where they continue to help and educate others in need. Pictured at the donation presentation are Mike Schwellinger, Lodge Esquire; Patrick and Linda, directors; and Patsy Despain, PER, presenting a check for $500 to help defray expenses due to COVID-19 pandemic. Residents pictured from the bottom to top on the stairs are Lydia, Hanna, Tiana, Juliana, William and Dan. Directors Patrick & Linda are pictured in front of the house.

Eustis Lodge gave an additional donation of $2,000 to The Carpenter’s House June 1 to purchase food for those living at the home. Pictured are Mike Schwellinger, Esquire; Bo Borwegen, Exalted Ruler; Dan, resident; Linda and Pat, directors; and Hannah, resident.

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Written by Inverness Elks

Inverness Elks Lodge #2522 happened to be the sponsoring lodge for both this year’s state winners of the Drug Awareness Education poster and essay contest. Fifth grader Cason Davis won the poster contest and eighth grader Morgan Cyr won the essay contest. This year’s theme was Life Does Not Rewind – Choose Life, Not Drugs. Both winners received a $50 Walmart gift card and a $50 Dominos gift card from the lodge. They each also were given a television from the Florida State Elks Association. James Manos, Lodge Drug Awareness Education Chair, presented these to Morgan May 20 (with her mother, Kelli Hutton) and Cason May 28 (with his parents, Shay and Jimmy Davis) at their respective homes.

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Written by Eustis Elks

On April 1, Eustis Elks Lodge #1578 made a donation of 325 steaks to Lake Cares Food Pantry in Mount Dora, Florida, for distribution to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic. The lodge used $1,054 from their Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to make the purchase. Pictured are Ted Beck, House Committee member; Ron Locke, PDD; Becky Carter, Supervisor of Lake Cares Food Pantry; Dee Borwegen, House Committee member; and Bo Borwegen, Exalted Ruler.