North Central District

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Written by David Clayton

On Sept. 24, Field #1 at the Big Sun Soccer League Facility was abuzz with excitement as 16 members and guests of Ocala Elks Lodge #286 hosted the first Soccer Shoot in years. The day was filled with the thrill of competition, accompanied by the cheers of friends, family and Elk volunteers. Ranging in age from 8 to 15, 59 children showcased their talents, reminding everyone of the joy and excitement such long-standing events bring to the community. The first-place winners will go on to compete at the regional soccer shoot. Central to the Elks mission is a focus on youth development. The soccer shoot provided a platform for young players to hone their skills, learn the values of teamwork and perseverance, and experience the camaraderie intrinsic to the sport. The successful reintroduction of the Soccer Shoot represents one of the first steps the lodge leadership has taken to reestablish the lodge in the community.

Pictured is third place winner of his age category, Matthew C., with his family as well as kicking a ball. He is the grandson of Becky Long, PSP-FLOE and Andy Long, PDD.

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Written by Carolyn Robbins

When several members of Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165 attended church at Starke Lake Baptist Church in Ocoee, Florida, they noticed the church’s deteriorating flagpole that needed to be replaced and have a light kit added. Wally Hatch, PER; Ronnie Bradshaw, Byrd Severance, PER, District Vice President; Mark Wallick, PER; Scott Moore and Rusty Johnson used their own money to purchase the flagpole and light kit for approximately $800. In the early morning on July 29, they installed it without the church pastor knowing. Carolyn Robbins, Exalted Ruler, said the pastor “was amazed, he talked about the flag pole every Sunday after they installed it. How proud he was to have members that cared so deeply about their Country and the Church. He is always talking about the Elks, he visits us on our steak night in Winter Garden 2165. The pastor tells the church members what a great group and how we are always ready to help. He talks about our great partnership with the community and how we have reached out to members in his church when in need. He has told me himself the Elks have great members and what great teamwork we have.”

Pictured in front of the church is the new flagpole lit up by the light kit.

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Written by Carole Ingram

On May 8, the Inverness Elks Lodge bingo committee presented a $500 check to Inverness Boy Scout Troop 302. The troop is using the donation for transportation to summer scout camp. The troop is involved with helping the community whenever they receive a request and is very active in helping the lodge with functions and care of the facilities.

Bingo committee members pictured are Tom Richards, Jack Trafalski, John Colasanti and Tim Hughes; Steve Epple, scoutmaster; and Carl Gutekunst bingo committee member. Not pictured are John Miller, Jim Bell and Jim Lawler.

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Written by Suzanne Cunningham

On April 25, members of the Eustis Anna Miller Circle 1578 met to pack items for The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties, valued at $3,198.90. The donation included 100 children's welcome kits and 100 women’s welcome kits, containing travel-size health care items for their immediate needs, as well as birthday cake and frosting kits so children can have a birthday cake baked by their mom on their birthday. This was all valued at $2,050. Also included was $572.90 worth of full-size items, such as deodorant, toothpaste, aspirin, dental floss, hand soap, hand sanitizer, family packages of toothbrushes, toilet paper and many wellness items to stock the safe house and The Haven's ongoing programs to support women who have been abused and their children. Additionally, they donated $576 worth of items needed to assist rape survivors immediately following their assault exam. At The Haven's request, the assault support items include sweatpants, T-shirts, flip-flops, new underwear, water, Gatorade, snack packages, small soaps, lotion  and other items to replace the clothes they must give up following the nurse’s exam.

Pictured are Beverly Dufresne, Anna Miller Circle President; Guelda Danesky, The Haven Project team member; Mary Ann Cerney, The Haven Project coordinator; Jean Witt, The Haven Project team member; Jennifer Ross, visiting volunteer; Judy Eaton, Anna Miller member; and Butch Danesky, lodge member.

Pictured packing the kits are Mary Ann Cerney; Judy Eaton; Jean Witt, Guelda Danesky and Butch Danesky.

Also shown are some of the assault support items.

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Written by David Roche

On April 8, Eustis Elks Lodge #1578 held its annual Easter party for members’ children and the families of Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services. Approximately 50 children attended, including 26 therapy patients. More than 100 children and their parents and grandparents enjoyed a catered lunch provided by Eustis Elks. Jane Russo, FECTS physical therapist, was also in attendance. Outside in the lodge’s front yard, more than 500 plastic eggs filled with money were placed for the youth in three age groups to find and keep the change inside. Afterward, the Easter Bunny (Mike Schwellinger, Esquire) arrived. Easter baskets filled with toys and more were given to the children. There was face painting and a person making balloon animals. The lodge spent $2,100 on the party.

Pictured are children playing the Drug Awareness basketball game and showing off their Eustis Elks Drug Awareness T-shirts, provided by the lodge Drug Awareness Committee, at a cost of $300.