Central District

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Written by Susan Slater

On Dec. 5, Zephyrhills Elks Lodge #2731 donated $1,000 from its bingo account to Solo Moms Recovery and Healing. Solo moms are recovering from deep-rooted traumatic events, such as drug recovery, domestic violence and human trafficking. A matching donation of $1,000 will also be donated to Solo Moms by another donor, so Solo Moms can finally buy their Healing Hub building outright and own it.

Pictured are Kathy Honkala, bingo chair; Stacy Hester, Solo Moms founder; Ayden Hester; Karl Finnemore, Exalted Ruler; and Barbara Conklin, Leading Knight.

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Written by Sherry Mackeil

On Aug. 7, Brooksville Elks Lodge #2582 donated its $4,000 Elks National Founcation Beacon Grant to People Helping People of Hernando County for their Weekend Blessings program, which provides essential weekend meal bags for K-8 students who are food-insecure. Lodge members help to pack and deliver the food to schools each week throughout school year. The organization also does a Senior Blessings program, which feeds senior citizens needing supplemental food resources.

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Written by Kissimmee Elks

On Sept. 21, Kissimmee Elks Lodge #1873 held its 16th Public Safety Night to honor local first responder departments.

Pictured are Joseph Santos, Kissimmee Police Officer of the Year; Anthony Shaffer, Saint Cloud Officer of the Year; Stephen Borrows, Kissimmee Fire Department Chief; Chief James Walls, who received the awards for Michael Kane, Kissimmee Fire Department Engineer of the Year, and Jaycius Golding, Saint Cloud Fire Department Paramedic Firefighter of the Year; Rafael Candelrio, Osceola  County Corrections Officer of the Year; and Desha Hernandez, Osceola County Sheriff Detective of the Year. Not pictured is Donald Chapman, Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year.

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Written by Ilene Nutting

On Aug. 8, Zephyrhills Elks Lodge #2731 used its bingo charity account funds to donate $4,000 worth of school supplies to two elementary schools. These items are sometimes supplied by the teacher. Lodge members organized, packed and delivered the supplies.

Pictured at Woodland Elementary are Keith Barcomb, member; Paul Nutting, PER; Ilene Nutting, Treasurer; three school staff members; Jodi Legg, principal; and Barbara Conklin, Leading Knight. Pictured at Chester Taylor Elementary are Paul Nutting, PER; Barbara Conklin, Leading Knight; Theresa Martin, Public Relations; Ilene Nutting, Treasurer; and Keith Barcomb, member. Not pictured are Randy Light and his son, Daniel; Barbara Edyburn; Nick Schwob; and Ken Fabiani, PER.

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Written by Angie Folks

On June 15, Orlando Elks Lodge #1079 held a Flag Day ceremony, which was open to the public. Girl Scout Troop #1515, pictured, performed a flag-folding demonstration; member Larry Lockwood gave a bagpipe performance; City of Orlando District 4 Commissioner and Elk member, Patty Sheehan, recited a poem; and members Joanne Grant and Eddie Barton gave readings. Afterward, attendees gathered at the lodge pub for a meal.