East Central District

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Written by Cristin Rumler

On Dec. 9, Sanford Elks and their guests participated in Downtown Sanford’s Parade of Lights, which had more than 4,000 attendees. Elks passed out candy, which was donated by members, and rode on their float, which featured displays of the state’s major projects, Hoop Shoot, and Army of Hope and special guest, Elroy the Elk.

Pictured are members with the banner, the float, and members and guests with the float.

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Written by Cristin Rumler

On Nov. 23, Edgewater-New Smyrna Beach Lodge hosted a free Thanksgiving dinner for members and guests as well as people in the community who either didn't have family in the area or couldn't afford to spend the money for a dinner. Marti Miller, Exalted Ruler, cooked six donated turkeys and along with several volunteers served side dishes and desserts brought in from other members. More than 50 people attended this event. Donations were accepted and $350 has been donated to the Harry-Anna Trust Fund.

Pictured are some of the attendees.

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Written by Cristin Rumler

On Oct. 3, Sanford Elks Lodge #1241 participated in the city of Lake Mary’s National Night Out event. This event is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. The lodge gave out information on its upcoming Hoop Shoot, the Americanism essay contest and its Swing 4 Veterans charity golf tournament.

Pictured are Bart Peterson, PDD; Bo Lindstrom, PER; and Lisa Lindstrom, PER, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Cristin Rumler

On Sept. 18, Sanford Lodge donated school supplies to Tools 4 Seminole Schools, which collects and distributes school supplies and classroom materials to help alleviate the burden from teachers and low-income parents. The store has everything from pencils, notebooks, crayons and glue to tissues, socks and underwear, whatever is needed for students to be in school. The donated supplies were surplus from the lodge’s Family Fun Day and back-to-school supply drive, which was funded by the Elks National Foundation Gratitude and Beacon grant combo for $7,500.

Pictured is Cristin Rumler, lodge grants coordinator, among the school supplies at Tools 4 Seminole Schools.

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Written by Jerry O'Gara, PER

On Sept. 11, Palm Coast Elks Lodge #2709 continued the tradition of gathering to commemorate the sacrifice of those who died and those who responded Sept. 11, 2001. PER Jerry O’Gara was the ceremony producer, member Fred Gleissner was bell coordinator, and member and retired FDNY Lt. Richie Glover was the keynote speaker. PSP Vic McClellan presided over the event and congressional staffer Ashley Cook spoke on behalf of Senator Marco Rubio. Pictured are Elks Jerry DiMenna, master of ceremonies; David Alfin, Palm Coast mayor; Greg Hansen, Flagler County Commissioner; Chief Mark Strobridge, sheriff’s office; and Kyle Berryhill, Palm Coast Fire Chief. Also pictured are attendees, the lodge’s 9/11 monument, Elks in the Pipes and Drums, and the Sheriff's Office and Fire Department Color Guard.