East Central District

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Written by Merritt Island Elks

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On Oct. 7, Merritt Island Elks Lodge #2650 used its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to help a local learning institution purchase some badly needed computers for the teachers and students. The Brevard Private Academy in Merritt Island, Florida, is a school for kids who don’t fit into the public school system. This school keeps these kids from falling through the cracks and gives them the opportunity to get an education. Because the grant did not cover all the equipment needed, the lodge added an extra $1,686. Cheree Shaykhian, president of the academy, started to tear up as she thanked the lodge members and presented the lodge with a plaque. Pictured are Kim Johnson, Lodge Secretary; Shaykhian; and Jim Gregg, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Davina Watercutter

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On Oct. 31, DeLand Elks Lodge #1463 and three local businesses participated in a community contactless Trunk or Treat Halloween event, each at their own locations. There were 211 cars that attended their drive-thru. The Elks distributed thousands of pieces of candy to over 500 children along with Drug Awareness coloring books. All the candy and pretzels were donated by lodge members. Pictured along with the drive-thru are lodge members Warren Kerswill and Desiree Templeton. Other members dressed up in costumes for the event as well.

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Written by Merritt Island Elks

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Merritt Island Elks Lodge #2650 awarded three $2,000 scholarships to recent high school graduates — Elizabeth Davey of Merritt Island High School who will be pursuing a degree in criminal justice at the University of North Florida, Kahlil Cole of Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School who will be pursuing a degree in engineering at Florida A & M University; and Sophia Sardella of Merritt Island High School who will be pursuing a degree in biology at the University of North Florida. Sophia was also the recipient of an Elks National Foundation Legacy Award scholarship. Because of the pandemic, the scholarships were mailed to the students July 29 instead of being presented in person.

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Written by Frank Kuczkowski, PER

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On Aug. 22, Port Orange Elks Lodge #2723 held its first luncheon which will be a monthly event at the First Step Homeless Shelter in Daytona, Florida. The grill used to cook the luncheon was purchased by the lodge along with a grill cover, propane tanks and propane using $696.70 from its $3,500 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant. Along with the grill, members donated $450 to purchase bags, snacks and supplies which were distributed to the residents of the shelter. The shelter operates a safe zone where people experiencing homelessness have the option to become a temporary resident or just spend the day. Operating the grill are Dan Black, trustee, and Gary VanOpdorp, PER, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Titusville Elks

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Titusville Elks Lodge #2113 raised money from bingo to award three $1,000 academic scholarships to area seniors. Jared Rymkos from Titusville High School will study computer engineering, Jenna Koller from Astronaut High School will study journalism; and Brooke Stone from Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School will study criminal justice. Because of the lodge’s closure due to the pandemic, checks were mailed for the students at the end of June instead of being awarded during a presentation.