North Central District

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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.

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Written by Eustis Elks

On Feb. 17, the Eustis Elks Lodge’s Americanism Committee recognized the Officers of the Year from police and fire departments of Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares, Leesburg, Umatilla and Howey-in-the-Hills. Officers were also recognized from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Fire Department and the Florida Highway Patrol. Also honored were the K-9 officers and their K-9s from Eustis, Leesburg and the Lake County Sheriff's Office. Dinner was served to all officers, spouses and the chief of each department. Each department was given a plaque to be placed at their departments. Each officer received a framed certificate of achievement from the lodge. Each chief explained why their officers were chosen for their recognition by their peers. The keynote speaker for this annual event was Michael J. Saxe, retired detective from New York City and a 9/11 first responder. He is also a member of the Ocala Elks Lodge. The Table of Honor was performed by the Mount Dora High School Jr. Air Force ROTC. Lodge member Lt. Chad Williamson of the Eustis Fire Department was chosen as that department's Officer of the Year.

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Written by Mike Rolls

On March 13, Ocala Elks Lodge #286 presented the Elks medal to two first responders – Firefighter R. Grajek of the Williston Fire Department and Police Officer C. Rosa of the Williston Police Department – for their dedication to the community and for going above and beyond the call of duty. Exalted Ruler-elect, Mike Rolls, presents the awards to Firefighter Grajek (left) and Officer Rosa (right).

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Written by Suzanne Cunningham

Once again, Elks and Anna Miller Circle members met at Eustis Elks Lodge #1578 March 16 to pack welcome kits for The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties. The donation included 340 adult welcome kits (travel-size soap, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and deodorant) and 100 children's welcome kits (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, lip balm, shampoo, a small toy and other items). Also included were 11 birthday kits (cake mix, frosting and candles) for children who celebrate their birthday at the shelter. Other items included food, children's clothes and toys. The total contribution was valued at $4,545.50. The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties is a shelter for women, teens and children who have been abused and who find themselves with no place to go during a difficult time. The Haven offers many services to help women and their children on the road to a safer and healthier life and the Eustis Elks and Anna Miller Circle are proud to be in the fight with them. Pictured packing kits are Stanley and Sherry Piskadlo, co-chairs of The Haven project; Joyce Collier, president of the Anna Miller Circle; Bonnie Smith; Judith Polson; Mary Ann Cerney; and Anna Mitchell. Suzanne Cunningham, co-chair of The Haven project, takes the picture.