North Central District

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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.

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Written by Pam DePriest

Winter Garden Elks members partnered with Maxey Elementary School Jan. 10 for a fundraiser for fifth graders to visit Tallahassee, Florida, to see the university and the Capitol. More than $1,300 was raised from the Friday Night Lights fundraiser where the lodge provided, cooked, and sold barbecue pork, hot dogs, chips, buns, and cookies. They also provided baked goods for the raffle. Pictured are Frances Heckman, Elks spouse; Cheri Doyno, Elks spouse; Leslie Yant, Elks daughter; John Biasi, Elk; Gloria Wallick, Elks spouse; Ed Colon, Elk; and Pam DePriest, Elk.

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Written by Winter Garden Elks

The Ocoee Police Department recognized Winter Garden Lodge Jan. 31 for their outstanding contributions as a community partner. The lodge held a baby shower for 25 mothers with low incomes, providing diapers, wipes and other baby necessities. They also held a fundraiser and raised $10,000 for a young man battling cancer. Another of their fundraisers raised $10,000 for an Ocoee man’s medical bills after a hunting accident. Receiving the award are Wally Hatch; Joe Snyder; Bob Warren, PDD; Frank Severance, PER; Cheri Doyno, and Pam DePriest along with Chief of Police, Charles Brown.