Northeast District
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- Written by: Deborah Reedy, PER
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On June 13, members of Jacksonville Elks Lodge’s Community Activities Committee assisted Riverwood Nursing Home residents in playing bingo. They had a great time with the 15 residents who played and they enjoyed getting to know them. This is a monthly activity for the lodge.
Pictured are members Kelly Paulson; Carole Shapley; Cheryl Kehl, Exalted Ruler; Pam Haley, Chair; Tony Langhals; Joan Langhals, spouse; Anne Paulisczak; and Jack Paulisczak. Not pictured is Deborah Reedy, PER, who took the photo.
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- Written by: Tracy Carroll, PER
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On June 6, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 used a portion of its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to fund a day of children's art, music and activities. Eighteen Elk volunteers assisted with activity stations, including patriotic painting, kalimba music lessons and various craft stations, as well as serving lunch to the children and their families. Twenty-one children received additional art supplies, origami kits, a kalimba, a frisbee, flower seeds and soil, books, and patriotic beads and sunglasses to enjoy throughout their summer.
Pictured:
Elks volunteers preparing for the day
Some participants with Kristine Watson, Exalted Ruler, and Barbara Feingold, Elk art session volunteer
Participants painting on the porch
Member Gail Ardis and Lecturing Knight Ray Rosam leading a kalimba music lesson
Volunteers Hayley Sakowski and Thomas Green assisting with crafts
Families enjoying lunch (two photos)
Items for participants
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- Written by: Tracy Carroll, PER
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On May 18 and June 3, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 presented three high school seniors with $1,000 scholarships.
Pictured in the front are students Khalon Franklin of Fleming Island High School and Megan Moran of Clay High School. In the back are Kristine Watson, Exalted Ruler; Pam Fore, Lodge Scholarship Chair; and Sally Thorsen, lodge volunteer. Also pictured is student Abigail Turner of Clay High School (with Megan Moran).
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- Written by: Tracy Carroll, PER
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On June 13, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 held the first of three summer readings at Spring Park, funded by the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant. Volunteers distributed books and snacks to 22 children and their families. Officers from the Green Cove Springs Police Department read aloud the book “Summer Vacation Here I Come,” distributed safety coloring books and let families explore their vehicles.
Pictured in the back row are Kristie Watson, Exalted Ruler, and GCSPD Sergeant Whitney. In the middle row are Tracy Carroll, PER, Lodge Grants Coordinator; Greg Hughson Sr., PDD, trustee; GCSPD Officer Heard; and Ed Weston, Treasurer. In the front row are Laura Elgin, member; Wendy Hughson, Youth Activities Chair; and Laquetta Willimon, trustee.
Also pictured are guests listening to the book reading and families looking at the police vehicles.
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- Written by: Gainesville Elks
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On June 9, Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 donated $5,000 to the Xtraordinary Joy Foundation to support their Xtraordinary Summer Day Camp in July for children with intellectual and physical disabilities who would otherwise be unable to attend camp. During this summer camp program, children play games, worship, do crafts and activities, and more to allow campers to grow in community and build confidence in themselves. Xtraordinary Joy creates inclusive, welcoming spaces where families affected by disabilities can connect, feel supported and experience joy together. They believe community is essential to resilience. Through events, gatherings and shared experiences, they work to reduce isolation and foster meaningful relationships among families navigating similar journeys.
Pictured are Betty “BJ” Sullivan, lodge member; Tony Meacham, Xtraordinary Joy Foundation co-founder; Moria Meacham, Amy and Tony’s daughter; Max Danford, Exalted Ruler; and Amy Meacham, Xtraordinary Joy Foundation co-founder.