Northeast District

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Written by Deborah Reedy, PER

Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 held a back-to-school event Aug. 3 with 61 students, parents, grandparents and siblings, for a total of approximately 120 guests. Students chose their favorite color from 100 backpacks purchased by the lodge. With the assistance of a lodge member, students selected school supplies they needed for their grade. Afterward, they chose key chains to add to their backpack. The lodge gifted them books as well, to enhance literacy in their family. They also made bookmarks and other fun crafts. Tables were set up to promote Americanism, Drug Awareness and Hoop Shoot by their respective chairs. Lunch was provided for everyone attending, and the families expressed how grateful they were to receive a generous amount of school supplies and backpacks from the Elks and how much fun it was to attend the event. The lodge funded this event with $1,800 from the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant, and members were generous with donations in the school supply drive, which were valued at more than $600. The remaining supplies were divided between five Title 1 schools. Helping the 17 volunteers were Marissa Costello, a 2022 Legacy Scholarship winner attending college in Georgia and sponsored by Viera Elks #2817, and a member’s daughter, Brianna Clark.

Members and volunteers pictured are Kathy Glass, Chaplain; Tony Langhals, Inner Guard; Carla Rhymes, Lodge Americanism Chair, Brent Reedy, Lodge and North Regional Hoop Shoot Chair and Leading Knight; John Pipkins, trustee; Robin Pipkins, Exalted Ruler; Frances Fowler; Nancy Olds; Marissa Costello, Legacy Scholarship recipient; Pam Haley, Activities Chair; Brianna Clark, daughter of member Melissa and Bruce Clark; AJ Jones, District Drug Awareness Chair; and Susan Kelly.

Also pictured are Kinglsey Egerton Jr. helping his children pick out backpacks with Pamela Haley, Activities Chair; a member of the Patterson family having fun at the Hoop Shoot booth with Brent Reedy, Lodge and North Regional Hoop Shoot Chair; and the White family, who brought six of their eight children to the event. Holding a book and showing off their backpacks, they were very appreciative of the donations of school supplies.

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Written by Tracy Carroll, PER

On July 25, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 presented a Grand Lodge certificate of recognition for properly flying the American flag to Eagle Harbor Dental. Dr. Curtis Standish and his wife, Amy Standish, R.N., are both Navy veterans who take great pride in promoting patriotism. Their two daughters, Dr. Kelly Standish-Mayo and Dr. Erin Standish, are also dentists in this family practice. Pictured are Stari Zingarelli; Taylor Tinsley; Jennifer Parker, Exalted Ruler; Dr. Curtis Standish; Amy Standish, R.N.; Dr. Erin Standish; Dr. Watson, the dentists’ dog; Kim Rodriguez; Brittany Vadney; Kelley Vinson; Marisa Young; and Tabitha Hickel.

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Written by Tracy Carroll, PER

Using a portion of the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant, Green Cove Springs Lodge held its first of three Summer Reading in the Park events June 1. Partnering with the Green Cove Springs Police Department, the lodge provided books and snacks to 16 children and 15 adults at the Spring Park gazebo, with Officer Holien entertaining the families as the guest reader. The lodge held its second story time July 6 and will hold its third Aug. 3.

Pictured are Greg Hughson, PDD, and Jennifer Parker, Exalted Ruler, distributing books, and Officer Holien reading to the families.

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Written by Gainesville Elks

On May 18, Gainesville Lodge member Joey Sarkey delivered the lodge's collection of can tabs to the Ronald McDonald House and presented them to Marie Swift, manager. These tabs go exclusively to paying the utility bill. She noted that these two bags weighing 10 pounds will go a long way toward paying one month's bill. 

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Written by Gainesville Elks

On May 2, Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 received a proclamation from the Gainesville mayor, designating May 1-7 as Youth Week in the city.

Pictured are Jeanette Sexton, Esquire; Bobby Andreu, Exalted Ruler; Najwa Liscombe, trustee; Mayor Harvey Ward Jr.; Tim Pohlman, trustee; and Louis Mallory, PER, trustee.