Northeast District

Details

Written by Carla Ray Rhymes

Jacksonville Lodge held its Flag Day ceremony June 11 for 75 attendees, including lodge officers, members, family, armed forces members, veterans, police officers and representatives from Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). Lodge members provided “About Our Flag” brochures, “Honor Our Flag” decals and flag lapel pins. Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Color Guard performed, led by Lt. Elizabeth Kenny; St. Johns County Sheriff Deputy Rust Burns; and Bob Morgan, Flag Day chair. Afterward, there was a fireside burning of 52 unserviceable flags, and the lodge hosted a buffet for all in attendance.

Pictured are the color guard; Carla Ray Rhymes, Americanism Chair, with Wally Banks, Jacksonville Police Officer, who won the flag giveaway; and Karen Tracey, Esquire and Veterans Services Chair.

Details

Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

On May 20, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 used a portion of the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to sponsor a patriotic-themed event for children at the Green Cove Springs Library. More than 70 participants received books and American flags, played games, made crafts, visited with face painters and balloon artists, took photos with Wonder Woman, and enjoyed ice pops. They also participated in a Kids Choice Awards voting exercise, provided by the Clay County Supervisor of Elections Office. Sixteen lodge members and volunteers along with two Green Cove Springs Police Department officers supported the event by greeting families and assisting with activities. Jennifer Parker, library branch manager and Leading Knight, delivered books and materials from the event to the local Head Start program for their pre-k students.

Pictured:

Volunteers

Green Cove Springs PD Officers Milliken and Vanhof and Exalted Ruler Lynn Elrod posing with Wonder Woman

Lodge members Eddie and Barbara Thompson assisting the Orvosh family at a craft table

Supervisor of Elections Community Service Coordinator Heather Stewart assisting families at the voting machine

Head Start Center Manager Marisol Buitrago and Library Manager Jennifer Parker, Leading Knight

Details

Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

On June 13, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge’s PER Tuesday night charity bingo continued to support the community by presenting a check for $2,000 to the Clay Education Foundation/Dolly Parton Imagination Library. This program provides books each month to children from birth to age 5.

Pictured are Paul Orvosh, PDD; Clay Education Foundation members Pat Litterick and Ruth Payne; Lynn Elrod, Exalted Ruler; and Ed Weston, PER, bingo chair.

Details

Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

On June 24, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 used a portion of the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to hold an activity day for local children. Fourteen members and guests assisted children as they moved through a variety of stations, including painting a patriotic picture, taking origami lessons, receiving kalimba music instruction and playing games. Eighteen children and their families were the recipients of art supplies, origami kits, a kalimba, hula hoops, frisbees and other items to take home to continue the fun activities together. A lunch of pizza, chips, fruit and cookies was served as well.

Pictured are member Don Hill leading kalimba music lessons; Jennifer Parker, Leading Knight, and Kathie Thompson, PER assisting with origami lessons; Kathie Thompson, PER and Laquetta Willimon, trustee, helping with games; Lynn Elrod, Exalted Ruler, and Joy Elrod, Loyal Knight, leading a patriotic painting session; and the Brooks family.

Details

Written by Deborah Reedy, PER

Hayden Heavener, representing Jacksonville Lodge, placed fourth in the nation at the Elks national Hoop Shoot contest in Chicago, Illinois, April 22. Hayden’s final score was 21 out of 25. Hayden’s parents, Courtney and Clark Heavener; grandparents Bev and David Heavener; and two brothers traveled to Chicago with him. They met ESPN broadcaster Sarah Spain, who gave the keynote speech about grit and perseverance at the awards banquet. "As long as you tried your hardest, as long as you put in the work, you can look back and say I did right by myself and my family and my competitors. That is truly grit," said Spain. The contestants got a tour of Soldier Field, swapped trading cards, helped make Welcome Home snack bags with the Elks National Veterans Service Commission and had fun in the ENF Hoop Shoot FanZone. Hayden is the first contestant from Jacksonville Lodge to make it to the national level.

Pictured are Hayden Heavener with his two brothers and ESPN broadcaster Sarah Spain, Hayden shooting at the nationals, and his trading card.