Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 utilized the Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to fund summer guitar lessons for local students. The lodge purchased materials for 10 students and hired a guitar instructor, Marty Farmer, who provided seven hour-long group lessons throughout the summer. Lunch was provided at each session. On July 24, the students performed a recital for approximately 70 Elks and family members and stayed as guests for dinner after the performance.
On June 20, Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 hosted its annual Splash Day to raise awareness for autism and to benefit the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) which is associated with the University of Florida. There were 156 participants who attended the fun-filled and informative afternoon event. Using the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant and lodge donations, 33 volunteers, including Florida Elks therapist Val Edmands, helped raise awareness of CARD and its services.
Gainesville Lodge member Austin Roper takes a turn in the dunking booth as Dustin Klein tries to dunk him. Dustin’s father is member Jason Klein. Dustin brought his own money to donate at the dunking booth.
FECTS therapist Valerie Edmands was on hand to share information with families. She is pictured with Margie Garlin from CARD.
Green Cove Springs Lodge hosted the third Northeast District Florida Ladies of Elks (FLOE) fashion show May 6. FLOE Treasurer Linda Rittenhouse and 18 lodge volunteers modeled the casual wear, set up and decorated the lodge, and prepared and served the food to the delight of the show’s 81 attendees. Tiffany Ruff of RESORT FASHIONS presented the fashions for sale aided by six ladies from Green Cove Springs Lodge who modeled the casualwear. The show raised $1,581.46 for Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services and the Florida Elks Youth Camp.
Shirley Orvosh, Nancy Klopfenstein, Joy Elrod, Barbara Giansanti, Joi Thomas and Debi Langeluttig (members and spouses) model fashions at the Northeast District FLOE fashion show held at Green Cove Springs Lodge May 6.
On June 4, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 sponsored the summer kickoff for the Green Cove Springs Public Library. This was the lodge’s fourth year of promoting this program. The event was to encourage children to sign up for the special library programs for children of all ages. In attendance were 164 children accompanied by 50 adults. Twenty volunteers assisted the children and provided an age-specific book for each child.
Green Cove Springs Lodge members Lynn Clunk and Deb Langeluttig sign up participants for summer library events June 4 at Green Cove Springs Public Library.
St. Augustine Elks Lodge #829 awarded 10 $1,000-scholarships to 2019 graduating Seniors. Scholarship recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, school activities, community service and financial need. These are this year’s recipients: Nicholas Barlow (Florida Atlantic, finance/medical), Oliver Capp (Sante Fe State/UF, business), Alexandra Petrilli (Anderson University, biology/business), Emily Gober (University of Florida, physical therapy), David Lee (scholarship chairman), Mike Hughes (Exalted Ruler), Emily Jackson (University of Florida, biomedical/med school), Mackenzie Simon-Collins (Johns Hopkins University, neuroscience), Joshua Gould (University of North Florida, mechanical engineering), Zoe Wilson (Florida State University, sports medicine) and Mary Roy (First Coast Technical College, nursing). Not pictured is Susanna Matza (Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting – film/TV/media).