Southeast Central District

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Written by Carol and Joe Palowich

On April 6, Vero Beach Elks Lodge #1774 held its annual Easter egg event at Wabasso School in Wabasso, Florida. The school is a special education center serving students ages 5 to 22. Within a safe and supportive learning environment, the children develop their academic and independent living skills to meet post-secondary goals and successful community integration. As always, Elroy the Elk was the big hit of the day. All students received their own Easter basket with stuffed animals. After some time to find their hidden eggs, the children were treated to juice and cupcakes. funding for this event came from the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant.

Pictured are lodge members Carol Palowich; Joe Palowich, PER; Rich Miller, PER; Kathi Miller, Secretary; Elroy the Elks (Ken Roberts); Bob Dowgiallo; Carol Trombley; Scott Hensel; and Jim Rannazzisi, PER.

Also pictured are two students with Elroy.

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Written by Carol and Joe Palowich

Vero Beach Elks Lodge #1774 had 109 participants in the Americanism essay contest. Nine students, pictured April 18, were chosen as winners for the Southeast Central District. Four of these students placed in the top three of their age divisions for the state contest — Tripp Gunter, second place, eighth grade (second from left); Gabriel Escobar, third place, fifth grade (third from left); Abigail Dupay, first place, sixth grade (seventh from left); and Daniela Martinez, third place, seventh grade (eighth from left). Pictured in the back are Jane Ferguson, 2022-2023 Americanism Lodge Chair, and Joseph Palowich, PER, last year’s Exalted Ruler during the contest.

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Written by Pete Jordan

The Port St. Lucie Elks Lodge’s motorcycle riders’ club partnered with the local Vietnam veterans’ color guard to march in the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. The lodge riders were recognized as best dressed.

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Written by Pauline Talbott

On April 18, Pam Saracene presented $5,000 in scholarships from Sebastian Lodge to five graduating seniors from Sebastian River High School. Each recipient was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

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Written by Pauline Talbott

On April 8, Sebastian Elks Lodge #2714 supported a community Easter egg hunt at the South Mainland Community Center in Micco, Florida. The Drug Awareness trailer was on-site and children were able to take a break from the fun and color. Drug Awareness bags containing coloring books and red ribbons were given to approximately 50 children. The bags were also used in the Easter egg hunt. More than 500 plastic eggs filled with candy and prizes were donated by Dan Talbott, Exalted Ruler, and Michael Schodlbauer, PDD. Information was provided about the Florida Elks Youth Camp and Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services.

Pictured are guests coloring.

Under the Elks tent are Pauline Talbott, Lodge Drug Awareness Chair; Dan Talbott, Exalted Ruler; Mary Ducharme, Ladies Treasurer; and Michael Schodlbauer, PDD.

Elroy the Elk (Michael Schodlbauer) hunts for Easter eggs with the help of Mary Ducharme.