Southwest Central District

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Written by Mary Kay Burns

Arcadia Elks Lodge #1524 is doing their part to encourage Florida’s DeSoto County youth to read – one quarter at a time. On Aug. 24, the Elks partnered with the Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County, the DeSoto County School District, the U.S. Census Bureau, All Faiths Food Bank, and the Boys and Girls Club to offer a morning of free loads of laundry, storytelling and resources at the Supermatt Laundry located on Hickory Street in Arcadia, Fla. Over 250 loads of laundry were washed and dried at no cost to them while children read or enjoyed stories being read to them. They also took part in various activities provided by the DeSoto tutoring bus and bookmobile. This event was made possible with an Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant and the help of Mary Kay Burns, FDOH DeSoto Administrator and Elks lodge officer who is dedicated to making an impact in the reading levels of DeSoto County youth and improving the health and well-being of DeSoto County residents.

Pictured at the Arcadia Elks’ Suds ‘n’ Stories event Aug. 24 at the Supermatt Laundry are Heather Smith, lodge member and Health Department; Jackie Hughes, Exalted Ruler; Cynthia Scott, Health Department; Penny Pringle, lodge member and Health Department; Nancy Higginbotham, lodge member; and Odella Rivas, All Faiths Food Bank.

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Written by Ronna Mason

For the sixth year, Sebring Lodge has used the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to sponsor the Highlands Little Theatre summer camp. This year there were 86 children from the fourth through 12th grades participating. The camp was for four weeks, Monday through Friday for three hours a day. Ages 11-18 were at camp for four weeks and ages 8-10 attended the last week. From June 27-29, they participated in a play called “Seussical Jr.” The directors, Tracy Schuknecht, Laura Wade and Christi Hagen, teach them “to appreciate the arts, grow in personal confidence, develop effective communication skills, become problem solvers, and to collaborate well with others.” Lodge members Jim Mason and George Quel presented the $2,500 check, and Quel explained that the Elks order was started in 1867 by eight theatrical men led by Charles Vivian from England and called themselves the Jolly Corks. In 1868 the name was changed to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Jim Mason, left, and George Quel, right, present Sebring Lodge’s Beacon Grant to the Highlands Little Theatre summer camp.

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Written by Marge Holbrook

Lake Placid Elks Lodge #2661 used the $1,500 Elks National Foundation Anniversary Grant to provide several car seats to those in need of financial help in their community. Members partnered with the Lake Placid Police Department who contacted these families. As the families received their car seats, lodge members obtained contact information of the families to be kept at the police department in case of any recalls. Members assisted the technicians as they showed them the proper way to install the seats.

Lake Placid PD’s Officer Mostyn Mullins helps install car seats for community members that were purchased using Lake Placid Lodge’s Anniversary Grant. Pictured with him is a recipient of a car seat.

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Written by Mark Daniels

On May 16, Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 made a donation of $500 to the Jean O’Dell School to purchase printing supplies and paper. This school is for kids who have autism and special needs. Pictured are Jamie Yost, assistant principal; Ashley Grupi, special-needs teacher; and April Summer, principal. Harry-Anna Trust Fund State Chairman, Mark Daniels, and Lakeland Exalted Ruler, Rick Burton, were at the presentation and received a tour of the school.

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Written by Ronna Mason

In mid-May, Ronna Mason from Sebring Elks Lodge #1529 presented a $1,200 check to Col. Mike Brown, undersheriff of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. This donation was earmarked for the sheriff’s youth camp located at Inglis near Crystal River which is for troubled youth ages 10-15.