West Central District

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Written by Tarpon Springs Elks

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On Jan. 3, Tarpon Springs Elks Lodge #1719 donated $3,000 from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to Wheelchairs 4 Kids. With this donation, the organization can further its mission of improving the lives of children with physical disabilities. Mary Kurchinski applied for the grant and visited the office in Tarpon Springs to see the impact the contribution has made.

Pictured are Bob Gorby, PER; Mary Kurchinski, Lodge Grants Coordinator; Nancy Gorby, past lodge Ladies president; and a Wheelchairs 4 Kids staff member.

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Written by Virginia Warfield

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At the State President’s visit to the West Central District Sept. 14, St. Petersburg Lodge #1224 was awarded a first place $900 President's Grant after scoring highest among the district lodges for lodge procedures and tasks. The lodge will use this grant on their holiday food baskets project.

Pictured is State President Russ Smith presenting the President's Grant to Brian Haverfield, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Largo Elks

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On July 6, Largo Elks Lodge members Steve and Maureen Dunham volunteered to drive seven students from four local schools to the Florida Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla. The kids spent the week there, and the following weekend, the Dunhams drove back to pick them up. Most of these kids had never been to camp before, and they attended this year at no cost to them because of camp scholarships. They all had a great time and were excited to make new friends and they hope to return next year.

Pictured are several campers at Largo Lodge the day they left for camp.

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Written by Carol Lee Spages

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On May 17, in honor of National Police Week, New Port Richey Lodge members presented the staff of the New Port Richey Police Department with a tray of cookies and a thank you card.

Pictured are Elizabeth Groves, Inner Guard and American Chair; Operation Lt. Chris Mellecker; and Pauline Moreno, lodge member.

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Written by Rita Smith, PER

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On April 15, seven Tampa Elks were at Robinson High School for the final Club Chivalry meeting of the school year. They served pizza from Blackjacks and gave certificates to the sponsor and club officers and a special award for great attendance. Club members indicated that if given the option, they would join again next year. Some of their favorite things were the food, teambuilding exercises and they making friends. They finished the meeting with drawings for two gift cards.

Rita Smith, PER, project manager, presents certificates to Ms. Morman, sponsor; Jordon, club president; Miah, vice president; Markeria, public relations; and volunteers Betty Orcutt, Patricia Volpe, Shelagh Gombarcik, Bonnie Atwood, Tommy Moore, and Carolyn Miller.

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Written by Rita Smith, PER

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At the Tampa Lodge’s March 25 Club Chivalry meeting, Edie Hanley, Loyal Knight, spoke about the Drug Awareness program. When the students were asked if they knew someone who had overdosed, at least 2/3 of them raised their hands. This was a topic they needed to hear more about, and Hanley’s experience working for the sheriff’s department was helpful. She also provided them with a Drug Awareness program bag with some information and a red ribbon. Also at the meeting was Elks National Foundation Legacy Scholar Lucas Dye, as scholars are required to do community service with a lodge at least once a year. He is a sophomore at the University of Tampa. He and PER Shelagh Gombarcik, Bonnie Atwood, Carolyn Miller and Patty Volpe hid 305 Easter eggs outside, though most were in plain sight. Ten golden eggs had a special prize of either a $10 gift card or an extra bag of candy.

Pictured are volunteers filling eggs; students listening to Edie Hanley’s Drug Awareness talk; and Lucas Dye, Bonnie Atwood, and a raffle winner.