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Written by David McCranie, PER

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On Aug. 19, DeLand Elks Lodge #1463, in conjunction with Veterans Administration and Changing Homelessness, a veteran-focused group, held an event at the lodge to provide information and assistance to unhoused veterans in Volusia County. The event helped 14 veterans find permanent housing, that day. It also provided veterans with information about legal help, navigating the VA process, suicide prevention, transportation, and medical care through the VA's mobile medical facility (pictured), which was also at the event. The lodge donated $500 to the program and over 50 veterans were assisted during the event. 

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Written by Florida Keys Elks

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On July 29, Florida Keys Elks Lodge’s Vets on the Water program granted the wish of 93-year-old Vietnam veteran Marlin, who is in hospice, to go fishing one more time. He is pictured with his daughter. Vets on the Water was originally funded by the Elks National Foundation $10,000 Impact Grant for four years, but it is now solely supported by lodge fundraisers. The program funds several water activities for veterans, including going out on a sailboat, snorkeling, group fishing on charter boats and touring the Keys.

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Written by Carmen Rivera

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On July 22, Orlando Elks Lodge #1079 used its $1,000 Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant to host a trip to Kennedy Space Center for five veterans — three lodge members and two nonmembers. The group was transported via a luxury Gray Line bus, with lodge trustee and professional tour guide, Carmen Rivera, leading them. The veterans were the last to board the bus. As Rivera introduced each veteran by name, military branch, rank and years of service, the passengers stood and applauded and waved small American flags, provided by the lodge. The veterans began their journey with a tour of the Rocket Garden, where towering relics of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs stood as tributes to the spirit of exploration. The group then explored KSC’s newest addition, The Gantry at Launch Complex 39, which provides a closer look at the launch pad and features a simulated rocket engine experience. At the Apollo/Saturn V Center, they witnessed a recreation of the Apollo 8 launch and walked beneath the massive Saturn V rocket, the most powerful rocket ever flown. They even touched a genuine moon rock. At the Atlantis exhibit, they were feet from the space shuttle and learned about its 33 space missions. There, the veterans explored interactive simulators, including docking a shuttle to the International Space Station. The veterans then had time with two astronauts, who offered handshakes, posed for photos and shared captivating stories. Throughout the day, the veterans were treated to lunch, refreshments and keepsakes. The day ended with a live shuttle launch.

Pictured are veterans Jack St. Laurence and Roger Bristol; Carmen Rivera, lodge trustee and tour guide; and veterans Ralph Bemos, Hall Hatmaker and Victor Berrios. Touching the moon rock is Hall Hatmaker.

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Written by Naples Elks

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On Aug. 4, Naples Elks Lodge #2010 donated a hurricane kit to Warrior Homes of Collier County (WHC), which works to end veteran homelessness. The kit included a battery backup pack, pair of ready-to-go portable rechargeable lanterns and a supply of batteries. Funds for the kit came from the $1,000 Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant.

Pictured are Arlene Hansen, Lodge Secretary; Kim LeBetz, Lodge Treasurer; Barbara Salkow, Warrior Homes board member; Adam Stanbro and Shiv Mangra, veteran recipients; and Brian Kamp, Lodge Grants Coordinator.

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Written by Rita Smith, PER

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Tampa Elks Lodge Drug Awareness Chair, Rosann Garcia, is keeping the program active in the community. On June 29, Garcia and member Patty Volpe, along with Elks National Foundation Legacy Scholar, Lucas Dye, a University of Tampa student, took inventory of the Drug Awareness supplies for two upcoming events. On July 27, Garcia provided Drug Awareness bags filled with school supplies and a red ribbon to 69 children attending the lodge’s back-to-school party. On Aug. 2, the lodge participated in the back-to-school block party put on by the nonprofit GainesHope Inc. This organization received the lodge’s leftover school supplies and invited the lodge to set up a station at their Hope on the Block event in West Tampa, a section of town with a high poverty rate. Garcia and Volpe set up a booth with a shade tent, folding table, chairs, some color-me tablecloths, jars of crayons and Drug Awareness bags. They spent four hours sharing the material with more than 100 children and adults. The extra school supplies, brochures and coloring books equipped nearly 70 elementary and teen students.

Pictured are Rosann Garcia and Lucas Dye taking inventory at the lodge. Also pictured are Garcia and Patty Volpe, left, at the block party assisting attendees in the lodge booth.

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Written by Renee Williams

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Lake City Elks Lodge #893 used proceeds from its April golf tournament to award $17,750 in scholarships to local high school seniors. Scholarships were awarded to 11 seniors at Columbia High School and four seniors at Fort White High School, recognizing students who exemplify academic excellence, community involvement and leadership. Presentations were made at Columbia High School May 6 and at Fort White High School May 8.

Pictured at CHS are Scholarship chair, Greg Beckman; students Lainey Grinstead, Peyton Sapp, Taylor Carroll,  Bethany Toreky, Haidyn Markham, Abigail Young, Madison Bailey,  Tai’Kenyan Forest, Jalesia Mayo, Cate Chancey, and Connor Sheilds; and Golf chair, Jerry Solenski.

Pictured at FWHS are Scholarship chair, Greg Beckman; students Hunter Southwell, Morgan Kelly, Kadence Compton, and Kaleigh Clements-Hamric; and Exalted Ruler, Renee Williams.

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Written by Renee Williams

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Lake City Elks Lodge #893 donated $500 July7 to support the PBJ Campaign, a local summer initiative in June and July benefiting families served by the Florida Gateway Food Bank and Catholic Charities Lake City Region. This campaign provides children and families with simple, nutritious lunches, specifically peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. This donation helped supply approximately 500 loaves of sandwich bread.

Pictured are Renee Williams, Exalted Ruler; Shannon Moser, Catholic Charities regional director; and Renee LeBlanc, Catholic Charities case manager.

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Written by Susan Janes

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The Space Coast Antlers of Cocoa Beach Lodge sponsored a ‘60s themed dinner June 6 and donated half of their proceeds, $245, to the Harry-Anna Trust Fund for the Florida Youth Camp, as many of them spend a week a camp and enjoy every minute.

Antlers pictured in the back are Michael Butler, Jaden Haddock, Milane Cognetti, Attia Cognetti and Roma Cognetti. Antlers pictured in the front are Leo Haddock, Liam Russell, Khloe Trent and Ruby Earich.