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Written by Char Fisher

On Feb. 21, Lakeland Lodge provided meals from Mission BBQ for 130 patients at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital for Presidents’ Day. Char Fisher, Veterans Committee Chair, and Steve Masterton, PER assisted with the delivery. Funds from the lodge’s November veterans fundraiser were used to purchase these lunches.

Pictured are Steve Masterton, PER; Geoff Hopkins, Supervisor of Recreation Therapy & Creative Arts Therapy at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital; and Char Fisher.

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

On Jan. 22, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 hosted a community baby shower, which was funded by the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant. New mothers from the community were given a diaper bag, diapers, baby wipes, toys, bottles, bibs and sippy cups. To support early literacy, each mother also received a home library of seven children's books. Additional door prizes of strollers, playpens, bath sets, monitors and other useful items were presented. Lodge volunteers worked in conjunction with volunteers from the local library, Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services (FECTS), and members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Department and Green Cove Springs Police Department to greet families, present gifts, host games, provide helpful information, serve lunch, and provide an afternoon of celebration and community support.

Pictured are member Kim Miller, a grandmother and new mother with her twins, Sergeant Tammy Perry, and librarian Jennifer Parker.

Lodge members and volunteers prepare for the event.

Pictured are FECTS therapist Melanie Sarris; lodge grant coordinator, Tracy Carroll, PER; and FECTS therapist Rae Montgomery.

Deputy Tim Mulvaney, Kim Miller, Deputy Sherri Leach, and Lucie Barnette, PER hand out diapers and supplies.

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Written by Becky Wills

Viera Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler, H. Jerry Harrington, announces the institution of their Antlers Lodge chartered by the Grand Lodge. The Antlers is a group of young people that assists their lodge in community service projects. Pictured Feb. 20 are Harrington; Erin Enrique, Antlers President, holding the charter; and Thomas Carns, District Deputy Grand Exalter Ruler, who performed the officer installation. There were 19 Antlers members initiated at the inaugural meeting. Lodge member Eric Enrique is the lodge sponsor. He is a new member with teenage children and Harrington asked him to lead the creation of this group. Some members have already helped at lodge events.

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Written by Diane Morse

On Feb. 10, members from Sebring Lodge went to the Highlands County Fair to present $100 checks to three students. Each of the students were participating in the FFA program or the 4H extension program and in the auction program that evening at the fair. The monies presented were to assist the students in the costs they had accrued for their projects during the past year. These monies were add-ons to the auction prices they received for their individual projects. The students wrote to the lodge explaining their projects and some of the things they had experienced and learned. TJ Mercer, showing his hog, is involved in the FFA program at Sebring Middle School. Jayce Graham, a student at Sebring High School, was participating in the 4H extension program growing citrus trees. Annjalee Johnson, showing her hog, is involved in the FFA program at Sebring High School.

Presenting the checks to Mercer, Graham and Johnson are Stacy Hill, two-year trustee, and Diane Morse, Loyal Knight.

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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

On Feb. 11, Holley-Navarre Elks Lodge #2787 donated $1,000 to Healing Paws for Warriors. This organization dedicates hundreds of hours to support veterans who are challenged with mental and physical issues. Each dog is rescued and is then sent through rigorous American Kennel Club certification training to learn at least 40 commands. Once they are officially certified, they are carefully matched with their veteran. After being matched, both the veteran and dog go through eight consecutive weeks of training. When training is completed, the veteran and dog go home together. Healing Paws for Warriors provides the dog and training at no cost to the veteran, which includes fees to fully vet the dog before going home with the veteran. Pictured are Ray Yantch, PER, Exalted Ruler; Tom Talbott of Healing Paws; Rosie; Ann Riley, lodge grants coordinator; J.J. Johnson of Healing Paws; Lynn Watkins of Healing Paws; and Huey.

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Written by Rita Smith

Club Chivalry for Successful Students, the Robinson High School club sponsored by Tampa Lodge, formed a team to participate in the American Cancer Society’s upcoming Relay 4 Life, which will take place on the Robinson football field April 22. Like many fundraising relays, the students must look for sponsors; each student on the team is tasked with raising $100. This will earn them a T-shirt and the privilege of staying past 11 p.m. At the Feb. 14 club meeting, the students decorated luminaria for lodge members to purchase for $10 each. The money goes to the American Cancer Society but the student gets the credit. Most people purchase a luminaria to honor somebody who has had cancer. The bags are lit at sunset and remain lit throughout the night to signify the long battle against cancer. There is a special dinner for survivors preceding the relay.

Pictured are students decorating the luminaria.