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Written by Becky Wills

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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 Jacksonville Elks

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John Pipkins, left, House Committee Chair of Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221, loads an electric wheelchair with the assistance of a friend, Ian Carson, for Pastor Elwyn Jenkins Jan. 21. The wheelchair was donated by an anonymous lodge member. Jenkins, who is a member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #1046, which meets at the lodge for its monthly meetings, gave the donation to someone in need of a wheelchair at his church.

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Written by Diane Morse

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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 Cristin Rumler

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On Dec. 12, Sanford Elks Lodge members hosted a craft table at the Sensitive Santa event hosted by Special Needs Advocacy Program Inc. and Ladies 327, a local nonprofit, at the Seminole Town Center Mall in Sanford, Florida. The event is held for families with children with all spectrums of special needs and provides a more controlled and welcoming environment to enjoy the Santa photo experience.

Pictured are Bo Lindstrom, Exalted Ruler; Larry Carver, Tiler; Lisa Lindstrom, Leading Knight; Natalie Carver, spouse; and children attending the event.

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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

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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 Lakeland Elks

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On Jan. 14, Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 presented its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to the United Way of Central Florida for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. This donation will provide books for at least 800 children in Lakeland, Florida. Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, the lodge had to cancel their hands-on event with the children at the qualifying day care. While they were unable to register the children in person, they were able to provide each of the 100 children with an Elks reusable shopping bag, a Dolly Parton Imagination Library application, an initial starter book and some activities. 

Pictured at the check presentation at the lodge are Elroy the Elk (member John McArthur); John Mathison, PER, Exalted Ruler; Jodi Miller from United Way; and Gerry and Penny Deig, lodge members.

Also pictured is a sample of the books and Elks bags.

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Written by Rita Smith

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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.

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Written by Judy Wise

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On Jan. 15, 14 members of Plant City Elks Lodge #1727, along with a daughter and grandson of members, gave up their Saturday morning to unload and spread 45 cubic yards of playground mulch at the Boys & Girls Club in Plant City, Florida. The lodge donated the mulch, valued at $1,000, to make their playground safe and clean. David Brewington, longtime lodge member, loaded his front-end loader and moved the mulch from the parking lot to the playground, where the volunteers raked and spread it evenly. This project was led by member Ed Wise.

Pictured in the front are Ed Wise and Caleb, Kenny Goodwien’s grandson. Seated in the middle row are Abigail Dunkin, Brandon Dunkin’s daughter; Martin Wisgerhof; Mike Fiaschetti; and Stephen Smith. Standing in the back row are Brandon Dunkin, Mark Henderson, John Bullard, Kenny Goodwien, Ben Edgermon, Bill Tew, Ron Johns, Braydon Edgermon and Tony Rivera. Not pictured is David Brewington.