On Oct. 17, the Veterans Council of Highlands County held its first awards luncheon. Bert Horwitz, PDD was named Sebring Elks Veteran of the Year and Ronna Mason, PER was named Sebring Elks Non-Veteran of the Year. Pictured are Lodge Veterans Services Committee members: Ronna Mason, PER; Brenda Walton; Bert Horwitz, PDD; Diane Morse; and Ron Schilffarth. Walton presented 50 $40 Publix gift cards to Glenn West, council president. They will be given to veterans in need to go along with turkeys for their Thanksgiving meal, which is being provided by the council. The cards were purchased using the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant.