Florida Elks News Editor:
Rachael King
 
Entire contents copyright 2023 by the
Florida State Elks Association Inc.
P.O. Box 49
Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
352-669-9443

Share Your Story

We'd love to see & share your Lodge & District Events!

FSEA - Share Your Story

Let's promote what our Florida Elks are doing to support your community

SUBMIT YOUR STORY

Millenium Walkway Logo

Preserve any person, event, or memory with a personalized brick at your Florida Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla, Florida. 

Learn More

Florida Elks News Online

893 vets

The Lake City Elks Lodge Veterans Committee chaired by Captain Michael Lydick has been helping residents of the Lake City VA Medical Center and the Robert H. Jenkins Veterans Domiciliary Home for many years. While the facilities provide the necessities, the lodge provides the additional things that help to elevate daily life. Prior to the pandemic, the lodge would also provide outings to football, baseball and hockey games; rodeos; zoos; and truck shows. With the new restrictions, entertainment must now be provided within the facilities. Using lodge funds of about $2,000 and a $5,000 grant obtained by Lydick from the Suwannee Valley Community Foundation, the lodge provided the VAMC and domiciliary a variety of recreational items and materials requested by residents including several arcade games, an Xbox One S game console with multiple controllers and games, and a 65” TV. Craft rooms in both facilities were provided leather crafting supplies and leather hobby kits and plastic model car, boat and airplane kits. Batteries were provided for residents’ personal devices as well. A wide range of personal hygiene products were also provided. Pictured June 24 at the VA hospital entrance since visitors were not allowed inside are Michael Lydick, Lodge and District Veterans Chair; Michael Carey, Assistant Chief of Voluntary Services at the Lake City VA Medical Center; Karie Yates and Ben Givens, hospital employees in the recreation department; and Daniel Crapps with Suwannee Valley Community Foundation.