ELKS MEMBERSHIP GROWS AS THE MISSION VIEJO, SADDLEBACK VALLEY LODGE MAKES PLANS FOR THE COMING YEAR.
Eight area men and women became the newest members of the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks in February. Mission Viejo residents are: Arnold Christensen, Jennifer James, Mike Oftedahl, and Paul Redman. Also initiated were: Mark Elliot of Laguna Woods, Bradley Eves of Laguna Hills, Kelly Sanders of Ladera Ranch and Gabrielle Unzueta of Capistrano Beach.
Lodge President Derek Randles welcomed the new members reminding them of the Lodge’s numerous charity projects which are being planned for the Elk’s new year beginning in April. Randles explained that Elks Lodges bring so much more to their communities than just a building or a bar.
They are places where neighbors come together, families share meals, and children grow up. The Order spends more than $80,000,000 every year for benevolent, educational and patriotic community-minded programs in such fields as benefiting physically handicapped children, sponsoring Elks National Foundation scholarships, scouting, athletic teams, veterans’ works, local and national “Hoop Shoot” free-throw contests involving more than 3 million children, physical and occupational therapy programs and patriotic programs.
Randles added, “The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Lodge invests in the Saddleback Valley community through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, by undertaking projects that address unmet need, and by honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans.” The newly initiated Elks all pledged their support by becoming active members in the Lodge’s participation in those worthy programs.
Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 45 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 10 lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 147 year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share”
Photo:
Seated L to R: Gabrielle Unzueta, Jennifer James, Lodge President Derek Randles, Kelly Sanders, and Arnold Christensen
Standing L to R: Paul Redman, Bradley Eves, Mike Oftedahl, and Mark Elliot.
SENIOR DANCE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15,2015
Seniors Marilyn & Clem Smith of Mission Viejo
A Valentine’s Day Senior Dance was held by the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Lodge #2444 a huge success with the proceeds going to the Elks Lodge charities, and proceeds from the Fall Senior Dance going to the Norm Murray Senior Center.
The Center is named after Lodge Past Exalted Ruler Norm Murray. Boyd Garrison provided the music for listening and dancing pleasure, and had most of the youthful seniors filling the dance floor throughout the afternoon. The tables were elegantly decorated with lovely vases and red roses set on a white tablecloth, red topper and white napkins around the silverware wrapped in Valentine decorations.
The menu consisted of Chicken Kiev, Mashed Potatoes, String Beans and a green salad, followed by a lovely Valentine decorated mousse cake for desert. Mary Ann Alverez arranged for the servers from the Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority of Cal State Fullerton and a donation was made by the Lodge to the sorority.
Also assisting were volunteers from the Norm Murray Center Assistance League. Many thanks to all volunteers that assisted in making this another successful event
Gloria R. LeCouvre, PER
Event Coordinator
Gregg Morgan
Event Chairman
Mission Viejo Elks Hoop Shoot
Daniel Hernandez Hoop Shoot Director in white and navy blue shirt
Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 was well represented by three very talented Mission Viejo hoopsters at the 2015 State Hoop Shoot contest. This Elks Southern California competition was held at Paramount Park Gym on Saturday Feb. 7.
In the boys 12 to 13 year old group, Tyler Yamaguchi from Las Flores Middle School, took 3rd place with 19 shots made out of 25 attempts.
In the boys 10 to 11 year old group, Jake Woodall from De Portola Elementary school, took 4th place with 17 shots made.
In the boys 8 to 9 year old group, Tyler Kelly from De Portola Elementary, took 4th place with 17 shots made.
Each age group was represented by 10 hoop shooters. Each competitor is a first place winner at Elks Hoop Shoot competitions conducted for boys and girls at both Lodge and District levels. First place winners of Elks State Hoop Shoot competitions typically make at least 21 of their 25 free throw attempts. This is a very competitive and successful group of young people!
Hoop Shoot Director Daniel Hernandez of Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 congratulates these exceptional young people as shining examples of what can be accomplished by hard work and dedication. Not surprising, all of these boys love the game of basketball and are great gentlemen on and off the court.
Mike Long
Andy Costello
Elks Publicity