The Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Elks recently welcomed thirteen new members. The June class of initiates was the largest monthly class of the year and brought the local Lodge membership up to over 800 men and women.
Lodge president Jim Humphrey praised the new members saying, “These new Elks obviously understand what we are all about and are ready to play a role in our charitable endeavors.” Humphrey was referring to the enthusiasiam and spirit displayed by the initiates as they were installed as new members. Some volunteered to accompany the next visiting group to the Veteran’s Hospital. Some said they wanted to help out at the upcoming Sock Hop for Special Needs kids. All said they shared the common feeling that they appreciate what they have and wish to give something back to the less fortunate of the community.
Following the initiation, Lodge Leading Knight Pat Martino said with a grin, “We even got a couple new people with restaurant experience to volunteer to help out in the Lodge kitchen. We can always use a hand there.” Martino added, “These new members are from all walks of life, some are retired, but I’m happy to see increasing numbers of young men and women joining who are still of working age and with young families.”
Although the business of implementing the many Elks charities and benevolent activities is the main mission of the Elks, the task of operating and maintaining the Elk’s building facility in Mission Viejo is an ongoing challenge. “There is no shortage of work right here,” said Lodge House Committee Chairman Jim Wessling. “We need to keep the Lounge, kitchen and Club area running smoothly and looking good in order to accommodate our members and guests.”
Among those guests are area seniors who regularly enjoy dinner dances, children involved in Scouting and Little League, and members of the Law Enforcement and Fire Authority Agencies who are honored by the Elks at Awards Dinners. He added, “There is something going on here almost every day of the year, and when there are no scheduled Elks events, some of our facilities are made available for rent to the public for weddings and parties.
Besides all that, we are open to Elk members seven days a week with great social events, dinners, and entertainment.” Wessling was quick to add, “But above all the sociability aspects of our Lodge, we never lose sight of our primary mission to help those in need.”
