Local Elks Lodge Gets Passing Grades

By Andy Costello

The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks were recently visited by the California, Hawaii Elks Association Vice President for the Orange Coast District, JackieLynn DeFries. Accompanying the Vice President were twenty-five (25) District Committee Chairmen and women, each responsible for overseeing the activities of his or her counterparts in the eight Lodges that make up the Orange Coast District. In an officers and chairpersons meeting preceding the general members meeting, brief reports were made by each District chairperson. The reports addressed the performance of the local Lodge’s many committees. Americanism, Youth Activities, Veterans Services, Charities, Scholarships, Government Relations, Insurance & Safety, and Drug Awareness are just a few of the twenty-five Lodge committees. The Mission ViejoLodge was given grades of above average to excellent in all of the reports.

At the general members meeting which followed, Vice President JackieLynn read the biography of the new Association President Tim Jaeger. She also discussed the importance of good communication and community interaction, and she complimented the Lodge for its outstanding involvement in the Saddleback Valley Community and beyond. In addition to the Vice President and her entourage, Exalted Rulers and members from the surrounding District Lodges were in attendance. A lavish dinner was served on the Elks Lodge patio for the men & women spouses and significant others of the members who were attending the main meeting. The dinner honored “First Gent” to VP DeFries, Past District Deputy Harvey Boelts who is also Lodge Advisor to the local Lodge.

In other Elks news, July promises to be another busy month for members of the local Lodge. Members will again participate in the Lake Forest 4^th of July Parade. All veterans will be honored with Vets of WW II & Viet Nam riding in convertibles. On July 13^th the Lodge will hold its annual Sock Hop for special needs men and women of the Saddleback Valley. The much-anticipated event is expected to host over 150 special guests. July 15^th is the Lodge’s Red Cross Blood Drive which is open to the public. Call the Elks office for information (949 830-3557). The Elks Lady’s club will hold a “Summer in Santorini” fundraising dinner dance open to members and their guests on July 27^th, and Lodge Exalted Ruler Jamie Camunas and key Lodge officers will be attending the Elks National Convention in St Louis MO from June 30^th to July 3^rd.

The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No.2444, celebrating forty-nine (49) years of service to the Saddleback Valley communities, is one of eight 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 151-year history of giving. “Elks Care, Elks Share.”