The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks added eighteen new members to their growing ranks in the month of July. Mission Viejo Residents Joseph Connell, Michael Corlett, Steven Diehr, Loretta Griego, Randall Holst, Marilyn Kipp, Brian Mandel, and Robert Tebbutt became members. Also initiated into the Order were Jeanne & Philip Columna and Lori Whalen of Rancho Santa Margarita, Frances Hicks, and Nick Kalogrides of Laguna Niguel, Carol Chandler, and Peggy Sue Vallone of Laguna Hills, Mark Seretan of Foothill Ranch, David Fraser of Trabuco Canyon, and Eric Johnson of San Juan Capistrano.
Exalted Ruler (ER) Jamie Camunas and her corps of officers conducted the time-honored ritual of Initiation in which new members are introduced to the four principles of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks: Charity, Justice, Brotherly-Love, and Fidelity. Each of the Principals is adopted by a Station of every Elks Lodge in the nation. The impressive ritual points out that, of the Order’s four principals, the one that stands above all others is Charity. One special charity event in the Lodge’s planning stages for August is the upcoming return visit to the Orange County Rescue Mission in Tustin. The Elks will again put on a fun-filled carnival-day for the eighty (80) children and parents who now reside at that shelter for the homeless.
This year’s event is entitled “The Party in the Park.” Lodge members will bring truckloads of clothing, food, and fun with them and the Mission’s beautiful courtyard will again be transformed into a festive carnival-midway complete with colorful booths, awnings, games, and prizes for everyone, and complete with a kid’s favorite petting zoo and always popular bounce house. The event is funded by the Lodge Charity Committee along with a generous grant from the Elks National Foundation. ER Camunas invited the new initiates to participate in this year’s event saying. “Join us! It’s as much fun for the volunteer Elks members as it is for the families of the Mission.”
The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks #2444 in one of the eight Lodges making up the Orange Coast District, and proud to be an integral arm of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, the Nation’s Premiere Social, Charitable and Patriotic organization. For information about Elks Charities or membership in the Elks call the local Lodge at 949 830-355
New Elks Seated L to R: Loretta Griego, Carlo Chandler, Frances Hicks, Exalted Ruler Jamie Camunas, Marilyn Kipp, Peggy Sue Vallone, and Lori Whalen.
Standing L to R: Steven Diehr, Robert Tebbutt, Michael Corlett, Brian Mandel, Joseph Connell, Mark Seretan, David Fraser, Eric Johnson, Randel Holst, Philip Columna, Jeanne Columna, and Nick Kalogrides
Andy Costello
Grand Lodge Area 7 Membership
& Marketing Committee
