Seventeen men and women become the newest members of the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks. In the most recent Saturday morning new member initiation, nine residents of Mission Viejo were sworn into the Order of Elks. Eight other residents residing in Saddleback Valley communities were also initiated. Mission Viejo residents are: David Holloway, Pamela Jacob, Kenneth Willahan , Jason Baugh, Jeffrey Benjamin, Anthony Bommarito, Will Bortz, Susan Caterino, and Pele Christian. Also joining the Elks are: Robert Hund, and Lorna Rankin of Lake Forest, Annette Crawford of Aliso Viejo, Wayne Davis of Foothill Ranch, Rick Gamarra of Rancho Santa Margarita, and Mark Wolfe of Laguna Hills. Also initiated was Frank Ybarra from the city of Huntington Beach.
Exalted Ruler Jamie Camunas invited the new members to visit the Elks booth at the City’s Red Ribbon Walk Against Drugs on October 19th. This year’s event marks the 31st annual Walk Against Drugs and Community Fair. The event is hosted by the City of Mission Viejo and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The local Elks are proud to be long time participants in the City’s annual event.The Elks booth will feature games and quizzes with prizes, and will be passing out literature regarding the increasing numbers of teens who are using prescription and over-the-counter medications to get high. Many parents and caregivers don’t know enough about this problem, and many teens don’t understand the dangers. “How Teens Abuse Medicine” is a guide that helps parents and caregivers understand and identify the medications teens are abusing. The Elks will also have literature which addresses the truth about electronic cigarettes, also called e-cigarettes. The Elks National Program strives to teach all children and parents about the dangers of illegal drug use and prevent the abuse of legalized and prescription drugs. It is the largest volunteer drug awareness program in the United States. The program relies on state, district and Lodge volunteers to promote a drug-free lifestyle.
The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Lodge is celebrating 49 years of service to the Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 8 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”. For information regarding Elks programs or membership, call 949 830-3557
Elks New Members Seated L to R: Pam Jacobs, Annette Crawford, Susan Caterino, Exalted Ruler Jamie Camunas, Lorna Rankin, Pele Christian, and Anthony Bommarito. Standing L to R: Rick Gamarra, Dave Hollaway, Keneth Willahan, Will bortz, Jason Baugh, Robert Hund, Wayne Davis, Frank Ybarra, Ron roland, Jeffrey Benjamin, and Mark Wolfe
Photo Credit: Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks
Andy Costello
Elks Grand Lodge Area 7 Membership
& Marketing Committee
