Lodge Exalted Ruler Derek Randles installed by Grand Lodge Exalted Ruler Norm Jones
One hundred thirty Elks members, families and guests recently celebrated Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 (“Elks Lodge”) installation of Officers. Outgoing Exalted Ruler Jason Spence expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the members for a very successful year.
2014-2015 Officers take oath of office
He praised his Corps of Officers and Committee workers for the numerous charitable accomplishments of the past twelve months and for having the largest increase of new members in the past ten years. Spence also offered his congratulations to the incoming Corps of Officers, pledging his support and wishing them success in the coming year.
The new officers will be serving the Lodge for a term of one year starting April 1, 2014. They are: Exalted Ruler (Lodge president) Derek Randles of Laguna Hills, Vice Presidents: Leading Knight Camacho Alvarez, and Loyal Knight David McLeod of Mission Viejo. From Rancho Santa Margarita: Lecturing Knight Greg Morgan, Secretary, Past District Deputy Norm Jones, Esquire Julie Thomas, and Trustee Gary Bennington.
Also installed were: Treasurer William (Bill) Bongartz of Lake Forest, Chaplain Alfanso Valenciano of Aliso Viejo, Inner Guard Mike Long of Dove Canyon, Tiler Diana Wilson of Aliso Viejo, and Organist Andy Costello of Laguna Hills.
In his acceptance speech, newly elected Exalted Ruler Derek Randles said that his motto for the year will be, “Shooting Straight for Elkdom.” Randles also pledged to make his year a fun year while strictly adhering to the laws of the order. He highlighted the importance of the Lodge’s continued involvement in charitable works within the community.
At a year-end awards ceremony, three of Elkdom’s highest awards were presented. The Citizen of the year award went to Gloria R. LeCouvre. The Officer of the Year award was given to David McLeod, and the Elk of the Year honor was awarded to Lorene Tierney.
Officer of the Year – Lodge Lecturing Knight David McLeod, Citizen of the Year – Past Exalted Ruler Gloria R. LeCouvre, Exalted Ruler – Derek Randles, and Elk of the year – Lorene Tierney
In other Lodge news, four members were named to high positions in the Elks Orange Coast District. They are: Past District Deputy Norm Jones – Secretary, Past Exalted Rulers: Pat Martino – Hoop Shoot Chairman, Bill James – Major Project Vice Chairman, and State Vice President Harvey Boelts – Americanism Chairman.
The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Elks Lodge No. 2444, celebrating forty-one (44) years of service to the Saddleback Valley communities, is one of ten 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 146 year history of giving, “Elks Care, Elks Share.”
Andy Costello, Lodge Publicity
Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444
