By Steve Rusie
Mission Viejo-Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge 2444 was the scene of a gala Inaugural Ball honoring the newly elected Elk officers for the coming year. Elks Lodge President (Exalted Ruler) Jamie Camunas and First Lady Basia Bills hosted the event. Also honored were new Vice Presidents Greg Morgan (Leading Knight), Stuart Urquhart (Loyal Knight), Kimberly Maestri (Lecturing Knight). Twelve other newly elected and appointed officers and their spouses were also introduced. All will serve in their new positions for a term of one year.
PDDGER/CHEMPI Asst. Tiler Tom Lemm, Valerie Lemm , Shirley Echternacht and Past State President Art Echternacht
Esquire to the District Deputy Kevin Perkins and wife Constance
2019-2020 Officers and spouses of Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Lodge #2444
The Elks Lodge ballroom was beautifully decorated with Kentucky Blue and White draperies lining the walls and flowing ceiling swags cascading outward from a shimmering lighted crystal chandelier in the center of the room. The one hundred –fifty guests dined on Filet Mignon and Shrimp prepared by Elks volunteer chefs Michael, Laura and Stewart Boelts, and Kevin Lindley. Guests were served dinner by the young ladies of Girl Scouts Troop #1383, who received a donation from the lodge for their service. Guests were greeted by Barbara King and Past Exalted Ruler Richard Williams. The Grand March was held and Master of Ceremonies Harvey Ohman introduced the new officers and their escorts as they entered the ballroom. Dance music was provided by the band “Listen.”
Exalted Ruler Jamie Camunas and her escort PER Gilbert Jasso
Wife Janice and State Vice President Randy Eldridge
Dancing the night away is Exalted Ruler Jamie Camunas, escort PER Gilbert Jasso, Marine Regimental Sargent Major Anthony Pompas and wife Michelle, and State Vice President Randy Eldridge and wife Janice
Many Exalted Rulers, members, and dignitaries from other Orange Coast District Lodges attended the event. Exalted Ruler Camunas, her gent Past Exalted Ruler Gilbert Jasso and her corps of officers personally greeted the guests. Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Harvey Boelts introduced the dignitaries who included Orange Coast District Leader, Past State President Art Echternacht and wife Shirley, Grand Lodge Public Relations & Marketing Committeeman for Area 7 Andy Costello and wife Mary Ann, State Vice President Randy Eldridge and wife Janice, Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler/State Association Officer Tom Lemm and wife Valerie Lemm First Lady to District Deputy Dave York, Esquire to the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Kevin Perkins and wife Constance, Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler/Chempi Trustee Rick Blake and wife Kathy, Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Norm Jones, Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Harvey Boelts and his lady State Vice President Designated Jackie Lynn DeFries.
The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444, celebrating fifty years of service 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 one Hundred and fifty (150) year history of giving, “Elks Care, Elks Share.”
Photos by Su Barker
Andy Costello
Grand Lodge Area 7
Public Relations & Marketing Committeeman
