Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks initiation of thirteen (13) new members at a recent Lodge meeting put the membership of the nationally acclaimed Lodge over twelve hundred. Lodge President Mike Long addressed the new members saying, “We are honored to welcome you and acknowledge you as the class that makes us one of the most successful and fastest growing Lodges in California.” Long went on to say, “We hope you will become an active and productive member joining us in our charitable work within the community.”
The new members from Mission Viejo are Donald Stocker, Joe Stout, and John Hilton. Also becoming Elks are Lake forest residents Steve Stadnick, and John Jenkinson. Laguna Woods initiates are Iris Lewis, Nadine World, Beverly Clark, and Ann Davis. Other new members are Theresa Taylor of Rancho Santa Margarita, Jim Garcia, and Patti Carlson of Laguna Niguel, and Robert Snider or Irvine.
The new members related their stories of being from all backgrounds and walks of life, from young full time workers and parents to men and women who are recent retiries. All acknowledged their desire to give back to the community as much as their time allowed, and felt that the Elks organization was the best way to accomplish that objective.
New members seated L to R: Iris Lewis, Patti Carlson, Exalted Ruler Mike Long, Ann Davis, Nadine World and Beverly Clark. Standing L to R: Joe Stout, Theresa Taylor, Jim Garcia, John Hilton, Robert Snider, Donald Stocker, Steve Stadnick, and John Jenkinson
In other Elks news, eight Lodge officers recently returned from the Elks national convention in Reno Navada where the Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks #2444 Lodge won numerous Grand Lodge and State commendations for their contributions to charity and their work with handicapped children and support of veterans. For the second consecutive year, the local Lodge received the Grand Lodge highest award – the 5 Star Recognition for Excellence in Lodge Website Design and Layout. The Mission Viejo Elks website was chosen from over 1,900 lodges throughout the nation. The award citation was presented to Elks Leading Knight / Webmaster, Mike Klinger, Exalted Ruler Mike Long, and Andy Costello, Elks Grand Lodge Area 7 Public Relations & Marketing Committeeman. The award winning Lodge Website may be viewed at <http://mvelks.com>
Award recipients (L to R) Andy Costello, Elks Grand Lodge Area 7 Public Relations & Marketing Committeeman, Exalted Ruler Mike Long and Leading Knight / Webmaster, Mike Klinger
The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 48 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 10 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 149 year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share” For information regarding Elks programs or membership, call 949 830-3557.
Media Contact
Andy Costello
Elks Grand Lodge Area 7
Public Relations & Marketing Committeeman
