By Andy Costello
The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks initiated ten men and women from the Saddleback Valley community in April. Initiated were: William Galloway and Brenda Hanrath of Rancho Santa Margarita, Thanh Huynh of Aliso Viejo, Patricia McCauley of San Juan Capistrano, Frank Sortino of Laguna Hills, Richard Bley and John Chervenka of Mission Viejo, Aaron Sitton of Lake Forest, Steven McLaughlin of Santa Ana, and Victor Santangelo of Laguna Woods. Recently installed Exalted Ruler Mike Klinger and his corps of officers conducted the time-honored Ritual of Initiation which highlights the Elks four major principals of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity.
New members seated L to R: William Galloway, Thanh Huynh, Exalter Ruler Mike Klinger, Patricia McCauley, and Brenda Hanrath.
Standing L to R: Frank Sortino, Richard Bley, Aaron Sitton, Steven McLaughlin, Frank Chervenka, and Victor Santangelo
Following the initiation ceremony, a special Grand Exalted Ruler’s Award was presented by Exalted Ruler Mike Klinger to Elk member Harvey Ohman for his years of dedicated service to the Lodge. The annual award is made by the Elks National President Malcolm J. McPherson and is one of the four most prestigious honors that can be bestowed on a Lodge member. Ohman, a Mission Viejo resident, accepted the award to a standing ovation from members present.
Member Harvey Ohman receives a national award from Exalted Ruler Mike Klinger
Lodge #2444 is celebrating 49 years of service to 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 150-year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share” For information regarding Elks programs or membership, call 949 830-3557.
Andy Costello
Elks Grand Lodge Area 7
Marketing & Membership Committeeman
Photo Credits: Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks
