The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks welcomed sixteen new members in June. Lodge President Dave McLeod said, “We’re one of the fastest growing Lodges in Southern California. Our membership is now over one thousand and we’re working towards the eleven hundred mark.” We’re happy to welcome these new members because having more members means more people helping us in our charitable works.”
The new Elks from Mission Viejo are: Charlie Giovanni, Carmen Szladowski, Jason Sorrell, Matt Lackie, Kevin Sheehan, David Garza, and Kelly Pyka. Also initiated were: Alfred Lang from Modjeska, Susan Murray of Laguna Hills, Wanda Mytinger of Trabuco Canyon, Caryn Breeze of Rancho Santa Margarita, Jane Culbertson of Orange, Cecelia Pierce of LaVerne, Ronald Webber of Silverado, Arnold Shin of Laguna Woods, and Keith Alan of Laveen AZ. The initiation ceremony was conducted by Lodge President Dave McLeod and his corps of officers.
At the conclusion of the initiation ceremony, the new Elks were given an opportunity to speak to the members in attendance about their families, their backgrounds and why they joined the Elks. Although some were retired men and women with some time to spare, many were young working people. All said they joined because they wanted to give back to the community, and at the same time enjoy the sociability of the Lodge and its members.
Perhaps, no one said it better than one initiated woman from Mission Viejo who said, “I still have two children at home so my time is limited. I have wanted to do more for the community and people in need, and at the same time set a good example of giving for my children. After looking at the many organizations and charities out there, I came to the conclusion that the Elks were the best fit for me. They cover a wide range of charities including help to handicapped children. That one is dear to my heart. The best part for me is that I get to decide how much time I have to spend in helping. “
In other Elks news, Lodge President Dave McLeod and first lady Basia Bills leave for Huston TX this week and the Elks national convention. Lodge Vice Presidents Mike Long and wife Vicky and Mike Klinger and wife Judy will also attend this year’s meeting. They will be joining other Lodge Presidents representing the over 800,000 Elk members. The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 47 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 148 year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share” For information regarding Elks programs or membership, call 949 830-3557
Andy Costello, Lodge Publicity
