Green Cove Springs, FL 1892

Give a hand to Barbara Thompson, our Elks Lodge Officer of The Quarter. Barb contributes to so many facets of our lodge. Thank you, Barbara.

Our Elk of the Month for May is Andy Veres. Andy is a long-time Member, a dedicated Elk, as well as an honored Veteran. Andy is a humble man who has quietly taken charge of a very special project for years without very little mention. He donates and replaces the flags of our military branches that fly along the patio bordering our dock. We are very fortunate that he has chosen this project which honors our military branches. Volunteerism can be seen in many forms and ways and Andy has chosen this project which is dear to his heart.

Our Elk of the Month is the very deserving, Bob Russell. For some of you, you might know him as “Bingo Bob” because he is a longtime, frequent supporter of Bingo at our Lodge. In recent months, Bob has donned a yellow volunteer vest and stepped in to help when needed. A tremendous task that Bob eagerly took on this year is the operation of our Scrolling LED Signboard. Bob took on the task of learning to operate the sign after we were left with no one who knew how to operate it. He was persistent in figuring out how to operate the remotes, spending many hours standing on the roadside in the Florida heat. He made numerous phone calls to the company and watched Google videos to continue the operation of our sign. In addition, Bob has volunteered on many occasions in our kitchen, helping with Fish and Shrimp on Saturdays, and participating in volunteer projects at our Lodge. Most recently, Bob led the campaign to have designs drawn up for a memorial plaque in memory of our beloved Tim Smith, who, as all of you know, passed away only three weeks into his term as Exalted Ruler. Tim and Bob were close friends and Bob has worked diligently to raise the funds and ensure that our Lodge will have a lasting memory of Tim. An unveiling is planned, and a date will soon be announced. We have Bob to thank for his dedication to this project and friends who chose to donate in Tim’s memory. In addition to his loyal service, he has taken on the responsibility to serve as our House Committee chairman for the coming year. Bob is an excellent example of a dedicated Elk and to our motto, “Elks Make it Happen”. Please congratulate Bob and be sure to let him know how much you appreciate all he does for our Lodge.

Elks PERs Al, Paul, Vernon and board member Joy presenting a check for $2,000 to Pace Center for Girls in Clay County, Fl. Money was donated to provide much needed warming equipment for student meals.

Elks ER Al Williams and ER elect Lynn Elrod present a $1,000 check to kitchen manager Jeannie Smith for the benefit Challange Enterprises.

Let’s give a big shout out to our Elk of the Month, Nancy Klopfenstein. She and her husband Gale take great care seeing that the plants outside the Lodge are healthy and happy. Much work is put into changing the plants for the appropriate seasons, and if you haven’t noticed, there’s never been a pot without a beautiful fresh plant. Nancy also serves on the House Committee and as a member of the decorating committee for the Lodge. We can all agree she does a fantastic job at all these things. She’s just another example of how an Elk Makes It Happen! Thank you, Nancy, for all you do for our lodge.

PER Ed Weston (back right) and his family assisted giving out gift bags.

Lodge Members Jennifer Parker and Kristine Watson greeting the Bosford Family

Lodge volunteers awaiting the arrival of Santa and the children.

Volunteers packing gift bags at the lodge.

Lodge Members and volunteers packing gift bags

Lodge Members and volunteers packing gift bags.

Delivering gift bags to the W.E. Cherry Elementary school - Assistant Principal Joshua Hogmire, PER Ed Weston, Lecturing Knight Joy Elrod, school secretary Michelle Solomon, teacher Michelle Mister, school staff member Shannon Scott, Exalter Ruler Al Williams, school resource officer Lester Booker

Our Lodge continues to reach out into the local community. On January 10, a $1,000 check from the PER Charity Bingo was presented to Seamark Ranch. Seamark Ranch, a working farm located in Green Cove Springs, provides schooling and counseling in a family home settings to children in the foster care system or in crisis situations. They have provided support to over 100 children since opening their doors to children in need. PER Chair Ed Weston; PDD Paul Orvosh, Lodge Treasurer ; Brittany McGraw, Seamark Ranch Events Manager; Exalted Ruler Al Williams