Northeast District

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Written by Cathy Walsh

On July 15, St. Augustine Elks Lodge #829 donated its facilities to the Signal 34 Foundation Inc. for a benefit for Sgt. Michael Kunovich, a St. Johns County Sherriff officer who died on duty. The lodge also donated $1,000 from its charity funds. According to its Facebook page, the Signal 34 Foundation was “founded by officers for officers who have suffered serious injuries in the line of duty.” Approximately 100 people were in attendance.

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Written by Carla Ray Rhymes

Jacksonville Lodge held its Flag Day ceremony June 11 for 75 attendees, including lodge officers, members, family, armed forces members, veterans, police officers and representatives from Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). Lodge members provided “About Our Flag” brochures, “Honor Our Flag” decals and flag lapel pins. Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Color Guard performed, led by Lt. Elizabeth Kenny; St. Johns County Sheriff Deputy Rust Burns; and Bob Morgan, Flag Day chair. Afterward, there was a fireside burning of 52 unserviceable flags, and the lodge hosted a buffet for all in attendance.

Pictured are the color guard; Carla Ray Rhymes, Americanism Chair, with Wally Banks, Jacksonville Police Officer, who won the flag giveaway; and Karen Tracey, Esquire and Veterans Services Chair.

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

On May 20, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 used a portion of the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to sponsor a patriotic-themed event for children at the Green Cove Springs Library. More than 70 participants received books and American flags, played games, made crafts, visited with face painters and balloon artists, took photos with Wonder Woman, and enjoyed ice pops. They also participated in a Kids Choice Awards voting exercise, provided by the Clay County Supervisor of Elections Office. Sixteen lodge members and volunteers along with two Green Cove Springs Police Department officers supported the event by greeting families and assisting with activities. Jennifer Parker, library branch manager and Leading Knight, delivered books and materials from the event to the local Head Start program for their pre-k students.

Pictured:

Volunteers

Green Cove Springs PD Officers Milliken and Vanhof and Exalted Ruler Lynn Elrod posing with Wonder Woman

Lodge members Eddie and Barbara Thompson assisting the Orvosh family at a craft table

Supervisor of Elections Community Service Coordinator Heather Stewart assisting families at the voting machine

Head Start Center Manager Marisol Buitrago and Library Manager Jennifer Parker, Leading Knight

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

On June 13, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge’s PER Tuesday night charity bingo continued to support the community by presenting a check for $2,000 to the Clay Education Foundation/Dolly Parton Imagination Library. This program provides books each month to children from birth to age 5.

Pictured are Paul Orvosh, PDD; Clay Education Foundation members Pat Litterick and Ruth Payne; Lynn Elrod, Exalted Ruler; and Ed Weston, PER, bingo chair.

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

On June 24, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 used a portion of the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to hold an activity day for local children. Fourteen members and guests assisted children as they moved through a variety of stations, including painting a patriotic picture, taking origami lessons, receiving kalimba music instruction and playing games. Eighteen children and their families were the recipients of art supplies, origami kits, a kalimba, hula hoops, frisbees and other items to take home to continue the fun activities together. A lunch of pizza, chips, fruit and cookies was served as well.

Pictured are member Don Hill leading kalimba music lessons; Jennifer Parker, Leading Knight, and Kathie Thompson, PER assisting with origami lessons; Kathie Thompson, PER and Laquetta Willimon, trustee, helping with games; Lynn Elrod, Exalted Ruler, and Joy Elrod, Loyal Knight, leading a patriotic painting session; and the Brooks family.