Lodge News

Lodge News

Wounded Veteran

Alex Minsky

Adopted By

Mission Viejo Elks

Mission Viejo, CA (September 15, 2009) – Mission Viejo

resident, Alex Minsky, was severely wounded in Afghanistan.

Due to the severity of his wounds, the Mission Viejo /

Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 members have adopted

Alex under the national organizations “Adopt a Veteran

Program” and as a first action are donating $500 to help with

his expenses. The $500 donation was generated from the Elks

Lodge Bingo charity funds. Exalted Ruler Jim Humphrey

stated, “In the past, the Mission Viejo Elks have provided

veterans with phone calling cards, gift packages, clothing, comfort kits, cash, an armored

vest and many other items. Alex is the first veteran adopted by this Elks Lodge. As soon

as Alex is sufficiently recovered from his injuries, we will invite him and his immediate

family to the lodge to celebrate that recovery and thank him personally for his service to

our country.” The Elks became aware of the extent of Alex’s through an Email received

from Erin Reynolds, a friend of Alex’s mom, Jackie. Jackie has been at Alex’s side at

every step of his recovery in several military hospitals in Maryland and California. Alex

is currently receiving treatment in San Diego. The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Elks Lodge

#2444 is one of ten lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective

Order of Elks (BPOE) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE has a long

standing support structure for veterans symbolized by its motto, “So long as there are

veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.”

August 2009

ELKS WESTERN NITE HOEDOWN

A WINNER FOR HANDICAPPED KIDS CHARITIES

"You just can't beat having fun and raising money for a worthy cause at the same time", said Pat Martino, Wagon Master of the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks RV club the "Run-A-Ways". It was the 29th year for the club's very popular Western Night Charity Dinner Dance.

The Elks Lodge on Marguerite Parkway was once again transformed into a delightful old western town & country scene which included a jail house that practically everyone spent a few minutes in by night's end...happily buying their freedom by paying sheriffs Harts & Ruth Hobbs a one-dollar fine (all for the kids!). Over 230 cowboys and girls in western attire feasted on BBQ tri-tip, chicken, country beans, corn & salad. All topped off with a decadent chocolate desert. David Nimmo and the Steppin Out Cloggers shook the walls with their after dinner show which was a big hit with the crowd. Dancing was to the great country & western music of South County Band. Guests were treated to over 45 surprise door prizes. The prizes were donated by local merchants and friends of the Campers. They ranged from free dinners to baskets of groceries, gift cards and cash. All obtained through the efforts of camper Marilyn Gross and her door prize committee.

The rip-roaring event was chaired by Wagon Master Pat Martino and wife Barbara with the help of no less than 45 hard working club members, all were dedicated to making certain that a great time would be had by all. Past Wagon Master Andy Costello acted as master of ceremonies and welcomed the guests, thanking them for their support. He announced the amount of the 110 member Camping Club's annual contributions to Handicapped Kids charities and Veterans charities exceeded $8,500 for the year.

Many of the club members will be headed next to Golden Village Palms in Hemet to join with over 700 Elk RVers from across the State of California for the big Elks RV Rally. The annual weekend event is expected to raise in excess of $30,000 for the Elks Major Project which benefits seeing and hearing impaired children. The Run-A-Ways Camping Club is just one segment of the 850 member Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge, but they are proud of the significant role they play in the Lodge's benevolant contributions to the community. For information on Elks charities or membership in the Elks call (949) 830-3557.

June 11, 2009

Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Elks Annual Sock Hop

YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE SMILES

If there was a common denominator at the party, it wasn’t the ages of the guests which ranged from teenagers to seniors. It had to be the smiles on everyone’s face. Over two hundred happy party goers from Saddleback Valley group homes danced the afternoon away at the Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Elks Annual Sock Hop for the Developmentally Challenged. Even the wheel chairs didn’t deter some who were danced around the floor by caring Elks hosts. The Elks served lunch and the wonderful musical group High Hopes furnished the entertainment. Saturday’s event was a resounding success. The Elks Lodge was filled with wall to wall smiles on this sunny July afternoon.

Chairman Elks Loyal Knight Gloria LeCouvre said of the event, “It takes dozens of helpers to put on a party like this. Not only do we have 200 guests to feed and entertain, but we must be mindful of the individual needs of these special people. There are some in wheel chairs and some with walkers. All are eager to have a good time and be part of the festivities. It calls for a great deal of vigilance on the part of the Elks who are present.” LeCouvre added, “When the day is ended, we have a bunch of very tired Elks, but they all have smiles on their faces. They have the satisfaction of knowing they did something that has brought so much happiness to so many people.”

Among the helpers were: Ron Bauchiero and Dave Dare, Jim & Carol Glover, Irene Romero, Gillian, and O'Reilly Barbara Martino and Sandie McClure, Charlie Hart, Ray Mallen, Paul O’Brian, Alan Jones, Sandra and Jack Jacobs, Courtney Ekberg, Joan Presley, Gail Reavis, Diana Sargent, Jack Gordon, Dinah Grosch, Leslie Haller, Dennis Lumley. Funding for the event was provided by the Elks Bingo Committee.

In other Elks news, annual national figures for the Elks Fraternal year ending March 31, 2009 were released by Elks National Headquarters in Chicago. Cash contributions to charity were $53,331,023.00 – Non cash $33,370,620 – Hours worked 172,786,790 (The Federal government has determined that the cost of work done by charitable organizations like the Elks would average out to $20.25 per hour if preformed by social care and government agencies) – Miles traveled 14,023,748 (Mileage computed at $.59 per mile) The total Contributions for the year came to $273,512,183. The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Lodge is proud of the part they played in that great charitable effort.

Coming events at the Mission Viejo Lodge – The public is invited to support the Red Cross Blood Drive to be held at the Elks Lodge on Aug. 20 from 2:00PM to 8:00PM. On Aug 22nd Elks and their guests are invited to attend the Annual Western Hoedown Dinner Dance. For ticket information call: 949 830-ELKS.

Flag Day

Long May it Wave!

June 14, 2009, Flag Day at Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 was highly

charged with emotion. Charlie Hart opened our Sunday with a prayer for our Nation

and our Troops. New flags from each branch of the Military were presented by Vern

Vedder, John Mrak, Wally McCoy and Tom Banning. Thanks to Bingo; Army, Marine,

Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and the POW/MIA flags will remain on display in our

entry. Boy Scout Troop 603 presented our colors with all of the ceremony and decorum

that we have come to appreciate from them. Howard Sargant gave the opening, call to order and the history of the banner that

remains the symbol of freedom to so many. Joe Esparza gave the response and helped us all to remember what our flag means

to us as Americans. He also helped us to recall the emotion and pride which is felt by each of us when the Stars and Stripes are

viewed, whether from our homes, business, a sporting event or on some distant foreign soil. Mark G. Hopkins presented the

Lodge with the gift of a flag that was flown over the headquarters building in Balad, Iraq where his son, Major Mark A.

Hopkins, U.S. Army, is the Commander. The ceremony was trumpeted to a close with Taps being played by Ray Mallen. After

the moving ceremony Joe again dazzled us with his harmonica and music. Diana Wilson, Brad & Rhonda Pelloni and Walter

Root were busy in the kitchen and behind the grill preparing and serving grilled bratwurst and sauerkraut. The Block Party

tradition was continued by Carla Joe Hannon as she worked through the crowd presenting colorful leis. I want to thank all that

attended and those that worked to honor our flag’s birthday. Hope to see you again on September 5th to close out our 2009

summer of fun.

“The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiment, but of history.” ~Woodrow Wilson

~Lorene Tierney

Yankee

Doodle

Dandy

July 4, 2009

HappY Birthday USA!

Members and guests arrived to celebrate with music, horseshoes, Rummicube, “Ship, Captain, Crew”, good conversation and good food. The dessert table was

over-flowing with homemade treats to share. Truly American Music was provided by Joe Esparza who was also chairman for the event. Dennis Keffer, Mark

Hopkins, Tom Banning, Vernon Vedder and his daughter Sarah Vedder were busy in the kitchen and behind the bar-b-que charcoaling burgers and

dogs to be topped with “The Works.” “Roastin’ ears” were the specialty of Dennis Lumley and Bill Bongartz. Behind the scenes

Linda Miller, Northglenn, CO. Lodge 2438, cut, sliced and chopped to prepared all of the toppings. A very special thank you

goes to Laura Smith for arriving early to help in the kitchen. The tables were decorated with “red, white and blue” by Debbie

Esparza, Stephanie Bongartz, Laura Lumly, Barbara Augustin and Carla Joe Hannon. Joe and Debbie Esparza and Ray Mallen

arranged for so-o-o-o many raffle items that some winners had to make 2 trips to their cars with their booty. Gary Smith &

Gary Bennington scurried around to assure that everything was in good order. Tables were moved, the patio area was cleaned.

Thank you to the Trustees for the beautiful new awning that gave some of shade from the sun. Roger Yarnell spent hours

preparing the horseshoe pits for action. The “Block Party” tradition began last summer by Carla Joe Hannon was continued

with another perfect summer day; A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing,

and the lawn mower is broken. - James Dent (p.s. Thanks to all that attended and those that worked to help us celebrate. Elks

National Foundation needs YOU. Lorene Tierney, Party Committee)

April 2009

Polish

Night!

Polish night, sponsored by

the bowlers, was held on Sat. Feb 28. It was a sellout crowd of diners and dancers. There was a drawing, with $240.00 going to the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund (VVAF)

in a national initiative to raise funds to assist soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan as well as all veterans of the nation's wars. The program was re named by the Elks to,

“The Michael F. Manning National Veterans Program”.

There were 55 people there for the Eleven O’clock toast, given by Leading Knight Jim Humphrey. I would like to thank all those who made it such a success.

They were Diana Wilson, Mike Cline, Donna Wild, Claudia Amthor, Basia Bills, Pat Katapski, Courtney Ekeberg, Sandy Jacobs. Sandie McClure, Ray Malen,

Roger Yarnell, Virginia Parada, Alice Nielson, Mylice Brightly, Debbie Little. With all this fine help the function was a big success. Thanks again to all who helped,

and all who attended. Committee Chairs, Diana Wilson and Howard Sargent

The 2009 Elks National Foundation’s Scholarship Program

Submitted by Gerry Schiphorst,

Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Scholarship Chairman

Students compete for over three million dollars in Elks scholarships.

Local high school students compete for thousands of scholarships ranging from $800 to $4000 and for as much as $20, 000, $40, 000 and $60,000.

During the month of November, Elks Scholarships application forms and posters were delivered to the ten High Schools in the Saddleback Valley, as well as to 3 private Academies. By the deadline of January 9th, the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge had received twenty-one applications. On the 14th, Elks scholarship judges met and the first phase of the judging process started. Each of the ten Orange County Lodges was allowed to send the six highest scores among the girls and the six highest among the boys on to the next level of judging.

In February and March, judging continued. The ten scholarship chairpeople from the Orange Coast District gathered at the Santa Ana Elks Lodge and repeated the judging process, this time to select the 12 girls and 12 boys from all of Orange County whose applications would be forwarded to the Fresno office of the California/Hawaii Elks Association. In Fresno, groups of well qualified judges repeated the process. Each group judging one of the many facets of each application: SAT/ACT-scores, Academic Achievement, Leadership, Honors & Awards, Essays, Extracurricular Activities and the financial ability of the parents. One of the students selected to go on for national judging in Chicago was Jenny Le of El Toro high, which means a guaranteed $4000 and the chance for one of the $20,000, $40,000 or $60,000 scholarships. There were 14 other scholarship winners selected from Orange County schools with four being from the Saddleback Valley: Dylan Moore of Aliso Niguel high school, Gabriella Hoffman of Tessoro high, and Ryne Contreras and Daniel Yi of Trabuco high. Each won State scholarships of $800.

April is a busy month at the MV, Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge.

Submitted by Andy Costello

The month of April is a busy month at the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge. The new officers for the coming year take the reins of office in April, so the Lodge takes some time to reflect on the past year's accomplishments and honor their own. Awards for hard working members are given out. An Inaugural Ball takes place welcoming the new corps of officers, and with all that happening, the work of providing for Elks Charities goes on. One notable event taking place on April 19th is the Elks fourth annual Cancer Kids Carnival held for OCF-OCF (Orange County Foundation for Oncology Children and Families). Like the Elks, they are a non-profit, volunteer run organization providing year-round recreational and social activities to foster supportive relationships for pediatric cancer patients and their families. One of the key areas of concern recognized by OCF-OCF is that when a child has cancer, it affects the entire family.

The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks provide a Carnival Day of fun and relaxation for the entire family, complete with games, food, and loads of prizes. 150 to 200 guests are again expected to attend the event which is held in the Elks Lodge and picnic area located in Mission Viejo. The children enjoy carnival games where everyone wins a prize every time they play. There’s a bounce house, custom tee-shirts, face painting, temporary tattoos & hair coloring, balloons, cotton candy, chicken fingers, French fries, corn dogs, and snow cones.

The zany antics of the Clown Alley Clowns from Laguna Woods are always a big hit with the children. The event includes most everything you might find at a regular carnival only tailored to accommodate these very special children. The day is made extra special by the attentive Elks who see to the children’s every need and comfort. When they leave the party every child picks out a high end gift to take with them. Parents have often said that for the first time in a long while they saw smiles return to their child’s face on Elk’s Carnival Day. Elk members have said that seeing those smiles is reward enough for all their hard work and efforts.

Funding for the Carnival comes from a Cancer Charities Dinner Dance held by the Elks earlier in the year. It is also subsidized by the Elks Bingo Committee under the direction of Elk Newt Seal. Both the carnival and the dinner dance events are chaired by Elks Stephanie Bongartz and Pam Mackey with help from a dedicated crew of 35 or 40 Elk members. Once the carnival is over, the Elks donate any remaining money to the OCF-OCF’s World’s Greatest Camp. They also support their fund raisers and purchase Angel Tree gifts for their Christmas party. The Elks Bingo Committee has also provided monies, gift cards and gift baskets to individual families in need.

Information about Elks membership and Elks charities can be found on the Elks Web Site http://www,elkslodge2444.org or by calling the Elks at (949) 830-3557

Latest Lodge News Story Published

Here:http://www.alisolagunanews.com/

Lodge 2444 Dictionary Story Published in:

The California-Hawaii Elk

http://www.chea-elks.org/MagazineMarApril09.pdf

Lodge 2444 Veterans Story Published in:

The Elks Magazine

March 2009

(no link given)

LODGE ELECTS NEW OFFICERS

During the Tuesday night meeting, February 17, 2009, the Lodge membership elected officers for the 2009/20010, term.

The following people will serve:

Exalted Ruler James L. Humphrey

Leading Knight Pat Martino

Loyal Knight Gloria LeCouvre

Lecturing Knoght Gail Revis

Secretary Charles Hart

Treasurer Oliver Seal

Tiler TBA

Esquire TBA

Chaplain Jason Spence

Inner Guard Ray Mallen

Organist Andy Costello

5-Year Trustee Gary Bennington

ELKS HONOR SOUTH COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATIONS

The annual Law Enforcement and Firefighters awards Dinner took place on Jan 17 at the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge. One hundred seventy-five guests and members honored the twenty-one South county awards recipients. The impressive ceremony began with the posting of colors by the Orange county Fire Authority Color Guard and a rousing selection from their Pipes and Drum Corp. Elks Loyal Knight Leon Williams welcomed guests and Exalted Ruler Michael Holohan introduced the master of ceremonies Past Exalted Ruler Dennis Keffer. The evening's program was filled with stories of heroism and bravery, all acknowledged by the appreciative assemblage. PER Harvey Boelts and his talented all volunteer kitchen crew prepared a delicious prime rib dinner, which was served by the girls from the Tesoro High School Music boosters club

Fire Chiefs, Police Chiefs, representatives from the California Highway Patrol and Orange County Sheriff?s Department joined with the Elks to present the awards and honor the heroic efforts of the intrepid men and women who gallantly serve our community. Dignitaries in attendance were Mission Viejo Mayor Frank Ury, Aliso Viejo Mayor Don Garcia, San Clemente Mayor Lori D?Auria and Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. Department heads from the local communities included California Highway Patrol Chief Steve Beeuwsaert, Assistant Orange County Sheriff Mike Hillmann, Captain Ron White, Captain Brian Wilkerson, and Orange County Fire Authority Deputy Chief Patrick Mcintosh, and Laguna beach Fire Department Chief Mike Macey. Battalion Chiefs also present were Roger James Division 4,and Dan Runnestrand Division 6. Division Chiefs were Rick Robinson Division 3, Ed Fleming Division 5.

Awards for the Orange County Fire Authority, firefighters of the year were presented by Exalted Ruler Mike Holohan to Captain Kelly Zimmerman of Battalion 7, Captain Andy Kovacs of Battalion 4, and Captain Shane Munson of Battalion 6. The City of Mission Viejo Sheriff's Deputy of the Year was Robert (Bobby) Simmons. The Deputy of the Year award for Rancho Santa Margarita went to Deputy John Barbour. Deputy of the year honors also went to Deputy Al Laschober of Lake Forest, and Deputy Emad Mitry of Laguna Hills. The California Highway Patrol awarded Officer of the Year honors to Officers Michael Stoney and Robert Rand.

Other Deputies and Firefighters receiving awards at this year?s event were:Deputy Andy Moore ? City of San Juan Capistrano

Deputy Chris McDonald ? City of Laguna Niguel

Deputy David Murphy ? City of Aliso Viejo

Reserve Firefighter Tony Gaetano - OCFA Battalion 4

Reserve Steve McIntyre - OCFA Battalion 6

Reserve Jason DeMond - OCFA Battalion 7

Captain Chris Kent & Reserve Chris Ornelas - Laguna Beach Fire Department

Deputy Steve Hoffman ? City of Dana Point

Deputy Richard Fassel ? City of San Clemente

Deputy Michael Duda ? Unincorporated Area, South Orange County

Officer Jason Farris ? City of Laguna Beach Police Department

The festive affair was the 9th Annual Law Enforcement and Firefighters Appreciation Night put on by the Elks and was sponsored by The Elks Charities? Bingo Committee. The event was chaired by Elks Loyal Knight Leon Williams with the help of Harvey, Betty and Dennis Boelts, Basia Bills, Ron & Shirley Bauchiero, Karl & Margie Beirschmitt, Marilyn Jacobson, Carmella Wentworth and Claudia Amthor. Information regarding the Elks may be found on the MVSV Elks Web Site: http://www.elkslodge2444.org

Event Photos:

Photo below: Orange County Fire Authority Color Guard

Photo below: Mission Viejo Captain Ron White, Sheriff Hutchens, Deputy of the Year Robert (Bobby) Simmons, and Lt. Steve Bernardi

Photo below:: OCFA Division 3 Chief Rick Robinson, award winner Captain Shane Munson and Elks Exalted Ruler Michael Holohan

Photo below:: Laguna Hills Lt. Steven Doan, Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and honoree Deputy Emad Mitry

Friday, January 16, 2009

Mission Viejo Elks deliver gifts to students

Volunteers distribute 4,300 dictionaries in schools.

Submitted by: ANDY COSTELLO

To The Orange County Register

Sarah Elbalalesy, left, and Alexis Martinovich at Oak Grove Elementary Pat Martino, left, and Elks Exalted Ruler Michael Holohan at Carl H. Hankey Olivewood Principal Patty Murphey, Pat Martino and third grade teacher Janice Copple

Andy Costello, Ken Zittrer, Leo Hazell, and Pat Martino at Aliso Elementary in Lake Forest. Elks Pat Martino, left, and Andy Costello at Castille Elementary in Mission Viejo.

The holidays are not the only time you will find members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks out in the community spreading good will and passing out gifts.

There wasn't a Grinch in sight as the team of Elks visited schools in the Saddleback Valley. They were giving the gift of learning, dropping off dictionaries to third graders. Program chairman Pat Martino orchestrates the local program which is in full swing delivering 4,300 books to the elementary schools in the Saddleback and Capistrano Valley school districts.

Martino and his team of Elks volunteers visit the schools putting on an entertaining 15 minute presentation to the third graders.

The distribution of dictionaries usually begins with Martino asking the kids if they know what an Elk is. After the predictable response that an elk is a four-legged animal, he explains, "Yes but we're the two-legged, 'people' kind of Elks and we're here to give you each a gift."

The children are instructed to print their names in the book and to keep it as their very own personal dictionary for the years to come. Martino continues to say the book is much more than a dictionary with other interesting facts about the presidents, the universe, multiplication tables and more.

Team member Andy Costello encourages the kids to learn just one new word from their dictionaries every day. He tells them, if they do, they might become smart enough to earn an Elks scholarship when they are preparing for college. He then delights them with his explanation of the longest word in the English language containing 1,909 letters. The long unpronounceable word describing a scientific formula is a fun thing found on the last page of the dictionary and is an immediate hit with the children.

The local Elks Lodge joined the National Dictionary Project three years ago and has since distributed over 13,000 dictionaries in the Saddleback Valley. Teachers have praised the effort made by the Elks and many have incorporated use of the dictionaries in their daily classes. Michael Holohan, Exalted Ruler of the Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Elks accompanied the team on a recent school visit. "I'm amazed at how smart these children are and how eager they are to receive the books," said Holohan. "They were looking up words before we even left the assembly. I think our future is in good hands."

The local Elks Lodge receives hundreds of cards and letters from students and teachers every week, thanking them for the generous gift.

Funding for the program comes from the Elks Bingo Charities committee.

Information about the Dictionary Project or the Elks can be found on the Elks Web site www.elkslodge2444.org or by calling the Elks at 949-830-3557.

October 2008 Elks Rally

In Photo: Pat & Barbara Martino presenting $1200.00 check to Elks Rally Treasurer Martin Hoxworth & Chairman Ron Dickinson

Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley

Elks Lodge 2444

Prepare For Upcoming Coin Drive

Date: September 22, 23 and 24, 2008

Time: 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM each day

Place: Wal-Mart Store #2206

27470 Alicia Pkwy

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 ________________________________________________________________________

Elks National Convention in Anaheim July 7th.

Pictured with District Deputy Norm Jones is newely appointed Grand Exalted Ruler Paul Helsel.

Senior Dinner Dance

February 17, 2008

Our Senior Dinner Dance held February 17, 2008, and was a huge success. This year 120 tickets were sold by the Norman Murray Senior Center. All of the proceeds from ticket sales go to the Murray Center as well as the proceeds from 50/50 ticket sales. .

The dinner menu for the event prepared by Chef Martino, consisted of; tossed salad, Chicken Florentine, mixed steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, Italian bread and coffee or tea.

Strawberry Cheese Cake was served for desert.

Music for dancing was provided by Mick Barton who had a music repertoire that pleased the attendees and many dancers.

My special thanks to the kitchen crew, servers from Tesoro High School Band, ticket takers, food purchasing agents, entertainment and PR people. A special thanks to Elizabeth Hazell who assisted with the organization of the event and handled decorations.

Accolades go to the following volunteers for a job well done.

Kitchen Chefs & crew; Pat Martino, Barbara Martino, Jerry Beard, Jerry Hoff, Bob Hauxhurst, Lillian Fox, Laura and Dennis Lumley.

Additional tasks were handled by; Hal Mattson, Carol Glover, Vivian Litterst, Sandy Jacobs, Barbara Martino, Phyllis Booze, Linda Hauxhurst, Sandie McClure, Andy and Mary Ann Costello, , and Elizabeth Hazell. The same people assisted with the table clean-up .

Special thanks to Linda Tichmann of the Mission Vieo Senior Center who coordinated the event and arranged for tickets, prizes and cash drawings.

The grand prize, a huge basket of goodies was won by Phyllis Booze

Leo F. Hazell, Lecturing Knight and Event Chairman

February 18, 2008

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Senior Dinner Dance

February 17, 2008

Thank You

For all your help and support.

Elizabeth and I would like to thank all our members and guests that participated in making our Senior Dinner Dance, February 17, 2008, a huge success. This year 120 tickets were sold by the Norman Murray Senior Center. All of the proceeds from ticket sales go to the Murray Center as well as the proceeds from 50/50 ticket sales. .

My special thanks to the kitchen crew, servers from Tesero High School Band, ticket takers, food purchasing agents, entertainment and PR people. A special thanks to Elizabeth Hazell who assisted with the organization of the event and handled decorations.

Gathering and placement of furniture and utensils for the event including tables and chairs was done by Jerry Hoff, Jerry Beard and Leo Hazell

Accolades go to the following volunteers for a job well done.

Kitchen Chefs & crew; Pat Martino, Barbara Martino, Jerry Beard, Jerry Hoff, Bob Hauxhurst, Lillian Fox, Sandie McClure Laura and Dennis Lumley.

Table setting and additional tasks were handled by; Hal Mattson, Carol Glover, Sandy Jacobs, Barbara Martino, Phyllis Booze, Vivian Litterst, Linda Hauxhurst, Sandie McClure, Andy and Mary Ann Costello, Lillian Fox, and Elizabeth Hazell. The same people assisted with the table clean-up .

Special thanks to Linda Tichmann of the Mission Vieo Senior Center who coordinated the event and arranged for tickets, prizes and cash drawings.

Leo F. Hazell, Lecturing Knight and Event Chairman

February 18, 2008

Pictures of the Senior Dinner Dance event may be seen at "Event Photos".

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday October 22, 2007

New awning installed at Lodge main entrance.

Old Glory Flies Over Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Lodge 2444

Quote to remember:

Insults should be written in the sand, and praises carved in stone.

--Arab proverb

ELKS HYMN

Great Ruler of the universe

All-seeing and benign,

Look down upon and bless

And be all glory Thine;

May Charity as taught us here

Be ever borne in mind,

The Golden Rule our motto true,

For days of Auld Lang Syne.