New Member Initiation – January 2019

Elks Initiate Fourteen New Members

Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks welcomed fourteen new members into the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The local Lodge continues to grow with increasing numbers of younger men and women over the age of twenty-one becoming Elks. Reports from Elks Grand Lodge headquarters in Chicago indicate Elks membership numbers throughout all of California and Hawaii have been increasing dramatically in the past three years. This month’s newly initiated Elks residing in Mission Viejo are: Sharon Campbell, JoEllen and John Caperson, Morgan Christen, Maria Capotosta, and Teri Dimon. Dana Point residents are Kent Harmuth, and Robert Turner. Other newly initiated Elks are Frank Fredrick of Coto De Caza, James Coon of San Juan Capistrano, Damian Crowson of Foothill Ranch, Rogers Dawes of Bullhead City AZ, Kimberly Maestri of Trabuco Canyon, and Ivan Volp of Rancho Santa Margarita.

The Initiation meeting was made even more special by the presence of twin brother VIPs of the Order. Elks Orange Coast District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Dave York was joined by visiting twin brother Dan who is currently serving as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler of the Montana West District in Montana. Kevin Perkins the Esquire to the Orange Coast District Deputy accompanied the brothers in what was considered an unofficial but very welcomed visit to the Mission Viejo Lodge. Exalted Ruler Mike Klinger introduced the visitors to the assemblage, and asked if they would agree to appear in the group photo taken of the newly initiated members.

Exalted Ruler Klinger reminded all in attendance of the important meeting on February 5^th when nominations for new Elks Lodge officers will begin. New officers will be installed in March and will assume their responsibilities for the Elks’ year 2019 -2020. Other Elks special events taking place in February are the Red Cross Blood Drive on Feb 7^th, the Senior’s Valentine’s Dinner Dance on Feb 10^th, the Police and Fire Appreciation Dinner on Feb 16^th, and the big Veterans Fundraiser on Feb 23^rd. Exalted Ruler Klinger urged the new members to participate in as many of the upcoming events as they are able.

The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks 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