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Elks Lodge Celebrates 40th Anniversary

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By BARBARA ROUTEN, Tribune correspondent

Published: January 19, 2008

BRANDON - Charter members and past exalted rulers of the Brandon Elks Lodge No. 2383 are invited to a 40th anniversary celebration of the chartering of the lodge from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at the lodge, 800 Centennial Lodge Drive.

The lodge began in September 1967, when two state Elks officials and three Brandon residents met. On Jan. 28, 1968, the Plant City Elks Lodge initiated 178 charter members, and 16 state officials "presented the only charter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks bearing the anniversary date of Feb. 16, 1968, to Brandon," according to Don Moon, editor of The Bugle, the official Brandon Elks newsletter.

Notable members include Terry Smith, the December Elk of the Month, who prepares monthly meals and helped remove 15 years' worth of wax off the dance floor; Sandy Kuzniar, the Lady of Distinction for December, who works in the kitchen and helps with lodge functions and dinners; and George Thomas, Officer of the Quarter, who "exemplifies one who truly cares and shares," said Larry Henbest, Exalted Ruler. Thomas "assists in keeping us informed of those events necessary to aid the welfare of our community. He is deeply involved within his own church to make this same commitment of helping those in need."

The Elks chose Brandon High School senior Jasmyne C. Fisher as the Student of the Month for December. She carries a 5.77 grade-point average and is third in a class of 415. She is secretary of Mu Alpha Theta, the Senior Council and the Key Club and a member of the National Honor Society and the GAP Club. Fisher is a National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalist and has volunteered more than 100 hours during her high school career. She enjoys reading, writing poetry and solving math problems.

The Brandon Ladies of the Elks is offering a $1,000 scholarship to four "Determined Average Students" with B or C grade-point averages, community service hours and participation in school activities. Applications must be brought or mailed to the lodge by Feb. 15. Applications are available in the lodge game room. For information, call BLOE scholarship chairwoman Kim Martinez at (813) 655-7353.

Guild Sews, Fills Gift Stockings

BRANDON - The Brandon East Bay Chapter of the American Sewing Guild filled Christmas stockings and delivered them to children at Cookson Hills Christian Home in Seffner and Everyday Blessings Adoption Agency in Thonotosassa and to residents at the Park Club of Brandon assisted-living facility Dec. 22.

"Most of the stockings were homemade," said Anna Davis, guild spokeswoman, "including one sewn and decorated by 90-year-old ASG member Margaret Goddard."

Members Davis, Jewel Cargile and Dora Watz delivered 91 stockings prepared by the 113 guild members. Davis said it was a blessing to see that so many children in need had "such wonderful facilities available for their care."

For information about the American Sewing Guild, contact Brenda Murray-Wall at (813) 500-3834 or Judy Hasch at (813) 645-2785. The guild meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Brandon Recreation Center, 502 E. Sadie St., for socializing, a meeting and a program.

Shabbat Dinner Open To All

BRANDON - The Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Shalom, 706 Bryan Road, invites the public to a family-style Shabbat dinner beginning at 6:15 p.m. Feb. 1, with services led by Rabbi Betsy Torop at 7:45 p.m.

A dinner of baked chicken, green beans, yellow rice, salad and bread will be catered by La Cubanita Cafe. Cost is $11 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 12. Children younger than 5 participate for free.

Reservations are required and must be prepaid by Jan. 28. Mail a check payable to CBS Sisterhood, along with a name, phone number and number of adults and children who will attend, to Congregation Beth Shalom, 706 Bryan Road, Brandon FL 33511.

For information, call Toby Koch, president of the sisterhood, at (813) 681-6547.

Snippets

The Greater Brandon Area Arts Council invites the public to its upcoming gathering featuring singers Ron Gilbert and Jenny James from 2 to 5 p.m. Jan. 27 at Port City Java, 3330 Lithia-Pinecrest Road, Valrico.

Send news and photos of community interest to Barbara Routen at The Tampa Tribune, 505 W. Robertson St., Brandon FL 33511, e-mail neighbors@tampabay.rr .com or call (813) 657-4531.

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