Community news: Los Altos Auxiliary supports Hathaway-Sycamores boys, Elks Lodge hits the big 100
Los Altos Auxiliary members gathered recently at the beautifully renovated home of Susan and Steven Peterman for their annual holiday party and to celebrate a year of fundraising success on behalf of the boys, ages 6 to 17, in residential care at Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services’ El Nido campus.
The auxiliary’s efforts will culminate later this month, when members will deliver Target gift cards, homemade cookies and holiday cards to each of the boys.
Hathaway-Sycamores President and Chief Executive William Martone thanked the auxiliary for its continued support.
“It’s difficult to express how much we appreciate the year-round support we receive from the Los Altos Auxiliary,” he said. “Their generosity is especially appreciated during the holidays, because their efforts really do brighten the lives of the youngsters in our care.”
Still going strong, Elks Lodge hits the big 100
Glendale Elks Lodge #1289 members will mark the centennial celebration of providing service to the community during a dinner on Dec. 28.
Exalted Ruler Rick Adams will welcome more than 200 members and special guests, including Grand Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, the Honorable Tom Brazier as well as California-Hawaii Elks, State Assn. President Art Echternacht and Hugh Scanlon, past state president and past exalted ruler of #1289.
The lodge formed in 1912 and was dedicated in 1918, said Gary Linder, public relations chairman and past Elk of the Year. Membership grew to 2,000 strong by the late 1940s. Members participated in such subgroups as the band, drill team, orchestra and bowling team.
After a fire destroyed the original building in 1986, a new lodge was built at the same address, 120 E. Colorado St., in 1994.
Linder says the fraternal organization continues its mission to give back to the community with a focus on children’s education.
Member Jack Wright has served for 11 years as chairman of the Scholarship Committee that has contributed more than $260,000 in scholarships to local high school students. Most recently, 28 college-bound seniors from seven area high schools were honored and are representing the lodge in competing for district, state and national honors.
Throughout the year, members have participated in the Annual Luau, Family BBQ coordinated by Jerry Stevens, a Chili Cook Off, an Oktoberfest hosted by Karl and Katrina Burger, Children’s Halloween Party, Car Show organized by George McCullough and Christmas Baskets for needy coordinated by Maria LaMasa. In addition, literature on drug awareness was distributed to students at Fremont Elementary in Glendale, and a dinner party raised $2,800 that will buy dictionaries for local elementary schools.
Member John Jolly just organized the annual Basketball Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program for boys and girls, and winners will advance to the national finals in the spring.
JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.