By Phyllis Walker, Santa Clarita Contributor
A celebration! Elks Lodge 2379 will mark their 50th year serving the community and Elkdom on November 15. In preparation for this big day, member Jay Larkins was roasted on September 9 until “well done!” Well, almost as his rebuttal clarified some of the comments associated with his supposed activities. The Lodge was filled with local Elk members, as well as Elk leaders from other lodges in the Southern California area. Exalted Rulers’ (ERs) past ER’s and State Elk leaders from Burbank, Canoga Park, San Fernando, Sunland-Tujunga and Van Nuys were present to hear the “dirt” about Jay. Kicking off the program was a short film, created by SCVTV – thanks to Leon Worden president SCVTV and video producer Brandon Iriarte, with friends and family sharing embellished tid-bits about Jay. Even Ginger, Jay’s wife roasted him. Wow!
Elk members further attesting to Jay’s activities were Santa Clarita Lodge Exalted Ruler, Maurice Hamilton; Mike Gaglio, Van Nuys Lodge ER, and California-Hawaii Elks Association 1st Vice President, Robert Dousman, accompanied by CHEA Ritual Contest Chairman, Ted Talbot, turned the heat up. Master Roaster, Councilman Bob Kellar – a long time Elk who seemed to know Jay well – elevated the roasting thermometer to the highest level.
Jay has a successful career in television as current President/Director of Southern Comfort Productions, former Director of NBC’s Entertainment Tonight and Crime Watch Daily, plus numerous other productions. He has served the Elks proudly at the local, District and State level – helping fellow Elks garner numerous trophies on display at Elks Lodge 2379.
It was a fun evening and proceeds will be used to further the programs and services of the Lodge.
So mark your calendar and plan to attend the 50th Anniversary Dinner Celebration on Saturday evening, November 18. Cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner and program begins at 7 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Elks Lodge located at 17766 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita. Dressy cocktail attire. Tickets are $25.00 each and include a commemorative book that chronicles the past 50 years, glassware and a replica of the original Lodge Pin. RSVP to the Lodge Office at 661-251-1500 by November 15.
For more information about the Elks 50th Anniversary, their programs and projects, contact Phyllis Walker at 661-251-1172 or visit, www.Elks.org.
For information about the Elks, contact Phyllis Walker at 661-251-1172
