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San Manuel — For over 40 years San Manuel Elks Lodge #2007 has been a wonderful resource to the Tri-Community area. Among other things, we have provided parties and dinners for Veteran’s Recognition, graduations, Christmas and more, free of charge. Helping members of the community with financial aid, house repairs, clothing, food donations and other needed services or items has also been a focus of the local Elks.
Unfortunately, the unemployment rate has taken its toll on everyone and the Elks, who would love to remain in the fore front in the fight against the devastation caused by a weakened economy,are no exception.
As they have for almost half a century now, the local Elks have been working hard to raise money to help the community (including you, when and if you need it), organizing contests, dinners, rummage sales and other events. But, there is no such thing as a free lunch; someone has to pay for it and the Elks are only as strong in ability as they are in membership.
“Please consider joining the lodge and becoming an active member. We have so many fun and satisfying things for you to choose from, and we would love to have you be a part of our membership. If you feel you are not able to join at this time, at least think about coming down to help with an event. You don’t have to be a member to help with Taco Night, for instance. Talk to any Elk! We’ll be happy to bring you on board! Or, you could keep track of what we are doing in the Que Pasa section of The Miner and come out to participate in our events!” said a spokesman for the San Manuel Elks Lodge #2007.
A great way to get to know the Elks, and find out if you want to be one, or more about volunteering, is to come on down to an event or two and see how well they mix the business of caring for the community with the pleasure of dining, dancing and playing with the citizens.
On Friday, July 4, the Elks will be having an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July celebration. “Bring a lawn chair and some towels, and spend the afternoon with us, playing water games, participating in contests and enjoying picnic fare,” said an Elk spokesman. “We will have music and karaoke by our super DJ, Dave Martin, and maybe even a ground display of fireworks as soon as it gets dark enough, around 8 or 8:30 p.m. Feel free to bring your own fireworks to share and help make this a sparkling event!” Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children under 12. Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
On Saturday, June 21, the Elks Summer Solstice party, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., will be the place to be for family fun. The public is welcome to join them for a tasty picnic/barbecue, with great sides and fixings, as well as the water games, prizes, music and maybe even a few surprises. Afterward, there will be karaoke in the bar, starting at 7 p.m., spun by DJ Dave Martin. Admission is $5 for adults, and $3 for children under the age of 12. Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Bring your sunscreen, and of course towels and a different set of clothes, if you are planning on getting wet. Bring a lawn chair too, to maximize your comfort.
More events will be coming soon, and the Elks are brimming with ideas, such as a separate nonsmoking lounge, Family Fun Nights, dinner and a movie and themed dinner. Planned to start in October are Friday Night Dinners, which are often followed by karaoke.
“As always, we will be having Wednesday Taco Night every week except perhaps for a few weeks in summer. We will soon be adding churros to the menu! We have been hearing a lot of praise for our new flour tacos,” said the Elks spokesman.
He continued, “If you have any ideas for events, please contact Deb at appydo1@msn.com and we will be happy to consider them for future affairs. We are also looking for new members. If you would like to get involved in helping the Tri-Community, talk to one of our Elk members and consider joining this great organization! We would be happy to add you to our family!”
Keep your eye on the San Manuel Miner, Elk Happenings and Que Pasa to find out more about upcoming events as they are scheduled. Or, look out for the Elks new sandwich board near the plaza entrance, right after you pass the Salt and Pepper Market. The Elks are located at the end of the breezeway near the Vantage West Credit Union. Stop by, learn more, sign up, be a modest hero of the community and gain a lot of new family.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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