[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 103 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE CHARITABLE GOOD WORKS OF THE OCEANSIDE ELKS LODGE #1561

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                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2004

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75 years of good 
works and charity of the Oceanside Elks Lodge #1561. On May 31, 1929, 
the Oceanside Elks Lodge became a reality in the Palomar Theater 
building in Oceanside, California, with 129 charter members.
  The first business meeting took place on June 28, 1929. Since that 
time, the Lodge has held meetings in three different locations ending 
in their current facility at 444 Country Club Lane in downtown 
Oceanside.
  The motto, ``Elks Care and Elks Share,'' is well established in the 
order of Elks, and the Oceanside Lodge has been one of the leaders in 
monies donated to worthy causes since its beginning. Over the last 15 
years, the Oceanside Lodge has donated over $482,624 to charitable 
causes, such as direct student scholarships, VA Hospitals, the American 
Heart Association, youth groups and a host of other local charities.
  The Elks National Order has donated in excess of $3 billion to 
charity during its 137 years, second only to the United States 
Government in total donations.
  When founded in 1868, the Elks Lodge was a fraternal organization. 
However, the Oceanside Lodge is proud to recognize Donna Stewart as 
their first female Elk and Claudia Dineen as their first female Exalted 
Ruler.
  Their Current Exalted Ruler, Robert F. Neal, is a long-time, 
respected member of the community and is working to increase the 
charitable contributions to even greater heights.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe it is vital that we in Congress recognize the 
187 years of service and charitable good works of the Elks Lodge and 
the 75 years of generosity of the Oceanside Elks Lodge #1561 to their 
local community.

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