Elk Year 2025/2026 Elk Of the Month
April 2025 – Dale Vogel
Congratulations to Dale Vogel, Elk of the Month for April. If there is food being served by volunteers, you will find Dale. She has been a great addition to our volunteer staff in the kitchen. She will be leaving for the summer, and we can’t wait for her to get back. Thank you, Dale, for all you have done around the lodge, and we will see you in the fall.
May 2025 – Kara Demostene
Our May Elk of the month is Kara Demostene! Kara loves to volunteer in the kitchen and her favorite thing to do is take your orders on steak night. Thank you for all the time you put into volunteering at the lodge. We need more members like you!
June 2025 – William Coholan
Our June Elk of the month is William Coholan. William is a newer member that has jumped in to volunteering in the kitchen and is known as the kitchen helper extraordinaire! You will see him helping on Sunday mornings during brunch. Thank you for all the time you put into volunteering at the lodge!
July 2025 – Carolyn Gould
Our July Elk of the month is Carolyn Gould. Carolyn is a member that loves to volunteer at our lodge. You will see her helping on Steak Night and helping with interviews of our new members. Thank you for all the time you put into volunteering at the lodge!
August 2025 – Jann Williams
Our August Elk of the Month is Jann Williams. Jann is a member that is always here to help with interviewing new members and is always a giant help in our fundraising for the Western Roundup. Thank you for all the time you put into volunteering at the lodge!
September 2025 – Dan Murchison
Dan Murchison is our Elk of the month for September. Dan is a very active member helping in the kitchen on steak night and is the Commodore of the Yacht Club, that puts on many great events. He is also helping us prepare for our remodel by disposing of discarded items and many trips to the recycler. Please join me in thanking Dan for all his help volunteering.
October 2025 – Chip Bleeker
Chip Bleeker is our Elk of the month for October. You might not see Chip front and center, but he is always involved behind the scenes and is a very active member. He is always helping his wife Michelle with whatever event she is planning, and he just finished installing the new name plates on our veteran’s wall. Please join me in thanking Chip for all his help volunteering.
November 2025 – Jim Bennett
This month’s Elk of the Month is Jim Bennett! If you’ve been to our meetings, you know Jim – he’s the one who makes sure the ballot box count is accurate. He’s also the person who orders the meat for Steak Night and mans the grill, cooking your steak just the way you like it. Thank you Jim, for your years of dedication to Steak Night and for all that you do for the lodge!
December 2025 – Jon Volpe
Jon Volpe is our Elk of the Month for December. Jon’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to our lodge have truly stood out this season. Jon helped in the success of the Western Roundup, helping bring the entire event together. In addition, Jon has been instrumental in planning our upcoming New Year’s Eve party, contributing ideas, effort and enthusiasm to make sure we ring in the New Year with a celebration worthy of our Lodge’s proud traditions. Jon, thank you for your ongoing support and for embodying the spirit of Elkdom. Your service strengthens our community, and we are proud to honor you as our December Elk of the Month.
January 2026 – Rozie McCarter
Please join us in congratulating Rozie McCarter, our Elk of the Month for January! Rozie has gone above and beyond by volunteering in the kitchen and consistently making things happen – even on last-minute notice. A dedicated member for the past three years, Rozie has supported numerous volunteer teams throughout the lodge, including Sunday Brunch, Steak Night, Monday Guest Chef, Saturday BBQ’s, the Veterans Committee, helping with Membership interviews and decorating for events. We are truly grateful for your hard work, commitment and willingness to step in wherever help is needed. We are proud to have you as part of our lodge family Rozie – keep up the great work!
February 2026 – Marianne Orr
Please join us in congratulating Marianne Orr, our Elk of the Month for February! Marianne has truly gone above and beyond as a newer but exceptionally dedicated member of our lodge family. She has generously volunteered her time in the kitchen and played a key role in interviewing our new members, always stepping up wherever help is needed with enthusiasm and grace. We are deeply grateful for her hard work, unwavering commitment, and selfless willingness to contribute to the success and warmth of our lodge. Marianne embodies the true spirit of Elkdom, and we are incredibly proud to have her as part of our community. Congratulations again, Marianne – thank you for everything you do! Your efforts make our lodge stronger and more welcoming for all.
March 2026 – Suzanne Messina
I am proud to name Suzanne Messina as Elk of the Month for March. A dedicated volunteer, Suzanne is a cornerstone of our popular Steak Night events, helping prepare, serve, and create the welcoming atmosphere that draws members together while supporting lodge charities. She proudly follows in her father’s footsteps as an active member of the Newport Harbor Elks Yacht Club, continuing a family legacy of service, fellowship, and community involvement. Suzanne’s generosity, reliability, and enthusiasm embody the true spirit of the Elks. Congratulations Suzanne – thank you for all you do!