Families gathered at the Sierra Highway Elks Lodge on Monday as the Elks Lodge Group of Santa Clarita awarded multiple recognitions to citizens for their excellence in community service. 

On Monday, the Elks Lodge group of Santa Clarita hosted an awards dinner to recognize many SCV residents for their work benefitting our community.

“This is really the night we show our appreciation for our community partners and, internally, give other Elk awards,” said Mike Fisher, current exalted ruler for the Santa Clarita Elks Lodge. 

Fisher has been an Elk member for 34 years and stated that this appreciation night has been a tradition for many years. 

“They have been doing this (appreciation event) before me. I wouldn’t be surprised if we’ve been doing it since when the Elk Lodge first started 56 years ago,” Fisher said. 

At the event, volunteers were busy in the kitchen prepping food for the attendees filling the Elk Lodge #2379 Building. 

Debbie Baumgartner, Kay Easley, and Nanci Webster were just some of the women working in the kitchen. 

“I have met so many wonderful people here. They all are so generous and so loving. I just appreciate being a part of the group,” said Baumgartner.

After the food was served, the ceremony began. 

Award organizations presented included: 

• Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
• Los Angeles County Fire Department
• California Highway Patrol
• Fire and Forestry
• Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center
• Henry Mayo Hospital

Officer Justin Hallgren was awarded the California Highway Patrol Award.

Captain Tom Lawson received the Los Angeles County Fire Department Award. 

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Captain Justin Diez announced that Deputy Samuel Curameg would receive the Lost Angeles County Sheriff Department Award. Curameg served in the Army and the National Guard and worked as a nurse and in law enforcement.

“All in all, the community shows their love towards us,” said Curameg. “We give it back by providing protection and service, and even just someone to talk to.” 

Marcelo Del Valle was recognized for his work at the SCV Senior Center, having served half a million meals. 

Students from local schools were also presented with scholarships. 

After community awards, many Elk Lodge members received pins and awards for their service, including: Car Show Committee “Bad Ass” Jacket Recipient, Elks Volunteer of the Year, Elks Citizen of the Year, Tall Elk (the member who works behind the scenes to ensure that programs run smoothly), and Elk of the Year.

“This is really the night we show our appreciation for our community partners and, internally, other Elk awards,” said Fisher. 

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