Annual Summaries

MVSV Elks’ Ladies Annual Summaries for the 2025-2026 Year

Dear Elks Ladies, 

We are happy to share the annual reports from the Elks' Ladies 2025-2026 Board and Chair Positions. Our Annual Summaries keep you informed of our activities during the past year. It is only through everyone's hard work that we can reach our goals. Thank you to everyone for volunteering on all of our committees and events throughout the year. 

Officers 

President Laura Lumley:

The PRESIDENT shall preside at all business meetings of the club. The President is Chairman of the Executive Board and shall call all special meetings. The president shall sign all necessary warrants, checks and contracts. The President shall appoint all Standing Committee Chairmen and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee. The President shall call on all Standing Committee Chairmen for reports at the regular meeting.

Vice President, Cookie Akkeson: 

     As Vice President, I worked closely with our President to plan and our monthly meetings and events. I led a few meetings on behalf of our President when she was unable to attend. 

     I had the privilege of planning and organizing our Annual Ladies Appreciation Dinner. I renamed the event the” Appreciation Dinner” to acknowledge the men who joined our club this past year and the spouses/partners who supported us through the year. My goal was to bring back the participation of our membership to this special event.  Our kitchen staff provided a traditional meal of ham, scalloped potatoes and green beans with cheesecake with cherry topping for dessert. Special thanks to Steve Cagnacci and Barbara Copolla for preparing such a wonderful meal enjoyed by all.

     The El Toro High School choral group provided our evening entertainment. Dave Roberts, the choral director and a member of our Lodge, was so happy to be back at the Lodge providing this tradition that was started many years ago. Tracee McRane made the cookies to pass out to the young people as they were leaving the Lodge. The concert was well received by the audience as the evening's finale! Everyone was smiling as they made their way out the door.

In closing, my wish is that the incoming board will continue with “tradition”as their motto.

Hugs,

Cookie Akesson, Vice President 2025-2026

Corresponding Secretary Jean Chapman: 

          It was my pleasure to serve as the MVELKS LADIES Correspondence Secretary 2025-2026. I enjoyed sending written correspondence to the vendors of the six events last year.

          With emails being the more prevalent form of correspondence nowadays, emails were sent out to those names presented to me.  It is always eye opening and awesome to see how many Elks and Elk's Ladies work behind the scenes to make our events happen! From set-up, servers, cooks, and clean-up committees, it definitely shows volunteerism and teamwork are alive and well in Mision Viejo. 

       Tracee McRane and her Ways & Means Committee have put their magic touch on all of the events this year.  We had 2 new events thanks to Tracee, a Tea Party and Oktoberfest! What a wonderful, fun filled year we have had!

  I would like to give a huge shout-out to Jennie Williams for all of her work in helping me become more  tech savvy on the emails and daffodil headings!

Thanks for the memories,

Jean Chapman Corresponding Secretary

Recording Secretary, Sandy Jacobs: 

Since joining the Elks' Ladies in 2004, I have served as the Recording Secretary nine years. Most of the times were two-year commitments, but a few times, they were just one year when a different position needed to be filled. That means that I have done this report nine times.

During that time, one thing has remained constant: the description of the duties as described in the By-Laws The Recording Secretary shall record the minutes of the club and Executive Board meetings and shall forward one coy to the President, one copy for the club's records and one for the Recording Secretary's book. The Recording Secretary shall keep the By-Laws and Standing Rules up to date and have charge of all papers belonging to the club. The Recording Secretary's signature shall be on file at the bank so that the Recording Secretary can sign checks in the absence of either the President or Treasurer.

Really, the only thing that has changed, is what happens after the minutes are typed. Instead of printing copies to give to the President, and reading them aloud during the meetings for approval or corrections before voting for acceptance, they are now sent to our Communications/Computer whiz Jennifer Williams who posts them on the website for members to read. The Board gets both sets of minutes; whereas, the Business Meeting minutes are available for the entire membership. The Recording Secretary asks for corrections and/or approval and a vote is taken to accept or not.

The Recording Secretary still maintains a book for all records and papers belonging to the club. The signing of checks remains the same as it has been.

In closing, I want to thank President Laura Lumley, VP Cookie Akesson, and Parliamentarian Barbara Coppola for a very good year. The Covid years got us of track a bit which led to new members stepping in to keep us going. Sometimes they didn't have the previous years with experienced leaders to guide them. Now, the three ladies who took on a tough job have gotten us back where we should be.

They weren't the only ones, but they guided us back to where we were with the traditions that made the Elks' Ladies who we are. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Sandra Jacobs,  Recording Secretary

Treasurer, Jerlene Dinnage: 

        The TREASURER shall receive all monies; the Treasurer shall keep a record of all receipts and disbursements; shall make monthly and annual reports to the club; deposit all funds in the name of the Mission Viejo Elks’ Ladies in the bank designated by the board in a timely manner. The Treasurer shall sign with the President all authorized checks and contracts. The Treasurer shall send out dues notices to the members by March 15th.

Standing Committees 

Hospitality, Carol Gray:  

           Hospitality is a position to provide the group with refreshments for each Board and Business meeting on the second Monday of the month. The members volunteer to bring treats by signing up on a yearly sign-up sheet. This sheet is passed around at meetings until all spots are filled.

Monthly, on the Sunday before the meeting they chose, I remind the people who signed up to bring their items. If someone who signed up cannot make it to the meeting, I will supply a dessert to replace it.  I also notify Communications of the volunteers each month for the Announcements. 

As Hospitality Chair, I set up a table before each meeting, including a tablecloth, napkins, plates, water, and utensils if needed.  Afterward, I clean up the table and store the materials until the next meeting.

Carol Gray, Hospitality

Membership, Michele Scaglione: 

The MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE shall consist of a Chairman and two or three members appointed by the Chairman. This Committee shall, upon receiving proof of eligibility, accept membership and present the dues to the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall issue a receipt to the new member. The Committee shall keep a record of attendance at the monthly business meeting. It will be their duty to contact all prospective members and to keep an accurate, up-to-date membership list. It shall be the duty of the committee to publish and distribute the membership list along with the Bylaws and Standing Rules, in the form of the Elks’ Ladies Membership Book, to all new and renewing members each year.

 Publicity, Sheryn Howlett: 

"A dissemination of information to attract public attention and build awareness for a person, product or organization."  Hopefully, I have done this throughout the year, covering all of our successes with the Tea Party, Oktoberfest, Snowflake Ball, Appreciation Dinner and Fashion Show as well as introducing you to many of our members.  The latter is what I hope to continue to do this year.  One of my goals which I feel I could have done better, was to get our events advertised sooner and our flyers out earlier.  This will bring more people to our events bringing in more revenue.  $15,300.00 was given to our Exalted Ruler this year by our President, Laura Lumley.  This fact is covered in the Lodge Installation of Officers for all Lodge and Ladies members to see.

Sheryn Howlett, Publicity

Sunshine, Cheryl Isaac: 

            As Sunshine Chair, I enjoyed sending the spirit of "Sunshine" within our Ladies' club.  Every month, birthday cards are sent to all members to help celebrate their special day. Also, cards and get well gift boxes are sent to members recovering from illnesses or surgeries, along with condolences to members' families who have lost loved ones.  

Please contact me throughout the year if you know of any member who could use a little extra cheer or support, and please continue donating cards.

Thank you!

Cheryl Isaac, Sunshine

"Friendship is like a ray of sunshine."

Ways and Means Co-Chairs Tracee McRane and Dana Hollenbeck:

Tracee McRane and Dana Hollenbeck co-chaired, along with the Ways and Means Committee, this past year, working to host a series of successful and enjoyable fundraising events. In addition to the Tea Party Decorating Contest, four entertaining events were held and were well attended by our members and guests.

Tea Party:

A favorite from years past, which was a first for this Ways and Means committee, was a complete success. Everyone’s creativity came out in full force and it was an entertaining day for everyone.

Blue Jeans and Boots Western Night:

This was another successful event. With good food and fun with friends, along with the Outlaw Band, provided fantastic entertainment and once again had many members dancing the night away.

Oktoberfest :

This event was another first for this year's Ways and Means committee. With the help of many of Elks' ladies, it turned out to be quite a fun event between the music, contests, and the food. A good time was had by all.

Winter Ball:

The Snowflake Gala proved to be a beautiful event. It was enjoyed by all who attended. The Gala was a wonderful start to the holiday season.

Fashion Show:

This event proved to be a very successful fundraiser. It was enjoyed by all who attended, and we were able to raise a significant amount of funds for the club. We have received extremely positive feedback from many members and guests regarding this wonderful event.

Respectfully submitted,

Tracee McRane, Ways and Means Committee​

Sergeant At Arms, Kelly Van Dyke:

          My duties were performed at the beginning of each Elks’ Ladies General meeting.  My duty was to get the flag out of the closet and put it in the stand.  I asked members to place their hands over their hearts, then to start the Pledge of Allegiance.  I put the flag and base back in the closet at the end of the meeting.

          I have not been able to attend very many meetings throughout the year and I want to thank whoever has been taking over this duty in my absence. 

Kelly Van Dyke, Sergeant At Arms   

Parliamentarian, Barbara Coppola:

     The new Elk Year started my position as Parliamentarian with coordinating the program for the Installation of Elk Ladies Officers. What an exciting way to start!!! As with all Elk Ladies events, we all supported each other as the various components of the event came together.  While putting together the event, I was able to create an Installation Program handbook.  Hopefully, this will provide a guideline for future Parliamentarians of items that need to be addressed to make this traditional event successful.  

        During the year, I advised the President of points of parliamentary law and gave similar advice to the group when requested to do so. Our bylaws state that I should sit near the President  at meetings to be convenient for consultation.  When something was done out of order, I was able to call the attention of the chair to it in an unobtrusive manner. I  attended the Executive Board and General Meetings, and was the Chairman of the  Nominating Committee for the upcoming year.  I made sure that all nominees were willing to accept their nomination, and then presented the names of the nominees to the Executive Board and again to the general meeting members for vote. 

 A big THANK YOU “to everyone who made this past year memorable! 

Barbara Coppola, Parliamentarian

Chaplain, Victoria Stokes:

        It is always sacred to have the opportunity to bless our meeting before it starts, to ask for His inspiration, wisdom, and love, and to close the meetings with gratitude for all accomplished, and keep us, our loved ones, and beloved lodge safe and healthy, until we meet again.

Victoria Johnson-Stokes,

Elks Ladies Chaplain

Communications, Jennifer Williams: 

    Dear 2025-26 MVSV Elks’ Ladies Board, Committees, and Members,

The main duty for Communications is sharing the requests of the Executive Board and Chairpeople to send emails, announcements, and information throughout the 2025-2026 year. Members were notified of special events, volunteering needs, Memorials, meetings, and functions at the Lodge. Monthly Announcements were sent with information from Officers and Committees.  Communications reached our members through emails, surveys, phone calls, and on our website. Our website has been viewed 23,318 times since its inception, so it has become an essential part of our communication. Thank you for your continued feedback to provide you with helpful tools. 

The Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Elks' Ladies’ Website is maintained as part of Communications. Our Home page shares current information, meeting times, and a calendar for easy access. Other pages include information and photos of our Board and Committees, Meetings, Membership, Sunshine, ChitChat, Communications, Rules and ByLaws, and past Years.

Communications additionally supported each of the Elks’ Ladies’ Events. Event information was collected to provide checklists for ticketing, sales, seating, meal choices, check-ins, and event floor plans. Photos from events are posted and shared on our website. 

Digital support is also provided to Membership with the creation of spreadsheets, lists, certificates, emails, Membership Cards, Membership Booklets, certificates, and applications. 

I look forward to supporting the Elks’ Ladies again in the coming year. This year, I was a one person committee and would greatly appreciate anyone with technology skills to join me in the coming year. The more the merrier!

Looking forward to another great year,

Jennifer Williams, Communications 2025-2026

Auditor, Linda Cimmarusti 

The duties were to perform the treasury audit two times a year. In addition, contributions were made to the annual budget for the past year and for the coming new term.

Elk Liaison, handled by Laura Lumley and Barbara Coppola 

This year the liaison position was handled by current Board Members who attended every Elk Meeting. 

MVSV Elks’ Ladies Annual Summaries      

Dear Elks Ladies, 

Following are the annual reports from the Elks' Ladies 2024-2025 Board and Chair Positions. Our Annual Summaries keep you informed of our activities during the past year. It is only through everyone's hard work that we can reach our goals.  Thank you to everyone for your contributions. 

Officers 

President Linda Holt:

Thank you for electing me to be your President for 2024-2025.  As President, I presided at all business meetings at the club, unless I had a family or trip commitments. In that case, the Vice President Gina Vander Thee did take over for me. I am the chairman of the Executive Board and can call all special meetings. As your President, I signed all necessary warrants, checks, and contracts. As President, I appointed all Standing Committees Chairmen and was an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee. As President, I called on all the Standing Chairmen for reports at the regular meeting.

I have been trying my hardest to catch on to all the by-laws. This year has been challenging for me since many people have said, “This is how we did it, or we don’t do that anymore”. We need to comply with all our by-laws.

Everyone stepped up to make it a successful year. Our Fundraisers and events this year were the Luau Party, Western Night, decorating the lodge for Christmas, Lap Blankets for the veterans, and the Appreciation Dinner. The last event of the year was our wonderful Fashion Show. All our ladies should be proud of all the help you gave to make this year’s Fashion Show our biggest event of the year. There were many challenges this year as I expected. But as your President, we all made it a successful year.

My motto is “This is a perfect day to Bee Kind”. Let’s start today, tomorrow and forever.

I was honored to be your President in 2023-2025.

Linda Holt, President

Vice President, Gina VanderThee: 

As Vice President, I collaborated closely with the president to plan and execute monthly meetings and events. I led multiple meetings on behalf of the president which helped me grow more confident as Vice President. I had initially considered running for president but after some discussions, I decided to step back and chose to support the group in other ways.

As Vice President, I had the privilege of organizing the Annual Ladies AppreciationDinner. I really enjoyed planning this special evening celebrating remarkable women for their kindness, dedication, and strength. Our evening began with beautiful music of Christi Fisher, our meal was graciously prepared by Greg Morgan and Shannon Thee. We enjoyed ham with rum raisin sauce, baked scalloped potatoes in heavy cream with fresh parmesan cheese, garlic-tossed green beans, and vegetable lasagna for our vegan dish. We celebrated each lady with a thank you bag with sweet mementos and a custom bee cookie made with love by Barbara King’s daughter. It was a beautiful evening celebrating beautiful ladies.

As this year comes to an end, lets take a moment to appreciate the experiences that have shaped us, the friendships that have strengthened us, and the memories that will stay with us. May we step into the new year with gratitude, hope, and a renewed spirit.

Wishing you all the best,

Gina Vander Thee, Vice President

Corresponding Secretary Jean Chapman: 

It was an honor to serve as the Mission Viejo ELks Ladies Corresponding Secretary.  I enjoyed sending written correspondence to those vendors who contributed to the three Fundraisers this year.

With emails being the more prevalent form of correspondence nowadays, emails were sent out to those whose names were given to me.  It was eye opening and awesome to see how many Elks and Elk Ladies work behind the scenes to make events happen.   From set-up, servers, cooks, and clean-up committees, it definitely shows volunteerism and teamwork are alive and well in Mission Viejo.

I am looking forward to another successful year.

Thank you,

Jean Chapman, Corresponding Secretary

Recording Secretary, Linda Cimmarusti: 

Letter to President, Linda Holt Term: April 2024-March 2025

Dear Linda,

Thank you for your hard work to make the Ladies shine and be successful during your term. Your leadership and dedication to the Ladies’ and our Lodge made it possible.

It was a challenge to be the Recording Secretary and take minutes when everyone started talking at the same time. Without the assistance of our board members, especially our Communication Chair, Jennifer Williams, I would not have been able to perform the responsibilities that come with this position.

Respectfully,

Linda Cimmarusti, Recording Secretary

Treasurer, Victoria Stokes: 

Serving as Treasurer, it was an honor to watch our Membership grow as we deposited additional funds, and the beautiful teams that support our Club. To watch the hard work of the Committees create events, everyone’s contributions of Raffle prizes and Drawings bringing in additional funds, eventually allowing our Purple Pig contributions ($221.49) to go directly to CHEMPI, and (all but $2000 and current dues to remain in our bank account), to donate 2 checks totaling $14,443,  given to our beloved Elks Lodge for improvements, to support the general membership!

Victoria Stokes, Treasurer

Standing Committees 

Hospitality, Carol Gray:  

           Hospitality is a position to provide the group with refreshments for each Board and Business meeting on the second Monday of the month. The members volunteer to bring treats by signing up on a yearly sign-up sheet. This sheet is passed around at meetings until all spots are filled.

Monthly, on the Sunday before the meeting they chose, I remind the people who signed up to bring their items. If someone who signed up cannot make it to the meeting, I will supply a dessert to replace it.  I also notify Communications of the volunteers each month for the Announcements. 

As Hospitality Chair, I set up a table before each meeting, including a tablecloth, napkins, plates, water, and utensils if needed.  Afterward, I clean up the table and store the materials until the next meeting.

Carol Gray, Hospitality

 Publicity, Sandy Jacobs: 

I have completed and submitted my final Chit Chat article to The Bulletin.  I want to thank Ways and Means Tracee McRane and Jana Merck for their input of articles and photos of their different events.  Thanks, too, to Sheryn Howlett, who wrote an article for the one meeting I could not attend.  In keeping with my assigned duties, I sent all articles to President Linda Holt via the website, which Communications Jennifer Williams sent to all members. 

I also kept a notebook where all Publicity items were entered. This notebook has been given early to Sheryn, at her request, so that she can begin writing her articles for Publicity in 2025-2026. 

Sandy Jacobs, Publicity 2024-2025

Sunshine, Cheryl Isaac: 

             As Sunshine chair, it is an honor to continue to foster friendship and camaraderie within our Elks Ladies. The spirit of “Sunshine” that we cultivate within our club is a vital part of the Elks tradition.

          Every month, birthday cards are sent to all members to help celebrate their special day. Also, cards and plants are sent to members recovering from illnesses and surgeries, along with condolences to members’ families who have lost loved ones.

          If you know of any member who could use a little extra cheer or support, I encourage you to contact me, and please continue donating cards, thank you.

          “May sunshine surround you each new day and may smiles and love never be far away.”

Cheryl Isaac, Sunshine

Ways and Means Co-Chairs Tracee McRane and Jana Merk:

Jana Merk and Tracee McRane co-shared the duties of the Ways and Means Committee for a successful year. There were three entertaining events, in addition to calk walk, that were well attended.

Luau Night:   This event was a successful event. Tickets sold quickly and we were able to raise a good amount of funds for the club. The Hawaiian Band was entertaining and had members dancing.

Blue Jeans and Boots Western Night:   This was another successful event. We had a slow start selling tickets but did raise a good amount of funds for the club. The Outlaw Band was great and again had many members dancing the night away.

Cake Walk:   Tracee spearheaded the calk walk. Ladies’ members were asked to donate bake goods to be included in a calk walk during the lodge Friday dinner. It was a great success and raised some funds for the club. We will definitely be doing this again soon.

Winter Ball:   Due to several events that were planned Within weeks of each other in the month of December, a decision was made to cancel the event to not incur a loss in our fundraising efforts.

Fashion Show:   This event was a very successful fundraiser! The event was enjoyed by all, and we raised a large amount of funds for the club. There has been very positive feedback from many of our members and guests about this event.

Jana Merk and Tracee McRane, Ways and Means Committee

​

Sergeant At Arms, Barbara King:

My duties were performed at the beginning of each Elks’ Ladies General meeting only, not the board meeting.  My duty was to get the flag out of the closet and put it in the stand.  I asked members to place their hands over their hearts, then to start the Pledge of Allegiance.  I put the flag and base back in the closet at the end of the meeting.

I want to thank Becki Wanger and Linda Holt for taking over when I was unable. They were a great support while I was recuperating. Thank you!

Barbara King, Sergeant At Arms   

Parliamentarian, Laura Lumley:  

        As a Parliamentarian, I advised the President of points of parliamentary law and gave similar advice to the group when requested to do so. I sat near the chair to be convenient for consultation. When something was done out of order, I called the attention of the chair to it in an unobtrusive manner. I attended Executive Board and General Meetings, and was the Chairman of the  Nominating Committee for the upcoming year. Thank you for the good year. 

Sincerely, 

Laura Lumley, Parliamentarian

Chaplain, Becki Wanger 

  As Chaplain it was my duty to open and end each monthly meeting with a prayer of devotion.

Chaplain, Becki Wanger

Communications, Jennifer Williams: 

          The Communications Committee sent emails, announcements, and information was shared on our Elks' Ladies website throughout 2024-2025. Members were notified of Special Events, volunteering needs, Memorials, meetings, and functions at the Lodge. Monthly Announcements were shared with information from Officers and Committees. Communications reached our members with emails, surveys, phone calls, and from our website. 

          Mission Viejo Elks Ladies’ Website is maintained by Communications. Our Home page shares current information, meeting times, and a calendar for easy access. Other pages include information and photos of our Board and Committees, Meetings, Membership, Sunshine, ChitChat, Communications, Elks Ladies Events, Elk Lodge Events, Rules and ByLaws, and past Years.

Communications additionally supported each of the Elks’ Ladies Events. Event information was collected to provide checklists for ticketing, sales, seating, meal choices, check-ins, and event floor plans. Photos are also taken at events and shared on our website. 

Digital support is also provided to Membership with the creation of spreadsheets, lists, certificates, emails, Membership Cards, Membership Booklets, and applications. 

I look forward to supporting the Elks’ Ladies again in the coming year. Thank you to Michele Scaglione and Lynda Jack for their immense help on the Communications committee and for reaching out to our ladies to call, send reminders, and stay informed. I wish them the best as they spend the coming year in other capacities. 

Sincerely, 

Jennifer Williams, Communications

Auditor, Jerlene Dinnage: 

It has been a pleasure to be a part of this group and to be the auditor for the 2024-2025 Elks Ladies. My duties were to perform the treasury audit two times a year. In addition, I contributed to the annual budget for the past year and for the coming new term.

I created simplified monthly treasury forms to use by the treasurer which should be easier to report monthly income and expenses. It will be my pleasure to assist the new Auditor if needed for the upcoming new term.

Sincerely,

Jerlene Dinnage, Auditor