Veterans, Police and Firefighters Honored this Month by Elks Lodge

Beginning with the service at Riverside National Cemetery on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the Moreno Valley Elks celebrated veterans, police and firefighters by presenting their Lodge wreath for display during the service. On Nov. 14, Moreno Valley Elk members, family and friends celebrated local veterans with a cake-cutting ceremony. Veterans ate free and the cake was sliced by the oldest veteran present, Bernie Timm, and passed to the youngest veteran present, John McDermit. Meanwhile, November fundraisers for “So Cal Help Get a Wheel Chairs for Veterans” and Care Bears to donate to local police officers and firefighters successfully raised $335, which will be used for the purchase of hundreds of stuffed animals for police officers and firefighters to give to needy families. These presentations were made at the Moreno Valley Elks Chili Cook-Off event held on Nov. 15 at the local lodge on Day Street. The Chili Cook-Off included visits from the Moreno Valley police and fire departments. Chilies were brought by Moreno Valley Elk members and the police department. Entries were judged in three categories – “Peoples’ Choice,” “Professional Choice,” and “Best Display.” Those in attendance voted for the “Peoples’ Choice” and “Best Display;” chefs from local restaurants judged the “Professional Choice.” Officer Monier placed in the Chili Cook-Off competition, amongst other winners including Steve Rinks, Rick Jensen, Cheryl Bustamonte, and Larry Andress; all Moreno Valley Elk members. This event also included a successful silent auction.