On August 2, 2010, the Santa Clarita Emblem Club #459 celebrated their 40th birthday. President, Lady Sharon England of Santa Clarita and Vice President, Joyce Sheets, a resident of Agua Dulce, welcomed the celebrants. There were photos and remembrances of past years on display for the enjoyment of members and their guests. Emblem members are involved in charity fundraising events throughout the year. They provide scholarships for students, holiday food baskets for needy families, support the Hearing Dog Program, and contribute to many worthwhile charities.
The birthday party was highlighted by the annual scholarship awards to deserving students in our community. Emblem 3rd State Vice President Simone Swanson, a resident of Canyon Country, and Roseann Dalton, of Santa Clarita, presented the scholarships. The students and their respective colleges are Brittany Chu, UCLA; Kirsten Lynskey, Cuesta College; Jan Arjon, CSUN; and Kelly Ballard, University of La Verne.
Emblem members Joan Jenkins of Reseda and Maureen ‘Mo’ Jillson, a Saugus resident, received ‘Sister Awards,’ and Grace Elliott, also of Saugus, was presented with the ‘Emblem of the Year Award.’ Emblem members cast their votes for recipients of these awards.
Membership recognition was given to members in five-year increments all the way to 40 years. Past President Mary McWilliams, a resident of Lancaster, is our sole remaining charter member, receiving recognition for her 40-year membership.
Mary McWilliams, assisted by Past President Fran Omara of Acton, conducted the candle lighting ceremony to honor past presidents, with a special remembrance for the deceased past presidents. It was a ceremony filled with tradition and sentiment. This was followed by an array of delicious lemon birthday cakes baked by Past President Anna Lichota.
The precursor to the Emblem Club was in 1917, when a group of women, associated with the Elks, began meeting together to wrap bandages during World War I. They enjoyed the camaraderie, the sociability, and the accomplishment of helping others.
The idea of a national organization was developed by a group of fifteen women in Providence, Rhode Island, who were active under the name of Emblem Club. They were related to members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The organization was chartered in the State of Rhode Island on April 27, 1926 and filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of Rhode Island on May 3, 1926. The name Emblem ‘signifies the Flag of the United States of America, which is preserved and cherished as a priceless possession.’
There are now Emblem Clubs located in every section of our country, attracting individuals of diverse talents, abilities, and ages. The Santa Clarita Emblem Club members are retired or currently employed educators, domestic engineers, medical personnel, business owners, social workers, and office personnel.
This year’s Emblem ‘All-You-Can-Eat’ Crab Fest Fundraiser, chaired by Donnell Jones of Saugus, was a success with over 200 Alaskan King Crab fans in attendance.
The Emblem Club will hold a Holiday Boutique and Bake Sale Fundraiser on Saturday, October 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 17766 Sierra Highway in Santa Clarita. “Shop for a Cause” with over 50 vendors with something for men, women, and children. You are invited to join them for a day of shopping, good food, and tasty baked goods! Proceeds from this fundraiser will provide scholarships for students, holiday gift baskets for needy families, and other Emblem charities. Grace Elliott is the chairman of this event, and she can be contacted at 661-313-3972 for information.
Emblem Club utilizes your talents and supports your desire to contribute to the community. Working together as a team, they accomplish so much for the community, while having fun and building friendships. In Emblem, there is an important place for each member.
For membership information, contact Past President Jo Alpern at 818-368-7777.