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Elks move into home that reflects merger
By TERRI BRYCE REEVES, Times Correspondent
Published October 10, 2007
DUNEDIN - The Dunedin-Clearwater Elks recently moved into a new $1-million, 7,000-square-foot home at 1240 San Christopher Drive. It makes an impressive statement, especially at a time when many fraternal organizations must struggle to stay healthy. But they weren't always as strong. In 2001, Dunedin Elks 2275 and Clearwater Elks 1525 were having trouble attracting members. So they merged. Since then, the organization has grown to a roster that tops 730. For many, the lodge is a home away from home. For some, it becomes home. Once, a widow brought in her husband's cremated ashes and set them on the bar. "She said, 'He spent more time here than he did at home, so you guys can have him,'" said lodge chaplain Clarence Rolsin. Those ashes remained in the old lodge for 40 years and then were mixed into the concrete for the new lodge's foundation. "Elks are never forgotten," Rolsin said. "Elks are never forsaken." Terri Bryce Reeves, Times correspondent
[Last modified October 10, 2007, 00:15:23]
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