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When it comes to community events, it's hard to imagine Elks Lodge No. 2127 or Emblem Club No. 350 not being involved. Activities for scholarship dollars, literacy in the schools, helping students finance out-of-state travel, wounded veterans, fundraisers for community members whose homes have been destroyed or are facing serious medical challenges or any of a number of issues Elks and the Emblem Club are there. Saturday, they're at it again with the annual July Fourth scholarship barbecue. Admission is $15 at the door or free with a $100 raffle ticket. In addition to food and games for the kids, a raffle drawing begins at 1 p.m. with more than $16,000 in cash prizes.

interesting and unique type of raffle. Purpose is for general fund too! How refreshing that a lodge will avoid the kneejerk reaction to only have fundraisers for charitable purposes. Too many neglect their own basic needs.

FAIRMONT - Elks lodges in each state of the union sponsor what they call a "major project." For more than 60 years in the state of West Virginia, this project has been to host two camps for individuals with disabilities - one in the northern part of the state and one in the southern part. "The goal of the camp is to give these individuals the chance to have as close of a normal camping experience as possible," said Taffy Hower, director of the northern camp, held this week at Camp Muffly in Morgantown. The 48 participants are involved with typical camp activities such as swimming and basketball as well as different crafts. One craft, however, has a special purpose. Throughout the week, those involved with the camp work to create a quilt. Later on in the year, the quilt is raffled off by the Elks lodges to raise money for the following year's camp.

HARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - A West Virginia fraternal club is fighting back in the wake of a raid that seized its 144 video raffle machines. Clarksburg's Elks Lodge 482 asked a judge Thursday to block ongoing attempts to take away its alcohol, charitable gambling and video lottery licenses. Kanawha Circuit Judge Paul Zakaib accepted the petition and set a July 16 hearing.

The West Milford Elks Lodge 2236 held two 50-50 raffles to benefit military working dogs and on Sept. 15 they presented organizer Frank Yevchak with a $300 check to help supply our four-legged soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan with everything from Kevlar vests to toys and treats. Pictured from the left: Donna Jean Neil, Esteemed Lecturing Knight; Joe Scaparro, Trustee; Lehman Mann, Esteemed Loyal Knight; Vincent "Jim" Lupo, Esquire (PER); Frank Yevchak; Andy Saciolo, Head Trustee; Angelo Silvestri, Esteemed Leading Knight; Mary Barrett, Exalted Ruler.