Port Orange Elks Lodge 2723 — Local services in Port Orange

I have to admit I didn't know what to expect. I had ever been in an Elks Lodge before. But I had heard they have open BINGO.... dear God, my nightmare BINGO. have I gotten to that age already? Weekly BINGO GAMES...? Yes, I have, I went once with a friend and found the folks there were a bit lukewarm...in the backroom that is . See, these folks have their friends who they have been playing with for years... But the group of folks at the bar had a much more vibrant experience. So the decision was made that should we go back again, we were going to sit at the bar. Well, that was the beginning.... We now go weekly to play BINGO and have a night out filled with laughter and a bit of excitement. They do serve food until 6:00 pm. and they allow you to bring in your own snacks a plus for those who can't eat "bar food." The chicken tenders are darn tasty. To attend other functionsI believe you need to be a member.... it's 25 dollars to join. You need to meet with someone a couple of times for an interview .. then 25 dollars as a yearly dues. So why would one join the ELKS? First, it's a National Foundation....meaning one go into any Elks club and participate in the offerings there. They have different programs, i.e., drug awareness, youth camps, children's therapy, and other services. This particular Lodge has weekly and monthly activities during the day and evenings to keep you busy in the community. So will I join...yes...why it's a safe environment to be able to go out one night or two to have a place where everyone at some point in time will know your name and will recognize you at a time when we start to fade into the woodwork. When you reach an age where folks tolerate you and don't always see that you still have a purpose... and a zest for life. One can do...

We came on invitation from the band for dinner and music. We were turned away at the door, because we weren't Elks and the band weren't Elks. We were let inside via the front entrance, and we're told that we couldn't purchase drinks or food because we weren't Elks. A waitress would have to take our orders and bring us our drinks and food. ...ok.....but when we tried to order dinner, she said we had to go order at the order desk. We went to the counter to order, but she refused to take our orders, BECAUSE WE WEREN'T ELKS! They got it all worked out so that we could order dinner, but I won't ever go back! There were 38 people in the building, and if we weren't there, no one would be there listening to the music. "We are a private club". Well, la te da....we wouldn't join that club if membership was free! ...

I used to think it was a nice place to have a quiet drink and after my husband died they gave me a widows card every year there WAS a very nice lady in the office and would GIVE ME THE NEW Card now they are not open till after 4 I called and was told it would take a couple of weeks so I waited and just stopped in tonight to get it still wasn't ready then I was asked if my husband was a member there I hsve my last years card with husband name on it Jay f Ryan this ANTHONY saud if its nit in the rolladex I have a problem I said ne he'd have a problem who makes him god do you think I got my card in...