Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America
A Fraternal Organization
Frank Veltri, Jr., PER, Vice President
South District
34555 Southwest 187th • Homestead, FL 33034
(305) 879-1080 (c) • action.maintenanceflkeys@gmail.com
September 9, 2020
To: Officers of the Florida State Elks Association
Past Grand Exalted Rulers
Past State presidents
State Vice and Regional Chairs
District Deputy Grand Exalted Rulers
Exalted Rulers and Lodges
Re: State President’s Official Visit to the South District
You are cordially invited to join the South District and host lodge – The Florida Keys #1872 as State President Rudy Masi, and his wife Dolly visit on October 16th and 17th, 2020. Vice President at Large Suzi Simonelli and her husband Joey will be accompanying them.
Rudy and Dolly will be arriving at Dove Creek Resort and Marina (http://www.dovecreekresort.com) in Key Largo, on Friday evening (time to be established closer to event) on October 16th for an official greeting at the resort. An Elks Hospitality room will be provided at this location. On this evening, there will be an informal visit to the Florida Keys Lodge #1872 located at 92600 Overseas Highway, Tavernier for dinner and cocktails. The Lodge will be serving their regular full Friday evening menu and entertainment until 9:00pm. Dress will “Red Shirt Friday” as we need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the evening, the Hospitality Room will be open when the President Entourage returns to the hotel.
On Saturday, October 17th, the Lodge will be hosting a breakfast for the President and his Entourage at the Florida Keys Lodge. At my request in conjunction with my American Legion Post #145, a 1951 Korean war machine gun vehicle will be present as a photo opportunity with this historical vehicle. Tentatively, the President will meet with a Veteran who has been sponsored by the Lodge’s Impact Grant, Vets on the Water.
Immediately after breakfast, the entourage will travel to a VIP tour of the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center (https://www.keysdiscovery.com) located in Islamorada at 82100 Overseas Highway which will begin at approximately 11:00am, followed a traditional keys style luncheon with reserved tables on the beach at Lazy Daze Restaurant (https://www.lazydaysislamorada.com) located in Islamorada at 79867 Overseas Highway. Dress will be casual and Keys style fun. We will return to the hotel upon completion of lunch to relax prior to the evening’s activities. The Hospitality Room will again open upon the return of the Entourage at the hotel at approximately 2:00pm.
Saturday evening dinner will be hosted by the Florida Keys Lodge located at 92600 Overseas Highway in Tavernier. Arrival to the Lodge for cocktails will begin at approximately 5:30pm with dinner served at 6:00pm. The dinner menu is still being created by our Chef Clark. The cost of the dinner will be approximately $15 per person (subject to change). The dress for the evening is business suit and cocktail attire. The Hospitality Room will be open when party returns to the hotel at approximately 9:00pm.
I want to establish the fact that plans may change due to the COVID epidemic in Monroe County where establishments may limit their hours of operation of lunch or the need to move any events to another location in order to accommodate all participants. Please prepare to wear your mask unless you are being seated for meals. I will keep you informed of details regarding reservations and purchase of breakfast and dinner tickets and any changes that may occur.
Fraternally yours
Frank Veltri
Frank Veltri PER, SDVP
“Florida Elks – Warm, Friendly and Active”