Signal Tribune Newspaper

Albert “Al” Shemaria has been selected as Elk of the Month for October at the Bellflower-Long Beach B.P.O. Elks Lodge # 888. He was born on March 31, 1927, in Los Angeles, where he attended 52nd Street Grammar School, John Muir Junior High School and Manual Arts High. He left high school in 12th grade to join the Navy but received permission to return to graduate with his class. He later went to work as a salesman at Sears then worked at Weatherby Sporting Goods in South Gate in 1951. In 1991, he retired from his position as manager. He was initiated in Lodge #888 on February 5, 1959. He became active with the Escort Team in 1977. He served as chairman and secretary for several years. In 1987, he decided to go through the Chairs and served as exalted ruler from 1991 to 1992. He was lodge treasurer from 1992 to 1993 and lodge secretary from 1994 to 1996. He’s also served on the bingo committee and the breakfast crew, as well as filled in the Chairs when officers were absent.