City of Garden Grove

Janice and David Skelton are truly a couple in sync. They worked at the same company, Garden Grove Glass; they both enjoy traveling in their motor home; they are committed to supporting their community in whatever way they can; they have even been known to color-coordinate what they wear!

David joined the Garden Grove Elks Lodge in 1971 and has been instrumental in many projects since that time. He helped to start the Bingo program, which has become a significant fundraiser for the lodge. At the annual Strawberry Festival he helps set up the Elks and Emblem Club booths, and since he loves to cook, he is in charge of the volunteer breakfast and cooks at the Labor Day celebration and other events.

One of his favorite activities is the lodge’s Christmas Basket Program. He contacts local schools for names of approximately 200 families in need. He then collects the donated food, mostly from canned food drives at schools, and arranges for the sorting, packing, and delivery of over 500 boxes prior to Christmas Day.

David became an officer in the lodge in the early 1980’s and went on to become “Exalted Ruler” (president) and then “District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler.” He continues to be a strong leader in the Elks organization. For his service, he was named Elk of the Year in 2019.

He has also been active in the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce, providing outstanding support to the Miss Garden Grove Pageant. He was one of the recipients of the Chamber’s Women’s Division Silver Spoon awards, in recognition of his major contributions to the community. The chamber selected David as the 2022-2023 Man of the Year, honoring him for his many years of service to Garden Grove.

Janice began volunteering when her three children were young, starting with the PTA and Bolsa Little League. She moved on from there to be a member of the Garden Grove Emblem Club, which started as an organization for the wives and immediate family of Elks lodge members but is now open to anyone who is interested in serving their community through projects such as drug awareness, literacy, and college scholarships.

The Garden Grove Emblem Club collects and wraps toys to be given as Christmas gifts to children in the community and prepares Thanksgiving baskets for families in need. The club also participates in the Kids Read program, donating money for the purchase of books. Janice joined the Emblem Club 43 years ago and has been very active in it since then. In 2021-2022 she served as president, having served as vice president the year before. During her term as president the club raised over $34,000 to donate to local non-profits.

She is also very involved with the Women’s Division of the Garden Grove Chamber, always helping with their events and fundraisers. She has been the group’s secretary for a number of years and also served as vice president.

Like David, Janice has helped with the Strawberry Festival, including being the associate director for several years.

She, too, has been recognized for her many contributions to Garden Grove. She was honored with the Silver Spoon Award of the Chamber’s Women’s Division; the Garden Grove Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award; and the Emblem Club’s Mary Keller Award.

At home Janice is known for her many collections, in particular Snow White memorabilia. She has so many Christmas ornaments that each year she and David set up and decorate seven trees, each with a different theme according to the ornaments selected. David also enjoys putting up an outdoor Christmas display in their front yard.

Their family consists of three adult children, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Holidays are celebrated with large dinners that include as many family members as possible. There are Easter egg hunts, games, and special food traditions, including strawberry waffles at Christmas.

In David’s spare time, of which there is very little, he enjoys golf and bowling. He is justifiably proud of having bowled three perfect games over the years.

When asked why they are so involved in the community, David talks about his love for Janice and that being married to her is the greatest honor of his life. It is almost as if serving the community is an extension of their love, inspiring them to help others. Janice puts it very simply—“We both enjoy volunteering and helping people”—so that’s what they do, much to the benefit of Garden Grove.