elks elieve, elks ahievenyselks.org/ese16sum/page3.pdf · 2016. 9. 8. · new york state elks...
TRANSCRIPT
NEW YORK STATE ELKS ASSOCIATION
SPRING CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
“ELKS BELIEVE, ELKS ACHIEVE”
The 104th Annual Convention of the New York State Elks Association and Spring Meeting of the New York Elks Major Projects, Inc. was held at the Radison
Hotel-Rochester Riverside in Rochester New York from May 19, 2016 to May 22, 2016. The convention was attended by members and quests representing
Lodges from throughout the State. The convention featured a Memorial Ceremony that recognized Past Exalted Ruler who passed the past year, special
Camp Committee Question and Answer sessions, workshops that were well attended by Association members, announcement of Scholarship winners, the
State Association Ritual Contest and Award Presentations, a general business session and a closing business session. During the convention workshop,
numerous members and Lodges were recognized with awards. The award presentations are featured in the pages that follow. Special convention guests
included Endorsed Grand Exalted Ruler candidate Michael F Zellen and Grand Lodge National Membership, Public Relations Manager Rick Gathen and
National Hoop Shoot Champion Cameron Orr of Glens Falls, New York. Endorsed candidate Zellen provided encouraging words about Elkdom to the
attending members during the closing session and during the Gala Banquet. Membership and Public Relations Manager Gathen presented at both the Public
Relations and Membership workshop and had big gatherings at both. And National Hoop Shoot Champion Orr spoke about his preparation and thoughts on
being a National Champion. During the closing session, the members voted on the camp proposal. The vote on the camp passed with 71% in favor. A 2/3
majority vote was required. The Ritual contest featured the talents of six very competitive Ritual teams that saw Wolcott Lodge #1763 winning with a score of
94.605. The convention closed the Gala State Banquet and closing ceremonies that included the Installation of State Officers, including Bill Reedy Jr. as
new State President for 2016-2017 and his team of State Vice Presidents, and the Presentation of Ritual Awards.
The New York State Elks Association was honored to have Grand Lodge
National Membership and Public Relations Manager Rick Gathen as a
special guest. He addressed the association members during the opening
session and presented at the membership and Public Relations Workshops.
He is pictured above during the opening session. Also pictured are Past
Grand Exalted Ruler David R. Carr and State President John Jacques (in
the front row) and Past State Presidents Tony Gilberti and Tim Kelly in the
second row.
State Association President elect William Reedy, Jr. is pictured being
escorted to the Dias by Past State President’s Tim Kelly and Donald
Fischer. Moments later he addressed the association membership with his
acceptance speech. His acceptance speech is featured as his message to
the members on page 1.
New York State Elks Association “First Lady” Lisa Reedy is pictured as
she is escorted to the Dias by Past State President’s Richard Wunder and
Phil Holowacz. She was introduced to the association members for the
first time a few minutes later.
Charles Yoke of Vestal Lodge #2508 was awarded the 2015-2016 Veteran
Volunteer Award. He was recognized during the National Veterans Service
Workshop. He is pictured receiving the award from outgoing Veteran
Service Chair Herb Flint.
Emergency Grants Chair Craig Munn of Patchogue Lodge #1323 is pictured
during his presentation at the Scholarship Workshop. He provided those
attending a thorough overview of the Emergency Grant purpose and process.
Potsdam Lodge #2074 was recognized during the Community and Lodge
Activities Workshop with a NYSEA All American Award for 2015-2016.
Past Exalted Ruler Mary Evans-Welpe is pictured receiving the award on
behalf of Potsdam Lodge from Community Activities Chair Raymond
Strohm, State President William Reedy Jr., North Central District Deputy
Brian Western and Lodge Activities Chair Mark Stuparich.