FARMINGTON – It was going to take more than a foot of snow to stop the ceremonies for the Installation of Officers at the Farmington Elks Lodge #2430 on Friday night.
In spite of the abundant snowfall on April 1st the local Elks Lodge stuck to their plans and Edward Podgurski was installed as Exalted Ruler (President). Also installed were Lloyd Leeman as Leading Knight, Dave Holt as Lecturing Knight, and Duane “Kip” Clark as Loyal Knight. Other officers installed for the 2011 – 2012 Lodge year were Gerry Gilman, Esquire, Roberta Ranger, Chaplain, Phil O’Brion, Secretary, Lynda Haskell, Treasurer, Josh Dunham, Inner Guard and David Fronk, Tiler. Trustees installed included Earl Galouch and Lucien Langlois.
The ceremony was conducted by the Past Exalted Rulers of the Lodge who have been involved in installations for many years. Susan Brown, the wife if outgoing President Les Brown presented Vicky LaBree with a bouquet of roses and gave her some advice on her year as First Lady. A gift was presented to Les and Susan Brown as thanks for a great year.
After the Installation awards were presented including one for Willie Deshaies who was posthumously awarded Elk of the Year. Vicky LaBree received an award for Citizen of the Year and both Joel Barker and Tim Sullivan received Outstanding Service Commendations. Plaques were given to Raymond Lane and Bill McClatchy in appreciation of their 15 years working at Beano for the Lodge. Les Brown also received an award in recognition of his Beano chairmanship for many years.
The evening ended with music by Dreamin’ Big and another Lodge year begins. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks are a fraternal order supporting youth, veterans and community activities. During the last Lodge year the Farmington Elks Lodge awarded $9,000 in local scholarships and donated thousands to other community projects.
