Rochester Elks #1393 hold annual awards ceremony

From left, Norman Gervais, Officer of the Year; Dennis Dube, Elk of the Year and Donald E. Chesnel, Citizen of the Year. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The Rochester Elks #1393 conducted their annual awards night on Saturday in the Lodge Hall on Columbus Avenue.

Past Exalted Ruler, Past District Deputy and current Lodge Trustee Jerry Skidds received a Grand Exalted Ruler Special Commendation Award presented to him by Exalted Ruler Peter Ducharme. Skidds has worked tirelessly this past year on many lodge initiatives including chairing the Lodge Scholarship Program and cornhole league.

Past Exalted Ruler and current Esteemed Leading Knight Mark Guilmett also received the GER Special Commendation Award for his efforts with a number of Lodge programs. Exalted Ruler Peter Ducharme presented this award and commented that both of these individuals continually go over and above to make the Rochester Lodge a successful organization.

Skidds presented the "Officer of the Year" award to Past Exalted Ruler and Lodge Secretary Norman Gervais. He has been a valuable asset to the Rochester Lodge for many years in his role as Lodge Secretary and as the Elks National Foundation Chairman. Past Exalted Ruler Skidds also presented 2 outstanding achievement awards to Exalted Ruler Ducharme, recognizing his dedication and support of Grand Lodge programs in the Rochester Lodge.

Ducharme then presented the "Elk of the Year Award" and "Citizen of the Year" Award. "Elk of the Year" went to member Dennis Dube, a highly motivated and dedicated individual who performs at the next level when it comes to Lodge Activities, the Scholarship Committee, chairing the Annual Lodge Golf Tournament and being an active member of the Governing Body of the Lodge.

The "Citizen of the Year" Award recognized Grand Esteemed Lecturing Knight Donald E. Chesnel for his outreach efforts in regards to involvement with the State Elks Government Relations and Lodge Public Relations programs, including networking efforts involving other non-profit groups in the State of New Hampshire.

A delicious roast beef and ham dinner was prepared by Lodge cook Lisa Edgerly and served prior to the awards ceremony. Approximately 175 members and guests were in attendance.

The Rochester, NH Elks Lodge #1393 has over 1,000 members and is one of 13 Lodges in the State of New Hampshire. Our programs include Youth Activities, Americanism, Veterans Activities, Scholarships, Drug Awareness Education and Community Service. For more information about the Elks, please visit www.elks.