Rochester's Elks Lodge installs new officers, announces awards night winners

Staff reports 7:42 a.m.


Rochester's Elks Lodge installs new officers, announces awards night winners

Picture Caption: Front Row l to r, Deanna Souza, Peter Ducharme, Jerry Skidds, Matt Sanborn and Don Chesnel. Second Row, l to r, Scott Welch, Cindy Skidds, Marc Guilmett, Bonnie Skidds, Jeanne Bernard, Tom Ducharme, Norman Gervais, Richard Cliché, Jim Clark, Harry Tagen and Janice Tagen. (Courtesy/Rochester Elks Lodge)

ROCHESTER - The Rochester Elks Lodge #1393 formally installed new officers for the 2021-2022 Lodge Year on Saturday.

The Installing Officer of the day was Tom Ducharme, PER. Other Installing Officers included Scott Welch, PER / Lodge Trustee; Richard Cliché, PER/Lodge Trustee and James Clark, PER/Lodge Trustee.

Officers installed included Jerry Skidds, PER, DDGER South who is taking the helm as Exalted Ruler for the second time, following his sister Bonnie. Matt Sanborn was installed as Esteemed Leading Knight; Peter Ducharme as Esteemed Loyal Knight; Deanna Souza as Esteemed Lecturing Knight; Norm Gervais, PER as Lodge Secretary; Cindy Skidds as Lodge Treasurer; Don Chesnel, PER, PDD, PSP, PGLC as Lodge Esquire; Janice Tagen as Lodge Chaplain; Harry Tagen as Inner Guard; Jeanne Bernard, PER as Lodge Tiler, Marc Guilmett, PER as Lodge Trustee 2 years and Bonnie Skidds, PER as Lodge Trustee for 5 years.

There were about 50 people in attendance, including family members of Officers being installed. Traditional gifts were presented to PER Bonnie Skidds from the Lodge, PER Association and from Jerry and Cindy Skidds. Incoming Exalted Ruler Jerry Skidds presented his wife Cindy with a bouquet of flowers. Everyone enjoyed a delicious roast pork dinner and ice cream dessert at the conclusion of the ceremony.

With Covid-19 restrictions, this has been an extremely challenging Lodge year just ended, but our new Exalted Ruler Jerry and his Officers are up to the challenge and will continue to move forward to ensure our programs are successful, a press released noted. Exalted Ruler Jerry Skidds also thanked his sister Bonnie for her leadership as the Exalted Ruler for the past year and noted she did a great job with many challenges to deal with.

The Elks Lodge has over 900 members and growing. They are involved in programs that involve youth activities, veterans, student scholarships, drug awareness education, community involvement, charitable giving and many other miscellaneous endeavors. In addition, the Lodge has recently undergone some significant facility renovations and improvements, which will enhance its vibrant social activities for the membership.

The fraternal organization also announced the results of its annual awards night held last month.

Recognition and thanks were extended to the Lodge Officers and Members who were part of the Home Committee and the Entertainment Committee.

Front Row, Bonnie Skidds, Deanna Souza, Jerry Skidds and Matt Sanborn. Back Row, Cindy Skidds, Janice Tagen and Harry Tagen.

The top awards presented were given to the following members:

Elk of the Year was presented to Member Deanna Souza by Exalted Ruler Bonnie Skidds.

Officer of the Year was presented to Lodge Treasurer Cindy Skidds by Past Exalted Ruler Jim Clark.

Citizen of the Year was presented to Esteemed Leading Knight and District Deputy South, Jerry Skidds by Exalted Ruler Bonnie Skidds.

Esteemed Loyal Knight Matt Sanborn was presented with a Special Recognition Award by Exalted Ruler Bonnie Skidds.

Lodge Trustee Harry Tagen and Chaplain Janice Tagen were presented with Special Grand Exalted Ruler Recognition Awards by Exalted Ruler Bonnie Skidds.

Each of these individuals performed at a very high level during the past lodge year and these achievement awards exemplified their commitment, dedication and hard work in regards to our Order. Congratulations to all award recipients, the lodge said in a recent press release.

For more info visit www.elks.org