The Rochester Elks #1393 conducted their annual awards night
on Saturday, March 16th, 2024 in the Lodge Hall, located at 295
Columbus Avenue, Rochester, NH. 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.
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. Jerry 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.
Jerry Skidds presented the “Officer of the Year” award to
Past Exalted Ruler and Lodge Secretary Norman Gervais. Norm 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 Peter Ducharme, recognizing his dedication and support
of Grand Lodge programs in the Rochester Lodge.
Exalted Ruler Peter 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.
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.org
Picture Caption l to r, Norman Gervais, Officer of the Year;
Dennis Dube, Elk of the Year and Donald E. Chesnel, Citizen of the Year.