MARION, OH – (June, 2008) Marion Elks Lodge No. 32 is proud to announce that one of its members, Garrison “Muggs” McGinnis, has been named “Elk of the Year” in Ohio by the Ohio Elks Association. McGinnis was presented a plaque in his honor by the Ohio State Elks State President Jack Minarchick at the recent state convention held in Dublin, Ohio.
The Elk of the Year award is based on service to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, particularly at the local Lodge level, and the furthering the Cardinal Principles of the Order -- Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity.
McGinnis has served Marion Elks Lodge 32 for over forty years, including three years in the principle leadership role of Exalted Ruler. He has held the Esquire position for the past eight years, and has been both Lodge membership & initiation, and scholarship chairman for the last twenty years. He was the first local chairman for the Hoop Shoot and Drug Awareness committees, and has served as chairman for several other committees, including the Elks National Foundation, Youth Activities, 100th Anniversary and Entertainment. Three years ago he received national recognition by organizing a hoop shoot tournament for special needs children in Marion.
Mcginnis served on the Elks North Central District Executive Board for seven years, and now serves on the Advisory Board. He was the state Elks Sergeant-at-Arms in 2000, and served the national Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Exalted ruler in 1996.