The annual installation of officers and awards ceremony of the Sebasticook Valley Elks Lodge in Pittsfield was held on Saturday, April 11.
Michael Lange of St. Albans was installed as Exalted Ruler or lodge president, succeeding Dennis Bragg of Detroit. The ceremony was conducted by members of the Bangor Elks Lodge led by Past Exalted Ruler Bob Modery.
Lange, a semi-retired journalist, is observing his 40th year as a member of the fraternal organization and served as Exalted Ruler of the Skowhegan-Madison Lodge in 2011.
The other lodge officers installed were Sarah DeLong, Leading Knight (1st vice president); Joan Bowley, Loyal Knight (2nd vice president); Janelle Berard, Lecturing Knight (3rd vice president); Terry White, Secretary; Bonny Maloon, Treasurer; Royal Thornton, Trustee; Michael Havey, Esquire; Rita Farrington, Chaplain; David Brown, Inner Guard; and Jasper Farrington, Tiler.
Bragg presented the Elk of the Year award to Bonny Maloon in recognition of her many hours of volunteer work for the organization. In addition to chairing the highly-successful Super Supper in October 2014, she also provided valuable assistance to the Board of Directors during the budget process and also served as a volunteer bartender.
Lucas DeLong, chairman of the Board of Trustees, was selected as Officer of the Year. Bragg praised DeLong for his dedication to the lodge, including serving as House Committee chair and as a member of the Investigation Committee.
Lange and White were presented with Grand Lodge Outstanding Service Commendations by the outgoing Exalted Ruler
The Sebasticook Valley Lodge is one of 22 Elks Lodges in Maine and one of the largest fraternal organizations in the region with 274 members.