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NEW YORK STATE ELKS ASSOCIATION SPRING CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS “ELKS BELIEVE, ELKS ACHIEVE” The 104 th Annual Convention of the New York State Elks Association and Spring Meeting of the New York Elks Major Projects, Inc. was held at the Radison Hotel-Rochester Riverside in Rochester New York from May 19, 2016 to May 22, 2016. The convention was attended by members and quests representing Lodges from throughout the State. The convention featured a Memorial Ceremony that recognized Past Exalted Ruler who passed the past year, special Camp Committee Question and Answer sessions, workshops that were well attended by Association members, announcement of Scholarship winners, the State Association Ritual Contest and Award Presentations, a general business session and a closing business session. During the convention workshop, numerous members and Lodges were recognized with awards. The award presentations are featured in the pages that follow. Special convention guests included Endorsed Grand Exalted Ruler candidate Michael F Zellen and Grand Lodge National Membership, Public Relations Manager Rick Gathen and National Hoop Shoot Champion Cameron Orr of Glens Falls, New York. Endorsed candidate Zellen provided encouraging words about Elkdom to the attending members during the closing session and during the Gala Banquet. Membership and Public Relations Manager Gathen presented at both the Public Relations and Membership workshop and had big gatherings at both. And National Hoop Shoot Champion Orr spoke about his preparation and thoughts on being a National Champion. During the closing session, the members voted on the camp proposal. The vote on the camp passed with 71% in favor. A 2/3 majority vote was required. The Ritual contest featured the talents of six very competitive Ritual teams that saw Wolcott Lodge #1763 winning with a score of 94.605. The convention closed the Gala State Banquet and closing ceremonies that included the Installation of State Officers, including Bill Reedy Jr. as new State President for 2016-2017 and his team of State Vice Presidents, and the Presentation of Ritual Awards. The New York State Elks Association was honored to have Grand Lodge National Membership and Public Relations Manager Rick Gathen as a special guest. He addressed the association members during the opening session and presented at the membership and Public Relations Workshops. He is pictured above during the opening session. Also pictured are Past Grand Exalted Ruler David R. Carr and State President John Jacques (in the front row) and Past State Presidents Tony Gilberti and Tim Kelly in the second row. State Association President elect William Reedy, Jr. is pictured being escorted to the Dias by Past State President ’s Tim Kelly and Donald Fischer. Moments later he addressed the association membership with his acceptance speech. His acceptance speech is featured as his message to the members on page 1. New York State Elks Association “First Lady” Lisa Reedy is pictured as she is escorted to the Dias by Past State President’s Richard Wunder and Phil Holowacz. She was introduced to the association members for the first time a few minutes later. Charles Yoke of Vestal Lodge #2508 was awarded the 2015-2016 Veteran Volunteer Award. He was recognized during the National Veterans Service Workshop. He is pictured receiving the award from outgoing Veteran Service Chair Herb Flint. Emergency Grants Chair Craig Munn of Patchogue Lodge #1323 is pictured during his presentation at the Scholarship Workshop. He provided those attending a thorough overview of the Emergency Grant purpose and process. Potsdam Lodge #2074 was recognized during the Community and Lodge Activities Workshop with a NYSEA All American Award for 2015-2016. Past Exalted Ruler Mary Evans-Welpe is pictured receiving the award on behalf of Potsdam Lodge from Community Activities Chair Raymond Strohm, State President William Reedy Jr., North Central District Deputy Brian Western and Lodge Activities Chair Mark Stuparich.
