OFFICER INSTALLATION AND AWARDS 2009

Officer installation for the 2009 Chillicothe Elks Lodge was held Monday night, April 6. Awards and special recognition honors were also presented at the meeting.

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Grand Exalted Ruler (GER) Award Pins are presented to those members who sponsor or reinstate three members. Those being presented pins along with a letter of appreciation from the Grand Exalted Ruler Paul Helsel were: Brandie Ponting, Melanie Harding, John Tharp and Bill Tharp (5).

Tharp also earned an Elks watch for sponsoring 11 or more new members.

The Chillicothe Elks Lodge 656 also received a “Making a Difference” special citation in grateful recognition of meritorious participation in the 2008-09 program of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Darren Lauhoff presented the Elk’s Citizen of the Year award to his father, Kenneth Lauhoff. This award is presented to someone who has contributed in a special way to improving the local community. The recipient is someone who has shown leadership in the community, contributed voluntary service and is recognized as an all-around good citizen.

Exalted Ruler Bill Tharp presented Lauhoff a check for $1,000 for the Head Start School.

Fred Hinnen was presented ELK of the Year award. This award is presented to a member who is always willing to help; a member you can rely upon to get things done. Every involvement should exemplify “Elks Care – Elks Share.” Loyalty, dedication and willingness to work are essential to being considered for this award. “Fred has proved himself worthy of this award, year after year. He has helped with all our fundraisers and projects. He also has taken care of our parking lot with snow removal and grading since our building was built. He is indeed a valuable asset to our lodge.”

Kenneth Belzer received one of two Outstanding Service Certificates to members performing outstanding service to their Lodge. According to Tharp, Belzer has been taken care of the lawn at the lodge for several years donating his time and equipment to provide this service. “The Lodge is deeply indebted to Kenny for what he has done for us and has volunteered to do it again this year.”

Mike Thompson received the other Outstanding Service Certificate. Tharp said “Mike ‘The Mouse’ Thompson has been one of our most valuable members for a very long time. Not just because of the skills that he possesses, but because he volunteers whatever time is needed to complete the task at hand. He has spent countless hours on weekends and after work helping with whatever project that we might have going on.”

Keith Kepner received the “Officer of the Year” award. To receive this award the officer must be someone who has shown leadership, contributed voluntarily to services and committees, and has status among members as an outstanding Elk. “Keith should be used as an example to all the new, and especially the younger members, that we have in our Lodge,” stated Tharp. “He willingly volunteers for whatever needs to be done. He has been the chairman of several committees in the past and will serve again this year. It is the young leaders like Keith who will keep our Lodge strong for years to come.”

Not pictured but receiving certificates of appreciation were Jeff Frampton, Bev Howe, Wanda Murrell and Marvin Holcer.

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