On Saturday night, February 10th, Springfield Elks Lodge 1560 celebrated their “Membership Recognition” night for 2017/2018 with a Valentines dinner/dance party. It was one of the biggest nights in a while with more then one hundred members and guests in attendance. It was made even more successful by Bellows Falls Lodge #1619 members joining in on the celebration with twenty-four of their members and the two Lodges will be pledging the proceeds from the night to the Vt. Elks Major Project, “Silver Towers Camp” in Ripton, Vt.
Exalted Ruler Vicki Siliski of Springfield Lodge was overwhelmed with the big turnout for her final big night as ER. Mrs. Siliski has been ER for 2-1/2 years for her Lodge. After dinner, ER Siliski handed out many awards including “Elk and Officer of the Year”. Anniversary pins of five year increments were given out, with a “75” year Citizen of the Year plaque being awarded to Raymond Latelle who joined the Elks in 1942 before he left for the Army Aircorps as a pilot serving in WWII. Charley “Bob” Brent was given a plaque for “72”years of service to his Elks Lodge. Bruce Sanderson, was given the “Pot Stirring Spoon” award that is always taken in fun. Jacky Driscoll-Page and Gloria Gunn were awarded a Grand Exalted Ruler’s “Outstanding Service Commendation”, for their efforts helping out at the Lodge during the year.
Final awards of the night went to Carolee Murchie as “Officer of the Year” and Eugene Siliski for “Elk of the Year”.
Exalted Ruler of Springfield Elks Lodge Vicki Siliski, awarding Eugene Siliski as “Elk of the Year” for 2017/2018 Elk year.
Carolee Murchie accepting her “Officer of the Year”, award from Exalted Ruler Vicki Siliski of Springfield Elks Lodge #1560 at the Lodge’a Valentines dinner/dance on February 10th.
News items submitted by Mike Gunn.