The Grand Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Ronald Hicks and his wife, first lady Nancy visited Vermont as part of their tour of the Northeastern states. Ron and Nancy were met in Massachusetts by Grand Tiler and Special Deputy for the Grand Exalted Ruler Earl Cavanaugh, his wife Nancy, Past Grand Exalted Ruler and Grand Lodge Sponsor of Vermont David Carr and his wife Penny.
The group stopped at Barre Elks Lodge, home Lodge of Vermont Elks Association Vice President Robert Campo for a light lunch. Exalted Ruler Stacy Holden and DDGER North Chip Paine gave Ron a tour of the Lodge highlighting the Lodge’s unique granite memorial tablets.
Next on the whirlwind tour was a visit to the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury, Vermont. Unfortunately due to time constraints, Earl only allowed a few pictures in front of the building; no waiting in line for ice cream!!
Later in the evening, Burlington Elks Lodge, home of Vermont Elks Association President Fred Dusablon, hosted a dinner and reception for Ron and Nancy. Elks from ten of the states twelve Lodges attended. Fred presented Ron with a granite clock made from Barre gray granite, mined from E.L. Smith Quarry located in Barre, Vermont. Nancy was given a Vermont Teddy Bear complete with an apple pie. DDGER North Chip Paine presented Ron with a $100 donation to Elks National Foundation. DDGER South Frank Lopez presented Ron with a $100 donation to Silver Towers Camp, the state major project.
Ron gave a rousing speech about the first impression new members receive during orientation and how a thoughtful, well performed Ritual captures the attention and appreciation of members. Finally, he asked that all Elks strengthen their community focus; “By strengthening our ‘Community Focus’ and our presence in the Community, we have the opportunity to put a face on our Lodge, as we introduce our friends and neighbors to our good works and the Pride that comes with being an Elk.”
At the end of the evening, Ron was gracious enough to sign membership cards for those in attendance. Vermont Elks members raised two hundred and seventy seven dollars for Elks National Foundation as a thank you for the signing of membership cards.
From L to R: Vermont Elks Association President Fred Dusablon, VEA First Lady Beth, First Lady Nancy and Grand Exalted Ruler Ronald Hicks.
From L to R: Grand Exalted Ruler Ronald Hicks holds Barre gray granite clock; a gift from Vermont Elks Association President. Fred Dusablon on right.
From L to R: First Lady Nancy Hicks holding her Vermont Teddy Bear, VEA Chaplain Mary Paule Hill, VEA Tiler Moe Decelles, GER Ronald Hicks, VEA Convention Chairman Randy Corey, Burlington Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Wesley Blair and VEA President Fred Dusablon.
From L to R: Burlington Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Wesley Blair, Grand Exalted Ruler Ronald Hicks and Vermont Elks Association President Fred Dusablon.
Grand Exalted Ruler Ronald Hicks and First Lady Nancy in front of Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, Vermont.
Grand Exalted Ruler Ronald Hicks and First Lady Nancy pose as Ben and Jerry of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream at the factory in Waterbury, Vermont.
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