MA Elks Association Informational Special Update

Grand Exalted Ruler the Honorable James L. Nichelson Tours Massachusetts

Submitted by James Strojny, President MA Elks Association

 

Starting on Thursday, October 1, 2009, Grand Exalted Ruler James Nichelson and his lovely wife Mary Carolyn who hail from the Martins Ferry, Ohio and the Ohio River Valley Lodge #231, began their 3 day stay with the Elks of Massachusetts.  They were escorted into our State by MA Elks Special Deputy Michael Zellen, his wife Donna and MA Elks State President James Strojny. 

 

Their first stop was a luncheon at the Revere Lodge #1171 to celebrate their 100th Anniversary.  A fine time was had and GER Nichelson presented the lodge with their 100th Anniversary Award from the Grand Lodge.  Pictured Below L-R:  GER Nichelson, Revere PDD Bernard Ranahan and Revere ER Isabell Marcom.

 

 

Then it was on to the Holiday Inn in Mansfield for a quiet afternoon (after all, they had been in 5 states in the last 5 days). 

 

Then with the GER Visitation Committee and the Traveling Group, it was off to the Taunton Lodge #150 for dinner.  A fine seafood medley was served and during the evening the GER presented an overdue 2007-2008 Taunton Lodge Citizen of the Year Award to Taunton Member Major Stephen F. Smith,  who was awarded this honor for two tours of duty in Iraq (the second of which, he was in Iraq when he was named for this prestigious award).  Major Smith was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 2007 through May 2008 at Camp Victory, Baghdad. His first deployment was also in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from February 2003 through May 2004 at Tallil, Iraq.  National President Nichelson  spoke highly of Major Smith, his wife and family, for the sacrifices they have and continue to make for our country.

 

Pictured Below L-R: Taunton Lodge President Lee Davis, Taunton Elks 2007-2008 Citizen of the Year Major Stephen Smith, Jennifer Smith wife of Major Smith ,Elks National President James L. Nichelson and MA Elks State President James F. Strojny, Jr.

 

Then on Friday, it was off to Boston for a tour of Fenway Park, Paul Revere Home and luncheon in the North End.  Pictured below on the field at Fenway Park.

 

 

Then it was on to a tour of Paul Revere's Home. Pictured Below in front of the Revere Bell, Mary Carolyn and Jim Nichelson.

 

 

Then it was of to lunch at Pagiluca's in the North End.

 

 

Then it was on to the Quincy Lodge #943 for dinner and meeting with the MA Elks Grand Lodge Family and current District Deputies.  We were also graced by the arrival of our State Sponsor the Honorable Dr. Leonard Bristol and his wife Ginny.  A fine dinner was served and a tour of their new members lounge and what an  addition (it is a must see the next time you are in Quincy).  While there, the District Deputies present their boss a complete pin set (see below).

 

 

Then Saturday it was off to the Attleboro Lodge #1014 for a luncheon meeting with the MA Elks Past State Presidents and the current State Officers.  Again another fine meal was served.  Pictured below are the Past State Presidents and our State Officers pictured with GER Nichelson and our Sponsor PGER Dr. Bristol.

 

Then it was the Reception and Dinner at the Holiday Inn Mansfield for the formal banquet.  It was announced by Dr. Bristol that our own Michael Zellen would be the endorsed candidate for Grand Trustee for Area 1.  What an honor and our congratulations go out to Mike and Donna Zellen, we wish you all the best in the coming years.  During his speech, GER Nichelson put out the challenge to all in attendance to strive to increase membership in all Elks Lodges in Massachusetts, so that the Elks can be an even stronger organization and to continue our commitment to our Veterans, through the Elks Adopt-A-Veteran and the Elks Wounded Warrior Program, which is the essence of his theme for this year "Elks Make A Difference".

 

Pictured below L-R:  GER Jim Nichelson, his wife Mary Carolyn, Mary Strojny and MA Elks State President Jim Strojny.

Pictured below with one of the many gifts that they received is an autographed Jonathan Papelbon Jersey.

 

What a wonderful job that was put on during the entire visit of our Grand Exalted Ruler, by the committee, which was headed by Joe Silvia PGLIG and assisted by Dan DeGregorio PSP, Tony Piccolo ASR, Jeff Hopkins PDD, Tim Avelino PER, Nancy Kelly PER.  And to Karen Norton PER with the Hospitality Room, along with much help from Barbara Lynch.  I will be forever grateful for all the hard work and effort that this committee gave, to make this weekend such a success.  Along with my heartfelt thanks to all the lodges that hosted during the visit. 

 

Both GER Jim and Mary Carolyn, had nothing but high praise for all that everyone did for them during their stay with us.  Once again, you all have made me proud to be an Elk from Massachusetts.

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