Elks hold officer installation ceremony and dinner

During a ceremony March 24, Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540 of Lewes installed Buddy Hall-McBride as exalted ruler for the fraternal year 2024-25.

After officers and guests were welcomed by outgoing Exalted Ruler Joy Schreck, the call to order was given by Rick Frere, district deputy grand exalted ruler. Frere went on to administer the oath of office to the officers standing before him.

Along with Hall-McBride, top-tier elected officers are Leading Knight Marty Schreck; Loyal Knight Betty Ann Kortlang; and Lecturing Knight Terrie Bradley. Appointed officers are Esquire Mary DiGennaro; Chaplain Jack Anderson; Inner Guard Bob Hall-McBride; and Tiler Lynne Brown.

Other elected officers are Secretary Joanne Mayer; Treasurer Karen Palmer; Ralph Patterson, one-year trustee; Bill Fay, two-year trustee; Paul Holton Jr., three-year trustee; Kelly Barber, four-year trustee; and PER Joy Schreck, five-year trustee.

In recognition of exceptional service to the lodge, awards were given for Distinguished Citizen of the Year, Terrie Bradley; Officer of the Year, Mary DiGennaro; and Elk of the Year, Cindy Butler.

Hall-McBride and Dallas Butler were recognized for their outstanding contributions throughout the past year. The Veterans Volunteer of the Year Award was bestowed upon Robert Trafton, veterans committee chairman Robert Trafton.

After the ceremony, dinner was served, followed by musical entertainment by Minus 2 Plus 1.