Local Elks recognized at state convention

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Weirton Elks Lodge 1801 received several awards and appointments during the recent West Virginia State Elks Convention held in Canaan Valley Resorts. The awards were presented by Past Grand Exalted Ruler Lester "Ted" Hess and State Chairman Mark Olexick.

Weirton Elks members receiving awards were:

Loyal Knight Jack Bennett was voted both Northern District and State "Officer of the Year." He was also appointed to the West Virginia Lodge Activities Committee.

Lecturing Knight Frank Bohach Jr. was appointed Grand Lodge District Deputy and to the Credentials Committee.

Larae Greer, chairman of the Lodge's Charity Committee, was voted the Northern District "Citizen of the Year."

The Northern District is comprised of Weirton, Wellsburg, Wheeling, St. Mary's, Sistersville and Parkersburg.

Secretary William Verelst Jr. was appointed State Chaplain, Chairman of the Americanism Scholarship Committee for the Northern District and State "Teenager of the Month" Committee.

On behalf of the Weirton Lodge, Verelst accepted the states' second place award for the Youth Activity Brochure.

Trustee Vince Gurrera was voted Northern District Vice-President and appointed to the State Convention, Good of the Order and Major Board Committees.

Other appointments in alphabetical order were:

Esquire Paul T. Duffy, past state president, was named to the State Hospitality, Advisor and Training Committees.

Ron Greer, chairman of the Weirton Elks Hoop Committee, appointed to Northern District Hoop Committee.

Trustee Roger Kirkpatrick, appointed assistant chairman of Business Practice, state Elks National Foundation, and Ways and Means Committees.

Trustee Michael Kraina was appointed to state Lodge activities and Internet Committees.

Trustee Chris Pearson, past Exalted Ruler, was appointed assistant chairman of Business Practice, state Elks National Foundation, and Ways and Means Committees.

Prior to the conclusion of the West Virginia Elks Convention, Renee Pearson of the Weirton Elks gave a presentation titled, "Public Relations." Pearson is pursuing a Masters Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications.

Also attending the convention from Weirton were Exalted Ruler Jackie Rowles and Leading Knight Stanley Layman.

The Mid-Year State Convention will be held in August in Huntington.