Exalted Ruler Message

Greetings Brother and Sister Elks:

The NYS Elks Association Spring Convention took place in May at Villa Roma Resort. Our Lodge attendees included PER Christopher Petrella, Secretary Kathleen Lang, Loyal Knight Regina Vitale, and myself. The convention featured workshops, presentations, award ceremonies, gala formal dinner and the installation of New York State President Michael R. Sage.

State President Sage is from Vestal Lodge #2508 in the South Central District. His motto for this year is “Step Up and Shine.” His accomplishments are exemplary and he’ll most certainly carry on the legacy of past NYS Elk Presidents. State President Sage’s acceptance speech highlighted his family values and his work ethic. He attributed his Elk membership to his uncle who had taken young Michael to many Elk lodge events when Michael visited for the summer months. 

On July 4th, our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The celebration is officially named America 250. This special time in our nation’s history should be celebrated by every American young and old. I encourage every Elk to celebrate our liberties and freedoms with our families, friends and neighbors. You can exhibit your national patriotism by flying and displaying our flag, attending a parade, expressing gratitude to our Veterans and law enforcement and enjoying our land and the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted. Take that long put off trip to the Statue of Liberty, Sagamore Hill, or the Intrepid. 

Show your national pride so that others can be inspired. As Elks, we always remember and appreciate that all of this would not be possible without our brave Veterans. May God continue to bless America and each of us this Fourth of July and all the years to come.

Please remember a successful and healthy Lodge depends on you to be involved and engaged. We need you to support our Lodge by regularly attending meetings, joining a committee and helping one another.

May the cardinal virtues of our order: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity continue to guide each of us.  Have a safe and fun-filled Summer.

Fraternally,

Anthony Vitale

Exalted Ruler