Wilkes-Barre Scranton Elks Lodge #109 holds annual award ceremony
Mar. 6—PRINGLE — Wilkes-Barre Scranton Elks Lodge #109, Pringle, held its annual awards ceremony on Tuesday.
Fred De Santo, who has volunteered for more than 50 years assisting children and adults with physical and mental challenges through socialization with Challenger Little League and Victory Sports, was presented the Elk's Citizen of the Year Award by Past District Deputy GER Malcolm Barber.
The Wilkes-Barre Scranton Elks Lodge has participated through the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant Program in purchasing T-shirts for the Victory Sports Basketball League and volunteering and helping with the Victory Sports Christmas Party.
Exalted Ruler, Mary Theroux praised De Santo and his partner, Gloria, for their dedication to children and adults in Northeast Pennsylvania who have special needs.
Karen Gaffney, treasurer, also reported her brother, Bobby Milner, 47, has Down syndrome and the Challenger Baseball and Victory Sports programs were an essential part of his inclusion in society.
The evening was also an opportunity to honor the volunteer contributions of other members of lodge.
—George Wiencek, trustee and safety officer, was presented with the Officer of the Year award.
—Harry Blaine Mckeown was honored for his efforts in community and youth events and will receive his award on March 18.
—Lecturing Knight and U.S. Army veteran, Samuel Clayton, and Inner Guard and U.S. Navy Veteran Richard Dunn, were presented Grand Exalted Ruler Commendation Awards for their volunteer efforts this year with Americanism, veterans and community events as Lodge Officer Service.
Wilkes-Barre Scranton Elks Lodge #109 is located at 39 Evans St., Pringle, and is always looking for new members to join and assist with programs serving the community, youth and veterans. For information, contact bpoelodge109@gmail.com or call 570-714-2626 and leave a message. For information on the National Elks organization, visit www.elks.org.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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