New Hyde Park - North Shore Elks Lodge #2107

Exalted Ruler Message

Greetings Brother and Sister Elks:

JFK once said “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them”. Being elected to be Exalted Ruler for another term made me think of these words. Since demitting to this Lodge, I have always felt humble and grateful to have such wonderful Brother and Sister Elks who have always made me feel welcome. As I go into another term, I want it to be known that I have always strived to live by those famous words,

not only by living by them, but in my actions as well. As Exalted Ruler, to some it is thankless, time consuming, or at times very demanding. I look at it as more of a privilege and honor and could not be more thankful that the Lodge  has entrusted me with another term as your Exalted Ruler.

‍   I want to take the time to thank all the Officers from the prior year, especially PER Kevin Franzen as Lodge Esquire for many years, and Michael Dolan, who served as our Lodge as Tiler for the last two years. Your service to the Lodge was greatly appreciated. To our upcoming slate of Officers, I look forward to a great year with you all. We have a new first-time officer in our Lecturing Knight, Georgina Strilakos; returning as five-year Trustee, PDDGER Leon Jankowski, and finally, taking the role as Lodge Esquire, PSVP Robert Ponzo. Thank you all for stepping up to support our Lodge.

‍     Please join us on Sunday, April 7, at 5:00 pm for the Installation of Officers. On this date we will also present our Officer of the Year award to Kathleen Lang, whom without her tireless effort, my job would have been much more difficult. Well earned and well deserved, many thanks Kathy!  We will also be presenting our Citizen of the Year award to Glen Cove resident Eva Casale. Eva runs a foundation known as E.V.A. or Every Veteran Appreciated. Eva is getting ready to embark on her “7 Marathons in 7 Days”, which she does yearly, to raise money for our Veterans as well as Veterans Awareness. This year's marathon begins on Sunday, April 14th. I would like to congratulate our new Doe Club President, Carmen Musumeci. I look forward to working with you in the coming year. I would also like to take the time to thank our outgoing Doe President, Jo-Ann Pellegrino for your many, many years of service to the ladies. I wish you both the best luck. Please come out and support the Does at their events; they are a vital part of our Lodge. And let me tell you, they throw some good parties!

‍     Please see the calendar for all upcoming Elk and Doe events. May will be upon us faster than we realize and want to

thank and pay honor to all the mothers who give so much to their families, homes, and loved ones! Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, living or deceased! I will be traveling to Villa Roma in mid-May for our NYS Association Spring Conference.

‍    I look forward to watching our new District State Vice President, Guillermo (Willie) Rodriguez get installed. Willie

comes from Brooklyn-Queensborough Lodge #878. Congratulations and best of luck during your term.

‍     In closing, remember what Elks stand for: Fidelity, Charity, Justice, and Brotherly Love. I wish you all a Happy Easter/

Passover and a wonderful Spring. Stay safe and spread peace and love wherever you go.

Fraternally,

Christopher Petrella, PER
Exalted Ruler  

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