Elks Salutes People Who Make Difference
By Bill Vander Weele
The Wolf Point Elks Lodge #1764 thanked honored several area residents during its annual awards program on Monday, March 7.
“We do this every year as part of the community we’re involved in,” Elks’ Exalted Ruler Jeff Presser said.
Retired Wolf Point police chief Jeff Harada was selected for the Citizen of the year award. Harada served with the police department for 24 years.
“I, for one, sleep better knowing chief is out patrolling the streets,” Presser said. “Jeff has given the community many years of service.”
Harada has also been an extremely active member with the Masonic Temple and his church.
“We appreciate everything done for us through the years,” Presser said.
Amanda Schock was the recipient of the First Responder of the Year award.
“It’s amazing what you guys do for us all hours of the night and all hours of the day,” Presser said.
James Wilson, Wolf Point EMS site supervisor, and Schock teamed up in the EMS World Clinical Challenge to earn first-place honors for Basic Life Support during the EMS World Expo held in Atlanta.
Walker Weeks was selected Elk of the Year in Wolf Point.
Presser noted that Weeks has done a lot of work at the building and for the organization.
“We’re looking forward to a great year and I appreciate it,” Weeks said.
Julie D’Ambrosio received the award for Lodge Officer of the Year.
Presser said that D’Ambrosio helped the Lodge obtain the Beacon grant and the Spotlight grant this year through the national Elks foundation.
“Because of that, we’re doing great things,” Presser said.
D’Ambrosio serves as the Lodge’s secretary and performs a lot of work behind the scenes.
Wolf Point’s Hamyanie Campbell and Lustre Christian’s Kaleb Hoverland were recipients of $500 Elks scholarships. This year, Cape Air provided an additional $500 to each scholarship winner.
Receiving life members’ honors were Robert Loucks, Randy Boysun, Clint Long, Felix McGowan and Jim Rodenburg. Honored as 50-year members were Long, Mc-Gowan and Steven Rodekopp. Receiving 25-year pins were Dennis Heser, Bill Vander Weele and Larry Greufe.
Presser, who is starting his fourth year as exalted ruler, urges residents to consider joining the Wolf Point Elks Lodge.
“We need to keep this building open,” Presser said.
