WATERVILLE – The Maine Elks Association held its 75th annual State Convention at the Waterville Elks Lodge from April 30 to May 2, attended by more than 400 members and guests, who honored lodges and individuals at awards banquets.

The state Elk of the Year Award was presented to Wayne Cotterly of the Lewiston Elks Lodge for his service and dedication to the Maine Elks Association through support of the Elk programs and his work in the area of public relations.

Cotterly was also presented a special citation from Elks National President Amos McCallum of Saco, for his dedicated and meritorious service to the Order of Elks at the local, district, state and national levels in the area of public relations.

The award was presented by Louis Connolly, Grand Lodge Area 1 Public Relations Committeeman, who also informed those attending that Cotterly was to receive national recognition as a top public relations director in the country at the Elks Grand Lodge Convention in Minneapolis, Minn., in July.

Maine Children’s Cancer Program Director Donald Richard of Farmington introduced Van Laliberte, the mother of a 6-year-old with cancer in the program. Laliberte expressed her appreciation for the support of organizations like the Maine Elks.

Richard presented the Sanford Elks Lodge 1470 with the cancer program Outstanding Lodge Award for raising the highest amount of money. The lodge raised nearly $83,000. Most Improved Lodge for donations went to the Augusta Elks Lodge 964; most consistent contributor, Skowhegan-Madison Elks 2531; Tall Elk Awards, Maroon Nemer of Skowhegan, Luis Morales of Rockland and Wayne Cotterly of Lewiston.

The Youth Activities Awards were presented by MEA Director Robert Bernier of Farmington. Awards for Best Youth Program went to the Rumford Elks Lodge, Rockland Elks Lodge and Sanford Elks Lodge.

The Elks Drug Awareness Awards were presented by Director Frank Ricker of the Sanford Lodge. The Awards for Best Drug Awareness Program went to York, Rumford, Bath, Sanford and Augusta lodges.

Public Relations Awards were presented by State Public Relations Director Wayne Cotterly of the Lewiston Lodge. The awards for Best Public Relations Program went to Rumford Lodge, first; Skowhegan-Madison, second; and York, third. The Public Relations Chairman of the Year went to Deborah Briggs of the Rumford Lodge.

Veterans and National Service Awards were presented by Director Thomas Elliot of the Brunswick Lodge for outstanding service to veterans: Greater Ellsworth Lodge, Brunswick, Skowhegan-Madison, Bangor and Augusta.

Americanism Awards were presented by Director Richie Philbrick of the Rumford Lodge: Rumford, first; Rockland, second; and Bangor, third.

The top award is the All-American Lodge Award. Inter-Lodge Relations Chairman Christopher Gendron of the Lewiston Lodge presented these awards to York, Rumford, Lewiston, Sanford and Augusta.

For more information on the Elks, visit www.elks.org, or visit a local Elks Lodge.