LEWISTON – The Lewiston Lodge of Elks 371 held its annual officer installation night on April 10 at the Lisbon Street lodge.

Fifteen members were installed officers for the year. Close to 200 attended the event, including members, friends and families of the incoming officers. Serving as the installing officers were members from the Bath Elks Lodge 934, with Ray Gagne Sr., a past exalted ruler of the Lewiston Lodge, as presiding officer.

It was a special night for the Gagne family, as Gagne Sr. installed his son, Robbie, as the exalted ruler, but also his two other sons, Rodney and Ray Jr., as officers. Gagne Sr. will also serve as esteemed leading knight for the year.

Several award presentations were made at the ceremony by outgoing Exalted Ruler Chris Gendron of Auburn. Gendron presented the Officer of the Year Award to Jackielynn Farrell, who served as the esquire. Farrell is a past exalted ruler and Gendron’s fiance.

Gendron presented Outstanding Member plaques to Robbie Gagne, Rodney Gagne and Elmer Berry. Gendron was then presented an appreciation plaque and past exalted ruler’s ring by incoming Exalted Ruler Robbie Gagne and Trustee Elmer Berry.

Sonia Woodrum, past president of Lewiston Emblem Club 528, presented Gendron a $500 check to the Lewiston Elks, and Emblem President Kathleen Cotterly presented a $100 check to be given to the Elks National Foundation on behalf of the lodge.

In his address to the Lodge, Robbie Gagne thanked the members, friends and family for their support. He promised to lead the Lewiston Lodge toward improving its programs in support of charities, the community, youth and veterans.