AUGUSTA – James M. McQuillan, grand exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, will make his official visit to the state on Nov. 8 through 11.

Since his election in July, McQuillan, and his wife, Karen, have been serving as ambassadors of the Elks throughout the country, visiting states as far away as Alaska and promoting the charitable works of the order.

A resident of Ogallala, Neb., McQuillan said, “The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is an amazing organization that makes a difference in thousands of communities across the nation each day. I’m proud that more than 1 million men and women who make up the Order of Elks are real leaders devoted to caring and sharing.”

McQuillan and his wife will travel throughout southern and central Maine, along with Past Grand Exalted Ruler Amos A. McCallum of Saco, Maine Elks Association State President Luis Morales of West Rockport, and other Grand Lodge and state association dignitaries.

The McQuillans will visit the Maine Children’s Cancer Program’s facility in Scarborough and will be welcomed at the newly built Biddeford-Saco Elks Lodge 1597 in Saco, where McQuillan will take part in a ceremony to dedicate the new building. Later that evening, McQuillan and his wife will attend a banquet in their honor.

They will meet Gov. John Baldacci in Augusta and tour the capitol, visiting the Augusta Elks Lodge 964 for a luncheon, then continue the tour before returning to Portland to head home.

For more information on the Elks, visit www.elks.org, or visit the Maine Elks Association Web site at www.maineelks.org.