SOUTH PORTLAND – The Maine Elks Association elected and installed its slate of officers for the 2007-2008 year at the 78th annual state convention May 4 to 7 at the Sheraton Hotel.

Installed as state president was Bruce Brunelle of the Sanford Elks Lodge 1470. Brunelle announced that his theme for the coming year would be “Family and Community Commitment.”

Installed as officers were: first vice president, Robert Drisko, Augusta; second vice president, Michael Powers, Houlton; third vice president, Roger Normandeau, Sanford; secretary, Philip O’Brion, Farmington; treasurer, Elizabeth Butler, York; chaplain, Andrew Bolz, Sanford; tiler, Albert Ingraham, Wells; administrative assistant, Claris Ranger, Farmington; and sergeant-at-arms, Thomas Spellman, Sanford. Serving as installing officer was Past State President Frank Ricker of the Sanford Lodge.

The Maine Elks Association is a nonprofit organization consisting of 22 lodges and 12,000 members. The association provides support programs in areas such as Americanism, scholarships, drug awareness and veterans/national service. For more information on the Elks, visit maineelks.org, or a local lodge.

The first awards were to recognize the work performed during the past year for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. Cancer program board of directors President Mark Franco presented Dwayne and Barbara Guy of the Rockland Elks Lodge with the Allison’s Gift Leadership Award, and Richard and Sandee Welch of Rumford Elks Lodge the Allison’s Gift Stewardship Award in recognition of their dedication and commitment to serving the children in the cancer program.

“Elliot the Elk and Friends” Director William Deshaies of Farmington presented awards to the top three lodges in fundraising through the program, including Rumford Elks Lodge 862. The cancer program private sector awards included Lewiston Elks Lodge 371.

An award for best youth program went to the Rumford Elks Lodge 862. 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: Central District: Rumford Elks Lodge.

Several special awards were also presented at the convention. The Outstanding Chairman Award was presented to Donald Richard of the Rumford Elks Lodge for his dedication and service to the association as cancer program chairman.

Among those receiving the president’s special recognition awards was Wayne Cotterly of the Lewiston Elks Lodge. For more information on the Elks, visit maineelks.org or a local lodge.