The International Falls Elks Lodge No.1599 handed out several awards and announced new leadership April 29 at its annual banquet.
The Elk of the year is Fred Wilson. The officer of the year is Cathy Engelking. Alan Rasmussen and John Nevanen were named outstanding Elks. Terry Randolph was named citizen of the year.
The honor of selecting the awardees went to Connie Wilson, the outgoing exalted ruler as the last act of her term. She also oversaw the new officers installed, including Darryl Dobogai as the new exalted ruler for 2008-09.
Terry Randolph, commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars — Peter Graham Post 2948, was named the citizen of the year. The award goes to a non-Elks member for outstanding public service.
Wilson said that of the several awards the Elks presents each year, the citizen of the year award goes to people that do something special.
“We felt that he goes above and beyond in providing for vets in the community,” said Wilson.
To note the appropriateness of the award, Wilson quoted the Elks motto, saying that "as long as there are veterans, the benevolent and protective order of Elks will never forget.”
“It was an honor,” said Randolph. “I was surprised, astonished.
“I guess me being a veteran, I honestly don’t think that I’ve done anything special, except for being a veteran and making sure that past and present and future veterans are never forgotten or overlooked,” he added.
The Elks and VFW worked together to bring the traveling Minnesota Vietnam War Memorial to the Falls last year in time for an all class reunion. He recalled that the Elks assisted financially and in man hours. They also worked together on a clothing donation from Kmart that required transportation to Minneapolis.
Randolph organizes VFW participation in area parades, Memorial Day and Veterans Day events, and collaboration with Canadian veterans and holiday events in Fort Frances. He organizes visits with veterans in area hospitals and full time care facilities. He also visits local schools to talk about veterans and service in the military.
Randolph said the Elks have a work ethic that the veterans appreciate. When something comes up, he added, they work with everyone to coordinate and make it happen.
“If you are going to do something, then do it right and to the best of your ability,” he added.
The Elk of the year award went to Wilson, a past district deputy and past exalted ruler. According to the Elks, he is currently an esquire and remains central to the organization’s protocol and rituals of the initiation and other ceremonies.
“He is always ready and willing to help out with what is needed,” Wilson added.
Rasmussen and Nevanen were named the two outstanding Elks for their participation and leadership in lodge functions.
The Elk’s officer of the year is Cathy Engelking. An active member since 1997, she is now secretary along with other duties including the newsletter, student of the month, scholarships and work with the national foundation.
“Cathy is very active and goes above and beyond what is expected,” said Wilson. “She is also timely with her reports and makes the lodge look good.”
“Its an honor,” said Engelking. “It’s a great organization and does lot of benevolent things for lot of people.”
The Falls Elks Club currently has 535 members and 12 applicants, according to Engelking. The only requirement to join the national organization, she added, is to be a good American citizen and believe in God.