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Grand Island Elks and Lodge Capture Top Awards
The Grand Island Elks Lodge was named top Elks Lodge at the 93rd Annual Nebraska Elks Association Convention held this past weekend at the Sandhills Convention Center in North Platte.
The Omaha Elks Lodge captured a runner-up award while the Norfolk Lodge was named best in Division One and the Ogallala Elks Lodge was named best in Division Three. As a result of their award, the Grand Island Elks Lodge will now be eligible to win the prestigious "All-American" Lodge Award at the annual Grand Lodge Convention which is held in Reno, Nevada, during Fourth of July week.
Two Grand Island Elks received individual awards. Dale Neilson was named "Elk of the Year" for Nebraska and Pete Haase was named "Nebraska Elks Officer of the Year."
Neilson has been an Elk for 41 years and has served as Committee Chair for many Lodge committees. He has held every officer position and served as Exalted Ruler (President) for two terms. He is a past District Deputy and has served the state association as its president. This past year, Neilson has recruited four sons as new members to the Elks, he is an Honorary Founder in the ENF and chairs the Lodge Memorial Day services and is active in the Veterans' Hide Program. He participated the the Lodge's Flag Day ceremony and in many Veterans programs for the Lodge. Neilson serves on several state Elks committees and is active in his community serving as President of the county Farmer's Union and President of the Nebraska Christmas Tree Growers and director of that association. He is a member of the Chamber, serves on the Chamber Ag Council, and has received numerous Ag Awards.
Haase was cited for his award for the many things he does as an Elk in his local Lodge and in the state association as well as in his community. He has been an Elk for 15 years and has served as officer, most recently serving as ER for two successive years. He has been awarded a wristwatch for being a top recruiter of new Elk members. He chairs the state association's Elks National Foundation and has been instrumental in sponsoring several fund raisers for the Foundation. He has won awards for his role in the state Elks Ritual Contest and has made many presentations at state meetings and clinics. He is chairman of the Lodge House Committee, a member of the PER Association, a member of the Lodge Activities Committee, coordinator of the Lodge Bulletin, and helps at Vets bingo and other Veterans Activities. He is a Board member of the United Way Program, a volunteer for the YMCA Building Fund Drive, a charter member of the Jaycees and a supporter of the community scouting programs and is an Eagle Scout himself.
The Nebraska Elks Association extends their congratulations to these fine men for their achievements as Elks and for the work they have done this past year and previous years.