By Nicole Falco
Rita Wangenstein was sworn in as exalted ruler to replace Anitra Butler on April 6 at the Valley Stream lodge along with the rest of the officers for 2002-2003. The new officers are Esteemed Leading Knight Angela Kahn, Esteemed Loyal Knight Frank Messana, Esteemed Lecturing Knight John Williams, Esquire Al Montella, past exalted ruler, Secretary Paul Brown, past exalted ruler, Treasurer Maryanne Murray, Chaplain Daine Drucker, Inner Guard Barbara Yenzer and Tiler Anthony Iadevaio. The 2002-2003 members on the Board of Trustees are Chairman Ed DeLucie Jr., past exalted ruler and Trustees Robert LoBello, Steven Murray, past exalted ruler, Mike Starito, past exalted ruler and Joe Volpe.
More than 70 people including Deputy District Grand Exalted Ruler Joseph Santopietro, local Elks, family and friends gathered at the Valley Stream lodge, which has the distinction of being the birthplace of the Elks more than a century ago, for the installation ceremony.
The Elks, a fraternal organization, continually strives to spread and practice the "four virtues" of charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity, Wangenstein said. Elks locally and nationwide work together to offer numerous scholarship awards and perform community service, Wangenstein said.
During her one-year term, Wangenstein said, "I would like to increase membership, which is always a goal. I'm looking forward to working with the community and youth through various projects."
Future events include a table at the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce Annual Community Day on April 20 at Green Acres Mall, a Flag Day celebration at Hendrickson Park and the announcement of the winners of the Elks' annual Americanism essay contest.
Pictured in group: Standing from left are Inner Guard Barbara Yenzer, Treasurer Maryanne Murray, Trustee Steven Murray, past exalted ruler, Esteemed Lecturing Knight John Williams, Esteemed Leading Knight Angela Kahn, Esteemed Loyal Knight Fran Messana, Chaplain Daine Drucker, Trustee Bob LoBello and Secretary Paul Brown, past exalted ruler. Seated from left are Esquire Al Montella, past exalted ruler, Exalted Ruler Rita Wangenstein, District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Joseph Santopietro and Chairman Ed DeLucie, Jr., past exalted ruler.
