Installation of 2016 - 2017 Elks Lodge #25 Officers

On March 24, 2016, Lodge #25 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks (since 1884) conducted its 132nd installation of new officers in New Haven, Connecticut. Denise Reynolds, Exalted Ruler, is the 3rd woman to hold this position in the history of Elks Lodge 25. The term of the elected offices are from April 1, 2016 – March 31, 2017. The lodge is based at 524 State Street. The traditional Installation Ceremony was performed by the Coastal District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, John Franco, and his Suite of Officers.

Suite of Officers

· Denise Reynolds, Exalted Ruler

· Maria Laudano-Casanova, Leading Knight

· Joan Turner, Loyal Knight

· Karyn Snedeker, Secretary

· Antoinette D’Errico, Treasurer

The 3rd Woman to Hold the Highest Position of Exalted Ruler in the History of New Haven’s Elks Lodge 25

Denise Reynolds, Exalted Ruler, is the 3rd woman to hold this position in the history of Elks Lodge 25. Prior to Denise’s rise to Exalted Ruler on April 1, 2016, she served in various leadership roles and has been an active member of New Haven’s Elks Lodge 25 for nine (9) years. Most notably, her recent election and recognition as the 2016 Elk of the Year and 2012 Italian Officer of the Year demonstrates the confidence her peers has in her ability to lead. Evidence of such leadership is also represented by her progression through the ranks of elected positions at the lodge where she previously served as Lecturing Knight, Loyal Knight and Inner Guard. Her devote dedication to the lodge is continuously exhibited as she not only volunteers for lodge activities but commits herself as Chairperson on such Committees as Drug Awareness, Scholarship, Turkey Shoot, Memorial & Veterans Day Committee, Homeless Veterans Dinner and Clothing Collections Drives. For the past several years, Denise has even been the person inside the National Elks “Elroy” Drug Awareness Program’s mascot costume representing the Elks sponsorship at the Connecticut Special Olympic Games.

Denise’s accomplishments are not only limited to her activities with the Elks. As a recipient of the United States Presidential Volunteer Award, the National Diversity Leadership Award, the Connecticut Department & Services for the Blind Employment Award, and the Veterans Patriot Award, she has been recognized by these differing communities for her outstanding contributions to their organizations. Denise also holds a Registered Patent with New Product & Business Development. Her other volunteer activities include the Errera Veteran Association Center, Connecticut Stand Down and the Daytime Gardeners of North Haven, CT.

In her March 24, 2016 speech delivered at the Elks Installation of Officers Ceremony, Denise gave a glimpse of what type of leadership the Elks’ membership can expect from her in the coming year. In excerpt, she asserted that, “We [newly appointed officers] will strive at all times to act in the best interest of our lodge. Together, we stand committed to serving our great members, our community, and Elkdom. We, the officers of Lodge 25, are truly humbled for this opportunity to serve and represent you.” Denise and her husband, Kevin J. Reynolds (Past Exalted Ruler), reside in North Haven, Connecticut and have two (2) children.

Note: The 1st woman to hold the Office of Exalted Ruler (ER) at New Haven Elks Lodge 25 was Nancy Gorban-Brennan (2008-2009); the 2nd to hold the office was Bonnie Mullin (2011-2013).

1. Attached photo (Credit: Petisia M. Adger) of the newly installed Lodge 25 Suite of Officers. Officers appear in the following order in the attached photo (absent for photo, Maria Laudano-Casanova, Leading Knight): Seated from Left – Lodge 25 Officers: Antoinette D’Errico, Treasurer; Denise Reynolds, Exalted Ruler; Joan Turner, Loyal Knight; and Karyn Snedeker, Secretary. Standing from Left – Lodge 25 Trustees: Ret. Col. Kenneth Gertz; Joe Alfano; Bonnie Mullin, PER; Ron Newman; and Charles Cheslock, Sr., PER, (Chairman).
2. Attached photo (Credit: Petisia M. Adger) of Denise Reynolds, Exalted Ruler

Please feel free to contact Petisia M. Adger if you require any additional information.

Contact Information:

Elks Lodge 25, Public Relations Chairperson

203-687-0548

lodge25news@gmail.com