Three to be Honored at New Hyde Park-North Shore Elks Lodge

The New Hyde Park-North Shore Elks Lodge No. 2107 will honor two of its exemplary members and an outstanding resident of the North Shore at the lodge's annual Installation of Officers ceremony to be held on April 6th of this year. The honorees include Anthony Vitale, who will receive the Lodge’s Officer of the Year Award, and Robert Giglio, who will be posthumously honored as the 2025 Elk of the Year. Additionally, Glen Cove resident Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews will be awarded the lodge’s Citizen of the Year Award.

Recipient of the 2025 Officer of the Year Award, Anthony Vitale, is an active member of the New Hyde Park-North Shore Elks Lodge No. 2107, deeply committed to supporting veterans and enhancing community welfare. In his role as the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Second Deputy Representative for the New York State Elks Association's South District, Vitale collaborates with fellow Elks to bring joy and assistance to veterans. Notably, in December 2023, he participated in delivering 127 holiday gift bags to residents at the St. Albans VA Facility, ensuring that each veteran received a personal token of appreciation.

Vitale's dedication extends beyond seasonal events; he is a regular contributor to various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of veterans. His hands-on involvement in organizing and executing events, such as barbecues and picnics at the St. Albans Community Living Center, exemplifies his commitment to service. Through these efforts, Vitale fosters a sense of community and support for those who have served our Nation.

In addition to his work with veterans, Vitale plays a significant role in the internal functions of the New Hyde Park-North Shore Elks Lodge. His leadership and organizational skills contribute to the Lodge's mission of promoting charity, justice, and brotherly love. Vitale's unwavering dedication to both the Lodge and the broader community underscores his commitment to the core values of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Posthumously being honored as 2025 Elk of the Year will be Robert Giglio. Giglio was a dedicated and influential member of the New Hyde Park-North Shore Elks Lodge No. 2107. Over the years, he took on several key leadership roles within the organization, including serving as District Deputy for the Southeast District of New York from 2015 to 2016 and as Second Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Deputy Representative at the St. Albans Community Living Center. His commitment to the mission of the Elks and his unwavering support for veterans made him a respected leader and a driving force behind many community initiatives.

Giglio’s service extended well beyond the Elks. He was an active member of the New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100, where he built strong relationships with fellow law enforcement professionals, and the NYC Transit Authority Emerald Society, reflecting his deep ties to both public service and his heritage. He was known for his generosity, integrity, and ability to bring people together for a common cause.

Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, Giglio remained dedicated to serving others and staying active in the community. Refusing to let his diagnosis slow him down, he participated in the Rock Steady Boxing program at the Adele Smithers Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Center at New York Institute of Technology, a program designed to help those with Parkinson’s maintain strength and mobility. His resilience and determination served as an inspiration to many, particularly those facing similar health challenges.

Beyond his community service, Giglio was a devoted husband to Kathleen Lang and a proud father to Megan Giglio. He valued family above all else and was deeply connected to his siblings, extended family, and a large network of friends and fellow Elks. Giglio's legacy is one of service, dedication, and compassion. His contributions to the Lodge and his community continue to have a lasting impact, and his unwavering dedication to his family, community, and fellow Elks continues to inspire all who knew him.

Recipient of the Lodge’s 2025 Citizen of the Year Award, Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, has demonstrated unwavering dedication to veterans and the local community. As President and Founder of the Tribute and Honor Foundation, he and his board members joined with VFW Post 347 in spearheading an initiative to support the rebuild of Glen Cove’s VFW Post 347 following the post's devastating fire, which led to nearly $50,000 being raised.

Since its inception in December 2021, the foundation has supported numerous initiatives across Long Island benefiting veterans and their families. It has also created a scholarship in honor of Korean War veteran Ben Farnan, which recognizes graduating seniors entering the military or military academies. Additionally, the foundation has honored nearly 40 veterans and veteran supporters through its annual awards ceremony, held on the first Saturday in February.
Stevenson-Mathews, who serves as Community Engagement Officer for the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, has also been honored with the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce’s Community Service Award, the North Shore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Award, Calvary AME Church’s Leadership and Fellowship Award, Comité Cívico Argentino’s Community Leader of the Year Award, and VFW Post 347's Meritorious and Distinguished Service Award.

New Hyde Park-North Shore Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Christopher Petrella expressed his respect for the honorees, stating, "Each of these individuals exemplifies the spirit of service and dedication that our Lodge strives to uphold. We are proud to honor their contributions."
The April 6th event will also include the installation of Lodge officers for the 2025 term. The incoming officers include Exalted Ruler Christopher Petrella, Esteemed Leading Knight Ray Smolenski, Esteemed Loyal Knight Anthony Vitale, Esteemed Lecturing Knight Thomas Staab, Secretary Kathleen Lang, Treasurer Robert Ponzo, Esquire Gio Ramos, Chaplain Carmela Narducci, Inner Guard Peter Guadagno, Tiler Gabe Mignone, and Trustees Brian Diaz, Tom Lemme, Mike Pellegrino, Jose Jacobs, and Leon Jankowski.

The New Hyde Park-North Shore Elks Lodge No. 2107 boasts a rich history on the North Shore, evolving through the unification of several lodges. Glen Cove Lodge No. 1458 and Great Neck-Port Washington Lodge No. 1543 merged to form North Shore NY Lodge No. 1458. In 2014, North Shore Lodge combined with New Hyde Park Lodge, consolidating their traditions of service, charity, and fellowship into a vibrant community hub. Today, the Lodge stands as a testament to the dedication and unity of its members, honoring its legacy while actively serving the community.

For more information about the Lodge, please visit nhpnselks.com.