Elks name Burman ‘Citizen of the Year’
Last week, the members of the Pine Island Elks Lodge recognized several of its members and named its choice for citizen of the year. Presenting the honor was Liz Duchane, acting exalted ruler of the Elks.
“It is with great pleasure that I introduce Patricia Burman as our choice for citizen of the year. Pat has been living and working on Pine Island for more than 36 years and has served her community in many capacities,” said Duchane. “Over the years she had been a volunteer for the Matlacha Hookers, the Greater Pine Island Little League, Pine Island Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, the Share program and is still an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island.”
In addition, Burman was on the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and a member for 17 years, and chairperson for MangoMania for 7 years, co-chairing one year with the late Al Mills.
Burman also started a karate class for kids on the island 20 years ago and has volunteered her family’s time running the sound system for many island events such as the Randell Research Center Arts, Authors and Archeology Day as well as Breast Fest, MangoMania and the Taste of Pine Island.
Named Elk of the Year during the dinner event was active member Sue Trimble.
“Sue has worked many years as a member of the house committee as the entertainment chair and helps to decorate for each event at the lodge,” said Duchane. “She has been the lead person to go to when you need something done, always willing to give a helping hand. Sue is very deserving to be GPI Elk of the Year.”
Carol Neilson also was recognized as officer of the year by her Elks Lodge.
“Carol has done a bang-up job as secretary for the lodge and she takes that further step and personally talks to each new candidate and make them feel welcome to our lodge,” said Duchane. “She has learned all the duties of the secretary and she sells most of the tickets for our lodge events. Carol is ‘the’ lodge’s officer of the year.”
Presented with the Grand Exalted Rulers Award of Excellence was member Jo deShaw.
“Jo has been the veterans’ services chair for many years and has fed homeless veterans, gathered donations of clothes and distributed them. She established the Al deShaw Memorial Fund to obtain things for the hospitalized veterans at Bay Pines and has raised in excess of $10,000 over the years,” Duchane said. “Jo is always willing to help the lodge in all its endeavors.”
The Grand Exalted Rulers Award of Excellence also was presented to Wayne Bartelt.
“Wayne is always willing to help the lodge, whether it’s cooking or planning a major event. He aided in our first Elktoberfest and no sooner than it was over, he had many ideas on how to improve it,” said Duchane. “If you need help around the lodge or anything else, Wayne is right there to lend a hand.”