Dr. Cole named Elks Citizen of the Year
On April 2, Dr. James Cole was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award by the Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge. Past Exalter Chris Wiederhold, presented the award to Dr. Cole for his continued role in working toward the improvement of our community by being a leader and dedicated citizen. Besides being a Pine Island Fire Commissioner, he has been instrumental in starting the SAS Program for fourth and fifth graders on Pine Island. Students Achieving Success, is an after-school program housed in the Beacon of HOPE building dedicated to mentoring the tutoring Pine Island Children. Under Dr. Cole’s direction, the program stared with five children and has steadily grown to a waiting list of children anxious to participate. Dr. Cole definitely personifies the spectacular and dedicated people of Pine Island. Congratulations!
During the evening, David Dean Concidine was presented with the Officer of the Year Award for contributing over and above the duties of his office as a Lodge Trustee. His accomplishments are too many to name, but he is truly a one-man-band and a dedicated Elk who cares about the ELks and their charitable endeavors!
Elk of the Year is defined as “a person who is always willing to help and one who can always be relied upon to get things done.” This award was given to Wilma Desmarias who certainly fulfills this definition. She has set the example to which all Elks should aspire!
In addition, Special Recognition Awards were given to the following people for their continued support and dedication to the principles of the Elks: Jerry and Lynn Fettig, Jim and Sandra Flanders, Maria and Bill Belke, Deanna Martell and Charley Coffey.