Public invited to Elks’ annual memorial service

Whitehall Elks Lodge 1481 will join with their counterparts around the nation this weekend in honoring members who have passed away within the last year.
The lodge will host their annual Memorial Service at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4 at the lodge on North Williams Street. The event is open to the public and doors will open at 12:30 p.m.

This solemn occasion is held annually on the first Sunday in December at every lodge in the United States.

“The purpose of the event is to memorialize past members who have passed away,” said Tammy Stevens. “It’s a very heartfelt service.”

Father Michael Flannery from Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church will lead the service and deliver an oration, the first time he has been asked to participate in the ceremony.

“He was very appreciative that we asked him,” Stevens said.

Flannery will be joined by the men’s choir and keyboardist Peg Ashline.

Several local dignitaries are also expected to be in attendance. Members have invited Mayor Peter Telisky, Supervisor Richard “Geezer” Gordon, and Supervisor-elect George Armstrong, among others.

Elks district deputy Brian Greene from Glens Falls is also expected to be in attendance.

Members of Antlers group, Boy Scout Troop 83 and Girl Scout Troop 3435 will all participate in the ceremony as well.

Pat Manor, the ladies Auxiliary president will also say a few words.

Organizers said this year’s event takes on added significance because of the number of people who have passed away in the past year.

Among those who will be honored are: Janice L. Oliver, Phillip J. Neddo, Joseph H. Golden, Hayden J. Reed, Wilbur L. Abbott, Francis E. Lavin, Francis W. Lavin, Terry J. Leroy and Charles S. Fountain.

Friends and family of those members are expected to be in attendance and each family will receive a memorial book and a bouquet of flowers.

Stevens said each bouquet will contain a small American flower in honor of Janice Oliver who was instrumental and heavily involved in veterans programs through the lodge, including a monthly breakfast.