Cape Henlopen Elks install officers for new program year

Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540 of Lewes recently installed Betty Ann Kortlang as exalted ruler for the fraternal year 2026-27. Additional top-tier elected officers are Leading Knight Terrie Bradley, Loyal Knight Bob Hall-McBride and Lecturing Knight Kelly Barber.

Outgoing Exalted Ruler Marty Schreck thanked his officers and all the members for the lodge's success in the past year.

Appointed officers are Esquire Mary DiGennaro, Chaplain Peggy Sander, Inner Guard Tim Wegemer and Tiler Nancy Bush.

Other elected officers are Secretary Joanne Mayer, PER; Treasurer Karen Palmer; Paul Holton Jr., PER, one-year trustee; Joy Schreck, PER, three-year trustee;  Buddy Hall-McBride, PER, four-year trustee; and Marty Schreck, PER, five-year trustee.

Swearing in all new officers was Grand Exalted Ruler John Loftus, Elks past state president, special deputy grand exalted ruler, and past exalted ruler of both Cape Henlopen and Ocean City lodges. 

In recognition of exceptional service to the lodge, awards were given for Distinguished Citizen of the Year, Buddy Hall-McBride; Officer of the Year, Terrie Bradley; and Elk of the Year, Mike Parkinson. Without hesitation, Parkinson stepped up to help in the kitchen, and even grilled outdoors for several big events including the Elks Super Bowl party, as well as power washing the grills and the pavilion. 

Treasurer Karen Palmer, Secretary Joanne Mayer and Trustee Kelly Barber were recognized for their outstanding contributions throughout the past year.