LIBERTY – The Liberty Elks Lodge #1545 recently held an installation ceremony for its 2026-2027 officers, effective April 1. NYS Elks Past State President Tania DeFrank presided over the event.

The newly installed and reelected officers are:

  - Exalted Ruler: Past Exalted Ruler Jeanni Miller

  - Esteemed Leading Knight: Past Exalted Ruler Kim DiLorenzo

  - Esteemed Loyal Knight: April Rodriguez-Walsh

  - Esteemed Lecturing Knight: Stephen Walsh

  - Esquire: Kyle Mangan

  - Inner Guard: Richard DiLorenzo

  - Tiler: Michael Cruz Jr.

  - Secretary: Tania DeFrank (PER, PSVP, PSP, PDD)

  - Treasurer: Samantha Davis

  - Chaplain: Past Exalted Ruler John Egner

  - Trustees: William "Bud" Romney (5-year), Albert Demarmels (1-year), and Past Exalted Rulers Marta Illing, Robert Ackerley, and Eugene Froehlich.

During the ceremony, outgoing Exalted Ruler William Miller presented several awards:

  - Elk of the Year: Kyle Mangan, for his extensive volunteer work with Bingo, the Thursday night wing teams, and special events.

  - Officer of the Year: April Rodriguez-Walsh, for her leadership in the Drug Awareness Prevention program, securing 2nd place in NYS for membership, and her enthusiasm at lodge events.

  - Elks Distinguished Citizen of the Year: Daniel Clark, for his dedication to the Youth Hoop Shoot program and his work coordinating lodge events.

  - Elks Outstanding Service Commendation: Stephen Walsh, for his efforts assisting veterans with resources and welcome home kits, as well as coordinating Flag Day and Veterans Day events.

The Liberty Elks Lodge currently has 474 members and remains active in the community. Following our recent Easter event, we look forward to our upcoming Halloween and Christmas celebrations. We also continue to support local organizations, including the Warming Centers for the Homeless, the Foster Home for Children and Teens, the Domestic Violence Center, and the Child Care Center at the Sullivan County Family Courthouse.