Swenson, Donahue earn top honors at annual Elks installation banquet

Bill Thurber was installed as the Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge #2276 in Mountain Home during special ceremonies held Saturday, March 21, at the temporary lodge.

Also honored as the Elk of the Year was Coleen Swenson, who was selected for her "support and dedication in helping us 'spread the word' so to speak," an Elks spokesperson said.

She has served as a committee member of the monthly Bugle newsletter, supports the youth programs and "is always the first one to step up with a donation or get an auction started. She is a member that enjoys the fellowship and workings needed to support our lodge. She does not need or want to be up front, but is always working or helping in the background."

Jack Donahue was named as Officer of the Year by this year's committee, based on his "endless and continuing support in the rebuilding of the Elks Lodge as a trustee. This is a job that requires countless hours of paperwork and telephone communications. This alone has been a monumental task for the last two years and we cannot thank Jack enough," the Elks spokesperson said. Other officers selected to lead the Elks' lodge for the next year include: Dusty Backham, Leading Knight; Larry Fincher, Lecturing Knight; Amy Thurber, Inner Guard; Jim McCluer, Secretary, Vince Pangelinan, Loyal Knight; Mark Hutchkiss, Chaplain; Dave Pursell, Treasurer, and trustees Ken Grinde, Jack Hawkins, Jack Donahue, Gene Lee and Deb Meredith.