CAMBRIDGE — On March 19, BPOE Cambridge Lodge 1272 had the honor of hosting the Grand Exalted Ruler (GER) of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States, John Amen and his wife, Marcia for dinner at the Lodge.

Mr. and Mrs. Amen traveled from the Grand Lodge headquarters in Chicago to the Eastern Shore to visit the Lodges in Cambridge and Easton. Both of these Lodges are members of the Southeast District of the Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia Elks Association. The Grand Exalted Ruler holds the office for one year and during that time visits Lodges throughout the country to meet his fellow Elks and talk about the National and Local programs that are such an important part of this fraternal organization.

During his visit, GER Amen presented an award to Rebecca “Beckie” West of the Cambridge Lodge for her outstanding achievement in bringing in new members to Elkdom.

As a token of appreciation for his visit, Cambridge Lodge presented the GER with an original metal sculpture of a heron by local artist, Paul Lockart, as well as wine from the local vineyard, Layton’s Chance Winery. Mr. and Mrs. Amen said the sculpture would be displayed in a place of honor in Mr. Amen’s office in their Colorado home.

The Cambridge Elks Lodge has been a part of the fabric of the Dorchester County community for over 100 years, having been founded in 1912. The Elks is a philanthropic organization, always striving to meet the needs of the local communities.

To learn more about the programs, including scholarship opportunities, go to Elks.org or contact the local lodge at 410-221-6044, or visit the Facebook page for Cambridge Elks Lodge 1272.