Ferland named to committee

    ANAHEIM, Calif. – During the 144th national convention of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, held in Anaheim from July 6-10, James Ferland, of Presque Isle Lodge 1954, was appointed by Elks National President Paul D. Helsel to the Order’s national Lodge Activities/State Elks Association Committee.     In this position, Ferland will serve the national governing body of the Elks, known as the Grand Lodge, by supervising and encouraging local Elks lodges and state Elks associations to support Grand Lodge-sponsored programs, coordinating communications between lodges and reporting to the Order’s national officers about lodge and state association activities. Ferland’s other responsibilities will include organizing and judging contests designed to promote the Order’s charitable, civic and organizational goals for the year and assisting the lodges and associations in meeting these goals.
    The Order of Elks is comprised of local lodges that uphold and promote the many activities and programs of the Grand Lodge. Most lodges belong to a state Elks association, in which lodges from a state or group of states work together to support the agenda of the Grand Lodge as well as sponsor a major charitable project. The state association projects provide funding for everything from cancer treatment and research to shelters for the victims of domestic violence.
    Ferland’s appointment to this key position in the Order signals the high confidence that the national officers of the BPO Elks place in his abilities.
    Ferland, formerly the chief of the Presque Isle Police Department, currently resides in Sidney.