Mark Guilmett installed as new Elks Leader at Rochester Lodge #1393

Mark Guilmett, PER and Exalted Ruler 24/25 (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Rochester Elks #1393 conducted its annual Installation of Officers on Saturday.

Exalted Ruler Mark Guilmett and his suite of officers for the Lodge year 2024-2025 were Installed by Officer of the Day Matthew Sanborn, PER / DD Designate and his suite of Officers. The Installation took place at 3 p.m. in the Lodge Hall with approximately 60 people in attendance. Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan, a friend and associate of the new Exalted Ruler was also in attendance for the ceremony. A delicious roast pork meal with all the fixings was served after the Installation.

From left, front row: Jeanne Bernard, PER, Tiler; Jeff Rasmussen, Esteemed Leading Knight; Mark Guilmett, PER, Exalted Ruler; Victor Rivera, Jr., Lodge Esquire; Ken Verhelle, Esteemed Lecturing Knight; Rhoda Forsythe Rivera, Esteemed Loyal Knight. Back row, l to r, Peter Ducharme, PER, Lodge Trustee; Jim Clark, PER, Lodge Trustee Chair; Matthew Sanborn, Lodge Trustee and DD Designate; Harry Tagen, Inner Guard; Janice Tagen, Chaplain; Bonnie Skidds, PER, Lodge Trustee; Cindy Skidds, Lodge Treasurer; Jerry Skidds, PER, PDD, Lodge Trustee; Norman Gervais, PER, Lodge Secretary; Scott Welch, PER, PDD, Stave Vice President and Don Chesnel, PER, PDD, PSP, PGLC and current Grand Esteemed Lecturing Knight.

Outgoing Exalted Ruler Peter Ducharme provided the audience with his thoughts and comments about his year as Exalted Ruler and thanked everyone for their support. He also spoke about the loss of his father Thomas Ducharme during his Lodge year. Tom was a Past Exalted Ruler of the Lodge and Peter noted that his father was responsible for getting him involved in Elkdom and opined that Tom was present in spirit for this special occasion. Peter was presented with his father's PER Jewels and Medallion by PER, PDD Jerry Skidds. Incoming Exalted Ruler Mark Guilmett also presented Peter with a plaque for his year of service to the Lodge as Exalted Ruler. Peter also presented flowers to his wife Tisha Ducharme.

Newly installed Exalted Ruler Mark Guilmett spoke on his goals and objectives for the new year. He commented that he had a great group of officers and members on his committees and he is looking forward to a great year for the Lodge. He will be introducing some new events for kids and first responders. Gullmett will also represent the Rochester Lodge as the Official Representative at the NH State Elks Convention in May and at the National Convention in Austin, Texas, in late June and early July. Gullmett was presented flowers to his wife Debbie during the ceremony.

Installing Officers were Matthew Sanborn, Don Chesnel, Jim Clark, Jerry Skidds, Scott Welsh and Bonnie Skidds, all Past Exalted Rulers of the Rochester Elks.