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The Salisbury Elks Lodge honored Kandace Lewis with the 2024-2025 Elks Distinguished Citizen Award at the annual ER Ball and Awards Celebration on Saturday, March 29. Since 2013, Lewis has served as the recreation services director at North Carolina State Veterans Home in Salisbury. “Kandace is a beacon of leadership, compassion and commitment,” said Kenny Martin, who is finishing up his two-year term as the lodge’s Exalter Ruler.
“She makes an extraordinary impact on the lives of our veterans, their families and our community. “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Kandace for the past five years and witnessed firsthand the incredible dedication of Kandace and her team. Her staff works tirelessly, providing care and attention to our veterans, ensuring they feel at home and valued.
”Lewis, a native of Wadesboro, is a 2005 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation.After graduation, Kandace began her career as an activity assistant at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Salisbury. As the Recreation Services Director, Kandace plans and manages special events and recreational activities for the residents.
She wants their loved ones to feel the mission’s embrace on a daily basis: Our family, your family, ONE FAMILY — Committed to loving, giving and caring — United in making a difference.This year’s event featured a Hollywood theme with many attendees dressed up as their favorite movie or TV personality. The lodge’s house committee served up an Oscar-winning evening with dinner, a comedy hour and dancing after the awards presentation.
NC State Elks President Joe Clancy and his wife, Lenly, NC Elks first lady, joined about 65 members and guests including past district deputies and past exalter rulers. Kenny Martin received the Officer of the Year award. He has been a member of the local lodge for 14 years and is a veteran of the United States Army.
For the last two years, he has served in the leadership role as Exalter Ruler, who is responsible for overseeing all operations, programs, activities and enforcing the laws of the order.Publicity and Media Relations Coordinator Liz Tennent received the Elk of the Year Award. She has served in this role for the last two years.
“I’m humbled, thankful and certainly share this award with many members and local media,” said Tennent. “Our lodge does amazing service work and projects with veterans, youth and in the community ..
. at the State Veteran Home, the annual Hoop Shoot competition, the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Rowan, Scholarship and Grant Awards, the Elks River Park and more.”“But what we do best, I think, is connecting people for the good — for themselves and for others.
Elks Care, Elks Share is more than a motto; it’s about a way of life. So, it has been a joy and blessing to share our message through stories, building relationships and celebrating connections.” Leadership Appreciation awards were given to James Kessler, Esteemed Leading Knight, and to Kathy Kessler, Esteemed Lecturing Knight.
The Grand Exalter Ruler’s Outstanding Service Commendation was awarded to Kathy Enders and Connie Griffin.Certifications of Appreciation were given to Joe Dunn, Archie Blythe, Robert Smith, Kenny Payne and Gary Goodrich. Debbie Martin was also recognized with the Certificate of Appreciation for her ten years of outstanding service as the lodge secretary.
To learn more about the Salisbury Elks Lodge, call 704-636-1161 or go to www.salisburyelks.org.
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