Sparta Elk Anthony Alfonso installed as the new district leader

Sparta - Anthony Alfonso of Odgensburg, a member of Sparta Elks Lodge No.2356, was installed as the new leader of the Northwest District of the N.J. State Elks Association during the Elks 142nd national convention held July 9-13 in Orlando, Fla. Elks members from across the U.S. took part in the convention and voted on key issues facing the benevolent organization, and elected its new national leaders. In addition to helping set the course of the organization in the coming year, Alfonso learned of the group’s many national accomplishments. Last year the 1.12 million members of the Elks made charitable contributions totaling more than $200 million, which went to support scholarships and educational grants, drug awareness and education programs, aid to the nation’s veterans, youth athletics, and the Elks state associations’ major projects. The local groups provide funding for everything from cancer treatment and research to shelters for the victims of domestic violence. As the Elks national representative for the area, Alfonso will be responsible for working with local Elks lodges to fulfill the order’s long-standing commitment to promote charity and patriotism in their communities. In the position of district deputy grand exalted ruler, Alfonso will play a vital role, with duties including the advising of lodges on important internal and business matters, reviewing how national policy is implemented by the lodges in the district, and assisting in the coordination and supervision of Elks’ activities on many levels.