The Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks

Peter H. Freiler, PDD

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DDGER - Connecticut Central #1640 for 2008-2009

In 2008,  I was named the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for Connecticut Central #1640 by Grand Exalted Ruler Paul D. Helsel at the Grand Lodge Convention in Anaheim, California.

(Right) At the Connecticut Dinner on Thursday, July 10, Ellen was allowed to present me with my DD jewels, while the Hon. Peter T. Afatato PGER and our Jurisdictional head looks on from the right.  (State Secretary Jan Wankowitz is seen on the left waiting to give another DD's wife the jewels for the presentations).

 

 
  (Above) The Central District was well represented - (L-R) Josephine O'Neil ER - Hamden, Mike Bonini ER - Wallingford, myself, David Greaves ER - Middletown and State Vice President for the Central District. Steven Ferraro.

(Above) Some sage advise from Mr. Afatato.  I remember something about being told I was 'God' in my district.  Ellen will tell you that is the only place :-)!

  
 

 
  Christine Carta, myself and David Greaves ER of Middletown #771 (Thanks to both of them for the terrific photos from the evening!)

(L-R) DDGER Peter Freiler, DDGER Joe Trovarelli, PGER Peter Afatato, DDGER Mike Johnson & DDGER Mike Tomaszek.

  
       
 

Exalted Ruler 2004-2005 - Hamden Lodge #2224

    

Exalted Ruler Photo 2005
I have been a member of Hamden Lodge #2224 for the past 15 years.  I went 'through the chairs' and became the Exalted Ruler (Lodge President) for the 2004-2005 Lodge year..

Here I am being installed as ER by then DD Andy Caporossi.

A chance to sit after Mardi Gras 2005 with Rich Pleines.

My year as ER went by quickly, aided by some very dear friends and some close family.  There were few events that I ran during that year that didn't have everyone involved.  It was a great time working with all of them.  These are just a few of the many pictures that I have to remember this year by.
(L-R) Gerry Weber PER, Stuart Comen, Linda Comen & myself..

I'd like to think that I was the inspiration to turn the annual Children's Christmas Party into an event where we asked the parents to donate toys that Santa would give to the Children and took the funds normally reserved for gift purchases and gave it to Governor Jodi Rell's 'Operation ELF' in support of the families of our Connecticut troops involved in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

A highlight of my year as ER was the continuation of our efforts at the North Haven Fair.  Here with Gerry Weber PER, Art Camera, Lynn Weber, Stuart Comen (L-R).

 

 

Also we continued our efforts at the Hamden Summer Concert Series and this is just a shot of me making my usual silly face for the camera... yes, I can't really make much else with a face like that!.

Ellen & I at the Trail Riders Concert & Dance... nice hat eh!
Throughout my career with the Elks I have always had the help and support of  my wife Ellen and daughter Amber.  They have been with me at many functions and events at my local Lodge, throughout the State and even traveled with me to the Grand Lodge Convention in 2004. 

Ellen, Amber and I at the Grand Lodge Convention in Minneapolis, MN.

A group picture with the entire Freiler clan at the Elk of the Year Dinner; (L-R) brother Eric, sister-in-law Alice, father Tony, niece Erzica (front), mom Dorothy, brother Robert, nephew Joshua, sister Lorelei, Ellen, brother-in-law Norman, Amber.

Enjoying a good laugh with Ellen as I was 'roasted' at my Elk of the Year Dinner in 2001.
Just one more picture of me this time marching in the Hamden Memorial Day Parade.