Cyndy Leininger, the IEA’s Lady of the Year for 2016-17, is the personification of the Elks’ principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity, Past District Deputy Bill Adams Jr. of Bloomington Lodge said in nominating Leininger for the honor. “Cyndy has supported our charitable activities with her time and efforts (and her fair share […]

IEA President Ray Summers wasn’t going to let Grand Exalted Ruler Michael Zellen leave Illinois without a reminder of the state’s flagship university, the University of Illinois.

GER Michael Zellen and IEA President Ray, with Grand Lodge First Lady Donna Zellen, display the Tribute to Leadership the BPOE’s First Couple at the IEA Mid-Winter Meeting.

Grand Lodge First Lady Donna Zellen shows off the earrings she received from IEA President Ray Summers and First Lady Leta on GER Michael Zellen’s visit to the IEA in January.

Grand Exalted Ruler Michael Zellen, left, displays the resolution he received from IEA Sponsor Lou Sulsberger, naming Zellen an honorary member of the Illinois Elks Association. Zellen was in attendance at the IEA Mid-Winter Meeting as part of his GER visits to Elks state associations nationwide.

Ole Ohlsson of Champaign-Urbana 2497 won the 11 O’ Clock toast contest at the IEA Mid-Winter Meeting, winning out over six other competitors. Ohlsson displays his plaque, flanked by Grand Exalted Ruler Michael Zellen and IEA Sponsor Lou Sulsberger.