Local photographer and volunteer Danny Nason was surprised with the Citizen of the Year Award Friday evening by Elks Lodge 1481 Exalted Ruler Lewana Dyer. (PETER CURRIER/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
WESTFIELD- Resident Danny Nason was awarded the Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award for 2019-2020 by Elks Lodge Number 1481 of Westfield and West Springfield Feb. 28.
The award was announced by Elks Exalted Ruler Lewana L. Dyer at the end of the ceremony at the Elks Lodge in Westfield. Dyer said that the award was meant to go to somebody who contributes to the community, takes part in volunteer service, and is an all-around good citizen in the area.
“He seems to be everywhere,” said Dyer before announcing Nason as the winner, “Just look at the Experience Westfield Facebook page.”
Nason originally was not going to give a speech, but he relented when the crowd in the Elk Hall jokingly shouted for him to give one. He said he was completely surprised by the award.
“I knew there was something going on but I wasn’t sure,” said Nason in his speech, “I had no clue.”
Nason is a local photographer and videographer who can often be seen around Westfield taking pictures of events and slices of life in the city. He is also known for hosting the Experience Westfield and More page on Facebook, through which he keeps residents informed of upcoming meetings, events, celebrations, and businesses in the Greater Westfield Area.
Nason was one of several people who were given awards during the Friday ceremony. Simon A. Wichrowski was unanimously awarded the Elk of the Year Award.
“I’ve been a member here 70 years. It’s a good organization to join and I thank you all tremendously,” said Wichrowski.
The next award was Officer of the Year, which was given to John J. Pellan III, the current Lecturing Knight in Lodge 1481.
Simon Wichrowski was the recipient of the Elk of the Year Award for 2019-2020. (PETER CURRIER/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
Dyer said that Pellan was given the award for showing leadership, contributing voluntarily to services and committees, and because he has status among members as an outstanding Elk.
“I met [Pellan] quite a few years ago, we became good friends along the way even before I moved from my former lodge. [Pellan] has always been there when I needed help,” said Dyer.
The final award given out during the ceremony was that of the Outstanding Service Commendation, which was awarded to Jennifer Perry.
Dyer said that Perry was given the award because she successfully took control of an Elks event, and continued to run events in the Elks Lodge effectively afterwards.
