NORWICH – The City of Norwich recognized the community contributions of the Norwich Elks Lodge at a Common Council meeting Nov. 17.

Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano presented a Certificate of Recognition to Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Jeff Cola on behalf of the council and the city.

“With all the activities they’ve sponsored in the past year like the cruise-ins, they earned money to donate to Toys For Tots and gave donations to the Norwich Fire Department and the Norwich Police Department. They also donate or participate in a number of other community activities in the area. We want to acknowledge and appreciate that support. They’ve been working hard and hopefully they will continue to be an organization who helps out the community,” said Maiurano.

Cola said he was grateful for the recognition and said the #1222 Lodge based in Norwich had faced a number of its own challenges in recent years, including financial ones, and that he was pleased the organization was rebuilding itself in the community.