Springfield Elks Name Stephen Besner Elk of the Year
The local fraternal organization recognized Stephen Besner for his dedicated volunteer service to the community.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Civic
The Springfield Elk Lodge 61 recently honored Stephen Besner as the Italian Elk of the Year during an event held at their Tiffany Street facility. Mayor Domenic Sarno attended the ceremony to present Besner with an official proclamation.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the ongoing efforts of local volunteers who support community initiatives and cultural engagement in Springfield. The award serves to honor individuals who demonstrate a sustained commitment to their organization and neighbors.
Stephen Besner is a dedicated member of the Italian Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts and coordinates the lodge's annual Hoop Shoot competition.
The players
Stephen Besner
He is a member of the Italian Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts and coordinates the lodge's youth basketball competition.
Domenic Sarno
He serves as the Mayor of Springfield and participated in the ceremony to present a proclamation.
Brian Santaniello
He is a member of the Springfield City Council who attended the recognition ceremony.
Springfield Elk Lodge 61
This is a local fraternal organization that hosts community service events and cultural gatherings in the city.
The details
Besner received the honor during an event held as part of Italian Heritage Month celebrations at the lodge's facility. City Council member Brian Santaniello also attended the ceremony to support the presentation.
Timeline
October 2026: Stephen Besner received the Italian Elk of the Year award.
Industry Dynamics
The award ceremony follows a long-standing pattern set by the Italian Heritage Month annual traditions in Springfield. Such local honors reflect a broader cultural trend of reinforcing civic pride through the recognition of long-term organizational volunteers.
Residents interested in future community recognition events or youth programs like the Hoop Shoot can contact the local lodge directly for involvement opportunities. These events remain accessible to the public as part of the organization's ongoing local cultural programming.
The takeaway
Recognizing dedicated volunteers strengthens the ties between local service organizations and the wider community. Individuals interested in civic engagement can look for similar community-focused opportunities within their own local neighborhoods.
Further reading
Learn more about local government and community events on the Springfield Civic section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 22 News WWLP.
