Hamden Lodge 2224 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks announces that President Elect for the 2011-12 Elk year is Karen A. Forsyth. Karen has been an active Elk member for 15 years and served as Hamden Lodge President during Elk year 2007-2008. She is the Connecticut Elk Association’s Central District Chairperson for Major Project for the Connecticut Children's Medical Center and formerly served as the State Scouting Coordinator. She received the Lodge Elk of the Year award in 2009 and has received Grand Lodge citations for exemplary service. She has chaired and served on numerous committees, including the Lodge Americanism Committee and has organized many Lodge ceremonies including North Haven and Hamden Flag Day events. Karen has tirelessly organized many Lodge fundraisers to benefit veterans, youth and local charities.

Karen has B.S degree from Southern Connecticut State University and a MBA from University of New Haven. Karen has worked for Stop and Shop for 40 years and is the Floral Manager at the Putnam Place location, in Hamden. She is the Union Steward for Local 919. She has been married to her husband, Brian for 35 years. They have a son James and soon to be daughter in-law Katie Shanley. She loves to travel and has organized many trips for the Elk's.

Karen and all of the newly elected Elks officers will be installed at a ceremony open to the public on Friday, April 1 at 6:30 in the Elks Lodge at 175 School Street, Hamden. The Hamden Elks are dedicated to youth programs, patriotism and service to hospitalized veterans, as well as national and local charities. The Hamden Lodge is currently celebrating their 50^th year serving the communities of Hamden and North Haven.