Manville man named Somerville’s Elk of the Year

Carl Walp was honored at a dinner Saturday.

By: Mary Ellen Zangara
   Angle Avenue resident Carl Walp says Saturday night was one of the most special nights of his life — that’s when he was named Elk of the Year by the members of Somerville Elks Lodge No. 1068.
   "I feel great; this is the greatest night of my life right up there with my wedding and honeymoon," Mr. Walp said.
   Mr. Walp, a retired Somerville police officer, has been helping to lead the Elks’ drug awareness program, raise funds for charities through the lodge’s "Pull Tab Committee," and is chairman of the comedy-night benefit for police.
   And he can be found calling the numbers for each Wednesday’s bingo games.
   "I spend a lot of time here," he said, but that didn’t mean he was expecting the honor.
   "When the exalted ruler (Harry Keich) came out and said, ‘how would you like to be Elk of the Year?’ I said that would be great," Mr. Walp said. "He then said, ‘congratulations,’ and I was speechless.
   "I walked around talking to myself for about five minutes, and then I went and called my wife. It was a feeling like I never felt before in my life," Mr. Walp said. "You could have knocked me over with a feather."
   Mr. Walp has been a member of the Somerville Elks for 25 years, and actively involved in lodge activities for about 10 years. He’s been a trustee for the last five years, also.
   Over 160 of Mr. Walp’s fellow Elks, family members, co-workers, police officers and friends attended the dinner to help celebrate the honor. Mr. Walp was introduced and was escorted into the room with all 43 of the past Elks of the Year. His wife, Carol, surprised him with a special appearance by a belly dancer to entertain him at the beginning of the night.
   Guest speaker Dennis Manning, police chief of the Somerville Police Department, told some stories about Mr. Walp from his days on the force gathered from all of his fellow officers.
   "He was a straight cop and he knew how to do things," Chief Manning said. "He took all the young guys in and taught everybody. He helped with the DARE Program."
   "You have done one heck of a job," Mr. Keich said. "Your presence in this lodge and the community has meant a lot. Elk of the Year is not something you expect or try to achieve, it just happens.
   "It’s for all of your dedication and hard work, and everything you do for this lodge," he added.
   Mr. Walp received a Grand Lodge certificate, Elk of the Year plaque, jacket and watch, a check for expenses to attend the Elks convention in Wildwood in early June and an Elk of the Year pin.
   His family also gave him some gag gifts in honor his accomplishment — a king sash, crown and special throne.
   Pierce Frauenheim, a past Elk of the Year, summed up how many of the lodge members felt about the night’s award.
   "Carl is entering a fraternity of great people," Mr. Frauenheim said . "He is a perfect recipient for this award."