Being selected meant a lot to the deputy mayor having come from a family of elks. His father was awarded Bordentown Elks Lodge first elk of the year from 1963-64.
by Amy Batista, Special Writer
BORDENTOWN CITY — Like father, like son.
Deputy Mayor James Lynch was recently recognized by the Bordentown Elks Lodge No. 2085 as the Citizen of the Year — 50 years later after his father, James E. Lynch Sr., received the same recognition.
”I’d like to thank the exalted ruler and officers for this award,” said Deputy Mayor Lynch. “It has a special place in my heart I will never forget.”
The process for choosing a recipient beings with the exalted ruler who asks the Past Exalted Ruler’s Association and the officers for their input.
Heather Cheesman, an Elk officer and former Deputy Mayor of Bordentown City, recommended Deputy Mayor Lynch for the award.
”After reading his background of community service and volunteerism, it was an easy choice for me,” said Jack Becker, exalted ruler. “His father was instrumental in instituting this lodge on March 17, 1960. His uncle was also one of our great exalted rulers who still gives advice from time to time to our ‘newbie’ exalted rulers.”
Each year, the Elks host a St. Patrick’s Day Awards dinner party to celebrate the 12 Elks of the months, the Elk of the year, the officer of the year and the citizen of the year. The exalted ruler gives accolades to each person and calls them up to be presented with their certificate.
Mr. Becker noted that Deputy Mayor Lynch’s accomplishments included working with the Historic Commission to protect and promote the historic nature of Bordentown, as well as working to promote the Bordentown car show, fireworks and the Rev. Jasper Daniel Youth Program.
In addition, he worked closely with the development committee to promote the highway and inter-city businesses.
Being selected meant a lot to the deputy mayor having come from a family of elks. His father was awarded Bordentown Elks Lodge first elk of the year from 1963-64.
”It was quite a special moment for me,” he said. “In our house hold growing up, the Elks lodge was a very important part of our lives.”
He said fondly remembers the charter members meeting in his father’s basement weekly to try and raise money for the building fund. His father was the chairman of the building committee and in charge of day to day construction issues and raising money.
”When Bordentown Military played football out of state at various colleges he would make a point to stop at an Elks Lodge to pick their brain for ideas,” he said.
He noted how his father was Irish and it was no coincidence that the groundbreaking of the lodge took place on St. Patrick’s Day.
”It was no coincidence they broke ground on St. Patrick’s Day over 50 years ago with Gov. (Richard) Hughes,” he said.
He remembers his father’s commitment to it being a family lodge.
”To his disappointment women and children had to sit in a designated room,” he said, adding it is no longer that way.
Mr. Becker noted that the Elks motto is “Elks Care, Elks Share.”
”It is the Elk lodges privilege to serve our community,” Mr. Becker said. “We have many outreach programs for our students, children, special children and veterans.”

