President's Message 

 To my fellow Maine Elks:
 
They say that time flies when you're having fun, and that is such a truism. Kathleen and I can't believe that it is already January, and that we have only five more visitations before our homecoming in March. The things we have seen across this great state are amazing, and to see each of the Lodges show that they are "Focused on Serving their Communities" really makes you proud to be a Maine Elk.

   A new year always allows us an opportunity to reflect on what we have accomplished during the past year, and to set goals for the coming year. While many of us have personal New Year's Resolutions at this time of year (I promise to go on a diet), we are also reminded that this is a great time to begin working on our New Year's Resolutions for our Lodges.

   The new Lodge year is on the horizon, and will begin on April 1st. Incoming Exalted Rulers now have a three month window of opportunity to have a plan ready to go by April 1st. Waiting until after the elections take place to develop a plan for the coming year does not give the new Exalted Ruler much time to prepare, and a lack of preparation can put them at a disadvantage when April 1st arrives. I would strongly suggest that if you are planning to serve as Exalted Ruler during the coming year to begin the planning process as soon as possible. That way you can have more fun when the time arrives.

   Having fun is what Elkdom should be all about. While there is work involved, it is supposed to be work that we enjoy. Whether it is serving other members or people in our communities, keeping the fun in Elkdom is a vital part of what will keep us going for many years to come. The Roaming Elk Award is a simple way to enjoy the fellowship and camaraderie of our brother and sister Elks from other Lodges. Many of those who have participated by visiting another Lodge's events this year have found the activity it to be a lot of fun. It is also an interesting way to pick up some ideas for your own Lodge as well. The Roaming Elk has worked its way back and forth between several Lodges in the Central District, where it has affectionately been named "Romeo," as everyone loves to take him back to their home Lodge. It is a great way to go out, and enjoy some time with fellow members.

  While the State President's schedule has slowed a bit during December, it is expected to pick back up this month. Last month, we visited the Sebasticook Valley and Brunswick Lodges. We had a great time at each of their events and we thank them very much for their hospitality. In January, we're planning on making our official visitations to the Portland, Ellsworth, and Skowhegan-Madison Elk Lodges. We will finish out the month with the State Hoop shoot in Augusta.

   Also this month, the MEA will hold its Winter Meeting at the Portland Elks Lodge on Sunday, Jan. 8. Until then, stay warm and safe, and the best of luck with your New Year's Resolution!

Wayne Cotterly
President  

MEA meeting and benefit at Portland Lodge

  The Portland Elks Lodge has announced the details of the State President's Visit and Maine Elks Association meeting on the weekend of Jan. 8-9, 2012

   The Portland Lodge has reserved a block of 18 rooms at the Wyndham Hotel across from the Maine Mall. They are offerings these rooms for $109 per night plus tax which will include a hot/cold breakfast from 7: 30 to 9:30 a.m.  Please mention that you are with the Elks to get this great discount. You can walk over or take the hotel shuttle to the mall.

   They are also having a dinner/dance/fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 7 at the lodge. The meal will be lobster stuffed haddock and apple and apricot stuffed pork loin along with the all fixings and a social hour with a cheeseboard and fresh fruit as well as Mexican dips and chips. The entertainment will be none other than the popular Jose Duddy.

   The Lodge is also holding a fundraiser the same night for a Lodge member's grandson, Jacob, who is two years old and has kidney cancer. The cost for the meal is $25 per person, and $2 from every plate sold will go toward Jacob's expenses.

   The cutoff date for dinner tickets will be Wednesday, Jan. 4 and admission to the dance only for those who do not wish to attend the dinner is $10 per person.

   For more information, contact the Portland Elks at 773-7396 or elks188@maine.rr.com. 
   The Wyndham Hotel can be reached at 775-6161 or online at www.wyndham.com/hotels/PWMHT/main.wnt.  

Houlton Elks hold 30th Annual Senior Citizen's Dinner

On Sunday, Dec. 18, Houlton Elks members served 655 area senior citizens a dinner of roast turkey with all the fixings. Preparation for the meal began on Dec. 16  and ended on Sunday. On that day, 375 senior citizens came to the lodge for their meal, and Elk members delivered another 280 to senior citizens not able to make the trip to the lodge. As the senior citizens arrived at the Houlton Elks Lodge, members greeted them, helped them up the stairs to the lodge, hung up their coats, seated them, and served them a delicious turkey dinner. During dinner, Paul LaPointe played Christmas music on his trumpet.

   This annual complimentary Christmas meal tradition started in 1981, when the Houlton Elks wanted a way to for their lodge to provide a service to the community during the holiday season. It is reported that at the first meal in 1981, 25 senior citizens attended; and from that modest beginning, the tradition has grown each year and now includes delivery to those who are unable to come to the Lodge.

   Sean Conlogue, Blaine Lincoln and Bart Peters organized the crew preparing the meal. Bob and Gail Cleary organized home delivery orders and Mary Lowe organized the dining room crew. In total, 55 volunteers that included Elk members their spouses and children worked to complete this year's annual event. Pictured (left to right) are event organizer Sean Conlogue; Violet and Cedric Glidden, who attended the dinner; and Mary Lowe who organized the dining room crew at the lodge.

Biddeford-Saco Craft and Penny Fair

  Biddeford Saco Elks Lodge 1597 recently held their 2011 Annual Craft Fair and Penny Raffle to help benefit local food pantries.  The affair was again a success as proceeds allowed the donation of $200 each to the food pantries that provide assistance to Old Orchard Beach, Saco and Biddeford. This event is just one of many that Elks Lodge No. 1597 hold throughout the year to offer a helping hand to the surrounding communities.

  Pictured (L-R) are Betty Vance and Judy Elliot from OOB Food Pantry and Clothes Closet with Elks member Kandice Lavigne, Elks member Terri Hayes presenting check to Alice Finnegan of Saco Food Pantry and Kathy Duke of Stone Soup Food Pantry in Biddeford alongside Elks member Lynn Girard. 

Millinocket Lodge Senior Christmas Party

On Sunday Dec. 4, the Millinocket Lodge of Elks hosted their Annual Senior Christmas Party for the people in the local area. The Elks have been carrying on this tradition since 1975 and pleased that over 325 people attended.  Everyone there was treated to a turkey and ham dinner, which was followed by musical entertainment of Christmas music.  Santa arrived and gave out door prizes and then every guest left with a gift fromthe Elks.  After the event Santa and his Elf went to the Katahdin Nursing Home and gave every resident a gift. 

"Roaming Elk" making the rounds

Here are the standings so far for the Roaming Elk competition:

Coastal District
1. Bath 172 points
2. Rockland 107 points (Current Holder)
3. Brunswick 57 points
4. York 42 points
5. Wells 36 points

Central District
1. Waterville 377 points (Current Holder)
2. Augusta 213 points
3. Lewiston 120 points
4. Skowhegan 91 points

Northern District
1. Sebasticook Valley 264
2. Bangor 33 (Current Holder)

  Since the beginning of the year, the Roaming Elk Award has moved as intended from Lodge to Lodge in each of the Districts, and many of those capturing the trophy had a lot of fun doing so.
 
  The most active area is the Maine Central District, where Waterville has been battling it out with Augusta followed by Lewiston. Waterville currently has the trophy, and has acquired a formidable 377 points. While this is a challenging number to beat, it is not impossible as a capturing Lodge acquires 30 points for each capture, plus the number of days the trophy is held.
 
  Will the other Lodges in the District act as the spoilers or work their way back into the points by playing keep-away from Waterville? Only time will tell.

   In the Coastal District, things are a little tighter in the points race. Bath has a strong lead, followed by Rockland, who acquired the trophy in October, but no Lodges have attempted to capture it back. If no one reclaims the prize, Rockland could win the game when time expires on April 1st.
 
  In the Northern District, Sebasticook has been the dominant Lodge by holding onto the trophy since the beginning of the State Association year in May. However, Bangor has now issued a challenge by capturing the trophy from Sebasticook. The same situation could unfold as in the Central District, if the other Lodges in the Northern District wanted to keep it away from Sebasticook Valley.

   The game is all in fun, and the purpose is to share in the fellowship and camaraderie that Elks can share at events or meetings that are attended by other Lodges as well as to support each other's activities. Which Lodges will be the first to get their names on the Trophy as we go into the final quarter of the game year? We'll have to wait and see.

   You can follow where the trophy is located by going to maineelks.org and clicking on the Roaming Elk Tracker.

Rockland Lodge donates food baskets

Through the charitable efforts and funds ($3,000) of Lodge members, the Rockland Elks Lodge assembled and delivered 92 food baskets to needy midcoast families as determined by the local Salvation Army. The assembly and delivery of the food baskets took place on Dec. 17 by the efforts of over 50 lodge members and families, some of whom are in the picture.  The lodge was filled with Christmas music, and the aroma of fresh coffee and breakfast sandwiches.  The weather also got into the spirit of the season with a fresh snowfall.  The annual project of the Lodge, in one form or another,  has served the midcoast community for nearly 100 years. 

  ENF banquet and State President's visit at Skowhegan-Madison

  The annual Skowhegan-Madison Lodge Elks National Foundation banquet and State President's visit will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21. This is one of the biggest social events of the year, and several members and guests make their annual donations to ENF on this night.

  Social hour will be 5:30 - 6:30 p.m, a prime rib dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and ENF pledges will be accepted starting at 7:30 p.m. Our guests of honor will be State President Wayne Cotterly and First Lady Kathleen of Lewiston Lodge 371. After the pledge period, there will be music by DJ John Clark until midnight.

  The dinner is $14 per person, but free to all paid-up ENF members ($100 or more) and half-price ($7) to those with pledges of under $100.

   Here are some motels in the area. The State President and First Lady will be staying at the Towne Motel, which is less than two blocks from the lodge.

Belmont Motel
273 Madison Ave
Skowhegan, ME 04976
(207) 474-8315
(800) 235-6669
www.belmontmotel.com 

Kyes Motel
137 W Front St
Skowhegan, ME 04976
(207) 474-3384
(800) 981-1355
kyesmotel@beeline-online.net
http://kyes-motel.com 

Towne Motel
172 Madison Ave
Skowhegan, ME 04976
(207) 474-5151
(800) 843-4405
townemotel@myfairpoint.net
www.townemotel.com 

All motels listed - and our lodge - have Wi-Fi for your convenience.

Finally, for more information about the Skowhegan-Madison area, visit the Chamber of Commerce website at www.skowheganchamber.com.

If you have news or information of interest to the members of the Maine Elks Association, please send your articles to Public Relations Director Mike Lange at maineelks@roadrunner.com for inclusion in the MEA Calendar, the MEA Website, or future issues of this newsletter.

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