State President Message-May 2011

Well, the Maine Elks Association is off and running for another year, and I sincerely hope that you had an opportunity to attend the MEA State Convention in Bangor. It was a great event, and I congratulate the Bangor Elks Lodge for all their hard work.

Each new year is an opportunity for a fresh start; to try new things, to reach new goals, and to push the limits of what we have done in the past. We should never be satisfied with the status quo.

We have a lot of exciting changes coming this year, and we have several new people who have stepped forward to carry out the work of our association. I look forward to seeing what they can do.  I've set some lofty goals for the year, including the goal of giving $250,000 dollars to our major project; the Maine Children's Cancer Program. Please help us to support this effort to help make a difference in the life of a child with cancer.

As a photographer, I know the importance of focusing on the subject to produce a great picture. So should we, as Elks, remember to focus our energies on serving our communities in order to produce the best image of Elkdom we can. My theme therefore this year will be "Focused on Serving our Communities."

At the State Convention, the "Roaming Elk Award" was unveiled as a new program. This traveling trophy will be moving from Lodge to Lodge within each district. Lodges will be working to earn points to become the first Lodge to get their name engraved on it. The program will be fun, and I recommend you take a look at the rules and information that can be found here:
http://www.maineelks.org/roamingelkaward.html

As we set out on our travels throughout this great State of Maine, Kathleen and I look forward to meeting many of you on the road, We have several visitation already scheduled, and if your Lodge has not already scheduled a visit, we encourage you to set a date sooner, rather than later, as our datebook is filling up fast.

We are both excited to have the privilege to serve as your State President & First Lady, and we will be working hard to make this a successful and fun year showing that Elks Care--Elks Share.

Fraternally,

Wayne Cotterly
State President

Maine Elks Announce Scholarship Winners

I am pleased to announce the Official Results for the Most Valuable Student Scholarship Contest, The Legacy Award Scholarship Contest and the Maine Elks Association Scholarship Winners.  Through the hard work of many individuals including Students, Parents, School Guidance Counselors, Lodge Scholarship Committees, and District Scholarship Committees exactly 300 Valuable Student Applications were received.

Most Valuable Student

The Elks National Foundation officially announced the following students as 8^th place winners nationally and they will be awarded $1,000 per year over 4 years:

Legacy Awards

The Elks National Foundation officially announced the winners of the Legacy Award Scholarship Contest, and the following students will be awarded $1,000 per year over 4 years.

Maine Elks Association Scholarships

The following students as District Winners have been awarded $2,000 each through the Maine Elks Association.  Each student has received official notification and terms of payment.

The following students as Local Lodge Winners have been awarded $900 each through the Maine Elks Association.  Each student has received official notification and terms of payment.

The Scholarship Committee is looking forward to another successful year assisting our youth in providing for their futures.

Calendar Winners for April 2011

Easter Bunny Spotted at Lodges in Maine

The York Elks Lodge #2788 recently entertained area youth at it's annual "Breakfast  with the Easter Bunny"  After a pancake breakfast the kids had a great time at an Easter egg hunt. At left is Alivia P. pictured with the bunny.

In Rockland, although the weather was rainy and chilly outside the Rockland Lodge of Elks #1008 was warm and dry for the 60 children and their families who attended the children's Easter egg hunt and party held Saturday afternoon April 23rd.  The event sponsored by the Youth Activities Committee was hosted by Lodge President Arthur Anderson and Emblem Club President Kim Matthews.

The children were welcomed by the Easter Bunny (aka Bonnie Robinson) and entertained with Easter egg decoration and the balloon artistry of Kyle Edgerly from Balloons of Maine prior to the egg hunt.  Kyle entertained one and all with his balloon creations fulfilling the requests of each child in attendance. The egg hunt was conducted with three different age groups 1) newborns - 3; 2) 4-6; and 3) 7-10 to allow for the egg hunters from each group to be very successful and not overwhelmed.

There were a dozen door prizes randomly drawn and given away to the lucky children holding winning tickets.  Cupcakes and punch were served to the kids and their parents during the event by members of the Lodge's Emblem Club.  A most enjoyable time was experienced by one and all.

Portland Elks Host Regional Hoop Shooters for Breakfast

The Portland Elks Lodge #188 hosted a breakfast for the Regional Hoop Shooters and their families on March 26th as they were on their way to the University of Southern Maine to compete. Pictured with our volunteers are Amos McCallum, Past Grand Exalted Ruler (third from left) and Wayne Cotterly, State President-Elect.

Togus VA Wish List-May 2011

VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS:

1.     Drivers for Volunteer Transportation Network (Belfast, Bucksport, Rockland, Brunswick)

2.     Mealtime companions for long term care patients (any lunch and dinner during the week)

3.     Parking Lot Shuttle driver - On Call

4.     Information Desk (Friday)

5.     Escort Volunteers

6.     Out-to-Lunch Buddy (serves as escort, waiter, busboy, etc. - 11:30 am - 1:00 pm)

7.     Calais CBOC Office Assistant

ONGOING PROGRAM SUPPORT:

1.     Funds to purchase TVs

2.     Coffee funds (provides coffee in waiting areas/wards/clinics)

3.     Comfort Items, i.e., shampoo, bar soap, deodorant, disposable razors etc. (No alcohol based products)

4.     Funds to purchase Canteen/Coupon Books

5.     Newspaper funds (provides newspapers in waiting areas/wards/clinics)

6.     National Rehabilitation Events (Golden Age Games, Winter Sports, Wheelchair Games and Creative Arts)

7.     Funds to purchase snacks for Chemotherapy Patients

8.     Funds to purchase bus passes

9.     Trac Phone cards

10.   CBOC Homeless Programs ( $25 Gas Cards; $5 McDonald Coupons; $25 Wal-Mart Cards)

SPECIAL REQUESTS/PROJECTS:

1.     Organizations to sponsor entertainment on 73 Patriot Place

2.     Parking Lot Shuttle Vehicle Project

3.     Weekly 63 Mental Health Pizza Party  ($53/wk)

4.     Community Based Mental Health Activities (Sponsorship of bowling, pool and other various activities)

5.     Lincoln Clinic - Basic TV Cable/Satellite Dish Service

6.     Magazine Subscriptions for 72-CLC (Varies from $30-$120 dependent on subscription)

7.     Staff/Family BBQ's for 72-CLC/73-CLC ($250 each BBQ)

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NOT NEEDED AT THIS TIME!  Used Clothing;Books; Used Stamps; Jigsaw Puzzles; Playing Cards; Magazines over three months old; Dental Floss; After-Shave; Hand Lotion; Writing Tablets; Pens; and Envelopes.  Due to Infection Control policies we are unable to accept used clothing/bedding walkers, canes, or crutches at this time.

Calendar Winners-May 2011

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

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