142 and Counting
By Roland A. Seal, GL Govt Relations

February 16 is the 142nd Anniversary of our Order, having been founded in 1868! Of recent years our growth has stopped, and many Lodges are struggling to keep afloat, especially in light of the diminished economy. Despite this membership loss, we are doing more with much less for our charitable efforts. We cannot lose sight of these goals. Many people depend on us!

The Preamble of our first Constitution lays out our purpose, stating that the Founding Members had organized "an Order to promote, protect and enhance the welfare and happiness of each other." Little mention was made of our charitable purposes in that Constitution, which consisted of a mere 15 Articles and 21 Rules and Regulations. In that regard, we have come a long way! But within months of organizing - on June 8, 1868 - our newly formed Order held its first benefit, advertised as a "colossal music festival" held at the Academy of Music.

The event was probably open to the  public, which was acceptable back then in the absence of a Tax Code. Unlike today, we must constantly protect our not-for-profit status, "guard well, the outer door" and protect our right to privacy!

As this Lodge year winds down it is time to account for our successes through the annual Charitable Report. Hopefully, each Lodge has electronically filed its charitable data regularly to ensure that every activity is included in the year-end totals. If not, please get on line and start! Hopefully, our charitable work will increase for this year.

Let us not lose sight of our purpose as  a charitable organization! Grand Exalted Ruler James L. Nichelson put it best in his acceptance speech in Portland, where he said, "I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, Elks everywhere are daily making a huge difference in the lives of others. I will be extolling that good work, as Elks are fleet of foot to relieve the unfortunate. I also know we can always do more. It is my fondest wish that, as I serve you this year, I can encourage and embolden you to put smiles on children's faces, to befriend a veteran, to discourage drug use, or to expand a state or local service project. Thus, I will also be saying to you - Elks, get out there and make a difference!"

Let us join our Grand Exalted Ruler and be that difference!
 

ENF Standings as of 1/11/2010 

Rockland Elks Hoop Shoot

Rockland Elks #1008 held their local Hoop Shoot contest on Saturday, January 16^th at the Rockland Middle School.  Approximately 62 kids from several communities participated, a new high for recent years.
 

The 6 winners, youngest to oldest, girls to boys were: Gabriella, Brianna, Emily, Jack, Emmett and Isaiah.  Emmett and Isaiah are both returning champs, having won in past years.  Last year Emmett advanced to the National Hoop Shoot where he finished 3^rd in the nation. 

Lewiston Elks Hoop Shoot

The Lewiston Elks Lodge #371 held their local Hoop Shoot on December 20, 2009 at the Auburn Parks & Recreation Gymnasium. A total of five children participated in the event.

Winners were 8-9 Boys, Heath W., 10-11 Boys, Ganan M., 10-11 Girls, Carli S., 12-13 Boys-Abdisalan S. and 12-13 Girls; Molly M. The Lewiston Elks wish to thank the City of Auburn for the use of the facility graciously donated for this community service program.

If you have news or information of interest to the members of the Maine Elks Association, please send your articles to Public Relations Director Wayne Cotterly at meapr@fairpoint.net for inclusion in the MEA Calendar, the MEA Website, or future issues of this newsletter.

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