Message From The State President

2010 came in like a whirlwind with plenty of snow to go around and shared by all. As we go through the month of January there are a few things we need to be mindful of. First, it is time for our Vererans remembrance reports. They need to be filled out and passed into your District Deputies in a timely manner. Secondly, remember that our Lodge year still has time to accomplish some of the goals we set for the year and we need to roll up our sleeves and get the work done. Thirdly, all lodges are preparing for the smooth transition of officers in February. We need to be thinking of that now to facilitate that transition.
 

February is PER night month. We honor our PER's for all the work they have done for us. Let us prepare for this in a timely and thankful way. February is also the month to nominate and vote on a slate of officers for the upcoming lodge year. We need to take this seriously so that the best folks possible become our new officers for the 2010-2011 year.  February is also when our State Association holds its annual ritual contest. this year, it is being held in Bath on February 14th (Valentines Day). Try to make time in your schedule to stop and support your fellow Elks as they work very hard to perform the initiatory ritual  impressively.

Finally, remember, that as Elks, we have made a pledge to our veterans and those on active duty. Let each of us take some time to reflect on all the good that we have and to say thank you to those who made that possible for us. We are indeed a nation of great potential but only because there are those willing to sacrafice for us so it can be that way.

Fraternally and Sincerely,

Michael W. Powers

MEA President
 

Free $$ For MCCP Possible

In early March, the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation Community Support Program will give a total of $100,000 to 68 local non-profit organizations. They are looking to community members to assist with this decision and vote on how they should distribute these funds.

Bangor Savings wants to hear from as many Maine residents as possible. Please invite your friends, colleagues, and neighbors to participate as well and vote for the Maine Children's Cancer Program.

Please click on the link below and vote for your 3 favorite non-profit organizations, Don't forget to choose The Maine Children's Cancer Program in the Greater Portland/Lewiston/Auburn region. The organization in each region that earns the most votes will be awarded a $5,000 grant. The remaining listed organizations are guaranteed a grant of $1,000 each.

http://www.bangor.com/youmattermore/voting.aspx
 

Thanks for your vote!

Skowhegan-Madison Holds ENF Night 

The Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge held its annual Elks National Foundation (ENF) banquet on Saturday, Jan. 23 and raised $1,700 for the fraternal order's major charity.

Due to the illness of a family member, District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Bob Drisko and his wife, Myra, were unable to attend as planned. However, both sent their regrets and best wishes to the Skowhegan-Madison Lodge.
 

Following a catered roast pork tenderloin dinner by Lisa Duguay and family, several new pledges and donations to existing accounts were collected from members and guests.
 

Thanks to the contributions collected at the banquet, the lodge met the Grand Exalted Ruler or national president's annual per-capital goal for the year. This allows the lodge to apply for grants to fund its local charities such as drug awareness prevention and veterans' service programs.
 

Entertainment was provided by DJ and lodge member John Clark.
 

The Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge has been one of the most consistent donors to the organization's major charities since it was chartered in 1975.
 

The annual ENF night was founded by the late Maroon "Moo-Moo" Nemer, a past state president and four-time Exalted Ruler or Lodge President of the local fraternal order.

Building Community Through Service 
From Bob Carr, York Elks Public Relations

The Town of York  recently held a "Building Community Through Service" program at the local high school.  It was held on Martin Luther King's birthday and the aim was to raise awareness  of the many needs within our community.
 

The Lodge saw an opportunity to be involved in a community project and educate the public of our great programs and what Elkdom is all about.  The Lodge set up a booth where Drug Awareness and Elk pamphlets, gave the kids coloring books, crayons, pencils and  made use of our  red ribbons were handed out.  Even Elroy the Elk made an appearance and  greeted everyone.   He was a big hit.
 

Pictured above are York Elks Lodge members David Putnam (left) and Lodge Public Relations Chairman Robert Carr (right).
 

Coastal District Hoop Shoot
From Dwayne Guy, MEA Coastal District Public Relations 

Maine Coastal District conducted their Hoop Shoot on Sunday, January 17^th at Bath Middle School.  Unfortunately, Kevin Leeman, Coastal Hoop Shoot Director, was unable to participate due to a broken foot.  However, Local Hoop Shoot Chairmen Bruce Jordan and Ronald Nygarrd filled in for Kevin and did a superb job for the kids and parents.

After the competition everybody travelled to the Bath Elks Lodge where they were treated to a spaghetti lunch.  While waiting for the finishing touches on the spaghetti, Bruce announced the results of the Hoop Shoot and awarded the trophies. 

For the girls, first place winners were, ages 8 & 9, Gabriella of Rockland Elks 1008, girls 10 & 11, Brianna of Rockland Elks 1008 and girls 12 & 13, Emily, also of Rockland Elks 1008.  On the boys side it was Thomas, of Bath Elks 934, for ages 8 & 9, Brad, of Sanford Elks 1470, for 10 & 11 and Corey, representing Biddeford-Saco Elks 1597, rounded it out for the boys ages 12 & 13.  All 6 winners will meet again for the State Hoop Shoot Brewer High School on Sunday, January 31^st. 

There they will compete against the winners from the Central and Northern Districts to see who will move on to the Regional Hoop Shoot in Portland, ME on March 26-28.
 

Veteran Volunteer of the Year Nominations Needed

MEA Veteran/National Service Director has requested that Lodges submit their choice for male and female Volunteer of the Year. The member does not have to volunteer at Togus. They can be anyone who serves our veterans in their community. If your Lodge has someone that helps out on the veteran/national service committee, send a nomination in writing to Tom Elliott at 48 State Rd, West Bath, ME 04530-6309.

The nomination should include the person's name and a summary of their work with veterans. Nominations need to be made as soon as possible. For more information contact Tom Elliott at 207-442-8075
 

Calendar Winners-January 2010 

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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