Maine Elks Association

Public Relations Committee Newsbriefs -05/07/09

Maine Elks Association Newsbriefs

MEA State President's Message-May 2009

Welcome fellow Elks! This past weekend at the State Convention, Freddy and I were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the membership of our great order. It is a weekend we will never forget. It is indeed an honor to be your President and you may be sure that I will work tirelessly to further the good works of our order. Please try to live by these words: “ There is never a wrong time to do the right thing”. As we go through this next year, we will do all that we can to spread the message of Elkdom in a kind and compassionate manner. I challenge each Elk to do one thing to promote the charitable works within our communities. Remember, each of us has it in us to do great things for others. For, it is only by helping others do we become rich on the inside. You can make that happen if you are willing to put forth the effort to do so.  Live your life in such a manner that, at the end of the day, you have no regrets- just warm memories of good deeds recently done.   Fraternally, Michael W. Powers

Maine Elks Award MVS and Legacy Scholarships



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 each of the 22 Lodges in the State have participated in the program and over 170 Most Valuable Student Applications were received.

Most Valuable Student

The Elks National Foundation officially announced the following students on May 1^st 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 on April 24^th 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.

Summary

This totals $75,800 in scholarships.  Local Lodge programs are expected to donate approximately an additional $75,000 in scholarships for a grand total of approximately $150,000 in scholarships donated in the state of Maine through Maine Elks.

Exalted Rulers or Lodge Representatives are requested to contact the schools of these winners in order to make arrangements to make presentations at the local graduation ceremonies. 

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

Pictured above are L-R: MEA State President Robert Drisko, Kelton Beal, Minna Mathiasson, Victoria Hewey, Cote Theriault, Ryan Larochelle, and MEA Scholarship Chairman Donald Dow.

Maine Elks Install Officers

On May 1-3, 2009, the Maine Elks Association elected and installed its slate of officers for the 2009-2010 association year at their 80^th Annual State Convention held in Augusta at the Augusta Elks Lodge. Installed as State President was Michael Powers of the Houlton Elks Lodge #835. Powers, in his opening remarks, congratulated outgoing President Robert Drisko of the Augusta Elks Lodge #964 for his dedication to the principals of the Order and for a successful year. He also thanked the members for their support, and encouraged each Lodge to give 100% support to the programs of the Elks.

In his acceptance speech, Powers indicated that his theme for the coming year would be "There is never a wrong time to do the right thing," referring to the Elks involvement in many charitable endeavors. He stated that his focus this year was to increase membership, and to continue the associations fundraising efforts. He also encouraged the nearly 12,000 Elk members across the state to continue their support of the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, the Maine Elks Diabetes-Hypertension Van, and the Elks National Foundation.

Installed as officers of the association for the 2009-2010 year were: State President: Michael Powers (Houlton), President Elect: Roger Normandeau (Sanford), 1st Vice-President: Wayne Cotterly (Lewiston), 2^nd Vice-President: John Nicholson (Millinocket), Secretary: Philip O'Brion (Farmington), Treasurer: Elizabeth Butler (York), Chaplain: Anthony Gause (Augusta), Tiler: David VanDine (Millinocket), Administrative Assistant: Claris Ranger (Farmington), and Sergeant-at Arms: Nason Graham (Houlton). Serving as installing officer was Past Exalted Ruler James Lincoln of the Houlton Elks Lodge #835.

The Maine Elks Association is a non-profit organization consisting of 22 Lodges and over 12,000 members in the State of Maine. The association provides support programs in areas such as Americanism, Scholarships, Drug Awareness, and Veterans/National Service. For more information on the Elks, visit maineelks.org, or visit your local Elks Lodge.

Front (L-R): Elizabeth Butler, Wayne Cotterly, Michael Powers, Roger Normandeau, John Nicholson
Back (L-R): Claris Ranger, Philip O'Brion, Anthony Gause, David VanDine, Nason Graham

Maine Elks Honor Lodges and Members at State Convention

Public Relations Awards were presented by State Public Relations Director Wayne Cotterly of the Lewiston Lodge. The awards for Best Public Relations Program went to: Central District: Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge, Northern District: Millinocket Elks Lodge, Coastal District: Sanford Elks Lodge. The Public Relations "Chairman of the Year" went to Carol Spellman of the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470.

Next, Cotterly, presented the Lodge Activity Awards. The Community Service & Image Contest was won by the Rumford Elks Lodge #862. The Lodge Bulletin Contest was won by the Portland Elks Lodge #188, and the Elks Memorial Service Contest was won by the Houlton Elks Lodge #835.

Cotterly also presented the best all around Lodge. This award is called the All-American Lodge Award. These awards were presented to the Lodges that demonstrated outstanding achievement all of the programs of the Elks. Lodge Activities Director Wayne Cotterly of the Lewiston Lodge presented these awards to: York Elks Lodge (<300 Members), Rumford Elks Lodge (301-500), Houlton Elks Lodge (501-700), and Sanford Elks Lodge (701-1100).

The Ritual Coach of the Year Award was presented by State Ritualistic Director Bruce Brunelle of Sanford to Roy Bolton of the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge #2531 for his commitment and dedication toward promoting excellence in the Elks ritual.

Awards were also presented to recognize work performed during the past year for the Maine Children's Cancer Program (MCCP), one of the State Association’s two major projects. The most consistent contributor award was presented to the Bangor Elks Lodge #244. The "Tall Elk" Awards, which are given to individuals for their outstanding support of the MCCP program, were presented to Debbie Briggs of the Rumford Elks Lodge and Albert Ingraham of the Wells Elks Lodge. The name for these awards come from the saying "You never stand as tall, as to when you stoop to help a child," referring to the Elks support of children with cancer.

MCCP Committee Director, Donald Richard also presented the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470 with the MCCP Outstanding Contributor Award. This award recognized the Lodge raising the highest amount of money for the Maine Children's Cancer Program. The MCCP committee for this Lodge had raised over $116,000 Dollars for the program, and consistently raises in excess of $85,000 each year for MCCP.

Exalted Ruler (Lodge President) of the Year Awards were presented by the association Vice-Presidents for their respective districts. The Coastal District Exalted Ruler (ER) of the Year was presented posthumously to Jack Clines of the York Elks Lodge by Vice-President Roger Normandeau, The Northern District "ER of the Year" was presented to Jon Bither of the Houlton Elks Lodge by Vice-President Michael Powers, and the Central District "ER of the Year" award was given to Julie Washburn of the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge by Vice-President Wayne Cotterly.

Several special awards were also presented at the convention. The "Outstanding Chairman" Award was presented to Richie Philbrick of the Rumford Elks Lodge for his work on the Americanism Committee. The “Officer of the Year” Award was presented to Elizabeth Butler of the York Elks Lodge. Butler serves as the state's Treasurer. The Elizabeth J. Sicard Memorial "Spouse of the Year" Award was presented to Alfreda "Freddy" Powers of the Houlton Elks Lodge for her support of the Elks and their programs. Receiving the President’s special recognition was Donald Dow for his work on the Scholarship Committee, Thomas Chase for working on the Budget, and to Don & Joyce Richard for their service for many years on the State Convention and Maine Children's Cancer Program Committees.

The "Elk of the Year" Award for the State of Maine was presented to Sandee Welch of the Rumford Elks Lodge for her outstanding service and dedication to the programs of the association and the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. Welch serves as a member of the State Convention Committee, Maine Children's Cancer Program Committee, volunteers at the Rumford VA Clinic, and works at the Maine Elks Association booth at the national convention.

The Maine Elks Association is a non-profit organization consisting of 22 Lodges and nearly 12,000 members in the State of Maine. The association provides programs in areas such as Americanism, Scholarships, Drug Awareness, and Veterans/National Service. For more information on the Elks, visit maineelks.org, or visit your local Elks Lodge.

Pictured above is MEA State Elk of the Year—Sandee Welch of the Rumford Elks Lodge #862

Maine Elks Set New Record for Giving to Children with Cancer

AUGUSTA--The motto of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks is "Elks Care--Elks Share," and the members of the Maine Elks Association (MEA) continue to live up to that motto when they presented a check for $200,671.87 to the Maine Children's Cancer Program (MCCP) at their 80^th Annual State Convention at the Augusta Elks Lodge. In attendance to receive the check were several representatives from the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. The donation represents the culmination of the Maine Elks fundraising efforts for the 2008-2009 fraternal year.

The Maine Children's Cancer Program is a major project of the Maine Elks Association, and this year will mark the 24^th year that the two organizations have worked together. Over that period of time, the Maine Elks have donated close to $3 Million dollars to the program.

In addition to donating money to MCCP, Elk Lodge's across the State of Maine have also donated toys and money through their "Owie Box" program. In this program, the children who are being treated for cancer get to select a toy from the "Owie Box" whenever the child undergoes a painful procedure. The Maine Elks also provide a day of fun and entertainment for these children at their annual Youthfest program held each year in August.

Prior to the check presentation, Jessica Reed of Benton, the mother of Paige Reed who is currently in the cancer program, spoke about how their family was grateful for the Maine Elks Association's outpouring of support for the Maine Children's Cancer Program. She said that her daughter was unable to attend the banquet due to the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus and her depressed immune system, but would have loved to attend. She, her husband Bob, and their two other children Seth and Josh attended the banquet on her behalf.

The Maine Children's Cancer Program provides integrated, comprehensive, clinical research-based medical care and psychosocial and practical support services to children with cancer from throughout the State of Maine. The program strives not only to cure cancer in as many children as possible but also to support families throughout their experience of living with childhood cancer.

The Maine Elks Association is a non-profit fraternal organization consisting of 22 Elk Lodges, representing over 12,000 members across the State of Maine.  In addition to supporting MCCP, the association provides programs in the areas of Americanism, Scholarships, Drug Awareness, and Veterans/National Service. The Maine Elks are very proud to be associated with this program, which does so much to help children with cancer here in Maine. For more information on the Elks-- visit maineelks.org, or stop by your local Elks Lodge.

Pictured above are:

Front (Kneeling): Seth Reed & Josh Reed.

Rear (L-R): Maine Elks Association State President Robert Drisko, First Lady Myra Drisko, Barbara Bush Children's Hospital Development Coordinator Sally Meredith, MCCP Board Member Rick Drouin, Nancy Drouin, MCCP Development Coordinator Christy Gunduz, MCCP Board Member Kathleen Cotterly, Jessica Reed, and Bob Reed.

Elks Recognize Youth Contest Winners

The Maine Elks Association (MEA) recently honored several youths from across the State of Maine as part of their 80th Annual State Convention held at the Augusta Elks Lodge. The youths were recognized as state winners of contests sponsored by the association. The awards were presented at a special banquet, attended by over 200 members, guests, and families of the recipients.

The first awards presented were for the Elks Americanism Essay Contest. This contest was open to 5th through 8^th Graders who wrote a 200 word essay on "What Freedom Means to Me?" The Elks nationwide promote this contest to encourage our nation’s youth to share in the love for our country by showing and promoting the ideals that make this country great. Presenting the awards were MEA Americanism Director Richie Philbrick and MEA State President Robert Drisko.

Several hundred students participated in the program across the State of Maine. The state winners were Sarah P. representing the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge and Hannah S. representing the Presque Isle Elks Lodge. Those in attendance had the opportunity to hear each winners inspirational message as they each read their essays. The state winners each received a plaque with their essay engraved upon it, along with a monetary award of $100 dollars. 

Next were the awards for the Elks Drug Awareness contests. There were three different contests-a coloring contest open to 3rd Graders, a poster contest open to 4th Graders, and an essay contest open to 5th Graders. The overall theme for each contest this year was "Be Smart...Don't Start." The Elks Drug Awareness contests are used to help educate parents, and to encourage the youth of our country to take a stand against the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and smoking. Presenting the awards was MEA Drug Awareness Director Frank Ricker.

The winners of the coloring contest were: Michael H. representing the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge and Kalyla H. representing the Presque Isle Elks Lodge. The poster contest winners were: Josh K. representing the Augusta Elks Lodge and Rebekah H. representing the York Elks Lodge. The winners of the essay contest were: Austin O., representing the Rumford Elks Lodge, and Jasmyn M. representing the Millinocket Elks Lodge.

The Maine Elks Association is a non-profit organization consisting of 22 Lodges and over 12,000 members in the State of Maine. The association provides support programs in areas such as Americanism, Scholarships, Drug Awareness, and Veterans/National Service. For more information on the Elks, visit elks.org, maineelks.org or visit your local Elks Lodge.

Pictured above are L-R: MEA State President Robert Drisko, Sarah P., Hannah S., and MEA Americanism Director Richie Philbrick.

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, Newsbriefs, and/or Website. Also, if you would like to be removed from this mailing list, please send an e-mail to Public Relations Director Wayne Cotterly at meapr@fairpoint.net. In addition, if you know of someone who would like to be added to this list, please have them forward their e-mail address to the same address. All information provided has been read and approved by the MEA State President