Maine Elks Association

Public Relations Committee Newsbriefs -05/08/08

Maine Elks Association Newsbriefs

Maine Elks Award MVS and Legacy Scholarships

I am pleased to announce to our very generous and hard working Elk members another successful year.  Twenty lodges participated this year.  According to your surveys Two Hundred Ten applications were processed by the lodges distributing Eighty One Thousand Five Hundred from lodges, Thirty Thousand through the State ENF, and at least Twenty Eight Thousand through National, and Seven Thousand through Legacy Awards. So be proud the State of Maine Elks Lodges will distribute a minimum of One Hundred Forty Six Thousand Five Hundred Dollars!

The State of Maine is allocated seven National awards of at least One Thousand Dollars per year for four years.  This year’s recipients are:

These National Winners will be notified directly by the National Elks Foundation on procedures for payment processing.

The Maine Elks Association District Scholarship Fund will allocate six Two Thousand Dollar awards to a girl and boy in the three Districts.  The Exalted Ruler, or the Lodge Scholarship Chairperson or a representative of the respective Lodge should make arrangements to award these scholarships at each of the high schools graduation ceremonies.  Payment processing:  Each student after successfully completing their first full semester will forward their transcript to the Maine State Elks Treasurer (Elizabeth Buttler).

The District winners are:

The Maine Elks Association Local Lodge Scholarship will allocate Eighteen Thousand dollars to be distributed between each Lodge.  The recipients will receive Nine Hundred Dollars Each. The Exalted Ruler, or the Lodge Scholarship Chairperson or a representative of the respective Lodge should make arrangements to award these scholarships at each of the high schools graduation ceremonies.  Payment processing:  Each student after successfully completing their first full semester will forward their transcript to the Maine State Elks Treasurer (Elizabeth Buttler).

The Local Lodge winners are:

Legacy Award Winners:  

This completes the official State Scholarship Report.  Thank you again Association Officers for giving me the pleasure to serve Elkdom. Thank you again Lodge Members for your cooperation and friendship.  The 2008-2009 State Chairperson is Donnie Dow to which I gladly pledge my support.

Dana Kyes

MEA Scholarship Chairman

Maine Elks Install Officers

On May 2-4, 2008, the Maine Elks Association elected and installed its slate of officers for the 2008-2009 association year at their 79^th Annual State Convention held at Sugarloaf. Installed as State President was Robert Drisko of the Augusta Elks Lodge #964. Drisko, in his opening remarks, congratulated outgoing President Bruce Brunelle of the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470 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, Drisko indicated that his theme for the coming year would be "The Future Belongs to Those Who Care," 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 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 2008-2009 year were: State President: Robert Drisko (Augusta), President Elect: Michael Powers (Houlton), 1st Vice-President: Roger Normandeau (Sanford), 2^nd Vice-President: Wayne Cotterly (Lewiston), Secretary: Philip O'Brion (Farmington), Treasurer: Elizabeth Butler (York), Chaplain: Albert Ingraham (Wells), Tiler: Susan Bernier (Bangor), Administrative Assistant: Claris Ranger (Farmington), and Sergeant-at Arms: Anthony Gause (Augusta). Serving as installing officer was Past State President James Ferland of the Presque Isle Elks Lodge #1954

The Maine Elks Association is a non-profit organization consisting of 22 Lodges and over 11,000 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): Wayne Cotterly, Michael Powers, Robert Drisko, Roger Normandeau, Elizabeth Butler
Back (L-R): Susan Bernier, Claris Ranger, Albert Ingraham, Philip O’Brion, Anthony Gause

Maine Elks Honor Lodges and Members at State Convention

CARRABASSETT VALLEY--The Maine Elks Association (MEA) held its 79th Annual State Convention at the Sugarloaf Ski Resort in Carrabassett Valley, Maine on May 2-4, 2008. The convention was attended by over 300 members and guests, who honored Lodges and individual members at their awards banquets. Opening the convention this year was State President Bruce Brunelle of the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470, who thanked all of the members for their hard work and dedication throughout the past year.

The first awards announced were for Lodge support of the Elks National Foundation (ENF), the charitable arm of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. The Awards were presented by Director Jack Clines of the York Lodge. These awards were presented for the highest per-member contributions to the Elks National Foundation. Awards went to: Wells Lodge (<300 Members), Rumford Lodge (301-500), Biddeford-Saco Lodge (501-700), Waterville Lodge (701-1100), and Augusta Lodge (1100-1500 Members). The most Improved Lodge went to the Bangor Elks Lodge and Most Consistent once again went to the Brunswick Elks Lodge. The Walter Morrison “Give me a Dollar” Award for the highest amount of money raised for the ENF went to the Waterville Elks Lodge. The ENF Chairman of the Year award was presented to Richard Carver of the Bangor Elks Lodge.

Next, the Elks Veterans/National Service Committee awarded the Bangor, Waterville, and Brunswick Elks Lodges for their support of our nation’s veterans. In addition, John Plummer of the Augusta Elks Lodge #964 received the Male Veteran Volunteer of the Year Award, and Mary Barger of the Bath American Legion Auxiliary received the Female Veteran Volunteer of the Year Award.

The Youth Activities Awards were presented by MEA Director Alfred Widdecombe of Rockland. Awards for Best Youth Program went to the Rumford Elks Lodge #862, Millinocket Elks Lodge #1521, and the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470. 

The Elks Drug Awareness Awards were presented by Director Frank Ricker of the Sanford Elks Lodge. The Awards for Best Drug Awareness Program went to the: York Elks Lodge #2788 (<300 Members), Rumford Elks Lodge #862 (301-500), Millinocket Elks Lodge #1521 (501-700), Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge #2531 (701-1000), and the Augusta Lodge #964 (>1000 Members).

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: Rumford Elks Lodge, Northern District: Millinocket Elks Lodge, Coastal District: Sanford Elks Lodge. The Public Relations "Chairman of the Year" went to Michael Lange of the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge #2531.

The top award that can be presented to a Lodge 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: Wells Elks Lodge (<300 Members), Brunswick Elks Lodge (301-500), Millinocket Elks Lodge (501-700), Sanford Elks Lodge (701-1100), and Augusta Elks Lodge (1101-1500 Members)

The Ritual Coach of the Year Award was presented by State Ritualistic Director Philip O'Brion to Floyd Howes of the Biddeford-Saco Elks Lodge #1597 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 Improved Lodge" for donations which went to the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge #2531, and the most consistent contributor 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 Steve Horne and Nancy Drouin of the Sanford 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.

The "Elliot the Elk & Friends" awards presented awards to the top three Lodges in fundraising through this program. These awards were presented to the: York Elks Lodge #2788 (3^rd Place), Farmington Elks Lodge #2430 (2^nd Place), and the Bangor Elks Lodge #244 (1^st Place).

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 to Tina Williams of the Biddeford-Saco Elks Lodge by Vice-President Roger Normandeau, The Northern District "ER of the Year" was presented to Linda Allen of the Presque Isle Elks Lodge by Vice-President Michael Powers, and the Central District "ER of the Year" award was given to Randy Gerry of the Waterville Elks Lodge by Vice-President Robert Drisko.

Several special awards were also presented at the convention. The "Outstanding Chairman" Award was presented to Albert Ingraham of the Wells Elks Lodge for his work on the New Lodge Development Committee. The “Officer of the Year” Award was presented to Claris Ranger of the Farmington Elks Lodge. Ranger serves as the association’s Administrative Assistant. The Elizabeth J. Sicard Memorial "Spouse of the Year" Award was presented to Barbara Guy of Rockland Elks Lodge for her support of the Elks and their programs. Receiving the President’s special recognition was J. Andrew Bolz of the Sanford Elks Lodge for his work in support of the Drug Awareness Program, and the association.

The "Elk of the Year" Award for the State of Maine was presented to Frank Ricker of the Sanford Elks Lodge for his outstanding service and dedication to the programs of the association and the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. Ricker is a Past State President of the Association, and has served the association in several capacities, but is most noted for his work in the area of Ritual and Drug Awareness.

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 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—Frank Ricker of the Sanford Elks Lodge

Maine Elks Set New Record for Giving to Children with Cancer

CARRABASSETT VALLEY--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 $233,449.16 to the Maine Children's Cancer Program (MCCP) at their 79^th Annual State Convention at Sugarloaf USA. 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 2007-2008 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 $2.5 Million dollars to the program, and this year, they set a new record of giving, breaking the old record by $11,226.94 dollars.

This was a special year for the Maine Elks Association, as one of their own, MCCP Board President Rick Drouin was present to accept the check on behalf of the cancer program. Drouin is a member of Sanford Elks Lodge #1470, and serves as chairman of the Maine Children’s Cancer Program Committee at his Lodge. Through the efforts of this committee, the Sanford Elks raised $116,000 dollars or almost half of the amount donated by the state association. MEA State President Bruce Brunelle is also from the Sanford Elks Lodge, and is a member of that committee.

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.

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 L-R: Tony Cilia and MCCP Cancer Patient Andrew Cilia Rear: L-R: MEA State President Bruce Brunelle, Lisa Brunelle, MCCP Board President Rick Drouin, Michelle Cilia, and MCCP Vice-President of Development Susan Doliner

Elks Recognize Youth Contest Winners

The Maine Elks Association (MEA) recently honored several youths from across the State of Maine as part of their 79th Annual State Convention held at the Sugarloaf Ski Area in Carrabassett Valley, Maine. 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 is an American?" 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 Bruce Brunelle.

Over several hundred students participated in the program across the State of Maine. The state winners were Christine B. representing the Rumford Elks Lodge and David G. representing the Biddeford-Saco 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 "Drugs, Don’t Get Me Started." 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: Nicole W. representing the Rumford Elks Lodge and Zachary T. representing the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge. The poster contest winners were: Jesica L Girsa representing the Millinocket Elks Lodge and Chad B. representing the Rumford Elks Lodge. The winners of the essay contest were: Kayla D., representing the Millinocket Elks Lodge, and Shaun G. representing the Augusta Elks Lodge. Shaun “wowed” the crowd by reading his essay.

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 Americanism Chairman Richie Philbrick (Left) and MEA State President Bruce Brunelle (Right) with two of the Americanism Essay Contest Winners.

Portland Elks Host Eagle Scout Banquet



On Friday April 25, 2008 Portland Elks Lodge #188 hosted an award banquet for Boy Scouts from all over Maine. Several scouts were honored by the Pine Tree Council of Maine Scouting. There were almost 300 people in attendance and the guest speaker was the Honorable John Jenkins, Mayor of the City of Auburn.

Pictured above are L-R: Greg T. Sirpis - Exalter Ruler, Speaker - Honorable John Jenkins - Mayor, Eagle Scouts: David S., Caleb F. – Master of Ceremonies, William Proulx, Richard Wagner – Scouting Chairman Pine Tree Council

Gardiner Elks Looking For Parade Participants

The Gardiner Elks Lodge #1293 will be putting a float in the Memorial Day parade in Gardiner on May 26, 2008. The Lineup starts at 9 AM, with the parade beginning at 10 AM. The parade will start at the Gardiner Armory on Brunswick Street (Route 201). Any Elk members (from any Lodge) interested in riding on the float are asked to arrive at the Gardiner Elks Lodge by 8:30 AM or the Armory by 9:15 AM. This is an excellent way to show off Elkdom to our communities, so hop on board, and join us on Memorial Day.

Togus VA Wish List for May 2008

 VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS:

1.      Drivers for statewide Volunteer Transportation Network – Rumford, Bangor, Lewiston

2.      Veterans History Project- recording personal histories

3.      Mealtime companions for long term care patients – During lunch and dinner all week

4.      Nuclear Medicine –Office help & procedure buddies

5.      NHCU – assistance with clothing/writing letters/reading/visitation

6.      73 Patriot Place/Dialysis – 1 on 1 visitation/reading and talking with patient

7.      Patient Escort

8.      Information Desk - Escort patients and visitors throughout the facility (Mon, Wed, Fri)

ONGOING PROGRAM SUPPORT:

1.      Electric razors – triple head type. ($49-$69 ea.)

2.      Comfort Item Program (travel and regular size toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, etc.)

3.      Diabetic snacks funds

4.      Coffee & Newspaper funds – provides coffee/newspapers at waiting areas/wards/clinics

5.      General Patient Comfort Fund including Memorial Donations

6.      Adapted Sports Equipment/Outings – Recreation Therapy

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

SPECIAL REQUESTS/PROJECTS:

1.      Unit 4 South activity sponsorship. (approx. $50 pizza party, $25 ice cream Social)

2.      Televisions for patient rooms (approx. $285 ea.)

3.      Organizations to sponsor entertainment on Patriot Place

4.      Parking Lot Shuttle Vehicle

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The Internal Revenue Service has announced that under the Tax Code, donations to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ General Post Fund for exclusively public purposes are deductible from federal income taxes in the manner and to the extent allowable.  The announcement reflects the tax law provision, which makes those donations deductible as “donations to the United States”.  Donations to support any of the Department’s programs are deductible, whether the donor directs that the donated funds be used for a specific purpose or allows the Department to decide how the donated funds will be used.  Donated funds made by check should be made out to “VAVS” and sent to the address above.

NOT NEEDED AT THIS TIME!  Afghans; Used Stamps; any clothing that is stained or torn; Jigsaw Puzzles; Playing Cards; Books (soft and Hard Cover); Magazines Over Three Months Old; Disposable Razors; Dental Floss; Soap; After-Shave; Hand Lotion; Writing Tablets; Pens; and Envelopes.  Due to Infection Control policies we are unable to take used walkers, canes, or crutches at this time.

Convention Raffle Winners Announced

MEA State Convention Director Donald Richard announces that the winner of the Golf Raffle held at the Sugarloaf Convention was won by Jack Clines of the York Elks Lodge, and the Lodge Blazer Raffle was won by Roy Bolton of the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge.

Old Town Elks Hold Bottle Drive for Project Graduation

By Kyle Smart – Project Graduation Chair

A bottle drive on April 12 appears to have been a success. We had many parent volunteers as well as the boys from SAE Fraternity. Thanks to Dave Bryant for all his help and to Bryant construction for use of their equipment. A final tally on the amount collected will not be available for about a week but judging from the number of loads transported that day, it appears we will make out pretty well. The Depot at the University takes care of all the bottles for us but they have to work at them over several days. Our next event is the UNO's event on May 7. If you are the type that goes out to eat once a week or so anyway, grab a voucher from the bar and go eat at UNO's on May 7. A portion of your meal cost will be donated back to Project Graduation. A sign-up sheet for volunteers for graduation night will be posted in the lounge the first week in May. Finally, on May 17 we will be holding our final fundraiser for this year's class - the comedy show. The cost is only $10 each and tickets are still available in the lounge. Thanks to everyone that has helped to make this year's fundraising efforts successful.

Hot Dogs; Bath Elk Eats 18 to Win Contest
From Mac McCreary—Bath Elks Lodge

A sense of fun is being actively promoted at the Bath Lodge of Elks nowadays.  Long-known for their many efforts supporting the community, and local area charitable endeavors, Exalted Ruler Brian Greenman has embarked on a program to rejuvenate his members’ interest in attending functions, utilizing the facilities more,  and enabling the Lodge to continue it’s support for increasing need in the Bath area.

On Friday, April 25, the lodge held what is hoped may become an annual event.  Seven hearty souls gathered in the Lodge room to answer a daunting challenge, who could devour the most Hot Dogs in ten minutes. Over 40 other members were on-hand to assist, watch, cheer their favorite, and jeer the underdog.  The action was fast and furious, while savvy spectators stayed well out of range as ketchup and mustard flew freely about the head table.

In the end, 18 was the winning count, tallied by member Steve Burnham, while second place finisher Mike Moran finished off 15.  Later heard to comment “after ten or so … your body just won’t let you swallow…”, Doug Sutfin was still able to get down enough to share third place honors with John Steiner, with a count of thirteen each.

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