Maine Elks Association

Public Relations Committee Newsbriefs -05/10/07

Maine Elks Association Newsbriefs

Maine Elks Honor Lodges and Members at State Convention

SOUTH PORTLAND--The Maine Elks Association (MEA) held its 78th Annual State Convention at the Sheraton Hotel in South Portland, Maine on May 4-6, 2007. 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 Greg Daniels of the Presque Isle Elks Lodge #1954, who thanked all of the members for their hard work and dedication throughout the past year.

The first awards presented were to recognize the work performed during the past year for the Maine Children's Cancer Program (MCCP), one of the State Association’s two major projects. President of the MCCP Board of Directors, Mark Franco presented Dwayne and Barbara Guy of the Rockland Elks Lodge with the “Allison’s Gift” Leadership Award, and the “Allison’s Gift” Stewardship Award to Richard and Sandee Welch of Rumford Elks Lodge in recognition of their dedication and commitment to serving the children in the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

Other awards that were presented included "Most Improved Lodge" for donations which went to the Bangor Elks Lodge #244, and the most consistent contributor to the Augusta Elks Lodge #964. The "Tall Elk" Awards, which are given to individuals for their outstanding support of the MCCP program, were presented to Bruce Fifield        James Ferland—Elk of the Year 2007

(Augusta Elks Lodge), Greg Ruby (Augusta Elks Lodge), and Dwayne & Barbara Guy (Rockland 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 $111,000 Dollars for the program, and consistently raises in excess of $85,000 each year for MCCP.

In addition to the above awards, "Elliot the Elk & Friends" Director William Deshaies (Farmington) presented awards to the top three Lodges in fundraising through this program. These awards were presented to the: Biddeford-Saco Elks Lodge #1597 (3rd Place), Rumford Elks Lodge #862 (2nd Place), and the Bangor Elks Lodge #244 (1st Place). A special recognition award went to James York of the Waterville Elks Lodge.

The MCCP Private Sector Awards were presented by Director Robert Godin of the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge to the Wells Elks Lodge #2738, the Lewiston Elks Lodge #371, and the Greater Ellsworth Elks Lodge #2743. 

The Elks Veterans/National Service Committee awarded the Millinocket, Augusta, and Brunswick Elks Lodges for their support of our nations veterans. In addition, Fred Lincoln of the Augusta Elks Lodge #964 received the Male Veteran Volunteer of the Year Award, and Michel Attean of the Old Town Elks Lodge #1287 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 and Millinocket Elks Lodge #1521.

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), Sebasticook Valley Elks Lodge #2713 (301-500), Houlton Elks Lodge #835 (501-700), Sanford Elks Lodge #1470 (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 Gerald Barnes of the Millinocket Elks Lodge.

Elks National Foundation 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), Presque Isle Lodge (301-500), Lewiston Lodge (501-700), Waterville Lodge (701-1100), and Augusta Lodge (1100-1500 Members). Most Improved Lodge went to the Waterville Elks Lodge and Most Consistent went to the Brunswick Elks Lodge. The ENF Chairman of the Year award was presented to Cathy Lafrance of the Presque Isle Elks Lodge.

The Ritual Coach of the Year Award was presented by State Ritualistic Director Philip O'Brion to Bruce Brunelle of the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470 for his commitment and dedication toward promoting excellence in the Elks ritual.

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), Sebasticook Valley Elks Lodge (301-500), Millinocket Elks Lodge (501-700), Sanford Elks Lodge (701-1100), and Augusta Elks Lodge (1101-1500 Members)

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 Paul Normand of the Sanford Elks Lodge by Vice-President Bruce Brunelle, The Northern District "ER of the Year" was presented to James Bledsoe of the Houlton Elks Lodge by Vice-President Michael Powers, and the Central District "ER of the Year" award was given to Scott Gray of the Augusta Elks Lodge by Vice-President Robert Drisko.

Several special awards were also presented at the convention. The "Outstanding Chairman" Award was presented to Donald Richard of the Rumford Elks Lodge for his dedication and service to the association as MCCP Chairman. The State Association had surpassed the $2 Million dollar mark in donations to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. The “Officer of the Year” Award was presented to Thomas Chase of the Wells Elks Lodge. Chase serves as the Chairman of the Maine Elks Association Trustees. The Elizabeth J. Sicard Memorial "Spouse of the Year" Award was presented to Barbara Daniels of Presque Isle for her support of the Elks and their programs. Receiving the President’s special recognition awards were Wayne Cotterly of the Lewiston Elks Lodge, Michael Lafrance of the Presque Isle Elks Lodge, and Andrew Constantine of the Bangor Elks Lodge.

The "Elk of the Year" Award for the State of Maine was presented to James Ferland of the Presque Isle Elks Lodge for his outstanding service and dedication to the programs of the association and the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. Ferland is a Past State President of the Association, and will be appointed in July to the Grand Lodge Committee for State Associations and Lodge Activities.

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.
 

Maine Elks Surpass $2 Million in Donations for Children with Cancer

SOUTH PORTLAND--The motto of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks is "Elks Care--Elks Share," and the members of the Maine Elks Association continue to live up to that motto when they presented a check for $188,082.31 to the Maine Children's Cancer Program (MCCP) at their 78th Annual State Convention at the Sheraton Hotel in South Portland, Maine. 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 2006-2007 fraternal year.

The Maine Children's Cancer Program is a major project of the Maine Elks Association, and this year will mark the 23rd year that the two organizations have worked together. This year, the Maine Elks Association celebrated surpassing the $2 Million Dollar mark in donations to the cancer program at a special reception attended by representatives of the MCCP Board of Directors, Congressman Michael Michaud, representatives from Senator Olympia Snowe’s office and Susan Collins office, and members of the Maine Elks Association. During the reception, Elks MCCP Director Donald Richard of New Sharon stated that it took the state association over 15 years to raise its first million dollars, and it took only 5 years to raise the second million. His goal now is to raise another million dollars in only 4 years.

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 are allowed to select a toy from the "Owie Box" whenever the child undergoes a painful procedure. A second “Owie Box” was recently implemented at the cancer program to allow teenagers to receive something more age appropriate. 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 12,000 members from 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 cancer program patient Andrew Cilia (holding check at left) and his brother Tony (holding check at right). L-R: are MCCP Board Vice-President Rick Drouin, MCCP Associate Vice-President of Development Susan Doliner, MCCP Board President Mark Franco, MCCP family members Mark Cilia and Michelle Cilia, Barbara Daniels and State President Greg Daniels, and MCCP Development Director James Bouchard.

Maine Elks Install Officers

SOUTH PORTLAND--On May 4-7, 2007, the Maine Elks Association (MEA) elected and installed its slate of officers for the 2007-2008 association year at their 78th Annual State Convention held at the Sheraton Hotel in South Portland, Maine. 

Installed as MEA State President was Bruce Brunelle of the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470. Brunelle, in his opening remarks, congratulated outgoing President Greg Daniels of the Presque Isle Elks Lodge #1954 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 add one more activity to support our youth in the coming year.

In his acceptance speech, Brunelle announced that his theme for the coming year would be "Family and Community Commitment” His goal is to strengthen the Elks already have with our families and communities, and to develop new and innovative ways to bring everyone closer together. He described the theme as an equilateral triangle. Each of the three points would be represented by three points; Family at the top, supported by Community, and the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. Each point would be equally as important as the other.

Installed as officers of the association for the 2007-2008 year were: State President: Bruce Brunelle (Sanford), 1st Vice-President: Robert Drisko (Augusta), 2nd Vice-President: Michael Powers (Houlton), 3rd Vice-President: Roger Normandeau (Sanford), Secretary: Philip O'Brion (Farmington), Treasurer: Elizabeth Butler (York), Chaplain: Andrew Bolz (Sanford), Tiler: Albert Ingraham (Wells), Administrative Assistant: Claris Ranger (Farmington), and Sergeant-at Arms: Thomas Spellman (Sanford). Serving as installing officer was Past State President Frank Ricker of the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470.

Pictured above are:

Front (L-R) Roger Normandeau, Robert Drisko, Bruce Brunelle, Michael Powers, Elizabeth Butler
Back (L-R) Albert Ingraham, Philip O’Brion, Claris Ranger, Andrew Bolz, Thomas Spellman

Elks Unveil New Drug Awareness Trailer 

At the Maine Elks Association’s (MEA) 78th Annual Convention held at the Sheraton Hotel in South Portland, Maine, the association’s Drug Awareness Committee unveiled its latest tool in their efforts to prevent drug abuse. A new Drug Awareness Trailer, that will travel around the State of Maine to provide Drug Awareness literature, pencils, rulers, book covers, and other items to students and teachers.

Unveiling the trailer for the first time was MEA Drug Awareness Director Frank Ricker of the Sanford Elks Lodge and the National Drug Awareness Mascot “Elroy the Elk.” The trailer will be one of many tools used by the association to reduce drug abuse. Other tools include drug identification kits, fatal vision goggles that simulate a person’s vision that has consumed too much alcohol, and items as mentioned above.


According to Ricker, the Elks National Drug Awareness Program has been in existence for 25 years. The program is sponsored by the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, and receives funding from the Elks National Foundation. Each year, Maine Elks spend over $24,000 on 33 programs that are administered by the 22 Elk Lodges across the State.

“Last year, we reached 52,272 students and 19,491 parents, teachers, and members of the community in an effort to combat drug abuse,” Ricker said. “We are continually working to reduce the chances that our kids will get involved with drugs. Our committee’s intent is to help keep drug abuse on the decline, he said.

Each year, the association distributes more than 100,000 pieces of drug awareness literature to students, parents, and teachers. In many communities, the Lodges are working with the D.A.R.E. programs at the local and county levels. The Drug Awareness committee also holds three contests for youth, including a coloring contest for 3rd Graders, a poster contest for 4th graders, and an essay contest for 5th graders.

For more information on the Elks Drug Awareness program, visit www.elks.org

State President Visits

MEA State President Bruce Brunelle requests that all Lodges check their calendar book to schedule a visitation. The earlier the visitation is booked, the better chance your Lodge has of getting the date it wants. Please contact State President Bruce Brunelle at kb3@metrocast.net

Special Request

During his recent visit to Washington D.C., the Honorable Arthur H. Frost III, GER met with the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, R. James “Jim” Nicholson.

Secretary Nicholson asked the Elks to help promote the wearing of ribbons and medals by our veterans on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day. The purpose of this is so that the veterans can show their pride in having served and we can show our gratitude toward these men and women for their service to our country.

Please speak to the members of your Lodges and the veterans you know about this initiative. It is time these men and women receive the gratitude and thanks they deserve.

Michael Manning
Elks National Veterans Service Commission 

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.