Maine Elks Association

Public Relations Committee Newsbriefs -07/05/07

Maine Elks Association Newsbriefs

Maine Elks Head for Charlotte; 2007 Grand Lodge Convention

This week, dozens of Maine Elks will be headed South to attend the B.P.O. Elks 2007 Grand Lodge Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. The convention will run for five days, beginning on Sunday July 8^th and running through Thursday July 12^th. Prior to the event, the Maine Elks Association will host its “Taste of Maine” event this coming Saturday. This event allows the Grand Lodge family an opportunity to meet with members of the Maine Elks, and to sample some of Maine’s cuisine.

On Sunday, many of the Maine Elks will be attending the New England Brunch in the morning. That night, the Opening Ceremonies will be conducted. One of the highlights of these ceremonies will be when MEA State President Bruce Brunelle carries in the State of Maine’s Flag during the “Parade of Flags.” Following the introduction of each State, and its respective President, the opening remarks will be made by Past Grand Exalted Ruler Ted Callicott, and the introduction of the Past Grand Exalted Ruler’s and Past First Ladies will be made by Past Grand Exalted Ruler Amos A. McCallum. The principal address will be made by Grand Exalted Ruler Arthur H. Frost III.

On Monday, the business meeting will begin at 8:30 AM, which will include reports from the Grand Exalted Ruler; preliminary reports from registration, Committee on Judiciary, and Board of Grand Trustees, as well as the Elks National Foundation Report. Later that morning, the Election of Grand Lodge Officers will take place, at which the endorsed candidate, F. Louis Sulsberger is expected to be elected as Grand Exalted Ruler for the year 2007-2008. That afternoon, the Exalted Ruler’s will attend a luncheon and conference, where the Grand Exalted Ruler-Elect will outline his goals for the coming year. That night, several members will attend the New England Dinner, which affords the members an opportunity to meet with other Elks from across New England.

On Tuesday, the business meeting will begin at 8 AM, with reports from the following committees: National Memorial and Publication Commission/Veterans Memorial Restoration Trust, National Convention Commission, Report and Award by the Ritualistic Committee, Government Relations Committee, Public Relations Committee, Report and Awards by the State Association’s/Lodge Activities Committee, Membership Committee, Americanism Committee, and the Youth Activities Committee. There will also be a report from the Resolutions Committee of the Board of Grand Trustees and the Grand Forum. That afternoon, Maine’s three District Deputy Designates will attend a conference. In addition, there will also be a Youth Activities Seminar run by the Grand Lodge Youth Activities Committee.

On Wednesday, the business meeting will begin at 8 AM, and will feature the Committee on Judiciary Legislative Session.. This is where the Grand Lodge Statutes, Rules, and Regulations are established, amended, or deleted. Following this, the Elks National Veterans Service Commission will make its report, as well as the final report and results of the Grand Lodge Ritualistic Contest. Maine will be represented in this contest by the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470. Following all reports, the Elks Memorial Service will be conducted at 11 AM. That afternoon, the State President’s and State Secretaries will attend a luncheon and conference with the Grand Exalted Ruler-Elect, who will outline the Grand Lodge Programs for the coming year. There will also be a “writing for the Elks Magazine” workshop and a “ENF Impact Grants” workshop that afternoon. That evening, the Exalted Ruler’s Ball will take place beginning at 8:30 PM.

On Thursday, the final Grand Lodge Session will feature a report of the Hoop Shoot Committee, and the introduction of the National Hoop Shoot Winners. In addition, the Elks National Foundation’s Most Valuable Student Scholarship winners will have an opportunity to address the crowd. The Elks Drug Awareness Committee will also make its report, followed by the Installation of the Grand Lodge Officers, and the swearing in of Maine’s three new District Deputies; Tom Chase of the Wells Elks Lodge, Roy Bolton of the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge, and Michael Powers of the Houlton Elks Lodge.

Throughout the event, the Maine Elks will have an opportunity to meet with fellow Elks from across the country, swap stories, trade pins, and generally enjoy what is always a most friendly atmosphere.

From the MEA $100,000 Dollar Club Chairman

As chairman of the MCCP $100,000 Club, myself and three others took this past weekend to enjoy the weather and take a motorcycle trip with the intention of promoting this program.  We were able to visit 12 of the 14 Lodges to the south of Old Town.  I was able to distribute over 120 Hoopa pins and over 50 red ribbons were sold.  I would like to thank all of the Elks who welcomed us to their Lodges.  We had a wonderful time getting to know so many people.

I am hoping to visit the remaining Lodges over the next few weeks, bike season will be over soon after all!  Anyone needing to replenish their supplies of red ribbons or Hoopa pins may call me at 827-3212 or see me at our next State Meeting. 

Fraternally yours,

Tom Ammerman
MCCP $100,000 Club Chairman

ENF Races Into Charlotte!

Will you be in Charlotte for the 2007 Grand Lodge convention? If so, be sure to make time for the ENF. We’ll be hosting fundraising and programs workshops, including one on our new Impact Grants. Staff members will also be on hand at the ENF booth during convention floor hours to visit with donors and answer questions. We hope to see you there!

Share Your Fundraising Success Stories
Location: Westin Hotel, Providence II Room
Monday, July 9, 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

During the “Share Your Fundraising Success Stories” seminar, ENF chairs, or other people involved in their Lodge’s fundraising efforts, learn from each other’s fundraising ideas. If your Lodge’s fundraising strategies have been successful, please come to share your ideas. If you’re looking to improve your Lodge’s record, this is a great chance to learn what has worked for other Lodges.

ENF Programs Overview
Location: Westin Hotel, Grand Ballroom D
Tuesday, July 10, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

At the ENF Programs Seminar, ENF staff will give an overview of Foundation-funded programs including scholarships and the Community Investments Program. This is a great opportunity to learn how the Foundation supports Elkdom’s national programs, as well as the programs in your state and community.

Impact Grants Workshop
Location: Westin Hotel, Providence III Room
Wednesday, July 11, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

ENF staff will give an overview of the new Impact Grants, explain the application process, and answer any questions Lodges might have about the program. If your Lodge is considering applying for these new, competitive grants of up to $10,000, be sure to attend.

Email us at enf@elks.org to reserve your seat for any of the above workshops.

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