MEA State President Message-August 2009

Fellow Elks, I wanted to take this opportunity to inform all of you about our recent Grand Lodge Convention in Portland, Oregon. Freddy and I had a most enjoyable time with all of the Maine Elks. Some we knew, others we got to know. We appreciated all the help that each gave to make this a fantastic week.
 
Our new Grand Exalted Ruler, Jim Nichelson and his wife, Mary Carolyn are exceptional folks that we enjoyed very much. Jim has a winning personality and in his acceptance speech talked about how passionate he and the first lady are about the Elks national Foundation. As a result, I pass on to you that each lodge, each member can make a difference by contributing to ENF. Please be vigilant in your efforts to support this extremely worthwile fund.
 
As August is upon us, I want to remind everyone that we have a State meeting in Millinocket on August 16th. Trustees meet at 9:00 am followed by the general meeting at 10:00 am. Please try to attend if possible.
 
Enjoy your summer as it is always far too short. Keep in mind the work we have in front of us for the upcoming year. We all need to be proactive in suppoting ENF, Maine Children's Cancer Program, the Diabetic-Hypertention Van and the individual projects that make our lodges a success.
 
Freddy and I wish three things for all:

1. Good health, 2. Good fortune, 3. Good weather.
 
In closing, let me thank you again for the priviledge to serve as President of the greatest organization in the greatest state of the union. Freddy and I look forward to visiting with each lodge and meeting as many of you as we can.
 
Fraternally,
 
Mike Powers
State President

Maine Elks New E-Newsletter Kicks Off

This week marks the first e-newsletter of the new e-mail system. So far, a total of 81 members have signed up for the new system.

Signup boxes are now also available on the Maine Elks Website at www.maineelks.org Please let your friends know about this new system. The intent is to get as many of our members to receive the updates.'

Copies of the e-mail newsletters will still be available on the Maine Elks Website under the "News" link.

Elk Benefits

Did you know that as a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks that you are entitled to some benefits that could save you money. Visit Elk Benefits.com

Current benefits include:

• Elks Auto & Home Insurance
• Elks Life Insurance
• Elks Cancer Insurance
• Elks Long Term Care Insurance
• Elks Vacation Center
• Elks Wireless Center
• Elks Online Shopping Mall
• Elks Prescription Savings Card
• Elks Lifelock Identity Protection
• Elks Lifeline Screening
• Elks 48 Hour Print Shop
• Elks Constant Contact E-mail Marketing Service

Showcase your Lodge in All-American Contest By JOHN G. HOLT
Grand Lodge Committee Member

What does it take to win this most coveted award, All American Lodge, Contest A?

First of all, you must submit an entry. The competition will be stiff because there are a lot of superb Elks Lodges, but yours can be one of them. Here are some helpful hints:

Get a copy of last year's single-page entry form. It will serve as an excellent tool with which to fine tune your goals for 2009-2010. Use it as a guideline only.

Your entry for the year ending in 2010 must be submitted on the
application, which will be sent to your Lodge in January. It is a five-step application.

Read the instructions and activity descriptions carefully. Start working on these Elks programs right away. If there are programs or contests you do not thoroughly understand, contact your District Deputy, State Lodge Activities Chairman or Area Member of the G/L Lodge Activities/State Associations Committee for clarification.

Create an All American Lodge Committee in your Lodge to assess progress on maximizing point counts for the various activities.

Note the deadlines carefully, and gather necessary information well in advance. Bear in mind that your entry must be sent to your District Deputy, postmarked no later than March 15. The DDGER must review and sign it before forwarding it to the State Lodge Activities/State Associations Committee Member in charge of Contest A, postmarked no later than April 15.

The activities listed on the entrance form are nothing more than the basics needed for a successful Lodge year. By entering the All American Lodge Contest you will have the opportunity to keep an accurate record of the strong programs your Lodge carries out and the programs that need more work in the future. You just might be surprised to find out how successful your Lodge truly is. I wish you all the best and encourage you to enter the All American Lodge Contest A this year.
 

Togus VA Wish List-August 2009 

VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS:

1.      Drivers for Volunteer Transportation Network (Bangor, Rumford, Bath/Brunswick)
2.      Mealtime companions for long term care patients (any lunch and dinner during the week)
3.      73 Patriot Place and Dialysis - 1-on-1 visitation/reading and talking with patient
4.      Back up Shuttle driver
 
 
ONGOING PROGRAM SUPPORT:

1.      Calling cards (60 minutes or more per card)
2.      Comfort Items, i.e., shampoo, deodorant, disposable razors etc. (No alcohol based products)
3.      Diabetic snacks funds
4.      Coffee funds (provides coffee in waiting areas/wards/clinics)
5.      Newspaper funds (provides newspapers in waiting areas/wards/clinics)
6.      General Patient Comfort Fund including Memorial Donations
7.      Adapted Sports Equipment/Outings - Recreation Therapy
8.      National Rehabilitation Events (Golden Age Games, Winter Sports, Wheelchair Games, and Creative Arts )
 
SPECIAL REQUESTS/PROJECTS:

1.      Televisions for patient rooms (approx $300 ea.)
2.      Unit 4 South activity sponsorship (approx $50 pizza party, $25 ice cream social)
3.      Organizations to sponsor entertainment on 73 Patriot Place
4.      Parking Lot Shuttle Vehicle Project
5.      Volunteer shirts (approx $2000)
6.      73 Patriots Place furniture project (approx $4500)
7.      Caribou Vet Center Client trip to the Vietnam Memorial Wall (approx $2400)
 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
NOT NEEDED AT THIS TIME!  Afghans/Blankets; Used Stamps; any clothing that is stained or torn;Jigsaw Puzzles; Playing Cards; Hardcover Books; Magazines over three months old; 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.
 
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.

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.