MEA State President Message-August 2010

It has been about a month since Monique and I returned from National Convention in Orlando, Florida.  I must say we had a fantastic time.  The Maine Elks that attended were a great group of people.  Even though the President's schedule was full, we were glad we were able to spend time getting to know everyone.   

I would like to congratulate Don and Joyce Richard for receiving a five star rating for Maine's convention booth.  Also, Don and Joyce and crew did a wonderful job preparing and executing the Taste of Maine reception.  Thank You all for your dedication. 

President-Elect Wayne and Kathleen Cotterly spent countless hours making sure the Maine Elks had a comfortable room to come home to after long days attending meetings and other business, so we could enjoy the fellowship of other Maine Elks and other visiting members.  The next time you see Wayne and Kathleen make sure you let them know how much you appreciated the hospitality room in Orlando. Thank You Wayne and Kathleen for your efforts.

A special thank you goes out to my Administrative Assistant Claris Ranger and his wife Roberta; they were our chauffeurs, shoppers and social secretaries throughout the week.  They will say it was nothing, but to us it was something, it made our time at convention even nicer.

I invite you to go to the Maine Elks Association website and check out the photos of the National Convention.  There are lots of photos of opening ceremonies and the New England Banquet; if you look close you will see a couple of pictures of our old friends Dr Bristol and Ginny.  

 Our new Grand Exalted Ruler is Michael F. Smith and his wife Sandra, are from the state of Florida. His theme is "Promote Elks Passion" he wants to rekindle the fire that made us all become members of the order.  I would like to present to you two sentences from his acceptance speech: "I challenge each of you to continue your good works with the children, with the Veterans, with our communities and with those in need.  Let that commitment be seen and heard by everyone to prove that Elks Care-Elks Share."   When the Grand Exalted Ruler comes to Maine, lets have some great stories to tell about how the Maine Elks have met his challenge.
 
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer, not sure how it is in your neck of the woods but in southern Maine it has been absolutely gorgeous.  Monique and I have just started our lodge visitations, we are looking forward to seeing you all soon.  

Fraternally,
 
Roger Normandeau
President, MEA

Maine Elks Association Cookbook to Benefit MCCP

Sandee Welch, Debbie Briggs, and Kathleen Cotterly of the Maine Children's Cancer Program Committee are in the process of developing a cookbook. They are currently accepting contributions of recipes of all types to fill the cookbook, and encourage everyone to submit their favorite food dishes. All contributions will be used, but the deadline for submission of entries will be on August 31, 2010.

If you would like to see your recipe in print, and help support children with cancer, then send along your recipes to:

Sandee Welch
464 Virgin St
Rumford, ME 04276

or

Deborah Briggs
64 Swift River Rd
Byron, ME 04275
elks862@gwi.net

or

Kathleen Cotterly
282 Maine St
Poland Spring, ME 04274
kcotterly@aol.com


All proceeds from the sale of the cookbooks will go to benefit the Maine Children's Cancer Program. Cookbooks are expected to go on sale later this fall. For questions on the program, contact Sandee Welch at (207) 364-2548.

ENF Standings as of July 31, 2010

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.

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