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From the Lodge Activities Committee
MEA Lodge Activities Director Greg
Sirpis
Elks Memorial
Service Brochure Contest
I would remind all lodges that even though it is November, our annual
Memorial service is fast approaching and so too will the deadline for
the brochure contest. This is a time honored tradition that all Elks
have done to pay respect to our absent members. I would like to see all
22 lodges participate, and honor the many years of service that our
absent members gave to the lodge and the community by preparing for
this contest now. In doing so, this allows for a well planned, well
executed service that will give the family members a lasting memory for
this moving service. Please refer to your lodge program
manual for the rules of this contest, and submissions are due
postmarked no later than February 15, 2010.
Lodge Bulletin
Contest
Since all bulletin editors work very hard to produce a comprehensive
monthly publication for the membership, I am asking that all lodges
statewide recognize them by participating in this contest. It is also
an excellent way to promote ideas and activities of the lodge. This
contest is very easy to enter, requirements are as follows:
1. Submit three consecutive issues that were published and
dated between April 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009.
2. Bulletins only are judged, and do not require a binder.
3. Deadline for this contest is January 15, 2009.
4. Mail entries to:
Greg T. Sirpis, PER
1 Westside Sebago
Standish, Maine 04084
207-232-8500 (if needed)
Community
Service and Image Contest
This is an opportunity for all lodges statewide to showcase both their
lodge and their involvement in the community. As Elks, we have an
obligation to be pillars in the community and communicate all the good
work we do. With a positive image projected in the community and
worthwhile involvement in the many good causes we are involved with, we
will get our members involved in our activities and promote growth
within our lodges. Submission of a brochure showing community involvement
and keeping a good community image are required, and the rules for this
contest are available by referring to your lodge program manual.
Submissions are due postmarked no later than March 15, 2010.
All American
Lodge Contest
All lodges should be eager to participate in this contest; it is one of
the most popular contests in Elkdom and the coveted of Grand Lodge
Awards. It is based on 44 categories and participation is based on
membership involvement that demonstrates "Elks Care, Elks Share".
Entry in this contest is accomplished by submitting a form that is
received from Grand Lodge in January and is to be completed and sent to
the District Deputy by March 15, 2010. The State Activities Chairman
will review the entries and submit them to the Grand Lodge by April 15,
2010. Please refer to your lodge program manual for rules of the
contest.
I would ask all Exalted Rulers to start thinking about the following:
--Officer of the year, Elk of the year, Citizen of the year.
--Grand Exalted Ruler's "Outstanding Service"
Commendation Certificates
--"Making A Difference" Special Citation
Lodge Activities
Proposal
(I have had no response to this proposal)
I would like to propose that the Maine Elks Association consider a
lodge pin program similar to that of the Alaska Elks Association that
is conducted every year at the National Convention. The Alaska Elks
program has become very popular each year, by simply producing a unique
set of pins (one from each lodge), they have turned this small cost (by
each lodge), into a huge fund raising opportunity for the Association.
They tempt visiting Elks by serving appetizers (local fare i.e. crab),
and producing a limited number of pins to make them rare and difficult
to get. This organized event is not an expense... it is an investment.
It has given them the opportunity raise funds through many different
ways in front of a national audience. Because of their unique location
and the mystique of their state, this program is very popular and
successful. I believe this is a missed opportunity for us if we don't
attempt to duplicate it. We have the same mystique and local fare to be
as successful as Alaska as evidenced by the popularity of "The
Taste Of Maine" at the conventions. The only way this will be
successful is if all 22 lodges are committed and on board. Before I ask
my committee to develop a plan of action, I would ask for feedback from
the lodges to see if there is support for this proposal. Please feel
free to contact me, or my committee members with any questions or
concerns you may have.
Respectfully & Fraternally,
Greg T. Sirpis, PER
Lodge Activities Chairman
Maine Elks Association
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