Lodges of the Maine Elks Association have been busy living up to our Order’s motto of Elks Care-Elks Share. Here is some of what the Lodges have done and are doing around the State:
Augusta Elks Lodge
The Augusta Lodge with over 1,000 members has been very active. In December, the Lodge held its 3rd Annual Festival of Trees at which over 2,500 people came through the Lodge in support of the event. There were many positive comments on the appearance of the trees and the Lodge, as well as obtaining a few new membership applications. There were also a few new businesses interested in having a tree in next year’s event. Though all the numbers have not been reported yet, there will be a significant amount being given to the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program (KVCAP). KVCAP is a non-profit community action program which has been providing services to the people of Kennebec and Somerset counties since 1965. They offer a variety of services geared towards helping clients achieve economic and social self-sufficiency.
The Augusta Lodge’s “Edge Program.” was also busy during the month. This program is a collaboration of several local electricians and plumbers several who are members that work with local high school students to provide hands on experience teaching the basics of house wiring and plumbing. This program is funded in part by an Elks National Foundation Impact Grant.
The Veterans Committee delivered gifts to the Maine Veterans Home as part of the Elks Adopt-A-Vet program. The Lodge adopted five veterans in the home, who provided a list of five items they wanted for Christmas. The Lodge then went shopping for those items, wrapped and tagged them, and then delivered them in time for the holiday. The items will hopefully brighten their holiday and show that the “So long as there are veterans, the Elks will never forget them.” and their service to our great nation.
Sanford Elks Lodge
The Sanford Elks Lodge is also an active Lodge with over 1,000 members. The Lodge has been promoting to their members access to the “My Elks” app. Members can download the app onto their phone or tablet, and access all of the events and happenings at the Lodge. Access to this app for members is free, though there is a fee paid by the Lodge’s that use the app. Many other Lodges across the country also use the app as well, which works great if you are traveling and want to see what is going on at a Lodge near you.
The Lodge officers have been working on preparing for the State Ritual Contest, which is scheduled to be held at their Lodge on February 25th. This contest is open to any Lodge that wants to compete and improve their presentation to new members during initiation. This is the Lodge contest, but later in March, there will be an 11 O’clock Toast and Flag Presentation competition that is open to all Exalted Rulers and Past Exalted Rulers. The winner of this contest will be offered the opportunity to compete at the national contest held at the Grand Lodge Convention in Austin, Texas in July.
The Lodge has also been busy raising money for the State Associations’ major project the “Maine Children’s Cancer Program.” The Lodge has a large committee that is focused on raising money for this great cause. On Sunday, February 18th, the Lodge plans to hold its 14th Annual Square Pond Fishing Derby, provided that there is ice on the pond.
The Lodge throughout the year has also been celebrating 100 years of service to the community.
Bath Elks Lodge
The Bath Elks Lodge also has been busy. The Lodge also hosted MEA State President Sandi Anderson and First Man David at the Lodge for their annual “Jingle Jam” event on December 9th which raises money for needy people in the community. The Lodge also donated $500 dollars to the Bath Area Backpack Program, and another $500 to the Morse High School Project Graduation. In addition, like many other Lodges, they held their annual Children’s Christmas party which was attended by 36 young people who were entertained by a local magician and provided with sweets and refreshments, as well as a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Lodge is also held its annual Hoop Shoot contest on December 16th with 16 youngsters competing. The winners will be advancing to the District Contest to be held on January 7, 2024, at the Bath YMCA.
Want More News?
If you want to provide news for the MEA Website on what your Lodge is and has been doing for the community, please submit the information using the form that as accessed at the top of the Members Only home page of the MEA Website. The link can be found here: MEA LODGE NEWS SUBMISSION | Maine Elks Association. The form also has the ability for your Lodge to submit a photo from the event. Please use the best photo that shows your Lodge members in action, as only one can be submitted for each news story.