Since the state convention in May Joleen and I have made a visit to the Presque Isle Lodge. We arrived Friday evening and were met at the hotel by ER Tina Dougherty. We check in to our room where we were provided with snacks and beverages along with a Welcome sign. We then stopped at the lodge and were met there by PER Alan Harding and PSP Jim Ferland & Daphne. We had a great dinner at Rodney’s and then proceeded back to the lodge to mingle with the members. After Saturday morning breakfast and we were taken for a tour of NMCC (my Alma-mater BTW) guided by PER Rubin Caron. We then were off to the annual Get Hooked on Fishing kids fishing derby. The weather may have not been the best but the kids all had fun even though only four fish were caught. Every child entered in the contest was also entered in a drawing where every kid’s name was drawn and they were able to chose a gift from the hundreds of gifts provided by the lodge – Great Job to the Presque Isle Elks! That evening we spent a bit more time at the lodge socializing, playing pool and enjoying the fellowship with great Elks and new friends. After Sunday breakfast with ER Tina and Craig we got back on the road back to Sanford. Thank you Presque Isle for the great weekend.
On June 26 Joleen and I boarded a plane for Kansas City and the National convention. For Saturday’s Ritual competition I had the great pleasure of ringing the 11’th hour bell for the Maine Ritual Team from Sanford. They executed a great ritual and should all be proud of how well they performed. Sunday afternoon we attended the Flag and Toast competition, where Maine was represented by J. Andrew Bolz from the Sanford lodge. Andy represented Maine very well but came up short against some tough competition. During the Sunday evening opening ceremonies I had the profound honor of presenting the Maine State flag. As I was crossing in front of the stage I could clearly hear the Maine contingent cheering me on.
Monday was the business meeting and then in the afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting and getting a photo with the new GER, Bryan Klatt. That evening was a reception for our new GER Bryan and his wife Susan.
Tuesday morning was the business meetings, and balloting on resolutions. I was tapped to assist in collecting ballots during the voting. Tuesday afternoon Joleen attended a luncheon with then current first lady Julia Schiefer.
Wednesday morning was memorial service and installation of offices and DD’s – Congratulations to Aaron, Phil and Jeff.
On July 12, back in Maine, Joleen and I attended the Sandford Elks’ Ray Bourre Day at Iron Tails Saloon in Acton, Me. This well-attended MCCP fundraising event features 50/50s, t-shirt sales and silent & live auctions.
As I am writing this Joleen and I are preparing to visit Farmington Elks for their lobster feed, then Portland lodge for sailing on Casco Bay and dinner at their lodge. We will then head north to Millinocket for their lodge visit and the Sunday morning state meeting. We look forward to seeing you all in Millinocket.
Corey DeWitt, PER, PDDGER
Maine Elks Association President