NEWS
News from the Maine Elks AssociationPresque Isle Kicks off Fall Youth Events
Craig MacFarline, Elks Soccer Shoot Out Director for Presque Isle Elks Lodge #1954, announced that the Soccer Shoot Out will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the University of Maine at Presque Isle field located behind Gentile Hall.
Registration will begin at 9 a.m. Competition will start at 10 a.m.
This event is free for all participants from ages 4 to 14. There are separate divisions for girls and boys. “Parents, grandparents and friends of the competitors are encouraged to attend this exciting youth event,” said Director MacFarline.
Trophies will be awarded to winners and runners-up in all divisions.
The winners at the lodge shoot out will advance to the Maine Elks Northern District Soccer Shoot Out, to be held in Bangor on Sunday, September 22, 2024. The State Shoot Out is scheduled for Sunday, October 6, 2024, in Waterville.
Grilled hot dogs, drinks, and chips will be served by the Presque Isle Elks to all contestants and spectators, free of charge.
For more information, call the Presque Isle Elks Lodge at 764-0985 or MacFarline at 551-8008.
Forks Fun for President Mike and Denise
What a different weather scenario from last year! This year, while Denise and I visited the 4th annual Maine Elks in The Forks for MCCP, the sun was shining brightly. Fundraising was also in full swing, although the rain didn’t hinder fundraising efforts last year. It was a fantastic couple of days filled with fun and successful fundraising.
On Friday, the philanthropy group from the Maine Children’s Cancer Program visited the Lodges, which were already present and working hard to have fun and raise funds. They were also visited by WABI TV news. I think it truly showcases the Elks, especially the Maine Elks, doing what they do best!
We arrived around 6 pm, just before the live auction began. For the auction, we brought a stand-up cooler to represent the State President position. The cooler contained various picnic items, including Houlton Farms butter, fresh corn, Houlton Farms lemonade, fresh baked bread from the Brookside Inn, and other goodies. Denise served as the auctioneer for this item, and it sold for $200.00. Thank you to everyone who bid on it! After the auction, we caught up with old friends, made some new ones, and browsed the many Lodges’ fundraising silent auction items. We then retired to the Inn by The River for a delicious meal and a good night’s sleep.
Bright and early Saturday morning we set up Doc’s hospitality canopy and displayed the memorabilia I had crafted to sell, as well as the murder mystery that Denise has become famous for hosting. The state president’s tree for the Festival of Trees was also set up. This tree was designed to be an all-season tree, decorated with an ornament for each of the 20 lodges. These ornaments were created using my laser etcher and featured a rendering of the pin for that Lodge, along with the lodge’s name and number. There were also decorations for Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, and Valentine’s Day. Under the tree was one of my cribbage boards.
Most of the day I spent playing corn hole. I was randomly paired with Liz Grant, DDGER for Maine North. We didn’t win or place, but we had a decent showing. I also spent some time in “Jail” and bid on several items in the silent auction. While I was doing this, Denise and Heather ran the murder mystery. They guided participants to clues, answered questions (cryptically, I’m told), and generally kept the excitement going. All in all, it was a fantastic day and I’m happy to report that Denise and I raised $500.00 between the tree, sales of memorabilia, and the murder mystery.
I look forward to hearing the total amount raised at our October meeting. Thank you to all the Lodges that participated. Our next visit will be to Sanford in a couple of weeks.”
Craft Show for MCCP
Thirty-Five crafters from all over Maine showcasing their handmade craft items.
October 19th, Lunch available in the Lounge from 10:30 – 1:30 pm
Bake sale includes homemade candies, breads, cakes, cannolis, and more. 50/50 raffle.
Free admission, plenty of parking. Open to the public.
Portland Elks #188, 1945 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04102
DAP National Night Out in Sanford
We had an amazing time at Sanford’s 2024 National Night Out hosted by the Sanford Police Department in Central Park. It was a fantastic evening filled with fun and community spirit. The event drew roughly 400 attendees, including about 100 
children!
Sanford Elks Drug Awareness Program participated to spread awareness about the importance of a drug-free lifestyle. We handed out bags filled with items that carried that powerful drug-free message and had a cornhole game with prizes. Also, 6 children left that night with big smiles as they were winners of our free bike raffles.
A big shoutout to the Sanford Police Department for organizing this fantastic event and allowing us to be part of it.
Sheri Frechette, Sanford Elks 1470 PR
Committee Chair Opening
CONVENTION COMMITTEE CHAIR WANTED
MEA State President, Mike Hannigan, is looking for someone who is interested in becoming the State Convention Chairperson for the Maine Elks Association. This is a demanding and complex position.
We are seeking an individual with strong multi-tasking skills, excellent interpersonal communication abilities, and proven accomplishment in delegating responsibilities to others. These skills are necessary especially during the convention. A close attention to detail is also required during all preparations and planning of convention.
Anyone interested in applying for this position should submit a letter of interest and a resume that details their areas of expertise in the above described qualifications to:
Andy Constantine
Convention Committee Advisor
By email at sdgerme@gmail.com
Questions may also be addressed to:
Mike Hannigan
State President
By email at mihannigan@gmail.com
Biddeford-Saco Visit a HIT
This weekend, Denise and I enjoyed a heartwarming time in Biddeford-Saco. On Friday evening we had a baked haddock meal to die for at the Lodge, prepared by Vassie Fowler. This was part of their regular Friday evening meal service. If you’re ever in the Biddeford-Saco area on a Friday it’s a great meal and you should definitely stop in.
On Saturday morning, we attended and assisted with the kids’ road race held in conjunction with the OOB Breakaway 5K, which raises money for Old Orchard Beach student scholarships. The kids’ portion was particularly heartwarming. Watching toddlers to pre-teens emulate their parents’ runs on the 5K and experience the pomp and circumstance of a “big” race was amazing. While the run was much shorter, the kids’ determination, spirit, and excitement were unrivaled. Adorning them with medals as they finished brought immense joy to both Denise and me. Our thanks again to the many Elks and helpers who have organized this event for 28 years.
Saturday afternoon, we explored the shops of Old Orchard and then spent some time on the beach. Denise relaxed and soaked up the sun, while I played in the surf for a couple of hours. I collected some shells, enjoyed the seawater, and generally had a great relaxing time. The water wasn’t nearly as cold as expected, and the salt and sand felt wonderful.
Saturday evening, we went to a barbecue at the Lodge. During the evening, the Lodge presented me with $300 for MCCP and served a great meal. We also played some backyard games with members and their families. One of these was a golf/dart chipping game with a large target hung on the side of the Lodge storage shed. Just as last week, I proved I wasn’t the smartest person in the room, this week I proved I could miss the broad side of a barn. It was a fun and memorable evening.
I would like to thank everyone at the Biddeford-Saco Lodge, especially Exalted Ruler Phil, Secretary Joan, chief photographer Lauren, PER Rori, PSP John, his family, Friday chauffeurs David and Glen, and everyone I met and talked with in the lounge. They truly are the “friendliest Lodge in Maine” and are genuinely taking care of MCCP, veterans, communities, and each other. Next week, we’re off to the Forks.
Third Annual Car Show in Bangor
The Bangor Lodge will be hosting their third annual car show from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on September 1st, with all proceeds raised going to the Maine Childrens Cancer Program. All Maine Lodges and the local communities are invited to attend. The day will be filled with music, food, raffles and of course, cars, trucks and motorcycles on display. Several trophies will be awarded to the best vehicles on display. All spectators, sponsors and children will be voting for their favorites. Please come out and support our State Major Project for a $5.00 entry fee, children under 16 are free. Contact Scott Monroe at 207-852-6880 for more information.
Another Great Visit for the First Couple
Thank you Waterville for a wonderful time!
Despite some sketchy weather, I think her name was Debbi, as we pulled out of the county things improved.
Arriving in Waterville, we were greeted at the Fireside by a suite full of wonderful friends from Waterville and given a toast. It was great to see Past State Presidents Sandy and Dave and everyone else who was there. From there, we were whisked over to the Lodge for a tremendous bar-b-cue meal. The delicious brisket, beans, and corn on the cob were accompanied by a wonderful guitarist. The tunes were perfect and, unlike when I play, they were also in tune.
Following the meal, we were treated to another great highlight – The Lodge, and in particular a gentleman named Elmer, gave me another opportunity to demonstrate that I am not the smartest person in the room. We had a round of trivia titled “Things You Should Know, But Don’T.” Despite the best efforts of the people at the table, I only scored a 65% while the winning team scored a 77%. Now, if I had given a test and gotten these results, I would scale it giving myself a solid B (85%). (Actually, that is why we don’t grade on a curve.)
The trivia was followed by more music and dancing. The singer continued to play a wide variety of wonderful music. Throughout the night, there was a 50/50 raffle, great conversation with many members from lodges all over the state (Waterville, Farmington, Augusta, Presque Isle) as well as the country (Arizona was in the house). In fact I won’t try to name everyone who was there because there were so many, and I am sure I’d end up leaving someone out. At the end of the evening, I was told the Lodge raised over $15,000 for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. With the 11th-hour toast completed we went back to our hotel for a good night’s sleep.
The next morning we were treated to a wonderful breakfast. From there, we took advantage of viewing the Two-Cent Bridge and did a little shopping in Waterville before returning home to the camper in Island Falls. Next weekend, Denise and I will be in Biddeford-Saco and we’re looking forward to seeing all our coastal friends and anyone else who wishes to join us.
Romeo on the Move again in the Central District
Left to right front row: Daryl Seamon, Judy Seamon, Duane “Kip” Clark & 1st Lady Denise Hannigan. 2nd row: Aaron Allumbaugh, Roberta Ranger, Claris Ranger, State President Michael Hannigan.
A few members of Farmington lodge #2430 went to Waterville on August 10th to participate in their State President’s visit. They enjoyed the Texas BBQ offered, and in the process brought back Romeo.
MEA Veterans Committee Bowl-a-Thon
On September 29th we’re holding a Bowl-A-Thon to raise funds for the MEA Veterans Committee who will be hosting a Super Bowl Party and Christmas Show at Togus VA Hospital in November & December 2024.
Support a great cause by registering your Team of 4 Bowlers for a $100.00 Registration Fee and fill your Pledge Sheet with additional donations to support this awesome cause!
Interstate Bowling Center
215 Whitten Road
Hallowell, Maine 04347
Contact Mike “Shu” Michaud at (207) 441-2838 or shumichaud@gmail.com
PLEDGE SHEET
bowling flyer final