NEWS
News from the Maine Elks Association2025 MCCP/FORKS CAMPING WEEKEND – AUGUST 21 – 24, 2025
-
If your lodge is not attending as a group this year, we will still gladly welcome your donated items for the “Live Auction.” The item must have at least a $400.00 value and each lodge may submit up to 2 items. We will have a team that will promote your items and monies will be sent to your lodge to turn in under: MCCP/FORKS EVENT at the October State Association meeting.
-
Consider a $200.00 cash donation for the MCCP/FORKS EVENT, which would equate to eight registered attendees. This has been a past practice that has been well received by some of the lodges that couldn’t participate for whatever reason.
-
Gather lodge members and take a day trip to support the event on Saturday, August 23rd. It’s a great ride and beautiful area. The Day Pass is only $10.00 per person. This is the day representatives from MCCP hope to visit and the news station as well, they both loved the event last year and plan to come back! How cool would it be to have the Elks Rider Groups visit that day or side-by-side or ATV Riders stop by too?
- Old Town Lodge #1287 will offer a Motor Coach Bus “Day Trip,” on Saturday, August 23rd, for those that may be interested. The route will be: Old Town Lodge, stop at Bangor and Skowhegan Lodges & Return. A flyer will be available soon with details. Please help us spread the word and fill that bus!!! I believe it holds 55 people. This is an incredibly awesome option. Thank you to Randy and Deb for rolling with this – I asked and they are making it happen!!! When Elks work together, we can literarily move mountains!
MEA Winning Calendars for June
| June | Ticket # | Amount | Name | Lodge | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 837 | $50.00 | Gary Raindon | 188 | ||
| 2 | 983 | $25.00 | Claire Brown | 1470 | ||
| 3 | 303 | $25.00 | Marie Varian | 934 | ||
| 4 | 47 | $25.00 | Ethan Hoard | 2743 | ||
| 5 | 48 | $25.00 | Carolyn Bessey | 2743 | ||
| 6 | 85 | $25.00 | Nan Boutin | 2743 | ||
| 7 | 967 | $50.00 | Jeffery Cameron | 1008 | ||
| 8 | 117 | $50.00 | Tim Rodrigue | 964 | ||
| 9 | 1529 | $25.00 | Justin Blackstone | 2743 | ||
| 10 | 29 | $25.00 | Rhonda Boynton | 2743 | ||
| 11 | 806 | $25.00 | Alice Caron | 1954 | ||
| 12 | 596 | $25.00 | Joan Chatfield | 1293 | ||
| 13 | 1181 | $25.00 | Lanny White | 905 | ||
| 14 | 408 | $50.00 | Edward Darnall | 1597 | ||
| 15 | 1126 | $50.00 | Kaiden Querec | 905 | ||
| 16 | 104 | $25.00 | Susie Sampson | 964 | ||
| 17 | 1328 | $25.00 | Terry Steward | 905 | ||
| 18 | 1460 | $25.00 | Rob Rossignol | 244 | ||
| 19 | 705 | $100.00 | Kami Patterson | 1521 | ||
| 20 | 801 | $25.00 | Tina Dougherty | 1954 | ||
| 21 | 503 | $50.00 | Tim Harris | 2430 | ||
| 22 | 1159 | $50.00 | Linda Hodgdon | 905 | ||
| 23 | 299 | $25.00 | Victoria Payson | 244 | ||
| 24 | 1162 | $25.00 | Chad Roy | 905 | ||
| 25 | 831 | $25.00 | Barbara Pilejgi | 188 | ||
| 26 | 240 | $25.00 | Kason Dalton | 244 | ||
| 27 | 151 | $25.00 | Michelle Bates | 244 | ||
| 28 | 615 | $50.00 | Brian Shaw | 835 | ||
| 29 | 857 | $50.00 | Joan Harmon | 188 | ||
| 30 | 143 | $25.00 | Steve Quimby | 964 | ||
State Presidents Summer Message
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
“Guitars 4 Vets” Graduation
On Monday, July 7th four vets completed their ten-week course learning to play guitar. Pictured is each vet with their sponsor. Through thei unique, ten-week structured guitar instruction program, Guitars 4 Vets puts the healing power of music in the hands of our nation’s heroes, helping to foster renewal, connection and community.
Representing from Bangor lodge #244 is Trustee Gary Turner, Treasurer Scott Monroe, member Dana Fogg, ER Randy Bates, and PER Jan Winkler, who is also our lodge photographer.
Owie 2025 Kicks-off from Bangor
Thank you to the Elks riders for starting your ride at the Bangor Lodge #244.
Saturday, July 12th about 40 riders stopped at Bangor for donuts, coffee, & juice with registration done by Mindy Voisine & Jeff Bosse.
ENF Money goes to Maine Veterans
On June 12th, I had the great honor and pleasure of visiting the Maine Veterans Home in Machias to present a $1,000 check from the ENVSC & Maine Elks Association Veterans Program to support the activities department that works so diligently to enhance the daily lives of our veterans in their care. I was impressed with the facility and their great works and appreciative of the warm welcome by Arlena (Director), Blaise, Skye and Judy.
My goal this year is to work with our Elks National Veterans Service Commission Headquarters in Chicago to adopt the remaining 5 Maine Veterans Homes across our state and have Elk Representatives and District Representatives in each of these homes, as we have established here in Augusta with the Maine Veterans Home and the Togus V.A.
We already have Representatives from several lodges, in the vicinity of these Veterans Homes ready to go, once we receive approval from ENVSC.
The Maine Elks Association is on the move to honor and serve our veterans from Kittery to Presque Isle. We, welcome, involvement from Lodges across the State.
Have an upcoming event, idea, question or concerns, please contact me at #207-441-2838.
Thank You!
Shu
Veterans Committee Connects with State Veterans Organizations
PER & ENVSC Deputy Representative Lina Michaud recently had the opportunity to attend the Maine Military & Community Network’s 13th Annual State Conference at the Augusta Civic Center on June 18th.
Lina reports this was an awesome opportunity to connect and network with other veterans’ organizations from across the state of Maine. Lina was honored to represent the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and share our phenomenal works on behalf of our veterans.
Lina highly recommends this event to Lodge ER’s and their Veterans Chairpersons. Anyone that may wish to attend next year, please contact Lina or Chairman Shu and we’ll gladly connect you with Lorana Laliberte at AdCare for more information, she was a great help getting the Maine Elks Association set-up to participate this year.
“So long as there are veterans the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” Fraternally yours, Shu
Summer BBQ & Concert at Togus VA Hospital for of Veterans
The ENVSC & Maine Elks Association teamed up with the Center for Development and Civic Engagement at the Togus USVA Hospital and the 195th Maine Army National Guard Band to bring a Summer BBQ and concert to our Veterans honoring the upcoming July 4th Holiday.
Over 100 people joined in the festivities and celebrated this special event. The Band was amazing and played for over an hour and a half, with a mix of music for all to enjoy. Their initial instrumental tune of “Taps” brought tears to the eyes of many and was very well received.
We are grateful for everyone that worked hard and contributed to this event, today. The staff, volunteers, band and Sam’s Club were amazing to work with. Thank you to the Elks from Augusta, Skowhegan and Waterville Lodges that teamed up with Shu and I to host this event on behalf of the ENVSC & Maine Elks Association.
It was truly heartwarming to share in this beautiful tribute to our country’s independence and America’s heroes that have afforded all of us the freedoms that we enjoy, today! We are already looking forward to planning next year’s celebration!
MEA Lodges putting ENF Money to Work
The Bangor Lodge received a $2,000 Spotlight grant to support the Bangor Union St Brick church. Shown here presenting the check are Bangor Leading Knight Darryl M, Dollar Tree manager Mark, Jeff & Al from Brick Church, and Bangor ER Randy Bates.
Join President Corey on a Casco Bay Cruise
For their visit to the Portland Elks Lodge join President Corey & First Lady Joleen on a 2-hour Schooner sail on Casco Bay, leaving from Portland Wharf with Portland ER Joe Winschel.
Later on we’ll be hosting the first couple to a Lobster Lover’s Dinner at Portland Elks Lodge 188, and you’re welcome to join us for dinner at 6 pm.
