NEWS
News from the Maine Elks AssociationSanford MCCP Surpasses a Milestone
Our 31st year of fundraising in support of the MCCP culminated with our Golf Tournament on September 7th. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who supported and volunteered at our events this year including our Arnie’s Ride, Fishing Derby, 500 Wish Club, Ray’s Day, Pub Night, and the golf event!
The winning foursome are (L to R) Curt Walker, Jay Moore, Tig Smith and Mark Gonneville.
Soccer Returns to the Bath Lodge
It’s been a while since the Bath Elks fielded a Soccer Shoot event, but the 934 Youth Activities chairman Jason Rhorer has been working toward it’s re-institution since he took the position, and the morning of September 15th, 2024 seven Bath area kids returned to the pitch at McMann Field to compete in their age groups.
It was a gorgeous morning on the field with four area youth advancing to the district. Both the participants, and the lodge team are really looking forward to doing it up bigger next year!
Another Year of Soccer at the Presque Isle Elks
On Sunday, September 15, 2024, the Presque Isle Elks, Lodge #1954, held their annual Soccer Shoot at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
Craig MacFarline, Presque Isle Elks Soccer Shoot director, reported that the winners in the under-8 age division were Eli Ireland, son of Staci and Lucas Ireland, and Kenzie Hickey, daughter of Stacy and Ben Hickey.
In the under-10 age division, Kooper Griffeth, daughter of Joel Griffeth, and Oakley Stetson, son of Rachel and Spencer Stetson, were winners.
Aaron Cloukey, son of Shawn Cunningham and AJ Cloukey, was the winner in the under-12 age category.
Delanie Cyr, daughter of Danielle and Derrick Cyr, was the winner in the under-14 age category.
According to MacFarline, these winners will be eligible to compete in the competition for the Northern District of Maine championships to be held at Husson University in Bangor on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
First Couple’s Travels Continue in the South
On Sunday, September 8th, Denise and I had the pleasure of visiting the Wells Lodge. In the morning, we met Dick, Melinda, and Tom at the Lodge, exchanged pins, received a tour of the Lodge, and learned about its fascinating history. We were entertained with stories, examined photos, and thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the lodge’s past.
We were then taken to Hobbs seafood restaurant where Tom’s wife Carol joined us for a delicious lunch. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, I highly recommend trying their homemade potato chips. The seasoning reminded me a bit of Humpty Dumpty barbecue chips.
During lunch, Dick presented us with a check for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program and a gift for Denise and me. We then had to leave and make the long journey back to the county, but we had a fantastic time with wonderful company during our swing through the South. Our next scheduled visit will be to Ellsworth. Stay tuned for that report.
Calendar Winners for August
First Couple’s Golf Date in Sanford
Another fantastic visit to another fantastic Lodge is behind us. On Friday, September 6th, we arrived in Sanford and enjoyed a lively pub night at the Sanford Lodge. We feasted on delicious food, danced to great music, caught up with old friends, and made some new ones. The Lodge presented me with their renowned State Pin Plaque and everyone seemed to have a blast throughout the evening. Afterward we retired to Trish and Andy’s lakeside cottage for a peaceful evening.
On Saturday morning we gathered at the Sanford Country Club for the lodge’s 31st annual golf tournament to raise funds for MCCP. The tournament this year featured 164 golfers (or, more accurately 161 and myself, Denise and Mike P). The shotgun start sent us off at approximately 9 AM and we played 18 holes in a 4-person scramble format. Joining our foursome was Denise Labbe, completing our team of two Mikes and two Denises. I must admit that having two Mikes in one cart and two Denises in another could lead to some communication mix-ups. I’m convinced that the golfers in Sanford believe I’m a scratch golfer based on the way they scratch their heads every time I approach the ball. While I did manage some impressive drives for my standards, Denise L. always outdrove me. In fact, Denise L. won the longest drive contest for the day. The entire team was amazed by my almost-astounding putts as the ball frequently came tantalizingly close to the hole but just missed going in. In the end, despite a valiant effort from Denise H, Mike P, and myself, Denise L carried the team all day. We enjoyed hotdogs on hole 6, took advantage of unique stations at all the par 3 holes and overall had a fantastic time.
Saturday evening, we embarked on a boat tour of Bauneg Beg Lake, where several Sanford Elks reside. We spotted a replica of the famous green monster on the face of one camp, and upon reaching Corey and Joleen’s camp found the lake had a balanced American League representation, as Corey has a short right porch. We met up with other boats and had a thoroughly relaxing evening after a long day on the course. At sunset, Denise, Mike, and I gathered around a campfire at the cottage to cap off the evening.
Drug Awareness Program 2024-25 Introduction
State Association DAP letter for Lodge Chairmen to introduce your program to your local Schools.
20240828093919Presque 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
