NEWS
News from the Maine Elks AssociationDAP 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
The Ongoing Travels of President Mike and Denise
What a wonderful weekend! Denise and I arrived in Portland on Friday evening to a beautiful room filled with gifts from the Portland Lodge. We met Joe, the ER, who welcomed us and later took us to the Lodge for a delicious meal, enjoyable rounds of three-card draw, and great music. We had the pleasure of meeting several friendly members of the Portland Lodge, including one who generously gave us pull-tab tickets. To our surprise, we won $10, which, as infrequent gamblers, we decided to donate to MCCP. We also distributed many pins and had the opportunity to meet visiting Elks from Massachusetts. It was wonderful catching up with Marybeth and Joe, Al and Stephanie, and enjoying a fantastic evening overall.
The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the three-masted schooner cruise around Portland Harbor on Saturday. Although the morning started somewhat threatening, the sun emerged as soon as we left the pier, creating perfect touring conditions with low humidity, a cool breeze, and calm waters. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough wind to fill our sails, so we relied on the engine, but the experience was still delightful. The Millinocket Elks provided onboard music, and we entertained ourselves and passing vessels alike. Marybeth even gave a ship’s bell salute to a wedding party, and we serenaded Casco Bay with “Sweet Caroline.” While we had a blast, it was clear that only the ship was truly “three sheets to the wind.” The crew was fantastic, and I highly recommend sailing with the Portland Schooner Company.
Later that evening, we enjoyed a delicious smorgasbord at the Lodge and connected with even more MEA members. I had a great time signing membership cards to raise funds for MCCP, and I was thrilled when the Portland Elks presented me with a $200 check for MCCP. The music was wonderful, and there were plenty of photo opportunities. It was a perfect weekend – fast-paced enough to be productive but slow enough to relax and enjoy. Thank you, Joe, Marybeth, and Martha. I look forward to sharing the amazing photos at the next state meeting.
On Sunday, we held our successful State Meeting, the primary purpose of our trip to Portland. I’m incredibly proud of my committee chairs for their hard work in creating clear and concise reports. We efficiently covered important information, distributed DD materials and new calendars, shared website updates, announced upcoming events, and provided other essential details. Please stay informed by regularly checking the website, and if you brought home any information, be sure to share it with others. Our next visit is the Waterville Elks Convention Homecoming Celebration next Friday.
Mike Hannigan, MEA President 2024-25
President attends Murder Mystery in Gardiner
“CAFE MURDER” Murder-Mystery Dinner
Gardiner Elks Lodge, in conjunction with Gaslight Theater of Hallowell, ME presents “CAFE MURDER” by Nathan Hartswick
Dinner begins at 6 PM, with the play to follow
Tickets are available by calling the Gardiner Elks Lodge @ 207-582-6520
Event with dinner is $30 apiece and must be purchased in advance
The Dinner Menu for that evening is Chicken Pot Pie, Cranberry Sauce, Salad, Rolls, assorted desserts & coffee. Other beverages will be available for purchase.
There’s no particular theme planned besides “dress as if you were going to a fancy restaraunt.” What that means is up to your discretion!
Proceeds from this event will benefit MCCP and the American Heart Associaiton
September 28, 2024, start Time 6:00 pm, ends 9:30 pm
Gardiner Elks Lodge, 148 Cobbossee Avenue Gardiner, Maine 04345
Contact Tammy Pierce (207 441-4645, bpoe1293@gmail.com) for more information.