NEWS
News from the Maine Elks AssociationAugusta Elks Support Veterans at Summer Sports Camp
Pictured above: Veterans No Boundaries Staff Members, Nate Podgajny (left) and Alissa Towle (right) along with Augusta Elks Veterans Committee Volunteers, Jeff Carpenter and his two sons, Ben and Sam (front), Ken and Jean Gotreau, LeeAnn Trask and Cheryl Hersom.
By Lorana Laliberte
On August 24th, members of the Augusta Elks Veterans Committee volunteered at the Veterans No Boundaries/Adaptive Summer Sports Camp at Wavus Camp in Jefferson, Maine. Since 2007, these camps have provided summer and winter programs thanks to the generous support of Move United, Patriot Riders, veterans’ groups, local businesses, and community members dedicated to helping service men and women. All activities, lodging, accommodations, and meals are offered free of charge during these four-day events.
The camp goals include:
- – Providing a supportive environment
- – Boosting confidence and strength
- – Encouraging socialization among service members and their loved ones
- – Offering opportunities to try new sports or revisit old favorites
- – Allowing time to relax, reconnect, and have fun
The day began with a Flag Ceremony, followed by an Ice Breaker Game that helped Augusta Elks members and veterans connect and form relationships.
Participants enjoyed various activities throughout the day. Jeff Carpenter and his sons, Ben and Sam, had a great time at the Pickleball Court, while committee members Jean, Ken, Cheryl, and LeeAnn worked to tidy up the Lodge, rearranging chairs and cleaning tables to create a welcoming space. Cheryl and LeeAnn also assisted with a morning Art Project, preparing colored glass pieces for a tree project.
At lunchtime, Ben and Sam took on the responsibility of ringing the bell to signal mealtime. After lunch, the Augusta Elks presented essential adaptive equipment purchased with Freedom Grant funds to the Veterans No Boundaries staff. This included two sets of Pickleball rackets, two sets of kayak outriggers for veterans with balance issues, and a set of ski outriggers for the upcoming Winter Sports Camp.
With remaining grant and committee funds, the Elks hosted an Ice Cream Social for the veterans, who were visibly delighted by the sweet treat.
Following the social, some volunteers participated in the High Swing Activity, while others engaged in craft projects alongside the veterans. These interactions fostered joy and created memorable experiences for all involved.
Bob Kroll, a staff member of Veterans No Boundaries, shared a story about a veteran who, initially reluctant, was encouraged to kayak with the help of the outriggers made possible by the Elks’ generosity.
Using the Freedom Grant for this impactful equipment proved to be a meaningful commitment, resonating with both veterans and volunteers.
The Augusta Elks Veterans Committee’s efforts highlight the importance of giving back to those who have sacrificed for our country. Their day at Wavus Camp exemplifies the strength of community, compassion, and the shared pursuit of joy and healing.
Another busy weekend for the President and First Lady
This weekend, Denise and I attended the New England Regional Hoop Shoot contest in Portland, Maine. It was a spectacular event. We drove out of a blizzard in the county and into a sunny but blustery day in Portland on Friday. On Friday, we attended a banquet with other Maine Elks who were instrumental in our Hoop Shoot.
On Saturday, we attended the “Breakfast of Champions” at the Portland Lodge. I must say, they really outdid themselves. Following breakfast, we were bused with the kids and families to South Portland, where the shooting venue was located. I will leave the announcement of winners to the Hoop Shoot committee, but I am pleased to report that Maine will have two representative shooters at the national competition in Chicago in April. The awards banquet on Saturday evening featured an excellent meal, and seeing the kids excited about the day was quite refreshing.
Sunday morning, we packed up and drove over to the Bath Lodge to participate in the 11th Hour Toast contest as well as the 
Flag Charge contest. I am happy to report that we have again increased participation in these contests this year, although we are still short of all 20 Lodges participating. I was extremely pleased that we had a competitor in the open division. Hopefully, next year these contests will grow even more. Again, I will leave reporting the winners to the committee, but I would add that I improved my score for the Flag Presentation contest.
Next week is my final Lodge visit, and it will be to Rockland. Keep checking this site for a detailed report
MEA Calendar Winners for February ’25
| February | Ticket # | Amount | Name | Lodge | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | $50.00 | Ken Stinson | 2743 | ||
| 2 | 699 | $50.00 | Jeff & Sheri Arsenault | 1521 | ||
| 3 | 50 | $25.00 | William Robinson | 2743 | ||
| 4 | 713 | $25.00 | Susan Williams | 1521 | ||
| 5 | 1186 | $25.00 | Dick Vigue | 905 | ||
| 6 | 1459 | $25.00 | Cathy Boscoe | 244 | ||
| 7 | 1175 | $25.00 | Donald Dorr | 905 | ||
| 8 | 1252 | $50.00 | Joel Bogan | 2788 | ||
| 9 | 189 | $50.00 | Max Worster | 244 | ||
| 10 | 1523 | $25.00 | Brittany Hart | 2743 | ||
| 11 | 867 | $25.00 | JoAnn Sparks | 188 | ||
| 12 | 880 | $25.00 | Gary Murphy | 188 | ||
| 13 | 648 | $25.00 | Ray Ivey | 835 | ||
| 14 | 1455 | $25.00 | Jerry Woodman | 244 | ||
| 15 | 1119 | $50.00 | Angel Mott | 2531 | ||
| 16 | 721 | $50.00 | Gerri Bosse | 1287 | ||
| 17 | 1634 | $100.00 | Flo lloyd | 244 | ||
| 18 | 1574 | $25.00 | Claire Morrison | 1470 | ||
| 19 | 1261 | $25.00 | Peter Farrell | 2743 | ||
| 20 | 114 | $25.00 | Emily Lathrop | 964 | ||
| 21 | 511 | $25.00 | Donna McLaughlin | 2430 | ||
| 22 | 216 | $50.00 | Linda Mahan | 244 | ||
| 23 | 117 | $50.00 | Tim Rodrigue | 964 | ||
| 24 | 322 | $25.00 | Judy Deion | 934 | ||
| 25 | 1180 | $25.00 | Danny Adams | 905 | ||
| 26 | 254 | $25.00 | Linda Ward | 244 | ||
| 27 | 9 | $25.00 | Robert Hubbert Sr. | 2743 | ||
| 28 | 590 | $25.00 | Ian Marson | 1293 | ||
| 0 |
Maine Elks Website Receives 5-Stars for Second Year in a Row
As reported in the Elks Grand Lodge Newsletter, the Grand Lodge Fraternal Committee has announced the winners of the State Website Contest. Maine was one of eleven states receiving 5-Star recognition: the highest recognition level in the contest. Six other state associations received 4-Star recognition in the contest.
The Website was evaluated on a periodic basis for content that covered the Grand Lodge and State Association programs as well as keeping the content current and up to date. It was also evaluated for its layout, menu system, table of contents, accessibility, and ease of use, the use of graphics and effectiveness in telling the Elks story.
Keeping the website updated and maintained takes a dedicated group of members to make it happen. Special thanks go to State Internet Administrator and Public Relations Director Leon “Mac” McCreary for helping to keep the website maintained behind the scenes with security and module updates as well as updating the many stories that have appeared over the past year. Also, thanks go to Special Representative Scott Monroe for keeping the Calendar up to date. This is not an easy job as there are many events that are submitted each year by Elk Lodges. Also thank you to our other contributor and editor Kathleen Cotterly for her contributions to the website. In addition, a thank you goes out to David Chasse who serves as our technical guru to help us to correct issues that may affect the website. Finally, thank you to State President Michael Hannigan for supplying us with updates on his visits and messages to the membership, and to all who used the website this past year and contributed news and events. Without your participation, it would not have been possible to have a 5-Star rating on the website.
Wayne Cotterly
PSP Advisor/Internet Administrator
Public Relations Committee
MEA Calendar Winners for January ’25
| January | Ticket # | Amount | Name | Lodge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 994 | $100.00 | Shawn Leger | Sanford | |
| 2 | 236 | $25.00 | Brian Westman | Bangor | |
| 3 | 520 | $25.00 | Dennis McCabe | Farmington | |
| 4 | 873 | $50.00 | Greg Ives | Portland | |
| 5 | 717 | $50.00 | Shawn Reardon | Millinocket | |
| 6 | 643 | $25.00 | Mary Lowe | Houlton | |
| 7 | 231 | $25.00 | Jan Winkler | Bangor | |
| 8 | 776 | $25.00 | Lisa Gallant | Old Town | |
| 9 | 1449 | $25.00 | Paul Dubay | Bangor | |
| 10 | 514 | $25.00 | April Blouin | Farmington | |
| 11 | 393 | $50.00 | Gerry Inkel | Biddeford-Saco | |
| 12 | 805 | $50.00 | Ruby LaFrance | Presque Isle | |
| 13 | 1576 | $25.00 | Richard Young | Sanford | |
| 14 | 122 | $25.00 | Stacy Coffin | Augusta | |
| 15 | 860 | $25.00 | Paul Poore | Portland | |
| 16 | 182 | $25.00 | James Stubbs | Bangor | |
| 17 | 701 | $25.00 | Tim Whellden | Millinocket | |
| 18 | 609 | $50.00 | Matt Gagne | Gardiner | |
| 19 | 111 | $50.00 | Theresa Barroun | Augusta | |
| 20 | 507 | $100.00 | Sandra Wyman | Farmington | |
| 21 | 823 | $25.00 | Martin Binette | Portland | |
| 22 | 238 | $25.00 | Nina Dalton | Bangor | |
| 23 | 1448 | $25.00 | Chris A. Nile | Bangor | |
| 24 | 572 | $25.00 | Danny Gray | Gardiner | |
| 25 | 383 | $50.00 | Paula Gilbert | Biddeford-Saco | |
| 26 | 1136 | $50.00 | Betty Pellitier | Waterville | |
| 27 | 151 | $25.00 | Michelle Bates | Bangor | |
| 28 | 75 | $25.00 | Lewis Gordon | Ellsworth | |
| 29 | 323 | $25.00 | Jay T. Merry | Bath | |
| 30 | 1268 | $25.00 | Susan Piper | Ellsworth | |
| 31 | 1189 | $25.00 | Lee Poulin | Waterville | |