NEWS
News from the Maine Elks AssociationPresque Isle Elks to host 19th ELKS FAMILY CHRISTMAS DINNER
On Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, the Presque Isle Elks, Lodge #1954, will again host the Elks Family Christmas Dinner at the Elks Lodge located at 508 Main Street in Presque Isle. Exalted Ruler Tina Dougherty said, “It is my privilege to invite everyone
in this area, who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day, to join the Elks family for a five-course Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day, all free of charge.”
The dinner being served will be a sit-down meal, featuring roast turkey or country- baked ham, County mashed potatoes, stuffing, and a medley of vegetables. A multitude of desserts, including a variety of berry and cream pies, will be presented from which the
diners may choose.
The late Mary Dickinson, together with the current event chair, Dana Dickinson, originated the Elks Family Christmas Dinner in 2005. In every year thereafter, except 2020, Dana has assembled a large group of enthusiastic volunteers to cook and serve a
sit-down Christmas Dinner to 200 or more guests.
James “Sheldon” Wright, Leland Clark, Agis Clark, Wendell Hudson, Dale Hudson, Yvette Stephens and Eric Norton, with periodic additional help, have provided musical entertainment for the Christmas dinner. They will again this year. .
Transportation will be provided for anyone who is unable to travel to the Presque Isle Elks Lodge on their own. That transportation can be arranged by calling 764-0985.
Exalted Ruler Tina said, “No one in this area should be alone on Christmas Day. The Presque Isle Elks Family Christmas Dinner provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holiday joyously with festive music and a wonderful abundance of friendly,
caring people.”
Visit to a Lodge Hoop Shoot
On Sunday, December 8th, Denise and I drove up to Pittsfield from Bath to join them for their hoop shoot competition. The trip coincided with a rather healthy snowstorm, but we made it to the Maine Central Institute without any trouble.
At the Sebasticook Valley Elks hoop shoot, despite the inclement weather, there was a strong turnout of young shooters. I had the opportunity to assist as a judge, calling whether the shots were successful. In the end, Sebasticook will be sending six talented shooters to the district shoot in Bangor.
It was a pleasure to visit with Mike, Jeremy, and the other officers present at the hoop shoot. Our next travels will take us to the state meeting in Old Town, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone at this important gathering.
Portland Lodge Supports Local Non-Profit Efforts
(Shown L-R): Margaret Poulin, chair, 188 Basket Raffle, Silvan Shawe, Cultivating Community; Melissa Skahan, McAuley Residence; Angela Stone, Maine Needs; and Kim Toppi, 188 Activity Chair/Trustee.
As a result of the recent Basket Raffle extravaganza, the lodge raised $6,120 for work in our neighborhood, and in the members’ lounge on Friday, December 13, Portland #188 presented donations to three local nonprofits. Present were Melissa Skahan, VP of Northern Light Mercy Hospital/ McAuley Residence and Silvan Shawe, Executive Director of Cultivating Community. Each were presented a check for $2,000. The remaining money is being used to purchase new dinner plates for the banquet side of the lounge.
Additionally, the lodge recently held a warming tree clothing drive for Maine Needs, and during the December 13th presentation Angela Stone, Executive Director and founder of Maine Needs, accepted 529 items of clothing, boots, gift cards, hats, mittens, coats, and other essential items to help our neighbors in need.