NEWS

News from the Maine Elks Association

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.

Presque 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.”

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