NEWS
News from the Maine Elks AssociationSoccer 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.