Elks

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – For the second year in a row, a local organization has made celebrating Christmas a bit more festive for those who’d otherwise spend the holiday alone.
    The Presque Isle Elks Lodge 1954 organized its second annual Family Christmas Dinner, complete with all the fixings. The event took place at the Elks’ Main Street facility on Christmas Day, with dozens of area residents taking part.
“More than 130 people crowed into the lodge for the second annual Family Christmas Dinner,” said Exalted Ruler Bill Davis.
It took over 80 volunteers, including Elks and non-members alike who set aside their own Christmas with loved ones, to serve a traditional turkey and ham dinner and all the fixings to the dozens of guests from the community.
“Past Exalted Ruler Dana Dickinson and his wife, Past Exalted Ruler Mary Dickinson, as well as members of the lodge, spent several months gathering food, gifts, decorations and donations in preparation of this event,” said Davis.
The goal of this year’s dinner was to invite people in the community, who usually spend Christmas Day alone, to come and share it with the Elks and their families, said Davis.
Everyone was welcome to take part in the occasion. Those who didn’t have transportation were provided rides to the event through various methods, including by Caribou-based Luxury Limos’ limousine service. Those unable to take advantage of the limousine ride were transported by handicap-accessible vans donated by the CAARC.
Inside the lodge, Mrs. Claus and volunteers greeted guests, while Elks and volunteers donned Santa hats and/or T-shirts and other decorative holiday gear. Appetizers and beverages were served before the meal. Emcee Wendell Hudson led the sing-along of Christmas carols with the participants.
Entertainment included many musicians who provided musical enjoyment for all. The blessings were offered by Father Clement Thibodeau and Reverend Bob Grove-Markwood. Guests sang a round of “God Bless America,” then observed a moment of silence, presented by Rep. Jeremy Fischer, in honor of Cpl. Dustin J. Libby, of Castle Hill. Libby was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps; he was killed while serving in Iraq in December.
Guests were then served a feast of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, soup and salad, with a wide variety of desserts to end the meal.
“This is the best dinner I have had in years,” said one elderly lady from Presque Isle. “I knew this would be nice, but I never expected all this. It’s just wonderful.”
Once dinner was finished, Santa and Mrs. Claus handed out gifts to each attendee.
“It doesn’t matter your economic status, you’re all welcome here,” said Davis to his guests. “We’ve got a good crowd and everyone is having a great time – I can’t wait until next year.”
When all was said and done, according to Davis, there were many tears of joy and appreciation for the day.
“This is a wonderful thing you people have done. It’s better than being alone,” said a second guest, eyes filling with tears of joy.
“As we (the Elks) look forward to our third annual Family Christmas Dinner in 2007, we want to encourage participation. Don’t spend Christmas Day alone. Please spend it with our Elks family,” said Davis.