Local Elks lodges honored at state convention

    CARRABASSETT VALLEY—The Maine Elks Association (MEA) held its 81st annual State Convention at Sugarloaf USA April 30-May 2, 2010. The convention was attended by more than 300 members and guests, who honored Lodges and individual members at their awards banquets. Opening the convention this year was State President Michael Powers of the Houlton Elks Lodge #835, who thanked all of the members for their hard work and dedication throughout the past year.
    First, the Elks National Foundation (ENF) Committee presented its awards for work in support of the charitable arm of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. The awards were presented by Director Albert Ingraham of the Wells Lodge. The most Improved Lodge went to the Millinocket Elks Lodge and Most Consistent went to the Houlton Elks Lodge. The Walter Morrison “Give Me A Dollar” Award for the highest amount of money donated to the Elks National Foundation went to the Waterville Elks Lodge. The ENF Chairman of the Year award was presented to David Vandine of the Millinocket Elks Lodge.
    Youth Activity Awards for best Youth Program in each district went to the Presque Isle Elks Lodge, Lewiston Elks Lodge, and the Sanford Elks Lodge. These awards were presented by Youth Activities Director Alfred Widdecombe of the Rockland Elks Lodge.
    The Ritual Coach of the Year Award was presented by State Ritualistic Director Bruce Brunelle of Sanford to James Lincoln of the Houlton Elks Lodge #835 for his commitment and dedication toward promoting excellence in the Elks ritual.
    Awards were also presented to recognize work performed during the past year for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP), one of the State Association’s two major projects. These awards were presented by MCCP Committee Director Donald Richard of the Rumford Elks Lodge. The most consistent contributor award was presented to the Portland Elks Lodge #188, the Outstanding Contributor Award for the highest amount of money raised during the past year went to the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470 The MCCP committee for this Lodge had raised over $96,000 Dollars for the program, and consistently raises in excess of $85,000 each year. In addition, service awards were presented to the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge, Sebasticook Valley Elks Lodge, and the Biddeford-Saco Elks Lodge for their fundraising efforts in the private sector. Awards were also presented to the Houlton, York, and Augusta Elks Lodge for their support of the “Elliott and Friends” Fundraising program.
    The Maine Elks Association is a non-profit organization consisting of 22 Lodges and nearly 12,000 members in the State of Maine. The association provides programs in areas such as Americanism, Scholarships, Drug Awareness, and Veterans/National Service. For more information on the Elks, visit maineelks.org, or visit your local Elks Lodge.