PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — “People yearn for the joy of fellowship at Christmas and not simply a food basket.”
Those are the words of Alan Harding, exalted ruler of Presque Isle Lodge 1954, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in explaining the reason that the Elks will be hosting for the 10th consecutive year, a sit-down, five-course Christmas dinner at noon on Christmas Day, Dec. 25 at the Elks Lodge located at 508 Main Street in Presque Isle, for anyone who would otherwise be alone at Christmas.
“Ten years ago, as the Exalted Ruler of Presque Isle Lodge 1954, Mary Dickinson took on a new, charitable project for the Elks,” Harding explained, “a project which was larger and more involved than any other charitable endeavor that her lodge had recently undertaken.”
Confident in the generosity of her Elk brothers and sisters, Dickinson planned a Christmas Day dinner at the Elks Lodge for anyone who would be spending the day by themselves. She appointed herself and her husband, Dana, as co-chairs of the event. Together, they planned a five-course meal with appetizers, soup, salad, choice of two entrees, a variety of side dishes and a huge array of holiday desserts.
Enlisting the assistance of Harding, they gave personal, written invitations to persons known to be alone at Christmas, arranged for limousine service for persons needing transportation, and musical entertainment for the guests from the time of their arrival until the benediction.
“Exalted Ruler Dickinson was truly Mrs. Santa Claus, even before she put on a costume,” Harding said.
As a result of the vision and leadership of Dickinson, the Presque Isle Elks will be hosting a dinner again this year. No one needs to spend the day alone, because the local Elks are ready to pick them up by limousine if they need transportation to the lodge.
Upon arrival, guests will be entertained by a variety of local, talented musicians. All guests will be served a sit-down, five-course meal, beginning with a variety of appetizers, before being served a cup of the Northeastland Hotel’s famous tomato bisque soup.
A choice of salads will precede either a baked country ham or oven-roasted turkey dinner with a variety of side dishes, including county-grown mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and peas in a butter sauce, apple or cranberry sauce, and a variety of breads, including the unsurpassed dinner rolls from Governor’s. Dessert will also be a wide assortment, including Governor’s pies.
Persons wishing to attend the dinner are asked to call the Elks Lodge at 764-0985 and to advise the lodge if transportation is needed. Transportation of wheelchair-bound individuals is available.
According to Harding, the event has grown in attendance every year.
“While [Dickinson] may be unable to attend this year, this wonderful community event would not have occurred without her leadership, vision, and charitable spirit, which evidences the true spirit of Christmas,” Harding concluded.
For further information, contact Harding at 764-0131.
