BANGOR, Maine — At the Maine Elks Association convention held on May 1-3 in Bangor, the Presque Isle Elks Lodge received the top award in every category in which it was eligible except for one.
The lodge received an award for the highest per capita contributions to the Elks National Foundation for a lodge with its membership size.
Similarly, in its size category, the Presque Isle Elks were recognized as being tops in community service and image, lodge bulletins and Drug Awareness Program, as well as having achieved the highest performance in the overall programs for an Elks lodge.
The Presque Isle Elks also received the Roaming Elk Award for their efforts in visiting other Elks lodges in the Northern District.
The leaders of the Presque Isle Elks Lodge were also recognized for their efforts.
Lottie Ireland, chair of the National Services Committee, was honored as Veteran Volunteer of the Year for the State of Maine for 2014-15.
Michael LaFrance, chairman of the Presque Isle Lodge’s Drug Awareness Program, was cited as the Best Lodge Drug Awareness Program Director in the state for the past year.
Alan Harding, exalted ruler or lodge president, was recognized as the Top Exalted Ruler in the Northern District of Maine.
In addition, Maine Elks Association President Thomas Callahan awarded Harding the most prestigious award given in any year — the Ronald “Duke” Morgan Award, given to the Maine Elk of the Year in recognition of Harding’s support of the lodges, members and the entire State Elks organization.
In all, the Presque Isle Elks Lodge received the top award in 10 out of 11 possible categories.
“For years the Presque Isle Elks have been known locally for the good works performed within our community, including the ‘Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs’ Youth Fishing Derby, the July 4th Community Celebration, the Balloonfest Street Fair and the Elks Family Christmas Dinner,” Harding said. “More recently, area residents have come to appreciate the role that Presque Isle Elks play in supporting our veterans of military service and area youth. More and more local citizens understand the support of our youth by the Presque Isle Elks Lodge in its award of scholarships, its Hoop Shoot and Soccer Shoot competitions and its Drug Awareness program.
“Area residents know that the Presque Isle Elks repeatedly stand ready to help the families of seriously ill children. It was extremely gratifying for all members of Presque Isle Elks Lodge 1954 to see that our efforts are now recognized and appreciated at the state level,” he added.
Speaking of his own honor as top exalted ruler for northern Maine and Elk of the Year for the state of Maine, Harding said, “These honors are simply a reflection of the day-in and day-out support I have received from Presque Isle Elk members and their families in doing the hard work necessary to implement our programs, which are so beneficial to this community. One person cannot accomplish any of these projects. Together, however, the Presque Isle Elks accomplish more than any other lodge in the state for the benefit of our own community.”
