PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Presque Isle Elks Exalted Ruler Marion Donahue invites anyone in the area who would otherwise be alone on Christmas to join the Elks family at noon on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, for a traditional, sit-down Christmas dinner.
“Everything, including transportation, will be provided free of charge,” Donahue said.
The lodge continues a tradition begun in 2005 by Mary Dickinson, who served as exalted ruler for the year 2005-2006. With her husband, Dana Dickinson, Mary served as co-chair for the very first Elks Family Christmas Dinner that year. Dana Dickinson has continued to act as either the chairman or co-chair for every subsequent year.
The Dickinsons believed no one should celebrate Christmas Day alone in Presque Isle. This vision generated what has now become a tradition at the Lodge 1954, located at 508 Main St. — a tradition that has grown with every year.
“Preparations began weeks ago for the Presque Isle Elks to host over 200 people from this area, who are expected to attend the Elks Family Christmas Dinner this year at no charge,” Donahue said. The dinner will begin with hors d’oeuvres at 11 a.m. and the meal at 12 noon.
“Arrangements have been made for the Northeastland Hotel to make their tomato bisque soup on Christmas Eve, which the hotel annually donates. A request for Governor’s annual donation of dinner rolls and pies has been made and been generously granted again by Tony and Sherry Sullivan.Desserts and breads have been solicited from individual Elk members. Turkeys and hams are being prepared to go in the ovens the day before Christmas.”
She said crews for setup, cooking and serving are being assembled, as well as individuals to transport guests, hosts and hostesses, musicians, and a cleanup crew. “Personal invitations have been printed and delivered to single, elderly and economically disadvantaged residents. Well over a hundred man-hours have already been expended before even the first turkey is cooked for this Christmas dinner,” Donahue said.
“All the hours of preparation before the actual event on Christmas Day are donated by members of the Presque Isle Elks, Lodge 1954, in order to ensure, as Mary Dickinson dreamed, that no one would celebrate Christmas Day alone in this city, and that the Elks would be able to provide this event without any charge to any guest,” she added.
Live musical entertainment will feature the “Soggybottom Boyz,” comprised of Wendell Hudson, Leland Clark, James “Sheldon” Wright and other friends.
For the first year since the dinner’s beginning, Peter Parker, a perennial member of the “Soggybottom Boyz,” will not be playing in the band, as he passed away on April 10 of this year.
Dinner will start with salad and rolls, followed by tomato bisque soup. The main entree will consist of roasted turkey or country-baked ham with County-grown mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, squash and a vegetable medley. For dessert, there will be a wide variety of pies.
Donahue noted the Elks are anticipating the attendance of a special guest, provided he can finish his duties from the night before. Guests will be provided with parting gifts.
“To anyone who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day, I not only invite you to attend the Presque Isle Elks Family Christmas Dinner, I encourage you to do so,” said Donahue. “If transportation is needed, please call the Elks Lodge at 764-0985 before Christmas Day, if possible, in order to arrange for that transportation.”
