Author: Larry Bouchard

Grand Exalted Ruler T. Keith Mills and his wife Amy visited Vermont this week

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Grand Exalted Ruler T. Keith Mills and his wife Amy visited Vermont this week.  They were accompanied by PGER David Carr, his wife Penny, SDGER Robert Campo and his wife Michele.

A welcome reception and dinner at St. Johnsbury Lodge #1343, hosted by VEA State President Scott Phillips and his suite of officers, was held to welcome Keith and Amy to Vermont.  Elks from all 12 Vermont lodges were in attendance.  The following morning they traveled to Ripton, Vermont to visit Silver Towers Camp for Exceptional People, the Vermont Elks state major project.  Keith is the FIRST GER to visit Silver Towers.  Camp director, Carolyn Ravenna highlighted the new pool and dining hall on the tour.  A quick stop at Rutland Lodge #345 for lunch and the group was on to Bennington for a dinner held in their honor in the newly opened carriage house at Bennington Lodge #567.  
 
From L to R:  SDGER Robert Campo, PSP John Montgomery, DDGER North Kristin Calcagni, PGER David Carr, GER T. Keith Mills, DDGER South Henry Diemer and VEA State President Scott Phillips.
From L to R:  VEA State President Scott Phillips, Silver Towers Camp Director Carolyn Ravenna, BPOE First Lady Amy and GER T. Keith Mills
From L to R:  SDGER Robert Campo, Michele Campo, DDGER North Kristin Calcagni, Penny Carr, PGER David Carr, Amy Mills, GER T. Keith Mills, Silver Towers Camp Director Carolyn Ravenna and VEA State President Scott Phillips.
From L to R:  Silver Towers Camp Director Carolyn Ravenna, Silver Towers camper Michael Sabataso, Amy Mills and GER T. Keith Mills
 
News item submitted by DDGER North Kristin Calcagni

St. Johnsbury Lodge #1343 Loaner Program

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St. Johnsbury Lodge # 1343 operates a medical equipment loaner program. Equipment is loaned out to community members in need free of charge. Everything from hospital beds to walkers. Last month, $4800 in equipment was loaned out. We also give out adult briefs and other items. 
 
News items submitted by Kim Wood.
 
 
 

Barre Elks Lodge Fraternal News – Josh’s House

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Last week, members of Barre Lodge visited Josh’s House in Colchester’s Fort Ethan Allen to present a check for $2500 to Executive Director Val Pallotta.  The donation was made possible from an Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant. Only 350 grants were available this year and Barre was the only Lodge in Vermont that received a Freedom grant.  The grants must focus on servicing veterans and active-duty military members in areas of employment, homelessness and housing, military families, health and educational support.  
Josh’s House,  a brand new veteran Wellness and recreation center, focuses on all of the areas.  Newly opened in March 2021, Josh’s House provides meals, classes, recreational opportunities, gym equipment, computers and quiet space for veterans and active-duty military members to gather.  Josh’s House has a very active Facebook page with numerous upcoming events including open house meet and greats, ladies nights, and BBQs.  Executive Development Director Andrea Gagner organizes free massages, educational talks about bee keeping and other activities for veterans.  They are always looking for donations of meals or gift cards to provide and have set up a Meal Train account for this.  
“Josh’s House is a place that service members can come home. It’s a safe place for whatever you may need. From a quiet space to just relax or to enjoy friendly conversations or just to find your own inner calm. A place that allows veterans of all eras to be welcomed and to feel at home,” said veteran Jordan.   
Barre Elks Lodge members are proud to support Josh’s House financially and look forward to actively participating in events there in the future.  
 
 
 
 
L to R: Barre Lodge trustee Frank Hotaling, Exalted Ruler Todd Benoit, Josh’s House Executive Director Val Pallotta and ENF Grant chair Patty Ristau.
 
 
 
 

SPRINGFIELD ELKS 1560 FLAG DAY CEREMONY

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Springfield Elks Lodge 1560 held their annual Flag Day ceremony on Sunday, June 27th.  At the end of the ceremony dedicated to the History of the American Flag, three Eagle Scouts were presented with their Eagle Scout awards from the Elks. 
 
All three were from Troop 252 in Springfield and they had big plans for their future.  Graefin Anderson son of Scott Anderson and Tara Verheide are from Ludlow, Vt.  Graefin will be attending RPI in New York.  Austin Laplant is the son of Jason and Heidi Laplant from Springfield.  Austin plans on furthering his education by attending college for animal rescue.  Wesley Feickert began his scouting career in Japan in 2012.  He is is the son of Doug and Cathryn Feickert of Springfield.  He is considering attending Johnson State or Keene State College for communications.  
 
Caption: Shown L to r; Vt. Elks Vice President Jim Kirkwood, Exalted Ruler Carolee Murchie, Scoutmaster Mathew Burlew, Eagle Scout Austin Laplant with  mom and dad Jason and Heidi Laplant.
Caption:  Shown L to r;  Vt. Elks Vice President Jim Kirkwood, Exalted Ruler Carolee Murchie, Scoutmaster Mathew Burlew, Eagle Scout Graefin Anderson with mom Tara Verheide.
 
News item submitted by Mike Gunn.

Lodge 1560 Scholarship Announcements

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The Springfield Elks are proud to announce the following 2021 scholarship recipients who exemplify Academic Achievement, Leadership, and Community Service.

Elk’s National Foundation MVS – State of Vermont winners:

Erik Heitsmith                                Alexandra Hutchins                           Kyleigh Moses

 All three students attend Green Mountain Union High School in Ludlow VT

 

Springfield Lodge 1560 winners:

 

      Graeffn Anderson                                Anna Ondre                         Gwen Roundy

VT Academy, Bellows Falls             Springfield High School        Springfield High School

 

Congratulations to them and all of our surrounding high school graduating seniors.

News item submitted by Jackie Driscoll-Page.