Author: Larry Bouchard

Barre Elks Lodge – Member and Volunteer Recognition Night

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Barre Elks Lodge recently held it’s Member and Volunteer Recognition Night. Over 80 member and guests were in attendance.  Exalted Ruler Stacy Holden hosted the event with the assistance of Secretary Betty Cutler.
Each year, our Lodge recognizes and pins our members whom have reached certain years of membership in our Order.  This year, our Lodge honored forty five year members Maurice Fortier, Bruce Judd and Joseph Portalupi. Richard Bullard and George Gale were recognized for forty years of membership, while Merile Guillette and Romeo Pelletier were recognized for thirty five years of membership.  Kenneth Goulette, Clark Hastings, Reginald Jalbert, Steven Rubalcaba and Richard Parnigoni Jr and Robert Codling were recognized for thirty years of membership and Tim Ryan was recognized for twenty five years of membership.  Twenty year members honored were Leo Fortier and Susan Wilmott.  Fifteen year members recognized were Danny Fecteau, George Gerrish and Paul Wadkins.  Five year members honored were Lisa Avery, Cody Carlson, Diana Flood, Brent Gagne, Lisa Lamdin, Pauline McPeters, Jon Murchison, Lambert Saldi, Shannon Sweet and Keith Whittemore.  Many other members reached levels of membership and were honored in addition to those present at our Membership Recognition night.

In addition to honoring our members, Exalted Ruler Stacy Holden presented three awards; Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award, Elk of the Year Award and Officer of the Year Award.

The Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award was presented to Karen Bingham.  This award is presented for “outstanding and meritorious service to humanity”. This award is given to someone who has shown leadership in the community; has contributed voluntary service and is recognized as being an all-around good citizen.

The Elk of the Year Award was presented to Todd Benoit.  This
award is given as an expression of the gratitude and appreciation of the members of the Lodge and of the Grand Lodge for the loyal and meritorious services. This award is given to a member who has performed outstanding service to Elkdom, particularly at the local Lodge level.

The Officer of the Year Award was presented to Maureen Lawson.  The
Officer of the Year Award is given for dedication and meritorious service to the Lodge, who by unselfish commitment and cheerful enthusiasm furthered Elkdom’s programs while fulfilling the responsibilities as an Officer of the Lodge in an exemplary manner.

Barre Lodge is extremely appreciative of it’s members and volunteers
whom continually demonstrate that “Elks Care, Elks Share”.

Photos taken by Kristin Calcagni:

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Citizen of year:  ER Stacy Holden with Karen Bingham
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Elk of year:  ER Stacy Holden with Todd Benoit
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Officer of year:  ER Stacy Holden Lecturing Knight Maureen Lawson

inaugural Hoop Shoot Alumni Advisory Board, a.k.a. the BackBoard

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News from Elks.org Hoop Shoot Page:

Meet the Board!

We are thrilled to introduce the inaugural Hoop Shoot Alumni Advisory Board, a.k.a. the BackBoard. These four past National Finalists will join us in Chicago for the 2016 Hoop Shoot National Finals. They will serve as volunteers, leaders, and role models to this year’s 72 National Finalists! Get to know these outstanding Hoop Shoot alumni below.

Check out the story at this link:   inaugural Hoop Shoot Alumni Advisory Board, a.k.a. the BackBoard

Vermont Elks State Hoop Shoot Results for 2016

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The Vermont State Elks hoop shoot was held Jan. 30 th at Spaulding high school.  Six winners will be going to South Portland Maine March 18 , 19, and 20 for the Regional contest.

 

Congratulations to all and good luck at the Regional Shoot.

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l to r: Steve Edgerley State Hoop Shoot Chair,  Molly Gagne. 8-9 from St. Albans lodge # 1566, Alexander Gordon 8-9 from Burlington Lodge # 916, Gregory Fitzgerald 12-13 from Brattleboro lodge #1499 and Joshua Kocis from Newport Lodge #2155  Fred Dusablon, Vermont State President. Missing from picture Rylie Jenness, 10-11 from Newport Lodge #2155 and Cecily McCormach 12-13 from Rutland Lodge #345.

SPRINGFIELD ELKS HOST SOUTHERN DISTRICT HOOP SHOOT

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  Springfield Elks Lodge hosted the Southern Vt. Elks hoop shoot on Saturday January 9th, at Springfield High School gym.
     The Southern Elks district is composed of competitors from Bennington, Brattleboro, Rutland and Springfield Elks Lodges.       In the 8 & 9 year group for girls, first place winner was Cynthia Velazquez of Brattleboro with Hannah Zierfus of Springfield in second place.  For 8 & 9 year old boys, Ethan Whalen of Rutland finished first making 25 of 25 free throws.  Carter Thompson finished 2nd with 20 of 25 shots.  In the 10 & 11 age group Natalie Norcia finished first and Rylie Niles of Bennington finished second.  For boys, Owen Traynor of Rutland finished first and Aaron Whitman finished 2nd.  In the 12 & 13 age group Cecily McCormack of Rutland finished first and Keely Greene of Bennington finished 2nd.  For boys, Gregory Fitzgerald making 22 of 25 shot was a first place winner and Noah Depoy of Rutland was in 2nd place.
      First and second place winners were presented with trophy’s.   First place winners will move on to Barre, Vt., for the state competition on January 30th.  The ultimate goal is to win in Barre, then onto the New England Districts in Portland, Maine and the Elks National competition in Chicago, Illinois.
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Shown are winners in the recent Southern Vt., Elks Hoop Shoot competition.  Frt l to r; Hannah Zierfus, Natalie Norcia, Cynthia Velaques, Carter Thompson and Ethan Whalen.  2nd row; Keely Greene, Rylie Niles, Cecily McCormack, Gregory Fitzgerald, Noah Depoy, Owen Traynor and Aaron Whitman.   Back; Springfield Exalted Ruler Vicki Siliski, Andy Wisinewski Elks State Youth Chairman,  Vt. Elks Distict Deputy South Frank Lopez and Elks District hoop shoot chairman Victor Baskevich.

Vermont Elks North District Hoop Shoot held at North Country Union HS in Newport, Vt.

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Saturday January 2nd the Vermont Elks North District hoop shoot was held at NCUHS. The winners of this contest will compete against winners from the Central and Southern Districts on January 30th at Spaulding High School.

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First row:    8-9.  Boys   Kohl Dennis, Newport, 2nd place  Cassidy Kittredge, St. Johnsbury 1st place girls, Molly Gagne, St. Albans, 2nd place girls and Alexander Gordon, Burlington, 1st place boys.

Second row:  10-11 Jacobi Lafferty, Burlington, 2nd place, Joshua Kocis, Newport 1st place , Alexandra Brouillette, St. Albans 2nd place and Rylie Jenness, Newport 1st place.
Back row:  Eric Barrup, Exalted Ruler Newport Elks,  12-13  Josiah Kocis, Newport 1st place, Caitlyn Dasaro, St. Albans 1st place, Robin Nelson, Newport, 2nd place and Leo Willey, North District Chair.
Missing from photo is:  James Sanborn St. Johnsbury, 2nd place 12-13 boys.

Photo provided by Steve Edgerley, Vermont State Hoop Shoot Chairman

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On Sunday December 20th the Windsor Elks Lodge #1665 Windsor Vermont sponsored a local hoop shoot contest. The contest was open to girls and boys ages 8 to 13, They competed in groups of girls 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. The boys were grouped similarly 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. Below is a picture of the winners and the event chairpersons. Starting at the rear left to right. Kabray Rockwood, Jamie Ockington and Gary Hurlburt, chairpersons. Next row girls age 12-13 left to right 1st place Reese Perry, 2nd place Adi Prior, and 3rd place Meagan Holling. Boys 12-13 1st place Caleb Buchanan, 2nd place Noah Buchanan and 3rd place Cooper Bevis. Next row left to right girl 10-11 1st place Sydney Perry. Boys 10-11 1st place Jack McGrath, 2nd place Alex McGrath and 3rd place Liam Attwood. Next row girls 8-9 left to right 1st place Sophia Rockwood, 2nd place Miah Mcallister, and 3rd place Kamryn Jillson. boys 8-9 1st place Lee Bevis and 2nd place Tanner Moody (not shown). Second picture is elk member Marge Gallant holding a tee shirt that each participant received. There were 10 elks and one non-elk that helped put this event on.
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Norman Marshall PER
Public Relations Chairman
Windsor Lodge Of Elks #1665
Windsor Vermont, 05089

Spreading a little christmas spirit with fruit baskets

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On Saturday December 19th the Windsor Elks Lodge #1665 delivered 136 fruit baskets to people in the area that we felt needed some Christmas company and friendship.

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Some of the elk members preparing the baskets for delivery. They are left to right Marge Gallant, Harley Bettis, Patrick Bettis (non elk grandson of Harley and Joanne Bettis), Jean Crosby, Gary (Herbie) Hurlburt, Joanne Bettis and Cheryl Beaulieu.

 

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Left to right Marge Gallant, Gary Hurlburt, Wendel Kibling (in wheel chair) and Nellie Reed. Two of the 136 that received baskets

WINDSOR ELKS LODGE #1665 HOLDS CHRISTMAS PARTY

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On Dec 13th the Windsor Elks Lodge #1665 put on a Christmas party for 36 children with 47 adults attending as well. The event started out with breakfast being served which included scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links and patties, home fries, pancakes, fruit, and a variety of fruit juices. Coffee was also served for the adults. Next Santa arrived and greeted the children and handed out gifts. Santa was done by our ER Gary (Herbie) Hurlburt who did an excellent job again this year.

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Santa entertaining the kids.

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Santa getting some ideas for gifts.

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Elk member Sherry Boudro reading Christmas stories to the children gathered around her.

 

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Santa with youngest child attending.

Eagle Scout Louis (Will) Hallstrom receives Certificate of Merit

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A Certificate of Merit was presented to Eagle Scout Louis (Will) Hallstrom of Boy Scout Troop No. 759 by Barre Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Stacy Holden.  Will obtained his Eagle Scout rank by working diligently to replace the WWII memorial in Northfield Falls with a new 4 x 10 foot granite monument.
Will received the certificate for his achievement in attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Will’s dedication to the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law have demonstrated what Scouting stands for;  building character, developing a sound mind, volunteerism, and always being prepared to assist in times of need.
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From L to R:  District Deputy Grand Exalted Rule North Chip Paine, Lisa Hallstrom (Will’s Mom), Will Hallstrom, Barre Lodge Exalted Ruler Stacy Holden.