DDGER - Kristin Calcagni
News
Bennington Lodge of Elks #567 supports the Vermont Veteran’s Home
A check in the amount of $1,250 is presented to Melissa Jackson, CEO of the Vermont Veteran’s Home by Bennington Lodge of Elks Exalted Ruler Fred Gilbar. The Bennington Elks received a Gratitude Grant from the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Grand Lodge to support the Member’s Assistance Fund at The Vermont Veteran’s Home. This Fund supports specific needs (furniture, haircuts, clothing and other personal items) of the Home’s residents.
Pictured left to right, Lori Pinsonneault (Bennington Elks Lodge Officer), Melissa Jackson and Fred Gilbar. The Gratitude Grant is supported by the Grand Lodge’s Community Investment Program.
News item submitted by Kristin Calcagni.
St. Albans Elks Lodge 1566 Welcomes New Members
Welcome to our new members initiated on 2/1/2022
Back Row L–R Kirk Counter, Jeffrey Zimmerman, Jane Landry, Christine Gregoire, Brandy Kittell, Amber Lawyer
Front Row L-R Michelle Varney & Tonia Elliott
News item submitted by Larry Bouchard
St. Albans Elks Lodge 1566, American Legion Post 1 and VFW Post 758 help 101 year old Veteran celebrate his Birthday
Walter Jarvis, a World War ll Veteran, celebrated his 101st birthday at the St. Albans Nursing Home with a special meal sponsored by the Elks Lodge #1566, the VFW Post 758 and the American Legion Post 1, all of St. Albans. Per Walter’s request, the meal included a Shrimp Cocktail, real homemade French fries, a beef tenderloin steak medium rare, chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream. The meal was prepared by Katie Walsh, owner of Jeff’s Maine Seafood Restaurant.
Walter has lived in St. Albans all of his life. He operated his own auto repair business for many years and went on to teach the same at the BFA High School. His wife passed away a few years ago and his children still live in the area. Walter is a life member of the American Legion and the VFW.
Pictured l-r: Joe Montcalm – Elks State Trustee and St. Albans Elks member who coordinated the event, Stacey Trudo – Veterans Affairs Chairperson St. Albans Elks, Walter, Peter Bocash – Commander American Legion Post #1 (and was in the first class Walter taught at BFA)
News item submitted by Larry Bouchard.
Springfield Elks Lodge 1560 – VICTOR BASKEVICH AWARDED – GREEN JACKET FOR 2021/2022
Each year, starting in 2019 Springfield Elks Lodge 1560 has followed the Masters golf tournament tradition by awarding a Green Jacket to anyone who deserves it by doing great things for their Lodge day in and day out..
In 2019 it was awarded to Treasurer Karen Whitney by Jim Morse who started the award. In 2020 Karen Whitney and the committee chose Mike Gunn their secretary to be the recipient of the Green Jacket. In 2021 Mike Gunn and the committee awarded Jim Morse the Green Jacket. Now, in 2022 Jim Morse and the committee awarded the Green Jacket to Victor Baskevich. The committee consists of the previous award winners of the Green Jacket. So, at this time in 2023, Victor Baskevich and the committee will award the 2023 Green Jacket.
In the fall of 2023 the committee will meet at a restaurant to discuss who they feel is worthy of this award. Good luck to all Elks who by stepping up and work for your Lodge could be awarded a Green Jacket.
Shown L to R: Karen Whitney 2019, Mike Gunn 2020, Jim Morse 2021 and Victor Baskevich 2022 awarded the Green Jacket.
News Item submitted by Mike Gunn.
Springfield Elks Lodge – ANNUAL ELKS AWARD – OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Carolee Murchie Exalted Ruler for Springfield Elks Lodge 1560 chose longtime officer of the Lodge, Jim Morse as Elk “Officer of the Year” for 2021/2022. Jim has done it all at his Lodge over a dozen years including being Exalted Ruler three times , Esquire multiple times etc.
Besides his duties as Esquire last year he raised many thousands of dollars to keep the Lodge solvent during Covid-19 and this past year he has raised many more thousands for next years Vt. Elks’ Presidency, Jim Kirkwood’s expenses. Jim Morse is a true Elk person as he goes beyond the call.
Springfield Elks Officer of the Year Jim Morse and Exalted Ruler Carolee Murchie after accepting his award.
News item submitted by Mike Gunn.
Springfield Elks Lodge Annual Award – ELK OF THE YEAR
Each year the Springfield Elks Lodge 1560 chooses an “Elk of the Year”, someone who goes above and beyond for their Lodge. Edwin “Jiggar” Barton was chosen by Exalted Ruler Carolee Murchie as that person. He is always there when she or the Lodge need a helping hand.
Jiggar Barton and Exalted Ruler Carolee Murchie at awards night for Springfield Elks Lodge 1560.
News item submitted by Mike Gunn.
ELKS USA PRESS RELEASE
Barre Elks Loge Fraternal News
Exalted Ruler Todd Benoit and trustee Frank Hotaling delivered $1750 worth of items to The Veterans Place in Northfield. These household items will replenish a storage room that Veterans shop from when transitioning into their own apartments. This donation was made possible thanks to the Elks National Foundation Beacon grant. This is our 8th year supporting The Veterans’ Place.
News item submitted by Kristin Calcagni.
SPRINGFIELD ELKS LODGE 1560 HELPING STUDENTS WITH AWARD
Springfield Elks Lodge is always trying to help out with community activity involvement. Recently they made a $1500 Elks National Gratitude Grant award to the Edgar May Recreation center in conjunction with the Springfield Athletic department headed by Rich Saypeck the athletic director for Springfield High School.
Mr. Saypeck works with the recreation director Christian Craig in making sure that all athletes get a chance to train at the center, whether it be swimming or working out in the weight room. This of course is an expensive undertaking as there is a payroll that has to be met. That is why all people who attend the center have to pay for the services. The less unfortunate students who cannot afford to participate earn coupons to pay for being able to attend the center. They are given coupons worth $20 and this is based on their families income. Coupons are good for a months attendance.
Present for the Elks National Gratitude Grant presentation to the Edgar May Recreation Center were L to r; Victor Baskevich Spr. Elks Trustees Chm, Christian Craig director of the Edgar May Rec. center, Carolee Murchie Elks Exalted Ruler and Rich Saypeck SHS Athletic director.
News Item submitted by Mike Gunn