Elks News

VERMONT ELKS ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE

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Vermont Governor Phil Scott designated February 16, 2018 as Elks Association Day in Vermont.  Approximately 50 Elks from across Vermont traveled to Montpelier, to witness the signing of the proclamation.   The event was streamed live on Facebook.  A reception was held at Barre Elks Lodge immediately following.
 
The proclamation reads:
 
“Where as 2018 marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America; and  with a new spirit and direction, the Elks began helping veterans and scouts, awarding scholarships and more, engaging communities wherever charity, justice, brotherly love were needed; and Elks are committed to serving people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that “Elks Care and Elks Share”; and Vermont Elks Association Inc. and Vermont Elks Charities Inc. has over 7,000 members and volunteers, belonging to 12 lodges statewide; and Vermont Elks Charities Inc. demonstrates their service to the state through their several programs, including Silver Towers Camp in Ripton, Vermont, a non-profit summer camp dedicated to serving people with disabilities.  I, Philip B. Scott, Governor, do hereby proclaim February 16, 2018 as Elks Association Day in Vermont.  Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Vermont on this 16th Day of February, A.D. 2018″
 
 
From L to R:  Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Earl Cavanagh, Vermont Governor Phil Scott, Vermont Elks Association President Brian Gaura.
 
Vermont Elks delegation with Governor Phil Scott after signing proclamation declaring February 16, 2018 as Elks Association Day in Vermont.
 
News item submitted by the Barre Elks Lodge.

SPRINGFIELD ELKS LODGE 1560 ANNUAL AWARDS NIGHT

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  On Saturday night, February 10th, Springfield Elks Lodge 1560 celebrated their “Membership Recognition” night for 2017/2018 with a Valentines dinner/dance party.  It was one of the biggest nights in a while with more then one hundred members and guests in attendance.  It was made even more successful by Bellows Falls Lodge #1619 members joining in on the celebration with twenty-four of their members and the two Lodges will be pledging the proceeds from the night to the Vt. Elks Major Project, “Silver Towers Camp” in Ripton, Vt.       
   
    Exalted Ruler Vicki Siliski of Springfield Lodge was overwhelmed with the big turnout for her final big night as ER.  Mrs. Siliski has been ER for 2-1/2 years for her Lodge.   After dinner, ER Siliski handed out many awards including “Elk and Officer of the Year”.  Anniversary pins of five year increments were given out, with a “75” year Citizen of the Year plaque being awarded to Raymond Latelle who joined the Elks in 1942 before he left for the  Army Aircorps as a pilot serving  in WWII.   Charley “Bob” Brent was given a plaque for “72”years of service to his Elks Lodge.   Bruce Sanderson, was given the “Pot Stirring Spoon” award that is always taken in fun.  Jacky Driscoll-Page and Gloria Gunn were awarded a Grand Exalted Ruler’s “Outstanding Service Commendation”, for their efforts helping out at  the Lodge during the year.
 
    Final awards of the night  went to Carolee Murchie as “Officer of the Year” and Eugene Siliski for “Elk of the Year”. 
 
 
Exalted Ruler of Springfield Elks Lodge Vicki Siliski, awarding Eugene Siliski as “Elk of the Year” for 2017/2018 Elk year.
 
 
 Carolee Murchie accepting her “Officer of the Year”, award from Exalted Ruler Vicki Siliski of Springfield Elks Lodge #1560 at the Lodge’a Valentines dinner/dance on February 10th.
 
News items submitted by Mike Gunn.
   

Americanism Winners – Barre Elks Lodge

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Barre Elks Lodge 1535 honored their six Elks Americanism Essay winners at dinner on February 8th.   The students, their families and representatives from the school enjoyed a lasagna dinner prior to the awards presentation.   Six local schools were invited to participate, with entries submitted from St. Monica’s Catholic School and Williamstown Elementary.   All the winners represent St. Monica’s.   The winning essays will now compete on the state level, with State winners advancing to National competition.   The topic for the Americanism Essay was:  “Why Our Veterans Are America’s Heroes”.

Division 1 winners are Charlotte Kellett, Isabella Boudreault and Zoe Hilferty, pictured with ER Maureen Lawson;

 

Divisions 2 winners are Cole Young, Mariah Hoar and Conley Ladabouche, pictured with ER Maureen Lawson

 

The Barre Lodge was especially honored to have four generations in attendance for the presentation.    Pictured with Zoe are: Grandfather Bob Hilferty, Great Grandfather Norman Beck (Elk Member), Dad JB Hilferty (Elk member), Brother Phin, Zoe and her Mom Paulette Hilferty.

News item submitted by Barb Watters

Special Anniversary Invitation

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Please see the below message from Joe Montcalm, PER St. Albans Lodge No. 1566.

Special Anniversary Invitation

Greetings; SDGER Earl & Nancy Cavanagh, DDGER Bob Campo & Michelle, DDGER Norm Marshall & Marge, all PDDGER’s & spouses, All PSP & spouses, and all State Officers & spouses, State Trustees & spouses, Camp Committee Members & spouses, Committee Chairpersons and their spouses, Lodge Exalted Rulers and spouse’s as well lodge secretary’s and treasures and lodge trustees and all interested members: Spread the word:

           We have just been informed that Governor Phil Scott will be signing and presenting Vermont Elks State President Brian Gaura with a proclamation commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the United States of America, designatingFriday, February 16th, 2018 as Vermont Elks Day. The presentation will take place at the State House at 1:15 PM on Friday, February 16th, in the Governors ceremonial office on the second floor of the state house located at the top of the stairs on the north front side of the building.  I am told that parking should be in front of the state house on State St.at the meters. Following the presentation there will be a reception at the Barre Elks Lodge,10 Jefferson St., Barre, Vermont 05641 with a cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres. All state trustees are encouraged to invite their state Senators and legislators along with their spouses to the presentation and reception.

Please call Barre Lodge with the number attending at 802-479-9522  All are encouraged to attend. This is our chance to show off how long we have been around and what we are all about. Happy Anniversary.

Vermont Elks State Hoop Shoot Winners

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Left to right: Steve Edgerley, State Hoop Shoot Chairman, holding his grandson Brody Edgerley; Jacobi Lafferty, 12-13 year old winner, from Burlington; Alexander Gordon, 10-11 year old winner, from Burlington; Antonio Piplica,  8-9 year old winner from Burlington; Ellie Whalen, 8-9 year old winner from Rutland; Tessa Napollitano, 10-11 year old winner from Burlington;  Maren Nitsche, 12-13 year old winner from St. Johnsbury;  and Brian Gaura, Vermont Elks State President.
These 6 winners will now go on to the Regional contest in South Portland, Maine March 23. 24 and 25 to compete . The winners from there will go onto the Nationals in Chicago in April

BARRE ELKS LODGE FRATERNAL NEWS

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Congratulations to our Student of the Month, Summer-Lyn Burke, a third grader in Miss Franklin’s class at Williamstown Elementary School. Summer-Lyn’s favorite subject is reading.  She loves horses, drawing, hunting with bows and rifles and wants to be a horse trainer. Miss Franklin describes Summer-Lyn as “extremely helpful and kind to everyone around her. She always has a cheerful smile and happy attitude.  She can be counted on to put forth her personal best effort on all assignments.” Summer-Lyn and her family were invited to Barre Elks Lodge for dinner where she was presented with a certificate.
 
 
Pictured is Summer-Lyn and her family with Exalted Ruler Maureen Lawson.

 

Elks Central District Hoop Shoot

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Carlo Concessi, representing Barre Elks Lodge #1535, won the Elks Central District Hoop Shoot  Boys U12 division.  Carlo made 18 out of 25 shots beating his opponent by 1 basket.  He now moves onto the State Hoop Shoot at Spaulding High School on January 27th.  Barre Lodge also had 2nd place winners:  Cadence Tenney (U12 girls) and Abby Tenney (U10 girls).
 
 
Pictured are Carlo Concessi and Elks District Deputy South Norm Marshall. 
 
News item submitted by Barb Watters.

Vermont Elks North District Hoop Shoot

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Jan. 13 the Vermont Elks held the North District Hoop shoot with shooters from Burlington, Newport, St. Albans and St. Johnsbury.  The winners will advance to the State contest on Jan. 27,2018 at Spaulding High School in Barre, Vermont.
The first and second place winners are below.

 


Left to. Right
Leo Willey – District Director,  Maren Nitsche – 12-13 first place St. Johnsbury,  Bryn Jenness – 12-13 second Newport,  Tessa Napollitano – 10-11 first place Burlington,  Antonio Piplica – 8-9 first place Burlington,  Kaylee Hamlett – 8-9 first place St. Johnsbury, Cora Thomas – 10-11 second place St. Albans,  Alexander Gordon – 10-11 first place Burlington, Jacobi Lafferty – 12-13 first place Burlington, Steve Edgerley – State Hoop Shoot Director.

Missing:  Jonathan Kocis – 10-11 second place Newport, Joshua Kocis – 12-13 second place Newport, Julie Combs – 8-9 second place St. Albans,  Davis Palmieri – 8-9 second place St.Jonsbury.

News item submitted by Ann Edgerley.