elks-press-release
News item submitted by Lisa Dilena
Elks News
Student of the Month Barre Elks
Barre Elks Lodge 1535 recognized co-students of the month from Williamstown Elementary on February 22. Third grade students Nick Churchill and Parker Hebert, family members and Mitch Smoller, Williamstown Elementary Co-Coordinator of Student Support enjoyed dinner with Elk members prior to the presentations. Barre Elks are proud to support and honor our community’s outstanding youth. For more information on becoming an Elk, or our Youth activities, please call the Lodge 479-9522.
Pictured: Avery Hebert, Krystle Hebert (mom), Student of Month Parker Hebert and Barre Lodge Exalted Ruler Maureen Lawson
Pictured with Nicholas Churchill (Front) L to R: Erik Townsend, Tara Sherwood (Mom), Katelyn Churchill, Dean Sherwood, Nick and Barre Exalted Ruler Maureen Lawson
News item submitted by Barb Watters.
NORM MARSHALL D.D.G.E.R VT SOUTH – CLINIC
Barre Elks Lodge 1535 honors Gold Award Girl Scout
Barre Elks Lodge 1535 honored Gold Award Girl Scout Christina Wiles of Brandon on February 22. Christina, a member of Troop #30648, received a letter from Grand Exalted Ruler McPherson, the Elk Gold Girl Scout Pin and an American Flag. Christina is the daughter of Brian and Tina Wiles of Brandon. She is an honor student at Middlebury Union High School. Her Gold project was the creation and implementation of a mentoring program between Mary Hogan Elementary and Middlebury Union High School. Christina plans to continue her education this fall at George Mason University to study international relations/criminal justice. Barre Elks congratulates Christina on this worthy accomplishment and wishes her continued success as inspiring young leader.
News item submitted by Bark Watters.
SPRINGFIELD ELKS LODGE 1560 HONOR LONGEST & OLDEST ELK MEMBER
Springfield Elks Lodge recently had their annual “Membership Recognition Night” for their members. Before Elk of the Year and Officer of the Year were awarded, they honored two gents who have been members for over 70 years.
Raymond Latelle joined the Elks in 1942 before going off to WWII as a pilot in the Army Air Corps, making him the longest tenured member of Springfield Lodge of over 75 years. Exalted Ruler Vicki Siliski presented him with the “Citizen of the Year” plaque. As the oldest member of Springfield Elks at 97, Exalted Ruler Vicki Siliski presented Charles “Bob” Brent with a plaque for his many years as an Elk at 72 years.
Ray Latelle, 75 year member of Springfield Elks Lodge, is shown being presented with his “Citizen of the Year” plaque by Exalted Ruler Vicki Siliski.
Charles “Bob” Brent is shown accepting his oldest living member plaque of 97 years from Exalted Ruler Vicki Siliski and Past State President of Springfield Elks Lodge Donald Bishop.
News item submitted by Mike Gunn.
VERMONT ELKS ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE
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
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
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
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
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