A word from the Exalted Ruler: Vicki Rodrigue
May was a busy month for Tim and me. We started by attending the Maine Elks Association Convention in Bangor,
where our lodge was well represented by several members and officers.
Our lodge received several awards, which Ken graciously accepted as Past Exalted Ruler for the 2025–2026 Elk Year:
Best Youth Program (2025–2026) – Central District; All-American Lodge, State Winner – Division VI; Elks National
Foundation (ENF) 2025–2026 Chairman’s Challenge Points Award; Certificate of Recognition for Fundraising
Excellence (earning all four Gratitude Grant bonuses in 2025–2026); Certificate of Recognition for Building a Stronger
Community (using all three small Community Investments Program grants in 2025–2026); and an ENF Certificate of
Appreciation for exceeding the GER’s $5.15 per-member giving goal in 2025–2026.
Individual recognition went to Kathleen Cotterly, Anthony Gause, Ken Gotreau, Lina Michaud, Mike “Shu” Michaud, and
Jim “Cowboy” Searle.
Kathleen was named 2025–2026 ENF Chairperson of the Year with a perfect score of 1,000 points. Anthony received
Officer of the Year. Ken received the Rowland “Duke” Morgan Award as Elk of the Year (2025–2026). Lina was
recognized for her dedication and service for the youth scholarship program. Shu accepted a framed photo from The
Bangor Chapter of Guitars for Vets on behalf of the Maine State Veteran Program. Jim Searle was presented with the
Veteran Volunteer of the Year by the Maine Elks Association and the Elks National Veteran Service Commission.
The Kentucky Derby and Pizza Night were well attended and raised funds for our Children’s Holiday Fund.
Our lodge men hosted a record-breaking Mother’s Day Breakfast, serving 231 meals in three hours. Great job guys!
Thank you for making this day extra special.
At breakfast, we honored Lorana Laliberte for Mother of the Year for 2026-2027. Congratulations on this honor!
The Elks Riders Group held their Annual Spring Fling on May 16th. Thank you to those who donated towards the raffles
and those who bid on the items to support their fundraising efforts. The Elks Riders from the Skowhegan-Madison
Lodge supported the event and had a good time.
On Sunday, May 17th, we hosted the First Annual Greg Ruby Memorial Pool Tournament in the Sports Lounge. The
event drew 26 players, who competed with randomly assigned partners. First place went to Justin Rodrigue and Kristina
Alofaituli, second place to Dave Vigue and Bob Dawson, and third place to Terry Baker and Aaron Bradbury.
On Wednesday, May 20th, we held our annual Scholarship Banquet to recognize this year’s scholarship recipients:
Addyson Briggs of Erskine Academy, Jaelyn Seamon of Erskine, Luke Tinkham of Maranacook, Davyn Swindells of
Gardiner, Katie Sirois of Cony, Lilian Goldey of Cony, and Spencer Blais of Hall-Dale.
Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, or donated to support our lodge events.
June is shaping up to be another busy month. Our Birthday Bash is on Friday, June 5th.
New member Initiation is scheduled for June 6th. All members initiated this year are welcome to attend.
The schedule for the event is as follows:
4:00 – 5:00 PM: Social Hour in the Sports Lounge
5:00 – 6:00 PM: Initiation in the Lodge Room
6:00 – 7:00 PM: Pizza in the Sports Lounge (Complimentary for newly initiated members; $5 donation for all others)
7:00 – 10:00 PM: Music by The Shack in the Sports Lounge
Flag Day is June 14 at 10:00 a.m. in the Banquet Room. If you’ve never attended our Flag Day Ceremony, please
consider joining us. Coffee, juice, and light breakfast goodies will be available at 9:30 a.m. The ceremony begins at
10:00 a.m., followed by “The Meaning of the Folds,” presented by volunteers from our lodge Veterans Committee.
The Kitchen Crew will host Friday night supper on the 19th and Sunday breakfast on Father’s Day, June 21st. We hope to see you there!
Our kitchen renovation begins June 28th. We’re looking for volunteers to help pack up smaller items starting at 8:00
a.m. Please contact Tim Rodrigue at the Lodge.
Remember, Together Everyone Accomplishes More.
