Author: Larry Bouchard

Springfield Elks Lodge 1560 Hoop Shoot News

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Springfield Elks Lodge 1560 sent one of their local Hoop Shooters to the Vt. Elks State Hoop Shoot tournament in Barre, Vt., on January 22nd.   Representing the Springfield Lodge was Savannah Dezanes daughter of Daniella Guica.  She competed against two other winners in her age group from the Central and Northern Lodges representatives.  She didn’t finish first but she represented her host Lodge remarkably well. 
 
Savannah Dezanes is shown on the right with her Mom Daniella Guica to her left at the Vt. Elks Hoop Shoot in Barre, Vt.  In the back is Henry Diemer District Deputy South from the Brattleboro Lodge, Victor Baskevich of Springfield Lodge and Southern Vt., Hoop Chairman and Scott Phillips Vt. Elks State President.  
 
News item submitted by Mike Gunn

Springfield Elks news

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Recently, Springfield Elks Lodge 1560 held their final initiation before the end of the 2021 Elk year.  The initiation team consisted of Past Exalted Rulers of the Lodge.  The Lodge has taken in (22) new members this fiscal year that runs to April 1st, 2022.  That being said there is time for more initiation in the future during 2022.
 
 
New members frt. to r are; Jeffrey Cox, Melissa Rumriill, Past Exalted Ruler Jim Kirkwood and Carolyn Mackenzie.  Back row is; Donald Roys, Derrick Bruce, Tyler Stearns and Karl Wentworth.  

Grand Exalted Ruler T. Keith Mills and his wife Amy visited Vermont this week

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Grand Exalted Ruler T. Keith Mills and his wife Amy visited Vermont this week.  They were accompanied by PGER David Carr, his wife Penny, SDGER Robert Campo and his wife Michele.

A welcome reception and dinner at St. Johnsbury Lodge #1343, hosted by VEA State President Scott Phillips and his suite of officers, was held to welcome Keith and Amy to Vermont.  Elks from all 12 Vermont lodges were in attendance.  The following morning they traveled to Ripton, Vermont to visit Silver Towers Camp for Exceptional People, the Vermont Elks state major project.  Keith is the FIRST GER to visit Silver Towers.  Camp director, Carolyn Ravenna highlighted the new pool and dining hall on the tour.  A quick stop at Rutland Lodge #345 for lunch and the group was on to Bennington for a dinner held in their honor in the newly opened carriage house at Bennington Lodge #567.  
 
From L to R:  SDGER Robert Campo, PSP John Montgomery, DDGER North Kristin Calcagni, PGER David Carr, GER T. Keith Mills, DDGER South Henry Diemer and VEA State President Scott Phillips.
From L to R:  VEA State President Scott Phillips, Silver Towers Camp Director Carolyn Ravenna, BPOE First Lady Amy and GER T. Keith Mills
From L to R:  SDGER Robert Campo, Michele Campo, DDGER North Kristin Calcagni, Penny Carr, PGER David Carr, Amy Mills, GER T. Keith Mills, Silver Towers Camp Director Carolyn Ravenna and VEA State President Scott Phillips.
From L to R:  Silver Towers Camp Director Carolyn Ravenna, Silver Towers camper Michael Sabataso, Amy Mills and GER T. Keith Mills
 
News item submitted by DDGER North Kristin Calcagni

St. Johnsbury Lodge #1343 Loaner Program

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St. Johnsbury Lodge # 1343 operates a medical equipment loaner program. Equipment is loaned out to community members in need free of charge. Everything from hospital beds to walkers. Last month, $4800 in equipment was loaned out. We also give out adult briefs and other items. 
 
News items submitted by Kim Wood.
 
 
 

Barre Elks Lodge Fraternal News – Josh’s House

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Last week, members of Barre Lodge visited Josh’s House in Colchester’s Fort Ethan Allen to present a check for $2500 to Executive Director Val Pallotta.  The donation was made possible from an Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant. Only 350 grants were available this year and Barre was the only Lodge in Vermont that received a Freedom grant.  The grants must focus on servicing veterans and active-duty military members in areas of employment, homelessness and housing, military families, health and educational support.  
Josh’s House,  a brand new veteran Wellness and recreation center, focuses on all of the areas.  Newly opened in March 2021, Josh’s House provides meals, classes, recreational opportunities, gym equipment, computers and quiet space for veterans and active-duty military members to gather.  Josh’s House has a very active Facebook page with numerous upcoming events including open house meet and greats, ladies nights, and BBQs.  Executive Development Director Andrea Gagner organizes free massages, educational talks about bee keeping and other activities for veterans.  They are always looking for donations of meals or gift cards to provide and have set up a Meal Train account for this.  
“Josh’s House is a place that service members can come home. It’s a safe place for whatever you may need. From a quiet space to just relax or to enjoy friendly conversations or just to find your own inner calm. A place that allows veterans of all eras to be welcomed and to feel at home,” said veteran Jordan.   
Barre Elks Lodge members are proud to support Josh’s House financially and look forward to actively participating in events there in the future.  
 
 
 
 
L to R: Barre Lodge trustee Frank Hotaling, Exalted Ruler Todd Benoit, Josh’s House Executive Director Val Pallotta and ENF Grant chair Patty Ristau.