Author: Larry Bouchard

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.
 
 
 
 

SPRINGFIELD ELKS 1560 FLAG DAY CEREMONY

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Springfield Elks Lodge 1560 held their annual Flag Day ceremony on Sunday, June 27th.  At the end of the ceremony dedicated to the History of the American Flag, three Eagle Scouts were presented with their Eagle Scout awards from the Elks. 
 
All three were from Troop 252 in Springfield and they had big plans for their future.  Graefin Anderson son of Scott Anderson and Tara Verheide are from Ludlow, Vt.  Graefin will be attending RPI in New York.  Austin Laplant is the son of Jason and Heidi Laplant from Springfield.  Austin plans on furthering his education by attending college for animal rescue.  Wesley Feickert began his scouting career in Japan in 2012.  He is is the son of Doug and Cathryn Feickert of Springfield.  He is considering attending Johnson State or Keene State College for communications.  
 
Caption: Shown L to r; Vt. Elks Vice President Jim Kirkwood, Exalted Ruler Carolee Murchie, Scoutmaster Mathew Burlew, Eagle Scout Austin Laplant with  mom and dad Jason and Heidi Laplant.
Caption:  Shown L to r;  Vt. Elks Vice President Jim Kirkwood, Exalted Ruler Carolee Murchie, Scoutmaster Mathew Burlew, Eagle Scout Graefin Anderson with mom Tara Verheide.
 
News item submitted by Mike Gunn.

Lodge 1560 Scholarship Announcements

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The Springfield Elks are proud to announce the following 2021 scholarship recipients who exemplify Academic Achievement, Leadership, and Community Service.

Elk’s National Foundation MVS – State of Vermont winners:

Erik Heitsmith                                Alexandra Hutchins                           Kyleigh Moses

 All three students attend Green Mountain Union High School in Ludlow VT

 

Springfield Lodge 1560 winners:

 

      Graeffn Anderson                                Anna Ondre                         Gwen Roundy

VT Academy, Bellows Falls             Springfield High School        Springfield High School

 

Congratulations to them and all of our surrounding high school graduating seniors.

News item submitted by Jackie Driscoll-Page. 

SPRINGFIELD ELKS LODGE 1560 DRUG AWARENESS AWARDS AT UNION STREET SCHOOL

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 Springfield Elks Lodge annually holds a Drug Awareness essay contest for all 5th graders at Union Street School.  This years theme/subject was titled, “Drug Abuse No Excuse”.  Elks Drug Awareness chairman Jim Kirkwood awarded six prizes to the following students.
 
Third place winners were, Camryn Jarvis and Carmen Cawvey who received a prize of $10 each.  2nd place winners were Brielle Pelletier and Austin Payton were awarded $15 each.  1st place was Logan Merrow and Madison Streeter who received a 20″ Mountain Bike and $25 each. 
Shown are recent winners of the Springfield Elks Lodge 1560, Drug awareness essay contest winners.  L to r; Principal David Cohen, Camryn Jarvis, Carmen Cawvey, Brielle Pelletier, Austin Payton, Merrow Logan, Madison Streeter, followed by Elks Exalted Ruler Carolee Murchie and Elks chairman Jim Kirkwood.
 
News item submitted by Michael Gunn
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

VEA Americanism News

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Congratulations to the Vermont Elks Americanism Essay winners! Division I winner: Austin Graves, Runners up Maxwell Bevins and Elias Hoar. Division II winner: Jaxon Keane, Runners up Elizabeth Tolberg and Hayden Morris. Both Austin and Jaxon each won $100, Maxwell, Elias, Elizabeth and Hayden each won $50.

Division I – From L to R:  VEA Americanism Chair Maureen Lawson, Language Arts teacher Patricia Rizzo, Elias Hoar, Maxwell Bevins and Principal Brenda Buzzell.

Division II – From L to R:  VEA Americanism Chair Maureen Lawson, Language Arts teacher Patricia Rizzo, Jaxon Keane, Hayden Morris, Elizabeth Tolberg and Principal Brenda Buzzell.

News item submitted by Kristin Calcagni