Barre Lodge of Elks #1535 presented the 2019 Citizenship Award to Sara Akers.  This award, presented by Exalted Ruler Barb Watters, is presented to a member of our community who has contributed in a special way to improving the local community, shown leadership and contributed voluntary service and is an ‘all around good citizen’.   Sara, her husband Josh, and parents Cass and Shelly Bressette, were guest of the Lodge at the Annual Member Appreciation/Recognition Dinner.  Sara was noted for her big heart and activism in helping those in need.   Following in the footsteps of her parents, she was the catalyst in collecting a trailer load of supplies for victims of Hurricane Florence, spear heads “Boots N Balls” ,  a benefit for a local family;  Food For a Cause (Josh grills and the proceeds from the sale of food goes to a needy family);  and  she has a long and a history of organization and generosity, with her family, in benefits such as Bikers for Beth, Freezing Fun for Families and many other community causes. 

Josh Akers, Sara Akers, Tober Akers, Barb Watters Barre Lodge Exalted Ruler, Shelly Bressette and Cass Bressette.  Photo credit Stacy Desisto

Other Photo:  Josh Akers, Sara Akers and Shelly Bressette

News items submitted by Kim Bourbeau.

The Barre Lodge of Elks #1535 recognized Gregory Silk of Barre, Vermont as the Jr ROTC Student of the Month.   The Grand Lodge Activities Committee introduced this  program in 2018 to recognize outstanding high school students enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.   Selection criteria for the award includes leadership attributes, academic achievement community service and maintaining the highest standards of performance in all JROTC fields.    Greg was presented a medallion, certificate and American Flag.

Greg attends Spaulding High School as a member of the Class of 2019.  Upon his graduation in January, Greg plans to enlist in the United States Air Force. 

In his nomination, his instructors stated Greg has exemplified the JROTC Cadet Creed by conducting himself to bring credit to his family, country, school and the corps of cadets.  He is loyal and patriotic and is the future of the USA.   He is a good citizen and patriot and will always be prepared to uphold the Constitution of the American way of life.

Greg, and his family, were guests of Barre Lodge #1535 for the presentation made by Robert Campo, Lodge Secretary and Phil Delia, Lodge Youth  Activities Chair. 

Greg Silk

Bob Campo, Greg Silk and Phil Delia

Barb Watters, ER, Heather Silk, Miles Silk Jr., Gregory Silk, Courtney LaRose

with Ezio Silk, Jesse James and Phil Delia.

Here is the 3 page information form for the Vermont State Convention planned for May 17, 18, 19 2019.

On Sat., March 2^nd, Springfield Elks Lodge 1560 presented an Elks National Beacon Grant to the VT Veteran’s Home in Bennington, VT.  This was part of a total Beacon Grant for $2000.  The recipients – VT Veterans Home in Bennington, VT and the VA Hospital in White River Jct., VT each received $1000 and were asked to submit their own Wish Lists for $500 each for Toiletry needs and $500 for Art & Crafts supplies.  The Springfield Elks Lodge presented the VA Hospital in White River Jct. in person a couple weeks ago with their Wish List items.

              The items that were presented to the Vet’s Home, were Toiletry (8) Men’s electric razors.  Arts & Crafts consisting of Wood Kits – birdhouses, keepsake boxes, various shapes and sizes of wood cut-outs for wood burning.  Wood burning soldering tools, stains, paints and brushes.  Sun catchers and glass hangers to color and paint. Glass paint.  Assorted Adult coloring books, pens, markers and sketch books. 

              Beacon Grant lead person, Karen Whitney informed Michelle Burgess (Activities Director at the VT Veterans Home) and Karen Campbell (Chief of Voluntary Service at the VA Hospital), that Springfield 1560 Club looks forward to turning this into an annual submittal for the Beacon Grant to benefit both facilities.  A second presentation was made to Jack Barnes a tenant at the Vet’s Home who is celebrating his 20^th year as a member of Springfield Elks Lodge

              Springfield Elks Lodge 1560, members making the trip to Bennington for the presentation were, Exalted Ruler Jim Morse, PER and Elks Vet’s Chairman Vicki Siliski, Beacon Grant lead person Karen Whitney, Sec., Mike Gunn, Eugene Siliski and Gloria Gunn.

Shown L to r: Michelle Burgess Activities Direct, Eugene Siliski, PER Vicki Siliski, ER Jim Morse, Veteran Jack Barnes a member of Spr. Elks and tenant of Vt., Vet’s Home, Karen Whitney and Gloria Gunn.

News item provided by Mike Gunn.