“Why Is It Important to Vote?”…was this year’s Americanism Essay Contest theme. Three Lodges including five schools participated in the event.  Division I includes fifth & sixth grade students and Division II includes seventh & eighth grade students. Awards were presented to students from Albert Bridge School in Brownsville, representing Windsor Lodge #1665; DIV I Runner Up was Savannah Underhill and DIV I 1st Place Award went to Maggie Mello.

Pictured are Savannah and Maggie in front, with State Chairman Karen Putnam, State Secretary Carol Sylvia, Windsor Lodge Exalted Ruler Nate Willard and State Vice President Morris “Rocky” Putnam.

Awards were presented to the St. Monica – St. Michael School representing Barre Lodge #1535. Pictured are: Vermont Elks Association State President Bob Campo, DIV II Runner Up Conley Ladabouche; Runner Up Isabella Bevins and DIV II 1st Place award winner Mariah Hoar, along with State Chairman Karen Putnam. Not pictured was DIV II Runner Up Daphne Lassner.

News item submitted by Karen Putnam, State Americanism Chairman

Exalted Ruler Kristin Calcagni presented three awards; Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award, Elk of the Year Award and Officer of the Year Award.

The Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award was presented to Wendell “Chuck” Barney.  This award is presented for “outstanding and meritorious service to humanity”. This award is given to someone who has shown leadership in the community; has contributed voluntary service and is recognized as being an all-around good citizen.  Chuck is the Chairman of the Barre Area Veterans Council, a local non-profit organization dedicated to assisting and honoring Veterans. The Barre Area Veteran’s Council consist of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 790, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 790 Auxiliary, American Legion Post 10, American Legion Post 10 Auxiliaries, Barre Elks Lodge 1535, and 302 Sons of Civil War.

The Elk of the Year Award was presented to Karen Bingham.  This award is given as an expression of the gratitude and appreciation of the members of the Lodge and of the Grand Lodge for the loyal and meritorious services. This award is given to a member who has performed outstanding service to Elkdom, particularly at the local Lodge level.  Karen spent countless hours volunteering in the kitchen, serving at events, and assisting with the Lodge’s community projects.

The Officer of the Year Award was presented to Donna Bartolucci.  The Officer of the Year Award is given for dedication and meritorious service to the Lodge, who by unselfish commitment and cheerful enthusiasm furthered Elkdom’s programs while fulfilling the responsibilities as an Officer of the Lodge in an exemplary manner.  Donna was instrumental in the success of the Student of the Month program at Williamstown Elementary School.

Barre Elks Lodge 1535 recognized Milly Launderville, a 3rd grader at Williamstown Elementary, as the Elk Student of the Month.   Milly and her family were guests of the Lodge for dinner where she was presented a Certificate recognizing her outstanding respect, responsibility and academics.  

L-R back row:  Donna Bartolucci, Youth Activities Chair; Jamie Kinnarney, Williamstown Elementary Principal; Parents Sarah and Thad Launderville: Exalted Ruler Maureen Lawson; front row siblings Evan, Clara and Honoree Milly.

  Milly Launderville with Donna Bartolucci, Youth Activities Chair

News item submitted by Barb Watters

Registration forms for the golf outing and wine tasting are attached.  Please distribute the forms to your members who will be attending the State convention.  The deadline to register for both events is April 25, 2017.  

Golf Registration Form

Wine Tasting Registration Form