Barre Elks Lodge has received a $2500 grant in conjunction with the Vermont Community Foundation’s Small and Inspiring Grant award program.

The grant will assist the Lodge in continuing to host Senior Citizens meals once per month during the fall, winter and spring months.  These meals provide an outlet for social interaction and a hearty homemade meal for the senior citizens of the Central Vermont community.  The invisible benefit of these meals is strengthening the social fabric of our Central Vermont community through connections and friendships.

As a result of the Small & Inspiring grant, we look forward to expanding the number of seniors we host at each meal.  The funds will be used to promote the monthly meal, reach out to senior housing complexes with invitations and gas cards to defray transportation costs and work with local agencies to identify individuals that would benefit from a night out with social interaction over a hearty meal.

For more information on how the Small & Inspiring Grant award is helping to make a difference in the lives of senior citizens in our community, we invite you to visit our website at www.facebook.com/barreelks. You can also find information there on our upcoming events for this year and volunteer opportunities.

Some of the regulars at our Monthly Senior meals

Barre Elks Lodge held it’s first annual “Cornhole for a Cause” Cornhole Tournament to benefit the Vermont Foodbank.  Thirty teams participated in the double elimination tournament.  The tournament was organized by incoming Exalted Ruler Kevin Major and PR Chair Kristin Calcagni.  “The tournament was a huge success, everyone had fun and supported a worthy cause in our community.  That’s what Barre Elks Lodge is all about.”

The tournament was such a success that the Lodge plans on holding another tournament to benefit another charity later this year.

First place team:  Jon Murchison & Kevin Major

A special shout out to the Messenger Print & Design folks for our Vermont Elks Association Website!    They were great to work with during the development of the site and have been very supportive during it’s launch.   There has been a lot of positive feedback about the “look, feel and function” of the site.    Thanks MP&D!

Check out the free announcement they have placed in the local St. Albans Messenger.

Download:  Elks Announcement  (PDF)

ELKS CARE – ELKS SHARE:  On Thursday December 19 2014, Barre Elks Lodge was notified of some children receiving support from Circle (formerly known as Battered Women’s Service and Shelter) that did not have any gifts from Santa for Christmas. With a little help from Facebook, Barre Elks members sprang into action. Over $100 was collected at the Lodge that night, presents were purchased by members and on Sunday December 22, bags of toys, socks, art supplies, and sleds for the children and gift baskets for their Mothers were presented to Circle Director Cindy Browning.

Circle is the non-profit organization in Washington County, Vermont that provides support and services to victims and survivors of intimate partner violence. Circle provides a safe, confidential living place for women and children fleeing from abusive situations. Shelter staff offer emotional support, resources, and education about healthy relationships for residents while working with them to plan a future free from abuse.

Barre Elks Lodge is looking forward to working with Circle in the future to address their needs of gas and grocery cards.