PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — “Do not be alone this Christmas.” That is the advice of Presque Isle Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Ernest Lovely to Presque Isle area citizens in announcing the Elks’ seventh annual Elks Family Christmas Dinner.
“The Presque Isle Elks hereby issue an invitation to anyone who does not have family or friends with whom to share Christmas Day to join the Elks, their families and friends for Christmas dinner Sunday, Dec. 25 in the celebration of Christmas,” said Lovely.
Lovely further explained that while this special Christmas Day event is entirely free of charge to all who attend, it is not simply for those people who are economically disadvantaged.
“This event is intended for the benefit of everyone, irrespective of class, color, race or religious belief, who does not have a family with whom to share the joy of fellowship on Christmas Day,” he said.
The Presque Isle Elks will open their doors to the Lodge, located at 508 Main St. to the public beginning at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 25. While guests, Elks Lodge members, family and friends gather, local musicians, including Wendell Hudson, Peter Parker, Sheldon Wright, Doug Drew and Leland Clark will provide musical entertainment. Fireman Fred Parsons will lead some group sing-alongs.
The Star City Elks will also provide transportation to anyone who needs it. Luxury Limos of Caribou will again this year provide a limousine for the Elks to use in transporting guests. Percy’s Auto Sales will also be providing a van for the Elks’ use. Individuals needing transportation may call the Lodge at 764-0985 or send an e-mail request to pielks1954@maine.rr.com. Transportation for those confined to wheelchairs will be available, and the Elks Lodge is handicapped accessible.
Dana Dickinson, co-chair of the Elks Christmas Dinner, has prepared the Christmas dinner menu which will include garden salad, the Northeastland Hotel’s famous tomato bisque, dinner rolls from Governor’s, roast turkey with stuffing and gravy, country-cooked ham, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, a variety of vegetables, and assorted fruit and cream pies from Governor’s.
Mary Dickinson, who has assisted in chairing the Elks Family Christmas Dinner from its inception in 2005, said the event becomes more and more popular each year.
“In the first year, we served Christmas dinner to about 90 guests. We anticipate that more than double that number will attend this year,” she said. “To ensure that everyone will be served, we will cook over 300 pounds of turkey and 60 pounds of ham.”
The Elks anticipate they will begin serving their traditional Christmas dinner to seated guests at noon. While dozens of Elks routinely volunteer to assist in the transportation, welcoming and seating, cooking, serving and entertaining at the Christmas dinner, the Elks welcome anyone who wishes to contribute their time in any of these functions, as well.
“The Elks’ motto is ‘Elks Care … Elks Share.’ While the provision, free to all, of the entertainment, fellowship and a sit-down meal on Christmas Day represent sharing by the Elks, the heart-warming feeling that comes from doing something genuinely worthwhile for one’s neighbor is also shared by the Elks with non-lodge members who annually have volunteered to assist in this event,” said Lovely. “Any person wishing to volunteer their time on Christmas Day in providing transportation of guests, in serving the meals or entertaining the guests is invited to do so by contacting the Lodge.
“To everyone who needs other people with whom to enjoy the fellowship and celebration of Christmas Day, the Presque Isle Elks Lodge invites you to make a reservation for the Presque Isle Elks’ seventh annual Family Christmas Dinner,” he said. “Everything, including the transportation, entertainment, dinner and wonderful fellowship, are free.”
