Houlton Elks host 30th annual Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner

On Sunday, Dec. 18, Houlton Elks members served 655 area senior citizens a dinner of roast turkey with all the fixings. Preparation for the meal began on Friday, Dec. 16, and ended on Sunday, Dec. 18 when Elk members and their families opened the door of their Lodge to the area Senior Citizens.
    “Cedric and I have been attending the Senior Citizens Dinner at the Elks for the past 24 years and as always the meal was delicious,” said Violet Glidden of Houlton.
A total of 375 senior citizens came to the Lodge for their meal and Elks members delivered another 280 meals to senior citizens not able to make the trip to the Lodge. As the seniors arrived at the Houlton Elks Lodge, members greeted them, helped them up the stairs to the Lodge, hung up their coats, seated them, and served them a delicious turkey dinner. During dinner, Paul LaPointe played Christmas music on his trumpet.
“This annual complimentary Christmas meal tradition started in 1981, when Houlton Elk members wanted a way to for their Lodge to provide a service to the community during the Holiday season,” said Jon Bither, trustee for the Elks. “It is reported that at the first meal in 1981, 25 senior citizens attended and from that modest beginning, the tradition has grown each year and now includes delivery to those Senior Citizens not able to come to the Lodge.”
Sean Conlogue, Blaine Lincoln and Bart Peters, organized the crew preparing the meal. Bob and Gail Cleary organized home delivery orders and Mary Lowe organized the dining room crew. In total, 55 volunteers that included Elk members their spouses and children worked to complete this year’s annual event.