Michael Powers new Elks state president; Nason Graham named sergeant-at-arms

    On May 1-3, the Maine Elks Association elected and installed its slate of officers for the 2009-10 association year at their 80th annual state convention held in Augusta at the Augusta Elks Lodge.
Contributed photo
ELKS STATE OFFICERS — New officers for 2009-10 installed at the Elk’s state convention in Augusta are from left seated, Elizabeth Butler, treasurer; Wayne Cotterly, first vice-president; Michael Powers, president; Roger Normandeau, president elect; John Nicholson, second vice-president. In back from left, Claris Ranger, administrative assistant; Philip O’Brion, secretary; Anthony Gause, chaplain; David VanDine, tiler  and Nason Graham, sergeant-at-arms.
    Michael Powers of the Houlton Elks Lodge No. 835 was installed as state president. Powers, in his opening remarks, congratulated outgoing President Robert Drisko of the Augusta Elks Lodge No. 964 for his dedication to the principles of the Order and for a successful year. He also thanked the members for their support, and encouraged each Lodge to give 100 percent support to the Elk programs.
    In his acceptance speech, Powers indicated that his theme for the coming year would be, “There is never a wrong time to do the right thing,” reminding the members that there is never a wrong time for the Elks to be involved in their communities or to perform good deeds for charity. He encouraged the members to lead by example, and to continue the association’s charitable fund-raising efforts.
    Powers also encouraged the nearly 12,000 Elk members across the state to continue their support of the State Association’s major projects, which include the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, the Maine Elks Diabetes-Hypertension Van, and the fraternity’s charity, the Elks National Foundation. Throughout the coming year, Powers and is wife Alfreda “Freddy” will travel to each of the 22 Lodges from York to Presque Isle; meeting members and sharing their message of kindness and compassion.
    Installed as officers of the association for the 2009-10 year were, state president, Powers (Houlton); president elect, Roger Normandeau (Sanford); first vice-president, Wayne Cotterly (Lewiston), second vice-president; John Nicholson (Millinocket), secretary; Philip O’Brion (Farmington), treasurer; Elizabeth Butler (York), chaplain; Anthony Gause (Augusta), tiler; David VanDine (Millinocket), administrative assistant; Claris Ranger (Farmington) and sergeant-at-arms, Nason Graham (Houlton). Serving as installing officer was past state president James Ferland of the Presque Isle Elks Lodge No. 1954.
    For more information on the Elks, visit maineelks.org, or visit a local Elks Lodge.