AUGUSTA, MAINE -- On May 1-3, 2009, the Maine Elks Association elected and installed its slate of officers for the 2009-2010 association year at their 80th Annual State Convention held in Augusta at the Augusta Elks Lodge. Installed as State President was Michael Powers of the Houlton Elks Lodge #835. Powers, in his opening remarks, congratulated outgoing President Robert Drisko of the Augusta Elks Lodge #964 for his dedication to the principals of the Order and for a successful year. He also thanked the members for their support, and encouraged each Lodge to give 100% 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 associations charitable fundraising efforts. He 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" Powers will travel to each of the twenty-two Lodges from York to Presque Isle; meeting members and sharing their message of kindness and compassion.

Installed as officers of the association for the 2009-2010 year were: State President: Michael Powers (Houlton), President Elect: Roger Normandeau (Sanford), 1st Vice-President: Wayne Cotterly (Lewiston), 2nd 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 #1954.

The Maine Elks Association is a non-profit organization consisting of 22 Lodges and over 12,000 members in the State of Maine. The association provides support programs in areas such as Americanism, Scholarships, Drug Awareness, and Veterans/National Service. For more information on the Elks, visit maineelks.org, or visit your local Elks Lodge.

Front (L-R): Elizabeth Butler, Wayne Cotterly, Michael Powers, Roger Normandeau, John Nicholson. Back (L-R): Claris Ranger, Philip O'Brion, Anthony Gause, David VanDine, Nason Graham