SOUTH PORTLAND -- On May 4-7, 2007, the Maine Elks Association (MEA) elected and installed its slate of officers for the 2007-2008 association year at their 78th Annual State Convention held at the Sheraton Hotel in South Portland, Maine.

Installed as MEA State President was Bruce Brunelle of the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470. Brunelle, in his opening remarks, congratulated outgoing President Greg Daniels of the Presque Isle Elks Lodge #1954 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 add one more activity to support our youth in the coming year.

In his acceptance speech, Brunelle announced that his theme for the coming year would be "Family and Community Commitment" His goal is to strengthen the Elks already have with our families and communities, and to develop new and innovative ways to bring everyone closer together. He described the theme as an equilateral triangle. Each of the three points would be represented by three points; Family at the top, supported by Community, and the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. Each point would be equally as important as the other.

Installed as officers of the association for the 2007-2008 year were: State President: Bruce Brunelle (Sanford), 1st Vice-President: Robert Drisko (Augusta), 2nd Vice-President: Michael Powers (Houlton), 3rd Vice-President: Roger Normandeau (Sanford), Secretary: Philip O'Brion (Farmington), Treasurer: Elizabeth Butler (York), Chaplain: Andrew Bolz (Sanford), Tiler: Albert Ingraham (Wells), Administrative Assistant: Claris Ranger (Farmington), and Sergeant-at Arms: Thomas Spellman (Sanford). Serving as installing officer was Past State President Frank Ricker of the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470.

Front (L-R) Roger Normandeau, Robert Drisko, Bruce Brunelle, Michael Powers, and Elizabeth Butler. Back (L-R) Albert Ingraham, Philip O’Brion, Claris Ranger, Andrew Bolz, and Thomas Spellman.

The Maine Elks Association is a non-profit organization consisting of 22 Lodges and 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.