A capacity crowd attended the fourteenth annual Elks Family Christmas Dinner at the Presque Isle Elks Lodge on Christmas Day. Above are just some of the more than 50 volunteers who helped set up for, prepare and serve the meal. Wearing royal blue T-shirts are some of the family and friends of Cassidy Charette, who volunteered at the event as part of a “ShineOnCass Day” in tribute to Cassidy’s volunteerism prior to her death at age 17. (Presque Isle Elks)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — On Christmas Day, December 25, the Presque Isle Elks, Lodge #1954 will again host the Elks Family Christmas Dinner at the Elks Lodge located at 508 Main Street in Presque Isle beginning at 11:30 a.m. Exalted Ruler Tina Dougherty said, “It is my privilege to invite everyone in this area, who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day, to join the Elks family for a five-course Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day, all free of charge.”
The dinner being served will be a sit-down meal, featuring roast turkey or country baked ham, County mashed potatoes, stuffing and a medley of vegetables. A multitude of desserts, including a variety of berry and cream pies, will be presented from which the diners may choose.
The late Mary Dickinson, together with the current event chair Dana Dickinson, originated the Elks Family Christmas Dinner in 2005. In every year thereafter, except 2020, Dana Dickinson has assembled a large group of enthusiastic volunteers to cook and serve a sit-down Christmas dinner to 200 or more guests.
James “Sheldon” Wright, Leland Clark, Agis Clark, Wendell Hudson, Dale Hudson, Yvette Stephens and Eric Norton, with periodic additional help, have provided musical entertainment for the Christmas dinner. They will again this year. .
Transportation will be provided for anyone who is unable to travel to the Presque Isle Elks Lodge on their own. That transportation can be arranged by calling 207-764-0985.
Dougherty said, “No one in this area should be alone on Christmas Day. The Presque Isle Elks Family Christmas Dinner provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holiday joyously with festive music and a wonderful abundance of friendly, caring people.”