“People yearn for the joy of fellowship at Christmas and not simply a food basket.”  Those are the words of Alan Harding, Exalted Ruler of Presque Isle Lodge #1954, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in explaining the reason that the Elks will be hosting for the tenth consecutive year, a sit-down, five-course Christmas dinner at noon on Christmas Day, December 25, 2014, at the Elks Lodge located at 508 Main Street in Presque Isle, for anyone who would otherwise be alone at Christmas.

Presque Isle Elks
Presque Isle Elks
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“Ten years ago, as the Exalted Ruler of Presque Isle Lodge #1954, Mary Dickinson took on a new, charitable project for the Elks,” Harding explained, “a project which was larger and more involved than any other charitable endeavor that her Lodge had recently undertaken.” Confident in the generosity of her Elk brothers and sisters, Exalted Ruler Dickinson planned a Christmas Day dinner at the Elks Lodge for anyone who would otherwise be alone on Christmas.  Exalted Ruler Dickinson appointed herself and her husband, Dana, as co-chairs of the event.  Together, they planned a five-course meal with appetizers, soup, salad, choice of two entrees, a variety of side dishes and a huge array of holiday desserts.  Enlisting the assistance of Alan Harding, they gave personal, written invitations to persons known to be alone at Christmas, arranged for limousine service for persons needing transportation, and musical entertainment for the guests from the time of their arrival until the benediction.  “Exalted Ruler Dickinson was truly Mrs. Santa Claus, even before she put on a costume, as pictured below,” Harding said.

As a result of the vision and leadership of Mary Dickinson, the Presque Isle Elks will be hosting an Elks Family Christmas Dinner this year for the tenth consecutive year.  Again, this year no one need spend Christmas Day alone, because the Presque Isle Elks are ready to pick them up by limousine, if they need transportation to the Lodge.  Once at the Lodge, guests will be entertained by a variety of local, talented musicians.  All guests will be served a sit-down, five-course meal, beginning with a variety of appetizers, before being served a cup of the Northeastland Hotel’s famous, tomato bisque soup.  A choice of salads will precede either a baked country ham or oven-roasted turkey dinner with a variety of side dishes, including county-grown mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and peas in a butter sauce, apple or cranberry sauce, and a variety of breads, including the unsurpassed dinner rolls from Governor’s.  Dessert will also be a wide assortment, including pies from Governor’s.

Persons wishing to attend the Elks Family Christmas Dinner are asked to call the Elks Lodge at 764-0985 and to advise the Lodge if transportation is needed.  Transportation of even wheelchair-bound individuals is available.

According to Elks Exalted Ruler, Alan Harding, the Elks Family Christmas Dinner has grown in attendance every year.  “While Past Exalted Ruler Mary Dickinson may be unable to attend this year, this wonderful community event would not have occurred without her leadership, vision, and charitable spirit, which evidences the true spirit of Christmas,” Harding concluded.

For further information you may contact Alan Harding at 764-0131.

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