Mike Michaud, Maine Elks Veterans Chairman

05/06/2026

May is Gold Star Awareness Month 💛

Throughout the month of May, we pause to honor and remember the families whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Gold Star Families carry a loss that words can never fully heal, yet they continue to show incredible strength, courage, and love. 🇺🇸

At Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., we stand beside our Gold Star Families and hold close the memories of the heroes who gave everything for our freedoms. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and neither will the families who continue to carry their legacy forward every day.

This month, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect, remember, and honor the service members who gave their lives in defense of our country.

💛 Always Remembered… Never Forgotten 💛

To all Gold Star Families, we see you, we honor you, and we thank you. 🇺🇸

04/11/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bd5FfkSSW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The heart of the Augusta Elks #964 Veterans Committee lies in ensuring that veterans feel truly at home. Our committee has been extremely active in assembling and delivering thoughtfully assembled Welcome Home Kits, designed to help veterans settle comfortably into their new residences.

Our home kit project has seen growing success over the last year, largely due to strong partnerships with case managers from agencies dedicated to supporting formerly unhoused veterans as they transition into permanent housing. The veteran receives a Welcome Home Kit filled with essential household items, transforming empty apartments into warm, inviting homes.

The kits include:

· Kitchen necessities: Plates, silverware, toasters, pots and pans, cutlery, utensils and more.

·Bathroom supplies: Towels, bath rugs, shower curtains, and trash cans.

· Bedding basics: Comforters, sheets, blankets, pillows and mattress protectors.

In addition to household kits, our committee operates a furniture program to further support veterans in outfitting their new homes. We currently maintain four trailers dedicated to the collection and distribution of donated furniture, including tables, chairs, recliners, nightstands, love seats, mattresses with box springs and more. These generous donations come from lodge members and the broader community, enacting our Elk pledge: “so long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.”

During the 2025-26 Elk Year, our efforts have resulted in the distribution of 56 home kits—an average of five kits per month. Approximately half of the veterans who received these kits were also provided with furniture, ensuring they have not only the essentials but also the comfort and dignity of a fully furnished home.

If you are interested in donating any household items or gently used furniture to this wonderful initiative, please contact the Augusta Elks Lodge to schedule a drop off time with the program liaisons Ken and Jean Gotreau.

03/26/2026

Great Job!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17mgwpkkf9/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Augusta Elks #964 Veterans Committee held a Bowl-a-Thon at Interstate Bowling. There were over 25 participants, and everyone had a wonderful time bowling while raising a total of $3200 for Maine Veterans in Need (MVN).

Maine Veterans in Need (MVN) is a non-profit that is dedicated to assisting veterans who are facing hardship. The organization advocates for veterans experiencing a crisis or emergency and works proactively to help prevent veteran homelessness. MVN addresses the gaps left by government programs, especially when urgent needs arise or when assistance is required outside of official business hours.

MVN operates without government funding, relying solely on donations and fundraising efforts, such as the Bowl-a-Thon organized by the Augusta Elks #964 Veterans Committee.

Some of the services provided include:

Food cards and gas cards for immediate necessities
Short-term hotel stays for veterans when other agencies are unavailable
Phone cards and Trac phones to ensure reliable communication
Help with enrollment in the VA Healthcare system
Assistance with phone payments to prevent service disconnection
Support for car payments to prevent repossession
Provision of home heating fuel during critical times

To learn more about MVN and their important work, please visit their website https://maineveteransinneed.org

Pictured are David Patch, President of Maine Veterans in Need along with Ken Gotreau, Exalted Ruler of the Augusta Elks Lodge and the Veterans Committee members.

01/21/2026

Do you know a veteran in need of any of these items?

01/09/2026

🍲🔥 Mark Your Calendars! 🔥🍲

The 6th Annual Chili, Chowder & Soups Cook-Off is coming to Bangor — and it’s all for a great cause!

📅 February 7, 2026
🕙 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Elks Lodge, 108 Odlin Road, Bangor
💵 $5 Admission

Hosted by the 6th District Masonic Association, this fun (and delicious!) community event invites you to sample a variety of homemade chili, chowder, and soups — and vote for your favorites!

🥣 Want to enter a chili, chowder, or soup?
Contact Audie Gould at 📧 audiegould207@gmail.com

⭐ All proceeds benefit the Bangor Maine Veterans’ Home Activities Fund, helping support meaningful programs and experiences for our residents.

Tag a friend and come together!

01/05/2026

Great opportunity for Women Veterans to come together for a wonderful morning! ♥️🇺🇸♥️

Looks like a good event!

12/29/2025

Old Town Elks delivered a box of cards and gifts to the Bangor Veteran’s Home on December 23rd. Thank you to all the Elks and Community children that participated in this donation. ❤️🎄

12/28/2025

A very special afternoon honoring our veterans and spreading some holiday joy!

12/19/2025

🌟 Thank You Augusta Elks Lodge #964 Veterans Committee! 🌟

We appreciate your continued support of the Veterans Heating Assistance Program. Your generosity and commitment help us provide vital heating assistance to Maine Veterans during the colder months.

With below-average temperatures this December and news of our program spreading, requests for assistance are coming in daily — and our funds are running low.

We kindly ask you to consider making a donation to this important cause. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference!

🤝 How to Contribute:
Please make checks payable to Fielding’s Oil & Propane and send to:

Fielding’s Oil & Propane Co.
Veteran Heating Assistance Fund
P.O. Box 364
Scarborough, ME 04070
ATTENTION: TAMMY

Thank you for supporting our Veterans and helping ensure they stay warm this winter! ❤️

"because no one who served should have to battle the cold!"

12/14/2025