Elks begin celebration of 125th anniversary
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — The BPOE Putnam Lodge 574 kicked off a celebration of its 125th anniversary July 12 with armfuls of citations, patriotic booths, games and more.
The celebration began with honored guests including U.S. Representative Joe Courtney, Mayor Barney Seney, State Senator Mae Flexer, State Representative Chris Stewart, Governor Ned Lamont and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, each bringing proclamations and citations.
As Saturday’s celebration went on in Putnam, the U.S. flag was flying over the U.S. Capitol for the lodge, courtesy of Courtney. 
Exalted Ruler Marcel Morissette said the lodge has been planning the celebration for probably close to a year. “We really got it off the ground in January,” he said.
Morissette said the Elks are a patriotic organization: Members believe in God, they are U.S. citizens and are willing to pledge allegiance to the flag. 
The U.S. flag is a foundation of the Elks. Janet Muscara-Schmidt said the Elks honored nine local businesses that proudly honor the flag every day: Chase Graphics, Honor Movers, Linemaster Switch and Mansion on Bald Hill, Eastford Building Supply, Pursuit Aerospace, Paquette Electric and Ivanhoe.
Also, geared toward kids, she had explanations of the importance of the flag along with patriotic coloring sheets and stickers. 
She asked kids to draw an outline of their hand and place it on the poster – a pledge to honor the flag.
Morissette said the anniversary year will include a black-tie gala in October. 
There will be only 150 seats and tickets are already on sale (860-928-3901). They will also be a co-marshal of the Dazzle Light Parade. 
There will be some “pop-up” events. That’s in addition to annual events like their Trunk or Treat, the free Thanksgiving dinner and their Christmas basket program and more.

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captions:
Clockwise from top left:

Citations and proclamations began the celebration. Courtesy photo.

Exalted Ruler Marcel Morissette and secretary Lisa Morissette.

Joanne Donnell challenged Mike Stewart to a race on the obstacle course. It seemed to be a draw. 

Left: There was a sizeable history lesson inside the lodge. The original charter was there, plus photos and projects, ledgers and even thank you letters from GIs who received care packages from the Elks during the war. More photos Wed. night on our FB page. 

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