Elks Thanksgiving: No one will be alone
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — It’s just one of thousands of stories that shine the spotlight on how much the annual Elks’ Thanksgiving Dinner means to the community.
Diane Robinson, past exalted ruler of the Putnam Lodge of Elks #574, said she remembers taking a call for one of the hundreds of free Thanksgiving dinners to be delivered. It turned out that the caller had spoken with a neighbor who had also called in for one dinner. They decided they should eat Thanksgiving dinner together so the meals were delivered together.
And the same goes for those at the Elks lodge Thanksgiving Day. All the tables are large. There’s no way to eat alone.
Robinson estimated 575 meals were prepared this year, the 11th year. Last year was slightly fewer. In this year’s numbers 350 meals were delivered, 145 were picked up (to go) and the rest ate at a spacious table at the lodge.
There were 23 routes set up to make all the deliveries. Elk Betsy Santerre drew up the routes.
And the Elks weren’t alone in their efforts either. A community of volunteers and contributors made it happen. Of the fund-raising, Michael Paquin said none of this would be possible without the volunteers and the donations. The first year, he said, there were 72 meals prepared. “This is the biggest year yet,” he added.
Individuals and businesses make donations. And if the coffer ever runs a bit short, members kick in money to make sure there are enough turkeys.
Robinson said there were 130 turkeys, 70 hams, 350 pounds of white potatoes, 300 pounds of sweet potatoes and about 70 pounds of corn.
Work started earlier this week at the lodge with volunteers making 100 pumpkin pies, 15 apple pies and, for good measure, six apple crisps, according to Robinson.
It’s a community effort that makes it a success, according to Exalted Ruler Michael Martin.
Years ago hanging out with fellow Elks, Rich Boulet said the lodge should create a free Thanksgiving dinner for the community. Wife Judi Boulet said the kids were pretty well grown and he needed something to do, to give back. Robinson said they began with a core group (including son “Zippy” Boulet) and it built up over the years. Now some 75 people help in some way.
Paquin called it Boulet’s “brain child”. “It’s a labor of love.”
At the end it was full stomachs, smiles and — you’re not alone.