Rochester Voice 8:38 a.m.
Wednesday, July 13, 2022 6:39 am

From left, Gail Huff Brown, wife of former U.S. Sen.Scott Brown; Deanna Souza, Lodge Loyal Knight; Scott Brown, and Jim Clark, Past Exalted Ruler and Lodge Trustee (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Officers and members from the Rochester Elks Lodge #1393 distributed Drug Awareness information and complimentary bottles of water at Rochester's Lilac Fun Fest at Spaulding High School athletic field on Saturday.

More than 500 gift bags were handed out to Funfest attendees and six cases of bottled water were distributed.

Volunteering for this endeavor included the following Rochester Lodge members: Deanna Souza, Loyal Knight and Co-Chair of the Lodge Drug Awareness Program; Peter Ducharme, Leading Knight and his wife Tisha Ducharme; Tom Ducharme, Past Exalted Ruler, Lodge Trustee and his wife Sherry Ducharme and Jim Clark, Past Exalted Ruler, Lodge Trustee and his significant other, Kathy Akerman.

Former U.S. Senator Scott Brown and his wife Gail Huff Brown stopped by the New Hampshire State Elks Drug Awareness Trailer to say hello. Scott and Gail are members of the Portsmouth Elks Lodge #97.

The Elks National Drug Awareness Program strives to teach all children and parents about the dangers of illegal drug use and prevent the abuse of legalized and prescription drugs. As the largest volunteer drug awareness program in the United States, the program relies on state, district and Lodge volunteers to promote a drug-free lifestyle. By taking pride in America's communities and youth, the program takes action against youth drug use through education and inspiration.

Every year, the Elks Drug Awareness Program hands out more than seven million pieces of anti-drug literature to parents, teachers and kids. The brochures are primarily distributed through the program's 90 drug education trailers, which travel to community gatherings, such as fairs and sporting events. The Elks have also teamed with Marvel Comic Books to produce a book featuring Marvel superheroes and Elroy the Elk in a battle against underage drinking. Other educational materials offered by the program include prevention tools for parents, videos, coloring books, posters and public service announcements.

For more information about the Rochester Elks Lodge #1393, visit https://www.elks.org/1393