Steve Jewell named Elks Father of the Year

   SKOWHEGAN – Steve Jewell, an Elks Lodge member for 36 years, father of five and grandfather of 13, has been named the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Father of the Year.

  The announcement was made on Friday, June 15 at the annual Father’s Day weekend barbecue sponsored by the Veteran’ Service Committee.

  In making the announcement, Veterans’ Committee Chair Raymond Noe described him as “a man who is not only a wonderful father and grandfather, but a huge asset to this lodge. By serving on many committees and helping our whenever he could, Steve was a big part of turning this lodge around.”

  Jewell was clearly surprised by the honor. Several family members, including seven of his grandchildren, stayed hidden in the function hall until the announcement was made.  “Julie (his wife) tried to convince me to take a nap this afternoon because she said we were going to be out a little later than usual tonight,” Jewell joked. “Now I know why.”

  The 2012 Father of the Year is a former lodge treasurer and chaired the House Committee, Auditing Committee and Fair Booth Committee for several years. Even though he has to use a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis, he still assists and advises the lodge any way he can.

  He and his wife, Julie, own the Athens Country Store where he’s known as the unofficial “Mayor of Athens.”