Eagles Club new location motivates fundraiser - By Michelle Libby

The Fraternal Order of the Eagles held a barn raising pig roast at their new location near the rotary in the old Dancemakers dance studio. They have been open for two weeks in the building they purchased and rebuilt with hundreds of hours of volunteer hours. 

The pig roast and barn raising was held to benefit the organization that has found themselves strapped for cash after move. 

Artie Spinks donated a pig for the roast and members brought in side dishes and baskets to auction. They held a turkey shoot and members dressed in their best western wear from boots to hats. 

 

The non-profit Eagles donates money to 12 major charities, like muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease, Cathedral in the Pines and families that request help. Each month they also donate to the Windham Food Pantry. 

“We are people helping people,” said Patti Sandberg, who led the committee for the barn raising.

“That’s why I joined this group,” said Dawn Kime, secretary of the Eagles. “Do something positive and join the club. It’s giving back.” 

The new location is much bigger than the former location at 824 Roosevelt Trail. The private club has a bar, two pool tables, pull tab machines and members willing to visit at any time. It is a smoking club. The profits from the sales go toward the charitable works. 

The Eagles are always welcoming new members. The organization is 150 years old and has nationwide chapters called aeries. The Windham chapter has approximately 325 members. It has two general meetings each month. 

The renovation of the old Woodberry’s farm started in the barn. There is still work going on upstairs where the dance studios used to be and then out into the house. There are still some offices that are rented in the front of the building, said Kime. “We’re so excited to have our own place,” she added.

Members are ages 22 to 90. They pay an initial membership fee of $50 and then a renewal of $30. Veterans and police officers get free memberships the first year. 

This event raised approximately $2,000 toward the club’s expenses. 

“We’ve got to take care of ourselves to take care of others,” she added.