Elks barbecue cook-off, jamboree raises nearly $7K for PAWS

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 November 2023 at 11:05 am

Provided photos

ALBION – Representatives from the Elks Lodge in Albion presented a ceremonial check $3,480 to PAWS Animal Shelter. The Elks also gave $3,400 collected from a basket raffle on Oct. 21 during a jamboree and barbecue cook-off to benefit PAWS.

Pictured from left include April Flesch, Carol Williams and Lynda Standish from the Elks, and Donna Vanderlaan and Patty Coffee with PAWS.

There were five cooks or cooking teams for the competition, including from left: Melvin Artis and Cortlin Artis, Chris Winters (kneeling), Tony Newland, Lee Tisdale of Romyn’s Restaurant, Bert Mathes and Dan Monacelli.

Melvin and Cortlin came in 1st place with a trip to the 1000 Islands, Bert Mathes and Dan Monacelli won 2nd place and $200, and Lee Tisdale won 3rd with $100.

The judges sample the barbecue. They include from left: Orleans County Legislator John Fitzak; Scott DeSmit from The Daily News in Batavia; Elk chaplain, food manager and Bandera band member Bonnie Draper; Medina Mayor Mike Sidari; and Orleans County Undersheriff Don Draper.