NEW YORK

NEW YORK - The Empire State, September 21-22

We arrived in Buffalo, New York Thursday evening and were met by the New York Elks, including PGER David Carr and State President Larry Contratti.  Upon arriving at the hotel on Grand Island, the largest fresh water island in the world, we were greeted by PGER Peter Affatato and Irene and PGER Dr. Leonard Bristol and Ginny.  We joined the three area sponsors and the State President for a very pleasant dinner before we ended our travel day.

Friday morning we met the same group for breakfast, after which Tom went off with Larry to be introduced to the Advisory Committee.  He then visited a number of the special interest workshops that make up the training portion of the New York Convention.  Tom was very interested to see what information was being shared and complimented the state on their progressive format and hard work.

Meanwhile, Venita, Irene, Ginny and a number of the Past State Presidents' wives were taken on a luncheon cruise up the Niagara River on a ship appropriately called the "Grand Lady."  It was a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing way to see some of the beautiful mansions that line the river as we sailed toward the city of Buffalo.

That evening, we had dinner with the Advisory Committee and their wives followed by a visit to some of the hospitality suites for the 17 New York Districts.  It was a lively evening and we handed out pins and signed cards while visiting with the hard working Elks of New York.

Saturday morning we woke up to rain showers.  Not to be deterred, we headed for Niagara Falls after breakfast.  Since neither one of us had been there, we were tickled to be able to check this destination off our "bucket list."  And it truly was an amazing sight.  Niagara Falls State Park is America's oldest state park, established in 1885.  The falls are made up of two sections, the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls.  Of course, nothing would do but that we saw the falls up close and personal, so we donned these lovely blue cleaning bag ponchos and boarded the "Maid of the Mist" for a quick trip to the base of the Horseshoe Falls.  The power of the falls and the roar of the water was an experience that we will not soon forget.

That evening, we attended the Fall Conference Banquet.  Since the New York Association is so large, it felt very much like a California-Hawaii banquet with a ballroom full to overflowing.  The New York Association presented us with a beautiful knife set in a butcher block holder, in keeping with David Carr's love of cooking.  Since we both enjoy cooking as well, we know that this lovely gift will be put to good use . . . when we get a chance to find our kitchen again!  Late that evening, we visited the other hospitality suites, signing cards and giving out pins.  When they requested that Tom give the Eleven O'Clock Toast, he chose the Jolly Corks version which was received with a round of applause at the end.

Our sincere thanks to the New York State Elks Association, State President Larry Contratti and sponsors, PGER Dr. Leonard and Ginny Bristol, PGER Peter Affatato and Irene and PGER David Carr for all of their gracious hospitality during our stay in New York.  We had such a wonderful time with everyone and can't wait to come back on our own.