RHODE ISLAND

RHODE  ISLAND - 400 Miles of Coastline, September 24

This morning we were driven to Mystic, Connecticut by the gracious Elks of Connecticut where we were delivered into the safe keeping of the Rhode Island Elks.  Our greeting party included SDGER Walter Kettelle and Judy, State President Jeanne Clancy, Grand Lodge Committeeman Leo Blanchette and Nancy and our drive, "Mo".  Did you all know that Rhode Island is only about 60 miles long and 40 miles wide, but boasts the longest coastline of any state in the United States?  Neither did we!  They are not called the Ocean State for nothing.

We were whisked up the road to Jeanne's lodge, Woonsocket #850 where we were treated to a fabulous seafood lunch that included "Little Neck Clams" (raw, of course) and an "experimental" combination of shrimp and lobster, laced with Sambuca.  We were given a tour of their lodge, including their lodge room that had stained glass medallions above each station as well as the "Star of Fidelity".  Jeanne and Venita discovered that they had been ERs the same year and had both been ritual champions.  It was noted that the Woonsocket and the Santa Cruz Lodge were both instituted the same year, 1903.

After lunch, we were taken to our hotel in Warwick for some rest prior to the evening banquet.  That evening, we had a chance to meet many of the Rhode Island Elks at dinner and were privileged to spend time talking to them about their association.  After dinner, Tom shared his thoughts on the future of Elkdom and how to better represent our Order in our communities.  Judy Kettelle, Hope Kirkconnell and Marie Caranci presented Venita with a quilt block for Rhode Island to be included as part of the memory quilt she will be completing at the end of our year of travels.  Creative credit was also given to Marie's granddaughter, Tabitha.  We were then asked to come to the front of the dais where State President Jeanne presented us with a spectacular silver punch bowl, tray and cups.  We were speechless and it took both of us a moment to regain our composure.  It is an amazing gift and we are truly grateful to the Rhode Island Elks.  We also receive donations to the ENF totaling $1,125.  As the evening wound down, we spent time signing cards and sharing our pins with these great Elks.  When all was said and done, we had raised $337 for the Elks Disaster Relief Fund, all due to the generosity of the Rhode Island Elks.  This was a wonderful day among a terrific group of Elks, one we will not forget.