ARKANSAS

ARKANSAS - Hot Springs, The First National Park, Feb. 28 - March 3

Arkansas was one of the few states that Tom and I had never visited.  Upon our arrival, we were met by State President Jan Dorn, District Leader Roy and Joyce Worley and District Deputy Joe and Tammy Coulter.  State Sponsor PGER Chuck Williams and Gladys arrived a little after us, so we had the fun of turning the tables and welcoming them to Arkansas! 

After arriving at and settling into our hotel in Hot Springs, we all went out to a casual dinner at a local Italian restaurant.  Both the food and the company were excellent.  Friday morning, we went to view the Arkansas Major Project, the Arkadelphia Human Development Center.  One of five centers located throughout Arkansas, the Arkadelphia Human Development Center is a residential facility for adults with intellectual disabilities.  Their mission is to continuously enable the people that they serve to advance the quality and independence of their lives.  The Center has partnered with the community to operate a recycling center for the city and county, thus providing job development training for the residents.  The Elks have provided grants and donations to the Center to fill specific needs throughout the facility, such as the aviary in the lobby, computer equipment for their technology trailer and workout equipment for their wellness center.   This program is a great example of Elks reaching out into the community to develop a relationship and get people involved.

After visiting the Center, we returned to Hot Springs where the gentlemen went to The Bleu Monkey for lunch, followed by a tour of the area surrounding Hot Springs.  In order to give Tom a “bird’s-eye” view, they took him up the observation tour that overlooked the entire Hot Springs area.  Meanwhile, the ladies stopped for a quick bite and then took Venita to the Buckstaff Bathhouse.  These historic baths along "bath house row" provide the chance to soak in the hot water from the naturally occurring hot springs that make up the National Park.  This relaxing soak was followed by massage.  And they thought I could move after that?  Just leave me here, thank you!

Friday evening went to Hot Springs Lodge for their fish fry.  The fried catfish was superb, and was accompanied traditional southern hush puppies, beans and all of the other fixin’s.  We very much enjoyed seeing the lodge and visiting with the members and their guests for the evening.

Saturday morning we headed for the Oaklawn Racetrack for "Elks Day at the Races". We enjoyed brunch and a behind the scenes tour of the track.  Tom had the privilege of going down on the track to present the trophy to the owner of the winning horse in the fourth race, “the Elks Race”.  That was followed by a visit to the Press Box where we met the race stewards, one of whom was a former jockey with over 6,000 wins. We also were able to stay in the box while the announcer called the next race.  It was a fascinating day and one we thoroughly enjoyed.  It didn’t hurt that we won a couple of races, as well!

Saturday evening went to Hot Springs Lodge for dinner and Tom spoke to the group about our year and the future of Elkdom.  The Arkansas Elks presented Venita with several knitting and quilting books to add to her library and gave Tom an athletic jacket with the Arkansas Razorback logo on it.  We finished up the evening signing cards and giving out our pins.

Sunday morning dawned clear and beautiful and we headed home early, smiling and relaxed.  It was a wonderful stay in Arkansas and we thank the Arkansas Elks for all of their gracious hospitality.