MISSOURI

MISSOURI - Time with Family and Elks, March 15-18

Missouri has a special significance for Venita since it is where her mother was born and raised.  We flew into Kansas City on Wednesday evening and were met at the airport by Venita's sister-in-law, Sue Helgeson.  We spent that evening visiting with her and catching up on what has been going on in her life.    

After breakfast on Thursday morning, we headed east across the state to rendezvous with the Missouri Elks for their convention at the state capitol, Jefferson City.  After a short time on the freeway, we chose to travel the smaller back roads and see some of the Missouri countryside.  Along the way, we stopped to see the Sedalia Elks Lodge and Tom took a moment to relax on their front porch.   We also found a small town called California, Missouri.  Well, since we live in the state of California, nothing would do but that we stop for a picture!

We arrived in Jefferson City in the afternoon and were greeted at the hotel by State Sponsor and PGER Ted Callicott and Betsy, State President Skip Bell and Carol and SDGER Carl Simpson and Sharon.  After settling into our room, we drove to the Jefferson City Elks Lodge #513 where we joined some of the Past State Presidents and their spouses for a wonderful fried chicken dinner prepared by the amazing volunteer cooks at the Lodge.  With our stomachs full, we went back to the hotel for the night.

Friday morning, we all had breakfast at the hotel and then Tom attended the meetings with Ted and Skip.  Venita went shopping with the ladies followed by lunch at the Red Lobster.  Two of the ladies took Venita to a local quilt shop where she found a book containing a star pattern for each of the 50 states.  She also came away with several new ideas for quilts - if she ever gets a free minute!  That evening we attended the State President's Dinner at the hotel.  We then got into our casual clothes and joined the members in the various hospitality suites to talk with them, share our pins and sign membership cards.  At 11:00 pm, Tom delivered the old Eleven O'Clock Toast around the pool, after which we said good night to all.

Saturday morning, the Association held its business meeting, followed by the Past State Presidents' Luncheon.  Venita and the ladies were hosted to brunch at the Jefferson City Lodge.  Since it was St. Patrick's Day, the dining room was beautifully decorated in all things green and several men of the Lodge were also decked out in their green ties and hats as they circled the room pouring mimosas for everyone.  Venita gave out her pin and had a chance to thank everyone for their hospitality and tell the story of her Lone Cypress pin.  In the afternoon, Venita attended the Past First Ladies Social and Tea held at the hotel.

Saturday evening, the Association held their banquet where Tom had a chance to speak to the attendees, sign cards and hand out pins.  The Missouri Elks presented Tom with a Resolution from their Congress and a $100 donation to the ENF in his name.  After dinner, we finished visiting the other hospitality suites and then headed for our room to pack for our departure the next day.

Sunday morning, the final business meeting was followed by their Memorial Service and installation of officers for the coming year.  We joined everyone for Sunday brunch before we turned our car toward Kansas City to spend some additional time with Sue and her mother.  Monday morning, we boarded our plane for our next destination -  the Maryland/Delaware/D.C. Elks.  We so enjoyed our time with the Missouri Elks and look forward to seeing them again soon as we make trips to visit with our family and friends.  Thanks so much, Missouri.  We had a ball!