OKLAHOMA

OKLAHOMA – Capitol, Cowboys and Chairs, April 17-21

We arrived in Oklahoma City on Wednesday afternoon and were met at the airport by PGER and State Sponsor Jim McQuillan and Karen, SDGER Millard Pickering, State President Jack Roper and Margaret and President Elect Joe Boykin.  After collecting our luggage, we headed for the hotel and were treated to a beautiful two-level suite as our home-away-from-home for the next four days.  That evening, we joined the Midwest City Elks Lodge #1890 for a BBQ chicken and rib dinner that was outstanding.  Between the homemade salads and desserts, none of us left hungry.  Upon leaving the lodge, we were greeted by a severe rainstorm including thunder, lightning and hail.  We were told rain was falling at the rate of 4 inches a hour!  The thunder almost made us deaf and the lightning took care of what little was left of our retinas.  The hail was deafening.  You just don't see that kind of weather in the Sovereign Peoples Republic of California.  It was an exciting ride back to the hotel, including a short stop under a gas station overhang to wait out some of the hail.

Thursday morning, we went to the State Capitol where Tom had the privilege of addressing the Oklahoma State House of Representatives.  They also read a special citation for him on the floor of the House.  We proceeded to the Senate where we were introduced from the Gallery.  We were then given a tour of this beautiful building including a stop in the Supreme Court Chambers.  After leaving the Capitol, we went to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum for a tour and lunch.  This was a fascinating museum dedicated to the history and heritage of our wonderful wild west and included pieces by famous artists such as Russell and Remington.  In one section of the museum they had reconstructed an old west town with 19 buildings.  Another section was dedicated to the cowboys of film and television.  It definitely jogged our memories to see such programs as “Have Gun, Will Travel”, “The Big Valley” and “Wagon Train.”  Of special note was the 18 foot tall sculpture in the main lobby titled “End of the Trail” by James Earle Fraser.  What we did not know is that this plaster sculpture stood in a park in Visalia, California for some 40 years before it was moved to the museum for restoration and preservation.  Before it was moved, however, a bronze copy was made which now resides in Visalia and is on our list to see next time we are in the Central Valley.

Upon returning to the hotel, we were tickled to find that Susanne Pickering had arrived and hugs were given all around.  That evening we joined Jack and Margaret along with the entire convention committee for dinner at Shiki’s, a Japanese steak house.  We all enjoyed the hibachi cooking and the show put on by the chef and Tom really enjoyed his Saki!   After dinner, we went downtown to see the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the site of the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building.  It was a moving experience to see the Memorial with its 168 chairs, one for each victim of the bombing, lit up at night.  We spent several moments in quiet reflection before returning to the hotel.

Friday morning, we went downtown to tour the Oklahoma City Memorial Museum.  We first stopped at the "Survivor Tree."  This 90+ year old American Elm survived the explosion and now stands as a symbol of human resilience.  Venita commented that it reminded her of the Lone Cypress, the tree used for her pin this year.  The Museum is extremely well thought out, starting with the history of the site and continuing step by step through the events of the day.  It goes on through the investigation, finishing up with the rebuilding of the community and the hope of the people.  Many sections of the museum touched us deeply, and we couldn’t help but reflect on the bombings that had taken place earlier in the week at the Boston Marathon.

After our visit to the museum, we went to the Oklahoma City Elks Lodge #417 for a wonderful lunch and to see their new lodge.  Having sold their old lodge, they have just completed their new building and it was a pleasure to see their beautiful facility.  Future plans are still in the works to add recreational options such as horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, etc.  We very much enjoyed our time with them.

Friday evening, we joined all of the Past State Presidents for dinner at the hotel, followed by a tour of the hospitality rooms for the various lodges.  We had a great time and saw things we had never seen before – like a “Redneck Margarita Machine”, made with a garbage disposer and PVC piping, and an entire section of snacks (including cookies) made with Spam. No kidding! Tom tried to get them to bring the "Redneck Margarita Machine" to Reno for the convention. 

Saturday morning, Tom joined Jack, Jim and Millard for the business meeting.  Venita went with the ladies to a morning coffee to honor Margaret and we then joined the men for the Youth Awards Banquet.  It is always inspiring to see the young people in the various states who received scholarships, hoop shoot and soccer awards from the Elks.  They are so excited and it is fun to watch them receive their well-deserved accolades.  While the men returned to their meetings, the ladies enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment with "Elvis."  They had a great time as he sang to each and every lady in the room.  Before dinner, we went with Mary, Jim, Karen and Susanne to Mass at St. Joseph’s Old Cathedral which is located right next to the Memorial.  The church had been severely damaged during the explosion and during the repairs had erected a statue on the corner titled “And Jesus Wept” to honor the victims. 

Our final evening with the Oklahoma Elks started with a receiving line  of about 400 followed by the formal banquet.  Tom spoke to the assembled group, sharing his concerns and vision for our Order and encouraged them to continue their great work.  The Oklahoma Elks presented Venita with a beautiful silver bracelet to commemorate her visit to their state.

Sunday morning, we had the opportunity to see the installation of the new Oklahoma State Officers, followed by their Memorial Service.  Millard and Susanne took us to the airport and we gave them big hugs as we parted, reminding them to stay healthy (for installation as GER in July) and that we would see them in July. 

But Oklahoma wasn’t done with us quite yet.  Wanting to make sure that we got home safely, DDGER Gary Lassiter of Mustang, Oklahoma, escorted us on our flight home to San Jose to make sure we got to our car in San Jose safely.  Now that’s hospitality and going above and beyond the call of duty for his GER!  No other DDGER has done that for us yet!  I doubt that the fact he also had a seminar in San Mateo that week had anything to do with escorting us home.  Thank you, Oklahoma Elks.  We had an amazing time.

TENNESSEE

TENNESSEE - Smoky Mountains and Moonshine, April 10-14

We arrived in Knoxville, Tennessee early Wednesday evening and were greeted at the airport by PGER and State Sponsor Jack Frost and Sharon, PGER Ted Callicott and Betsy, State President Jim Birdsong and Paulette and State Photographer Andrea Birdsong.  We stopped at a wonderful restaurant called "Cheddars" for dinner before making the hour drive to Gatlinburg for the convention.

 

Thursday morning, we went to breakfast with Jack and Sharon at the Cracker Barrel.  (You remember that it is one of Venita's favorite breakfast restaurants.)  We lingered over several cups of coffee and excellent conversation, during which time Tom admired Jack's cowboy boots and mentioned that he wanted to buy a pair for himself.  Jack was more than willing to accommodate that request and we found ourselves in a local western wear shop, Stages West, getting Tom fitted for boots.  By the time we were done, we had made another significant contribution to the local economy and Tom had a beautiful pair of brown cowboy boots - followed later by a pair of black ones!

After our shopping spree, we took a drive to the Sugarland's Visitor's Center of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  Established in 1934, this was among the first of the national parks assembled from private lands.  Its name came from the Cherokee Indians who described these mountains as shaconage, meaning "blue, like smoke."  We didn't have time to drive into the park, but Jack promised us a trip Sunday morning on our way to the airport.

Returning to Gatlinburg, we parked at the hotel and set out on foot to see part of the town.  Our first stop was at the Old Smoky Moonshine Distillery to sample some Tennessee “White Lightening.”  Yowzah, it definitely lived up to its name!  A local bluegrass band was playing in the square and we stopped to listen for a bit.  We then headed over to Bubba Gump's for lunch, after which we went up in the 400' high "needle" for a scenic view of the town and surrounding mountains.  Tom and Jack returned to the hotel for a meeting while Sharon and I walked down to the Hillbilly Harley-Davidson shop for a souvenir t-shirt.

Thursday evening we all hopped on the shuttle to the Gatlinburg Elks Lodge #1925 for a spaghetti dinner.  We visited with the folks in attendance, gave out our pins and danced to a great band for quite a while.  When our feet finally gave out, we headed back to the hotel and bed.

Friday morning, the men started at 6:45 a.m. with a Past State Presidents' breakfast. Venita and Sharon had a more leisurely start with a "meet and greet" at 9:30. The Tennessee ladies had brought Venita gifts from all over the state with samples of Tennessee goods including honey, dry rubs, cookbooks, "moon pies," a beautiful throw from Fayetteville and a hand-crafted Amish basket. Also included was a book on the history of the Mars Farm, Mr. Mars being the founder of the candy bar company and a stabilizing financial influence during the Great Depression. The ladies then went to lunch at the Pancake Pantry, a famous local restaurant that reportedly has folks waiting to eat there in lines that stretch out the door and down the street in the summer. After lunch, we wandered the main street of Gatlinburg and browsed the artisan shops and other attractions before returning to the hotel.

That evening, dinner was at the hotel and was the Tennessee Elks Association Benevolent Night.  Their major project focuses on providing scholarships to young people going into the field of nursing.  We were privileged to hear from the top scholarship award winner, Carson.  As he thanked the Tennessee Elks for the scholarship, he told them about how his mother was cared for by a male nurse during a hospital stay and what a lasting impression this caring individual had made upon him – to the point of influencing his career choice.  Carson’s speech was followed by an update on the ENF status, with the final donations at the dinner putting Tennessee over the GER per capita of $4.50 per member.  Cheers, Tennessee!

Saturday morning, we attended the Memorial Service, followed by the GER Luncheon at the hotel.  Tom spoke to the attendees, urging them to focus on changing the perception the general public has of Elks and grow their community involvement with targeted projects.  The luncheon was followed by the installation of their new officers for the upcoming year.

After the luncheon, Jack and Tom met with the incoming District Deputies while Venita and Sharon had some time to relax and visit.  That evening, we attended their annual Awards Banquet where Jim presented the Elk of the Year, Veterans’ Service Award and the charitable awards to the various lodges.  They also presented Tom with a new suitcase to help with our travels and gave Venita a pair of beautiful Tennessee fresh water pearl earrings.  We were very appreciative of their generosity!  After the banquet, we went to the three district hospitality rooms to share some final time with the great Elks of Tennessee.

Sunday morning, we walked over to the Pancake Pantry for breakfast and then loaded up the car to head for the airport.  Since we had plenty of time, we drove along the Pigeon River through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  The scenery was beautiful and we enjoyed the leisurely pace as the road followed the river’s path.  We arrived at the airport on schedule, and thanked Jack and Sharon for their wonderful hospitality and this chance to see part of their beautiful state.  Since Tennessee (along with North Carolina) boasts access to one of the most famous motorcycle roads in the country, the 318 curve, 11 mile “Tail of the Dragon,” we know we will be back.  Our motorcycle trip to the east coast is getting longer and longer!

NEW MEXICO

NEW MEXICO - Land of Enchantment, April 4-7

We arrived in Albuquerque, New Mexico around mid-day and were met at the airport by State President Roger Hamman and First Lady Gina, SDGER Lowell and Karen Stephens, Grand Lodge Committeeman Robert and Fabiola Guillen and President-Elect Rohnnie and Sandy Tupin.  About a half hour after our arrival, State Sponsor PGER Chuck Williams and Gladys arrived, along with the Texas State President-Elect Ed and Debbie Salazar.  We all visited over lunch at the airport and then headed for the hotel.

Thursday evening, the Association had a reception for us in the garden area of the hotel.  We had a chance to meet and share our pins with many of the New Mexico Elks as they came through the receiving line.  The New Mexico Elks were most gracious in letting us include our long-time friend, Jerry Harris for the Thursday and Friday evening events.  Jerry, who has a home in Albuquerque, was originally a member of Santa Cruz Lodge #824 with Tom and how belongs to the Rio Rancho Lodge #2500.  After the reception, Roger, Gina, Jerry and the two of us went to the 66 Diner located on historic Route 66 just west of downtown Albuquerque.  We indulged in milk shakes, burgers and fries while merrily singing along with the music of the 50's.

Friday morning, Tom joined Roger for the Past State Presidents' Breakfast and the opening business session.  Gina collected Venita for a light breakfast followed by some time to visit and get acquainted.  The ladies then went to the Ladies Luncheon where they presented Venita with a beautiful turquoise necklace and earring set to commemorate her visit.  After lunch, several of the ladies headed to "Old Town Albuquerque" to see the plaza and do some browsing through the shops.  Venita, Fabiola and Debbie found that the gift shop was open for the church, San Felipe de Neri.  Established in 1706, it is the longest continually operating church in Albuquerque.  The ladies spent some time looking at (not to mention purchasing) the beautiful local art work in the gift shop.

Upon returning from our shopping trip, we joined the New Mexico Elks for their memorial service at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.  We have attended many memorial services throughout the United States, but this service was one of the best we have seen.  Of special note was a moving performance of Thanatopsis.  It was beautifully done and left a lasting impression on all in attendance.

Friday evening, we attended the Past State Presidents' Dinner and we were once again joined by our friend, Jerry.  We had a wonderful dinner, after which each of the State Presidents stood up and introduced themselves and their spouse, told when they were President and then shared the thing they were most proud of that took place during their year.  It was fascinating to hear the history of the Association from those Presidents in attendance.

Saturday morning, Roger took Tom to the ER/PER Breakfast and then to the morning business session.  The ladies went to the Gina's Ladies Coffee, after which they joined the rest of the attendees at the business session.  As part of the Cerebral Palsy Major Project Report, we were treated to a visit from a local family who had been presented with a new replacement van in support of their daughter, Bea.  This new vehicle not only allowed them to safely and reliably transport her to an from her appointments, but gave them a chance to take the whole family on vacations without worrying about breakdowns on the road.  After several other special presentations to New Mexico Elks, they held the installation of the new state officers for the coming year.  They then presented Tom with a beautiful sculpture of three elks climbing up a rock ledge. We were both stunned and touched by this magnificent gift.

After the close of the meeting, we changed into casual clothes and spent the afternoon touring the various hospitality suites hosted by the New Mexico lodges and districts.  Along the way, Venita acquired the kidnapped mascot for the Farmington Lodge #1747, "Bubba J" and promised to collect the ransom money.  Unfortunately, Farmington had not quite raised the required dollar amount, so Bubba J remained with Venita through the afternoon.

Saturday evening, we attended the State Banquet at which time Tom gave his speech and Venita returned Bubba J to the Farmington Exalted Ruler for an appropriate ransom donation to ENF.  The State Ritual Chairman also announced the winning ritual team, Carlsbad #1558 who will represent New Mexico at Grand Lodge in Reno.  Having won the National Ritual Championship several times in the last few years, New Mexico is always a force to be reckoned with.

Sunday morning, Bob and Fabiola took us to an early mass at San Felipe de Neri on the plaza in Old Town followed by breakfast at a locals' restaurant, Grandma's K&I Diner.   We indulged in absolutely delicious smothered burritos and carne adovada before heading for the airport to catch our flight home.

Many thanks to the New Mexico Elks for everything they did to make us feel welcome and comfortable.  We love this state, having done quite a bit of motorcycle riding here, and we vowed to come back for some more New Mexico sightseeing and hospitality!

MARYLAND/DELAWARE/D.C.

MARYLAND/DELAWARE/D.C. - Camp and Crab Cakes, March 21-24

Having completed our visit to Capitol Hill, we turned our attention to the Maryland/Delaware/D.C. Elks Association. Thursday morning began with a visit to the National Electronics Museum near the Baltimore airport.  Tom had noticed this museum on a previous visit and we spent some time exploring exhibits ranging from old tube testers to state of the art tracking and jamming electronics and electronic counter-measure devices.  In our age of digital technology and computers that fit in the palm of your hand, it was fun to see some of the earlier tools such as slide rules, vacuum tubes and single transistors.

After leaving the museum, we went to the Association's Major Project, Elks Camp Barrett.  Camp Barrett is a summer camp for children built and maintained by the Maryland/Delaware/D.C. Elks.  After a tour of the property, we had a wonderful lunch with several of the Association Elks.  The Camp presented Venita with two limited edition Longaberger baskets to commemorate her visit to the Camp. 

 

Thursday evening, we headed across the Bay Bridge to Kent Island Elks Lodge #2576 for a terrific dinner of Chicken Chesapeake, a chicken breast covered with what else – a Maryland Crab Cake!  It was wonderful. The Kent Island Elks had also invited a group of wounded heroes to join us for dinner as well as the founder of the non-profit organization "Trucks 4 Troops", Scott Mallary.  We spent time talking with these amazing men and women and came away touched and inspired by their courage and spirit.

Friday morning we went over to the Annapolis Lodge #622 where Tom and Paul attended the Advisory Committee meeting and Jane and Venita joined Sandy for the First Lady's luncheon.  The ladies presented Venita with Christmas ornaments representing each of the three states in their Association.  After lunch, several ladies went to the Pennsylvania Dutch Market where we drooled over the pastries, breads, candies and other wonderful goodies.  We browsed through the quilt and furniture section of the market, marveling at the craftsmanship in all we saw.  After returning to the lodge, we joined everyone for drinks and a casual dinner with many of the visiting Elks.

Saturday morning, we returned to the Annapolis Lodge for breakfast and then attended the Association meeting.  Grand Forum Justice Priscilla Schwab had recruited various members of the Association, in addition to Tom, to stage a mock Local Forum as a training seminar for the attendees.  While much of it was exaggerated and had the audience in stitches, everyone understood that having a Local Forum in your lodge is not a good thing and can serve to tear the lodge apart.  As the meetings continued, Venita and Jane left to do some shopping and then had a quiet lunch to celebrate Jane's birthday.  Later that afternoon, we had a chance to drive around the Annapolis area with Paul and Jane.  While we could not visit The Naval Academy, we did get to see several of the buildings from town, as well as the capitol complex and the marina.  What a beautiful city!

Saturday evening, we attended the official Association dinner where we were treated to the local version of surf and turf - Maryland Crab Cakes and filet mignon!  (We will certainly miss this wonderful crab dish when we return to the west coast.)  Tom shared some of the information from his visit to the Veterans and Drug Congressional staffers on Capitol Hill followed by targeted results from ENF for the Association.  The Annapolis Lodge presented us with a beautiful numbered print of the Annapolis waterfront and capitol building, as well as a Longaberger basket filled with coffees and teas.  The Maryland/Delaware/ D.C. Association then presented us with two spectacular hand-painted, custom motorcycle helmets.  Venita's helmet bears the Elks' clock, the American flag and the red "Heart of Elkdom".  Tom's also bears the Elks' clock and American flag, but his scene is a bugling Elk against the winter woods.  We were totally speechless when we opened the boxes.  They will be treasured mementos of our time and relationship with these wonderful Elks.

Sunday morning, Tom attended the final meeting of the Association after which Priscilla Schwab took us to the airport to catch our flight home.   This was a special trip and we enjoyed our visit with this wonderful Association.  We look forward to having some vacation time in the area where we can explore more of this beautiful countryside at our leisure.  Many thanks to the Maryland/Delaware/D.C. Elks for all of their gracious hospitality!