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!