ARIZONA

ARIZONA - Heat and Hats, May 8-11

Early on we had decided to drive to the Arizona and California visitations, which made it possible to bring our 98-year-young mother, Laura Helgeson with us.  Little did we realize that we would only be home for 36 hours after returning from the Kansas visitation Sunday night!  Leaving Tuesday morning, we arrived in Phoenix Wednesday afternoon and were greeted at the hotel by PGER and State Sponsor Ken Moore, State President Tom and Gail Shelby, Past State President Lee and Sunday Schwein, our escorts Lee and Betty Cook, and Special Deputy Charlie and Betty Servanti.


Thursday morning Tom joined Ken and Tom for the start of the state meetings. Venita, Betty and Mom went to do a little shopping and then out to lunch. We then spent some time with the Arizona Elks in the Hospitality Suite that afternoon.  Dinner that evening was at the hotel and was a casual, fun evening.  We were both drafted into their version of the Wizard of Oz with Tom playing the Cowardly Lion and Venita as Glinda, the Good Witch. It was a very creative production and we had an absolutely fabulous time.  We're not sure who laughed more - the audience or the cast.  We're not in Kansas anymore!

 

 





 



Friday morning the ladies went to breakfast while the men headed for their meetings. The Ladies Luncheon featured a "Mad Hatter's Tea Party" theme with all of the ladies sporting their pretties, oldest or funniest hat.  Venita assisted in judging the hats with awards going to the winners in each category.  The winner of the funniest hat category was a lovely "Bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken" hat.  When the men stopped in to say hello, Tom made special note of that hat and commented that they would need to talk later.  Lunch was followed by musical entertainment from the Upscale Singers, a group of Phoenix residents and "snow birds" whose ages range from 19 to 82.  The performed the music of Gershwin, Sondheim, Rogers and the Beatles. They were very enthusiastic in their performance and we enjoyed listening to them very much.  The Arizona State Association then presented Venita with a quilt square for her quilt and a Harley T-shirt from a Tucson Harley-Davidson shop, home for Tom and Gail.  After lunch, the ladies went to see the raffle baskets for the Social Welfare Project.  Ever hopeful, Venita put her tickets in several baskets but, unfortunately didn't win one.

Friday evening was the final banquet where Tom spoke with to the group about his vision and hope for the Order.  The Arizona Elks Association gave him a beautiful bronze elk sculpture which will have a place of prominence in his office. They gave Venita a gold charm bracelet with pins from some of the past First Ladies of the Order made into charms as well as Gail's First Lady charm. Venita had planned to have the bracelet made after the year was complete, but Gail had heard about the project and so Arizona made it happen for her.  It is a beautiful and thoughtful gift and will be treasured for years to come.

Saturday morning, Tom finished the meetings for the Association and then we packed the car and headed out for California.  We have always enjoyed our visits with the Arizona Elks and this trip was no exception.  A special thanks to all involved for the gracious hospitality you extended to Mom while we were with you.  She had an absolutely great time.  Great job, Arizona!