TACOMA, WASHINGTON

Tacoma Elks Lodge #174 – New Building Dedication, 6/22

We arrived Friday around mid-day and were met at the airport by PDDGER and Grand Lodge Advisor Mike Kennedy and incoming District Deputy John Juvinall.  PGER and State Sponsor Roger and Marilyn True were delayed by construction while driving over from Richland but they met us upon our arrival at the hotel.  We left our bags and went a couple of blocks away to the Pacific Grille for lunch. The food was excellent and we were interested to find out that the owner of the Grille will be the caterer for the new lodge.

That evening we joined Roger and Marilyn, Mike and his wife Patty, State President Larry Spencer and his wife Barbara, Past State President Joe and Virginia Basil and Past State President Robert and Carolyn McCord for dinner at The Tacoma Yacht Club. We were treated to a wonderful dinner and beautiful views of the south end of Puget Sound.  From the deck, we notice a bald eagle using the flagpole as his fishing perch and were told that he is there regularly!  After dinner we drove through Defiance Park, the largest city park in the U.S. after Central Park in New York.  Along the way we spotted a number of deer and countless raccoons.

Saturday morning Tom left early to attend the golf tournament. Tom doesn't golf but he is certainly skilled at driving the golf cart.  He had a great time touring the course with the golfers, signing cards and handing out pins.  Venita had a more leisurely start and met the ladies for a trip to the Farmer’s Market, shopping in some small specialty shops and a wonderful lunch at a local restaurant called Europa.  Everybody reconvened in the afternoon to get ready for the evening’s festivities at the Tacoma Lodge.

When we arrived at the Lodge, we were escorted to the flag poles where we witnessed the raising of the American flag accompanied by the POW flag, the Washington State flag and the Elks flag.  After the breeze unfurled each flag, we proceeded to the entry way where Tom and ER Robert Van Hagen each cut a ribbon across the door to officially open the foyer entrance to the Lodge.  In the center of the foyer, we were greeted by a 15 foot tall elk sculpture, all hand carved from a single piece of wood.  It was breathtaking and a fitting welcome to this beautiful building.

We then proceeded to what is currently serving as the dining room but what will be the lodge room when the lodge opens officially.  After a delicious prime rib dinner, Tom took a few minutes to talk about the history of Tacoma lodge and how the members have both dreamed and implemented their dreams since its institution in 1890.  The Tacoma Elks presented us with two beautiful leather motorcycle vests with the lodge logo embroidered on the back.  They also presented Tom with a numbered commemorative coin for the dedication.  His coin was number two and when asked where number one was, the ER replied, “In the time capsule.”  Tom was honored that they presented him with such a special coin.

After dinner we took a tour of the completed portion of the building.  It is an amazing structure and very reflective of the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  Thank you, Tacoma Elks for including us in your special day.  We will be back to celebrate with you as you dream for the future.  After all, we're just down the road!

VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA – Colonial History, D-Day and the Home, June 13-16 

Between the Indiana and Virginia conventions, we opted to take a few vacation days and tour the Colonial Williamsburg area.  We had a wonderful and relaxing time visiting Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown.  We then drove leisurely across the state, stopping at Appomattox Court House, Lynchburg and finally finishing up with a 30-mile segment of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We arrived in Roanoke on Thursday and were met at the airport by Bob Goolrick, Senior Justice of the Grand Forum who took us to the hotel.  Upon our arrival, we were greeted by State Sponsor and PGER Ted Hess, Grand Trustee Ron and Nancy Hicks, State President Darryl and Karen Myers and Special Deputy Bob and Cheryl Hinkle.  After settling into our room, the ten of us went out for a casual dinner at a local Italian restaurant, Luigi’s.  Dinner was excellent and we all enjoyed ourselves very much.

Friday morning, we were picked up by the shuttle bus from the Elks National Home in Bedford for a tour of several special venues.  Our first stop was the Bedford Elks Lodge #2844.  Even though the lodge had just acquired the building and renovations are still being planned, they were proud of their new home and hosted a special ceremony attended by the Mayor of Bedford as well as the Elks dignitaries.  After leaving the lodge, we were taken to the National D-Day Memorial.  Neither Tom nor I realized that this Memorial was in Virginia and we were very impressed with the beautiful site.  We were told that the reason it was located in Bedford, Virginia is that Bedford lost more soldiers per capita during the D-Day invasion than any other city in the United States.  These young men became known as “The Bedford Boys.”  Privately funded, the Memorial is an amazing tribute to that eventful day of 1944.


After leaving the Memorial, we headed for the Elks National Home.  Upon arriving, we were met by Pamela Mudder, the Executive Director of the Home.  Despite previous invitations, circumstances had prevented us from visiting the home prior to this and we were very excited to see this important part of Elks history.  Pam took us on a tour of various buildings and several residents were gracious enough to open up their homes to us.  The Home even has its own Lodge!  We were treated to a wonderful lunch in the dining room and had time to visit with some of the folks.  We left with a warm feeling in our hearts for the love and care that was evident in the Home. 

Friday evening, we joined the Virginia Elks Past State Presidents at the Roanoke Elks Lodge #197 for a wonderful steak dinner.  The Lodge was also hosting and adult swim night and BBQ around their pool that evening, so we had a chance to visit with some of their members and guests before we returned to the hotel for the evening.


Saturday morning, Tom joined Ted and Darryl for the opening of the business sessions.  Venita met up with the ladies for the Ladies Breakfast and Purse Auction.  Several “filled” purses had been donated by Virginia ladies, and First Lady Karen had decided that the proceeds would go to the Virginia State Wounded Warriors Project.  Since only a hint was given with regard to what was in each purse, it was quite a lively auction and there were many surprises when the purses were actually opened.  When all was said and done, between the auction and spontaneous donations, the ladies raised almost $800 for Wounded Warriors.  The ladies presented Venita with a Virginia t-shirt and a quilt block for her memory quilt.  After the breakfast, the ladies joined the men for the Memorial Service and presentation of the Elks Scholarship Award winners.  This was followed by lunch with all of the students and their parents.  We had a wonderful time visiting with two of the winners and came away encouraged by their positive outlook and plans for the future.

Saturday afternoon Tom spent time visiting with the Virginia Elks at the four district hospitality suites.  That evening, we joined everyone for the formal banquet and installation of officers.  Tom spoke to the conferees about his vision and concern for the future of the Elks.  The Virginia Association then presented us with a tray and two beautiful silver Jefferson cups, appropriately engraved with our names and the date and location of the visit to Virginia as well as a book about the previously mentioned D-Day Bedford Boys.  We had the privilege of watching the new leadership of the Virginia Elks being installed and the passing of the gavel.  Finally, we joined Ted and others in the suite for some final social time before heading for bed.

We can’t tell “y’all” how much we enjoyed our time in the beautiful state of Virginia.  The Virginia Elks were all most gracious and, as usual, southern hospitality must be experienced to be believed.  Thank you to everyone who did so much to make us feel welcome.  Fair warning – we’ll be back!

INDIANA

INDIANA – Hoosier State, June 6-9

We arrived in Indianapolis on Thursday afternoon and were met at the airport by State President Ed Hagemeier and President Elect John Sauer.  Upon arriving at the hotel and were greeted at the door by State Sponsor and PGER Jim and Mary Varenhorst, State First Lady Cheryl and most of the Indiana State Association!  It was a great welcome and we immediately felt right at home.  After settling into our room, we joined the Past State Presidents for a very nice reception and dinner at the hotel.  The final event of the evening was their annual Flag Day Ceremony which was very impressive.

Friday morning Tom joined Jim for the start of the State Association business meetings and Venita met up with the ladies for morning coffee.  As luck would have it, the convention hotel was located next to a large fashion mall which led the ladies out the door to do some shopping.  In another serendipitous moment, the hotel was also located directly across the street from the jeweler that Venita used to frequent when she visited her friend, Susan in Indianapolis.  Of course, she stopped in to say "hello!"

Friday evening the Association held their formal reception and banquet.  The Indiana Elks have a long tradition of being involved in the Miss Indiana and Miss Teen Indiana pageant, and we had the good fortune to meet Brooke Campbell, Miss Indiana Outstanding Teen for 2012.  She was a delightful young lady and we enjoyed talking with her at the reception.  Tom spoke to the convention attendees after dinner and shared his thoughts on the future of the Order and the challenges facing us today.  The Association presented Venita with a beautiful silver necklace and earring set and Tom with a Brickyard golf shirt.

Saturday morning Venita went off to see some of the ritual competition while Tom attended the business meetings.  After the state awards, everyone attended the Memorial Service followed by lunch.  In the afternoon, the ladies did a little more shopping while the men continued the business sessions.  That evening, the Association installed their new officers and finished up with the presentation of their ritual awards and the 50/50 drawing.  We joined some of the State Officers and Convention Committee for an informal dinner and conversation to conclude the evening.

We want to extend our thanks to Indiana for a great convention weekend.  We enjoyed our time with everyone and very much appreciate your gracious hospitality.  We look forward to seeing all of you in 2015 for the Grand Lodge Convention!

WATSONVILLE LODGE - 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Watsonville Elks Lodge #1300 100th Anniversary, June 1

After our visitation to the California/Hawaii Elks State Convention, we had a welcome two-week break at home.  Before we started our "Grand Year" we had looked at the calendar and had scheduled the 100th Anniversary celebration for Watsonville Elks Lodge #1300, the second in our District this year, for this break.

The West Central District theme for the Exalted Rulers this year is "The Pony Express Riders" and that theme was evident in the decorations and the menu at the Lodge.  We rolled into the Lodge late Saturday afternoon dressed in our boots and finest western garb, having time to visit with the folks doing the BBQ.  As the rest of our district members drifted in, we were welcomed with hugs and many rounds of "So glad to see you both!"  We enjoyed drinks and delicious hors d'oeuvres as we visited with our wonderful friends from our home District.

When the dinner bell rang, we joined PER Randy McClellan and Exalted Ruler Bea Tapiz in the dining room for a Santa Maria BBQ dinner.  Everyone was amazed that Bea was able to join us that evening since she had been in the hospital for gall bladder surgery earlier that week.  She is one very strong lady and we were tickled that she could be there.  Dinner was absolutely excellent and we all ate more than we should.

After dinner, Tom took a few minutes to talk about the significance of reaching a 100-year milestone for a lodge and how Watsonville Lodge has adapted and survived the changes in their community through their century of service.  He then presented Bea with their 100th Anniversary plaque from Grand Lodge.

PER Dave Peterson (the unofficial Lodge historian) entertained us with a history of the Watsonville Lodge and some of its more notable members.  We enjoyed his anecdotes and perspective on the Lodge.  It was also pointed out that Dave and Tom refer to each other as "Roomie."  They explained that David served as Exalted Ruler with Tom during 1993-1994.  Venita also reminded him that he served as ER with her in 2005-2006.  He may be the only PER in history to have served with both the Grand and First Lady!  David took this opportunity to present Tom with a 1904 copy of the Biography of Charles Vivian written by Vivian's wife.  Tom was truly speechless and thanked David profusely for his kindness.  This is a gift that we will truly treasure.

After the formal program ended, many of the guests adjourned to the bar to continue the celebration with Karaoke.  We have some talented singers in our area and everyone had a great time.

Congratulations, Watsonville Elks Lodge #1300 on your 100 years of service to the Order and your community.  We are proud of you all!