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!