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!