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!

CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA – Home Sweet Home, May 15-18

After taking a couple of days in Newport Harbor with our friends Bud and Mary Hall, we headed for Anaheim and the California/Hawaii Association convention.  We arrived on Tuesday afternoon and were met at the hotel by State President Art and Shirley Echternacht, PGER and State Sponsor Ken Moore and Convention Coordinators Tom and Valerie Lamm.  Everyone was tickled to see Mom and made her feel very welcome.  When we arrived at our suite, we found wonderful snacks and two special gifts from Art and Shirley.  In honor of our motorcycle riding, they gave us a crystal motorcycle engraved with our names and our year.  Shirley also gave Venita a Brighton charm bracelet dedicated to the sites of California.  We very much appreciated their generosity.

That evening we went out to dinner at The White House in Anaheim with Art and Shirley, Ken and Rosemary and Jim and Lucia.  The passion of owner Bruno Serato, The White House is the only restaurant in the world that serves 300 meals a day to Homeless Motel Kids and has served a half million meals to date.  We had the privilege of meeting Bruno over dinner and thanked him for his dedication to such a special cause.  And, by the way, we had the most fabulous meal we’ve ever had in a restaurant.  Put this one on your list!

Wednesday morning Tom began his meetings with Ken and Jim while Lucia and Venita spent some time out shopping.  That evening, we joined the CHEA and CHEMPI Boards for dinner prior to the Opening Ceremony.   The evening concluded with the annual Memorial Service in memory of our deceased members.  Of special significance for us was the eulogy for Past State President Elmer Lanini of the Salinas Lodge.  He had been a good friend and mentor to us in the West Central District and is missed by all.  We were very pleased that his wife Rene was in attendance.

 

Thursday started the business sessions of the Association.  Tom attended the District Deputy Luncheon as well as the Exalted Ruler Luncheon.  Venita attended coffee in the President’s Suite, followed by the Ladies Luncheon.  The Association presented Venita with a beautiful quilt block for California done by Nancy Yeffa, our Administrative Aide’s wife.  Nancy had also done a block for Mardi Gras and The Rose Parade, the two other events they had shared with us.  Later in the afternoon, the Hawaii Elks hosted their annual Mai Tai party in the late afternoon and a great time was had by all.  That evening we went to the CHEA President’s dinner and Tom spoke to the attendees about our Order and its future.  The Association presented us with a beautiful Waterford Crystal Hurricane on a wooden base.  The Orange Coast District gave Tom a framed pin set with all of the CHEA Vice Presidents’ pins, Art and Shirley’s pins and several of the pins that have had meaning for Tom through his years as an Elk.  They had even found the pin for the Pioneers, Tom’s ER group from 1993-1994!

Friday the business sessions continued and Lucia and Venita spent some time shopping and visiting.  That afternoon we attended a reception for the new State President, Dick and Claudette McDonald.  That evening was the President’s Appreciation Dinner which had a 50’s-60’s theme.  It was a wonderful evening with great friends.  Josh Hachadourian, Vice President from the Bay District even got Mom up to dance.  She had a great time.  We did have a moment's pause when Bonnie Rucker tried to teach Jim Grillo to hula hoop.  Jim decided to keep his day job.  We were also tickled to see Ken Moore up doing the Electric Slide.

 

Saturday morning, the Convention concluded with the presentation of the Major Project Theme Child and the Exalted Ruler’s March.  Before the fundraising was complete, the generous California-Hawaii Elks had raised a total of $3,000,000 for our therapy programs.  Well done, ladies and gentlemen!  We couldn’t be prouder.

After lunch with Jim, Lucia and Wayne, we turned our car toward home.  It had been a wonderful road trip and a wonderful convention.  We could not have had a better time.  Thank you, California-Hawaii Elks for taking such good care of us.  Aloha!

 

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!

KANSAS

KANSAS - Warm Sunflowers and Cold Temps, May 1-5

After a few days of quiet time at our house in Long Beach, Washington we arrived in Wichita, Kansas on Wednesday afternoon to unseasonably cold weather and snow.  What a May Day welcome!  Unfortunately, we had both met the same person somewhere along the highways and byways of Elkdom and had contracted colds as well.   We were greeted at the airport by PGER and State Sponsor Jim McQuillan and Karen, Kansas State President Ken Schaffer and Glenda, Grand Trustee Walter Linthacum and Special Deputy Chuck Buechman and Karlene.  After getting settled in our room, we joined the same group for a relaxing dinner at the hotel.

Thursday morning we all went for a tour of the Kansas Elks Major Project, KETCH (Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped).  Director Ron Pasmore greeted us warmly and gave us an overview of their facility and services.  He then took us on a great tour of the various areas and showed us both their binder and their air filter manufacturing operations. Tom had chance to try gluing one of the air filter frames and all agreed that he would starve to death if he was paid by the piece.  We had a wonderful lunch with Ron and he showed us a promotional video they had made about their facility and services.  We congratulated them on the wonderful work they were doing for their community.

After leaving KETCH, the ladies took Venita by the Harley-Davidson store for a t-shirt., after which they went to a local spa for a facial.  Some of the other ladies indulged in manicures and pedicures and all agreed that it was a wonderful way to spend an hour.  After leaving the spa, the ladies made one last stop at a local quilt shop where they browsed through the fabrics and patterns, enjoying the colors and styles of the items on display.

Dinner Thursday evening was a casual affair done at the hotel.  The menu included member-prepared pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw and cookies for dessert. We had a relaxing time visiting with everyone before heading up to our room for the night.

Friday morning Tom went to the KETCH Board Meetings while Venita joined the ladies for coffee.  Lunch was the KETCH Awards Luncheon at which time the Elks presented various achievement awards to both their clients and a local supporting company. It was a truly moving experience to witness the excitement on the part of these winners.  Stephen Schoch received the award for "Achievement in the workplace, Debbie Martinez received the award for "Outstanding Personal Growth", and Mayer Specialty Services, Inc. received the award for "Employer of the Year."  Mayer hired a young man named Matt to clean out and wash their trucks.  When they hired Matt, a position did not actually exist.  They literally created the position just for him.  We were very impressed with this major project of the Kansas Elks.

That afternoon the ladies did some sightseeing in downtown Wichita.  Stops included the recently renovated St. Mary's Cathedral, the Historic Courthouse, and a beautiful metal sculpture on the Arkansas River titled "Keeper of the Plains."

Friday evening's dinner was with State and Grand Lodge officers.  The menu included one of Tom's and my favorites, chicken fried steak.  After dinner, there was a fun evening with a golf theme in honor of Ken and Glenda.  In keeping with that theme, we all went up and put on our golf clothes - or whatever we had that passed for golf clothes. There were games and prizes to be had and Tom even got up and tried his hand at putting.  As the evening wound down, Tom delivered the old Jolly Corks Eleven O'clock Toast which everyone enjoyed.

Saturday morning Tom attended business session while Venita joined the ladies at the Spring Brunch.  Glenda presented Venita with a "guardian bell" for her motorcycle to keep the evil road spirits away.  The Association also presented her with a beautiful silver bracelet to commemorate her trip. After brunch, the ladies went out shopping, including a stop at a local deli for a bite of lunch. Jim then took us to early Mass at St. Joseph's Parish. We returned to the hotel for the formal awards banquet followed by the installation of their officers for 2013-2014.  Also present at the banquet was the first young lady to win back-to-back national championships in the same age group for the Elks National Hoop Shoot.  We very much enjoyed meeting her and listening to her experiences with the Elks Hoop Shoot.

The Sunday morning meeting featured the Kansas scholarship winners and we had the opportunity to hear them speak. It is always inspiring to meet these young people and to hear about their dreams and ambitions.  The awards were followed by the Association Memorial Service, with beautiful tributes

to two of their Past State Presidents.  Since our flight was later in the afternoon, we had a chance to have lunch with Walter, Chuck and Karlene before we left the hotel. We then collected our luggage and headed for the airport with gratitude for a wonderful stay with the Kansas Elks.  We truly look forward to coming back to their state in the future to explore their highways and byways.