Willoughby-Cleveland No. 18 Rededicates Elks’ Rest, May 31, 2010

What a busy Memorial Day weekend we had.  After two 100th  celebrations in Washington, we flew in to Cleveland to rededicate an Elks’ Rest in Lake View Cemetary.  State Trustee Lance Knight and Sue met us at the airport and graciously housed us on Sunday evening.  On Monday, Memorial Day, we toured the Lake View Cemetary where James A. Garfield is buried along with Elliot Ness, J.D Rockefeller and many other famous Cleveland residents of the 1900′s.  Before the ceremony we attended a Memorial Day service at Garfield’s tomb and toured the Wade Chapel which was designed and built totally by Tiffany.

The rededication ceremony was beautiful and the Willoughby Cleveland Lodge did a wonderful service by cleaning the memorial tablets, purchasing and mounting a bronze Elk, and presenting the memorial rededication program.  Lance (State Trustee) and Sue Knight (Educational Fund Grant Chairperson, Calendar Chairperson and NE District Scholarship Chairperson)  spearheaded this project.  Lance was the Master of Ceremonies and Sue presented the interesting history of the Elks’ Rest which was originally dedicated on June 14, 1912. Jim also spoke and reminded us that not only are these Elks, they are also sons, husband, brothers and friends.  There are a number of gravesites still available that will be sold  to establish a trust to maintain the area.  (Contact Willoughby-Cleveland Lodge if interested)  The ceremony ended just as a thunderstorm hit!  We then traveled in a downpour to the Lodge where the members prepared and a delicious  prime rib dinner. 

If you are in the Cleveland area, a visit to Lake View Cemetary and the Elks’ Rest are well worth your time! 

Washington 100th Anniversaries Celebrated at Anacortes No. 1204 and Bremerton No.118, May28, 29, 2010

Although this was not our “official” Washington state visit, we helped two Lodges celebrate 100 years of Elkdom.  We were greeted in Seattle by PGER Roger and Marilyn True and checked into a lovely quaint hotel in Anacortes that had a cupola and gorgeous water views.  The rainy weather cancelled our afternoon boat trip, and the Anacortes Lodge provided us with lunch in the midst of preparing for the evening banquet.  It was great to be with PGER Frank and Polly Garland, Grand Esteemed Leading Knight Dick and Betty Mitchell, and State Pres. Rick and Susan Mullen.

Anacortes celebration dinner was Friday evening and was well attended by local and district Elks who welcomed us warmly.  It so reminded us of our own lodge 100th anniversary when PGER Jim and Karen McQuillan visited.  The enthusiasm of Anacortes young lodge officers was very contagious and it was a festive evening!

On Saturday we traveled by ferry to Bremerton checked in and hustled off to one of the most memorable tours of our year.  At the Bremerton naval facility we climbed aboard USS Maine, a Trident Ohio Class nuclear submarine.  Obviously, there aren’t any pictures of the submarine or the base, let’s just say we had to have our US passports to gain admittance.  The boat (subs aren’t called ships) was an amazing example of engineering and technology, and almost as impressive as the young, committed, intelligent crew members.  The USS Maine was in dry dock for a total refitting, fully staffed and guarded by M-16′s.

Saturday evening we were escorted to the beautiful Bremerton Lodge No. 1181 which is located on an amazing piece of water-view property!  The exceptional dinner and dance were a fitting tribute to their 100th anniversary which culminated a whole venue of activities and events.

Sunny Days for Arizona Elks May 19-22, 2010

The weather was hot and the Arizona Elks are on fire with enthusiasm!  After a bit of a rocky flight, we were greeted in Phoenix by PGER Ken Moore, State President Lee Schwein and Sunday, SD Joe Riley and his son Joe, and our escorts for the weekend, Patty and Jimmy Davis.  We motored to our hotel in a stretch limo!  Our suite was so nice, and actually larger than our first apartment!  Jim attended many excellent meetings including the DD’s, membership, awards, and the business session.  The members were very interested and open to Jim’s suggestions and his message of coming changes in the Order.

Mary Carolyn was so grateful for Patty Davis who carted her all over town running errands for her school and upcoming gift occasions.    Friday night was a western theme and both of us ended up in “jail.”  Jim had to wear a diaper and pay $20 for ENF for release and Mary Carolyn on had to dance!  It was great fun and raised lots of $$ for ENF.

The ladies’ luncheon was lovely and a comedian entertained us quite well.  The favors and table decorations were beautiful and it was a great afternoon!

The formal banquet was beautiful, although it was about 104 degrees!  Of course, it is a dry heat (so’s my oven) and that is a huge difference from our Ohio humidity!  Saturday a great demonstration was held in support of  the incoming state officers, and Jim and Mary Carolyn, their niece and nephew and three great-nieces and on great-nephew all were hosted for lunch at the Tempe Lodge.

Arizona is most beautiful state and its Elks provide  a great example of  Elks Care-Elks Share!

California Dreaming in San Diego- May 11-15, 2010

California-Hawaii’s  Spring Convention was our largest assembly yet!  With over 1,500 Elks and guests attending, the group met at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center.  Hosted by PGER Don Dapelo, PGER Ken Moore, PGER Jim Grillo and Lucia, our dear friends,  Association President Lee Kajorla and Cindy and Vice President elect Hugh Scanlon and Dale, we enjoyed sunny days in southern California.

Jim attended many informative meetings including the Investment Board, the Major Project Trust, and the committee of the trust, the BLT.  California’s Major Project, CHEMPI, is Handicapped Children, and their Elks support an amazing program with a $4.25 million budget for next year.  California receives $425,000 from ENF, but no insurance reimbursements or government subsidies!  The remainder of the funds is raised by their 177 lodges who donated an astronomical $3,062,368.50!!!! The summary of donations was presented by each lodge E.R. coming to the stage to announce their yearly total and per capita accomplishments!

Other convention activities included performances by the Santa Barbara No. 613 Drum & Bugle Corp, a huge demonstration and lovely reception for incoming state president, Hugh Scanlon and Dale, a Priate Party (Jim Grillo walked the plank), a Hawaiian Luau, sponsored by the Hawaii Lodges and several banquets. 

The California-Hawaii Elks are growing in membership and their dedication, enthusiasm, work ethic and generosity shoud be emulated and gives true meaning meaning to the  slogan “Elks Care-Elks Share”!

 

The Sunflower State Welcomes the GER, May 6-9

The Kansas Elks are certainly doing their part to “Make A Difference!”  We arrived on Thursday, unpacked, and were escorted to KETCH (Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped) for lunch and a tour.  Words are not adequate to describe the great work that KETCH is doing to help the handicapped become productive, happy citizens and responsible members of the local communities.  KETCH is no small endeavor and includes day programs, housing for individuals and groups, and contracted production of air filters and refurbishing WalMart shelving.

The Kansas Elks currently composed of over 7,000 members are responsible for undertaking KETCH in the early 1970′s as its state major project.  As the weekend progressed, they demonstrated over and over their dedication, committment, and generosity  toward maintaining KETCH!  Friday night found us at Family Games complete with a Kentucky Derby (the guys wore the hats – see pictures below), golf, basketball, tricycle obstacle course, and a “bikers” corner.  (Yes that is Jim pictured in his very own “Do Rag!” )  They raised over $900 on Friday, and $850 Saturday evening to make over $26,000 as one facet of their KETCH donations!  Kansas was also 17th in the nation for ENF with a per capita of   $7.38.

Hosting us were Jim McQuillan, PGER, Special Deputy, Walt Linthacum and Linda, State President, Tony Nash and Becky, and Karlene and Charlie Buechman.  It was a great weekend in the Sunflower State.

MR. NICHELSON GOES TO WASHINGTON, Apr. 28 – 30, 2010

DC gave me an opportunity to meet with several legislators, Veterans Affairs Sec. Shenseki, representatives of the “Drug Czar’s” Office, the head of the National Association of Police Organizations and many more inside the Beltway. Shawn Bullard, of Duetto Group, made me welcome, showed me his prized National Press Club and we were off for the whirlwind tour. We even made time to visit the Arlington-Fairfax Lodge and Arlington Cemetery.
If there was a theme to our Washington visit, it was Veterans Service. We spoke with Veterans service committeepersons on both the House and Senate sides. As mentioned, Sec. Shenseki was gracious and welcoming. He awarded a nice plaque to us for service to Veterans.
The Drug Policy Office wanted to hear of the Elks’ experience in Drug Awareness education and to seek my help on their blog.
It was a fruitful and interesting trip to Washington, DC.

Newlyweds Headline Oregon, April 22-24

Congratulations to the newlyweds, D.J. and Jim Damon!  They greeted us at the Portland Airport and we were off to the Casey Eye Clinic, the Oregon Elks’ Major Project.  We were greeted at the door by 3 Elks volunteers (pictured below).  The Oregon Elks man the front door volunteer desk on a full-time basis.  The logo of the Casey Eye Clinic even contains our Elks “E”!  Our tour was conducted by Joanne Vaughn and Dr. Dan Carr, and we were truly amazed at the advanced surgical work they perform on the eyes of children.  We were even treated to a ride on the hospital cable car that connects the lower level hospital areas and parking to the rest of the institution.  The ride was exciting and we were both thankful that the wind was calm!

From there we drove to Salem, OR for the convention festivities.  In addition to Jim and D.J we were hosted by BOGT Member Jim Kile and Diane, Judiciary Member Michael Spencer and Yvonne Fox, and Grand Esquire Lee Kell and Jane.  What a great weekend.  Not only do the Elks support the Eye Clinic they also sponsor a camp or hearing impaired children, and the Betty Hise Cancer Trust that donates to two cancer research centers.  The ladies also make quilts for every child who is a patient at the Casey Eye Clinic.  What great charity the Oregon Elks exhibited.

Mary Carolyn enjoyed the entertainment at the Kaiser Lodge and both of us greatly enjoyed the seven VP
 hospitality rooms and the Drum and Bugle Corps!  It was great from beginning to end!

Oklahoma Recalls the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing- April 15-18

Our visit to Oklahoma City, OK was the weekend of the 15th anniversary of the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in 1995.  We arrived on Wednesday, dined at the elegant  Coach House and were off bright and early on Thursday to visit the state Capitol.  Jim and State President, Millard Pickering actually were permitted to address the State House of Representatives, and Millard received a special citation from the assembly.  After touring the Capitol building with its new dome, we went to the Cowboy Hall of Fame.  It was a most beautiful museum with a huge collection of artwork, memorabilia, bronze sculptures, and interactive displays.  The extensive gardens in full azalea bloom, koi ponds, and walkways were also a wonderful experience.

We visited at night and during the day, the memorial site and museum of the bombing.  It was a most moving experience to see the place where 168 victims including 19 toddlers were lost in the explosion.  Below you will see pictures of the present site, the Survivor Tree, and the statue entitled “Jesus Wept.”  The tragedy also coincided with the Elks state convention in 1995, and we were told of how they doubled up in motel rooms so that FBI agents could move into 100 rooms of their motel.  In 1995 in three days,  the Oklahoma Elks raised $15,000 that was donated to the local food bank to help feed the rescue workers, Federal agents, and families of the victims.

In spite of the solemnity of the bombing anniversary, we had a great time with the Oklahoma Elks.  The theme for the weekend was the Mardi Gras, and masked jesters invaded every gathering showering us with confetti and beads!  Highlights of the weekend included the Saturday Youth Awards Banquet and the ladies’ entertainment complete with Elvis, the Blues Brothers, and the Chunk and Dales (use you imagination!)  The hospitality rooms were alive with music, dancing, and  celebration of the accomplishments of the state.  As a gift to Jim, a special President’s Challenge fund-raiser raffle was held and about $2,000 will be donated to ENF from the state.

Special thanks to our hosts:  PGER, Jim McQuillan and Karen, Special Deputy, Earl Clark and Phyllis, Public Relations Committee Person,  Jim Beyl and Gwen, State Pres. Millard Pickering and Susanne, and State Pres. Elect, Mark Sellers and Debbie.  Along with the state convention committee, they hosted us in ”Grand” style, and we are most grateful!

True “Volunteers” in Nashville, TN April 8-11

      The Music City hosted us as we visited Tennessee. Sponsor Hon. Jack Frost and Sharon, and PGER Dr. Ted Callicott and Betsy joined us to celebrate the accomplishments of the Lodges and of the state association.  As usual, we party-hardy and work hard.  Elks in TN are great people and great Elks.  Pres. Don Attikisson and Jane presided and hosted us in grand style.

On Friday Jim went to meetings and Mary Carolyn toured Belle Meade Plantation where eight presidents visited, and went to Tootsies a famous honky-tonk in downtown Nashville.  Three great banquets and many awards were presented to deserving Tennessee Elks’ members.  A great party in an outdoor pavilion capped of a weekend of beautiful weather with great Elks!

Easter – Home with the family

It was great to be home for Easter, sing with our church choir, and have two of our three children, their spouses, and 3 of our grandchildren visit!  Here are a few pictures from the Oglebay Good Zoo and Easter church!