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!

Not “Alien” in Roswell, NM, March 25-27

New Mexico really is the Land of Enchantment.  Our Thursday arrival was pushed back to Friday by bad weather, but PGER Charles Williams, State President Jim Larrabee and Josie, and Special deputy Lowell Stephens and Josie welcomed us in 50 mi/hr. wind gusts and a dust storm!  We went directly to the Alien Museum to get a taste of the “local” color.  The museum was very convincing that something significant did happen there on July 4, 1947!

On Friday evening we were guests at an impressive Memorial Service held in the chapel of the local military academy.  New Mexico members were excited about ENF, Ritual, and for  a Paper Smurf at the Roswell Lodge dance on Friday evening.  Jim dressed up as an Alien (see picture below) as part of the fun.

Saturday we learned (the hard way) that each Lodge’s hospitality room tries to outdo the others with exotic drinks and delicious southwestern food.  Of course the “Grand” was expected to sample each one!  Saturday evening found us at a huge banquet catered and served by the Roswell Lodge.  We really appreciated their hospitality and efforts to make the weekend special!

Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia – Perfect Weather – March 18-21

PGER Paul and Jane Helsel greeted us as we exited the plane, right at the gate.  (This hasn’t happened since PGER Roger True was waiting on the jetway in Sitka, AK holding a libation for us!) Accompanying him were State President Stu Kerr and Millie, and TSA/PDDGER Joe McGeeney who arranged for all of them to pass through security!

We had lunch at Camp Barrett which is a wonderful facility supported many weeks yearly by the Elks for underprivileged youth and Scouts.  Every cabin is sponsored by a different lodge, and the place was spic ‘n span for us.  Dinner that evening at Bowie Lodge #2309  was an Italian feast followed by some very talented and practiced young dancers from a local dance school.

On Friday our whole group toured the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.  Our nephew, Mark Nichelson, a sophomore at the Academy, was home in Ohio on spring break.  The tour was extensive and we saw some areas not generally viewed by the public.  What a facility, and what a rigorous program and long standing traditions they have!

Much of the remainder of the weekend was spent at Annapolis Lodge No. 622 that hosted the meetings and served great meals daily.  The crab cakes were to die for!  It was a pleasure to visit with Priscilla Schwab, Chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on Judiciary, and her sister Martha.  We were  both so impressed by the generosity of the Elks at their Saturday night dinner and auction, and their great work for their major project, Camp Barrett and ENF.

 

Interesting Article for Membership, Summit, NJ

Summit Elks Sees Surge in Membership

The Summit Elks Lodge has gained over 250 members since 2004, allowing the opportunity for more charitable work in the city.

By Maggy Patrick | Email the author | September 29, 2009

Close

  new  

The Summit Elks Lodge, part of the national fraternal organization, has seen a surge in membership over the past five years, although numbers have been stagnant nationwide in other district lodges.

In 2004 the district only had about 150 members, while now there are over 400 men and women involved.

“Unlike a lot of other fraternal organizations, unlike other Elks, we’ve really expanded, ” said Mike Williams, the exalted ruler of the town’s chapter. “We have much better attendance.”

Williams said that people want to join the organization because of the amount of charity work its involved in. The Summit lodge focuses on raising funds for children with special needs, veterans and education.

“There comes a certain part in every persons life, they sit down and evaluate where they’re going,” Williams said. “It’s about time they do something for the community.”

The Elks Club sponsors a “campership” – a scholarship for special needs children to attend the Elks camp located in Hazlet. Four or five children are given the opportunity every year.

“If they go once, they tend to go back,” said Williams. While at the camp, children also interact with members of the Elks, who put on a big show one night a year to entertain the campers.

The Elks Club also sponsors adults who once attended the camp to return for a weekend celebration, allowing the organization to continue relationships with children they have helped in the past.

The Elks Club also sponsors events along with other districts that are open to the public.

Every year they plan a trip to Turtleback Zoo in South Orange, where they provide lunch for more than 1600 kids who enjoy the park throughout the day.

The organization also sponsors a fishing derby in Echo Lake Park, where they pay the state to drop fish into the lake for people of all ages to enjoy.

Another group that the Elks support is war veterans. Members visit the Lyons Hospital in Basking Ridge several times every year, specifically in the spring and around Christmas. They also sponsor trips to Somerset Patriots games, a concert in Echo Lake Park and dinners throughout the year to raise donations for the veterans.

“As long as there are Veterans, Elks will never forget them,” said Williams. Education has also been a priority for Elks Lodges nationwide.

Every year the organization provides scholarships of all amounts for students of all ages, specifically for those entering college.

Locally, the district lodge sponsors several baseball, softball and basketball teams. An annual “Hoop Shoot” basketball tournament is held every year for boys and girls aged eight to 13. Eventually children have a chance at competing nationally at the basketball Hall of Fame in Massachusetts. In 2006 a child from Summit made it there.

The Summit lodge also participates in the annual Memorial Day parade, where they provide hot dogs and punch to locals on the parade route.

The Elks can afford to do all of these events through membership dues (which are $60 per year), an annual charity ball and other donations. Williams mentioned that they do accept donations at headquarters, located at 40 Maple Street above Fiorino Ristorante.

The pillars of the Elks are charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity, things that Williams as exalted ruler takes very seriously. At the same time the lodge is very welcoming, allowing members to sponsor newcomers on the basis of only three requirements: members must be U.S. citizens, over the age of 21, and a believer in God.

As for Williams, he hopes that more people decide to join the Elks in Summit to create a more tight-knit community.

“When you walk away from one of the activities we participate in you have just a great feeling,” he said. “And we have a pretty good social life.”

Missouri’s Capital Hosts a Great Visit – March 11-14, 2010

PGER Ted Callicott and Betsy met us in St. Louis for the 2+ hour drive to Jefferson City, and Special Deputy, Roger Redfearn PSP kindly transported our luggage.  The USO at the St. Louis airport is supported by the Elks, so Jim was given a quick tour by the Director, Kathy O’Conner.  It was extremely nice and caters to 10,000 service personnel a month!

 At the Truman Hotel (which accommodated the convention in style) in Jefferson City,  we met our friends, Board of Grand Trustee Carl Simpson and Sharon, and also were greeted by State President   William Walter, AKA Wild Bill.   Thursday evening we were hosted by Jefferson City Lodge No. 513 for a delicious chicken  dinner and dancing.  A lovely brunch and auction was also held there on Saturday for the ladies.

Saturday night’s stars of the evening  banquet were the six national scholarship winners.  All spoke impressively,and both of us were glad we spoke first!  These kids were wonderful and they even quoted from Jim’s speech!  Missouri has been the membership champion the last four years and is hoping to keep the tradition going!

The 11 o’clock toast and flag ceremony were most impressive, and we had a great time visiting with all of the young, fun-loving, and dedicated Missouri Elks!

 Note:  If any Missouri lady has a Nine West black leather jacket, instead of her own, it belongs to Mary Carolyn. She is now wearing your black leather Worthington jacket, and would be happy to trade back!

        

  

 

               

Provo, Utah Welcomes GER – March 4-7, 2010

What a great visit we had in Utah!  We landed early in Salt Lake City and were greeted royally by state sponsor  PGER Don Dapelo, State  President JoAnn Aldridge and “First Dude” Dave, and a large group of Elks! (see picture below)  Also hosting us for the weekend  were Special Deputy Richard and Geri Lyons, and Pres. Elect Dan Johnson and Mary Alice.

We then were whisked to Park City Lodge 234 and hosted for wonderful lunch at their lodge.  Next a visit to a local museum dedicated to the history of Park City, which transformed itself from a dying mining town to a luxury ski resort. We could see the Olympic ski jumps and were amazed at the beauty of the mountains.  Provo Lodge 523 is a beautiful new facility, and we enjoyed their fine cuisine all weekend!   The weather turned snowy and Park City got 17″ on Thursday night!  Provo had about 4″ of the wet stuff which all melted on Friday! 

The Does performed a beautiful flag ceremony on Saturday, and Mary Carolyn was hosted for lunch by the Ladies of the Elks. 
Everyone was dedicated to supporting the state major project, Camp Wapiti, which is dedicated to special needs children.  Sadly the state was mourning the sudden passing of  Camp Wapiti Board President, Robert Prince, and had a special memorial toast in his honor.

//