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!