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!