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”!