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! 

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.

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!

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 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.

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!

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!

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!