What a whirlwind the early summer has been. Following my visit to York, was the national convention in Austin Texas. The weather was excellent, however we did have one slightly cool day when it only reached 97 deg F. The convention is where the national business gets taken care of annually and this year there were 22 legislative items on the docket. Your exalted ruler should update you on those items and their dispositions. It is also when the new officers are installed, national ritual contests are conducted and decided, as well as a great opportunity to meet and greet other Elks from around the country.
While there were many highlights for me, watching the Sanford Elks participate extremely successfully in the ritual contest was one of mine. During the contest I was privileged to ring the 11th hour chimes. I was not nearly as well “tuned” as were the Sanford Elks. They made the final four in the nation, an accomplishment Maine hadn’t done in 22 years. Lets show our appreciation by getting our own ritual teams going again. Competition certainly breeds success. In fact the team recognized that the competition this year from Waterville directly help them prepare.
Of course during opening ceremonies I was proud to carry the Maine state flag onto the stage for display during the convention. This too was quite an experience. During the legislative session, our sponsor Mike Zellen appointed my as an election supervisor and this was both informative and an honor I’ll long remember. All week long our hospitality room was run by Cory and Joleen Dewitt, next years president and first lady. They did a wonderful job and the room was enjoyed by all who visited. Many of the lobster tickets were sold and the raffle should do quite well this year. Mike and Allison Desjardin worked our booth at the vendor center. The booth looked great and I am anxious to learn what the judges thought.
We also had a chance to see Austin TX and it was well worth the visit. There were numerous restaurants offering everything from beer gardens, barbecue, and even fine cuisine. The bat bridge was not at its peak, but still didn’t disappoint. In many ways the boat tour to see it was as much fun as the view of the bats leaving at night was. The duck-boat tour was also a good time, learning some of the history of Austin and seeing the mansions along the “lake”.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Portland.