Elks National Home Visit
Bedford, Virginia
December 9-13

During the Holidays our travels took us to the Elks National Home. Although we heard about this wonderful place many times before, we now know, that it can’t be described in words.

Nestled among Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Bedford, one of the early settlements in America, is a city filled with beauty and a rich tapestry of history. Any visitor will marvel at the numerous sights that Bedford has to offer, including the National D-Day Memorial and Thomas Jefferson's PoplarForest retreat.

Of all the fascinating and interesting places to visit in Bedford, the Elks National Home and Retirement Center is definitely one of the main attractions, especially at Christmas time. Thousands of visitors drive through the grounds during the Holiday season to witness the beautiful displays of colored lights and decorations. (Over 60,000 lights)

Sharon and I coordinated our trip to team up with all of the State President’s from area 4 (Michigan,Ohio, Indiana,Kentucky, and West Virginia). We went to dinner together on Thursday and bonded as a group. We each talked about our year as President and shared our thoughts on what is still needed to be done. A hospitality room was set up in our hotel and we shared many stories and jokes together.  We were also joined by many other State Presidents and State Home Directors.

Knowing full well that this is a busy time of year, I’m sure that our State Sponsor and the rest of the State Sponsors from area 4 are most proud to have had 100% participation from their Associations.

On Friday we went to the Home for a complete tour of the facilities. We were lucky enough to have a friend of ours, Marie Powers, be our tour guide. Many of you who visit the booth for the National Home at the National Convention have probably met Marie or Mary Dean. These two wonderful women work the booth and promote the Home in the best way possible, with their beauty and southern charm.

We visited the apartment of Marie and presented them with a little Presidential cheer as a small gift for being such special friends and ambassadors for our Order. We also met with a resident, Jim Holley, who once belonged to the Holland Elks Lodge here in Michigan. As a member of my District, we were able to present him a Christmas present on behalf of the great Northwest District. All were vary appreciative and thankful for being remembered.

On Saturday we were invited to a cocktail party in the suite of the Executive Director, Dr. Ronald Plamondon, before the official program began and the lighting of the lights. We visited with several Past Grand’s and were able to renew our special friendship with Jim & Mary Carolyn.

We drove through the grounds to see all of the lights making us one of the 250 thousand visitors expected during the Holiday season. We also visited the sight of the “Buy-A-Brick” program. I was so proud to see the brick Sharon and I purchased. Michigan is well represented in this program and I would like to encourage all of you, who haven’t, to take part in this wonderful project.

There is so much more to share with you, so as you see us during our travels be sure to ask us for the rest of the story. (Especially the visit to the D-Day Memorial.)

Singing Off, Your President,

Kevin M. Quinn

More Pictures from
Elks National Home Visit