Indiana State Convention
Indianapolis, Indiana
June 4-7

The weekend of June 4 – June 7, Sharon & I attended the Indiana Elks Association’s Spring Convention in Indianapolis. We were the invited guests of the Association and the current State President and First Lady; Don & Ruth Schoeff. We also had the privilege of seeing the installation of the newly elected State President, Scott Lewis & his beautiful First Lady, Jan. Sharon & I look forward to spending some time with our new friends at the National Convention in Portland, OR.

It was a pleasure to address the delegation and observe the procedures of their State Association. We were able to see, first hand, the difference the Elks make in the fight against cancer with their State Charity of Cancer Research.

In attendance were Miss America, Katie Stam, Miss Indiana, Megan Meadors, and Miss Pre-Teen America. It was a pleasure for an old man to be seated with such lovely ladies as these. Many familiar faces were also in attendance; GER and First Lady Paul & Jane Helsel, our own State Sponsor, PGER James C Varenhorst & Past Grand Chaplain Father Kevin W. Cassidy. It was also a pleasure to have two of our members acting as Judges for the Indiana State Ritual Contest; State Chairman, Larry Kelly and Past State Chairman, Dan Schlack. These two gentlemen did an outstanding job representing Michigan.

This was a special weekend that will always be remembered – but unfortunately it also came with the sad news of the passing of a dear friend and Past First Lady, Eleanor Arnold. We ask that all of you keep PGER Ray Arnold and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they are special to all of us.

This weekend served as our first official weekend as ambassadors of our Association. There is no substituted for the Hoosier hospitality as they made the weekend very special for Sharon and me. I received many gifts and special honors which were highlighted by being given an Honorary Life Membership to the Indiana Elks Association and receiving a wall hanging, comprised of photographs spelling out …NOTRE DAME!  Go Irish!!

Kevin and Sharon