August Travel and Fun Column
Our sympathies to the family and friends of Cliff Hallman. We will miss your cheer.
Bill and Juanita Spong hosted the June campout at Warrenton, OR with assistance from new members, the Bretts. Eighteen folks camped, ate, fished and shopped till they dropped . The number one fisherperson? June Vanderstaay with six sturgeon! (What will she do when we are camped at the Columbia Riverfront RV Park in Woodland next August?)
Over the Fourth of July weekend, Travel and Fun joined Elk campers from all over Washington and Oregon at Elma for the annual NW Elks RV Rally. Our hosts were Merle Lewis and Lorene Brannan.
Early arrivals were surprised to find every rig would have power and water, and Merle was even more surprised (or perhaps puzzled) at the space available to fit the 20 plus Bremerton rigs. But by the time the last rig arrived Thursday, he managed to tuck each away with no damage (and as impressive, managed to undo the Chinese puzzle Sunday).
Thursday, the campers set up the country store and raffles. Thursday's big bingo winners were Maxine Grevstad and Bea Sande. Friday was games cribbage, horseshoes, and sandbags - the latter ably managed by Jim and Peggy Brooks, and long hours at the country store. Darwin Gilchrist and partner placed third in sandbags; and Maxine won again at bingo, this time also joined by Joann Barrett. An excellent BBQ dinner was provided by Tacoma's Picnic Company with entertainment by Matt Jenkins.
Saturday, more games jarts, golf and washu boards, also ran by Jim and Peggy with 1181 scorekeepers. In golf, Patti Myers had the longest drive for women, and the team of Don and Patti Myers, Clint Danker and Reg Saddoris walked away with the first place trophy. Your president was the only 1181 RVer in jarts and we can say he did not hit anyone.
After the golfers returned, the Wagonmaster's meeting elected Gary Blankenship Secretary of the NW Elks RV Rally Association (that term to be followed by a year as Association president.) At the general meeting, 1181 assisted in handing out raffle prizes (and took a few home though not the Australian wine rack).
Dick Davis drew the winning swing set ticket Evelyn Showalter of the home lodge.
The evening ended with a bang, but first we enjoyed another fine dinner, Matt's music and dancing by the Bremerton chorus line. The evening finished with fireworks shot from the Elma racetrack, probably as close as most attendees have been to fireworks and no exaggeration to say that pets were flustered.
Sunday was a super breakfast from the Picnic Company; Merle undid the puzzle; and the campers headed home or elsewhere.
Thanks to the Tacoma Lodge 174 clubs - Antlers Astray and Antlers Away -for putting on a super rally, all the brother clubs who helped make it such an enjoyable experience, Grays Harbor Fairgrounds, Randy Rybin, Rally Wagonmaster, Matt, Picnic Company, Jim and Peggy, Merle and Lorene, Dick and Stella, Larry and Janice Watson for an first-rate country store, Bill and Juanita for flag and patch sales, all the 1181ers who sold, raffled, scored, played and helped in any other way and everyone who attended.
2004! Back to Hood River Fairgrounds July 15 to 18, sponsored by Hood River Lodge 1507. There will be prizes for best-decorated campground, so be thinking Bremerton campers; the theme is WESTERN.
Pictures for both outings may be found at http://elks1181rvclub.homestead.com/ (maintained by Larry).
August 14 to 17 join Jim and Peggy, Carl and Elaine Buettgenbaugh and Dave and Judy Gertsch at American Sunset in Westport. Expect games and Saturday's "One-M" breakfast and dinner provided by the hosts. There is a swimming pool at the campground.
September 11-14, return to Rest-a-while in Hoodsport for an outing hosted by Bea and Al, Vern and Lorretta Rott, Al Packard and Joyce Cordova. Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast will be provided by the hosts.
Saturday, August 2nd, Ed and Judy Lively are hosting an unofficial outing before the Lodge 1181 Family picnic. Breakfast will be provided. Come with a goofy hat or really bad hair. For happy Hour, please bring your most outrageous container. Dinner is potluck, but dessert will be provided. Make Sunday Purple Shirt Day. If you are attending, give Judy a ring at 360-373-7617 or email her at livelyej@aol.com.
Wagonmasters Bud and Lorriane have announced the 2004 schedule: February Valentine's Brunch TBD, March 11-14 Outback at Rochester (the weekend of the Old-time Fiddler's Contest), April 15-18 BPOE 1181 Home Park, May 13-16 Port Townsend Elks, June 17-20 Swiss Society Park at Lebam, July 15-18 NW Rally at Hood River, August 19-22 Columbia Riverfront RV at Woodland, September 23-26 Yakama Nation RV at Toppenish, October 14-17 Rest-a-While for the Officer's Outing, November 8 Thanksgiving dinner at Sons of Norway, December Christmas dinner TBD.
It is never too early to volunteer to host!
SUNSHINE chair, Joyce Cordova reported on illness or injury for Bunny Hudanich and Norm Savage and family loss for Vern Rott. Call your Sunshine news to Joyce at 360-981-0830 or email fleetwoodelk@netzero.com.
Bill Varsafsky (chair), Gary Lewis and Dick Davis are the nominating committee looking for 2004 officers. Candidates are needed for all offices, but especially president and wagon masters. Volunteers are of course, welcome. Bill may be reached at 360-876-5841 or bcvarsafsky@aol.com.
The August meeting is Monday, the 11th at the shelter. Greet at 5, eat at 6, meet at 7. Please bring your favorite potluck dish, utensils, chair and libation. September we return to the Lodge, the second Monday.
DUES ARE DUE.
Travel and Fun has Hamburgers on the Patio in September. See Ed for available Saturdays to cook and serve.
September 21. Dick and Lou Baugous will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary at the Lodge 1 to 3 pm. Please join them.
If you have comments or suggestions, call 373-6416 or email garydawg@msn.com.
Gary Blankenship
