ELK OF THE MONTH
FOR DECEMBER 2009

We honor as Elk of the Month for December 2009 a long-time, very active member of our Lodge, KC McCuen.

Kenneth Clifford McCuen was born here in Portland on May 4, 1942 to Elk parents Ken & Daisy McCuen.  Daisy was a very active member of the Elkettes for many years.  When he was 3 his parents bought the Mt Tabor Cleaners on Mt Tabor.  He attended Mt Tabor Grade School and finally graduated from Washington High School in 1960.  (KC’s graduating class will actually be having their 50 year reunion here at the Lodge this coming summer.)  Gifted with a fine sense of balance and great agility, KC was quite an accomplished roller-skater at Oaks Park Roller Rink and won several national medals for his ability.

After High School, KC spent a year at the University of Oregon before enlisting in the United States Marines in 1962.  He spent 3 years with the Corps and was actually on his way to the Bay of Pigs when his ship was recalled.  After leaving the service he tried his hand at working for National Cash Register and as an assistant manager of Safeway before taking over the family business on Mt Tabor.

KC joined the Order at Milwaukie Lodge in 1969 and transferred to Gateway in April of 1970.  He tended bar at the original site on 102nd and it was there that he met Cathy Vaden, daughter of PER Jake Vaden, who was working as a cocktail waitress.  They were married on February 25, 1973 and their wedding reception was held at the Lodge.  They now have 3 children, Kelly, Christopher & Tony and 4 grandchildren, Devyn (8), Delaney (6), Ian (5) and Keira (3).

KC has always been a very active member of our Lodge.  Early on he was an advisor to the Under 21 Club and Chairman of the Hoop Shoot Committee and was honored as Elk of the Month for November 1974.  It is interesting to note that at the time his hobbies were listed as “interested in building quadraphonic stereo”.  Now it’s computers!  He started through the Chairs as Assistant Esquire in 1975 and was Exalted Ruler in 1980/ 1981.  He served as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for Metro District in 1998/ 1999 and has held several state posts such as Public Relations Chairman, Elks/ Officer Training Chairman, Historical Chairman and currently is the Elks National Foundation District Chairman.  He serves on our Steering Committee and is a Ritual Judge and Coach.

We are honored to name KC McCuen as our Elk of the Month for December 2009.

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ELK OF THE MONTH
FOR NOVEMBER 2009

Our honored Elk for this month entered this world way back in the year 1960.  He made a grand entrance then and continues to do so even today.   We are pleased to present our Elk of the Month for November 2009, Jim Schuermyer (at left with Exalted Ruler John Lillestrand).

Jim graduated from Benson Polytechnic in 1978 and entered the printing trade.  Shortly thereafter he switched gears (so to speak) and began a career in the automotive filed.  He has been manager of several Jiffy Lube locations, a service manager for Toyota and, currently, has been a service manager for Rey Reese for the past 10 years.

For a long time after his initiation his heavy work schedule kept his involvement in the Lodge limited to stopping in occasionally for a Coors Lite and a Blazer game or escorting his two lovely daughters to one of the Lodge’s programs for kids.  One faithful night, while watching yet another Blazer game at the Lodge, Jim was approached by his mother and step-father, Past Exalted Ruler Chet Hicks and their fellow members of the Yellow Jackets Camping group to ask if he would consider becoming an officer. With a little arm twisting, he started his 6 year journey through the Chairs.  He held the office of Chaplain, Esquire and all three side Chairs until becoming Exalted Ruler in 2007/ 2008.  He was given the honor of “Officer of the Year” for 2006/ 2007 and distinguished himself and his Lodge with several 1st place honors at the yearly Ritual contests.  His year was marked in the beginning by the 007 theme of his inaugural ball (that’s “Schuermyer, James Schuermyer”) and his distinctive black on black Lodge uniforms.  It ended with a pair of platformed, high-heeled, red sequined “Ruby Slippers”, a blue checkered dress, an apron, wig and a dog named Toto.  It was an interesting year!

Since then he has become an even more active member and has worked on the following committees to some degree: Entertainment, Meadowood, Lodge of Sorrow, Cronies, Oktoberfest, Christmas Baskets and Stockings, Scholarship and Youth Activities, Dictionaries for 3rd Graders and Hoop shoot.   And he has now branched out to become one of three District Chairman for Ritual Competition.

Jim met his current wife, Denice, while working with the Lodge’s Entertainment Committee as the sound guy.  (He has since progressed from sound guy to being in front of the lights and adds a new dimension to Gateway’s “Showtime Revue”.)  Theirs is a true Elks romance.  Denice is also a member and a former officer and their closeness evolved through their association as officers and their involvement in Ritual Competition.  They were married in the Lodge during Jim’s year as Exalted Ruler; the night before they flew to North Carolina for the Elks National Convention where they honeymooned with 8000 of their closed Elk friends. 

When not working or watching the Blazers, Jim spends time with his daughters Jamie and Kasey and keeps up with his niece and nephew’s sports activities.  He and Denice enjoy camping in their motor home and have been found camping at Mt Angel for Oktoberfest every year for the past 5 years.  Oh, and did I mention that Jim is an ardent supporter and fan of Portland Trail Blazer Basketball?

The members of Gateway Lodge are proud to honor Jim Schuermyer as our Elks of the Month for November 2009.

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OUR WEBSITE HONORED WITH AWARD

            Presented at the OSEA Fall Seminar in Bend, Oregon on October 17, 2009

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ELK OF THE MONTH
FOR OCTOBER 2009

Giving the honor of Elk of the Month for October 2009 to this Charter Member of our Lodge is an honor long overdue.  40 years overdue in fact.  For exactly 40 years ago this month, in October 1969, Brother Gene Pronovost (shown at right with ER John Lillestrand) was named as the very 1st Elk of the Month for Gateway Lodge.  At the time he was noted as playing an important role on the Organization Committee during the founding of our Lodge. He was also very active in the early stages of the Gatepost publication, was Chairman of the Investigation Committee and worked on the Indoctrination, Picnic and Entertainment Committees.

Soon after all of this he apparently decided that he should become an “active” member of the Lodge and of the Order.  He was Esquire under Dick Heath and moved through the chairs until becoming Exalted Ruler in 1974-75, the year we moved into our present building.  After becoming a Past Exalted Ruler, Gene continued to serve the Order and became a District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler.  He has worked on just about every committee in the Lodge and was Editor and Publisher of the Elkettes newsletter “Archie’s Rib”

Ritual was always Gene's first love, as exemplified by the fact that he was a national Ritual Judge for 23 years!  As Ritual Coach, he took Gateway's winning State Ritual Team to Hawaii in 1983 where they achieved the highest score in the Nation and he was named “All American Ritual Coach of the Western Division”.  Gene coached Gateway's Ritual teams until then OSEA President Bruce Reed named him to the State Ritual Committee.  He was Chairman of the Grand Lodge Ritual contest during the Grand Lodge National Convention in Portland in 1993.  He was also instrumental in writing and editing the Ritual Handbook and has supplied it to not only Oregon Lodges but also Lodges across the nation.

Gene was born in Seymour, Conn. on September 24, 1930.  Married Rayma on June 3, 1952, they have four children; 3 sons, Gene Paul, John and Jim and a daughter, Renee.  From them, they have been blessed with 10 grandchildren.  An interesting side note is that his children, Gene Paul, Renee and John and grandchildren Billy, Vicki, Robert, Jackie and Justine were all Gateway “Teenagers of the Month”.  Son John and granddaughter Justine were Teenagers of the Year.  His son Gene Paul was the first president of Gateway's Under 21 Club, son Jim was on Gateway's Little League team and grandson Robert was awarded the Elk $1,000 scholarship for Elk family members.

Gene proudly served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force and saw duty in Korea.  He was honorably discharged in 1953.  Upon leaving the Air Force, he went to work for the United States Postal Service on July 1, 1953 and, after a successful 32 year career, retired on September 24, 1985.  Gene has a devilish sense of humor and has delighted the members of the Lodge and his friends with his wit.  He is an avid fisherman, loves bowling and stamp collecting.

The members of Gateway Lodge stand in recognition of a man who exemplifies the definition of an ELK and are pleased to honor Brother Gene Pronovost as our Elk of the Month for October 2009!

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MEMBER HONORED AUGUST 2009

One of our fairly new members, William Davis was awarded a special pin from the Grand Exalted Ruler by our Exalted Ruler John Lillestrand.

Bill was awarded the special pin for having attended 3 Lodge meetings, one of which was a Lodge Initiation, within the first month of his own Initiations.

This is a special award that is given only to brand new members who fulfill the requirements within the first month of being a member in the Lodge.  Congratulations Bill!


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ELK OF THE MONTH
FOR SEPTEMBER 2009

Our Elk of the Month for September 2009 is a rather unique individual.  He is intelligent, remarkably talented in the areas of spatial conception & design, computer graphics and computer software and seems to have a natural talent for precision.
But yet, there is another side of Doug Plance…that of the entertainer, the clown or the jester…the man who is not afraid to put himself out there and to make a complete and utter fool of himself in order to entertain others or to raise money for a good cause.

Doug is a home-grown entity whom the City of Portland proudly claims as a native son.   He was born here in 1955, attended grammar school here and graduated from Centennial High School in 1974.  He married his high school sweetheart at age 19 and soon after became the father of son Joshua and daughter Brandi.

At age of 20, Douglas joined the United States Air Force and was shipped off to San Antonio, Texas for basic training at Lackland Air Force Base.   After basics, he was assigned to a base close to home in the Northwest (which is a very rare occurrence) and quickly became an assistant Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of Warehousing at McCord Air Force Base.  Being second in command, he was assigned the Classified and Secret Vaults.   (Don’t bother asking him about those, he can’t tell you.)   Along with his top secret work he was also auxiliary Air Force Police and had the fun job of giving tickets to drunken bicyclists as well as guarding nuclear weapons.

After the military, Doug went to work in the field of Computer Aided Drafting and spent 30 years with the same employer.   He just recently went into business for himself and started his own CAD Design business, Plance Design.

Doug is now married to his 4th wife, Deborah and between them have 8 grandchildren!  They are Jessie and Gadge by his son Joshua; Laura, Katie and Sarah by daughter Brandi and Belle, Desirae and Elijah by Deborah’s daughter Stephanie.

As a couple, Douglas and Deborah joined the Elks four years ago.   Since joining the Lodge, Doug has had great visions of dragging it, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century by adding a Wi-Fi system, a member’s computer with internet access and aiding the office staff with their computer problems.   In getting his vision to reality, he endured over 50 hours of grungy turtle-crawling through the very small space between the main floor and the Lodge Room ceiling (that place where it’s only big enough for spiders to live).   To date he has accomplished most of his vision with the computer and the internet access being a reality but there are still plans for future improvements to come!

Doug is a very active participant of the Lodge.   He has held the position of Inner Guard (2008/ 2009) and was 1st in District for that position in the Ritual Contest that year.   He can always be counted on to help with any task or event…washing dishes, chucking turkeys and hams for the Turkey & Hams shoots, dancing around in a short, tight skirt and wig for the Entertainment Committee or playing the part of Baby New Year in diaper and bonnet.   As you may have guessed, he is an active member of the Entertainment Committee and is the first (and so far only) male member of the Elkettes!   He freely contributes his talents to other committees such as Scholarship and the Charity Ball (he was the one who transformed the wishing well into a snow globe for the Charity Ball last year) and can always be relied upon for creative suggestions.

In his spare time, Doug works at fulfilling his dream of completing the transformation of his 1966 Nova into the show car that his wife knows it can be.   He is also remodeling their newly acquired 1978 motor home (fondly know as the “Pig”) into a habitable RV and spends time with his 1968 Harley Davidson FL Police Special that has special needs (as do most Harley’s).

The members of Gateway Lodge are pleased to honored Doug Place as our Elk of the Month for September 2009!

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MEMBERS HONORED AUGUST 2009

Two of our fairly new members, Peggy Lillestrand and Ron Gibson were awarded a special pin from the Grand Exalted Ruler by our Exalted Ruler John Lillestrand.

The two were awarded the special pin for having attended 3 Lodge meetings, one of which was a Lodge Initiation, within the first month of there own Initiations.

This is a special award that is given only to brand new members who fulfill the requirements within the first month of being a member in the Lodge.  Congratulations Peggy and Ron!


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ELK OF THE MONTH
FOR AUGUST 2009

A dynamic, energetic, sometimes outspoken, witty, charming and delightful member of our Lodge, Our Elk of the Month made her life’s debut in Oregon City on February 1st just a couple of months before the “Summer of Love”.   First born of Nita and Ross Venneri she was named Denice and she grew up with 2 brothers and 2 step-sisters.  Now known to us as Denice Schuermyer, she is our Elk of the Month for August 2009!

Denice attended school in Oregon City and then went on to Gladstone High School where she sang in the choir.  After completing High School, and with a scholarship from the Oregon City Elks, Denice attended Clackamas Community College and, in 1990, received an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice.  On the job front, she is currently employed by Wells Fargo Bank as a Mortgage Loan Processor.  She has also held a career as a Child Support Case Worker.

Denice has been an extremely active member of our Lodge since her initiated in 1998.  She has been the Chairperson for the Scholarship Committee, is currently the Chairperson of the Workout Room, heads up the annual Oktoberfest event, exhibits her considerable singing and theatrical talent as a major player in Showtime Revue and has spent countless hours and an enormous amount of energy bartending, painting, arranging, coordinating, serving, planning, hosting, helping and generally being involved with almost every activity or event at the Lodge in the past few years.  She seems to be everywhere at once!  She has also been an officer of the Lodge, serving as both Inner Guard and Chaplain.
Top among her accomplishments though is spearheading the Dictionaries for 3rd Graders program.  For two years now she has set up the purchase of the dictionaries with money donated by the Entertainment Committee, coordinated with the schools, enrolled the volunteers and with them, delivered the books to some delightful 3rd Graders. 
This year, Denice is actively supporting ER John Lillestrand by acting as his “Girl Friday” and generally keeping him pointed in the right direction by overseeing the Lodge calendar and his other social engagements. 

Married to Jim Schuermyer (PER 2007/ 2008), Denice keeps busy away from the Lodge with Jim’s daughter’s softball games, the Schuermyer family and the Venneri clan.  Family ties are strong and Denice seems to bind them to her, even as she reaches out to her Elks family.  She actively supports her niece and nephew’s sporting events and is an avid rafter.  And, surprise, surprise, she seems to be addicted to Karaoke!  

The members of Gateway Lodge are extremely proud to name Denice Schuermyer as our Elk of the Month for August 2009!

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ELK OF THE MONTH
FOR JULY 2009

Our Elk of the Month for July 2009 was born in Reno, Nevada on March 10, 1946.  But don’t get an image of a little kid playing cards and slot machines and sharing a soda with chorus girls.  His father worked for California Fish & Game and, at the time, the family was living at Lake Tahoe in a real log cabin.  When Dave Roberts was brought home from the hospital, his bed was actually a drawer in his parent’s dresser.  He has one older brother, Jay, a retired California Highway Patrolman, who now lives in Montana with his wife.

Growing up in various fish hatcheries all over the State of California, Dave was very familiar with trout.    As a ready entrée at the Roberts’ household to stretch the budget towards the end of the month, Dave actually developed an aversion to eating them, even after he was married.

After graduating from Red Bluff High School in 1964, Dave attended Shasta Jr. College and Sacramento State College.  He and Marie were married in Redding, CA in June of 1968 and then he entered the United States Air Force on December 24, 1968.   After basic training and Tech Schools, where he trained as a medic, he was stationed back in Sacramento at the Mather AFB Flight Clinic.  A promotional transfer took him to the flight clinic at the Air Force Academy in June 1971.   His son Scott was born at the Academy in Feb. 1972 and in 1974 the family was transferred back to Sacramento. 

He left active duty to return to school to get his degree in Parks Administration.  He remained in the Air Force Reserves and after graduation he went to work for the Government again, this time as a civil service employee attached to the AFRES (Air Force Reserves).  In June 1991 he accepted an Air Reserve Technician slot here in Portland.  He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in January 2005.

Dave joined our Lodge in June 2007 and has been very active ever since.   Twice he has been the Ritual Candidate for the annual Ritual contest and this past May he won 1st in the District for that position.  His easy manner and sense of humor were an inspiration to his team mates, especially when ritual practice sometimes became tedious.  Many nights he can be seen on the front door as a greeter where his wit and charm leave first time guests to the Lodge with a very good impression and a genuine sense of welcome.  He is active with several committees including the Veterans, Scholarship and Membership; giving of himself and always ready to do whatever is needed.  Recently inducted into the prestigious Cronies group (he is Cronie #14) he will doubtless be an asset to their fundraising efforts.

On the home front, Dave loves his family and is the best darn grandpa around.  He and Marie are helping to raise their twin granddaughters, Alena and Aubrey, who are now age 9.

The members of Gateway Lodge are extremely proud to name Dave Roberts as our Elk of the Month for July 2009!

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MEMBERS HONORED JUNE 2009

Two of our fairly new members, Jan Cooper and Colleen Wilmoth (not shown) were awarded a special pin from the Grand Exalted Ruler by our Exalted Ruler John Lillestrand.

The towo were awarded the special pin for having attended 3 Lodge meetings, one of which was a Lodge Initiation, within the first month of there own Initiations.

This is a special award that is given only to brand new members who fulfill the requirements within the first month of being a member in the Lodge.  Congratulations Jan and Colleen!


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GATEWAY HONORS INDUCTEE
TO OSEA HALL OF FAME

(lt to rt: ER John Lillestrand, Hall of Fame Inductee Vern Gortner, Metro District State
Vice-President Gene Jaramillo, State Trustee Gene Spina and State Inner Guard Gene Mizner)

The Oregon State Elks Association Hall Of Fame honors members who have made significant contributions in helping Elks realize their objectives to Unite with one another in closer bonds of fraternity, To further good fellowship among Lodges To protect and promote the interest of the Order in Oregon and to exchange ideas beneficial to the Lodges of this State.  It's important to understand that at the start of this year's OSEA Summer Convention there had been only 58 Elks selected into The Oregon Hall of Fame since the inception of the Oregon State Elks State Association over 100 years ago and that it is a very exclusive Fraternity.   Each of the inductees has made significant and substantial contributions to the Oregon State Elks Association.

This year a member of Gateway Lodge has been added to that exclusive fraternity.  His name is Vern Gortner. 

Vern Gortner has been a guiding light in the Oregon State Elks Association for over 36 years.   He has served every single Oregon Lodge - at their request - at least once and many several times, providing them with a road map to improving their financial well-being.  He has distinguished himself as an able teacher and his expertise has inspired hundreds if not thousands of Elks through-out Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Alaska.  Vern is an Elk who epitomizes the objectives that unites us in closer bonds of fraternity, supports good fellowship among Lodges, promotes and protects the interest of the Order and bears true allegiance to the Laws of the Order

Vern was born on January 14, 1926 in Brooklyn, New York.  He moved to Portland in 1942 and went to work in the shipyards as a welder but soon realized that he wanted to do more than just build ships, he wanted to sail on them.  So, barely 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy.  He is a decorated combat veteran who served in the South Pacific and participated in the allied occupation of Japan.

He received his honorable discharge in 1947 and shortly thereafter attended Western Business College and graduated with honors.  He is married to Phyllis and has five daughters, one son, 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.  He has extensive business experience, having owned and operated several successful businesses.  Tax Accounting, however, has always been his first love.  It’s a 60 year career that he continues to enjoy.

His Elk contributions are well known and appreciated through-out the State:
  ~He is a charter member of Gateway Lodge
  ~He served as Lodge Treasurer for 9 years
  ~He was Exalted Ruler in 1982 -1983
  ~He was elected to Honorary Life Membership # 8 in 1983.  (Only one of 16 Gateway     members so honored)
  ~He is a 30 year member of the OSEA Business Practices and has been reappointed again     this year
  ~He served 5 Years on the Grand Lodge Business Practices Committee
  ~Nine consecutive Grand Exalted Rulers have appointed him Special Representative     Grand Exalted Ruler
  ~PGER Dwayne Rumney appointed him Chairman of the Gateway Lodge Steering     Committee in 2001

Vern is not one to seek credit or recognition for his donations or volunteer hours but his contributions have been substantial and significant.  He has gained the respect of intelligent people and the love of family and friends.  He has found his niche and fulfills his responsibilities.
His presence enhances Elkdom through his caring concern, his love of life and his service to others.  Vern has never lacked appreciation for Elk principals or the American ideals or failed to express them.  He looks for the best in others and gives the best he has.

The following appeared in a 1980s edition of the Gatepost:
"Vern Gortner has given far and away what anyone would expect from a dedicated Elk.  He has performed many services and given of his time and effort far beyond the call of duty for the Lodge and the Oregon State Elks Association.  He gives without any pretense of reward or gain except the knowledge that he helped someone.  It is our honor and a privilege to acknowledge his exceptional efforts and distinguished service."

The members of Gateway Lodge are extremely proud of the first member of this Lodge to be honored as a member of the Oregon State Elks Association Hall of Fame, Vern Gortner.

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ELK OF THE MONTH
FOR JUNE 2009

On March 1, 1945, Tillamook, OR was enriched by the birth of a new citizen.  He is one of 4 brothers, George and Ray who now live in the Seattle area and Earl who lives in Vancouver, WA.  And now Gateway Lodge is pleased to announce that he, Don Cohee, is our Elk of the Month for June, 2009!

After leaving school, Don served his country in the United States Air Force from 1965 – 1969 with a one year tour of duty in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969.  He married his sweetheart Nancy on August 13, 1988 and is the proud stepfather of daughters Jodie & Lisa.  He is also the doting grandfather of Ari and Olivia.  He actively pursues a career in the investment market, drives school bus and can frequently be found heading up a “Keno” group at the Lodge. Don is a former Exalted Ruler of our Lodge (2005/ 2006).  Having served in all of the chairs, his term as Exalted Ruler was exemplified by his much acclaimed, highly detailed and sometimes verbose oratory skills.  His special talent was so highly praised by the membership that, to this day, it is never failed to be mentioned whenever he is introduced.  (Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah!)

Over the years, Don has been a devoted participant on many of the Lodge’s committees, most notably as a former Chairman of the Youth Activities Committee, the Co-Chair of the Membership/ Lapsation Committee and as a primary member of the Scholarship Committee.  He and co-pig-cooker Bill Hornbeck head up the “Pig in the Park” event which annually raises dollars to support the Scholarship fund.  Though he, himself, is not porcine by nature, he seems to have a natural talent when it comes to the procuring and preparation of the little piglets that satisfy the palate!  He is also frequently called upon to sit in for one of the Chair Officers who may be absent and, as such, invariably, adds a whole new dimension to the Lodge meetings.

Well liked and well respected by his Lodge and friends, Don is our Elk of the Month for June 2009. 

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ELK OF THE MONTH
FOR MAY 2009

Gateway’s Elk of the Month is none other than our own Jim Hanson.

Born into a Britton, South Dakota family of 3 brothers and 5 sisters, Jim made his debut into this world on August 19, 1942.  Shortly afterwards in 1947, when he was 5, the family moved to Portland.

Jim attended David Douglas High School and at age 17 was enlisted into the Army.  While he was stationed in Massachusetts, he met the love of his life, his wife Adele.  They were married on November 10, 1962, moved to Portland, and welcomed their first daughter who was born in 1966.  While in Portland, Jim worked at the Freightliner truck manufacturing plant.

Back on the road in 1967 the family moved again to Massachusetts where it grew by 2 sons and another daughter.  Then back again to Portland in 1972 where Jim returned to work for Freightliner.  The family became complete with the birth of their last daughter in 1983.

Jim continued to work for Freightliner for 30 years until his retirement in June of 2002.  He now has a family that includes 4 grandsons, 2 grand daughters and 1 great-grand daughter.

As a member of our Lodge, Jim is very dynamic and constantly devoting his time to various projects and functions.  He is a very active member of the Veterans Committee and does his bit to visit the Veterans Hospitals, raise money to help our nation’s veterans and spends his time working with and coming up with ways to entertain those that have been hospitalized.  Recently, he has taken on the responsibility of the care, feeding and maintaining of our Lodge grounds.  If you’re around the Lodge during the day, he can be seen pruning, weeding, trimming and mowing as spring has started to take over.

In his spare time away from the Lodge, Jim is passionate about fixing up old cars and spending time with his family. 

The members of Gateway Elks Lodge are proud to present Jim Hanson as our Elk of the Month for May 2009.  The honor is well deserved.

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NEW ELKETTE OFFICERS FOR 2009 / 2010

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CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
2009 / 2010

Gateway Elks Lodge #2411 is pleased to present the Elks Distinguished Citizen Award for 2009/ 2010 to local businessman Mike Leech.  With this award he is recognized by the Lodge as Gateway Elks’ “Citizen of the Year”.

Mike Leech started his career in the grocery business at the age of 14, working at stocking shelves in his father’s grocery store.  He attended High School in Seattle and is a graduate of the University of Washington.

His most memorable fun time, in his trade, was his 5 years as a meat cutter at the Pike Street Market.  This was at a time when it was a true Farmer’s Market, where they would bring in their produce, fish, fowl and animals for sale at the open air market stalls.

Mike has owned and operated his Food for Less store at SE 81st and Powell for the past 17 years, catering to the community with food and produce departments for Hispanic, Oriental and Russian customers.  A large variety of fresh produce, meats, bakery products and can foods are available for all of their customers.  It must also be a great place to work as Shirley and Rusty, his managers, have been with him since he opened his store.

Mike has been an avid supporter of the Gateway Elks charities for many years.  His generosity has helped the Elks feed several hundred needy families annually through their Christmas Basket program, raise money for their Scholarship Fund and fund the repair and remodel of the Boy’s A-frame dormitory at Meadowood Springs Summer Camp for Speech and Hearing Impaired youngsters.  He also contributed food and supplies to aid the Lodge in its Walk a Thon to raise money for the Elks National Foundation last summer.  Mike is also a generous supporter of the Dornbecker Childrens Hospital and is active in the Creston Grade School programs.

Mike and his wife Eva are currently celebrating 31 years of marriage with their children Michael and Tawney and their 6 grandchildren.

The members of Gateway Lodge ask that the community join them in congratulating Mike Leech as the Elks “Citizen of the Year” for 2009/ 2010.

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ELK OF THE YEAR
2009 / 2010

Gateway is proud to announce our 2009-2010 Elk of the Year, Gene Mizner.

Gene was born in Pipe Stone County, Minnesota on May 21, 1924.  He grew up in the Minneapolis area.  He is a veteran of the United States Navy and the Naval Air Reserve.

Gene moved to the west coast in his early 20’s.  In his early years he owned a gas station and would later go on to become a driver for the Coast Transfer Company and work his way to Dock Foreman. 

He joined Gateway in April, 1069, making him a Charter Member of our Lodge.  During the early years of membership, Gene served on many committees.  These included Indoctrination, Lodge Visitation, Children’s Christmas Party and the Chairmanship of the Investigation Committee.

Gene was named Elk of the Month in June 1977 and in 1988 joined the Officer Corps as Lodge Esquire.  He would continue on through the chairs to become Exalted Ruler in 1992.  He received Life Member status in September 1999 and in recent years, taken on the difficult position of Club/ Bar manager.   

Gene is a familiar face to most of the Lodge members as he can be seen on nearly a daily basis helping out with the building maintenance, mending broken chairs or keeping Lodge equipment in order.  On Friday and Saturday nights he is in the Lounge enjoying one of his favorite pastimes, dancing.

Gateway Lodge is proud to name Gene Mizner our 2009-2010 Elk of the Year.

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OFFICER OF THE YEAR
2008 / 2009

The Past Exalted Rulers of Gateway Elks Lodge are pleased to announce the 2008-2009 Officer of the Year, John Lillestrand.
This award is for service to the Lodge in the previous year as an officer. The recipient is chosen by the Past Exalted Rulers.

John was born in Seattle, Washington on December 14, 1943 and raised by his mother Genevieve Mary Knapp.  As a young boy he and his mother moved to Oregon and for most of his life he has lived in the Portland area with his mother and his brother Dennis.

John attended Catholic school until attending Clackamas High School then spent his working career as a machinist.  He started at Bingham-Willamette and eventually went to work at Boeing Aircraft where he continued until his retirement.

John married his first wife Soundra on September 26, 1964.  They soon had a daughter Lynda and later she was joined by a second child, Kirstin.  John and Soundra raised their two children until her death in 1983.  His family were avid campers, experiencing Oregon’s out-doors in their travel trailer.  John also enjoys all sorts of sports activities, especially golf and bowling.  

Today, John and his wife Peggy enjoy his growing family which now includes two grandchildren, Alex and Amanda.  His favorite hobby, as we at Gateway have all learned, is socializing with his friends and Lodge members.  John has served his Lodge well, holding each of the four Officer Chairs since 2006.

The Lodge congratulates John Lillestrand and wishes him continued success as he begins his year as Exalted Ruler.

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NEW WIDOW'S OFFICERS FOR 2009 / 2010

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ELK OF THE MONTH FOR
MARCH 2008

Gateway’s Elk of the Month for March is Bruce Hurst.
Bruce was born in Chico, California on June 23rd, 1953.  He was the middle of seven children and the fourth son to Paul and Martha Hurst.  He has four brothers, two sisters and two half sisters.
His family moved to Lebanon, OR where his mother’s family lived on the Rose family farm.  They bought their own farm in the nearby community of Lacomb where Bruce attended grade and junior high school. 
He graduated from Lebanon Union High School in 1971 and during his junior and senior years he attended Crowfoot Baptist Church where he developed his close relationship with God.
Bruce joined the Air Force in the fall of 1971.  During the 4 years of service he spent time in Thailand and England.  After his service he worked a few jobs in the logging and manufacturing industry.  He would eventually continue his education at the Chemekata Community College where he obtained a degree in Manufacturing Engineering.   Upon graduating from college Bruce began working at Boeing of Portland and has been working there for more than 22 years.
He married Cindi Nelson on March 11, 1989.  Though they have no children they have played a role in helping out with their nieces and nephews throughout the years.
Bruce joined Gateway just over a year ago and is currently the Lodge Electrician.  This has brought great joy to his life and has expanded his comfort zone as a new member and officer.  He has enjoyed being part of the Entertainment committee as a backstage hand.  He was great help in decorating for last year’s Inaugural Ball and has again stepped up to help this year.  Bruce also was a participant in this year’s ENF Walk-a-Thon.
In his spare time Bruce has a special interest in old cars and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

It is with great pleasure that we name Bruce Hurst as Elk of the Month for March 2009.

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MEMBERS HONORED FEBRUARY 2009

Three of our fairly new members, Tom Popiel, Norma Lindy and Jeff Lindsey (not shown) were awarded a special pin from the Grand Exalted Ruler by our Exalted Ruler Russ Muma.

The three were awarded the special pin for having attended 3 Lodge meetings, one of which was a Lodge Initiation, within the first month of there own Initiations.

This is a special award that is given only to brand new members who fulfill the requirements within the first month of being a member in the Lodge.  Congratulations Tom, Norma and Jeff!

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ELK OF THE MONTH FOR
FEBRUARY 2008

Gateway's Elk of the Month for February is Nancy Rattey.
Nancy was born in Astoria, Oregon where she grew up and attended Jewell High School.  She was married to George Bellingham for 20 years and together they raised 5 children; a daughter Teri and sons Jeff, Ross, Brad and Greg.  They have blessed her with nine grandchildren and her first great grand daughter is on the way.  While her children were growing up she worked as a librarian at their school.

After her marriage with George ended Nancy began working as a waitress at Oni's restaurant in Seaside.  In the early morning, before opening, Nancy would make home made pies for her customers.  A treat they still speak of today.  She later moved on to work at the Oni's restaurant in Seaside and while working there she met Dale Rattey, a charter member of Gateway.

Shortly after their marriage Dale was diagnosed with cancer.  Nancy took care of Dale during his illness in their home in Gresham where she still lives today.  Even after all this time he is still the love of her life.

After Dale's death Nancy joined Gateway's Widows group and has held a variety of offices.  These include Secretary, Vice President and she has been their President twice.  Nancy has also been very active in lodge events.  She has helped out with the decorations for the Inaugural and Charity Balls and has been a volunteer at various lodge banquets and receptions.  She has planned the food for and worked at the hospitality rooms at several state conventions.
Nancy joined Gateway in November, 2007 as a full member and quickly started working on the Elks National Foundation Committee.  She is still very involved with the Widows group helping with their Yard Sale and most recently the Holiday Bazaar.

It is with great pleasure that we name Nancy Rattey as Elk of the Month for February 2009.

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ELK OF THE MONTH FOR
NOVEMBER 2008

November’s Elk of the Month is Pat Matsen.  Genivieve Patricia Regimbal was born in Portland on June 28th.  She attended St. Peter’s Grade School and St. Mary’s High School.
She married Richard (Bud) Mattsen in 1948 and together they raised four sons, Richard Jr, Jim, Gary and Jeff and two daughters, Kathy and Teresa.  Their children have blessed them with eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren with one more on the way.

In the many years her husband Bud was an Elk Pat was very active in the Elkettes.  She worked the Holiday Bazaar and other activities.  When her husband passed away in 1992, even this traumatic event did not keep Pat down for long.  She joined the Widows group in 1994 and during the past fourteen years she has been President three times.

Pat became an Elk herself only a year ago but since then has been as active as any officer. She has always been ready to step up and help with many events.  These include the Elks National Foundation (of which she is a committee member), Sweetheart’s and Inaugural Balls, the Scholarship Committee, the Disabled Adult Dance, the Meadowood Committee, Showtime Revue and she helps serve banquets at the Lodge.  She showed up the Ladies at the Oktoberfest by holding a beer stein at arm’s length longer than the rest and probably could have beat most of the men!  Her energy and enthusiasm should be an inspiration to us all.

It is with great pleasure that we name ‘Grandma’ Pat Mattsen as Elk of the Month for October.

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ELK OF THE MONTH FOR
OCTOBER 2008

Jean Friend was born in Portland to Frank (a Milwaukie Elk) and Ruth Henderson.  She grew up with her identical twin sister, and best friend, Jan on 10 acres off of Skyline Blvd, near Burlington.  They had horses, chickens, pigs, turkeys, dogs and cats...what a great way to grow up!

Jean graduated from Sunset High School in 1962, went to work for Farmers Insurance Group and is still there after 46 years. She is currently their Personal Line Underwriting Supervisor for the State of California.  Her sister, Jan, has also been with Farmers for 45 years and is a Senior Commercial Underwriter for the State of Oregon.  

Jean is very active.  She volunteers for the Red Cross and has given over 35 gallons of blood, she goes dancing 3 or 4 times a week and has been involved with the Bergfruende Ski Club.  She likes to hike, travel and is an avid reader.  Since joining Gateway Lodge in January, 2007, she has been volunteering as a greeter in the coat room.

Jean informed us that Farmers was moving from their offices in Tigard and that everything had to be cleared from the building. We were able to secure nice desks for our office, beautiful round tables for our dining room and about 250 very nice rolling office chairs that we have been selling for $20 each.  The proceeds from the sale go to our Scholarship Fund.  So far, we have cleared approximately $3,000 from the sale of these chairs.

Jean is planning on retirement at the end of the year or shortly thereafter.

Gateway is proud to name Jean Friend as our October Elk of the Month.

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