President’s message –
The sun is out and it’s a beautiful day here in Oregon as I write to all of you. It really does feel like spring is on the way. It’s a balmy fifty degrees and we’ve actually had two straight days of sun. We had three minutes of sun today and five minutes yesterday!
Like February, April is a pretty unpredictable as far as the weather is concerned but there is always a chance for some nice days. If Catholic Cemeteries of the West along with Bishops from Washington and Oregon can’t arrange for good weather, who can? While I won’t promise great weather, I will guarantee a great program, a beautiful venue with spectacular scenery and fantastic food. The Lodge has a great restaurant known for its excellent Northwest cuisine. We are also blessed to have Don Sylva, world renowned food tasting artist, choosing the menus using his well known philosophy that a conference success depends on providing good food to the masses, after the Masses.
Our program will include discussions on cremation from some of our local experts including Reverend Richard Rutherford from the University of Portland and local legend, Paul Elvig. Rich Peterson is on the hook for the What’s New portion of the program and is leaving no stone unturned. On Thursday, we will drive into Portland to tour our oldest cemetery then head out to our paddlewheel boat for a tour of the beautiful Columbia River and our annual banquet.
I hope you all schedule some extra time to visit the Portland area and enjoy the lodge. Skiing should be in full swing and hiking is an option any time of year. Try to get away to Bonneville Dam just down the road to see the Spring Chinook as they make their way up the fish ladders and into the hatchery. Our wineries are also close by and always a treat.
It’s hard to believe that the conference is just around the corner. The Archdiocese of Portland and all of your Board members have been incredibly supportive over the past year helping to make it happen. Being on the CCW Board has been a fantastic experience with truly wonderful, dedicated people. I feel like I’ve created friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime. Thank you Linda, Robert, Michael, Rich, Mike, Regis and Don!
I can’t wait to see all of you at Skamania!
--Tim
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