Entertainment of Grand Officers at Charity Chapter, No. 57:

September 25, 2010

 

On Saturday, September 25, 2010  we all gathered in Williamstown for the next stop in the “On The Wings Of Love” tour.  The Entertainment of Grand Officers was hosted by Charity Chapter No.57.  What another beautiful day to travel, not a cloud in the sky and the leaf ‘peeping’ has begun!  Brother Palmer Martin was greeting us at the lower entrance, into the dining room, where you could try your luck at a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Make-A-Wish project.

At noon, I gave the blessing in the chapter room and we all headed down to the dining room for a very nice lunch.  We were all given a very nice table favor, consisting of a penny affixed to a poem “A Penny”.  Two beautiful table were prepared with all the fixings for turkey and ham sandwiches.  An assortment of salads rounded out the buffet tables.  An assortment of cookies and brownies were available for desert, at which time the ‘last call’ for the 50/50 made the rounds.  A very yummy lunch, thank you to all who assisted with the Masonic Lodge Brothers of Summit Lodge No. 104!

After lunch, we assembled in the chapter room for entertainment portion of the day.  I did not catch the name of this very talented young lady and her music teacher.  I’ll get an update for this!  She sang a beautiful version of “In The garden”. 

After the entertainment, the meeting was opened in form with the American flag presented.  Kathy Sjolander WGM and Alec Porter WGP of Vermont were presented and escorted to the East for the meeting.  After which, introduction of all the Distinguished Guests followed.  The WGM and WGP were presented Honorary Memberships from Charity Chapter. 

The Worthy Matron, Nadine Martin asked to have Sister Florence Perrin and Brother David Cummings presented west of the alter.  After they were introduced to the members and presented in the East, Sister Florence received her 60 year pin from the WGM Kathy Sjolander and Brother David received his 50 year pin and a Life Membership from the WGP Alec Porter.  Sister Florence and Brother David were then afforded the grand honors.  Both has a few kind words to say about their years in the Eastern Star, and they were then conducted back to their seats.

The Addendum for the  WGM and WGP started in the East, a small saying was recited and they each received a feather.  They were then presented the various Star Points, where feathers of various colors were received, on to the chaplain and finally in the West.  When the WGM and WGP were returned to the East, the Worthy Matron explained that these feathers were to assist them during their travels as they soar around the state ‘On the Wings of Love”.  A very nice program.

The WGM and WGP were asked for their remarks at this time.  The WGM echoed all of us, when she added that the entertainment was very nice and a joy to listen to.  The WGP mentioned the meal earlier in the day and the he was a ‘big fan’ using the feathers as a prop to fan himself.  Never a dull moment!

The credentials committee presented their report and we saw 56 members of the Order present.  The silver collected was taken and netted $64.25 for the special project. 

At this time the 50/50 raffle (for the Make-A-Wish) ticket was drawn, for one half of the pot ($56).  It was BLUE ticket, and the winner was Brother David Cummings.  Brother David promptly spoke up and donated the winnings back for the Make-A-Wish project.  Thank Brother David and all who took part.  

Brother Donny Chamberlain spoke on behalf of the Past Grands and Sister Sherrill Gould spoke on behalf of the Grand Officers.

The next stop on the “On The Wings Of Love” tour is Sunday, September 26^th at Mizpah in Chester for the Entertainment of Grand Officers: Lunch at 1 p.m. with Entertainment and Open Meeting to follow.

Brother Dan, Grand Chaplain

We Believe in Angels – GO at Chittenden #59

Today was a lovely (short) trip for Dan and I over Georgia Mountain to Milton for an afternoon Grand Officers session.  The event began with a presentation about the Vermont Make-A-Wish Foundation given by Brother Roger Crouse.  Brother Roger is the R. W. Senior Grand Warder in the Vermont Grand Lodge.  He has supported Make-A-Wish in many capacities since its beginnings in Vermont.  Over 500 wishes have been granted here so far.  Since the focus has changed from terminally ill children to children experiencing chronic life threatening illnesses many have been given hope along with their wish.  Thank you Kathy and Alec for choosing Make-A-Wish as your project this year!

We Believe in Angels

The kind that Heaven Sends

We’re surrounded by Angels today,

We call them our Eastern Star Friends.

(Message on today’s program.)

The open meeting was lead by Worthy Matron, Cheryl Giles (her first as WM).  Brother Ron Boudreau shared the East with her. Grand Officers were presented and welcomed in the East.  All three General Grand Chapter Committee Members were present; Karen Price, Barbara Wheaton, and Ron Boudreau.  Eleven members of Vermont’s Grand Family were present as well.  Sister Jerri reported 73 registered guests. Cheryl did a great job!

The chapter presented Sister Kathy and Brother Alec with honorary memberships and a donation to the Make-A-Wish project.  The silver collection was over one hundred dollars also earmarked for our special project. 

Sister Kathy reminded us of the quilt raffle that is going on throughout the year under the watchful eye of Sister Joyce Fowler, Grand Martha.  See her if you wish to buy tickets.  (You can also contact me by email and I can put you in touch with her. oesvermont@gmail.com)  I took a photo of the quilt today for your viewing pleasure. 

The Chaplains present received small gifts from Kathy and Alec as representatives of this year’s honored station.  Emily Britch, Natalie Billings and Dan Gross were all recognized. Cheryl presented Natalie and Dan with small tokens from Chittenden Chapter as well. 

At the conclusion of the meeting we reconvened in the dining room for a delicious pot luck dinner.  I am sure we all will enjoy the maple cotton candy we each received as a table favor.  Yummy! 

I am writing this after our quick trip home and long walk to help me burn off the calories from that meal.  No need for more food this evening (except for some of that cotton candy).  ; )

See you all soon.  Nancy

Entertainment of Grand Officers at Diamond Chapter, No. 14: “Under the Boardwalk, I got you Babe!”

On Saturday, September 18, 2010  we all gathered in Danville for the next stop in the “On The Wings Of Love” tour.  The Entertainment of Grand Officers was hosted by Adah Chapter No.39 (Concord), Diamond Chapter No.14 (Danville), Evening Star Chapter No. 28 (West Burke), Lakeside Chapter No. 27 (Newport) and North Star Chapter No.25 (Island Pond).  What a beautiful day to travel, not a cloud in the sky with fall just around the corner.

At noon, I gave the blessing and we all headed down to the dining room for a very nice lunch.  A beautiful table was prepared with all the fixings for turkey and ham sandwiches.  An assortment of salads rounded out the buffet table.  Another table had cheese and crackers and last, but not least, the PIES!  Very yummy , thank you to all who assisted with the lunch!

After lunch, we assembled in the chapter room for entertainment portion of the day.  Let me sum it up this way: “ Under The Boardwalk, I Got You Babe.  Mama He’s Crazy, I Told You So!”  We were entertained by: Sonny & Cher, Wynonna Judd and Patsy Cline, just to name a few of the musical artists that the JCH DUO (Jim Cross and Christine Sykes) portrayed during an eight song set that left us all in great spirits.  I have to agree that the ‘traveling mustache’ on Sonny’s face during the first song set the bar for the show.  These two north country singers are very talented and don’t take your eye for Jim (Cross) for a minute.  The conversations at the end of the show are worthy of a mention as well.  Well done!    

The meeting was opened in form with the American flag presented.  Introduction of all the special guests followed.  Kathy Sjolander, WGM and Alec Porter, WGP of Vermont were presented and escorted to the East for the meeting.  After the introductions, the WGM and WGP were presented in the East, in front of the Worthy Patron to participate in the scheduled program.  Each was handed a shallow container to carry to the various Star Points.  The Worthy Matron started the program with a poem and instructed the WGM and WGP to follow their guides.  At each Star Point a poem was recited and presentations were made:  an Angel (color appropriate to the Star Point) to the WGM and a Dog to the WGP.  (Several of the Star Points felt bad for the WGP, as his container seemed ‘less full’ and he was also given the ‘bag’).  Yes, the WGP was holding the bag. . . .again!  They were finally presented in the East, where the WM presented the WGM a beautiful white Angel, and the WP presented the WGP an Eagle.  A very nice program.

The WGM asked the Associate Grand Patron, if there was anything he wanted to do, and Richard (Backus) approached the East with couple of items.  He presented the WGP with honorary memberships from Swanton Chapter and Martha Washington Chapter (Enosburg) held on Wednesday evening.  After which, the gift from Swanton Chapter was given to WGP.  It was a beautiful statue of a German Sheppard. 

Honorary memberships were presented to Kathy and Alec, and a monetary gift to support this year's special project, Make-a-Wish.  Sister Karen Price spoke on behalf of the General Grand Chapter,  Brother Cedric Smith spoke on behalf of the Past Grands and Sister Barbara spoke on behalf of the Grand Officers.

The silver collected netted $87 for the special project. 

The next stop on the “On The Wings Of Love” tour is Sunday, September 19^th at Chittenden No.59 in Milton: Entertainment at 2 p.m. with Meeting and Supper to follow.

Brother Dan, Grand Chaplain

Swanton and Martha Washington Host Grand Officers

On Wednesday evening September 15 the Grand Officers gathered in Swanton.  When Dan and I arrived we found preparations underway for a teacup auction.  I bought my tickets and used them all up quite quickly on the many items being offered.  At 7:00 we were entertained by a Sax Quartet, led by Sister Jody Martin’s daughter-in-law.  They played a variety of tunes and I saw a lot of foot tapping going on.  Some of us wanted them to keep playing instead of having a meeting. 

The meeting opened with the Swanton members doing the work under the leadership of Worthy Matron Theresa Tilton.  Attendance was a bit light as there was a District Deputy visitation going on at Chittenden Chapter which pulled away several Grand Officers and members.  Diane Gagne stood in for Sandy Lemnah (who was in Milton) to introduce the various Grand Officers.  Her meaningful greetings and Bible verses were appreciated by all.  A brief business meeting followed.  Honorary memberships were presented to Sister Kathy.  Brother Richard Backus accepted on behalf of Brother Alec who was unable to attend because of work issues.  (Public safety trumps Star meeting!  We missed you Alec.) 

Swanton has a special occasion Piggy bank (Sue Collins’ idea) and several people contributed as well as shared their important events.  Brother Richard Button shares his birthday with two of his granddaughters!  The silver collection for the evening was designated for the Make-a-Wish project.  Both chapters also made separate donations to the project.  I shared that my niece, Mariah, a Make-A-Wish recipient in the past, will be traveling to Boston on Monday.  She is a candidate for a bone marrow transplant at Dana Farber.  Prayers are requested for Mariah and her family during this difficult time.  If the procedure is successful she will have to be in isolation at home for a year. 

After the meeting we adjourned to the dining room for delicious sandwiches, a marvelous Mexican dip and chocolate cake (at least my piece was.)  Don Collins helped the Gagnes and the Buttons win most of the teacup items.  (Just kidding.  I won a beautiful wooden jewelry box and some books.)  As always it was an enjoyable evening. 


Nancy

Masonic/Eastern Star Service in Randolph

Masonic/Eastern Star Service

September 11^th there was a very nice Masonic/Eastern Star service at the Veterans Cemetery in Randolph.  We had small group of Eastern Star members, lead by our Worthy Grand Matron, and Worthy Grand Patron who joined the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Thomas Johnston IV and several Masonic brothers for the 11am ceremony.  We were lead to the Vermont Masonic flag pole by W. Grand Piper Donald C. Murray.  The W. Grand Chaplain lead us in prayer, with R.W. Deputy Grand Master, Philip W. Morton honoring the flag of our country. 

The Masonic Lodge then presented the emblematic corn, wine and oil as an offering during the dedication.  After which, the M. W. Grand Master shared the following story about the use of a bugler and the song ‘Taps’:

"We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, 'Taps.'  It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.  But, do you know the story behind the song?  If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.  Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia.  The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field.  Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.  Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.

The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock.  In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier.  It was his own son.  The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out.  Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son full military burial despite his enemy status.  His request was only partially granted.  The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.  The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.

But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.  The Captain chose a bugler.  He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.  This wish was granted.

The haunting melody we now know as 'Taps,' used at military funerals, was born."

At the conclusion of the ceremony, we were lead off the area by the W. Grand Piper.

A Christmas Angels Celebration

After the ceremony, most of the Eastern Star contingency left the Veterans Cemetery in Randolph and traveled to Windsor for Ascutney Chapter No.2’s entertainment of the Grand Officers.  Another beautiful day, it was sunny with the temperature in the high 80’s as we gathered.  I, like most were greeted by Sister Linda Farnsworth, who was seeing that we all put our names in the ‘wishing well’ for a drawing to be held later during the meeting.

I was asked to give the blessing before lunch, and it being September 11^th, I asked for a moment of silence so we could reflect on the events that transpired 9 years ago in New York City and Washington, DC. 

Lunch was another yummy feast, roasted turkey and gravy with a home-made cranberry relish.  Potato salad, coleslaw, rolls and fresh fruit salad also were served.  I may have missed an item, but there was plenty to go around.  The kitchen staff did and outstanding job, as always.  We saved the assorted pies for after the meeting.      

The meeting was an open meeting, the Grand Officers and guests were introduced and we enjoyed a Christmas Celebration.  Sisters Sherrill Gould and Linda Farnsworth and committee were responsible for the entertainment, and we all enjoyed it.  Some of us were the entertainment.  The Star points had a reading, followed by the 12 Days of Christmas.  This included the volunteers from the audience (how many times have I decided, “I’ll never volunteer again!”) Well, guess again.  Sister Sherrill needed 13 volunteers (including the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron), hum. 

When we were “strategically” lined up, we were the ’12 days’.  The catch was, when it came to our part of the song, we had to ‘act out’ the character.  Example, Sister Grace Bagley was the “partridge in the pear tree”, so on and so forth. . . .   I was the FIVE Golden Rings (thank you to the props).  Our WGM was the “eight maids a milking” and the WGP was (if you haven’t guessed), “ten Lords a leaping”.  The whole place was in stitches, we all were good sports and there is rumor of a repeat performance somewhere down the line. . .  . .      

Our Silver Collection was presented to the WGM and WGP for the Make-A-Wish Project.  Thank you all for your generosity. 

WGM, Sister Kathy and WGP, Brother Alec were presented honorary memberships to Ascutney Chapter in cute Christmas stockings, and the Make-A-Wish Project donation from the chapter was presented in a little red sack.  Very nice, in keeping with the Christmas theme. 

The wishing well with the names was passed to the WGM and WGP to start the drawing for t-shirts and angel pins.  Smiles all around as we concluded the meeting.

The WGM Kathy has the Make-A-Wish cook books so if you want one, she will have them available.  Remember, $15 and ALL the money goes to the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron's Project.

The next Grand Officers event is on September 15^th in Swanton, contact Sister Sue Collins, PGM at 868-7975 for directions and information.  Enjoy and see you on the Star Trail!  


Thank you to Sister Barbara Coleman for the pictures.

Brother Dan, Grand Chaplain

Columbia Chapter Celebrates

On Sunday we all gathered in Alburgh to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Columbia Chapter.  This cozy Grand Officers event was hosted by Columbia Chapter and Island Chapter. Over 100 people were present on this early fall day.  As you can see the chapter room was filled to capacity with many special guests and friends.

Donny Chamberlain provided the entertainment as he recounted the history of Columbia Chapter. He told jokes and conducted a sing-a-long accompanied by Sister Norma Wales on the piano.

After the arrival of a few late comers the meeting was informally opened. The American and Canadian flags were presented. Sisters Judy Martin and Linda Lake shared the East as co-Worthy Matrons.  Judy welcomed everyone and shared that her maternal  great grandmother and grandfather were some of the first members of Columbia Chapter. Linda took on the responsibility of introducing all of the special guests. These included Barbara Wheaton, GGCCM, Kathy Sjolander WGM and Alec Porter WGP of Vermont, and Huguette Daguerre, WGM and Armand Lono, WGP of Quebec.  Complicated footsteps allowed everyone to be presented in the East.

Due to the temperature in the room both Kathy and Alec spoke briefly.  Honorary memberships were presented to Kathy and Alec from both chapters.  Monetary gifts were presented by both chapters to support this year's special project, Make-a-Wish.  Kathy reports there is child wishing for a hot tub.  Brother Robert Lumnah spoke on behalf of the Past Grands.  Kay Strong spoke as the newly appointed Grand Representative of Vermont in Quebec.  The WGM of Quebec spoke of the Order of Eastern Star as a family with no borders.

Sister Judy shared additional Columbia Chapter history. Most notable was the 32 members initiated before the end of the first year.  Amazing!

Sister Kathy and Brother Alec presented the chaplains from both chapters with special gifts as representatives of this year’s honored station.  An addendum praising the founding members of Columbia Chapter was read by the Star point sisters.  Sister Linda Lake reminded us that Island Chapter is Columbia Chapter's mother. She presented a beautiful plaque to Sister Judy and the members of Columbia Chapter.

Judy thanked Kathy for the use of her Alter cloth. She also thanked Donny and Fay for their help planning the entertainment.

A moment of silence was held in memory of Sister Edna Kole, of Island Chapter, who passed away this week as a result of an automobile accident.

A quick count of the silver collected netted about $162 for the special project.  The total number of registered guests was 118.  We retired to the dining room for a delicious catered meal of roast pork, mashed potato and veggies.  Desert was a beautiful cake made and decorated by one of Columbia Chapter’s newest members, Tara Liloia. (Hope I got that right.)

What a great day.  Congratulations Columbia Chapter on one hundred years of good work!