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