Grand Officers in Bradford

Saturday, October 23, 2010 

“♪♫ ♫♪ ♫ Beautiful Music ♪♫ ♫♪ ♫”

  

On Sunday we all gather in Bradford, as Iona No.31 hosted the Entertainment of Grand Officers.  Our string of nice weather came to an end with a cool rainy day.  However, as we were mingling around the chapter room, promptly at 1pm, our ears were filled with the sounds of Caribbean!  It didn’t take us long to all focus our attention to the beautiful sounds coming from the East.  The SOCA Sisters has begun to play.  A steel drum, bass guitar and rhythm box provided all with music to help us forget about the weather outside.  During the set, we all were encouraged to join in, after all this was dance music!

After the entertainment, the meeting was opened in form followed by the presentation of the Grand Officers in the East:  Kathleen Sjolander, Worthy Grand Matron and Alec Porter, Worthy Grand Patron.   After which, introduction of the Past Grand Matron and Patrons, and Grand Officers.  WGM Kathy and WGP Alec were presented honorary memberships to Iona No.31.

The WGM and WGP had kind words for all and addressed the Make-A Wish project and the Service Dog program. 

PGP Cedric L. Smith, spoke and added that he had great experience using the OES website to  help him with todays activities and wanted to pass along his appreciation for the excellent work  being done to maintain the OES VT site.  Thank you to Sister Nancy Gross for her dedication. 

The credentials committee reported 39 members and guests present. The silver collection netted $69.00 for the Make-A-Wish project, thank you all!

Our next stop on the “On the Wings of Love” tour for The Entertainment of Grand Officers is in Brandon, hosted by Marble Chapter No. 80 and Libanus Chapter No. 47 on Saturday, November 6^th.  Registration at 10:30, Luncheon at 11:30 followed by Entertainment at approximately 12:30.  Open Meeting to Follow.  Bring a Pretty Package to Auction, to Benefit the Make-A-Wish Project! http://www.oes-vt.org/GO1162010invite.html

Also remember on the following day, November 7^th the “On the Wings of Love” tour for The Entertainment of Grand Officers is in Brookfield, hosted by Beulah Chapter No. 15 and Naomi Chapter No. 18, registration at 1:30 followed by Entertainment at 2:00.  Meeting to follow, remember to make your RSVP! http://www.oes-vt.org/11072010invite.html

Hope to see you all on the Star trail!

Brother Dan, Grand Chaplain

 “Remember, friends are like angels, you don’t have to see them to know they are there!”

Grand Officers in Fair Haven

Saturday, October 23, 2010 

“Great for eating a sandwich while driving to a meeting!” – RS Churchill

I am sounding like a record, but it was true again today, what a beautiful day for traveling.  The answer is YES, there are still gorgeous colors for all to see.

Today we all gather in Fair Haven, as Fair Haven Chapter No. 70 and Gilman Chapter No. 88 hosted the entertainment of Grand Officers.  We were greeted at the door of the dining hall by two very lovely young ladies, non other that the daughters of the Brother George Supernault, WP of Fair Haven Chapter No. 70.  The girls are members of The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Poultney Assembly #16 http://www.vt-iorg.org/Poultney.html and were displaying a beautiful handmade jewelry box, which the Rainbow Girls will be raffling off at The 57th annual Vermont Grand Assembly in July 2011.  I purchased my ticket, and I hope many others will as well.

The chaplain lead us in the blessing and we enjoyed a very nice lunch.  Roasted turkey, scalloped and mashed potatoes, lasagna, baked beans, fruit salad, and a veggie salad, rolls and baked apple dessert with fresh whipped cream.  On the table were hand pained favors for us to take home, a Wish magnet. 

I used the quote at the beginning of this blog entry, as it was the comment made by our Grand Sentinel as he told us of his use of the dinner bibs on the way to a meeting!  Great example Rod!

After dinner, we gathered in the chapter room for the entertainment portion of the program:  three fellows who were friends of the PGM Mary Jane Eaton’s daughter.  I am not sure if the group had a name, I like “Malcolm in the Middle”  but that was used in a television show.  Malcolm, Bob and John.  Both Bob and John played the guitars and sang, while Malcolm entertained us with the harmonica.  The boys can sure play, and by the looks of the room, everyone enjoyed it.

   

After the entertainment, this being an open meeting, the public opening was used.  Followed by the presentation of the Grand Officers in the East:  Kathleen Sjolander, Worthy Grand Matron and Alec Porter, Worthy Grand Patron.   After which, introduction of the Past Grand Matron and Patrons, and Grand Officers.  WGM Kathy and WGP Alec were presented honorary memberships to Fair Haven Chapter No. 70 and Gilman Chapter No. 88. 

The WGM and WGP had kind words for all and addressed the Make-A Wish project and the Service Dog program . 

The credentials committee reported 46 members and guests present. The silver collection netted $46.50 for the Make-A-Wish project, thank you all!

Our next stop on the “On the Wings of Love” tour for The Entertainment of Grand Officers is with Iona Chapter No. 31 to be held in Bradford on Sunday, October 23^th.  The day will start with entertainment at 1:00pm with the meeting to follow.  Light refreshments to follow the meeting.     

Hope to see you all on the Star trail!

Brother Dan, Grand Chaplain

 “Remember, friends are like angels, you don’t have to see them to know they are there!”

Grand Officers in Wilmington

Saturday, October 16, 2010


Dinner was Delicious - With a Capital 'D'

The Wings of Love took us to Wilmington on October 17 where Mayflower #19 and Bingham #30 entertained the Guardian Angels and the Soaring Eagles.  

After a bit of conversation and catching up with friendships, Brother Jody Boyd welcomed everyone to the dinner table.  Sister Rosemarie Blair led us all in a blessing of all things great and good and reminded all what to keep in our hearts.  Everyone then enjoyed a wonderful meal of our hosts’ fabulous home cooked dishes.

  

With the bountiful harvest consumed we moved into the chapter room, but there was no time for napping.  Sister Sherrie Lind proceeded to call upon all those successful hunters  - or were they scavengers?  She first called for all those who did not bring any items and more particularly those who knew about the scavenger hunt.  There were many of us and we were promptly awarded the BooBoo prize by Brother Jody.  

Sister Sherri and Brother Jody proceeded to award prizes to categories by how many items were scavenged, starting at 20.  There were six who had displayed all 26 items on the list.  I apologize, I did not record these winners, however they displayed some of their findings to the awestruck audience.  There were many 8 track tapes, maps, rulers, purging badges from the early years pictures of many things thought as funny signs.  Many dog tags appeared and one still had the dog attached!  

Cheers to the Honorary Grand Representative of Vermont in Vermont, Miss Betsy.

The entertainment turned to Bingham Chapter where Sister – Teacher –  Carol Farrington and Brother – Judge – Stephen Farrington called on ten Guardian Angels for the Grand Officers Spelling Bee.  After the general rules were explained – The Judge has the final and only say – the difficult challenge commenced.  The challenge proved too be great for the two youngest (figuratively speaking) and the Grand Sentinel and the Grand Lecturer found themselves watching the remaining Angels go on to the finish.  WGM Sister Kathleen and DDGI Sister Sherrill Gould remained standing at the end and, by Juxtaposition, were declared the winners.

WP, Brother Jody Boyd welcomed all to the Chapter which included non-members.  He then called upon the Conductress and Associate Conductress to bring the officers into the Chapter.  WM Sister Sherri called upon the Conductress to escort WGM Kathleen to the east.  Sister Kathleen apologized for WGP Alec Porter who was called to duty while in route to Wilmington.  PGM and PGP, Grand officers and one elected officer from a sister Grand Jurisdiction was presented to the Chapter.

Honorary memberships were presented to Sister Kathleen, WGM, from Sister Rosemarie Blair on behalf of Waverly Chapter #10 of Wallingford.  Sister Sherrie and Brother Jody as well as Sister Carol and Brother Stephen presenting the same on behalf of their Chapters.  

Sister Kathleen thanked the Chapters for the day, thanked the staff for the wonderful meal and, having just successfully completing the spelling bee, said “It was Delicious, with a Capital ‘D’.  She described the altar cloth and Bible marker and thanked the celebrated crafters for creating such lovely works of art.  Make a Wish is the program and she described it as going very well, being about half way to the targeted goal.  The Chaplain being the honored station this year, Rosemarie Blair was presented with a gift and recognition for a job well done.  Accepting the donation from the Chapter for the project she was informed that, as the secretary or the WGP are not here, she could hang on to this for awhile.  She closed with “You don’t have to study to be an Angel – Just Wing It!"

WM Sister Carol described a phone call she had received, it was a ‘hang-up’ call.  The number displayed on the caller ID was unfamiliar but local, so she called it.  “Hello”  “Did you just call this number”  The answer was “I think you need to talk to my mother”…  The resulting outcome was a Sister Kay Johnston, Elected Grand Trustee of the Grand Chapter of Georgia, who thanked all for the hospitalities presented to her and her family for inviting them into this Grand Officer Entertainment.  Having a personal experience with Make a Wish Foundation, she thanked Sister Kathleen taking this very worthwhile project. 

On behalf of the Past Grand Officers, Brother Richard Black, PGP, thanked both Chapters for all the effort that went into this day, recognizing that it is a large undertaking.  Sister Joyce Fowler, speaking for the Grand Officers, thanked for the Delicious meal and the entertainment, congratulating Sisters Kathleen and Sherrill for their spelling prowess. 

The next stop on the "On the Wings of Love" tour is Saturday, October 20th where Queen Esther No. 7 will entertain Grand Officers.  Registration starts at 5:30 followed by a meal and entertainment at 7:00 

Serendipity, one of the many words to spell - how did teh sphel chkcer werk?

Rod Churchill, Grand Sentinel.

Charlotte Morris Meeting

I am attaching some pictures from Karen Stetson who attended the Charlotte Morris Past Matrons & Past Patrons Association Meeting held in Manchester, VT hosted by Adoniram Chapter #22 on October 16. They were served a delicious turkey dinner followed by a lively pretty package auction before our meeting.  (Thanks for the photos Karen!)

Past Grands Tea

Sunday, October 10, 2010

“What a GRAND day for TEA!”

This Fall we have been truly blessed with great traveling weather.  A perfect fall day, and a Grand group of people to spend the afternoon with.  This afternoon I was at the Past Grands Tea held at Charity Chapter No. 57 in Williamstown.  The room was decorated in a very lovely Christmas holiday theme.  If you strolled around the room, most every table was set with a different cup and saucer combination. 

I was asked to lead the blessing which was my honor.  I reflected on this room filled with the true Guardians of the Eastern Star of Vermont, our Past Grand Matrons and Patrons.  Included below are the PGM(s) and PGP(s) present here today:

We were served tea by the host Charity Chapter No. 57 sisters and brothers.  During the meal, tea and assorted sandwiches were offered for our enjoyment.  Thanks you to Past Grand Matron Joan Black for the scones.  There was a desert table available for those who dared!  An assortment of seasonal quick breads with cream cheese, pumpkin cookies and brownies.

After lunch, several groups broke out for some quick business, followed by some more pictures.  

Our next stop on the “On the Wings of Love” tour is with Bingham Chapter #30 and Mayflower # 19 to be held in Wilmington on Sunday, October 17^th.  This is an OPEN meeting with lunch at Noon.  

Remember your SCAVANGER HUNT Items!  

I am NOT going to be able to attend, as Chittenden Chapter has the annual Scholarship Turkey Dinner on this date.

Someone forward me a report of the meeting and we’ll get in included in the BLOG!!!

Hope to see you all on the Star trail!

Brother Dan, Grand Chaplain

 “Remember, friends are like angels, you don’t have to see them to know they are there!”

Grand Officers at Mary C. Burdick No.6

Monday, October 4, 2010 

Brother Vincent’s Chicken “Pulls the Worthy Grand Patron off the East!”

What a way for us to end a Monday, great traveling weather, great friends and GREAT FOOD!  Brother Vincent Comegno and his crew in the kitchen took dinner to another level.  What a way to start the evening.  As a first timer to Mary C. Burdick No. 6, I have to tell you I know why everyone comes to the Lodge and Chapter dinners.  These ‘guys’ take their cooking seriously.   Started off with a nice fresh fruit cup, with a buffet style dinner of tossed salad, mashed potatoes with gray and green beans.  Oh, did I forget the Chicken!  Vince’s baked chicken thighs, yes boneless skinless thighs.  The Worthy Grand Patron enjoyed this very much.  There were homemade “eagle head” chocolate (pops) as a table favor.  A beautifully decorated cake for desert.

After dinner, and before heading up to the chapter room, we had two drawings.  The first drawing, for a ‘secret surprise’ that you purchased tickets for.  I had two tickets and (before the drawing offer to swap them with anyone.  The WGM and I swapped tickets and I almost had a swap with Sister Madine (Churchill) for my second ticket.  She shouldn’t have backed out.  I won the drawing, and the prize was two “Pumpkin Animal” kits.  Picture a ‘Mr. Potato Head’ except the potato is a pumpkin (not included) and cast iron extremities to stick into the pumpkin(s), a chicken and a turkey.  The second drawing; Everyone who registered, received a ticket, and this was for the ‘door prize’.  The door prize was a fall wreath, with brightly fall colored leaves.  The winner was Sister Emma Britch. 

We gathered in the chapter room for the entertainment portion of the program:

What Happens When You Pray?

Our Father who art in Heaven. . . .

Yes?

Don't interrupt me. I'm praying. . . .

But you called Me.

Called you? I didn't call you. I'm praying. 

Our Father who art in Heaven.

There, you did it again.

Did what?

Called Me. You said, "Our Father who art in Heaven."  Here I am. What's on your mind?

But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like getting my duty done.

All right. Go on.

Hallowed be Thy name.

Hold it. What do you mean by that?

By what?

By "Hallowed be Thy name."

It means....it means....good grief, I don't know what it means. How should I know? It's just part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?

It means "Honored, Holy, Wonderful."

Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what "Hallowed" meant before. 

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

Do you really mean that?

Sure, why not?

What are you going to do about it?

Doing? Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there.

Have I got control of you?

Well, I go to church.

Excerpt from "If God Talked Out Loud"
by Clyde Herring
Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA

This was a two part skit featuring the Treasurer and Associate Patron of the chapter.  Very nice job!

   

After the entertainment, the meeting was opened in form followed by the presentation of the Grand Officers in the East:  Kathleen Sjolander, Worthy Grand Matron and Alec Porter, Worthy Grand Patron.   After which, introduction of the, General Grand Chapter Committee Members; PGM, Barbara E. Wheaton and PGP, Ronald F. Boudreau, Past Grand Matron and Patrons, and Grand Officers.  WGM Kathy and WGP Alec were presented honorary memberships to Mary C. Burdick No. 6. 

PGP Ronald Boudreau spoke on behalf of the General Grand Committee members, mentioning that 80 people are signed up for the trip to New York City.  PGM Jerri K. Riegler spoke on behalf of the Past Grands and told the story of the bats that joined the chapter for a meeting, and Rodney Churchill, Grand Sentinel, spoke on behalf of the Grand Officers.  

The WGM and WGP had kind words for all and addressed the Make-A Wish project and the Service Dog program . 

The credentials committee reported and I got involved with the silver collection and passing out chocolates, so I never did hear how many attended.  The silver collection netted $100 for the Make-A-Wish project, thank you all!

Our next stop on the “On the Wings of Love” tour is with Bingham Chapter #30 and Mayflower # 19 to be held in Wilmington on Sunday, October 17^th.  This is an OPEN meeting with lunch at Noon.  

Remember your SCAVANGER HUNT Items!  

I am NOT going to be able to attend, as Chittenden Chapter has the annual Scholarship Turkey Dinner on this date.

Someone forward me a report of the meeting and we’ll get in included in the BLOG!!!

Hope to see you all on the Star trail!

Brother Dan, Grand Chaplain

 “Remember, friends are like angels, you don’t have to see them to know they are there!”

Grand Officers in Manchester

Sunday, October 3, 2010 

You say, “Kalamata”, I say “Calamite”

When the day started, I was in a fog.  No really, living near a river (too much science), anyway as I drove further south, bam!  The sky opened up and it turned out to be a glorious fall day.  Happy October to one and all, and the first Grand Officers meeting was in Manchester.  Adoniram Chapter #22 and Katherine Chapter # 83 hosted the Grand Family in a joint effort.

A delicious lunch was ready at 12:30.  We had an assortment of salads as well as a beautiful assorted meat platter for sandwiches.  I didn’t tell Erron (Carey) that I had some of the calamite olives, and they were good!  Desert was a buttercream frosted yellow cake and brownies topped with peanut butter frosting.  The brownies LOOKED good, and SOME people got one!  Seriously, they were a hit, as was the whole lunch.  Hats off to both chapters for a very nice meal.   To quote our Associate Patron, “ << ”

We had a bit of a delay waiting for the entertainment portion of the program, and I was introduced to PGP Frederick C. “FRED” Harrington's crew.  To quote Fred, "This is my Harem!" 

   

PGM Dorothy “Dottie” T. Brophy had her entertainment back out at 5:30 last night.  This morning she found a 'pinch hitter'!  A senior from Burr and Burton Academy, who I found out has several original compositions.  Daniel Colson has had his works featured by the Manchester Music Festival .  Look for more from this young man.  Daniel played four arrangements for us and he is truly a talent, and we were blessed to hear him play.

After the entertainment, the meeting was opened in form followed by the presentation of the Grand Officers in the East:  Kathleen Sjolander, Worthy Grand Matron and Alec Porte, Worthy Grand Patron.   After which, introduction of the Past Grand Matron and Patrons, and Grand Officers.  

WGM Kathy and WGP Alec were presented honorary memberships to both Adoniram Chapter #22 and Katherine Chapter # 83. 

PGM Erron Carey spoke on behalf of the Past Grands and  Helen Whitman, Grand Adah, spoke on behalf of the Grand Officers.  

The WGM and WGP had kind words for all and addressed the Make-A Wish project that is going well.  The cookbooks appear to be a hit!  Another reminder from WGP Alec about the General Grand Chapter's project with pins and scarves available from the Grand Conductress, Sister Barbara.

The credentials committee reported and there were 41 present.  The silver collection netted $48.50 for the Make-A-Wish project.

Our next stop on the “On the Wings of Love” tour is at Mary C. Burdick Chapter #6, tomorrow night, Monday, October 4^th in Jericho.  Dinner at 6pm, entertainment at 7pm followed by the meeting at 7:30pm.

Hope to see you all on the Star trail!

Brother Dan, Grand Chaplain

 “Remember, friends are like angels, you don’t have to see them to know they are there!”

Grand Officers in Chester

Sunday, September 26

Well I can’t believe how fast this week went.  I didn’t have time to post until today.  The trip down began cloudy, good thing because I began the morning with a headache.  Fortunately it was better by the time we arrived in Chester. 

A delicious lunch was ready at 1:00.  Good thing I was organized or we would have arrived at 2:00 and missed the delicious meal of roast pork followed by apple crisp.  I understand several others including Dan thought the event began at 2:00.  They should have checked the OES website more carefully.

After lunch we were entertained by Sister Wendy Baker.  She is the director at Fort 4 in Charlestown, New Hampshire.  I had heard that the Fort had lost its funding and was no longer operating.  Thanks to the Olive Branch Lodge # 64 of Chester stepping in the fort has been reopened. They hope to have a full season next summer.  Visit their web site for more information.  www.fortat4.com

After the introduction of Grand Officers, Sister Kathy was presented with an honorary membership and an angel bell.  Since Mispah is Alec’s home chapter he was recognized with a special addendum and presented with military brushes.  The chapter didn’t forget Alec’s wife Sister Roclyn.  She was presented with a grow-a-pet (Alec’s dogs are not pets) and a t-shirt stenciled with “Mishap # 49”.  Apparently she has a typing problem or dyslexia. ; )

About 45 people were in attendance.  Sister Mindy was honored as the Chaplain, her first year in that station.  Later Alec presented Sister Kate Coleman in the East as Sister Sheila, PGM, tickled the ivories.  Upon arrival Kate was presented with an honorary Grand Representatives commission for her canine companion, Betsy.  This new commission will never expire! 

 ,

Patty Rousseau spoke on behalf of the Grand Officers and remembered her connection as part of Sister Erron Carey’s grand family.  In fact all of Erron’s star points were in attendance at the event as was her Worthy Grand Patron, Brother Fred Harrington.  

After the collection of $50 was tabulated the meeting was over and Dan and I were on the road again.  The fabulous quilt shop was still open next door but I only peeked in for a quick look.  I understand a few folks did a bit of shopping either before or after the meeting.  Next time I’ll bring lots of money! 

I forgot to mention “Thanks Margaret, for the apricot jam.  It is delicious!”

See you all soon.

Nancy

Celebration of Vermont Night in Granville, New York:

September 27, 2010

 

“I’ll have the soup please!”

 

If you have never been, to try and explain Vermont Night with our Sisters and Brothers from New York. . . I cannot do it justice!  For me it was another rainy trek down through Route 22.  I am not sure how many years this tradition has been going on, but to hear all the stories and share in the fellowship, you would think it has been at least 100 years! 

So, on Monday, September 27, 2010  the next stop in the “On The Wings Of Love” tour is in Granville, NY.  Our host chapter was Sylvan Star-Skenesborough Chapter #122 with W. Ruth B. La Roy, Worthy Matron and W. Michael Angiolillo, Worthy Patron.

The evening started 6:30 with a very nice dinner; ham and mashed potatoes, coleslaw, rolls and nice sweet gravy.  Wait, what; “NO carrots!” how could that be! The veggie for the evening was squash, and it was yummy J (more on that later).  Desert was postponed until after the meeting, as Brother Michael (Angiolillo) explained that the ice cream had not been removed from the freezer in time. . . . . no one seemed to mind.

We all made our way into the chapter room for the entertainment portion of the evening.  Back by popular demand; A local icon in the business, “Paul Gibbs”  Paul grew up in Granville, and now resides in Glens Falls.  Paul writes most all of his music and performed several of his numbers for us.  As always, there were a couple of tears in the room when Paul was done. 

After the entertainment, the meeting was opened in form.  The presentation of the Grand Officers,  M.W. Karen Marshall-King, Grand Matron and M.W. Robert O. Sharpe, Grand Patron, State of New York and W.M. Kathleen G. Sjolander, Worthy Grand Matron of Vermont.  After which, introduction of all the Distinguished Guests from New York and Vermont followed.  

The M.W.GM and M.W.GP of New York were presented Honorary Memberships from Sylvan Star-Skenesborough Chapter.  After which we had the address of the Grand Matron(s) and Grand Patron.  The drill (Addendum) “Friendship with Fans” was done by the host chapter, and the star points presented their ‘fans’ to officers in the East.

Remarks were heard from the Distinguished Guests, at which time Associate Grand Patron remarked that he had heard so much about the carrots.  How good the carrots were, and could not wait to have carrots for dinner.  To his surprise, (and that of Associate Grand Matron, Patty Rousseau) who had promised these ‘great tasting carrots’ for dinner.  We all shared in a nice laugh, and I think carrots are back on the menu for next year:  Thanks Mike!!

W. Michael Angiolillo, Worthy Patron thanked ALL of his kitchen help that assisted with the meal and the Brothers of the Lodge that assisted with the cleanup.

Roll Call by State was taken and the total number for the evening; New York, 38 and Vermont, 25 for a total of 63 members.  I believe this is down from last year.

The Good of the Order took in $75, and this was given to the WGM and WGP of Vermont’s Make-A-Wish project.  Thank you all for this wonderful gift.

The end of the meeting was not without surprise.  In the audience this evening was Brother Michael Wood, Grand Rep of New York in Vermont.  The M.W. Karen Marshall-King, Grand Matron of New York, being she was in the ‘local area’ announced who the new Grand Rep of Vermont in New York would be, starting their commission in the near future.  None other than, W. Michael Angiolillo, Worthy Patron of Sylvan Star-Skenesborough Chapter #122.  This announcement was pleasing to the “Brothers Mike”.

The evening ended with desert in the dining room, which I missed, as I escorted the ‘money bags’ and 'session notes' back north to the Grand Secretary.  

The next stop on the “On The Wings Of Love” tour is Sunday, October 3^rd  This is a joint meeting sponsored by Adoniram Chapter, No. 22, of Manchester and Katherine Chapter, No. 83 in Danby, in Manchester.  Registration will start at 11:30 Lunch at 12:30 Entertainment at 1:30 and the meeting will start at 2 o’clock.

Brother Dan, Grand Chaplain