1st School of Instruction - Williston

The first of three Schools of Instruction was held in Williston last Saturday. Past Grand Matrons Rachel Jarvis and Diane Gagne were on hand to greet each arrival at the credential’s table with P.G.P. Bob Lemnah lending a hand as well.  The three pages (Nancy Morey, Koleen Jones and me) escorted three Area Instructors (Sandy Lemnah, Dan Gross and Kathy Sjolander) to the East.  Sister Joan Black was double dipping as a member of the Jurisprudence Committee and an Area Instructor.  The other Jurisprudence members were Karen Price, Bob Lemnah, and Jim Bennett.  Our Grand Lecturer, Patricia Bowman, got the day started by calling for the entrance of the Grand Officers. It was funny seeing our newest PGM, Sister Kathy, sitting just to the right of our new Worthy Grand Matron, Patty Rousseau as a DDGI for district 6.  Worthy Grand Patron, Brother Richard Backus looked pretty relaxed at this first big event.  {On a side note, it was my great honor to escort Brother Richard to the East on his first visit to a chapter after he was installed.  He and Sister Patty came over to Chittenden Chapter in Milton to present a Grand Representative’s Commission to Jane Kronoff.  She is now the Grand Rep to Connecticut!}

Instruction was given and duly noted as the work of the morning got underway.  The Chapter was purged and formally opened followed by the reception of the various grand officers. Both forms of balloting were presented.  Sister Barbara Coleman knew her work well and the Star Points are to be commended for their precision when balloting on the Alter. 

Just before lunch a few announcements were made.  Richard reminded everyone of the upcoming motorcycle ride-in slash poker event that will be held on August 13.  More details and a sign-up form will be up on the website soon.  WGM Patty wanted everyone to know that her father, PGP Donnie Chamberlain will be undergoing surgery in the near future for an issue with his heart.  Our thoughts are with him.  (I apologize if I left some announcements out, I should have been taking notes.)  (PS.  If you remember something you want to add just send me a quick email. oesvermont@gmail.com)

Lunch as usual was delish!  Ably prepared by Sandy Lemnah and Sue Mullen, W.M. Temple we enjoyed a chicken and dried cranberry salad served with fresh tomato, lettuce and a yummy croissant.  Dessert was fresh strawberry shortcake with homemade biscuits.

The meeting reconvened at 1:00 PM sharp! The initiatory work was presented.  Sister Patty wanted it noted that most of the Grand Officers were performing work that was new to them as they had not held that office in their home chapter.  They did a great job for newbies.  Biggest reminder: Look at your Ritual to brush up on the wording before each meeting.

A collection was taken for this year’s special project the Vermont National Guard Charitable Foundation  I forget the exact amount but it was around $95.  A good start.  

If you missed this School of Instruction your next opportunity will be on July 16 in Windsor.  Check out the invitation section of the oes-vt website for all the details.

See you on the Star trail. And remember I can use some help with blogging.  (I’ll even edit for you.) 

Enjoy the day.

Nancy

Saturday Evening Session of Grand Chapter

Saturday Evening Session

The evenings festivities were launched with Sister Erron Carey, PGM and Brother Frederick Harrington, PGP giving the call to order. 

Richard Black, PGP, presented a final report of the registration committee. 226 Vermont members and 93 visitors were in attendence.  Jackie Carpenter, Banquet Chairperson, reported that late registrations made her job difficult. She wanted to let everyone know that in the future please remember each person needs his or her own registration form. 

Sister Kathy, WGM, closed the session with special words of thanks to the members of her Grand Family. She also surprised Brother Stan Gould with a Grand Representatives Commission to Tennessee!  It obviously was a BIG surprise to Stan!

Brother Alec began his remarks by thanking his wife, Sister Roclyn for her support throughout this year. He also thanked each member of the Grand Family for their support.

The session ended with the members of the 'On the Wings of Love' Grand Family trading their jewels for beautiful roses as Koleen Jones read individual tributes.

Installation of the 2011 - 2012 Grand Officers was next on the agenda.  Installing Grand Matron Karen Price, PGM introduced the installing team:      

Installing Grand Patron – James Bennett, PGP

Installing Grand Chaplain – Elizabeth Bordeaux, PGM

Installing Grand Marshal – Susan Ocker, PGM

Installing Grand Warder – Roland ‘Bud” Godin, PGP

Installing Grand Sentinel – Fred Harrington, PGP

Installing Grand Organist – Anne Atherton, PM

Just before the entrance on the Grand Family elect Sister Fay Chamberlain presided as Sister Patty’s Alter cloth and Bible were placed on the alter. 

The future officers, The Guardians of Light, dressed in purple and white gowns or white tuxes with purple vests, were led into the Chapter room by the Grand Marshal, Sister Susan Ocker.  

Sister Karen and Brother Jim took turns installing the officers. 

The new Star Points looked ready to meet the challenges before them.  

We were honored to have Vermonter and Texan, Sister Elizabeth Bordeaux, PGM and Worthy Grand Chaplain deliver the installing prayer. 

At the conclusion of the Installation our new Worthy Grand Matron Patty and our new Worthy Grand Patron Richard spoke briefly giving many thanks, introducing family members and announcing some plans for the upcoming year.  The District Deputy Commissions were presented as well as an additional Grand Representative Commission.  The meeting was closed and all retired to the lobby for a chance to greet the new Grand Family and to enjoy the delicious refreshments.  

Grand Chapter - Saturday afternoon Business Meeting

Day 2 Afternoon Session

Barbara Wheaton, PGM and Roland 'Bud' Godin,PGP welcomed everyone to the 'On the Wings of Love' Saturday afternoon business session. 

A partial report of the Credentials Committee was given by  Brother Ken Salls, PGP. 313 people were registered.
220 Vermont members and 93 visitors.

The Annual Meeting of the Vermont Eastern Star Home, Inc. was held overseen by Sally A. MacPhee, PGM, President.  The Home Board received many memorial contributions this year.  Because of better economic times contributions of $500 were given to our Vermont charaties. New Trustees were elected as follows:

Elected for Three Year Terms:
Robert Lemnah
Penny Walker Reen

Elected for One Year Terms:
Fred Harrington
Sheila Eddy
Doris Graves

18 Annual Reports were shared.

All recommendations were approved by vote of the members present at Grand Chapter.

Grand Chapter - Day 2

Saturday, June 4

The Call to Order was given by Rosemarie Blair, PGM, Richard E. Black, PGP.  A repeat performance of the Drill Team was enjoyed. Everyone loved seeing Worthy Grand Patron, Brother Alec, wearing a halo!

Following Grand Chaplain, Brother Dan's report the doors were sealed for the duration of the Memorial Service. Many beautiful and moving tributes were given in memory of departed Past Most Worthy Grands and Past Worthy Grand Matrons and Past Worthy Grand Patrons of Vermont.  Brother Dan's beautiful service was completed with Star Point messages and the placement of colored tealights on a special pedestal. Brother Jim Bennett, PGP, brought many to tears with his beautiful rendition of 'How Great Thou Art'.

The morning concluded with reports by Sister Kathy and Brother Alec. Special messages were also delivered by members of General Grand Chapter. Reports from the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer were also shared before the lunch recess.

Grand Chapter - Day 1

Day 1 of the On the Wings of Love session.

Grand Chapter - Day One

The Call to Order for the Informal Opening was given by Susan L. Collins PGM and Donald I. Chamberlain PGP.

The session began with the Drill Team forming various shapes honoring this year's Grand Officer's symbols and messages.  The drill team has been performing for 20 years.  Their director Sandy Griswold is always looking for new members.

This years special project 'The Make-A-Wish Foundation' was a huge success with about $20,000 being presented to their director. Money was raised through chapter donations, collections and the gift basket raffle.

A variety of flags were presented for tribute by the Drill Team. A tribute to the Rainbow flag was given by Sister Hannah Reen, one of our newest members.

Following the formal opening many distinguished were received in the East, including Elizabeth H. Bordeaux, Worthy Grand Chaplain, Karen K. Price, Eastern Star Journal, Barbara E. Wheaton, Public Relations Committee, Ronald F.  Boudreau, Shrine Charities. A fine and very long line of Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons were heartily welcomed by all.

Nominations were held for the Grand Officers for 2011 - 2012.

Following the 'A Wing and A Prayer' Banquet hosted by the Grand Represenatives' Association the Friday Evening Reception was held in the Grand Ballroom. Aptly hosted by the comedy duo of Joanne T. Keyler, PGM and Calvin K. Keyler, PGP.  The members of the Grand Family were introduced and each had a special wish shared with the audience.  Members of the Masonic Appendant Bodies were introduced and the Worshipful Grand Master spoke briefly.  Winning numbers for the  many gift baskets were drawn. The evening concluded with entertainment by the JCH Duo and refreshments were provided by Districts 6 and 1.