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