Season's Greetings

Johnson Chapter #65 wants to wish all of our Sisters and Brothers and healthy and happy holiday season.

Hinesburg Grand Officers

Well everyone, the 2012 Grand Officers visitation is in the bag and here are the pictures that Madine took with my camera. Thanks to all of you for making our entertainment a hit!   Ellie Carpenter

            From left to right

Michelle Bushey – Narrator

Wilma Preston – Kim Tang Wong

Judy Humphrey – Nurse and Reporter

John Parenteau – Old Charlie

Ellie Carpenter – Maude

Rod Churchill – Worthy Grand Patron

Roberta (Bunny) Button – Worthy Grand Matron

Maurice Humphrey – Srgt. Pressley, Scout, Stanley and guitar

Joan Ouimette – Nellie

Natilie Billings – baby sounds and scene girl

Richard Preston – Sum Ting Wong, Bart Farbore, and ringing phone

OES sisters on the road happily in the rain & wind

Quebec Grand Chapter 10/11/12

AGM Doris, PGM Sheila, Sister Betsy GR of NH and I enjoyed our trip together to Granby, QU.  There were many other VT members there and others were coming after we left.  RWAGM, Margaret Clarke and two other GGC officers were there as well.
AGP Don and Jennie left when we did and we all headed to a surprise visit in Concord at Adah chapters regular meeting.
WM Georgiana honored her Conductress w/WGM's gift and one from the chapter and words of gratitude.
PGM Kathleen was at the last minute unable to be there, we missed seeing her but wish her speedy recovery with her knee.  It had given out on her that afternoon, we all wish her well.
What a big old Church, the ceiling is so high (I've never see the flag carried so high).  A special bathroom fixture is not to be missed, you'll remember that visit (its a one of a kind).  I was pleased to sit with their newest member on the sidelines (her 2nd meeting).  She will be a big asset to the hard working members there.
Introductions in 2 countries in one day for 5 of us, WOW!  

Sister Vivian turns 92

September 3, 2012, Sister Vivian Curtiss is celebrating her 92^nd birthday.  She is a member of  Charity Chapter No. 57, Order Eastern Star, Williamstown, VT. This was taken in her room at the Mayo Assisted Living Home, Northfield, Vermont.  Photo submitted by Cedric L. Smith.

September News

OES NEWSLETTER

September 2012

NEWS FROM OUR WORTHY GRAND MATRON:

On Sunday, August 26^th, approximately 160 Eastern Star Sisters and Brothers gathered at Abel Mountain Campgrounds in Braintree, VT to celebrate the birthday of our founder, Rob Morris.

Our Church Service was conducted by our Grand Chaplain, Sister Carolyn Boud.  Her message was titled “G. P. S.” – and compared the Global Planet Satellite with G. P. S. – God’s Positioning Satellite.  The music was provided by our Grand Organist, Sister Barbara Whitney.

Sister Sally McPhee, President of the Vermont Home Board introduced the Board members, and announced that the dividends earned on our investments over the past year totaled over $100,000.00!  The Home Board is well-served by our financial advisors!

The Craft Tables were located in front of our Eastern Star trailer, and wonderful crafts filled several trailers.  Shoppers had an extensive inventory to choose from.  The proceeds from the Craft Table went to the Vermont Home Board.

A delicious barbecue luncheon was prepared by Brother Jim and Sister Doris Graves, and they were assisted by Beulah Chapter members, Phoenix Mystic Lodge members, and our Grand Star Points.  

During the day the members attending had a chance to look over and look in the Grand Chapter Trailer that will be used to store our furniture and paraphernalia needed for Grand Chapter each year.  We still have more items to put into the trailer, but it is a wonderful addition to our Grand Chapter goods.  Our thanks go to Sister Barbara Coleman, Grand Conductress, and Brother Richard Button, Grand Sentinel, for all of their hard work and time spent on painting the trailer and the wonderful lettering on the sides of the trailer.  Our sign board can’t be missed while it is traveling down the highways of Vermont!

During the afternoon Brother Rich tried to get the youngsters involved in several games -  the kids were more interested in just playing rather than competing against each other !  Everyone had a good time, and each participant received gold medals and a prize.

Rob Morris Day has turned in to Rob Morris week for many of our Eastern Star members.   Several campers arrived on Sunday, August 19^th, and on August 20^th was the Green Mountain Deputies Golf Tournament at the Pittsford-Proctor Golf Club. On Thursday, August 23rd , eight Vermonters traveled to Manchester, N.H. to attend the opening of N. H. Grand Chapter.  Attending were: Roberta Button, WGM, Doris Graves, AGM, Barbara Coleman, GC, Sherrill Gould, GL, Don Brown, AGP, Jennie Brown, Betsey Waldo, and Sheila C. Eddy, Past Grand Matron.  We were joined in Manchester by Clovis and June Leach.

On Friday night we had a progressive dinner – starting at 5:30 p.m., and ending around 7:30 p.m. with coffee and desserts in the Pavilion.  Abel Mountain had a local girl, Shelby Lynn Rogers sing for us from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.  She has a terrific voice, and I’m sure that we will hear of her winning the Country Music Round-up later this fall.    On Saturday afternoon we had a weather delay for our “Buck a Duck” Race.  It rained and thundered for about an hour, but then the sun broke through and it was a great afternoon.  Special thanks go out to David and Christine Katz, and Lee and Pat Decatur, for all of their time and efforts in making the Duck Race a success.  Their efforts raised $368.00 for our special project – 50 new beds for Camp Thorpe.  Not to be forgotten were the duck catchers at the end of the finish line -  Bud and Sandy Godin, Mike and Dale Wood, and Bobby Hall, PGM from Quebec!  A great time was had by all.

On Saturday night we had a potluck dinner, and then danced to the music of Yvonne and the Reverbs.  The new pavilion had many dancers that evening; other campers joined us and new friendships were made.

Everyone agreed that Rob Morris Day has evolved into Rob Morris week for many of us, and we are looking forward to next August when we can do it all again!

************************************************************************

August was a very busy month.  On August 4^th a group of 14 Eastern Star members met in Hanover, NH for the annual Shrine Parade.   Bill Bowman, husband of our Associate Grand Conductress, Pat Bowman, hauled a trailer decorated with American flags, pink roses, and butterflies.  It was a very hot day, but the parade route was shorter than usual due to the construction in the area. 

Our first Grand Officers Visitation was on August 7^th at Mt. Lebanon Chapter in Jamaica; the entertainment that evening was blue grass music provided by the Bondville Boys.

On August 11^th, the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron, (Bunny and Rod) and Richard Button, Grand Sentinel, Carolyn Boud, Grand Chaplain and Sister Helen Whitman attended the DeMolay Conclave held at Camp Ondawa in Sutherland, VT.  Other Eastern Star members there were Penny Walker-Reen, Hannah Reen, Debby Estey, Bruce Pomeroy, Thomas Johnston,  and Jack Campbell.

The Motorcycle – Poker Run was held on August 18^th .  The morning began with everyone meeting at Mt. Anthony Lodge in Bennington, where members of the York Rite Bodies had prepared a French Toast, bacon, coffee and tea and juice Breakfast.  The Ride was under the guidance of Brother James Chancey and Brother Richard Backus, PGP.  The ride took us from Bennington to Wilmington, to Jamaica, to Chester, and finally to Chester by a very circuitous route.  We finally ended up at Ascutney Chapter in Windsor where a BBQ was waiting for us.  There were 8 motorcycles, 4 cars, and 2 dogs on our trip!  The Poker Run raised $500.00 for our charity – 50 new beds for Camp Thorpe.   I would like to thank everyone for all of their help and support.  Plans are already being made for next year’s Motorcycle Poker Run -  perhaps in the Central Vermont area, making a loop from start to finish.   Additional details will be announced in the spring. 

The State Wide food sale will take place on Saturday, September 8^th at many locations around the state.  Look for the food sale at a location near you, and purchase the tasty treats and baked goods!

The Grand Officers have been asked to do an initiation on one new candidate for Johnson Chapter at 1 o’clock, p.m,  on September 9th in Johnson, VT.

The Grand Officers will also be doing an initiation in Bellows Falls on November 18^th at 1:30p.m. for Alpha Chapter with at least 2 candidates and one affiliate.

September 24^th will find many of the Grand Officers at Vermont Night in Granville, N.Y.

Please be sure to check the new up-dated calendar, as a few of the dates have changed.  We don’t want you showing up at the right place on the wrong date!

Invitations have been sent out for the Past Grands Tea – a Teddy Bear’s picnic – to be held in Williamstown at Charity Chapter on September 30^th.   Perhaps we’ll have a surprise for a Past Grand Matron who will be celebrating her ?? birthday that day!  Please respond to Roberta Button, WGM,  132 Bobbin Shop Road, Chelsea, VT  05038 or 685-4483 or rkrjbutton@aol.com

To date, we have raised $5,006.73 for our special project – 50 new beds for Camp Thorpe.  That pays for 12 new beds, and money left over towards another bed!   We are so very grateful for everyone’s generosity and support.

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER IN FORT WORTH TEXAS

Good morning Texas Travelers,

This is just a reminder -  if you have not sent your second installment to Ron and Sharon for the Texas trip  , please do so immediately. 

Ron charged $26,000+ on his credit card the other day to purchase our Texas tickets  -  some people have paid their account in full, but the second installment was due on August 15th, and several people have not sent in their money for that installment  -  the third and final installment will be due on October  15th.

Enjoy your Labor Day Week-end - it doesn't seem possible that Saturday will be September 1st.!!

Star Love,

Bunny,  WGM

CALLING ALL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

Attending General Grand Chapter in Fort Worth, TX

November 3^rd – 8^th, 2012

If you are a

MD, RN, LVN, CAN, EMT OR PARAMEDIC

We can use your assistance in First Aid Room

We are looking for volunteers to work one or more 4 hour shifts

Please contact

Marty Drescher – mldrescher@tx.rr.com

972-523-2209

Or

George Gwaltney – george_gwaltney@hotmail.com

210-656-6668

CHAPTER EVENTS AND FRIENDSHIP NIGHTS:

BEULAH CHAPTER # 15 an evening of dinner and music. September 8, with dinner at 6:00 p.m., music to follow at the Brookfield Masonic Temple. Entertainment by the Dynamic Two-O. To benefit the  Food Shelves. RSVP to Jim or Doris Graves. degjhg@together.net or728-5225

BEULAH CHAPTER # 15  for a Friendship Night on September 13 at the Brookfield Masonic Temple. Potluck supper at 6:15 p.m. with a pretty package auction for the benefit of Camp Thorpe at 7:00 p.m. Meeting to follow at 7:30.

All present and past Conductress’ and Associate Conductress’ will be recognized.  RSVP to Doris Graves-degjhg@together.net-728-5225

DISTRICT # 4 FRIENDSHIP NIGHT at the Green Mountain Masonic Temple in Williston on September 28.  Pot luck supper at 6:00 p.m. and a Yankee Pie Swap to follow. Proceeds to benefit Camp Thorpe. Casual dress/jeans

FMI Linda Paradee DDGI # 4 802-372-4054 or Dan Gross DDGI # 4 ssorgnad@comcast.net

ENTERTAINMENT OF GRAND OFFICERS:

MARTHA WASHINGTON CHAPTER # 44 on Wednesday September 12 at the Masonic Hall in Swanton. Dinner at 6:00 followed by entertainment at 7:00 and meeting at 7:30. Contact Susan Collins at 868-7975 or pgm_vt@yahoo.com

CHITTENDEN CHAPTER # 59 on September 15 with entertainment at 2:00 p.m. meeting and buffet style meal to follow. (free will offering)

RSVP to Phyllis Mayville, Secretary, by September 8, 802-893-7084 orphyllisandpals@aol.com

MIZPAH CHAPTER # 40 at the Chester Masonic Temple, on the Green, Chester, VT on September 16, with lunch at 12:00, entertainment  at 1:00 with open meeting to follow so bring a friend.

EVENING STAR #28 AND ADAH CHAPTER# 39 on September 22, at West Burke, VT. Registration at 11:00, lunch at 12:00. The entertainment will be a pretty package auction to benefit Camp Thorpe with meeting to follow.  RSVP to Joan Black at 802-535-1801 orjodiblk@gmail.com

ASCUTNEY CHAPTER # 2 on September 29 Masonic Hall in Windsor. Registration at 11:30, Luncheon at 12:15 (donation) open meeting to follow. RSVP to Debby Estey, 802-484-7425.

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS:

Marble Chapter # 80 in Brandon Vt celebrating 100 years. Light lunch at 1:00 p.m.celebration to follow. SPECIAL PROJECT for 100 year celebration is to raise $500.00 to purchase a new barbecue for Camp Thorpe. RSVP by Sept 15 to Donna Wyman, Secretary at 802-247-6738, rdwyman01@myfairpoint.net

PLEASE SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER WITH THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE EMAIL.

Charlotte Morris Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of Charlotte Morris Past Matrons and Past Patrons Association of VT was held on June 16, 2012.  It was hosted by Chittenden Chapter #59 in Milton with a delicious luncheon and lively entertainment.  Personalized Rituals were presented to WGM Roberta Button and WGP Rodney Churchill.  New officers for 2012 - 2013 were dully elected and installed.

 

First attach: President Nancy Saltmarsh presents ritual to Roberta Button WGM and Rodney Churchill WGP is presented his ritual by Roland Godin 2nd Vice President pro-tem,

 

2nd attach:  New officers for 2012 -2013. Front row: Margaret Smith, Esther; Sheila Eddy, Organist: Karen Stetson, President; Garry Sharon, 2nd Vice President; Michael Chase, Marshall. 2nd row: Jackie Carpenter, Martha; Sandra Godin, Treasurer; Mary Piper, Secretary; Madine Churchill Assoc. Conductress; Back row; Joyce Fowler, Warder; Nancy Saltmarsh, Adah; Cynthia Whitney, Conductress.

 

3rd attach: Installing Officers: Shelia Eddy, Installing Organist; Joyce Lawrence, Installing Warder; Karen Stetson, President 2012 -2013; Doris Graves, Installing Chaplain; Erron Carey, Installing Matron; Roland(Bud) Godin, Installing Marshall.

Submitted by Sister Karen Stetson

Charity Chapter Good Works and New Member

Charity Chapter No. 57, Williamstown, Vt. Left to Right: Sisters Sharon Lunde, Helen Duke, Barbara Smith and Beverly Ouimet. These Sisters along with others wrapped all this gifts. Charity Chapter No. 57 has a program each year called “Adopt a Family Project.”  This year (2011) six families and ten children will receive the Christmas Gifts shown on the table.  This is one of three tables with Christmas Gifts.  

Cedric Smith took this picture on November 17, 2011.  They had a special meeting to take in a new member, Brother Larry Ellison.  He is the one with the Red tie between the WGM and WGP.

Hi All,

I would like to thank Cedric Smith for keeping me updated on Chapter happenings.  (I have been on vacation and working holiday retail. So kind of busy and I haven't put much time in to the website lately.) I'd love to have other members send me information to post.  If you want me to include pictures please send then as attachments not part of another document. Thanks, Nancy

Lola Benedict turning 105 - Temple Chapter

Temple Chapter member Lola Benedict is turning 105! 

Lola and Miss Annie

I am writing to let you know that my grandmother, Lola Benedict, who has been a member of the OES FOREVER, Temple Chapter, is turning 105 on Saturday, June 2nd.  There is a cake and ice cream party for her at Pillsbury Manor, the Gazebo Apartments at 2:30 on this Friday, June 1st and I know Gramma would love to see some of her “sisters” there in celebration.    I believe that a couple of your thoughtful ladies appear each year for her birthday and give her flowers or a plant and perhaps even at Christmastime.  It is so very appreciated!  Gramma has only ME and my son and we can’t be there all the time, though I try.  


Thank you so much.   Laurie Peltier Murphy  Executive Assistant/Contract Manager 426 Industrial Avenue, Suite #150 Williston, VT 05495-4459 PH: (802) 859-7800 x288  

May News

  JUST A REMINDER:   Deadlines for Banquets and Housing for Grand Chapter is Tuesday the 15th. Forms can be pulled off the website.   PLEASE NOTE that there is a choice of Salmon or Chicken for the Grand Representative's Banquet. Please put your choice on the banquet form and if you have sent in your reservations please notify Jackie Carpenter with your choice.  Carpenterwi@aol.com or 802-433-6681     Julia Bennett

Annual Ice Cream Social, 2012

Annual Ice Cream Social, 2012

We all traveled in from around the state to LaPlotte Chapter #64 in Hinesburg for the Annual Ice Cream Social and the introduction of the 2012 – 2013 Grand Family.

What a beautiful day to travel. A sunny day and could not have asked for a more perfect weather. The turnout was great! Nice to see everyone . . . . .

The day started with registration at 11, we had a wee bit of entertainment from the “Historical Band” These guys did a great job – Maurice Humphrey, Donnie Chamberlain, Gary Sharon and Eric Raymond. Yea Haw!

Lunch was called right at noon and the Grand Family led off the group. Hot dogs and buns with baked beans and chips and assorted beverages. For desert, make your own ice cream Sundays!

Note: The following information is presented as it was printed in the official program. . .

Richard Preston got everyone settled for afternoons entertainment; “A Historical Prelude to American Culutre” a presentation by “The Starlite Theater”.

The flag was presented by the DeMolay Boys, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of God Bless America.

The Rainbow Girls started off the afternoon with a cute skit . . . . Love those cowboy hats!

Our emcee and narrator for the show was Michele Bushey:

and the ‘between skit musical number’ were sung by the “Ancient Artifact Singers” Wilma Preston, Ellie Carpenter, Dee Howe, Natalie Billings, Judy Humphrey and Donna Masterson

The skits were priceless gems that put a little twist on history. . . .

DANGER AHEAD:

Cast: Ellie Carpenter, Donna Masterson, Natalie Billings and Wilma Preston

ISIAC NEWTON:

Cast: Barbara & George Whitney

BEN FRANKLIN:

Cast: Linda Lake and Dan Gross

LEONARDO DE VINCHI:

Cast: Kate Coleman and Lloyd Douglas

CLEOPATRA:

Cast: Melissa Chancy and Adam Skiff

PAUL REVERE:

Cast: Mary Piper and Jim Bennett

Following the entertainment was the introduction of the 2012 – 2013 Grand Officers. Sister Bunny announced to the group that Brother Rod had suffered a heart attack last Wednesday and was unable to attend today’s events. He is home; his spirits are good and wanted to be at the Ice Cream Social. When told ‘NO’ you need to stay home and rest, he joked that it took two men, Brother Alec (Porter) and Brother Richard (Black) to assist Sister Bunny. – Good on Rod!

Get Well Rod: from all your Star Sisters and Brothers!

The Grand Officers for 2012 – 2013:

Remember that our next communication is Saturday, April 21^st in Morrisville, VT.

Hosted by Coral Chapter #16 http://www.oes-vt.org/hab421.html

Registration begins at 11:00am with Dinner at 12:00 ($12.00) all the information is available in the link provided above!

See you all on the road. . . . Brother Dan, DDGI #4

Grand Officers in Bellows Falls

Bellows Falls, Vermont; the last official visit for the 2011-2012 Grand Family and Alpha Chapter #53 did not disappoint the travelers to their chapter. The weather was a bit cool and a little cloudy as the day got started. By the time the last travelers arrived, the sun was out and it was to be a great day!

Right after registration, the group headed to the dining room for a fantastic meal. As we all set at our places, eyes were fixed to the dinner napkins with dragonflies on them. The table favors were small stones with a dragonfly. We later were told that the Worthy Matron Lisa Lawrence, hand painted all of these.

The traditional corn beef and cabbage was served along with ham, mashed potatoes, carrots, coleslaw and rolls. We were treated well with the local Girl Scouts (Brownie Troop) acting as servers!

The girls were very focused on the task they performed and smiled the whole time. They finished off the meal by serving a fresh fruit cup and cupcake to all.

During the desert, we all had a chance to see PGM Erron Carey working in with the kitchen crew! Good to see you today!

After the meal we all headed to the chapter room for the entertainment portion of the afternoon. The Worthy Matron Lisa has us ‘seated and ready to go’ and kept us on time. The group was introduced to “The Dynamic Two-O” featuring Ken and Julie Olsson. They performed a medley of classic songs from the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s from artists such as Frank Sinatra, Lena Horn and Judy Garland. To sum up what we heard: I Left my Heart in San Francisco Over the Rainbow, but What a Wonderful World after crossing a Bridge Over Troubled Water.

Ken and Julie live in Jamaica, VT and can be contacted by email: thedynamictwo_o@yahoo.com or phone: 802 874-4366.

As this was an open meeting, we started with the Lord’s Prayer after the Bible was attended to by the conductress. The flag was presented in the usual manor after which the WM Lisa read a poem from John Rowan. The WM thanked her helpers for getting the building in order for days events, led by the Sec, Sister Barb.

Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons were presented including Priscilla Carpenter, Gladys Baker, Debbie Litchfield and Lucille Wolfe. It is always nice when we see these ladies in attendance.

WGM, Sister Patty spoke and offered another fine story to the group, presented the WM and WP with small grifts as they are the honored stations this year.

Sickness or distress: Sally McPhee - slowly recovering from a bad accident. We all joined for a moment of silence on her behalf and keep her in our prayers. We also were reminded to remember the Webster family in their recent loss.

WGP, Brother Richard spoke and admitted his admiration for the woodwork in the meeting room. He also expressed that he was impressed by the young Girl Scouts who helped serve the meal today. Hats off to Sister Patty for all of the stories she has shared at the Grand Officers visitations. Mention was made of three Initiations coming up.

Grand Lecture, Sister Patricia Bowman is organizing the Loyalty Day Parade float. Give her a call if you will be attending.

WGP updated the group that the Eastern Star has raised about $17,000 for the Vermont National Guard Charitable Foundation http://www.supportvermontguard.org/index.html This foundation helps the families of Guard members who are deployed deal with everyday problems like car trouble, plumbing issues or family emergencies. The goal is $20,000 for the foundation.

The WGM and WGP were presented with honorary memberships.

Priscilla Carpenter spoke on behalf of the Past Grands. She reminded us that all Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons should receive invitations to all Grand Officers meetings. She almost spilled the beans on Bunny's appointment for Grand Lecturer. (Come to the Ice Cream social in Hinesburg on April 14 to find out more.)

The credentials committee reported an attendance of: 64. The collection for the day was $100.00

Sister Marguerite got up to thank Sister Barbara, the Secretary for all of her hard work. We all agreed and joined in with a standing ovation, “Thank you Sister Barbara”

Our next gathering will be the Ice Cream Social http://www.oes-vt.org/IceCreamSocial2012.html at LaPlotte Chapter #64 in Hinesburg. Sister Bunny and Brother Rod will announce their Grand Family for 2012 – 2013.

If you are reading this blog and you are not an Eastern Star or a Mason please consider joining. Information is available on the Vermont OES website: http://www.oes-vt.org/

See you all on the road! Brother Dan, DDGI #4

Grand Officers in Brattleboro

Grand Officers in Brattleboro, hosted by Bingham Chapter #30 and Mayflower Chapter #19

The day started early for this traveler as Nancy and I left the house to pick Sister Jerri and Sister Cheryl on our way to Brattleboro. Yes the fog was thick, but the spirits were high as we traveled south. Sister Jerri was dropped off at 9:30 for an early meeting and Cheryl, Nancy and I headed off to explore towns in the area we had not been to before. I was the driver and Sister Nancy the navigator; Sister Cheryl our rookie explorer was excited to join in the journey.

Well I have to add that the Vermont State Map of Roads and Attractions is good for only four of the five seasons here in Vermont. . . . not MUD Season! As we traveled toward Halifax we found ourselves on Jacksonville Stage Road (clearly marked as a paved road on the map) . . . oh nay nay! This was not the case, never mind that we ignored the sign the “ROAD CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC” “RESIDENTS ONLY”

For the next 20 minutes, we were in the middle of the worst muddy, rutty road I have ever seen . . . no place to turn around, and when there was; we were already committed! (We should have been committed!) Thanks for a higher power and a Subaru . . . I will say that it is trip that will NEVER be forgotten. I’ll leave out the part that included a wilderness rest stop.

Sister Cheryl was in tears, as she was laughing so hard. Sister Nancy and I looked at each other as to say, “How are we going to top this adventure?” It was a great trip and I was glad we could share it with a credible witness! I’ll turn the blog over to Sister Nancy to tell you all about the rest of the day!

Well, we returned to civilization by way of Irene damaged, but well repaired Route 9. The incredible power of water was still evident. Finally back in Brattleboro we changed and mingled for a bit. Then I watched as the buffet table was loaded with delicious dishes of all kinds! There were baked beans, ham, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and several kinds of salads. Yum! The meal was finished off with ice cream and cookies. No one would go hungry.

The dining room was then transformed into a theater with members from Bingham and Mayflower performing a brief play.

A dragon, a police officer, a wizard and a dragonfly kept us entertained with a search for the perfect motor cycle for Worthy Grand Patron, Richard. "Yes we believe in dragons".

No kilt for Jody Boyd on this St Patrick's Day but he looked good as a dragon!

Another room transition occurred and we were set for an open meeting. Highlights of the afternoon included the four precious children who attended with their parents. Such well-behaved little ones! Their young mom is an Eastern Star!

Grand Officers were presented including Past Grand Matron Gladys Baker who is all set to turn 92 shortly. She spoke on behalf of the Past Grands and shared a little story about the trouble Noah would have building an ark in these modern times:

IN THE YEAR 2006, THE LORD CAME DOWN TO NOAH, WHO WAS NOW LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES AND SAID:

"ONCE AGAIN THE EARTH HAS BECOME WICKED AND OVER-POPULATED, AND I SEE THE END OF ALL FLESH BEFORE ME".

"BUILD ANOTHER ARK AND SAVE TWO OF EVERY LIVING THING, ALONG WITH A FEW GOOD HUMANS".

HE GAVE NOAH THE BLUEPRINTS SAYING, YOU HAVE SIX MONTHS TO BUILD THE ARK BEFORE I WILL START THE UNENDING RAIN FOR 40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS.

SIX MONTHS LATER, THE LOORD LOOKED DOWN AND SAW NOAH WEEPING IN HIS YARD... BUT NO MARK.
"NOAH" HE ROARED,
"I AM ABOUT TO START THE RAIN..... WHERE'S THE ARK"? "FORGIVE ME LORD",
BUT THINGS HAVE CHANGED:.

I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT. I'VE BEEN ARGUING WITH THE BUILDING INSPECTER
ABOUT THE NEED FOR A SPRINKLER SYSTEM. MY NEIGHBORS CLAIM THAT I'VE VIOLATED THE NEIGHBORHOOD ZONING LAWS BY BUILDING THE ARK IN MY YARD EXCEEDING THE HEIGHT LIMITATIONS. WE HAD TO GO TO THE DEVELOPMENT APPEALS BOARD FOR A DECISION. THEN THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DEMANDED A BOND BE POSTED FOR THE FUTURE COSTS OF MOVING POWER LINES AND OVERHEAD OBSTRUCTIONS, TO CLEAR THE PASSAGE FOR THE ARK'S MOVE TO SEA. I TOLD THEM THAT THE SEA WOULD BE COMING TO US, BUT THEY WOULD HEAR
NOTHING OF IT.

GETTING THE WOOD WAS ANOTHER PROBLEM. THERE'S A BAN ON CUTTING LOCAL TREES TO SAVE THE SPOTTED OWL.
I TRIED TO CONVINCE THE ENVIROMENTALISTS THAT I NEEDED THE WOOD TO SAVE THE OWLS, BUT NO GO.WHEN I STARTED GATHERING THE ANIMALS; I GOT SUED BY THE ANIMAL RIGHTS GROUP. THEY INSISTED THAT I WAS CONFINING WILD ANIMALS AGAINST THEIR WILL. AS WELL THEY AGRUED THE ACCOMODATIONS WERE TOO RESTRISTIVE AND WAS CRUEL AND INHUMANE TO PUT SO MANY ANIMALS IN A CONFINED SPACE.

THEN THE EPA, RULED THAT I COULDN'T BUILD UNTIL THEY CONDUCTED AN ENVIROMENTAL IMPACTSTUDY ON YOUR PROPOSED FLOOD. I AM STILL TRYING TO RESOLVE A COMPLAINT WITH THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ON HOW MANY MINORITIES I'M SUPPOSED TO HIRE FOR MY BUILDING CREW. ALSO, THE TRADE UNIONS SAY THAT I CAN'T USE MY SONS. THEY INSIST I HIRE ONLY UNION WORKERS WITH ARK BUILDING EXPERIENCE.

TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, THE IRS SEIZED ALL MY ASSETS, CLAIMING I'M TRYING TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY ILLEGALLY WITH ENDANGERED SPECIES. SO, FORGIVE ME LORD, BUT IT WOULD TAKE ME AT LEAST TEN YEARSFOR ME TO FINISH THIS ARK.

SUDDENLY, THE SKIES CLEARED, THE SUN BEGAN TO SHINE, AND A RAINBOW STRETCHED ACROSS THE SKY.

NOAH LOOKED UP IN WOONDER AND ASKED, "YOU MEAN, YOU'RE NOT GOING TO DESTROY THE WORLD?"

"NO, SAID THE LORD. THE GOVERNMENT BEAT ME TO IT".

- author unknown

Grand Adah, Marie Perry, shared her favorite quote by Eleanor Roosevelt "“A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water.”

53 people were in attendance on a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon. The collection for the special project: Vermont National guard Charitable Foundation was $75.

A meeting on St. Patrick's Day wouldn't be complete without an Irish blessing, shared by Brother Dan, "May your kilt be short enough to dance a jig and long enough to cover your lucky charms".

Remember the next entertainment of Grand Officers is tomorrow, March 18, 2012 in Arlington: Grand Officers - Arlington Red Mountain Chapter #41.

Don’t forget the final visit on March 31^st in Bellows Falls Grand Officers - Bellows Falls Alpha Chapter #53.