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.

Grand Officers in Hinesburg

   On a bright sunny spring morning Dan and I traveled south to Hinesburg for the first Grand Officer's visition in March. After sneaking in the back way and getting a look at lunch preparations we went upstairs to say hi to folks we haven't seen much of all winter. Later we sat down to a lunch of corn chowder and a variety of sandwiches. Cookies and ice cream rounded out the meal.
   After the meal we gathered in the chapter room for an open meeting. Little did we know that there seemed to be a plague in Hinesburg which kept many of their own members from attending. We were told by Worthy Matron, Ellie Carpenter, (who was also sick) of various forms of entertainment that had been arranged and fallen through at the last minute. 

Thank goodness, Izzy Smart, (Brother Richard Preston) was able to fill in at the last minute. Izzy had us rolling with laughter. He also mc'd as raffle prizes were awarded as part of a money making project LaPlotte has been working on for the last few months. The money raised will help send a local student to conservation camp.

(Brother Richard was wishing for shorts like Izzy Smart.)

   Many, many Grand Officers were presented and welcomed. District Deputy Grand Instructor, James Chancey filled in on the organ. Sister Natalie Billings was tricked into bringing herself to the East where her mom, Sister Ellie presented her with her 25 year pin. Worthy Grand Matron, Sister Patty spoke for the good of the Order and invited Sister Jerri to share about the many Star members going through tough medical times including Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Phil Morton who is receiving treatment for cancer. Patty shared a story about lightening bugs. She spoke of the pleasure of getting back together after a long winter, sharing hugs and smiles as an Eastern Star family. We need to work harder at saving our beautiful Order of the Easten Star. Bring in new members, reactivate old members and get them involved. The Grand Family will be doing an Initation in East Burke tomorrow.

   There will be two more Grand Officers visits next weekend. Check out oes-vt.org for more information. Iris pins are for sale from the Star Points or Sister Patty. Brother Richard had Sister Cheryl Giles presented in the East to receive her travel award. Brother Richard reminded us that he and Patty were available to speak to various groups to help generate interest in Easter Star membership.
   Honorary memberships and gifts were presented to Sister Patty and Brother Richard on behalf of LaPlotte Chapter.
We had a laugh when General Grand Chapter Committee member, Brother Bud Godin decided that turn about was fair play and he deferred his opportunity to speak to Sister Barbara Wheaton. Brother Bill Cotrofeld spoke and sang on behalf of the Past Grands! He received a standing ovation. (You should have been here! All I can say is I will hold off signing up for social security any time soon!) The Worthy Matron asked Sister Bunny if she felt lucky to be asked to speak after Brother Bill.  Laughs all around again. Sister Bunny's response was graciously short and sweet.  
  $58 was collected for Vermont National Guard Charitable Foundation . 
Our goal is 20,000.  
   Smiles were seen all around as the meeting ended.  It was good to reconnect with our Eastern Star family after a long winter's break!


Submitted by Nancy Gross, Grand Rep of Vermont in Illinois