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
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