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

Do Texans really speak this way, we'll see :)

In look'n up things for the last post I found this helpful info;

Pronunciation Now, if you're gonna say things Texans say, you've got to be sure to get the pronunciation right. Here are a few tips: In Texas, the "g" in the suffix "ing" is silent. Thus, "fixing to" becomes "fixin' to." chester drawers: that piece of furniture you put your socks in. nuther thing: another thing hairyew: a greeting used when one wants to discern the physical and emotional wellbeing of his/her companion. ah'mo: I am going to. E.g.: "Ah'mo get back to work." sure'nuff: (one word). Used as a superfluous question in place of "Really?" or "Is that right?" Also used as an adverb in sentences. rench: the process of laving with water, possibly to remove soap or shampoo. You can also "rench out" socks, if you've a mind to. warsh: the process one engages in before renching.

you might like this site for more help

http://mardi.hubpages.com/hub/Texas-Sayings-And-Words-Visitors-Should-Know

CAN-AM '12 GGCCM announced

James R Bennett PGP-- Benevolence Chairman

Sheila C Eddy PGM--Eastern Star Journal

Patty Rousseau WGM--Public Relations

They will be installed at Fort Worth in November.

Congratulations!!!!! Vermont is proud of you all!

Center front L:Acting MWGP John Grobler, Rt:RWAGM "Bobbi" Barbara Browning White

Contact Ron & Sharon Boudreau if you would like to join them in Texas with our VT sisters and brothers travel group, the more the merrier! "where BBQ really means something!!!"

"i am fixin to go yonder "; "and be as happy as a pig in a wallow"; "Everything is Bigger in Texas"; "i'd like to see some cow tippin just for fun"; and hear "Howdy, ya'll" or "How Ya'll doin?"; "you ain't from round here are ya??"; "i wouldn't do that if'n i were you's but do what ya do's and have some fun!"

And maybe we'll hear, "y'll come back now ya hear"

And we'll be hav'n a VT dinner honor'n sister Betty!

Hinesburg/LaPlotte Upcoming Events

Don’t forget, you can still purchase tickets for our charity raffle. The winning tickets will be drawn at the 2012 Ice Cream Social. This year we have enough prizes for several lucky winners, don’t delay, get your winning tickets NOW! For information or to purchase tickets, contact: Ellie Carpenter @ 802-343-9897, Richard or Wilma Preston @ 802-425-2643, or Mo Humphrey @ 802-434-2946.

Feb 15^th – will be a regular meeting with a practice on Feb 13^th. We will be initiating Br. John Parenteau from Patriot Lodge .

Feb 25^th – will be our annual Spaghetti supper, open to all at 5:00pm, with Fox & Friends as entertainment upstairs during and after the meal.  Donations will be accepted.

Mar 10^th – is our Grand Officers visitation with a luncheon at noon, entertainment at 1:15, and meeting at 2:00pm.

Mar 21^st – Annual meeting.

Apr 14^th – We are hosting the annual Ice Cream Social which will be at the Hinesburg elementary school adjacent to the Patriot Lodge building in Hinesburg, VT. Doors will open at 11:00am, lunch at 12:00, with entertainment after lunch. Further details will be forthcoming at a later date, be sure to make time for this as it gets better every year.

Submitted by: Maurice Humphrey P.P.

Chicken Pie Supper

Charity Chapter, No. 57 & Summit Lodge No. 104 F&AM  ANNUAL CHICKEN PIE SUPPER to be held on Sat., Jan. 28th at Summit Lodge, (across from Elementary School in Williamstown).  Seating are at 5:00 & 6:30.  Cost is $10.00 adults & $5:00 children.  Seating is limited, so reserve early by calling Nadine @ 802-479-9664 or e-mail nadine.martin2@myfairpoint.net .

January OES News

VERMONT OES E-MAIL NEWSLETTER & ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
JANUARY, 2012
 
                 "Wishing you all 365 chances to love, laugh, and live your best yet."
 
On January 21st the Annual Mid-Winter Meeting will be held at the Granite Lodge, in Barre, Vermont. The time for sign-in and coffee will be 10:00 a.m. with Welcome and Opening remarks at 10:30 a.m. by our Worthy Grand Matron Sister Patty Rousseau and Brother Richard Backus our Worthy Grand Patron.
 
Lunch will be served at 12:00 o'clock at the price of $10.00. Then at 1:00 p.m. they will reconvene into groups and then a full group discussion afterwards. All working committees will meet but even if you are not on any committee, we as members are encouraged to attend and share ideas for the future of our Order.  We need all as members, must come together to ensure that the Order of the Eastern Star in Vermont continues to grow and become stronger.
 
Please RSVP by now  to Patty Rousseau, WGM, P.O. Box 274, So. Hero, VT 05486 or E-Mail prousseau146L@hotmail.com.
 
 
On February 17-18 will be the Can-Am Weekend in Manchester, New Hampshire.
 
On February 25th, Saturday, will be the LaPlotte Chapter #64 in Hinesburg, will be the annual spaghetti supper with live music at 5:00 p.m. All members and any guests are welcome to attend.
 
        More Announcements to come:
 
On March 10th will be Grand Officers to Hinesburg. There will be a great raffle held that day with many prizes to Benefit our Youth Projects.
 
March 17th is Grand Officers in Wilmington/Brattleboro.
 
March 31st will be Grand Officers in Bellows Falls.
 
 Announcement:  I wish to tell all that I have decided to stop typing the State Newsletter and wish if anyone one would be willing to take over the position as Chairman.  I will be glad to share the contact lists and any other assistance to anyone that is interested in this. Please contact Sister Patty Rousseau, prousseau146L@hotmail.com. ASAP.   Everything is in place for contacting the individual Districts and maybe you can think of better ways to make this exciting. Thank you for all your assistance to me in this endeavor this past five years.  Sister Elaine Harrington

December News

VERMONT OES E-MAIL NEWSLETTER & ANNOUNCEMENTS –

DECEMBER, 2011

MEETINGS: Coral Chapter #16, Sickle Chapter #34, and Johnson Chapter #65 are having Entertainment of Grand Officers on Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 at the Morrisville Masonic Temple. Schedule of events: Registration at 11:30 a.m., luncheon at 12:30 p.m. cost: donation, entertainment at 1:30 p.m., with meeting to follow. RSVP: to Addie Salls, W.M., E-Mail: amckds@hotmail.com or call cell: 802-279-3782. W.M.'s : Addie Salls, Claudia McLane, Lisa Stearns, WP's: Ken Salls, PGP, and Michael Chase.

Mary C. Burdick, Chapter #6 of Jericho, VT will hold Friendship Nighton Monday, Dec. 5, 2011.  Refreshments will be served before our meeting at 6:30 pm and will include a pound auction.  Meeting begins at 7:30 pm. 

On Saturday, January 21st, 2012, is the Annual Midwinter meeting. 

On February 17-18 will be the Can-Am Weekend will be held in New Hampshire. 

This year's Grand Family sends this message to all:
      

"Christmas is not in tinsel, lights, and outward show;

The secret lies in an inner glow.

It's lighting a fire inside the heart, Good will and joy are a vital part

It's a higher thought and a greater plan. It's a glorious dream deep down inside,

Then engulfs the world like a mighty tide."

"May your Christmas be filled with joy and the spirit of Christmas from our families to yours,"

   

The Grand Chapter of Vermont

Patty Rousseau, Worthy Grd. Matron               Richard K. Backus, Worthy Grd. Patron 

Jerri K. Riegler, PGM/ Grd. Secretary               Patricia Bowman, Grand Lecturer