October News

VERMONT OES E-MAIL NEWSLETTER & ANNOUNCEMENTS

OCTOBER, 2011

“The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.”

The Grand Representatives Association of Vermont will have their fall meeting on Saturday, October 1^st in Brandon, Vermont at Marble Chapter #80. RSVP: by September 26^th to Sis. Donna Wyman, 319 Wyman St., Brandon, VT 05733, or E-Mail her atrdwayman01@myfairpoint.net. The charge for this noon lunch is $7.00, payable at the door. After lunch they will have the very popular Pretty Package Auction. Bring a Pretty Package or a pretty bag with something nice in it. This is for much needed funds for the coming year. Think of some appropriate name for the June banquet. Also at this time a vote will be taken for amount of dues for the following year. These are payable in January to our Sec. Sheila C. Eddy. A reminder that all current or past Grand Representatives are welcome to the meeting and if your commission has expires please return your sash to Sis. Jerri Riegler, PGM/Grd. Secretary 65 Lindale Dr., Colchester, VT 05446. The pin is yours to keep.     Marilyn Chapin, President.

On Sunday, October 2^nd, in Williamstown, at Summit Lodge, Charity Chapter #57 and Iona Chapter #31 is honoring Grand Officers starting with Entertainment at 1:30 p.m. and with the meeting at 2:00 p.m., refreshments following. RSVP: to Kathy Moran at #433-6650 and Lucille Wolf at 222-9084.

Mary C. Burdick, Chapter #6, in Jericho invites all to join them for the entertainment of Grand Officers on Monday, October 3^rd. Dinner will begin at 6:00p.m., entertainment at 7:00 p.m., and meeting at 7:30 p.m. The cost of the dinner is $10:00. Please RSVP: to Sis. Joan Stoddert, Sec. at #872-9231 or E-Mail jstoddert@yahoo.com. by September 28^th.

You are invited to Entertainment of Grand Officers at Mizpah Chapter #40 at the Chester Masonic Temple on Saturday, October 8^th for a 12:00 p.m. Luncheon (donation) and 1:00 p.m. entertainment.  

In District #4, a Friendship Night pot luck supper and Yankee Pie Swap will be held for all on Friday, October 14^th at the Grn. Mt. Masonic Center in Williston with a dinner at 6:00 P.M. Bring a dish to share, and a pie to swap. Casual dress, - wear your jeans, bring a friend, and enjoy the fun!  Come and win it, then swap it! Benefit:Vermont National Guard, Charitable Foundation. For more information: Sis. Sandra Lemnah, DDGI #4, 802-864-7136 or E-Mailsblemnah@comcast.net and/or Bro. Daniel Gross, DDGI #4 at 802-849-6934 or ssorgnad@comcast.net.

At the Masonic Lodge in Northfield, Beulah Chapter #15 & Naomi Chapter #18, cordially invites you to Grand Officers Visitation on Sunday October 23^rd.  Beginning with registration at 1:30 p.m., entertainment at 2:00 p.m. , meeting at 2:30 p.m. with supper to follow.RSVP: by October 16^th. to Sis. Mary Freeman, 35 Freeman Rd.,Northfield, VT 05663 - #802-485-7253 or E-Mail: davidandmaryf@tds.net.

A Halloween Costume Party! In Sharon you are invited to join Forest-Unity Chapter #82, and Lady Washington Chapter #86 for the “Guardians of Light” Grand Officers on Thursday, October 27^th, at the 6:00 p.m. dinner in costume at the Sharon Elem. School. Just beyond the Chapter Room in the parking lot, at 7:30 p.m. the meeting (formal dress attire), will be in the Forest-Unity Chapter room. RSVP: to Sis. Karen K. Price, W.M./PGM at #802-763-8314 or kkprice@myfairpoint.net. Prizes for the best costumes!

Temple Chapter #75  at the Green Mt. Center in Williston will be holding Grand Officers meeting on Tuesday, October 18^th with a pot-luck supper starting at 6:00 p.m. with meeting at 7:30 p.m. RSVP: Sis. Connie Levesque at 879-6185 or E-Mail conlev8700@comcast.net.

(More announcements for the following G.O. Mtgs to come.:  

October 9^th, Past Grand Matron’s & Patron’s Tea in Williamstown.

Oct. 15^th, Charlotte Morris – Manchester –

Oct. 16^th, and Bristol & Brandon on October 22^nd.

For those who were unable to attend the Grand Officer visitations in South Hero or Milton recently, it was announced our own Brother Bud Godin has been appointed a General Grand Chapter Committee Member on the Unfinished Business Committee for this current triennium.  I’m sure we all wish Brother Bud safe travels as he attends to his duties.

DISTRICT #2

The Adoniram Chapter#22 of Manchester  annual basket party will be on Sat. Nov. 12 at the Woodman's Hall on Route 30 in Wells, Vt.Doors will open at 11:30. Lunch and envelope of 10 tickets are $7. Drawing starts after lunch and there are at least 150 baskets to choose from. Any questions call Christine Katz at 362- 0041.

DISTRICT #4

In District #4, a Friendship Night pot luck supper and Yankee Pie Swap will be held for all on Friday, October 14^th at the Grn. Mt. Masonic Center in Williston with a dinner at 6:00 P.M. Bring a dish to share, and a pie to swap. Casual dress, - wear your jeans, bring a friend, and enjoy the fun!  Come and win it, then swap it! Benefit:Vermont National Guard, Charitable Foundation. For more information: Sis. Sandra Lemnah, DDGI #4, 802-864-7136 or E-Mailsblemnah@comcast.net and/or Bro. Daniel Gross, DDGI #4 at 802-849-6934 or ssorgnad@comcast.net.

Please do not forget, use the E-Mail site address of www.oes-vt.org. for more updated information. Also subscribe to “Star Bytes” which is the State Newsletter written to all if no computers - c/o Karen K. Price, P.G.M., P.O. Box 221, Sharon, Vt. 05065 (We all try to keep you informed!)

“Courage is not the lack of fear. It is acting in spite of it”.

Written by Elaine L. Harrington, P.M. with approval from Patty Rousseau, W.G.M, and Richard K. Backus, W.G.P.

Other announcements for October: 

 

On Saturday, October 22nd, Libanus Chapter #47 in Bristol, VT. will be having a Grand Officers Visitation. The Registration will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by Lunch and a pretty package auction at Noon. Open meeting to follow . RSVP: to OESLibanus@com Elisa Beatty - Secretary.

 

 

On Tuesday, November 1st , Kingsbury Chapter #77 will be entertaining Grand Officers in Plainfield, Vt. Registration  will begin at 6:00 p.m. with entertainment at 6:30 p.m. and meeting at 7:15 p.m. RSVP:  by October 20th to: Linda Walbridge P.O. Box 95, Cabot, VT 05647 or lmwstop@yahoo.com or 802-563-2307. Refreshments to follow meeting.

 

Star Love,

E. Harrington

Grand Officers in Milton

Worthy Grand Patron, “We always have fun when we come up north!”

What a beautiful day for a meeting and counting yesterday’s weather that was two specular days in a row. Nice break for those who were traveling.

Grand Officers visitation at Chittenden Chapter No. 59 in Milton started out with members gathering to register with Sister Jerri Riegler, PGM. There were guest books to sign and John Hoyt also had tickets for our upcoming Turkey dinner in October.

At three pm we started the afternoon off with the entertainment portion of the day. . . . As I looked around the room, I had a good feeling everyone was enjoying the program. We were treated to several pieces of music performed by Hannah Crary and her fiddle. An intense quiet by the audience during the first piece, was a concern to Hannah (she explained) until we followed with a loud ovation.

Hannah added commentary between her numbers and won the group over with her bubbly personality.

After Hannah was finished, the Worth Patron had a surprise for the Worthy Grand Patron. The WGP was asked to join the WP in the West for ride on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

After mechanical issues were addressed, the bike was ‘pushed’ toward the East!

As this was an open meeting the officers of Chittenden Chapter No.59 entered the chapter room and took their places. The Bible was opened and The Lord’s Prayer offered. The American Flag was presented with escorts.

WGM Patty and WGP Richard were escorted and remained in the East where they were afforded the Grand Honors.

The presentation of General Grand Chapter Committee members was special as the newest GGCC member; Roland ‘Bud’ Godin was introduced. Congratulations Bud!

This was followed by the presentation of the Past Grand Officers, which included Chittenden Chapter member; Most Worshipful Phillip W Morton, Grand Master of Vermont.

After the presentation of the Grand Officers, WGM Patty spoke and shared a story about ‘choices’ and ended with; “And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance” The WGP spoke about the Special Project: Vermont National Guard Charitable Foundation and was pleased to add that the Grand Chapter raised over $6000.00 as of today. Great job by all, and we are not finished yet!

The WGM asked the WGP to join her on the North side of the East and as he approached from the West, she asked him to bring ‘reinforcements’ as he may need them. So he gathered up Sister Nancy Gross and continued his journey. The WGM said he better bring someone who can protect him, maybe someone in security. At this time he asked Brother Dan Gross to follow him to the East. When we arrived, the WGM and WGP had a special presentation to recognize Sister Nancy and Brother Dan for their dedication and talents as they (we) maintain the OES website for the Grand Chapter of Vermont. It is our pleasure!

Phillip Morton spoke on behalf of the Grand Lodge and spoke about the work being done around the state by our fraternal Brothers and Sisters. Very moving and we were glad to have heard of all the great work being done.

PGP Donnie Chamberlain spoke on behalf of the Past Grands, and to sum it up. . . .”He’s Back!” A special WOW to Sister Fay who still knows how to reel him back!

AGM Bunny spoke on behalf of the Grand Officers and mentioned that dinner was starting to smell pretty good. . . . . We all were starting to smell the treats from the kitchen.

Our silver collection, the special project was $102 and the report of the registration committee was 70 members present.

The meeting was closed and the Grand Chaplain offered grace before heading down to the dining room. Dinner was a beautiful assortment of hot dished and salads, rolls and beverages. The table favors were maple cotton candy for all! The dessert was this gorgeous cake, and was yummy!

Next meeting scheduled: September 25^th, Rainbow Girls: Grand Officer Reception, 2 pm – Morrisville.

September 26^th, Vermont Night in Granville, NY

See you all on the Star trail!

Brother Dan Gross, DDGI#4

Grand Officers in Windsor

Good morning all--

Sherrill Gould would like to let everyone know that Windsor's Grand Officers meeting will go on as scheduled , this Sunday. Registration is at 1:30 with dinner at 2:00. It is an open meeting, so feel free to bring a friend. We know that it has been a tough week for many of us and hope that this may provide a welcome diversion for some. Hope to see many of you there!

Star Love,
Melissa

Irene aftermath

Irene Aftermath in Jamaica

Post Hurricane Irene

Attention OES Members:

 

Brother Richard and I have been trying to contact as many as possible to make sure that everyone is ok after Hurricane Irene.  If you, or a member of your Chapter needs something that we may be able to help with, please contact either of us.  Ours thoughts and prayers are with everyone.

 

Patty Rousseau W.G.M.802-324-0172  prousseau146@hotmail.com   Richard K. Backus W.G.P802-279-2056  rkbackus@madriver.com

Rob Morris Events Moved to Saturday!

Patty and Richard have moved the Rob Morris Day events from Sunday to Saturday because of the impending hurricane.  The time and location are the same -- Abel Mountain Campground in Braintree.  Please notify anyone you know who may plan to attend.  Thanks.

GREAT TIME at the POKER RUN FUNDRAISER

Headed out to Waitsfield this morning, I drove through some low cloud cover, but by the time I reached Waitsfield, the day was gorgeous! At 8am the crowd was gathering at Mad River Lodge #77. Donations for breakfast were collected at the door, and we moved to the registration table where we were greeted by our organization committee; Jacqueline Shiner and James Chancey. We received our Score Card and first playing card. Great job you two!

The brothers of the lodge did an ‘outstanding’ job with breakfast for us all. We had an assortment of breads to start with. Note: These guys had the plates heating in the oven ahead of time! There was sausage, bacon, pancakes, waffles, juice and coffee. Yummy!!

Kenneth ‘Ken’ Gragg of the Vermont National Guard Charitable Foundation joined us as a rider/player. As Jackie had a prior engagement with her mom (Stowe Car Show) she did give the group a ‘send-off’ after the past grand chaplain blessed the ride.

Note: Make sure when we are ready to go, you don’t ‘have to go”!

On the road to our first check point at LaPlotte, No. 64 in Hinesburg. . . here are your 17 players;

Bike Riders: Richard Backus & Patty Rousseau, James Chancey, Melissa Chancey, Cheryl Giles & Bill, Tim Baker, Ken Gragg, Gary Sharon, Stuart Coleman & Barbara Coleman, Christopher & Natalie Billings

Car Riders (Bike Support Teams): Bunny & Richard Button, Nancy & Dan Gross

We had a nice first leg over the Gap with a quick stop at the top for our delayed starters to catch the group,

and then off to Hinesburg for the second checkpoint. Pulling into LaPlotte, we were greeted by several members for our next playing card and some refreshments. Cold water and fresh fruit seemed to be the big hit. Also available were assorted quick breads and cookies, cheese and crackers.

Rod Churchill oversaw the drawing and assisted Richard with the ‘best route’ to the next checkpoint at Chittenden Chapter #59 in Milton.

After the quick split of the group most of us headed towards Richmond. Bunny and Richard got ‘held up’ behind a tractor trailer and decided to head straight to Milton. We traveled to Richmond, over to Essex and then on to Westford to take the Milton-Westford road into Milton. At this point, Nancy and I decided to take a short cut (photo opportunity). We waited about one minute for the bikes to round the corner on the Milton - Westford Road, great timing thanks to a putt putter in front of us!

We rolled into Chittenden, where the group was greeted by Jerri Riegler and Marie Morton. Jerri was our dealer for this stop.

Bottles of cold water and off the group went. Next stop, at the Mobil in Alburgh for fuel and ‘catch up’ on our score cards.The group headed north on Route 7, through St. Albans to Swanton, and out on 78 to Alburgh. It was great to see all the boats in the water, after all the high water we had earlier this year. 

Our final stop before South Hero, we pitted at the Mobil for gas and refreshments. Thank you to Stuart for the drinks!

A nice ride down through the islands on a beautiful day, is there anything better?

We rounded the corner on the last leg to Island Chapter #73 in South Hero and I noticed a little kid in a pink shirt riding his mini motorcycle towards us waving to everyone. This was nice, I thought as we were about to turn into the parking lot. This was NO KID, it was Ron Boudreau, and he was sporting a beautiful dragon fly on his handle bars! NICE!

A great group welcomed us all as we arrived, parked our bikes and cars. We had one last card to be dealt to complete our hand. Then, if you felt you needed to ‘discard’ (one or multiple cards) to make a ‘better hand’, a complete deck of card was available for you FACE UP, and you could choose those card(s) for $5 each. The only catch, you had to throw a dart at the card (and hit it) before you could claim it!

James Chancey was your ‘dealer’ for this round! When all were done ‘discarding’ the score cards were turned in for verification and we all went off to lunch.

The Chapter had grilled burgers and hot dogs, baked beans, chips and toss salad, lemonade, water and coffee to drink. Dessert was ice cream (cones) cookies and carrot cake. Another YUM!

James announced the winners; 1^st prize and $86.25 to Tim Baker with four Kings, 2^nd prize and $17.25 to Dan Gross with a straight, 3^rd prize and $11.50 to Melissa Chancey for the worst hand.

Note: Before the prize money could be handed out, change had to be made (by Sister Jerri). We all waited until this was done, and presentations made. After which we all donated the prize money back!

Richard thanked everyone for their efforts and introduced Ken Gragg to speak on behalf of the Vermont National Guard Charitable Foundation.

The group raised $600.00 for the Foundation, nice work by all!

The last topic if the day was the start of discussions for a Spring Ride in the southern part of the state. . . Stay Tuned!

The next event is Grand Officers in Enosburgh with Swanton Chapter No.11 and Martha Washington Chapter No.44 on Wednesday, August 17^th. A Salad Lunch at 6:00pm followed by the Meeting at 7:30.

And when you get the chance to sit it out or dance, I Hope You Dance!

Brother Dan

DDGI #4