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

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