VT OES Blog

OES NEWSLETTER

September 2012

NEWS FROM OUR WORTHY GRAND MATRON:

On Sunday, August 26^th, approximately 160 Eastern Star Sisters and Brothers gathered at Abel Mountain Campgrounds in Braintree, VT to celebrate the birthday of our founder, Rob Morris.

Our Church Service was conducted by our Grand Chaplain, Sister Carolyn Boud. Her message was titled “G. P. S.” – and compared the Global Planet Satellite with G. P. S. – God’s Positioning Satellite. The music was provided by our Grand Organist, Sister Barbara Whitney.

Sister Sally McPhee, President of the Vermont Home Board introduced the Board members, and announced that the dividends earned on our investments over the past year totaled over $100,000.00! The Home Board is well-served by our financial advisors!

The Craft Tables were located in front of our Eastern Star trailer, and wonderful crafts filled several trailers. Shoppers had an extensive inventory to choose from. The proceeds from the Craft Table went to the Vermont Home Board.

A delicious barbecue luncheon was prepared by Brother Jim and Sister Doris Graves, and they were assisted by Beulah Chapter members, Phoenix Mystic Lodge members, and our Grand Star Points.

During the day the members attending had a chance to look over and look in the Grand Chapter Trailer that will be used to store our furniture and paraphernalia needed for Grand Chapter each year. We still have more items to put into the trailer, but it is a wonderful addition to our Grand Chapter goods. Our thanks go to Sister Barbara Coleman, Grand Conductress, and Brother Richard Button, Grand Sentinel, for all of their hard work and time spent on painting the trailer and the wonderful lettering on the sides of the trailer. Our sign board can’t be missed while it is traveling down the highways of Vermont!

During the afternoon Brother Rich tried to get the youngsters involved in several games - the kids were more interested in just playing rather than competing against each other ! Everyone had a good time, and each participant received gold medals and a prize.

Rob Morris Day has turned in to Rob Morris week for many of our Eastern Star members. Several campers arrived on Sunday, August 19^th, and on August 20^th was the Green Mountain Deputies Golf Tournament at the Pittsford-Proctor Golf Club. On Thursday, August 23rd , eight Vermonters traveled to Manchester, N.H. to attend the opening of N. H. Grand Chapter. Attending were: Roberta Button, WGM, Doris Graves, AGM, Barbara Coleman, GC, Sherrill Gould, GL, Don Brown, AGP, Jennie Brown, Betsey Waldo, and Sheila C. Eddy, Past Grand Matron. We were joined in Manchester by Clovis and June Leach.

On Friday night we had a progressive dinner – starting at 5:30 p.m., and ending around 7:30 p.m. with coffee and desserts in the Pavilion. Abel Mountain had a local girl, Shelby Lynn Rogers sing for us from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. She has a terrific voice, and I’m sure that we will hear of her winning the Country Music Round-up later this fall. On Saturday afternoon we had a weather delay for our “Buck a Duck” Race. It rained and thundered for about an hour, but then the sun broke through and it was a great afternoon. Special thanks go out to David and Christine Katz, and Lee and Pat Decatur, for all of their time and efforts in making the Duck Race a success. Their efforts raised $368.00 for our special project – 50 new beds for Camp Thorpe. Not to be forgotten were the duck catchers at the end of the finish line - Bud and Sandy Godin, Mike and Dale Wood, and Bobby Hall, PGM from Quebec! A great time was had by all.

On Saturday night we had a potluck dinner, and then danced to the music of Yvonne and the Reverbs. The new pavilion had many dancers that evening; other campers joined us and new friendships were made.

Everyone agreed that Rob Morris Day has evolved into Rob Morris week for many of us, and we are looking forward to next August when we can do it all again!

************************************************************************

August was a very busy month. On August 4^th a group of 14 Eastern Star members met in Hanover, NH for the annual Shrine Parade. Bill Bowman, husband of our Associate Grand Conductress, Pat Bowman, hauled a trailer decorated with American flags, pink roses, and butterflies. It was a very hot day, but the parade route was shorter than usual due to the construction in the area.

Our first Grand Officers Visitation was on August 7^th at Mt. Lebanon Chapter in Jamaica; the entertainment that evening was blue grass music provided by the Bondville Boys.

On August 11^th, the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron, (Bunny and Rod) and Richard Button, Grand Sentinel, Carolyn Boud, Grand Chaplain and Sister Helen Whitman attended the DeMolay Conclave held at Camp Ondawa in Sutherland, VT. Other Eastern Star members there were Penny Walker-Reen, Hannah Reen, Debby Estey, Bruce Pomeroy, Thomas Johnston, and Jack Campbell.

The Motorcycle – Poker Run was held on August 18^th . The morning began with everyone meeting at Mt. Anthony Lodge in Bennington, where members of the York Rite Bodies had prepared a French Toast, bacon, coffee and tea and juice Breakfast. The Ride was under the guidance of Brother James Chancey and Brother Richard Backus, PGP. The ride took us from Bennington to Wilmington, to Jamaica, to Chester, and finally to Chester by a very circuitous route. We finally ended up at Ascutney Chapter in Windsor where a BBQ was waiting for us. There were 8 motorcycles, 4 cars, and 2 dogs on our trip! The Poker Run raised $500.00 for our charity – 50 new beds for Camp Thorpe. I would like to thank everyone for all of their help and support. Plans are already being made for next year’s Motorcycle Poker Run - perhaps in the Central Vermont area, making a loop from start to finish. Additional details will be announced in the spring.

The State Wide food sale will take place on Saturday, September 8^th at many locations around the state. Look for the food sale at a location near you, and purchase the tasty treats and baked goods!

The Grand Officers have been asked to do an initiation on one new candidate for Johnson Chapter at 1 o’clock, p.m, on September 9th in Johnson, VT.

The Grand Officers will also be doing an initiation in Bellows Falls on November 18^th at 1:30p.m. for Alpha Chapter with at least 2 candidates and one affiliate.

September 24^th will find many of the Grand Officers at Vermont Night in Granville, N.Y.

Please be sure to check the new up-dated calendar, as a few of the dates have changed. We don’t want you showing up at the right place on the wrong date!

Invitations have been sent out for the Past Grands Tea – a Teddy Bear’s picnic – to be held in Williamstown at Charity Chapter on September 30^th. Perhaps we’ll have a surprise for a Past Grand Matron who will be celebrating her ?? birthday that day! Please respond to Roberta Button, WGM, 132 Bobbin Shop Road, Chelsea, VT 05038 or 685-4483 or rkrjbutton@aol.com

To date, we have raised $5,006.73 for our special project – 50 new beds for Camp Thorpe. That pays for 12 new beds, and money left over towards another bed! We are so very grateful for everyone’s generosity and support.

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER IN FORT WORTH TEXAS

Good morning Texas Travelers,

This is just a reminder - if you have not sent your second installment to Ron and Sharon for the Texas trip , please do so immediately.

Ron charged $26,000+ on his credit card the other day to purchase our Texas tickets - some people have paid their account in full, but the second installment was due on August 15th, and several people have not sent in their money for that installment - the third and final installment will be due on October 15th.

Enjoy your Labor Day Week-end - it doesn't seem possible that Saturday will be September 1st.!!

Star Love,

Bunny, WGM

CALLING ALL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

Attending General Grand Chapter in Fort Worth, TX

November 3^rd – 8^th, 2012

If you are a

MD, RN, LVN, CAN, EMT OR PARAMEDIC

We can use your assistance in First Aid Room

We are looking for volunteers to work one or more 4 hour shifts

Please contact

Marty Drescher – mldrescher@tx.rr.com

972-523-2209

George Gwaltney – george_gwaltney@hotmail.com

210-656-6668

CHAPTER EVENTS AND FRIENDSHIP NIGHTS:

BEULAH CHAPTER # 15 an evening of dinner and music. September 8, with dinner at 6:00 p.m., music to follow at the Brookfield Masonic Temple. Entertainment by the Dynamic Two-O. To benefit the Food Shelves. RSVP to Jim or Doris Graves. degjhg@together.net or728-5225

BEULAH CHAPTER # 15 for a Friendship Night on September 13 at the Brookfield Masonic Temple. Potluck supper at 6:15 p.m. with a pretty package auction for the benefit of Camp Thorpe at 7:00 p.m. Meeting to follow at 7:30.

All present and past Conductress’ and Associate Conductress’ will be recognized. RSVP to Doris Graves-degjhg@together.net-728-5225

DISTRICT # 4 FRIENDSHIP NIGHT at the Green Mountain Masonic Temple in Williston on September 28. Pot luck supper at 6:00 p.m. and a Yankee Pie Swap to follow. Proceeds to benefit Camp Thorpe. Casual dress/jeans

FMI Linda Paradee DDGI # 4 802-372-4054 or Dan Gross DDGI # 4 ssorgnad@comcast.net

ENTERTAINMENT OF GRAND OFFICERS:

MARTHA WASHINGTON CHAPTER # 44 on Wednesday September 12 at the Masonic Hall in Swanton. Dinner at 6:00 followed by entertainment at 7:00 and meeting at 7:30. Contact Susan Collins at 868-7975 or pgm_vt@yahoo.com

CHITTENDEN CHAPTER # 59 on September 15 with entertainment at 2:00 p.m. meeting and buffet style meal to follow. (free will offering)

RSVP to Phyllis Mayville, Secretary, by September 8, 802-893-7084 orphyllisandpals@aol.com

MIZPAH CHAPTER # 40 at the Chester Masonic Temple, on the Green, Chester, VT on September 16, with lunch at 12:00, entertainment at 1:00 with open meeting to follow so bring a friend.

EVENING STAR #28 AND ADAH CHAPTER# 39 on September 22, at West Burke, VT. Registration at 11:00, lunch at 12:00. The entertainment will be a pretty package auction to benefit Camp Thorpe with meeting to follow. RSVP to Joan Black at 802-535-1801 orjodiblk@gmail.com

ASCUTNEY CHAPTER # 2 on September 29 Masonic Hall in Windsor. Registration at 11:30, Luncheon at 12:15 (donation) open meeting to follow. RSVP to Debby Estey, 802-484-7425.

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS:

Marble Chapter # 80 in Brandon Vt celebrating 100 years. Light lunch at 1:00 p.m.celebration to follow. SPECIAL PROJECT for 100 year celebration is to raise $500.00 to purchase a new barbecue for Camp Thorpe. RSVP by Sept 15 to Donna Wyman, Secretary at 802-247-6738, rdwyman01@myfairpoint.net

PLEASE SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER WITH THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE EMAIL.

The annual meeting of Charlotte Morris Past Matrons and Past Patrons Association of VT was held on June 16, 2012. It was hosted by Chittenden Chapter #59 in Milton with a delicious luncheon and lively entertainment. Personalized Rituals were presented to WGM Roberta Button and WGP Rodney Churchill. New officers for 2012 - 2013 were dully elected and installed.

First attach: President Nancy Saltmarsh presents ritual to Roberta Button WGM and Rodney Churchill WGP is presented his ritual by Roland Godin 2nd Vice President pro-tem,

2nd attach: New officers for 2012 -2013. Front row: Margaret Smith, Esther; Sheila Eddy, Organist: Karen Stetson, President; Garry Sharon, 2nd Vice President; Michael Chase, Marshall. 2nd row: Jackie Carpenter, Martha; Sandra Godin, Treasurer; Mary Piper, Secretary; Madine Churchill Assoc. Conductress; Back row; Joyce Fowler, Warder; Nancy Saltmarsh, Adah; Cynthia Whitney, Conductress.

3rd attach: Installing Officers: Shelia Eddy, Installing Organist; Joyce Lawrence, Installing Warder; Karen Stetson, President 2012 -2013; Doris Graves, Installing Chaplain; Erron Carey, Installing Matron; Roland(Bud) Godin, Installing Marshall.

Submitted by Sister Karen Stetson