NEW GRAND REPRESENTATIVE

Alice Hughes, Grand Warder traveled to Malden Chapter on Monday, January 10th to present the Grand Representative of British Columbia & Yukon commission to Gregg Burns. He is currently serving as WP so is listed in the 2010-11 Blue Book.

2011 - Jan 10 - OV Trinity and Olympia

Over 80 members had a wonderful time in Tumwater at the official visit of WGM Linda with WGP Dick to Trinity and Olympia Chapters. 

WM & WP Sue and Kevin Watson of Trinity Chapter led their officers in a great opening and through introductions, then quickly dispatched with the regular business of the Chapter.  Then WM Fawn Hacker and WP Larry Wilkinson of Olympia Chapter led their officers through a beautiful Golden Chain. 

The Chapters were delighted with the choices for Special Angels - Karin Lawson of Trinity and Norma Jean Roberts of Olympia. 

After the meeting we all enjoyed delicious treats - including "that damned salad" that Fawn is so famous for.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins!

MORE PLACES TO BE:

1. Evergreen Chapter in Goldendale on Wednesday, January 12th. Meeting starts at 7:30 PM.
2. Cedar Chapter in Tacoma on Thursday, January 13th. Meeting starts at 7:30 PM.

2011 - Jan 8 - Reception for Grand Marshal Karin Whipple

It was cold outside, but the atmosphere at the Scottish Rite Center in Shoreline was filled with warmth and friendship as members, family and friends came together to honor our Grand Marshal Karin Whipple. 

The Forget-me-not Deputy Instructors prepared and served a delicious lunch and then the officers of Greenwood Chapter, led by WM & WP Flo and Jerry Wilkins introduced almost everyone in the packed Chapter room.  Since Karin is known for tearing up at the slightest thing, the Grand Officers all presented tissues, handkerchiefs or things related to crying.

Responses were given by WGM Linda, WGP Dick, GGCCM & PGP Brian Gross, PGM Kit Wells and PGP Dennis Okicich.  The Past Grand Marshals (10 were present) fought over who should be the mystery speaker, but AGC Stephanie Hoye won out and, wearing her favorite "Oh, by the way.." t-shirt, she proceeded to give Karin advice on being Grand Marshal and presented her with a homemade portable tissue holder for use at Grand Chapter.

Afterwards everyone enjoyed delicious refreshments in the dining room.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins

PLACE TO BE:

Malden Chapter on Monday, January 10th. Meeting starts at 8:00 PM.

2011 - Jan 5 - OV Occidental & Greenwood

73 members gathered to ring in the New Year with the Official Visit of WGM Linda Runyan with WGP Dick Weigel to Occidental and Greenwood Chapters.  WM & WP Pat and Bruno Zittlau of Occidental lead their officers through opening and introductions, then WM & WP Flo and Jerry Wilkins of Greenwood took over as their officers exemplified the Golden Chain.  Jobs well done by all.

It was a special night for Joan Breda as WGM Linda presented her with her 50 year pin and certificate and she received the grand honors for reaching this wonderful milestone.  Joan also presented her daughter with her life membership in honor of the occasion. 

Special Angels for the night were Irma Mathisen from Occidental and Tim Hall from Greenwood.  Both are hard workers for their Chapters and very deserving of the honors.

Afterward everyone enjoyed refreshments in the dining hall.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins.

New Grand Representative

WGP Dick Weigel traveled to Lewis Chapter in Lakewood on Tuesday, January 5th to present the Grand Representative of Mississippi commission to Melanie Boss.

The announcement at Montesano Chapter didn't happen so stay tuned for a new date.

Prayers needed for Joan Kershner

I just received this from Vicki Chamberlain.  Joan was one of our Guiding Angel Deputies, a Former Grand Representative and a Friend of a Feather for PMWGM Barbara Benton.  She really needs our thoughts and prayers now.
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To OES, Rainbow and Amaranth Friends,

It is with a sad heart that I write this e-mail.  Joan was moved from St Joseph’s Care Center to her home with Hospice care today.  She wanted nothing more than to go home.  She isn’t interested in more therapy, or tests, or medication – she just wants the doctors to control her pain and let her go home.  She has stated that she is ready to join John, the love of her life, and as her daughter Mikie told me, it’s time to do what Mom wants to do, not what we want her to do or keep asking her to do.  The kids are hopeful that she might rally and do better at home.  Often times, that is what happens in a case like this, but there will be no more cancer treatments or the surgery she needs to cure her cancer.

The doctor at St. Joe’s told the family, that there isn’t really any one thing that has caused Joan to go downhill so fast, but rather a multitude of “wrecks”.  A young person can rally back from 2 – 3 wrecks and keep going just fine, a 76 year old has much more trouble coming back.  Joan has undergone chemo therapy, radiation, 2 bouts of pneumonia, an infection in her port that has been likened to TB and will take at least 6 months of antibiotics to cure (which cause her to be very sick), urinary tract infections caused from the antibiotics, and a fall this summer that broke 3 vertebrae and have caused her to be in extreme back pain.  Way too many wrecks….

Joan’s daughter Mikie asked me to let you all know that any of her friends are welcome to visit.  She brightens up anytime someone comes to see her.  She is weak and tires quickly, but a quick visit to tell her you love her, might be just what you and she needs.  If you have not seen her in the last month, she is very frail, her memory comes and goes, and she has lost a lot of weight. Her appearance has changed and Mikie wanted me to make sure everyone knows that.  Don’t let that keep you from visiting her. Her home phone is not working right now, but should be in the next few days.  Her cell phone doesn’t work at home.

“No one can affirm that another year or even a single day will be committed to our trust”.  Pray for comfort for Joan and her family.  God has a plan, and only he knows when we will go home.

Vicki

2011 - Places to be

There are 2 places to be on Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Montesano Chapter - meeting starts at 7:30

Lewis Chapter in Lakewood - meeting starts at 7:30

Can't wait to get the news!

2010 - December - Bethel #5, IOJD, in Edmonds Installation

Bethel #5 in Edmonds had a wonderful installation in December.  14 girls were installed in offices and the room was packed with supporters and friends.  The Bethel is growing and they are looking forward to a wonderful new year.

Click here for pictures from the installation.

2010 - December - Analia Holiday Tea

Analia Chapter held its annual Holiday Tea and the room was overflowing with friends, fun and delicious food.  The Chapter members each decorated a table with their own dishes and decor from home.  WM Sheila Shreve was thrilled with the outcome and everyone had a great time.

Click here for pictures.

2010 - December Greenwood Plum Pudding Ceremony

Rodger Collins sent some wonderful pictures of Greenwood Chapter's annual Plum Pudding Ceremony.  Betty Odle and the members of Greenwood make the most wonderful plum pudding and it's definitely worth the trip out to get some.

Click here for the pictures.

More Sad News

Most Worthy Grand Patron Fred Clarke passed away early this morning.

According to our WGM Linda Runyan, "Sister Rennie Ofton, MWGM, has been in communication with Brother John Grobler, Right Worthy Associate Grand Patron who, with the passing for Brother Fred, has become the Acting Most Worthy Grand Patron.

Cards and letters of condolence may be sent to:

Mrs. Frederick W. (Margaret A.) Clarke and family
21 Hidden Meadows Place
Coldbrook, NS B4R 0A3
CANADA"

UPDATE:

The Memorial Service for PGM Joanne Clark will be Friday, January 7th at 1:00 PM at the Bremerton Masonic Temple, 858 5th St.

Sad News

PGM, Joanne Clark had a massive heart attack and passed away yesterday, December 25, 2010. She was in Oregon visiting family for the Christmas holidays. No other details are available at this time.

2010 - Dec 17 - Pierce Thurston PM & PP Luncheon

The Tacoma Elks was packed as the Past Matrons and Past Patrons of Pierce Thurston helped the Grand Family celebrate Christmas.  The lunch was delicious and the fellowship was terrific.  Nancy O'Neil did a fantastic job of entertaining everyone.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins

2010 - Dec 12 - WW Grand Representatives Club Luncheon

The Grand Representatives - former and present welcomed the Grand Family and their escorts and several other guests to the Tacoma Elks for a delicious luncheon Sunday afternoon.  There were almost 100 people present and the food and company were both excellent.

Entertainment was provided by Charlie's Angels - ably led by Cheryl McMahon and everyone had a wonderful time visiting and eating.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins.

2010 - Dec 7 Whatcom Co PM & PP Luncheon

The food was delicious, the company delightful and the entertainment fantastic at the annual luncheon honoring the WGM and WGP and hosted by the Whatcom County PM and PPs.  President Bev Baller kept everything moving.  The meal was plentiful and yummy.

The Bellingham High School Swing Choir entertained us for the 24th year and they were amazing.  So many very talented young people who obviously enjoy what they are doing. 

Everyone had a wonderful time and we look forward to going back next year.

Click here for pictures from Stephanie.

2010 - Dec 4 - Reception for Grand Organist Pamela Lee

The hills were alive with the sound of music in Bremerton as members and friends gathered to celebrate Grand Organist Pamela Lee.  The Grand Officers all gave her items that related to family and her grandaughter since they are so important to her. 

Responses were given by PGP & GGCCM Brian Gross, PGM Sylvia Palmer substituting for PGM Marge Ramsdell, PGP Tom Schenewerk substituting for PGP Dennis Okicich (even putting on a fake white beard to add more realism to the response), and Grand Secretary Sandra Henry for the Grand Officers.

Delicious treats in the dining room topped off a wonderful afternoon.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins.

Click here for pictures from Stephanie.

2010 - Dec 6 - OV Guiding Star and Naomi

(Unofficial count) 88 members had a great time at the official visit of WGM Linda with WGP Dick at Guiding Star and Naomi Chapters held in Puyallup. There was a delicious baked potato dinner for a donation before the meeting.



WM Michelle Burlison and WP Roscoe Cox of Guiding Star and their officers did a great job of opening and introductions.  Then WM Laura Vogel and WP PT Warren Hartle and their officers performed a beautiful Golden Chain.  

















An officer from the Puyallup Police Department gave everyone some good advice for staying safe during the holiday shopping frenzy.  We all had a great time and lots of laughter.

For additional pictures from Rodger Collins, click here.