GR HN - Lillian Gallion (Cal), Guiding Star Oct 29, 2009

Over 80 cowpokes - members and guests - gathered to enjoy the honor night for Lillian Gallion, Grand Representative of California in Washington at Guiding Star Chapter.

The Hearts in Harmony Deputy group showed up to support Lillian

The room was filled with current and former Grand Representatives

The members of her 2 Chapters - Guiding Star and Crystal - were proud to support their hard working sister.

WM Tracy Williams and WP Bill Hammontree did a great job of leading their officer in opening and introductions. Tracy asked questions about cows for the introductions and there was lots of groaning over the answers. Secretary Marjie Hall led us in an audience participation skit that had everyone on their feet and laughing. And Karen McCamant sang a couple of songs to the delight of the crowd.

Responding for Lillian were Marilyn Hoots, PGM, Michelle Burlison - GR of MD, and her very special guest Greta Hamm, Grand Representative of Washington in California. Greta made the trip with Barbara McDaniel - both from Revellie Chapter #47 in Salinas, CA.

After the meeting everyone enjoyed cowchips and ice cream in the dining hall.

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Honor Night - Peggy Shaul, GR and Shirley Deane DI, Illihee - Oct. 28, 2009

There were 70ish people there (full house). It was a very fun night.

There were 2 Past Grand Matrons (Blanche Chambers and Diane Osborne), 1 Past Grand Patron (Roy Sharp), and 2 Grand Officers (Linda Runyan (A.G.M.) and Glenda Miller (Grand Esther) who joined us for the evening.

Shirley and I were each presented with beautiful quilted wall hangings made by Linda Sutton (Illihee's Conductress). Mary Linker (Worthy Matron), Susan Worthington (Chairman) and all of the Illihee members successfully ensured that it was an awesome, fun and memorable evening.

Reported by Peggy Shaul

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Sad News

Evelyn Rohrs, former Grand Representative of Manitoba 1974-77 and Past Grand Martha 1981-82, passed away on October 31, 2009. She was a member of Fern Chapter #7 and Corinthian Chapter #172. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at the South Tacoma Masonic Center, 5405 S Puget Sound, Tacoma at 4:00 PM.

GR HN - Amy Smith, Cyclamen (Utah), Oct 28, 2009

(Unofficial count) Almost 70 members and friends buzzed into Cyclamen Chapter to honor Amy Smith, Grand Representative of Utah (the beehive state) in Washington. 17 current and former Grand Representatives were present for the festivities.

The members of Cyclamen Chapter were very proud of their honored member - including Amy's son Mitchell. After opening, Nancy Jorgensen took over the WM duties from Amy and did an exemplary job of introductions and leading us all through fun facts about Utah.

Several members of the Hearts in Harmony Deputy group along with their WGM Ann Gates and WGP Brian Gross were on hand to help cheer Amy on.

Responses were given by Judy Turchin for the Deputies, Kathy Dewey - pro teming for Tess Kent who was home ill - for the Grand Reps, Marcia Haukaas - who presented Amy with her commission - for the elected and appointed Grand Officers, Ann Gates for the Past Grand Matrons and Brian Gross for the Past Grand Patrons.

After the meeting we were treated to delicious homemade chicken pot pie (made by the WP Ed Willert) with salad and biscuits and cake. Yummy! and Mahalo!

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DI HN - Linda Burton - Amethyst - Oct 27, 2009

Amethyst Chapter was full of happy members celebrating the honor night of their Deputy Instructor Linda Burton on Tuesday, October 27th.

The Dresden Stars came out to honor Sister Linda!

Her Chapter members were proud of her and all her achievements and her Chairman - Jean Pennington - did a great job of pulling everything together. Worthy Matron Kathy Dewey and WP Norm Horst kept everything moving.

Responses were given by Sue Putnam for the Deputies, Gerry Mosler for the elected and appointed Grand Officers and Diane Osborne for the Past Grands.

Afterwards there were wonderful halloween treats in the dining room.

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To all of our Star Members,

Recently a sign up letter for our Bowling Tournament was sent out to all chapter secretaries. Worthy Matrons and Patrons and other OES groups, please try to get a team together. It doesn't need to be all members; in fact we encourage you to ask nonmembers to join in the fun. You only need FIVE people for a team and two chapters could go together to form a team.

This is a fund raising event for our Grand Chapter so please join in and let’s have some fun. Sign up forms should be sent by October 30th to:
Vern Herrst.
P.O. Box 98
Winthrop, WA 98862

The cost for the team is fifty dollars and Play would start in November and you would play 3 games, one night a month for 4 months with a play off in March. We had hoped to start in October but there has been some confusion concerning the tournament so the plan is to start playing in November. Please turn out and help support our Grand Chapter.

If you need more information or sign up sheets please call any of the following:
Vern Herrst
Linda Miller
Vickie Chamberlain
Linda Carlson
Linda Crichton
Gen Cooley

Thank You
** Linda Miller

Reprinted from the Stars of Washington by Connie Shrum

This sounds like a fun and easy activity. It only requires one night per month and at $50 per team, that's only $10 per person for the WHOLE TOURNAMENT! Be sure you get your team together and sign up by the end of the month!

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PGM & GGCCM Kit Wells' Secret Honor Night

(Unofficial count) 74 members and guests secretly (ya, sure, ya betcha!) gathered at Occidental Chapter on Wednesday, October 21st to surprise (ya, sure, ya betcha!) PGM & GGCCM Kit Wells and honor her for her service to the GGC.

Kit claimed she didn't want any more honor nights, but naturally her daughters, family and Chapter paid no attention to that. After dispensing with the Chapter business, levity ensued as Kit gave an impromptu speech about not wanting any of this, then people started flocking to the east from all over the room.

First Barbara Runyan presented Kit with a gift from Kit's Grand Family (4 officers were present). Then Bob Breza presented her with a gift from Gerry's Grand Family when she was Grand Marshal. Don Beck was next with cards from some secret cult they used to belong to called the Dirty Dozen. Hmmmm! Sue Putnam read a poem she wrote especially for Kit about storks. (Kit's the stork and Gail Herman's the penguin. Ask them for details!)

Gerry Mosler, Associate Grand Conductress and daughter of the victim, tried to bring order to the chaos by bringing back the Ballardears for a couple of songs appropriate to the festivities. Then Dawn Vanderlugt presented Kit with a couple of hotties. (Don't ask!)

Terry Wiggins responded for everyone with appropriate (or not) facts from this day in history, then we all adjourned to the dining room where Kit, Gerry and Jamie posed for pictures with the food and Kit posed with her past Grand Family members.

It was a wild and crazy evening filled with laughter and fun. Uff da!

Pictures are in an album on the side bar. Please excuse the quality. It's hard to take good pictures when you're laughing.

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OV - Everett & Bethel - Oct 20, 2009

(Unofficial count) 63 members flocked together to go around the globe at the official visit of WGM Marge with WGP Dennis to Everett and Bethel Chapters in Everett.

WM and WP Joyce and Bliss Settergren of Everett Chapter lead their officers in opening with WM Joyce dispensing witticisms and advice for her welcomes. We got through all their business in a slightly unorthodox order, then WMGenevieve Moore and WP Joe Julian of Bethel Chapter lead their officers in the work and closing.

It was wonderful to see Grand Chaplain John Chamberlain on the west side for a visit, especially when he is having knee surgery this Thursday. Gr. Sentinel Frank Pascoe arrived too late for the pictures, but he and LaNita had a good excuse since them drove the Schwartz's 5th wheel all the way from Spokane to Pt. Orchard earlier in the day and still arrived at Chapter just after opening.

After the meeting there were delicious salads, fruit and goodies in the dining room for all to share.

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New Grand Representative of Australia in Washington

At the OV for Bethlehem and Pine Tree last night, John Chamberlain announced that Bonnie Rail, of Pine Tree Chapter is the new Grand Representative of the United Grand Chapter of Australia.

The picture from left to right - Gloria Schwartz, Grand Conductress and former Grand Representative of the United Grand Chapter of Australia, WGM Marge Ramsdell, Bonnie Rail - newly announced Grand Representative of the United Grand Chapter Australia and Vicki Chamberlain, former (WA) and current (ID) Grand Representative of the United Grand Chapter of Australia.

Reported by Vicki Chamberlain

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Grand Chaplain Reception - Oct 17, 2009

(Unofficial count) Over 140 people gathered at the Corbin Senior Center to enjoy the reception of Grand Chaplain John Chamberlain. God must be listening to John's prayers, because the weather cooperated with warmth and partly sunny skies.

The Grand Officers and their escorts gathered to help John celebrate.

John's family also arrived to enjoy his special day.
Six Past Grand Chaplains enjoyed the afternoon's festivities.

John gave us some history of Masonry and Eastern Star and reminded us to be courteous to one another and remember that our order is made up of people of many faiths and we should honor their traditions too.

John received some nice gifts, but we all think his favorite was his life membership for Magnolia Chapter given to him by his wife Vicki.

Lilynne Davis both played the piano and sang 3 songs including "The Impossible Dream". Her voice is beautiful and the entertainment was first rate.

Responses were given by WGM Marge, WGP Dennis, GGCCM & PGM June Lee, PGM Joy Lough, PGP Herb Miller and Grand Marshal Peggy Mills.

The Evergreen Grand Family (for which Vicki was Grand Marshal) and the Maplette Deputy Instructors prepared and served the luncheon and the refreshments afterwards.

It was a wonderful afternoon and John and Vicki did a great job of organizing it. (Especially Vicki!)


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Inland Empire PM & PP Dinner

The dinner was delicious and the company was delightful as over 85 of us gathered for the annual dinner honoring the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand patron.

The Grand Officers were dressed in their finest and paraded around the room to the applause of the crowd.

Worthy President Betty Hughes and Worthy Adviser Marvin Gerking did a fine job of keeping everything on track. We celebrated WGM Marge's birthday again and WGM Marge and WGP Dennis were presented with their beautiful membership plaques.

Our first entertainment - arranged by Sara Jane Johnson - was the Syncopated Rhythm trio from Davenport. They sang in 3 part harmony - both fast and slow music and their music was wonderful.

Then Yvonne Wilbur, PGM of Idaho, took the piano and all of us on a musical whirlwind. WOW, can that lady make that piano sing!!! When you hear her you think there must be at least 3 people playing. She had all of our toes tapping.

It was a great evening and everyone went home full and happy!

Pictures are in the links in the right sidebar of the blog.

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2009 - E.WA GR Club Luncheon - Oct 16, 2009

(Unofficial count) Over 60 people gathered for a luncheon honoring WGM Marge and WGP Dennis and the American Emerald Grand Family sponsored by the Eastern Washington Grand Representatives Club. Club President Lois McConnell started us all out by singing a rousing version of HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our WGM Marge since today was her special day.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch served and prepared by the members of Victory Chapter.

After lunch there was a raffle won by Grand Escort Jill Okicich and several door prizes prepared by the members of Whitman County.

Louise Belsby had a special presentation for WGM Marge and Grand Escort Jill - lovely tulip bulbs. Then she gave WGP Dennis some fertilizer - direct from her buffalo herd - a great big buffalo chip all dried and waxed especially for him. (Glad that's not going home in my car!)

Afterwards they were all forced to pose for a group picture, but did so semi-willingly. It was a wonderful luncheon.

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Grand Chaplain in Danger!!!

Let it be known that the Lilac Lunatic's have targeted the Grand Chaplain, Order of the Eastern Star as their next victim. The only way to prevent this from taking place is either to pay in advance, or pay even more once the Chaplain is in the hands of the LUNATICS!

Our demands are simple - all Masonic family members and other guests at the reception on Saturday, October 17th must be prepared to make generous donations to our great and worthy cause. Refusal will not be accepted, failure to pay means the lunatics get to do nasty and ugly things to the Grand Chaplain.

Pass the word to all attending that the crazies are loose and no one is safe. Everyone should bring plenty of donation money so fill our money bags (we will have pictures available for extra donations).

//Signed//

Glorious Leader of the Lilac Lunatics

Did someone see a Rainbow go by?

And a reply from Dan Voorhees!!!

To all who really know the Grand Chaplain. I plan on leaving my wallet at home and might even offer the Lilacs extra $$ IF they would actually do 'scary' things to WYF.. Long live the Sugar Daddys and Sugar Babies.

Hey he's the Chaplain he should be able to pray and protect himself. Besides I like the sound of NASTY and UGLY on John boy. Besides it would beat anything we could do in a skit..... Long live the Rainbow Girls. Hey maybe they could team up with some Demolay and Jobies and really do a number on JOHN.

Oh how I love my buddy WYF
(Wear clean underwear John....)
Your favorite buddy
Dan

OV - Alki & Waitsburg - Oct 15, 2009

(Unofficial count) 70 members gathered in Walla Walla to celebrate the official visit of WGM Marge with WGP Dennis at Alki and Waitsburg Chapters.

The members of the 2 Chapters came out to welcome all the visitors and to help each other pro-tem - including PGM Blanche Herron Chambers who pro-temed Associate Matron and did a fine job for someone who will turn 99 next month.

WM Diana Osborne and WP Kent Osborne of Alki lead their officers in the opening and welcomed all the visitors with sayings about smiles! Then WM Barbara Danforth and WP Bob Danforth took over and did a wonderful job of leading us through the examination of a visitor.

The WGM of Oregon send some of her honey bees to the OV to encourage all of their OES friends to travel. They entertained us with a cute song, then rewarded us for listening with Bit-O-Honey candy bars! Thanks Honey Bees!

WGM Marge and WGP Dennis earned their antenna and afterward posed with all the Worthy Matrons present.

Prior to the meeting we enjoyed a delicious dinner and afterwards there were cookies and drinks to refresh us before heading home.

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OV - Evening Star - Oct 14, 2009

(Unofficial count) 65 people took a step back in time to Almira to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Evening Star Chapter and the official visit of WGM Marge with WGP Dennis.

The evening started with entertainment by friends of the WM and WP singing a selection of songs - ending with "The Way We Were" in honor of the centennial celebration.

Dave Marrs stood in for John Chamberlain for the Grand Officer pictures.

WM Anita Borst and WP Phil Borst did a great job of leading their officers in the opening and welcomed everyone with stories of the Chapter's 100 year history.
Treasurer Yvaughnie Carstensen pulled out her family's historic collection of hats and, with the assistance of the Chapter officers, delighted us with a skit about the hats.

The officers, WGM and Grand Escort Jill were pleased to pose in the hats after the meeting.

Prior to the meeting the Chapter served a delicious dinner and afterwards an equally delicious dessert. It was a wonderful evening full of precious memories and filled with the spirit of friendship.

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OV - Spokane & Martha, Oct. 13, 2009

(Unofficial count) 78 members traveled to Spokane for the official visit of WGM Marge with WGP Dennis for Spokane and Martha Chapters.

WM & WP Anne and John Holloway of Spokane Chapter lead their officers in a beautiful opening and then delighted us with their introductions. The Chapter took care of their business quickly.

WM Marilyn Schahfer and WP Tom Henson of Martha Chapter took over, welcomed everyone and presided while their officers exemplified the examination of a visitor.

Prior to the meeting the 2 Chapters had a delicious dinner with a donation basket to leave tips for the Rainbow girls who capably served and cleaned up. There were yummy desserts to delight every palate afterwards and after the meeting - Krispy Kreme donuts and cider. What a nice evening.

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OV - White Rose - Oct 12, 2009

(Unofficial count) Almost 50 people gathered in the Rose Room of the beautiful Downtown Masonic Center in Spokane for the official visit of WGM Marge with WGP Dennis to White Rose Chapter.

Unfortunately, we arrived just as they were about to open, so pictures will come later when WGP Dennis has time to send them to me.

WM & WP Florence and J.Paul Fitzsimmons did a wonderful job of leading their officers in the opening. Florence greeted everyone during introductions with sayings about the importance of friends. The business of the Chapter was quickly accomplished and then we all retired to the dining room for something warm or cool to drink.

Prior to the meeting the Chapter served a chicken and salad luncheon for all who were early enough to make it!

That evening PGM Diane Osborne and I dropped in on Malden Chapter for their stated meeting and had a wonderful time visiting with them. We even had the privilege of pro-teming Associate Matron and Organist. Bet you can't guess which one of us was organist! We had a great time and appreciate all the friendship shown to us in Malden.

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New Grand Representative!

Last night (October 12th) 32 people were at Trinity Chapter’s regular meeting in Tumwater. During announcements Peggy Mills, Grand Marshal asked to make a special announcement. She played a game “Are You Smarter Than a 4th Grader” with the members. She asked specific people questions which all four were able to answer correctly. Then she asked Mary Kingsbury the final question, “What do all these questions/answers have in common?” Mary’s reply was “They all answered correctly”.

Peggy then had her open the envelope which she gave to her earlier. Peggy gave the other four envelopes with the correct answers and told them to look at the answer but didn’t tell Mary to do the same. When Mary opened her envelope it said “Texas”. She was in shock!

Peggy then introduced Mary Kingsbury, Grand Representative of Texas in Washington. Mary is from Texas so she could hardly wait to call her sister and tell her the news.

In attendance were: 1 PGM; 1 Grand Officer; 1 Grand Secretary Emeritus; 3 Grand Representatives; 2 Deputy Instructors; 2 WM & 2 WP. There were a total of 11 former Grand Representatives there too.

Reported by Mary Ellen Sparks!

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Sad News

I just received this via "Montana Stars" and also received basically the same information from Carla Bryant that she got from her counterpart in Oklahoma. --Mary Ellen
Evelina Owen, wife of our Most Worthy Grand Patron Bill Owen, passed away Monday evening, October 12, 2009. She was in the hospital undergoing heart surgery to have two stints put in, she suffered heart failure and died.
No details yet of course. Just prayers for Bill Owen and his family. And I just attended the funeral of Della Clark, wife of our Worthy Grand Chaplain, Haskell Clark, last week. She finally succumbed to the pancreatic cancer she was dealing with for the past year. This is a very sad time for our Star Tribe General Grand Family.
---Susan Thomas, PGM-NH, Worthy Grand Adah, 2006-2009, General Grand Chapter

Grand Treasurer's Reception - Oct 10, 2009

(Unofficial Count) Around 120 members and visitors enjoyed a beautiful, sunny afternoon at Lackamas Chapter in Washougal as they honored their special member Grand Treasurer Marcia Haukaas and her escort Paul.
Marcia's family showed up to support her - although since one of the little ones wasn't too happy about being there, some of them left a little early.Alice Ashley performed a ventriliquist act, but since her dummy had laryngitis, she found a willing stand-in in sister Marcia. Sister Alice was simply amazing and sounded just like Marcia! She thanked Penny Norvel for writing the skit and Stephanie Holloway for assisting.

There were plenty of introductions including:

9 GGCCMs and PGMs & PGPs

14 Grand Officers plus the WGM and WGP
1 Oregon Grand Officer
3 Grand Treasurer Emerituses (Emeriti?)
9 Grand Representatives
4 Deputy Instructors
16 Worthy Matrons and Worthy Patrons
Lots of escorts and
11 Past Grand Treasurers and Chapter Treasurers

Afterwards everyone enjoyed delicious cookies

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OV - Tyee & Juanita, Oct 8, 2009

(Unofficial count) Around 70 members gathered in Renton to enjoy the Official Visit of WGM Marge with WGP Dennis to Tyee and Juanita Chapters.

WM Stacey Blanton and WP Gerry Cluphf of Tyee did a wonderful job of leading their officers in the opening and introductions and in spreading some Christmas cheer. They took care of the business of the Chapter in no time flat.

WM Janet Fritts and WP Michael Patton took over and lead their officers in the work and closing.

The Grand Officers were happy to join the members in the dining room for delicious refreshments before everyone headed home.

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OV - Vineland - Oct 2, 2009

Looks like they had a great time. If anyone has any details, please let us know!

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