Apr 28, 2010 - Inland Empire PM & PP Assoc. Dinner

The Inland Empire Past Matrons and Past Patrons had a wonderful dinner catered by Longhorn Barbecue to honor the WGM and WGP.

The small dining room at the Downtown Temple was a perfect setting for all the attendees.

The food was delicious and afterwards we went up to the Rose Room for their meeting and to initiate those who haven't attended one of their meetings before.

It was a lovely meeting and so nice to see so many friends. Then, those of us from the West side drove home through a blinding snowstorm in the pass!. What happened to Spring?

Apr 28, 1010 - SE WA PM & PP Assoc Luncheon

It was a blustery day in Clarkston, but the company was warm and friendly as the Past Matrons and Past Patrons of Southeast Washington gathered to honor the WGM and WGP and their own Grand Officer Grand Martha Penny Bosley.

The kitchen crew served a delicious lunch.

There were gifts for the honorees.


And everyone had a wonderful time visiting.

Apr. 27, 2010 - Answer to Clue #3

Hi everyone!

Even though the skys were cloudy tonight, we were able to find another bright star in the heavens. There were 59 people present to welcome the newest member of next year's grand family at SpokaneChapter. It was a delight to be able to announce Alice Hughes as next year's Grand Warder. Her Escort will be her sister Betty.

Among those attending were 2 PGP's, J Paul Fitzsimmons, and Phil Green, two Grand Representatives, five deputies and a number WM's and WP's to support this announcement.

Once again, "CarnJack" and his crew seemed to be right on the ball at first and yet their skill at "soothsaying" was quite rusty. Finally with some fumbling around, they were able to find the ladies and bring them to the East with applause and cheers from the crowd. I know Sister Alice has a special gift of setting people at ease and will be a wonderful asset at our grand chapter when she greets our guests as they enter the Grand Chapter.

A big thank you to so many for coming out and supporting us and very special thanks to Sister Joan Kershner and Brother Dale Cooper for handling the crowded room in fine form. They did a terrific job.

Star love,
Linda

Apr 25, 2010 - Ea. WA PAGO Luncheon

The members of Eastern Washington PAGO celebrated their four Grand Officers this year with a luncheon at Memories R Forever in Moses Lake.

The room was full and the food and company fantastic.

The Junior Past Grand Officers from Eastern WA were on hand to present the current Grand Officers with wonderful gifts.

In the picture from the left - Diane Rice, Past Gr. Esther and Glenda Miller, Gr. Esther, Cindy Garrett, Past Gr. Organist and Penny Bosley, Gr. Martha, Nona Reinbold, Past Gr. Ruth and Stella Brown, Grand Ruth and John Chamberlain, Gr. Chaplain and Sherrie Connell, Past Gr. Warder.

The gifts were quilted wall hangings with the emblems and names of the four honorees. They were stitched by Sherrie Connell and quilted by Nona Reinbold and Cindy Garrett.

It was a beautiful afternoon and wonderful to see old friends and new.

Apr 24, 2010 - North Central All Stars Lunch

Grand Coulee was the place to be on Saturday the 24th as the North Central All Stars had a luncheon to honor the Grand Officers. They served a delicious salad luncheon with a great dessert table.

President Shirley Armstrong, fresh off the plane from Florida's Grand Chapter, kept the meeting going and everyone had a great time. It was the best luncheon by a dam site this year.

Apr 23, 2010 - King Co. Luncheon

The King County Past Matrons and Past Patrons were pleased to welcome WGM Marge and WGP Dennis to a luncheon in their honor in Bellevue.
Doric Chapter provided a delicious salad lunch and Deputy Instructor Sue Putnam delighted us all with her wacky take on the winter olympics including finger skating, Bob sliding (Bob Herman and Bob Haslan, and the fleers.

The room was filled and everyone had a great time.

New Grand Representative of Wyoming

Grand Adah, Kristine Ford, traveled to Port Angeles (Esther) and gave the Grand Representative appointment for Wyoming to Virginia Elliott who is now home from her 3 month long trip in Australia. Virginia is the current Ruth in Esther Chapter and you can find her in the 2009-2010 blue book as their Esther.

In attendance were 1 Past Grand Patron and escort, 1 Grand Officer, 1 Grand Representative, 3 WM, 1 WP for a total of 22 members/visitors. Virginia is very excited to start her plans for attending Grand Chapter in Wyoming this August and during the trip they have planned for late summer they will also stop in Ohio for their Grand Chapter. This is of course after attending our own Grand Chapter in Yakima.

The theme for the year in their Chapter is Star Trek with highlights of baseball last night to symbolize OES Team Spirit. WM Debbie and WP Bob did a wonderful job and the decorations (baseball theme) along with the fun/yummy refreshments of crackerjacks, popcorn, peanuts and cookies (very cute and delicious).

Mon, Apr 26, 2010 - Update on June Lee

Hi All,

Today was another roller coaster day. When I got to the hospital at 0800 the blood Dr. was in talking to June and going over plans for the future. She explained that the initial clot blocker has apparently done it's job and dissolved or mostly so, the massive clot that was blocking her lungs and nearly killed her. The thinking there is that she is breathing good, all lung tests and vital signs are good. She explained that heparin or coumadin would be probably a life long thing now. Those prevent clots from forming and from sticking to each other. I understood that they do not dissolve clots but that the body itself will do that in time.

June was alert and feeling good then about 1100 she started complaining of pain in her chest area. They ran some tests and put her on some pain meds but it just continued to get worse. At about noon the Nurse called the Dr. about her pain and the fact that her heart was racing and blood pressure up. He ordered another CT scan. That got done about 2:30 and when she came back she was in really bad shape. Hurting almost more than either of us could stand. I got the nurse in and she administered more pain killer and put out a call for the Dr. to come down and take a look.

Dr. Murray was the one who initially worked with her in Critical care. He couldn't get there till about 5:30 and had studied the results of the scan and said now we know what the problem is: June is bleeding internally, but he immediately said there are three major kinds of internal bleeding and she has the one that is the easiest treated. Apparently due to the clot buster or the continued heparin she got bumped just under the left rib cage and the bleeding is in a muscle which causes tremendous pain. She has bled about a liter of blood which is a bunch. He ordered the heparin stopped and said that will stop the bleeding but the other side of the coin is that it will then allow clots to continue to build now that we know she has that tendency.

The good news is that the strainer that they put in on Dr. Murray's orders early on has caught a big clot that would have killed her outright without a doubt. It is doing it's job. He explained this is a tight rope but the best course he and his associates can come up with. She is strong but greatly weakened by the 13 days of trauma. She was feeling better when I left due to the pain meds and, I think, knowing what is the problem. I know she was worried about the cause of that as I certainly was. The care she is getting there is still top notch and her little nurse is a marvel but not as readily available as when in ICU. She has other patients too.

And that's it for today. I again feel optimistic too knowing what is going on. I am not the most patient as most of you are aware and not knowing drives me up the wall.

Ken

Sun, Apr. 25, 2010 - Update on June Lee

Hi,

Well everything continues to go good for June. She just needs to recover from all the trauma. Ken says she is doing well and is resting. She will have a long road to recovery. Ken said that they are still not allowing visitors. It is limited to just family. This way June will get the much needed rest that she definitely needs.

I delivered cards from North Central All-Stars and Eastern WA PAGO along with some latte money for Ken. It sure gave him a boost. Thanks to all who contributed. This is the best organization!

Well, our prayers have worked so far. Keep them coming so June gets better quicker. Thanks for all the thoughts, cards, and prayers you have all sent. They have been deeply appreciated. I will only email again when there is something major to report - like she is going home.

Thanks again from Ken and June.

Chocolate Hugs & Kisses,
Diane Osborne

Sat. Apr 24, 2010 - Update on June Lee

Hi all,

Well everything is wonderful today. The ear, nose and throat Dr. came in and did an evaluation this morning and said the test she was able to do looked OK so she consulted with the Dr. and they decided that today was the day. They removed the ventilator tube about 1130 and she has been doing great without it. She had a cpap like mask on for about two hours but now just oxygen tubes in her nose to make sure her oxygen level stays up. They came in and did a swallowing test that the tech said was OK but not great but that will come back with time. She still can't talk but that is to be expected after 12 days on the ventilator. She is just laying here alternately watching Hallmark Channel and napping. Larry and Julie were here last night and this morning and left to return home about 15 min. ago. Lewis will come tomorrow. Everyone says she looks good and they expect rapid improvement from here. I must say she sure looks wonderful with out that damned tube. Thanks for the Love and prayers for her they have worked miracles.

Ken

WooHoo! Eastern Star prayer is very powerful!

Clue #3

Follow the Stars, they'll lead the way
Just travel up to the north and to the far East
Our wagon-wheel "Spokes" turn as fast as they "Can"
April 27th, 4th Tuesday, to welcome bright star, so far from the least!

The Place to Be!

Esther Chapter in Port Angeles on Monday, April 26th. Meeting starts at 7:30 PM.

Apr 20, 2010 - Skagit PM & PP Luncheon and New Grand Representative

It was a happy day at Mount Vernon on Tuesday as the Skagit Past Matrons and Past Patrons honored the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron at a luncheon. The menu included delicious home made chicken pot pies and they even made a special one for Lanita without peas!

The group's president Gail Thompson (in between Marge and Dennis in the white coat holding Dennis's hand) kept the meeting going and everyone had a great time.

We learned later that that evening Grand Warder Donna Lind traveled to Cyrene Chapter in Sedro Woolley to present WM Gail with the Grand Representative of Virginia commission. Congratulations Gail! WooHoo!

The answer to Clue #2

The stars are coming out in the evening sky. Dick, Elaine, Harold and I traveled to Henry Wentworth Chapter this evening to put a name to the second Star in our grand family.

The chapter room was filled to the brim with only one or two seats available for latecomers. “CarnJack” and his groups of helpers were again in prime form trying to give the question and the proper answer. It appears that “CarnJack” will need much more practice at this. When they could not find “either” of the persons they were seeking, finally Brother Dick and I relented and had WM MARY HELEN JOHNSON and WP Calvin Russell stand so that we could introduce next years GRAND ADAH and her escort. Mary Helen is appointed out of both Henry Wentworth and Martha Washington Chapters and both chapters were there in full force for the announcement.

Also,in attendance were two Past Grand Matrons, Ann Gates and Joanne Clark (who is also a Past Grand Adah) and Past Grand Patrons, Brian Gross and Paul Runyan; two Grand Officers, Marcia Haukaas and Christine Ford (present Grand Adah), three Grand Representatives, two DI's, along with three WM's and 5 WP's. There were a total of six Past Grand Adahs present, Lorie Morgan, Alice Ashley, Gen Cooly, Joanne Clark, Elaine Weigel, and myself.

I want to thank all those who came and showed their support. There was excitement and fun in the air and it was a meeting of good work and real fun. Keep watching for the next clue!

Linda Runyan, AGM

WooHoo! What a great pick! Congratulations Angel Mary Helen!!!!!!

Photos courtesy of Marcia Haukaas

Apr 21, 2010 - Update on June Lee

Hi,

Well, we were flying high yesterday, but today we are flying low. They did take out the rest of the ventilator tubes this morning. That lasted about 30 minutes. June's throat is so swollen that she just couldn't keep breathing. So they had to put the tubes back in and sedate her. The doctor said that the bleeding is not a problem amy more and her lungs are working just fine. It is the fact that her throat was so swollen that the air just could not get through. They are now planning on waiting two more days and then they will try it again.

Needless to say, Ken is upset. They did have a team ready in case there was a code blue, but they were not needed, thank goodness.

Thanks for keeping the prayers and cards coming. They are still very much needed.

Chocolate Hugs & Kisses,
Diane

April 20, 2010 - Update on June Lee

Hi,

Well, I have to say WHOO HOO! June is breathing on her own. Ken did say that not all the ventilator tubes are out, but she is breathing on her own. They are letting her rest again this afternoon and plan to take the remaining tubes out tomorrow.

Lewis and Lori are here today. Her daughter-in-law and two little grandchildren are there today also. That made June smile. Ken is flying pretty high today.

Chocolate Hugs & Kisses,
Diane Osborne

Prayer is powerful medicine. The news is good, but let's keep June in our prayers until the news is great.

Apr 17,2010 - Southwest WA Assn Dinner

The Southwest Washington Association paid tribute to GI Jane and GI Joe and their honored guests - WGM Marge and WGP Dennis - as they held a "Salute to the Military" dinner in Longview at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

Over 100 people enjoyed great hors d'oeuvres served by very attentive Boy Scouts and then a delicious roast beef dinner also served the the Boy Scouts.

After dinner the Boy Scouts entertained us with a ceremony saluting the flag by showing us a variety of US flags from the beginning of our country.

It was a very impressive presentation and everyone was happy to provide some extra donations so the Boy Scouts can go back to Washington, D.C. this summer for their annual convention.

After dinner there were presentations to the honored guests including the WGM, WGP, Gr. Treasurer Marcia Haukaas and Gr. Adah Kristine Ford. There were also lots of door prizes, although many of us thing they were fixed since so many of them went to honored guests! All in all, it was a wonderful evening filled with good friends and fellowship.

Apr 17, 2010 - Thurston Co.PM Luncheon

It was a beautiful afternoon in Tumwater as the Thurston County Past Matrons met to honor Worthy Grand matron Marge Ramsdell. They also paid tribute to WGP Dennis Okicich and Grand Marshall Peggy Mills who represents their area.

The room was full of Aloha spirit and everyone enjoyed a delicious salad luncheon.

After lunch we were given and true and now rare treat as Charlotte and Art Runyan entertained us as only they can. How wonderful to see and hear them again!

It was a great luncheon, enjoyed by all.

Update on June Lee - Monday, April 19

Hi,

Today has been an uneventful day. Ken is more relaxed.

They did wake June up this morning and they gave her a breathing test with the respirator still in her throat. They needed to see if her lungs were strong enough and clear enough for her to breath on her own. They determined they are Okay. So tomorrow they will try again to take out the respirator and get her to breathe on her own. Hopefully it will not be a repeat of the previous ordeal.

They have inserted a 'filter' into the main artery where the blood comes up from the legs. It is to prevent any more clots getting into her lungs or heart.

Today they are letting her rest up for tomorrow morning. Send an extra prayer so all goes well tomorrow.

Chocolate Hugs & Kisses,
Diane Osborne

Message from the AGC

FROM: GERRY MOSLER, ASSOCIATE GRAND CONDUCTRESS

A big thank you to all who came to my reception on April 10th. What a wonderful day it was and I appreciate all of you who came to share with Occidental Chapter and myself.

I received many lovely gifts but I have one that I don't know who it is from. The gift is a beautiful candle warmer with butterflies forming the holder for the warming dish. It was in a bright blue gift bag and there is a card in it signed PAT - no last name. I want to thank the person who gave me this lovely gift so please contact me and let me know it was you. (tgmosler@comcast.net)

In Star Love and Friendship - Gerry Mosler

Update on June Lee - Sunday

This was forwarded to us by Diane Osborne.

Not a good morning here. The had June off all meds this morning and awake to try to remove the ventilator tubes. She was ready and wanting them out. The Dr. told me there was a 1 in 15 chance that she might have to be put back on if she couldn't handle it. I went to the lobby while they did this. They called a Code Blue and it was June. She is still bleeding in her lungs from the dissolving clot and she couldn't handle it. They had to reinsert the tube and needed a bunch of help. They have put her back under deep sedation and have the ventilator working on keeping suction going to remove the blood and to help her breath. The nurse told me this happens often and they will try again in a couple of days. It is most discouraging but she is alive.

Ken

Clue #2

Clue #2:
Follow the Stars, they'll lead the way
Travel again Way South, but much more to the West
If you follow where "Henry""Went", it will be "Worth" it
April 21st, 3rd Wednesday, see another new star, the kind that's best.

Saturday, April 17 - Update on June Lee

Hi,

Today is a better day for Ken and June. June gave him a big smile this morning. I"ll bet she was thinking HELLO! They tried to give her a simple breathing test but she wasn't able to do it. She was only off the respirator about 2 minutes. They will try again tomorrow morning. They are in no hurry. They want to give her plenty of time to be strong enough. She was also able to give the doctor a thumbs up when he was asking her questions. The doctor told Ken that her lungs looked good. Ken said her color is even better today. All three kids are there today.

I asked about the clot and the doctors are assuming it is dissolving as her oxygen level is up. The goal now is to get her breathing on her own. That will be a big relief for the family when she is able to do that.

She has a long road ahead of her. Continue to keep her and her family in your prayers.

Chocolate Hugs & Kisses,
Diane Osborne

2010 - Apr 16 - Update on PGM June Lee

Hi,

I just came back from seeing Ken and there is no change in June's condition today. That is upsetting as they cannot do the breathing tests to try to get her off the respirator. The blood thinner is doing its job, but it causes her to bleed. Until that stops they cannot do the breathing tests. It is a fine line. Ken says it is like being on a tightrope. His daughter from Virginia is with him today.

It is also Ken's birthday today. I took him a funny card and a large Hershey Bar. (Of course chocolate!) It made him smile.

Just a reminder, visitors are not allowed in the Critical Care Unit. Only family members are allowed. Do not come to the hospital to see June. You will not be allowed into the Unit. We will let you know when visitors are allowed.

Thank you for continuing to pray for June and her family.

Chocolate Hugs & Kisses,
Diane Osborne

2010 - April 15 - Update on June Lee

Good afternoon,

I went straight to the hospital this afternoon when I got back into town. The family had gone to lunch so I waited. Soon Clark, June's brother, came in as he had just arrived from Arizona. Shortly Ken came back from lunch.

Ken said, that June is not as responsive this morning as she was yesterday afternoon. She is still heavily sedated. The good news is that her oxygen level is up. The doctors were hoping to give her some breathing tests this afternoon, but that will be determined at that time. Ken also said that the clot is dissolving. I asked about any of it getting into her lungs. He said that it is turning it into mush and that it will go into the capillaries and just continue to dissolve. That made me feel better.

June has past the 48 hour mark and the longer it is the better. Ken said that if she makes it she will be one of 3% who do make it.

Ken was much more himself today. He is so thankful for all the cards, calls, and prayers. Keep them coming as he needs them now and June will deeply appreciate it later.

Miracles do happen.

Chocolate Hugs & Kisses,
Diane Osborne

Keep those prayers going!

Answer to Clue #1

CLUE #1
Follow the Stars, they’ll lead the way
Trek your way south and mid-way the state along with us
A place where the “Green” has been there for”Ever”
April 14th, 2nd Wednesday, and name a “new star,” a first for us.

Evergreen Chapter was the spot to be tonight. A total of 36 people were present to learn the answer to Riddle #1. Brother Dick and I along with the help of the announcement team of Jack "CarnJack", Elaine and Harold searched for the answer to the question.
After much "fall-di-raw", we determined the answer and had the extreme pleasure of announcing that Brother Harold Hill will be the new Grand Chaplain for the coming year.
Present for the evening was one PGP, Brother Paul Runyan, along with escort Sister Barbara, one elected Grand Officer, Sister Marsha Haukaas, and three appointed Grand Officers, Glenda Miller, Stella Brown, and John Chamberlain who came straight from work.
Besides Brother John, our present Grand Chaplain, we also has Brother Clayton Sparks, junior past Grand Chaplain in attendance.

It as a fun time and Sister Becky and Brother Nick Goddard are real troopers to "take the heat" so well on their first meeting. It was a memorable evening.

Star Hugs,
Linda Runyan


Congratulations Harold Hill from Evergreen Chapter - the Grand Chaplain for 2010-11.

Update on June Lee - Apr 14

Hi,

I just came back from the hospital and June has been moved out of the Critical Care in the Emergency room to the Critical Care upstairs. She is still in very critical condition.

I talked with her two sons and Ken. The Doctors described the clot as "Massive". It is located at the entrance to the two pulmonary arteries that lead to the lungs. They have her on a major blood clot 'eater' as Lewis calls it. It can only be given one time as the Doctors told Ken. She is also on another blood thinner.

She is still sedated, but did squeeze Ken's hand this morning.

Both her sons are there with Ken, plus his brother. Their daughter will fly out of Virginia as soon as possible. Please continue to keep them in your prayers. They really need it.

I am going to Pine Tree today to respond at Pat Scales Honor Night. I will check on June again whenI get back into town tomorrow and then send another update.

Chocolate Hugs & Kisses,
Diane Osborne, PGM

2010 - Vida Installation and New Grand Representative of Utah Apr.13

The sidelines were packed as Vida Chapter installed their new officers. PGM Bev Haave did a great job as installing officer and new WM Gini Dryer-Dow and WP Tom Dow were pleased to see their officers in their new outfits. Gini welcomed everyone to a "swanderful" year and she and Tom encouraged everyone to remember all those who don't come to Chapter.

At the end of presentations, WGM Marge Ramsdell, who was installed as AM of Vida told her new AP Bob Lindsey (who has been her WP twice before) that she had a presentation for him. Everyone was thrilled to learn that he will be the new Grand Representative of Utah in Washington. Bob and Lila have lots of family in Utah and he was raised in Salt Lake City so this is a great treat for them.

It was a lovely evening, full of hope and promise.

2010 - Kitsap Mason PM & PP luncheon Apr 13

Over 40 friends gathered in Poulsbo for the spring Kitsap Mason PM and PP meeting. The meeting was preceeded by a delicious soup and salad luncheon. During the meeting all those who have not been to a meeting before are initiated into the group.

It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon and the view from the center is spectacular.

New Grand Representative of Pennsylvania

Paul Cooley of Centralia Chapter was announced last night as Grand Representative of Pennsylvania. Paul and his wife Gen were both very pleased as they are originally from PA.

There were 53 members in attendance, 1 GGC Committee member, 1 Grand Officer, 4 Grand Representatives, 2 Deputy Instructors and 3 visiting Worthy Matrons and a host of friends and well wishers.

Paul was in the East being honored as the Jr. Past Patron so I had him and first time WP Ray Berrian help her build an Easter basket.

The audience by applause or boo determined if an item was a good thing or not for a child's basket. There were Hershey bars, eggs with money and eggs with candy, a slinky (the state toy) a rubber firefly and lady bug mask (the state insects) and some Philadelphia cream cheese.

Finally, Paul opened an egg with a Grand Representative's pin inside, to his surprise and the energetic applause of the membership.

Marcia Haukaas
Grand Treasurer

Prayers Needed

Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:51:53 -0700

Dear everyone,

I just came from the Central WA Hospital. June Lee is in the Critical Care Unit in the Emergency Room.

It all started this morning at 7:30 AM. At the Ephrata Hospital they thought she had a heart attack. They got her to Wenatchee. I was able to see Ken. June has a blood clot between her heart and her respiratory system. They have her on major blood thinners and she is sedated. Her boys are there with Ken. Ken is hoping things get better so they will admit her.

I will check with the hospital or Ken in the morning and send an update as soon as I know. Keep her and Ken in your prayers. They both need them.

Chocolate Hugs & Kisses,
Diane Osborne

New Grand Representative of South Carolina

Updated to add pictures:

Hi All

Had the honor of giving Lyn Fergusson AM of White Rose Chapter the appointment of Grand Representative of South Carolina on Monday. We had 25 visitors of which 12 were past GR. Lyn was very surprised and is planning to go to SC in June for the Grand Chapter Session.

Dragonfly Hugs
John Chamberlain
Grand Chaplin

On Monday, April 12th, at an Installation at White Rose Chapter, John Chamberlain, Grand Chaplain, announced that Carolyn (Lyn) Ferguson is the new Grand Representative of South Carolina. One picture is John making his presentation, another is the current and former Grand Representatives (and John) who were present for the announcement. Lyn was installed as Associate Matron of White Rose. She is also Electa at Magnolia Chapter so she is in the blue book.

I was a great time and Lyn is thrilled!!

Vicki Chamberlain

2010 - AGC Gerry Mosler Reception - Apr 10

It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon and Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church was standing room only as Occidental Chapter held a reception honoring Associate Grand Conductress Gerry Mosler. The Grand officers turned out in force.
Gerry's special guest was Anna Knecht, Associate Grand Conductress of Oregon.
The packed house included 18 Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons. The responses were warm and funny and more than a few tears were shed -especially when PGM Kit Wells responded for her daughter.

The sun streaming through the beautiful stained glass windows of the church where Kit and Jack Wells and Gerry and Terry were married lent a very special glow to the day.