2011 - Jan 29 Guiding Star Mystery Dinner

Looks like everyone had a great time at Guiding Star's Mystery dinner.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins.

2011 - Jan 29 - King County PAGO Luncheon honoring Gr. Marshal Karin Whipple

King County PAGO had a wonderful luncheon honoring their newest member, Grand Marshal Karin Whipple.  Everyone had a great time and enjoyed getting together.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins.

Sad News

Joan Kershner passed away this evening at her home in Medical Lake.   She had been under the care of hospice and her family for the last few months.  Joan was a Past Matron of Spokane Chapter, Past Guiding Angel Deputy, Former Grand Representative and Past Friend of a Feather for MWGM Barbara Benton.

Arrangements are pending.  Please keep Joan's friends and family in your thoughts and prayers.

Places to be

The place to be on Tuesday, February 1st is Montesano Chapter; it is also their Friends’ Night and their last meeting. Since this is their last meeting before their merger, it would be great to see lots of people there to support them.

The place to be on Wednesday, February 2nd is Kirkland & Lakeside Chapters Official Visit. Something fun might happen at their OV.

Hands Across the Border

Hands Across the Border Exchange, May 7, 2011 -

Time is of the essence for room reservations for Friday night, May 6, 2011.

It is unfortunate that we were able to block only 25 rooms for Friday night. We met with Kendra Hindman on May 1, 2010, and requested 75 rooms for Friday night. However, they are booked full and the best she could offer was only 25 rooms for Friday night. Some of their bookings are 3 years out.... into 2013.

If you wish to reserve a room at the Coeur d'Alene Casino for Friday night, you need to call NOW and reserve. Below is the invitation and information that will be mailed to the Chapters within the next few days. The mailing to the Chapters will include a Dinner Reservation Form.

OES INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE

“Hands Across the Border”
May 7, 2011
Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, Worley, Idaho

The Grand Chapters of Alberta, British Columbia & Yukon, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington are meeting once again for our annual “Hands Across the Border” International Exchange on May 7, 2010 at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel at Worley, Idaho (25 miles south of Coeur d’Alene on Old Highway 95).

The Hosting Grand Jurisdiction this year is Montana. WGM Margo Hellickson and WGP Rich Ransdell would like to invite you to attend for an evening of a delicious meal, fun, fellowship and renewing old acquaintances.

This is strictly a social get-together. Theme for the evening will be “Circles of Life”, with a touch of “western”. Dress for the evening will be your best denim duds (ladies – skirts please – no slacks or pants).

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel under the name of “Eastern Star”. The room rate is $62.95 + 7% Tribal Tax ($67.36) per night, single or double occupancy, for Standard and Deluxe Rooms: 2 Queen or 1 King Beds, Non Smoking/Smoking. This special rate will apply for Friday and Saturday nights. Rooms will be held at this rate until 2 weeks prior (April 22, 2011) to this event. Any rooms remaining in the block that have not been assigned will be released and reservations made after this date will be at the normal rate and depend on availability. Please make your reservations early as the hotel was booked full and we were blocked for only 25 rooms on Friday night and 125 rooms on Saturday night. Reservations may be made by calling reservations toll free at 1-800-523-2464. Check-in time is after 4:00 p.m.; Checkout is 11:00 a.m. All times are PDT.

RV parking is available across the old highway. With the on-going construction, this location is subject to change and may or may not have water and electricity.

An afternoon program will be held beginning at 1:00 p.m., PDT, featuring Service Dogs. “Noah’s Team of Montana” with Lynn Engum, Team Leader, affiliated with Canine Assistants out of Milton, GA, will be giving a presentation. Each team has a C.A.S.E. Dog (Canine Assistants Special Educator) who serves as an ambassador. They will be bringing one or more dogs with this presentation who are graduates or dogs in-training. Canine Assistants is an exciting program which takes advantage of the generosity of volunteers to educate people about how service dogs assist children and adults who have physical disabilities, seizure disorders, and other special needs. They may also have a display table for their fund raising products. You won’t want to miss this.

Dinner check-in will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a no-host social hour at 5:00 p.m. Dinner will start at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2011. All times are PDT.

The dinner will be a “Land Lover” buffet selection with 2 meat entrees:
• Chanterelle crusted chicken breast with sherry cream sauce and fresh thyme
• Prime Rib

Served with the following:
• Caesar salad with parmesan, romaine hearts, and creamy garlic dressing
• Roast corn-macaroni salad
• Waldorf salad with apples, walnuts, celery and creamy dressing
• Honey-orange glazed baby carrots
• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
• Dinner rolls with creamy butter
• Deep dish apple with spiced sweet cream

Cost for the dinner is $30.00 per person (US funds) and includes the gratuity. Dinner Reservation deadline is April 18, 2011. No refunds after April 18 unless there is a substitute/alternate. No Late Reservations Accepted. There will be No complimentary dinners. If you have had gastro-intestinal surgery and need special diet consideration, please contact the chairman of your jurisdiction for special arrangements.

Please join us for a special afternoon program and an evening of fun, food, fellowship and Montana hospitality. There will be drawings and prizes throughout the evening. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Fraternally,
Martha G. Hendrickson, General Chairman, Hands Across the Border

Washington members should send their dinner reservations to Tom and Pat Scales of Pine Tree Chapter.

NEW GRAND REPRESENTATIVE OF OREGON

Last evening (January 25th) I had the pleasure of presenting Lora Mauel of Centralia Chapter the commission to Oregon. There were two new Grand Representatives in attendance. I was able to have her mother, Leora Mauel, help me in the presentation which was very special. Cards can be sent to 2103 Taylor Rd, Centralia 98531.
Gloria Schwartz, AGM

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins

Merger announcement

The ceremony of the merger of Montesano Chapter into Centralia Chapter will take place at the Centralia Masonic Center on Friday, February 11, 2011 at 7:30 pm.  Please join the Chapters as they come together.

2011 - Jan 22 Snohomish Co Association Dinner and Auction

The Snohomish Masonic Center dining room was festive and full as everyone gathered for the annual dinner and auction.  The dinner was delicious and Steve Morgan did a great job as our auctioneer.  The prizes were wonderful and everyone had a really great time.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins.

Place to be

Centralia Chapter on Tuesday, January 25th. Meeting starts at 7:30 PM.

2011 - 01-22 NW PDI Luncheon

The Northwest Past Deputies enjoyed a delicious lunch honoring WGM Linda with WGP Dick at Occidental Chapter in Ballard on Saturday.   Afterwards they had a regular meeting in the Chapter room.  Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the friendship and fun.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins.

2011 - Jan 21 OV Stanwood and Afton

(Unofficial count) 113 members crowded the Chapter room at Stanwood for the official visit of WGM Linda with WGP Dick to Stanwood and Afton Chapters.

WM Jennie Kelly and WP and PGP Wayne Mouat of Stanwood did a great job of leading their officers in opening and introductions. Then WM and WP Donna and Don Severen of Afton Chapter took over and with their officers did a beautiful job of exemplifying the Golden Chain.

It was a very special night for everyone as WGM Linda was given the privilege of presenting a 75 year pin to Sister Helen Starr. Helen was given the Grand Honors and a standing ovation.

The Special Angels for the Chapters were Alice McDonough for Afton and Mary Coombs for Stanwood. When asked if she would be at the event honoring the Special Angels at Grand Chapter, Mary informed everyone that she had to stay home and take care of her dog!

All in all, it was a wonderful and fun evening for everyone.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins.

NEW GRAND REPRESENTATIVE OF ALBERTA

Thursday (January 20th) night at Adelphi Chapter in Spokane I was pleased to announce Darrell Burnett as the Grand Representative of Alberta in Washington. It was a great fun evening as Pete Peterson (former Grand Representative of Alberta) and I tried to find the Adelphi member who had the best Canadian "a". Darrell was the winner.
Bob Breza, Grand Sentinel

New Grand Representative of Connecticut!!

I had the pleasure of announcing Amelia Coffman as the new Grand Representative to Connecticut in Washington this evening at Guiding Star Chapter. I appeared as the angel “Mercy” sent by Gabriel on a mission. Amelia was totally shocked and thrilled as her daughter, Sister Peggy Mills, pinned her. There was a nice turnout despite there being a Friend’s Night at Lewis Chapter.

Angel hugs and lots of excitement!!!!!!!
Pamela Lee, Grand Organist

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins

Installation Dates!!!!!!

If you have the installation dates for your area, please send them to Mary Ellen or me so we can get them on the calendar. 
Thanks!

Prayers needed

Our Grand Ruth Anita Borst could use some booster prayers right now.   Here's what she says.

Hello Everyone,

This is just an update which it seems to me is the same each month!  I am in a real low period.

My white and red Blood counts are almost bottomed out.  I seem to just have enough energy to walk from the couch to the kitchen.  The doctor just says don't worry, you do this every 10 day cycle after Chemo and you always come back up again in time to be hit with the next treatment.  I have sores in my mouth and nose.  I made a mistake last week and asked the dentist assistant if I could use some teeth whitener.  She gave me some so I went home and used it once.  I now have blisters on my gums along with everything else!!  What a nightmare.

My last treatment is the 24th of January.  I will never use whitener again.....

Hope everyone is well.

Anita

Let's send her some extra special prayers and maybe a few cards to let her know we care!

PLACES TO BE

1. Guiding Star Chapter in Sumner on Tuesday, January 18th. Meeting starts at 7:30 PM.
2. Adelphi Chapter in Spokane on Thursday, January 20th. Meeting starts at 7:30 PM.

New Grand Representative of Florida

Frank had a  lot of fun to making the presentation of Grand Representative of Florida to Rae McIntire at Cedar Chapter Jan. 13, 2011

Frank had LaNita pass out candy to all the Officers, but a special Orange Chocolate Ball was given to Rae McIntire.  Then Frank asked LaNita for the Choc. Orange and she said she gave it to one of the officers.  LaNita asked who got the Choc. Orange and Rae said she did so LaNita asked her to take it to Frank in the East and Frank said he would trade that orange for what was in an envelope.  When she opened the envelope Rae did not know what to say so Frank introduced her as the new Grand Representative of Florida in Washington.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins!

Congratulations Rae!  Well deserved!

NEW GRAND REPRESENTATIVE

The weather guesser took the message of "the place to be" and showed in force on Wednesday, January 12. As a result the attendance at Evergreen was small, but the presentation was made. Grand Chaplain Harold Hill with the assistance of WGM Linda and Escort Jack sat on a fake pile of snow with the aim of telling a story as soon as the "tale could be told!" As a result the new Grand Representative is Nick Goddard representing New Brunswick.

Zesta Limbo Memorial Service

Zesta Limbo, former Grand Representative of Kansas, passed away on January 11th. Her memorial service will be Saturday, January 15th at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1535 Washington Ave, Enumclaw. Please keep Ray (former Grand Representative of Arizona) and the rest of the family in your thoughts and prayers.

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.
-------------------------------------------------------------

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.