OES WA Calendar

Monday, February 28, 2011

PLACE TO BE

The place to be on Wednesday, March 2nd is Stanwood Chapter. The meeting starts at 7:30 PM.

2011 - Feb 27 - Prince Hall Luncheon

Looks like they had a great time at the annual luncheon with Prince Hall in Olympia.

Click here for pictures.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

2011 - February 26 - Reception of Assoc. Gr. Conductress

Over 300 brave souls risked life and limb to attend the Reception of Associate Grand Conductress Stephanie Hoye. Pigs were flying everywhere and there was lots of laughter and fun. Someone messed us and printed the wrong speech, so she was forced to improvise and try to give it from memory - not so easy at her advanced age!

For those who want to know what she was really going to say, here it is. If you don't care what she had to say, CLICK HERE for pictures from Rodger Collins!


Good Afternoon. Thank you so much for coming to Analia Chapter today to honor the station of Associate Grand Conductress.

Associate Grand Conductress – WOW!

So, since good discipline is essential to the success of our order, what exactly is “grand” good discipline? What is it like, what’s required to be the Associate Grand Conductress?

First of all – and for those of you who aspire to this position, listen carefully – as soon as you are elected you are required to pull out your checkbook. You have to pay for:
• Your installation dress
• Forever dress
• Luncheon suit
• Travel dress
• The installation dinner
• Sunshine
• Grand officer gifts
• Subscriptions
• Gifts for Christmas and unbirthday parties
• An endless stream of luncheons and dinners throughout the year
• And a partridge in a pear tree.
Make sure you keep that checking account full and checks at the ready because just when you think they’re wrung every last nickel out of you, they say those four dreaded little words.

And then, Oh, by the way, by virtue of being elected, you are now on the:
• Standard works committee,
• Worthy Grand Matron’s Special Project committee
• Ex-officio on the Charities Fund committee
• Ex-officio on the Finance committee
• Ex-officio on the Session Site Selection committee
• And, oh, by the way, you are also the fraternal correspondent for all Grand Chapters M through Z which means you have to read their proceedings and file a report on certain things about them.

Now, my big sister Gerry has to read A through L, but please don’t feel sorry for her. It has recently come to my attention that there are 61 other Grand jurisdictions, which means we should have about 30 apiece. However, when I counted, there were 21 in A-L and 40 in M-Z. Next year that will be just fine, but right now – it sucks!

Oh, by the way, several things had to be done right away.
• My session chairmen had to be named so they could start their official duties on the Grand chapter properties committee. Thanks Paula Sonker and Dianna Kaspar!
• My decorations chairman had to be appointed so she could work with the session chairmen. Thanks Louise Day!
• My Tellers chairman also had to be appointed so he could start working on the tellers committee. Thanks Alan Sawyer!
• A decision on the gift for Gerry’s grand officers when she is WGM had to be made and the gifts had to be started. Thanks mysterious person who is making the mysterious and wonderful gifts!

And, oh, by the way – you are in charge of the Grand Officers unbirthday party. You need to
• Arrange for the place
• Decide on the menu
• Send out the invitations
• Purchase the cake
• Arrange for decorations
• And, try and collect the money from those slippery Grand officers! Believe me, that’s the hardest part!

And, oh, by the way – you are in charge of getting the quilts made that are presented to the WGM and WGP at the farewell dinner. Now, quilts imply sewing and that’s not my forte. I have a sewing machine but only for dire emergencies. It rarely sees the light of day. In fact, when I had to pull it out the other day to work on my brag rags, I couldn’t find the instruction manual and it took me 30 minutes to figure out how to thread it. However, I discovered that one of my new dearest friends, Cindy Garrett, is a fantastic quilter and all I really had to do was:
• beg her for help
• collect money from those slippery Grand officers
• distribute the squares
• bug them to get them back to Cindy
• and sit back and look good knowing she will do a fantastic job! Right, Cindy?

Oh, by the way, you need to start making lists of people who can potentially be Grand Officers, Grand Representatives, Deputy Instructors and committee members. If you ever wonder if we are observing you – we are! We are looking at:
• How you do your work – is it from memory, or do you read it and do you know things that are found in the fine print and Book of Instruction?
• Do you work for your Chapter? Are you at all the fundraisers and do you work in the kitchen and help clean up? Do you take offices?
• Do you travel – in your area, around the state, out of state, to regular Chapter meetings or just to special events?
• Are you fun to be around and a happy person?
We are watching you and taking notes!

And finally, oh, by the way, you need to start thinking about:
• Pins for Grand officers and Deputies
• Gifts for just about everyone on earth
• Deputy bags
• Sales items for charities
• Bags
• Notebooks
• Holders for pins and dues cards
• Dress and shoe bags
• Aprons
• Carry ins
• Candy bags
• Brag rags
• Dresses, dresses and more dresses
• And a partridge in a pear tree.

Man am I tired! It’s a big, daunting job, but I am so grateful to have it and determined to do my very best for all of you. Thank you so much for electing me.

Our country has dire problems, but I don’t believe we should rely on politicians, government agencies or other people to solve most of them. It doesn’t matter what party you identify with or what your religious beliefs are, we can all have an impact. Most people don’t choose to be hungry or homeless or jobless. But we can choose to help them.

I believe in the axiom, “Think globally, act locally.” Envision what you want the world to be like and start working on achieving that in your own home, community, county and state.
What can you do to make things better in your neighborhood or town? That’s why projects that support local food banks and schools and other local community needs will be my focus. I want to make things better for the people in my community. When we all focus on making our own communities better, we are like the rock in the pond. We create the ripples that affect more people for good.

Today, instead of corsages or gifts, I am throwing a small rock into the pond. WM Sheila, please accept this check made out to Analia Chapter which I hope you will in turn donate to the Carol Rowe Memorial Food Bank in Edmonds.

(Then she introduced everyone in the room and even made all those who have not been Deputies or Grand Representatives stand so she could check them out.)

I would like to thank my chairpersons for today’s event without whom all this would not have been possible. Kim Norton and Jan Etchison were my general chairmen and I was really worried about that! They wouldn’t allow me to have any say in anything except the lunch menu and my speech. I am relieved and grateful to the two of you for your efforts. I can always count on you for wonderful work and I truly appreciate your friendship. I am also most grateful to the Portrait Grand Family who cooked and served our delicious luncheon. I am so lucky to be part of that group. Please help me thank them.

To Don and Jan Etchison, you are so special to me. Make no mistake about it – Don may be my official escort and do all the escorting and get introduced, but Jan is just as important and as much of the team. Her contributions make my life easier and help keep us moving forward. She says she is the escort to the escort, but I say I have two escorts and both of them are crucial to me. Please help me thank them for all that they do.

To the members of Analia Chapter, thank you so much for your assistance. I couldn’t do this without you and I appreciate you more than words can ever say.

To everyone here, your presence is the best gift you could ever give me. Thank you so much for coming and always remember that laughter is the best medicine.

NEW GRAND REPRESENTATIVE!!

On Thursday, February 24th Grand Ruth, Anita Borst traveled to the Official Visit of Harmony and Silver Star Chapters in Waterville to present the Grand Representative of North Carolina commission to Chuck Garrett. Chuck is Chaplain of Harmony Chapter in the current Blue Book.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Canceled Meetings!!

  • Eastern Washington Current & Former Grand Representatives:
President Ed Weber just called to say that he and Brother Dale Cooper had decided to cancel the February meeting. The snow is quite deep and the roads probably won't get plowed in time to make it safe for our members to travel tomorrow. They send Valentine greetings and hope everyone stays safe and warm!
Our Chaplain, Brother Bill Duggan had surgery Monday, February 20 and has returned home to Coulee Dam. He would appreciate prayers and cards but no calls or visits. Thanks.
If you know anyone in your area that does NOT have email, would you please call them and let them know. Thank you very much.
Jean Burnett, Secretary
Eastern Washington Grand Representatives' Club
  • King County Past Matrons and Past Patrons group club meeting that was scheduled for February 25th at 11:30 AM has been canceled due to the road conditions. Thank you. Tim Hall

Cedar Chapter Top 8 Honor Night Postponed

Cedar Chapter #173 will NOT be meeting tonight, February 24th, due to the dangerous weather conditions. We have scheduled a make-up meeting on Tuesday, March 1st, which will be a regular meeting. The Top 8 Bon Voyage Honor Night will be held on our last meeting, Thursday, March 24th. We hope to see you all there.
Stay home and stay safe!
Star Hugs,
Kathy Patrick, Secretary
Cedar Chapter #173

Honor Night Cancellation!!!!

Due to the icy conditions on the Penninsula, the Honor Night for Sparkler DI Bernice Zachau on Friday, February 25th has been cancelled.  We will let you know when it is rescheduled!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Feb 23 Honor Night postponement!!!

I have been asked to pass on the word that due to inclement weather, tonight's Honor Night for Sparkler Deputy Instructor Robin Erickson at Tacoma Chapter is being cancelled and rescheduled for NEXT Thursday, March 3, 2011, at 7:30 pm.

Please pass on this information to as many as you can manage.
Star Hugs & Thanks!
Kathy Patrick, Secretary
Cedar Chapter

2011 - Feb 21 - OV Crystal, Laurel and Southgate

There were over 90 members in attendance at the OV of Crystal, Laurel and Southgate Chapters in Enumclaw.  The 3 Chapters did a great job of their work and everyone had a wonderful time.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins!

2011 - Feb 22 OV Golden Rod and Bethel

Looks like they had a lot of fun at the OV for Golden Rod and Bethel.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins!

2011 - Feb 21 - W. Wash. Grand Representatives Luncheon

It was a beautiful day and the food was delicious as the Western Washington Grand Representatives held their annual luncheon honoring the WGM and WGP. 

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Corrected Location for Feb 25th DI Honor Night

Sparkler Deputy Instructor Brnice Zachau's Honor Night this Friday, Feb. 25th, is at 7:30 pm at the Renton Masonic Center on Bainbridge Island (1299 Grow Ave NW).

Monday, February 21, 2011

2011 - Feb 20 - High Tea in Vancouver, WA

It was a beautiful day for a High Tea yesterday in Vancouver as Henry Wentworth, Lackamas and Martha Washington Chapters did a wonderful job of decorating their tables and providing for their guests.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

2011 - Feb 19 Martha Luncheon honoring Helen Collins Grand Martha

The sun shone brightly in Ballard as the Martha Club had a luncheon to honor Grand Martha Helen Collins.  The luncheon was delicious and a representative of New Beginnings gave a very interesting talk on domestic violence and the incredible work their organization does to help victims.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

2011 - FEb 18 - OV Cyrene, Madrona, Mount Baker, and Tula

Over 100 members gathered in Sedro Woolley for the first 4 chapter OV. 

WM Nadine Weatherby and WP Stephen Doran of Mount Baker and their officers did a great job of opening and introductions.  Then WM Judy Savage and WP - PT Gerald Guthrie of Madrona and their officers took over.  Mary Hartsfield, AC - PT, did a beautiful Associate Conductress lecture to the candidates as their ritual work. 

WM Gail Thompson and WP Charlie Tewalt of Cyrene and their officers were up next and did a wonderful Golden Chain.  Then finally, WM Debbie Allen and WP Jim Iversen of Tula and their officers finished out the night and made everyone proud. 

Despite dire predictions, the meeting was finished before 9:30 and everyone had a wonderful time.  The evening went very smoothly and there were delicious refreshments in the dining room afterwards.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins!

2011 - Feb 17 - DI HN Jan Dore - Reliance

Looks like everyone had a great time at the Honor Night for Jan Dore of Reliance chapter.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collin!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

NEW GRAND REPRESENTATIVE

I have the extreme pleasure of announcing Brother Calvin Russell as the new Grand Representative of the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland, even though the announcement was at Henry Wentworth Chapter his appointment will be coming out of Martha Washington Chapter.
Star Light Love,
Mary Helen Johnson, Grand Adah

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins!

Grand Chapter forms

The forms for Grand Chapter are now available on the sidebar under Forms.

Update - No more proxies in Washington

Please read the communication from WGM Linda Runyan concerning proxies in Washington.

Click here to read it.

2011 - Feb 15 - OV Priscilla and Poulsbo

Over 90 members gathered at the Bainbridge Island Masonic Center for the OV of Priscilla and Poulsbo Chapters.  Looks like everyone had a great time and the dinner before hand was delicious.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins!

2011 - Feb 14 - OV - Corinthian and Tyler

Sources say over 90 members enjoyed a great OV and 101st birthday party at Corinthian and Tyler Chapters in Tacoma.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins!

Monday, February 14, 2011

2011 - Feb 13 - Night at the Speakeasy

Da Guys and da Gals was out in force at the Speakeasy in West Seattle.  Al Capone and Don Corleone both made their presence known and Big Tommy was enforcin the code with his gun in tow.  The gang ate and drank some great chow, then they fought it out over poker and auction prizes.  The WGM and the WGP got what they deserved and went away quietly!

Everyone scattered when a rumor circulated that the cops were on the way!

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

2011 - Martha Club Luncheon - Feb 19th

If you are planning on attending the Martha Club Luncheon on Saturday, February 19th, please bring toiletries for New Beginnings. The agency prefers regular size products not what you get when you stay in hotels/motels. (Lotions, bar soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.) The members of Martha Club have been bringing items the last two meetings. I'll have a box to put the items in at the luncheon.

Thanks

Sandy McAmmond, President
Martha Club

2011 - Feb 12 - Grand Esther Luncheon

The Esther Club held their annual luncheon to honor Grand Esther and the other Starpoints on Saturday, February 12.  The dining room at the Lake City Presbyterian Church was filled with happy people who came to honor Grand Esther Lorna Burns and to celebrate the other four - Grand Adah Mary Helen Johnson, Grand Ruth Anita Borst, Grand Martha Helen Collins and Grand Electa Ann Taylor.

The luncheon was delicious and the company superb.

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Catching up!

Been under the weather with the crud and then out of town on business, so sorry about the lack of updates and thank you to Mary Ellen Sparks for keeping everything going in my absence. 

Rodger Collins has been busy snapping pictures of events in the meantime and here are links to all those he has sent. 

February 3 - Dual Honor Night for Sparkler Deputies Mary Ann Metcalf of Alderwood and Pam Ellsworth of Golden Rod - Click here!

February 5 - Reception for Grand Secretary Sandra K. Henry - Click here!

February 6 - Pierce Thurston Secretary Treasurer Luncheon honoring Grand Secretary Sandra K Henry and Grand Treasurer Marcia Haukaas - Click here!

February 7 - Official Visit at Waitsburg and Alki Chapters in Waitsburg - Click here!

February 11 - Port Orchard Sweetheart Luncheon - Click here!

February 11 - Merger - Montesano Chapter into Centralia Chapter - Click here!

I have also added pictures to the announcements for our two newest Grand Representatives that Mary Ellen posted earlier.

Hugs to all and please remember, if you're sick - stay home!

Friday, February 11, 2011

PLACE TO BE

The place to be is Henry Wentworth Chapter in Vancouver on Wednesday, February 16th. It's Friends Night and the meeting starts at 7:30 PM.

NEW GRAND REPRESENTATIVE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

Last night Terry and I traveled to Bethel Chapter in Granite Falls and I was pleased to be able to give the commission of Grand Representative to WM Kathleen Bechler. I had 5 contestants for my quiz show and Grand Sentinel Bob Breza was the official scorekeeper. Each contestant won a prize, but Kathleen got the most questions right and was awarded the Grand Prize.

She was excited and a little tearful. After the cheering calmed down Bryan called Kathleen's mom and while she was on speaker phone I told her what I had done. She was thrilled for Kathleen and sorry that she wasn't there - she is a 60+ year member. Her comment to Kathleen was "That's a long way away"!

A fun Valentine's meeting and a good ending to a good evening.

--Gerry Mosler, Grand Conductress

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

PLACE TO BE

The place to be is Bethel Chapter in Granite Falls on Thursday, February 10th. Meeting starts at 7:30 PM.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

NEW GRAND REPRESENTATIVE OF MICHIGAN

It was my pleasure at the reception for the Grand Secretary on Saturday, February 5th to surprise Brother Robert Shaw, Associate patron of Welcome Chapter #40, with his commission as the new Grand Representative of Michigan.
Bob is a quiet kind of guy who just turns his hand to anything and is very dependable. This commission is richly deserved and I'm sure you will all welcome him into his new position as a Grand Representative.
Sandra K. Henry, Grand Secretary

Click here for pictures from Rodger Collins

Thursday, February 3, 2011

OV Date change

The OV for Crystal, Laurel and Southgate Chapters has been changed to February 21st.  It will still be at Crystal Chapter in Enumclaw and the time is the same.

2011 - Feb 2 OV Kirkland & Lakeside and New GR announced

Over 80 members gathered in Kirkland on Wednesday as WGM Linda with WGP Dick had the official visit of Kirkland and Lakeside Chapters.

WM Paula Sonker and WP PT Ralph Omholt, then WP Ron Moll of Kirkland did a great job of opening, introductions and getting the business of the chapter handled.

Under Good of the Order, Assoc. Gr. Conductress Stephanie Hoye approached the East to announce the two people who will serve as chairmen of her session.  She pointed out that the people in this position must be organized, creative, flexible, good leaders and self starters.  Both of her chairmen have those qualities.  The first one announced was Paula Sonker - current WM of Kirkland Chapter. 

The second chairman announced was Dianna Kaspar - current Secretary of Kirkland Chapter.  After the excitement of these announcements died down, Stephanie also announced that Dianna was the new Grand Representative of Massachusetts in Washington.  Shock and tears followed as she was given her new pin and the necessary paperwork.  She and her Kirkland travel mates are already planning a trip to Massachusetts Grand Chapter in May.

When the excitement died down, WM Joanne Bornstine and WP Ralph Omholt and their officers did a beautiful job exemplifying the Golden Chain.

It was a wonderful evening and everyone had a great time.

Click here for pictures from the OV and here for additional pictures for our new GR from Rodger Collins.

PLACE TO BE

The place to be is the Reception for the Grand Secretary on Saturday, February 5th at Welcome Chapter, 19331 N US Hwy 101, Shelton. The reception starts at 2:30 PM.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

NEW GRAND REPRESENTATIVE OF MINNESOTA

Grand Adah, Mary Helen Johnson traveled to Montesano Chapter on Tuesday, February 1st to present the Grand Representative of Minnesota commission to Dolores Hagethorn. This was Friends Night and the last chapter meeting before their merger into Centralia Chapter on February 11th.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Attn: Grand Representatives

INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM CURRENT GRAND REPRESENTATIVES: If you are planning on having your Grand Representative Honor Night during the 2011-2012 year and you have not already scheduled it, please contact Alice Hammontree at abhammon@comcast.net or 253-922-1288. A calendar is being made for the 2011-2012 year to include Grand Representative honor nights and we would like to insure all honor nights are included. This information is required by no later than February 15.