American Flag History Presentation

BC / Yukon Past Grand Patron Jim Pound and his wife, Celinda Williams will be conducting a beautiful TRIBUTE to the various flags used throughout America's History at the Maple Leaf Building on March 18th at 7:30 p.m. Celinda's father has been collecting these flags for a number of years and has done many presentations over the years to Schools, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) groups, Veterans groups, Masonic Fraternity meetings etc. Keeping our country's history alive through these flags. It has been her father's passion for many years.
PARADE OF FLAGS –

The idea of flying flags grew from the requirements of ancient warfare and the battlefield. Shields were painted with emblems or symbols to identify friend or enemy yet warriors needed to know where their leaders were hence the custom of carrying a pole was adopted and subsequently the idea of flags began!

National flags have come a long way. Flying now in courthouses, classrooms, and fire stations they typically hold symbolic significance for organizations as well as nations and have complex meanings ingrained into their designs. Yet they also bear with them a history – a story if you will, that must not be forgotten as it is in part, a history of where we have come from and who we are.

Fifty years ago, Ted Williams (Celinda’s Father) was a Boy Scout Troop leader and one of the recommend projects that year was patriotism. The troop decided to investigate American history by researching all the different flags and set out to make a series of paper flags that would tell the story of America.  That was the start – stars glued on butcher paper that would become a personal interest that has since been shared at many events for many years.

Adder in Iraq and as recently as June 29^th, 2015 over the grave ceremony of an American Revolutionary War Patriot in Virginia – a descendant of the Williams family recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The 45 minute historical presentation will be hosted by Bellingham Bay Lodge No. 44.  The 37 flags will be posted for display prior to and after the presentation.

New Grand Representative

Last night (February 23rd), Amethyst Chapter was the place to be.  Members and guests gathered to honor Deputy Instructors Richard Moulden and Martin Monk.  After all the accolades were given, I asked Worthy Matron Jean Pennington if I could address the chapter.  I took the opportunity to thank Amethyst for allowing me to be a part of their meetings and activities for years.  As I will be unable to attend their meeting in March, I asked if I could have some fun with the members.  Sister Nancy Jorgensen had distributed tickets prior to the meeting to all Amethyst members.  Brother Al Jorgensen drew three numbers and when Sister Nancy read the winning numbers, Sisters Jan Horst, Sandra Monk and Barbara Lampi came to the East.  I presented each one with an envelope, with a Snoopy saying, that revealed their prize.  Sister Jan won a stuffed puppy (“Happiness is a Warm Puppy”) and Sister Sandra a bag of chocolates (“Happiness is a Bag of Chocolates”).  When it came time for Sister Barbara to read her saying, she was speechless.  In a quiet voice she read “WHEEEEE!!!!  I’m the new Grand Representative of South Carolina!” at which point the Chapter erupted in cheers and applauses.  I then presented her with her commission and paperwork after which I had the honor of presenting her with her pin.  It was an awesome end to a fantastic evening!  Congratulations Sister Barbara!
Amy Smith, Grand Martha

Extended Reservation Deadline for Hotel Sheraton Roma

Important Message from WGP Bob deBruyn, Grand Chapter of Italy ~

The Hotel Sheraton Roma has extended the deadline for making reservations for OES to 05 March 2016.

Esther Club Luncheon

Esther Club Luncheon on Saturday, February 13, 2016
CLICK HERE for pictures!

The plate (pictured below) was donated back to the Esther Club by Eunice Butterfield, it was the one that Al received from the Esther Club when he was WGP.  It kind of caught Calvin off guard and for a few seconds he was speechless, which you know is a long time for Calvin. There is special bond between Calvin and the Butterfields and he said in his acceptance speech there would be more to follow at Grand Chapter, stay tuned.

Memorial Services

Russ Coffman’s services are Sunday, February 14^th @ 1:00 PM @ Powers Funeral Home, 320 W Pioneer, Puyallup with a reception following at Phoenix Masonic Hall, 1009 Main St, Sumner.

Marge Todd's service is at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 3315 S 19^th St, Tacoma on Sunday February 14^th at 2:30 PM. 

New Grand Representative

I presented the commission to South Dakota last night (February 5th) at Juanita Chapter to Mary Beth Short.  I read a poem as I walked around the chapter room, describing South Dakota, asking the members to guess the state.  As I rounded the corner I displayed a sign with Mary Beth's name on it to those on the south.  The room erupted but Mary Beth didn't know her name was on the paper.  I turned around and showed it to her and gave her a big hug, congratulated her, escorted her to the east, and presented her with the rest of her paperwork.  It was a wonderful evening.  
Claudianne Jones, Grand Electa

New Grand Representative

Grand Chaplain, Neil Glessing and Grand Ruth, Virginia Elliott, visited Pilgrim Chapter in Sequim on February 4th and presented the Grand Representative of North Dakota to Marge Williams, WM.

New Grand Representative

     I presented Sister Ada Anderson, Victory Chapter #161, Millwood, with a Grand Representative Commission to Rhode Island, tonight, February 3, 2016. 

     I had five clues prepared for chapter members to guess the state.  The last clue was:  "the smallest state in the union."  Everybody got that and I then announced the newest Grand Representative, Ada Anderson.  The news was greeted with enthusiasm and much cheer.

Claudianne Jones, Grand Electa

New Grand Representative

It was a joint effort at the Grand Marshal reception on Saturday, January 30th to make this presentation. I brought Helen Collins up and thanked her for the countless hours she has spent in making the crochet crosses that we are giving out at the OV's. I said I had a certificate of appreciation in the envelope and what was inside was a blank sheet of pink paper. Then I announced that really we were presenting her with the commission of Grand Representative of Scotland but the paperwork had not arrived yet. That's when Irene Jacobs, Grand Secretary came up and gave her a certificate she had made at the Grand Chapter Office for Helen until the real paperwork gets here. 
Hugs, Kristine Ford, WGM