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2011 History of the Grand Chapter of Ohio
Marion Johnson, P.M., Caroline #39
The year of Dancing in Unity and Harmony came to
its final movement on September 24, 2010 at the
Dayton Convention Center as the 121st
Annual Session, “Life’s Golden Treasures,” began
with 1318 members present from the 1912 who
pre-registered. Following the music of the Ohio
Eastern Star Chorus, under the leadership of
Pamela Sheetz, Lyndon #361, and
accompanied by Elaine Hammond,
Brecksville #537, the 2010 Drill came alive
on the Grand Chapter floor. Directed by
Phillis Kaiser, Elizabeth #56, and
narrated by Clarence Cudney, Ellbrook
#408, the participants marched to the music
of Carol Kauffman, Elizabeth #56,
PGM (2000). The Grand Representatives in their
rainbow colored dresses formed a rainbow and
their escorts with their flags circled the East.
The 2010 Worthy Matrons formed a Pot of Gold.
The 2010 Deputy Grand Matrons formed a sun to
bring Light. The Worthy Patrons and Past
Patrons of Districts 3 and 9 formed the outline
of a church, with the Past Patrons of 3, dressed
in red jackets, continuing through the church to
form a cross on the steeple. The Past Matrons
of Districts 3 and 9 then entered the church to
form the choir and all sang “The Church in the
Wildwood.” Frank Clifton, Olive
Branch #251, PGP (2007), Kathy and
Richard Barrick, (PGP 2008), Findlay #23,
entered the church as the minister and bride and
groom. We enjoyed the talents of soloist,
Sandee Daggett, Day #479 and a lovely
ballerina, Mandy Spellman, Aero #536,
and Past Grand Worthy Advisor of Rainbow.
Several people were disappointed that the Over
the Rainbow Drill Team did not perform, but that
occurred following the Grand Banquet.
Prior to the formal opening, we
enjoyed the presentation of the emblems with a
ceremony written by Janet and Vincent
Sheehan, West Jefferson #492, in 2000
when they were Drill Directors. (Janet
served as the 2010 Grand Chaplain.) The 2010
Appointed Grand Officers took their stations and
their 2006 counterparts carried an encased flag,
open Bible, and the Star Point emblems from the
Grand East to the Grand Chapter floor, forming a
star encircling the Bible as the various points
were mentioned in the narration, read by WGM,
Janice Goerss, Western Reserve #71.
The narration told some of the history and
symbolism of each station. As Carol Kauffman,
Elizabeth #56, PGM (2000), sang “Trust in
the Lord,” the 2006 officers carried the emblems
to their counterparts, who placed them
appropriately, and all retired together.
The Grand Pages and Grand Aides
treated us to the formation of the Buckeye O, as
they marched in to the OSU Fight Song, and then
out to OH-IO.
Mike Bartholomew,
Dorcas #277, narrated the Grand Officer
Drill, telling a bit about the hometowns of the
Grand Officers as they were introduced,
outlining the state. They then formed a square
and compasses, paying tribute to the Masonic
honors of the WGP, Bruce Ailes, Stokes
#543. The next formation was an arc in the
east, where the Grand Officers swayed on canes
as the WGM and WGP waltzed to “I Could Have
Danced All Night.” They closed with the WGM’s
familiar closing, including God, U and I Dance,
(GUIDANCE) in Unity and Harmony.
The session
held many highlights, one of which was the
address by Rennie Ofton, MWGM, PGM of
Texas. She shared several statistics including
a large decline in membership, but a steady
level of giving and challenged us to continue,
as “we are good people, doing good things, for a
good reason.” Terry Posey, Most
Worshipful Grand Master, Dayton-Victory #594,
brought greetings from the Masonic Lodge and
challenged us with 10 guidelines to being a
sister or a brother. He reminded us that as we
stand on the shoulders of others, we must be
sure our own shoulders are good enough for
others to stand upon.
We learned that $44,000 had been
raised for Rally for Rehab, the area to house
the equipment at the Ohio Eastern Star Home.
That puts the two-year goal of $75,000 well
within reach. The Grand Secretary announced
that we currently have 237 chapters. We are now
larger than Texas in membership (they have 33,
841 members), but they have more chapters, 394.
We lost 2665 members this year, putting our
membership at 40,680, with a 5.3% loss. 389
members hold dual memberships. 648 Fifty-Year
pins were presented. The office is moving
toward new membership software that will allow
secretaries to enter their own information.
From the Grand Treasurer we learned that in
2010, 36 persons were awarded $63,000 in ESTARL
grants. In 2011, 40 recipients will receive
$65,000. Over $485,000 was raised for all the
charities. $9000 was approved from the
Benevolence Fund. Seven chapters have merged
and one more has voted to do so. Racine #134
and Gallipolis #283 each initiated 10 new
members during the 2010 Grand Chapter year.
They were presented certificates and a $10 gift
certificate towards pizza to honor those new
members. Three groups were recognized for
outstanding charitable work. District 17’s
Cancer Walkathon has brought in $275,000 during
its 30 years, with $16,500 this year. District
22’s Festival of Hope has brought in $46,500
over the past four years. The knitting ladies
of NoCaStar Auxiliary in District 13 have made
441 hat and bootie sets and baby blankets for
the local hospitals. Individual volunteer
awards, announced at the Grand Banquet, went to
Lucille Gelter, Russellville #461,
Ray Roberts, Caroline #39, and
June Wilson, Cardinal #140. The
first three positions were announced in the
ritual awards this year, with a critique sheet
available for those wishing it. First place
winners were: AP, Robert Hagger,
Western Reserve #71; Adah, Debbie Poole,
Warpole #366; Ruth, Beth Mason,
Cardinal #140; Esther, Kathy Wentz,
Marietta #59; Martha, Nancy McMillan,
East Palestine #381; and Electa, Cindi
Robinson, Covered Bridge #591.
Sunday brought
the excitement of “The Gift” Drill. Introduced
by Larry Kerns, Kingston #411 and
directed by Suzanne Murlin, Celina #91,
the story of “The Littlest Angel” came alive
before our eyes, with Susan Dennis,
Millersport #301, PGM (2007), serving as the
Understanding Angel, Gary Nordmoe,
Cardinal #140, the Littlest Angel, Frank
Clifton, Olive Branch #251, PGP
(2007), the gatekeeper, and Ken Scott,
Worthington #287, PGP (2009), the voice of
God. The 2011 Worthy Matrons formed the
Heavenly Choir, and the Grand Representatives
were heaven’s new arrivals. The Past Matrons of
Districts 23 and 3 formed the blue egg and the
2011 Worthy Patrons made the butterfly. The
Past Patrons of Districts 23 and 3 formed the
dog collar and the 2 white stones were the youth
leaders and family members. The big screen was
used to allow the gift box to grow into the star
in the east, representing the Greatest Gift,
God’s Love. The installation followed and we
were soon introduced to the 2011 Grand Officers,
the “Gifts of Love.” We learned that our new
WGP, Trevor Sproul, Delta #539, is
young enough not to know what a 45 rpm record
is! It should also be noted that he is the
grandson of Johnny and Carol Jones,
Delta #539, PGM (2001). This
relationship is a first for Ohio! Among the
interesting things to note was that Marilyn
Rowley, Grove City #502, sat as
Installing Grand Adah, and her daughter,
Cindy Chadwell, Grove City #502, was
installed as the 2011 Grand Adah. The
Installing Grand Organist, Mildred Holzer,
Deshler #68, served as Grand Organist in
1979 when WGM Sue Kerns, Kingston #411,
was Grand Adah for the late Suzanne Pearl,
George Lewis Behrens #504 and
Jack Johnson, Unionport #360. We
completed the day by learning the identities of
our District Charities Directors and our Deputy
Grand Matrons, the “Gifts of Friendship.” This
year we will be looking for the gifts you cannot
buy in a store, priceless gifts from God; faith
that sustains you in times of trial, a heart
filled with joy, a happy smile, patience,
understanding, forgiveness, inner peace, and
“The Greatest Gift” of all, God’s love. Our
motto will be “Catch the Fever-God’s Love- and
Pass It On.”
The Gift of Joy
Ohio is thrilled that Vivian
Chrisopulos, Brecksville #537, PGM
(1996), serves as Worthy Grand Warder of the
General Grand Chapter! We are pleased that
JoAnn Hastings, Rizpah #153, PGM
(2005) serves on the Membership Committee,
Barry Metzger, Clermont #135, PGP
(2006), on Chapter Restoration and Larry
Groves, Louisville #400, PGP (2003),
on International Temple for this triennium.
They were honored at the “Stars Across Ohio”
event at the Villa Milano.
How excited
the Ohio members were to learn that their Worthy
Grand Patron, Trevor Sproul and his wife
Jodi had given birth to an 8 lb, 7 1/2
oz, 21 inch, baby girl. Caitlyn Jeanne
Sproul was born on April 8, the same day as
her great-grandfather Johnny Jones. She
has traveled with her parents all over the state
and is the apple of a lot of eyes! Just 3 weeks
later, on April 30, Trevor and Jodi
presided at the Inspection of Delta #539.
WM, Jodi, inserted several sassy baseball
quips and WGP, Trevor, gave inspiring
remarks as he presented WGM, Sue Kerns,
with her honorary membership. Patti Logan
made a beautiful Chaplain’s stole in Trevor’s
honor. It was lovingly presented to the chapter
by PGM (2001), Carol Jones, who is
Trevor’s grandmother.
The Gift of
Education
In addition to the Schools of
Instruction held in each region, with workshops
by the Grand Officers, they also traveled to
five locations around the state to perform
exemplifications of the ritualistic work. Three
of those were held at our retirement
communities! All members were invited, and
asked to watch carefully so that their questions
could all be answered. In District 18, the
Grand Star Points also attended a Line Officer
meeting to which the chapter star points had
been invited. Many officers actually practiced
their work under the watchful eye of their grand
counterpart. The Line Grand Officers also
visited each district for a Meet and Greet
night. This casual meeting was an opportunity
for much interaction and questions and answers.
The Deputy Grand Matrons held Little Schools of
Instruction and came into the chapters prior to
Inspections.
The Gift of
Memories
This year marked the death of
several special members of our Order. We
learned early in the year of the death of Most
Worthy Grand Patron, Frederick W. Clarke,
on December 28, 2010. Florence Adair,
Most Worthy Grand Matron 1997 – 2000, died on
April 20, 2011. Ohio’s own Algin Miller,
Neal #522, who served as Worthy Grand
Patron in 1992 with Marilyn Bennett,
Palestine #51, during “The Adventures in
Living” year, died on November 19, 2010.
Neva Moreland, Knox #234, who served
as Worthy Grand Matron in 1993 with Joe
Blazer, Gallipolis #283, for the
“Tapestry of Life” year died on January 5, 2011.
We were also saddened by the loss of
the following spouses. Milton Bennett,
Palestine #51, husband of Marilyn
Bennett, PGM (1992), died on December 12,
2010. Rae Ellen Dale, Ellbrook #408,
wife of James C. Dale, PGP (1988), died
April 2, 2011. Verna Goetz, Cardinal
#140, 1984 Grand Chaplain and widow of
William C. Goetz, PGP (1989), died April 3,
2011.
We are
grateful for the fond memories we have of these
fine people, and the years of service when they
shared their leadership abilities with us.
Their friendships blessed our lives, and we
trust our prayers will bless their families.
The Gift of
Recognition
Often Grand Officers are honored
with special events during the year, and having
all five Grand Star Points present at Grove
City #502 on April 14th was
memorable. Each one gave an informative talk
about their heroine, and then shared gifts with
all of the past and present star points who were
in attendance. All five were again present at
Corinthian #393 on May 16th for
another honor night. Grand Adah, Cindy
Chadwell, Grove City #502, was
especially honored on May 26th at
Brecksville #537. Worthy Grand Warder and
PGM (1996), Vivian Chrisopulos,
Corrine Witham, PGM (1982), Marilyn
Rowley, PGM (1983), Bonnie Youngblood,
PGM (2006) and Janice Goerss, PGM
(2010), were all present to witness Gayle
Adamek, 2002 Grand Adah, present Cindy
with an honorary membership. Jill Mollif,
Brecksville’s Adah, is Gayle’s
daughter! 34 past or present Adahs were in
attendance. In addition to sharing Adah’s
story, Cindy also shared how special it
has been for her to be Grand Adah, as her
mother, Marilyn Rowley, served as Grand
Adah in 1975 for Elizabeth Whitehouse,
Lincoln #309, merged with Ann Rutledge
#453 and Raymond Belfrage, Eugenie
#507. Four years later, Sue Kerns,
Kingston #411, our WGM, served as Grand
Adah for Suzanne Pearl, George Lewis
Behrens #504, and Jack Johnson,
Unionport #360, while Marilyn
served as Grand Warder!
Several chapters were recognized for
reaching milestones of 75 or 100 years!
Urbana #530 celebrated with a visitation by
the WGM and WGP. Their program listed
information from 1936, as well as from their 25th
and 50th celebrations. They also
included a list of all Past Matrons and Past
Patrons, history about Diamond #84, who
merged with them in 1997, a list of their
charter members, and those honored by Grand
Chapter through the years. They were given a
plaque of recognition by the WGM and WGP.
Urbana has been honored by two Grand Marshals,
Deloris Callicoat, 1990, and Ginger
Huhn, 2000. Both were present and had their
picture taken with Melody Nordmoe, 2011
Grand Marshal.
The Gift of
Faithfulness
Among the most heartwarming stories
that come across the Historian’s desk are those
of special pin presentations and faithful
membership records.
Wanda
and Carl Hooks served as WM and WP of
Heber #62 for the first time in 1961. Two
of their new members were Kathryn and
Eugene Schleich. (Kathryn is Carl’s
cousin.) This year, fifty years later, Wanda
and Carl are in the East again, and
Carl was privileged to present 50-year pins
to Kathryn and Eugene at their
Inspection! These are all faithful and active
members. Wanda has been WM four times
and served as Grand Representative of Washington
in 1972 and DGM of District 23 in 2003.
Carl has been WP 14 times, serving with
Wanda, Kathryn and his daughter, Kay
Akison, who served as Grand Adah in 2009.
Kathryn also served as WM four times, and
was Grand Representative of New Hampshire in
1995.
Elaine
Hutson, John Hutson and Ruth Ann Mason,
Coshocton #157, received their fifty-year
pins from Alice Moore. Alice was
conductress when they were initiated into
Wakatomica #544. She escorted them to the
East, just as she had done 50 years prior.
Opal
Ballard, 102, is 65-year member of
Bellefontaine #459, having been initiated
into Hamma #312 at Belle Center. She
operated Opal’s Beauty Salon 25 years, sang in
the church choir, taught Sunday school and
enjoyed crafting and playing cards.
Roy
and
Janet Viall, Richard and Marcia Frank,
Lora Lehman and Janet Plymire,
Shreve #496, visited with Ethel Hughes
and presented her 70-year pin. Some of
Ethel’s Eastern Star jewelry was presented
to her granddaughter, Michelle, also a
member of Shreve.
Beallsville #24 was pleased
to honor Ruth Paine by having her son,
Charles, present her 75-year pin. She has
served the order well, being WM in 1944, 1999
and 2000. She served as DGM in 1949. Currently
she serves as Organist, an office she has held
for more than 50 years! She was a student at
Muskingum University when she was initiated, and
rode the train to that meeting, April 28, 1936.
She taught at Beallsville HS and was Home
Economics Agent for Monroe County. She
continues to volunteer at Barnesville Hospital.
Sue
Kerns, WGM,
presented a 75-year pin to Jane Mills at
Aldora #262’s Inspection. Jane,
who remains active in several local groups,
walked spryly to the East and didn’t want to
discuss “the age thing.” She served as Grand
Representative of New Hampshire in 1954. The
chapter also gave a 65-year pin to Elinor
Gebhart, 1992 DGM, which was presented by
her husband Lee. Then 60-year pins were
presented to Wilford and Louise Jones.
Each presented to the other. They have been
married 66 years!
Irma Lewis,
Grove City #502, celebrated her 100th
birthday on March 13 with an open house at the
Grove City United Methodist Church. Among the
well wishers were Cindy Chadwell, Grand
Adah, Marilyn Rowley, PGM (1983), and her
husband, Gene, all members of the
chapter.
Bryan #248 was delighted when
Helen Riehle, 83-year member, turned 100
on June 24. She and her daughter, Thelma
Riehle, attended their June meeting to
celebrate!
Celina #91 is proud of
Helen Smith, who turned 100 on February 16.
She is a 69-year member and served as Worthy
Matron in 1953. She served as Grand
Representative of Utah in 1960.
The General Grand Chapter recognized
the 105th birthday of Eunice
Brillhart, Tiffin #189, on January
21, 2011, with a letter and certificate. She
was featured in the Toledo Blade and on CNN,
partly because of her age and partly because she
has a Facebook page and enjoys Wii bowling. She
loved receiving cards from many sisters and
brothers.
The Gift of
Compassion
As our chapters and members reach
out to help and serve others, they accomplish
their goal of helping those in need. At the
same time, they increase public awareness of the
Order and what it stands for, helping
communities see them as more than contributors
to charities.
Dayton-Victory #594 decided
to prepare meals and snacks for firemen,
policemen, road crews, hospital workers, media
and others who must work on Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day. They solicited food and
donations from surrounding restaurants and
businesses and opened up at the Centerville
Masonic Center at 5 P.M. on Christmas Eve. They
cooked and served food to an almost continuous
stream of deserving people, including a few
covered in soot! When they closed at 7 P.M. on
Christmas Day, they had hearts full of love to
offset the tired legs.
In February, eleven members of
Strongsville #559 donated two hours each to
assemble 700 backpacks for distribution, through
the Cleveland Food Bank, to area school
children. (The Food Bank helps assure that the
students have food for the weekend.)
District 5 brought new or old
(clean) blankets of any size to their January
District meeting to share with the community
through the Sharing Kitchen in Fostoria.
Many members are contributing used
pill bottles to Matthew 25 Ministries, a group
in District 20 which recycles them for use in
distributing medicine in Third World countries.
In Lewisburg, the Past Matrons of
Ideal #293 donated $2000 towards a fountain
for a village landscaping project which also
included a new sign, flower bed and flag pole.
Beverly Reed served as spokeswoman for
the project. The group received a plaque of
appreciation from the village as well as an
article in the local paper.
Elaine Beardsley,
2010 WM of Ann Hill #81, wanted the
chapter to make a difference in Fredericktown.
She spearheaded the development of a scholarship
fund, with money raised by dinners for the
public on the second Sunday of each month.
Monica Shira received the first scholarship on
June 12 at the dinner at the Masonic Hall. Her
grandmother and great-grandfather were both
present. The members of Ann Hill are
raising public awareness through both the
dinners and the scholarships.
District 28
has a Scholarship fund that was started from the
funds left over from the Star 28 Committee that
supported Catherine Jones, Lucasville
#495, PGM (2008), while she was a Line Grand
Officer. Her chapter continues to donate to the
fund, whose recipient is chosen alternately from
Adams and Scioto counties.
Sometimes public relations comes in
unexpected places, like a February 3 article in
the Toledo Blade featuring Nathine and
Willard (Bill) Smith, Palestine #51,
in the “Around Town” article by Barbara Hendel.
Nathine was our Grand Ruth in 1981.
In addition to the charities that we
support as a Grand Chapter, many chapters also
support local organizations as well. Children,
the needy, and battered women are all concerns
of many of our chapters. NoCaStar Auxiliary of
Legacy #596 continues to make baby hats
and booties for the local hospitals, but they
also are knitting hats for those who have
cancer.
The Gift of
FUNdraisers
Creativity abounds! Several
districts are joining with restaurants and
claiming a portion of a night’s profits by
advertising for the restaurant, and sometimes by
helping serve. And we cook and sell our own
food, from Baked Potato bars, ice cream socials,
pancakes, Dime a Dip dinners to Road Kill
dinners. Special events, like a tea and style
show, a sock hop, or mystery theater are fun
events that also support our fund raising
goals. Some chapters or districts attend Reds
or Toledo Mudhens ball games, others work at the
concession stands of the Dayton Dragons.
Narrated dinner cruises on the Maumee and Ohio
Rivers were enjoyed. Trips to the Vera Bradley
outlet, a new England Coast trip, Lake Erie, and
the OES trip to Maine all sound enjoyable, as
well as helping the coffers. District 7 is
selling copper cookie cutters in the shape of
the Star Point emblems! District 5 held a
“Gently Used Purse” auction. Other sales
projects were spring flowers, cookie dough,
jellybeans, two-year planners, dishcloths,
jewelry, homemade Christmas ornaments, and pound
auctions.
Some
FUNdraisers are for the benefit of others,
rather than for our chapters. On May 14, over
50 sponsors and walkers joined the Susan G.
Komen Race for the Cure in Columbus as members
of “Star Love Jean’s Team, in honor of our AGM,
Jean Watters, Dorcas #277. Soon
Rita Scott, Worthington #287, and
Cheryl Metzger, Clermont #135,
wives of PGP’s Ken Scott (2009)
and Barry Metzger, (2006) and Martha
Pruitt, Celina #91, 2005 Grand
Organist, were added as cancer victims. Captain,
Peg Reiterman, Sterling #74,
PGM (2009), set a goal of $1000, but over
$2500 was donated!
District 16 raised over
$800 for Cancer research in their first year of
participation in the Franklin Local School
District’s Mini-Relay for Life.
The Gift of Fun
in Programs
Queen Esther #15 had a glass
blowing exhibition, including the sale of some
of the artist’s fused pieces. Olivet Chapter
#538, District 18, had an honor night for
their Honorary Members! Willoughby #202
traveled to Germany, France, Ireland, and Hawaii
with special programs and refreshments from
those countries at different meetings. Orion
#12 holds a picnic for members and friends.
They have a “retiring of the badges” ceremony
before Installation.
Neighbor
Night is a District 16 tradition that began at
Zanesville #52 in 1934. The members of
the Chapter would open the meeting, then guest
officers from other chapters would assume the
stations and present the degree work. In 2010,
Muskingum #485 revived the tradition
after a seven-year gap. However, the guest
officers came from chapters in Districts 12, 15,
25 and 27, as well as 16. In 2011, the
tradition continued and included a visit from
Trevor Sproul, WGP.
The Gift of
Delight
Over 200
members attended the annual Open House of the
OES Home in Mt. Vernon on June 26. It was the
celebration of the Home’s 60th
anniversary as well as the ribbon-cutting
ceremony for the new rehabilitation area in the
Glenn A. Gallagher Centre. The Centre is also
home to Knox #236, as well as a lodge,
chapter, council, commandery, and grotto. It
recently received the Heart Award from the Knox
County Chamber of Commerce. The Home also
received an award of excellence from the
Consumers Research Council of America as a “Top
Nursing Home.” The Health Care Services
received scores well above the Ohio average in a
survey of residents and their families taken by
Ohio’s Long Term Care Consumer Guide.
Congratulations! The OES Home is now on Facebook!
Thanks too, to the membership for their
donations of over $60,000 for the Rally for
Rehab project.
The annual
Charities Extravaganza was another huge success,
raising over $4700 while offering a delightful
evening of good food, fellowship and
entertainment. We enjoyed the talents of the
Grand Chapter Officers as they offered a variety
of skits and musical presentations for our
entertainment. They also sponsored a
phone-a-thon, with those present sending pledges
and challenges to the Grand Officers who were
manning the phone banks and reporting the
progress. Early reports showed over $268,000 in
charitable contributions.
Sally Umbaugh,
Seven Hills #589, was one of fifteen
teachers chosen to participate on Jeopardy,
Teacher Edition. We were delighted with her
second place showing!
Several members took the Honor
Flight to Washington D.C. this year. That is
quite a memorable trip and well worth the
effort. Several chapters have ongoing programs
supporting the military in a variety of ways.
Some chapters reported contributions
to their Masonic Temple Associations or the
Masonic Bodies they are affiliated with for
improvements within their Temples.
Lucasville #495 donated $3000 towards new
dining chairs. Caroline #39 contributed
towards the new carpeting so that the floor
might be electrified for ease in using their
lighted pedestals.
District
18’s District Association held the installation
of Sue Flora, Olivet #538 as
President, by her mother, Jean Idle, a
Past District President. The newly installed
Treasurer was Phillis Kaiser,
Elizabeth #56, sister of Carol Kauffman,
Elizabeth #56, (2000), also a Past
District President.
Olivet
#538 is home to DGM, Sherri Bretland,
who serves as conductress. This gave her the
unique opportunity to present WGM, Sue Kerns,
at the holy altar of her own chapter at their
Visitation.
Congratulations to Harry and Mabel
Shaw, Queen Esther #15, who
celebrated their 70th wedding
anniversary with an Open House on August 14.
Jackie
Hayes, 50-year member of Caroline #39,
serves as mayor of her hometown of Woodstock.
The Gift of
Travel
Grand Representative of Iowa,
Jenna Geuy, Stokes #543, along with
her parents, Dave and Barbara Geuy,
Stokes #543, Carol and Ray
Phelps, Troy #256, and RoBerta
and Jim Reed, New Madison #336,
traveled to Altoona for Iowa’s 133rd
Grand Session, “Dare to Soar.” It was about
half the size of Ohio’s Grand Chapter. Some of
the festivities were held in the large arena of
the Amusement Park that was near the hotel!
They do not have a drill as we do, nor do the
Grand Representatives have like dresses! Their
Deputy Grand Matrons are called Lecturers. The
group was treated very graciously, and enjoyed
the hospitality of Phyllis Moore, WGM,
Gary Smith, WGP, as well as Rennie Ofton,
MWGM and Ohio’s Vivian Chrisopulos,
WGW. Jenna enjoyed seeing her
counterpart Barb Leppert again (she and
her husband, Bob, attended Ohio Grand
Chapter in 2010.) Jenna was proud to
carry the flag at the formal opening and to be
presented. She distributed Buckeye and Buckeye
Bar recipes. The group also enjoyed a stop at
the Amana Villages and a Farm Toy Museum in
Dyerville as they returned home.
Beverly DePoy,
Hawthorne #119, Grand Representative of
Minnesota, attended their 133rd
Annual Session, “The Spirit of Adventure,” which
was held in the St. Cloud Civic Center. The
chapter room was decorated with an evergreen
tree for each chapter, filled with origami
birds. The pedestals were a part of the trunk
of a large birch tree felled at the home of
Donna Hanley, WGM. Each station also had a
large basket of huge pinecones and birch
branches, with scarves the color of the
station. There were 18 Grand Representatives to
MN present, with 9 other jurisdictions also
represented, and 148 visitors. 70 fifty plus
year members were presented at Grand Chapter to
the WGM, totaling 3590 years of service. Her
emphasis on members continued! The membership
committee reported 7282 non-member hits on the
Website. During the ritualistic work, the
conductress does not acknowledge the WGM or the
Bible, either before or after opening the
Bible. The Grand officers did not wear the same
dresses during the session. Beverly was
honored to carry the Ohio flag during the flag
presentations.
Sharon Dillion,
London #386, Grand Representative of
Australia, attended their General Grand Chapter
Session in Brisbane. Meeting Isabel
Mclelland, her counterpart from Tasmania,
with whom she had corresponded for two years was
a real delight. Another highlight was the flag
ceremony, in which each country’s national
anthem was sung after that flag was presented.
The Worthy Grand Marshal did the presentations.
Ohio was also represented by JoAnn Hastings,
GGC Membership Committee, PGM (2005) and Peg
Reiterman, PGM (2005). Other Ohio
travelers were Nancy Robinson, London
#386, Steve and DuAnne Farus,
Olive Branch #251, Steve and
Pam Moore, Urbana #530, Rick
and Lisa Scheider, Palestine #51,
and Becky Thatcher, Fulton #67.
Visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, and
Melbourne, they were thrilled to see the Little
Penguins (18 inches tall) come out of the ocean
at dusk, and to witness the Southern Cross in
the sky, blessing their trip.
Three
busses left Ohio bound for Cape Cod in August.
Each busload will tell you their group was the
most fun or the liveliest! They stopped for
meals at “off “ times so they weren’t springing
145 customers on a restaurant at their peak
hours. With snack breaks added in, they had “2
hour feedings.” At Sturbridge, one highlight
was the tour of the Towne House. The owner is a
charter member of the Masonic Lodge, who opened
his upper level ballroom for Masonic meetings.
The walls feature pillars like cedars of Lebanon
and the ceiling has the all-seeing eye,
surrounded by stars. They ferried to Martha’s
Vineyard and enjoyed hearing about the notable
homes, although they mostly saw the driveways.
The bus tour of Boston was enlightening and the
bus drivers must have been quite harried …
detours and construction and the rotaries caused
a lot of consternation! Ask them about the
R-O-T-A-R-Y song!
As I close the
history, I am reminded that there were many
gifts that went unreported, and are thus not
recorded here. Please remember the Historian as
events occur in your chapters and districts. I
appreciate all the newsletters and emails and
news clippings I receive. A special thanks to
Karen Schwab, Greenwood #159, for
helping with the details of many stories, and to
Carol Krekus, Willoughby #202,
webmaster, for maintaining our informative
website;
www.ohoes.org.
I’d like for all of you to Catch the Fever of
reporting, and Pass news of those events along!
jam@main-net.com
More importantly, Catch the Fever of God’s Love,
and Pass It On. That is the “Greatest Gift”
that can come to you, and that you can share
with someone else. |
