STARS OF WASHINGTON
February 23rd, 2008
#8-009
FATHER FINCH'S FASHION
When Father Finch trades his drab green coat
For a gold one to match the sun,
He's proclaiming spring is getting near
And winter is almost gone!
Where does he get his fashion sense?
Who briefs him on his style?
And, if he tries to change too soon,
Who tells him to wait awhile?
He's happy keeping these secrets;
One knows from his joyous song,
We'd do well never to question
But just enjoy him all the day long.
-- Bernice Maddux, Weatherford, TX
(2/20) Hi everyone,
Well, the last OV west of the mountains took place at Greenwood Chapter this evening. We had a very nice turnout: 2 PGMs, 2 PGPs, 3 GOs, 6 Grand Representatives, 3 DI's, and several WMs and WPs plus a lot of other members. It was a sad time for me as I have thoroughly enjoyed the Official Visits. Just two more in Eastern Washington and then they are done. I honestly hate for this part of our Magic Carpet Ride to come to an end.
As I apologized to Sisters Myrna Nielsen and Pauline Beebe (my sisters in the Legacy Grand Family) that I couldn't get into my "Big Red" dress (those pesky bugs in the closet that SHRINK my dresses!) to honor them, PGP Terry Wiggins jumped up (wearing his Legacy red vest and tie) and complained that the escorts don't get the proper recognition when they wear their appropriate attire and brought Brother Bill Shortt (another Legacy escort) into the picture saying that he "almost had the appropriate outfit" with a reddish color, went on to talk about other items that Brother Bill might be wearing (cowboy boots, large belt buckle, etc.) that might be suitable for Bill to wear to Colorado as the new Grand Representative. Well, as everyone jumped to their feet and cheered, Bill, who was sitting in the West as AP, was speechless as he came to the East to receive the pin and certificate from the Worthy Grand Matron. Bill's daughter lives in Colorado, so this will be a good excuse for him to visit family and attend Colorado's sessions and, maybe Chapter meetings when he goes there. Anyway, it was a very happy evening and we had a great time visiting afterward.
OH, one item that I forgot. The Worthy Matron had delightful entertainment. Just imagine this, a goat that sang, "High on a hill sat a lonely goatherd." You all know that song from the "Sound of Music" that they sang with the puppet show? Well, WM Dorothy had this darling stuffed goat that looked exactly like the one in the puppet show and when you squeezed his foot, he sang the whole song. We all had such fun with it and many of us plan to search for one on EBay as she has had it for a few years and they probably aren't in stores any more.
TIME FOR BED! Hugs,
** Marjoe Richards, WGM
Cards:
Bill Shortt
21506 - 45th SE
Bothell, WA 98021
IN MEMORIAM ... SAM ALFORD, PAST GRAND PATRON
June 1, 1921 - January 15, 2008
Sam Alford was initiated into Alderwood Chapter No. 185 on September 28, 1967. On June 10. 1981, he joined Monroe Chapter No. 102 as a dual member and subsequently became a member of Floral Chapter when the chapters merged on May 30, 2001. He served as Worthy Patron of Alderwood Chapter seven times. He held Life Memberships in both Alderwood Chapter and Floral Chapter. On June 28, 1984, he was elevated to the position of Worthy Grand Patron serving with Beverly J. (Lange) Riley as his Worthy Grand Matron.
In the closing comments of his Worthy Grand Patron Report given Friday, June 28, 1985, at the 97th Annual Grand Chapter held in Seattle, Brother Sam said: "There is no way that I could express the thanks I feel in my heart for the many gifts of love, the watchword of our Worthy Grand Matron, Laughter, Opportunity, Vision and Enthusiasm. I felt brotherly and sisterly love in every chapter. I appreciate the friends I have made along the way. The Spirit of Christmas was present in all chapters and we followed the Star wherever we went. Whenever you thing O. E.S., there is a touch of Christmas."
Sam Alford was born on June 1, 1921, in Taylor, TX to Myrtle LaRue Miles Alford and Sammie Alford. They moved from TX to Bozeman, MT after his father passed away in 1922. Sam joined U. S. Army Air Force on January 1, 1942, and spent most of his service in Papua, New Guinea as a parachute rigger being Honorably Discharged on September 5, 1945. Sam married Bessie 'Betty' Florence Brough in Nundah, Queensland, AU on September 13, 1943. The family moved to Seattle in 1955. Sam completed his Plumbing Journeyman status, and worked as a plumber for the next 29 years, spending the last 20 years with the Seattle School District. Sam enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and was very busy with their Boy Scout and Explorer Scout activities as they were growing up. Sam was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge for over 60 years, and was a founder and first Master of Genesis Lodge No. 305 in Mountlake Terrace. He was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star for the past 30 years, and served several times as Worthy Patron of Alderwood and Monroe Chapters. He is a Past Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Washington and a Past General Grand Committee Member of the General Grand Chapter. Sam is survived by his wife of over 64 years, Betty, along with sons and their wives, Steven & Dee Alford, Leavenworth, and Terry & Sharon Alford, Edmonds; a grandson, Miles Alford, Renton; and step-granddaughter, Alison Siddell, Edmonds; and cousins, Alene McConnell Larch, Great Falls, MT and Nelliemay Miles Hellenberg, Spokane. Same was preceded in death by his grandson, John Alford in 1988. A Memorial Service was held at the Nile Country Club in Mountlake Terrace on January 28th. The family suggests donations to Crista Ministries in Sam’s memory. Donations may be sent to: 193-3 Fremont Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98133.
That all may share in this tribute to his memory, we ask that this memorial be read at the first stated meeting after it’s receipt, and the Altar draped in his memory.
Marjoe Richards, Worthy Grand Matron
Phil Green, Worthy Grand Patron
Sandra K. Henry, Grand Secretary
CHAPTER CORRESPONDENCE
Washington State Chapter, Operation Homefront
Supporting our Troops and Helping the Families they leave behind
December 24, 2007
Grand Chapter of Washington, Order of Eastern Star
615 N. Street SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Attn: Ms. Sandra Henry, Grand Secretary
Dear Friends,
On behalf of our board of Directors and our clients in Washington, thank you for your gift of $1,827.86 to Operation Homefront Washington on behalf of Worthy Grand Matron Marjoe Richards and Worthy Grand Patron Phil Green!
Your generous donation provided a memorable Christmas for military families in need, and who had a loved one serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. Your thoughtfulness brought great comfort to the family, and peace of mind to the serve member serving abroad.
We are so appreciative that through generous community support such as yours, Operation Homefront Washington is able to help military families and wounded soldiers in times of need Should you wish to learn more about Operation Homefront Washington, please visit our website at www.operationhomefront.net/washington.
We are honored to have your support and thank you for joining us in our efforts to serve our courageous service members and their families.
Sincerely,
Laura McCloud Mathers, Director of Development
PO Box 704, Snohomish, WA 98291
P: 425-931-1047
LD: 800-779-5898
washington@operationhomefront.net
www.operationhomefrontwashington.com
A tax-exempt, 501(c)3 non-profit organization
Federal Tax ID #03-0547294
CFC# 70733
PS Thanks for your kind and generous support. This means so much to our troops and their families! LM.
APPROVED BY: ___ s/Marjoe Richards_____
Worthy Grand Matron
Hi Connie,
Sometime when you have a minute, would you include a message from me thanking everyone for the numerous cards and emails and prayers. I am counting on those prayers as I am really struggling with the nausea and can't seem to get a handle on it. But I so appreciate the time that so many of my sisters and brothers are taking to select a card, write their message in it (and I love the messages), and then to mail it out. I am trying hard to keep my spirits up as I know that is a key to beating this dread disease. But the "blues" have assailed me and I need prayers to help me through them. Thank you, everyone, for your many words of kindness and encouragement. And I especially want to thank Bev and Dean Haave for stopping by to visit me on President's Day. It meant a lot and helped to brighten that one day.
Thank you, Connie.
** Nancy Jo Tutino, PGM
The other day, Nancy Jorgensen (WM, Cyclamen Chapter) called me from Louisville, KY, for Sister Nancy Jo's telephone number. Apparently, while Nancy Jorgensen was at the Conference of Grand Masters, she met a lady who knew Sister Nancy Jo and wanted to get in touch. This will be good! Our Sister Nancy Jo needs all our thoughts and prayers and words of 'wisdom' during this trying time in her life. Let's reach out to her with true loving kindness and ask that God give her continued special blessings!
Prayers needed ...
Dear Connie,
I asked you to add me to your list just last week and didn't think I would be sending you something this soon. I don't know how often you send out your letter to members but I would like this included at your first opportunity. Let me know if you need clarification or additional information either by e-mail or my phone is 206 546 6356.
Prayers, Cards, and Good Wishes are needed for Betty Wirth of Laurel Chapter but now Crystal Chapter. As some of you may know Betty has undergone Chemo and radiation for cancer in her lung. The cancer had shrunk to a size that they could operate on. This was done Feb. 1 and the Dr. said all the cancer was gone. >From the hospital she went to Hallmark Manor to recuperate. She has been there just a week. It has been discovered that the cancer has metastasized to the brain. Betty has made the decision for no more treatment. When I talked with her today, she wanted me to tell you that she has so very many happy memories of all of you, her Eastern Star sisters and brothers.
Her family is
trying to find a facility closer to them near
My heart goes out to Betty and her family at this time.
** Pat Schaefer, Analia Chapter
Sadness in Tennessee … Passing of PGP Jim Brewer …
Tennessee and Rock City #2 has lost one of our favorite sweethearts-
** Linda Rudy, Grand Representative of TX in TN; Rock City #2,
Nashville, TN GGC
How is the eye doing? I hope that you can watch Ted clearly and keep him out of trouble. (Impossible! But without cataracts, it is sure a lot easier to keep track of him!!! And you know? He looks the same as he did years ago! HANDSOME! But after-all, he is your twin brother, huh! LOL!)
Would you put the thank you below in your next Stars?
“Thank you to all of my Masonic family friends that have offered up their good thoughts and prayers for my recovery. They are surely working. I am well on the road to being back to my regular self. I know that all of your prayers are working. Thank you all.”
** Chuck McQuery, Junior Past Grand Master of Masons in Washington
(Thanks Connie, CM)
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A message of concern ...
I received this email several times this past week … but Evelyn Parker sent the first alert! I usually don't get involved in these sort of things ... but I have to ask: why is it that someone is always trying to get our meager pennies? All of us in the Masonic Fraternity, try to do GOOD UNTO ALL. We travel in support of our Grand Officers, the Chapters and Lodges, our commitments, etc. and now with the price of gasoline soaring, it creates problems for all of us in saving our extra monies for our philanthropies! Ted did call our Representatives in Olympia several days ago and voiced his concern that he would HOPE that they would think twice about voting yes on this bill!
Ah yes! I can remember the $30.00 vehicle license tabs ... for a couple of years, until Olympia figured 'ways' to get around it! And now, here is another plan! Anyway, let your VOICE BE HEARD! Express our opposition to this proposition with phone calls and letters NOW!
Make a note of the sponsor of these bills so you will remember them when you have a change to vote for them. I have checked this out and it is actually in the works in the Washington State Senate. Remember the $30.00 vehicle license tabs, that have increased to a lot more then $30.00? Well "our" state senators want to ram another increase down our throats based on the cubic centimeters (portions of cubic liters) of the engines in your vehicles.
Check out both of the embedded web links in the Email!
-- Gary Lentz
Subject: Fwd: WA State License Fee Increase
Here's a note I just got from a neighbor about a new proposed Bill in WA. The website highlighted in blue gives the details of the proposed bill. Amazing!
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Vehicle License Fee Bill SB6900
Hello,
There is a bill that the Washington State Legislature is trying to pass
in Olympia that, if successful, will directly add huge costs to our vehicle
license fees. Everyone needs to know about so this situation so that you can
contact your representatives and voice your objection.
The bill is SB 6900 and it adds an "engine displacement" fee to the
vehicle license tabs upon renewal.
The fee has a varied amount depending on the size of the vehicle's
engine:
Engine Size (liters) Rate Schedule
Up to 1.9 $0
2.0 - 2.9 $70
3.0 - 3.9 $225
4.0 - 4.9 $275
5.0 - 5.9 $325
6.0 - 7.9 $400
8.0 or over $600
For each car & truck that you own, calculate the rate by
matching the engine size in liters to the dollar amount. Add the amounts for
each vehicle and you'll see that the average two car family will be paying
$500+ every year in "displacement fees" on top of the normal license fees.
If you have three vehicles, you'll be paying even more.
The average family is already struggling with the high cost of
gasoline, electricity, food and everything else, and our lawmakers want us
to pay more, thinking we have unlimited deep pockets. This will do great
damage to the budgets of retirees on fixed incomes as well.
Now is the time to be very vocal against this bill.
I have contacted all of our representatives, and I would
encourage everyone reading this to do the same.
Here's the web page for the bill where you can read the text:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=6900&year=2007
Here's the link for contacting your representatives:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx
If we don't threaten mass rebellion over this, they'll pass this
bill and we'll be paying huge fees every year on top of their increase in
the gas tax. They have to know that we won't stand for any more taxes or
increase in licensing fees.
I've told my representatives that I will actively work to see
that any lawmaker that supports this bill is replaced at election time.
Please contact your legislators, then copy the text of this e mail, and forward it to as many people as possible that you know in Washington State, and encourage them to contact their representatives and strongly voice their objection to this bill.
Hi Connie,
I know you just sent a Stars of Washington but will you please put the following notice in one of your next issues.
Martha Chapter had planned on having a Pancake Breakfast March 9, 2008 but this has been changed to March 16. Magnolia Chapter was having their breakfast on March 9 and we did not want to have two on the same date and also I would not be able to get home in time from Goldendale so felt it best to make this change.
Thanks and I hope that you recover from the cataract surgery soon. Also I know that it is great to have some great grandchildren. I only wish that my two were closer so that we could enjoy them. One is in Oklahoma City and the other in California.
Sure wish spring would come. We were on the Coast this weekend and it was delightful to have 60 degrees outside.
Hugs,
** Elaine Weigel, Grand Adah
Sadness... Passing of Jane Pehl, Mother of PGP Ralph Pehl -
Mother (Jane
Pehl) who would have celebrated her 94th birthday on March 7, 2008, passed
away peacefully in her sleep early this morning, February 23, 2008, and is
now with her Savior. She had enjoyed many years as a resident of the
Masonic Home in Helena. Services are pending, but will be in Whitehall,
MT. She enjoyed her Eastern Star and had held many offices during her Star
years. She had also been a Grand Officer 3 times: Grand Adah in 1963 for
PGM Bernice Cole, Grand Sentinel in 1967 for PGM Lucille Wall, and Grand
Ruth in 1970 for PGM Florence Bryant. Her 1970 year was with one of her
favorite people, Florence Bryant, who is also a resident of the Masonic
Home. Her room was just across the hall from Mother's room.
---Ralph Pehl (126), PGP
Cards may be sent
to:
Ralph & Joanne Pehl
1433 Maurine St.
Billings, Montana 59105
** Montana Stars
Ouch ...
Thank You -
This is a one
hand (left) one finger work-out. I want to thank all those who have sent
cards and prayer. Both have helped.
My right arm is in a splint and cast that weights about 7 pounds and
will be for ten days. On the 22nd they are to take this off and put on a
smaller one for about 2 more week. My fingers are sticking out and I can
move them but am not to use them. Do my toothpaste with one hand. Curt,
Amy, Allyce and gal next door have been great help after Kym left.
I don't know when I can drive again but am in walking distance of store,
post office, mall and bank so doing OK there.
They moved the nerve from my elbow to the front of the arm. It had
extensive damage so hope moving it will take pressure off it. We do not know
what caused the damage but they think it has happened over a long period of
time. I was told I have a 70% chance of it helping it mend some but without
surgery it would just go down hill. Any way my finger are the same as
before so I look forward to improvement.
Thanks again for your cards.
---Eddy Lou Benson, PGM, & WM Vista Chapter
** Montana Stars
Pacific Chapter news …
Connie, don't know if you can use any of this but my dad Art Herring is doing a newsletter for Pacific Chapter #129 so I thought you might want some of it for the Stars of Washington. Thanks.
** Lori Herman, PM
PS: Lots of us in Pacific also belong to Maple #95 in Seaside, OR
Joys and concerns … Marg Stover PM fell and broke her right hip and had to have a hip replacement. She also shattered her right wrist. Marg is at Ocean View Convalescent Center. Ella Rader PM is able to get up and around with some help.
Centralia Chapter will be having a Mad Hatters Luncheon and a Style Show, Saturday March 1, 1 PM. $10 each; proceeds to go to the Worthy Matron Judy Battin Sellers’ Special Projects. Please send reservations and money to Jeanette Miller, Treasurer 3132 81st Ave NW Olympia, WA 98502
Maple Chapter Seaside will have their Official Visit of the Worthy Grand Matron Sharon Baker and Worthy Grand Patron Hunt Compton, March 12th, 7:30 PM Seaside Masonic Lodge Seaside, OR .
Pacific Chapter Installation of officers March 26th, 7 PM.
You know? Two members of our Chapter … namely Glenna & Roy Cline ... are ‘wintering’ on the Oregon coast. I know that they attend several Chapters in Oregon, helping out when needed, and am wondering if they attend Maple Chapter in Seaside? If so, tell them ‘HEY’!
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Chamber's Book of Days ...
The University
of Wisconsin-Madison presents an electronic reprint of the original "Chambers's
Book of Days, A Miscellany of Popular Antiquities in connection with the
Calendar," published in 1879.
http://www.library.wisc.edu/etext/BookofDays/. Use your birthday,
anniversary or other significant date, click on the day to see a list of
interesting oddities that were publicized in Merry Ole England as well as a
list of then famous persons 'Born On' and 'Died On' that very day.
After you've absorbed all the Antiquity information, you might want to
check
http://www.frontiernet.net/~cdm/age1.html and enter the same
date to see a more current list of facts about and celebrities 'Born On'
this date. This is a fun little site to tell you everything you'd ever want
to know about important dates such as your own birthday!
Prayer Request ...
I would like to request prayer for the Worthy Grand Matron of the State of West Virginia, Sister Carla Wright. She has been hospitalized twice since December and is still homebound. I am sure cards and greetings would be appreciated.
** Montana Stars
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The British Library has complemented its recent exhibition on the major religions of the world, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. 'Sacred, What We Share' succeeds well in defining the shared traditions among the world's major religions. Using materials from the exhibit and also videos, podcasts and interactive features, visitors will be able to delve into 78 various sacred texts as well as hear leaders and lay citizens discuss their religious beliefs; there is also a wedding in each of the three faiths. Here's the perfect starting place to begin your education on the similarity of the various religious cultures.
http://www.bl.uk:80/onlinegallery/features/sacred/homepage.html
OES CHAPTERS' CALENDAR
25 February (Monday)
Subject: Combined Districts 4 & 5 Meeting
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2008
Time: 5:30 PM
Place: Ballard Masonic Center, 2006 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
Dear Brethren: