THE STARS OF WASHINGTON

Sunday, May 14th, 2006 ... Mother's Day!

MOTHER'S DAY EXPLAINED

You always hear people complaining about the commercial nature of what are called "Hallmark" holidays, but Mother's Day is much older than that.

    The ancient Greeks celebrated Mother's Day in spring, like we do. They used to honor Rhea, "mother of the gods" with honey-cakes and fine drinks and flowers at dawn. Sounds like the beginnings of the Mother's Day tradition of breakfast in bed!
     It was a woman named Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia who began the campaign that brought about the official observance of Mother's Day in the United States. Her mother died, and Anna wanted all mothers to be remembered. She asked that white carnations be the official mother's day symbol. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed the orders that made Mother's Day a national holiday.
    Just nine years later, Anna filed a lawsuit in an effort to stop the over-commercialization of Mother's Day. She lost her fight. Now, cards, letters, candy and dinners out mark Mother's Day for most families. Anna had hoped for a day of reflection and quiet prayer by families, thanking God for all that mothers had done.

** Shared by Lowry May

AGAIN CLUE #8

The clue ...

It's time once again for a ride in your car

in the Northeast part of the state you'll find this star.

The place to be is this PORT town,

where we will deliver some exciting NEWs.

See you Thurs. May 11 @ 7:30 p.m.

** Joanne Clark, AGM

The result

Well guess what! The AGM and AGP came to our little chapter in the northeastern section of Washington on Thursday evening ... and ... after several trips around the Chapter Room, Grand Escorts Jerry Clark and Darlene Wiggins stopped in front of the Associate Matron and Associate Patron and asked them to stand. Since those are the stations that Ted and I hold, we stood and we taken to the East where Sister Joanne and Brother Terry announced that I would be the new Grand Chaplain for 2006-2007. Whoopee! No more keeping my mouth shut! I must say that this is one of the most humbling experiences ... to be asked to be a Grand Officer for our Grand Chapter. It has been so hard to be excited and calm at the same time ... if you know what I mean!

In attendance were two additional members of the 'new' Grand Family ... Grand Martha, Pat Amdahl and escort Ron, and Grand Electa, Betty Croft and escort Ed. Past Grand Chaplains present were Mabel Olson (1976); Amaryllis Nokes (1992); Chuck Callen (1999) and Gloria Schwartz (2004). Sister Mabel is also from Zillah Chapter and was sharing her stories of being Grand Chaplain the other day at Past Matrons. She didn't have a clue. Sister Gloria and I were Chairmen of the fantastic Super Star Deputies for Sister Sandy McAmmond and Brother Chuck Callen in 2002.

Also in attendance were MWB Al Jorgensen, Grand Master of Masons in WA and first lady, Nancy ... both members of Cyclamen Chapter, where Nancy is AM ... but should also take up 'acting' as a profession. When Brother Jerry & Sister Darlene were traveling around the Chapter Room, the stopped in front of Sister Nancy ... and Brother Terry was saying something about 'in back of you' and Sis Nancy jumped up and went between the two Grand Escorts, grabbing their arms and saying how wonderful it was to be selected and THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Everyone cracked up and Grand Master Al, sitting in the East, got this look of disbelief (something like his mouth fell open a foot and he was holding onto his heart)! But Nancy brushed her hand across her brow and said that she was sorry ... but she could not accept the offer! (One of our members told Ted later that he thought you had to be a member of the Chapter to be selected! Nancy was that convincing!!!) It was a fun, fun evening!!! And needless to say ... I am totally thrilled!

NEW GRAND REPRESENTATIVE

My Aunt Dorothea May was appointed Grand Representative to Alabama tonight at our meeting (Mount Baker Chapter). Katie Glessing made the announcement, which was very special since Dorothea had been her Page when she was Grand Adah.

** Kay Schroeder

Cards: Dorothea May

401 N. 17th Street ... #109

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

SADNESS

Mabel Hendricks, Associate Matron in Sunnyside Chapter and Electa in Sunshine Chapter passed away this week and her services will be at the Episcopal Church in Sunnyside at 11 A.M. on Saturday morning May 13th.

** Barbara Richman

FIRST DEPUTY INSTRUCTOR ANNOUNCED FOR YEAR 2006-2007

We can certainly share with all that Dick Weigel announced that the first DI on the Eastside is Florence Fitzsimmons. I am delighted that she will be a part of this fun year and clearly know that she will do a wonderful job!! Rest assured, she is just one of many great deputies we have this year.

** Marilyn Bordner, ES Chairman for 2006-2007 (newly announced!)

Reminders ... May 15th - May 18th, 2006

The following information is from the Ode Cards which were just sent to me ...

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Monday, May 15th ...

Grace Chapter, Ellensburg ... Stated Meeting; Long Form; Honor Mothers. Time: 7:30 PM.

Tuesday, May 16th ...

Lewis Chapter, Lakewood ... Stated Meeting; Short Form; Honor Mothers. Time: 8:00 PM.

Disclaimer "Calendar of Events like the weather, is subject to change"

APPOINTED GRAND OFFICERS 2006-2007

Here is a check off list to fill out as the announcements are made.

Grand Chaplain: Connie Shrum, Zillah Chapter, Newport. Escort: Ted Shrum
Grand Marshal: Becky Aldrich, Astral Chapter, Wenatchee. Escort: Chuck Aldrich
Grand Organist: Janie Larson, Alpha Chapter, Cle Elum. Escort: Ken Larson
Grand Adah:
Grand Ruth:
Grand Esther: Jill Okicich, Occidental Chapter, Ballard. Escort: Dennis Okicich
Grand Martha: Pat Amdahl, Poulsbo Chapter. Escort: Ron Amdahl
Grand Electa: Betty Croft, Corinthian Chapter. Escort: Ed Croft
Grand Warder: Linda Miller, Mt. Baker Chapter, Mt. Vernon. Escort: Steve Doran
Westside DI Chairman:
Eastside DI Chairman: Marilyn Bordner, Spokane Chapter

MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL

Why God made Moms -- BRILLIANT Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions!!

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He Just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you YOUR mother & not some other mom?
1. We're related
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home & dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your Mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
** Suzanne Nagy

MESSAGES FROM MY MAIL BOX

Cedar Chapter Chinese Dinner ...

I'm with Cedar Chapter and was recently provided with the Stars of Washington e-mail.

I realize that my request is a bit last minute, but would it be possible for you to let our sister chapters know about Cedar's Chinese dinner on May 20?

If it something appropriate for Stars let me know and I'll provide you with all the information.

Thank you.

** Eliza Donley, Cedar Chapter #173, Tacoma, WA

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Visionquest ...

The past 3 years we've used the term "Visioneers". This program will be continued, but it will assume an Indian name and will now be known
as "Visionquest".
H,mm... An "Invasion" and now the above ... lol

    All "VisionQuest" appointees -- take notice: See: http://www.vq.com/ ... and ... http://www.vq.com/sitemap_home.htm
    Prepare for any possible "comparisons."...
    I have rode-out and greeted them when their "Wagon-Train" traveled thru Toms River, NJ. Well, six of us did! -- From the 'Lazy-K Ranch' (a
riding stable), which my wife and I operated at the time!
    We were 'surprise' quests, (Arriving mounted on horses!) We were well received and invited to supper with them.
** Edward F. O'Toole, Jr., PP Gloria Chapter #159, Grand Chapter of NJ (Independent)

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Hands Across the Border

Greetings All,

Our hearty congratulations to all those who have received appointments from Sister Barbara Benton and Brother Bill Owen for the next triennium.

The announcements at Worley, Idaho for the pacific northwest were great fun.

Barbara and Bill showed they know how to have fun in the way they handled the announcements at the evening banquet. Barbara even told a few jokes, since she said we were such a "lose" crowd!

We are excited and honored. What a very fun weekend and evening we had there.

Great banquet, and the entertainment by each Jurisdictions was fun. There was much laughter.

Sister Donna Ransdell, PGM Montana was a very good MC and hostess.

The Membership event held at 1 pm that afternoon, had 100 in attendance with all the northwest Jurisdictions represented. There were many ideas to share, and ways to not only get new members, but to also bring back those we may have lost. Much enthusiasm and positive ideas. Brother Jeff Bolstad,PGP of Montana who is going to be the Visionquest Coordinator for 06-09 closed the meeting with some enthusiastic ideas. He is a great motivator, who is able to communicate and generate excitement and passion. Boy what a great afternoon.

I came away from Worley feeling renewed and my passion for our order increased ten fold. I hope my enthusiasm did not scare anyone away. Tom Benton mentioned that I needed to show my excitement just a bit more. Could you tell my heart was pounding in my chest? As I sprung from my chair when my name was shared by Sister Barbara? I was wishing we had a video of the entire evening.

Congratulations to all those who are being announced and receiving appointments in their own Grand Jurisdictions. We wish the best in every endeavor.

We hope to see many of you in our travels throughout the next triennium.

** Linda Hattrick, PGM Idaho, Meridian #66 Meridian, Idaho, Miriam #16 Mountain Home, Idaho, Worthy Grand Esther for 2006-2009 WAHOO!!!

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Masonic License Plate ...

You can now add my pickup to the list. The plate is MM 01000 and it is on my 2001 gold Ford Ranger pickup. All other contact info is the same as for

my other plate, 00051.

** Wayne Smith, SGW

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Agenda in Germany ...

I will be at our "Friendship Meeting" in September in Gotha Sept. 9 to 11. As was done twice before the MWGM will not visit each Chapter but we will have this gathering of all 5 German Chapters and have a combined meeting. Although we always enjoy meeting all the other members, this arrangement for me has the disadvantage that the delegation will not go to Lübeck and therefore not pass through Hamburg. I have wonderful memories of Past MWGMs staying for a short

visit at my house and doing sightseeing in Hamburg. Anyhow, they obviously plan to go to Berlin afterwards? Didn't somebody also mention a boat trip on the Rhine?

Talking of our September meeting: we will have a special highlight there, which we did last year already - we will be doing parts of the Ritual in different languages, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Romanian! Sister Bonnie sent me the Brazilian Ritual and a Sister from Brazil has assisted me with the Secret Work. Last year I did Electa in Portuguese, this time it will be Esther. We have a Sister from Nicaragua who does Spanish, many members from France now and a Sister in Harburg whose late husband was from Romania - quite international!

** Marion Reich, P.M., Esther Chapter # 21, Lübeck, Germany, GGC

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This is National Military Appreciation Month ...

Please support our troops

1 Fly the American Flag in your house, car or business

2 Send an email or letter of thanks through a Million Thanks http://www.amillionthanks.org

3 Send a care package to a soldier through USOCARES http://www.usocares.org

4 Organize an event in your community and or workplace

5 Ask your elected officials at all levels to recognize our military

6 Wear a Support Our Troops shirt, wristband or place a Support our Troops car magnet on your car or truck

7 Register your support of Americas Supports You http://wwwamercanssupportou.mil/americasupportsyou/index.aspx

8 Ask libraries, schools, organizations to participate in recognizing our Armed Forces.

9 Ask local media TV, radio, newspaper to feature local veteran heros

10 When you see a person in military uniform, shake their hand and say Thank you for serving our country

11 Raise funds for military charities

Thank you,

** Dianna M. Gillard, American Legion Aux (Massachusetts)

MAY MASONIC FAMILY CALENDAR ....

May 15 ... GL: York Rite Grand Sessions, Skagit Casino Hotel; 9:00 AM. TU
May 15 ... GL: West Gate Lodge No. 128, Kirkland, Stated Meeting; 6:30 PM. TU/Ladies
May 16 ... OES: Honor Night for Mary Helen Johnson, Westside Chairman; Vancouver.
May 16 ... EKS: Special Ladies Luncheon.
May 20 ... GL: Roche Harbor Outdoor 2nd Degree; 10:00 AM. TU/Ladies
May 20 ... OES: Central Washington Line Officers Luncheon.
May 20-21 ... CHIPS: Seattle Street Fair; University Lodge to host CHIP's Program. 200 children possible.
May 21 ... CHIPS: Program; Lockwood Elementary; Kenmore
May 21 ... OES: Southwest Association Luncheon, Chehalis.
May 22 ... GL: EXCOM Meeting; Des Moines; 12:00 PM. TU
May 22 ... GL: Landmark on the Sound Trustee Meeting; Des Moines; 4:00 PM. TU
May 23 ... GL: Finance Meeting; Lake City; 1:30 PM. TU
May 24 ... GL: Cyclamen Chapter OES Stated Meeting; Auburn. Tux/Ladies
May 26-28 .. GL: Hiyak Festival, New Westminster, BC. TU/Ladies
May 26 ... CHIPS: Fort Stillicom in the Tacoma Area, Chips program is be coordinated for members of the Military Families in the area.
May 29 ... GL: Memorial Service, New Tacoma Cemetery; 9:00 AM; TU
May 30 ... GL: Jurisprudence Committee Meeting, Everett Masonic Center, 10:00 AM. Casual
May 31 - Jun 3 ... GL: Grand Lodge of Oregon, Eagle Crest Resort; Tux/TU

OES: Events with Worthy Grand Matron

GL: Events with the Grand Master

EKS: Events with El Katif Shrine, Spokane

CHIPS: Childhood Identification Program

TU = Team Uniform - consisting of blue blazer, grey slacks, white or blue Masonic shirt and team tie.

CTU = Casual Team Uniform - blue Masonic tee-shirt, slacks.

INVITATION

LEWIS CHAPTER #198

Order of the Eastern Star

Cordially Invites You to their

Annual Pasta & Cheesecake Dinner

Sunday, May 21st, 2006 from Noon to 4:00 PM.

All you can eat Salad bar; a variety of pastas with tomato sauce, meat sauce or Alfredo Sauce. Cheesecake or other dessert.

Lancaster Masonic Center

4818 - 108th St. SW

Lakewood, WA

Cost: Adults - $7.00; Children under 8 - $3.50; Children under 3 - free.

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER APPOINTEES

Since I have not seen anyone announce the appointments yet, I thought I would take a stab at it. They are as follows:

John Cook -- Vision Quest
Linda Wright -- Regional Vision Quest Coordinator
Joyce McCurdy -- Coordinator (?) of the Red Book
Sandy Knoke -- Friend of a Feather
** Marcia Evans, PG Martha 2004-05, Queen Esther Chapter #26, St. Paul Park, MN GGC

THE INFLUENCE OF MOTHERS

Author John Maxwell has collected some notes from children who have written to their Moms on past Mother's Days. Here are just a few samples.

This is from Angie, who is 8 years old: "Dear Mother, I am going to make dinner for you on Mother's Day. It's going to be a surprise. P.S. I hope you like pizza and popcorn."
Robert, age 8: "I got you a turtle for Mother's Day. I hope you like the turtle I got you this year for Mother's Day better than the snake I got you last year."
Eileen, who is 9 years old: "Dear Mother, I wish Mother's Day wasn't always on Sunday. It would be better if it were on Monday so we wouldn't have to go to school."
And here's my favorite. This is from Carol who is 8 years old: "Dear Mother, Here are two aspirins. Have a Happy Mother's Day."

Sunday, we will celebrate Mother's Day in this country. And, while it's not a "Christian holiday" in any sense, I certainly think it's certainly an appropriate celebration. Paul said that we as Christians are to "give honor to whom honor is due" (Romans 13:7), and I can't think of anyone any more deserving of honor than our mothers.

I don't what image the word "mother" conjures up in your mind. Charles Swindoll has written, "For some, this word brings up images of June Cleaver, complete with lace apron and pearls -- singing lullabies, baking brownies, kissing away a child's hot tears. Others envision the Erma Bombeck model, who drives a wood-paneled station wagon and whose hobby is dust." Whatever the type, no one has more influence than a mother." (You And Your Child)

Nobody -- not teachers, not preachers, not psychologists -- gets the same chance to mold human minds and nurture human bodies and emotions like a mother does. For better or for worse, she will forever impact the life of her children. The results of mothering can truly be seen for generations.

Abraham Lincoln once said, "All that I am, or can be, I owe to my angel mother." John Gray said, "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." Napoleon Bonaparte said, "Let France have good mothers, and she will have good sons." And I especially like this Spanish proverb -- "An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy."

All of those quotations have one thing in common -- they all emphasize the fact that mothers have such a powerful influence, not only over their children, but over the very course of history.

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." (Proverbs 31:28)

Have a great day!

** Dianna M. Gillard, (Cyber Chat, Massachusetts)

BLUE LODGE AGENDAS

DEER PARK LODGE NO. 134 ... Jerry Gendreau, WM

May 22 - Dinner Meeting - Degree Work; 7:30 PM.

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DIAMOND LODGE NO. 83, Black Diamond ... Joe Orlando, WM

May 19 ... O'ly Texas Hold 'em Tournament

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FRANK S. LAND LODGE NO. 313, Des Moines ... Bob Starowski, WM

May 20 ... Adreneline Event; 7:00 PM.

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NEWPORT LODGE NO. 144 ... L. Ted Shrum, WM

May 18 ... Dinner: 6:15 PM. Stated Meeting; First Degree; 7:30 PM.

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SKYKOMISH LODGE NO. 259 . . . Bill Wade, WM

May 18 ... OV with Deputy of Grand Master; 7:30 PM. Ladies invited to dinner with Masons at 6:30 PM. (Particulars in Masonic News below.)

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TEMPLE LODGE NO. 42, Cheney ... Rob Steiner, WM

May 19 & 20 ... Lodge & Martha Chapter #60 OES - Cheney Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, EWU Woodward Field, 6 PM to 10 AM.

May 25 .... Widow's Dinner at Tawanka Commons, EWU; 6:30 pm

(If you wish to have your Blue Lodge Agenda in this section, please let me know!)

MASONIC NEWS

KSPS TV channel 7 will broadcast a PBS program on Wednesday the 17th at 7:00 pm entitled "Secrets of the Masons". The lead-in states that it "Uncovers the truth about the Freemasons and explores the surprising role in the founding of America".

** Dean Heinemann, Deputy of the Grand Master, District No. 27

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Brethren and Friends,
   If you have or know of any Members of the Masonic Family or have friends or relatives traveling to Washington this coming summer, below is our tentative Schedule. Most dates are confirmed but those that say tentative are still up in the air.
    Also Brethren and Friends I have received a request from a Brother from Tacoma who is now stationed in Germany who would like to conduct a CHIP's Program there for the Dependants of our Service men. I have ordered 200 Id Kits in DVD format too send to him and am looking for any help we can muster to help cover this very worthy cost. If you know anyone out there who can help please have them contact me.
** Vinny DiGuilio

    The Goal of CHIP's is to have 12 Regional Chairman with each having 3 Cameras and other Equipment to conduct the CHIP's Program state wide. This means there is a need for a minimum of 48 Sony Camcorders capable of recording directly to a disk, and the key is, being able to have a hard wired microphone directly tied to the Camera. We have chosen the Sony version as it offers the best components and we have found and the members are more comfortable the Sony. The reason being, to be able to obtain a good sample of the Child's voice for the voice recognition part of the program. These Cameras cost approximately $800.00 Each
    Here are some of the scheduled events. I would like to share with members of the Masonic Family and the Public.

*** May 21st Program Lockwood Elementary Kenmore

*** May 26th at Fort Stillicom in the Tacoma Area Chips program is be coordinated for members of the Military Families in the area. More information to follow. This was the result of a call from Pierce County College CJ Division who were referred by those participating in the ST. Johns Christmas Party at Ft Lewis.

June 4th from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM CHIP's Program at Holy Family Church in Kirkland West Gate Lodge in partnership with the Knights of Columbus at Holy Family Church to be host for this event.

**** Any member interested in helping at any of these events please let me know and I will send all the necessary information and put you in contact with the Brothers doing the training. I do have a Spam Blocker on my system so please if you want me to respond include a clue so that I know the request is from a Mason or truly interested party.
    Also Remember the 4th Monday of the Month is training and information Month for CHIP's at Ashler Lodge in Bothell start time 7:30 PM please come and learn what you can do to help
Fraternally,
Vincent DiGiulio, Chairman CHIP's Committee

Please also note:   The 1st Thursday in August is the National Family Night Out to Fight Crime and we have in the past and will be again asked to partner with local Police Departments in presenting families with Id Kits for their children.
    If any Brother knows of addition dates please let Ron Swasey, Howard Ballou, or Myself Know so that everything can be coordinated.
    We have also been asked to have events in Tacoma, Olympia, Waverly, Yakima, Wenatchee, Brewster, Langley, Anacortes, Kent, Maple Valley, Leavenworth, and North Bend so far. We are still awaiting confirmation on these requests and are in search of funding sources to help cover the costs.   Also check out the Masonic Float this year and you will see the CHIP's Banner attached.
    On a side note we had a 90 second news spot on Fox News following the Denny Middle School Presentation. The Program began with "Here is a program offered by the Masons of Washington, God forbid something terrible happens to ....." they highlighted the entire process from the sign-in to the review at check out. We are also receiving weekly and daily radio announcements provided by Sandusky Studios and their affiliates at no cost, and Fisher Broadcasting is providing Public Service Announcements on their affiliated airways. The Seattle Times, Everett Herald, and Several Weekly papers are also providing space for the program.
Fraternally,
Vinny

FILING FOR GRAND OFFICE FOR THE GRAND CHAPTER OF WASHINGTON

April 3, 2006

The following filings for office in the Grand Chapter of Washington, Order of the Eastern Star, have been received in the office of the Grand Secretary. Filings were closed as of March 30, 2006, all in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws, Section 402.

Constitution, Section 402, No. 5. No electioneering is permitted by anyone other than the candidate who has filed for a particular elective office. A candidate who has filed for a particular office may state her or his Eastern Star history, length of membership, work with any Masonic Youth Groups, but may NOT say, write or circulate anything either on paper or by electronic means, about any other candidate for any office. All candidates, EXCEPT those filing for the office of Grand Secretary or Grand Treasurer, shall fill out a Uniform Candidate Information Sheet to be sent to all Chapters with notice of Filings and be printed in the Advanced Reports of the Grand Chapter Session. The resumes of the candidates for the offices of Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer shall also be included with the notice of Filing for office. A candidate may not circulate anything either orally, electronically, or written other than a Uniform Information Sheet. A candidate may state only that which pertains to Eastern Star about her or himself. The candidate may NOT ask, suggest or encourage members to vote for or against any other candidate. Electioneering shall be defined to mean a member soliciting another member or members, either orally or in writing, by a letter, circular letter, pamphlet, cards, favors, electronic means, et cetera, to vote for or against any other candidate for office. Electioneering is asking or telling others to vote for a candidate instead of oneself. A candidate does not have the right or privilege to 'give up' his or her votes to another candidate. Introduction of candidates does not constitute electioneering as above defined. Therefore, once the official Grand Chapter Candidate filing notification and Uniform Candidate Information Sheet issued by the Grand Secretary has been received and read by Chapter Secretaries in their respective Chapters, candidates for Grand Chapter offices may be introduced at all Chapters, luncheons, dinners and other Eastern Star functions. Only those candidates in attendance at any Eastern Star function will be so introduced.

Filing for the Office of Grand Secretary (and in alphabetical order)

Marcia Beck, Past Matron, Analia Chapter No. 112

Sandra K. Henry, Past Matron, Belfair Chapter No. 241; Welcome Chapter No. 40

Rose Gross, Past Matron, Port Orchard Chapter No. 44

Paulette Schlee, Past Matron, Henry Wentworth Chapter No. 250; LaPosa Chapter No. 282, California

Filing for the Office of Grand Treasurer

Katie Glessing, Past Matron, Key City Chapter No. 71

Filing for Office of Associate Grand Conductress

Margaret J. Ramsdell, Past Matron, Vida Chapter No. 35

Linda Runyan, Past Matron, Evergreen Chapter No. 1

Gloria Schwartz, Past Matron, Crystal Chapter No. 68; Belfair Chapter No. 241

For the Office of Grand Sentinel

Donald McAmmond, Past Patron, Doric Chapter No. 69; Occidental Chapter No. 28

Roy Sharp, Jr., Past Patron, Astral Chapter No. 75

Steve Williams, Past Patron, Alma Chapter No. 100

** Norma Jean Roberts, Grand Secretary

Any typing errors? Blame it on my fingers!

Next issue: Information Sheets on each running for Grand Secretary.

LOWRY'S HINTS

HINT 1: To make felt markers or high lighters always ready to use and last longer, store them with the tip down. Same for any kind of pen.

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HINT 2: If you have a second phone line for your computer, or even other reasons, you may be paying for long distance access which you never use. Look on your bill; then call the phone company and ask to have the long distance access removed from that number only. It can save you up to five dollars a month.

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HINT 3: When cleaning dust and animal hair from free standing fans, window unit air conditioner filters or venetian blinds, use a dryer sheet. It not only removes dust and hair faster, but after prolonged use it creates a protective coating on the wires of the fan for even easier dust removal.
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HINT 4: Collect animal hair by rubbing the area with dryer sheets, they will magically attract all the loose hairs.

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HINT 5:  Freshen Linen Closet:   In the linen closet place cotton balls that have been sprayed with your favorite perfume. Once they are dry place them in corners and on the shelves or even in your lingerie drawer.
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HINT 6: To Freshen Your Laundry Basket:   Place a fabric softener sheet in the bottom of your laundry basket (remember to change it weekly). This
will keep the basket from getting that stale odor, and will also keep the room where you keep your dirty clothes, smelling fresh.

RECIPES

Ham & Cheese Stromboli
Ham & Cheese Stromboli is a great way to combine lots of your favorite ingredients into one delicious warm sandwich.

1 loaf Rhodes Bread Dough, thawed
1/2 pound sliced Swiss cheese
1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
2 cups fresh broccoli flowerets, lightly steamed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
flour

Directions: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into an 18x12-inch rectangle. Layer with Swiss cheese, ham, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese and broccoli to within 1-inch of edges. Sprinkle with garlic powder, basil and pepper. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Seal seams and ends. Place seam side down on a large, sprayed baking sheet. Dust top with flour. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 30 minutes. Remove wrap and bake at 375°F 20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil and bake an additional 20 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

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Blackberry Cobbler

1 to 1-1/2 quarts fresh or frozen blackberries
2 cups (about) sugar
6 Tablespoons cornstarch, or
1/2 cup flour
2 refrigerator pie pastries
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine

TO PREPARE: Combine the blackberries, sugar and cornstarch in a bowl and mix gently. Taste and add additional sugar if desired. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. If using frozen berries, thaw and combine undrained berries with the sugar mixture.
Fit 1 of the pie pastries in a 10-inch deep-dish pie plate. Spoon the berry mixture into the prepared pie plate and dot with butter. Top with the remaining pie pastry, sealing the edge and cutting vents. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden brown. SERVES: 6 - 8

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Artichoke Pizza

1 ~ 12 inch pre ~ baked thin Italian pizza crust
1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 can 14.5 ounces tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, drained
1 cup chopped leftover cooked chicken
1 can ~ 14 ounces artichoke hearts, drained, coarsely chopped
1 can ~ 2.25 ounces sliced black olives, drained
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 450°. Place crust on a ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Top with tomatoes, chicken, artichokes, olives and Parmesan cheese. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serves 2.

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Kids' Kitchen Terms ...

BOIL: The point a parent reaches upon hearing the automatic "Yuck" before a food is even tasted.
CASSEROLE: Combination of favorite foods that go uneaten because they are mixed together.
DESSERT: The reason for eating a meal.
EVAPORATE: Magic trick performed by children when it comes time to clear the table or wash dishes.
FRUIT: A natural sweet not to be confused with dessert.
REFRIGERATOR: A very expensive and inefficient room air conditioner when not being used as an art gallery.
SODA POP: Shake 'N Spray.
TABLE LEG: Percussion instrument.

HELOISE

Removing Lime Deposits from Glass Vases: Fill the vases with warm household vinegar and allow to stand for a couple of hours, then scrub. Rinse and air-dry. Pour the used vinegar down a drain for freshening.

When to Defrost a Refrigerator: If the frost buildup is about 1/4 an inch, it's time to defrost. When the frost gets thicker than that, it reduces the cooling efficiency of the unit, because the motor has to work harder.

Quick Chicken and Dumpling Soup: Heat one can of chicken broth until it boils in a medium saucepan. Mix 2 cups of baking mix with 2/3 cup of milk. Spoon dough into the boiling soup and cover. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 12 to 15 minutes.

When You Iron Big Tablecloths: Put an old bed sheet underneath the ironing board before you begin. The large tablecloth won't pick up any dirt from the floor when it's being ironed.

Reseasoning Wooden Spoons: Wash in hot sudsy water and scrub well. Let air-dry totally. Heat mineral oil (NOT vegetable oil) over medium heat. Dip spoons into the oil and drain on paper towels. When cool, wipe off.

SOME JOKES

    It was very crowded at the supermarket, and the customer in front of me had a large order.
    As the harried looking clerk lifted the final bag for her, its bottom gave way, sending the contents crashing to the floor.
    "They just don't make these bags like they used to," the clerk blurted to the customer.  "That was supposed to happen in your driveway!"

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A young man wanted to get his beautiful wife something nice for their first wedding anniversary. So he decided to buy her a cell phone. She was very excited, and loved her new phone. He showed it to her and explained to her all the features on the phone.

The next day, she went shopping. Her phone rang and it was her husband. "Hi honey," he said "how do you like your new phone?"

She replied "I just love it, it's so small and your voice is clear as a bell but there's one thing I don't understand."

"What's that, baby?" asked the husband.

"How did you know I was at Wal-Mart?"

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The child was a typical four-year-old girl - cute, inquisitive, bright as a new penny. When she expressed difficulty in grasping the concept of marriage, her father decided to pull out his wedding photo album, thinking visual images would help.

One page after another, he pointed out the bride arriving at the church, the entrance, the wedding ceremony, the recessional, the reception, etc. "Now do you understand?" he asked.

"I think so," she said, "is that when mommy came to work for us?"

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A husband was in big trouble when he forgot his wife's birthday. His wife told him, "Tomorrow there better be something in the driveway for me that goes zero to 200 in 2 seconds flat."

The next morning, the wife found a small package in the driveway. She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale. Funeral arrangements for the husband have been set for Monday.

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An elderly man was headed home in his car one evening, swerving and weaving on the road, when he was stopped by a policeman. "Have you been drinking tonight, sir?" the policeman asked.

"Well, I may have had a pint or two." The man replied, smiling. "Why do you ask?"

"Sir, your wife fell out of the car about a mile back."

"Oh, thank goodness," the man exclaimed. "I thought I'd gone deaf!"

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Brenda O'Malley is home making dinner, as usual, when Tim Finnegan arrives at her door. "Brenda, may I come in?" he asks. "I've somethin' to tell ya."

"Of course you can come in, you're always welcome, Tim. But where's my husband?"

"That's what I'm here to be tellin' ya, Brenda. "There was an accident down at the Guiness brewery..."

"Oh, no," cries Brenda, "please don't tell me..."

"I must, Brenda. Your husband Shamus is dead and gone, I'm Sorry."

Finally, she looked up at Tim. "How did it happen, Tim?"

"It was terrible, Brenda. He fell into a vat of Guiness Stout and drowned."

"Oh no! But you must tell me true, Tim. Did he at least go quickly?"

"Well, no Brenda... no. Fact is, he got out three times to go to the bathroom."

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    I was out walking with my 4 year old son. He picked up something off the ground and started to put it in his mouth. I took the item away from him and I asked him not to do that.
    "Why?" my son asked.
    "Because it's been laying outside, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty and probably has germs" I replied.
    At this point, my son looked at me with total admiration and asked, "Wow! How do you know all this stuff?"
    "Uh," ... I was thinking quickly, "All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mommy Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Mommy." We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but he was evidently pondering this new information.
    "OH... I get it!" he beamed, "So if you don't pass the test, you have to be the daddy."
    "Exactly" I replied back with a big smile on my face and joy in my heart.

AND A WORD FROM YOURS TRULY ...

I am having a 'dickens' of a time getting this issue out to y'all! It has been a great Mother's Day, though ... Ted took me to breakfast; all our youngun’s have called and wished me a happy day ... and our 'kids' next door brought over dinner! Can't ask for anything better than that. I know one of our sons thanked me for 'birthing' him and I replied that it was my pleasure! They all related their love and their gratitude ... consequently; I am a very happy mother! Daughter will be up tomorrow to plant flowers, herbs, etc. for my gift! Understand it is to be in the high 80's tomorrow in Spokane. WOW! Did we skip spring and have gone immediately into summer?

Friday morning we went with Grand Master Al and First Lady Nancy to the Shrine Hospital in Spokane for a great tour. If anyone would like a tour ... you can email me and I will give you John Wyman's address/phone number or whatever. He was our 'Shrine Greeter' and did a great job!

Last evening, Ted and I traveled to Hunters, WA. Now if you thought Newport was off the beaten track ... try Hunters! It was their Lodge's Annual Memorial & Strawberry Feed, and so the Deputy of the Grand Master in that District (30), VWB Karl Hill, also had his District Meeting for the year. The following lodges received the Pillars of Progress Awards: Colville Lodge No. 50 - Community Involvement; Kettle Falls Lodge No. 130 - Community Involvement; Deer Park Lodge No. 134 - Community Involvement; Chewelah Lodge No. 135 - Fraternalism; and Newport Lodge No. 144 - Community Involvement.

The Grand Master's Achievement Award will be given out at a later date as the recipient was not present. After the Memorial program, we all adjourned to the dining room for fresh strawberries, real cream, and angel food cakes! Holy Moley! There went my diet.

On the way home, we must have seen 60 plus deer between Hunters and Springdale ... mostly crossing the road on their way to the lush alfalfa fields! Then, when we were a couple of miles from home, a moose crossed the road in front of us! Ah! The perks of living in our beautiful area of the state!

Also, yesterday was the One-Day Conferral in Des Moines at the Landmark on the Sound (MRC). From what we heard when Grand Master Al was here, there were 51 men who were going to become Masons in One-Day! 51! Can you imagine us initiating those same men and their wives into our OES Chapters within the next year? That would be over 100 new members! Something to ponder.

Happy Mother's Day to all. I just read a quote from Colin Farrell which says: 'Anything I am and anything I hope to be, I have my mom to thank!' Isn't that a great thought?

Star hugs and happy thoughts. AND REMEMBER: Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them but you always know they are there!

** Connie

I would sure appreciate your sending me your Ode Cards when finished! Sure helps with this publication!

Thanks to the following members for their Ode Cards:

Secretary, Marilyn Sorensen, Evening Star Chapter, Almira

WM Florence Fitzsimmons, White Rose Chapter, Spokane

WM Janice Dorsey, Stanwood Chapter

WM Gladys Crosier, Grace Chapter, Ellensburg

WM Dottie Burrell, Lewis Chapter, Lakewood

AM Anna Thomas, Golden Rod Chapter, Snohomish

Sec'y Ross Goedge, John Rex Thompson Chapter, Seattle

Sec'y Marla Johnson, Pacific Chapter, Ilwaco

WM Marian Smith, Afton Chapter, Marysville

Remember! Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

Star hugs and God Bless America!

Connie

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ALSO ... When you change your email address ... please remember to let me know, too! I have a few of you with addresses which bounce ... don't know if your mailbox is full or if you have changed email addresses. I have over 800 subscribers so life gets a bit difficult on the days I send out the newsletter.

Email articles to:

Connie Shrum, PM,
Associate Matron, Zillah Chapter #111, Newport, WA

Martha, Bethlehem Chapter #87, Deer Park, WA
GGC Triennium Committee - Eastern Star Journal

GC 2006 Session - Registration Co-Chairman

Email: starsofwa@washingtonoes.org
Creator & Editor: 'Stars of Washington' Newsletter

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